TheAr

ranged:
For
every
our
s
°
°
*
***
***
*INTRODUCTI
ON*
***
***
Ifel
tahotclaponmycheekandIwasdownon
thefl
oor.Iscr
eamedmylungsoutbutIknew
thatIwasjustwast
ingmyti
mebecausenoone
canhearorhelpme.
Me:
please,
I'
m sor
ry.
Heki
ckedmeoncemor
eandspat
eonmet hen
wal
kedoutwi
thhi
swi
fethr
owi
nganev
ill
augh
atme.
Isatont
hef
loorcr
ying,
nur
singmysor
e
wounds.
Itt
imesli
ket
hesewher
eIwi
shmypar
ent
swer
e
sti
l
lali
ve.
Me:
DadwhydoIhav
etosuf
ferl
i
ket
his,
you
sai
dyouwi
l
lal
way
spr
otectme.
Ist
oodupandwentt
oabathroom.,Ir
anthe
bat
htubwi
thwat
erandj
ustsatinsi
deit
.
MyLi
fe,
huh.
Igr
ewupinKZN,Durbantobespeci
fi
c,Il
ived
wit
hmyfat
herwhowasaMay or
.Mymot her
di
edwhi
legi
vi
ngbirt
ht ome.
Lif
ewasgood, Ihadevery t
hingIwi shedforbut
thoughmyf atherwasaMay or,Iwasnott hat
popular.Whenmyf at
herdi edIhadt omov ein
withmyaunt i
ewhomar r
iedmeof ftoMaxwel l
Khanyil
eashi ssecondwi fewhenIwas18
yearsoldandonmymat ricbecausehi ssenior
wifehadapr oblem gi
vinghi m babiesandIwas
youngandheal thyandmyaunt iewast akenby
thefactthatMaxhadmoney .
Atfir
sthetreatedmewell,
gavemeeveryt
hingI
neededandev ent
ookmet oamedi
calschool
,
probl
em startedwhenIhadmysecond
miscarr
iage,hestart
edphysi
cal
l
yand
emot i
onal
lyabusi ngmealongwithhiswife,
theymadei ttheirpri
ori
tyt
omakemef eelbad
atallt
imes,Idespi r
atl
ywantedababysoI
couldhavehi m offmyback,buthey
..
.hereIam,
onat hi
rdmi scarri
age.
Li
fehasshowedmef
lames,
every
thingwas
upsi
dedown,Myj
obi
stheonlyt
hingthat
makessense.
Iam VenusPal
esaJohnson,
Iam 27year
sol
d
andthi
sisnotastor
ybutmylif
e..
..
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
*1*
***
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
AfterdressingupIputsomemake-uponmy
bruises,Idon'
twantthewhol
eworldknowi
ng
thatIam f r
om anabusi
vehousehold.
Imakemywayt ot
hekit
chentomakemy
sel
f
br
eakf
ast
,eatandgotowork.
Max:
whyar
eyoudr
essedup?
.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k.
Max:
mhh.
Imakeandeatmybreakf
astinsi
lence,
Ihav
e
not
hingt
osaytot
hisself
ishbeast.
Zodwawor
ksi
n.
Thi
swomani spureev
ili
nev
erywayandshe'
s
agold-
diggertoo.
ShemarriedMaxwhenshewas37y ear
sold
andapparent
lyshereachedear
lymanopause
andsoshecoul dn'
tbareMaxchil
drenand
that
'swhereIcamei n.
Ican'
thel
pbutt
ofeelthatsomet
hingi
swr
ong
somewherei
nherhead.
Her
:Khany
il
e.
Hi
m:MaZul
u,howdi
dyousl
eep?
.
Her
:li
keababymyl
ove.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
mor
eli
keadr
agon.
Isai
dthatt
omy
sel
f.
Her
:ohhi
Mbal
i
.
Ihatei twhenshetr
anslat
emynamet oIsi
Zul
u,
noof fense,Ihav
enothi
ngagainstthel
anguage
butmymot hernamedmePal esiandthati
s
howi tshouldremai
n,Imeant henameisthe
onlythingthatmakesmef eelcl
osetomy
mot herandherSesothocult
ure.
Me:
goodmor
ning.
Annoy
ed.
Her:t
jo,al
lthebrui
ses,
gone? ..
..
aiyouar
ereal
ly
aprofessi
onalshame,youshoul dqui
teworki
ng
att
hatdirecti
onl
esscli
nic,changeprof
essi
ons
andbeamakeupar ti
stinstead.
Idi
dn'
tresponse,
Ijustat
emyf
ood,
try
ingbyal
l
meansnott
olashout
.
Her:
anyway
swher
ear
eyougoi
ng,
looki
ngso
dr
essedup?
.
Max:
She'
sgoi
ngt
owor
k.
Her
:wear
ingt
hat
?.
Me:
whati
sthatsupposet
omean?
.
Her:Youcan'
twearthat
,youar
esomeone'
s
wif
e.Youbett
erstar
tdressi
ngl
ikei
t.
Allt
hiswomanwanti st
oseemesadall
the
ti
me, Ther
eisabsol
utel
ynot
hingwr
ongwit
h
whatIwaswear i
ng.
Iwasweari
ngat
ightskir
tthatreachedbel
ow
myknees,
awhit
ev estwit
hal ongcoatand
hi
ghhil
l
s.
Her:
youcan'
tbeshowingoffy
ourboobs,
you'
vej
ustl
ostababy.youhavet
olookdecent
.
Wow!
..
.di
dshehav
etot
akei
tther
e?.
Isuddenl
ybecameemot
ional
,notbecauseof
whatshesai
d,Ij
ustt
houghtaboutev
ery
thi
ngi
n
myli
fe.
I'
my oung,I
'
m adocterareal
lysuccessf
ulone
atthat
,Ihaveev
eryt
hingIwantexceptthereal
thi
ngIwant,Lov
eandHappi ness.
Max:
Zodwa,
leav
eheral
one.
Maxcoul
dseet
hatIwasget
ti
ngemot
ional
.
Her:t
jo.
..
aiIwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
oteachherasa
senorwif
e.
Max:
Zodwa.
Her
:What ?
..
myloveit'
scleart
hatMbali
issti
ll
i
npainthat'
swhyIthi
nksheshouldtakealeave
f
rom work,i
t'
snotl
ikeit
'sbusyatherwork.
Me:I'
m adoct
er,
whatdoy
oumeani
t'
snot
busy
?.
Iwasshout
ing.
Her
:don'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
.
Zodwahasal
way
sbeenj
eal
ousofmy
professi
on,
afteral
lshe'
snothingbutaformer
ownerofat ownshi
phairandnailsalon,
she'
s
doingnothi
ngaboutherli
feotherthenblowi
ng
Max'smoney .
Mycondi
ti
onst othemar r
iagewast
hatI
want
edtostudyfurther
,Iwasinmymatri
cat
t
hatt
ime,andthatishowMaxendeduppay i
ng
f
ormytui
tionfees.
Iwasreall
yfocusedatUniver
sit
y,Idi
dnthave
fr
iendsanddefinat
elyhadnoboyfri
endbecause
Iknewwhatwasatst ake.
Max:
apol
ogi
zeVenus.
Me:
what
?.
If
eltahotsl
ap.
Max:
youar
eget
ti
ngt
obi
gfory
ourshoes.
Ipl
acedmyhandwher
ehehi
tme.
Hi
m: andZodwai
sri
ght
,youar
enotgoi
ngt
o
wor
k.
Cal
li
nsi
ckorsomet
hing.
Her
:mhhmhh.
Ihadnowords,
Ijustr
ushedoutt
omyr
oom
andcri
ed.
+++++++++++++
Imusthav
efeltasleepbecauseIwakewhenI
hearmyphoneringing.
Me:
damni
t,mi
ssedcal
l
.
Iwokeupandi
twasar
oundt
woi
nthe
af
ter
noon.
Igoandwashmyf
ace.
Myeyeswereswoll
enandIlookedl
i
keaghost
wi
ththemake-upal
lovermyfacesi
nceIdi
dn'
t
washitof
ftheti
meItookanap.
Aft
erit
hatchangei
ntosomet
hingmor
e
comfor
tabl
e.
Il
ist
entosomemusi
cinmyphoneand
curi
osi
tyl
eadsmet
ocall
i
ngt
henumberfr
om
t
hemi
ssedcal
l
.
Idi
alandpl
acet
hephoneonmyear
.
Voi
ce:
Hel
l
o.
Me:Hi
,Ir
ecei
vedacallf
rom thi
snumbernotso
l
ongago,
butunfor
tunat
elyIcoul
dn'
ttaket
he
cal
l
.
Voi
ce:
Youar
e?
Me:
DrVenus,
VenusKhany
il
e.
Voice:
oh,i
tmusthavebeenDrShezi
cal
li
ng
you,pl
easewai
twhil
eItr
ansfery
outoheruni
t.
Me:
OkeyThanky
ou.
Iwai
tedf
orawhi
l
e.
DrShezi
:Dr
,hi
..
.t
hanky
ouv
erymuchf
orget
ti
ng
backtome.
Me:
don'
tsweati
t,howcanIhel
pyou.
Her
:st
rai
ghtt
othepoi
nt,
gir
lIl
ovey
oual
ready
.
Il
aughed.
Her:
I'
m call
i
ngaboutaj oboff
er,Netcare
hospit
alherei
nPretor
ia,Wehav easituati
on.
areyoufamili
arwi
thViralMeningi
ti
s?.
Me:
YesIam v
erymuchawar
eofi
t.
Her:i
t'
scurr
entl
yshowi
nggreatthr
eather
ein
Pret
ori
awithchi
ldr
enbei
ngthemostv i
cti
ms,
nowwi t
hyoubeingaPedi
atr
ici
an,Wereal
ly
needyourhel
p.
Me:
Pret
ori
a,ei
it'
stoof
ar.
Ihav
eaf
ami
l
yher
einDur
ban.
Her
:Pl
easeatl
eastt
hinkabouti
t,andwedon'
t
hav
emuchtimesopleasebefast
.
Me:
I'
m notpr
omi
singany
thi
ng.
Ihear
dsomeonet
alki
ngf
rom t
hebackgr
ound.
Her
:Excuseme.
Sheat
tendedt
hatper
son.
Her
:sorr
yaboutthat
,DrIreall
yhavet
ogonow
sopl
easepromisemey ou'
llgi
veitat
hought
.
Me:
okey
,wi
l
ldo.
Shehungup.
Ajobinoneofthewellr
ecogni
sedhospit
ali
na
newcity
,coul
dbeexactlywhatIneedbutt
hen
agai
nMaxwi l
lneveral
l
owi t
.
OhhwhatdoIdonow.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
**2*
***
***
***
**
[
Venus]
Imakemywaydownst
air
s.
It
'ssoqui
etinthi
shouse,
nott
hatI
'
m
complai
ning.
Ihav
enoener
gyt
odeal
wit
htheev
ilcoupl
e.
Imakemy
sel
faGr
eeksal
adandeati
tint
he
di
ningr
oom whi
l
ewat
chi
ngnewsont
heTV.
Isatthereforapproxi
matel
ythi
rt
yminut
esand
Ihaven'thear
dev enonesoundorsomeone'
s
voi
ce, i
ndicat
ingthatt
her
eissomeoneinhere.
Ideci
det
ocookdi
nner
.
Nothi
ngfancyjustahealthymealforMaxand
Zodwa,notthattheydeservei
t,I
'
mj ustbor
ed.
Zodwawalksi
ntheroom bei
ngpull
i
ngasmal
l
sui
tcaseandMaxwasfol
lowingher
.
Sheputthebagneart
hecoughont hedi
ning
room andcomeback,
standnextt
oher
husband.
If
ocusonwhatIwasdoi
ng.
Max:
Arewei
nvi
sibl
etoy
ounowVenus.
Igav
ehi
m ast
are.
Me:
arey
ougoi
ngsomewher
e?.
Hi
m:No,
MaZul
uisv
isi
ti
nghermot
her
.
Me:
issheokey
?.
Her
:Why
?..
.doy
ouexpecthernott
obeokey
?.
Me:youar
egoi
ngl
ateatni
ght
,that
'
swhyI
'
m
aski
ng.
Her:
That'
snoneofyourbusi
ness,Ihaveacar
,I
candri
vesoIcangoanywhere,anyt
ime.
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
Icoul
dtell
thatt
hingswer
ebadbetweent
he
twoofthem,maybetheyhadaf
ight
.
Me:
okey
,di
nnerwi
l
lber
eadyi
ntenmi
nut
es.
Her
:good.
Maxwentandsatont
hechai
rneart
hedi
nner
t
abl
e.
Iar
rangedt
het
abl
eandst
art
eddi
shi
ngup.
Max:
thanky
ou.
Zodwagav
emeast
are.
Her
:youar
enoteat
ingwi
thus?
.
Me:
Ihadal
atel
unch.
Max: y
oucan'tcookandnoteatthef
oody ou
prepar
ed.wecan' tbesur
ethaty
oudidn'
tput
somethingi
nher e.
Her
:plusyoubar
elycook,
whati
stheoccasi
on?
poi
soningus?
.
Il
ookedatt
hem i
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Li
keser
iousl
y?
I
fIwantedt
okill
thebot
hoft
hem Iwoul
dhav
e
donet
hatalongti
meago.
Isatdownanddi
shf
ormy
sel
f.
Theyl
ookedatmeasIat
e.
Me:Max,Irecei
vedacal
lfr
om aHospi
tal
in
Pr
etor
ia.t
heyareoff
eri
ngmeaj ob.
Hi
m:Ihopey
ousai
dno.
Me:
youhav
entev
enhear
dwhyt
heyr
eal
l
yneed
me.
Hi
m:t
heansweri
sst
il
lNoVenus.
Me:
Thechi
l
drent
her
ear
edy
ingduet
ovi
ral
meni
ngi
ti
s,Ihav
etohel
p.
Isai
dthati
nanannoy
edmanner.
Him:Theonl
ybabyyoushouldbeworr
iedabout,
i
sthebabyyouaresupposet
ocarry
,mybaby .
Nowdon'tgoar
oundcaringf
orever
yoneelse
baby
.
Youar
enotgoi
ng,
that
'sf
inal
.
Ithr
ewthespoonont
hepl
ateandwentt
omy
room.
IswearIhat
ethatman.
It
ookmyf
ather
'spi
ctur
eandst
art
edl
ooki
ngat
i
t.
Ifl
ashbacktoal
lthegoodt
imeswehadt
o
toget
her,
Iendupsmili
ngwi
thtear
sonmy
cheek.
Someoneknocked.
Iwipedmyt
ear
sandputt
hephot
oinsi
demy
drawer.
Me:
Comei
n.
Maxwalksi
nwear
inghi
spy
jamasandasi
l
k
si
l
vergownont
op.
Hi
m:Venus.
Hesi
tsonmybed.
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?.
Him:Zodwasai
dIshoul
dtel
lyout
hatshe'
s
gone.
WhywouldZodwawantt
otellmethat
?.mcm
Maxisl
yi
ng,hewasusi
ngthatasanexcuset
o
cometomyroom nj
e.
Me:
okey
.
Hi
m:It
hinkweshoul
dtr
yforababyagai
n.
Il
ookedathi
m,t
hatwasunexpect
ed.
Hecamecl
oserandIusedmyhandst
obl
ock
hi
m.
Me:
Maxwai
t,nott
oni
ght
.
Hegotangr
y.
Hi
m:whynot
?
Me:
Iam noti
nthemood.
Hi
sfacedt
urnedr
ed.
Hi
m: al
lyouhav
etodoi
sopeny
ourl
egs,
don'
t
t
ell
meaboutmoods.
Me:
Max,
I.
..
I.
.
Ist
oodupandst
oodcl
oset
othedoorandhe
fol
l
owedme.
Me:Ineedti
metoheal
,l
et'
sgivei
taf
ew
monthsthenIpr
omi
sewe'l
ltr
y.
Hebangedthedoorwithbot
hhishands,
wit
h
myheadinbetweenthosehands.
Hi
m:Iam notget
ti
nganyy
ounger
.
Het
ri
edki
ssi
ngmebutIpushedme.
Hefeltonthebed,
Itr
iedopeni
ngt
hedoorbuti
t
waslocked.
Hi
m:Yout
hinky
ouar
ecl
ever
?.
Hecameandst
art
edbeat
ingmeup,
hewentas
f
araski
cki
ngmewhil
eIwasonthefl
oor
.
Ipl
acedmyhandinmywomb,
Ifel
tshar
ppai
n
whereheki
cked.
Hi
m:Noti
nthemoodmyl
eftf
oot
.
Hetor
emypy j
amaandpant
iesandhef
orced
hi
mselfonme.
Icoul
dn'
tscr
eam any
more,i
twasusel
ess
anyway,
noonewouldhel
pme.
Ikeptonpr
ayi
ngt
hathef
ini
shupsohecanget
offme.
Innoti
mehewasdoneandhetookmytor
n
pyj
amaandwipedhi
msel
f,t
hrewitont
hefl
oor
andlef
tmyr
oom.
Iwasi
sexcr
uci
ati
ngpai
n.
Icoul
dbarelywalkandsoIendedupl
yi
ngon
thefl
oorbecauseIcoul
dn'
tgettomybed.
Iwalkupi
nthemor
ningandthepainwasst
il
l
ther
ebuti
twasbet
tert
henlastni
ght.
Ipr
eparedmy
sel
fabat
handIpackedsomef
ew
cl
othes.
Ibat
hthendr
essup,
notf
orget
ingmymake-
up.
Imadesur
eIdr
essedt
oimpr
ess.
Nott
oomucht
hrough,Idon'
twantat
tent
ion
j
ustt
ryi
ngt
obeclassy
.
Ihear
ddownst
air
spul
l
ingmysui
tcase.
IfoundMaxr eadi
nganewspaper
,hel
ooked
surpri
sedseeingmeli
kethat
.
Hi
m:wher
ethehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ou'
regoi
ng?
.
Me:
Pret
ori
a.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tl
ist
ennowdoy
ou?
.
Me:
Noy
oudon'
tl
ist
en.
Imustsayhedi dn'
texpectmet ot
alkt
ohim
l
ikethatandIalsodidnotexpectt
hatbutI
'
m
ti
redofbeingcontr
oledandabusedbyanold
manj
ustbecausehepai
dLobol
aforme.
Me:
Butt
odayy
ouar
egoi
ngt
ost
artl
i
steni
ngt
o
me.
Iam goingtoPretor
iaandIam goingtoday,I
n
factinthenextcomingminut
es.Nowt hisi
s
whaty ouwil
ldo,youwil
lnotcall
me, notsend
yourpatheti
cpeopletokeeptabsonmeand
l
astlyyouwillmakesureyoubookar oom for
mei noneoft hehot
elsandpayforit
.
Unlessy ouwanttobefr
ontpagenews
tomor r
ow, Womenabusei saver
yseri
ous
off
enseespeciall
yforahighl
yrespect
ed
businessmanl i
keyou.
Hewasl
ostf
orwor
ds.
Hi
m:y
ouwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Me:
wat
chme.
Iwal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Me:makesur
eyoubookt
hatr
oom, Iwouldnt
wantt
obehomelessi
nanewcit
y,Imightend
uptel
li
ngwrongpeopl
eabouthowmuchofa
bur
stedyouare.
Iwal
kedoutl
eav
inghi
m ast
oni
shed.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
3**
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Imustsay,
Itookahuger
iskbl
ackmai
l
ingMax
l
iket
hat.
Helikestoalwaysfeeli
nchargeandpowerf
ul
andwhatIdi dbackther
e, It
ookallt
hepower
fr
om him.It'
sabouttimeItakecontr
olofmy
l
ife,
Ijusthopeitdoesn'
tbackfi
re.
If
ir
stmakeastopataphamar cy
,Ineedsome
morni
ngaft
erpi
ll
s.Lastt
hingIwantisf
all
ing
pr
egnant
,atl
eastnotnow.
Ihearmyphonebeep.
It
ooki
toutandi
t'
samassagef
rom Max
.
-
--
--
Hot
eldet
ail
s--
--
Ismi
l
etomy
sel
f,Notsomi
ght
yaf
teral
l
.
Bythet
imeIgottot
hehot el
Itwasal
readydar
k
andIwast
ir
edfrom al
lthedri
vi
ng.
Ir
unmysel fawarm bat
handj
ustl
ookatal
lthe
br
uisesandscar
sonmybody .
Atleastt
heywer
einhiddenar
eas,
li
kemy
thi
ghs,Inev
err
eveal
edmyt hi
ghsi
npubl
i
c.
Myphoneri
ngsandIwakeoutofthebat
htub
soaki
ngwet,
Iwrapatowelar
oundmybodyand
goandanswermyphone.
Me:Max,whatdoy
ouwant
..
.It
oldy
ounott
o
cal
lme.
Hi
m:wai
t,don'
tdr
opt
hecal
l
.
Iwant
edt
ochecki
fyout
rav
ell
edandar
ri
ved
wel
l.
Me:
wel
lI'
mfi
nenowby
e.
Hi
m:Venus,
wai
t.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantMax?
.
Hi
m:VenusI
..
.I
'
m sor
ry.
Wai
t.
..
saywhat
?..
.hei
ssor
ry?
.
Him:IknowIpromi
sedy ouraunttoalway
s
tr
eatyouri
ghtandIknowIhav en'
tbeen
keepi
nguptomypr omise.
Me: MaxIreal
l
ydon'thav et
imeforyourpit
y
part
y,ofyoudon'
thav esomethi
ngtosayand
bythatImeansomet hingwort
hsayi
ng, I
'
dr eal
l
y
l
iketogetbacktowhatIwasdoi ng.
Hi
m:Venus.
Me:
ByeMax.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
I
'vebeent
ohel
landbackbecauseofthatman,
I
don'
tbyet
hewhole"
I'
m sor
ry"actofhi
m mcm.
If
ini
shwhatIwasdoi
ngandwentt
obed,
t
omor
rowi
sabi
gdayahead.
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
Iwakeupint
heear
lymor
ningandIr
eal
i
sedI
wasn'
thome.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Iwokeupandcleanedmysel
fandwent
downst
air
sforabreakf
ast
.
Iorderedagri
ll
edchicken,
bunsandacoke.It
's
notexactlyaheal
thymealbutI'
vebeenl
i
ving
healt
hy ,
Ineedtospoilmytast
ebudsali
ttl
e.
Aroundni
neIdrovetothehospi
tal
,Ineededt
o
tal
ktoMrsSheziaboutthej
oboffer
.
I
twaspackedwhenIgott her
eandv
erybusy
,I
wentt
otherecept
ioni
st.
Me:
excuseme,
Ineedt
oseeDrShezi
.
Thi
sgirlwasal
lov
ert
hepl
acegi
vi
ngmel
ess
at
tent
ion.
Her
:doy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
?/
Me:
Nobut
..
.
Icoul
dn'
tev
enf
ini
shmysent
ence.
Her:Sorr
yMiss,
you'
ll
havetomakean
appoint
mentDrShezii
sreal
l
ybusy
.
Mi
ss?t
hisgi
rli
sreal
l
yannoy
ingme.
Me:
Iknowbutpl
easecal
lherandt
ell
hert
hat
..
.
Her
:Li
keIsai
d,Makeanappoi
ntment
.
Thi
swasi
t,shei
sreal
l
ynotgoi
ngt
ocal
lher
mxm.
Isatf
orli
ket
wohoursont
hosecol
dchai
rs.I
wasbeyondi
rri
tat
ed.
Voice:
whatisabeauti
fulcr
eaturelikeyou
doingi
nherebecauseIcantellyouar enotsi
ck,
ohmay beevensi
cknesscan'tdefeatyour
beauty
.
Ilookedar
oundandt
herehewas,Looki
ng
handsomewithhi
sli
ghtski
n,t
hebeauti
fulpi
nk
l
ipsIwatchedasmadethesoundsofwhichI
di
dn'
texact
lygot
,hewasbeaut
yinev
eryangl
e.
Iqui
ckl
esnappedoutofi
t.
Me:
excuseme?
.
Him:areyouher
etoseeadoct
oror
something?
.
Hewaswear
ingt
hosedoct
erswhi
tecoat
.
Me:
yeski
ndof
.
Hi
m:may
beIcanhel
p.
Me:
wel
lI'
m act
ual
l
ylooki
ngf
ordoct
erShezi
.
Hel
ookedatme.
Hi
m:ar
eyouexpect
ing?
Me:
What
?.
Him: Imeannoof fensebutwehavet
woDr
Shezi'si
nt hi
shospital
andtheyar
eboth
obstetri
cians.
Me:
ohhNoNoI '
m notpr
egnant
.Sheof
fer
ed
meajobact
ual
l
y.
Hi
m:ohgood,Iwasal
mostdisappoint
edI
meanyoucan'
tbecar
ingot
herfoolsbabybut
mi
ne.
Hesai
dthatwit
hasmil
eandIlaughedthi
sguy
i
sreal
l
ycrazyandt
othi
nkthatheisadocterai
.
Hi
m:wai
tletmechecki
fshe'
sfr
ee.
Hewenttother
ecept
ioni
standi
tlookedl
i
ke
t
heygotal
ongverywell
.
Hecameaf
tersomet
ime.
Hi
m:she'
sunav
ail
ablef
ornowbutshe'
l
lbeout
i
nnoti
me,nowifyoudon'
tmi
ndwecanwaitin
myof
fi
ce.
Me:
whynot
.
If
oll
owedhi
m aswewal
kedt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Thi
sguyi
sfunnyIgiv
ey outhaty
ouknowI
'
ve
l
aughi
ngandsmil
ingsinceImethim.
Wai
t?Iwassmi
li
ng.
..
.f
oraf
ir
stt
imei
nal
ong
t
imeIwassmil
i
ng.
Hi
m:t
ell
memor
eabouty
ou.
Me:
li
kewhat
?.(
smi
l
es)
.
Hi
m:howy
ougr
ewup,
yourl
ovel
i
feany
thi
ng.
Lov
eli
feneh?whatdoIsaynow.
Lucki
l
yal
adycamei
nandsav
edme.
Her
:Ihear
dyouwer
e..
..
.
Shewal
kedi
n.
Her
:sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadcompany
.
Hi
m:No,
act
ual
l
yshe'
sher
etoseey
ou.
Me:
youmustbeDrShezi
.
Oht
hiswomanl
ookedgoodi
nherpr
egnantsel
f.
Shegav
emeherhandf
orahandshake.
Her
:youar
e?
Me:
DrKhany
il
epl
easecal
lmeVenus.
Her
:ohhVenus,
Imustsayy
oul
ooky
ounger
t
hanIexpect
ed.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:y
ou'
ret
henewdoct
er.
Me:
Ibel
i
eveso.
DrShezi
:andshe'
sver
ymar
ri
ed.
Hi
m:y
oudi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hat
.
Me:
youdi
dntask.
DrShezi
laughed.
Her
:comewi
thme.
Wewal kedout
,sheexpl
ainedever
ythingthat
wasexpectedofmeandt rustmewithinan
hourIwasworking.t
imepastby.
Her
:DrKhany
il
e.
Me:
pleasecal
lmeVenus.
Her
:int
hatcasey
oucal
lmeAmanda.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Icandot
hat
.
Her
:youknowy
oudon'
thav
etoov
erwor
k
y
our
sel
f.
Me:
trustmewhenIt
ell
yout
hatI
'
m usedt
oit
.
Her:ev
enso,gohomenow.Wedon'
twant
hubbywor
ryi
ng.
Speaki
ngabouthubby
,isheher
ewi
thy
ou?
.
Me:
No,
he'
sbackatKZN.
Her
:oh.
Me:
yes.
Her:
VenusIdon'
tmeantoprybutyouare
marri
edt
oMrKhanyil
eandheseemsol dfor
you,
moreli
keyourf
ather
..
.boof
fense.
Me:Don'tworr
ynonetaken,actual
lyitwasan
ar
rangedmar r
iageki
ndofthingbutifyoudon'
t
mindIdon'twanttot
alkaboutit.
Her
:ohhOKIunder
stand.
Hi
m:Seey
out
omor
rowl
adi
es.
Me:
Bye.
Ama:
Her
eal
l
yli
kesy
ou.
Me:
Who?
Her
:Mi
ke.
Me:
who'
sMi
ke.
Her:
gir
lyouspenthour
swithsomeonewhom
youdon'
tevenknowhisname?.
Il
aughednowai
tact
ual
l
yIbl
ushed.
Me:what
?he'sj
ustani
ceguynot
hingmor
e
not
hingl
ess.
Her
:owki
fyousayso.
Me:
whyar
enty
ougoi
nghome?
.
Her
:wai
ti
ngf
orhubbyt
ofi
nishhi
srounds.
Me:
what
?youhusbandwor
ksher
e?.
Shef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Her
:speaki
ngofadev
il
.
Hi
m:ohsoI
'
m adev
ilnow.
Hecameandbr
ushedherbi
gbel
l
yandki
ssed
onherf
orehead.
Hi
m:howar
emyf
avour
it
epeopl
eint
hewor
ld?
Her:we'
regoodjustmissi
ngy ou,
ohbabymeet
Venus,DrKhany
iletheonethatItol
dyouabout
.
Hi
m:Hi
,I
'm DrShezi
herhusband.
Me:
nicemeet
ingy
ou.
Her:babyyouknowVenuswasworkingasa
vol
onteerbackatKZNbutshesi
gnedathree
monthscontractwi
thus.
Hi
m:hauonl
ythr
eemont
hs.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Ihav
efami
l
ybackatKZN.
Hi
m:okey
.
Her
:weshoul
dgetgoi
ng,
Venuspr
omi
sey
ou'
l
l
gohomeandhav
esomer est
.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se,
dri
vesaf
ely
.
Hi
m:goodni
ght
.
Theyl
eft
.
Nowt hi
sishowIhopedmyl if
ewoul dbe,not
per
fect,Idon'
twantper
fect
.AllIwantisa
l
ovi
nghousehol dwit
hcare,
unity,
respectand
Love,l
otsofLove.
Il
ookedatthem ast
heexi
ted,
myi
deaofa
l
ovinghome.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
**4*
***
***
***
[
Venus]
Whoeversai
dtimefl
ydef
inat
elyknewwhathe
wastal
kingabout
.
I
tfeel
sli
key
erst
dagbuthey
,thr
eemont
hsgone.
Ireal
l
yenjoy
edspendi
ngti
mewi thAmanda,she
becamethebestf
ri
endIeverhad.Mi
keonthe
otherhand,hesti
l
l t
rytoi
niti
atearelat
ionshi
p
betweenusev enthoughItol
dhi mthatitcan
neverhappen,ImaynotlikeorloveMaxbuthe
i
sst i
ll
myhusband, Ioughttorespecthim.
Amanda:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ou'
regoi
ngal
ready
.
Me:
Iknow,
Idon'
twantt
ogo.
Her:
thendon'
t,
mov
eont
hissi
de,
star
tanew
l
if
e..
div
orcehi
m.
Me:Itr
ieddivor
cingthatman,tr
ustmeitwon'
t
work,
he'l
lpullt
hewhol elawy
erthi
ngonmeand
Idon'
thavethestrengthandmoney.
Her
:Nohunnyli
sten,
Ihaveabr ot
herandhe'
sa
l
awyer
..
ifwet
alktohim he.
.hecanhelpyou.
Me:Amandapl
ease,
Iknowy
oumeanwel
lbut
t
rustmei
twon'
twork.
Her
:don'
tl
ethi
m dot
hist
oyou.
Me:
Amanda.
Her
:owkf
inebuti
fyouchangey
ourmi
nd.
Icuthersent
ence.
Me:
yesI
'
llt
ell
you.
Wecont
inuedeat
ingl
unch.
Me:
ohf
ucki
'
mlat
e.
Her
:l
atef
orwhat
?
Me:cour
t,rememberthecaseoft
hesexual
l
y
abusegi
rlItr
eat
ed?.
Her
:ohh.
.y
oubet
tergetgoi
ngt
hen.
Me:
yes.
Her
:anddon'
tfor
get
,yourpar
ty.
Me:
Iwon'
t.
Itokemyst
uffandwentof
ftot
hemagi
str
ate
court
.
OhbythewayAmandaandtherestoft
hest
uff
ar
ethr
owingmeafarewel
lpar
tytoni
ght.
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
-
Myphoner
angbef
oreIcoul
dent
ert
hecour
t
r
oom.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Max:
whenar
eyoucomi
ngback.
Me:
whenI
'
mready
.
Hi
m:Venusy
ousai
dthr
eemont
hs.
Me:
Max,
I'
ll
cal
lyoubackI
'
m ki
ndofbusy
.
Max:
Venusdon'
tpushme.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Imademywayinsi
det
hecour
troom.Iwas
cal
l
edtot
hestand.
Hi
m: MrsKhanyi
l
e,I
'm MrKhumaloandI'
m
r
epresent
ingMrNzi
mande,Ibel
i
ev eyout
reat
ed
missAphiweCel
e?.
Me:
yesIdi
d.
Hi
m:t
ell
howy
oumether
.
Me: Shecametothehospit
alaf
terbei
ng
sexuall
yvi
olet
ed,
shecouldn'
twalkproper
lydue
t
opai
n.
Him:yourr
eporther
esaysy
ouf
ounddr
ugsi
n
hersy
stem i
sthatso?.
Me:
yeswedi
d.
Him: soisi
tpossibl
ethatMissAphi
weisan
addictandsheli
edaboutMrNzi manderapi
ng
herwhensheact ual
lytr
iedt
oblackmail
Mr
Nzimande?.
Me:
Herv
iganal
ski
nwast
orn.
Hi
m:answert
hequest
ion,
yesorNo?
.
Me:
Yes.
Isawasmir
konMrNzi
mande'
sfaceandt
his
l
awyerwasmaki
ngmyl
if
ealiv
inghel
l
.
IwassaddentohearthatMrNzi
mandewas
prov
eninnocent
,Isawfeari
nAphil
e'
sey
es.
Whydopeopl
eal
way
spr
eyont
heweakmcm.
Af
tercour
t,Isawthel
awy
erwhor
epr
esent
ed
MrNzimande,Iwentt
ohi
m.
Me:
Howcoul
dyoudot
hat
?she'
s14.
Hi
m:Don'
that
ethepl
ayerhat
ethegame.
Li
keser
iousl
y,Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.
Me:
youhav
eaner
ve,
Ibety
ouknewhedi
dit
.
Iwasbey
ondt
hewor
dangr
y.
Me:
wher
ear
eyourmor
als?
Hechuckl
ed.
Him: Funnyyouar
et heonesayingt
hat,
sleepingwit
hsomeoneol denoughtobeyour
fatherisnotsomoralf
ul.
Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueandl
eft
.
Iwasbey ondt
hewor dembarr
ased.Howdoes
heevenknowt hat
?.OhGod!sot hat
'
show
peopleseeme.Iwasdisappoi
ntedIgiv
eyou
that
.
Imademywayout
,Inoti
nthemoodf
orthe
par
tyany
more,
Iwentt
omyhotelr
oom andl
aid
onmybed.
Amandacal
l
edkesev
eral
timest
il
lIdeci
dedt
o
answer
.
Me:
Yes.
Her
:Wher
ear
eyou?ev
ery
onei
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
Me:
I'
m notf
eel
i
nggood,
Ineedsomesl
eep.
Her
:what
?ther
esnosuch,
nowi
fyou.
..
Me:
FineI
'
m comi
ng.
Her
:Goodnowhur
ryup.
Idr
aggedmy
sel
fandwentt
othedamnpar
ty.
Amanda:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?y
ouseem f
ar
fr
om her
e.
Me:Youknowthi
sass-
hol
eofalwayercal
l
ed
MrKhumalomademydayavisi
ttohell
.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Me: I
t'
snotf
unny
,youknowIcri
edaft
erthat
case.Hesai
dImarri
edMaxformoney.
.l
ike
real
ly
?.
Her
:Thatnev
erbot
her
edy
oubef
ore,
whynow.
Me:Idon'
t,may
bei
tjust
..
..
Idon'
tknowt
heway
hesai
dit.
Her
:doy
oul
i
kehi
m?.
Me:What
?..
.he'
shandsom andal
lthatbutI
'
m
t
ell
i
ngyouhe'sanasshol
e.
Shecoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.
Me:
whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
.
Her:
BecauseYetagai
nImeetsomeonewhoi
s
i
rr
it
atedbyTyson'sat
ti
tude.
Me:
Tyson?
.
Her:
jea,Ty
sonKhumal
o..
.t
hel
awy
er.
..
He'
smy
br
other.
Me:
ohh.
.emm hei
snotr
eal
l
yanasshol
ejust
t
hat
.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her
:rel
axgi
rl
,Iknowwhaty
oumean.
Me:
int
hatcase,
lett
hepar
tybegi
n.
I
'
venev
erreal
l
yli
kealcoholbutt
onighti
tseems
l
i
keaperf
ectwaytoescapemypr obl
ems.
Irememberdr
inki
ngal
otofwi
ne,
ther
estI
don'tr
emember.
Iwakeupi
nsur
pri
se,
Iwasper
fect
lyt
uckedi
n,
i
nmybedandther
ewasanoteonthesi
de.
--
--Youreal
lygav
eusahardti
met onight
,Ididn'
t
knowy oucouldtaket
hatmuch,anywaysI'
m
gladImety ouandIhopeIwi
llseeyouagain,
hav easafefi
ght-
--
-
It
'swassi gnedwit
hkissesattheend.Ihol
dit
cl
oset omyhear tandthenIrememberIhave
anafternoonfli
ghttocaught
.
Iquickl
ygetreadyandinnoti
meI '
m onmyway
totheairport
.IpassbyKhumaloandpar
tners
l
awf irm andcuri
ousi
tydr
awsmet owalkinand
giv
ehi m apeaceofmymi nd.
Iwal
kedi
nsi
dewi
thsomuchat
ti
tude,
ther
ewas
nowayIwasgoi
ngt
oasktherecepti
oni
st,
I'
ve
hadmyfai
rshar
ewi
thr
ecept
ionist
s.
Ipassedtherecept
ioni
standwentst
rai
ghtt
o
theoffi
ces.
Me: Excuse,I
'ml ooki
ngforMrKhumalo'
soff
ice,
therecepti
onistdidgivemedir
ecti
onsbut
stupidmeIf orgot.
shesmi
l
ed.
Her:
ithappenst
othebestofus,
comeI
'
llshow
you.
Wewal
kedt
otheof
fi
ce.
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
Her
:You'
rewel
come.
Ibr
eathinandoutbef
oreIknock.Iknockonce
andletmysel
fin.
If
indtheshockofmywhenIwal
kint
oTy
son
makingoutwit
hsomewhit
egir
l.
[
08/
29,
06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
5**
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Ty
son:
Whatt
hef
uck?
.
Me:
I'
m..
.emm I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
t.
.
Thel
adygotof
fhi
m andst
art
eddr
essi
ngup.
Hi
m: y
oudon'
tfucki
nwal
kint
osomeone'
s
of
fi
ce.
Igetthathei sangrybuthehadnopl ace
shouti
ngatmel ikethat
.Theproblem wi
th
Tysonist hathehasanat ti
tudeanditst
inks,
I
don'
tev enknowwhyIwant edtot
alktohim
becausehei ssuchaj erk.Hewouldn'
t
understandany ways.
Me:
I'
ll
go,
I'
m sor
ry.
It
okemyhandbagwhi
chIacci
dent
lydr
opped
onthefl
oorandexit
ed.Ican'
tev enbegi
nto
expl
ainhowhumil
iatedIfel
t,Idon'
tevenknow
whyIwalkedi
ntothi
sbuildi
ng.
Idr
oveof
ftot
heai
rpor
tandwi
thi
nanhourI
'
m
home.
Thethi
ngIgetwhenIwal
kini
sapunchacr
oss
myface.
Me:
Max,
whatt
he.
.
Hi
m: You'
vegr
ownbal
l
s,bl
ackmai
l
ingmel
i
ke
t
hat.
Iwasi
nalotofpai
n,Iwasev
enbl
eedi
ngf
rom
mynose.
Him:ToobadI'
mtheonl
yonewho'
sal
l
owedt
o
havebal
lsi
nthi
shouse.
Het
ookoutagun.
Iclosedmyey es.DearGodift
hisi
showIdi
e
pleasefor
giv
eal lmysins.
Hedi
dtheev
ill
augh.
Hi
m:Youshoul
dseey
ourcel
lri
ghtnow.
Me:Maxplease,I
'
m sorr
yIbl
ackmail
edy oubut
IswearIwasn'
tgoingt
ogetyouar
rested.
Hi
m:ohr
eal
l
y.
Het
ookmyphone.
Hi
m:welly
oumadeabadchoi
ceandy
ouhav
e
t
ogetpuni
shedf
ort
hat
.
Hebrushedmyf
acewi
tht
hegun,
Iwasl
i
ter
all
y
shaki
ng.
Hi
m:Youknowwhat
'sgoi
ngt
ohappennow?
.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tki
l
lme.
Hel
aughed.
Him: Ki
llyou?no..
.whywouldIdothat
?..
.You
aregoingt ostayi
nsidet
hishouseunt
ilItel
lyou
otherwise,It
ri
edreasoni
ngwithyoubuty ou
decidedtoactbossy .
Icoul
dn'
tst
opt
het
ear
s.
Hi
m:Getoutofmyf
acebef
oreIdosomet
hing
y
ouwi
l
lregr
et.
Iqui
ckl
yrant
omybedr
oom.
Amandawasr ightIshoul
dhavedi
vor
cedthi
s
bast
ed,andwher ethehel
ldi
dhegett
hegun,I
havetogetoutofherebefor
eit
'st
oolat
e.
Iwentt
othebathroom andcleanedmyface,
I
wasinalotofpai
nIhadt otakepainki
l
ler
s.
==============
Awhol eweekpassedby ,Iwassti
lll
ocked
i
nsidet hehouse,IhadnophoneandIdi dn't
knowanyphonenumberwhi chcouldpossible
hel
p, Icoul
dntcallthepoli
ce.Maxhav efr
iends
i
nhi ghplacesthelastti
meIr epor
tedhimI
endedupwi t
hmor ebruisesonmyski n.
Max:
wakeywakeywi
fey
.
It
urnedandf
acedt
heot
hersi
dewhenhe
walkedi
n.
Him:Youknowst
arv
ingy
our
sel
fwi
l
lonl
yaf
fect
you?
Me:Idon'
tcare,
atleastIwi
l
ldi
eot
hert
han
bei
nglockedupinhere.
Hi
m:What
ever
,bereadybyseveno'
cl
ock
t
oni
ght
.Wearegoi
ngt oal
aunch.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
ogo,
takeZodwa.
Hi
m:VenusIam notaski
ngy
ouI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
t
hisi
syourdr
ess.
Hetosseditonmybed.Il
ookedati
tandI
chuckl
ed.
Hi
m:what
'sf
unny
?.
Me: Youare,Iknowtheonlyreasonyouchoose
thi
sdr essi
sbecauseitisl
essr eveal
i
ng,you
don'
twanty ourpart
nerstoseet hatyouhi
tme.
Hegotcl
oser
.Hewasi
rr
it
ated.
Him:Ihav
eagoodideat
oshutyourmouthup
r
ightnow,yout
alkt
oomuch.Bereadybysev
en.
Hel
eftt
her
oom.
++++++++++++++
Igotr
eadyandworehi
sdamndress,
itwasa
ni
cedressImustadmi
tbutwasnotr
eall
ymy
sty
le.
Hi
m:Don'
ttr
yany
thi
ngst
upi
d.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Hemustcr az
yifhethinksI
'm comingback
homewi t
hhim,Hecanki l
lmei fhewantstobut
ther
e'snowayI'
m goingbackt othathel
lhol
e.
Thelaunchwasver
ybori
ng,well
onmysi
de.
..
all
Idi
dwast ofl
ashasmil
eeveryt
imehe
i
ntr
oducedmet ohi
sassoci
ates.
unt
ilMyeyeslandedonTy
son,
whatwashe
doi
nghere?.
Hewaswi t
hsomel ady,
nott heoneIsawhim
wit
ht heotherday
,whatishedoi ngi
nKZN? .I
neededtospeaktohi m,IneedAmanda'sphone
number .
Me:
excuseme.
Maxgav
emeal
ook.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
othebat
hroom.
Hesti
l
llookedatme,hi
seyeswerel
ike"i
fyou
t
ryanyt
hingstupi
d,y
ou'
redead"
.Ismil
ed.
Iwal
kedt
owher
eTy
sonwasst
andi
ng.
Me:
ExcusemecanIt
alkt
oyou.
Hi
m:Fucki
t,ar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
.
Me:
What
?.
Hi
m:whyar
eyoual
way
sinmyway
?.
Me:pl
easedon'tfl
att
ery
oursel
f,Li
stenIr
eal
l
y
needy
ourhelp.IneedAmanda'
snumber .
Hi
m:t
henaskher
.
Ican'
tbeli
evet
hisguyi
sbei
ngl
i
ket
his,
especi
all
ynow.
Me:
TysonPl
ease.
Hel
ookedatt
hegi
rlnextt
ohi
m.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgo.
Andt
heyl
eftj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.
Ihadt
ear
sinmyey
es.Thi
sispr
obabl
ytheend
ofme.
Iwentt
owher
eMaxwassi
tt
ingwi
thhi
sfr
iends.
Me:
I'
ll
beout
side,
Ineedsomeai
r.
Hi
m:I
'
llcomewi
thy
ou.
man:NoletherbeKhanyil
e,Iunderst
andyou
wantnot
hingwhereshe'
sconcer nedbutyou
knowhowwomenar e,theyneedt hei
rti
me.
Theal
ll
aughed,
Ismi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Fi
nej
ustdon'
tbet
oof
ar.
Me:
okey
.
Iwentandsatonthechai
rsout
side,
itwas
qui
etandcoldbutwhatdi
dIexpect,
it'
swi
nter
.
Icri
edasIt
houghtt omyself
,I'
mt r
apped,
I'
ll
probabl
ydi
einthathouse.Istoodupand
star
tedwal
kingaround.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngbackt
othathouse.
Isai
dthatt
omy
sel
f
Iwalkedtowardsthebackentr
anceandwal ked
outtoav eryqui
etstr
eet
,Itwasabitdark.I
start
edwal ki
ngveryf
astsear
chingforaplace
withpeople,al
lIsawwerehookerswhocoul dn'
t
possibl
ehel pme.
IsawMax'scarmakingitwaytowardsme,I
tookoffmyhil
lsandstar
tedrunni
ngbutthe
dresswasnothelpi
ng,It
ri
ppedandf el
l
.Max
pull
edoverandwalkedout,
Istoodup.
Hi
m:Youdon'
tl
ist
ennowdoy
ou?
.
Het
ookouthi
sgun.
Me:
Maxi
fyoucomecl
oserI
'
llscr
eam.
Hel
aughed.
Him:Dothat,Gi
vemeoner easonnott
oputthe
bul
letonyourheadri
ghtnow,You'
reusel
ess
anyways,
youcan'tev
enbaremeason.
Me:
Maxwel
lpl
ease,
I'
mtooy
oungt
odi
e.
Him:
Youshouldhavet
houghtoft
hatbef
ore
yout
ri
edr
unning.by
eVenus.
beforeIcouldsayanythi
ngIheardt wo
gunshotsandIwasont hef
loor
, Ihear
dhiscar
taki
ngoff .Icoul
dn'
tkeepmyeyesopenand
that'
sallIremember,aft
ert
hatitwaslightout
.
[
Tyson]
If
oundVenusunconsci ouslylayi
ngontheroad
whenIwasdr ivi
ngbackhome, Shehadgun
wounds.Ireal
lytr
iedtoignoreherandcont
inue
wi
thmyj ourneybutIcouldn'
t.
Itookhertomyhouse.Wel
latleastshewas
shotonherarm,nocri
ti
cal
placeswounded,I
beli
evedshewasgoingtomakeit.
Ir
emov edt
hebull
etsf
rom herandpl
acedher
i
nsideabat
htub.
I
tlookedl
i
keshewasgai
ningherconci
ousness
back.
[
Venus]
Ifel
tcol
dandwarm att
hesametime,
Ifelt
someonebrushi
ngme,Ibegant
oworry,
Iwas
st
ruggl
i
ngt
oopenmyey
es.
Ifi
nallyopenedt
hem andi
twasbl
urr
y.I
panickedwhenIsawsomeone.
Hi
m:Shi
ii
t'
sokey
.
Ical
m downwhenIr
eal
i
sedi
twasTy
son.
Il
ookedaroundandIwascompl
etel
ynakedi
na
bat
htub.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Hi
m:Venusi
t'
sokey
,Iwon'
thur
tyou.
Il
eanedont
hetubashemovedt
hewetcl
oth
onmychest
..
.al
lthewayt
omyar
m.
Me:
ouch.
hi
m:Sor
ry.
Il
ookedathim andi
tseemedliket
heTyson
whowasi nf
rontofmeisnottheoneIhad
encount
erswit
h,hehadalotofcar
einhiseyes.
Me:
emm Thanky
ou,
forsav
ingmyl
i
fe.
Hi
m:I
t'
sokey
..
..
emm wear
edoneher
e.
Hest
oodupandgav
emeat
owel
.
Hi
m:wi
l
lyoubef
ine?
.
Me:
Yest
hanky
ou.
Hel
eftt
her
oom.
Istoodupandwrappedthet
owelaroundmy
body.Iwal
kedoutofthebat
hroom onl
ytowalk
i
nt owhatl
ookedli
keabedroom.Isatther
eand
cri
ed.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
*6*
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Tysonwasnotusuallyar
ound,
it'
sli
keheknewI
needspace.Idon'
tknowwheretofrom her
e
butIdef
inat
elyhavetomakeaplan,Ican'
tstay
i
nTy
son'
shousef
orev
er.
Ihear
daknockont
hedoor
.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
Iopenedt
hedoor
.
Me:
Hey
.
Tyson:Areyoubusy
?, I
'
m aboutt
ohave
br
eakfastIwasthi
nkingthatmaybey
oucan
j
oinme.
Me:
Thanky
oubutI
'
m nothungr
y.
Ali
tt
legi
rlcamer unni
ngar oundt
hehouse,
she
l
ookedfi
vey ear
sory ounger.
Hi
m:Meetmydaught
er,
Minenhl
e.
Her:
Hi Venus,daddysai
dyou'
regoi
ngt
oeat
br
eakfastwit
hus.
Shesoundedsobri
ght,ali
tt
lematur
edthenher
agebutIcoul
dtel
lthatshe'
sact
uall
yyoung.
Hi
m: act
uall
ysweet
yauntVenusi
snotf
eel
i
ng
wel
l,
she'l
lj
oinusanot
hert
ime.
Her
:may
bey
oushoul
dreadherabedt
imest
ory
.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:sweet
ythati
sforbedt
ime.
Her
:Iknowbuti
fyoureadt
ohershewil
lsl
eep
t
henshewil
lbebett
erwhenshewakesup.
Il
aughed.
Hi
m:Ni
ceseei
ngy
ousmi
l
ingf
orachange.
Il
ookeddown.
Hi
m:we'
l
lbedownst
air
sify
ouchangey
our
mi
nd.
Me:act
ual
ly
,IfIcoul
dfi
ndsomethi
ngmor
e
cov
eri
ngtowearImightj
ustj
oinyou.
Hi
m:emm howaboutabat
hrope?
.
Me:
Thatcoul
dwor
k.
Hedi
sappear
dandcamebackwi
thi
t.
Hi
m:We'
l
lwai
tdownst
air
s.
HeputMi
nni
eonhi
sshoul
derandwal
ked
downst
air
s.
Iexpect
edt
hem t
obesitti
ngar
oundthetabl
e
eati
ngbutt
heyweresi
tt
ingonthecoucheat
ing
j
unk.
Me:
Ist
hatbr
eakf
ast
?.
Hi
m:Mav
iswi
l
lonl
ybeher
eanhourl
ater
.
Me:
Mav
is?
Him:yesmyt
empor
alhousehel
p,she'
l
lbe
hel
pingmewhi
leMi
nni
eishere.
Isatont
hesamecoughnott
oof
arf
rom wher
e
theywer
esi
tt
ing.
Hi
m:honeygobr
ushy
ourt
eet
h.
Shest
oodandr
unar
ound.
Hestar
tedsmil
i
nglooki
ngatherasshewas
st
ruggl
i
ngwiththest
air
s.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadadaught
er.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tknowt
hatmuchaboutme.
Me:
You'
rer
ightaboutt
hat
.
Ifouldedmyl
egsnotr
eal
i
singmyt
highswer
e
revealed.
Iqui
ckl
ycoveredt
hem upwhenIr
eal
i
sedhe
waslooki
ng.
Him:Venus,
Isawt
hem t
het
imeIwasbat
hing
you.
Il
ookeddown.
Hi
m:Hedi
dthi
stoy
ou?
.
Inodded.
Hi
m:whydon'
tyoudi
vor
cehi
m.
Me:
Itr
ied,
Heal
mostki
l
ledme.
Ist
art
edt
ear
ing.
Hemov
edcl
oserandputhi
shandar
oundme.
Hi
m:I'
m sor
ry,
Youshoul
dn'
thav
eendur
edso
muchpai
n.
IsawMi
nni
emaki
ngherwaydown.
Me:HeyMi nni
ehowaboutwemakesome
pancakes?
.
Her
:yepppy
..
.daddyl
et'
smakepancakes.
Hi
m:ohnohoney
,Ihav
etot
akeashower
.
ItookMinni
eandmadehersi
tont
heki
tchen
counter
.
Hi
m:car
eful
,youar
misnotf
ull
yrecov
ered.
Me:
I'
mfeel
i
ngal
otbet
ter
.
Hi
m:mhh,doyoumi
ndwat
chi
ngherwhi
l
eI
t
aket
heshower.
Me:
No,
youcango.
HeleftandMi
nni
eandIst
art
edmaki
ng
pancakes.
Itwasmorelikemessi
ngthekitchi
nupthen
actual
lymaki
ngpancakes,Minniemadesur
e
therewasfl
oorever
ywhere.
Me:
Pumpki
nify
oudon'
tst
opnowt
hiski
tchen
wi
l
ltur
nwhi
te.
Shekeptongi
ggl
i
ng.
Her
:It
'ssof
unny
..
..
yey
.
It
ookherandputherdown.
Ty
son:
wooowhathappenedher
e.
Her
:daddywear
emaki
ngpancakes.
Hi
m:mor
eli
ket
urni
ngi
ntopancakes.
Me:
Sor
ry,
I'
ll
cleanup.
Hi
m:No,
act
ual
l
yMav
isi
sjustonherway
.
Wehear
daknock.
Hi
m:Thatmustbeher
.
Me:
Int
hatcaseIgott
ogetcl
eanedup.
Hi
m:why
?.
Me:
fir
sti
mpr
essi
onsl
ast
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:i
fyousayso.
Iwentupst
air
sandt ookal ongwarm bat
h,I
mustsayIwasr eal
lyhavi
ngagoodt imehereI
fel
tmoreatpeace,thethoughtofgoi
ngoutand
faci
ngreal
i
tyjustgotmeal lscar
ed.
[
Maxwel
l
]
I
t'
sbeenweeksandt
hesei
diot
sst
il
lcoul
dn'
t
f
indVenus.
Iwasont
hephonewi
thoneofmyman.
Me:Ipayyouagoodfor
tunefory
outotellme
t
hatnobodysawwhathappenedtoherbody.
Hi
m:Noonei
swi
l
li
ngt
otal
k.
Me:makethem t
alk,
giv
ethem moneydamni
tI
don'
thav
etotel
lyouhowtodoy ourj
ob.
Hi
m:I
'
llt
ryhar
derboss.
Me:
don'
ttr
ydoi
tbef
oreIgetsomeoneel
se.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Anhouraf
terIshotVenus,
Iaskedsomeonet
o
goandfet
chherbodybutther
ewasnobody .
NowIknowi tcan'
tjustdi
sappearsomeone
musthav efoundherandt hefactt
hatpol
ice
hasn'tknockedonmydoori tmeansshe'ssti
ll
al
ive,questi
oniswhot ookherandwherethe
hel
l onearthisshe?
.
[
Tyson]
IheardMaxi sl ooki
ngforVenusandit'
sonl
ya
mat t
eroftimebef orehefi
ndsoutthatshei
s
here,Iknowt hereisnowayI'mlet
ti
nghimtake
herandt hatcanonl ymeanonethi
ng,war.
Venus:
Dinneri
sready
.
Iwentandsatdown.
Ili
kedhowshewasst ar
tingt ofeelcomfort
able
aroundmeandt hatsmile,mhh.Venusi s
beati
fuli
nev eryspespective,shehadonof
thoseKim kardashianbody ,Icouldn'
tcarel
ess
aboutthatbutherhear t
,I'
venev ermetevenone
l
adywi t
hsuchagoodsoul ,it'
slikeGodli
ved
i
nsideher..
.nowt hati
sv eryattracti
vefr
om a
woman.
Me:
Thepr
incessi
ssl
eepi
ngal
ready
?.
Her:
Yesshei
s,youknowshehasalotof
ener
gyf
orherageandshequi
ettoocl
evert
oo.
Me:
Iknow,
shepr
obabl
ygott
hatf
rom her
mot
her.
Her
:real
l
y,wher
eishermot
her
?.
Thi
sisonet
opi
cIr
eal
l
ydon'
twantt
otal
kabout
.
Me:
She'
sdead.
Her
:oh,
sor
ry.
..
I.
Me:
it'
sokey
.
Her
:whathappenedt
oher
?.
Ohnowt
hisi
sthequest
ionI
'
vebeenav
oidi
ng.
Me:
Shegotshot
..
..
let
'schanget
het
opi
c.
Her
:I'
m sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
opr
y.
Me:
It'
sOK,
Ijustdon'
tl
iket
alki
ngabouti
t.
Shekeptqui
etf
orami
nut
e.
Her
:Ty
son,
Yourgi
rl
fr
ienddon'
thav
eapr
obl
em
wi
thmest
ayi
ngher
eri
ght
.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Youknowyoucoul
dal
way
sjustaski
fI'
m
si
ngl
eornot.
Her
:wel
lIknowy
ouar
enot
.
Me:FYIIam andhav
ebeenf
orni
nemont
hs,
I
gotdumped.
Shel
aughed.
Her
:ohmyGod,
you'
reser
ious.
Inodded.
Her
:why
?whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
whydoy oual
way
sassumet
hatguy
sar
e
t
hewrongone.
Her
:becauset
heyar
eal
way
sthewr
ongones.
Me: wel
lnoti
nmycase,Shewasn'
treadytobe
stepmom andsoshedumpedanddat ed
someoneelsewhowasmyf r
iendatthatt
ime
butmynumberoneenemynow.
Her
:soundshect
ic.
Me:iti
s,pr
obl
em i
ssheknowsIcan'
tgetov
er
herandsheusesi
tagai
nstme.
Shest
art
edl
aughi
ng.
Me:
it'
snotf
unny
.
Shecoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.
Her:
excusemebuti tj
ustdoesn'tsoundli
ke
you,
Imeanreall
y,i
t'
sbeenninemont hsand
yousti
l
lcan'
tgetoveraheartbreak.
Me:
wel
lIgotf
eel
i
ngst
oo.
Shelaughedasshestoodupwit
hthedishes,
sheplacedthem i
nsi
dethedi
shwasher
.
Her
:wel
lgoodni
ghtl
overboy
.
Shelaughedsomemoreasshewalkedup
st
air
s.leavi
ngmesmil
i
ngallbymyself
.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
**7*
***
***
***
***
*
[
Tyson]
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om Skhumbuzoear
lyi
nthe
morni
ng.
Me:
Mymant
alkt
ome.
Hi
m:I
t'
saboy
.
Me:Congr
atsmyguy
,I'
m sur
eAmandai
s
t
hri
l
led.
Hi
m:Shei
sov
ert
hemoon,
justal
i
ttl
eti
red.
Me:
It'
sagoodt
hingshemar
ri
edadoct
er.
Hel
aughed.
Him:Jear
ight
,Igott
ogo.
.Ihav
easont
otake
careof
.
Me:
okey
,we'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Skhumbuzoi
smyf
ri
endandhasbeenf
ora
l
ongtime,reasonwhyIdi dn'
thaveapr
oblem
wit
hhim mar r
yingmysisteri
sbecauseIknew
hecouldt
akecar eofherandmakesur eshe'
s
al
wayssafe,He'sactual
lypartofmycrewandI
knowforsurethathehasmyback.
Todayit'
sVenus'sbi
rt
hday ,don'tbot
her
wonderinghowIknowt hatbecausewel lpoi
nt
i
sIknowandshe' sturning28y earsol
d.You
can'
treall
yexpectmet oli
veint hesamehouse
wit
hsomeIknownot hingabout .
Iwokeupear l
yandpr epar
edav er
ybig
breakf
astforher,
goodt hi
ngMi nniei
ssti
l
l
sl
eepingIdon'twantherdist
urbingmewhileI
cook.
Venus:
Someonei
supear
ly.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Smel
l
sni
ce.
Shecameandsatdown.
Me:
Want
edt
osur
pri
sey
oubuthey
,Happy
bi
rt
hday
.
Shel
ookedr
athershocked.
Her
:Howdi
dyouknowt
hat
?.
Me:
You'
rewel
come.
Her
:Sor
ry,
Thanky
ouandIr
eal
l
yappr
eci
atesi
t.
Me:
But
.
Her
:Youseem t
oknowal
otaboutme.
Me:Youwer eawi
tnessonacaseIwor
kedon,
ofcauseIknowaboutyou.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Thanky
ou.
Me:
LikeIsai
d,y
ou'
rewel
come.
..
Her
:Letmegogetcl
eanedup.
Me:
okeyy
oudot
hat
..
.
Shewentf orashowerandcamebackwear i
ng
shorts,
shirtandsleeper
s.Theshortswer
enot
thatshortbutIcouldtel
lshedi
dn'thavet
hat
f
eel
i
ngofwant
ingt
ocov
erupal
lthet
ime.
Weatei
nsi
l
enceandMi
nni
ejoi
nedusaf
tera
whi
l
e.
Mi
nni
e:DaddycanIhav
ewar
m mi
l
k.
Me:
Honey
,mi
l
kgi
vesy
ouar
unni
ngst
omach.
Her
:Notany
more,gr
annyletmedri
nki
tal
lthe
t
imeandmil
kisgoodformyteet
h.
Venusl
aughed.
Her
:Pumpki
n,y
oubar
elyhav
eteet
h.
Her
:Mor
ereasonwhyIshoul
ddr
inkmi
l
k.
NowIal
sot
hinkMi
nni
eisabi
tmat
uredf
orher
age.
Me:
Okey
.
Iwentt
othef
ri
dge,
unf
ort
unat
elywewer
eout
ofmil
k.
Me:Sor
ryhoneyweareoutofmi
l
k,wegonna
hav
etogoshopping.
Venus:
CanIcomeal
ong?
.
Ireall
ydon'thav
eapr obl
em wi
thgoi
ngwi t
hher,
problem i
sIcan'tr
isksomeoneseei
ngherand
foll
owingheraroundtofi
ndoutwhereshe'
s
stayi
ng.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Ineedtogotothebank,
Ineedaccesst
o
mysavi
ngs,Idon'
thavemybankcard
r
emember,andtherear
efewthi
ngIneedtobuy
.
Me:
Thi
ngsl
i
kewhat
.
Shewi
denedherey
es.
Her
:Li
keaphone,
toi
l
etr
iesandst
uff
.
Me:
We'
l
lgot
othemal
lthi
saf
ter
noon.
Her
:thebankswi
l
lbecl
osedbyt
hen?
Me:
I'
ll
giv
eyoumoney
.
Shel
ookedatmei
ndi
sappr
oval
.
Me: Youcanpaymebackwheny
ou'
vef
ixed
youraccount
s.
Her
:okey
.
Iam t
aki
ngahugeri
skbutatl
eastdur
ingt
hat
ti
mether
e'l
lbel
esspeopl
eonthemall
.
[
Venus]
Tysonisoutonabusi nessmeet ing,andI'
m
chi
ll
ingwithMinniewat chi
ngTVandl i
stening
tohersil
lybutver
yf unnyst or
ies.HowIwi shI
hadmyv eryownl i
ttl
eMi nnie,butthenagai nI
thi
nkit'
sagoodt hingInev erhadchi l
drenwi t
h
Maxbecauset hey'
dbesuf f er
ingr i
ghtnow.
Mi
nni
e:ar
ewest
il
lgoi
ngt
othemal
l
?.
Me:Idon'
tknowPumpki
nbutIt
hinky
ourdadi
s
onhiswayri
ghtnow.
Imustadmit
,Ial
sohadnoi
deaifwewer
est i
ll
goi
ngornot,I
t'
s17:
32andshopswi
ll
beclosed
i
naf ewhour
s.
Her:
Daddysai
dIshoul
dn'
tcal
lyoubyy
our
name.
Me:
Real
l
y?.
Her:
Yes,hesai
dIshoul
dcal
lyouaunt
ybutI
don'
tli
kei
t.
Me:
why
?.
Her
:Idon'
tknow.
..
..
whydoy
oucal
lme
Pumpki
n?.
Me:BecauseIl
ovepumpki
nsandy
ouar
e
ador
able.
Her
:ThenIwi
l
lcal
lyouCandy
.
Me:
Why
?
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her
:BecauseIl
oveCandyandIl
i
key
ou.
Ismi
l
edandhuggedher
.
Ty
sonwal
kedi
n.
Him:Sor
ry,
I'
mlat
e..
.l
etmechangeint
o
somethi
ngmorecomfor
tabl
ethenwecango.
Hedisappearedtohisbedroom andcameback
wear
ingformal pant
s,T-shi
rtandajacket
.I
mustsayTy sonishotonanot herl
evel
,Imean
thebody,t
heface.
..
act
uall
yever
ythi
ng.evenhi
s
eyesarecapabl
eoftur
ningyouon,onit
sown.
Isnappedoutofmydr
eam wor
ldandwewent
tothemall
.
Minni
ewast ouchi
ngev er
ythi
ngshecouldreach,
Tysonendedupputti
ngheri nthetr
oll
eywhich
ref
usedatfi
rstbutl
ateronenjoyed.
Weboughtalotofst
ufff
rom f
oodt
ocl
othes
andMyphone.
Me:Ineedt
ogot ot
hephamar
cyIneed
somethi
ngfort
hemarksi
nmyskin.
Hi
m:Okey
.
Wewentt
othephamarcy
, I
twasr
eal
l
ylat
eand
Mi
nni
ewassleepi
ngi
nTy son'
sar
ms.
Hi
m:Act
ual
l
ywe'
l
lwai
ther
.
Hesuddenl
yactedstr
angeaswewer
eaboutt
o
ent
erthephamarcy
.
Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
.
Hel
ookedatt
hel
adyi
nthef
rontdesk.
Me:
letmeguess,
thati
syourf
amousex?
Hi
m:AndI
'
m notr
eadyf
orhergl
oat
ingf
ace.
Il
aughed,
li
ker
eal
l
y?t
hisguygott
obeki
ddi
ng
me.
Me:Well
yougott
ofacehersoonerorl
ater
,
come.
Ipul
l
edhi
shand.
Me:
Playal
ong.
Hi
m:Mhh.
Il
ookedathi
m andt
alkedt
othel
ady
.
Me:Excuseme,
canwehav
eonepackoft
rust
condoms.
Tysonlookedatmeinshockandthegi
rl
couldn'
tst
oplooki
ngathiminanger
.
Me:
Nowpl
ease.
Thel
adywal
kedov
ert
otheshel
ves.
Hi
m:Condoms?
.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esathi
m.
Thel
adycameback.
Me:Sweetheartmyfi
anceandIdecidedwe
don'
tneedcondomsanymor e,
wear ereadyt
o
gi
veMinnieali
ttl
ebr
otherorsi
ster
.
IbrushedMinni
e'
sback,whowassleepi
ng
peaceful
lyi
nhisfat
her
sarms.ThenIwentfor
thekil
ler
.
Imov edclosertoTysonanddeepkissedhim,
ri
ghtthereont hespot.Goodt
hinghekissed
meback, lastt
hingIwantisembarrassi
ng
my sel
f.
Lady
:Mhhhh.
Me:
Ohsor
rywewast
edy
ourt
imesweet
y.
Wewalkedoutoftheshops,
laughi
ngaswe
appr
oachedTyson'
scar.
Hi
m:Imustsay
,Thatwas.
..
Idontev
enknow
whatt
osay
.
Me:
wel
lyoucanj
ustsayt
hanky
ou.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Me:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
evey
ourexhasy
ousomuch
onherpal
m.
Hi
m:wel
lnotany
mor
e,t
hankst
oyou.
WelaughedheputMi
nni
eonherchai
rint
he
backsi
t.
Hemov esupandourey esmeet .He'sri
ghther
e
i
nmyf ace,wedon'tmov ejustlookateach
other
,Icouldfeelhisbreathhitmyf ace.Next
thi
ngwehearacamer asoundandaf l
ashli
ght
fol
lowsbutt hepersonrunawaybef orewecan
seehim.
Ty
son:
Shi
t.
..
geti
nthecar
.
Heopensthedoorf
ormeandrushestohis
si
deandwet ookof
f.He'
sdr
ivi
ngwasverybad
andf
ast,Wegothomeandhev er
yangry
.
Hi
m:ExcusemeIhav
eaphonecal
ltomake.
Hel
eav
est
her
oom andIt
akeMi
nni
etobed.
[
Tyson]
Zachhassomeser
iousexpl
aini
ngt
odo.
Me:
Zachwhatt
hef
uckman.
Hi
m:Iknowandt
rustmewe'
l
lfi
ndt
heguy
.
Me:
Ithoughty
ousai
dthemal
lwascl
ear
.
Hi
m:Itwas,wemadesuret
hatever
yonewho
wast
hereatthatt
imewashar
mless.
Me:Wellguesswhat?,
Youdidn'
tbecause
someonejusttookapict
ureofVenusandI,
Maxcouldbeonourcaseaswespeak.
Hi
m:l
i
keIsai
dwe'
l
lfi
ndt
heguy
.
Me:Bett
er,l
ist
enIcan'tt
akerisksli
kethi
smy
daught
erishereforgoodsake..
.Iwantyout
o
upthesecur
ityi
nmyhouseasi nli
kenow.
Hi
m:ont
oit
,sor
ryagai
nmyman.
Me:
It'
sokey
.
Idr
oppedt
hephonecal
l
.
Ineedtocal
lmymother
,sheneedstofet
ch
Minni
e,Ihav
eafeel
i
ngthatshi
tisaboutt
ogo
down.
Me:
MamaD,
sor
ryf
orcal
l
ingsol
ate.
Her
:Whati
sitnow.
Me:Ineedyout
ofetchMinni
etomorr
ow,
Ihav
e
al
otgoingonandIcan'
twatchher
.
Her
:Butt
hewi
nterhol
i
day
sar
en'
tov
er.
Me:IknowMah.
..
butIpr
eferherwi
thy
our
ight
now.
Her
:Fi
ne,
I'
ll
fet
chher
.
Venusmadeherwayi
ntomyr
oom.
Me:
Okey
,MahIgott
ogo,
tal
ktomor
row.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
[
Venus]
Me:
Ibr
oughty
oucof
fee.
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
Me:Ty
son,
whatj
usthappenedwhati
sgoi
ng
on?
.
Hi
m:Not
hingy
oushoul
dwor
ryabout
.
Ican'
tgetmyfingerar
ounditbutsomet
hingi
s
defi
nat
elygoi
ngonandTy sonishidi
ngi
tfrom
me.
Me:
TysonI
fmyl
i
fei
sindangerI
'
dli
ket
oknow.
Hemov edcl
osert
omeandhel
dbot
hmy
hands.
.
Hi
m:Ineedyoutoknowthatnot
hingwi
l
lhappen
t
oyou,Iwil
lmakesureofi
t.
Ijustlookedi nhisey esandhel ookedr i
ght
backatmi ne, Surpr
isingl
yIcouldt el
lactuall
yI
couldf eelthathemeantev erywor d.There'
s
thisstranget hingaboutTy son,it
'sli
keI'
v e
knownhi mf orever,every
timewhenI '
m closeto
him, i
t'
sl i
keIknowhi m andt hati
scr azy
becauseIdon'
tbutIst
il
lcan'
tgetov
ert
hat
feel
ing.
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
Hemovedmorestepscloserandki
ssedme, I
want
edtopul
loutbutIcouldn'
t,
Itf
eltsor
ight
.
Heti
ght
lygr
abbedmywei
standIgrasped.If
elt
l
osti
namoment ,
evenmybr
eathi
ngchanged.
Thi
swereget
ti
ngsteamyandIf
inal
l
ygat
her
ed
st
rengt
handpul
ledout
.
Him:Iguesst
hisi
sthepar
twher
eyour
unof
fto
yourr
oom.
Hesai
dthatwithhishandsst i
l
lti
ghtl
yaround
mybody,Ir
eallywant
edtol eavebuti
t'
slike
t
herewasthi
smagnetwhi chdrawedme
t
owardshim andIcoul
dn'tgetoff.
Me:
excuseme.
Heremov
edhi
shandsandIr
ushedoutt
omy
bedr
oom.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
***
8**
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Igottomybedr oom andj ustlai
dont hebed
thi
nkingaboutt heki ss,IknowIki ssedhi m at
thephar macybutt hatwasj ustakisstomake
hisexjealousandt hesecondonewas, wel lI
don'tknow.Ican' thel pbutt ofeelitmeant
somet hingbutt henagai nIcan' tbecertain,
May beitwasj ustamomentandbesi deswi th
TysonIcannev erbesur e, Ioncecaughthi m
withsomeonei nhi sof f
iceandhehasnev er
ment i
onedt heirrelationandf rom thelookof
thi
ngs, Helooksl ikeapl ay erandI'm sonot
readytohav emyhear tbroken, butthenagai n
whatam Isay i
ngbecausei t'
snotl i
keTy son
askedmeout ,Hej ustki ssedmeandst upidme
r
esponded.
..Ahh.
Af
terIbat
tl
edwit
hmyt
hought
s,If
inal
l
y
managedtosl
eep.
IwaswokenupGunshot snoise,atfirstI
thoughtIwasdreamingbecauseaf terMaxshot
meI '
vehadnightmareswheretherewer e
gunshotsbutIreal
i
seIwasv erymuchawake
whenTy sonmadehi swaytomyr oom holdi
ng
agun.
It
ell
younowt hatal
lthesl
eepi
nessi
nmyey
es
j
ustvani
shed.
Me:
Tysonwhat
'sgoi
ngon.
Hecamet
omeandgav
emehi
sphone.
Hi
m: I
'l
lexplai
nlat
er,
nowIneedyoutogoto
Minni
e'sbedroom,l
ockyour
sel
finandcal
lZach,
t
ellhi
m wehav ecompany.
Iwaspani
cki
ng,
Ijustf
rozet
her
e.
Hi
m:Venus,
wedon'
thav
eti
me.
Iquickl
edrantoMinnie'
sbedroom,Icouldhear
thenoiseofgunshotsonmywaybuti t
soundedli
kethewholethinghappenedbythe
gate.
Igott
other
oom andMi
nni
ewaspeacef
ull
y
sl
eepi
ng.
Iquickl
ycall
edZachandhepi ckeduponthe
fi
rstri
ng,whichwasv eryfastonmybooks
becauseit'
smi dni
ght,Iexpectpeopl
etobei
n
thei
rdreamlandbyt hi
st i
me.
Me:HiZach,
Tysonsai
dIshoul
dtel
lyout
hathe
hascompany.
Zach:
shi
t,onmyway
.
Hedroppedthecal
landIl
aidnextt
oMi
nni
e,
cuddl
emy sel
fwit
hher.
Ifsomethi
ngcouldhappentoTysonorMinni
eI
couldneverf
orgi
vemy sel
fknowi
ngthatIput
them i
ndanger.
Icl
osedmyey
esandsai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.
Afterawhil
ethegunshotnoisedi
sappeared
andIpanicked,Idon'
tknowwhybecauseI
couldn'
twaitfori
ttoendbutnowI'
m mor e
scaredbecauseIdon'tknowwhathappened.
Il
ookatMi
nni
e,She'
ssti
l
lsl
eepi
ng.Shesurei
s
l
uckyt
obeabl
etosleepwit
hsuchnoise.
Someonemovedt
hedoorhandl
eandI
pani
cked,
myhear
twaspumpingver
yfast
.
Hi
m:Venusi
t'
sme.
Il
etoutasi
ghandopenedt
hedoor
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouguy
sokey
.
It
urnedandl
ookedatMi
nni
ethenr
ightbackat
hi
m.
Me:
We'
regood,
arey
ouokey
?.
Hi
m:y
es.
Hewal
kedoutandIf
oll
owedhi
m.
Ihear
dvoicesfr
om t
hedini
ngroom andwhen
wegotthere,
ther
ewastheseguysnjeandagi
rl
.
Fr
om al
loft
henIr
ecogni
sedSkhumbuzo.
..
Ama
nda'
sHusband.
Hi
m:Venus,
niceseei
ngy
ouagai
n.
Me:
Hi.
..
..
ever
yone.
Thel
adysmi
l
edatme.
Guy
1:I
'
m Zachandt
hisi
sCandi
cemywi
fe.
Ismi
l
edandgav
ethem myhandt
oshake.
Me:
Nicemeet
ingy
ou.
Il
ookedatTy
son.
SK:
Gott
ogoman.
Hef
istbumpedwi
thTy
son.
Andt
heyal
ll
eft
.
Imustsay ,Iexpectedthehousetobeamess
butithadnotev enasmal lscrat
ch.It
hought
Maxwasdanger ousbutbyt helookofthi
ngs
Tysonseemsmor edangerous.WhatdidIget
my sel
fint
o? .
[
Tyson]
Iwokeupinearl
yint
hemor ni
ngandgotready
.
IneedtopayMaxavisi
t.I
fhethi
nksthatt
he
l
itt
lest
unthepul
ledl
astni
ghtwil
lscareme
thenhehasanot
hert
hingcoming.
Venus:
Wher
eyougoi
ng.
Me:
Ihav
esomebusi
nesst
oat
tend.
Her
:you'
rel
eav
ingusal
one?
.
Me:
Not
hingwi
l
lhappen,
trustme.
Shegotcl
oserandhel
dmyar
m.
her
:Ty
sonpl
ease,
don'
tl
eav
e.
OnethingaboutVenusi
s,she'
seasi
lymoved.I
guessli
vingwit
hanabuseryourwholel
i
fecan
dothattoyou.
Me:
FineIwon'
t.
Igothercl
oseandhuggedher
.
Ireall
yneedtohaveachatwi
thMaxandsoon
ratherthenl
ate.
Me:HowaboutIcal
lCandi
ce,
int
hatwayy
ou
won'
tbeal
one.
Shenoddedandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Ical
l
edCandi
ceandwi
thi
nawhi
l
eshewasher
e
andIlef
t.
[
Venus]
Ireallydidn'twantTy sont oleave,Whatifthe
guy swhoar eattackedl astnightcameagai n
andf oundmeal onewi t
hMi nnie?.IknowIsaid
I'
l
l bef i
newi thCandicebutt hatisbecauseI
didn'twantt osoundl i
keacr ybabyandbesi des
I'
m notTy son'sproblem.
Candice:
So.
..
howl
onghav
eyouguy
sbeen
dat
ing?.
Me:
OhNo.
.wear
enotdat
ing.
Shel
ookedsur
pri
sed.
Her
:Iguessy
ouar
efr
iends?
.
OkeyIdon'
treal
l
yknowhowt
olabel
my
rel
ati
onshi
pwi
thTy
son,
I'
venev
err
eal
l
ythought
aboutit
.
Me:
emm j
ea,
youcoul
dsayt
hat
.
Shel
ookedatme.
Me:Hesavedmyli
feandemm I
'
m act
ual
l
y
f
ri
endswit
hhissi
ster
.
Her:ohhbythewayhowi
sAmandamanagi
ng
wit
ht henewbor
n.
Me:
Newbor
n?.
..
Shegav
ebi
rt
hal
ready
?
Shechuckl
ed.
Her
:you'
reherf
ri
endbuty
oudon'
tknow.
NowIwasreal
l
ytongueti
ed,Ty
sondi
dn'
ttel
l
meaboutAmandagiv
ingbi
rt
h.
Me:
Emm.
Ther
ewasaknockont
hedoor
.
Candi
cewentandopened.
Her
:MamaD.
Shesai
dinexci
tement
.
MamaD:
Hichi
l
d,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?.
Theywal
kedi
n,t
hedi
ningr
oom.
Her
:Ty
sonaskedmet
okeepVenuscompany
.
MamaD:
YoumustbeBongani
'
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
Bongani
?
Il
ookedatCandi
ce.
Her
:Ty
son.
Me:
ohNowear
ejustf
ri
ends.
MaaD:
exact
lywhatIsai
d,agi
rl
-f
ri
end.
Candi
ceandIl
aughed,
Thi
swomani
sfunny
.
[
Tyson]
Imademywayinsi
deMax
'shouse,
twoofhi
s
guy
sfol
lowedmein.
Hi
m:Fancymeet
ingy
ouher
eTy
son.
Me:Ibel
i
ev eyourbaboonswer
einmyhouse
l
astni
ght,nowIwonderwhybecauseIdon'
t
hav
ebananas.
Hi
m: ohreal
l
y..
..
Tysonl
et'
scutt
hings
st
rai
ght.
..
bri
ngbackthegi
rl
.
Me:
Whatgi
rl
?.
Him:st
oppl
ayi
nggames,
youknowt
her
ules
andshe'
smi
ne.
Me: Iknowt her
ulesbutshecamet
omeand
shest oppedbei
ngy our
stheti
meyouputa
bul
letonher .
Hi
m:She'
smywi
fe.
Me:I'
m goi
ngtosaythi
sonce,
stayawayfr
om
heranddon'
tyoudar
etryt
hestuntyoupul
l
ed.
Hi
m:I
fIcan'
thav
ehert
hennoonewi
l
l.
Me:YoumustknowbynowthatIdon'
twor
k
wel
lwitht
hreat
s,Doy
our
sel
faf av
ourandst
ay
away.
Iwal
kedaway
.andheshout
ed.
Hi
m:May
beIshoul
dcal
lSi
zwe.
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.
Iwal
kedcl
oserandhi
ssecur
it
ypul
l
edagun.
Me:
Cal
lhi
m whi
l
eyoust
il
lcan.
Imademywayoutt
omycarandcal
l
edZach.
Me:
Igott
hecarkey
s.
Hi
m:Per
fect
.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landmademywayhome.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
°
°
*
***
***
**9*
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Tysonwalkedi
nandf
orwhat
everr
easonIf
eel
atease.
Hi
m:ThePr
incessi
sgoneal
ready
?
Me:
yes,
shewasqui
etsadt
hatshe'
sleav
ing
especi
all
ywi
thoutseei
ngdaddydear
est
.
Hi
m:IguessI
'
llhav
etocal
lherbef
oreIsl
eep
t
hen.
Me:
Yesy
oudo.
Hi
m:Candi
ce,
thanksagai
n.
Her
:YouknowIgoty
ou.
shest
oodupat
tempt
ingt
oleav
e.
Me:Thankyou..
..
.f
orst
ayi
ngwi
thme.Ir
eal
l
y
appr
eci
atesit
.
Her
:Don'
tsweati
t.
Me:
I'
ll
wal
kyouout
.
Weappr
oachedt
hedoor
.
Hi
m:Tel
lZacht
hatani
ggaappr
eci
ates.
Her
:wi
l
lsur
edo.
Iwalkedhert
ohercarandl
eftwhenhercar
tookoff.
Icamebacki
nsi
deandTy
sonwaspour
inga
hi
msel
fadr
ink,
wit
hnoshi
rton.
Ist
oodt
her
eandadmi
redt
hebeaut
y.
Hi
m:Youknowst
arr
ingi
srude.
Hesai
dthatwi
thhi
sbackf
aci
ngme.
Me:
emm.
..
I'
l
lbei
nmyr
oom.
Hi
m:wai
t.
Ist
oppedandl
ookedathi
m.
Hewalkedcl
osert
ome,
looki
ngmest
rai
ghti
n
t
heeye.
Hegotsoclose,Icoul
dfeel
hisbody
t
emperat
ure,thewarmthinhim.
Isl
owl
ybr
eat
hout
.
Hecont
inuedl
ooki
ngatme.
ohhGodi ft
hisguydon' tstopri
ghtnow,my
hearti
sgoingtost op.Iknowhedi di
t
i
ntenti
onall
y,seducingmewi thhiseyesl
iket
his.
af
termyl
ongwai
t,hef
inal
l
yspokewi
thav
ery
sexyt
one.
Hi
m:Iboughty
ouy
ourbodycr
eam.
Heli
ft
edhi
shandwhi
chhadt
hecr
eam andI
shi
ft
edmyeyesf
rom hi
mtot
hecr
eam.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Isai
d,asIt
ookt
hecr
eam andwal
kedupst
air
s.
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
Thenextcomi ngdayswer er eal
lygood, No
att
acksorwhatsoev er.Iwouldstayal one
duri
ngt heday,Icoul
dn'tgobackt ot hehospit
al,
Iwasnotr eadysoinsteadIhel paroundasmal l
communi tycli
nicher
ei nKZN.Ty sonhasbeen
ver
ysuppor ti
veandsomet i
mesIwonderhow
hemanagedt ochangei nsuchashor tti
me,I
meant hefir
sttimeImethi m hewast hisbi
g
sel
fishman.
Hi
m:Themar
ksar
efadi
ng.
Hesai
dthatwhi
l
ebr
ushi
ngmyar
m wi
thhi
s
si
deofathumb.
Me:
Yest
heyar
e.
Ismi
l
ed.
Wewer
ewat
chi
ngsomer
eal
i
tyshowont
heTV.
Me:
Cany
oust
opt
hat
.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:What
?
Me:You'
rest
arr
ing,
andawi
semanoncesai
d
st
arr
ingi
srude.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Maybethatmanhasnev
erseent
his
beaut
y,i
tiswort
hstar
ri
ng.
Ibl
ushedandl
ookeddown.
Hi
sPhoner
angandhepi
ckedi
tup.
Me:
I'
ll
getussomet
hingt
odr
ink.
Henodded.
Hi
m:MamaD.
Her
:Yourpr
incessr
efuset
osl
eepbef
oreshe
t
alkst
oyou.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Gi
vehert
hephone.
Her
:Daddy
.
Hi
m:honey
,howar
eyou?
.
Her
:I'
m okeydaddybutImi
ssy
ou.
Him:Imissy outoopr
incessandyouknow
what?.
..
.daddyisgoi
ngtof et
chyouwhenhei
s
notworkingokey?.
Her
:OkeyDaddy
,IsCandywi
thy
ou?
Hi
m:Candy
?
Her
:aunt
iVenus.
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:Ohhshe'
sher
ebaby
,hol
don.
Hesi
gnal
edf
ormet
otaket
hephone.
Me:
pumpki
n,Ihopey
ou'
vebeenagoodgi
rl
.
Her
:YesCandyIhav
e.
Me:
That
'sgoodt
ohear
.
sheconti
nuedtel
l
ingmestori
esaboutal
most
ever
ythi
ngti
llt
hecall
ended,
wellIt
hinkMamaD
ranoutofai
rt
ime.
Hi
m:Sher
eal
l
yli
kesy
ou.
Ismi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Candy
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Ipl
ayf
ull
ypunchedhi
m.
Me:
hey
,onl
yMi
nni
ecal
l
smet
hat
.
Hi
m: Shegaveyouanameandnowy
ouhav
e
t
hree.
..
I'
m Jeal
ousPal
esa.
Il
ookedathi
m ashesmi
l
esandIshakemy
head.
Me:Wellwhat'
sitgonnabe,
Teaor
Cof
fee?
..
..Bongani
.
Isai
dthatwhi
l
epluggingt
heket
tl
eonandhe
l
ookedatmesurpri
sed.
Hi
m:I
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lMamaD.
Il
aughedandhemadehi
swayt
owar
dsme.
Me:
What
'swr
ongBongani
.
Il
aughedandhet
ickl
edmewhi
chmademe
l
aughmore.
Me:
okey
,okeyI
'
llst
op.
..
.Bongani
.
Heat
temptedti
ckl
ingmeagainandItr
ied
r
unni
ngbutalmostfel
lwhenhehel
d,prev
ent
ing
mefr
om fal
li
ng.
Iam ver
yclosetohimy etagai
nandIl
ookathi
s
l
ipsthi
stime,Idon'
tknowwhybutIjustl
ook.
Hi
m:I
'
llhav
ecof
fee.
hel
etgoofmeandgosi
tont
hecouch.
Af
terashor
twhi
l
eIbr
inghi
m hi
scof
fee.
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
HemakesspaceformebutIsti
l
lsi
tri
ghtnext
t
ohim wi
thmyleglockedi
nhis.
Helooksatmeandsmi
l
es.
Ijustkeepast
rai
ght
f
ace.
Ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
neunt
ilt
henewsbr
oadcast
aboutMax.
Ij
umpandt
aket
her
emot
eandi
ncr
easet
he
vol
ume.
|
|||
|MrKhany i
lewasf oundbyot herr oadusers
unconsciousaf t
erhiscarspiraloutcontroland
hitapolebyAl exandraroadtwoweeksago.Mr
Khanyil
ewasi nint
ensiv
ecar eallalongand
thoughhe'soutofdangerhe' sst i
l
linahospi t
al
bed.Hebel i
eveshiscarwast emper edwithand
he'sgi
vingar ewardtoany onewi t
hi nfo|
|
||
|
Me:
ExcuseMe.
Ist
oodup.
Hi
m:Venusar
eyouokey
?
Me:
YesIj
ust
..
.Ij
ustwantt
orest
.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowtoreact.
..
.Ihadabsol
utel
yno
emoti
onstowar
dst
his,Idi
dn'tknowwhethert
o
behappyorsad.
Damnit!
.he'
sinahospit
albedandy
etIfeel
he
st
il
lhassomuchcontrolt
owardsmyli
fe.
[
Tyson]
Imustsay ,t
hat'
snothowIexpect edVenusto
reacttothenewsbuthey ,Iguessitt
ookherby
shock,I'
m sureaft
ershe'sdigest
edthenews
she'l
ll
ookt othebri
ghterside.
Iwasintheki
tchenmakingcoffeewhenshe
walkedi
n,al
ldressedup,shehadasmallbag
wit
hher.
Me:
You'
reupear
ly.
Her
:yes.
..
emm Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep.
Me:
night
mar
es?
.
Her:
No..
.notr
eal
ly
,Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ngabout
t
hiswhol
eMaxt hi
ng.
Me:
oh,
arey
ougoi
ngsomewher
e?.
Her
:Emm.
Icoul
dtel
lshewant
edtosaysomet
hingbut
l
ookedli
keshedi
dn'
tknowhowtosayit.
Her
:I
'm goi
ngt
oMax.
Imustsay
,shehi
tmebysur
pri
se?
.
Me:
goi
ngt
oMax?
.
Her
:Yes.
..
Ineedt
oseehi
m..
.Heneedsme.
Thisgi
rlgottobekiddi
ng,Iwentt
hroughso
muchtryingtoprot
ecther
, ev
enputmy
daught
er'sli
fei
ndanger.
Il
ostmycool
.
Me:
Heneedsy
ou?
..
.pl
easesayy
ou'
rej
oki
ng.
Her
:okeyt
hatcameoutwr
ong.
Me:I'
l
ltel
lyouwhati
swrong.
..
it
'sy
our
unni
ng
backtoMaxlikeasi
ckpuppy
.
Her
:okeyt
hatwasuncal
l
edf
or.
Wewer
ebot
hshout
ing.
Me:
fine,
getoutofmyhouseanddon'
tyouev
er
comeback.
Her
:Ty
sonl
i
sten.
Me:Noyouli
sten,
you'
reaself
ishungr
atef
ul
humanbei
ngandy oudi
sgustmenxi.
Her
:Ty
son.
Me:NoVenus,whatwil
lhappenifhet
ri
est
oki
l
l
you,
andsucceedthi
sti
mear ound.
Her
:Whydoy
oucar
e?.
Iwast
iedoft
ryi
ngt
oreasonwi
thher
.
Igotcl
osert
oher
.
Me:
you'
rer
ight
,Idon'
tcar
e.
Shewasi
ntear
sbutIcoul
dn'
tcar
eless.
Me:
Youcangobackt
oyourdar
li
nghusband.
Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
ethenl
eft
.
Damni
t!
.
Isai
dthatwhi
l
ebangi
ngt
hedoor
.
[
08/
29,
06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
*
***
***
***
**10*
***
***
***
[
Venus]
Idon'tunderstandwhyTysoni
ssomadover
thi
sthing.AllIwanti
stogoandseeMax
personall
y,Ineedtogetr
idoft
hehol
dhehas
onme.
Ican'
tevenbehappybecauseev eryti
meIt r
yto
openupt osomeoneIt hinkofwhathedi dto
me.Iknowt hatnotall
peoplearet hesamebut
that
'showitstartr
ight
?,Wi t
hsomeone
showingyouloveandcar eandaf t
erawhi l
e
theychangeandshowy outhei
rtruecolour
s.
Iam notreadyt ogothr
oughthatagain,I
'v
e
suffer
edenoughpai ntolastmealif
et i
me.
Tysonisar eall
ygoodguybutaren'
ttheyallar
e
atthebegining?.
.LookatMax,Heusedt obe
thi
ssweett eddybearbutHe,Heshotmeand
l
eftmet
odi
e.
I
'
mr eal
lygrat
eful
forwhatTy
sondi
dbutIt
hink
i
t'
sbett
erthedogy ouknowt
henanewone.
Ist
oodbythedooratMax'
swar
d,Hewas
sl
eepi
ng.
Apartofmewantedtotaket
hatpill
owandend
hi
sli
febutIr
est
rainedmysel
f.Iat
tempt
ed
wal
ki
ngoutwhenhewokeup.
Hi
m:Venus.
It
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.
Hi
m:Venus,
you'
reher
e.
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thnoemot
ions.
Hi
m:Venus,
PleaseI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
Why
?WhyMax?
..
.whatdi
dIdot
oyou?
.
Him: Iwasjust..
.Iknowit'
snoexcusebutI
want edchil
drensobadl yand.
..
andwheny ou
couldn'tbar
et hem Igotangry
,IwashurtandI
reactedonemot i
ons.
Me:
Hur
t?.
.
Tear
sjustf
ell
downmycheek.
Me: Hur
t? .
..
Iwastheonewhohadt osurvi
ve
thr
eemi scarri
ages,t
hree!
..
Inev
erhitorcal
lyou
names,y ouknowwhy ?
Hej
ustl
ookedatme.
Me:becauseitwasnotyourfaul
tjustl
i
keitwas
notmine,Butyou.
..
yout
reatedmel i
kedir
t.
Hi
m:VenusI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Wellsorr
yisnotgoingtohelpmegetany
bet
terbecauseeventhoughyoufail
edtokil
lme
phy
sical
lybutemotional
lyyousucceeded.
Iwantedchil
drenjustl
i
keyoubutr
ightnowI
am reall
ygr
ateful
thatGodmadethingstheway
theyare.
Hi
m: VenusI'
llchange,I
'
llgethel
p..
..
.anyt
hing
j
ustdon'
t..
.pl
easedon'tl
eav eme.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandst
oodup.
Me:you'l
lnev
erchangeMaxwell
,youar
ea
dog.
..
alwayshavebeenandal
way swi
ll
be.
..
.
Hi
m:Venus,
Ihav
enoone.
Il
ookedathi
m andst
oodupandl
eft
,wi
thhi
m
shout
ingmyname.
Iwentt
other
ecept
ionandaskedf
orhi
sdoct
er.
Me:
Hisi
r,I
'
m MrKhany
il
e'
shusband.
Him:ohI'
m gl
adyoucametovisi
t,di
dhesay
somethi
ngtoyouabouthi
shospi
talbi
ll
?.
Me:
No.
..
whatabouti
t?
Him:Hismedicalai
disnotuptodateand
ther
efor
eitcan'
tpay,soheneedtopayout
cash.
Me:well
hehasmoneyI
'
m sur
ethatwon'
tbea
pr
oblem.
Him:excepthedoesn'
ttr
ustnobodyt
ogi
ve
accesstothemoney.
Me:
That
'semm st
range.
..
didn'
thi
swi
fev
isi
t
hi
m?.
Hi
m:It
houghty
ousai
dyouar
ethewi
fe.
Me:
NoImeant
heseni
orwi
fe.
Hi
m: ohh,No.
..
apar
tfr
om j
our
nal
i
stsnoonehas
vi
sit
edhim.
Me:
Isee.
Him: Well
I'
m gl
adyou'
reher
e,heneedst
osort
outthemoneyissuesowecancarryonwit
h
thesurgery
.
Me:
Sur
ger
y?
Him:Yes,
weneedt
ocuthi
slef
tleg,
it'
stoo
damaged.
Me:
OK,
I'
ll
tal
ktohi
m.Thanky
ou.
Iwentbackt
oMax'
swar
d.
Hi
sfaceli
ghtsupwhenheseesmeent erthe
r
oom.Idon'tknowwhat
'sgoingonthatfil
thy
mindofhi
sbutheshoul
dn'tgetanyfunnyideas.
Hi
m:y
ou'
reback,
thanky
ou.
Me:
Thedoct
erneedsy
out
opayupf
ront
,bef
ore
t
hesur
ger
y.
Hi
m:I
'
m wor
kingoni
t.
Me:
giv
ethepi
n,I
'
llgett
hemoney
.
Hehesi
tat
es.
Hi
m:Venus,
youhat
eme.HowcanIbesur
e
t
haty
ouwon'ti
l
lusemymoney
?
Me:
That
'st
her
isky
ou'
l
lhav
etot
ake.
Hel
ooksatme.
Me: Yousaidyou'
rechanged,thatmeansyou'
l
l
star
trespecti
ngmeandy oushouldknowby
nowt hatI
'm nogoal
digger.
Hegi
vesmethepinandIhaveagoodi deaof
t
aki
ngall
hismoneyfr
om him butIdon'
t.
.
.
[
Tyson]
ThedayIchasedVenusoutIt houghtshe'
d
comebackandwe' dfi
xthi
ngs,maybegeta
chancetot
ellherthatIl
oveherbutshedidn'
t,
I
guessshesti
l
l l
ovesMax.
Iwaschill
i
ngwit
htheguy
saf
terwat
chi
nga
soccergame.
Zach:
Iwi
shmyst
udent
swer
easqui
etasy
ou.
Skhumbuzol
aughsandt
apmyback.
Zachi
sauni
ver
sit
ypr
ofessor
.
Everyguyinmycr ewhol dsaqual
ifi
cati
onin
di
f f
erentpr
ofessi
on.Skhumbuzoi saDocter
andIam al awyer.ShakesandTDbot hown
Tradingcompaniesandt heyco-
headtheother
crewi nNamimbia.
SK:
Ican'
tbel
i
eveVenusgoty
ousohooked.
Me:Whateverman,inf
actIthi
nki
t'
sbestshe
l
eftourr
elat
ionshi
pwouldcausealotof
confl
i
ct.
SK:
Eit
herway
,Thumbsupf
orput
ti
ngMaxi
n
t
hatbed,
thatol
dmanannoy
stheshi
toutofme.
Zach:
Weshoul
dst
ayal
ert
,Wej
ustst
art
edwar
.
Myphoner
ings.
Me:Havetogo.
..
.I
'm meeti
ngupwi
thMamaD
andMinni
eforl
atelunch.
Wef
istbumpandI
'
m out
.
[
Venus]
Maxwasr
eall
ymaki
ngpr
ogressandIwas
st
ayi
ngwi
thhimi
nourol
dhouse.
TodayIwokeupwithreal
l
ygoodnews,My
appli
cati
ontoNet
careHospi
tal
inPr
etor
iawas
successful
.
Me:
Maxwel
.
Hest
opeat
ingandl
ookatme.
It
akeoutt
hedocument
sandpasst
hem t
ohi
m.
Hi
m:What
'st
his?
Me:
div
orcepaper
s.
Hi
m:Venus.
Me:
YousaidifIst
ayti
ll
your
ecov
ery
ou'
dgi
ve
mewhatIwant,t
hisi
sit
.
Hel
etoutasi
ghandsi
gnt
hepaper
s.
Me:andtomor
rowI
'
m goi
ngt
oPr
etor
iaIf
ound
aj
obt her
e.
Hi
m:Venusy
oudon'
thav
etol
eav
e.
Me:
Iwantt
o.
Ist
oodupandwentt
ofini
shpacki
ng.Ihav
eto
seeTy
sonbefor
eIl
eave.
Thedr
ivetohi
splacewasveryshor
t,ormay
be
i
t'
sbecauseIwasveryner
vous.
Il
etoutasi
ghwhenIseehi
scarpar
kedatt
he
dr
iveway
.
Iknockasev
eral
timesbef
oreheopens.
Hewasshi
rt
lessandl
ookedsurpr
isedt
osee
me,
moreli
kehedidn'
texpectt
oseeme.
Hi
m:Venus.
Me:
Hey
,canwet
alk?
.
Hi
m:Venuscanwedot
hissomeot
hert
i.
..
Icuthi
ssent
enceandshootany
way
s.
Me:
TysonIl
ovey
ou.
Gi
rl
:Ty
,whoi
sit
?
Thesamewhit
eladywal
kdownt
hest
air
s
hal
fnaked.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
11*
***
***
**
[
Venus]
IwantedTy
sontosaysomet
hing,
any
thi
ngbut
i
nsteadhej
ustl
ookedatme.
Lady
:Ty
son?
Iguessshewaswai
ti
ngf
oranexpl
anat
ionf
rom
Ty
son.
Iwi
pedt
het
earonmycheekandsni
ff
le.
Me:
Iguess.
..
Wor
dsf
ail
edme.
IknewthenthatIhav
etowalkawaybecausei
f
Idaresayawordtearswil
lj
ustr
oam down
embarrassi
ngmemor ethanIam al
ready
.
It
urnedandwal
kedaway
.
Ican'tevenbegintoexplai
nhowst upi
dIfel
t,
ButthenWhatdi dIexpectfrom aguyli
ke
Tyson, gi
rl
sgocr azywhentheyseehim and
wellheent er
tai
nst hem.Godwhyam Iso
emot i
onal?.
Youknowthefeel
ingwhenyou'
ret
ryi
ngsohard
nottocr
ybuttear
sjustf
all
downanyway,
that
'
s
exact
lywhatwashappeni
ng.
Max:
Venus,
mydearwhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
nott
odaypl
easeMax.
Hi
m:Deart
alkt
ome.
..
whyar
eyoucr
ying?
.
Ij
usti
gnor
edhi
m andwentt
ogetmyl
aggage.
Hi
m:Hey,
Ithoughty
ousai
dyou'
regoi
ng
t
omorr
ow.
Me:
WellI
'm goi
ngtoday,
I'
m al
l
owedt
ochange
mymindnowaren'
tI?.
Hi
m:Venus,
mywi
fe.
..
tal
ktome.
Me:
Exwi
fe.
It
ookmybagsandputt
hem i
nmycar
.
Hi
m:Pl
easedon'
tgol
i
ket
his.
Isl
owl
ybr
eat
hout
.
Me:
ByeMaxwel
l
.
Ist
art
edt
hecarandt
ookof
f.
Iwantedtobef
arawayf
rom ev
ery
oneand
ever
ythi
ng.
Iwantednothi
ngtoremindmeofmypast
Tyson,Maxwell
,ev
eryt
hingandIknowPr
etor
ia
i
snott
hatf
arbuti
t'
sast
art
.
Al
lI'
m pl
anni
ngondoi
ngi
stof
ocusonme.
[
Tyson]
Callmecr azybutIj ustdidn'tknowwhatt osay
orhowt osayi tr
ather.Ireall
ydidn'twanttosay
somet hingthatwilloffendSandy ,Imeanshe's
notmygi r
lf
riendbutIhadj usthadsexwi t
hher,
Ican'tjustbechasingheroutbecauseof
anothergirl
.
NotthatIwant
edtohurtVenus,Idon'
teven
knowhowt oexpl
aint
hiswithoutsoundi
ngli
ke
aplayer
.
Sandy
:Ty
son.
Me:
Mhh.
Her
:Iaskedy
oui
fyou'
l
lbeabl
etoat
tendt
he
meeti
ng?.
Me:
Whatmeet
ing?
Her
:Shar
ehol
der
smeet
ing.
Me:
ohj
eaIwi
l
lfl
yther
etomor
row.
Sandyi smyper sonalassist
anceinthel awfi
rm
thatI'
m wor ki
ngin,inPretor
ia.Westarted
havingsex, wel
lIcan'trememberbuti thas
beenal ongt i
me, Sheunderstandst
hatour
rel
ationshpisstri
ctlyaboutsex,not
hingmor e
nothingless.
Her
:owkt
hen.
If
akedasmi
l
e.
Her
:Doy
oul
oveher
.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Thegir
lfr
om ear
li
er,
she'
ssamegi
rlwho
wal
kedinonusri
ght?.
Me:
Yesshei
s.
Her
:Doy
oul
oveher
?.
Me:
Sandyi
t'
smor
ecompl
i
cat
edt
hent
hat
.
Her
:thenuncompl
i
cat
eit
.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:WhatIcant
ell
youi
s,I
'
venev
ersl
eptwi
th
her
.
Thoughwear eonanostri
ngsatt
ached
rel
ati
onship,wemader ul
estoneversl
eepwit
h
otherpeopleatthesametimewe'
resleepi
ng
together
.
Shesmi
l
ed,
fai
ntl
y.
Her:Nor ulesbr
okenhey.
..
...
Tysonwealso
agreedthatwewi l
lnotst
andi neachot
hers
way ssoify oul
oveherwhichIbeli
evey
oudo,
youshoul dgoforher
.
Il
ookedather
,sur
pri
sed.
Me:You'rer
eal
l
yani
cewoman,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
o
di
srespecty
ouasawoman.
Her
:it
'sokey
,befree.
..
.ImustsayI
'
vebeen
f
eel
ingabittr
appedmy sel
f.
Shel
aughed.
Me:
You'
reamazi
ng.
Her
:St
opsay
ingt
hat
,Imi
ghtbel
i
evei
t.
Webot
hlaughed.
Her
:Iguesst
hisi
smyquet
oleav
e.
Webi
dgoodby
eandshel
eft
.
I
twasaf
ter
noonandi
twassoqui
et.
Ever
y t
hingIlookedataroundthehousewould
remindmeofVenus, fr
om theket
tl
e,shelov
es
coff
eet otheTV, herobsessi
onsaboutr
eali
ty
shows.
Il
aidi
nmybedandt houghtabouthowmessed
upever
ythi
ngwas.
[
Venus]
Bythet
imeIgotherel
astni
ghti
twasver
ylat
e
soIwentt
omyhot elr
oom andsl
ept
.
Iwantedtosl
eept hewholeweekorbet
tery
et
beinaComma, anythi
ngt
otakeawaythepain
butIcan'
tdothat,Ihavet
ogotowork.
Iwokeuppr
epar
edmy
sel
fandwentt
othe
hospi
tal
.
Amanda:
Lookwho'
sback.
Weshar
edahug.
Me:MhImi ssyouandy
oul
ookt
o
beaut
if
ul.
..
.no
wIseewhatt
heymeantabouty
oubei
ngat
wo
sl
i
ce.
Webot
hlaughed.
Her
:I'
m gl
adyou'r
ebackandy
ou'
rej
usti
nti
me
f
orthepar
tyoftheyear
.
Me:
who'
sagei
ng?
Her
:wel
li
t'
sMi
ke'
sengagementpar
ty.
Me:
Mike!
Her
:Yeshef
inal
l
ypoppedt
hequest
ion.
Wow!t
hatwas,
unexpect
ed.
Idi
dn'
tev
enbot
heraski
ngwho'
sthegi
rl
.
Me:
Wow,
congr
atst
ohi
m.
Idon'
tl
oveMi ke,
atl
eastnotinthatwhybutI
mustsaythesenewswere..
..
..
Idon'tknowwhat
tocal
li
t.
[
Tyson]
Ideci
dedtodri
vetoMax'
spl
ace,Ineedt
osee
Venus,wehadalott
otal
kabout
.
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:She'
snotwi
thy
ou?
Me:
don'
tfuckwi
thmeMax,
wher
eisshe?
.
Him: She'
ssl
eepi
nganddoesn'
twantt
obe
bothered.
It
ookoutmygunandhegotscar
ed.
Me:
ther
ear
enogui
des,
noonewi
l
lsav
eyou.
Him:thenKi
l
l,r
uiny
ourchancesofev
erf
indi
ng
her.
Hechuckl
ed.
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edSandy
.
Me:seemsl
i
keIwon'
tbemaki
ngi
ttot
he
meeti
ng.
Her
:I'
l
linf
orm ot
her
s..
..
IguessI
'
llf
lyal
onet
hen.
Me:
Tal
klat
er.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Me:Ar
ewegoi ngt
odot
hist
heeasywayort
he
har
d?Igotal
lday.
Hel
ookedatmewi
thasmi
rk,
Igotmor
eangr
ier
.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
**12*
***
***
*
{
Shor
t-
I'
l
ltr
ytopostanot
heronet
oni
ght
}
[
Venus]
Amanda:
Venuswhat
'
swr
ongt
alkt
ome.
Me:whywoul
dyout
hinkt
her
e'ssomet
hing
wr
ong?
Her:
You'
reawful
lyqui
et,y
oudon'
twanttogo
homeandhoneyyoureyesar
eredandthat
meansyou'
vebeencry
ing.
Me: ComeonAmanday ouknowI '
m notonet
o
tal
ktoomuchandbesidesIratherbehere
hel
pingpati
ent
sthent
ositinthathotelr
oom al
l
bymy sel
f.
Her
:andt
heey
es?
.
Ikeptqui
etandj
ustl
ookedather
.
Her
:youknowyoucant
alkt
omeabout
any
thi
ngri
ght?
..
.
Me:
yesIknowbutr
ightnowI
'
drat
hernot
.
Her
:isi
tMax?
Ir
aisedmyv
oiceal
i
ttl
e
Me:
Amandapl
ease.
Me:
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
hat
.
Igostandbythewindow, l
ookingatt
hecars
out
sideandtheli
ghts.Foramomentt her
eI'
m
l
ostinmythoughtsuntilSkhumbuzomakeshis
wayin.
Hi
m:Babyhav
eyouseenVen.
.
It
urned.
Hi
m:OhGoody
ou'
reher
e.
Hewasbreat
hingv
eryf
unny
,mor
eli
kehehas
beenr
unni
ng.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon.
Him:Ineedyout
ocal
lTy
sonandt
ell
himt
hat
you'
reali
ve.
Me:
what
?why
?
Hi
m:Hewental
lbal
ast
iconMax
,het
hinkst
hat
Maxki
l
ledy
ou.
Amanda:
ohhNo.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Hi
m:Venusj
ustcal
lhi
m.
Ir
unt
ogetmyphonei
nmyof
fi
ce.
SkhumbuzoandAmandaar
ewai
ti
ng
i
mpatient
ly.
Me:
He'
snotpi
cki
ngup.
Hi
m:Fuck.
Letmet
extZach.
Hefocusesonhi
sphonewhi
leItr
ycall
ing
Ty
sonagainbuthesendsmestr
aightt
ovoice
mail
.
Me:
Amandawhat
'sgoi
ng.
Her:Ty
sonisgoi
ngtoki
l
lMax,
that
'
sifhe
hasn'
tdonei
talr
eady
.
Me:
ohMyGod.
Him:Baby,pl
easebr
ingt
hecarar
ound,Ineed
youtodri
veustowhereZachi
smeetingus
wit
htheJet.
Her
:I'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Hi
m:Nobabyi
t'
sdanger
ous.
Her
:Hei
smybr
other
.
We'rer
ushingaroundthecorr
idorwi
thpeopl
e
l
ookingatus,OrIshouldsayAmandaand
Skhumbuzoast heyar
ear gui
ng.
Him:Babypl
ease,
youneedt
ogohomet
oour
sonokey.
Shedecidest
olethi
m bebutIcoul
dtel
lshe'
s
nothappy.
Wegettowhatl
ooksaground,I
twasnot
act
ual
l
yagroundjustahugeopenspace.
Wegost
rai
ghtt
otheJet
.
Her
:It
houghty
ou'
regoi
ngwi
thZach.
Him:Hehast
ost
aybehi
ndandgetaf
ewt
hings
sort
edout
.
Me:
Whatt
hing?onsecondt
hought
sdon'
ttel
l
me.
Her
:soy
ou'
l
ljustgoal
one?nobackup?
Hi
m:Babyhav
efai
thi
nyourman.
Shesemi
-smi
l
es.
Her
:Besaf
e.
Sheki
sshi
m.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo
wet
ookof
f.
Wi
thi
naf
ewmi
nut
eswear
einsi
deMax
'shouse.
Hi
m:Hi
sCari
snother
e.
Me:
that
'sst
range.
Ir
ushi
nsi
deshout
ing.
Me:
Tyson.
Iturnthel
ight
sonandcheckev
eryr
oom but
he'snothereandsoi
sMax .
Me:
Theyar
enother
e.
SK:
I'
ll
checkt
hegar
age.
If
oll
owedhi
m.
SK:
nother
eei
ther
,thi
scan'
tber
ight
.
Me:
whatnow?
SK:
Let
'
sgetoutofher
e.
Wewal
kpastt
heki
tchen.
Me:
ohMyGodbl
ood.
Hewal
kscl
osert
ochecki
tout
.
Me:
Whyi
sther
esomuchbl
ood.
Hi
sphoner
ingandhet
akesi
tout
.
Hi
m:Hel
l
o.
Ty
son:
SK,
ther
e'ssomet
hingy
ouneedt
ohear
.
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?
Whi
sper
ing.
Me:
Ist
hatTy
son?
Ty
:I'
mint
hewar
ehouse.
Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ng.
Hel
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Ineedt
hekey
soft
hecarout
side.
Me:
Theyshoul
dbe.
..
.ohher
etheyar
e.
Igav
ethem t
ohi
m.
Hewal
kedoutandIf
oll
owedhi
m.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Hi
m:Ineedy
out
otakeherback.
Tal
ki
ngt
otheguyi
nsi
det
heJet
.
Me:
NoI
'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Hi
m:Venusi
t'
snotsaf
e.
Me:Soisleav
ingme,
whati
fsomet
hing
happens.
Hest
opt
othi
nkf
orasecond.
Hi
m:Okeyf
ine.
Wedr ovei
nthemiddleofthewoods,toaplace
wherether
ewerenohousesj ustonebi
g
bui
ldi
ngwhichlookedoldandabondened.
Hi
m:St
ayi
nsi
det
hiscar
.
Het
ookoutagunandgav
eitt
ome.
Hi
m:I
'
llbebacki
nami
nut
e.
Il
ookedoutt
hewi
ndowandsawTy
son'
scar
.
Me:
Tysoni
sher
e?
Hi
m:Venusf
ocus.
Il
ookedbackathi
m.
Him:Takethi
sgunandyoust
ayi
nsi
det
hiscar
unti
lIt
ell
youtomove.
Me:
Fine.
[
Tyson]
Ihear
dsomeoneopeni
ngt
hedoorIknewi
twas
Sk.
Hi
m:Ty
,what
'sup.
Wefi
stbumpandIt
ooksomewat
erandpur
ed
i
tonMax.
Heshr
ingesi
npai
n.
Igav
ehi
m ahel
lofbeat
ing.
Me:
Star
ttal
ki
ng.
Hecoughsandbr
eat
houtheav
il
y.
Hi
m:I
'
m nott
heonewhoki
l
ledKhany
i.
SKl
ookedatmef
orf
urt
herexpl
anat
ion.
Me:
Expl
ainy
oursel
f.
SK:
youl
i
ed.
..
.why
?
Him:Idi
dn'
t,Idi
dfor
cemysel
fonherandIshot
herbutnoti
nthehead.
SK:
Thenwhoshothert
odeat
h?
Hi
m:Si
zwe.
Skhumbuzol
osthi
scool
andpunchedhi
min
hi
sface.
Hewasshout
ing.
SK:youwer
ecov
eri
ngf
ort
hatbar
sted?what
for
?.
Hi
m:Hei
smybr
otherIhadt
osav
ehi
m.
Me:
Wel
lbr
otheri
snother
etosav
eyou,
I
cl
ockedmygun.
SK:
TysonDon'
t.
..
.
Ipul
ledt
hetr
iggerbef
orehecoul
dfi
nishhi
s
sent
ence.
Voi
ce:
ahhh.
.
Webot
htur
nedandIsawVenus.
Shedr
oppedsomet
hingonthef
loorandput
bot
hherhandsi
nhermouth.
Shestart
edmovi
ngbackwar
dssl
owl
y,Shewas
shockedli
ket
hat
.
Me:
Venus.
Shelookedatmet
henatMaxwhohadhi
shead
hangeddownandshest
art
edr
unni
ngaway.
Il
ookedatSK.
Me:
youhadt
obr
ingherwi
th?
.
Hi
m:Shei
nsi
sted.
Me:
man!
.
Idr
oppedt
hegunandwentaf
terher
.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
.
.
*
***
***
***
**13*
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Aft
eranhourofrunni
ngar
oundt
hebushIst
op
tocat
chmybr eat
h.
Realit
ystar
tstokickint
hatI'
m al
oneinav ery
darkplacethatiknownothi
ngabout,Ican'
t
evenmakeouti fi'
minnorthorwest.Istar
t
cryi
ngbecauseinhonesttrut
hI'
m scaredandi
don'tknowwhyIdecidedtoruninthefir
st
pl
ace.
ThentheimageofTy sonshooti
ngMaxpl aysin
mymi nd,Howcanhebesohear t
less.Hejust
murderedsomeoneincoldbloodand...
.andHe
showsnosi gnsofr
egret.
Itakemyphoneoutofmypocket ,Amandais
theonlyoneIcouldthi
nkofr i
ghtnow,Ineedto
getoutofthi
sbushbef oresomethingter
ri
ble
happenstome, Ican'
tdie.atl
eastnotnow.
Me:
Amanda!
Her
:Venus,
wher
ear
eyouguy
s?
Me;Idon'
tknowIl
eftSkhumbuzoandTy
soni
n
somebuil
ding.
Her
:lef
tthem?
..
..
why
?
Ist
art
edsobbi
ng.
Me:Hekil
l
edhim Amanda,
hej
ustst
oodt
her
e
andshothim.
Icoul
dn'
thel
pitbutcr
y.
Her
:Venuswher
ear
eyounow?
Me:Idon'tknowI
'
mint hemiddl
eoft
hewoods
and.
..
.andAmandaI'
m scar
ed.
Her
:cal
m downhoney
,cany
ouseet
hebui
l
ding?
Me:
No,
I'
vebeenr
unni
ngf
orqui
etsomet
ime
now.
Her
:Venusl
ist
en,
youhav
etogobackt
othe
war
ehouse.
Me:what
?No..
..
I'
vej
ustwi
tnessedcr
ime,
Idon'
t
wantt
odie.
Her:comeony
ouknowt
hatTy
soncoul
dnev
er
ki
ll
you.
Me:
sti
l
l,I
'
m nott
aki
ngchances.
Ihear
dsomenoise,
li
kesomeoneorsomet
hing
wasmakingawaytowar
dsme.
Me:
ohMyGodsomeonei
scomi
ng.
Her:
Venusl
i
stentome,I
t'
snotsaf
eoutther
e
youhav
etogobacktot
hewarehouse.
Idi
dn'tpaymuchattenti
ontowhatshewas
say
ing,Ipani
ckedandst ar
tedr
unni
ngti
ll
icame
acr
osswhatlookedlikeaboundary
.
Me:
shi
t!I
'
m st
uck.
Il
ookedar
ound,
sear
chi
ngf
oranot
herpat
h.
Iheardnoises,i
twassl
ightl
yaroarand
whateveri
twasIcouldtell
thatt
hereare
dangerouscreatur
esar
oundhere.
It
ookoffmyj
erseyandwr
appedi
nar
oundmy
waist
.
Ifr
eakedoutwhenIhear
dfoot
steps
approachi
ng.
Iknowit'
scrazybutIstar
tedthi
nkingaboutthe
mov i
e"WrongTurn".
..
andhowt hoseinnocent
peoplewerekil
l
edandeat en,
calli
tparanoi
abut
that
'showscaredIwas.
Isatdown,cuddledmykneesandburi
edmy
faceinthem,whateveri
tist
hatget
stoki
l
lme.I
don'twanttoseeit
.
Hi
m:Venus.
Irai
sedmyheadandseehim st
andingr
ighti
n
fr
ontofmewithalongt
hicksti
ck.
i
don'
tknowbutf
orsomer
easonI
'
m gladhe
f
oundme,Ij
umpupandwrapmyarmsaround
hi
sneck.Sur
pri
singl
yhehugsmeback,
tight
ly
andIf
eelsaf
e.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgetoutofher
e.
Hehol
dsmyhandandwewal
kback.
Onourway
,we'r
ebot
hawfullyqui
etandI
deci
det
ostar
taconv
ersat
ion.
Me:
so.
..
..
.ar
eyougoi
ngt
oki
l
lme?
Hel
ooksatmeandchuckl
e.
Hi
m:whydoy
out
hinki
wantt
oki
l
lyou?
Me:Iwitnessedacr
ime,onethaty
ou
committedandasaLawy ery
ouknowhow
wit
nessescanhelporrui
ncases.
Hegi
vesmeasi
desmi
l
e.
Hi
m:Whyar
eyoul
i
mpi
ng?
Me:
Ihur
tmyl
egt
het
imeIwasr
unni
ng.
Heunexpect
edl
ypi
ckmeup.
Iscr
eam becausef
oramomentt
her
eit
hought
hewant
edt
ohur
tmeorsomet
hing.
Hi
m:Venusj
ustr
elax.
Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
Youst
il
lhav
en'
tanswer
edmyquest
ion.
Hi
m:Doyouthi
nkI'dr
unaroundthebush
l
ooki
ngf
oryoujustsoIcanki
ll
you?
Me:
asi
mpl
eyesorno.
helooksi
rr
it
atedbutei
therwayI'
dli
ketoknow
whatmyfutur
elooksli
keaccordi
ngtohim.
Hi
m:No.
HeputmedownandSkhumbuzomakeshi
s
waytowar
dsus.
Sk:
Glady
ou'
reokey
.
If
akedasmi
l
e.
Sk:
Itookcar
eoft
hebody
.
Hi
m:Thanky
oubr
o!
Theyshakehandsandsi
dehug.
Ty
sonopenhi
scardoorf
orme.
Me:
I'
ll
dri
vewi
thSkhumbuzo.
Hel
ooksatmeandIf
oldmyar
ms.
ScaredasIam ofhimri
ghtnowbutther
e'sno
wayi'mlet
tinghi
m seet
hatother
wisehe'
llj
ust
bul
lymear ound.
Hi
m:Fi
ne.
Ihopinsi
demax'
scarandSkhumbuzoandI
dri
vebacktot
heKhanyi
ler
esidencewi
thTy
son
fol
lowi
ngus.
Me:
I'
ll
taket
hekey
sbacki
nsi
de.
Skhumbuzonoddedandhest
oodout
side.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Idon'
tknowwhat'
staki
ngsol
ong,al
ltheyhad
todoispar
kthecarandcomebacksowecan
dri
vebacktomyhouse.
I
t'
smi
dni
ghtf
orheav
ensake.
Ideci
detogoinsi
dether
esi
denceandcheck
what'
staki
ngsolong.
If
indSkhumbuzoleani
ngagai
nstt
hecarwi
th
hi
sphoneinhishands.
Me:
Heyman,
wehav
etobounce.
Hegi
vesmehi
sat
tent
ion.
Hi
m: Justwai
ti
ngforyourgi
rl
,shewentt
o
pl
acethecarkeysback.
Me:
I'
ll
gocheckonher
.
Iwalki
nsi
dethehouseandreal
izeshe'
sinthe
ki
tchenj
udgi
ngfrom t
hefactt
hatli
ghtsareon.
Ifi
ndherkneel
ingdowncry
ingasshescr
atches
thebl
oodoffthefl
oorwi
thabrush.
Shenot
icesmeandst
op.
Shel
ooksatmeforasecondandj
ustbr
eak
downint
otear
s.
Me:
hey
..
heyI
'
m sor
ry.
Ihol
dherar
ms,
try
ingt
omakeherst
andup.
Shesni
ff
les.
Her:
it'
sokey,
I'
mfinei
justneedt
ogett
his
bl
oodofthisf
loor
.
Shest
art
sscr
atchi
ngagai
n.
Me:
Venus,
lookatme.
Shest
opandl
ookatme.
Me:I'
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
oseet
hatok,
I'
mreal
l
y
sor
ry.
Shej
ustbr
eaksdownandcr
y.
Itr
ytomakeherst
opandaf
terashor
twhi
l
e
shefi
nal
l
ydoes.
Me:I'
l
lgetsomeonet
ocl
eant
hispl
aceup,
let
's
go.
Webot
hst
and.
Shetakesoftheglov
esandleavethem ont
he
fl
oor,Sheheadsupstai
rsandcomesbackwith
adisk.
Idon'
tev
enbot
heraski
ngherquest
ions.
Webothwalkouttomycar
.Weneedt
ogetHer
andSkhumbuzobackt
oPretor
ia.
Shel
ooksatmeaswest
andi
nfr
ontoft
hej
et.
Her
:Ty
son.
i
mov
ecl
oser
.
Her
:Her
e.
shegi
vesmet
hedi
sk.
Her
:it
'saCamer
afoot
age,
from Max
'shouse.
Ohshi
t!
,Ial
mostmessedup.If
orgotaboutt
he
whol
ecameraf
ootagethi
ng.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Shehopsi
nsi
det
heJetandt
heyt
ookof
f.
~
~
[
Venus]
Byt
het
imewegett
oPr
etor
ia,
Amandai
s
al
readywai
ti
ngf
oruswi
tht
hecar
.
Me:
youcandr
opmeof
fatt
hehot
el.
Her
:ohNohoney
,Toni
ghty
ou'
esl
eepi
ngov
er.
Isi
gh,Idon'
thavetheenergytobegoi ngback
andfort
hwithhersoIjustagree,besi
desidon'
t
wanttobealone.
..
especial
lynotnow.
I
t'
sal
readydawnwhenwegettothehouseand
Amandaprepar
esawar
m bat
hf orme.
It
akemybat
handdozeof
ftodr
eam l
and.
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutal
lofasudden
I'
minthi
sdar
kroom.
Itr
ymov i
ngmyhandsbutIr
eal
i
zet
heyar
eti
ed
atthebackoft
hechai
r.
If
reakout
.
Ihearsomewomanscr eami
ngandjudging
fr
om thescr
eam she'
sexper
ienci
ngalotof
pain.
Ist
art
stopani
c..
.wha'
tshappeni
ng?
Myheadf
eel
sheav
yandI
'
m ki
ndofdi
zzy
.
Me:
Amanda!
Iscr
eamedwi
thav
eryf
aintv
oice.
Me:
someonehel
pme!
Av
erybuf
fyguywal
kedi
nhol
dingagun.
Hi
m:y
ouar
emaki
ngnoi
seandIdon'
tl
ikenoi
se.
Me:Pl
easel
etmego,
Ipr
omi
sei
won"
ttel
l
any
one.
Hewal
kscl
oserandcl
ocksi
t.
Me:
Nono.
.pl
ease!
..
.Pl
easedon'
tki
l
lme.
Iwakeupj
ustbef
orehepul
l
sthet
ri
gger
.
Myhear
tbeat
sinav
eryf
astpace.
Amandacamei
nrushi
ng,
Iwassweat
ingand
cr
ying.
Her
:It
'sj
ustadr
eam.
..
shi
i
.
Shehel
dandr
ockmebackandf
ort
h.
Me:
Itf
eltsor
eal
.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
*14*
***
***
**
[
Venus]
Amandasuggest
edt
hatIshoul
dn'
tgot
owor
k
andIcoul
dn'
tagr
eemore.
Alothappenedlastni
ghtandlastt
hingIwanti
s
havi
ngabr eakdowninf
rontofmypat i
ent
s.
I
'm gl
adshe'salsonotgoi
ngtowor
k,there'
s
not
hingbori
nglikestay
ingi
nsomeone'shouse
wit
houtthei
rpresence.
Me:I
'l
lhav
etodosomet
hingt
okeepmebusy
t
houghbefor
eIgocr
azy
.
Her
:Somet
hingl
i
ke?
.
Me:Wellmylapt
opandcari
satt
hehospi
tal
so
Idon'
tknow.
Her:
Ihaveanidea.
..
whydon'
tyouhel
pme
pr
eparebrunchf
ortheguy
s.
Me:uhowk,t
hatcouldwork.
..
atl
eastIwon'
t
hav
etothi
nkaboutlastni
ght
.
Her
:owkgetcl
eanedup,
I'
ll
bei
ntheki
tchen.
SheleftandIbat
hedandwor
eoneofher
dresses.
I'
m abitthi
ckerthenhersothedr esswasti
ght
,
notinabadwayt hough.
..
.i
t'
sjusthuggedmein
all
therightpl
aces.
It
'struewhattheysayaft
erall
,ot
herpeopl
es
clothescansuityousowell
li
keitwasmadefor
you.Iwearabi tofmake-
up,Imightnotbe
goingtowor kbutIdon'
twanttolookl
ikea
ghostwiththeseeyebagsonmyf ace.
Iwalkedt
othekit
chenandInoti
cediswaskind
off
ul l
int
hedi
ningroom.Therewerel
ike5-
7
guysanddamntheylookedgood.
OhNo,
Tysoni
sal
soher
e.
Whatonear
thi
shedoi
ngher
e?.
Iwentt
otheki
tchenandpul
l
edAmandaasi
de.
Me:
youdi
dn'
ttel
lmet
her
e'r
evi
sit
ors.
Her
:Itol
dyouI
'
m pr
epar
ingameal
"Fort
he
guy
s".
Me:Ithoughty
ouweretal
ki
ngabout
SkhumbuzoandLwazi.
Lwazi
isherson'
sname.
Shel
aughed.
Her
:Youcan'
treal
l
yexpectmet
ocal
lmysona
guy
.
Shesai
dthatl
aughi
ngev
enmor
e.
Me:
What
ever
!.
..
..
..
wher
ecanIhel
p?.
Her
:Youcanpeal
thev
eggi
esf
ornow.
Me:
Icandot
hat
.
Wecookedwhil
etal
ki
ngaboutr
andom things
l
ikeTVshowsandsomeli
tt
leworkgossip..
I
washav
ingagoodt
ime.Af
tersomet
imet
he
f
oodwasready
.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nmyr
oom.
Her
:NoNoNo,
you'
renotl
eav
ingmebymy
sel
f.
Me:
aren'
twedone?
Her
:youhav
etohel
pmet
aket
hef
oodt
othe
guy
s.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
"Theguy
".
Apparent
lyt
heyar
eallmembersofTheCri
ps,
a
gangwhichwasco-f
oundedbyTysonand
Skhumbuzo.
Me:
fine,
I'
ll
fol
l
owy
ouwi
tht
heot
hert
ray
.
Wedidjustt
hat,atf
ir
stIplannedonleavi
ngthe
f
oodandwal koutbutthenIfigur
edthatIhav
e
t
ogreetthem j
usttoshowr espect
.
Me:
Sani
bona.
Ideci
dedt
ogoZul
uont
hem
Isai
dthatwhi
l
epl
aci
ngt
hef
oodont
het
abl
e.
Guy
1:shespeaksZul
u?.
Skhumbuzol
aughedandt
heot
her
sjoi
nthi
m.
IlookedatTysonwhoal
sowant
edt
olaughbut
restr
ainedhi
mself
.
Guy
2:Don'
tmi
ndt
hem.
If
akedasmi
l
eandwal
kedout
.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nmyr
oom.
Her
:notbef
orey
ou'
veeat
en.
Me:Amandai
fyou'r
ethi
nki
ngaboutmedining
wit
h"Theguy
s"thenyougotanot
hert
hing
coming.
Shel
aughed.
Her
:Nosi
l
ly,
you'
l
leatwi
thme.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Her:Icoul
dnev
erpuni
shmy sel
fli
kethat
,si
tt
ing
wit
hSkhumbuzoandhisgangtalki
ngina
l
anguageIdon'
tknow.
..
.Nev
er!
Webot
hlaughed.
Theguyslef
taround19:00pm,Iwassoti
red,
wit
hallr
unningaround,
cooki
ngandallt
hatI
deci
dedtogot obedearly
.
Ihear
dAmandaandSkhumbuzoarguingbutI
deci
dednott
oinv
olv
emy sel
f,t
heyaremarri
ed
aft
eral
l.
~
~
[
Amanda]
Ihateit,
Ihat
eitwhenSkhumbuzotakedr
ast
ic
dici
sionswit
houtt
alki
ngtomefir
st.
Iwasshout
ing.
Me:Well
itdoesn'
tmatt
erSkhumbuzobecause
you'
veal
readydeci
ded,
what'
smoretotal
k
about
?
Hi
m:Babypl
easecal
m down.
Me:Cal
m down?..
.didy
ouev ent
hinkabout
Lwazi
?Me?..
.ourl
iveswil
lbeindanger
!.
Hi
m:Yourl
i
vesar
ealr
eadyi
ndanger
..
.t
hat'
s
whywehav
etogobacktot
hegangful
lti
me.
Ist
art
edcr
ying,
Iwassoangr
y.
Me:
fineSkhumbuzodoasy
oupl
ease.
Iwal
kedoutoft
her
oom andbangedt
hedoor
.
Iknockedi
ntheguestr
oom Venusi
scur
rent
ly
occupyi
ng.
Her
:Comei
n.
Shewasni
cel
ytackedi
nbed.
Me:
sor
ryIwokey
ouup.
Her
:Noi
t'
sokeycomei
n.
Isatont
hebedwi
thher
.
Her
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokey
?
Me:Yes,i
t'
sjustSkhumbuz
oget t
ingonmyl
ast
ner
ve.
..
canIsleepheret
onight
?
Shenoddedandsomeoneknocked,
Iwentt
o
openthedoort
hinki
ngi
twasSkhumbuzobuti
t
wasTy son.
Il
ookedatVenusandshesi
gni
l
edt
hatIcanl
et
hi
mi n.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nthedi
ningr
oom.
.
It
appedonTy
son'
sar
m andl
eft
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Tysonhasbeenawf
ull
yqui
etsi
ncehewal
kedi
n
here.
Allhedidwaswalkaroundther
oom unti
lhe
decidedtosi
tdownont hebed,
notsofarfr
om
wher eIwassi
tt
ing.
Me:
Ithoughty
oul
eftal
ready
.
Hi
m:Ibr
oughty
ourcar
.
Hehandedmet
hekey
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
I
tseemedabitungr
atef
ulaski
ngaboutmy
l
aptopsoIl
eti
tgo,besi
desIcanfet
chitmy
sel
f
t
omor r
ow.
Hi
m:Amandasay
syou'
vebeenhav
ing
ni
ght
mar
es.
Me:
emm y
esbuti
t'
snot
hing.
Hi
m:i
sitaboutMax?
Ishockmyhead.
Hi
m:Whatt
hen?
.
Ir
emai
nedqui
et.
Hi
m:may
bey
oushoul
dseekpr
ofessi
onal
hel
p.
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Hi
m:Venusy
ou'
ren.
..
.
Il
ostmycool
andshout
eduni
ntent
ional
l
y.
Me:
Isai
dI'
mfi
ne!
.
Hedi
dn'
trespondhej
ustl
ookedatme.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Hi
m:I
t'
sokey
..
.goodni
ght
.
Hest
oodupandappr
oachedt
hedoor
.
Me:
Tyson.
Het
urnedandl
ookedatme.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tgo.
Hecameandwi
pedmyt
ear
.
Ir
eal
lydi
dn'twanthi
mtogo.Ij
ustf
eltsaf
er
wi
thhim ar
ound.
Hi
m:Comewi
thme,
tomyhouse.
Me:ohNo,Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
mi namoodofdr
ivi
ng
orf
lyi
ngal
lthewaydowntoKZN.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:NoImeanmyhouseher
einLombar
dy
Estat
e.
Ibat
tl
ewit
hmythought
sforawhi
l
ebutI
deci
dedt
oagr
ee.
Me:
okeyl
etsgo.
Hesmi
l
ed,
rev
eal
i
nghi
sshal
l
owdi
mpl
es.
Hegavemehi
sjacketandwewent,passi
ng
AmandawhowaseatingI
ce-
cream i
nthedini
ng
room.
Hi
m:ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ocat
chf
lue?
Her
:Bl
ameitonyourdearf
ri
end,
any
way
s
goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
act
ual
l
yyes.
Hi
m:She'
l
lspendt
heni
ghtatmyhouse.
Her
:tr
ait
or.
Shedir
ect
edt
hatt
omewhi
sper
ingandI
l
aughed.
Me:
Sor
ry.
Wedr
oveof
ftoLambar
dyest
ate.
IthoughtTyson'
shousebackinKZNwasbi g
butthisonewasonanotherlevel
.Itwasmore
l
ikeaB&B. .
.Ahugeoneatthat.
Me:
You'
rel
i
vingal
onei
nthi
shugehouse?
.
Him:well
youcouldsaythat
,butIdohave
househel
per
siftheycountonyourideaof
"l
i
vingal
one"
.
Hedemonst
rat
edt
hatwi
thhi
shands.
Ipl
ayf
ull
ypunchedhi
m.
Me:
youknowwhatImean.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Come,
I'
ll
giv
eyoual
i
ttl
etour
.
Wewentar
oundt
hehousewi
thhi
mleadi
ngt
he
way
.
Me:Ty
son,doeshav
ingtwocar
s,exact
lysame
modelmakesenset
oy ou?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Icoul
dn'
tchoosebet
weent
hebl
ueand
bl
ackcol
our.
Me:
Soy
out
ookt
hem bot
h?.
Him:Yes.
..
WhydoIgett
hef
eel
i
ngt
haty
ou'
re
obj
ecti
ng.
Me:No,
I'
m not
..
..
.Ij
ust
..
.i
t'
sact
ual
l
ymydr
eam
car
.
Hi
m:r
eal
l
y?.
Me:
Yes.
..
andshoul
dbebl
uei
ncol
our
.
Hi
m:l
et'
shopey
oudr
eam comet
rue.
Ismi
l
ed.
Wewentbacki
nsi
deandhemadeuscof
fee.
Ismi
ledbecauseIl
ovecof
feeandhemakesi
t
j
ustt
hewayIl i
keit
.
Hi
m:Venus.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Hi
m:soonerorl
ater
,peopl
ewi
l
lreal
i
zet
hat
Maxi
smi ssi
ng.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
Canwenott
alkabouthi
m pl
ease.
Hi
m:Iknowi
t'
sasourt
opi
cbut
..
Hereal
izedIwasget
ti
ngemot
ional
andsohe
st
opped.
Heknel
tdownbef
oreme.
Him:VenusImightbeamonst erinyourey es
ri
ghtnowbutIdi dwhatIthoughtwasr ight,He
assaul
tedMinnie'
smot herbothphysicall
yand
sexual
ly.
..
Theykil
ledher.
..
him andhisbr ot
her
ki
ll
edher.
Icouldtel
lhowhurthewasandIdi dn'twantto
addonandbesi desIdon'tcareaboutMax, he
becamedeadt omet hef i
rstti
mehedeci dedto
l
ayhi shandonme, Ijustdidn'
tl
ikethatthefact
thatTysoncouldbejustli
kehim buteitherway
myf eel
ingsforhi
mr emains.
Me:
Idon'
t.
.
Ibr
eat
hout
..
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nky
ou'
reamonst
er.
Her
aisedhi
sheadandl
ookedatme,
Iputmy
handinhischeek,I
twaswarm giv
enthatI
'v
e
beenholdi
ngt hi
scupofcof
fee,heputhi
shand
ontopofmi ne.
Him:Venus...
you'r
egoingtobenumberone
suspectinMax'smi ssi
ngcase..
.butIpr
omise
youIwi l
ldoanythi
ngandev ery
thingtoprov
e
yourinnocence.
Me:t
hat'
swon'
tbenecessar
y..
.MaxandIar e
di
vor
ced.
..
Zodwawil
lgettobethefi
rstsuspect
.
Hewidenedhi
sey
es,
Ibethedi
dn'
tknowabout
t
hat
.
Isi
ppedmycof
feeandwentt
otheKi
tchenwi
th
himfol
l
owi
ngme.
It
urnedandl
andmy
sel
finhi
sar
ms.
Hekissedmewithoutgiv
ingmeachanceto
r
ejecttheki
ssoreventhi
nkabouti
tfort
hat
matter
.
Hepull
edoutaf
tersomet
ime,Myeyeswerest
il
l
cl
osedandwhenIopenedthem hewasl
ooki
ng
atme.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
out
ooVenus.
Stupi
dtear
sjustdeci
dedt
odecei
vemeandHe
conti
nuedsmil
ing.
Iwrappedmyar
msar
oundhi
m andhet
ight
ly
huggedme.
Onet
hingIcant
ell
youi
sthati
tfel
tsogood.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
*15*
***
***
***
[
Tyson]
We'v
ebeenstaringateachot
herf
orsomet
ime
now.Icoul
dtell
Venuswantedtol
ookawaybut
shewasrel
uctant.
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etobesost
urbon.
Shesmi
l
edandl
ookeddown.
Iki
ssedt
het
opofherhead.
Me:
Come,
I'
ll
showy
ouwher
eyou'
resl
eepi
ng.
Her
:You'
l
lsl
eepwi
thmer
ight
?.
Il
ookedatherandsheadj
ust
edherey
es,
makingt
hem small
er.
Her
:Idon'
tmeansl
eepwi
thmeasi
nli
kesl
eep.
Sheusedherhands.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Iknow,
come.
..
we'
l
lsl
eepi
nmybedr
oom.
Imumbl
edsomet
hingandunf
ort
unat
elyshe
hear
dme.
Me:
aiwomenpr
etendi
ngt
ohat
esex.
Shepl
ayf
ull
ypushedme.
Her
:wel
lIdo.
Wegott
othebedr
oom andgoti
nsi
decov
ers.
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?
Shel
ookedatme.
Me:
yousai
dyouhat
esex?
.
Shegotuncomf
ort
abl
esoIdeci
dedt
olether
be.
Iswit
chedofft
hesi
del
ampandki
ssedher
goodnight
.
Therewassil
encef
orafewsecondsunt
ilshe
putherheadonmychest.
Her
:Ithi
nksexisoverr
ated.
..
Idon'
tknow
maybeit
'sbecauseoft
hewayIwasi nt
roduced
t
oit
.
Shekeptqui
etandIusedmyhandt
obr
ushher
hai
r.
Shel
etoutal
oudsi
gh.
Her:Well
atleasthewait
edformetof i
nish
school
fir
st,
thoseweremyconditi
ons..
.thatI
wil
lbar
ehim asonafterI'
vegr
aduated.
.but.
..
but
thi
ngsdi dn'tgoaspl anned..Iwouldget
pregnantandaf tersomet imemi scarry.aft
er
thefi
rstonehe. .
.theyshowedsuppor tandcare
butafterthesecondonet hingswentbad, that
's
whent hebeat i
ngandi nsult
sst ar
tedandt o
makemat terswor seIhadmi scarr
iedthirdbaby.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Ihat
eseeingherhurt
ingandIwishIcando
somethi
ng,anyt
hingtotakeal
lthepai
naway
fr
om her
.
Me:
Venus.
Her
:mhh.
Me: I
'
m sorr
ybaby
,I'
m sor
ryy
ouwentt
hrough
al
lthepain.
Her
:it
'sokey
,it
'snotyourfault
..
..
I'
m gl
adIwon'
t
hav
etodealwithhim everagai
n.
Ibr
ushedherback.
Me:
Getsomer
est
.
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandaf
tersomet
imewe
bot
hdrif
tedt
osleep.
IwaswokenupbyVenusscr
eami
ng.
Her
:No!pleasedon'
t!
..
..
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
ttel
l
any
oneplease!
..
.No!
.
Me:
Venus.
Ipi
ckedheri
nmyhandsandr
ockedherback
andfor
th.
Me:
Shi
i
ii
..
..
it
'sj
ustadr
eam.
ShewassweatingandIcoul
dtell
howscar
ed
shewasbecauseshewasshaking.
Me:
it'
sokey
..
..
I'
m her
e.
Shewassobbi
ng.
Shecoul
dn'
tev
enspeakal
lshedi
dwasbr
eat
h
heav
il
y.
Me:
Hey
..
.Hey
..
.l
ookatme.
Icuppedherf
ace.
Me:
It'
sjustadr
eam okey
.
ShenoddedandIputheronmychestandaf
ter
sometimeshecal
m down.
Imusthavefal
lenasl
eepbecauseIwokeup
andfoundVenusnotnextt
ome.
If
reakedoutatt
hati
nst
ant
.
Iwasr
unni
ngar
oundt
hehousesear
chi
ngf
or
her
.
Ifoundhersi
tt
ingonthehi
ghchai
rinthe
ki
tchencount
er,wear
ingmyropeanddri
nki
ng
somethi
ngwhichIassumedwascoffee.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Her
:ar
eyouokey
?
Sheputt
hecupdownandcamemyway
.
Me:
Yes,
it'
sjustemm It
houghty
oul
eft
.
Shesmi
l
edandwentbackt
ohersi
t.
Ihuggedherf
rom t
hebackandki
ssedherhead.
Her
:wel
lI'
m her
e.
Me:
AndI
'
m gl
ady
ouar
e.
Her
:Canyoudroppedmeatt
hehot
el?
..
.Ineed
t
ogetbacktowork.
Hi
m:Ihav
eani
dea.
..
whydon'
tyoumov
einwi
th
me?.
Her
:woo,
babyst
epsokey
.
Sheki
ssedmycheekandst
oodup.
If
oll
owedhert
otheensui
tbat
hroom.
Me:
okeyatl
eastmov
eint
empor
all
y.
Her
:It
'sst
il
lmov
ingi
nandi
t'
sabi
ttoosoon.
Me:
Why
?we'
vel
i
vedt
oget
herbef
ore.
Her
:thi
ngswer
edi
ff
erentt
hen.
Me:
Okeyat
leastsayy
ou'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Her
:fi
neI
'
llt
hinkabouti
t.
Iki
ssedherandwal
kedout
.
Me:
Stur
bon.
Sheshout
edf
rom t
hebat
hroom.
Her
:Ihear
dthat
!.
Il
aughed.
Venusbr
oughtthi
ssi
deofmet
hatIl
astsawa
l
ongtimeago.
Shebroughtfeel
ingsthatIf
oundhar
dto
explai
n,Al
lIknowi sIl
oveher.I
tmaysounda
l
itt
leprematurebutIcan'
twaitt
ospendther
est
ofmyl i
fewithher.
Aft
ershef
ini
shedbat
hingIdr
ovehert
oher
hot
elandt
hentothehospi
tal
.
Ineededtopassbyt
hef
ir
m bef
oremymeet
ing
wit
ht hegent
s.
Sandy
:Wel
lhel
l
oMr
.
Shesai
dthatwhi
l
eent
eri
ngmyof
fi
ce.
Me:
Heybeaut
if
ul.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Ibr
oughtt
hef
il
esy
our
equest
ed.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ist
art
edl
ooki
ngatt
hem.
Her:ohandyouneedtocall
MrNt abeni
,and
whil
eyou'r
eatitmakesureyouhaveallyour
char
m withbecausehe'
snothappy.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
I'
ll
handl
ehi
m.
Aft
ersomet
imeIl
eftt
heof
fi
cet
omeett
he
gang.
Me:
gent
s!.
Zach:
taTy
son.
SK:
li
keIsai
d,we'
l
lneedmor
eguy
s.
me:
Mor
eguy
s?
Zachfi
ll
edmeupont heplantotr
ackSizwe
down.Khanyimi
ghthav ebeenmywi febutshe
wasverycl
osetoev er
yoneinthegang,we'r
e
moreli
keaf ami
lyandSkhumbuzobl amed
hi
mselfaft
ershewaski dnapedbecausehewas
supposet
ofet
chherf
rom wor
kthatday
.
Me:Wel
lIhear
dSizweisworki
ngwithsome
r
ussi
anMafia,
apparent
lyt
heyarei
nCongo.
Zach:
Congoi
tist
hen.
Me:wecan'
tbereckl
essaboutthi
ssoIsuggest
weplancar
eful
l
ybeforeact
ing.
SK:yes,andwedon'
twantt
heRussi
anmobon
ourcase.
Me:ohSi
zwei
sgoi
ngt
oregr
etev
ercr
ossi
ng
pat
hswit
hme.
Zacht
appedmeonmyshoul
der
,hecoul
dtel
lI
wasgett
ingangr
y.
Themeet
ingwentonforawhil
ebutevent
uall
y
weweredoneandwentoursepar
ateways.
~
~
[
Venus]
Af
terwor
kIwassot
ir
ed,
giv
ent
hef
actt
hatI
di
dn'
tsl
eepawi
nk.
Ideci
dedt
ogot
othehot
elandgetsomer
est
.
It
ookalongwarm bat
hbefor
egoingtobed.I
t
wasar
ound18:00whenIheardaknock.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
Iwentt
oopenup.
Hi
m:MsVenus.
Me:
That
'sme.
Hi
m:Pl
easesi
gnher
e.
Isignedandthent
ookt
hehugeboxwhi
chwas
nicel
ywrapped.
Icl
osedt
hedoorandwentt
oopent
hegi
ftbox
.
I
twasani
celacer
eddr
essandapai
rof
mat
chi
nghi
ll
s.
Ir
eadthecar
dandsmi
l
edwhenIr
eal
i
zedi
twas
Tyson.
=======Ki
ndl
yjoi
nmef
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
,
20:
00pm.
..
.I
'
llpi
cky
ouup#Candy======
It
ookmyphoneandt
ext
edhi
m.
Me:
20:
00pm i
tist
hen.
Iwentt of i
xmy selfandgotready,i
nhonest
truthIcoul dn'twai tt oseeTyson,
we've
managedt ogr owf onderinj
ustashortspace
oft i
me. .
.eachmi nuteawayfrom hi
mf el
tli
ke
tortueandt hatscar edmebecauseI'v
enev er
feltthatwaybef ore.
Thedresswastoomucht houghsoIdeci
dedt
o
wearmyr edbandagedr
esswi t
hthehi
ll
she
brought
.
Ar
ound19:
30hepi
ckedmeup.
Hi
m:wow!y
ou.
..
..
.y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Ibl
ushedandgoti
nsi
det
hecar
.
Iwasgladhedidn'
tment
iont
hedressbecauseI
hadnoexplai
nati
onbesi
dest
hefactt
hatIdidn'
t
qui
tel
ikeit
.
Me:
Ithoughtwe'
regoi
ngout
?
Hi
m:We'
l
lhav
edi
nneri
nmyhouse.
Me:
okey
.
Hef
ocusedont
her
oadandIwaspl
ayi
ngwi
th
myphone.
Wefi
nal
lygott
her
eandheleadmet
owher
ewe
ar
etohavedi
nner
,int
hebal
cony
.
Itwasnicel
yorgani
sed,i
tlookedsoamazing
andcozywi t
hallt
hecaddlesandredflower
son
thetabl
e..
..
andthefoodsmelleddel
i
cious.
Hi
m:Don'
tj
ustst
andt
her
e.
Hepul
l
edthechai
rforbutIr
emai
nedst
andi
ng
byt
hedoor
.
Me:Can'
twehavedi
nnersomewher
e
el
se.
..
.ar
oundt
hehouse?.
Hegav
emeaqui
zi
cal
look.
Ibr
eat
hinandout
.
Me:
I'
mjoki
ng.
If
akedasmi
l
e.
Isl
owlywal
kedt
owar
dst
het
abl
eandhe
appr
oachedme.
Hesuddenl
yli
ft
edmeupandswangmear
ound
andIpani
ckedendedupscr
eami
ng.
Me:
Tysonst
op.
Ihi
thi
sshoul
der
sandHechuckl
ed.
Me:
it'
snotf
unny
.
Isaidwhil
efor
cef
ull
yget
ti
ngoutofhi
sgr
ipand
walkingout
.
Don'tgetmewr ong.
..
Ireall
yappri
ciatedwhat
Tysondidforusbutthet hi
ngis,I
'm scar
edof
height
sandIguessTy sonf i
gureditoutwhen
hesawmeget t
ingscared..
..
Icoulddowitha
l
itt
lebitofhi
ghnessbutthatbalconywadway
tohighformyliki
ng.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Iwi
pedt
het
earof
fmycheekwi
tht
hebackof
myhand,
maki
ngsur
enott
orui
nmymake-
up.
Hi
m:Mar
aVenusuy
atef
a.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Hi
m:I
'
llmov
ethef
oodt
othesi
tt
ingr
oom.
Inodded.
Hedidj
ustthatandi
nnot
imewewer
esi
tt
ing
ar
oundeati
ng.
Me:
Tyson,
whati
sitt
haty
oudo?
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Ist
oppedeat
ing.
Me:youmov ebetweenKZNandGPli
kei
t'
s
nobody'
sbusiness,
youhav
ehousesi
nbot
h
prov
inces,
why ?.
Him:oh,
I..
..
Mostofmybusi
nessesareinKZN,
I
'm apar
tnerinal
awfi
rm onthi
ssidesothat'
s
whyIhaveahouseher
ebutmyhomei sinKZN.
Me:
Isee.
Hi
m:Whydoy
ouask?
.
Me:Not
hing,
Ijustwant
edt
oknowmor
eabout
you.
Hi
m:Okey
.
Hesmi
l
ed
Weconti
nueseat
ingandaf
ter
,Ihel
pedhi
m
washt
hedishes.
Me:
Iguesswe'
l
lcal
li
tani
ght
.
Hedidn'
trespondhej
ustki
ssedmeandI
ki
ssedhim back.
Thingsgothotandwedeci
dedt
otakei
ttot
he
bedroom.
Thekissgotint
ensewit
heverypassi
ngsecond
andIcouldn'
twaitt
ofeelhi
minsidemebutout
oftheblueIhadafl
ashbackofMaxforci
ng
hi
msel fonmeandIpushedTy sonof
fme.
Hi
m:ar
eyouokey
?.
Me:
Sor
ry,
I.
..
Ithi
nkIshoul
dgo.
Ist
art
eddr
essi
ngup.
Hi
m:Venust
alkt
ome.
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngIj
ustf
ocusedondr
essi
ng
up.
Hi
m:I
'
lldr
ivey
ou.
Icould'
ttel
lifhewasangryor
disappoi
nted..
..
.Al
lIsawwasthewor
ryi
nhi
s
eyes
[
08/
29,
06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
°
°
*
***
***
**16*
***
***
*
CROPTOP-
--
--
I'
l
lpostacont
inuat
ion.
[
Venus]
Imadei tmymi ssi
ontoavoidTyson.Iwasnot
readytoexplai
nmy sel
fbecauseinhonesttr
uth
Ialsodidn'
tknowwhatwashappeni ngwithme,
onemi nuteI
'm happyandthenthenextI
'm
suffocati
nginmyownt houghts.
MaybeIrushedintothi
ngs,
may beIshoul
dhav
e
wait
edabitlongerbefor
estar
ti
nganew
r
elat
ionshi
p.
I
t'sfunnythoughbecausedeepdownIhav ethis
feel
ingthatTysonwi l
lneverhur
tme, atleast
notsexuall
yandIt r
iedbyallmeanst oli
stent o
thatfeel
ingtheti
meIwaswi thhim butIfai
led.
I
'm surehethinksI'
m beingchil
dishorI'
m
playi
nghardt oget
,wellI'
m not.
It
hinkIhav
etodeal
withmydemonsf
ir
st,
on
myownbef or
eImoveon.
Wel
ltodayIhavemyfir
stappoi
ntmentwi
thmy
t
her
apist,
actual
lyAmandahookedmeup.
Imustsaythef
actthati
t'
saHe,wi
l
lmaket
he
si
tuat
ionev
enmor eawkward.
Hi
m:DrJohnson.
Me:
Pleasecal
lmeVenus.
Weshockhands.
Hi
m:I
'
m MrNzama.
..
.pl
easef
oll
owmet
omy
of
fi
ce.
Idi
djustt
hatandwewentt
ohi
sof
fi
ce.
Hi
m:Feel
athome.
Hepointedatt
hecouchandhesatont
hechai
r
opposi
teme.
Hi
m:howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
oday
?.
Heaskedashet
ookanot
epadandapen.
Me:
I'
m goodt
hanky
ou.
Him:y
ourfr
iendtol
dmet hatyou'
redeal
i
ngwit
h
abadpast
,onethatyou'
refi
ndinghar
dtoget
awayfr
om?.
Me:
YesIam.
Hi
m:Tel
lmeabouti
t..
whathappened?
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Huh.
Ibr
eat
hedoutheav
il
y.
Me:
Wher
edoIst
art
?
Hi
m:St
artatt
hebegi
ning.
Me:Begi
ningmh,wellIwasmarr
iedtoav er
y
oldmanwhoabusedmeandpeopl edidn'
twant
tohel
pmebecauset heyl
ookedati
tasmy
puni
shmentformarryi
ngari
choldmanf orhi
s
moneybutthat
'snottr
ue.
Iwasspeaki
ngv
eryf
astandIendedupget
ti
ng
emoti
onal
.
Hi
m:Venus.
.br
eat
h.
Istoppedforami
nut
eandf
ocusedonmy
breathi
ng.
Him:okeylet
'sstar
tagai
nstepwi
se,tel
lme
aboutyourchi
ldhood,
howwasl i
feback
then.
..
befor
ey ougotmarr
ied.
Isni
ff
ed.
Me:Li
fewasgood.
..
Iwasr
aisedbyasi
ngl
e
par
ent
,myfat
her.
Mymot
herdi
edbef
oreIgott
oknowher
.
Ist
opped.
Me:
CanIst
andup,
I'
m al
i
ttl
euncomf
ort
abl
e.
Hi
m:Feel
free.
Hedemonst
rat
edt
hatwi
thhi
shand.
Istar
tedwal
ki
ngar
oundt
her
oom asIt
alkedt
o
him.
Me: Myfat
herdidav er
ygoodj
obraisi
ngmeup,
Ihadeveryt
hingIneeded,
thel
ove,
care.
..
ever
ythi
ngandt
henhebecamesi
ckandev
ent
ual
l
ydi
ed.
Hi
m:Her
e.
Hegavemeat
issueandIwi
pedt
het
ear
sof
f
myeyes.
Hi
m:Car
ryon.
Hekeptonwr
it
ingasIt
oldhi
m aboutt
he
ev
entsofmyl
if
e.
Me:
andt
henIhadt
omov
einwi
thmyaunt
.
Hi
m:y
ourf
ather
'ssi
ster
?
Me:Yes,
thi
ngswerenotthatbadwit
hhert
hey
werej
ustdi
ff
erentf
rom whenIli
vedwit
hmy
f
ather
.
Hi
m:howdi
dyourauntt
reaty
ou?
Me:
Wel
ll
ikemostoft
heki
dsshe'
dpuni
shme.
Hi
m:bybeat
ingy
ouup?
Me:
Yes.
Hi
m:howdi
dthatmakey
ouf
eel
?.
Isi
ghed
Me: Idon'
tknow..
..
angr
yIt
hinkbutev
ent
ual
l
yI
acceptedthatshehat
eme,Imadepeacewi
thi
t.
Hi
m:whydoy
ousayshehat
eyou?
Igotemot
ional
.
Me:Sheforcedmeintomarr
yingamanwho
wasoldenoughtobemyf at
her,sheknewIwas
nothappyandasmyauntshewassupposet o
prot
ectmebutshedidn'
t.
Iwassobbi
ng.
Hi
m:Leti
tal
lout
,scr
eam i
fyouhav
eto.
Ihat
edhowcal
m hewasandt
hatoni
t'
sown
mademecrymore.
Aft
ersometi
me,Iwasti
red.
..
Ihadnost
rengt
h,I
coul
dn'
tcr
yanymore.
Hi
m:You'
rer
eadyt
ocont
inue.
Inodded.
Me: Hewasnotbadatfi
rstandIwarmedupt o
theideaofbei
nghiswi
febuthechanged..
.he
changedtothi
shugedevi
l'
screat
ure,
Infacthe
wasdev i
loneart
h.
Him:
Venus,
mayIask.
..
wher
eisy
ourhusband
now?
Il
ookedathi
m qui
zi
cal
l
y.
Hi
m:Youkeepsay
ing"
Was"asi
fhei
snomor
e.
Il
ookedathi
mt hi
nki
ngofaqui
ckest
conv
inci
ngli
e.
~
[
Sizwe]
Iwashavi
ngf unwi
thmygir
lsi
nmyhotelr
oom
whenAntoni
obargedi
nlooki
ngli
kehewas
readyt
okil
l.
Hi
m:whatgamesi
syourbr
otherpl
ayi
ngat
?
Me:
Hey
.
Igotoutofbedandwor
emyboxer
s.
Me:
ladi
es,
pleaseexcuseus.
Theyt
ipi
toedt
hei
rwayout
,but
tnaked.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
.
Hi
m: Theshi
pmentfr
om RSAist woweeksl
ate,
t
herearenoexpl
anat
ions,
not
hing!.
Hewasf
umi
ngi
nanger
.
Me:Mybr
otheri
sresponsi
blef
ort
hedr
ugs
del
i
ver
yonthatsi
de.
Hi
m:exact
ly,
andI
'
vebeencal
l
inghi
m si
nce
Wednesdayandhe'
snotpi
cki
ngup.
Me:Calm downI'
m sur
ether
e'sal
ogi
cal
expl
ainat
ionbehi
ndthi
s.
Him:
betterbe,
becauseI
'
mtel
l
ingy
our
ight
now.
..
.i
f
y
ourbr
otheri
sdoubl
ecr
ossi
ngme.
.
Hegavemeastare,
onet
hatsai
d"y
ouknow
whatI
'
m capabl
eof"
.
Hi
m:f
ixt
his.
Me:
I'
m oni
t.
Hemadehi
swayout
.
Iwonderwhatgoti
ntoMax
,heknowshow
danger
ousAntoni
ois.
It
ookmyphoneanddial
edhi
snumber
,itt
ook
mestr
aightt
ovoi
cemail
.
Damni
t!
Me:Buda,Ant
onioi
snothappyandweboth
knowthat
'snotagoodt
hing,getbackt
ome
ASAP.
It
hrewthephoneont
hebedandwentt
opour
mysel
fadri
nk.
Ineededsomet
hingst
rongt
okeepmecal
m.
Fuck!
..
.Maxisplay
ingav
erydanger
ousgame
andhe'si
nvolv
ingmeinthepr
ocess.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
**Cont
inuat
ion*
***
**
[
Venus]
Hi
m: DrJohnsonIcan'
thel
pyoui
fyoudon'
ttel
l
methetrut
h.
Iknewhewasgoi ngtousethe"Docter
-pati
ent
confi
dental
i
ty"onmebutweal lknowthatdon't
workinthecourtofl
aw,andIwasnotr eadyto
sel
lTysonouttotheauthor
it
ies.
Me:Irefertohi
ml i
kethatbecauseIbel
i
eveour
r
elat
ionshipisdead.
Him:
Isee.
..
.Ibel
i
evey
ouhav
eanewpar
tner
now?.
Me:
YesIdo.
Hi
m:howdoest
hisnewpar
tnert
reaty
ou?
.
Me:He'sgoodtome,hegiv
esl
ove,car
eand
suppor
t..
All
thethi
ngst
hatmyl
if
elongfor
.
Hi
m:t
henwhatseemst
obet
hepr
obl
em?
.
Me:Theotherni
ghtwehaddinneri
nhishouse,
ev
eryt
hingwasgoodandwheni twasti
mef or
metogobackt othehot
elt
hingsheat
edup.
Iwasal i
tt
leembar
rassedt
alki
ngt
oanel
der
aboutsuch.
Me:tocutt
hestoryshor
t,wecouldn'
tbe
i
nti
matebecauseIhadaflashbackofthet
ime
Maxsexual
lyabusedme.
Hi
m:whatdoy
out
hinkt
ri
gger
edi
t?.
..
washe
r
ough?
Me:No..hewasnotr
ough.
.Idon'
tknowwhat
happened.
Hi
m:Mhh.
Hecont
inuedwr
it
ingonhi
snot
epad.
He:Wheny
ouexpl
ainedt
ohi
m,whatdi
dhe
say
?.
Me:wel
lthat
'st
hethi
ng,Ididn'
tandhedoesn'
t
knowaboutt
hesexualabuse.
Him:Venus..
youcan'
tkeepsecr
etsf
rom y
our
part
nerespeci
all
ynotthi
ski
ndofasecret
.
Me:
Itr
ied,
Itol
dhi
m ev
ery
thi
ngbutt
hat
.
Him:whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
him aboutt
hesexual
abuse?
Me:becauseIdon'
twanthi
mtoleaveme..
.men
val
uethei
rpri
deandnoonewouldwanttobe
wit
hsomeonewhowentt hr
oughall
thatIwent
t
hrough.
Him:Never
thel
essyouneedt
ogiv
ethem t
he
chancet
odecidefort
hemsel
f.
Me:
whati
fhedeci
dest
oleav
eme?
.
Him: theny
ou'llmoveonknowingthatyou
didn'
tkeepthingsfrom hi
m.youdon'tkeepa
personbylyingtothem andi
fhelovesy oul
i
ke
yousayhedoes, y
ourpastshoul
dn'
tbea
problem.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
You'
repr
obabl
yri
ght
.
Him:Iam,Venustal
ktohi
m andletever
ythi
ng
beintheopenandifher
eject
syou,don'
tfeel
sad.
..
it
'shi
slost
.
Ist
ood.
Hi
m:Iguesst
hisi
sitf
ort
oday
.
Weshockhandsandsai
dourgoodby
es.
Aft
ermysessi
onIdecidedtoski
pworkandgo
tomyhot
elbutIcoul
dn'tst
ayinf
ort
oolong
becauseIkeptonthi
nkingaboutTy
sonand
howI'm goi
ngtotel
lhim aboutt
hesexual
abuse.
MrNzamawasr i
ght
,hedeser
vestoknowand
I'
drathert
ellhi
m nowandbedisappointedt
hen
toli
vemyl i
fewithsuchasecr
et,Iwouldn'
tbe
atpeace.
If
inal
lydeci
dedtodr
ivet
ohishouse,i
twasjust
af
tersixsoIpr
ayedhewasbackfrom wor
k.
IdrovebyMuggnBeanf ir
st,
Ineededast rong
coffeetocal
m myner vesdownandIdeci dedto
getmuf f
insforhi
m asanapol ogygesture..
.f
or
walkingoutonhim andignor
inghimt hesepast
days.
Thedriv
etohispl
acewassoshortandmy
nerv
esstar
tedtoki
cki
nasIapproachedt
he
door.
Iknockedt
wiceandheopenedt
hedoorl
ooki
ng
handsomeasalways.
Helookedsur
pri
sedt
oseemeonhi
sdoorst
ep
t
hough.
Me:
Hi!
.
Hi
m:Hey
!.
..
Venus.
Me:
Icomebear
inggi
ft
s.
Ir
aisedtheboxwi
thmuf
fi
nswi
thaf
aintsmi
l
e
onmyf ace.
Hesmi
l
edr
eveal
i
nghi
ssex
yshal
l
owdi
mpl
e.
Hi
m:comei
n.
Hemov
edoutoft
hewayandImademywayi
n.
Isatonthehi
ghchai
rint
heki
tchencount
erand
placedt
hecakesont
op.
Me:
youknowt
hewayIl
i
kei
tri
ght
?.
Hechuckl
edandpl
uggedt
heket
tl
eon.
okey,
atl
easthei
snotangr
y..
nowal
lIhav
eto
doisdel
ivert
henewstohi
m.
Me:
Tyson.
..
wehav
etot
alk.
Helookedatmeandcamemyway
.Il
ooked
r
ightbackathi
m.
Hehel
dmyhandandl
edmet
othedi
ningr
oom.
Hesatont
hecouchandi
satnextt
ohi
m.
Me:
Maxusedt
ofor
cehi
msel
fonme.
Isai
dthatwi
thoutst
oppi
ngt
othi
nkabouti
t.
Therewassi
lenceforawhil
e,y
oucouldlit
eraly
hearaneedl
ehitthefl
oor
,Hedidn'
texpectthat
atal
l.
Itr
iedtolookforanot
herwayt
osayitbutI
couldn'
tfi
nditsoIdeci
dedtot
ell
itl
i
keitis.
Igotal
i
ttl
eemot
ional
butIdi
dn'
tcr
y.
Me:That
'swhyt
heot
herni
ghtIcoul
dn'
t.
..
you
know.
Il
ookeddown.
Hi
m:Comeher
e.
Heopenedhi
sarmsandhuggedmeasIlai
dmy
headonhi
schest
,usual
l
ythatwoul
dmakeme
cr
ybutIdeci
dednottocr
yandt
omysur
pri
se,
ev
enmyt ear
sobeyedme.
Me:
whatI'
mt ry
ingt
osayi
sthatI
'
m sor
ryf
or
t
hewayIacted.
Hi
m:hey
,it
'snoty
ourf
aul
t.
Heki
ssedt
het
opofmyhead
Wesatther
ehavi
ngnowor dsexchangedandI
wasgl
adbecauseIdi
dntknowwhatt osay.
Hi
m:Ial
sohav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou.
Ir
aisedmyheadf
rom hi
schest
.
Him:I'
m notwhoyouthi
nkIam.
..
..
I'
ma
gangst
er,agangl
eader.
Ibr
eat
hout
.
Me:
okey
.
Iwant
edtosaymoret
han"okey
"butt
hat
'
sthe
onl
ywordImanagedt
outt
er.
ImeanAmandadi
dment
ionTy
sonbei
nga
gangst
er.
Him: Il
ovey
ouVenus,
Iwanttobetheone
personwhogiv
eyouhappi
ness,someonet
o
shareyourl
i
fewit
h.
Me:
Youcanst
il
lbet
hatper
son.
Him:Idon'
tknow..Iwor
kwi
thv
erydanger
ous
peopl
e,I'
m notgood.
Me:
Iknowy
ouwon'
thur
tme.
Hest
oodupandt
urnedhi
sbackonme.
Him:peoplewil
lwanttohurty
out
ogett
ome,
I
can'
tgaurant
eey oursaf
ety
.
Istoodupandwentar
oundhi
m,Il
ookedhi
min
theeye.
Me:
Itr
usty
ou.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:ar
eyoual
way
sthi
sst
urbone.
Hewr
appedhi
sar
msar
oundmywai
st.
Me:
onl
ywhenI
'
m wi
thy
ou.
Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Hi
m:mov
einwi
thme.
Me:
I'
m st
il
lthi
nki
ngabouti
t.
hi
m: Ican'
tpr
otecty
ouwheny
ou'
rel
i
vingi
na
hot
el.
Me:
nowy
ou'
regoi
ngt
ouset
hatagai
nstme?
.
HechuckledandIgotoutofhi
shandsand
wentt
ot heki
tchen.
~
~
[
Sizwe]
I
'vebeencall
i
ngMaxf
orday
snowandst
il
lhe'
s
notpi
ckingup.
That'
sunlikehi
m, Evenifhewant
edtodouble
cr
ossAnt oniowit
hhi sstuf
fhewoul
d'
vehav e
gi
venmeaheadsup.HeknowsAnt oniocoul
d
ki
llmeandhewoul dneverthr
owmet othe
wolves.
Iwasonthephonewit
hSbu,myguyf
rom RSA.
He'
snotreal
l
ymyguybutheowesmeaf avour
andsoImadehimlookforMax.
Me:
and?
.
Him:Hehasn'
tbeenhomef
orweeksnow,
His
househel
perl
astsawhiml
astmont
h.
Me:
Wher
ear
ethewi
ves?
.
Hi
m:Theydon'
tl
iv
ether
eany
mor
e.
Me:
Wher
ear
ethey
?
Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
e.
Icoul
dtel
lhewashi
dingsomet
hing.
Me:youdoknowthati
fyou'
rehi
dingsomethi
ng
fr
om meIwil
lfi
ndoutandyou'
ll
paythepri
ce.
..
al
ongwithy
ourfamil
y?.
Him:Theseniori
sinDurban,
inafl
atcall
ed
Shal
om,She'sli
vi
ngwithsomeoldloadedpi
mp.
Me:What?..
.Mybr
otheri
smi
ssi
ngandshe'
s
busyhoer
ing?.
Him: She'
sbeenstay
ingt
her
eforqui
te
somet i
menow, ev
enwhenbrahMaxwasst
il
l
around.
Me:Iwarnedhim aboutt
hatgoal
digger
..
..
what
aboutt
hey oungone?.
Hi
m: She'
sal
sol
i
vingwi
thsomeonebuti
n
Pr
etori
a.
Me: Whatiswr ongwiththesewomen,
Fuck!.
..
they'
llpayformessingwit
hmy
brot
her..
.Ineedy outosendamassagetothei
r
Boyfri
ends..
.t
ellthem t
ofuckoffbef
oreIl
and
myf eetinRSA.
Hi
m:bot
hoft
hem?
.
Me:
No,
none!
..
.of
cousebot
hoft
hem.
Hi
m:ai
BrahSi
zwe.
.Ican'
t.
..
fi
ndsomeoneel
se.
Me:Yesyoucanandy ouwil
l
...
needIr
emind
youthaty
ouoweme? ...
nowdon'tl
etmeKil
lyou
f
orjustasimpl
etask.
Hi
m:Wel
li
fImesswi
tht
aRi
coI
'
m goodas
dead.
Me:
Rico.
..
whatdoeshehav
etodowi
tht
his?
.
Hi
m:He'
stheboy
fri
end.
Me:
Whatt
hef
uck!
..
..
Ist
art
edt
ofumei
nanger
.
Me:
Fine.
.l
eav
eit
..
.I
'
llsor
titoutmy
sel
f.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Ri
co?..
.Whatthef
ucki
sRi
codoi
ngwi
thmy
br
other'
swife?
Heknowst
her
ules!
..
Thi
sisnotgood,
notgood
atal
l
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Ideci
dedt omoveinwit
hTyson,Iwas
constant
lyinhi
shouseany
way ssoitmade
sense.
We'
vespentsomuchti
met oget
herandwegot
t
oknoweachothermore.
ThoughIwasexposedtoal
lhisdeal
i
ngsand
whohewas,Iwasnotscaredofhim,i
nfacti
t
mademel ov
ehim more,cr
azyIknow.
Wehav en'
tbeeninti
matethough,Iwasstil
l
str
uggli
ngtogetwhatMaxdi doutofmymi nd.I
sti
l
lhadsessionswithMrNzamaandt heywere
hel
pingbutIfel
tli
ketheyweretakingt
imet o
hel
pmecompl et
elyfor
get
.
Ihadjustf
ini
shedbat
hing,
Iwasget
ti
ngr
eady
forbed.
Tysonwassit
ti
ngonthebedwi
thhi
slapt
op
gett
ingsomeworkdone.
Iwentinsi
decov
ersandki
ssedhi
m onhi
s
cheek.
Me:Thankyouf
ort
hef
lower
s,t
heyar
e
beaut
if
ul.
Hi
m:Justl
i
key
ou.
Hesai
dthatf
ocusedonhi
slapt
op.
Me:Ididn'
tknowy
ouknewany
thi
ngabout
f
lowers.
Him:Iwoul
dli
ketotakeal
lthecr
edi
tbutSandy
hel
pedmepickthem.
Me:
Sandy
?.
Hecl
osedhi
slapt
opandgav
emehi
sat
tent
ion.
Him:Ther
e'snot
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenmeand
Sandy.
Hepeckedmyl
owerl
i
p.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikeher
..
..
.but
.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Itr
usty
ou.
Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tl
ikeherbutI
'
llhav
ec
totr
ustmymanandbesidesSandyhasnot
hing
onme, nott
hatI
'
m gl
oat
ingbutIhav
etheful
l
package.
Hi
m:ohj
ea.
Heki
ssedme.
Imov
edandsatont
opofhi
m.
Theki
sst
ensedup,
Hewasgr
abbi
ngmybut
t.
Hestar
tedr
unni
nghishandsonmyt highs.I
hadmyhandscuppi
nghisface,
Icouldfeelhi
m
gethar
d.
Isuddenlyhear
dthescr
eamsImadewhenMax
wasrapingmeandIjumpedoffhi
m andsaton
thesi
de.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Ipushedmyhai
rtot
hebackandl
aiddownwit
h
mybackfaci
nghim,
Hetouchedmyshoul
der
s.
Hi
m:I
t'
sokey
.
Me:Thisisnotf
air
..
.Ispenthal
fmyli
febei
ng
subj
ectedtosexbyforceandnowthatIwantt
o
doitoutofpl
easur
eIcan' t
.
Ihadt
ear
s.
Hi
m:Don'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f.
Idi
dn'
trespond.
Hecuddl
edmewi
thmybackst
il
lfaci
nghi
m.
Hi
m:Mi
nni
eandMamaDar
ecomi
ngt
omor
row.
Me:
Mhh.
Iknowhechangedt
het
opi
ctomakemef
eel
bett
er.
Me:
Ican'
twai
t,she'
ssuchasoul
.
Hi
m:Mi
nni
eorMamaD?
Ipl
ayful
lyhi
thi
m wi
thmyel
bowandhe
chuckl
ed.
Hi
m:What
?.
Me:
YouknowImeanMi
nni
e.
Hi
m: ouch!
,mymom wi
l
lhav
etoknowabout
t
his.
Me:
Comeon,
youknowIl
ovey
ourmom.
Hi
m:I
'
mjoki
ngRat
o..
..
wel
lyou'
l
lhav
etot
alkt
o
y
ourpumpki
n,shedon'
twantt
ogot
oschool
?.
Me:whyi
sshegoi
ngt
oschool
any
way
s,she'
s
f
ive?
Hi
m:andshespeaksl
i
keat
eny
earol
d.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:Youbet
tergetusedt
othoset
alksbecause
she'
sher
etostay.
Hi
m:ohGodt
alkme.
Me:
Comeon,
she'
snott
hatbad.
Hi
m:may
bet
oyou"
Candy
"
Webot
hlaughed.
MamaDandMi nni
ewill
best ayingwithus,
Tysonthoughti
twoul
dbeagr eatideatohave
them ar
oundandIcoul
dn'tagreemor e..t
his
houseissohugeandcangetsoqui et
.
Aft
erourtal
kaboutMi
nni
ethepr
incesswe
fi
nal
lydr
if
tedtosl
eep.
[
08/
29,
06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
**17*
***
***
**
[
Venus]
Icanneverbegi
ntoexpl
ainthefeeli
ngof
wakingupinTyson'
sarms..
.i
t'
sjustpri
cel
ess.
ForamomentIf el
tli
kenotwaki
ngupatal
l
,just
stayi
nsi
dethecoverswit
hmyhandsome
chocol
atebutheywebothgottowor
k.
Iwokeupfir
standwentformymorni
ngbath,
bytheti
meIreturnedt
othebedr
oom hewas
al
readyawake.
..
looki
ngatme.
Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Iwentandkissedhim andhehel
dontomy
bodyIendedupf al
l
ingontopofhim.
Me:
Hey
,Ineedt
ogetdr
essed.
Ist
oodup,
fixedmyt
owel
andl
oti
onedmybody
.
Hi
m:Needsomehel
p?.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
No, andy
ouneedt
ogetr
eadybef
orey
ou
r
unlat
e.
Hi
m:Per
ksofbei
ngapar
tner
!!
.
Hesai
dthatwi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface.
Ii
gnoredhi
m andevent
uall
yhewentt
otakehi
s
showerwhi
leIgotdr
essed.
Aft
erIfi
nishedup,
Iwenttomakeusbreakf
ast
i
nthekit
chenandwi t
hinafewminut
eshe
walkedi
n.
Damn!mymanl ooksgood, andthatsui
t!
..
.i
t'
s
l
ikeitwasmadef orhi
m. .
.showingoffal
lthe
hunkinessofhi
sbody..
.Lordtakemenow.
Me:
Imadebr
eakf
ast
.
Hecameandhel
dmywai
st.
Me:
Yousmel
lgood.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Thanky
oubaby
,youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:Whatt
imewi
l
lMamaDandMi
nni
eget
her
e?.
Isai
dthatwhi
l
eget
ti
ngof
fhi
sar
ms.
Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
e,why
?.
Isi
ppedmycof
feeashedugi
nhi
sbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:Myshif
tendsabitl
ateandIwashopi
ngI
gethomebefor
ethem,maybecookdi
nner
.
Hef
ocusedonhi
smeal
.
Me:
Cany
ouf
indoutf
orme?
.
Henodded.
Wecont
inuedeat
ingbreakfastandbot
hwentt
o
wor
kwit
hourseparatecars.
Amanda:
someonei
sgl
owi
ng!
.
Me:
ohr
eal
l
y..
.Who?
.
Isai
dthatsar
cast
ical
l
ywhi
l
elooki
ngar
ound,
Webot
hlaughed.
Her
:It
'sni
ceseei
ngy
ousohappy
.
Me:
it'
sni
cebei
nghappy
.
Her
:mhhso?
.
Me:
What
?.
Her
:Tel
lmeabouti
t,whatgoty
ousohapoy
?.
Webot
hst
oppedwal
ki
ng.
Me:
Idon'
tki
ssandt
ell
.
Her
:sav
age.
Il
aughedandwal
kedi
nsi
demyof
fi
ceand
Amandawalkedt
oherof
fi
ce.
Igott
hroughmyworkthoughi
twaski
ndof
hardwit
hTysonconst
antl
yonmymind.
Ifi
nal
lydeci
dedtodoal
i
ttl
edr
ivebyhi
sof
fi
ce
duri
nglunchti
me.
Igott
her
eandwal
kedt
other
ecept
ioni
st.
Me:
Hii
sMrKhumal
obusy
?.
Voi
ce:
Nohej
ustgotoutofameet
ing.
Thevoicesoundedsofami
li
a,It
urnedand
foundSandystandi
ngbehi
ndme.
Il
ookedathert
hent
her
ecept
ioni
st.
Her
:Hi
Venus.
Me:
Hi.
I
twassoawkwar d,
Imeanshecoul
d'v
ejustl
et
t
herecept
ioni
stbetheonewhot
ell
smet hat
.
Her
:Icanwal
kyout
ohi
sof
fi
ce!
.
Me:
Not
hatwon'
tbenecessar
ybutt
hanky
ou.
Iwal
kedt
ohisoff
iceandwhenIgott
her
eI
deci
dedt
oknock.
Lastt
hingIwanti
swal
ki
ngi
nonanot
her
di
saster.
Hi
m:comei
n.
Iwalkedi
nandhiseyeswer
efi
xedont
he
l
aptopinfr
ontofhi
m.
Me:
DidIcomeatt
hewr
ongt
ime?
.
Hi
m:Baby
.
Hestoodup,ki
ssedmycheekandwal
kedover
tocl
osethedoorwhi
leImademywaytohis
chai
r.
Me:
Thi
siscomf
y.
Hechuckl
ed.
Me:
IthoughtIshoul
dbr
ingy
oul
unch.
Hi
m: t
hankyou,areyousur
ethat
'
stheonl
y
r
easonyou'
rehere..
..
notmi
ssi
ngme?.
Me:
okeywel
landal
i
ttl
eoft
hatt
oo.
Webothsmi
l
edandHewr appedhi
shands
ar
oundmywaistasIst
oodup.
Hi
m:Imi
ssedy
out
oo.
Hekissedmeandthensomeguybar
gedi
n
di
sturbi
ngourmoment.
Hi
m:t
aRi
co.
Webot
hlookedathi
m andt
henSandywal
ked
i
nshor
tl
yaft
erhim.
Her
:It
ri
edt
ost
ophi
m.
Hi
m:I
t'
sokeySandyy
oucango.
Sandywal
kedoutl
eav
ingt
heguybehi
nd.
Hi
m:Sbuh.
..
Sbuh:
Shot
aRi
co.
..
.Hi
Venus!
.
Heknowsmyname?
..
.
Me:
Hi.
..
..
BabyI
'
llseey
ouathome.
Icoul
dt ellt
heyhadal ott
odi
scusssoIdeci
ded
toexcusemysel f.Iki
ssedTy
sononthecheek
andIwal kedout.
OnmywayIbumpedi
ntoSandyagai
n.
Ohonlyi
fthi
sgir
lnewhowmuchIdon'
tl
ikeher
she'
dkeepherdi
stance.
Her
:Venus!
.
Sheshout
edmynameassher
anaf
terme,
I
st
oppedandl
ookedather
.
Me:
Hey
..
.what
'sy
ournameagai
n?.
OfcourseIknewhernamebutmeknowi ngher
namewi l
lmakeherfeel
kindofspeci
alsowhy
notr
uinhermood?
Her
:emm I
'
m Sandy
!.
Me:
OhSandy
..
.ni
cename.
Her
:Thanky
ou.
Me:ListenIhavetogonowsweet
y,Ihav
e
pat
ientswaiti
ngforme.
Ihuggedherandwal
kedout
.
~
~
[
Tyson]
It
'sbeenalongti
mesinceIlastsawSbuh,way
befor
eImetVenussoIdon'tknowhowhe
knowshernameandt hatt
ellsmeonething,
He'sbeenchecki
ngonme.Butwhy ?.
Hi
m:t
aRi
co.
Me:
youhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lme?
.
Hi
m:shot
aRi
co.
Me:
okeyI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Hi
m:Si
zwei
sback.
Iqui
ckl
ytur
nedandl
ookedathi
m.
Sbuhseemstoknowal
ot.
..
whot
oldhi
m Iwas
aft
erSi
zwe?.
Me:
Howdi
dyouknowIwasaf
terhi
m?.
Hi
m:y
ouar
eaf
terhi
m?.
Igr
abbedhi
sshi
rtandpi
nnedhi
m agai
nstt
he
wal
l.
Me:
Whosenty
ou?
Hi
m:NooneIswear
.
Hiseyesref
lect
edfearandIwantedtobel
i
eve
hi
m butheknewwayt oomuch, t
hingshewas
notsupposetoknow.
Me:
Expl
ainy
our
sel
f!
.
Him:Si
zwecalledafewweeksbackandasked
metolookforhisbr
otherandwhenIcouldn'
t
f
indhim heaskedabouthi
swivesand.
..
Me:
And?
.
Hi
m:It
oldhi
m wher
etheyar
e.
Hesai
dthatshy
ly.
Il
etgoofhi
m andhef
ixedhi
sshi
rt
.
Me:
Wher
eishenow?
Hi
m:PMB,
hegother
eint
hemor
ningy
erst
eday
.
Me:
That
'sal
l
?
Henodded.
Me:
Youcangonow.
Hewal
kedout
.
Me:
Sbuh.
..
.sor
ryabouty
ourt
ornshi
rt
.
Hi
m:nosmokot
a.
Hewal
kedout
,Sbuhhasal
way
sbeenl
oyal
to
me,Iknowhe'
l
lnevercr
ossme.IguessIl
ostit
whenIreal
i
seheknewmor et
henheshould.
.
Idon'
tknowwhatSi
zweisplay
ingatbut
whatev
eriti
sIgott
owinit
.
Ical
l
edSkhumbuzoandwi
thi
n30mi
nut
eshe
washer
e.
Me:
Wehav
easi
tuat
ion.
Hi
m:Si
zwe'
sback.
Me:
Youknewaboutt
his?
Hi
m: Myconnect
ioninNony
aneAir-
waysjust
i
nfor
medme, appar
entl
yHelandedyest
erday
.
Me:
He'
ssai
dtobei
nPMB
Hi
m:I
'
llcal
lZach.
Me:
dot
hat
,it
'saboutt
imeIdeal
wit
hhi
m.
~
~
[
Venus]
Igotof
fworkaroundfour
,Tysonsai
dhe'
l
lonl
y
fet
chhismom t
onightsoItwil
lgi
veme
someti
metoprepare.
IgothomeandfoundTyson'scarint
hedrivei
n.
Ihadnochoi
cebuttoparktheretoobecause
he'
swasinaway .
Ihear
dvoi
cesfrom i
nsi
dethehouse,
itwas
Minni
eandTysonargui
ngaboutsomethi
ng.
Me:
Pumpki
n!.
Sherantowar
dsmeandIpi
ckedherupand
gaveherababyki
ss.
Shecuppedmyf
ace.
Her
:Candy
.
Shewasgi
ggl
i
ng.
Mi
nni
eissobubbl
y.
Iputherdownandwentt
oTy
son.
Me:
I'
ll
kil
lyou.
Isai
dthatwhi
sper
ingandhej
ustchuckl
ed.
Mi
nni
e:Candy
.
Me:
YesPumpki
n.
Ipi
ckedherupandmadehersi
tont
hecount
er.
Her
:Idon'
tl
ikemynewschool
.
Hi
m:ohnotagai
n.
Me:
Why
?
Her:
Theymakeuseatandsl
eepandify
ou
don'
twanttosl
eept
heysayt
heywil
lmaket
he
dogseatus.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:Theywon'
tdot
hatpumpki
n,t
heyar
ejust
j
oki
ng.
Her
:Idon'
twantt
ogot
her
etomor
row.
Me:ButPumpkiny
ouhav
etogot
oschool
so
youcanl
earn.
Her
:YouandDaddycant
eachme.
Ty
sonChuckl
ed.
Hi
m:y
ouar
egoi
ngt
oschool
.
Her
:Candy
.
NowIwasst
uckbet
weenherandherf
ather
.
Me:
Wher
e'sMamaD?
.
Iknewthati
fIdon'
tchanget
het
opi
cthi
ngswi
l
l
gethot
.
Hi
m:Shehasaheadache,
she'
sinherbedr
oom.
Me:
I'
ll
gogr
eether
.
It
ookmyt
abl
etsandgl
assofwat
erwi
th.
Me:
Mama.
Her
:ohi
t'
sthegi
rlwhoi
saf
ri
end.
Ismi
l
ed.
If
orgothowf
unnyshecanbe.
Me:Ihear
dyou'
renotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
,Ibr
oughty
ou
t
hese.
Her
:thanky
oubaby
..
..
.howar
eyou?
.
Me:
I'
m goodMah.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:howi
syourf
ri
endt
reat
ingy
ou?
.
Me:
Tysoni
str
eat
ingmel
i
keaqueen.
Her
:That
'smyboy
.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Maht
rygetsomesl
eep,
I'
ll
gopr
epar
e
di
nner
.
Her
:Owksweet
y.
Ipr
epareddinnerwit
hMi nni
ehelpingme,or
set
ti
ngmebackr at
her.Tysonsaidhe'
ll
goget
somedrinksbuthe'
sbeengonef ormor et
han
twohour.
Ior
gini
sedthetabl
eandcal
l
edTy
son,
hecan'
t
j
ustwalkoutonme.
Hi
m:Rat
oI'
m onmyway
.
Me:
You'
vebeengonef
orhour
s.
Hi
m:I
'
m comi
ng.
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
It
ell
younowIgotext
remewhenhedr
oppedon
mebutIcal
m downwhenIhear
dhi
scardri
vi
ng
i
n.
Me:
Pumpki
n,t
ell
grannyt
hatdi
nneri
sready
.
Sher
ant
oherr
oom whi
l
eTy
sonwal
kedi
n.
Tomysur
pri
sehewaswi
thAmandaandLwazi
.
Me:
Heychomi
e.
Ihuggedher
.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou'
recomi
ng.
Her
:Wel
lSur
pri
set
hen.
Webot
hlaughed.
MamaDwal
kedi
n.
Her:yeywhatar
eyoi
doi
ngher
e,wher
eisy
our
husband?.
Il
aughed.
Amanda:
OhHi
MahImi
ssedy
out
oo.
TheyhuggedandMamaDt
ookLwazi
from
Tyson.
Her
:howi
sgr
anny
'sl
i
ttl
eboy
?.
Mi
nni
e:CanIhol
dhi
m?.
Amanda:
Nooo.
Mi
nni
e:Why
?.
Me:Becausey
ouy
oungpumpki
n,her
eeaty
our
f
ood.
Shesatdown.
Me:
I'
ll
getmor
epl
ates.
Tyson:Unf
ort
unat
elyIcan'
teatwi
thy
ou.
..
.I
'
m
rushi
ngsomewhere.
MamaD:
att
hist
imeoft
heni
ght
?.
Hi
m:yes,
Ihavet
ogett
oKZN.
..
I'
m deal
i
ngwi
th
at
oughcli
ent
.
Il
ookedatAmanda.
MamaD:
tjoai
youandy
ourcl
i
ent
s..
.
Hi
m:JeaMah,
I'
ll
gogetr
eady
.
Hewalkedt
oourr
oom andaf
terawhi
l
eI
f
oll
owedhim.
Ihear
dtheshowerwat
errunni
ngandIf
igur
ed
hewastaki
ngashower.
Iwal
kedinsi
dehiscl
osetandgotHi
spol
i
ce
boot
s,shi
rt,
for
malpantsandacoat
.
Af
terawhi
l
ehegotout
.
Hi
m:Rato,
Ithoughty
ou'
rehav
ingdi
nnerwi
th
f
amil
y.
Hesai
dthatwhi
l
edr
yinghi
sbody
.
Me:
IthoughtIshoul
dcomeandhel
pyou.
Hi
m:Thanky
oubaby
.
Hel
oti
onedhi
msel
f.
Me:
Tyson.
Hi
m:Baby
.
Me:
Ther
e'snocl
i
entr
ight
?.
Hekeptqui
et.
Me:
arewei
ndanger
?.
Him:No.
..
.noyou'
renotbaby.
..
.I
t'
sjust
someoneIneedtotakecareof.
Me:
Wher
e?.
Hi
m:Downi
nKZN.
Me:
Okey
.
Iwalkedinsi
dethecl
osetandgotoutwi
thhi
s
bul
letprofvest
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llneedt
hat
.
Me:
Youdon'
tknowt
hat
.
Hi
m:Ido.
Het
ooki
tandmademeweari
t.
Hi
m:Youl
ookgood.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Cany
ouatl
easteatbef
orey
ougo.
Him:Rat
oIdon'thav
eti
me,
Skhumbuzowi
l
lbe
herei
naminute.
Me:
Wel
lhe'
l
ljusthav
etoj
oiny
ou.
Hel
ookedatme.
Me:
Please,
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Owk.
Me:
I'
ll
godi
shup.
Iki
ssedhim andhehel
pedmegetoutoft
he
vestandIwenttodi
shupsohim and
Skhunbuzowhowasalreadyt
her
e.
MamaD:hauyouar
ealsogoi
ngwithBongani
,ai
t
hiscl
i
entofhi
smustbearealhothead.
SK:
cli
ent
?
Amanda:
Yesbaby
Shesi
gnal
edhi
m.
Me:
Yes,
Tysont
oldmet
hecl
i
entmi
stakenl
y
shotsomeonesot
heymightneedadoct
er
that
'swhyhe'
sgoi
ngwi
thhim.
Il
ookedatTy
sonandhesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Wehav
etogo.
Me:
I'
ll
wal
kyouout
.
SKki
ssedt
hesl
eepi
ngLwazi
andAmanda.
BythewayAmandarespondedt
otheki
ssI
coul
dtel
ltheywer
enotongoodter
ms.
Ty
sonandIwal
kedoutt
ohi
scar
.
Hewrappedhi
sar
msar
oundmywai
stand
ki
ssedme.
SK:
getar
oom.
Ty
son:
Why
?wehav
eaf
ull
house.
Webot
hlaughed.
Hi
m:Ihav
etogobaby
,Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Ist
eppedbackandwat
chedt
hem dr
iveof
f.
Ishout
ed.
Me:
Besaf
e!
Hebeepedt
hehoot
er.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
**18*
***
***
*
[
Skhumbuzo]
Wewokeupi nthemorni
ngandtheweather
wasnotbadhereinKZN,j
ustal
i
t t
lewi
ndybut
not
hinghect
ic.
Wehadtot akea1h30dri
vefrom Bret
tenwood
Coast
alEstatewher
eTyson'shousewast o
PMB.Wedeci dedwe'
dgetlunchalongtheway
si
nceneit
herofuswaspreparedtocookinthe
morni
ng.
Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dpul
lov
erandhav
e
br
eakf
astf
ir
stbef
orewegett
ohi
shot
el.
Hedidn'
tevenhearme,
hewasj
ustst
ari
ng
out
sidethewindow.
Me:
Tyson
Hi
m:mhh,
Sor
rybr
uhIj
usthav
eal
otonmy
mi
nd.
Me:
Icanseet
hat
.
Hi
m:Doy
out
hinkImadeami
stakebyki
l
li
ng
Max?
.
Me: Tysonlist
en, i
t'
sabitt
ool at
etohave
secondt houghtsnow..
.weatheryoumadea
mistakeornot ,youcanneverunkil
lhi
m.
Hi
m:Butwhati
f.
..
.
Me:
No,
gett
hatoutofy
ourmi
nd.
Hejustkeptqui
et,
Icoul
dseehewasbat
tl
ing
wi
thhisthought
s.
Hi
m:You'
repr
obabl
yri
ght
.
Me:
IknowIam,
nowI
'
m pul
l
ingov
erI
'
m hungr
y.
Ipul
ledovertoalocalr
estourantandwesat
downforbreakf
ast,not
hingfancyjusta
sandwichandcoffeemeal.
Itwasjustaswewer eleavingwhenTy son
spottedSizwehav i
ngbr eakfastwithsomecall
gir
l.Hedidn'tut
teranywor ds..hejustmarched
towher et
heywer esitt
ingandIf ol
lowedhim.
Hi
m:Ladypl
easeexcuseus.
Thegi
rlj
ustl
ookedatusandr
emai
nedsi
tt
ed.
Sizwe:Ohhi
t'
sthefamousRicoandS'
Lock
themselv
esi
nf l
ash,r
ighti
nfr
ontofme.
Ibadl
ywant
edt
owi
pet
hesmi
rkof
fhi
sface.
Tysonlookedathi
m,i
t'
smor
eli
kehewast
ryi
ng
toreadhismind.
Me:
Wemeetagai
n.
Si
zwe:
ohandI
'
vemi
ssedy
ousomuch.
Hel
aughedaf
tersay
ingt
hat
.
Hi
m:Okeyf
unt
imei
sov
ernow,
sweet
y,t
akea
cab.
..
I'
l
lmeety
oui
nmyhot
elr
oom.
Hetookaf
ewhundr
edsandgav
ethem t
othe
gi
rl
.
Hi
m:Okeygent
lemenhowcanIhel
pyou?
.
Ty
sonwaslosi
ngi
tever
ysecond,buthe
managedt
omaint
ainacal
m st
ate.
Me:Ihear
dy oubr
otherbecameamagi
cian,
He'
scabableofdi
sappeari
ngnow.
Ionlysaidt
hattopi
sshim offsi
ncewecoul
dn'
t
ki
llhiminpubl
icbuti
tlookedli
keIhadt
odo
mor ethant
hat.
Hi
m:Maxi
sol
dhecant
akecar
eofhi
msel
f.
Tyson:
reall
y?becauselastt
imeIsawhi
m he
wasbeggingforhisl
if
e.
Hi
m:That'
swhyyoudeci
dedtogoafterhi
slef
t
ov
er?
..
orshoul
dIsayourl
eftov
ers.
Hechuckl
edandbot
hmeandTy
sonr
emai
ned
si
l
ent.
Me:
Whatl
i
escany
oupossi
blecomewi
th?
Him: Ohshedidn'
ttel
lyou?..
.don'
tyouknow
thatgoodbrother
sshare..
.andMaxi saver
y
goodbr ot
her.
Me:
Was.
Thesmi
rkonhi
sfacev
ani
shed.
Ty
sonandIchuckl
ed.
Him:i
fhe'
sdeadofwhichIknowhe'snotI
'
d
know.
..
..
ri
ghtnowi
t'
sjustyoutr
yingt
omess
wit
hmymi ndandyou'
refai
li
ng.
Tyson:
Yout hi
nkso?.
..sohowwouldIknowt
hat
you'
retheonethatki
l
ledmywife?huh?.
Reali
tyKickedi
ntoSizwethatMaxisreal
ly
dead,Imeanweal lknowthatpeopl
eonly
rev
eal secr
etswhentheyaredyi
ng.
West
oodupandat
tempt
edt
oleav
e.
Hi
m:Wel
l
!
Wet
urnedandl
ookedathi
m.
Him:inthatcaseyoushouldcal
l y
ourgi
rl
fr
iend
andsayy ourgoodbyes,
she'sj
oini
ngherdear
husbandont heothersi
de.
Ty
sonlosti
t,hereachedf
orhi
sgunbutI
managedtostophim.
Me:
He'
sbuf
fi
ng.
Si
zwest
oodupl
aughi
ng.
Ty
sonmov
edt
ohi
m andIbl
oggedhi
m.
Me:
Nother
e.
Sizwewalkedoutl
eavi
ngmewithTysonwho
waspacingupanddown,at
tract
ing
unnecessar
yatt
enti
on.
Me:Ifsomet
hinghappenedZachwoul
d'
ve
cal
l
edusbynow.
Hi
m:She'
snotpi
cki
ngup.
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landt
ri
edcal
l
ingheragai
n.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lAmanda.
It
ri
edcal
l
ingherbutshewasal
sonotpi
cki
ng
upandIst
art
edt
opani
c.
Me:
TryMamaD.
Hi
m:St
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
,weneedt
ogetback.
AsmuchasIwant edust ost
ayandfi
nish
Si
zweof f
, Icoul
dn'triskmyfamil
yint
he
pr
ocess,ifsomethi ngbadhappenedt
ot hem I
woul
dn'tbeabl etof orgi
vemysel
f.
It
ookthecarkey
sanddr
ove.Ty
sonwas
maki
ngacall.
Hi
m:Damni
tZach!
,he'
sal
sonotpi
cki
ngup.
Wedr ovebacktothehouse,Il
it
eral
l
yraced
ther
ebecausewi t
hin45minuteswewerether
e,
Icouldn'
tcar
elessaboutst
opsignsandred
l
ights.
Hi
m:WeneedaJetot
her
wisewewon'
tmakei
t
i
nti
me.
Me:
Noneofmycont
act
sar
epi
cki
ngup.
Hi
m:Thi
scan'
tbegood,
damni
t!
Hebangedt
hedoor
.
Iwasjustaswor
ri
ed,andwit
hnooner
eachabl
e
onthatsi
dewasnothelpi
ng.
~
~
[
Venus]
I
twasjustaft
ertwoo'cl
ocki
ntheaft
ernoon
AmandaandIdecidedtogooutaf
terwork,
just
rel
axourmindsbefor
ewegobackhome.
Me:
Ohwow!
.
Westoppedatsomejewel
l
eryshopand
admi
redthebeaut
y.
Me:
Thi
sneckl
acei
stodi
efor
.
Her:
Anditwouldlookgoodonyou,
it
compli
mentsyourski
ncolour
.
Me:Ohandthi
sonet
oo,
Ili
ket
hel
i
ttl
edi
amond
ont
hecentr
e.
Her
:ahhai
it'
stooexpensi
ve.
Webot
hlaughedandexi
tedt
heshop.
Her
:Wi
ndowshoppi
ng,
Ifeel
li
keat
eenagegi
rl
.
Wel
aughedev
enmor
eandpeopl
elookedatus.
Her
:Shi
idon'
tl
ookher
ecomesSandy
.
Me:
wher
e?
Iwhi
sper
edandshewhi
sper
edback.
Her
:Behi
ndy
ou.
Isl
owl
ytur
nedandf
lashedahugef
akesmi
l
eas
myeyesmether
.
Me:
Sandr
ahi
.
Amandal
ookedatmeandsi
l
ent
lygi
ggl
ed.
Sandy
:It
'sSandy
.
Me:Ohfor
giv
ememybadI
'
m notgoodwi
th
names.
Amandajustbur
sti
ntol
aught
erandIkepta
st
rai
ghtf
ace.
Her
:It
'sokey
,Ty
sonwant
stot
alkt
oyou.
Shegavemeherphoneandshehadal
ready
di
all
edhisnumber
.
Hi
m:Tal
ktome.
Me:
Baby
?.
Hi
m:Rat
o,whydon'
tyoupi
ckupy
ourphone?
.
It
ookmyphoneoutandseachedf
orhi
s
missedcal
l
sbutt
her
ewerenone.
Me:
Idi
dn'
trecei
veanycal
l
sfr
om y
ou.
Ihear
dSkhumbuzot
alki
ngi
nthebackgr
ound.
SK:
Aret
heyokey
?wher
e'sAmanda?
.
Ty
son:
arey
ouhome?
Me:
No,
I'
m att
hemal
lwi
thAmanda.
Hi
m:Gi
vehert
hephone.
Ipassedi
ttoherandt
heyt
alked,
Bythel
ookof
thi
ngsSkhumbuzoandAmandawerefi
ght
ing.
Shedr
oppedthephoneaf
tersay
ingOKand
gavei
ttoSandy
.
Her
:Let
'
sgo.
Sandy
:I'
l
lleav
eyout
oit
.
Her
:By
e.
Shesaidt
hatwi
thanat
ti
tudeandIpl
ayf
ull
yhi
t
herhand.
Her
:ouch!
Webot
hgi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Don'
tbemeant
oSandr
aIl
i
keher
.
Wel
aughedasweappr
oachourcar
.
Her
:Sandr
a?y
ou'
remean.
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Her
:What
'sy
ourst
orywi
thher
?
Me:
Ijustdon'
tl
ikeher
.
Her
:andt
hename?
Me:Justpul
l
ingherl
eg,
Ienj
oybust
ingher
bubbl
e.
Her
:whowoul
dhav
ethought
,Thesai
nti
snot
sosai
ntl
yaf
teral
l
.
Me:
What
ever
!
Igav
ehert
hehand.
WegothomeIdeci dedtocook,Tysonsai
dhe'
s
onhiswayandhedi dn'
tsoundgood,Idi
dn'
t
wanttopr
ysoIl ethi
m be..
he'
llt
ell
mewhen
he'
sready
,that
'sifIhav
et oknowanyways.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Wedecidedtomeetwiththecrewbefor
ewego
home.Wewer eatthewarehouseandsome
memberscouldn'
tmakeitbecausethemeet
ing
wasashortnoti
ce.
DK:Myguywentt othehotel
hewasi
nbuthe
hadal
readycheckedout.
DKisanewmemberandhe'
str
yingbyal
l
meanst
oimpr
essus,hewor
ksextrahar
dto
prov
ehiscapabi
li
ty,
andImustsay .
.Il
ikehi
s
ener
gybutri
ghtnowIhav enot i
me,Ihavet
o
fi
ndSizwewhojustdisappear
edwit
houtatrace.
Zach:
Goti
t!
Weal
ll
ookedathi
m.
Zach:Thiswhol
ethingwasplanned,t
hemi nut
e
yougotinsi
dethelocati
onhetamperedwith
yourcel
lphonesthat'
swhyyoucouldn'
treach
us.
Me:
bloodyBust
ed.
Zach:Yourcellphonerecordedthecal
l
sy ou
madeunav ai
lableforsomeper i
odbutit
event
uall
ywor kednormal aft
ersometime.
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongue.
Zach:andhemoni
tor
edy
oureverymove,
it'
s
notthaty
ouwereatt
her
ightpl
aceatt
heright
ti
me.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
SK:Wedi
dn'
tfi
ndhi
m,hef
oundus.
..
.hewas
fol
l
owi
ngus.
DK:
okeyshar
p.
Hewasont
hephone,
hedr
oppedi
tandl
ooked
atus.
DK:
He'
sonhi
sfl
i
ghtbackt
oCongo.
SK:
Fuck!
.
Hepushedt
het
abl
e.
Me:
He'
sti
mei
scomi
ng.
..
.sl
owl
ybutsur
ely
.
Whi
l
ewewer
etal
ki
ngIr
ecei
vedamassage.
=====Notsocleveraft
erall
,Bett
erkeepaclose
eyetoyourf
ami l
y,especi
all
ythatgorgeousl
ady
ofours.
..
wecannev erknowwhenshedeci ded
tobeamagicianherself#wink===
Zach:
What
?
Me:
Hej
ustsentmeamassage.
Zach:
I'
ll
tryt
racei
t.
It
ossedhi
m myphone.
Me:DK,canwetal
k..
.pr
ivat
ely
,Ineedy
out
o
or
gini
sesomethi
ngforme.
SK:
okeyguy
swe'
l
lkeepi
ntouch.
Wewentoursepar
ateway
s.
~
~
[
Venus]
Amandawassi ngingt
oLwaziasshewas
rocki
nghim backandfor
th,
try
ingt
omakehi
m
stopcry
ing.
Me:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulv
oice.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Thanky
ou,
Igott
hatf
rom MamaD.
Mi
nni
e:Candy
..
.I
'
mful
l
.
Me:okeypumpki
n,gi
vemey
ourdi
shsowecan
gogetyoubat
hed.
Shegav emeherdi shwhichhadalmost
untouchedfood,Ibathedherandputhertobed,
Idon'tknowwhet heri
t'
sbecauseshe'
smi ssi
ng
herdadbutMi nniewasdownandIdon' tknow
whyTy sonhasn'tgothomey et
,hesai
dhe' son
hi
swayal ongti
me.
Me:
Final
l
yasl
eep?
Her:
Yep,
I'
m al
i
ttl
eti
redt
oosoI
'
llj
ustgot
o
bed.
Befor
eshecoul
dwal
ktoherr
oom Ty
sonand
Skhumbuzowal
kedi
n.
Amandar
ant
oSkhumbuzoandhuggedhi
m.
Hi
m:Gogett
hebagsbabysowecangohome.
Sherushed,Forsomeonewhowaspr omising
toki
llhi
m earli
eonshesur
eactedotherwise,I
guesswhenl ovegoty
ou,i
tgotyou.
Shecamebackandgav
eLwazi
toSkhumbuzo.
Me:
aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oeatf
ir
st?
Amanda:
He'
l
leatathome.
Me:
I'
m nott
alki
ngt
oyou,
Skhumbuzo?
Hi
m:Ohho.
Tysonchuckledandsatont
hecough.He
l
ookedsot i
red.
Me:
okeyt
henf
arewel
l
.
Theybi
dgoodby
eandl
eft
.
Me:
I'
ll
war
myourf
oodup.
Hi
m:NoI
'
mfi
ne,
I'
ll
eatt
omor
row.
Il
ookedathi
m andwarmeditany
way
s,hecan'
t
sl
eepwit
hanempt yst
omach.
Me:
Eat
,I'
l
lbei
nthebat
hroom.
Iwal
kedoutl
eav
inghi
m smi
l
ingonhi
sown.
Iwentandtookmynightbat
handjustasI
walkedout
,IfoundTy
sonstandi
nginthe
bedroom.
Somet
hingseemedt
obot
herhi
m,hewasnot
myTy
son.
Hi
m:Rat
ocanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Me:
Yesbaby
.
Iwrappedat
owel
aroundmybodyandsatnext
tohim.
Hi
m: l
ist
en,t
here'
snoeasi
erwayt
oaskt
hisso
I
'mjustgoi
ngtoask.
Me:
Okey
.
Inoddedi
nhesi
tat
ion.
Hi
m:Hav
eyouev
ersl
eptwi
thSi
zwe?
Me:Si
zwewhobaby
?..
.i
fthat
'
snotMax'
sname
t
henno.
Hesi
ghedi
nrel
i
eve.
Hi
m:Comeher
e.
Hemademesi
tonhi
slap.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
AsmuchasIwantedaskhi m mor
eabouthi
s
questi
onmydesi
ref
orhim gotint
heway,I
missedbei
ngi
nhispresence.
Hegr
abbedmythighsandkissedme,
Withi
na
momentourt
onguesaredancingi
narhy
them.
Istar
tedsoftl
ymoani
ngandhecar
ri
edmeand
nicel
yplacedmeonthebed.
Hepart
edmylegsandgoti
nbetweent
hem,
Thi
ngsheat
edupandIcoul
dfeelhi
sboner
.
i
t'sli
keheknewexactl
ywher
eIneededhis
touch,Heunwrappedmyt
owelandplay
edwit
h
myni ppl
es,
hishandmadeatri
pal
ltheway
downt omyhoneypot.
Lord,Iwantedhimi nsidemealready.Hisfi
nger
pl
ay edaroundmycl itandIwasgaspi ngforai
r,
aft
erawhi leofteasingmeIwasdr i
pingwet
andheputhi sindexf i
ngert
hrough.
Me:
ahh.
Hi
m:ar
eyouokey
?
Me:
don'
tst
op.
Heundr
essedhi
msel
fandIcoul
dfeel
the
war
mthasourbodyt
ouched.
Hesl
owl
ymadehi
swayi
nandhewassohugeI
l
oudl
ybr
eat
h.
Hestar
tedbymovingslowlyandIti
ght
ly
gr
abbedtheshi
rt
sasIf eltpai
nbutassoonas
hewasalli
nthepainseized.
Icl
osedmyey esenj
oyingev
erymomentasI
fel
tever
yinchofhi
mi nsi
deme.
Me:
Mhh.
HestoppedandIopenedmyey
es,
looki
ngr
ight
i
nhiseyes.
Hebal
ancedwi t
hhisel
bownextt
omyhead,
onet
earfeel
from hi
seyeandweputhi
shand
onhi
sface.
Me:
whatnow?
Idi
dn'
tmeant
osayt
hat
,Iguesspl
easur
ehad
meeat
ingoutofi
thand.
Hi
m:VenusIl
ovey
ou.
Iremov
edhi
shandf
rom hi
sey
esandhel
ooked
atme.
Me:
deeperpl
ease.
Andthat
'swherehepumpedmehar dli
kehe
waspunishi
ngmef oraski
nghi
m.Afterawhi
le
hecameandbyt hatti
meIhadalr
eadycame
l
iket
wot imes.
Hegotof
fmeandIputmyheadi
nhischestas
wewerebot
htr
yingt
ocat
chourbr
eath.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBongani
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Aft
eroursil
l
ypi
l
lowt
alkwebot
hdozedof
fto
l
alaland.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
***
*19*
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Iopenedmyey esinthemor ni
ngandTyson
wasnotnexttome, Icheckedthet
imeandI
real
i
zedthatifIdon'
tgetupnowMi nni
ewil
lbe
l
ateforschool.
Iwokeup,br
ushedmyt eethandwashedmy sel
f.
Thoughmyshiftst
artl
atertodayIst
il
lhav
eto
prepar
eforMinni
e.
Iwal
kedi
ntoherr
oom andshewasst
il
l
sl
eepi
ng.
Me:
Pumpki
n!.
Shewasf astasl
eep.Ihatei
twhenIhavet
o
wakeherupf orschool
,especi
all
ysi
ncei
t'
s
wint
er.
..
it
'sicecol
dinthemor ni
ng.
Ideci
dedtopr
epareherbr
eakf
astandot
her
thi
ngsbef
oreIbat
hher.
Iwalkedtothekit
chenandfoundTyson
dri
nkingwaterf
rom abott
le,bythewayhe'
s
sweatingIcoul
dtell
he'
sfrom thegym.
Il
eanedagai
nstt
hewallandfol
dedmyarms,
st
aredathi
m admir
ingGod'
screat
ion.
Het
urnedaf
terawhi
l
eandourey
esmet
.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:Foramomentt
her
eIt
houghti
twasahi
t
andrun.
Hechuckl
edandIsmi
l
ed.
HewalkedcloserandKi
ssedme,hepulledout
j
ustasIwasget ti
ngint
hemood,heleftme
beggi
ngf ormorewit
hmyey esst
il
lcl
osedasI
wasstruggli
ngtoopenthem.
Hi
m: Youl
ookedsopeacef
ulIdi
dn'
twantt
o
wakeyouup.
Me:
Iwasj
ustj
oki
ng.
Hepeckedmyl
i
p.
Hi
m:Iknow.
Heheldmywai
stsot
ightandbr
oughtme
cl
osertohi
m.
Isl
owlybreat
hout
,tr
ustmet
ogett
urnedon
j
ustli
kethat.
Hi
m:y
ou'
re.
..
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owwi
thasemi
-smi
l
e.
Me:
what
?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:not
hingI
'
llgot
akeashower
.
Hel
etgoofme.
Me:
now!
?
Hechuckl
edshakinghi
sheadandwal
kedout
l
eavi
ngmel i
kethat.
Iwentov
ert
heki
tchenandmadeMi
nni
e'
slunch
box.
Iwal
kedclosert
othecof
feemachi
neandsaw
anot
eattachedtoi
t.
===BestNi
ghtofmyl
i
fe===
Iputi
tinmychestandsmi
l
edonmyown.
MamaD:
goodmor
ningf
ri
end.
It
urnedandgr
eet
edbackwi
thahugesmi
l
e.
Me:
iti
sagoodmor
ningi
ndeed.
Her
:someonegoti
tal
ll
astni
ght
.
Ichuckl
ed,MamaDisonenaught y,
crazy
woman..i
nagoodwayt houghbutsti
llIcan
neverdi
scussmysexualli
fewi
thher,never!
..
.I
meanshe'sanel
dersoitdoesn'
tfeelr
ight.
Me:
I'
ll
gowakeMi
nni
eup.
Her
:Goodl
uckwi
tht
hat
.
Ismi
l
edandwal
kedt
oMi
nni
e'
sroom.
Me:
Pumpki
n.
Isof
tl
yshockher
.
Her
:Mhh.
Shewassl
eepy
.
Me: Wakeupbabyy
ouhav
etogetr
eadyf
or
school
.
Her
:Candy
!
Shel
ookedatmewi
thpuppyey
es.
Me:
yesbaby
!
Her
:Idon'
twantt
ogot
oschool
.
Me:
Why
?
Her
:Idon'
tfeel
good.
Shecoughed,youknowt hosedrycoughs?yep,
Icoul
dt el
lshewasr eal
lysick.Onanyotherday
I'
dsayshewasj usttri
ckingmebuther
temperatur
ewashi gh,shewascomi ngdown
withf
lue.
Me:Pumpkinyou'
rebur
ning,
wer
eyoupl
ayi
ng
out
sidei
nthecold?
Her
:No,
Ionl
ywentout
sidet
het
imeIwas
wai
ti
ngf
orgr
annyt
opi
ckmeup.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyouwai
tinsi
de?
Her
:MyMi
sswasgoneandshel
ockst
hecl
ass.
Me:
andl
eav
eyouony
ourownout
side?
Shenodded.
Me:Owkbabygetbackt
osl
eep,
I'
ll
bri
ng
anot
herbl
anket
.
Shepul
l
edthebl
anketandIki
ssedherf
orehead
andwal
kedout
.
Ineedt
opaythist
eacherofher
sav isi
t,who
l
eavesafi
ve-
yearoI
doni t
'sown,especi
all
yout
i
nacold.
Iwashav
ingcof
feewi
thMamaDwhenwe
hear
daknock.
Me:
I'
ll
geti
t.
Iopenedt
hedoor
.
Guy
:Mor
ning.
Me:
Mor
ning.
Hi
m:I
'
m her
etoseeTy
son.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lhi
m.
Iopenedthedoorwi
dermaki
ngspacef
orhi
m
toenter
.
Hewal
kedi
nagr
eet
edMamaD.
Ical
l
edTy
sonandhewal
kedi
naf
terme.
Hi
m:DK.
DK:
taR.
..
emm Ibr
oughtt
hese.
hehandedTy
sonhi
scarkey
s.
Hi
m:Iknewy
oucoul
dpul
li
tof
f.
Theyf
istbumped.
MamaD:
excuseme.
Shewal
kedt
oherr
oom.
DK:
Ishoul
dal
sogetgoi
ng.
Hi
m:Okey
,thanksagai
n.
DK:don'
tsweati
t.
..
..
ohhZachsai
dtheguy
swi
l
l
behereany
timefr
om nowon.
HenoddedandDKwal
kedout
.
Ty
sonl
ookedatmewi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:
and?
Hi
m:come,
letmeshowy
ousomet
hing.
Hepul
l
edmyhandandwewal
kedout
side.
Me:
ahhTy
soni
t'
scol
douther
e.
Hi
m:l
ook.
Hepoi
ntedonacarnott
ofarf
rom us.
Me: okey
,samemodelandsamecol
our
..
.what
'
s
yourexcuset
hist
ime?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:i
t'
syour
s.
Il
ookedathi
m andr
eal
i
zedhewasn'
tj
oki
ng.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Iaskedj
umpi
ngi
njoy
.
Hi
m:l
i
kei
t?
Me:areyouki
ddngme?i
t'
saSUVIl
ooov
e
i
t.
..
..
.t
hankyoubaby
.
Iwast
alki
ngsobubbl
yandf
ast
.
Iki
ssedhi
m andwenti
nsi
det
oexpl
oremynew
ri
de.
Me:
Thanky
oubabyIl
ovei
t,Lor
d..
..
mycar
.
Tysoncoul
dn'
tsaymuchandnott
hatIgav
e
hi
m achance,
Iwassoexcit
ed.
~
~
[
Sizwe]
TheCr i
psandmygangal way shadbadbl ood
butespeciall
ySKandI ,i
fitwasn'tforTysonhe
wouldhav eputabulletonmyhead.Nowt hat
Maxt ol
dt hem thet
ruthIknowIwi l
lbenumber
onetargetthat'
swhyIhav etoactf ast
,att
ack
befor
et hem...
Idon'
thavet ophysical
lybeinthe
count
rytotur
nthei
rli
vesupsidedownIhave
peopl
ewhocandoi tformeandt heCri
pshave
aneasycode,Fami
lyandthatisexact
lywher
eI
wil
lst
ri
ke.
Ant
onio:
Ifyoudon'
tst
opy
ou'
l
ldr
owny
our
sel
f
i
nthatal
cohol.
Hesai
dthatwi
thaRussi
anaccent
.
Me:
Whynot
?Ihav
eMoneyIcanaf
for
dit
.
Iwasali
tt
ledrunk,
thi
swhol
eMaxt
hingwas
taki
ngastr
oll
onme.
He'stheonlyper
sonwhohadmyback, i
fthey
real
lykil
ledhi
m whichnowIbel
ievetheydid
becausehecan'tbemissi
ngforsuchalong
ti
me, Ihavetoavengehi
sdeat
h.
Me:
ExcusemeIhav
etomakeacal
l
.
Hi
m:goahead.
Iwentout
sideandt
ookmyphoneout
,Ri
coj
ust
st
art
edwar.
~
~
[
Venus]
Event
uall
yhavinganewcarsankinsoIwas
l
essallovert
heplacebutIst
il
lcoul
dn'
tbel
i
eve
i
twasmi ne.
Ty
son:
Rat
o.
Itur
nedandl ookedathim,damnhel ooked
goodinhisf ormalclot
hes,whatam Isaying?
mymanl ooksgoodi nanythi
ng,he'
dwearan
overal
landst il
ll
ookami ll
i
on.
Me:
aregoi
ngt
ocour
t?
HenoddedandIsmi
led,
Icoul
dtel
lhewasnot
i
nthemoodforcour
t.
Hi
m:whatt
imei
syourshi
ft
?
Me:Ohaboutt
hat
,Ispoket
oAmandaI
'
m not
goi
ngtoworkt
oday.
Hel
ookedatme.
Me: Mi
nni
ehasflueItol
dhertogobackgobed,
Ican'
tl
eaveherbyhersel
fsi
nceMamaDi s
goingt
oaprayersessi
on.
Hi
m:Mhh
Heki
ssedmycheek.
Hi
m: l
etmegocheckmypr
incessbef
oreIgot
o
wor
k.
Me:
okey
.
Hewal
kedt
oherr
oom.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Me:
Honey
.
Sher
aisedherheadandl
ookedatme.
Mygirl
wasreal
l
ysi
ck,
shewasn'
thernor
mal
bubbl
ysel
f.
Her
:Daddy
.
Shecoughed.
Me:
Candyt
ell
smet
haty
ou'
resi
ck.
Shenodded.
Me:I'
l
ltel
lhert
obringyouasy
rupt
odr
inkso
youcangetbet
terokey
?
Her
:okeydaddy
.
Me:
Hav
eyoueat
en?
Her:Iat
easof tporr
idge,Candysai
dit
'sgood
becauseitcontai
nsingredi
entst
hatwil
lhel
p
megetbet ter
.
Il
aughedbecauseshewasst
art
ingt
osound
moreli
kehernormalsel
f.
Me:okeybaby
..
I'
l
lseey
ouwhenIgetbackf
rom
wor
k.
Shest
oodupinthebed,ki
ssedmycheekand
qui
ckl
ygoti
nsi
decovers.
Me:
Byedaddy
.
Shegi
ggl
edandIchuckl
ed.
Iwal
kedoutandfoundVenusr
eadi
nga
magazi
neinthel
ounge.
Me:
EvenFl
uecan'
tgetherdown.
Webot
hlaughed.
Her:
Butshe'
snother
sel
fandIhav
enoonebut
hert
eachert
oblame.
Me:
Hert
eacher
?
Her
:Yesshelockedherout
sidethet
imeshe
waswait
ingf
orMamaDt ofetchher
.
Me:
What
!?
Her:y
ep,
butdon'
tworryabouti
tI'
veal
ready
cal
l
edherandgaveherapeaceofmymi nd.
Me:Thankyoubaby
,Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
ddo
wi
thoutyou.
Her
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Ist
oodup.
Me:Ineedt
orush,don'
tforgett
heguy
sar
e
comingtoi
nst
all
themoni t
ors.
Her
:okey
,hav
eani
ceday
.
Me:
Thanky
ouRat
o.
Iwal
kedoutaf
terki
ssi
nghergoodby
e.
~
[
Venus]
WhenTy sonsai dtherearepeoplecomi ngI
thoughthemeantf ourorfi
vepeoplebutt her
e
aremor ethant enpeopl einhereandIdon' t
knowwhatt heyar edoingbecauset heother
guylit
erall
yknockeddownt hewallnexttoour
bedroom, Jknowt heyarenotextendingit
becausei t
'salreadyhuge.Al l
Ididwast omake
sureI'
m notont heirway,Ifel
tsorr
yf orMinnie,
shecouldn'tsleepwi thallt
henoisebutaf ter
eati
ngherl unchIgav eherpanadoandshe
dozedof f.
Guy
:sor
ryma'
am,
Weneedakeyt
otheot
her
r
oom.
Hepoi
ntedati
t.
Me:
that
'sTy
son'
sst
udy
.
Hi
m:weneedt
oinst
all
camar
as.
Me:
Didhesaysomet
hingabouti
t?,
hisst
udy
?
Hi
m:NobutZachgav
eusi
nst
ruct
ionst
o
moni
torev
eryr
oom.
Me:
ever
yroom?ev
ent
hebat
hrooms?
Henodded.
What
?Noo,
wher
eispr
ivacyi
nthat
?
Me:emm li
stenLetmecal
lTy
sonf
ir
stt
henI
'
ll
getbackt
oyou.
Befor
eIcal
leddi
alhi
snumberIr
ecei
vedacal
l
fr
om anunknownnumber
.
Me:
DrJohnsonhel
l
o?
Voi
ce:
Yey
wenaVenus.
Iqui
ckl
yremov
edt
hephonef
rom myear
,my
heartsanktothebut
tom ofmyst
omach.If
elt
tear
sr eadyt
of al
l
.
Voi
ce:
arey
oust
il
lther
e?Venus.
Ihi
tther
edbut
tonanddr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
[
08/29,06:
43]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*20*
***
***
*
[
Tyson]
Aft
ermymeet ingSandyt oldmethatVenus
cal
ledsoIt r
iedcalli
ngherbackbutittookme
str
aighttovoicemail,Ical
ledthel
andl
ineand
nooneanswer ed.Ifr
eakedoutbecauseIknow
Venusi sal
way snextt oherphoneunl
essshe'
s
atwor kbuti
nt hiscaseshe'snotatworksoI
don'tknowwhyherphonewoul dbeswit
ched
off
.
Me:
Sandy
,di
dshesaywhyshewascal
l
ing?
Her:Notr
eall
yshej
ustaskedf
oryouandItold
heryouwereinameeti
ngandshedroppedthe
cal
l.
Me:
mhh.
Ist
oodupandwor
emyj
acket
.
Her
:isev
ery
thi
ngowk?
Me:Ihopeso,l
i
stenIneedy out
ocancelmy
meeti
ngwithStupner
,Ineedtogethome.
Her
:okey
,any
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
That
'sal
lfornow.
Iwal
kedoutanddr
ovest
rai
ghthome.
Iexpect
edtoheart
hemachinesoundsal
lthe
wayfrom t
hegatebuti
twasquiet
,eveni
nside
thehouse.
Me:
Venus!
Ishoutedallt
hewayt oourbedr
oom butshe
wasn'tther
e,Iwentbacktothedi
ning.
Me:
Rat
o!
MamaDappear
edf
rom herbedr
oom.
Her
:ai
umsi
ndoBongani
.
Me:
Mah,
wher
e'sVenus!
?.
Her
:She'
ssl
eepi
ngi
nMi
nni
e'
sbedr
oom.
Il
etoutasi
ghofr
eli
eve.
Her
:whati
sgoi
ngonBongani
?.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngonwi
thwhatmah?
.
Her:
IfoundVenussi
tt
ingont hefl
oori
ntears
whenIgother
e,Ihadtotel
lthosementoleave!
.
Me:
cry
ing?
..
whywasshecr
ying?
.
Her
:Bongani
woul
dIbeaski
ngy
oui
fIknow?
.
Shekeptastrai
ghtface,Icoul
dtel
lshewas
angrybutIdon'
tknowwhybecausej ustl
i
keher
Idon'tknowwhat'
swr ongwithRat
o.
Me:
wooo!Mah,
yout
hinkIhur
ther
?
Her
:di
dyou?
Me:ofcour
senot
!,VenuswasokeywhenIl
eft
f
orwork.
Her
:mhh.
Ishockmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
I'
ll
gocheckonher
.
Her
:No,
letherhav
eherr
est
.
Me:
AiMamaD.
MamaDhasgr ownfondofVenus,
shewasway
ov
erpr
otect
iveofher
.
Shegav
emeadeadst
are.
Me:
Fine!
Si
nceIcoul dn'ttal
ktoVenusIdeci dedtogo
fi
nishmywor kinthestudy .I
'
m wor ri
edthough,
whatcouldpossi blebewr ongwi t
hRat o?,
Ijust
prayit
'snothi
ngser ious.Igotinsi
demyst udy,
it
l
ookedmor elikewhenIl efti
tthis
mor ni
ng..
.nothi
ngwaschanged.
Myeyeswerefixedonthecomputerwhen
Venuscameinholdingatr
aywit
hf oodbei
ng
fol
l
owedbyMi nniewhohadadollwrappedwi
th
asmallbl
anketinherar
ms.
Ishi
ftedmyat t
enti
ontot
hem, MamaDwas
ri
ght
...somet
hingwasbother
ingVenusIcoul
d
seethroughthefakesmi
l
esshet hr
ewatme.
Her
:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
eback.
Me:andy
etyoubri
ngfoodt
omyst
udyy
ou
musrbeaSongoma.
Ionl
ysai
dthatt
omakeherf
eel
bet
ter
,She
l
aughed.
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
.
Ist
oodupandki
ssedher
.
Mi
nni
e:Shoul
dIcl
osemyey
es?
Welookedatherandshehadalr
eadycover
ed
herey
eswithbothherhands,
busygi
ggli
ng.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
comeher
epr
incess.
Ipi
ckedherupandmadehersi
tonmychai
r.
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
owat
chPr
incessSof
ia?
Shenoddedi
nexci
tement
.
Isavedmywor
kfi
l
esandbr
oughtt
hePCcl
ose
toher.
Me:
okeyYougoher
eandt
ype"
Pri
nces.
..
."
.
Her
:DaddyIknow.
Shepushedmyhandandst
art
edt
ypi
ng,
Iletout
asighwit
hVenusl
aughi
ngatme.
Me:
tjoai
,come!
.
Ipul
ledRat
o'shandandwewal
kedoutt
owar
ds
thebal
cony.
Her
:Ty
son,
No!
Me:
comeonVenus,
not
hingwi
l
lhappent
oyou.
Her:
Yesnothingwil
lhappenot
hert
hanmy
hear
tli
ter
all
ystoppi
ngwithmyeyesopenand
I
'
lldi
elooki
ngast
atue.
Shesaidthatver
yf astwit
houtstoppingin
betweenhersentences,evenherfacial
expressi
onwassof unnyIcoul
dn'thelpbut
l
augh.
Sheatt
emptedwalki
ngbacki
nsi
debutI
bl
ockedherway.
Iputmyarmsar
oundherwai
standt
ight
ly
grabbedher
.
Me:
doy
out
rustme?
.
Shenoddedbutshewasst
il
lscar
ed.
Wekeptonmov
ingi
nci
rcl
esunt
ilshel
osenup.
Me:
Rat
o?.
Her
:mhh!
.
Me:
Didsomet
hinghappenwhi
l
eIwasatwor
k?
Her
:Whydoy
ouask?
Me:
Sandysai
dyoucal
l
ed.
Her
:Theguy
swant
edaccesst
oyourst
udy
.
Me:
That
'sal
l
?
Shekeptqui
et,
inst
eadshebur r
iedherf
acei
n
mychestandti
ghtl
ylockedherhandsar
ound
myneck.
Me:Rat
o!.
..
.Baby,MamaDi
swor
ri
edabouty
ou
andsoam I
...
..
..
Rato.
Shesni
ff
ed.
Me:
it'
sokey
.
Ibr
ushedherbackunt
ilshewascal
m.
Me: come,l
etmeshowyouhowt
henew
securit
ysy
stem wor
k.
Wewal
kedoutt
otheki
tchen.
Me:
thepasswor
disMi
nni
e,M-
i-
n-n-
i-
e.
Shenodded.
Me:andhere,
underthi
scount
erwehavea
pani
cbutt
on,itsi
mil
artot
heonebythedoor
.
Her
:Ty
son!
.
Me:
Rat
o.
Her
:canwenothav
ecamer
asi
nourbedr
oom.
Ismi
l
ed.
Her
:it
'scr
eepy
.
Me:
ther
ewon'
tbecamer
asi
nourbedr
oom.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:ohhandt
hebat
hroomspl
ease.
Inoddedandf
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:
lneedt
omakeaphonecal
l
.
Iki
ssedherforeheadandwalkedout.I
fVenus
won'tt
ellmewhat '
sgoingon,Ihav
enochoice
butt
of i
nditoutmy sel
f.
Me:Candi
ce,I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofZach
buthi
sphoneisof
f.
Her
:Ohwai
t!
Ihear
dhershout
ingi
nthebackgr
ound.
Her:
Baby!
..
.Ty
soni
sont
hel
i
ne,
hewant
sto
t
alktoy
ou.
Iwai
tedawhi
l
eandZachpi
ckedt
hephone.
Hi
m:Myman.
Me:
Man!Ineedy
ourhel
p.
Hi
m:shoot
!
~
~
[
Venus]
IwantedtotalktoTysonandexpl ai
nev eryt
hing
tohim butIcan'
tdothatbecauseI '
m noteven
surewhyPatwascal li
ngme.Wehav en't
spookeninawhi l
eactuall
yinyears,whynow? .I
mightnotknowwhatshewant sbutonet hi
ngI
knowiswher eeverPatisconcernedt herei
s
neverpeace.
Af
terTy
sonl
eftMamaDwal
kedi
n.
Her
:fr
iend!
.
Ismi
l
edandt
urnedt
olookather
.
Me:
MamaD!
Her
:Youl
ookbet
ter
!
Me:
Ido.
Her
:what
'swr
ongbaby
?
Il
ookedathert
henl
ookeddown.
Her:okeyy
oudon'
thavetotell
mebutify
ou
needsomethi
ngdon'
thesi
tateaski
ngmeokey
?
Inodded.
Her
:eveni
fBonganii
sgivi
ngyouahar
dti
me
j
ustt
ellmeandI'
l
lsorthi
m out
!.
Sheball
edherf
istandIl
aughedbecausei
twas
funny
.
Her:
onaseri
ousnoteRat
owakhe,
ify
ouneed
somethi
ngj
ustsayt
heword.
Me:
Thanky
ouMamaD
Her
:andev
enwhenI
'
vel
eft
,I'
m onl
yaphone
cal
laway
.
Me:
lef
t?.
..
youwon'
tbest
ayi
ngwi
thusany
mor
e?
Shesqui
zzedmycheeks.
Her:
Don'tdothat.
..
.t
hepuppyeyes?.
.Minni
e
t
rysthatal
ltheti
mei t
'sdon'
tworkwit
hme.
Il
aughed.
Me:
ButMamaD?
Her:HeyIneedt
ogo,mysi
sterneedsme,she
havenoonebackinKZNsoIhavetobethere
forher
.
Me:
MamaD.
Her
:Li
keIsai
dI'
m onl
yaphonecal
laway
.
Inodded.
Her:good!
,nowI
'
llhav
ebl
ackt
eawi
tht
wo
sugers.
Shel
ookedatmeandIl
aughed.
Iwentt
opl
ugt
heket
tl
eandgott
hecup.
MamaDsati nfr
ontoft
heTVwatchi
ngsome
tal
entshow.Myphoner
angandIl
ookedatt
he
cal
lerI
d.
Me:
whywon'
tyoul
eav
emeal
one?
.
Isai
dtomy
sel
l
f.
IlookedatMamaDandherey eswerefi
xedon
theTv ,
Isneakedt
otheensui
tbat
hroom and
answered.
Her
:Wher
ethehel
lar
eyou?
Iwasnoti
nter
estedinwhatshehadt
osayallI
want
edwast otel
lhert
oleavemethehel
lal
one.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhyyoucal
ledandquit
e
f
rankl
yIdon'
tcar
e..
.j
ustl
eav
emeal one.
Idroppedthecal
landputitonrej
ectl
i
st.I
tur
nedaroundandf oundTysonst
andi
ngbythe
doorwithhisar
msf olded.
Me:
Emm Ty
s..
Baby
.
[
08/
29,
08:
47]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
***
**21*
***
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Tysonlookedatmel i
kehewaswai ti
ngforan
expl
anation.WhatdoIsaynow?becausebythe
l
ookoft hingshe'
sbeenstandi
ngherefor
someti
meandhehear deveryt
hingIsai
d.
Me:
Tyson.
Hi
m:Venus.
Hewasnothappyatal
l
,Ty
sondon'
tusual
l
ycal
l
mebymyname.
Iwalkedouttot
hebedroom wi
thhi
mf ol
lowi
ng
me.Heunf ol
dedhi
sarmsandlookedatme,it
's
l
ikehecouldseeri
ghtt
hroughmysoul.
Hi
m:Venuswhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
Tysonr
eal
l
yit
'sn.
.
Him:Don'
ttel
lmeit
'snot
hingVenus!
,Iknow
somethi
ngisgoi
ngon,whatisi
t?.
Hewasshouti
ngandatt
hati
nst
antIdi
dn'
t
knowwhatt
osaysoIremai
nedsil
ent
.
Hi
m:What
'sgoi
ngonVenus?
.
Il
ookedathi
mthendown.
It
'scrazythatsuchasmal lt
hinggrewt ohave
suchhugeef fect
..
..ImeanIknowIdi dn'tdo
anythingwrongandIwant edtotellhi
m butI
didn'
tknowhowt oapproachhim andnowhe' s
angrywhichmakesi tev
enmor ediffi
cul
t.
Hi
m:Youwon'
ttel
lmenowwi
l
lyou?
Hi
svoi
cewasnowcal
m.
Heexi
tedt
hebedr
oom bef
oreIcoul
danswer
.
Myphoner angagain.
..
itwasadi
ff
erentnumber
butst
il
lUnknownandIknewi twasPat,i
thad
tobeher.Idon'
tknowwhyt hi
swomanwon' t
l
eavemeal one.
Ianswer
ed,taki
ngallt
heangeracompani
edby
tear
sIhadkeptthet
imeTysonwashereIdidn'
t
evengi
veherachancetospeak.
Me: It
'snotenoughthaty
our uinedmyl if
ethe
mi nut
eIlaidmyeyesony ounowy ou'
re
standinginthewayofmyhappi ness,Patdon'
t
youknowt haty
ou'
rebadr eminderi nmy
l
ife?..
Whatdoy ouwantfrom Me?
Voi
ce:
VenusMt
anami
.
Istoppedtal
ki
ngwi
thmyey
essl
i
ght
lyopened
alongwithmymout
h.
Isni
ffed,Iwant
edtocrymorebutnownot
becauseoftheangerbutbecauseofhow
emotionali
tlef
tmehearingmygr andmot
her
s
voi
ce.
Me:
Granny
?!
Her
:ohmychi
l
d?
Me:
Grannyar
eyouokey
?
Thedaymyauntmar
ri
edmeof
f,Icutal
l
contactswi t
hther estofmyf ami l
y,evenwit
h
her..
Maxt oldmei t
'dbedisrespectf
ulofmet o
constantlycontactthem asheandt he
Khany i
le'
swer emynewf ami l
yandAuntPat
agreedwi thhim, however,t
houghIdi dn'
tkeep
i
nt ouchwi thauntPat .
.Maxwel l
andherwoul d
tal
kev eryoncei nawhi l
e.
Her
:thi
ngsar
ebadher
emt
anami
,I
'm notwel
l
.
Shewassobbi ngandt hattoremyhear tapart.I
l
ovemygr andmot herandshel ovesmet oo,the
onl
yreasonIdi dn'tmov einwithheraf t
ermy
fat
herdiedwasbecauseofschool ,Icouldn't
swit
chschool sinthemi ddl
eofthey earthough
i
twasj ustpri
mar yandasmuchasIwant edto,
andwithPatbei ngmyaunt ,l
ivi
ngwi t
hherwas
notsuchabadi deatot hetherestofthef amily
.
Me:
Grannypl
easedon'
tcr
y.
Her:Doy
ouwantmetodiewithoutseei
ngy
ou
mtanami
?..
.why
?whyVenus?
Shewasnowcr
yingoutl
oudandIcoul
dtel
lshe
wasnotwel
l
,herv
oicecar
ri
edsomuchgr
ief
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryMahbut
..
Shecutmysent
ence.
Her:
Don' tdot
hist
ome,
comev
isi
tme
chi
l
d...
please.
HowcanIsaynot
othat
?,Shesoundedsosad.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
lcomegr
annyIpr
omi
se.
Shesni
ff
ed.
Her
:Don'
tabondenmepl
ease.
Onlyi
fsheknewhowmuchI 'vebeenthr
ough,
shewouldn'
tsayt
hatbutIdon'tbl
amehershe
wasagainstmymarr
iageinthefir
stpl
ace.
Webi
dgoodby
eandIwipedmyt
ear
s,j
ustt
hen
Ty
sonwal
kedbacki
n.
Anotheroneofmywor ri
es,nowit'
snotonl
y
thatIhaveonethingtotell
him butnowIal
so
needtotellhi
mt hatIneedtoseemy
grandmother.
HelookedatmeasIcontinuedtowipemy
tear
sbuthedidn'
tsaynoraskanyt
hing,hej
ust
pull
edthecov
ersandwentinsidet
heblanket
s.
ThenextdayIwokeupandhewasn' tnextt
o
meandev ent het
imewewer einthesame
room he'
dgivemet hesil
entt
reat
mentev en
MamaDpi ckedupthetensi
onbut
unfor
tunat
elyshecouldn'
tdoanythi
ngaboutit
.
Thiscarr
iedonforaweek,atfi
rstI
'
dtalkto
MamaDwhenwe' reatadi
nnertabl
ejustto
breakthesil
encebutnowwithhergoneitwasa
l
it
tlehardandtoni
ghthedecidedhewon'tj
oin
MinnieandI.
Me:
wantmor
ejui
cepumpki
n?
Her
:No,
mayIhav
eice-
cream?
Me: emm okeyf
ini
shyourf
oodfi
rstwhil
eItake
thi
sf oodt
odaddy.I
'l
lmakeyoui
ce-cr
eam when
Icomeback.
Shenodded
Il
etoutasi
ghbef
oreent
eri
ngt
hest
udyr
oom.
Me:
Her
e'sy
ourf
ood.
Hedidn'
tsayany
thi
nghej
ustmov
edsome
paper
smakingspacef
ormetopl
acet
hef
ood.
Il
ookedathim,Hewasstil
lser
vingmet he
si
lenttr
eat
mentanditwasmoreunpl easant
nowbecauseIwantedtotal
ktohim about
vi
siti
ngmygrandmother
.
Me:
Tyson.
Hi
m:Mhh?
Hiseyeswer
est
il
lfi
xedont
hepaper
sinhi
s
hands.
Il
ookedathimthenattemptedwal
kingoutbut
bef
oreIcoul
dreachthedoorhepresseda
but
tonunderhi
sdeskandt hedoor
aut
omatical
l
yclosed.Itur
nedtol
ookathim
andhestoodup.
Hi
m:I
'
mli
steni
ng.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Patcal
l
edmeaf
ewday
sago.
Hi
m:Pat
?
Me:Myaunt..
..
hercallbroughtalotofbad
memor i
esthatIdi
dn'treall
ywantt o
awaken.
..I
'
vecomeal ongwayTy sonIdon't
wanttogobackt otheol dmewhowasl ivi
ngi
n
const
antfear,
angerandhet red,Ijustwantto
l
ivemylif
eandbehappywi t
hy ou,withoutany
ofmyfami l
ymemberr ui
ningit
...
.and..
.and
TysonI'
m sorr
yIkeptt hecallf
rom y ou.
Hi
m:ButRat
oyoucan'
trunawayf
rom y
our
f
amil
y.
Me:Andthatisoneofther
easonIdidn'
ttel
l
you,
Iknewy ou'
regoi
ngtosaythatandIdon'
t
wantanyt
hingtodowithPat
.
Hel
ookedawayt
henbackt
ome.
Hi
m:okeyI
'
m sor
ry.
Heopenedhi
sar
msandIt
hrewmy
sel
fathi
m.I
mi
ssedhi
m hol
dingme.
Hebr
oket
hehug.
Hi
m:Rat
oyoushoul
dntkeept
hingsf
rom me.
Me:Iknow,youdon'
tknowhowst upi
dIf
eel
r
ightnowfornottel
l
ingyouear
li
er.
Him:
atl
eastyoust
il
ll
ookbeaut
if
ulev
enwhen
youf
eel
stupi
d.
Webot
hsmi
l
ed,
Ohwel
lIbl
ushed.
Me:anot
herthi
ng.
...
mygrangmot
herwant
sto
seeme,she'
snotfeeli
ngwell
.
Hi
m:When?
Me:I
'm notsur
eIst
il
lhav
etor
epor
tatwor
k
f
ir
st.
Him:I'
mf l
yi
ngtoKZNt omorr
ownoon, why
don'
twegot ogetherbutIwon'tst
aylongjust
onenightandI'
l
lbeback, y
oucanst aybehind
ofcourse.
Me:
emm soundsl
i
keapl
anbutwhatabout
work?andMi
nni
e?Wecan'
tl
eav
eheronher
own.
Him:I'
l
ltal
kt oSkhumbuzo,he'l
lorgani
sean
emergencyleaveorsomethingandI '
m sure
Amandawon' tmindwatchingMi nni
etil
lIget
back.
Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:What
?
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tIt
ell
youev
ery
thi
ngear
li
er?
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Nooneknowswhat
'sgoi
ngoni
nsi
det
hat
headofy
ours.
Ipl
ayf
ull
ypushedhi
m.
Wesharedakissandaf
terheopenedt
hedoorI
wentoutt
opreparef
ormyt r
ip.
~~~~~~
Thef
li
ghttoKZNwasnotthatbadwit
hTy
son
bymysidehol
dingmyhand.Soonaswel
anded
wet
ookacabtohi
shousethenhedrov
emeto
mygr
andmot
hershousei
nDurban,
Emlazi
.
BeforeIev engotoutofthecartheneighbour
s
werealreadypeepingthroughthewindows,
searchi
ngf orthei
rnextgossip.I
t'
sbeenlong
si
nceIlastsetmyf oothere.Notmuchhas
changedbutt herewasal i
ttl
eimprovement
whereinfrastr
uctur
ewasconcer ned.
TysonopenedthedoorformeandIst
oodnext
tohim ashet
ookmyl aggageout
.
Hi
m:andt
hat
'si
t.
Hesai
dashet
ookoutmyl
astbag.
Ididntpl
anonstay
ingf
ort
ool
ongbutmybags
statedot
her
wise.
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
.
Il
eanedov
erandki
ssedhi
m.
Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
eyou'
l
lbeokey
.
Inodded.
Him:Call
mebef
orey
ousl
eepori
fyouneed
anyt
hing.
Me:
OkeybabyIwi
l
l.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Ismi
l
edandbl
ewaki
sshi
sway
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Iwatchedhi
scart
akeof
fthenIl
etahugesi
gh
bef
oreknocki
ng.
[
08/29,08:
47]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
*CONTI
NUATI
ON*
***
**
[
Venus]
Iwalkedinonlytofindthehousef ull
.Al
most
ever
y onewast her
e, f
rom thecousinsIl
astsaw
whenIwasy oung, auntsalmostev er
yone.As
soonasIwal kedinNokt hulacamemywayand
weshar
edahug.
Her
:Ohl
ookwho'
sher
e.
Me:
you'
vegr
ownup,
lookaty
ou?
.
I
twasagoodmomentIgi vey
outhat,
regar
dlessall
theangerIhadinmeitwasso
niceseeingmyfamil
y.
Her
:ComeonI
'
m ol
dert
hany
our
emember
?
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
Onl
yaf
ewmont
hsol
d.
Webot
hlaughed.
Her
:Come,
Grannycan'
twai
ttoseey
ou.
wewalkedtothediningroom whichwashouse
ful
l
,Ialsonot
icedfacesIwasn'tfami
li
awit
h.
Theroom wentsil
entwhenIwal kedi
n.
Me:
Sani
bonani
!
Gr
anny
:Ahhmt
anami
.
Iputmybagdownandwentt
ohugher
.
Ireali
zedshewassi
tti
ngonawheel
chai
rand
shehadherlowerbodycov
eredwi
thasmall
blanket.
Igr
eetedev eryoneelse,AuntPatwasal sother
e
andshel ookedolderthenwhenIl astsawher .
Nokthulaintr
oducedmet otheotherswhich
werejustlit
tl
echil
drenofmydi fferentcousi
ns.
Thul
a:Andthi
sli
tt
leoner
ighther
eisBandi
l
e,
mybundleofj
oy.
Me:
ncoewhe'
sar
epl
i
caofy
ou.
..
.Heyboy
!?.
Hegi
ggl
edasIt
ickl
edhi
m.
Timewentonandwewer ehavi
ngsupperwhile
watchingGener ati
ons,i
twashardbecausethe
dini
ngr oom couldn'
taccommodateallofusat
thesamet imebutwesqui zzedoursel
vesinli
ke
we'ddowhent herewereceremonies,
goodold
ti
mes.Iwasr eall
yhavi
ngfuntil
lPatdeci
dedto
spoili
t.
Pat
:SoVenus,
unj
ani
umkhweny
ana?
Me:
Idon'
tknowgoodIguess.
Pat
:Mhh.
Il
ookedatev
ery
oneandi
twasal
ley
esonme.
Me:
Nokt
hul
awher
eisuncl
eVusi
?
Thul
a:emm he.
..
Uncl
eVusi
died.
Thatcameasashock,
whywasn'
tIt
old?he'
s
myuncle!
.
Granny:It
houghtI'dneverseeyou,ev
enwhenI
wasbedsi ckeveryonecamebuty oudidn'
t_
we'veburr
iedmor ethanfi
vefamilymember s
butyounev erat
tended.
Cousn:
okeyki
dsl
et'
sgot
obed.
Ever
yonestoodupandl ef
t,i
twasnowme,
gr
anny,Patandotherauntsalongwi
thNokthul
a.
Myfamilywassaturat
edwi t
hwomen, wehad
l
essmales..
.onl
ytheyoungones.
Granny
:EvenwhenIsentPat
ri
ciat
oyou,
you
neverr
esponded.
IlookedatPatbecauseinthatroom shewas
theonepersonwhoknewt het r
uth,Iwasnever
toldaboutanyt
hing.Shej
ustlookedbackatme
showingnor emorse.
Me:
GrannyI
..
Myot
herauntcutmysent
ence.
Her
:Wher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ngVenus?
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
s.
Her:I
sitt
ruethatyou'
rest
ayi
ngwit
hanother
maninanothercit
ywhilet
heKhany
il
e'sar
e
busysear
chingforyourmi
ssi
nghusband.
Pat:Venusyouaresuchadisgracetot
his
family,
whycouldn'
tyoucl
osey ourl
egsli
kethe
restoftheki
dshere?,I
'
vealwaysseenthis
atti
tudeofyour
sthinki
ngyou'
rebett
erthen
everyoneel
se.
Thul
a:Maht
hat
'
senough!
Pat
:Shutupwena,y
ou'
rejustl
ikeher
,busy
goi
ngaroundsl
eepi
ngwit
hev erynot
ori
ous
goodfornothi
nggangster
s,youshoul
dworry
aboutthatbar
stedchi
l
dofy our
sandstayout
ofthi
s!.
Okey,Ial
waysknewt hatPatwashear t
lessbut
neverinmyli
fehadIimagi nedhert
alki
ngt oher
owndaughterli
kethat.Thulawasnowf uming
i
nangerIcouldtel
lshewasr eal
l
yhurt.
Thula:Leavemysonoutofthi
s,webothknow
thatyou'r
eonl
ymadbecauseIrefusedtomarr
y
thatoldhagcal
ledMkhi
ze,Pat
rici
ayouli
ved
yourli
feandthere'
snowayI'
ml et
ti
ngyouli
ve
minet oo.
Pat:
Finet
hen,
cont
inuesl
eepi
ngar
oundy
ou
l
it
tl
ehoe.
Thingsweregett
ingwor seev
eryminut
e,The
otherst
ri
edtocool t
hingsbutThul
aandPat
werehavingnoneofthat .
Thul
a:ahhyou'
resuchabi
tch,
amoneyl
ovi
ng
bi
tchatthat
.
Patstoodupatthatmomentandslapped
Nokthulasohardt
hatsheheldont
ot hecough
forbal
ance,shepl
acedherhandwherePathit
her.
Pat
:Rubbi
sh.
Thul
awassoangrythatshet
urnedov
erand
sl
appedhermot
herback.
Ist
oodupandhel
dThulabackbecauseit
l
ookedl
iket
heyweregoingt
ofi
ght.Theother
s
hel
dPatwhowassurpr
isedbyherdaught
er'
s
act
.
Pat
:Whendi
dyoubecomesodi
srespect
ful
?
Thul
a:Iam mymot
her
'sdaught
er.
Aunt
:ai
Nokt
hul
a?!
.
Gr
anny
:Shutup!
..
..
.al
lofy
oushutup.
Thul
acl
i
ckedhert
ongue.
Thul
a:I
'
m outofher
e.
Shewentt
ooneoft
hebedr
ooms.
Granny:
seewhatyou'
v edoneVenus?...
why
mtanami whydoyouinsistonmakingusa
l
aughingstocki
nthi
st ownship?
..
.why?
Me:
YouknowwhatI
'
mti
red,
real
l
yIam.
Iwasmar r
iedof f
..
..
noact ual
lysoldof ft
oanol d
manwhoabusedmeev erychancehegot ,I
l
ivedi nconst antfearal waysmaki ngsur eIdo
nothingt opisshi m off.Don'ttel
l meabout
shami ngy ou, I
'
vesuf feredhellandbacki nthe
nameof" Lobol amoney ".
..onethaty ou,allof
youher eenj oyedwhi lemybodywasbei ngused
asapunchi ngbag. .
.you, auntPat ,don'ttellme
aboutr espect .
..
youdon' tdeservei tfrom
anyone. .
..
Icamet oy ouasmyaunt i
ehopi ng
you'll
helpmebuty ou...yousoldmeof f.
..f
or
what ?.
..moneyt hat'
snotev enher et oday ?.
..
all
ofy ouher ecansi taroundand. .
.andgossi p
abouthowVenusmadeusal aughi ngst ockas
i
fy ou'reperfect,YesI '
ml ivi
ngwi thanot herman
andguesswhatI 'm happy ..
..
foraf ir
stt i
mei na
verylongt i
meIcansmi leandbehappywi t
hout
worryi
ngthattonightthebeastwill
for
ce
hi
mselfonmesoy esIleftMaxforanotherman
andthere'
snothinganyofy oucoulddot o
changethat,
Maxcoul dbemi ssi
ngfordecades
i
fhewant sIcouldn'tcarel
ess.
GrannyI'm sorryImadey oual aughi
ngst ock,
butitendst oday..
.y
oucant ell
them thatI'
m no
l
ongery ougr andchil
dorthatI'
m deadi tdoesn'
t
matter,I
'm sorryIwasnott herethet
imey ou
weresickbuty ouweren'
tthereformet oowhen
Ineededy ou.
Ist
oodupandcamebackwi
thmyl
aggage.
Aunt2:thi
sisenough, Patyou'
vereal
lymessed
upthistimear ound,
Venusmybr other'
s
daughterpleasedon'tgo.
Me:It
'sokeyaunt..
..
andasf ort
herestofyou
whothinkI'
mt heblacksheepanddon'tdeser
ve
l
oveli
ket herestofyou,don'
tworr
yit'
snot
cont
agious!.
Ipul
l
edmysui
tcaseandwal
kedout
.
Thul
a:Venuswai
t.
It
urnedandl
ookedather
.
Me:
Nokt
hul
aPl
easeI
'
m..
..
..
Shecutmysent
ence.
Her
:I'
mreal
l
ypr
oudofy
ou.
Webot
hsmi
l
ed.
Inhonesttr
uthIwaspr
oudofmysel ft
oo
becauseIwasnotangryanymore,Isai
dallt
hat
Iwantedtosayandaft
erthatIf
eltsopeaceful
andfree.
Her:
Sowhere'
reyougoi
ngt
ogo?
..
.i
t'
saf
ter
ei
ghtther
enotaxi
es.
Me:
ahdon'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
,I'
l
lcal
lTy
son.
Her
:Ty
sonmhh.
..
.soundsi
nter
est
ingcar
ryon.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
Letmecal
lhi
mfi
rst
.
Wecont
inuedwal
ki
ngwhi
l
eIcal
l
edTy
son.The
phoner
angunat
tendedt
il
li
ttookmet
o
voi
cemai
l.
Me:
Looksl
i
kehe'
sbusy
.
Bef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishmysent
enceHecal
l
edme.
Him:Sor
ryImi
ssedy
ourcal
lRat
o,i
sev
ery
thi
ng
okey
?
Me:
Yesev
ery
thi
ngi
sokey
,ar
eyoubusy
?
Him:notreal
l
yIwasaboutt
otakea
shower.
..
..
howdi
ditgo?
Me:
Notgood,
I'
m ont
hest
reet
saswespeak.
Hi
m:whathappened?
Me:I
twast
oomuch,
Icoul
dn'
tdeal
wit
hthe
dr
ama.
Hi
m:okeybabyI
'
m comi
ng.
Me:
thanky
oubaby
.
Hi
m: wai
t!
,don'
tyouhav
esomewhereyoucan
wai
tformeinthemeanti
me?.
..
it
'snotsaf
eout
t
here.
Me:
Tysonwe'
rei
nmyt
ownshi
ppeopl
eknow
me.
Hi
m:I
'
m ser
iousPal
esa.
Me:
I'
mjoki
ng,
I'
ll
wai
tataf
ri
end'
spl
aceokey
.
Hi
m:okeyI
'
m comi
ng,
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Idr
oppedthecal
landThul
awasl
ooki
ngatme
i
mpati
entl
y.
Her
:outwi
thi
tal
ready
.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Hisnamei
sTy
sonandIl
ovehi
m.
Her
:Comeont
ell
memor
e.
Il
aughed.
Me:
No.
Her
:I'
l
lgety
ou.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Nokt
hul
awhat
'
sthest
orybet
weeny
ouand
y
ourmot
her
?
Her:t
hatoneisev
ilt
othecore,al
lsheever
car
edaboutismoney..
.i
tdoesn'
tmatterwho
shehurt
sinthepr
ocessofgetti
ngthatmoney.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
trustmeIknowwhaty
oumean.
Her
:jea.
Me:
andBandi
l
e'sf
ather
?
Shel
etoutasi
gh.
Her
:okeydon'
tj
udge.
..
it
'sMdu.
Me:
Mduwho?
Shel
ookedatme
Me:Mduasinli
ke"t
heMdu".
..
theboywi
tha
st
inki
ngat
ti
tudeandscar
yey
es?
Her
:Yep.
Me:
Ithoughty
ouhat
edhi
m.
Her
:Idi
d.
Me:
MduMhh.
Wecont i
nuedtal
kingaboutoldday
sinthe
townshi
punt i
lwesawTy son'
scarappr
oachi
ng.
Istoodupfrom t
hehuger ockIwassi
tt
ingon.
Wegotinsi
deandwefi
rstdr
oppedNokt
hul
a
homeandwetookoff
.
WefoundMamaMaviswat
chi
ng
Khumbul
ekhay
awhenwegott
here.
Ty
son:
Mamzo,
I'
m back.
Iwentt
ogr
eetandhugMamzo.
Her
:Howar
eyoumychi
l
d?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tbeanybet
ter
.
Her
:Goodt
oheart
hat
.
Ty
son:Baby,Mamzoi
scomi
ngwi
thusbackt
o
Pr
etor
iatomorr
ow.
Mamazo:
Isai
dI'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.
Hi
m:what
'st
her
etot
hinkabout
?
Shegavehim al
ookandhechuckl
edand
walkedout
.
Me:Pl
easeMamz
oit
'l
lber
eal
l
yni
cehav
ingy
ou
ar
ound.
MamaMav isi
sTyson'
shousehelper
,she'
s
beenwiththefami
lysi
nceAmandaandTy son
wereyoung,shewasthei
rnanny
.
Her:okeyokey
..
.butonl
yifwe'
l
ldr
ive.
..
I'
m not
f
lyi
ng.
Il
aughedatherser
iousf
ace.
Me:
TrustmeIcoul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e..
.goodni
ght
.
Iwal
kedoutl
eav
ingherwi
thherTV.
Igottother
oom andtookmyshoesof
f,Ihear
d
theshowerwat
errunni
ng.
Ipeepedthrought
heglassdoor
.Iwentbackt
o
theroom,tookmyclot
hesoffandwrappeda
towelar
oundmybody .
It
ipi
toedmywayt
othebat
hroom andknocked.
Me:
Baby
?.
Hehal
fopenedt
heshowerdoor
.
Hi
m:Rat
o.
Me:
CanIj
oiny
ou?
Bef
orehecoul
danswerIdr
oppedthet
oweland
hemovedbackmaki
ngspaceformetoent
er.
Igotinandst oodri
ghtundert
heshowertap,
thewat erhi
thardonmybodyt henof
fto
Tyson's.
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thasmi
l
e.
Heevenstoppedshower
ingandjustst
aredat
mebutIactedli
keIdon'
tseehi
m.
Hewal
kedcl
oserandt
ri
edt
otouchme.
Me:BabyI
'
mt r
yingt
ohav
eaqui
ckshowert
hen
got
obed,I'
mtir
ed.
Hi
m:ahBabycomeon.
Hi
seyestur
nedr
edIcoul
dtel
lhewant
edme
wi
thal
lofhi
m.
Iwal
kedcloserandki
ssedhim butj
ustashe
wasabouttoenjoyt
hekissIpull
edoff
.
Me:
TjoI
'
mreal
l
yti
red.
Hepull
edmebyf
orceandourbodycol
l
ided
l
eavi
ngmegaspi
ng.
Hepassi
onat
elyki
ssedmeandIcoul
dn'
twai
t
t
ofeelhi
minsi
deme.
Helif
tedmylegupandslowl
ymadehiswayin,
If
eltever
yinchofhi
m ashepumpedmehard.
Me:
Gosh!ahh.
.Ty
son.
.baby
.
Hi
m:babyshi
i
i.
Itr
iedtobelessnoi
sybuti
tfel
tsodamngoodI
couldn'
thel
pit.
Ifel
tmykneesgoi
ngweak,
Myl
egwasl
i
ter
all
y
shaki
ng.
Hi
m:Baby
.
Me:
ahh.
.mhhoh!ahh!
Wi
thi
nmi
nut
eswebot
hcamecal
l
ingeach
ot
her
snames.
HelookedatmeandIl
ookedback,
for
giv
eme
butIwantedmor
e.
Ir
ubbedmybodyagai
nsthi
sandhel
ookedat
mewithasmi
le.
Hest
rongl
ygr
abbedmywai
standIbr
eat
hout
.
Hecarri
edmet othebedroom butIcoul
dntwai
t
ti
ll
wegett othebedweendeduphav i
ngonthe
fl
oor.Goshthisguyknowshisst or
yandhe
knowsjusthowt ohandlemybody .
Aft
erourbl
i
ssf
ull
ovemaki
nghecarr
iedmet
o
bedandwedozedof
ftol
alal
and.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Iwokeupinthemor ni
ngandRatowasst
il
l
sl
eepi
ng,shelookedsopeacef
ul.
Igoti
ntheshowerandgotdr
essedt
henwent
downstai
rstomakemybabybr eakfast
.
Unfort
unatel
yther
ewer enoj unkandst af
fsoI
j
ustbroughthersli
cedfruit
s.Shewasst i
l
l
sl
eepingwhenIgoti nwiththeplate.Il
eaned
overandkissedher.
Icont
inuedf
renchki
ssi
ngherunt
ilshewokeup.
Shel
ookedatmewi
thasmi
l
e.
Her
:Goodmor
ning.
Shest
ret
chedherar
ms.
Him:Goodmor ni
ngbaby
..
..
..
situp,
Ibr
ought
youbreakf
ast
.
Shesatupandputt
hepl
atei
nhert
highs.
Her
:goi
ngal
ready
?
Me:I
'm meet
ingwi
thsomecl
i
entf
orear
ly
br
eakfast
.
Her
:Okeybaby
,hav
eani
ceday
.
Iki
ssedherandwal
kedout
.
Icamebackv
eryl
ateweendedupgoi
nghome
thenextdaybecauseMamzoi nsi
stedon
driv
ingthenfl
yingandIcoul
dn'
tdri
vel at
eat
nightespeci
all
ybecauseIwasdogt i
red.
[
08/29,08:
52]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
**22*
***
***
***
[
Venus]
Wegothomedur ingthedayandTy sonrushed
towor kwhi l
eIhelpedMamzoset tl
ein.Tyson
wasr eallybusythesedaysbutnev erthel
esshe
madet imef ormeandIappr eci
atedthat.Aft
erI
i
ntroducedMamzot otherestofthest uf
fIwent
tobed, Iwassot ir
edwi t
hallthi
sdr i
vingupand
down.Iwokeupar oundnoonbecauseIhadt o
fet
chMi nniefr
om Amanda' shouse.
IpassedMamzowashi
ngdi
shesi
ntheki
tchen.
Me:
Mamzo
Her
:Youl
ookl
i
keamess.
Me:
Ifeel
li
keamess,
I'
m sodamnt
ir
ed.
Shel
aughed.
Her
:Thenwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
I'
mfet
chi
ngMi
nni
efr
om Amanda'
spl
ace.
Her
:ohhpassmygr
eet
ingst
oherandt
he
f
amily
.
Me: Wi
ll
doMah,
letmegosot
hatIcanhur
ry
back.
Her
:okey
.
Idrov
eof ft
oAmanda' spl
acebutherand
Skhumbuzower esti
l
latwork,
stupi
dmeI
for
gotbutlooki
ngattheti
methey'l
lbehereany
minute.Meanwhil
eImadesmal l
tal
kswiththei
r
househelp.
Me:
Mhhsmel
l
sdi
vi
ne.
Her
:Icandi
shupf
ory
oui
fyouwant
.
Me:
Please,
Idon'
tknowwhenl
astIhad
st
eamedbr
eakandt
ri
pemeat
.
Her
:Mydaught
eral
sol
ovesi
t.
Me:
Idon'
tbl
ameher
.
ShedishedupformeandIatewhil
ewait
ingf
or
Amanda.Itri
edfeedi
ngMinni
ebutshewas
busyplayi
ngwit
hLwazi.
Her
:Candyf
eedhi
mthebr
ead.
Me:
Nobaby
,he'
sst
il
lyoungf
orbr
ead.
Amandawalkedi
nbei
ngf
oll
owedby
Skhumbuzo.
Amanda:OhthankGody
ou'
reback,
pleaset
ake
yourpumpki
nwith.
Il
aughed.
Mi
nni
e:Uncl
e.
Sher
ant
oSkhumbuzoandhepi
ckedherup.
Me:
Ibetshewasgi
vi
ngy
ouar
un.
Amanda:
Mhhy
oudon'
tknow,
Ilov
emyni
ece
butshet
alkswayt
ooMuch.
Her
:Aunt
y.
Amanda:
It'
str
ueMi
nni
e.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
Int
hatcasel
et'
sgohomeMi
nni
e.
Her
:ButIwantt
ost
ayher
eandpl
aywi
thLwazi
.
Amanda:
Nobabygohomedaddymi
ssesy
ou.
Me:
You'
reoneaunty
ouknowt
hat
.
Shechuckl
ed.
Amanda: Icamebacklat
efrom worktobabysi
t
afiveyearoldwhotal
ksli
keat enyearol
d,not
onlythatshealsomademef eelbadfornot
feedi
nghert hewayyoudo.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Idon'
tfeedMi
nni
e,shecanf
eedher
sel
f.
WelookedatMinni
ewhoburi
edhersel
f
gi
ggl
inginSkhumbuzo'
sar
ms.
Skhumbuzoj
ustl
aughedshaki
nghi
shead.
Amanda:
what?
!.
..
.youknowwhat
,justt
akeher
homebefor
eImurderher
.
Me:
Mamzosendshergr
eet
ings.
Her
:owuuMamzoMar
aImi
sshery
az.
Me:
Int
hatcasey
oushoul
dpayusav
isi
t.
Her
:Mamzoi
sher
e??
Inodded.
Mi
nni
e:Mamzo!
..
..
.Mamzo!
..
.
Shewasjumpi
ngj
oyf
ull
ySkhumbuzohadt
oput
herdown.
Mi
nni
e:Candyl
et'
sgo.
Shesai
dpul
l
edmyhand.
Amandagav
emeMi
nni
e'
sbagandwedr
ove
home.
Unfot
unat
elyMi
nni
ehadtogotobedwithout
seei
ngMamzobecauseshef
ell
asleeponour
wayhome.
Me:
She'
sgoi
ngt
obesodi
sappoi
nted.
.
Mamzo:Don'
twor
ryshe'
l
lseemewhenshe
wakesup.
Webot
hexi
tedherr
oom.
Me:
MamacanIasky
ouf
oraf
avour
.
Her
:OKchi
l
d.
Me:
Mayyoupl
easecookst
eam br
eadf
orus
t
omorr
ow.
Shechuckl
ed.
Her:Andher
eIwast
hinki
twassomet
hing
ser
ious.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Iti
sser
ious.
Wecarr
iedont
alki
ngwhi
l
eIwashel
pingher
cookdi
nner
.
Her
:Kant
iwheni
sTy
soncomi
nghome,
shoul
dI
di
shf
orhi
m?
Me:NoMah,hesentmeamassagehe'
s
wor
kingl
ate.
Her
:okey
.
MyphonerangandIl
ookedatt
hecal
l
erI
dit
wasNokt
hula.
Imov
edf
rom wher
eIwassi
tt
ingwi
thMamzo.
Me:
Poppi
e
Her
:don'
tev
enst
artwi
tht
hatname.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Her
:I'
m goodhey
.
Shesoundeddown.
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokey
?
Her:Venusy
oumighthatemeaftert
hisbutshe
beggedmeandIcouldn'
tsayno.
Me:
Whatar
eyouonabout
?
Gr
anny
:Venus.
Me:
ohno,
Grannypl
easenott
oday
.
Her
:Don'
tdr
opt
hecal
lpl
ease.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Her:
Nokthulatol
dme, shetol
dmeev ery
thing
fr
om theabusesinceyouwereyoungtoy ou
bei
ngmar r
iedoff
, Idi
dn'
tknowVenus..
..
Iasked
youandyousaidy ouweresur
eyouwant edto
marryhi
m.
Me:That'
swhatIwast ol
dtosay,
Iwas
ei
ghteenGogo,Iknewnothi
ngabout
marr
iage.
.al
lIwantedwastogotoschool
.
Her:
Andthebeat
ing?r
ape?whydi
dn'
tyou
cometomethenortal
ktosomeone.
Me: It
oldPateveryt
hing,
shesai d"Venushe'
s
yourhusband,shepaidLobolasohecanhav e
sexwithyouandify oustoppissi
nghim he'
ll
stopbeati
ngyou"..
..
Her
:Whataboutme?y
oucoul
d'
vecamet
ome.
Me:
Wel
li
tdoesn'
tmat
ternow.
Her
:Venus.
Me: NoGogo,thi
schangesnot
hing,
itdoesn't
changethefactt
hatyousawmeasadi sgrace
orthefactt
hatIwantnothi
ngt
odowi thy ou.
Beforeshecoul
drespondIdr
oppedt
hecal
land
cl
ickedmytongue.
Iwentbackt
othedi
ningal
lpi
ssed.
Mamzo:
What
'swr
ong?
Me:
Fami
l
y.
Her
:Mhhnehwel
ovet
hem butwehat
ethem.
Me:
Wel
lIhat
ethem andIhat
ethem.
Her
:Youdon'
tmeant
hat
.
Me:
TrustmeIdo.
Her:
Youknownomat t
erhowangryorpi
ssed
youareatt
hem, f
actsti
ll
remai
nstheyar
eyour
f
amilyandthatwil
lnev
erchange.
Me:
Noti
fIcanhel
pit
.
Her:Gir
l,nomani sani sl
and,you'
llneedthem
somedayi t'
snature,l
i
vingony ourowni snot
ni
ceaskme, I
'
vebeendoi ngthatforyears
now..
.Istayedangryatmymot herforyearsand
whenIf i
nallygotoveritshewasno
more..
..
.EveninthisdayIwi shIcouldgoback
andforgivehersowecanbef amil
yagain.
Me:Youdon'
tknowt
het
hingst
heyputme
t
hrough.
Her:Youdon'tknowt hethi
ngssheputme
thr
ougheitheranditdoesn'tmatter.
..
I'
m not
sayi
ngforgivethem now,I'
mj ustsayi
ngdon't
beangryforeverli
feistooshort.
Shest
oodupaf
tersay
ingt
hat
.
Her
:Goodni
ghtRat
owakhe.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Lat
erIal
sowenttobed,Ikeptont
hinki
ngabout
whatMamzosaid.Ihav
ef or
giv
enthem IknowI
hav
ebutIdon'
tthi
nkwecanev
ersi
tdownand
befami
l
yagain,
No!.
Idozedof
ftosleepandIwaswokenupby
Tysonget
ti
ngintobed.
Me:
Baby
.
Isai
dthatwi
thaver
ysl
eepyv
oice,
myey
es
weresti
l
lcl
osed.
Me: You'
reback.
..
.doy
ouwantmet
owar
m up
yourfood?
Hi
m:NoRat
osl
eep.
Idi
djustt
hatandwit
hinami
nut
eIf
elthi
s
str
ongarmscuddl
ingme.
~
~
[
Sizwe]
Iwasonaphonewi
tht
hisl
oudi
rr
it
ati
ngol
d
woman.
Me:
And?
Her
:Shechoosehi
m.
Me:
overherownf
ami
l
y?
Her:
Famil
ythatmar
riedherofft
oabeast
?
don'
tbesur
pri
sedbecauseI'
m not.
Me:Patr
ici
adon'
tyoudar
ecal
lmybr
othera
beast
.
Her:Het
ri
edt
oki
l
lher
..
..
whoshoot
shi
sown
wif
e?
Me:Shewasprobabl
ycheat
ingonhi
m andmy
br
otherf
oundout.
Her:
Nonsense,
yourbr
otheri
sahear
tl
ess
bast
ard.
Me:Ohreal
l
y?,
sosayst
hewomanwhosol
dher
ownni
eceformoney
.
Her
:Got
ohel
l
.
Me: Af
teryou,butbef
oret
hatmakesureyour
skankyniecebreakupwit
hthatboy
fri
endof
hersor.
..
Her
:orwhat
?ar
eyout
hreat
eni
ngme?
Me:Mybrot
herpaidyougoodmoney,nowy
ou
don'
twantyourf
amil
ytoknowthaty
ougot
morethanj
ustLobol
amoney.
Her
:Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Me:
Makesur
etheybr
eakupandbef
ast
.
Her
:Whatisi
ttoy
ou?
..
.y
ousai
dMaxi
sdead
any
ways.
Me:
exact
ly.
..
andaspert
radi
ti
onVenuswi
l
lbe
mywif
e.
Her:
that
'swicked,
evenifImanagetobr
eak
t
hem apart
..
.shewil
lnev
eragreeint
omarry
ing
you.
Me:Justworryabouty
ourmi
ssi
onandI
'
llwor
ry
aboutmine.
Her:sothiswhatt
hislooksli
ket
oyou?a
mission?
..
she'
smyni ece!.
Me:
thatdi
dn'
tst
opy
ouf
rom doi
ngal
lthebad
thi
ngsyoudidtoher,l
ist
enI'm abusymanI
can'
tworryabouty
oursill
yli
ttl
estori
es.
..
make
suret
heybreakupory ou'
llr
egretevert
aki
ng
moneyfrom mybrother.
Icl
i
ckedmyt
onguet
hendr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Looksl
i
ket
hingswi
l
lgosmot
hert
hanIt
hought
.
AsIwaslosti
nmyt hought
sIr
ecei
vedacal
l
fr
om anunknown.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Voi
ce:
CanIspeakt
oMrSKhany
il
e?
Me:
Speaki
ng,
who'
sthi
s?
Hi
m: OhSi
rI'
m MrDube,
Maxwel
lKhany
il
e'
s
l
awyer.
Me:
whatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Hi
m:Iwashopi
ngwe'
dtal
k,f
acet
oface.
Me:
I'
m cur
rent
lyoutoft
hecount
ryso.
.
Hi
m: i
t'
sreall
yimpor
tantt
haty
ouhearthis,
whendoy outhi
nkyoucancomingback?
Me:
Okey
,emm l
et'
sjustsayI
'
llmakeapl
an.
Hi
m:Okeyf
airenough,
thanky
ou.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Iwonderwhatcoul
dsoi
mpor
tant
.
~
~
[
Venus]
AnotherweekpassedandTy sonandIwere
crazyinlove.Ihat
edev eryminuteawayfrom
him anditgotworsebecausehewasl ess
around,Hesai dhewaswor ki
ngonahugedeal
andIt r
iedtounderst
andt houghi twassodamn
hard,i
tev engottoapoi ntwhereI'dcr
ymy sel
f
tosleepbecauseImi ssedhi m somuch.
Mamzo:
Wakeywakey
.
SheshockmeupasIsl
eepi
ngont
hecouch.
Me:
Mar
aMah.
Her
:Ai
yousl
eept
oomuchsuka!
.
Me:
I'
mti
red!
It
hrewmyhandst
odemonst
rat
emyt
ir
edness.
Her
:Come.
Shepul
l
edmyhand.
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Her
:Shoppi
ng.
Me:
it'
sFi
veo'
cl
ocki
ntheaf
ter
noon?
!.
Her
:Per
fect
,themal
li
slessnoi
sy.
Me:Can'
twedothi
ssomeot
her
t
ime?.
..
tomor
ro
wmay
be?Ineedt
osl
eep.
Her:
NoIhavet
ocookwe'
reoutofgr
ocer
ies
andtomor
rowI
'
m busy
.
Iwassoi
rr
it
atedbutIdr
ovehert
othedamn
mall
.
Myirr
it
ationgotworsewhenInoti
cedthatshe
onl
ypickedafewv eggi
es,
li
kereal
ly?shewoke
meupf
ort
hat
?.
Af
terourl
i
ttl
eshoppi
ngwedr
oveback.
Her
:Cany
oudr
opmeof
fatAmanda'
s?
Ilov
eMamzoreall
yIdo,butt
oni
ghtshewas
real
lyt
ryi
ngmypati
ence.
Me:
Fine.
Shecoul
dseehowannoy
edIwasbutshej
ust
smil
ed.
Wegotther
eandshetookoutabagIdi
dn'
t
ev
enknowwasthere.
Her
:Gonowbef
orei
tget
sdar
ker
.
Me:Don'ty
ouwantmet owal
kyoui
n?.
..
wai
tar
e
youspendi
ngt
henighther
e?
Shenodded.
Whydi dn'
tshejustsayso?becauseIcantell
that'
swhatshewant ed.
..
.f
ormet odropher
here.
..
whydr i
veallt
hewayt othemall?ai
suka!.
Me:
okeysayhi
,andgi
veMi
nni
eaki
ss.
Minni
ebecamesoattachedt
oLwazi
soIlether
sl
eepoverafewdaysagoandnowshedoesn'
t
wanttocomebackhome.
Idr
ov ebackhomei
nmyt i
redstat
eandwhenI
gotther
eIsawTyson'
scarpackedint
he
garage.
Thataloneli
ghtenupmymood.I 'v
emi ssedhi m
somuch.Ir aninsidethehouseeagerlyandI
checkedalltheroomsbuthewasn' tt
here.Igot
backandsati nthediningroom wi
t hmybr oken
heartunti
lIheardmusi ccomingfrom the
balcony.
--
-you'
reever
ystepImake,andI
..
.Iwantt
o
spendallmylif
ewi t
hyou,
nooneelsebutyou-
--
-.
..
..
.Myfavour
itesong.
Iwor
emysmi
l
eandr
ushedt
othebal
cony
.
Ist
oppedbyt
hedoorandl
ookedi
nsi
de.
Theli
ght
swer edimed,col
ourfulcandlesanda
ver
ywelldecor
atedtabl
e..
.notforget
ingmy
handsomemanl
ooki
ngf
reshasal
way
s.
Hi
m:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
ojoi
nme?
Hetookouthishandf
ormet
ohol
dandI
l
ookedatmy sel
f.
Me:
Can'
tIchangedi
ntosomet
hingel
sef
ir
st?
Iwasweari
ngdeni
m highr i
sejeans,atopwith
l
aceonthechest
,aleatherjacketandhigh
hi
ll
edankl
ebootsandtheset ti
ngthereneeded
averyf
ormaldr
esswithhill
s.
Hi
m:Youl
ookper
fect
.
Ismi
l
edandwal
kedi
n.
Tysonlookedatme, mor
eli
kehewasscar edI'
d
panicbutIj
ustwalkedfr
eel
y,"i
t'
sjustabalcony,
nothi
ngwillhappentome".
..
Ikeptrepeat
ing
thosewordsinmyhead.
IsatdownandTy sonserv
edus,it
'sli
kehe
knewhowhungr yIwas,aft
erourdinnerhe
pouredwinef
orus.Notmuchwor dswer e
exchangedwejustenj
oyedbeingineach
ot
her
'spr
esence.
Me:
I'
mreal
l
yimpr
essed.
Ismi
l
edandhesmi
l
edback.
Hest
oodupandknel
twi
thonekneei
nfr
ontof
me.
Me:
Baby
?!
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Him: Thef ewmont hsy ou'
vebeeni
nmyl i
feI
l
earntal otoft hi
ngsandt olov
eagai
nispartof
i
t..
..
..
Iknowi t'
sonlybeenfewmonthsli
keIsaid
butthatisenoughf ormetoknowthatIwantto
spendt her estofmyl i
fewit
h
you..
..Rato..
Pleasemakemeahappi estman
ali
veandbemywi f
e.
Il
ookedathi m wi
thtear
sroaminginsi
demy
eyes,
I'vealwayswonder
edwhatwasso
emotionalaboutbei
ngproposedtoandyether
e
Iam,crying.
Al
lImanagedt
odowasnodbecauseIcoul
dn'
t
f
indwor
dsri
chenoughtot
ell
TysonhowmuchI
want
edtobehi
swife.
Hesli
dther
ingt
hroughmyf
ingerandwe
shar
edahug.
[
08/29,08:
52]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*23*
***
***
[
Venus]
Iwaslayi
ngnakedi nTy son'sarmsafterour
morninggl
ory.Icouldn'
tstopl ooki
ngatthe
rockonmyf i
nger,It
'stheexact l
yonethatIwas
eyei
ngatthejewelryshopandt hatmeansone
thi
ngandonet hi
ngonl y,Amandahel pedTyson
choosemyring.Ilookedathi m withahuge
smileashewasbusyr unningcircl
eswithhi
s
fi
ngersonmynakedbut t.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hesmi
l
edandki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Myphonerangonthesi
de,Tysonpassedi
t
ov
erandIansweredwit
houtchecki
ngthecal
l
er.
Me:
DrJohnsonhel
l
o?
Call
er:Hi
Dr,
apol
ogi
esf
orcal
l
ingi
ntheear
ly
hours.
Me:
It'
sokey
,howcanIhel
pyou?
Her
:I'
m cal
l
ingfrom Nancypr
opert
yagency
,we
f
oundthekindofapart
mentyourequest
ed.
Me:
Ohh.
Befor
eIl ef
tKZNIwasn' tplanni
ngonstay
ingin
thehotelsoIsearchedforanapart
mentbutit
tooklongerthanIthoughtandnowIstaywit
h
Tyson.
Me:
Emm owkcanIcomechecki
toutf
ir
st?
Her
:Mostdef
inat
ely
.
Me:
Okeywe'
l
ltal
k.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landgav
ethephonet
oTy
son
sohecanputi
tback.
Hi
m:ev
ery
thi
ngowk?
Me:yesactual
l
ythatwasNancypr
oper
ty
agency
,Ionceaskedthem t
ofi
ndmeahouse.
Hi
m:owandt
heyf
oundi
t?
Me:Yes,
I'
ll
bechecki
ngitoutsoonandi
fit
's
bi
genoughI'
mtaki
ngit.
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owandIl
aughed.
Me:Sot
hatIcanusei
twhenIdeci
det
oopen
myownpract
ise.
Him:that
's..
..
.t
hat
'sver
ythought
ful
of
you.
..
You'resmartass.
Me:
Iknow.
Irol
l
edmyey
espl
ayf
ull
yandmyphoner
ang
agai
n.
Me:
I'
m st
art
ingt
othi
nkI
'
m acel
ebr
it
y.
Hechuckl
edandpassedmemyphone.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Him:DrVenus,
MrDubespeaki
ng.
..
Maxwel
l
Khanyi
l
e'sl
awyer.
Me:
ohhowcanIhel
pyou?
Hi
m:Canwemeetupandt
alk?
Me:
Tal
kaboutwhat
?
Hi
m:Ipr
efernotsay
ingt
hisont
hephone.
Me:MrDube,
Maxwell
andIaredi
vor
cedand
youknowi
tsowhat
everi
tis.
..
Tysonl
ookedatmej
ustasIsayMaxwel
l
's
name.
Hi
m:DrJohnsonI
twi
l
lbei
nyourbesti
nter
est
t
ocome.
Me:Fi
nelet
'
smeetatt
heDant
eMal
l
..
.12
o'
cl
ock.
Him:Unfor
tunatel
ywe'l
lneedamorequiet
pl
acetodot hatandI'
m notav
ail
abl
etodayand
soar
et herestofthef
amilymembers.
Me:
restoft
hef
ami
l
ymember
s?
Him:Let
'smeetatt
heNzi
ngaf
ir
m..
.on
Thur
sday10:
30sharp.
Me:
wel
lI'
m al
sonotav
ail
abl
eont
hatday
.
Hi
m: DrJohnsonli
keIsai
d,youneedt
obe
pr
esent.
..
pleasemakeaplan.
Me:
fine.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
laf
terhesai
dthanky
ou.
Il
ookedatTy sonandhelookedrightbackat
me.Icouldtell
hewantedtoknowsoIt ol
dhi
m
everyt
hingandsurpr
isi
ngl
yhehadno
object
ionsormaybeIcouldn'
treadhis
emot i
onsonthis.
Wespentt herestoft
hedayindoorsenjoyi
ng
eachotherscompanyandlatert
hatday
AmandaandSkhumbuzocamet odropMamzo
andMinnie,Ishowedthem myrockandt hey
werehappyf ormebutnotasmuchasIwas
happyformy sel
f.Day
swentbyf astandI
couldn'
tbemorehappi
er.
..
Iwasevengaini
ng
weightandther
easonIwasn'
tcomplaini
ngis
becauseitwasi
nallt
heri
ghtpl
aceslikemy
butt
.
~
~
[
Tyson]
I
twasWednesdaynightandIwasatthe
net
careHospi
tal
tal
kingtoSkhumbuzoi
nhi
s
off
ice.
Hi
m:Cal
m downmanei
therwayi
twasbound
t
ocomeout.
Me:Butnotli
ket
his,wher
eisAmanda?may
be
shecantal
ktoher.
Iat
tempt
edwal
ki
ngt
oAmanda'
sof
fi
ce.
Hi
m:She'
sathome,
Tysonl
i
sten.
Iwal
kedbacki
nandsatdown.
Hi
m:t
alkheroutofi
t,shel
i
stenst
oyou.
..
.t
ell
hernott
ogo.
Me:it'
spointl
ess,thefactt
hatthewholefamil
y
wi
llfl
yallthewayjustt obepresenti
tmeans
i
t'
sfuckinimportantandIknowhowi t
works.
...
nothi
nghappensunl essever
yoneis
pr
esent.
Hi
m: Andt
heywi
l
ltr
ybyal
lmeanst
ogetVenus
t
here.
Me:
exact
ly.
Hi
m:Mymany
ouhav
etot
ell
her
.
Me:She'
l
lhat
emeaf
tert
his,
Ipr
act
ical
l
yli
edt
o
her
.
Him:she'
l
lhateyoumor
eifshef
indsoutf
rom
somebodyelse.
Me:
Youdon'
tgeti
tSkhu.
.
Him:Ido,
Yesshewil
lbeangr
yforsometi
me
butshel
ovesyou,
she'
ll
for
giv
eyouevent
uall
y.
Ibat
tl
edwi
thmyt
hought
sforawhi
l
e,Skhu
coul
dber
ight
.
Me:
You'
repr
obabl
yri
ght
.
Hi
m:Iam.
Ist
oodupandwentt oVenus'
soffi
ce.Ineeded
tot
alktoherbefor
eshegoest othedamn
meeti
ngtomorrow..
.Ifoundhereat
ingmuffins.
Me:
Rat
o.
Her
:mhht
hesear
edel
i
ciousbaby
,wantsome?
Me:
Not
hanky
ou.
..
..
emm Babyweneedt
otal
k.
Shegav
emeherat
tent
ion.
Her
:soundsser
ious.
Shepoi
ntedatt
hechai
r.
Me:NoI'l
lst
and.
..
..
Ihavesomet
hingt
otell
you,
IwantyouknowthatIdi
dn'
tmeantokeepthi
s
fr
om you.
..
.
Bef
oreIcoul
dfi
nishmysent
enceanur
se
bar
gedin.
Nur
se:
Dry
ou'
reneededi
nER12.
.it
'sBaby
Mil
l
an,
we'
rel
osi
ngher.
Shequi
ckl
yst
oodupandwor
eherl
abcoat
.
Her
:sorr
ybaby
,we'
l
ltal
kwhenIgethome
t
omorrowowk?
Sheki
ssedmycheekandwal
kedout
,gi
vi
ngme
nochancet
orespond.
~
~
[
Venus]
Ihatewor kingnightshif
tsit
'st
ir
inganddr ai
ning,
Ispenthour si nERwithanewbor nfi
ghti
ngfor
herli
fe.Ifinishedlat
erthanwhenmyshi ftend
andIwasal readylat
eformymeet i
ngwithMr
DubesoIr ushedhome, t
ookaquickshower
andgr abbedanappl eonmywayout .
Igottot
heNzingafir
m andIwasdi r
ectedt
o
somehugeoffi
cewher eIfoundtheKhanyi
l
e
famil
ysi
tti
ngaroundthetable.
Me:
Sani
bona.
Isatdownnextt
oZodwawhol
ookedi
rr
it
ated
tobehere.
MrDube:
Good,
nowt
hatwear
eal
lher
ewecan
st
art
.
Si
zwegav
emeast
are.
MrDube: Asweareall awarethatMaxwel l
Khanyi
lehasbeenmi ssingformont hsnow, i
n
hi
swi l
lthere'
saclausewhi chr eads"Fami ly,
I
wil
lneverabondonf ami l
y.
..
nomat terwhat
ci
rcumst ancesar
e,I'
llcontactatleastone
membert okeepi
nt ouch,thereforeifIget
missi
ngf ormorethant womont hst reatmeas
deadandmor nme".
MrDube:
doweal
lunder
stand?
Imumbl
ed"
wei
rd".
Whowouldwrit
ethatshi
t,unl
ess..
..
unl
esshe
wasinvol
vedi
nalotofbaddealingswi
th
danger
ouspeopl
eandknewt hatonedaythi
ngs
wi
l
lgosout
h.
MrDube: OK, I
'l
lst
artwiththereadingofthe
wi
ll
..
."ToMyy oungbrotherSi
zweKhany i
leI
l
eave40%shar esofallmypropertybusinesses,
myfrenchiesbusinessesandMyr edrange
r
over,gi
vent hathevowst otakecar eofmy
f
ather.
MrDubel
ookedatSi
zweandhenodded.
MrD: Tomyex-wif
eDrVenusJohnsonIl eave
myhouse,aful
lshareofthefar
m andtherest
ofthe60%ofallt
hepropert
ybusinessandthe
remaini
ngcar
s.
Thatcameasashock, whywoul
dhedothat?
andthefactt
hati
t'
swr i
tt
enexwif
eitmeans
thewil
lwasdrawnrecentl
y.
MrDube:
that
'
sit
.
Hecl
osedt
hef
il
e.
Zodwa:
That
'sal
l
?
Max'
saunt
:Exwi
fe?
Ev
ery
onel
ookedatme.
Me:
yes,
we'
redi
vor
ced,
MrDubecant
est
if
yto
t
hat
.
Max'
sDad:
Buty
ou'
rewear
ingar
ing.
Si
zwe:
Mustbef
rom t
hatnewboy
fri
endofhi
s.
aunt:
What?,
it'
snotev
enay
eary
ou'
vej
umped
tosomeoneelse?
Il
ookeddown,
Iwasnoti
namoodf
ordr
ama.
Sizwe:actuall
ythat
'swhatIwant
edustotal
k
aboutafterthi
smeet i
ng.
..
Venuscannot
remarr
y .
Me:
Why
?whowoul
dst
opme?
Isai
dloudl
y.
Si
zwe:
You'
reaKhany
il
ewi
l
lfor
everbe.
Me:
LikeIsai
dwe'
redi
vor
cedso.
.
Hecutmysent
ence.
Dad:
Wepai
dyourbr
idepr
ice,
paper
sdon'
t
changeany
thing.
..
wei
ntroducedy
outot
he
anci
stor
sasoneofus,youandSizwewi
llhav
e
togetmarr
ied.
Me:
What
?!
Si
zwe:
yes.
Hel
ookedatmewithasmi
rk.Hemustbecr
azy
i
fhethi
nksI
'l
lmar
ryhi
sarr
ogantass.
MrDube:act
uall
y,Maxmadei tcl
earnottoev
er
bot
herVenus,l
etherchooseherfut
ure.
Hepassedthef
il
etoSi
zwewhoreadi
tand
angr
il
ythr
ewitonthet
abl
e.Max
'sDadpi
ckedi
t
up.
Dad:
thi
sisi
nsane.
Heshout
edangr
il
y.
Him:
shecan'
tbespendi
ngmyson'
smoneywi
th
anot
herman!
Me:
Wel
lthenkeepi
t!
.
Iwasget
ti
ngpi
ssed.
MrDube:I
mpossibl
e..
.she'
snotallowedtosel
l
t
hesharesorany
thi
ngel seforf
iveyear
s.
Dad:f
inethenbutyouwil
lpaybackal
lthe
moneywepai dforLobol
a,t
hatonei
snon
negot
iat
able.
Me:
Finebyme!
.
Si
zwe:Withinter
est
...
.i
fweknewyou'ddi
vor
ce
wewouldhav eusedthemoneyforsomethi
ng
el
se,
li
keinvestments.
Igavehi
m astar
e,Idon'tevenknowwhyhe'
s
tal
ki
ng..
.hedi
dn'
tcontr
ibutetomybri
depri
ce,
hewasaschoolerthenandhadnomoney .
Me:
fine.
Si
zwe:
Tenmi
l
li
on.
Me:
What
?!
Hi
m:i
t'
sei
thert
hatory
oudon'
tremar
ry.
Me:Fuckyou!
,yourf
ami
l
ypai
dlesst
hant
hat
,
wayless.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m: LikeIsai
d,wecouldhavedonealotwi
th
t
hatmoney ..
..
whoknowsmay beyourf
amily
i
nvesteditandtheyar
egett
ingmore.
Me:Theydi
dn'
t,
thatmoneywasal
lusedbef
ore
Iev
ennoti
ced.
Hi
m: noneofourbusi
ness,
li
keIsai
dtakei
tor
l
eaveit
.
Ilookedaroundthetabl
ehopingsomeonewil
l
beonmysi deonthisonebutevenMrDube
raisedhi
sshouldersindef
eat.Ihadt
ear
s
runningonmyf ace.
"
I'
ll
payi
t"
.
Weal
ll
ookedatt
hedoorandTy
sonwal
kedi
n.
Ty
son:
Yourt
enmi
l
li
onr
and,
I'
ll
payi
t.
Wordsescapedmymind.Ij
ustl
ookedatTy
son
whowasn'tl
ooki
ngatme.
Hi
sey
esf
il
ledwi
thsomuchhat
eandangerand
i
twasal ldi
rectedtoMax'sDadwhor eturned
thedeadstarer i
ghtbackatTy son.
..
Ialso
noti
cedthesur pri
seintherestofthefami l
y'
s
eyesexceptforZodwawhowasst il
langrythat
Maxleftnothingforher.
[
08/29,08:
52]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
**24*
***
***
[
Venus]
Si
zwe:
Tyson?
Ty
son'
sey
esshi
ft
edf
rom MrKhany
il
etoSi
zwe.
Max'
sDad:
TysonKhumal
o?.
.ohsot
hisi
s"t
he"
Ty
sonKhumal
o.
Hesai
dthatwi
thasmirkandTy
son'
sey
es
r
efl
ect
edsomuchcoldness.
Ty
son:
Rat
o.
HekissedmycheekasIwel
comedhi
m wi
tha
hug.
MrDube:
ExcusemebutIhav
esomewher
eto
be.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Li
kereall
y?he'sreallygoingtol
eaveushere?.
Hesawt hetensi
oni nthi
sroom hecan'
tjust
l
eave,bythelookoft hingsanyt
hingcanhappen
hereImeanany t
hi ng..
..
weneedsomeonet o
neutr
ali
sethi
ngsj ustincase.
Me:Ar
ewedoneher
e?.
.Ir
eal
l
yneedt
oget
homeI'
mti
red.
I
twasaf
tert
wel
vei
nthenoonal
ready
.
Ty
son:
let
'sgetoutofher
e.
Max'
sDad:
justl
i
ket
hat
?..
..
no"
Hif
ami
l
y?"
Ty
songav
eMrKhanyi
leadeadst
areandt
ook
myhandi
nhi
s,weat
temptedwal
ki
ngout.
Max'
sdad:
Sayhi
tomy"
sist
eri
n-l
aw"
,Lor
dthat
woman!
.
Idon'tknowwhenandhowbutbef or
ehecould
fi
nishhissentenceTysonhadal
readyfl
ew
acrosstheroom andknockedMax'sfat
herof
f
theground..
.hefel
ldownalongwit
hhischai
r.
Ty
son:
stayawayf
rom mymot
her
!.
Hewasf
umi
ngi
nanger
.
Aunt:
wooowait,Tysony
oumi ghtt
hinky
ou'
re
grownbutyouhavenobusinesslayi
ngyour
fi
l
thyhandsonyouruncl
e!.
Me:
Uncl
e?!
.
Il
ookedatTysonandhel
ookedatmewi
th
beggi
ngeyes.
Ikeptonwait
ingforhi
mtotel
lmethatshe'
s
l
yingandshe'
scrazybuthedi
dn'
t.
Si
zwe:
Washa!
.
Hel
etoutanev
ill
augh.
Uncl
e?.
..
.Max'
sfat
heri
sTy
son'
suncl
e?
Ifel
tther
oom get
ti
ngsmal l
er,
Iknewthati
fI
don'
tgetouti
nthenextsecondIwil
lsuf
focat
e.
Ty
:Rat
owai
t.
Iwalkedouti
nspeed, mycarkeysaretheonl
y
thi
ngImanagedtot akewit
hme, myhandbag
wasleftbehi
nd.
..
.Ineededt
obr eath.
Igotinsi
demycaranddr
oveaway
,Ihadno
dest
inati
onIj
ustdr
ovenj
er.
Whywoul dhekeepsuchthi
ngf r
om me? ..
..
does
thi
smeanhe'sMax'scousinbrother
?..
.t
hisisso
messedupandev er
yti
meIt r
iedtomakesense
ofitIgetmor
econfused.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Me:Youbet
terr
un!
,runfastbecauseIam
comingf
oryou,
youwill
payf orever
ythi
ngy
ou
di
d.
Si
zwe:soyoukeeponsay
ing,
let
'sf
acei
tyou
l
ostyourt
ouch.
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongueandwal
kedout
.
Idr
ovehomeandonmywayIrecei
veda
massagef
rom av
eryl
ongnumber.
-
--
--
-doy
ouknowhowt
omakepancakes?
..
..
--
--
Idel
etedt
hemassagewi
thoutr
eadi
ngt
her
est
ofit
.
Me:
Bloodyadv
ert
s.
IgothomeandVenus'scarwasnowheretobe
found.It
ri
edcal
l
ingherbutherphoner
ang
i
nsideherbagwhichIhadwit
hme.
Me:
damni
t!
.
Ihadnootheropt
iont
hentocal
lZachbut
unfor
tunat
elyhewasunav
ail
abl
e.
Ihadalr
eadyf
orgot
tenthathewasoutofthe
count
ryonahugebusinessdealwhi
chcould
payoffver
ywell
forTheCrips.
I
tt i
mesli
kethesewher eIwishIwasmor e
techni
cal
lyl
it
erate,Icoul
d'
vetrackedVenusby
nowbutcomput ersaremoreofZach'sthing
thanmine.
Myphoner
angandi
twasAmanda.
Me:
Amanda.
Hi
m:Noi
t'
sme,
howdi
ditgo?
Me:Skhumbuzo,
notgoodmyman.
..
shet
ook
of
f.
Hi
m:t
jothat
'sext
reme.
..
Iknewshewasgoi
ng
t
obeangrybutl
eavi
ngyou?.
Me:No..
nonotl
i
ket
hat
..
.shest
ormedoutoft
he
meeti
ng.
Hel
etoutasi
gh.
Hi
m:y
ougav
emeaf
ri
ght
.
Iheardacardr
ivi
ngi
n,Ipeepedt
hrought
he
windowanditwasVenus.
Me:
She'
sher
egot
tago,
pleaseaskAmandat
o
pi
ckMi
nni
efr
om school
.
Hi
m:Shar
p.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
lasVenuewal
kedi
n.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Iam r
eadyt
ohearwhaty
ouhav
etosay
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
otal
kornot
?
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hi
m:emm mhh.
Me:
Max.
..
ishey
ourcousi
n?
Henodded.
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
tthi
nki
tIneededt
oknowt
hat
?
Heshi
ft
edhi
sey
esf
rom me.
Me:
Wer
eyouev
engoi
ngt
otel
lme?
Hi
m:Rat
oit
'sal
ongst
ory
.
Me:
tryme.
Her
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
Me:Tysoni
syoudon'
ttal
ktomewhowi
l
lyou
t
alkto?
Hedi
dn'
trespond.
Istar
tedwalki
ngawaybecauseitl
ookedli
ke
Tysonisnotreadyt
otel
lmet hetr
uthandIwas
donebegging.
Hi
m:Wear
erel
ati
ves.
It
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Hi
m:MaxandI
,wear
ecousi
ns.
Me:
Howi
sthatev
enpossi
ble?
.
Hi
m: Ourgr
andf ather
,Hehadawi fewhogav e
bi
rt
ht oBen,maxwel l'
sfat
her.
..
.healsohadan
af
fai
randmyf atherwasconceived.Because
myfatherwasani l
li
gimat
esonhet ookhis
mother'
ssurnameKhumal o.Hi
m andBengr ew
tobegoodbr other
sev enthoughtheyhad
dif
fer
entmot hers,
theystart
edagang
toget
her.
..
rul
edt hestr
eetsbutthingschanged
whenMyf athermeetMamaD, Benhadt hi
s
obsessi
onwi thherandmyf atherdidn'
tl
ikeit
.
Iwatchedhim getemoti
onalashecont
inued
tel
l
ingmet hestoryhoweverhewastr
yingso
hardnottoshowi t
.
Him:Tocutthest
oryshort
,whenmyf ather
diedwemov edi
nwithBenandMaxwhohad
j
ustlosthi
smother.Benmadeussel ldrugsat
theageof14andwehadnopr obl
em becauseI
knewweneededt oeatandwit
hMax '
shel pi
t
waseasybacausehewasol dpeoplegav eus
nohassle,
Benint
roducedustogangst eri
sm
bothmeandMax.
Lif
ewasbearabl
eandgoi
ngunt
ilhet
ri
edt
o
for
cehi
mselfonMamaD.
Iknewri
ghtt
hent
hatIhadt
ogr
owfastand
prot
ectMamaDandAmandasoIst
abbedBen
andlef
thimt odieandunfor
tunatel
yhedi
dntso
MamaD, AmandaandIr anaway ,We'v
ebeen
doingalotofrunni
ngunti
lIstar
tedmyown
crewwhichbecameenemi eswithMaxand
Sizwe'
screw.
Onedayt heyki
dnappedMi nni
e'
smot herin
hopesofusgi v
ingthem moneythatwehadj ust
hi
jackedandwhenwegav eitt
ot hem itwas
al
readylate,
MaxandSi zwehadal readykil
led
her.
..
.Wecouldn'tev
enseeheratt hef uner
al
becausetheyshotherinthehead.
Me:
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Him: it
'sokey,Benmanagedtoconv i
nceme
thatMaxandIar ebrot
herssoIfIki
ll
him Iwil
l
nev erbeabletoli
vewithit
,heknewhowmuchI
valuefamily.
..
butall
alongMaxwaspr otect
ing
Sizwewhoi stheonewhopulledthetr
igger
.
Me:andbecauseSi
zwei snotBen'
sbi
ologi
cal
sonandnotyourr
elat
ive.
..
youcoul
dhavekil
led
hi
m.
Hi
m: yesbuti
tdoesn'
tmat t
ernowbecauseI
wi
llki
l
l hi
m,I'
m sor
ryIkeptthi
sfr
om you.
Me:it
'sokey.
..
.butinf
utur
eTysondon'
tkeep
t
hingsfrom me..
.goodorbad.
.
l
etmedeci
def
ormy
sel
f.
EventhoughIwant edtobeangryathim,I
coul
dn't.
..
weal l
haveapastandaf ew
secr
ets..
.whatIdidn'
tl
ikewashim deci
dingf
or
met hatIwouldn'
thandlet
hetrut
h.
Hi
m:Ipr
omi
se.
Me:Good, nowist
hereanyt
hingel
seIshoul
d
hear
?..
.Idon'tl
i
kesur
pri
ses.
.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hi
m:Ibl
ackmai
l
edMrDube.
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow.
Me:
Why
?
Hi
m:Aft
erIfoundoutt
hatMaxl
eftyou
ev
ery
thi
ngIaskedMrDubetoal
tert
hewil
l
,at
f
ir
stIwant
edev
ery
thi
ngt
obeonhi
sfat
her
.
Me:
Why
?!
All
thefeeli
ngsIhadoff
orgi
vi
nghi
m wer
eout
ofthewindow.
Hi
m:Iwast
ryi
ngt
opr
otecty
ou.
Me: r
eall
y?.
..
ormay
bey
ouwer
etr
yingt
opr
otect
yoursecret
?
Gonewerethecal
m me,
Iwasnowscr
eami
ng
andshout
ing.
Him:Thattoobutify
our ecei
vedever
ythi
ngli
ke
Maxwant edyouto,t
heKhany i
le'
swouldn'
t
havelef
tyouinpeace..
.t
heywer egoi
ngtofi
ght
you.
Me:
ohandbecauseI
'
m weakIcan'
tfi
ghtback?
Hi
m:That
'snotwhatImeanandy
ouknowt
hat
.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeant
hen?
Hi
m:Venus,
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hiswoul
dbea
pr
obl
em?.
Me:it
'snot
,thepr
oblem her
eisy
oumaki
ng
deci
si
onsformewi t
houtinf
ormi
ngme.
Hi
m:OkeyI
'
m sor
ry,
ifi
t'
sthemoneyt
henI
'
llpay
i
t.
Me:
Howdar
eyou?
Hi
m:Idon'
tmeani
tli
ket
hat
.
Befor
ehecoul
dfi
nishhi
ssentenceIcl
imbed
thest
air
sandl
ockedmysel
finmyr oom.
Foraf
ir
stt
imeIf
eltl
ostandt
rapped.
If
eltl
i
kemyi
ndependancewast
hreat
ened.
Aft
ermyf airshareofcry
ingIwashungry
, I
walkedinthekitchenandfoundTysonsi
pping
onofhisexpensi vewhi
skey.Igav
enoattenti
on
tohim Ij
ustdidwhatIwast heref
or.
Amandawal
kedi
nhol
dingLwazi
.
Her
:Youbet
terf
il
lmypat
rol
tank.
Ty
son:
That
'sSkhumbuzo'
sjob.
Her
:Nonono,
notaf
tery
oumademedr
iveal
l
t
hewayt
oMi
nni
e'
sschool
fornot
hing.
Hi
m:WhatI
sthatsupposet
omean?
Her:exactl
ythat
..
..
youandy
ournaught
y
daughter.
Isatnextt
oAmanda.
Ty
son'
sfacechanged.
Hi
m:Amanda!wher
eisMi
nenhl
e?
Her
:di
dn'
tyoupi
ckherup?
Hi
m:NoIt
oldSkhumbuzot
o..
..
Shecuthi
m.
Her:
Idi
dbutwhenIgottheret
hesecuri
tygui
de
t
oldmethatherf
atherpi
ckedherup.
Tysonst
oodupanddi
sappear
edt
ooneoft
he
rooms.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon.
Her
:ohLor
dNo!
[
08/
29,
08:
52]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
*25*
***
***
*
SHORT
[
Sizwe]
Me:
Scel
o,I
'
m onmyway
.
Hi
m: Justcal
l
ingt
otel
lyout
hatwehav
ethe
l
it
tl
egirl
.
Me:good,
didy
ousendt
hemassagel
i
keIt
old
you?
Hi
m:YesIdi
d.
Me:
Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tl
eav
eanyt
rai
l
s.
Hi
m: whatdoyout akemef
or?.
..
i'
vebeendoi
ng
t
hisal
lmylif
e..
.showsomerespect.
Me:
Iknow,
Ijustdon'
twantcompl
i
cat
ions.
Hi
m:andy
ouwon'
tgetany
..
.whoar
eyou
messi
ngwi
thany
way
s?
Me:Itdoesn'
tmatter
,youjustmakesureyou
gui
det hatgi
rlwi
thyourl
if
eshe'smytickett
o
get
ti
ngwhatIwant .
Him:didn'
tyourfatherteachyounevert
omess
wit
hani gger
'sfamily?especi
all
yli
tt
le
ki
ds..
..
.whoev eryou'
remessingwithisr
edi
n
angerri
ghtnowandt hatcan'
tbegood.
Me:exact
lywhatIwant
.Ihavehi
sdaught
erso
hewil
lmakesureIgetwhatIwant
.
Him:Ij
usthopeyouknowwhatyou'
re
doi
ng..
..
ohandnowthatIgoty
ouwhaty ou
wantedwhencanIexpectt
hegoodstobe
del
iv
ered?
Me:LikeIsai
dI'
m onmyway
..
.we'
l
ltal
kwhenI
gett
here.
Hi
m:don'
ttaket
ool
ongIdon'
tl
ikewai
ti
ng.
Me:
cool
.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Scel
oi soneofthetoughestgangst er
sandhe
wantstoexpandhisbusi nessf r
om drugst
o
di
amondsandIhav ediamondsmeani nghe's
eati
ngoutofmyhand.Nott hatIwanttocross
hi
mt houghbecausehe' sbadnews. ..
heonce
madeaguyeathi sowni ntesti
nessojust
i
magi newhathe'scapableof f.
~
~
[
Venus]
Tysongotbacki
nar
oom hol
dingagunandhi
s
phone.
IknowIplannedonnott
alki
ngtohi
m butt
hisi
s
i
mpor t
antIcanalway
sconti
nuebei
ngangryat
him af
ter
.
Me:
Tysonwhati
sgoi
ngon?
Ij
ustbecameemot
ional
outoft
hebl
ue.
Me:
Tysonwhati
swr
ong?
Him:Idon'
tknowbutwhatIknowist
hat
someoneoutt her
ehasmydaught
erandIhav
e
togetherback.
Me:
what
?who?why
?
Amandast
art
edsobbi
ngl
oudl
y.
Her
:Ty
..
doy
ou?
..
.doy
out
hink.
..
?
Hi
m: Idon'
tknowAmandabutIhopeit
'snot
hi
m becausether
e'snost
oppi
ngthi
sti
me
ar
ound.
Me:
Tyson!
Him:stayher
edon'
tgoout
,ifsomet
hing
happenscall
me!.
Me:
ButTy
son.
..
.
Hi
m:Damni
tVenusst
ayher
edon'
tgoout
!
Hespokewit
hsomuchaut
hor
it
yandIhadno
choi
cebutt
oobey
.
Hecl
ockedt
hegunandputi
tont
hesi
de.
Hewentt
osett
heal
arm onandwal
kedout
.
Hi
m:noonel
eav
est
hishouse!
.
InoddedbecauseIcoul
dtellhewasstressed
soIdidn'
twanttoaddandlikeIsai
d,Ican
al
way sbeangryathi
m aft
erthiswhol
et hi
ng.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Idr
ovel
i
keamani
acal
lthewayt
othehospi
tal
.
Iwalkedst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sof
fi
cebuthewasn'
t
ther
e.
Me:
Zee.
..
I'
mlooki
ngf
orSkhumbuzo!
.
Her
:He'
sinaconf
erencecal
l
.
Me:
damni
t.
Ihi
tthedesk.
Me:
Howl
ongwi
l
litt
ake?
Her
:I'
m notsur
e..
.appr
oxi
mat
ely45mi
nut
es.
Me:
Ican'
twai
tthatl
ongt
hisi
sur
gent
.
Her
:letmegocheckonhi
m.
Me:
tel
lhi
mthatIsai
dTCOU.
Her
:TCOUgoti
t.
Shedisappear
edandSkhumbuzoappear
edi
na
second.
Hi
m:Whoar
ewedeal
i
ngwi
th?
Heaskedaswewal
kedt
othepackl
ot.
Me:
Idon'
tknowbutt
heyhav
eMi
nenhl
e.
Hi
m:Whatt
hef
uck!
Me:
Ithi
nkSi
zwei
sbehi
ndi
t.
Wegottothecaranddrovet
othehot
elt
he
Khany
il
e'
sarestayi
ngin.
~
~
[
Sizwe]
Igottothehousewher
eScel
okeptTy
son'
s
daughter
.
Me:
Didy
ouhav
etokeepheri
nyourhouse?
Hi
m:y
es,
it'
sal
astpl
aceany
onewi
l
llook.
Me:
That
'scl
ever
.
Hi
m:j
ea.
Me:expectacal
labouty
ourst
ufft
omorr
ow,
r
ightnowIwanttomeetthel
it
tl
egir
l.
Hi
m:Thi
rdr
oom f
rom t
heki
tchen.
Me:y
ou'vereal
lyoutdoneyour
sel
f..
thi
shouse
i
sbeati
fulali
tt
lei
solat
edtoo.
Iwal
kedi
nleav
inghi
m smoki
ngout
side.
Me:
ohhi
.
Her
:Hi
.
Me:
I'
m uncl
eSi
zwe,
yourFat
her
'sf
ri
end.
Igav
ehermyhandbutshei
gnor
edi
t.
Her
:I'
venev
erseeny
oubef
ore.
Me:
That
'sbecauseIl
i
vei
nanot
hercount
ry.
Her
:li
keov
erseas?
sheopenedherey
eswi
del
y.
Her
:Ial
sowantt
ogoov
erseas.
Me:
real
l
y?
Shenoddedexci
tedl
y.
Me:okeyf
ini
sheat
ingy
ourf
oodIwantt
otal
kto
uncl
eScel
o.
Her
:okey
.
Iwalkedoutleavi
ngherf
asci
nat
ingabout
over
seas..
.l
it
tledi
dsheknowIstayheri
n
Congo.
Me:
nor
epl
y?
Hi
m:No.
Me:
Arey
ousur
eyousentt
hemassage?
Hi
m:doIl
ookl
i
keaf
ool
toy
ou?
Hegav
emeadeadst
are.
Me:
I'
mjustsur
pri
sedhehasn'
tresponded.
Hi
m:whatnow?
Ir
ubbedmyf
orehead.
Me:
Wewai
t.
IknowTysonmightbecooki
ngsomet
hingr
ight
nowbutIhavehi
sdaughter.
[
08/29,08:
52]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
26*
***
***
[
Tyson]
Me:excusemema' am we'r
elooki
ngforMrBen
Khanyi
leorSizweKhanyi
lewebeli
evetheyar
e
i
nthishotel
.
Her
:who'
saski
ng?
Skhu:
What
'st
hatsupposet
omean?
Her:Wedon'tgiveoutt
hatki
ndofinf
ormati
on
unlessyou'
refrom t
heaut
hori
ti
esandhavethe
necessarydocuments.
Skhu:l
ist
en,we'
reei
therdoi
ngt
hist
heeasyway
orthehardway.
Heshowedhert
hegun.
Me:Don'
tyoudar
ethi
nkofpr
essi
ngt
hatpani
c
but
ton!
.
Her
:emm I
.
Me:
room number
.
Her:Weonl yhaveMrBenKhanyi
lehebooked
fi
vediff
erentroomsforsi
xpeopl
etheothert
wo
areshari
ng.
Shewasl
i
ter
all
yshaki
ng.
Me:
room number
?!
Her
:Who'
sroom si
r.
..
?
Me:
Arey
out
hatf
ucki
nDom?
..
.BenKhany
il
e!
Her
:room ahh.
.
Shewasgoi
nghar
dont
hatcomput
er.
Her
:Room K305.
..
thi
rdf
loor
.
Wequi
ckl
ylef
tther
ecept
iont
oBen'
sroom.
Hewasinashowerwhenwegotsowedeci
ded
t
owaitf
orhi
mi ntheopenpl
anr
oom.
Him:Who'st
her
e?.
.Idi
dn'
tor
deranyr
oom
ser
vice.
Hewasshouti
ngfr
om theshowerSkhumbuzo
andIr
emainedsi
l
ent.
Hi
m:Isai
dI.
..
Hestoppedwhenhi
sey
esl
andedonus
poi
nti
nggunsathi
m.
Hehadat
owel
wrappedonhi
swai
st.
Hi
m:Twi
cei
nadaymhh.
..
ohhi
Skhumbuzo.
Skhu:yousti
ll
remembermyname?I
'
m
i
mpr essed.
Me:
Wher
e'smydaught
erBen?
Hi
m:Am Isupposet
oknowher
?
Me:BenI
'
m goi
ngt
oaskonel
astt
ime.
..
wher
e
i
sshe?
Him:AndI'
m goi
ngt
osayt
hisonce.
..
Idon'
t
knowher!
.
Skhumbuzocl
ockedhi
sgun.
Skhu:You'
resur
echeekyf
oranol
dmanl
i
ke
you.
Hi
m:SoI
'
vebeent
old.
..
Befor
eHecouldfini
shhi
ssentenceSkhumbuzo
andIhadalr
eadyputbul
let
sinhim.Iarmedfor
thekneeandSkhumbuzohitt
hearm.
Hescr
eamedi
nagony
.
Skhu:
All
owme?
Hedi
rect
edt
hatt
ome.
Me:
NoI
'
llhav
ethi
sone.
Imov
edcl
oserandshothi
sot
herknee.
Hi
m:Fuck!
Me:
Mydaught
erBen?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowIswear
.
Me:
her
e!Cal
lyourson.
It
ossedhi
m hi
sphone.
Hi
m:v
oicemai
l
.
Me:
Iguesst
hisi
sthen.
..
.r
esti
npi
ecesuncl
e.
Hi
m:Ty
son.
..
mynephewpl
easedon'
t.
Imovedtwost
epsbackwar
dandst
art
edf
ir
ing
non-
stop.
Ionl
ystoppedwhenSkhumbuzot
ouchedmy
shoul
der.
Skhu:
Enough!comel
et'
sgo.
Wel
efthi
mlay
ingt
her
eli
fel
ess.
Me:
Wher
ethesecur
it
yroom?
Her
:it
's.
..
it
'ssecondr
oom neart
hest
orer
oom.
Shewaspoi
nti
ng.
Skhu:
Comewi
th.
Shel
eftt
her
ecept
ionandl
edt
heway
.
Sheopenedt
hedoorandsomesecur
it
yguy
wassl
eepi
ngont
hechai
r.
Skhu:Nowonderwemanagedt
opasst
he
recept
ion.
Guy
:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:Don'tworr
yaboutt
hat
..
..
wewantyouto
del
etethefoot
agefr
om whenwewalkedi
nher
e
andpauseitti
l
lwegetout
.
Hi
m:Ican'
t.
..
.
Ishov
edmyguni
nsi
dehi
smout
h.
Me:
Youcanandy
ouwi
l
l.
Henodded.
Ir
emov
edt
hegunandhewentt
othecomput
er.
Hi
m:Done!
Me:Makesure.noonegoesi
nsider
oom
K306.
..
.nooneunti
lmyguysgether
eokey
?
Theynodded.
Skhu:
andwewer
enev
erher
e!
Me:yes,
ifwordget
soutthatwewerehereI'
l
l
makebothofyouburyyourf
ami l
ymembers
ev
eryweek,I
'l
lsl
aughtert
hem onebyone.
TheynoddedagainandImustsayt heywere
pret
tyscar
edandt hatar
ousefeel
i
ngst hathad
beenlai
dtorest
,thefeel
ingofbei
ngi ncharge.
Skhut
appedmyback.
Hi
m:Let
'sgetoutofher
e.
Wewal
kedout
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Threedaysgoneandwe'
rest
il
ll
ooki
ngf
or
Minnie.
Tysonwasl
osi
ngpati
enceandIdontbl
ame
hi
m, whowoul
dn'
t?
Icouldn'teveneatnotknowi
ngifMinni
ewas
sti
ll
alive?ifshehaseaten?hadsomethi
ngt
o
dr
inkorwear
.
Theworl
disf
ull
ofsomuchcr
uel
i
tyandshe'
s
j
ustf
ive.
Amanda:Iwi
l
lneverf
orgi
vemy
sel
fifsomet
hing
happenst
oher.
Mamzo:
Don'
tbet
oohar
dony
our
sel
f.
Amanda:IwatchedSkhumbuzobreakdown
whenMinnie'
smot herwasf
ounddead...
Ican
nev
ersurvi
vethat.
Mamzo:
shi
i
.
Me:
Ijusthopeshei
ssaf
ewher
eev
ershei
s.
Amanda:Ihav
eagoodi
deaofsui
ngt
hatdamn
school
.
Isni
ff
edandst
oodup.
Me:
Amandagogetr
eady
.
Shewi
pedhert
ear
s.
Her
:Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Me:
tot
hedamnschool
.
Mamzo:
aiTy
sonwi
l
l.
..
Me:
We'
l
ldeal
wit
hhi
m whenwegetback.
Shesi
ghed.
Wef r
eshenedupanddroveof
f..
.wehadnoti
me
formake-up.
..
itwasi
nthemorni
ngandTyson
andSkhumbuzower enott
her
e.
Wegottotheschool
andAmandaswang
openedt
hedoor.
Her
:opent
hegat
e.
Secur
it
y:Goodmor
ningma'
am.
Her
:Don'
tgoodmor
ningma'
am mej
ustopen
t
hedamngate.
Hecouldtell
thatshewascr
azyf
uri
oussohe
openeditandIdrovei
nwit
hAmandawalki
ngi
n
fol
lowi
ngme.
Mi
ss:OhGoodmor
ningy
oumustbe
Mi
nenhl
e'
s.
..
.
Me:
Whatki
ndofaday
car
edoy
our
un?
Her
:excusemebut
..
..
Me:
you'
reexcused.
..
didn'
tIt
ell
yout
odoy
our
j
obwel
l?huh?
Amanda: Mynieceismissi
ngandshewas
takenf
rom schooldaysago.
..
whatdoyouhav
e
tosayforyour
self
?
Secur
it
y:i
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
.
Idon'
tknowwhenbutAmandal
andedherhand
i
nhischeek.
Hegotfuri
oustoobutheknewbet
tert
han
hi
tt
ingherback.
Amanda:youstupi
dman.
..
don'
tyouknowwho'
s
Minenhl
e'
sfat
her.
Miss:
Wegety ourf
rust
rat
ionsbutt
hatwi
l
lnot
betol
erat
ed.
It
urnedandwal
kedcl
osert
oher
.
Me:
Don'
tfucki
ngt
ell
usy
ougetour
frustr
ations.
..
.doyouhaveafi
vey earol
dgir
lin
thehandsofst r
angerswhocoul
ddoal lsor
tof
badt hingstoher?.
.youpr
aywefindherorhell
wi l
lbreakloosenxi.
It
urnedt
owal
kaway
.
Amanda:Tr
ustmey ouwi
l
lbehear
ingfr
om my
l
awyerandthatwoul
dbemybrot
her.
..
Shel
ookedatt
hesecur
it
y.
Amanda:
Minenhl
e'
sfat
her
.
Shecli
ckedhertongueandwewal
kedt
othe
carandtookoff
.
WhenwegotinthehouseTy
sonand
Skhumbuzowasback.
Ty
son:
Don'
tyout
wol
i
sten?
Hewasshout
ingaswegotoutoft
hecar
.
Hi
m:Wher
ethehel
lwer
eyou?
Me:
Wewentt
otheschool
.
Hi
m:Damni
tPal
esaIt
oldy
out
ost
ayi
nthe
house!Ican'
twor
ryaboutMi
nni
eandt
het
woof
youatthesameti
me!
Skhu:
Tysoncal
m down.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Hedi
dn'tsayany
thi
nghej
ustwal
kedback
i
nsi
dethehouse.
Mamzo:
He'
sjustst
resseddon'
ttakei
ttohear
t.
Inodded.
Ibadl
ywant
edt
ocr
ybutIr
est
rai
nedmy
sel
f.
Tyson:May
behewasr
ight
,Iseem t
olosemy
touch.
Skhu:
Fuckt
hat
.
Amanda:
any
thi
ng?
Sheaskedasshesatnextt
oSkhumbuzo.
Tysongav
eheradeadst
are,
hewasst
il
langr
y
atus.
Skhu:
You'
resur
ethatnoonecal
l
edy
out
hat
day?amassagemaybe?.
..
thepeopl
ewhohav
e
hergott
owantsomethi
ng.
Ty
son:
Nocal
l
sorwhatsoev
eronl
ythe.
..
Hest
oodupl
i
kehehadsomet
hingi
nhi
smi
nd.
Skhu:
comeont
hink!
Tyson:onmywaybackf r
om Nzingafir
mI
recei
vedamassagefrom averyl
ong
number..
..
somet
hingabout.
..
..
pancakes.
Ohshi
t!
..
jeawhydi
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hat
.
Skhu:
Thatcanhel
p..
.showmet
hemassage.
Ty
son:
shi
t!
Heswanghi
shandar
ound.
Tyson:
Idel
etedi
t.
..
.Iwasr
ushi
ngt
otal
kto
Venusand.
.
Hel
ookedmywayandIl
ookeddown.
Ty
son:
Ithoughti
twasoneoft
hoseadv
ert
s.
Skhu:
damn!
..
.okeyl
etmet
ryZach.
Skhumbuzocal
l
edZachandHepickedaf
tera
l
ongringi
ng,
Hewasonloudspeaker
.
Zach:
SkhumbuzoMymanIcan'
ttal
kri
ghtnow.
Skhu:We'
recal
li
ngt
ofindouti
fwecanret
ri
eve
del
etedmassagesf
rom Ty
son'
sphone?
Zach:
Yesbutonl
ybef
ore72hour
s.
Skhu:Damnit
..
..
.Can'
twedosomet
hingabout
i
t?.
..
ifi
t'
saf
ter72hours?
Wehear
dgunshot
sfr
om t
hebackgr
ound.
Zach:
List
enIgott
ogo,
I'
ll
cal
lyouback.
Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Ty
son:
Niger
iansar
egoi
nghar
donZach.
Skhu:
looksl
i
kei
tbutIknowhe'
sgoti
t.
Ther
ewassi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.
Idi
dn'
tev
enwantt
out
terawor
d.
Ty
son:
onl
yifpeopl
ewi
l
ltel
luswher
ethef
uck
Si
zwei
s.
Si
zwe?
..
isbehi
ndt
his?
..
.butwhy
?
Il
ookedatTy
son.
Skhu:
andwecan'
tkeeponki
l
li
ngt
hesepeopl
e.
Tyson:
wellIcan,
Iknowhe'
swor
kingwi
th
someone.
..
questi
oniswho?
.
~
~
[
Sizwe]
Minni
e:Uncl
e,y
ousai
ddaddywi
l
lfet
chme
soon?
Me:
Yesandhewi
l
l.
Her:
Buti
t'
sbeendays.
.Idon'
tev
engotoschool
nott
hatI
'
m complai
ngbutImissCandy
.
Me:
Iboughty
ouchocol
atesandCandi
est
his
mor
ning.
Her
:Nonott
hatCandy
.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Iwantt
ogohome.
Me:It
oldy
oudaddyi
sbusyhecan'
ttakecar
e
ofy
ou.
Her
:whataboutMamzoandCandy
?
Me:
Mamzowentt
ochur
ch.
Her
:andCandy
?
Whothefuckisthat,anywaysIdidn'
tev
enwant
t
oknow..
.thesekidsbehav i
ngimaginar
y
f
ri
endsandnamet hem all
sortofnames.
Me:
li
sten,
letmegocal
lyourdadokey
Shenodded.
Scel
owal
kedi
n.
Hi
m:Canwet
alk,
out
side?
If
oll
owedhi
m out
.
Hi
m:Myhousei
snotahot
el.
Scel
oisasmoker
,heal
way
shav
eaci
geri
nhi
s
hands.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhat
'
staki
ngl
ong.
Hi
m: f
ixi
t!Iwantt
heki
dgonebef
oret
heendof
t
hisweek.
Me:
comeoni
t'
snotl
i
keshecr
ies.
Him:jeabutshet
alkst
oomuchandasksal
ot
ofquesti
on.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Givemet
hephoneI
'
llsendhi
m anot
her
massage.
Het
ossedi
ttomeandIst
art
edt
ypi
ng.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Mamzowast heonlypersonwhokepthercool.
Ihadtotel
ltheothermember softhest
uffto
gohomebecauseIdi dn'tknowwhatwasgoi ng
tohappenandtheirsafetywasnotguar
anteed,
theywerehardatfi
rstbutVenustoldt
hem that
they'
l
lrecei
vetheyful
lpayandtheyagreed.
That'
showmuchpeopl elovemoneybutIdon'
t
blamethem...
i
t'suncont
roll
abl
e.
Mamzo:
Hey
..
.al
lofy
oucome!
Shel
edust
otheki
tchen.
Her
:si
tdownandeatbef
orey
'al
lpassout.
Il
etoutasi
ghandweal
lsatdown.
Venusst
art
edsobbi
ng.
Mamzo:aimaanRat
owakhe.
..
don'
tdot
hist
o
your
sel
f.
Amanda:
Ican'
teat
..
.Ican'
tsi
ther
eandeatnot
knowi
ngifMi
nenhl
ehashadsomet hi
ngt
oeat.
Skhumbuzohel
dAmanda'
shand.
Il
ookedatVenuswhowassobbi
ngi
nMamzo'
s
chest
.
Myphonebeeped.
It
ooki
tandi
twasamassage.
-
--
--
-yousur
ecanplaygames?.
..
thi
shasgone
l
ongenough..
.f
inal
ewarni
ng-
--
--
Skhu:
Andt
hat
?
Me:
Amassagef
rom Mi
nni
e'
sabduct
ors.
Igav
ehi
mthephoneandhest
art
edt
ypi
ng.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Skhu:
findi
ngoutwhatt
heywant
.
Myphonebeepedagai
nandSkhumbuzowi
del
y
openedhi
seyes.
Me:
What
?
Heshowedmet
hemassage.
--
--
-Isayagirlf
oragi r
l.
..
tomor r
ow20:00pm
sharp.
..
makesur eshe'salonewithmyten
mill
i
on..i
twil
lbegreathelponourweddi ng
day.
...
nofunnybusinessort hel
itt
legi
rldi
e--
--
IlookedatVenusandt
hrewt
hephoneont
he
table.
Venus:
whatdot
heywant
?.
Shereachedfort
hephoneandItr
iedgr
abbi
ng
i
tfi
rstbutitwast
oolat
e..
.sher
eadthe
massage.
Amanda:
tal
ktomeal
ready
?
Shej
ustgav
eherthephonet
oreadf
orher
sel
f
andMamzoalso.
Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
Venus:
I'
ll
go.
Me:
For
geti
t.
Her
:It
'smet
heywantIcan'
tl
etMi
nni
epay.
..
.
Icuthersent
ence.
Me:
VenusIsai
dfor
geti
t.
Iwaskindofshout
ingandshegotangry,r
an
upst
air
sandlockedhersel
finsi
deourbedr
oom.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*27*
***
***
[
Tyson]
Amanda:
Sowhatnow?
..
.wehav
elesst
han24
hour
s.
Skhu:andwehavetobecaref
ul.
..weallknow
thatSi
zweiscr
azyhe'
dhurtevenal i
tt
le
i
nnocentchi
ldt
oproveapoint
...
.andhedoesn't
bluf
f.
Me:
Iknow.
Weal
lbat
tl
edwi
thourt
hought
sformi
nut
es.
Me:IhaveanI
dea.
..
.we'
ll
trackthe
number.
..
.y
eswe'
ll
tracki
t.
..I
'
llgetDKont
hel
i
ne.
Skhu:don'
tbetooexcit
ed..
.Si
zweoncecutour
phoneconnecti
onwithoutusknowi
ng..
.Idoubt
he'
lll
eaveatrai
ll
iket
hat.
Me:Welli
t'
smyonlyopt
ionbecausether
e'sno
wayI
'm sendi
ngVenust
othatcrazybast
ard!.
Amanda:
plust
her
e'snot
ell
i
ngofwhatSi
zwe
wi
ll
dotoher.
Me:
I'
llgocheckonher
..
.Skhupl
easegetDKon
t
heli
ne.
Iwentt
othebedr
oom andknockedathousand
ti
mesbefor
eVenusopenedthedoor
.
Shewasal
readyinherpy
jamas.
..
lookedl
i
ke
shewassl
eeping.
Me:Iknowitseemsli
keI'
mtryi
ngtocont
rol
youbuttr
ustme..
.i
t'
sfort
hebest.
Her:
Tysoni
fsomethi
nghappenstoMi
nnieI
won'
tbeabl
etofor
givemysel
fknowi
ngthatI
coul
dhavesav
edher.
Iputherheadi
nmychest
.
Me:shi
i
inot
hingwi
l
lhappent
oher
..
.I
'
llmake
sur
eofit
.
Shesni
ff
ed.
Me:
sleepRat
o..
.r
est
.
Iki
ssedherfor
eheadandaf
tersomet
imeshe
dri
ft
edtolal
aland.
Icar
eful
l
ymov edoutofbed.
..
maki
ngsur
enot
towakeherup.
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepwi
thal
lthet
hought
sinmymi
nd.
Iwentbackt
othedi
ningr
oom anditwasonl
y
Skhulef
tnow,Hewasdri
nki
ngwhiskey
.
Me:
FoundDK?
Hi
m:y
es.
..
he'
soni
t.
Me:
Thanky
ouman.
Wef
istbumped.
Me:getsomesl
eep,
youdon'
thav
etocr
oss
ni
ghtwit
hme.
Hi
m:ofcour
seIdo.
Webot
hchuckl
ed.
Ti
mewentonfast
.Itwasthenextdaynoon
al
ready
,onl
yaf
ewhour st
il
l20:
00pm.
Amanda:Idon'tl
i
kethi
s,eacht
imethehandon
thecl
ockmov esmymindmov eswit
hit
..
..
Tyson
fi
ndmyniecebeforeIl
osemymi nd.
Shewascr yi
ngandsowasRat
oanditbecame
morefrust
rati
ngwit
hDKsti
l
lst
ruggl
i
ngtot r
ace
thenumber.
Someonebuzedandi
twasDK.
Ibuzedhi
minandwi
thi
nsecondshewas
i
nside.
Hehadacomput
eri
nhi
shand.
Him:It'
salostcase..
.t
her easonbehi
ndthe
l
ongnessoft hi
snumberi stokeepitmagni
tude
ofbeinguntr
aceableandit'sext
rahar
dnow
becausethesekindofsimsar esol
dalmost
ever
ywhere.
Me:
Damni
t!
Ibangedhar
dont
het
abl
e.
Me:
let
'sgo.
Venus:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:l
ikeIsai
d,someoneisworki
ngwi
thSi
zwe
andIhavetofi
ndthatsomeone.
Wewalkedoutl
eav
ingVenus,
Mamzoand
Amandabehi
nd.
~
~
[
Venus]
Itwasnow17:
56,
IknowthatbecauseIcoul
dn'
t
stopl
ooki
ngatmywri
stwatch.
Tyson,
SkhumbuzoandDKwalkedinl
ooki
ng
l
ikeamess.Thi
swholet
hingwastaki
nga
str
aini
never
yone.
Me:
Tyson!
Hel
ookedatme.
Me:
Letmego.
Heshockhi
sheadno.
Me:
Please.
..
.Iwantt
odot
his.
Il
ookedatever
yoneandi
twasdeadqui etI
swearyou'
dhearanai
lhi
tthef
loorshouldi
tfal
l
.
Me:
Please!
.
DK:andi
fwecouldputat
rackeronheri
t'
dbe
easytof
indher
.
Hedi
rect
edt
hatt
oTy
son.
Ty
son:
sti
l
l,i
t'
sdanger
ous.
Iwal
kedcl
osert
ohi
m.
Wewerenowonl
yabreathawayfr
om each
ot
her
,Ourey
eswelockedtoget
her
.Icoul
dfeel
hi
sbr
eathhi
tmyface.
Me:
Itr
usty
ou.
Isawall
thewor
ryv
ani
shf
rom hi
sey
eswhenI
sai
dthat.
Henoddedandeveryonestar
tedbreathi
ng,
morel
iketheyhel
dtheirbr
eathal
lthisti
me.
If
lashedasmi
l
eandwentt
omybedr
oom
Itookaquickshowert henwor eapairofj
eans,
blackni
kesneakers,awhi t
ev estandajacket
.
Thejeanswereabi tt
ightwiththelit
tl
eweight
I'
vegainsoIchangedi ntol
egginsjusti
ncase
I'
mf or
cedtorunatsomepoi nt.
Iwal
keddownst ai
rswithamil
lionthought
son
mymi nd,IknowTy sondoesn'
tappr oveof
l
eggins.
..
hesay stheyaretooreveal
ingtobe
worninpubliche'drat
herIweara
bumshort..
..
crazyIknow.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandhecamemyway
.
Hi
m:y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ever
yonewaslookingatusothert
hanDKwho
wouldfocusonthelapt
opthenonhisphoneat
thesamet i
me.
Tyson'
sphonebeepedandhet
ooki
tfr
om hi
s
pocket
.
--
--
--
From t
hegatetakeal
eft
,walkunt
ily
ousee
twocabs,anywrongmovecanleadtoyour
daughter
sdeath-
--
-
Weal
lfocusedasher
eadt
hemassage.
Skhu:
It'
sti
me.
Amandacameandhuggedmewi
tht
ear
s
runni
ngonherf
ace.
Atfir
stIwasn'
tscaredbutri
ghtal
l Icoul
d
pict
ureismyfuneral
.Ihuggedeveryoneali
tt
le
l
ongerbecausethi
smi ghtbethelastti
meIsee
them.
Aft
erthatIhuggedTysonf
orafull
beat
if
ul
sevenminutes,
yesIwascount
ing.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hi
m:Ipr
omi
seI
'
llf
indy
ou.
It
urnedt
owal
koutt
hedoor
.
It
ookthelongwal
kunt
ilIsawt
wocabsl
i
keI
wasi
nstruct
ed.
~
~
[
Tyson]
DK:
goti
t.
Wel
ookedathi
m.
DK: thesimsmi ghtbesoldev er y
wherebutit'
s
i
nonl yonest oreher einPr et
oria.Myguy s
visit
edt heshopandi tmer el
yat uckshopont he
streets.
...
butacr osst heroadt here'
sahot el
wi t
hcamer aswhi chrecordedaguybuy i
ngthe
cardadaybef oret heli
tt
leonewast aken,we
gott hefil
eont heguyandanot hercamera
recordedhi m dr iv
ingtowar dstheschool onthat
daybutwewer enotsur eifhewasgoi ngtothe
school .
Skhu:
soi
tcoul
dbecoi
nci
dence?
DK:that'
swhatwethoughtunt
ilwef
ounda
pi
ctureofhi
m shaki
nghandswithSi
zwe
Khanyil
e.
Me:
Who'
stheguy
?
Heshowedmehi
sphot
o.
SkhumbuzoandIl
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
Scel
o?.
Skhu:
Scel
o?.
Wespokei
nuni
son.
someonebuzed.
Amanda:
Who'
sther
e?
Mi
nni
e:Aunt
ii
ii
iIwantt
opee!
Amanda:
ohGodMi
nni
e.
Sher anoutsi
deandcamebackhol di
ngher.She
gotdownandIhuggedherf ordearli
feand
afterIletgoandputherdownShekepton
crossingherlegsandmovingsideways.
Mamzo:
lett
heki
dgot
othet
oil
et.
Amandaaccompani
edhert
her
e.
Me:
DKdoy
ouhav
ehi
saddr
ess?
Hewroteitdownf
rom t
hecomput
erand
SkhumbuzoandIhi
ttheroad.
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edScel
o.
Hi
m:Hei
ta?
Me:
Scel
o?
Hi
m:t
aRi
co.
Me:youkidnapedmydaughter.
.andnowyou
hav
emyf uturewif
einyourhouse..
.doy
ouhave
adeadwish?
Him:yourdaughter
?..
..
fuck!t
hatwasyour
daughter
?..
.t
aRicoIswearIdidn'
tknow.
Me:
wel
lyoushoul
dhav
edoney
ourr
esear
ch.
Hi
m:t
aRi
co.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Si
zwekeptonshov
inghi
stonguei
nmyneck.
Hi
m:st
ri
p.
Me:
You'
recr
azy
.
Hi
m:Cr
azyf
ory
ou.
Heremovedmyj
acketandst
art
edbr
ushi
ngmy
t
highs.
That'
swhenIdeci
dedthatI'
drat
herdi
ethan
haveanot
herKhanyi
l
erapingme.
Ipushedhi
m offandreachedformyj
acket
.He
grabbedi
tandIbackslappedhi
m.
Hi
m:Fuck!
Hefor ceful
l
ygr
abbedmeandpinnedme
againstthewal
landrubbedt
hegunonmy
cheek.
Theotherguybar
gedi
nreadyt
oexpl
odei
n
anger
.
Hi
m:Gett
hef
uckoutofher
e!
Hedi
rect
edt
hatt
ome.
Me:
What
?
Iwant
edt
ogobutIneededt
omakesur
eit
wasn'
tat
rapf
ir
st.
Hi
m:You!
..
..
youcr
ossedme?
Hegr
abbedSi
zwebyhi
scol
or.
Istar
tedr
unni
ngawaywhenInot
icedt
hem
fi
ghti
ng.
BeforeIcoul
dreacht
hegat
eIhear
dgunshot
s
from i
nsi
deandIsawSkhumbuzo'
scarr
aci
ng
towardsme.
TysongotoutandIwr
appedmyhandsar
ound
hi
sneck.
Hi
m:Wai
tint
hecar
.
Skhumbuzogotoutoft
hecarhol
dinghuge
guns.
Igoti
nsi
det
hecarandl
ockedt
hedoor
s.
Thegunsst
artedgoi
ngoffagai
ntil
lSkhumbuzo
cameoutofthehousehol
dingTyson'
s
ar
m..
.whowasshot
.
Ihoppedatt
hebackwi
thTy
son.
Me:
Baby
!
Iputhi
sheadonmyt
highsashemoanedi
n
pai
n.
Skhumbuzost
art
eddr
ivi
ngr
eal
fast
.
Itookoffmyvestandputi
twher
eTy
sonwas
shottoblockt
heblood.
Me:
Hol
donbaby
!
Whenwegott othehospit
alhehadal
ready
passedout
,thenursescamewithast
retcher
andSkhumbuzoattendedtohi
m.
Anhourpassedwi
thmemat
chi
ngar
oundt
he
passage.
Amanda:
sitdowny
ou'
l
lmakemedi
zzy
.
Iwassoscar
ed,
lastt
hingIwant
edwast
olose
Tyson.
Skhumbuzocameoutwi
thasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:We'
real
lgood.
Icouldntevenwaitforhimtof
ini
shhis
sentenceIwalkedinsideTy
son'
swardand
foundhim sit
ti
ngwi t
habandagearoundhi
s
stomach.
Helookedupandsmi
l
edandt
ear
sjustr
oll
ed
downmyf ace.
Me:damny
ouTy
sonl
ear
ntouseabul
l
etpr
oof
vest
.
Hi
m:andIl
ovey
out
oo,
comeher
e!
Heopenedhi
sar
msandIembr
acedhi
sbodyby
huggi
nghi
m.
Me:
Don'
tev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hat
.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ry.
Hebr
ushedmyback.
Amanda:
mhhmhh!
Webr
oket
hehugandl
ookedatt
hem.
Amanda:
CanIhugmybr
other
?
Shebentherheadt
othesi
deandIr
oll
edmy
eyes.
Tysonki
ssedherf
oreheadandt
heyshar
eda
hug.
Ty
son:
ahh.
Me:
Nott
oot
ightAmanda!
.
Skhumbuzol
aughed.
DK:
her
e'sanewshi
rt
.
Tyson:gi
veitt
oVenus,
shecan'
tkeepon
walki
ngaroundwi
thabra.
Skhu:
jeal
ous!
Weal
ll
aughedandTy
sonshockhi
shead.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
*28*
***
*
[
Tyson]
Thi
swhol
edramataughtmeal
otf
ori
nst
ant
,
howmuchIl
oveVenus.
Thatwoman!..
..
Ican'
tevenexplai
nitandatfir
st
Ithoughtt
hatmaybeit'
sbecausewe' r
esti
ll
new
butnowIreali
sethatever
yday,everyhour,
minuteandsecondthatpassesbyIloveher
mor e.
Zach:
apennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
It
urnedt
olookathi
m andhewasn'
tal
onebut
wi
thShakesandSkhumbuzo.
Me:
andwher
edi
dyouf
indt
hispr
odi
gal
son?
Shakeschuckl
ed.
Shakes:
thanky
ouf
ort
hewar
m wel
come.
Ist
oodupandwef
istbumped.
Me:
Myman.
..
Shakes:
ta!
Skhumbuzo:
howi
sNami
bia?
Shakes:
oht
hel
adi
est
her
ear
etodi
efor
..
.damn!
wel
aughed.
Skhu:
wher
edi
dyouf
indt
hiscr
azymanZach?
Zach:Hehappenedt
obeinNi
ger
iaandhe
deci
dedtopayusavisi
t.
Shakes:Zacht
urnedt
hatst
ateupsi
dedownI
'
m
tel
l
ingyou.
IbumpedZach'
sshoul
der
.
Me:
That
'swhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
.
Shakes:
and.
..
.heki
l
ledAdebay
o.
Skhu:
What
?
Me:
What
?
Weaskedshockedi
nuni
son.
Zachshockhi
shead.
Zach:
Ever
ymi
l
khav
eanexpi
rydat
e.
Hechuckl
edaf
tersay
ingt
hat
.
Skhu:
Meani
ngwenowownt
hest
reet
sont
hat
si
deaswel
l
?.
Shakes:
Exact
'ma!
Me:Twomor eandwe'
ll
hav emorestat
est
han
ther
ussiansandmay
befinall
yshov
edthem out
ofAfr
ica.
Shakes:
Cheer
stot
hat
.
Zach:
youknowwhat
,thatcal
l
sforcel
ebr
ati
on.
Shakes:Pl
usI'
vebeenl
ongi
ngforbraai
meat
si
nceIlandedonthi
sdamncountr
y.
Skhu:
whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
ort
hen?
Itookmycarkeysandwedrov
einsepar
ate
cars,al
lthewayt
oShisany
ama.
Shakes:
Ohnowt
hisf
eel
sli
kehome.
..
..
hel
l
o
Nana!
Hewasspeaki
ngt
osomegi
rlpassi
ngby
.
Shakes:
Guy
slookatt
hatass?
Zach:Ican'
t.
..
Idon'
twantCandi
ceput
ti
nga
bul
letonmyhead.
Skhu:
Met
oo,
Amandawoul
dgoal
lcr
azyonme.
Shakes:
Tyson?
Me:
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
tI'
m engaged.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Shakes:y
ouguy saresuchbor
es..
.andwena
Tysontal
kingaboutbei
ngengaged..
.Ihear
d
thatSi
zwegavey ouarunfory
ourgirls.
Skhumbuzocl
i
ckedhi
stongue.
Me:j
eahedidr
aiseaf
ew.
..
.t
oobadIwasn'
tthe
onewhoki
l
ledhi
m.
Zachgav
emeast
are.
Skhu:
theminut
ewegott
her
eScel
ohadal
ready
ki
ll
edhim.
Shakes:
andy
ouki
l
ledScel
o?
Me:
Heki
dnappedmydaught
er.
Shakessmi
l
ed.
Al
adycameandweor
der
edmeatandmov
ed
t
othebr
aai
stands.
Shakes:
excusemebutI'
mtheonl
ybachel
or
heresoIgottot
ast
ethewater
s.
Hest
oodupandappr
oachedt
hewai
tr
ess.
Me:
somet
hingsnev
erchange!
.
Welaughedlooki
ngatshakesgi
vi
ngt
he
wai
tressahardti
me.
~
~
[
Amanda]
Iwassogladthatt
hedramawasov
erbecause
Iwasthi
sclosetoabr
eakdown.
Nowev er ythi
ngi sbacktonor mal apar
tfr
om
Minniebei ngsentt oli
veont hef armswit
h
MamaD.Ty sont hi
nksit
'sbetterthatwayandI
agreewithhi m, She'
stooy oungt obe
constantlydr aggedint
ohisfat her'
s
battl
es..
.ev enthoughshehasnoi deawhat
wentont
hatt
imei
t'
sst
il
lnotasaf
eli
fef
orher
.
It
'swasasunnydayandIdeci dedtopayVenus
av i
sit
,shehasn'tbeenf eel
i
ngwel l
thesedays
andIheardShakesi sbackwhi chmeansTy son
i
snotar ound,she'
spr obablydyi
ngfrom
boredom sinceshe'snotwor ki
ng.
Ibumpedi
ntoMamzoi
nthedi
ningr
oom.
Me:
Mamzo!
Her
:ai
sukawenay
oudon'
tvi
sit
.
Me:ahhMamzoyouknowbet
weenmy
demandi
ngj
obandmysonIdon'
thav
eti
me.
Her:notev
enaf
ewmi
nut
est
ogi
vemeaphone
cal
l
?
Me:
Mamzo!
Her
:ai
!
Me:
nowIf
eel
bad!
Her:
youshould..
..
any
way sVenusi
sdressi
ng,
she'
sjustf
ini
shedbathi
ngbecauseIknow
y
ou'
reher
eforher
.
Me:
Mamzodon'
tbel
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:ai
suka
Shest
oodupandl
eftasVenuswal
kedi
n.
Venus:
Amanda.
..
whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e!
Me:
I'
m her
etoseey
ou.
Shewi
denedherey
es.
Her
:bef
orey
oust
art
..
.It
oldy
ouI
'
m okey
.
Me:rel
axI'
m notgoi
ngtostar
t.
..
youstubbor
n
andIknowI'
m notgoingt
owinwithyou.
Shel
aughed.
Me:
I'
m her
etot
akey
ouout
!
Her
:real
l
y?
Shef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Her
:you'
repay
ingr
ight
?
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
obv
iousl
y!
.
Her
:wai
tthenIneedt
ochange.
Me:
Noy
ou'
ref
ine,
let
'sgo.
Shet
ookherhandbagandwedr
ovei
nmycar
.
Wegott
oar
est
aur
antandor
der
edseaf
ood.
Her
:isi
tmeori
t'
sal
i
ttl
etoohoti
nher
e!
What'sthi
sgirl
tal
kingabout?.
..
ifwewer
e
outsi
deI'dsayshe'
srightbutt
herear
eair
condi
tioner
sinhere.
Her
:It
hinkIneedsomewat
er.
Shekeptonbl
owi
ngherf
acewi
thherhand.
Me:excuseme! .
..
mayIhav
eaglassofwat
er
pl
ease!.
..
..
.Venusarey
ouokey
?
Her
:yesi
t'
sjust
..
.
Befor
eshecoul
dfi
nishshecol
l
apsedandI
fr
eakedout
.
Me:
ohMyGodVenus.
Ihi
thercheeksof
tl
y.
Me:
Someonecal
lanumbul
ancepl
ease.
SeeI'
m docterandI '
m sonotscar edofbloodor
thesightwefaceour selv
eswi thwhentreati
ng
pati
entsonadai l
ybasi sbutonet hi
ngIcan
neverdoistreatfamilyunlessit'
snotan
emergencyandt hereasonbehi ndthati
sIpanic
toomuchwhenf amilyisinvolv
ed.
Any way
s,theumbulancewastaki
ngtoolong
thatwehadt ocarr
yhertomycaranddrive
withhertothehospit
al,
thankGodthewait
er
helpedmebecauseshewasdamnheav y.
Onmywayt her
eIcall
edSkhumbuzoandhegot
ther
eami nuteaft
erus,al
ongwi
thTyson,
Zach
andShakes.
Me:
Baby
!
Ihear
dbot
hmyhandsnearmymout
h.
Skhu:
Wher
e'sshe?
Ipoi
ntedatt
hedoor
.
Ty
sonat
tempt
edf
oll
owi
ngSkhumbuzo.
Skhu:
nowai
ther
e!
Ty
sonnodded.
Ty
son:
whathappened?
Me:Wewere.
..
..
wewerehav
ingameal att
he
r
est
aur
antandand.
..
andshefai
nted.
Ty
sonhel
dmeast
ocomf
ortme.
Me:Ishoul
dhaveseenshewasnotwel
l
...
what
ki
ndofadocteram I
?
Ty
son:
shi
idon'
twor
ry.
Iwassoworr
iedIgiv
ey outhat
,reasonbeing
..
..
Iwasscar
edthatmay beshehitherhead
har
dtheti
meshef el
l.
Aftersomet
imeSkhumbuz
ocall
edusi
nandwe
foundVenusput
ti
ngonhertop.
Shel
ookedsoangr
y.
Irushedther
eandgaveherasqui
zz.
..
Icoul
d
feelalotofwei
ghtl
i
ftedof
fmyshoulder
s.
Ty
son:
Rat
o.
Shedi
dn'
trespond.
Amanda:
whatwaswr
ongbaby
?
Idi
rect
edt
hatt
oSkhumbuzo.
Venus:
I'
m pr
egnant
.
Shelookedri
ghti
ntoTyson'
seyesasshesaid
that
.Tyson'
sfacel
ight
enedup.hismouthdi
dn't
havetosmil
ebecausehiseyeshadal
readydi
d.
Zach:
Congr
ats.
HebumpedTy
son'
sshoul
der
.
Venus:
I'
m el
evenweekspr
egnantTy
son.
.
Shewassti
l
langr
yandsoont
heot
her
spi
cked
thatup.
Shakes:
ohnor
un!
ZachandShakesqui
ckl
ywal
kedoutl
aughi
ng.
Tysonj
ustkeptonsmi
l
ing,t
hiswhol
e
pr
egnancythi
ngswasr
eall
ymakinghisday
.
Outift
hebl
uev
enusst
art
edt
hrowi
ngpi
l
lowsat
Tyson.
Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dal
sogo!
Her
:el
evenweeksTy
son!
.
Ty
son:
Rat
owhat
'
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?
Heaskedashewasdi
vi
ngt
hepi
l
lows.
Venus:Youknockedmedownt
hef
ir
stdaywe
hadsex!.
Skhu:
you'
rer
ight
,let
'sgo.
Wewalkedout.
..
leav
ingTysontodealwit
hhi
s
angr
y"el
even"weekspregnantwi
fetobe.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Afteral
l t
hatshoutingandcryi
ngVenusdeci ded
tostop.Idon'tknowi fshe'
sangrybecause
she'spregnantorshe'sangrybecauseshe's
elevenweekspr egnant.Uuuuthere'
ssti
ll
tobe
soMichdrama..
.Icanonl
yimagi
net
hemood
swi
ng..
..
Lordbewi t
hme.
Venus:
Iwantt
ogohome.
Idi
dn'
tev
enutterawor
dbecauseev
eryt
imeI
di
dshegotangri
er.
Iopenedt
hedoorf
orherandwedr
ovehome.
Me:
Wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Shegavemeadeadstar
eandIknewbet
ter
thant
ocont
inuet
alki
ng.
Shesatonthedinni
ngroom wat
chingTVwith
Mamzowhowasov erthemoontolear
nabout
thepr
egnancyandthatir
ri
tat
edVenuseven
more.
Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
obed.
Me:i
nthatcasey
ouar
eheadi
ngt
owar
dst
he
wr
ongbedroom.
Her
:doIl
ookst
upi
dtoy
ouTy
son?
Act
ual
l
yri
ghtnowy
es.
..
butIcoul
dsayt
hatnow
canI
?.
Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepi
ntheguestr
oom.
Mamzol
ookedatmeandIr
aisedmyshoulder
s
t
oshowthatIal
sohav
enoi
deawhat'
sgoingon.
Idecidedt
oletVenusbeandgot obedmysel
f.
ThewayIwassot iredIdi
dn'
tevenhavet
he
energytot
akeaquickshower.
Aft
ersomehour sIhear
dsomeoneopeningt
he
doorandItur
nedmyheadt ofi
ndVenus.She
openedthecoversandgoti
nsi
det
hebed.
Her
:Thatr
oom i
scol
d.
l
yi
ng.
..
youmi
ssedme!
Me:
mhh.
Shewasqui etforawhi l
eandsowasI,
she
start
edcuddli
ngherhandsar oundmeandI
actedli
keIdidn'tnot
ice.
Her
:I'
m scared.
..
..
I'
m scar
edt
hatImi
ghtnotbe
abl
etocarryful
lter
m.
It
urnedt
olookather
.
Her
:Imeanwhati
f.
..
.whati
f.
.
Me:Don'
t.
..
..
stopt
hinki
ngli
ket
hatokey.
..
..
I'
m
her
e,youhaveme..
.not
hingwi
l
lhappen.
Her:
I'
vemiscar
ri
edthreet
imesTy
son,Ican'
t
af
fordt
hattohappenagai
nIwon'
tsur
viveit
.
Me:
ifi
tshel
psy
ou,
I'
m scar
edt
oo.
Shepl
acedherheadont
opofherhand.
Her
:youar
e?
Me:yes.
..
Iknowpregnanci
escanbevery
compli
cat
edbutIknowy ou'
ll
pul
lthr
ough..
..
you'
r
est
rong.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Shel
eanedov
erandweshar
edaki
ss.
Her
:nowIhav
etowai
tawhol
eyearbef
oremy
weddi
ng.
Me:
why
?
Her:
there'
snowayI
'
mlooki
ngl
i
keacowonmy
weddingday.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me: t
rustmethat
'si
mpossibl
eImeanlookat
you,you'
real
mostthreemont
hsandyour
stomachisal
mostflat.
Her:
probabl
yther
easonwhyIdi
dn'
tnot
iceI
'
m
pr
egnant.
Me:
real
l
y..
.becauseInot
icedt
hev
eryf
ir
stday
.
Shepushedme.
Her
:you'
rel
yi
ng.
Il
aughed.
Me:
you'
vej
ustmademet
hehappi
estmanal
i
ve.
Iki
ssedherandshef
lashedasmi
l
e.
[
08/
29,
09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
*29*
***
***
*
[
Tyson]
IwokeuptoseeVenusstandi
nginfrontofa
mir
rorwi
thnothi
ngbutherpanti
es.
Shehadonehandonherst omachandanother
onesli
ghtl
yrai
sedup.Itl
ookedl
ikeshe'
str
ying
tospotthedi
ff
erencebet
weenhernormalbell
y
andthenewpregnantone.
Shekeptblowi
ngherbel
l
yandputherhandon
herwai
stli
kethosepr
egnantwomen,Icoul
dn'
t
hel
pbutlaugh.
Shet
urnedt
olookatme.
Her
:You'
reawake.
Me:
You'
repr
egnant
.
Shegav
emeast
are.
Me:
Sor
ryIj
ustcan'
thel
pit
.
Il
aughed.
Her
:It
hinkmybel
l
yisbi
ggert
oday
.
Me:r
eall
y?.
..
becausejustyerst
edayy
ousai
dit
wasfl
atwhichIbeli
eveitsti
l
l i
s.
Her
:ar
eyousay
ingI
'
m par
anoi
d?
Me:
Yousai
ditbaby
.
Istoodupandwr
appedmyar
msar
oundher
sexybody.
Me:
Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s..
.
Her
:What
?
Me: Waki
ngupt
ofi
ndy
ouwi
thl
esscl
otheson
yourbody.
Shechuckl
edandmov
edf
rom me.
Her
:jear
ight
.
Shewentt
ofixthebedandIstoodbyt
he
windowwat
chingherasshebentdownto
ni
cel
yfi
xthebed.
Her
:Don'
tst
are.
Me: Ican'
thel
pit
..
..
thesi
ghti
stodi
efor
,
especial
lyf
rom t
hisangl
e.
Her
:Toobadt
heshowi
sov
er!
.
Shet
ookat
owel
andwentt
ofr
eshenup.
Iwai
tedandwai
tedf
orhert
ofi
nishup.
Me:
Rat
o!.
Her
:Baby
!
Me:You'v
ebeeni
nther
eforagescomeout
al
ready
.
Her
:ahhBabyI
'
m st
il
lenj
oymybat
h.
Me:
Rat
o!.
..
I'
m goi
ngt
obel
atef
ormymeet
ing.
Her
:meet
ingsonaSunday
?
Me:
Justcomeoutwoman!
Her
:Har
dluckbaby
..
..
I'
m bat
hingf
ort
wo
r
emember?.
Shegiggl
edasshesai
dthatandIcouldn'
thel
p
butl
augh..
..
whatt
hehel
lisbat
hingfortwo?.
Me:youknowwhatI
'
llj
ustuset
heot
her
bat
hroom.
Sheopenedt
hedoorj
ustasIsai
dthat
.
Me:
atl
ast
!
Sheki
ssedmycheekandsmi
l
ed.
Her
:suchdr
amababy
.
Ii
gnor
edherandwentf
ormybat
h.
~
~
[
Venus]
Tysoncameoutofthebat
hroom j
ustasI
fi
nisheddr
essi
ngup.
Me:
Andwhatdoy
out
hink?
Iputmyhandsonmywai
standposedl
i
ke
thosemagazi
negi
rl
s.
Iwaswear ingapur
plepencil
dr esswhi
ch
reachedjustbel
owmyknees, itwasLaceyon
thebacksoIputonamat chi
ngboy f
ri
end
blazerandpurpl
epl
atfor
m hil
ls.
Idi
dn'
tputtoomuchmakeup,justaf ewtouch
upsher
eandt her
eandapurpl
elipst
ick.
..
yesI
wasgoingall
purpl
etoday
.
Hi
m:wow!
Hehadat
owel
wrappedar
oundhi
swai
st.
Hi
m:youlookbeaut
if
ulact
ual
l
yyou'
rebey
ond
t
heword.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
.
Iwal
kedoutl
eav
inghi
mtof
ini
shdr
essi
ngup.
Iwenttomakebr eakfastf
ormyman.Nothing
compli
catedjustacheeseandham sandwi
ch
butIwasn'tf
eeli
nglikecheesesoIat
epenut
butt
ersandwichinst
ead.
Hi
m:j
eezI
'
m al
readyl
ate.
Me:
aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oeatbr
eakf
ast
?
Hi
m:BabyIdon'
thav
eti
meI
'
mlat
e.
Me:
okey
.
Heki
ssedmyforeheadandwal
kedaway
,Igav
e
hi
m adi
sappoi
ntedlook.
Het
urnedbackandsatont
hehi
ghchai
r.
Hi
m: ButIcanspar
eafewmi nutet
oeat
br
eakfastwit
hmybeauti
ful
wi f
etobe.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:actual
lyIcanputyoursandwi
chi
nal
unch
box.
..
you'l
leatwhenyougettheti
me.
Hel
etoutasi
gh.
Him:mhhthanksbaby
,MrNt
abeni
wasgoi
ng
burymeal
i
v e.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
He'
sthatdi
ff
icul
t?
Hi
m:y
ouhav
enoi
dea.
Igav
ehi
mthel
unchbox.
Me:
butnotasdi
ff
icul
tasy
ou.
Hequi
ckl
yranoutaf
tersay
ingt
hat
.
Me:
I'
ll
cat
chy
ou!
Hi
m:by
ebaby
,Il
ovey
ou.
Ismil
edonmyownandMamzowal
kedi
nsi
de
ther
oom.
Shehadabi
blei
nhand.
Her
: t
hat
'sadecentbutgor
geousout
fi
tyougot
t
here.
Me:
Thanky
ouMamzo.
Her
:What
'st
heoccasi
on?
Me:
act
ual
l
yI'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
..
tochur
ch.
Shewi
denedherey
es.
Me:
don'
tbel
i
ket
hat
.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:that
'sonedeci
siony
ouwi
l
lnev
err
egr
et.
Me:Iknow,I'
vebeenangryatGodfortoo
l
ong..
.buthedidn'
tgi
veuponmei nsteadhe
showedmey etagainhowmuchhel ovesme.
Her
:youdon'
tknowhowhappyIam t
ohear
t
hat.
..
.y
ouknowwhat,l
et'
sgobef
orewegetl
ate.
It
ookmyhandbagandwet
ookof
f.
Theser vi
cewassobeaut if
ul.
.Thepast or
focusedont hebookofJobandsomehowIf el
t
l
ikeIr elate.Thatmanl osteverythinghehad
i
ncludi nghisf amily.
..
thekids,moneyev ery
thi
ng
andt hat'snotall healsoendur edsomuch
whenhi sskinsuddenl ydev el
opeddi sturbi
ng
disease. .
..
you'dthinkthatGodf oresakedhim
becausehel etall t
hathappent ohim butJob
didnott urnhi sbackonGod. .
.ev enwhenhi s
wifesuggest edithedi dnotgiveup.
That'
swhatIwantt oo..
.Idon'
twanttogiveup
onGod, eventhoughtherewereti
meswhenI
thoughthedidn'
tlovemeIst i
ll
don'twantto
giveuponhim becausej
ustli
kePetroIknow
there'
snowhereelsetogobesidesGod
becauseal
ll
ifeisinhim.
..
..
andGod..
.Godloves
me.
Aft
ertheservi
ceMamaDi nt
roducedmet o
somechur chmembers.
..
Idon'
tknowhowshe
managedt oknowsomuchpeopl ebecause
she'sj
ustjoi
nedthi
schur
ch.Anywaysaftermy
i
ntroduct
ionsessi
onwedrovebackhome.
Twoweekspassed.
Thehousewasf ul
l
,Tysondecidedtothr
owa
cel
ebr
ationpar
ty..
apparent
lybusi
nessis
boomingandhe'shappy.
Wewer
eintheki
tchenmaki
ngsal
adsast
he
guy
swerebr
aai
ngoutsi
de.
Amanda:Idon'tknowwhyshe'st
ort
uring
her
selfbysi
tt
ingwi t
htheguy
s,Shelooksso
l
ost.
Me:
letherbe.
Il
aughed.
Amanda:
act
ual
l
yIbl
amey
ou?
Me:
whatdi
dIdo?
Candi
ce:
youmadeheruncomf
ort
abl
e.
Me:
Iwast
ell
i
ngt
het
rut
h.
Candi
ce:
noy
ouwer
ebei
ngmean!
Me:
That'
snottrue.
..
.nextt
hingyou'
l
lsayI
'
m
r
aci
stj
ustbecauseshe'swhite.
Candi
ce:
arey
ou?
Me:am Iwh.
..
..
youknowwhatj
ustl
eav
eme
al
one.
Amanda:
Youhav
etoapol
ogi
zeVenus.
Il
ookedatt
hem i
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Mamzo:
okeyI
'
m doneher
e.
Shemov edthethepotf
rom t
hestove,shewas
cooki
ngpapbecausewor dhavei
tthatshe
cooksthebestpap.
It
ookaf ewbeersfr
om thefri
dgeandputi
ce
onthecooleral
ongwit
ht hebeer
s.
Amanda:
andt
hat
?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oapol
ogi
zet
oSandy
.
Candi
cel
aughed.
Candi
ce:
wit
hbeer
s?
Irol
l
edmyey
esandwal
kedoutwi
tht
hecool
er
box.
Ty
son:
Heyeasy
.
Me:
it'
sreal
l
ynott
hatheav
y.
Never
theleshet
ookt
hecool
eroutofmyhand
andcarr
iedit
.
Shakes:awomanwhobr
ingy
oubeer
,why
di
dn'tIseey
oufi
rst
.
Ismi
l
ed.
Ty
son:
Heyshakes.
.f
utsek!
Theyal
ll
aughedandSandyl
ookedatme.
Me:emm Sandy
..
..
don'
tyouwantt
ochi
l
lwi
thus
i
nsi
de?
Shewassur
pri
sed.
Her
:emm.
..
Me:Comeoni
t'
l
lbef
un,
plusweneedext
ra
hands.
Ipul
l
edherar
m.
Her
:okeyIguess.
Ty
sonl
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
Wegoti
nsi
deandCandi
cepor
edheradr
ink.
Amanda:
mhhact
ual
l
yVenushassomet
hingt
o
sayy
ou.
Igav
eherast
are.
Me:Ido? .
..
yesIdo.
..
.okeyemm SandyIwanted
toapologi
zeforbei
ngmeant oyou..
.I
'
mr eal
l
y
sorr
y..
..
IknowIhavenoexcusebutplease
for
giveme.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:It
'sokeyIunder
stand.
WesharedahugandImumbled"Happy?"t
o
Amandawhojustwi
nkedandlaughed.
Therestofthedaywasbeauti
ful
andIgotto
knowSandybet t
er,
she'
snotbadafteral
lshe'
s
j
ustawomanwhoendur edpai
ninthenameof
marr
iagejustli
keme.
Anywaysaftert
hatl
it
tl
ecel ebr
ati
onev
ery
one
wenthomeandi twasjustmeandmy
babe.
..
.ohandMamzoof couse.
Iwentf
oraquickshowerandwor
enot
hingbut
mybathr
ope.
Idi
dali
ttl
edi
ckydr
ivebyt
oTy
son'
sst
udyashe
wasbusywit
hsomework.
Me:
Baby
?
Hi
m: sor
ryRatothi
sist
aki
ngl
ongerthanI
t
houghtbutIpromi
seI'
l
lcometobedinnoti
me.
Isatontopofhi
m wit
hmyl egsonthesi
des.I
reachedmyhandtopresst
hebuttonandthe
doorcl
osed.
Me:Whati
fIt
oldy
ouIhav
enot
hingundert
his
r
ope?
Hecl
earedhisthr
oatandIwr
appedmyhands
ar
oundhisneck.
Hi
m:Not
hing?
Me:
Not
hing.
Heranhi
shandsonmythighsal
lthewayt
omy
but
t,t
henhet
ight
lygr
abbedit
.
Igasped.
Hi
m:Rat
oyou'
reki
l
li
ngme.
Iki
ssedhi
m whi
l
eunbot
toni
nghi
spant
s.
Icouldfeel
hisboner
..
..
Ist
art
edmov
ingsl
owl
y
feel
ingeverypar
tofhi
m.
Ihadshi
ver
sandIcoul
dn'
thel
pbutmoan.
Mamzo:
Bongani
?
Shewasknocki
ng.
Ty
son:
shi
t!
Me:
Noi
gnor
eher
!
Hel
ookedatmendIgav
ehi
m adeadstare
whi
chsai
dify
oudar
esayawordyou'
redead.
Aft
erawhi
l
eshegav
eupandIst
art
edmov
ing
agai
n.
Thi
sti
meTy sonwasgoi
nghardonandj
ustasI
wasaboutt
ocum Ihel
donti
ght.
Mywhol
ebodywasshaki
ngandwebot
hcame.
Igav
ehi
m ababyki
ss.
Me:
Thatwasr
eal
l
ygood.
Iwipedhi
m wi
thmyr
opeandwal
kedoutt
o
takeashower
.
WhenIgotoutoft
heshowermyr
opewasnot
wher
eIlef
tit
.
Me:
No!nonononoMamzo!
Ir
ant
oherandf
oundheri
nthel
aundr
yroom.
Me:
Mamzo!
It
ookmyr
opef
rom t
hemachi
ne.
Her
:Iwasaboutt
owasht
hat
.
Me:
Not
hisi
scl
ean.
Her
:Noi
t'
snot
.
Me:
I'
ll
washi
tmy
sel
fthen.
Shepi
ckedup.
Her
:ohh.
..
Igeti
t.
..
that
'sv
erynobl
eofy
ou.
Ismi
l
ed.
Ty
son:
ever
ythi
ngokey
?..
Ihear
dyoushout
ing.
Mamzo:
every
thi
ngi
sokey
,youhav
eani
ce
womanri
ghtt
her
e!
Hi
m:y
ousayt
hatal
lthet
ime.
Ipul
l
edTy
sonoutwi
thmyr
opei
nhand.
Hi
m:andt
hat
?
Me:
Sheal
mostwashedmyr
ope.
Hi
m:damn!
Webot
hlaughed.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
30*
***
**
[
Venus]
Iwasonadayoutwit
hthegi
rl
s..
.Me,
Amanda,
Candi
ceandSandy
.
Jeayouheardri
ghtSandy.She'
sbeent
hrougha
l
otandlastt
hingsheneedsismebeingmean
toherandbei
ngalone.
Iti
searl
ysummersowewer eoutonthebeach
l
ookinggorgeousasal
way s..
Wehav ebeen
spendi
ngal otoft
imetogethert
hatisifweare
notworki
ng.Itwaski
ndofhar dwithSandy
becauseherworkhour
susual l
yclashwithour
s
butI'
doccasionall
yaskTysonforafavournow
andthenandwi thmebeingpregnantheknew
bett
erthantosayno.
Amanda'
sphoner
ang.
Her:Baby?..
..
noItol
dyouwe'r
eatthe
beach..
..
stopfussi
ngwe'
resafe!
!!
.
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
ethendr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Amanda:
I'
mthi
scl
oset
oki
l
li
ngt
hatman.
Wear
elaughedather
.
Amanda:laughal
lyouwantbutwehav
etoget
outofher
e!.
Me:
Nowej
ustgother
e.
Amanda:
Skhumbuzodoesn'
tappr
ove.
..
appar
entl
y"theycan'
tcontr
olwhathappenshere
becauseit'
stoocrowdedandspacious"
Sandy:t
hat
'swhywear
eher
eri
ght
?fort
he
space?
.
Amanda:
Idon'
tknowwhyhehast
hisneedt
o
cont
rol
ever
ythi
ng.
Shewasr
eal
l
yir
ri
tat
ed.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
it'
sTy
son.
..
.Khumal
o?
Him:Ratowhatar
eyoudoi
nghal
fnakedont
he
beach?
Me:
ahhBabyI
'
m nothal
fnaked.
Hi
m:t
hat
'snott
hepoi
nt.
..
.getawayf
rom t
her
e!
Me:
Why
?
Him:i
t'st
oocrowded.
..
Rat
ost
opaski
ng
quest
ionsandcomehome.
Ipr
etendedt
obesni
ff
ing.
Me:
okey
.
Isai
dsadl
y.
Me:butIwasr
eal
l
yenj
oyingmyselfbuti
fyou
wantmetocomehomethenI'
m coming.
Hi
m:good.
Hedroppedthecal
landIl
ookedatAmandai
s
di
sbel
ieve.
Me:Nofeel
i
ngsor
ryf
ort
hepr
egnantf
iancé
any
more?!
Theycoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.
Amanda:y
ourti
meofemot
ional
l
ybl
ackmai
l
ing
mybrot
herisov
er.
Shest
oodupandf
ixedt
hecampchai
r.
Ist
oodupwithmypregnantbel
l
ywhichgave
cl
earv
isual
sthatI
'
m carr
yingasomeone.
Me:
Int
hatcaset
hisi
stheendofme.
Candi
ce:
whydosayt
hat
?
Me:Tysonwil
lnowmani
pul
atemei
ntodoi
ng
ev
eryt
hinghewants.
Iswangmyhandi
ntheai
rtodemonst
rat
ethat
.
Amanda:
Wel
comet
omywor
ld.
Sandy
:comeonl
adi
esi
tcan'
tbet
hatbad.
Me:
wel
li
tis.
Amanda:t
heonlyper
sonwho'
str
eat
edl
i
kean
equal
isCandi
ce.
Candi
ce:t
hat'
sbecauseIstoodmygroundand
tol
dZachthati
t'
seit
heryouacceptmeasIam
orwat
chmel eaveyou.
Wel
aughedandhi
ghf
ived.
Me:
Youdi
dgoodgi
rl
fr
iend!
.
Wet al
kedaboutourcr azypar
tnersal
ltheway
totheparkinglot
...
Sandyist
heonlyonewho
hadlesstosaybutwet r
iedbyallmeansto
accomodat eher.
.sheevensharedali
ttl
eabout
herex-husband.
WhenIgothomeIunpackedmybagandwent
t
ogetsomethi
ngtoeatfrom t
heki
tchen.
~
~
[
Candi
ce]
WhenIgothomeZachwasnotinsoIt
ooka
l
ongwarm bat
h.Putonmyshor
tsummerni
ght
dr
essandwenttomakedi
nner.
Iwentall
outwitht
hefood,
evengotmy
mother'
sreci
pesbookandcookedZach'
s
fav
ouri
tedish.
Iheardhi
scarpul
l
ingov
erasIar
rangedt
he
tabl
e.
Hi
m:BabyI
'
m home.
Me:
I'
m ont
hissi
de?
Hecamet
aki
nghi
sjacketof
f.
Hi
m:mhhsmel
l
sdi
vi
ne.
Heki
ssedme.
Me:
thanksbabysi
tdown.
Idi
shedforhi
m andwestart
edeati
ngwhi
l
e
hav
ingtal
ksinbetweenourmeal
.
Hi
m:Thi
swasgood,
thanksagai
nbaby
.
Me:
Ienj
oycooki
ngf
ory
ou.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:babyweneedt
otal
k.
Me:
soundsser
ious.
Him:i
tis.
..
..
we'
ret
hinki
ngofgoi
ngbackt
othe
gang.
..
andbeful
lhandson.
Me:ohhowkt hat
'snotapr
obl
em j
ustt
ell
me
whatyouneed.
Hi
m:Ineedy
out
opl
ayf
arf
rom t
hegang.
Ithoughthewasj
oki
ngunt
ilIsawhi
sfaci
al
expressi
on.
Me:
what
?..
.why
?
Hi
m:I
t'
snotsaf
ebabyandI
..
Idi
dn'
tev
enwai
tforhi
mtof
ini
sh.
Me:
No...
.t
hisi
smyl
i
fey
ouknowt
hat
,don'
ttr
y
t
ochangeme.
Hi
m:I
'm not
..
.t
hiswi
l
lgi
veusenoughf
ami
l
y
t
imet
ogether
.
Me:how?becauseyou'
l
lbeouti
nadi
ff
erent
war
snowandt hen.
Him:Andyouwi
l
lbehomet
aki
ngcar
eofour
chi
ldr
en.
Me:
whatchi
l
dren?
Hi
m:whenwehav
ethem.
Me:
sothi
siswhatt
hisi
sabout
?..
.y
ouwantme
t
obehousewi
fe?
Hi
m:t
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hat
.
Il
etoutasi
ghandwal
kedout
.
Idon'
tknowwher
eal
loft
hisi
scomi
ngf
rom.
~
~
[
Venus]
Idon'
tknowwhenorhowbutImusthav
efal
l
en
asl
eep.
Idi
dn'
tev
enhearTy
songeti
ntobed.Howev
er,
I'
m wokenupbysharppai
nsonmylowerback.
Atfir
stIt
ryt
oignoret
hem andmoanpai
nin
si
lencebutt
hepainget
sdeeper
.
Me:
mhh.
Ibr
eathi
nandoutsi l
ent
ly,
makingsurenotto
wakeTysonup.ThenIfeelashar
ponel i
ke
someonejustshov
edaknifeonthatarea.
Me:
ahh.
..
Tyson!
IshockHi
m onceandhewokeup.
Hi
m:Rat
o,ar
eyouokey
?
Me:
I..
..
ahhhhh!
..
..
myback.
Hepl
acedhi
m handwher
eIf
eltpai
n.
Me:
mhh.
Hi
m:shoul
dIt
akey
out
othehospi
tal
?
Hekeptonr
ubbi
ngmewher
eIf
eltpai
n.
Me:
No.
..
Ineed.
..
wat
er!
Her
anoutandcamewi
thagl
assofwat
er.
..
I
dr
ankupandlai
donhisar
msashi
sot
herhand
wasrubbi
ngmyback.
Lateront
hepai
nseized.
..
.i
twasi
ntheear
ly
hoursoft
hemorni
ngandIdozedofft
osleep.
IwaswokenupbyTy
son'
smov
ement
sint
he
room.
Me:
You'
rewear
ingcasual
todayatt
heof
fi
ce?
Him:NoI'm notgoingint
oday.
..
I'
mtaki
ngy
ou
tothehospi
tal.
..
..
IaskedSkhumbuzoto
squeezeusin.
Me:
ohowk.
..
.letmegetr
eady
.
Hel
ookedatmei
ndi
sbel
i
eve.
Me:
What
?
Him:IneverthoughtI
'dseet
hisday
..
..
.Pal
esa
notbeingstubborn.
Irol
ledmyeyesathi
m andwentt
owar
dst
he
bathroom.
Me:
I'
ll
hav
ebr
ownbr
eadwi
thav
ocadof
ormy
br
eakf
ast
.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
eandst
art
edf
ixi
ngt
hebed.
Lateronwearr
ivedatt
hehospi
tal
andwewent
str
aightt
oSkhumbuzo'
soff
ice.
Iexpl
ainedevery
thi
ngtohim andhei
nst
ruct
ed
met ochangeintoahospi
tal
gown.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhywedi
dn'
ttakeAmanda
i
nst
ead.
Isai
dtoTysonwhil
ewewer ewait
ingf
or
Skhumbuzotogetbacki
ntheroom.
Ty
son:
rel
axRat
o.
Skhu:Owkpl
easesi
ther
e..
.act
ual
l
yli
eony
our
back.
Hepoi
ntedatt
hebedandIdi
dthat
.
Skhu:
pant
iesof
f,andopeny
ourl
egspl
ease.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Why
???
?!
Hi
m:Formeasur
ement
s.
Me:I
'
m onl
yfourmonthspregnant
..
.I
'
mver
y
muchsur
ethatwasnotlabourpai
ns.
Skhumbuzochuckl
ed.
Skhu:
Tyson?
Tyson:Rat
opl
easestopacti
ngdocterj
ustf
or
todayandbeapat
ient.
.agoodone.
Me:
butTy
son.
..
..
hewi
l
lseemycooki
e.
Iwhi
sper
edt
ohi
m.
Skhu:
Don'
twor
ryVenus.
If
inal
l
ygavei
nandopenedmyl
egsandhe
i
nsert
edhi
sfi
ngeronme.
Hi
m:owkwe'
rest
il
lgood.
Iqui
ckl
edcl
osedmyl
egsandgott
hem down.
Hi
m:Wantt
oknowt
hegender
?.
Il
ookedatTy
son.
Me:
No,
Ipr
eferi
ttobeasur
pri
se.
Skhu:
OKt
hen.
.pl
easel
i
ftt
hisup.
Il
i
ftedi
tandexposedmybump.
Hi
m:t
hisi
sal
i
ttl
ecol
d.
Heappl
i
edt
hej
elanddi
danul
tr
asound.
Aft
erthatIwentt
ocl
eanmybel
l
yandcame
back.
Hi
m:ever
ythi
ngisokeysofarbuty
ouhav
eto
sl
owdownont heworkl
oad.
Me:
Icandot
hat
.
Skhu:
slowdownont
hosehi
ghhi
l
lst
oo.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Ty
son:
Ithi
nksheneedst
otakeanear
lyl
eav
e.
Iwi
del
yopenedmyey
es.
Skhu:
Thatcoul
dwor
ktoo.
Ididn'
tevengetachancet
odi
sagr
eet
heywer
e
practi
cal
l
ygangingonme.
Af
tert
hatwedr
ovehomei
nsi
l
ence.
..
Ireal
l
y
didn'
tli
ketheideaoft
akingaleave.
..
whatam I
supposet ododuri
ngtheday?.
.sl
eep?.
..
that
'
s..I
don'tevenknowwhattocalli
t.
Hi
m:Rat
oit
'sf
ort
hebest
.
Igotoutofthecarbangedt
hedoorandwal
ked
i
nsidethehouse.
DayspassedandIwasgoi ngcrazyevery
minute.Iwoul
dsitaroundanddoabsol ut
ely
nothi
ngbecauseev enMamzoi sonTy son'
s
si
de.Imadesur etoignorehim becauseheis
sodamnannoy ingattimes.
I
twasint
heaft
ernoonwhenIdeci
dedtocal
l
Amandaj
ustt
ocatchupontheworkgossi
p.
Her:
Yousoundsodownmybr
otheri
sreal
l
y
gi
vi
ngyouahardti
me.
Me:
Youdon'
tknow.
Shel
aughed.
Her
:Well
,you'
renott
heonl
yone.
..
.Candi
cei
s
hav
ingi
tbadtoo.
Me:
Candi
ce?
Her
:Yes.
..
Zachwant
sheroutoft
hegang.
Me:
haa!
Her
:andhewant
sbabi
es.
Me:
That
'snotabadt
hing.
Her
:toy
ouy
esbutt
oCandi
cei
t'
saNono.
Webothlaughedandcont
inuedt
alki
ngunt
ilwe
hungup.
IheardTyson'
svoi
cefrom t
hedi
ningandI
suddenl
yfeltl
i
kecryi
ng.
Him:
Rato!
..
..
Ra.
..
ahhPal
esawhati
swr
ong
now?.
Icr
iedmor
e..
.Iev
enhadhi
ccups.
Me:youwantmet
ost
ayal
onei
nthi
sbi
ghouse
al
lday.
Hebr
oughtmet
ohi
schest
.
Hi
m:t
hat
'snott
rue.
Me:
buty
ou'
renev
erhome!
.
Hi
m: okeyI
'
m sor
ryIpr
omi
seI
'
llbehomemor
e
of
ten.
Me:
No.
..
.y
ouwon'
t.
Him:Iwil
l.
..
.okeyhowaboutwegoawayona
hol
iday
..
justthetwoofus
Ir
aisedmyheadandl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
real
l
y?
Hi
m:y
es.
Me:
okey
.
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sandhel
etoutasi
gh.
Hi
m:Ratosl
owdownont
het
ear
spl
easet
hey
ar
edepr
essi
ng.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
31*
***
**
[
Venus]
Bythet
imewegott oLesot
hoitwasalready
l
ateandthoughIbadlywantedtoexpl
orethe
pl
acealr
eady..
.Ideci
dedtosaveitf
orthenext
day.
NextdayIwokeupint heearl
yhours,wewer e
stay
inginsomeloungewhichwasal lcult
ural
andbeauti
ful
.Thekindofplacewhereloaded
tour
istwoul
dwanttooccupyf ort
heirvisi
tat
ion
peri
od.
Ideci
dednott owakeTy sonup, helookedso
ti
redsoIputonmygown, brushedmyt eeth,
washedmyf aceandwentt owat chthesun
ri
se..
..
Itwasar eal
lygoodexper i
enceIgiveyou
that
..
Ifeltatpeace.
Thesoundsmadebyt hetr
ees,thebirdsohnot
forgeti
ngtheonemadebyt hewat erasithit
theirchannel
banks.
..
theval
leyofat housand
hil
ls.Icouldl
iv
ehereforali
feti
me.
Notonlyt
hebeautybuttheclosureitgav
e
me..
.IwasinLesot
hoaf t
erall
..
thelandwher
e
myveryownmot her'
srootsare.
Hi
m:Rat
owami
e!.
It
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Me:
Mor
ningHandsome.
Her
eachedouthi
shandandgav
emeamug.
Me:
ohhMi
l
k.
Him:yousounddi
sappointed.
..
.y
ouknowy
ou'
re
notsupposetodr
inkco.
...
Me:
IknowIknow.
Il
etoutasi
ghandki
ssedhi
m.
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
.
Hi
m:Mypl
easur
ebaby
.
Me:
notonl
yfort
hemi
l
k.
Ir
aisedt
hecupwhi
l
esay
ingt
hat
.
Me:
Fort
hegetaway
,thel
ove,
thecar
eandf
or
maki
ngmet
hehappi
estwomanonear
th.
Het
ookthecupfrom myhandandplacedi
ton
t
hefl
oorandwrappedhi
shandsaroundme.
Him:Il
oveyouVenus.
..
wit
hever
ypartofme
andnothi
ngmakesmemor ehappyt
hanseei
ng
youhappy.
Weshar
edal
ongpat
ionat
eki
ss.
Me:Letmegogetcl
eanedup.
..
wehav
eal
otof
expl
ori
ngt
odo.
Hesmi
l
edandt
ookmyhandi
nhi
s.
Wespentt hedayexplori
ngthepl
ace,we'ddo
l
ongr omanti
cwal ks,weevenwenthorseri
ding
butbecauseTy soniswayoverpr
otect
ivethey
hadtoputwhatl ookedli
keachai
randIhadt o
ri
dewi t
htheinstruct
erj
usttomakesureIwas
safe.
Ihadal otoffunIgi
veyouthatandint
he
eveningwewer egather
edaroundthef
ir
ecamp
l
isteningtothenat
ivest
ori
eswithther
estof
theguests.Thewerealsotradi
ti
onaldancer
s
whofunisheduswiththeiramazingact.We
wentbackt oourr
oom lateatnightandweboth
zonedoutt odr
eamland.
Thenextdaywewentt oagamer eserv ebutwe
di
dn'tst
aylongbecausetheli
tt
leonei nsi
deme
deci
dedhe/shewantstosleep.Tysondr oveus
backtothehouseandIthrewmy selfont hebed.
Hi
m:Thatt
ir
edhuh?
Me:
Youhav
enoi
dea.
Het
ookmyswol
l
enf
eetandst
art
edmassagi
ng
t
hem.
Me:
Mhht
hatf
eel
ssogood.
Hesmi
l
edandcont
inueddoi
nghi
smagi
c.
Myhormonesdeci
destodecei
vemeandwi t
hin
minut
esmyclot
heswearfl
yingacr
ossthe
r
oom.Tysoncaref
ulpl
ant
edwetkissesfr
om
mynecktomycookie.
Byt
het
imehegott
her
emyl
owerbodywas
al
readyrai
sedontheair
,Hest oppedand
l
ookedatmeandIl ai
dbackdown, He
conti
nuedteasi
ngmyclitbutstoppedj
ustasI
wastocome.
Hest
oodupandwor
ehi
sshi
rt
.
Me:
arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?
!!
!!
!
Hi
m:RestRat
o,y
ousai
dyouar
eti
red.
Ithoughthewasgoi
ngtosayI'
mjoki
ngbutI
real
isedhewasn'
twhenhetookhi
sphoneand
keys.
Me:
Fucky
ouTy
son!
.
It
hrewapi
l
lowathi
m andhechuckl
ed.
Me:Babyyou'r
ereal
lygoingtol
eaveme
hangi
ng?.
..
.wherear
ey ouevengoi
ng?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow.
Icl
ickedmyt
ongueandheki
ssedmycheek
andwentout
.
Iwassoangr
yIdon'
tev
enknowwhenIf
ell
asl
eep.
~
Iwaswokenupbyaknockont
hedoor
,itwasa
bi
tdar
koutsi
de.
Me:
Hi!
Isai
dwi
thasl
eepyv
oice.
Lady
:Rat
ori
ght
?
Inodded,
byt
hatnameIknewTy
sonsenther
.
Her
:pl
easecomewi
thme.
Ifol
lowedhert
osomer oom whereIwasdined
andpampered.Aftert
hef ul
lbodymassageI
tookalongwarm bubblebath.
IswearInev
erf
eltsor
elax
edandnew.
Lady
:Pl
easef
oll
owme.
Me:
oht
her
e'smor
e?.
Shenoddedwi
thasmi
l
e.
If
oll
owedhert
oanot
herr
oom,
itwascl
oset
o
t
herest
aurantsoIf
igur
edt
hatTy
sonwant
edus
t
oeatout.
Isati
nfr
ontofthemir
rorandsomeguywho
l
ookedgaywalkedi
nwithamake-upki
t.
Il
aughedal
i
ttl
e.
Me:I
sthi
snecessar
ythough?Imeani
t'
sjust
di
nner
.
Guy
:Mor
ereasont
olookgor
geous.
Ismil
edandlethi
m wor
khi smagiconmyface
andhealsodidmyhai
r.
..
Ilookedsooutoft
his
worl
d..
.(
smil
es).
Voi
ce:
Arey
oudoney
et?
.
Iquickl
ytur
nedandfoundMi
nni
elooki
ngl
i
kea
fai
rypri
ncessi
npink.
Me:
pumpki
n..
.
Ipi
ckedherupandswangherar
oundwhi
l
e
ki
ssi
ngher.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her:
Youdi
dn'
tthi
nkI
'
dmi
ssy
ourweddi
ngdi
d
you?
.
Me:
Myweddi
ng?
!
Sheputherhandsonhermout
h.
Her
:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lTy
sonIt
oldy
ou?
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t.
OkeysoTy sonpl
annedmyownwedding?,
The
guywil
lneversei
zetoamazeme..hei
sso
unpr
edict
ableandIlov
eever
yfi
breinhi
m.
Me:
okeysomydr
essMi
nni
e?
Lady
:ohher
eiti
s.
Shegaveitt
omeandIcoul dn'
tholdbackmy
tear
swhenmyey esl
andedonit.
..
Itwasj ustt
oo
much..
.Iwasalsoemoti
onalaboutalotof
thi
ngs.
..
Isowishmyf at
herwasher e.
.Iknowhe
wouldhavebeensohappyformet oo.
Igoti
nsi
dethedr
essandt
hear
ti
sthadt
ore-
do
mymake-up.
Iwalkedoutofther
oom wi
thMi
nni
eleadi
ngthe
way.Wegoti nt
othi
shal
landwest
oodbythe
door.
Me:ar
eyouwal
ki
ngmedownt
heai
sle
pumpki
n?.
Heshockherheadno.
Me:
thenwho'
swal
ki
ngme?
Voi
ce:
Iam.
It
urnedandj
umpedi
nexci
tement
.
Me:
Uncl
eAl
son!
!!ohLor
d.
Hi
m:Mshana!
.
Hekissedmycheek.
..
.He'
smymother
'scousi
n
andIdon'tev
enknowhowTysongothol
dof
hi
m.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgobef
oret
hegr
oom passout
.
If
lashedasmi
l
eandwest
art
edwal
ki
ng.
Myey eswer
efocusedonTysonwholooked
so.
..
hewasso..
.GoshIdon'
tevenhav
ethe
words.
Theplacewasnothugebutnotsmall
ei
ther
...
.Al
lthepeopl
ethatmeantsomethi
ngt
o
mewer ethereandIcoul
dn'
tbehappier
.
Idi
dn'
tpaymuchatt
ent
iont
owhatthepastor
wassayi
ngmyeyeswerefi
xedonTyson'
s.
..t
hat
wasunti
lhei
nst
ruct
edustosayourvows.
Us:Igiv
ey outhi
sr i
ngasasignofmyl oveto
you,apromisetofidel
i
ty.Al
ongwithitIgiv
ey ou
myhear ttohaveandtohold.
..
.t
ocherishandt o
takecare.I
nsicknessandinheal
th,Ipromiseto
beForeverYours.
Ty
son:
Ido.
Me:
Ido.
Past
or:
Youmayki
ssy
ourbr
ide.
Hel
eanedov
erandweki
ssed.
Ther
ewasul
ulat
ionf
rom t
hecr
owde.
Mi
nni
e:Lwazi
closey
ourey
es.
ShehadherhandsonLwazi
'
sface.
Amanda:
heyl
eav
ehi
m al
one.
Ther
ewasl
aught
er.
Afterthatever
yonesatonseparatetablesand
food&dr inkswereser
ved.Ikeptsteal
ing
glancesatmyhusband...
.Lor
dIlovehim.
Me:Youknow, nowthaty
ou'r
emyhusbandy
ou
can'
tpul
lthatstunty
oupull
edear
li
eron?
.
Hi
m:Rat
oyouar
esl
owl
ybecomi
ngasexaddi
ct.
Me:
what
?..
.No.
..
it
'snotmei
t'
sthebaby
.
Hel
aughedi
ndi
sbel
i
eve.
Him:real
l
y??
..
.y
ou'
regoi
ngt
obl
amei
tont
he
baby
?.
Me:whateverbutkeepi
tinmi
ndt
hatt
wocan
pl
aythatgame.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Palesawebot
hknowy
oucannev
erdeni
e
mesex
.
Me:
ohj
a?.
..
wel
lther
ear
eway
stomakey
oupay
.
Hi
m:l
i
kewhat
?
Me:
li
ket
his.
Ileanedov
erandki
ssedhi
m, Ipul
l
edoutand
ranmyhandsonhispant
ts.
..
Het
ri
edt
ogr
abmyhandbutIwasf
ast
.
Hi
m:Venusst
op.
Hewaswhispear
ing,
hetr
iedt
okeepastr
aight
f
aceandIhadtheevi
lsmil
eonmyface.
Hi
m:Venus!
.
Ist
oppedj
ustashewental
lhar
d.
Ist
oodupandpi
ckedagl
ass.
Hi
m:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Ij
ustsmi
l
edandsof
tl
yhi
tthegl
asswi
thaf
ork.
Al
lat
tent
ionwasonus.
Me:We'rer
eadyforourspeechesbutmy
handsomehusbandwill
gof i
rst
..
..
..
.comeon
baby!
.
Icl
appedmyhandsandt
hecr
owdj
oinedme.
Hel
ookedatmei
ndi
sbel
i
eve.
Af
terawhi
l
ehecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hi
m:act
ual
l
ywe'
l
lletot
her
sgof
ir
st.
..
.t
hanky
ou.
Il
aughedandhegav
emeast
areasIsatdown.
Mi
nni
ewentt
othef
rontpul
l
ingachai
r.
Shest
oppedi
nthemi
ddl
eandgotont
opofi
t.
Amanda:
Minenhl
egetawayf
rom t
her
ewhat
ar
eyoudong?
Her
:del
i
ver
ingmyspeech.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Amanda:
Minenhl
e!.
Pumpki
nwashav ingnoneofi
tshecont
inued
wit
hherspeech.
Mi
nni
:Hi
ever
yone.
Shewav
edherhandsi
ntheai
r.
Her:MynameisMi
nenhl
eKhumal
obuty
oucan
cal
lmeMi nni
e.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Apar
tfr
om hert
alki
ngt
oomuchshe'
sal
sof
ast
.
Her:
okeyIam heretothankal
lofy
ouf or
comingt
osharethisbeauti
ful
daywithmy
mom anddad.
..t
hankyousomuch....
.Daddy
?.
Shel
ookedatus.
Her
:Thankyouformaki
ngCandymy
mom..
.Candy?
..
.st
andup.
Il
aughedandst
oodup.
Her
:Il
ovey
oumommy
.
Cr
owd:
Ncoew!
!!
!
Icoul
dn'thol
dbackt
hetear
s,Ty
sonhadt
ogi
ve
mewat ertocal
m medown.
Aft
erthat,
di f
fer
entpeoplecametogiveus
advi
ceallthat.
..
Weal sodidour"
Thankyou"
speeches.
..Ther
ewasmusi candwealldanced
j
oyfull
y.
..I
twasj ustperf
ect.
Hi
m:shoul
dwegobackt
oourr
oom?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Him:butnotf
oryoutosl
eep.
.y
ouhav
e
puni
shmenttotake.
Me:
NoIdon'
tandI
'
mti
red.
Hi
m:wai
tunt
ilwegett
other
oom .
Il
ookedathi
sbi
gsmi
rk.
Me:
MamaD!
.
Shecameourway
.
Me:
goi
ngt
obedal
ready
?
Her
:Myf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngme.
Me:okeygoodni
ghtMahandt hanky ouso
muchforbei
ngheretoni
ghtandf orbeari
ngt
his
manforme.
Il
ookedatTy
son.
MamD:Youki
dsdeser
venot
hingbuthappi
ness
Il
ovey
outoo.
Weshar
edhugs.
Sheat
tempt
edgoi
ng.
Me:ohhMah,Bongani
andIwerewonderi
ngif
wecouldbor
rowMinni
ejustf
ortoni
ght
?..
.we
r
eal
lymissher.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
MamaD:
wit
hpl
easur
e.
Il
aughedandwi
nkedatTy
son.
Hi
m:y
out
imei
scomi
ng.
Il
aughedmor
easIt
hrewmy
sel
finhi
sar
ms.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
**32*
***
***
[
Venus]
WhenIwokeupi nthemorningthefir
stt hi
ng
thatt
ookmyat t
enti
onwast hesecondr ockon
myf i
nger.I
tgavemeassur ancethatlastnight
wasnotadr eam.Ismi l
edtomy sel
fthinking
abouthowgoodGodhasbeent ome, IswearI
am grat
efulforever
ythi
nghehasdone.
Il
ookedtomyr i
ghtandsawthesl
eepi
ng
Minni
e..
..
Tysonwasalr
eadyupandIdon'
tknow
wherehewas.
Igotoutofthebedandwenttotakemy
morningbathandwhenIret
urnedtot
he
bedroom Ty
sonwast her
e.
Me:
Khumal
o.
Hi
m:MaKhumal
o.
Iwr
appedmyhandsar
oundhi
m andki
ssedhi
m.
Me:
You'
reupear
ly.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Yourpumpkinsl
eepsli
kear
eal
pumpkin.
..
aroot
lessone.
Il
aughed.
Hi
m:YouknowIwokeupt
oherl
egonmyf
ace.
Il
aughedmor
e.
Me:
stopl
yi
nghau.
Hi
m:I
'mtell
i
ngy ou,
Icoul
dn'
twai
tfort
heni
ght
t
oendsothatIcanwakeup.
Me:
I'
m Sor
rybaby
.
Hi
m:Yesy
oushoul
dbe.
..
becausei
t'
sal
lyour
f
aul
t.
Igi
ggl
edandwentoutwi
thhi
mfol
l
owi
ngme.
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Ineedt
otal
ktoUncl
eAbef
orehel
eav
es.
.
Hi
m:ohowk.
.hav
esomet
hingt
oeatf
ir
st.
Hegav
emehi
ssandwi
ch.
..
.It
ookonebi
teand
pl
acedi
tback.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hi
m:Pal
esaungangi
hlany
isi
(don'
tdr
iveme
cr
azy
)eat
!.
Il
aughedandpul
l
edachai
rtosi
t.
Ist
art
edeat
ingwi
thhi
m wat
chi
ngme.
Me:Ser
iousl
y?.
..
.sowhatnow,you'
reworri
edI
'
ll
t
hrowthefoodawayifyou'
renotwatchi
ng?
Hi
m:Pal
esay
ou'
recapabl
eofany
thi
ng.
Hechuckl
edandIsmi
l
e.
Wher
edi
dIf
indt
hismanofmi
net
hough?
.
Me:ohBaby,
I'
vebeenmeani
ngt
oask..
.howdi
d
youfi
ndUncl
eAandmanagedtobr
inghim
her
e?.
Hi
m:I
nsomeconv
enti
nthewoods.
Me:
Uncl
eAt
hough.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowhewasaFat
her
,howdoeshe
survi
vewit
hall
thosenunsar
oundwhi
l
ehe'
s
expectedt
oabstai
n?
Ir
aisedmyshoul
der
sandl
aughed.
Mi
nni
e:Ty
soncanIhav
eice-
cream.
Shewasweari
ngmybat
hrope.
..
orshoul
dIsay
i
twasweari
ngher
.
Ty
son:
It'
sdaddyt
oyou.
Mi
nni
e:Ty
son.
Ty
son:
I'
ll
giv
eyouhi
ding.
Mi
nni
e:Ty
son!Ty
son!Ty
son!Ty
son!
.
Ty
sonst
oodupandsher
ant
ohi
debehi
ndme.
Mi
nni
e:Candydon'
tl
etTy
sonhi
tme.
Shewasgi
ggl
i
ng.
Ty
son:
You'
rest
il
lcal
l
ingmeTy
son?
.
Ikeptonbl
ocki
ngTysontopr
otectMi
nni
eand
shewasbusylaughi
ngsheev
enhadtear
s.
Me:
OkeyOkey
!leav
eher
.
Ty
sonst
eppedback.
Me:
Ihav
etogonow.
Mi
nni
e:CanIgowi
thy
ou?
.
Me:
Nost
ayher
ewi
thDaddy
.
Mi
nni
e:ButTy
sonwi
l
lhi
tme.
Tyson:
YesIwillsoyoubett
ergowit
hCandyor
bett
eryetgobackwithUncl
eAtothechur
chin
thewoodsyou'
llmakeagoodnunsweety.
Me:
Nev
er.
Hel
aughed.
Me:
ComePumpki
nI'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
finMamaD'
s
r
oom.
Wewal
kedawaywi
thTy
sonl
aughi
ngatus.
IdroppedMinnieof
fandwenttoUncleA's
room.Wetalkedforawhil
ebecausehewasi n
arushtogetbacktothechurchbuthe
promisedt
obr eakt
herul
esal i
tt
leandkeepIn
touchandthatwasenoughformesoIhel ped
hi
m packup.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Iwaschi
l
li
ngwit
hmyguysinsomebarf
ew
wal
ksawayfr
om ourr
ooms.
Shakes:
Aren'
tyousupposet
obei
nahoney
moonorsomet hi
ng?
Me:TheMr
sisst
il
ldeci
dingwher
eshewant
s
ust
ogo.
Skhuchuckl
ed.
Skhu:
Getusedt
othat
.
Me:
What
?
Skhu:
theMr
sdeci
dingf
orev
ery
thi
ng.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Venusi
snotl
i
ket
hat
.
Zach:
FornowNo,
buty
ou'
l
lseeast
imegoesby
.
Shakes:
ThatwhyIpr
eferbei
ngsi
ngl
e.
Zach:
Ohplease,
there'
sadi f
ferencebet
ween
bei
ngsingl
eandbeing.
..
..
.Shakes.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Skhumbuzot
appedonmyshoul
der
.
Skhu:
I'
m proudofyoubr
other
..
..
youdi
dgood
byputt
ingaringoni
t.
Me:
Thanky
ouman.
Skhu:
Butbepr
epar
edf
ort
heconst
antt
ear
s
anddrama.
Me:
jhat
hatone.
..
.
Theyl
aughed.
Skhu:
Iguessi
thasal
readyst
art
ed.
Me:
Youdon'
tknow...
.y
ouknowVenuscancr
y
f
ort
hesakeofcr
ying?.
Skhu:Tell
meaboutit,
whenAmandawasst i
l
l
carr
yingLwazi
,Sheusedt
ocrydayinandday
out.
..
.Ir
ememberthi
sonenightshecr
ied
becauseIaskedheri
fshewasgoingt ofi
nish
herfood.
..
.shewasal
lli
ke"okeysonowy ou
thi
nkIeattoomuch,nextt
hingyou'
llsayI'
m
fat
"ei.
..
youguysdon'
tknowt hest
ruggle.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:youwereaski
ngfori
t.
..
..
don'
tyouknowyou
shoul
dnevercompl
ainaboutawoman'sfood
scal
e?.
Zach:
Int
hatcaset
henmaybeIshoul
dsl
ow
downonthebabyt
ryi
ngi
ssuewit
hCandi
ce.
Skhu:
She'
sst
il
lnotbar
ging?
.
Zachnodded.
Me:bet
terl
etherbe.
..
.wor
dhasitt
hatshei
s
t
hiscl
osetoputt
ingabull
etony
ourhead.
Shakes:enoughaboutbabi
es,marr
iageand
wives.
..
someonepleasetel
lmesomet hi
ng
aboutthatwhit
eywhowasdr oppi
ngitli
kei
t'
s
hotyerst
eday.
Zach:
Thatwoul
dbeSandy
.
Skhu:
OhRi
cousedt
otapt
hatass.
Igav
eSkhumbuzoast
are.
Skhu:
what
?it
'st
rue.
.
Me:Shakesi
twasnot
hingt
rustme.
..
wewer
e
j
usthavi
ngfun.
Shakes:
Exact
lywhatIwant
..
Fun.
Weal
ll
aughedshaki
ngourheads.
Me:
andher
eIwast
hinki
ngi
t'
smor
ethant
hat
.
Zach:
somet
hingsnev
erchange.
Skhu:
orsomepeopl
erat
her
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Thegirl
sweresi
tt
ingonthefl
oorwitht
hei
rfeet
hanged,i
twasnotthathi
l
lysoIj
oinedt
hem.
Amanda:
ifi
tisn'
tmyv
eryownsi
steri
nlaw.
Candi
ce:
andi
tonl
yhi
tsmenowt
haty
ouguy
s
ar
epr
act
ical
l
yfami
l
yandI
'
mlef
tout
.
Wel
aughed.
Me:Don'
tbeliket hat
,giveZachanheirand
makemet hegodmot herbythatAmandawill
be
t
hegodaunt.
..casesol v
ed..
.see?easywe'
ll
be
f
amilyj
ustli
ket hat.
Isnappedmyf
inger
s.
Amanda:
Venusy
ou'
recr
azy
.
Candice:andI
'
m st
arti
ngtothi
nkZachsenther
toconvincemeaboutthi
sbabythi
ng.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
YouknowI
'
dnev
erdot
hat
.
Candi
ce:
goodbecausey
ouwoul
dn'
tget
thr
oughmeei
ther
.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Idon'tknowwhyy
ou'
rebei
ngsohar
don
t
hepoorguy.
Candi
ce:
Ineedt
omakesur
ethathe'
l
lbeabl
e
t
otakecar
eofusf
ir
st.
Amanda:whatar
ey out
alki
ngabout?
..
.Zachhas
agoodjobandalotofi
nvestment
sI'
m sure
moneyisnotapr
oblem.
Candi ce:
jeabutIalsoneedhimtobet her
efor
us,Ineedhi mt ohelpmeraisehi
m orher
up..
.notbeaf at
herwho'sal
waysabsentbut
providesfinanci
all
y.
..t
hat'
snotenoughforme.
Amanda:st
rongpoi
ntt
her
e..
.buty
ouhav
etot
ell
hi
mthat.
Me:yes,
nothi
ngshur
tsl
i
kethinki
ngy
ou'
renot
goodenoughfory
oupar
tner
.
Candi
ce:
ButIdi
dn'
tsayt
hat
.
Amanda:weknowyoudi
dn'
t.
..
we'
rejustsayi
ng
youhav
etotal
ktohim,
tel
lhi
m whatyou'vej
ust
tol
dus.
Candi
cesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Ar
ey ousur
eyouguy
swer
enotsenther
e
t
oconvi
nceme?.
Amanda:That
'sf
orust
oknowandf
ory
out
o
fi
ndout
.
Weal
ll
aughed.
Me:
AndSandydeci
dedt
oleav
eear
lyhuh?
.
Candi
ce:
Shehasal
otofwor
ktocat
chupon.
Me:that'
sunder
standabl
e..
..
butshe'
sa
workaholi
csheneedstoslowdownabit.
..
it
's
nothealt
hy.
Amanda:
ohl
ookaty
oushowi
ngsomecar
e.
Candi
ce:
whowoul
dhav
ethought
.
Wel
aughedsomemor
e.
Wecont
inuedchi
l
li
ngt
il
li
twast
imef
ort
hem t
o
gohome.
Theypackeduptheirl
uggageandTy
sonwent
wit
hthem toseethem of
f.
Meanwhi
leItookawar m bathandgoti
ntomy
py
jamasandusedTy son'
sl apt
optosear
chfor
pl
acesofi
nterestf
ormyhoney moon.
ImustsayTy
sontookl
ongert
hanIthoughtand
byt
hetimehecamebackIwassleepi
ng.
Hi
m:Pal
esa.
Hewassof
tl
yshaki
ngme.
Hi
m:wakeupbaby
.
Me:
You'
rebackf
inal
l
y.
Hi
m:Sor
ryIt
ookl
ong.
Me:
What
'swr
ongTy
sony
oul
ookwor
ri
ed.
Hi
m:Thebui
l
dingi
noneoft
hehot
elsf
ell
down.
Me:
What
?!.
..
..
Isev
ery
oneOK?
Him:Yesj ustminorinj
uri
esbutwehav etogo
backtoRSA. ..
.I
'
m prett
ysurereport
erswil
lbe
ther
ef i
rstthi
nginthemor ni
ngifnotalr
eady
andiftheydon'tseemet her
et hey
'l
lmakeit
l
ooklikeIdon'tcare.
Me:
owk.
..
letmest
artpacki
ng.
Ist
oodupandhehel
pedmepackourbags.
Her
eal
l
ylookedwor
ri
ed.
Me:
don'twor
rybaby
,I'
m sur
epeopl
emanaged
t
ogetoutint
ime.
Henodded.
Hi
m: I
'm sor
ry,
Iknowwearesupposet
obe
t
alki
ngaboutourhoneymoon.
Me:
It'
sowk.
..
thi
sisanemer
gency
.
Heki
ssedme.
Me:
actual
lyKhumal
owami
whom Il
ovewi
th
mywholehear
t.
Hi
m:somuchl
oveMr
sKhumal
o.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Iwast
hinki
ng.
..
..
.
Hi
m:ohnoher
ecomest
roubl
e.
Ipl
ayf
ull
yhi
thi
sar
m.
Hi
m:I
'
mjoki
ng.
Me:
any
wayIwast
hinki
ngt
hatmay
beIcan
staybehindwhi
l
eyougoandt
akecar
eof
busin.
..
.
Hecutme.
Hi
m:No.
..
bigNO!
.
Me:
comeon,
it'
snotsuchabadi
dea.
Hi
m:NoRat
o.
Me:
Okey
.
Ist
artedsobbi
ngthi
nki
nghe'
l
lfeel
formebut
hejustl
aughed.
Hi
m:ev
eni
nyourcr
ocodi
l
etear
sit
'sst
il
laNo.
Ist
oppedbecausei
twasn'
twor
king.
Me:
TysonPl
ease!
.
Hi
m:Pal
esaNo!
.
Istar
tedcryi
ngagai
nbutt
hist
imeImadesur
e
i
tlookedlegi
t.
Hi
m:okeyf
ine.
..
.butonl
yfort
woday
s!.
Me:
Aweek.
Hi
m:f
iveday
sandt
hat
'sf
inal
.
Ihuggedhi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Weshar
edal
ongki
ssbef
orehet
ookof
f.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*33*
***
***
Cr
opTop
[
Venus]
Iwaswat chi
ngthesamedanci nggroupwesaw
wit
hTy sononlythi
st imeIwentthereonmy
own..
..
Imett hi
sgor geouslooki
ngladywhowas
wit
hsomeonewhi chIassumedwasher
son.
..
.helookedaf ewy ear
solderthanMinni
e.
Her
:Your
eal
l
yli
ket
heact
?.
Iguessshenot
icedbyt
hewayIkeptmov
ing
whil
sewatchi
ng.
Me:Forsomer
easonIf
eel
mor
ecl
oset
othe
cul
tur
e.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Her
:oMosot
ho?
Me:
Yes.
..
hal
fmosot
hot
hough.
Shel
aughed.
Her:Wel
lIam f
ull
mosothoj
ustt
hatIgr
ewupi
n
aplacewher
eSesothowasnott
hatmuch
ar
ound.
Me:
Icanr
elat
e.
Myphoner
angandi
twasTy
son,
Me:
Excuseme.
Shenodded.
Imov
edawayf
rom t
henoi
se.
Me:
Khumal
o.
Hi
m:Heyr
atoIhearsounds.
..
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
.
Ihear
dcheeri
ngsoundsaswellandIturned
backtoseewhatwasgoingon.
..l
ookedl i
kethe
newgroupthatj
ustgoti
nisdoi
ngagr eatjob.
Me:Horser
idi
ngbaby
..
.l
ist
enIgott
ogo
mcwaaah.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landhecal
l
edasecondl
ater
.
Me:
Pal
esaunganghl
any
isi
!
?
Hi
m:Pal
esaunganghl
any
isi
!
Il
aughed.
Me:I'
mjokingbabyI'
m wat
chi
ngthe
dancer
s..
.butIr
eal
lyhavet
ogo.
Him:okeydon'
tdot
oomuchact
ivi
ti
es.
..
you
needtorest
!.
Me:
OKbabyIl
ovey
ou.
Him:Il
ovey
out
oo.
..
..
cal
lmebef
orey
ougot
o
bed.
Me:
OK.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landwentbackt
omyshow.
I
twassomuchf unIgiveyouthatbutIal
so
neededsomerestsoIgotbacktomyr oom i
n
theeveni
ngandtookalongbathbefor
eIcall
ed
myhusband.
Hi
m:Rat
o.
Me:soundsl
i
key
ou'
ret
heonewho'
shav
ingf
un
now?
Hi
m:sor
ry.
..
Hemov edt
oanot
herr
oom andi
twasl
ess
noi
sy.
Him:I
'
m chi
l
li
ngwi
tht
heguy
swe'
rewat
chi
nga
game.
Me:
You'
rehav
ingf
unwi
thoutmeI
'
mjeal
ous.
Hel
aughed.
Him:Rat
oy ouknownothi
ngaboutsoccerand
besi
desyou'r
etheonewhodon'twanttocome
backhome.
Me: comeonit
'sonl
ytomorr
owt henI'
m
comi ngt
hefol
l
owingday.
..
.I
'
m sureyoucan
waitonedaymore.
Hi
m:ButImi
ssy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
Ihear
dZacht
alki
ngf
rom t
hebackgr
ound.
Him:Rat
oIhav
etogo.
..
..
.we'
regr
abbi
ngaf
ew
beer
switht
heguy
s.
Me:
owkhav
efundon'
tdr
inkt
oomuch.
Him:andyouhavesomer
estandki
ssmybaby
boygoodni
ght.
Me:
babyboy
?..
whati
fit
'sagi
rl
?
Hi
m:I
t'
snot
,Skhumbuzot
oldme.
Me:
Whathappenedt
oConf
ident
ial
i
ty?
?
Hi
m:Iwant
edt
oknow.
Me:Idi
dn'
t.
..
.Iwantedi
ttobeasurpr
iseand
nowyourui
ned..
..
whyareyoutel
l
ingme?.
Hi
m:sor
rybutIcoul
dn'
thel
pit
.
Me:
mcm by
eIl
ovey
ou.
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ou.
Idroppedthecal
landreadmybookf
oraf
ew
minutesthenwenttobed.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Wegotbackfrom t
hebarar
oundt
enwhi
chwas
nott
hatl
ate.
IneededtorestbecauseIhadanearl
ymeeti
ng
thenextdaywhichispartoft
hereasonwhyI
didn'
tdri
nkmuch.
Ican'tsaythesameaboutZach, hewasgoing
onegl assafteranother,
Candiceisr
eall
y
stressingmyguyout .AsforSkhumbuzohe
didn'teventouchalcohol.
..
.appar
ent
lyhecan'
t
dri
nkbecauseLwaziisstil
lyoung"accor
dingt
o
Amanda",sheonl
ylethim dri
nkattheweddng
becausei
twasaspeci aloccasion.
Year
ight
,thewomenwechooset
owi
fe.
Hal
fwayt hr
oughmysleepar ecei
vedaphone
cal
lwhichIanswer
edwithoutchecki
ngt
he
cal
l
erId.
Me:
Rat
o!!
!!
!!
!!
!!I
'
m sl
eepi
ng.
Her
:Ty
son,
theyki
l
ledhi
m.
Shewascr
ying.
Me:Sandycal
m downandt
ell
mewhat
'
sgoi
ng
on.
Her:
Theykil
ledmybrotherTyson,theyshot
hi
m and.
..
andhe'sdead..
.Iwi
l
l nev
ert al
ktohi
m
agai
nnever.
Shesobbedl
oudl
y.
Me:
Okeywai
t.
..
I'
m onmyway
.
Iwokeup,
wor
emyt
racksui
tanddr
oveof
fto
Sandy
'shouse.
.
Fewhousesawayt
her
ewasacr
owdal
ongwi
th
thepol
i
cecars.
I
tlookedl
i
keacr
imescene.
Ial
sospot
tedSandywhowascr y
ingendl
essl
y
i
nsomewoman' sshoul
der
..
..
Igotoutoft
hecar
andwentt
oher.
Me:
Whathappened?
Shethr
ewher
sel
finmyar
msandcr
iedev
en
more.
Her:They.
..
.t
heyshothim..
.hewasonhi
sway
backfrom aclubandtheyshothi
m.
Me:
it'
sowk.
..
let
'sgobef
orey
ougetsi
ck.
Her
:NoIhav
etogowi
thmybr
other
.
Me:there'
snothi
ngyoucandoforhi
m
any
mor e..
..
he'
sgone.
..
.pl
easecome.
Ipul
l
edherhandandwewenti
nsi
deherhouse.
Me:
Wher
edoy
oukeepy
ourt
eabags?
Shepoi
ntedonadr
awerandIt
ooki
toutand
madehertea.
I
twasstart
ingtogetdar
kerout
sidemeani
ngi
t
wasabouttodawn.
Igaveherthecup,shet
ookitandhel
ditcl
ose
whil
estari
ngatthespace.
Her:
Iknowhedidal
otofbadthi
ngsbuthewas
onl
ysevent
eenhedi
dn'
tdeser
vetodi
e..
..
.not
l
ikethat
.
Isatnexttoherandhel
dhercl
ose,
try
ingt
o
comforther.
Me:
shi
i
iit
'sokey
..
..
don'
tcr
y.
Her:y
ouknowwhathesai dwhenIfet
chedhim
fr
om thej
uveni
le?.
..
"I
'm goi
ngtochange,go
backtoschoolandmakesomet hi
ngofmy
l
if
e".
..
that
'swhathesaid.
Sandy'
sbrot
herwasi
nvolv
edinwrongdoings
andhewascaughtwi
thlotsofdr
ugswhichled
tohi
sarrest
.
Me:
shi
i
i.
That
'sal
lIcoul
dsay,"
shi
i
i",
Idi
dn'
tknowhowt
o
makeherstopcry
ing.
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
Shel
eanedf
oraki
ssandImov
edback.
Me:
SandyI
'
m mar
ri
ed.
Shecl
osedherey
esandf
acedt
her
oof
.
Her
:pl
ease.
Me:
sexi
snotgoi
ngt
obr
inghi
m back.
Her
: Ij
ustwanttofor
get
,evenifi
t'
sforal
i
ttl
e
whi
le..
..
.pl
easehel
pmef or
get.
Shel
eanedforaki
ssagai
nandt
hist
imeIdi
dnt
moveback.
IwishIcansayIdi
dn'
tsleepwit
hherbutIdi
d
andIregretev
erymi
nuteofit
.
ThesunwasabouttocomeoutsoIdeci
dedt o
dri
vebackhome.Notmuchwordswere
exchanged.That
'
showmuchwebothregret
ted
whatwe'
vej
ustdi
d.
Igothomeandopenedt hedooronlytofi
nd
Venusstandingbythecount
erwit
hagl assof
waterinherri
ghthand,l
ooki
nggorgeousinher
pregnantsel
f.
Her:I
tmusthav
ebeenr
eal
funf
ory
out
ocome
backtoday
.
Me:
Rat
o?.
..
you'
reback.
Her
:youal
mostsounddi
sappoi
nted.
Ichuckl
ed.
Shecameandwr
appedherhandsar
oundmy
neck.
Igentl
ymovedherasi
deandwentt
owar
dst
he
ki
tchenwhenshetr
iedtoki
ssme.
Her
:youwerebeggingmetocomehomeand
nowthatI
'
m her
ey oudon'
twantme?
If
akedasmi
l
e.
Me:
youknowt
hat
'snott
rue.
Her:i
sit
?..
.whoar
eyouhidi
ngi
nmy
house?.
..
HeyWhoevery
ouarecomeout
!.
Shewasshout
ingj
oki
ngl
y.
Me:
Babyy
ou'
recr
azy
.
Wasshe?..
Iknowtherewasnooneinthehouse
butI
'
vejusthadsexwiththesamegi
rlIt
oldher
nott
owor r
yabout.
..
Ireal
l
ymessedup.
Her
:Hangov
er?
Inoddedbecausei
twasmyonl
yexcusef
orher
toleav
eme.
Her:
okeybabygotakeashowerwhi
l
eImake
yousomet
hingtoeatokey
?.
Venushasal
waysbeenasweetheartbuti
twas
l
ikeshewasoverdoi
ngi
tthatmorni
ngor
maybeitwasmyconsci
encepl
ayi
ngwi thme?.
Her
:notev
enat
hanky
ouki
ssny
ananj
e?
Me:Ismel
ll
ikeabarbaby
..
.y
ou'
l
lgeti
taf
terI
'
ve
shower
edandwashedmymouth.
Her
:jear
ight
.
Iquickl
ywalkedoutbefor
eIsayordowhatI'
m
notsupposedtodo..
..
notthatIhav
en'
tdone
thatalr
eadywit
hSandy...
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
**34*
***
**
[
Candi
ce]
Igothomef r
om workinaveryti
redstat
eand
thankgoodnessZachwasnothomey et
becauseinhonestt
rut
hI'
mj ustaboutti
redof
fi
ghti
ngwithhim.
IwantbabiesasmuchashedoesandIknowi f
IwasinhisshoesI'
dalsofightformypart
nert
o
agree,
howev erwi
ththatsaid,
Zachisnotdoi
ng
i
ttherightway.
Hecan'tcomehomedr unkal
mostever
ytime
hegoesoutandexpectmet orul
ehi
mf i
t
enoughtobeafat
her..
.Hel
lNo!.
Igott
oourbedr oom andchangedi
nto
comfort
ableshoes,push-
instobespeci
fi
cand
wenttostar
tcooking.
Hal
fwaythroughthatZachwal
kedi
n,well
at
l
easthe'
snotdrunksononeedtoyel
lathi
m.
Hi
m:Hey
.
Me:
Hi.
Hekissedmycheekandwentt
owar
dst
he
bedr
oom.
Icoul
dtel
lhe'
sti
redsowhynotlethi
m be.
..
.He
needsmeashiswifer
ightnownothi
senemy .
Isl
owlywal
kedi
nsi
dethebedroom andhe
l
ookedatmewit
hbeggingeyes.
Me:
thescr
iptmar
kingi
sst
rai
ningy
ouhuh?
.
Hi
m:Youdon'
tknow.
..
..
may
bei
taboutt
imeI
t
akeanear
lyr
eti
rement
.
Iwalkedt
ot hesi
dedr
awerandt
ookout
rubbi
ngcream.
Me:
takey
ourshi
rtof
f.
Hel
ookedatmeast
oni
shed.
Me:
hur
ryupMrbef
oreIchangemymi
nd.
Hefl
ashedasidesmil
eandt
ookoffhi
sshir
t.I
st
art
eddoingmagicwit
hmyhandsonhisback.
Me:
OK,
that
'sbet
ter
.
Hi
m:andnowIf
eel
li
kesl
eepi
ng.
Me:Don'tfal
lasl
eepbef
oreeat
ingZach
Ngubane!.
Hechuckl
edandIwal
kedouttodi
shforhi
m,
WhenIgotbackt
otheroom wi
thhi
sfoodhe
wasbusyonhisl
apt
op.
Me:
Wedon'
tbr
ingwor
ktot
hebedr
oom.
Heputt
hel
apt
opawayandf
oldshi
shands.
Hi
m:Andweal
sodon'
tbr
ingf
oodher
e.
Me:
Buty
oust
il
lmakemebr
eakf
asti
nbed?
.
Hi
m:andy
oul
ovei
t.
Me: Well
lookatthisasSupperi
nbed,I'
l
l
compromi sej
ustthisonceandbesi
desI'
m
tr
yingtospoil
youwhyar eyoubeingsmart
vel
e?.
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:Thanky
oubaby
.
Hest
art
seat
ingandIj
ustl
ookathi
m.
Hereal
l
yistr
yingtomakethi
sworkandmay
be
hav
ingababyisexact
lywhatweneed.
Him:baby.I'
m sor
ryI
'
vebeenanassthesef
ew
days.
..
..
Ipromisei
tst
opsnowokey?.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Iki
ssedhi
sfor
eheadandwentt
otakeashower
.
It
'snotev
ensev eno'
cl
ockbutwemightaswel
l
sl
eepearlybecausewe'
rebot
hti
red.
Igotbackfr
om theshowerandworemy
pyj
amas.IknowI '
mtir
edbutIcanspar
efew
minutest
ofini
shreadi
ngmybook.
Iwentt
hroughmydr
awerandnot
icedt
hatmy
pi
ll
saremissi
ng.
Me:
Zach.
Hewassl
eepi
ng.
Me:
Zach!
Hi
m:mhh.
Me:
hav
eyouseenmypi
l
ls?
.
Hi
m:whatpi
l
ls.
Hel
ookedatme.
Hi
m:cont
racept
ives?
..
..
Ithr
ought
hem away
.
Me:y
ouwhat?.
..
.whatbusi
nessdi
dyouhav
e
wi
ththem?t
heyaremine!.
Hei gnor
edmeandwentbackt osleepandin
thatinst
antIf
eltl
i
kegoi
ngthroughhisdrawer
,
gethisgunandshoothi
m dead.
Icl
ickedmytongueandact
ual
l
yitsoundsl
i
kea
goodidea.
IknowIwasangr
ybuthimignori
ngmewasl
i
ke
pouri
ngpet
rol
toanal
readyburni
ngf
ir
e.
Iwentt
ohissi
dedr
awer
,tookhi
sgunoutand
cl
ockedit
.
Me:
Zach!
..
.Mypi
l
ls.
Hi
m:Candi
cey
ou'
rebei
ngcr
azyr
ightnow.
..
..
Me:
ohhhsoI
'
m cr
azy
.
Ididntpoi
ntt
hegunathimthough,
Iwas
swingingi
tar
oundandthi
scrazymanwasnot
scared.
It
hrewt
hegunnexthi
m andwentoutt
ocr
y.
Allthethought
sofact
uall
ycompr
omisi
ngand
agreeingtothi
sbabyt
hingwer
efl
ashedout
side
thewi ndow.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Irecei
vedacall
from Skhumbuzotel
li
ngme
he'scomingher
eandj udgi
ngbyhisatt
it
udeon
thephoneheknowswhatI '
vejustdi
d.
Venus:
Babycany
ougett
hedoor
?
Shewasi
ntheshower
.
Me:
ThatmustbeSkhumbuzo,
Rat
oI'
m gone.
Her
:okeybaby
,Il
ovey
ou.
"Il
oveyou".
..
.t
hosewor dsfrom herhitdeept o
myalreadyprovokingconscience.Ir
eallydon'
t
deser
vehernowdoI ?.
..
IknowIcannev ererase
whatI'
vejustdoneandIdon' twanttojustif
yit
andsayIdidn'tknowbecauseIdi d..
.t
hiswhole
thi
ngisjustsomessedup.
Her
:Ty
son?
.
Isnappedoutofmyt
hought
s.
Me:
lockupbaby
.
Iwal
kedoutandSkhumbuzowasnowwai
ti
ng
i
nsi
dehi
scar
.
Igoti
nandwedr
ovei
nsi
l
ence.
Hepull
edov
erandst
oppedi
nthemi
ddl
eofno
wher
e.
Hi
m:whatt
hef
uckTy
son?
.
Me:
Bef
orey
ougoal
lcr
azyIr
egr
eti
tal
ready
.
Hi
m:Youknowshe'
sgoi
ngt
oleav
eyour
ight
?.
Me:Iknow.
..
mywor
sef
eari
ssl
owl
ycr
eepi
ng
onme.
Him:didi
thavetobeSandythough?.
.y
ouknow
shedidn'
tl
ikeheri
nthefi
rstpl
ace.
Me:
Skhumbuzot
hisi
sfory
out
otr
ack
mymov
eswheni
t'
sonl
ynecessar
y.
Him:wel
lIwoul
dn'thavetrackediti
fVenus
di
dn'
tcal
lAmandaaski ngwheny ou'
recoming
homebecauseapparentl
yy ousl
eptatmyplace
meanwhi
leyou'
rebusywi t
hSandy .
Hecl
i
ckedhi
stongue.
Me:
okeypoi
ntt
aken.
Hi
m: Fi
xthi
sTyson,Venuscannev
erhearabout
t
his.
..
shedon'
tneedthestr
ess.
Me:
I'
m wor
kingoni
t.
Hi
m:andSandyneedst
ogo.
Me:
LikeIsai
dI'
m wor
kingoni
t.
Hel
ookedatmeandshockhi
shead.
..
Hewasdisappoi
ntedi
nmebutnotasmuchas
Iwasdi
sappoint
edinmysel
f.
Wedr ov
ebackt
omyhouseandhepar
ked
out
side.
Hi
m:Li
stenI
'
m nott
ryi
ngt
ojudgey
ouokey
?.
Me:Skhumbuzowhathappenedwasnota
mi
stake,Iwassober
.
Him:Igetit
,Iknowshehel pedyouwhen
Minnie'
smotherpassedon. .
.andmay beyou
t
houghty ouareret
urningt
hef avourbutTyson
youjustgotmarri
ed..
.don'
truinagoodt hi
ng.
Il
ookedhi
m.
Hi
m:anddon'tbetoohardonyour
self.
..
weall
makemist
akes..
.Ij
usthopey
oulearntfr
om i
t.
Me:
Thanky
ouman.
Wef
istbumpedandhet
ookof
f.
Skhumbuzowasr i
ght
,I'
vebeenbeatingmy sel
f
upaboutthi
sinsuchawayt hatIneglect
edmy
wif
e..
.
Ican'
tdoherwr
ongandl
ethersuf
fert
oo.
NextdayIwentt otheoffi
ce,Ineededtotal
kt o
Sandy.Luckil
yshealsoagreedwi t
hmet hat
whathappenedshoul dneverhappenagainand
sheagreedtolookingforanotherj
obofwhi chI
knowwon' tbehardwithhergoodwor krecords.
AnywaysIwaswatchi
ngamov
iewit
hVenus,
I
deci
dedtospendmoreti
mewi
thher
.
Iknowi
twon'
tchangeany
thi
ngbuthey
.
Me:
Arey
oucr
ying?
Ladi
esandt
hei
rRom-
com.
Her
:Thi
sissosad.
Me:
Andv
erypr
edi
ctabl
e.
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
Me:I
'mtel
lingy
ou,it
'sal
way sthesame
st
ory
li
ne.
..
boymeet sgir
l.
.t
heybreakupand
makeup..
.andl
ivehappi
lyeveraft
er!
!
Her:wel
lthi
sisdi
ff
erent
..
.t
her
e'snohappi
l
y
everaf
ter
.
Me:that
'sbecauset
hegir
lwentaway..
.who
knowsmay beinpar
ttwotheymeetagain.
Shel
aughed.
..
Andy ouseethatsmil
eri
ghtt
her
e?.
..
It
'st
he
bestIevercameacross.
Her
:ther
e'snosuchthi
ng,
thegir
llef
tbecause
t
heguydidn'twantt
ocommit.
Hi
m:that
'sbecausehewasscar
edt
hegi
rl
woul
dsayno.
Her
: Wellt
hat
'sthepr obl
em ri
ghtt
here.
..
you
guy
sl i
kedeci
dingf orus.
..
whynotlaythecar
ds
onthetabl
eandl etusdecide.
Me:
that
'swhaty
ouwant
?
Her:
ofcour
seyes.
..
Iwantt
hetr
uthinthatway
I
'dbeabl
etodealwi
thi
tbestwayIknowhow.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Onl
yifsheknewhowmuchchangesherwor
ds
ar
ebuil
dingi
nsi
deme.
MaybeIshouldgiveherthet
ruthandlether
deci
de.Butthenagainwhatifshedeci
desto
l
eaveme? .
..
Ican'
triskt
hat.
Her
: MamaDsaidshewon'
tmakei
ton
Chr
istmasday
.
Me:
yesshet
oldme.
Shest
oodup.
Her
:I'
m goi
ngt
obed.
..
arey
oucomi
ng?
Me:
Rightbehi
ndy
ou.
Shef
lashedasmi
l
e.
~
~
[
Venus]
Chr
ist
masandnewyear'
sev ecameandpassed.
I
twasnowbacktoschoolandbackt
owor kto
mostoft
hepeopl
e.
Iwasfivemont hsandtwoweekspr egnant.
Skhumbuzowasv eryhappyasmydoct er.
..
.I
wasdoingr eal
l
ygood.Wel lIhadnochoi ce
becauseMamzoandTy sonmadei tthei
r
pri
ori
tythatIgetenoughr est,Iam tr
uely
bl
essedt ohaveBongani asmyhusband.
Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thCandi
ceatMcDonal
d'
s.
Icouldn'
tst
opl
aughi
ngatt
hest
ori
esshewas
tel
li
ngme.
Me:
ButIst
il
lthi
nky
ou'
ret
oyi
ngwi
thZach.
Her
:NoI
'
m not
,heshoul
djustr
espectmy
space.
Il
aughedmor
e.
Amanda:
what
'sf
unny
?
Sheaskedasshesatdown.
Candi
ce:
you'
rel
ateasusual
.
Amanda:Fest
iveseasonisnotovertosome
peopl
esoit'
smorewor kt
ous..
..
thehospi
tal
is
amessaswespeakpl uswe'
reshortst
uff
ed.
Me:
Blamey
ourbr
otherandy
ourhusband.
Shechuckl
edandt
ookt
hemenu.
Amanda:
sowhat
'
sfunny
?
Me:
Candi
cei
smessi
ngwi
thZach.
Amanda: ohthi
sone..
..
thelight
ningthatwi
l
l
str
ikeherissti
l
ldri
nki
ngt eawithKokoMantsha
andwalletfr
om skeem saam inLimpompo.
Shesai
dthatr
eal
l
yfastandIcoul
dntst
op
l
aughi
ng.
Candi
cer
oll
edherey
es.
Amanda:
you'
reev
ilCandi
ce.
Her
:YouknowweeksbackIwasreadyt
ogi
vei
t
achancet
henhet
hrewmypill
s.
Icoul
dtel
lthatmadeherangr
yjustbyt
heway
she'
ssayi
ngit.
Amanda:It
houghtyouwerelooki
ngf
ort
hem
soyoucanthr
owt hem out
?.
Candi
ce:
that
'st
rue.
Me:
itdoesntendt
her
e,sheboughtnewpi
l
ls.
Amanda:
Whatf
or?
Me:Shetakesoneandflashi
tdownthetoil
et
ev
erydaysothatZachcanthi
nkshe'
ssti
l
l usi
ng.
Amanda:
Igi
veup.
Candi
cedrankherwi
negi
vi
ngAmandano
at
tent
ion.
Amanda:any
way
,howf
arar
eyouwi
tht
he
cat
eri
ng?
Ohi
ntwoday
sit
'sTy
son'
sbi
rt
hday
.
Myhandsomehusbandist
urning31andwe
deci
dedtot
hrowhim apar
ty.
Me:
we'
real
lgoodt
ogoont
hatpar
t.
Amanda:
dri
nks?
Candi
ce:
check.
Amanda:owkwhat'
slef
tnowi
s,Idon'
tknow
whatIwi
l
l getf
orhi
m.
Me:That'
smakesthetwoofus,hepract
ical
l
y
hav
eev er
ythi
ngbutI
'
llt
rysear
chinghi
m.
Wef
ini
shedourmeal
andwentsepar
ateway
s.
IfoundTy
sonwat
chi
ngTVatthedi
ningr
oom.I
putmybagdownandsatont
opofhim.
Hi
m:heybeaut
if
ul.
Me:
baby
.
Il
eanedf
oraki
ss.
Me:
okeybabyIhav
esomequest
ions.
..
ify
ou
hadonewi
shwhatwoul
dyouwi
shf
or?
Hi
m:I
'
dwi
shf
oraf
orev
erwi
thy
ou.
Me:emm let
'ssaysomeonewantt
obuyy
ou
somet
hing,whatwoul
ditbe?
.
Hi
m:y
ouwantt
obuymeabi
rt
hdaygi
ft
?
Me:
No!
!!
Hel
aughed.
Hi
m: I
'm sur
ethesur
pri
separ
tyi
senoughf
ora
pr
esent.
Ipl
ayf
ull
yhi
thi
m.
Me:
howdi
dyouknow?
Hechuckl
edandhemov
edmef
rom hi
m.
Him:youcan'
tpl
anapar
tyi
nmyhouseand
expect
smenottoknow.
Me:
Amandawon'
tl
iket
his.
Isai
dasIf
oll
owedhi
mtoourr
oom.
Hi
m:don'
twor
ryI
'
llactsur
pri
sed.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
CanIj
oiny
ou?
.
Hewasaboutt
otakeashower
.
Hel
ookedatmeandpul
l
edmecl
oser
.
Aninnocentshowert
urnedint
omoansand
gr
oansalongwi t
huscall
ingeachot
her
snames
aswecame.
Aft
erthatwel
ett
hewaterhi
tourbodyandwe
gotoutwit
hhi
m car
ryi
ngmebacktoour
bedr
oom.
Hehel
pedmel
oti
onmybodyandsatnextt
o
me
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Hi
m:You'
rej
ustt
ooper
fectandIdontwantt
o
l
osey
ou.
Me:
youwon'
tl
oseme.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tunder
standVenusImessedup.
IswearIsawt
ear
s.
Me:
Heyhey
..
..
Icuppedhi
sface.
Me:Whatev
eriti
swe'l
lwor
kitoutokey
?..
..
We'
l
l
wor
kitouttoget
her
.
HenoddedandIgav
ehi
m at
ighthug.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
**35*
***
**
.
..
.Cr
opTop.
..
.
[
Venus]
Thef i
rstt
hingIsawwhenIwokeupwas
Tyson'seyesstar
ingatme.Hehadhi
sel
bow
balancedonthepill
ow.
Me:
Mor
ningbaby
.
Hi
m:goodmor
ning,
lookwhatIgotf
ory
ou?
.
Heleanedt
ohi
ssi
deandpi
ckedt
hecupnex
tto
hi
m.
Isatupandr
ubbedmyey
es.
Me:
Real
l
y?.
..
pleasedon'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
.
Hi
m:I
'
m not
..
.her
etakei
t.
Me: y
ou'rel
etti
ngmedrinkcof
fee?.
..
youknow
I
'm goingtotel
lSkhumbuzori
ght?
.
Hi
m:womanj
ustt
akei
tal
ready
.
It
ookitandputt
hecupcloset
omymout h,
at
tempti
ngtodri
nki
t.Thesmellwassodi
vi
ne.I
sl
owlybreat
hout
.
Hi
m:I
t'
scaf
fei
nef
ree.
..
Idi
dn'
tevenwaitf
orhi
mtof i
nishhi
ssent
enceI
hadal
readygul
ponthedr
ink.
Me:
Notbadbuti
t'
sst
il
lnotcof
fee.
.
Hel
ookedatme.
Me:buti
t'
sthecl
osestt
hingt
oitsot
hanky
ou
baby
.
Heki
ssedmycheek.
Me:
So.
..
.ar
eyouexci
ted?
Hi
m:I
'
mthi
rt
yonePal
esa.
Me:
That
'snor
easonnott
ocel
ebr
ate.
Hi
m:Wear
etocel
ebr
ate.
Me:Yesthel
easty
oucoul
ddoi
sbeexci
ted
abouti
t.
Hi
m:okher
e.
Hefl
ashedawidesmil
eandIcoul
dn'
thel
pbut
l
aughbecausehel
ookedl
ikeacl
own.
Me:
stopi
t.
Ipl
ayf
ull
ypushedhi
m andhel
aughed.
Him:
buthonest
lyIam happy
,Imaynotshowi
t
asmuchasIwanttobutIam happy
.
Me:
thenI
'
mjustashappy
.
Iki
ssedhi
mthenwentt
otakemymor
ningbat
h.
I
t'
sanicedayaheadandIjustcoul
dn'twai
t
y
ou'dsweari
t'
smybirthdaycel
ebrat
ion.
Aft
erIfi
nishedbathi
ngIwentt othel
oungeto
hel
pMamzomov ethecouchesaroundbutshe
al
readyhadhelpwhenIgott here.
Ty
son'
sphoner
angont
hecount
er.
Me:
Babyy
ourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
Hi
m:whoi
sit
.
Me: MamaD.
..
.hel
l
oMamay
ou'
reonl
oud
speaker
.
Minni
e:Happybir
thdaytoyouHappybi
rt
hdayt
o
you.
..
Happybir
thdaydearTyson.
..
.
Ty
son:
it'
sDaddyt
oyou.
Il
aughed.
Me:
shush!
Mi
nni
e:Happybi
rt
hdayt
oyou!
!!
.
MamaD:
Hiphi
p.
Mi
nni
e:Hoor
ay!
.
Shegi
ggl
ed
Me:
Ncoewt
hat
'ssosweet
.
Ty
soncameandt
ookt
hephone.
Hi
m:Thanky
ouPr
incessIl
ovey
ou.
I'
m begi
ningtothi
nkhavingnicev
oicesr
unsin
thefami
ly.ImeanIcant el
lbynowthatMinni
e
canmakeagr eatsinger
.
Any wayst
hepr eparationswer egoingsowell
.
AmandaandSkhumbuzocamei nearl
ytogiv
e
usahand.Lat eront her estoftheguest
arr
ived.
..
wellmost l
yi twasTy son'sgang
member sbutI'm gladt heycamewi ththei
r
spousesotherwiset hepar tywouldhavebeen
saturat
edwithmal es.
Weweresit
ti
ngatthegazebohav
ingdri
nks
wi
thmeobv i
ousl
ydri
nki
nganapplejui
ceand
t
heladi
esdri
nki
ngwine,Candi
ceint
roducedus
tosomegangst er
swives.Itagoodt hingshe
knewthem otherwisewewoul dhavebeen
sit
ti
nginawfulsil
encewithmemost lytal
king
toCandiceandAmandabutt hankf
ullythatwas
notthecase.
Tysonwasr
eal
lyenj
oyi
nghimsel
fchat
ti
ngwi
th
theguy
sandIcoul
dn'
tstopst
ari
ng.
Amanda:
enoughal
ready
..
.he'
syour
swegeti
t.
Il
aughed.
Me:it
'scr
azybecauseIknowhe'
smi
nebutI
st
il
lcan'
thel
pit.
Candi
ce:
jeaj
ea.
Il
aughedandbr
ushedmybel
l
y.
Amanda:
Lookwho'
sher
e?.
Il
ookedupandsawSandy
.
Me:
Final
l
y.
Ist
oodupandhuggedher
.
Her
:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmet
het
imeoft
hepar
tyand
i
tlooksl
i
keI
'
m al
i
ttl
etool
ate.
Me:
ohmybad.
..
.comeher
esi
tdown.
Shesatdown,Amandaof
fer
edheradr
inkbut
shei
nsist
edshewasOK.
Sandy
:Sowhatdi
dImi
ss?
.
Amanda:Wher
ehav ey
oubeen,
youj
ust
di
sappear
ednj
e..
.?
Sandy
:Ineededt
odeal
wit
hsomest
uffhey
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryabouty
ourbr
other
..
.Ty
sont
oldme.
Her
:Hedi
d?.
Me:yesIcamelooki
ngforyouatworkandhe
t
oldmet haty
ou'
vejustl
ostyourbr
otherand
youneedsometimeoff.
Her
:yest
hat
'st
rue.
Me:okeyenoughaboutt
his,I
'
llgoaskt
he
cat
eri
ngladi
estodishupforyou.
ShenoddedandIst
oodup.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Iwasreal
lyhav
ingf
un,ev
eryt
hingwasgoi
ngso
wel
lunti
lSandymadeappear
ance.
Skhu:
Tyson!
.
Hecal
l
edmet
othesi
de.
Hi
m:Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Idon'
tknowIt
oldhert
ost
ayaway
.
WesawVenusmaki
ngherwayt
owar
dsus.
Me:
Rat
o.
Her
:Mrpar
ty.
Isemi
-smi
l
ed.
Me:
IseeSandyi
sher
e.
Her:
yesbabyIi
nvi
tedher
,li
stenIhav
etogo
di
shupforhermcwaaah.
Shegav
emeababyki
ssandwal
kedaway
.
Il
ookedatSkhumbuzo.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoher
.
Skhumbuzoshockhi
shead.
Iwentov
ert
owher
etheywer
esi
tt
ing.
Me:
Ladi
es.
..
canIbor
rowSandyf
oraf
ew.
Amanda:
NoTy
sont
hisi
snot
imet
obet
alki
ng
wor
k.
Me:
justaf
ewmi
nut
es.
Amanda:
what
ever
!
Sandystoodupandf
oll
owedmei
nsi
det
he
house.
Me:
Whatar
edoi
ngher
e?.
Her
:Yourwi
fei
nvi
tedme.
..
.
Me:Youshoul
dhav
esai
dNo.
.y
oucan'
tbeher
e
youhav
etogo.
Her
:Don'
tyout
hinkIt
ri
edt
hat
?.
Me:
ift
hat
'st
hecasey
ouwoul
dn'
tbeher
e.
Her:
Venusispersi
stentandyouknowi
t..
..
and
besi
desIneededtotalktoyou.
Me:
wel
lIdon'
twantt
otal
ktoy
ou.
Thenshedr
oppedt
hebomb!
.
Her
:It
hinkI
'
m pr
egnant
.
Me:
What
?!
Her
:youhear
dme.
Me:
whathappenedt
otaki
ngi
nject
ions?
Her
:Ihadst
oppedsl
eepi
ngwit
hyouandIhave
noboyf
ri
endsoIsawnoneedandst
opped.
Me:
Fuck!
.
Ibr
ushedmyhead.
Me:y
ousaidy outhi
nksother
e'sapossi
bil
i
ty
t
hatyou'
renotpregnant
?.
Her:
Imissedmyti
meandIdi
dhome
pr
egnancytest
.
Me:
and?
.
Her:
Thefir
sttwocamenegati
ve,t
hir
donei
s
posi
ti
veandthefor
thi
sneutr
al.
Me:whywouldyoucont
inuet
est
ingi
fthet
wo
hadal
readysai
dnegat
ive?
Her
:Ineededt
obesur
e.
Me:
jear
ight
.
Ipacedar
ound.
Her:Ican'
tgotot
hehospi
tal
ther
e'st
oomany
eyesandears.
Me:
sowhatnow?
.
Her
:it
'sy
ourbabyaswel
lsoy
out
ell
me.
Venus:
whatbaby
?
It
urnedandourey
esmet
.
Shewasstandi
ngbythest
epswi
thapl
atef
ull
off
oodinherhands.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
**36*
***
**
[
Venus]
Foramomentt hereIthoughtmaybet hey'
llsay
"Wegoty ou"butIwaitedandwaited,Nothing.
Myhusbandcheat edonme, myTy son..
.andhe
di
dn'tcheatwi
thjustsomegi r
lfr
om thest r
eets
buthecheatedonmewi thSandy.
..
Sandy ?!
.
Idon'
tevenknowhoworwhenbutt
hepl
ate
wasalr
eadyonthefl
oor
.
Me:
Getoutofmyhouse!
.
Iwasn'
tshouti
ngandIwasn' tangry,No.Iwas
j
ustonewomanwho' sheartwasbr okeninto
pi
ecesawomanwhof el
tbet rayedbyt heworld
i
tsel
fandasmuchasIwant edt obeangr ymy
emoti
onswoul dn'
tl
etme, Itriedbutall I
managedtodowasspeaki nav erylowv oi
ce,i
t
wassolowy ou'dt
hinkIdidn'tutteranywor ds.
Sandy
:Venuspl
easei
twasami
stakewe.
..
Me:
outofmyhouse!
..
.Ty
son?
.
Ty
son:
Sandyj
ustgo.
Shetur
nedbackwithgui
l
tal
loverherf
ace
you'
dswearshe'
stheonewho'
vebeenwronged.
Me:
Wasi
tinmyhouse?
Ty
son:
Noi
twasn'
t.
Me:Coul
dn'
tyouatl
eastcondomi
seTy
son?
,
di
dyoueventhi
nkaboutme?
Hi
m:Rat
o..
.
Me:
Don'
tRat
oMe!
..
..
Tearsjustst
reameddownwi
thnomer
cyonmy
cheeks.
Me:
Am Inotenoughf
ory
ouTy
son?
Hi
m:Babyy
ouar
e..
.I
'
m sor
ry.
..
Me:Don'
tbe.
..
.It
rust
edy
ouI
'
mthesor
ryone
her
e.
Hi
m:Babypl
easecal
m down.
Me: whenwasit?.
..
wasi tever
yti
meshecame
hereforourgi
rl
souting?..
wasitwhenyouhad
thoselat
enightbr
ainstormingmeeti
ngs?
..
Hi
m:I
treal
l
ydoesn'
tmat
terVenusl
ook.
..
Me:
WhenTy
son?
Hi
m:t
het
imey
ouwer
einLesot
ho.
HelookeddownandIf eltahugeknocktomy
al
readybrokenhear
t.Icouldn'
tspeakduet
omy
sobbi
ng.
Me:Just
..
..
justaft
ery
oust oodinfr
ontoft
he
past
orandswor etof
idel
i
ty?..
Tyson.
Icoul
dn'tbel
i
ev ehedi
dthi
stome,
howcoul
d
he?.
..
.hepromisedme.
Me:
ahh!
.
Hi
m:Rat
o.
Iy
ankedhi
shandof
fasIsatt
obal
anceont
he
st
eps.
..
Me:
don'
ttouchme!
..
..
..
ahh!
.
Ifel
tsharppai
nonmyabdormalarea,
itwasso
sharpyou'
dswearsomeonepeel
edmyut er
us
withaknif
e.
Hi
m:Babyy
ou'
rebl
eedi
ng.
Il
ookedatmyt
highsandi
ndeedIwasbl
eedi
ng.
Hi
m:Skhumbuzo!
Heatt
empt
edgoingoutbutt
urnedasI
scr
eamedi
nagony.
Hepi
ckedmeupandr
anwi
thmet
ohi
scar
.
Amanda:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
That'
sallIrememberthenextthi
ngIwokeupi
n
ahospit
al bedwithSkhumbuzostandi
ngwi
tha
needl
einf rontofme.
Icoul
dseeiti
nhiseyeshowsorryhef
eltf
or
me,Ifel
tsor
ryformysel
ftoobutwast
hatgoi
ng
tohel
pme? .
..
Idoubti
t.
Me:
Skhumbuzo?
.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryVenusIt
ri
edbut
..
..
itwast
ool
ate.
Il
ookedtot
heothersi
deandsawTysonbythe
door
..
..
Hecoul
dn'
tevenlookmeint
heeye.
Ist
il
lcoul
dn'
tscr
eam,shoutorcr
yloud.
..
Iwas
soti
redevenmysoul
waswei ghi
ngme.
Ijustsatst
il
lasthenursescamet ocl
eanme
andwhent heyweredoneAmandagav emea
l
ightgreytr
acksuitwhichIworeasSkhumbuzo
droveusbackhome. .
.Tysonwasnotinthecar
andhewast hel
eastofmywor ri
es.
Me:
Amanda.
Shel
ookedatmewi
thwat
eryey
es.
Me:
Ineedt
obeal
oneokey
.
Ididn'tevenwaitforhert
orespondIj
ust
cli
mbedt hestai
rswithmyabdormalst
il
l
screami nginpai
nbutnomat terhowpai
nful
it
wasi tcouldn'
tcompar et
othepainIwas
feeli
ngi nsi
de.
..
Igott
omyr
oom andcl
osedt
hedoor
.Idi
dn'
t
l
ocki
tthoughbecauseIdi
dn'
tknowwhatwas
t
ohappenandIwouldn'
twanttoroti
nher
ejust
i
ncasesomethi
nghappens.
Me: God?.
..Idi
dev eryt
hingr i
ght..
..
Iwentt o
churcheverySunday ,paidmyt i
thes.
..
Iforgave
everyonethatsinnedmeandt herewasnot
evenonedayIwentt obedwi thoutglorif
ying
you..
..
don'tIdeservehappinesst oo?..
..wil
lIever
fi
nditoritwillal
way sbeshor tli
ved?.
..Ineedy ou
totellmewhy ..
.whyme? .
..
.doy ouhatemet hat
much? .
WhowasIki
ddi
ng?
..
.Iwasj
ustwast
ingmy
t
ear
sandti
me.
~
~
[
Amanda]
Themi
nut
eTy
songoti
nIwasal
lupi
nhi
sface.
Me:
Howcoul
dyoudot
hisTy
son?
.
Ipushedhi
schest
.
Hi
m:Amandapl
easenotnow.
Me:whenthenhuh?.
..
.whycan'
tyoubeagood
husbandf
oronceandstophoeri
ngaround?
.
Skhu:
Amandat
hat
'senough.
Me:ShutupSkhumbuzoI
'
m nott
alki
ngto
you.
..
..
arey
ouhappynow?.
..
huhTyson?
Skhumbuzopul
l
edmeawayf
rom Ty
son.
Skhu:
Stopi
tokey
..
..
you'
renothel
ping!
.
Hespookwit
hsomuchaut hor
it
yIjustl
ooked
athi
m andwalkedov
erVenus'
sroom.
Islowlyopenedt hedoorandshedidn'
tgiveme
anyat t
enti
on..
.Shewasj ustst
ari
ngint
ospace
andr ocki
ngher sel
fbackandfort
h..
..
shehad
herkneesallhuggedupandherchi nreston
them.
Isl
owl
ywalkedi
nandshewashummi
ngsome
songi
nbet
weenhersni
ff
ing.
Me:
Venus?
Shecont
inuedhummi
ngi
gnor
ingme.
Me:Doyouneedsomet
hing?
..
food?
..
.wat
er
any
thi
ng?
WhatwasIsayi
ng?..
.she'
sjustlostherbaby
f
oodisthel
astthi
ngonhermi nd.
Her
:mhhmhhahm.
Istoppedtothi
nkforasecondbefor
e
att
empt i
ngtowalkout,
Ithoughtmaybeshe
needsherspace.
Me:
I..
.
Il
ookedather
.
Her
:Amanda.
..
..
.r
emembert
het
imeLwazi
was
r
est
less?
.
Iknel
tdownnextt
oher
.
Me:
yesIdor
emember
.
Her:
Youwouldsi
ngt
ohim andIr
ememberI
sai
d..
..
.y
ouhaveani
cev
oice.
Shel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
edwi
tht
ear
sonher
f
ace.
..
..
Ial
sogav
eoutaf
aintsmi
l
e.
Her
:Pl
easesi
ngt
hatsongt
ome.
Me:
Venusdon'
tdot
his.
Iwasal
sost
ruggl
i
ngt
ohol
dmyt
ear
s.
Her
:Amandapl
ease.
Shegav
emet
hebeggi
ngey
es.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Thul
athul
aNanat
hul
asana!
..
..
..
.
Her
:cont
inue.
Iwasrel
uct
antbecauset
hemor
eIsangt
he
moreshecri
ed.
Me:
Thul
'
umamauzobuy
aekseni
!
(
Hushl
i
t t
lebabydon'
tcr
yMommywi
l
lcomei
n
t
hemorning?
.
Shest
art
edhummi
ngal
ongasIsangt
oheri
n
myarms.
Me:
Thul
a!.
..
..
..
Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
.
She'
dwi
pehertearsandcont
inuehummi
ngas
i
fshewasntcr
ying.
Me:
Sor
ryIcan'
tdot
his.
Iqui
ckl
yst
oodupt
owi
pemyt
ear
s.Ibumped
i
ntoMamzo..
.
Her
:Chi
l
d..
.mhhaski
esbaby
.
It
ri
edtorunawayfr
om herhugbecauseIknew
i
twil
lmakeitwor
sebutshejusthel
dmet i
ght.
IknowI'
veneverl
ostachi
l
dandmay beIdon'
t
knowhowi tf
eel
sbutwhatIknowi
sthatVenus
doesn'
tdeser
vethi
snotevenmyworseenemy
does.
Her
:Wher
eisshe?
.
Ipoint
edatt
hedoorandshewalkedi
nwithme
standi
ngbyt
hedoorwaylooki
ngather.
Mamzo:
Venus.
..
..
swr
ethear
tlookatme.
Venus:
Mamzo.
Shef
acedupt
olookather
.
Shewi
pedt
het
ear
swi
tht
hebackofherhand.
Mamzo:
I'
m sor
ry.
Thosewor
dsjustmadeVenussobl
oudl
yand
Mamzoheldhertoherchest
.
Her:
It'
spai
nfulMah.
..
..
.Ican'
t.
..
.Ican'
tdot
hisI
can'
tIcan'
t.
..
Shekeptonrepeati
ngt hosewordsbetweenher
sobbingandIcoul
dn'twatchanymore..
..
.I
'
ve
seenwomenl osebabiesbefor
eatthehospit
al
butifhasnev
erbrokemyhear tl
iketoday.
Iwal
kedbackt
othel
ounge.
Skhu:
Lookatme.
..
.br
otherl
ook.
Hewast
alki
ngtoTysonwhowasnowsi t
ti
ng
downwi
thhi
sfacebalancedi
nhi
shands.
Skhu:
Don'
thol
dbackTy
sonj
ustdoi
t.
Ty
sonshockhi
sheadNo.
Skhu:
Don'
tdot
his.
I
nthati
nst
antwehear
dVenussobbi
ngl
oudl
y.
Tysonrubbedhi
shead.
..
.Venus'
ssobt
orehi
m
apart
.
Hestar
tedsni
ff
ingandSkhumbuzoputhi
s
handsonhi
sshoulder
s
Skhu:
Tys.
..
Hecouldn'tevenfi
nishhi
ssentenceTysonj
ust
sobbedloudly
...
hedidn'
tutt
eranywordshejust
cri
ed.
MaybeIwastooharshonhi
m, i
twashissonas
wel
l..
.I
'
m sur
eitmeantsomuchtohimjustasi
t
di
dtoVenus..
..hehav
ehismist
akesj
ustli
keI
havemine.
Me:
excuseme.
ImovedSkhumbuzoasideandmadeTy
son
st
andup,Hejustl
ookedatmewithr
edeyes.
Iwr
appedmyhandsar
oundhi
m ashecr
ied
more.
Imightbeangryathim andLordIam angr
ybut
he'
sstil
lmybrotherandIlovehim.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*37*
***
***
[
Skhumbuzo]
Iwasatt heof
ficewi
thAmanda,
shecameto
fet
chsomedocument s.Wel
lIwasondut
ysoI
couldn'
tgowithhert
oVenus'
shouseasyet
.
Her
:Baby
.
Me:
DrShezi
.
Ipul
l
edhercl
osewhi
l
eIl
eanedt
othet
abl
e.
Shel
etoutasi
gh.
Her
:youknowbaby
,I'
venev
erseenhi
m so
dev
astat
ed.
Me:
met
ooandI
'
m st
art
ingt
owor
ryabouthi
m.
Her
:andVenusisnothav
ingi
tanyless.
..
even
Mamzodon'tknowwhattodoanymore.
Me:
Ithoughtshewasget
ti
ngbet
ter
?.
Shef
rowned.
Her:Ithoughtsot oobutshejusthadanot
her
breakdownagai n.
...
Mamzosay sshehasn'
t
beenoutoft hatroom eversi
ncethiswhol
e
thi
ng.
Thiswasalsoaffect
ingAmandainway,I'
dher
e
hersobatnightsometimes.
..
she'
sreal
l
yfond
ofhersi
sterinl
aw.
Me: Iwast
hinkingthatmaybeyoushoul
d
spendthenightthere,
I'
ll
askthenannyt
olook
aft
erLwazi.
..
..
Her:That'
sagoodi
dea.
..
Ial
socall
edMamaD
shepromisedt
ogether
eintheearl
yhour
s
tomorrow.
Iki
ssedhercheek.
Her
:Ishoul
dgonow.
Me:
I'
ll
wal
kyouout
.
Ihel
dherhandinmi
neandaccompani
edhert
o
thepar
kingl
ot.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouar
oundnoon.
Her
:OKbabyIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Shetookof fandItur
nedtowal kbackin.ThenI
sawthisladywithherfacecoveredwit
hascar f
,
IwascurioussoIwal kedcl
oserandshe
i
ncreasedherpace.Icouldn'
tstopbutwonder
soIranafterher.
Shequi
ckl
ygoti
nhercarandt
hat
'
swhenI
real
i
sedi
twasSandy
.
Igotinsi
demycarandfol
l
owedhertoher
house..
..
Shetri
edt
ocl
osethedoori
nmyface
butIwasf ast
.
Her
:Skhumbuzo.
..
.Hi
!.
Shesai
dmynamewi
thanaccent
.
Shewasl
i
ter
all
yshaki
ngasIt
ookmygunout
.
Her
:Pl
easedon'
tki
l
lme!
.
Me:
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngatt
hehospi
tal
?.
Her
:Icamet
ovi
sit
..emm t
ovi
sita.
.af
ri
end.
Shewasst
utt
eri
ng.
Me:
Real
l
y?.
Icl
ockedmygun.
Me:
Tryagai
n..
..
Iwantt
het
rut
hthi
sti
me.
Her:
okey.
..okey.
..
Iwant
edt
odoa.
..
a
pr
egnancytest.
Me:ther
ear esomanyhospit
alsar
ound.
..
why
choosethatone.
..
.whatar
eyouupto?
Her:NothingIswear.
..
Not
hing.
..
It
'sthepl
ace
Tysonwoul dexpectmetobesot hat'
swhyI
wentthere.
Me:
okeyf
airenough.
..
nowexpl
ainwhyy
ou
wer
erunni
ngawayf
rom me?
.
Her
:I.
..
.t
her
esul
ts.
..
..
theycamebacknegat
ive.
Isobadlywant
edt
oknockherwi
tht
hegun,
that
'showangr
yIwas.
Me:Doyouhav
eanyi
deawhaty
ou'
vej
ust
done?
.
Her
:What
?.
It
ookt
hecar
dfr
om herandputmygunaway
.
Me: I
fIwer
ey ouI'
dbeontherunaswespeak
becauseTysonisgoi
ngt
okill
y ouwhenhe
fi
ndsoutaboutthi
s.
Igotoutandt
ookof
f.
Ican'
tbel
ieveVenushadt
oloseherbabyf
ora
merehypothesi
s.
~
~
[
Tyson]
I
'vedonedi dalotofbadt hi
ngsi nmyli
feand
I
'm notonet odwelli
nmi stakesandbe
overpoweredbyregretsbutt hi
stimear
ound.
...
I
don'tknow.
Ican'
tevensleepatni
ght.Everyti
meIcl osemy
eyesall
Ipictur
eisVenus'
sf ace.
..
.notthepret
ty
onewithsmilesanddimplesandal lt
hatbutthe
oneshegav emet het
imeSkhumbuzo
announcedthenewstoher .
Andnomat terhowhardIt
ryIcan'
tgetherloud
sobsoutofmymi nd.
..
.t
heyareaconstant
remi
nderthatIfai
l
ed.
..
Ifai
l
edherasmywi f
e
andIfai
l
edmyunbor nchil
dtoo.
Skhu:
Tyson?
.
Me:
Hey
.
Hi
m:Her
e?.
Hegav
emesomecar
d.
Me:
What
'st
his?
Hi
m:Doct
er'
srepor
tcar
d..
..
Sandyi
snot
pr
egnant
.
Iputt
hecar
dont
hesi
de.
Idi
dn'tevenl
ookatit.
..
.Iwasalit
tl
ereli
evedto
l
earnthatSandyisnotpregnantbutI
tsti
lldi
dn'
t
changethefactt
hatIsleptwit
hherandi t
'st
he
causeofmel osi
ngmyunbor nson.
Skhu:
Hangi
nther
eman.
Ij
ustnoddedandl
ookedaway
.
~
~
[
Venus]
Iopenedmyey esi nthemor ningt olearnthat
I'
m sti
llal
ive.I
t'
sbeenawhol eweekandst i
ll
the
painfeelsthesamei fnotwor se. .
.Timeheals
theysayhuh? .
..Iguessi '
m gonnaneeda
l
ifet
imebecauset his..
..
thispaindoesn' t
compar etoanypai nt hatI'
veev erfel
t..
.and
somet i
mesIf eel l
i
kemi scarryingbef or
ewas
notaspai nful
.
IsowishTysonwasherenextt ome,He'
sthe
onl
ypersonwhocouldunderstandwhatIneed
butt
henagainhefai
l
edme. .
..Hetor
emeapar t.
Iwokeupandwentt otakemymor ni
ngbat
h,
Aft
erthatIt
idedar
oundt her
oom andwentt
o
bedtocrysomemor e.
That
'sal
lImanagedt
odo,
cry
.
Voi
ce:
Candy
!.
Itur
nedt
oseeherbythedoorweari
ngpink
fl
uff
yski
rtandal
ongsleev
edwhitetop.
Me:
Pumpki
n.
Shecameandsatnextont
opofme.
Her
:Ar
eyoucr
ying?
Iwi
pedmyt
ear
swi
tht
hebackofmyhand.
Me:
No.
..
somet
hinggoti
nsi
demyey
es.
Shewrappedhersmal
lar
msar
oundmyneck
andt
hatalonemademeemoti
onal
.
MamaD:
Minni
eMamzoi
scal
l
ingy
ou.
Isni
ff
edandl
ookedatMamaDasshewal
kedi
n.
Mi
nni
eki
ssedmycheekandwal
kedout
.
MamaD:
Gir
lfr
iend.
Ismi
l
edwi
tht
ear
sst
il
lroami
ng.
Me:
Mah.
Shehuggedmet
henwentov
ert
oopent
he
cur
tai
n.
Me:
MamaD!
!!
!!
!!
!
Shechuckl
ed.
Thel
ightwassobr
ightIhadt
ocovermyey
es.
Shecameandsatdownnexttome.
Her
:Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
ll
gett
her
e..IknowIwi
l
l.
Shehel
dmyhands.
Her:I
'
m glady
ouknow..
..
.Amandat
oldme
aboutTy
sonandthatwhi
tegi
rl.
That
'sonet
opi
cIdi
dntwantt
otouch.
Her:He'smysonandI'
m nott
ryi
ngtodefend
him buthe'
shur
ti
ng.
..
Heknowsthatthi
sishis
faul
t.
Me:
Idon'
t.
..
.
Isi
ghed.
Me:Idon'
tblamehi
mf ort
hemiscar
ri
ageI
'
m
j
usthurtt
hathewasn'
tfai
thf
ult
ome.
Her: Youknowhi sfat
herwaswor se,he'
dgo
aroundsl eepi
ngwithawhol ebunchof
girl
s...
.andinourdaysy oucouldn'
tconfront
yourmanaboutsuch, itwasseenas
disrespect.
..
..
soIdealtwithsit
uationthebest
wayIknowhow.
Me:
What
'st
hat
?
Her
:Ibeatt
heshi
toutoft
hem gi
rl
s.
Il
aughedasshecont
inuedt
ell
i
ngmehersi
l
ly
st
ori
es.
Her:
WhatI'
m sayi
ngisy
ouneedt
odeci
dei
f
yousti
l
lwanthi
m,ify
oudomakesur
eyou
puni
shhi
m andify
oudon'
tIwon'
tholdi
t
agai
nsty
ou.
..
.I
'
m surehewon'
tei
ther
.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Her
:youdon'
thav
etodeci
denow.
Me:
that
'sbet
ter
.
Shel
aughed.
Her:l
et'
stakeawalkandl
ett
hesunhi
tthat
beaut
iful
skinofy
ours.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:
Whynot
?.
Ir
eall
yador
eMamaDshehasthatmotherl
y
warmthi
nherandIl
i
kedev
erypartofi
t.
Ichangedi ntobodyt i
ghthi pst
erpantsandI
knowTy sonwon' tl
i
ket hatbecauset heyarethe
closestthingtoleggins.Itookhistrackjacket
fr
om t heclosetandwor eit,mybel
lywasnot
yetintosharpandt hej acketwasbigwhi chwas
goodbecauseIneededt ohi deal
lthatextra.
Wewal
kedi
ntothel
oungewithMamaDl
eadi
ng
t
heway
..
.MyeyesmetTyson'
s.
Ihaven'
tseenhimf oraweekandLordImi
ssed
hi
m butnevert
helessIwalkedoutgi
vi
nghi
m no
att
enti
on.
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*38*
***
***
**
[
Venus]
Aweekl aterIwas..
..
.Idon'
twanttosaybet ter
becauseIwasn't,Ij
ustlear
nttocopewi ththe
pai
n.DuringthedayImanagedt osmileatleast
thr
icebutatnight,i
t'
swhenallthethoughts
came...
.I
'
dhav edreamswher eI'
m holdingmy
babyboyandassoonasIwakeupI '
dcr y
.
Never
thel
essasday
swentbyIwasget
ti
ng
bet
ter
.
Iwokeupi nthemorningandgotr
eadyf
ormy
morningjog,
notonlydidi
thelpmecopewit
h
thepainbycleari
ngmymi ndbuti
tal
sohel
ped
megetbacki ntoshar
p.
Iwalkedpastt
heki
tchenandt
heywer
ehav
ing
breakfast
.
Me:
Mor
ningf
ami
l
y.
MamaD:
Mor
ningf
ri
end.
Ichuckl
edandl
ookedatTy
sonandhel
ooked
away.
Onanyot herdayhe'
dbeonmythroatfor
wearingleggi
nsbutsi
nceI
'
m gi
vinghimthe
si
lenttr
eatmenthehasnochoi
cebuttoletme
be.
Mi
nni
e:canIcomewi
thy
out
oday
?
Me:
Nopumpki
nfi
nisheat
ing.
Her:
Butyerst
edayy
ousai
dthatI
'
llcomewi
th
youtoday
.
Me:Yesbabybuty
oucan'
tj
ognowy
ou'
ve
al
readyst
art
edeat
ing.
Iwentfort
hedoorandshef
oll
owedmewi
th
herhandsonherwaist
.
Her
:noonewill
knowthati
'
veeat
enal
ready
..
.I
won'
ttel
li
fyoudon'
t.
.
Il
ookedatMamzoandshewasl
aughi
ng.
Isquat
edbef
oreher
.
Me:Yourbodywil
lknowpumpki
nandyoucan'
t
dot
hatjustaf
tery
ou'veeat
eni
t'
snotr
ight
.
Her
:okeybutt
omor
rowI
'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Me:
OKbaby
..
.
Wehi
ghf
ivedandIwal
kedout
.
Joggi
ngreal
lycl
ear
edmymindandtodayI
wentreal
l
yfarsoonmywaybackhomeIwas
ti
redandIdeci
dedt
owal
kinst
ead.
Hi
m:t
ir
edal
ready
?.
Hecamej
oggi
ngandst
oppednextt
ome.
Igav
ehi
m al
ookandl
ookedawayi
gnor
inghi
m.
Hi
m:ouch!OK.
..
.I
'
m Thobani
byt
heway
?
Hegavemehishandtoshake,
Ilookedati
tfor
awhil
ebef
oreshaki
ngit
.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tgety
ourname?
Me:
that
'sbecauseIdi
dn'
tgi
vei
ttoy
ou.
Hi
m:OKat
leastInowknowy
oucant
alk.
Me:
What
ever
!.
Ist
art
edwal
ki
ng.
Hi
m: Weshoul
dhangoutsomet
ime,
goout
maybe?
Me:
Noweshoul
dn'
t.
Hi
m:doy
ouhav
ear
eason?
.
Hewasstarti
ngtoannoymesoIt urnedtolook
athi
m butsomethingcaughtmyat t
ention.I
t
wasDKinabl ackcar,
hehadt hewindows
downsoIsawhi m cl
earl
y..
Ishif
tedattenti
on
backtot
heguy .
Me:
becauseI
'
m mar
ri
ed.
Hi
m:Happi
l
ymar
ri
ed?
Hewasplayi
ngsmartwit
hmesoIst
art
ed
walki
ngagai
n..
.Heannoy
edmemorewit
hthat
quest
ion.
Hi
m:okeybutwhatsanemanlet
shi
sbeaut
if
ul
wi
fewal
kalonei
nthestreet
s.
Me:
You'
dbesur
pri
set
olear
nthatI
'
m notal
one.
IsawDK'
scarappr
oachi
ng.
Me:eventheairhav
eey
esandear
s
nowadays.
..
.?
Hi
m:Thobani
.
Me:
Thobani
.
DK:
ever
ythi
ngOK?
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowev
ery
thi
ngokeyThobani
?
Hi
m:y
esev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
ne.
Me:
Goodt
hen.
DKopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandIgoti
nandhe
dr
ovemehome.
Me:
Whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngmeDK?
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m: I
'
m notwej
usthappenedt
obei
nasame
pl
aceatt
hesameti
me.
Me:
yeahr
ight
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Me:
any
way
sthanky
ouf
ort
her
idehome.
Hi
m:pl
easur
e.
Igotoutandwal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
IknowTysonputhi
m upt
othisandhehasal
ot
ofexpl
anat
iont
odobutfornowIneedmy
shower.
.
Iwal
kedpastt
heloungeandt
herewasnoone
soIwal
kedstr
aightt
omybedroom.
It
ookof
fmyclot
hesandwr
appedat
owel
ar
oundmybody.
Igottheshockofmyl i
fewhenIsawTy soni
n
thebathroom shav
inghisf
ace,Hehasn'
tbeen
usingthi
sbathroom ev
ersincehemovedtothe
otherbedroom.
Hi
m:sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou'
dbebacksosoon.
AllIdi
dwasconcent rateonhim,i
twasso
frust
rat
ingthatIcoul
dn'tevenst
aymadathi
m
fortoolong.
.Ij
ustcouldn'
t.
Het
ookhi
saf
tershav
ecr
eam andwal
kedout
.
Me:It
hinkwhatyou'
resupposet
obesay
ingi
s"
Rat
oI'l
ldoanyt
hingt
oshowy ouhowsor
ryI
am".
Ismil
edandhechuckl
ed.
..
.af
tert
hatwebot
h
keptqui
te.
Me:
I'
m wai
ti
ng.
Hi
m:y
ou'
reser
ious?
Me:
li
keahear
tat
tack.
Hi
m:mhRat
oI'
l
ldoany
thi
ngt
oshowy
ouhow
sor
ryIam.
.
Me:Well
I'm gl
adyousaidthatbecauseIwas
t
hinki
ngthatit
'st
imeIhadmyownsepar at
e
walki
nclosetandIwantitt
obeexact l
yhere.
.
Isai
dwhi
l
epoi
nti
ngwi
thmyhands.
Me:andi
tshoul
dhaveasect
ionforshoes.
..
.l
ike
ont
hissi
de.
.shoest
hatyouwil
lbuyforme.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:OKbutthisr
oom i
snotbigenoughfor
anot
herwalkincl
oset
..
.especi
all
yonewi
tha
shoesect
ion.
Me:If
iguredy
ou'
dsaythatsoIwasthi
nki
ng
t
hatmay bewecanknockdownthi
swall
.
Isaidwhi
letouchi
ngt
hewal
landhewas
standi
ngbehindme.
Me:
itcoul
dextendtother
oom nextdoorbut
t
hedoorwil
lbehere.
It
urnedandhewasl
ooki
ngatmesmi
l
ing.
Me:
what
?.
Hi
m: Il
oveyouPalesaIreal
l
ydoandI
'm sor
ryI
di
dwhatIdid,I
'm sor
rywehadtol
oseourson
i
ntheprocess.
Me:That
'st
hewayGodpl
annedi
t,wemi
ghtnot
l
ikei
tbut
.
Isi
ghed.
Me:
It'
swhathewant
s..
..
.l
etmegoshower
.
Iki
ssedhi
scheekandwal
kedout
.
Aft
erIfi
nishedIloti
onedmybody ,Iwor
eabl ue
boyf
ri
endj eans,awhit
el ongsleev
edplaintop
andbluesweat erhi
l
ls.
..
.Iti
diedmyhairintoa
messybunandputonsomemake-up.
Iwentt
otheki
tchenandat
emybr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
lookaty
ou.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her
:MamaDboughtf
orme.
Shewaswear
ingaf
air
ypi
nkdr
ess.
Me:i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul,
youknowwhatweshoul
dgo
out.
Her
:yeeey
!
Shespanar
oundwi
thherdr
essspi
ningt
oo.
Ty
son:
Minenhl
ewat
chout
!.
Shest
oppedspinni
ngandst
oodinbet
weenmy
l
egswit
hherelbowsonmythighs.
Hi
m:what
'ssoexci
ti
ng?
Me:
Minni
eandIar
egoi
ngshoppi
ng.
Hi
m:ohowk.
Ist
oodupandwentt
owar
dshi
m.
Me:
act
ual
l
yweneedy
ourcar
d.
Helookedatmewit
hasmil
e,Igotmyhandout
si
gnali
nghimtogi
vemethecard.
Hi
m:whi
chone.
Heaskedashet
ookouthi
swal
l
et.
Me:
thi
sonet
hanky
ou.
Igav
ehi
m ababyki
ss.
MamaD:
Gir
lfr
iend?
!!
.
Me:
Mahy
ougav
emeaf
ri
ght
.
Her
:Whathappenedt
opuni
shi
nghi
m?.
Ispokewhi
l
elooki
ngatTy
son.
Me:
Ithi
nkhe'
slear
nthi
slesson.
Her
:Igi
veup!
Shecl
appedonceandIsmi
l
ed.
Me:
Pumpki
nlet
'sgo.
Her
:Candyy
ourhandbag?
Me:
OhIf
orgot
.
Iwentupst
air
sandf
etchedmybagt
henwe
tookof
f.
Wedi dalotofshoppingfr
om clot
hesto
accessor
iesandhandbagst henaft
erwewent
towatchamov iebeforewesatdownf ora
meal.
Me:fi
nishuppumpki
nsowecangohomei
t'
s
get
ti
ngl at
e.
I
twasst
art
ingt
ogetdar
k.
Her
:Mommy
?.
Me:
yespumpki
n.
Shef
ini
shedswal
l
owi
ng.
Her
:Idon'
twantt
ogobackt
othef
arms.
Me:
why
?.
Her
:It
'sal
way
srai
ningwecan'
tpl
ayout
side.
Il
aughed.
Me:
alway
s?
Her
:okeynotal
waysbutmostoft
het
imeand
t
hegoatatemyfav
ori
teski
rt
.
Me:
Real
l
y?.
Her:Yes,
itwasont heli
neandAnel
esaidhe'
s
goi
ngbackt oschoolbecauset
hegoatatehi
s
shi
rttoo.
If
elthersadnessbutIcoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.
Her:soIwanttogot
oAnel
e'
sschool
aswel
lso
Icanli
vether
e.
Me:
ButAnel
eisi
nvar
sit
y.
Her
:Iwantt
ogot
her
etoo.
Me:
sweetyyou'
resi
xyear
sol
d..
.st
il
ltooy
oung
f
orvar
sit
y.
Shel
ookeddi
sappoi
nted.
Me:ButI'
l
ltal
ktodaddyandaskhi
m nott
otake
youbacktothef
arms.
Her
:thanky
oumommy
.
Me:OKbaby
,wai
ther
ewhi
l
eIgof
etcht
het
ake
aways.
ShenoddedandIwentt
opayandwewent
home.
Me:
ali
tt
lehel
p.
Mamzocameandhelpeduswitht
heshopping
af
terwegotev
ery
thi
ngfrom t
hecarIst
art
ed
gi
vi
ngt
hem t
hei
rgi
ft
s.
Me:
Thi
sissoy
ou.
Mamzo:Awr i
stwat
ch?
..
it
'ssobeaut
if
ulandi
t
l
ooksexpensi
ve.
Me:plusi
t'
swat erproofedsoy
oudon'thav
eto
worr
yabouttakingitoffwhenwashi
ngthe
di
shesandallthat.
Her
:Il
ovei
t.
Me:
Andt
hisi
sfory
ou.
WellIcoul
dn'
tgetMamaDawr i
stwatch
becausehersonboughtheranevenexpensiv
e
onesoIboughtheranecklesandsheloooved
i
t.
Ty
sonwasl
ooki
ngatusal
lsmi
l
ey.
Me:Igotthi
sforLwazi
,i
t'
samusicbox.
..
.i
t
pl
ayslul
abyssoIhopeheli
kesi
t.
MamaD:
I'
m sur
ehewi
l
l.
It
ookmybagsupst
air
sandt
ookaqui
ck
shower..
..
.Mi
nni
ewassleepi
ngandIwasnot
surpr
isedwit
hallt
heshoppi
ngwedidIwas
ti
redtosoIdeci
dedtohaveanyear
lyni
ght
.
Tir
edasIwasIwasst r
uggli
ngtofall
asl
eepsoI
decidedt
ogototheroom Tysonwasusing.I
knockedonceandgoti
n.Hewasf ixi
ngt
he
pil
l
ows.
Hi
m:Rat
o.
Me:
kaTy
son.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Me:
Ithoughtyou'dsl
eepinourbedr
oom
t
oni
ghtormay bethi
sisyourwayofsay
ingno
t
omywal kincloset
?
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Howar
eyou?
Me:
Me?
t
hat
'swasunexpect
ed.
Me:
I'
m copi
ng.
..
..
howar
eyou?
Hi
m:Bet
ternowt
haty
ou'
resmi
l
ing.
Me:
ButI
'
m notsmi
l
ing?
.
Hel
ookedatmeandIst
art
edsmi
l
ing.
Me:
Stopi
t.
Ipl
ayf
ull
yhi
thi
m.
Me:
Justcomeback.
Wewalkedouttoourbedr
oom wit
hhim
f
oll
owingme..
..
WegotintobedandIsnuggl
ed
mysel
fint
ohisbody.
Hi
m:Howwasy
ourday
?
Me:Itwasgoodact
uall
yIgoty
ouagif
tbut
you'
l
l hav
etowai
tbefor
eyoucoul
dseeit
.
Hi
m:t
henwhyt
ell
menow?
Me:
BecauseI
'
m exci
ted.
.
Hi
m:okey
..
.Igotamassagef
rom t
hebank.
Me:
ohhho!
..
..
howmuchwespend?
Hi
m:notmuch.
..
justemm l
et'
ssayacar
.
Icl
osedmyey
eswi
thbot
hmyhandsandhe
l
aughed.
Hi
m:don'
twor
ryi
t'
sokey
.
Me:
soIst
il
lgetmywal
kincl
oset
?
Henodded.
Me:
owkanothert
hing,
Iwasthi
nki
ngthat
may
beMinenhl
ecanenrol
latMary
'sAcademy
.
Hi
m:t
heboar
dingschool
?
Me:yes.
..
looki
t'
snotfarsowecouldv i
sither
wheneverwewantplussecuri
tyist
ightand
t
heyhavegoodacademi cr
ecords.
Hi
m:mhh.
Me:
comeonpumpki
nwil
lbet
hri
l
led.
..
thi
sadds
t
oyoumaki
ngi
tuptome.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:canIt
hinkabouti
t?
Me:
That
'sal
lIask.
..
butdon'
ttaket
ool
ong.
Hi
m:YeahYeah.
Het
urnedof
fthesi
del
ampandIlai
dmyhead
i
nhi
schestwhil
ehewasbr
ushi
ngmyhai
r.
.
Isl
owl
ydr
if
tedt
odr
eaml
and.
Iknowt hatmay beyou'reaskingyoursel
fwhyI
wassoqui ckt ofor
givehi m buthe'
smy
husbandandIl ovehi m anditdoesn'tmatteri
fI
stayangr yathimf oralifeti
memyl oveforhim
won' tgetanylesssowhywast etimeholding
grudgeswheny oucanj ustworkitout?,
Howev erthatdoesn'tmeanhecangetof fwit
h
every t
hing.I'
m sti
ll
disappointedinhimf or
sl
eepi ngwi t
hSandyHeshoul dhaveknown
better..
.butheyforbetterandf orworse.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Iwokeuptoaknockont
hedoorandi
twas
Minenhl
e.
Me:
Minni
e?
Her
:Ty
sonopen.
Idon'
tknowwhati st
hecauseoft
hesudden
change..
.notsol
ongagoIwasDaddyandtoday
I'
m Tyson..
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Iopenedbutdi
dn'
tl
ethercomein,
Ratowas
sti
l
lsleepi
ngsoIdi
dn'
twantMinni
etowakeher
up.
Me:
Pri
ncess?
Her
:MamaDi
scal
l
ingCandy
.
Me:
okeyt
ell
hershe'
scomi
ng.
Sher
andownst
air
s.
Venus:
Whatdi
dIdonow?
.
It
urnedt
olookatherandshewasy
awni
ng.
Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Iki
ssedherf
orehead.
Me:Idon'
tknowmay
beshewant
stosay
somethi
ng.
Ir
aisedmyshoul
der
s
Her
:owkl
etmegot
oher
.
Shewenttot
hebat
hroom andIwal
kedt
othe
ki
tchen.
Wi
thi
naf
ewmi
nut
esVenusgoti
naswel
l
.
Her
:Mah?
MamaD:
pleaset
alkt
oyourdaught
er.
Her
:whatdi
dshedonow?
MamaD:sher
efusestoeatbecauseshehast
o
goj
oggi
ngwit
hy ou.
Her
:ohei
sh.
Ichuckl
edandshel
ookedatme.
Me:Pri
ncessCandyisnotgoi
ngj
oggi
ngt
oday
she'
sti
red.
..
.eaty
ourfood.
Mi
nni
e:Candy
?
Her
:I'
m sor
ryPumpki
n.
Mi
nni
e:OKbutI
'
m noteat
ing.
.
Me:
Why
?
Minni
e:Candypl
easet
ell
TysonI
'
m angr
yat
hi
m.
Me:
whatdi
dIdonow?
Mi
nni
e:y
oudon'
twantmet
ogowi
thCandy
.
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Shef
oldedherar
msandRat
ost
art
edl
aughi
ng.
Me:
Mah?
MamaD:
Minenhl
eeat
?!.
Shest
art
edeat
ingwhi
l
esul
ki
ng.
Venus:
comeher
epumpki
n.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:
Skhumbuzo?
.
Iwal
kedout
.
Hi
m:howar
eyouman?
Me:
I'
m goodheyr
eal
l
ygood.
Hi
m:Icant
ell
.
Weconti
nuedt
alki
ng,
well
mostlyitwashi
m
tel
l
ingmehowIshoul
dworshi
ptheground
Venuswal
ksonandIcoul
dn'
tagreemore.
IswearIwil
lnev
erdi
sappoi
ntheragai
n..
..
not
i
ntent
onaly
[
08/29,09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYours
°
°
*
***
***
*39*
***
***
*
[
Tyson]
Me:Idon'
tknowMahmay
beweshoul
dwai
ta
bi
t.
MamaD:I'
m notsay
ingr
ushintoit
..
.I
'mjust
say
ingi
tneedstobedone,
mi ghtnotbenow
butev
ent
ual
l
y.
Me:
I'l
ltal
ktoVenusf
ir
stbuti
fshedoesn'
tl
ike
t
heidea..
.
Shecutme.
Her
:Makeherseet
hei
mpor
tanceofi
t.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
I'
ll
tal
ktoher
.
MamaD:goodandIdon'
tknowwhatter
ri
fi
es
yousomuchVenusisnotevenl
i
kethat
.
Il
aughedasshewalkedoutonmedoingt
hose
modelwal
ks.
..
.MamaDi ssocrazyy
ou'
dswear
she'
snotamotheroftwogrownups.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Ihavet ot
alktoVenusaboutacl eansi
ng
ceremony,Imightbereadingtoomuchi ntothi
s
butVenushasbeenv eryreli
giouslat
ely
,last
thi
ngIwanti shert
hinki
ngIdon' tr
especther
choices.
Venus:
Baby
?
Me:
Yes.
Ir
aisedmyheadt
olookatheranddamnshe
l
ookedgor
geous.
Her
:I'
mreadywecango.
We'r
eare..
.noactuall
yshe'
sgoingt
othesal
on
andI'
m accompanyinghert
here.
Wegotout
sideandIopenedt
hedoorf
orher
andwegot
.
Goodthingshe'
sonlygoi
ngther
eforhernai
l
s
ot
herwisewe'dstayt
heref
orali
fet
ime.
Her
:and?
??outwi
thi
tal
ready
.
Me: ohei
sht
heysai
dregi
str
ati
onper
iodhas
passedpl
usi
t'
sful
l.
Shewasdi
sappoi
ntedt
oheart
hat
.
Her:
Minni
eisnotgoi
ngtoliket
his.
..
butt
heni
t'
s
midFebwhatwasIexpect
ing.
Me:
Butdaddy
,wel
l"Ty
son"managedt
opul
la
f
ewst
ri
ngsso.
..
Her
:ohmyGodr
eal
l
y??
?
Shewashuggingmeandki ssi
ngmycheek,
j
umpingi
nsidethecaral
lthesameti
me.
Me:
Rat
ocar
eful
I'
m dr
ivi
ng.
Her
:Thanky
oubaby
.
Shewassot hri
l
ledIswearIcouldseeMi nni
ein
her.
..
.I
'
mt r
ulybl
essed,there'
snotevenasingl
e
daywhereVenusill
-t
reatedMinni
e..
..y
oucan't
eventel
lshe'
snotherbiologi
calmother.
Ichuckl
ed.
Her:
OKwhencanshest
artandwhatshoul
dwe
br
ingal
ong?
Me:Bankdeposi
tslip,
herbi
rthcert
if
icat
ewell
a
copyandher
self
..
.shecanstartonMonday.
Her:
That'
smeanweonl
yhav
eaf
ewday
sto
pr
epare.
Me:
Prepar
ewhat
?
Her
:ever
ythi
ng.
..
clot
hes,
stat
ionar
yev
ery
thi
ng
t
hatshe'
l
lneed.
Ij
ustl
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.
..
Ienj
oyedseei
ng
hert
hathappy
.
Wegott othesal
onandIinsi
stedonwaiti
ngin
thecaraft
erIwal
kedherin,l
ucki
lytheshop
wasnotthatbusysoitt
ooklessthanI
expect
ed.
Her
:look.
..
..
act
ual
l
ydon'
t.
Shepul
l
edherhandsback.
Her
:youwoul
dn'
tknowt
hedi
ff
erenceany
way
s.
Ishockmyheadandkissedhercheekbef
oreI
openedthedoorf
orher.
Me:
Rat
o.
Her
:Bongani
.
Imovedmyhandtoherwai
stt
ryingtot
ickl
e
her
..
..
Shequi
ckl
ymovedawaygiggli
ng.
Her
:Bongani
you'
redr
ivi
ng.
Me:
I'
ll
cat
chy
ou.
Shecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
Her
:whatwer
eyousay
ing?
Me:Iwasthi
nki
ngact
ual
lyMamaDsuggest
edi
t
buti
fyoudon'
twantt
oit
'sokeybaby
..
..
Her
:Ty
sonwhati
sit
?
Me:
Acl
eansi
ngcer
emonyf
oremm y
ouknow.
Her
:oh.
..
.oh.
..
that
'
s,act
ual
l
yit
'snotabadi
dea.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Ibr
eat
houtheav
il
yandshel
aughed.
Her
:Whatwast
hatabout
?
Me:
Idon'tknow.
..
.Ij
ustt
houghty
ouwon'
tl
ike
t
heidea.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:wellIdoandsincewedidn'
thavea
memorialIt
hinkweshouldhavesomet
hing
smal
ltocelebrat
ehisl
if
ethat'
sifi
t'
sal
l
owed
t
hough?
Me: Idoubtt
hati
tcanbeapr
obl
em butI
'
ll
speaktoMamaD.
Her
:okey
.
Idr
oveushomeandweshar edthegoodnews
wit
hMi nni
ewhowasovert
hemoon, ifi
twasup
tohershe'
dbei
nschoolal
ready
.
Welldayswentonf astandbef
oreweknewi t
wewer eattheschoolgatewavi
ngatMinnie.I
can'
tbeli
evemyl i
tt
legirli
sgoi
ngtoaboarding
school
..
.Venusevenshedaf ewtear
s.
~
~
[
Venus]
Fourmont hslater
..
..
TysonandIwer est
il
lver
y
muchi nlove,
We' dfi
ghtnowandt henbutonl
y
becausehewast oooverprot
ecti
vesometi
mesI
thoughthejustwantedtocont r
olmebutdeep
downIknewt hat'
snottrue.
Ilef
tmyjobatthenetcarebecauseIneededto
focusonini
ti
ati
ngmyownpr act
iseandImust
sayitwaslooki
ngupwi t
hMyhusband' shel
p
hereandthereofcour
se.
Wewer
ethenonourwaydownt
oKZN.
Withevery
onesooccupi
edweendedup
schedul
ingthecer
emonytot
hisweekend.
Mi
nni
e:Mommy
.
Il
ookedbehi
ndbecauseshewassi
tt
ingatt
he
back.
Me:
pumpki
n..
Her
:Come.
..
Imovedmyheadcl
osert
oherandshecupped
myheadwi
llwhi
sper
ingt
ome.
Her
:Ineedt
opee.
Ichuckl
ed.
She'
sonlytel
li
ngmebecausesheknowsTyson
wil
lshoutather,
Het
oldhertopeebef
orewe
l
efthome.
Me:
Can'
tyouhol
diti
nforawhi
l
e?
ShenoddedbutIcoul
dseeshewas
uncomfor
tabl
e.
Me:
Baby
?.
Ty
son:
Mhh.
Me:
Cany
oupul
lov
erf
orami
nut
e?
Hi
m:Whatnow?
Ist
art
edbl
owi
ngmyf
acewi
thmyhand.
Me:
I'
m notokeyIf
eel
li
ke.
..
li
ket
hrowi
ngup.
Him:Ratot
her
e'sagar
ageaf
ewmi
l
esf
rom
here.
..
.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkIcanwai
t.
Hi
m:Ican'
tpul
lov
ernowl
ookt
her
e's.
..
..
..
Ipul
l
edthewhol
evomit
ingthr
eatactonhi
m
andhepul
ledov
ert
otheside.
Igotoutwi
thMi
nni
eandst
art
edwaki
ng
t
hrought
het
rees.
Hi
m:It
houghtYOUf
eltl
i
ket
hrowi
ngup?
Hewasshout
ing.
..
Ijustr
ushedwi
thMi
nni
eon
myar
ms.
Wegottoashadyar
eashepeedandwegot
backt
other
oad.
Wearr
ivedinKznl
ateatnightandwewer
eso
t
ir
ed,
Mi nni
ewasevensleeping.
ThenextdayIwokeupearl
ybecauseasweall
know..
..
evenift
hecer
emonyisschedul
edfor
thenextdaypeopl
ewil
lcomethedaybefor
e.
Thedaywasmadbusywi t
hthepr
eparat
ions
andstuf
fbutImustsaythenei
ghbour
swer e
real
l
yhelpf
ulandlat
eronAmandaand
Skhumbuzoarri
ved.
Wewer egather
edar
oundt
het
abl
epeel
i
ng
veget
able.
Therewasthisgir
lwhokeptonbeingcheeky
becauseapparent
lyshe'
sTyson'
schil
dhood
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Her:
AndKhanyi
justunderst
oodthatwhatwe
hadwit
hTysonwasdiff
erentandstr
ong.
Ichuckl
edandAmandal
ookedatme.
Her
:SoVenusi
..
.
shel
i
ter
all
yputt
he"
i"onmyname.
Her:
Whati si
tthatyoudo?..
.oryou'
rej
ust
expl
oit
ingTyson'
smoney .
.PhelaIknowa
goal
diggerwhenIseeone.
Imubbl
ed"
Mor
eli
key
ouknowy
our
sel
f"
.
Her:Sl
ayi
ngi
nhi
smoneyl
i
ket
hat
!.
..
that
'
sjust
bi
tchy.
Amanda:
Heyt
hat
's.
..
!!
Icuthershor
t.
Me:Igotthi
sAmanda.
..
.sor
rysi
siwhatdi
dyou
sayyournamewasagai
n?
Her
:Pi
nky
.
Shesai
dthatwi
thanat
ti
tude.
Me: y
es...
.Iknowt hatYou'r
epr obablyTyson'
s
exgirl
fr
iendbutI '
m hiswife..
.Dr"Tyson"
Khumalo...okey?.
..
.andI'
mj ustabouttir
edof
youratt
itude...
.i
fyoudon'twantt obeher e
ther
e'sthedoor !!
!.
Shegav
emet
hehand.
Her:Iwasj
ustsayi
ngthatyoucanflasht
hat
di
amondr i
ngofyoursbutweallknowIgother
e
fi
rst
.
Me:wel
lSumsangE250camef i
rstbef
oret
he
I
Phonessowhat'
syourpoi
nt?
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandAmandawi
nkedat
me.
Theroom wassil
entf
orawhil
e,onlyour
peel
i
ngmadesounds....
Iwassoproudfor
shut
ingherup.
Her:Butt
henancest
orshav
ethei
rwayof
set
ti
ngat r
apfr
ee.
Befor
eShefi
nishedhersecondmyhandhad
al
readymadeat r
ipt
ohercheek.
Howdareshemakessuchcommentaboutmy
l
ateson?
!.
..
Iwasf
uminginanger
.
Amanda:
Youknowwhatj
ustgo.
..
.getoutof
her
e!!
Pi
nkyt
ipi
toedherwayout
.
ItookMinni
e'shandwhowasbusyeat
ingr
aw
carrot
sandwalkedoutt
other
oom TysonandI
weresleepi
ngin.
Aft
ersometimeIcool
eddownandbat hMinni
e
befor
ebat
hingmyself
..
..
Tysongoti
nlooki
ng
l
ikeamess.
Me:
whathappened?
Hi
m:Thecowhappened!
.
Il
aughedathi
m.
Me:Soyou'
ret
ell
i
ngmet
hatasi
mpl
etaskgot
yout
hismessy
?
Hechuckl
edandIpat
tedonhi
sback.
Me:
I'
ll
runy
ouabat
h.
Iwal
kedouttofi
xhi
m hi
sbat
handwhenI
camebacktheywer
ehavi
ngachatwi
thMi
nni
e.
Hi
m:Iwon'
ttel
lyout
hen.
Theywereholdi
nghandswit
hTysonsitt
edon
theedgeofthebedandMinni
estandi
ngin
betweenhi
slegs.
Il
eanedont
hedoorwaywi
thmyar
msf
olded.
Her
:ButIwantt
oknow.
..
.OKsomegi
rlsai
dit
.
Hi
m: Shesai
dwhatexact
ly?
..
.andwhat
gi
rl
?.
..wasi
tatschool
?
Her:
Idon'trememberandnoshe'
sol
d..
..
the
l
adythatCandyslappedt
heti
meyouandUncle
wenttofetchthecow.
IswearIchockedonmysal
avi
a.
Ty
sonl
ookedatmeandIcl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Hi
m:Mi
nni
egot
oMamaD.
Her:
Tyson?..
..
.y
ousai
dyou'
l
ltel
lmei
fIt
ell
you
whereIhear
dit.
Him:Minnieyou'
resti
llyoungt
obeaski
ng
aboutancest
ors.
..
..
justgookey?.
Shewentoutwi
thherhandsi
nsi
dehergown
pocket
s.
TysonandIl
ookedateachot
herbef
orehe
br
okethesil
ence.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokey
?
Hehel
dmyhandsandmademesi
tonhi
slap.
Me:
I'
m okey
.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:Whoi
sshe?
Me: Pi
nky.
..
.shemadeasil
lycommentabout
ancestor
sfreei
ngyoubecauseIwasaboutt
o
tr
apy ouwit
hourson.
Hecl
enchedhi
steet
hinanger
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryIsor
tedherout
.
Igavehi
m ababykissandhesmi
l
edbutev
en
Minni
ewouldseethathi
ssmil
ewasf
aked.
Hi
m:RestRat
o.
Me:
what
??!Noway
.
HelaughedbecauseIwasspeaki
ngsof
ast
pl
usinanAmer i
canaccent
.
Hi
m:You'
recr
azy
..
..
Me:
Iknowhey
..
Iwr
appedmyhandsar
oundhi
m.
Me:YouknowIwast
hinki
ng.
..
.weshoul
dfi
nd
newbir
thdat
es.
Hi
m:Why
?
Me:wel
loursondi
edony ourbi
rt
hdayandhi
s
memori
ali
sonmybi r
thdaytomorr
ow.
Hi
m:oh.
..
.Yeah.
..
sowhatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
Me:Not
hingf
ornowbutwe'
l
lwor
ksomet
hing
out
.
Heki
ssedmeandwewalkedouttohel
p
ar
ound.
..
..
wel
lhewasgoi
ngforhi
sbath.
Onourwayhewasbusywhi speri
ngst
uffi
nmy
earandI'
dlaughunt
ilwenot
icedwehadan
audi
ence.
Amanda:
enoughal
ready
..
..
.Venuscomeher
e.
Shepul
ledmeoffTyson'
shandsandIl
aughed
bl
owingTysonaki
ss..
.
Helookedatmesmil
i
ngt
henhel
ookeddown
shaki
nghishead.
~~~
Ther
estoft
hecer
emonywasv er
ysuccessful
andwewerenowonourwaybackhome...
.
Me:
Pul
lov
erI
'
lldr
ive.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
eandpul
l
edov
er.
Igotoutofmysi
tandcover
edt hesl
eepi
ng
Minni
ewi t
habl
anketbef
oretakingt
hegear
.
[
08/
29,
09:
50]ManW'
NoName:
TheAr
ranged:
For
everYour
s
°
°
*
***
***
40*
***
***
*
[
Venus]
Ihadjustf
ini
shedwashi
ngdishesaf
terdi
nner
whenAmandaandCandi cebargedi
nmaking
noise.
Me:
Heykeepi
tdown.
Amanda:
Forwho?
?.
Shesaidthatl
aughi
ngandIjustshockmy
head.
..
.t
hesegirl
sar
ecrazy
.
Me:Shouldn'
tyoubehomecuddl
i
ngwi
thy
our
husbands?.
Candi
ce:Noway
s..
.wear
eexact
lywher
ewe
shoul
dbe.
Amanda:
gogetdr
essedwe'
regoi
ngout
.
Me:
NoI
'
llpasst
hanky
ou.
Candi
ce:
it'
l
lbef
un.
Ty
sonwal
kedi
n.
Hi
m:Ladi
es.
..
Candi
ce:
HeyTy
son!
.
Amanda:
Bro.
Ty
son:
so.
..
.you'
real
lreadyt
ogo?
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Youknowaboutt
his?
Him:Skhumbuzocall
edaski
ngmet
oor
gani
se
secur
it
yforyoul
adies.
Me:
Whatsecur
it
y?
Hi
m:It
houghty
ou'
regoi
ngt
oacl
ub.
Me:
Nonono!
.
Candi
ce:
Yesy
esy
es!
.
Amanda:
Comeon!
.
Il
ookedatTy
sonandher
aisedhi
sshoul
der
s.
Me:
Fine.
..
letmer
efr
eshabi
t.
Amanda:
Noy
ou'
regoodcome.
..
Me:
letmet
ake.
..
.
Shewasl
i
ter
all
ypul
l
ingmyar
m.
Me:
Tyson?
.
Hi
m:Amandawai
t.
Candicecoul
dn'tst
opl
aughing,
forasecond
ther
eIthoughtshewashighorsomethi
ng.
Amanda:
What
?
Hi
m:Lethert
akeaj
acket
,it
'scol
dout
side.
Shel
etgoofme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Amandal
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Pl
usy
oust
il
lhav
etowai
tforDK.
Candi
ce:
what
?..
.why
?
Hi
m:He'
l
lbey
ourdr
iverf
ort
heni
ght
.
Amanda:
Yay
!!
!I'
m sohappy
!!
!.
Shewasbei
ngsar
cast
icandTy
sonchuckl
ed.
Wegotinsidetheclubandi
twasreal
l
y
happeni
ng..
..
.j
ustthati
twasal
it
tl
ecrowded
andloudformyliki
ng.
Wemanagedt
ofi
ndourselvesanicecozyspot
whi
chwasawayf
rom al
lthenoise.
Me:
Sol
adi
eswhatar
ewecel
ebr
ati
ng?
Amanda:
You.
..
.y
ourbi
rt
hday
.
I
tthencl
i
cked.
Me:
Oh!
!!
!!
..
.Ishoul
dhav
eknown.
.
Candi
ce:
I'
ll
gett
hedr
inks.
Shedi
sappear
edandcamebackwi
thwi
ne.
..
.a
l
otofi
t.
Me:
woaw!shoul
dyoubedr
inki
ng?
Amanda:
I'
m notbr
eastf
eedi
ngsowhynot
??!
.
Ishockmyheadasshegul
pedont
hatgl
ass.
Candi
ce:
Her
e!.
Shegav
emet
hegl
ass.
Me:
NoI
'
llpass!
.
Candi
ce:
aiVenusdon'tbor
eus.
..
we'
re
cel
ebr
ati
ngyouhere.
..
.
Icuthersent
ence.
Me:
Okeyokey
!.
..
noneedt
oremi
ndme.
Itookthewineanddrank.
..
.I
twasonegl
ass
afteranot
herbefor
eweknewi twewer
eall
drunk.Wehitthefl
ooranddancedf
orawhil
e
beforewedecidedtogohome..
I
t'
sagoodt hingTy
soninsi
stedonDKbei
ngour
dri
verother
wisewewouldhavehadapr
oblem
becausenotevenasi
ngleofuswascl
oseto
bei
ngsobber .
IrememberDKdroppi
ngmeofftherestIdon'
t
rememberbutIwaswokenupbyTysonmaki ng
noi
sei
ntent
ional
l
y.
Hi
m:Mi
nni
e!!
Me:
Gosh!
Si
ncedoesheshoutatMinnieal
lthewayf
rom
ourbedr
oom.
..
hewasj ustbei
ngmean.
It
ookt
hepi
l
lowandputi
tov
ermyhead.
Hi
m:Pr
incess!
!.
It
hrewt
hepi
l
lowathi
m.
Me:
Tysonst
opi
t.
Hel
aughed.
Me:
It'
snotf
unny
.
Hi
m:Youshoul
dhav
etooki
teasyont
hatwi
ne.
Me:GreatBonganij
ustgr
eat
..
..
kicki
ngan
al
readydownhorse!
.
Him:ohsonotonlyy
ougotwast
edbabybut
you'
renowahorse.
Hel
i
ter
all
ythr
ewhi
msel
font
hebed.
..
.maki
ng
myheadachemor
e.
Igav
ehi
m adeadst
areandhel
aughed.
Hi
m:ComeI
'
llmakey
oucof
fee.
Il
ookedathimforasecond.
..
.mygutt
oldme
hewaspull
ingmyleg.
Hi
m:I
'
m ser
iouscomebef
oreIchangemymi
nd.
Igotupandwor emygownandmorni
ngshoes.
Wef oundAmandasippi
ngonadr
ink,
Shehada
cupofcoffeenextt
oher.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?.
..
Her:
What'swrongwi
thspendi
ngani
ghti
nmy
br
other
'shouse?.
Ir
oll
edmyey
esather
.
Me:
Wher
e'sCandi
ce?
Her
:Shewenthome.
..
..
thi
sisal
sonotwor
king.
Sheputtheglassdownirri
tat
ed..Looksli
kethe
hangovergotthebet
terofhertoo,shelooked
horr
ibl
e.
Me:
Whywoul
dyoudr
inkwhi
skeyatt
hishour
?
Her
:ist
hatar
het
ori
cal
quest
ion?
Ty
son:
Her
ebaby
.
It
ookt
hegl
ass.
Me:
mhhgi
ngerbeer
?.
Hi
m:Dr
inkupi
t'
l
lhel
pyou.
Her:
CanIhavethattoo?
..
..
anddon'
tyoudar
e
t
alkVenusI
'
mt alki
ngtomybrother
.
Il
aughedbecausesheknewIwasgoi
ngt
o
complai
n.
Wet
ookourgl
assesandwentt
othel
ounge.
Mamzo:
ohhi
gir
ls.
Me:
Mamzo.
Amandaj
ustwav
ed,
shewast
hatexhaust
ed.
Mamzopassedust ot hekit
chenandcame
backwithherhandsont heback,
Tysonwas
standi
ngnexttoher.
Mamzo:
Gir
lscomeher
e!
Amanda:
Can'
ti
twai
t.
..
.I
'
mti
i
ired!
!!
!!
!.
Mamzo:
Amanda?
.
Wegotupandst
oodi
nfr
ontofher
.
Nextt
hingIfeelast
ingi
ngsensati
ononmy
t
highonlyt
or eal
i
seMamzoj usthi
tmewit
ha
woodenspoon.
Amanda:
Ouch!
!!
..
.Mahwai
t.
Ir
anandhidbehi
ndTy
sonwhocoul
dn'
tst
op
l
aughi
ng.
Amandaqui
ckl
ygrabbedt
hespoonoff
Mamzo'
shandsandranwit
hit
,al
lal
ongIhad
myhandwhereMamzohitme.
Thi
swomani
scr
azy
.
Mamzo:
tal
ki
ngr
ubbi
shi
nfr
ontofaki
d.
Me:
Whatdi
dwedo?
.
Mamzo:Shutup!!
..
..
..
"Ther
e'snot
hingagood
sexcan'
tfi
x".
..
shewasimitati
ng.
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedout
.
Me:
Damni
tAmanday
ousai
dthat
!.
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
Amanda:soMi nni
eisataperecor
dernow?
?
..
..
whereisshe?..
.Mi
nni
e?!!
.
Ty
son:
Heyl
eav
eheral
one.
Shegav
eTysonastar
ethendi
sappear
edt
o
oneoft
her
ooms..
.
Icoul
dn'tst
oprubbi
ngt
heareawher
eshehi
t
me...
..
itwassodamnpai
nful
.
Ty
son:
SoPal
esa.
..
Hewrappedhi
shandsar
oundmewi
thasmi
rk
onhi
sface.
Me:
Gety
ourhandsof
fme.
Iwal
kedoutl
eav
inghi
mlaughi
ng.
..
.
OnemustnowwatchwhatshesaysinMinni
e'
s
pr
esence,
sher
eal
l
ybecomi ngarecor
der
.
~
~
[
Tyson]
Iplannedonspendi ngthedayindoor
swi t
hmy
preciousf amily,
Venusbeggedmebecausewe
onlygett obewi ththepri
ncessonholidaysbut
thenIr eceivedacallfr
om oneofthegang
member sr equesti
nganurgentmeeti
ng.
Onmywayt hereIcal
ledSkhumbuzoandhe
saidhejustgottothewarehousewherewe'
re
tohavethemeet i
ngandtheyar ej
ustwai
ti
ng
forther
estofus.
Igottot
hewarehouseal
ongwi
tht
heot
her
s
andthemeet
ingcommenced.
Hi
m: Shakeshasbeenhandl
i
ngitwel
lsof
arbut
we'
velostfi
veofourfor
emen.
Me:
Dowehav
esuspect
smay
be?
Theguy
slaughed.
Me:
What
?.
Zach:Typi
cal
lawy
ersal
way
sgunni
ngf
or
suspect
s.
Ichuckl
edshaki
ngmyhead.
Him:Wehaveasuspect ..
.Shakesfoundsome
guysonourspot.
..
.ki
l
ledal lofthem butbefor
e
hedid,hemanagedtof i
ndoutt hattheyare
pl
anninganatt
ackont her estofourterr
it
ory.
Skhu:
Whoi
sthesuspect
?
Hi
m:Dav
idAcal
andr
a.
Zach:
Theoneandonl
ywannabegangst
er?
Henodded.
Hi
m: I
t'
simpossi
blef
orhimtohavesuch
r
esourcessomyguessis.
..
.hehassomehel
p.
Me:
Whenar
etheypl
anni
ngt
heat
tack.
Guy2:
That'
sthethingwedon'
tknow..
.coul
dbe
i
nthenexthour.
..
toni
ght
,tomor
row,next
week.
..
wedon'tknow.
Zach:
thatcanonl
ymeanonet
hing.
Me:
Wehav
etogot
her
eper
sonal
l
y.
Skhu:
andwehav
etogot
oday
.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Wefini
shedpl
anningouremergencytr
ipandI
wenthometotakeafewt hi
ngsbefor
eIheadto
Namibi
a.
Unfortunatel
ywhenIgotthereVenuswas
sl
eepingwi thherbodyf
olded...
.mor
elikeshe
wasf eeli
ngcoldsoIcoveredherwithablanket
andwr oteheranoteexplai
ningwhyshewon' t
seemewhenshewakesup. .
.andIknowshe's
goingtocutmyheadof fifIwakeher
up..
.especial
lywaki
ngherupf orthi
s.Shejust
askedme
theot
herdaytospendal
it
tl
emor
eti
meat
homeandthis.
..
she'
ll
gomad.