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Chapter 1
“Uphi uMakaNkosinathi?( Where is Nkosinathi's mother?)”
She is standing by the door looking at me as I polish the hut
floor. She is waiting for me to answer her about Mamkhulu's
where abouts. I stand up from the floor and stop my duty.
“She is with Mphembe” I say and she huffs.
“Where?” MaGasa asks
She is the second to last wife, just like Mamkhulu she is
talkative and always complains , she is not nice at all but I
tolerate her.
“Her room ” She huffs and walks out.
I went back to polishing the hut floor. It has to be nice and
clean. A ceremony that will be done for Nkosinathi, who is
Nkosinathi ?I am bound to find out who he is. I am the last wife
, Mamncane of Babu'Ntuli. My husband is twice my age and he
always chooses his wives from the reed dance. My husband is
the wealthiest man in this village after the king though. A very
big man with a big stomach and 7 wives. I am the youngest wife
and I have just arrived, two months ago. My parents were
happy that I was getting married with a wealthy man.
Babu'Ntuli owns farms and cattle more than anything and is a
very traditional Zulu man. We are all not educated. Education
for what ? We are trained to be wives and serve our husband,
never question but serve him yet I have many questions. I did
complete my matric though and that was it.
Does he ever equally do the same for you? Will he keep me
happy? He is my father's age . My husband that is , the wedding
ceremony wasn't something big. It was small and intimate, my
friend Dudu kept on reminding me that this is my break
through. I will just have to give him kids and also please him. I
am yet to meet some of his children. The older one's. Some of
them are married and some are in university studying to be
whatever they want to be , so I have heard.
My husband has 29 children. The little ones I forget all the time.
I just found a way to call them,'Ngane yami' and they respond
quickly saying 'Mamncane'. This life of polygamy is something I
am yet to see.
“Mamncane”, I look up and it's Senzile, I remember his name
alot because he helps me around here.
He is 13 years and his voice box is breaking , pimples are
appearing. There are 4 of them that are 13. Senzile , Lenziwe ,
Wenzile and Phumzile. All from different wives just a month
difference between them. Mphembe was busy that year with
them. All of his kids are a year or two apart that is why there
are 29 children.
All of my sister wives are called by their maiden surnames as
'MaGasa' or we call them by their first child's name like' Maka
Nkosinathi'. I don't have a child as yet so I am refered to as
Mamncane or MaSibisi.
I get up from the floor and give him my fullest attention. He has
a whip in his hand and seems like he went out herding the cows
with Somthini. He is the herder of this family and no he is not a
Ntuli.
“Senzile " , I say
“Ubaba uyakucela ( Dad is asking for you)” , I wonder what he is
in need off.
“Ok, I am coming”,he walks out.
I finish up and went out with the polish. I went to the tap and
wash my hands and wipe them before going inside the main
house. There is noise in the kitchen. They are all busy. A guest is
here and is chatting with Mamkhulu the most and they seem to
be getting along very well.
“Sawubona ( Hello)”,I greet as she looks at me up and down.
Examining me.
“How old are you?”, the woman asks. Mamkhulu is giving me a
stare. If looks could kill I would be dead now.
“21”
She claps her hands and I walk out of the kitchen. I could hear
them talking. I am the youngest I did say and MaGasa is only 49
years old. A big difference between her age and mine but I am
not here for that. I go to Mphembe’s room and I knock lightly.
“Come in !”, I walk inside and close the door.
“You asked for me Mphembe ”, my eyes are rooted on the
floor.
“Yebo MaSibisi, Ingane ezinye zithi zisendleleni. Ngabe konke
kulungile ?(Yes MaSibisi, the other children called and said they
are on their way. Is everything prepared?)”,I nod
“Yes Mphembe. Everything is well, the food will be ready
shortly" , I say
“Ok, you can go”
“Mphembe” , I bow and I walk out of his room. I walk to my
room so I would take a bath.
I am done and dusted, looking at myself through the mirror. I
could hear loud music from the cities and cars hooting.I check if
my doek is in place and I then walk out of my flat. Two beautiful
small Taxi's park upfront and the doors open.
“Daddy!”,One of the girl's scream and she hugs her father.
“Unjani Ngane Kababa ( How are you ?)” ,Mphembe asks.
“Good daddy, Oh mom. I missed you guys" She hugs MaMsomi,
the 3rd wife and then goes to the others. I assume that is her
daughter.
Everyone is hugging each other and even the little ones. These
ones look more or less my age and there are 12 of them. I hear
MaKhumalo asking how is varsity and I then collect that they
are the ones who are schooling.
“School is ok”,one of the boys answers, they look fresh and
stylish. The long hair and fancy hair cut. The long nails as well as
Heels. How can they walk on those in such a place?
“This is My new wife, It's MaSibisi”, Mphembe says and they all
look at me and I face down.
“You are kidding right?” , one of the girls talk
“Zanele ! ” MaKhumalo reprimids.
She keeps quiet but seemingly isn't pleased.
“She is your new mother. Respect her ”, Mphembe adds and
they nod.
Everyone is moving from the cars and I heard one of the guys
say to Somthini that it's a Mercedes Benz. It looks quiet
expensive. We are in the main house now and everyone is
talking. MaKhumalo has more kids than the rest. Expected since
she is the first wife. These kids are more than enough and this
is a very big family on its own.
“Is there any network here or wifi?”
“Your father put wefe a month ago”, What is special about this
Wefe?
“Its Wifi mom ”, one girl says
“I don't know these technology things ” MaMsomi says
I am lost but sitting here and listening to them telling
interesting stories about University. Sounds very fantastic and
scary as well. I would like to go there to one day and see how
it's like as well. I would like to study and see these things as
well. I wonder if Mphembe will agree to that.
They carry on talking and Mphembe loves his children just the
way he is especially with his daughters. There are more of them
than boys but atleast he has boy children. Tomorrow we will
meet the other ones as well and see how they are. I have heard
MaKhumalo brag about Nkosinathi and how he is flourishing in
the city. He is married from what I know and has two kids. A
lawyer and now is opening his law firm. That is why the
ceremony is conducted. It's for him to thank the ancestors and
also ask for guidance and more blessings in his life.
At 4 am , I am awake and starting the fire so I can bath and start
with my duties. There is a bathroom in my room but I don't
know how this rain water works so I am better off using the
bathing dish. The water gets hot and I go to bath in my room. I
am done and I wear iphinifa on me. MaGasa is up as well and
we move to the kitchen to make some porridge for the whole
family.
“Look how our children are almost your age" , she says while
stiring the pot. I keep my silence.
“Mamncane , MaGasa”, MaThabethe walks in and she greets
us. She is very sweet and has only 3 children from the 29.She is
the second wife and she only has boys. She is more or less my
mother's age, always smiling and always quiet as well. She
doesn't speak much but when she speaks she is heard. She has
3 boys and they are working from my understanding. She is a
great soul this one.
“Do you need any help?",she asks.
“No we are fine”, MaGasa says
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MaThabethe smiles.
“Let me go and change the linen in my sons rooms, come and
help me Busisile” , she says
“What about me?”, MaGasa is not happy with what
MaThabethe is saying. MaJili walks in.
“She will help you" She pulls me out.
“Don't let them bully you" , She says with a smile and I nod.
“Are you always quiet ? " she asks.
“My mother says I should speak when spoken to" , I say.
“Well I am quiet as well but don't take nonsense.” She says and
I nod.
“We are going to start with Philisani's room then move to
Bongani's and end with Mabutho ”, I nod.
We start with the room that she had mentioned. I help her out
and she is talking much more. She asks me if I have slept with
Mphembe and I tell her , not as yet. He always sleeps when he
is with me and I wonder. She laughs when I say that and says he
is growing old and his body can't handle the weight too. That is
true , I even learned that my husband is 69 I am shook and
don't even know what to say. He is that old really ? Wow ,my
father is not even that age.
She hints that she is in her 50's but she doesn't look a day over
40. She looks a bit fresh. She is dark skinned like me and is thick
in the right places. Hips , Small stomach and big butt. Thighs
and all. I am slim and short but dark skinned.
We go into the 3rd room and I am putting the pillow case when
the door opens and some man walks in while he is on his
phone. He does look like Mphembe and has his mother's skin
colour.
“Look Sandy I will call you later”, he hangs up and MaThabethe
goes to hug him. I move away from the bed when I am done.
“Oh my child , you have grown so much ” ,she keeps on
touching his broad shoulders, does he stick fight ? He looks fit.
“MaThabethe Ninjani?( mom how are you?)” , he throw throws
a bag on the bed and I move to the door.
“I will be in the main house” , I say.
“Oh wait, Mabutho this is your mother , call her Mamncane” ,
he frowns . His lips are a bit pink and are thick like.
“Wait , you are telling me dad married Zanele ? ”, I am not
Zanele !
“Yes , She is your father's wife”
“He could be arrested for this! ” , he is scary. His voice is more
deeper than I thought.
“Calm down Mabutho. Respect this ” , she reprimids.
“No , this is absurd. The others need to know about this. Sekuya
kude manje MaThabethe ( This is going too far MaThabethe)",
he walks out banging the door and she sighs. Ok that was an
experience.
“They will cause havoc. Don't mind them ” , she smiles.
“Let me go and help out”, I say
“You are young. They are bound to behave that way. You
should be in varsity like Zanele and the rest. Don't you want to
go there?”, she asks.
“Will Mphembe agree?”, I want to.
“I will talk to him. ”, I nod.
People walk in and all eyes on me. 6 men and 3 women. I
assume it's the rest of the kids. The working ones.
“Never , this is just witchcraft!” , one woman shouts.
“Baba ! ” They all walk out.
“Kodwa Mabutho ( My goodness Mabutho)” , MaThabethe
says.
A family meeting was held. The Nkosinathi who would have the
ceremony is here and the ladies look the same. They have silky
hair and nails with long shoes. I am similar with the wives ,
Mphembe brought up the matter of me being his wife and the
older kids didn't agree , it came with more commotion when
they discovered my age. Nkosinathi was used to reference of
how this marriage is absurd that he is 43 yet his father married
someone younger than him.
He is the oldest son, the first born child and then after the rest
follow. Mabutho and Mbuso who is MaJili's son share a
birthday. This is really abnormal and freaky in this family. I just
don't understand everything that happens in this family. I saw
that MaKhumalo wanted to side 100 percent with the children
in the matter of me taken back home and I couldn't agree more
but university. MaThabethe said she will talk to Mphembe. I
will try as well on my side to fight. It's my night today with him
so I have to prepare my room for him to come. After the
meeting we head to the kitchen so we can dish up for
everyone.
“MaSibisi ”, I am on my feet as he walks in.
He comes and pulls me by my tiny waist and I collide with his
stomach and he kisses my cheek and then my lips. I am learning
.
“You were quiet today”, he sits on the bed and I go down on my
knees and take his shoes off.
“I didn't have anything to say” , I say.
“I want us to have kids, I am getting old now ”, he says and I
can't say no.
“Yebo baba ” , he smiles .
I remove his shoes and take the bathing basin that has water
inside and I wash his feet with care and take my time to nurse
them.
“The others don't do what you do” he says after I am done and
have discarded the water. I guess it is washing his feet. He is
under the covers.
“Mphembe”, I say
“Yes” , I fiddle with my fingers
“I would like to go to university as well” , I have gathered some
courage.
“What do you want to study?” , I look at him and look down.
“I don't know. ” , I love nature. Good thing I have made it to
matric but don't have a higher education.
“How about agriculture, working in one of my farms than going
to university?”,I nod. I am not going to university and it is as
clear as that.
“Ok”
He pulls me to him.
“I will talk to one of the managers about that” I nod.
He yawns and closes his eyes slowly and he is asleep, you see
what I mean ? He always sleeps early.
Chapter 2

It's the day of the ceremony. Everything was conducted very

well for Nkosinathi, Bhuti Nkosinathi if I could say. It feels weird
to call someone who is older than you by name and them Mom.
Goats were slaughtered and also a sheep as well. People were
coming in numbers just to eat this meat and have free food .
People who will be merry with us for a bit. I saw Dudu walking
in with her sister and I excused myself from where I was and
went to her.
“Sisi” she hugs me and I hug her as well.
“How are you?” she asks.
“I am well. You came” she nods
“Come let me dish up for you” we went away so I can dish up
for them.
“So how is everything? How is your marriage?”, I sigh. I really
want to go home.
“His kids don't like me ”, I say
“They don't have a choice. Besides you are their step mother so
they have to respect that ”, she adds.
We get to the food station and they take a plate.
“I am 21 Dudu. Cabanga indoda ena 43 enengane eshadile
ingibiza umah ( Imagine a 43 year old married man who has
kids calling me mom)”, she giggled.
“You will be fine ”, she says
“Mamncane ! ”, it's one of the kids.
“MaThabethe is asking for you ”,I nod.
“I will be back. ”, I say to Dudu.
“We will be fine ”, I walk off going to the main house.
MaThabethe was seated with other women. She smiles as soon
as she sees me. I think she likes me a tad bit too much.
“Mah”, I say softly.
She comes towards me.
“One of the older boys was looking for isthebe. Please can you
take it to them. ”
We walk to the kitchen together. I don't want to go to where
the older children are. I swallow as she hands me isthebe with
the cow head and steam bread on it.
“Will you handle going alone?”, she asks.
“No ”, I say softly.
She giggles.
“They don't bite. Bayahlonipha abafana bami( my boys are
respectful)”, well yesterday was something else from respect.
What choice do I have ? I take the food and I make my way to
the outside. I go to where the older boys are and they are
seated apart from the old men sharing jokes from the way they
are laughing. Just looking at them you wouldn't miss the
resemblance between them even if you tried to. I get to them
and they all keep their silence.
“Sanibonani ”, I greet. I didn't know how a step mother acts to
her older step sons.
I place what is needed to be left and I turn around.
“Kini bakufindise ukuthanda obaba abadala ( At your home did
they teach you to love older men ?)”, I turn around.
“Angizwanga ?( excuse me ?)”,I say
“Cebo calm down”,I don't know who it is but he says that to the
varsity freak.
“Its the truth though”,this Cebo boy says.
I am just shocked and don't even know how to respond at this
moment. I just turn and walk away as another comment shoots
behind me. Tears are clouding my eyes. I can't take well in
insults or any of the sly comments ever made towards me. I
moved to my room and closed the door as soon as I arrived and
let the tears flow. I threw myself on the bed and cried.
I am a bad host. Dudu must have left now so as her sister. I will
see her some other time as well. It's the next day and I am
dreading to go out but I want to get done with my chores and
maybe run to the river or something for my peace of mine
today. I get bath water and I bath. I still don't think the rain
water will be good for me. I don't like it for now. I get done and
get dressed and make my way to the main house. I find
MaThabethe and MaJili sitting and drinking some tea.
“Hawu ntombi ekuseni kanje( Why are you up early?)”,
MaThabethe asks with a smile.
“I couldn't sleep anymore”, she smiles
“There is some left overs. I didn't see you yesterday”,MaJili
says.
She is a nice woman who doesn't speak much. You hardly hear
her.
“Thank you mah”, I get the food and sit down eating.
The door opens and the Cebo from yesterday enters. I stop
eating and look down as he shoots a look my way.
“Good morning boh mah”, he said.
“Sawubona. Unjani?(Hello, How are you?)”,they ask him.
“Besides the sour news we heard when we came here I am
good”,he comments while shooting a look my way.
“Cebolabantuli, don't start”,MaJili warns.
He keeps his silence but you can see that he is not pleased with
seeing me here.
“I will eat later”,I say as I make my way towards the door.
“You should eat now before everyone wakes up”,MaThabethe
says.
“Ngiyabonga Mah kodwa ngizobuye ngidle(Thank you but I will
eat later)”,I say before I quickly make my way out of the house.
I close my eyes for a moment feeling the cold morning breeze
on my skin. I wish I could go home. I didn't endure this much of
insults before but I can't go home. It's not my home anymore.
When I got married my parents told me that I am not a Sibisi
anymore but a Ntuli, therefore I am no longer their child but a
child of the Ntuli family. I need to get some water so I make my
way to my room and I get inside and take a bucket and a scarf
before I walk out before anymore sees me and starts throwing
not so nice comments my way.
.
.
I made my way to the river. The sun was already up now and I
am sure all the wives are now awake. We all wake up early
everyday just to get our chores done. I was walking slowly while
going to the river so that I don't quickly go back home but I
have to some time because Mphembe wouldn't be happy that I
was out for so long. I get to the river and I find some women
here to get some water as well.
“Busisile!”,I turn to whomever is calling me and it's Dudu.
She leaves her bucket and comes running my way.
“Haibo Ufunani lah?(What are you doing here?)”
“I am here to fetch some water”,I say.
She frowns.
“Doesn't the yard have water from the taps?”,I bite my bottom
lip.
“Khuluma nami, konke kukahle?(Talk to me, is everything
okay?)”,I nod while tears are prickling my eyes.
I wipe them quickly.
“Yes, everything is okay, bengifuna ukushawa umoya nje(I
wanted to get some fresh air)”,She looks at me puzzled but
doesn't probe on the matter.
I was taught not to talk about my marital matters to outsiders
even my sister wives shouldn't know as well. I have to keep it
all to myself.
“Let me help you get some water then”,she says.
I nod and we go towards the river. We speak about yesterday
and she is lighting up at that. She speaks more of My step sons
and I know that she is taken by one of them if not all. Dudu is
the only close friend I have. I do have others but like me some
of them are married either to the King or Induna. After having
our little chat we said our good byes and went our seperate
ways.
I felt a bit better and good after going to the river. I think I
needed that walk just to calm down and also clear my mind at
the same time. I hum a little song as I am walking back home to
occupy myself while walking and I finally get there with some
time. I see men stick fighting and it's Mphembe's children. I
walk into the yard and I stand there for a moment looking at
them stick fighting. The varsity freaks seem to know what they
are doing with the older ones.
“Ningalimazani(Don't hurt each other!)”,One of the wives
shouts from inside the house.
They carry on with stick fighting as I am watching them do so.
“Mamncane, Uyakucela umama endlini(Mama is asking for you
inside the house)”
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I look at the little one who is tapping me as she is calling me.
I keep forgetting their names but I will just work with ‘Ngane
Yami’ for now.
“Okay, let's go”,We move from her stick fighting brothers and
make our way inside to the main house and Makhumalo is here
as well. I place the bucket down and greet.
“Hawu where do you come from?”,It's MaThabethe asking.
“From the river”,I bite my bottom lip after saying that.
MaGasa claps her hands.
“Soyaleka ilengane”,she says.
“Your food is here. I want you to do my hair after
eating”,MaThabethe says.
I nod.
“Thank you”,She smiles and I go and get my food.
I settle on one of the kitchen chairs and I start eating my food
with them busy with cleaning and cooking as well. When I am
done I go and wash the dishes with MaMsomi that were used
by everyone. When we are done we pack the dishes away and
then we clean up where we were washing the dishes. After we
are done I go to my room. Today is my day off. We exchange
routines when cleaning so that some get to rest while others
are cleaning. Plus their kids are here so it is much easier for
them to work. I get into my room and MaThabethe follows
inside as well with a chair.
“Kuyashisa laphakathi. Kunganjani sihlale ngaphandle(It's hot in
here, how about we sit outside?)”
“There is no problem”,I say and she nods.
I take her chair from her and we go outside. I place the chair
and ask her to sit down. I can do hair. Well all I can do are
cornrows only and I self taught myself how to do them.
MaThabethe gives me her hairfood and comb and I take off her
doek. This woman is beautiful , she has nice big afro that is
showing most grey hair but also has some of her black colour.
She still looks fresh though. It's like Ugeza ngobisi(She bathes in
milk). That is how beautiful she looks.
“Sekade wagcina umuntu ukwenza Ikhanda (It has been so long
since a person did their hair)”,She says.
“Your hair is nice”,She smiles.
“Thank you. You are beautiful Busisile”,She says and I shy
down.
“Thank you Mah”
I start applying hairfood on her hair after opening a few lines.
“Don't mind these kids. They will come around.”,she says.
I hope they do because I also don't like this but I have to be
here because Mphembe chose me amoungst all the girls that
were there at the reed dance.
I do MaThabethe's hair while we are sharing a conversation and
watching the small kids playing with some of the older ones.
They seem happy and the yard allows them. It is very big and
accommodates everyone. As we are speaking with MaThabethe
she shares how she Met Mphembe and actually indicates that
she is not from here in the rural area but is actually from the
city. She says she is from Lamontville in Durban but she hasn't
been home in some time. You wouldn't say from the way she is.
I don't even know where that is but she explained to me where
it is. I don't blame Mphembe from not being taken by her, I
mean she is very beautiful inside and outside. Who wouldn't
love a soul like her? We carry on talking and I get done with her
hair in record time. I go inside and get a small mirror and bring
it to her and she looks at herself.
“Wangenza umuntu MaSibisi!”,she says while touching her hair.
“Kuhle?(It's beautiful?)”,I ask
“Kakhulu(Very)",She seems happy with what I did on her hair.
“I am glad you like it”,She smiles and looks at me and hands me
the mirror.
“Thank you so much”,She takes the doek and ties it on her
head.
We start cleaning up together and she takes her chair. We have
to go and eat as well. I am a bit hungry I won't lie but with how
things are here I am dreading going inside the main house and
bumping into one of Mphembe's kids from the city.

*MABUTHO*

One thing about these family gatherings is that my work has to

pause for a moment and right now I am in a space where my
work can't pause. I am working on a big deal right now of
securing a contract deal with some major supermarkets here in
South Africa for them to sell our products in stores and some of
the major companies in the dairy department. It's not easy but
when you are passionate about something you can get it done.
Some would say I got this love for farming from my dad of
which is true but also I love getting my hands dirty. My father
was most thrilled when he learnt that out of all his kids atleast
one of them would carry on his legacy of his farms and I am
doing so.
I am in my room at this moment and the sun is set already.
Supper has been served and now everyone is at the rondaval
singing some songs and dancing as well. It always happens
when we are all here. Sandy has sent me an email and I needed
to check it before going to join everyone on their celebration.
Also Mandisa wasn't happy that I left for home but soon next
year she would be left alone but will be part of the Ntuli family.
I need to settle down now. It's about time. I am 34 for goodness
sake that has to imply something right ? That it is about time I
settle down.
“Mabutho”,A knock comes from the door and it opens.
I stand up from my bed and my father walks in my room.
“Baba”
“Wazivalela lah, kwenzenjani?(Why are you locking yourself up
in here?)”
“I needed to get some work done baba”
“You can't spare a few days off work?”,he asks
“I can't, I am working on a big deal that could benefit us all”,He
smiles.
“I am happy to hear that Kuqhuba Kahle. (Everything is going
well)”,he says.
“Thank you”
“You took my small farm and made it something big”,I did. I
really did.
I just nod and the smile faded off his face.
“Eh uMancane ufuna ukuyofunda (The young wife wants to go
and study)”,I still can't digest the fact that my father married
someone who is 13 years younger than me.
“Mmmh”
“I don't want her to go there and see boys her age and start
liking them”
“Oh, I hear you”,why is he telling me this?
”I was thinking she works at the farm. Asize khona(And help
there)”
“Baba...”,I try to interject.
“Mabutho angiceli, bengikwazisa(I wasn't asking. I was telling
you)”,I huff.
“Won't you need her to make some children or something?”
“Not for now. She is still new. I want her to settle first”,I
frown.
“You will leave with her”,he turns and walks out.
Fuck!What am I going to do about this situation? I can't do that.
I don't even think I have space for her to work or do anything.
She is not educated even so that is a no.

*BUSISILE*

This family may be something else but they are quiet joyful
when they want to be. I have only been here for two months
and I am sure everyone is expecting me to have a child by now
with Mphembe but I am still sealed and he hasn't touched me
as yet, how will I have his children when he hasn't touched me
as yet? I asked to be excused early for the night but before I
could go and rest I was called by Mphembe to his room. I made
my way there. What could it be? Did I do something wrong?
Maybe it's about me going to the river and he found out. My
mind had so many things but I tried to calm down and see what
he wants. I knocked on the door of his room when I got inside
the main house and I heard a come in. I got inside and bowed
my head.
“You were asking for me”,I say softly.
“Close the door and sit down”,I close the door and grab a grass
mat and sit down on it while facing the floor.
“I thought about your request on going to university...”,I hope I
am going.
“I won't allow that. You won't go to university”,I feel my heart
shattering.
“Yebo baba”, I feel like crying.
“But I talked to My son Mabutho and you will leave with him
going to work at the farm”,he says.
“Yebo baba”
“Behave yourself MaSibisi. Angivamile ukudedela abafazi bami
kodwa ngiyakudedela Wena(I am not used to letting my wives
go but I will let you go)”,The fact that I am leaving with his
child. The same child that is part of the people who hates that I
am married to their father.
“Ngiyabonga Mphembe (Thank you Mphembe)”
“Please get bath water and come to bath my legs like
always”,he asks.
“Yebo baba”,I get off the mat and fold it before placing it away
then I walk out of the bedroom.
I pass on of his daughters and she looks at me and clicks her
tongue before walking off. I sigh before going to prepare his
bathing water.
Chapter 3

I woke up early this morning. I was woken up by one of the

little ones and I was told that I should bath and get ready. I
don't know what for but I am still a tad bit sad that I will not go
to university but atleast I will do something. It's just being in
the same area as his children drains me. I know I am very much
younger than my husband but they have to accept now
because I am here and I doubt I will be going anywhere. I go
and make the fire for bathing and I make my way to the main
house to make some food. Mphembe walks in as I am busy in
the kitchen.
“Sawubona baba(Good Morning)”,I say and light up the kettle
to make some tea for him.
“Good morning Nkosikazi, I see the children woke you up”,I
nod.
“Yes”
“Ngiyaxolisa ukuk'vusa ekuseni kanje (I am sorry to wake you
up this early)”,he says.
“It is no problem”,he smiles.
I take out some maize meal to start with making porridge for
him.
“The other wives will make the porridge. Ungazihluphi likahle
itiye(Don't bother yourself, tea is fine)”
“Okay”,I say softly.
“You are leaving today, Mabutho is leaving early. They called
him and said there is a problem somehow so he has to leave
early”,I didn't expect to leave this early.
“Now?",I ask
“Yes, that is why I said they should wake you up so you can
prepare”,He fiddles in his pockets and places a few hundreds
on the counter.
“Uthenge ozokudinga made ufika Leh. Bengifisa siyothenga
izinto ngaphambi kokuthi uhambe(Buy things you will need that
side. I wished we could've bought these things before you
left)”,he says.
“Ngiyabonga Mphembe, kwande kuwe(Thank you)”,he comes
to my side and squeezes me close to his portbelly.
I hold my breath for a moment and he lets me go.
“Go and bath Ave ebhoka UMabutho Uma izinto zihamba
kancane(Mabutho is impatient)”,He says.
I nod.
“Thank you again”
“Uziphathe Kahle(Behave yourself)”
“I will”,I go and make some tea for him and take mine and
some bread and I go to my room and bath.
After I am done with bathing I eat and then I go and discard my
dirty water. I take my small phone and shove it in my bag. I got
it when I first came here. Mphembe bought it for me and said
he will buy me a bigger phone once I get the hang of using
phones. I know how to use phones but I don't use them as
often. I still have airtime from when he bought the phone for
me so I will call when I arrive where I am going just to ease his
conscious. I wish I had Dudu's number but she doesn't have a
phone as yet.
I hear a car outside roaring and a knock comes on my door.
“I am coming”,I check if I took everything I will need and check
if my doek is in place.
I then move to the door and I open it and walk out and then
Lock the door.
“Busisile”,Mphembe calls me and I go towards him and he is
standing next to the driver's window.
“Don't mistreat my wife Mabutho”,Mphembe says to the
person inside the car.
What I know is Mabutho is MaThabethe's son. I presume her
last born.
“I won't. We need to leave”
“Come”,Mphembe says and opens the front door for me and I
get inside.
I thank him.
“Call me when you arrive there”,I nod.
Soon the car was reversing out of the yard and off it went. It
was silent and no one was talking. The only thing that made
sound was the radio and I managed to get the time. It's 5 am,
maybe everyone is really tired for them to not wake up at this
time. I am worried that I left without Mphembe eating. I look
out of the window and look at everything that we are passing
with the car.
“What Qualifications do you have?”,I snap out of my outside
watching moment and turn to this man next to me.
“Excuse me?”
“What Degree do you uphold in the Agricultural department?”,I
bite my bottom lip and sigh.
“Nothing but I finished my Matric”,he turns and looks at me for
moment and then keeps his silence.
“People your age are in university not getting married but
sothini, isemakhaya lah. It's the other way around(This is the
rural area)”,he says and I keep quiet and look out of the
window.
I just wish we could get to where we are going right now.
The drive was a tad bit long one. I have never been outside the
village so this was my first time. We made a stop at the garage
and I needed to use the bathroom for a moment while
Mabutho wanted to fill the tank of his car with Petrol. I went to
the bathroom after getting some directions and then use it.
When I was done I got out and made my way to the car where
he was and it seems like he was done. Just that they were busy
with the tires and checking if they are okay I presume. He looks
so much like his mother but you can see his father's features
there. He stands up when done with the petrol attendant and
then he fiddles in his pocket and hands some money to him. I
get inside the car at that moment and wait. He gets inside after
some time and starts the car.
“There are snacks Ncane”,he says and hands a plastic to me.
“Thank you",it feels weird really being referred to Mamncane
by the older ones.
We drive out from the petrol station and on the road we are
again. The sun is now up and it's getting hot by the minute. I
start having some chips and make sure that I don't make a mess
in the car. At that tip the music is disturbed by ringing and it
seems like someone is calling him.
“Baby”
It's a woman's voice.
“How are you?”
“I am on my way back to the farm right now”,Mabutho says to
the lady.
“Okay,Are you busy today?"
“You can come through in the morning but in the afternoon I
have a meeting”
“Okay, you will find me there”
“Okay,I love you. I will see you”
“I love you more”,The call gets cut and the music comes back
on.
I keep my silence and carry on with eating the chips.
I hope I make friends wherever I am going.
______
I think I fell asleep through the journey because I was woken up
by Mabutho and when I look around I see a big yard and a
beautiful house infront of it. This must be the farm and is this
his house? I look around for a moment before I get out of the
car following him. There is a car parked upfront the yard. A nice
red one at that. He wheels his suitcase as we are walking inside
the house and leaves it by the door step.
“Mandisa!”,he shouts and places his car keys on the key
holder.
Wow! This house is magnificent. It has some glass walls where
you can see the other side of this yard and you can see the farm
side in a distance and the stable. This is amazing. The design of
this house is out of this world. It's like I am in a little heaven.
“I am coming baby!”,A woman's voice speaks.
I am standing by the door step looking like a lost sheep. A
beautiful woman appears wearing an apron and goes towards
Mabutho and they share a kiss. I stand there and look down as
they are kissing. I hold onto my bag that moment.
“I have missed you”,the woman says.
“I did as well, home was okay”
“Who is this?",Her tone can't be missed. I lift my head up and
look her way.
She seems not pleased to see me and looks at Mabutho waiting
for an answer.
“This is my step mother MaSibisi”
She frowns more upon hearing that.
“You mean your father's wife?”,he nods.
She claps her hands.
“You can go upstairs Ncane”,I nod.
I make my way up.
“Don't get lost in the main bedroom!”
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The Mandisa woman says.
I keep quiet as I make my way up and I go and find a room. I see
one that seems empty with no bedding. Does it mean no one
sleeps in this room? I place my bag on the bed and I walk
towards the window and there is a sliding door. It leads
outside. I go towards it and place my hands on the railing and
look outside. This green space looks amazing, like a breath of
fresh air. I am going to love waking up to this everyday.
I move from there and I go and take my bag and take out my
phone. I dial Mphembe and it rings a few times but no one
answers. I try him again and it does the same thing. I try
MaThabethe because I only have her number and it goes
through.
“Ewu boh, sesizwa ngendaba ukuthi awusekho(We hear from
people that you are gone)",that is the first thing she says.
“I am sorry, kuvele kwaba yinto esheshayo(It became an urgent
thing)”,I say.
“Its okay,. Did you arrive safely?”
“Yes I did. I couldn't get hold of Mphembe"
“He went out with Maka'Nkosinathi”,oh that explains it.
“Okay,I wanted to tell him I arrived well”
“I will pass on the message. I am happy you are doing
something than to sit with us old folks”,she laughs.
“I hope I can do everything required of me”
“You will. I hope you like it there”, already I am loving the
view.
“Ite beautiful here”,I say
“It is”,she says.
“I have to go, these kids are fighting. I will call you later sisi”
“Okay Mah”, we hang up that moment.
I go back to where I was and hold onto the railing. This looks
amazing.
______
I was seated by the dinner table alone. The couple locked
themselves in the bedroom after Mabutho came back from
where he went to and I stayed up to eat. I am not used to
eating these green leaves but atleast they have some meat.
Yes, sis Mandisa is the one who cooked or made it should I say.
I drink some water and eat up all the food. I don't want to leave
it and disappoint all her efforts that went into making this food.
When I was done I went to wash the dishes that were left in the
sink. After I was done I went to the room I will be using. I find
the bedding there and I take it and lay it properly on the bed
and then when I am done I change out of my clothes and wear
my night dress. Mphembe hasn't called me and I am presume
that he is still with MaKhumalo. It must be her day today. I
close my eyes and fall asleep.
It's the next day, a new day in a new environment. I have
woken up early as I could but one thing I couldn't do is bath on
time. There is the rain water here and I am not used to it. I
don't even know how to operate this thing. I will ask where I
can get a bathing basin and also where I can make the fire to
bath. I clean my room and when I am done I take my towel and
and I go and brush my teeth before I leave my room and make
my way down stairs. I get downstairs and I look around to find
Mandisa or Mabutho.
“Ncane”,I turn around to find Mabutho ascending down the
stairs.
“Bhuti”,I softly say.
He is wearing kaki shorts and a top as well.
“You look lost”,he is not disrespectful like Cebo is.
“I wanted to ask for a bathing basin”,he frowns.
“There is a shower in your room”,I sigh and close my eyes.
“I saw it but I can't use it”,I say softly fiddling with my fingers.
“Mandisa left but I can help”,My heart skips a beat.
“I will open and adjust the water for you, come”,he says and I
follow after him as he rushes up the stairs.
This stairs thing will also take time for me to get used to. We
get to the room I am using and he goes into the bathroom and
opens the shower door. He then opens the taps.
“You open them like this”,I nod slowly.
“This is for hot and this is for cold water”,he does it with ease.
“Thank you”
“You can bath so I can show you the work you need to do”,he
says.
“Okay”,I look at him and he walks out of the bathroom. I
breathe out and I get inside the rain water after taking off my
clothes.
I take off my doek and get onto bathing. This is nice yet quick
by the time I am done my hair is wet. I feel like crying as it is. I
should've did it instead of letting it loose. I get out of the
shower and grab a towel near by and put it over my head. I
wipe my body with my towel and I go and get dressed. I am
annoyed that my head is wet. I wear a dress and my pumps and
when I am done I walk out of the bedroom with the towel still
on my head. I ascend down the stairs and I hear some little
laugher.
I get down and I find Mabutho with some man. The man looks
my way.
“Sanibonani”
“Sawubona Ntokazi(Hello)”,The man says.
“Ncane, this is Sbu. He works here. You will work with him”
“Awu basi usungifuna ngiganiwe manje(Boss, you want me
married now)”,I shy away.
“No”,the man laughs.
“You won't work with a towel”
“My hair is wet. I can't put a doek”,I softly say before taking the
towel off and my hair falls to my face.
I push it back and look up as someone starts clearing their
throat.
“You can start going to work”,Mabutho takes the towel away
from me and he walks off.
I follow the Sbu guy and we go to a mini car. He tells me to hop
inside and I do so. He then drives towards the stable and I look
around in admiration of this place. We get there and hop out of
the cart.
“Do you know how to milk cows?”,Sbu asks while chuckling.
“Yes”,I do know. My father used to do so and he taught me.
“Kwakuhleke. Umuhle Ntokazi(Good. You are beautiful)”,I shy
away.
“Thank you”,He smiles and starts with us going to the first
cow.
“This one just gave birth so there is alot of milk”,he says while
grabbing a bucket and then he brings a small stool.
He rolls up his overall sleeves and he crouches and I do the
same.
“Awenze sibone(Do it and let's see)”,I start milking the cow. I
am enjoying doing this.
“You really can”,Was he doubting me?
I think I am going to love learning here.
Chapter 4

I get excited just for another day to go and milk the cows. He it
might be something small but to me it's a big job. I just milk a
bucket per day. There are alot of cows here in this stable and
no Sbu doesn't get to milk the rest of them. There is a machine
for that and that is what it does.
“You are a bit quick today”,It's Sbu.
“I am getting used to it”,yes I have been.
It has been two weeks since I started being here and I am
getting the hang of things.
“You are a fast learner.”, he says.
“I wish I could find a wife like you”,He continues.
He has been saying that for the past two weeks I have been
here.
“I am married”,I say my everyday verse when he starts.
“Hawu Busi”,I shake my head.
Yes he calls me that. I get done with my bucket and he comes
towards me.
“Let me help you carry it”,he says.
“Okay”,he takes the bucket and walks out as I follow him.
I place my hands on my head and try to tie my doek well
enough to secure it. I follow after Sbu and thank him when he
places the bucket outside.
“You can go and relax now Ntokazi”,he says.
“Can't I help anywhere?”,I really don't want to go inside the
house. Mandisa was here and she made sure she left a mess.
“No, amadoda akhona sosebenza(Men are here and we will
work)”,he says.
I sigh.
“Okay, bye Sbu”
“Uhambe Kahle Ntokazi(Go well)”,I smile and walk inside the
house.
I close the door and turn around sighing.
“Oh, sawubona”,I greet Mabutho who is on his laptop.
“Sawubona Ncane",That makes me feel old.
“Please call me Busisile Bhuti”,He looks at me and then nods.
I move from the door and go up the stairs to my room. I get
there and close the door, the fresh air coming into the room
makes the environment a bit soothing. I see something on the
bed and I go there and it's big gift box. I wonder where it came
from. Could it be from Mphembe and he sent it here? I sit on
the bed and I open the box inside and it has a sun hat with
small sized farming boots and shorts with a top. I rummage
through inside and it has hair ties as well. I find a card and I
open it inside.
“Working with Skirts and dresses can be uncomfortable
Ncane”,I smiled.
This is nice of Mabutho. It really is and I never expected
something like this from him or any of Mphembe's children. I
should go and thank him. I close the box and make my way out
of my room going down the stairs. I get there to the bottom
and I see that he is still busy with his work.
“Bhuti..”,I clear my throat and he turns to me.
“Ncane”,I look down and fiddle with my fingers.
“Ngiyabonga(Thank you)”,I say.
“Oh, you mean the clothes”,I nod.
“Yes, thank you"
“It's a pleasure mah”,Oh my god. I look up and he seems
amused with saying that.
“Please don't call me Mah, I am too young for that”,he
chuckles.
“Okay Mancane”,he goes back to his work seemingly amused.
I turn around to go up stairs when he speaks.
“And from tomorrow on Ncane there are no doeks allowed at
work”,I turn around and touch my head.
“I can't work without it”
“Its the rules.”,I huff and nod.
“Yes sir”,I turn around and walk up the stairs leaving him there.
“Ncane!”,I huff upon this man calling me.
I am already frustrated with him saying I should stop wearing a
doek. I get down te stairs and I stand by the steps.
“Mabutho”,he raises his head and looks at me.
“Mandisa is not coming back and I can't...”,I know where this is
going.
“Ngizopheka. Ufuna ukudla Ini?(I will cook. What do you want
to eat?)”,thank God we won't have any rabbit food today.
“Anything you like”,I nod.
“Okay”
I make my way up the stairs. I will cook later in the day for now
I need to rest. All the energy I had to help out vanished a while
ago.
_____
“Yebo baba, Yonkinto isahamba Kahle(Everything is going
well)”,I say softly.
I am talking to Mphembe through the phone while I am in the
kitchen about to prepare to cook.
“Kungcono makusahamba Kahle. Nabodade wenu bakahle(It is
good that everything is going well, your sister wives are okay as
well)”,He says.
“Please greet them for me”
“I will, I miss you and your foot baths”,He says.
I smile and look down.
“I will give you one when I come back”
“I will hold you to that”,he says
“Mmh”.
“Let me leave. It's late
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I will call you tomorrow”,he says.
“Okay, good bye”
He hangs up and I put the phone down and I turn around to
take out the ingredients I will need to make some food. I look at
the stove and it looks fancy, I don't know how to operate it. I
walk out of the kitchen and I go and find Mabutho. It's already
getting late and I want to be done. I look for him at the lounge
and I can't find him.
“Bhuti !”,I stand by the stairs.
I wait for a moment before I see him come out from the rooms
that are at the bottom floor.
“Ncane?”,I sigh.
“I don't know how to open the stove”,I say
“Okay”,he walks to the kitchen and I follow him.
He has been nice to me. Most of Mphembe's children are not
happy that I am married to their father and he was also
unhappy. Maybe he has just accepted the situation.
“Its a Gas stove”,he says and opens the stove.
“Ohw I see”,I go around the counter just go see.
“Here you go”,he gets done.
“Thank you”,he looks at me and nods.
“If you need anything you can call”, I smile.
“That’s nice of you”,he chuckles.
“I am not usually as nice”,he says.
“Well so far you are nice”,he smirks and goes to the sink and
washes his hands.
“There is some fresh Millie that Sbu brought today.”
“Should I cook some?”
“If you want to,I will help”,he says.
“Okay, I need some knives and everything else”,he chuckles.
“Everything else?”
“Spices? The ones similar to...”,he goes to the cardboards and
opens them and he takes out some spices and puts them on the
counter.
“Thank you”,I say
“My mother loves to use these when she cooks”
“She is a great cook”,I say
“She is”,he says and stares at me. I look away for a moment
from his little gaze.
“May I have some vegetables”,he nods and moves away.
I breathe out for a moment.
*MABUTHO*
I left the kitchen when it seemed like she didn't need my help
for that moment. I kept on peaking through the kitchen window
just to look at her move around the kitchen. Just a few days ago
I didn't want her here but now I feel a bit glad my father
pushed it. She is my step mother for goodness sake but it
doesn't shy away from how taken I feel right now. I feel like I
am loosing my mind especially at night when I lay and think
about her. I couldn't get that image of her wet hair over her
beautiful skin. She is beautiful why is she hiding it? I want to
see it everyday. Every morning even. I bite my bottom lip, she is
my father's wife but I can't help myself. I have to try by all
means to fight whatever that I am feeling. I am in love with
Mandisa. I am going to marry Mandisa soon and I have to get
my act straight.
“Mabutho!”,The way she softly calls out my name.
“I am coming!”,I say from the outside.
“Okay",I love her voice. Everything about her just changes the
perspective I had of her.
I sigh while closing my eyes and breathe in and out before
making my way inside the house.
“The food is ready”,she says turning swiftly my way.
“Thank you”,she smiles and I feel like my heart is melting.
“You can go and sit down. I will dish up so long”,she says.
I nod my head slowly before making my way to the lounge. I
settle and open some TV just to keep myself occupied. I don't
live with Mandisa but we visits more frequently than ever. I
met Mandisa in Varsity and that's when we hit thing off and got
to know each other. I was interested in her and still is. She gave
a farm boy like me a chance to be with her. As I am thinking
about Mandisa, Busisile walks in with a bowel that has some
warm water and a swab. She comes and kneels infront of me
and I am in awe.
“Please don't kneel”,I say
“Wash your hands please”,I do so as I look at her and thank her
once I wipe my hands. She stands up and goes away.
She comes back with a trey with food and she goes on her
knees and serve me.
“Thank you Ncane”,she nods and gets up and walks off.
It's beef stew and rice. It had been so long since I had a home
cooked meal this side. Usually I have it when my mother is here
visiting so apart from being home recently it has been some
time.

*BUSISILE*
I ate alone and gave Mabutho the time to have his meal alone.
Plus we are not friends just house mates who seemingly are
making each other's living fair and okay. I got done with eating
and got on with the dishes before I went to retire to sleep. I
don't have anything else to do that will keep me busy so why
not rest now. Tomorrow it is going to be a long day so I will
have to rest quiet quickly and have some time to relax my body
for a moment.

It's the next morning and I am up and ready for the day. I have
bathed already using the shower and I am getting used to using
it. I decided to wear what Mabutho bought for me yesterday
and I am happy and grateful for the thoughtful gift that I had
recieved. Some of the workers wear this but also him. Majority
of the time it's him who wears like this. I have never worn a
short or pants before so this will be my first time. I get dressed
and when I am done I stand infront of the mirror and look at
myself. I run my fingers through my tangles afro hair and I
comb it out with my fingers nicely and it does get done. I see
the hair ties that are in the gift box and I take them out and tie
my hair backwards and I look okay after. I smile at myself while
looking into the mirror. I look young for a moment. I also feel
young. I shake my head and put everything away before I get
out of the bedroom and I make my way downstairs. The house
has a person who makes breakfast for everyone who works
here. Even Sbu has some breakfast with us in the morning. I get
downstairs and I could hear the frying sounds. I enter the
dinning room.
“Good morning”,I say softly.
“Ohw Ntokazi Waze wayeba inhliziyo Yami namuhla. Waze
wamuhle(Oh baby, you have stolen my heart today. You look
beautiful)”,it's Sbu and his comments.
I smile and look down.
“Thank you”,I softly say.
“Come let me open the chair for you”,he stands up and opens
the chair for me and I sit down thanking him.
Mabutho doesn't look at me at the moment. The food comes
and it is placed on the table. Other workers come and join us
and they greet us.
“Today you won't be working at the stable ”,Mabutho says and
lifts his head to look at me.
“Where will I be working?”
“I have a meeting today, you will be coming with me to help
out”,he says and silence falls upon the table.
“But I...”,I really enjoy working at the stable. I don't know
anything about meetings.
“I have said my final piece”,he says with much authority and I
nod while swallowing.
“Yes sir”,he goes to eating his food and I have lost my appetite
but I will eat.
Chapter 5

After the morning breakfast people left to go and do their

duties while I waited for Mabutho. He is taking his time but I
won't say anything. I am just unhappy that I won't be going to
the stable. As much as Sbu keeps on sweet talking me but I
actually enjoy working with him. He is a good person to work
with. I am seated on the couch in the lounge waiting for
Mabutho when he ascends down the stairs wearing more or
less the same thing I am wearing.
“Let's go”,He says and grabs his car keys from the key holder.
I get up from the couch and follow after him as we are walking
out of the house. The lights of his car flicker and he goes to the
passanger side and opens the door for me. I get inside the car.
“Thank you”,he nods before closing the door.
He goes to the other side and gets inside and he starts the car
and he drives off. I keep my silence in the car and he does the
same. Only the music is playing inside the car. I look outside the
window to keep myself occupied as we pass nothing but green
land for some time. I wonder where this meeting is and I am
getting really curious about where we are going. I hear him
heave a heavy sigh at that. After some time we get to another
place and it seems like another farm. I keep quiet and look out
to see who's farm this may be. He drives in as the gate opens
and he seems to know the security man at the gate because the
greet each other like old friends. He drives further in and parks
up ahead as the car comes to a stop. He takes off his seat belt
and I do the same as he gets out of the car and comes towards
my side and opens the door for me and lays his hand out for me
to take. I thank him at that and some guy appears out of
nowhere.
“Ntuli! kuhamba kanjani mfowethu(How is it going my brother
?)”
“Kuhamba Kahle kuwena?(Everything is going well, your
side?)”,They share a hand shake.
“Everything is well.”
“This is Busisile, Busisile this is Nkanyezi. He is my
friend”,Mabutho introduces.
“Oh, sawubona(Hello)”
“It's nice to meet you. I....”,He makes a suggestion with his
body that Mabutho understands.
“She is my step mother”,Mabutho says.
“Step mother? Your father is busy”,they laugh it out.
I keep quiet while they keep on talking.
“Follow me inside”,we follow after him going to the inside. A
woman appears out of nowhere. She is beautiful.
“Mabutho Ntuli, I didn't think you would make it”
“I wouldn't have but I changed my mind”,he says.
The woman comes towards us and hugs him and looks at me
with a smile.
“This is Busisile”
“Hello, my name is Lethu. I am married to this man”,she points
to the Nkanyezi guy.
“Nice to meet you sisi”
“No, call me Lethu”,she smiles then hugs me.
After breaking the hug she turns to her husband.
“I have the baskets. We should go”,she says and walks off and
her husband follows.
We do the same and we are lead outside and there is are carts
waiting for us.
“Come”,Mabutho says to me and we get to the other cart.
It starts moving and we follow the other cart behind. It is not
long before we reach a field and then we hope out of the carts.
Is this how meetings go like?
“We harvested new strawberries and they are big and juicey.
Can not not have them”,The Lethu lady says.
She hands the baskets to us.
“Pick out as many as you like, come Busisile”,she says and I go
with her.
We start disappearing into the strawberries Field and I am
fascinated. I have never been to one.
“This looks lovely”,I say.
”It is lovely. So Mabutho and you”,she says and I look at her as
she picks out the first bunch.
“We are?”
“What are you to each other?”,she asks.
“I am married to his father”,she seems astonished.
“His father? How old are you if you don't mind me asking?”,she
says.
“I am 21 years”,you couldn't hide the shock on her face.
“I don't know what to say”
I keep quiet. I pick out some strawberries.
“So, how did you marry his dad?”
“He picked me out to be his wife at the reed dance”
“Oh my gosh. How do you feel about that?”,it's tough but...
“He is not a bad man”,I say.
“Mmmh”,we carry on picking out the strawberries. After some
time time she tells me that she is going to get new baskets so
she takes my full one and calls for her husband to accompany
her.
I carry on picking out some strawberries and eat them that
moment. I think I will be full when I leave this place.
“They taste great right?”,I turn around and it's Mabutho.
“Yes, they are very nice”,I smile.
He comes closer and picks out the most ripe one and gives me
one.
“Thank you”
“Taste it”,I do as I am told and I love it.
“It is nice”
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I say
“Can I?”,I nod and give it to him and he takes it and eats it.
“It does”,I nod my head.
He stares at me and I look away from his gaze.
“You look beautiful today Ncane”,he says.
“Thank you”
“I should buy you more of these clothes or take you shopping
tomorrow”,he says
“It won't be necessary”
“I insist”,I nod.
“Ngiyabonga. Kwande kuwe Mphembe(Thank you, more
blessings to you Mphembe)”,I say.
“Now calling me Mphembe makes me feel like I am my father's
age”,I giggle.
“So as calling me Ncane makes me feel like I am 60 when you
are older than me”
“I am huh?”,I nod.
“Let me reintroduce myself then. I am Mabutho Ntuli”,he takes
out his hand.
“Busisile Sibisi”,I say and we shake hands.
His grip doesn't loosen after some time instead he looks at
me.
“You are beautiful Mabusi”,he says.
“Mabusi?”
“Yes”,I shake my head.
“I will call you that from now on”, he chuckles.
“Okay”,it's better than Ncane at my age and his.
“Can I hug you please?”,he doesn't wait for my response before
he pulls me to his body and wraps his arms around mine. It
feels so nice to get a hug without a potbelly on the way of
that.
He heaves a sigh after that.

*MANDISA*

Gugulethu invited Mabutho and I to their strawberry farm. I

met Lethu through Mabutho because he is friends with
Nkanyezi. I know Nkanyezi from Varsity since then we have all
been friends. I work in my father's company. It is a logistics
company and I am his P.A. I do have a qualification but I don't
see myself working for someone else than my father. I get paid
way more than usual Personal assistants get paid. I couldn't
make it to their invitation so I guess Mabutho will go alone. I
know he sometimes contemplate with going or not when I am
not there. He doesn't want to arrive alone and feels like Lethu
needs some female to talk to. I wish to marry Mabutho one day
and he has been talking about Amalobolo lately so I am hoping
he is hinting that he will pop the question very soon. I love my
Farm boy very much.

*BUSISILE*

we picked out two baskets full off the strawberries and it was
now getting to lunch so we had to leave the strawberry farm
and go back to their house. I don't know if it is a choice to live
where your farm is situated or anything of that sort but I guess
so. We got to their lovely house and I can't stop thinking about
the hug that Mabutho gave me. It felt nice, I won't lie. I enjoyed
that hug. Now lunch is being served and the conversation is
flowing quiet well between everyone here as they know each
other well. I respond when I am spoken to but besides that they
carry on talking.
“I hope Busi Enjoyed herself”,Lethu says.
They all look at me.
“I did, thank you”,Lethu smiles.
We carry on eating and the conversation keeps on flowing
between all of them.
_______
Its another day not going to the stable and seemingly I am a bit
disappointed but Mabutho told me that I should get ready
because he is taking me to town. I need to go to town and get
Somethings that I need with the money that Mphembe gave to
me. MaThabethe called this morning just to check how I am so
far and I told her that I am adjusting well in this place. I really
am enjoying being here. It's away from those wives and their
comments about my age being the same age as their children
or being a few years younger than their oldest children.
I did my doek nicely on my hair. It do reveal some of my hair
and I ran my fingers on my skirt and looked at myself on the
mirror. A knock comes from the door and I turn and go to open
the door. Mabutho is standing there all dressed up casually.
This man, just like his mother he looks perfect.
“Good morning”
“Morning”,I keep my silence.
“Are you ready?"
“Yes, let me grab my bag”,he nods and I go and grab it.
I follow after him and he stands by the passage wall as I get out
of the bedroom.
“I love your hair”,I smile.
“Thank you”,he nods and we ascend down the stairs.
We get to the outside and he opens the door for me again. I get
inside and thank him. His phone rings before he closes the door
and he stands outside for a while talking to the person who is
on the phone. After some time he hangs up and goes around to
his side and gets inside starting the car and we soon leave.
*
We got to a shopping centre as it stated. I have never been in
such a place and I am quiet excited. Even to be sharing the
same space with white people it feels amazing. Like I am in
another world.
“We should start with clothes”,Mabutho says.
I stop him.
“I don't need new clothes. I just need toletries. I have
clothes”,he looks at me.
“For you to work in”,he says.
“I am fine with what I have thank you”,he sighs.
“Mabusi, ngiyakucela ungabi nenkani (Please don't be
stubborn)”,he says.
I sigh.
“Okay, we can get small stuff”,he smiles.
“It is okay, we can get small stuff”,He leads us to a shop and we
get inside. I don't even know where we would start if we had to
start.
“You will enjoy this”,he seems excited.
I hope so. I really hope we get something comfortable.
Chapter 6

I feel like with the clothing buying we got more than enough
clothes than what was needed. Even some that were out of the
work attire as well. Mabutho went to pay for all of those
clothes. I feel like this is way too much of generosity as well. I
am standing by the store entrance when he pushes a trolley
towards me and I stand there and look at him as I am biting my
nails.
“We can go”,he says and we walk out of the store.
“This is too Much bhuti"
“Mabusi”,I sigh and close my eyes.
“Ngiyaxolisa(I am sorry)”
“Is there something else that you wanted to buy"
“Womem cosmetics”
“Let's go to Clicks for that”,he says.
“Is it not expensive to buy there. I can find what I want at Spar
or Shoprite”,I say.
“You will find everything you need at Clicks.”,I sigh as we make
our way there.
“Mabutho why don't you hate me?",he looks at me.
“Hate you in which way Mama?”,The way he says it sounds
nice.
I wipe the smile off my face quickly.
“What are you thinking about?",he asks.
“Nothing”
“I don't hate you Mabusi. You being married to my father won't
change. We are family but that doesn't mean we shouldn't get
along because we also work together”,that is true.
“I thought that everyone hated me in the family”
“My mother taught us to not act on situations that we cannot
change”,he says.
I nod my head. We head over to Clicks and we get inside the
store.
“Lets grab everything you need”,he says and I nod.
We go and get what I need and I find also what I have been
needing the most and those are pads.
“The prices here are high”,I say.
“Don't worry about the prices. I will pay”,he says.
“I can't let you"
“Mabusi”,He warns and I sigh.
“Kodwa Mabutho(But Mabutho)”
“No buts...”
This man unenkani( He is stubborn). We make our way to the
paying area and we stand in line.
“So my father huh?",I look at him.
“He is what?”,I look at him.
“What do you like about him?”,he asks with a curious face.
“Uhm he is himself I guess”,I say.
“Mmmh”, I keep quiet.
“So me”,I turn to him.
“What about you?",he asks.
“What...what do you think about me?”,I look at him.
Well he is clean and neat, he smells nice. Very nice from
yesterday I would say I couldn't get his scent off the tip of my
nostrils. He is handsome. Perfect like his mother and
generous.
“You are yourself”,I settle for that.
I can't say all these complements to my step son.
“Ohw I see”,I look away from him.
I let out a little sigh.
“Next!", we move to go to the paying station and he loads
everything that we took.
We greet the lady who is helping us pay and then the price
comes back. Oh lord shoot me.
“That is R500”
“We didn't take alot of things"
Mabutho takes out his card.
“We did take alot of things Mama. Or should I say I did”,I give
him a look.
“For what reason?"
“You will need it”
“Those bathing soaps are unnecessary"
“They will help you relax after a long day”,he says and I huff.
He pays and then places his cards back in his wallet. He leans by
my ear and whispers in it.
“You can try them tonight and you will see how nice they feel
on your skin”,I felt shivers go down my spine as his warm
breath hits my neck.
“Mmmh”
We get everything we bought and thank the lady then we walk
out of the store.
“Lets go and get some burgers”, I look down.
“I have never had a burger before”,he looks at me.
“Well mam let me introduce you to the best food in the
world”,he says.
“Okudlula ubatata? Cha ngiyala(Surpassing sweet potatoes? I
refuse)”,I love sweet potatoes.
“Yes ”
I shake my head.
“Lets see if this burger of yours is impressive or not”,he
chuckles.
“Ms Mabusi are you challenging my food?"
“I am just saying I want to be impressed by it”
“Then prepared to be. Let's go and unload all of this in the car
and go to a drive thru”
“Okay”,I don't know what that is but let's see.
We walk out of the mall and we go to his car. He unloads
everything at the boot and then he comes and opens the door
for me and I get inside thanking him. That is nice of him. He
goes to his side and gets inside then he starts the car and off
we go to the Drive thru that he is talking about. He bobbles his
head back and forth for a moment as the music comes on. He
sings softly to it, well he seems a bit happy for this burger.
We get to a place called Mc Donald's and he orders burgers for
us. Honestly I am quest excited to taste whatever that Mabutho
has instore for me. We get what he wants and then as quickly
as that the burgers are on our laps. He drives to the parking lot
and takes our the food for us from the brown paper bag and
put it's at the back and he hands the burger to me and takes
his.
“I hope you are impressed”
“It smells nice”,he smiles.
“Well enjoy”,I nod and open the package and then I take the
burger out. I hold it as I can possibly can and then I take a bite.
I close my eyes and moan to the taste that I am feeling on my
tongue. It tastes so good.
“You like it?",I nod my head and throw it back. This tastes so
amazing.
“I told you”,he chuckles.
I open my eyes and look at him and finish up chewing.
“Where has this been all my life?”,he chuckles.
“Welcome to my World Mabusi”
“Your world tastes nice”,he chuckles and then he moves his
thumb to my cheek and wipes away something and licks his
thumb.
“You had some sauce on your...cheek”,he says.
“Oh, thank you”,I shy away.
He clears his throat and goes onto biting his burger and I carry
on eating mine. We eat in silence for a moment and he looks at
me.
“I am thinking of getting married next year”,he says out of the
blue.
“To sis Mandisa?"he nods and I smile.
“That is wonderful. I am sure your father will be happy so as
your mother”
“And you?"
“I will be happy for you as well”,I take a bite off my burger.
He puts his burger away and pulls me in for a hug and kisses my
forehead.
“I am sorry but... I can't help myself”,he heaves a sigh and holds
me tightly.
“Are you okay?”
Advertisement
I ask as I inhale his nice perfume.
“I am now”,I sigh.
I like his perfume alot. I really do.
_____
I am so glad to be back at working at the stable today. I would
say I also missed some of Sbu's jokes. Well today Mabutho left
early to go wherever he is going and I am sure Mandisa is
coming in today. Yesterday he bought another burger for me
since I liked it and I hope it won't be my newly obsessed food
that I will like very much.
“Hello Sbu”,I say while walking into the stable all newly dressed
up in my new clothes.
He gets up from kneeling and he dusts his hands off.
“Awu shwele! Waze wamuhle Nkosazane(You look beautiful
Princess)",I smile.
“Ngiyabonga(Thank you)",He whistles.
“Ngicela ukuziletha Zonke zigcwele futhi zidlula ezomyeni
wakho (Can I please steal you from your husband?)”,I giggle.
“Kodwa Bhuti Sbu”,I shake my head.
“You are showing your true beauty”,I smile.
Well usually women in my village are seen more beautiful if
they are thicker and have more meat of which I don't have. I
have always been insecure about how I look but living here is
boosting that up a bit.
“Lets get onto work”
“Sure”,he nods.
“I am going to deliver some milk to the near by areas. Will you
come with me?",he asks.
“Ofacuse I would love to!",he smiles.
“Perfect then. Let's get to work”,I nod.
I get my usual bucket and I get to milking the cow. It took so
long but I was in a very good lord today. Maybe it also has to do
with a newly found scent that I like. I can't get it out of the tip
of my nose. After some time I get done and Sbu takes the
bucket for me and I follow after him. We go to the cart and we
get inside. He then drives off carefully until we reach the main
house and he gets the bucket out and places it outside and
dusts his hands.
“Let me get the sealed bottles then we can leave”,he says and I
nod waiting for him.
He goes and gets what he needs and he comes back with
another guy carrying freshly squeezed milk. They go and load it
in the van and before we know it they are done. We get to
leave very quickly. I also go to the van and get inside so as Sbu
and he drives out.
I love my new job shame. Yes I don't do much but I love this
learning experience that I get. I am glad that Mphembe allowed
for me to be here and I will forever be grateful for that.
“Sbu where is home for you?”,I ask him.
“I come from UMhlaba uyalingana”,He chuckles.
“Oh I know where that is”
He nods.
“Yes, I am from there.”,I nod my head and keep my silence for
that short period. He plays some music and I listen to it while
nibbling my head a bit back and forth.
“Ntokazi, don't let the city consume you”,he says and looks at
me.
“Consume me how?”
“Everything may look beautiful but it may not be good for
you”,he says.
“Oh, ngiyakuzwa bhuti(I hear you)”
He nods his head.
“We are almost there”,he says in reference to where we are
going. I nod my head. With some time on the road we get to
another place that looks like a shop.
Sbu parks the van and then he hops out of the car and goes out
to the back and offloads the first crate.
“Can I help?”,I ask him.
“No it's is fine”he says and I nod.
He goes inside the shop and when he comes out he comes out
with a few men and they come and help him offload the other
crates and they get done quickly. After he was done he gets
inside the van.
“They buy the milk that is fresh?”
“Yes, they process it on their own”,I nod.
“Mmmh"
“Lets go”,I nod as he starts the car.
I guess it was just nice to get out and go onto the road. I look
outside the window as the car moves and within some time we
get back to the farm. We see Bhuti Mabutho's car parked up
front. That means that he is back from wherever he went to.
We hopped out of the car with Sbu.
“Bye Bhuti Sbu”,I say when I hop out of the car.
“Go well Ntokazi”,I smile and close the door walking off to the
main house.
I get inside and take off my shoes and put them aside and then
move from the front door.
“Boo!”,I jump in fright at that and he picks me up as I am trying
to reset my heart from being frightened.
“Mabutho cishe wangimisa inhliziyo(You almost gave me a
heart attack)”,he laughs.
“I am sorry Mabusi”,he says.
He lifts me up and down.
“You are light”,I hit his shoulder.
“Put me down. I know I am small”
“Okay”,he spins me around first.
“Mabutho!”,he puts me down and I feel a bit dizzy.
“Why are you this hyper active today?”,I ask while holding my
head and go to sit on the couch.
“I just secured a big deal today with the dairy sector”
“Oh, well done! If there was a chicken here I would've
slaughtered one for you”,he chuckles.
“Thank you Mabusi, I appreciate the thought”
“You really don't have chickens?”,I ask.
“I do. I don't eat them though”,I nod.
“Okay”,he sits on the couch next to me.
“I was thinking about you”,he says while looking at me.
“Thinking about me?”,he nods.
“You are beautiful Mabusi”,he says and I shy away.
“Thank you”,he comes closer to me and I close my eyes as he
kisses my forehead.
“Can I have a hug?”,He asks politely.
I give him one and he holds me in his arms. I love his scent.
“You always smell nice”,I say.
“You like it?",I nod slowly.
“It's nice”
“Thank you MaSibisi”,he brushes my back softly that moment.
I am enjoying this. It's comforting.
CHAPTER 7

“waze wanona wamuhle boh!(You look thick and beautiful)”,it's

MaThabethe.
She hops out of the car and comes towards me as we are
standing by the door waiting for her to come forth followed by
one of her sons. She comes and hugs me and I sink in her
arms.
“I missed you shame!",she says.
“I did as well, how are things at home?",I ask.
“Hayi same old. You are not really missing out. I hope Mabutho
is treating you well. I didn't raise him to not treat people
well”,We break the hug and MaThabethe looks at her son
intensely.
“I have been behaving mah”,Mabutho says behind me.
“Good then. I am here for only two days”,She says and walks
inside.
Mabutho's brother greets and so do I and we walk inside the
house. Mandisa came last night and left yesterday as well. She
left no pleased at all, I wonder what happened but it is non of
my business. I have been living here at the farm for over a
month now and I must say I am enjoying it quiet well. We help
with the birth of a Calf and I was so excited to be part of the
people who assisted in giving life in this place. Honestly I don't
even want to leave.
MaThabethe looks around the house.
“It even looks more clean. Kuyasho kukhona umuntu
wesifazane(It says that there is a woman)”, MaThabethe says.
“It is always clean mah",Mabutho says.
“Yes but not this clean.”,She says and throws her body on the
couch.
“I am tired being a wife is tiring”,She says.
“Let me make some tea for you”,I offer.
“Thank you MaSibisi”,I smile and make my way to the kitchen
leaving her with her sons.
I get some baked treats that Mabutho bought yesterday and
some juice from the fridge and then go and open the kettle to
make some tea.
I prepare for his brother and I hear some chatter and laughter
from the living room. When I am done I take the tray to the
living room and serve Mabutho's brother. I never really caught
his name. Mphembe literally has 29 children. How will I
remember all 29 children's names ?
“Thank you sisi",he says.
“Yebo Bhuti”
I go back to the kitchen and make some tea for MaThabethe
and look outside the window and watch as the grass is being
cut outside the house. I feel someone's presence behind me
and a hand rests on my waist and I freeze a bit.
“What are we looking at?",he whispers.
“The grass being cut”
“Is it satisfying?",he whispers again.
“Maybe”,I turn around and look up to him.
“Do you need anything?",I ask.
“Yes”,I wait for him to answer me but he doesn't.
“Mabutho what is taking so long!", MaThabethe asks.
“I am coming mah”,he says and he just quickly perks my
forehead and goes to take some bottled water from the fridge
and leaves the kitchen.
He does this everytime it has became a frequent thing of him to
randomly kiss my forehead. I don't get it, why is he doing that?
Is it even appropriate to even do so? I sigh and move from
watching the outside show and get on with the tea. Once I am
done and I get the baked treats and out them on the tray and
then I go and deliver them to MaThabethe.
“Noma Lingashisa kangakanani limnandi itiye. Ngiyabonga
MaSibisi (No matter how hot it is, tea is nice. Thank you
MaSibisi)",I smile and sit down.
She takes a sip of her tea and put some sugar inside and stirs it
before she takes a sip once again.
“How are you finding this place?”,she looks at me.
“I think we should leave you guys for a moment”,Mabutho says
and they leave with his brother.
“I am loving it Mah! Thank you, it's lovely and having to see
these animals is something else”
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I say.
“Your eyes are even lighting up”,she chuckles.
“I am happy that you love it”,I smile.
We sit a bit chatting and catching up with also how everyone
has been back home. A part of me misses it a little but another
part of me doesn't. I will see them when I see them. I am just
happy to away from the drama that MaThabethe has
mentioned.
*MABUTHO*
I am with my brother Bongani outside for a moment just to
catch up. We always exchange on who is taking mom where. If
maybe she is going to one of their houses I am one of the
people who fetch her from home and take her there. I stay for
one day and then I leave and will fetch her when she is ready to
leave but since my mother is leaving in two days I guess
Bongani is also leaving in two days. I am the youngest out of all
my brother's from my mother's womb but not necessarily the
youngest in my father's children. There are alot of them that
follow after me.
We are just seated outside on the garden that is at the
backyard and the sun is nicely up and blazing. It is not as bad as
a month ago surely showing that winter is approaching quiet
sooner than we thought.
“Kunjani ukuhlala noMamncane?(How is it living with
Mamncane?)”,he asks.
I sigh.
“Kunzima bafo(It's hard)”,he frowns and looks at me.
“Mom said we should be nice to her. Is she nice?”,he asks.
“She is okay. She is nice ”
“What is the problem?”,he asks. I sigh and close my eyes.
“Ngiyamthanda Bafo, ngithi ngiyayiziba lento kodwa ingihlupha
kakhulu kunakuqala (I love her, I have been trying to ignore it
but it bothers me more)”
He is in utter shock for a moment.
“She may be young but she is married to ubaba. What do you
say about that Mabutho? Don't you have Mandisa?”,I look
down and sigh.
“I know all of that and Yes Mandisa is still present. It's just I
don't know how to explain what I feel towards our step
mother”,he laughs.
“This, this is just too funny not to laugh at. I can't believe
this”,He carries on laughing.
“This is serious. I need some advice”,I say.
“You asked the wrong person. A part of me says go for it if it is
worth it and another part of me says that leave her alone
because she is with baba. Not legally but still would he agree to
let his prized possession go?”
“She is not an object”
“I hear you but Baba Adores her and Mom. I mean she asked to
be here and he allowed it. He wouldn't have with the other
wives. He has a soft spot for her”,he says.
“I do too”
“Weh Shwele! good luck with everything. Iyobona phambili(We
will see it )”,he says.
I sigh. I feel like burying myself at the moment just so I can
think things through properly but I know what I am feeling for
Mabusi. It's there and I like it. I don't think I have felt like this
around any woman before. I know love but this...this is what I
have never felt and it's not just Loving her.
*BUSISILE*
We chatted for over two hours with MaThabethe before I went
to the kitchen to dish up for everyone. I cooked earlier and
Mabutho put it in a warmer just so it could stay warm for me. I
needed him to help me get it out of there so I could dish up for
everyone. I made my way to where they are with his brother
outside and I stood a distance and bowed my head In respect.
“Ngiyaxolisa ukuniphazamisa(I am sorry to disturb you)”,I say.
“No it is okay”
“Bhuti Mabutho can you please help me with the warmer thing.
I would like to dish up for everyone”,I say.
“Oh okay. I am coming”
“Thank you”, I turn around and walk off to the kitchen.
I get in there and MaThabethe is making small chatter from
where she is. I guess she needed to rest since she is here she
hasn't moved from that couch and I don't think she will anytime
soon. I take out the glasses and start to rinse them for the juice
and then Mabutho walks in the kitchen that very moment to
help with the warmer.
He gets everything for me and when he is done he turns to me
and I look at him.
“Thank you”,I say
“Anyday, do you need more help?”,I shake my head.
“No, a man is not supposed to be in the kitchen”,I say
“Who came up with that?",he chuckles.
“It is supposed to be like that”
“Mmmmh. Let me leave you to it then”,he walks out of the
kitchen.
I stand there for a moment as I watch him walk out and then
move to dishing up for MaThabethe. I have to go and prepare
the room she will sleep in as well so as for Mabutho's brother. I
don't remember his name and I have to. It would be rude or I
could just refer to him to his clan name. Yes that is the safest
option.
As I am dishing up. My mind jots back to the time I was still
living at home.
____Flash back___
“Intombi iyaguqa ngedolo ipheke emlilweni(A girl goes on her
knees and cooks by the fire)",My mother said behind me as the
fire was burning as I am cooking.
She comes and looks over my pot as I am making some pap.
“Bonda Busisile Bonda!(Stir Busisile stir!)",I stir more as my arm
was feeling a bit tired.
But I couldn't be tired as yet until she is satisfied.
I held the metal handle of the pot and let it burn me just so I
could hold the pot in place. It wasn't as painful as it was the
first time. I am used to the pot burning me that I don't feel any
pain anymore.
“Yeah ushaya khona ke manje(Yes. You are doing well
now)”,She says.
I keep on stiring the pot.
_______

I finish dishing up and I make my way to go and serve them.

Chapter 8

It's night time and MaThabethe is in the bathroom getting

ready for her rest. I have prepared Mabutho's brother's room
where he will rest and also MaThabethe's room where she will
rest. I am still fluffing her pillows for some comfort. She comes
into the bedroom as I am placing the pillows on the bed.
“Hawu uselapha?(You are still here?)”,She asks.
“Bebgilungisa nje imicamelo(I was fixing the pillows)”,I say as I
run my fingers on them.
“You didn't have to. I could've done it on my own
“I want you to rest Mah. I know how it can be back home",I say
and she opens the bed.
“Ey Ngoba uyazi kodwa angifuni ukuk'gqilaza(I don't want to
slave you)",I smile.
“You are not. Let me leave you to rest. ”,I say moving towards
the door.
“Good night sisi
“Good night Mah”,I open the door and walk out.
I have washed the dishes so what is left for me now it is to
switch off the lights and make my way to my room so that I can
rest. I go downstairs and I switch off the lights. I turn anf bump
into someone.
“Ouch”,I quickly open the lights.
“Ngiyaxolisa(I am sorry)”,I say.
It was Mabutho. I thought he is in bed right now as he said he is
going to rest early.
“Kulungile. Ungakhathazeki(It's okay. Don't worry)”,he says.
I nod.
“You need something?",I ask.
“I don't have any sleep...”,I nod my head.
“Let me leave you to whatever you will be doing”,I share a
smile at him.
I move away from him but he calls out for my name.
“Can we go for a drive?",he asks.
“Ebusku?(At night?)
“Yebo, kuyasiza emoyeni(Yes, it helps with your soul)
“I have never heard of that before”,he chuckles.
“Its what City people do”,he says.
“But what will your mother say when she doesn't find us here?
“Don't worry. Please. We will be back
I sigh and look at him.
“Okay”,he goes and grabs his car keys.
“I need to wear my shoes.”,I say.
“Don't worry. You won't need them”,he picks me up.
“Mabutho”,he goes towards the door and opens it.
We go out with me in his arms and get to his car under the
shelter. He unlocks it and the lights flicker and he opens the
passanger door for me and places me inside and goes to the
other side and gets inside. He starts the car and helps me put
on the seat belt. I have never went out at night so I wonder
what will happen.
He drives out of the farm and it is silent on the road and dark
but the car lights up the way. He plays some soothing music
and it's quiet enjoyable. He then steals a glance at me as he is
driving.
“Mabusi”,he says and I look at him.
“Mabutho”,he heaves a sigh and holds onto the steering wheel
of the car a bit firmly.
“Ngiyakuthanda. Ngizwa ngikuthanda Kakhulu(I love you, I feel
like I love you. Very much)",he says.
I am in a state of shock.
“Ungithanda kanjani?(Love me how?)”,I ask.
“Njengoba ubaba ethanda Wena nami ngikuthanda kanjalo
kodwa kakhulu(Just like my dad loves you, I love you like that
but more)”,he says
I don't know what to say. I am trying to wrap my head around
what he is saying.
“Mabutho Ufana nendodana Yami(Mabutho you are like my
son)”,yes I might be younger than him but he is still my
husband's son and that makes me his mother right
He slows down the car until it stops and he turns off the
ignition.
“Mabusi please look at me”,I look at him as he faces me.
“Ngiyakuthanda. I have been trying to fight it kodwa cha
angikwazi. Ngiyakufuna mama(But no I can't. I want you
Mama)”,he says and my heart skips a beat.
“Mabutho”,I softly say. Rather speechless more than anything.
“I know you are married to my father. I know that you are a
woman of morals but please give me a chance. Us while we are
here.
“I can't cheat on my husband Mabutho. With you especially
ngeke ngikwazi(I can't)”,He sighs and closes his eyes.
“Okay”,he opens his eyes and looks at me.
“I will give you a moment”,he says and then undo his belt and
gets out of the car.
Where is he going? He walks further from the car. I sigh as my
heart is beating very fast. I have never expected this at all. I
thought he was being nice just because we are family but I
guess not then. I sat there for some time while the radio was
playing some music. I was waiting for him to come back inside
the car so we could leave and go back but he wasn't coming. He
was still stationary in one position. I closed my eyes for a
moment before I breathed in and out and opened the car door
and got out of the car and made my way towards him and
stood behind him.
“Mabutho”,I call out for him.
He turns to me.
“Why are you walking on your feet?",he asks as he comes
towards me.
“I wanted to come to you",he picks me up once again in his
arms.
“Ngiyaxolisa(I am sorry)”,I say.
“Why are you sorry?”,He places me on the car bonnet.
“Its just that I am scared. I have never been with any man
before. Your father would've been my first one. I don't want to
being shame to my family and yours as well. Also Mandisa. She
is in your life and we shouldn't causing pain and
disappointment to those people. I will receive the bad end of it
more than you”
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He holds my face and gives me a light perk and I close my eyes
for a moment and open them to find him looking at me.
“I want us to take that risk. I want you Mabusi if you want me
as well. I want to give you love and be the only person I love”,I
don't know why but hearing that warmed my heart for a
second.
“Okay”,I say.
“Okay?You are agreeing to this?”,I sigh a bit hesitant but
eventually I nod.
“Yes”,He smiles as I say that.
“Ngiyabonga MaSibisi ngeke uzisole(Thank you MaSibisi. You
won't regret it)",I hope I don't.
“Are we going back home now?",I ask.
“I want us to stay here for some time. I want to hold you in my
arms”,he says.
“Uhm okay”,he gets me off the bonnet and goes to the back of
his car and opens there and places me on the back seats.
He gets inside and closes the door and pulls me to him. He
smells so amazing. I have mentioned before that I love the way
he smells. It feels warm to be in his arms.
“I love you MaSibisi”,I smile and close my eyes for a moment.
_____
I woke up to the sound of chickens clucking from afar and I
opened my eyes to find myself in a room that I am not familiar
with. I look around and I am in a top that I don't know. I sit up
and smell it then it hits me that it smells like Mabutho. I don't
remember being here. All I remember was being in his arms
when we were in the car. I got off the bed and saw my dress on
the little couch in his room and I went towards it. This must be
his room. I have never been inside of it so I don't know how it
really looked like until now. I take my dress and then I see a
bunch of flowers on the dressing table and I go there. There is a
card and I take it and open it inside as I am curious.
“To MaSibisi. Ngithanda ukubonga ngokunginika inhliziyo yakho
enhle ukuthi ngiyinakekele. Ngiyakuthanda futhi ngiyethembisa
ukuk'thanda ngendlela efanele. Mabutho(I would love to thank
you for giving me your beautiful heart for me to look after. I
love you and I promise to love you the way you should be
loved. Mabutho)”,I found myself smiling as I look at the letter
and take the flowers and hold them close to my body. I stand
there for a moment admiring them before I rush out of his
room leaving and going to mine. I close the door and breathe
out as I was not caught.
I lay my body on the bed and smile once again. I think I like
him. Yes I do like him. No man has bought flowers for me
before. As I am thinking about yesterday's events my phone
rings and I get up from the bed and take it. It's Mphembe. I
answer the call.
“Baba, Ninjani?(Baba how are you?)”,I ask.
“I am well Mamncane. Ngabe usekahle ninoMathabethe
Lapho?(Are you well with MaThabethe there?)”,He asks.
“Yes we are well
“That is good. I miss you here at home. When is Mabutho
bringing you back ?
“I don't know. I will ask him”,I say.
“You should come back. We need to make some children. I am
not getting any young”he says and my heart skips a beat.
“Yebo baba
”Kuhleke,Ngizophinde nginithinte ntambama(Good, I will call in
the afternoon)
“Okay
“Bye”,I say my good byes and we hang up.
I feel like smashing my phone. This just put my mood down. I
just can't imagine myself sleeping with Mphembe. He doesn't
smells as nice as Mabutho does and he is old. Very old for me. I
will feel like I am sleeping with my own father. I sigh and close
my eyes. I hope I don't go home early until I can be able to face
the fact of sleeping with Mphembe.
I get up from the bed after some time and I go and take a
bath. After I was done I got dressed and I then folded
Mabutho's top nicely and put it in my drawer then clsoed it. I
walked out of my room and made my way downstairs. I found
MaThabethe busy in the kitchen.
“Awu Wavuka Ntombi(You are up)",MaThabethe says as she is
dishing up some porridge.
“I am sorry for waking up this late”,I say
“It is okay. You need to rest, I am sure Mabutho is overworking
you here”,she says with a smile.
I still can't get over how beautiful this woman is.
“Thank you mah
“They are outside. You can go and join them. I will bring the
food
“Can I not help you?",I ask.
“No. I will do this on my own. Wena go and sit with the others”,
I sigh and nod as I make my way out of the kitchen going
outside.
There he is seated with his brother and Sbu as well. They are
chatting away.
“Awu Ntokazi, how are you?",Sbu greets.
“I am well Sbu, how are you?”,I smile.
“I am always happy to see you”,he says.
Mabutho gets off his Chair and pulls one that is next to him and
I look down shyly as I sit down and thank him. He sits back next
to me.
“I am Bongani by the way MaSibisi”, Mabutho's brother says.
“I am glad to meet you once again”,I say.
He nods and we keep on speaking. Mabutho would casually
run his fingers on my lap as he is talking to others or hold my
hand from time to time and let it go then go back to it. His
mother came in with the food and we helped her place
everything down and thanked her for that. She joins us and we
start with eating.
“I have an event to attend today and I would like MaSibisi to
accompany me”Mabutho says out of the blue.
“What about Sisi Mandisa?”,Sbu asks.
“She is busy”,Mabutho dismisses the issue and I look down.
“You will see nice looking boys there Busisile”Mathabethe says.
“Mah”,Mabutho looks at his mother as he says that.
“Hawu she is young. She needs to see good looking things once
in a while
“Like me”,Sbu says and we laugh.
“Yes Sbusiso
“Mmmh”Mabutho says.
We carry on with eating. I wonder what happens to these event
thingies. I am yet to see what really happens.
“Shouldn't Busisile go and do her hair and get a dress and all of
that?"MaThabethe asks.
“I have that taken care of mah”She nods and Mabutho looks at
his wrist watch.
“I have to rush somewhere”,he says.
“Okay”,he stands up and goes off. We stay and carry on eating
until we are done.
We collect the dishes and I go and wash them. I feel someone
come behind me and kisses my neck softly. I knew who it was
from the scent.
“Are you not leaving to rush somewhere?
“I am but I couldn't leave without greeting you",he says.
“Anyone could walk in”,I say and turn around to look at him.
“Thank you for the flowers.
“You liked them?”I nod.
He kisses my forehead.
“I am happy you like them Sthandwa sami
“You have to go now”,I say.
“Usuyangixosha?(are you chasing me away?)
“No I am not chasing you away",I say
“Mmh okay I will go. I will see you”,I nod and he goes out
leaving. I watch him disappear before I go back to doing the
dishes. I sigh as I think about things back home but I let it not
ruin my mood any further

I would like to apologize for not posting any chapters these past
few days. I have been busy an I couldn't get the time to write
them but I do apologize.
I sigh as I think about things back home but I let it not ruin my
mood any further.
Chapter 9

I went on to help around the farm with anything that I could

help with as I get myself busy. Today I am not working with Sbu
but somewhere else in the Chicken department this time
around. I was the one collecting the eggs while they were
eating into the baskets carefully. I took only a few and then left
their nests.
“I collected quiet a lot”,I say to the one I am working with.
“It is okay. Tomorrow is still another day plus more eggs were
collected earlier”,he says and smiles.
“Okay then”
“So how far are you with your studies?",He asks and I look
down.
“I am not studying anything. I just have Matric”,I say.
“Mmmh. Do you wish to?”he asks.
“Yes, but I have to ask someone in order for me to do so”,I say
softly.
“Hopefully Mr Ntuli will help you like he did when I came
here”,he says and moves making his way out of the coop.
“What did he do?”,I ask finding myself curious
“I had Matric too but he gave me a job here and did more than
giving me a job. He made me study partime to further my
education. Now I have a degrees that corresponds with what I
do here. I could leave and get a better job but I love it here and
the pay is very good as well”,he smiles.
“That is nice of him”
“He is nice but also not nice when you overstep on him.”,I nod
my head.
“Bring those eggs here”,he says and I give the eggs up to him.
“How old are you?”
“I am 29 years old”,I nod my head.
“I have to go, thank you for teaching me today”
“Anytime Mabusi”,I narrow my eyes and nod before walking
away.
I bite my bottom lip as I am walking away in thoughts. Very
deep thoughts and I sigh for a moment. I can't believe what I
am about to do.
I make my way inside the house and find MaThabethe watching
some TV drama and she turns around to me.
“Awu you are back”
“Yes, I need to wash my hands”,I quickly say.
“Yes you should. There is someone upstairs waiting for you.
Apparently uthunye uMabutho ukuze akusize ulungisele
lomcimbi eniya kuwo kusihlwa(sent by Mabutho o help you
prepare for tonight's event that you guys are going to)”,She
says.
“Oh, ngiyabonga(Thank you)",I say in confusion.
I go to the kitchen and wash my hands in the seperate sink and
after I get done I make my way upstairs and try to find this
person who is said to be upstairs. I get to my room and find my
room transformed for a moment with mirrors and chairs and
clothes around that are on a rails and everything is there that I
don't know.
“Oh hello.”,This man turns around.
He is in pink shorts and dressed like a woman.
“Hello, may we help you?",he asks.
“What are you doing in my room?”,I ask.
“Are you Busisile?"
“Yes”
“Finally! We have been waiting. We have alot to do honey
come”,he pulls me inside and sits me on the chair. The lady that
is with him I assume comes closer.
“What are you here for?”,I ask.
“To transform you into beauty. That's what we do”,he says with
much happiness inside.
“Ohw”
“I am going to enjoy transforming you honey boo“
I don't know what to expect from this but I have to trust that
they won't do anything wrong to me right?
________
I was feeling tired as it has been hours since I have been sitting
on this chair. My eyebrows plucked and my hair washed also
everything was done to me. Some were painful things and I
don't want to lie. I didn't enjoy those parts. I hated them
honestly speaking and if I was to do them again it wouldn't be
anytime soon. They blow dry my hair and they got me dressed
in a beautiful dress. The shoes they made me wear were nice
small baby heels as I can't wear heels. After that they started
doing my face and doing my hair as well. This was the first time
my hair was being done like this. I enjoyed that part. They got
done after some time.
“Oh my God you are really beautiful!”,The pink man said. That
is what I will call him.
“Thank you”
“People at the event will be blown away”,I think that is a bit far
fetched if you tell me.
“Thank you so much”
“Pleasure honey. My pockets are going to sleep happy
today”,he says.
I don't know what he means but I guess his pockets will be
happy somehow.
A knock comes on the door and they tell the person to come in.
MaThabethe peaks her head inside and comes in after.
“Waze wamuhle boh! (you are so beautiful!)”,She exclaims and
I look down shyly.
“Ngiyabonga Mah(Thank you Mah)”
“Come, time is running and Mabutho is ready to leave. I wanted
to fetch you here”,she says
I thank the people who were helping me get prepared and
MaThabethe took my hand and held it in hers and we made our
way out of the bedroom. We were chatting as we made out
way down the stairs until we got to the bottom.
“Mabutho!”,She calls out for him. His brother stands up from
the couch.
“Wamuhle MaSibis(You are beautiful MaSibisi)",Bongani says.
“Thank you”,I say and look away shyly.
“I am coming Mah”
“Time is running. You will be late”,MaThabethe says.
He walks in from the kitchen wearing a suit. He looks
handsome, his mother made a good contribution making him. It
is like he was crafted with time and God took his time crafting
him into perfection.
“Wow!”,He says I guess absent minded because he clears his
throat after.
“You look Nice MaSibisi”
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he says.
“Thank you”
He places the bottled water down and turns to me.
“We can go now”,he says.
“Yes go. You are late",his mother emphasize that.
I breathe in and out before we make out of the house saying
our goodbyes. Another car was waiting for us outside. He
opened the back door and I was wondering why until I saw that
there is someone seated in the front. He got in with me and
closed the door. His mother was waving outside and I waved
back at her. She is such a nice woman.
“You look amazing Sthandwa sami”,he says and places his hand
on my lap. I look at him.
“Thank you, you are also beautiful”,He smiles and shys away
from my face.
“Thank you”,The car starts moving and he takes my hand into
his and holds me.
“Ngiyakuthanda yezwa?(I love you okay?)”,I nod.
He smiles and I do the same. I am quite excited to know what
the night has instore for us really.
“Mabutho”,I look at him.
“Mama”
“Can I ask you something?",my heart is beating fast as I say
that.
“Uhm you can”,he says.
I breathe in and out that moment.
“I would like to study in University. I really want to. I want to
ask if you would allow me. Mphembe said I should not and
work here and...”,he interrupts me.
“I will allow you”,he smiles.
“Really?”,I am in disbelief.
“Yes. I will allow you. It's something you want and I could only
support you Sthandwa sami. Plus my father wouldn't know
since you live here with me now”,he says.
“Oh Nkosi Yami ngiyabonga(Oh my God, thank you)",I hug him
and he holds me in his arms.
“Anythung for you”,I smile.
I feel so happy. I was scared of even bringing that up.

*MANDISA*

I knocked off quiet early today. Mainly because my father left

early to be with his wife which meant that I can knock off early.
I wanted to visit Mabutho but he told me his family is here so I
could not visit since well I am no his wife but not yet. Soon I will
be his wife. I really miss him I won't lie. I have soaked myself in
the bathtub. It has been a hectic week already so I needed the
time to relax. I close my eyes and sigh as I let my body relax
before going to grab a glass of wine and I drink it up then place
it back where it was. I play with water as I am laying there. I will
have to ask Mabutho that I swing by his office in town so I
could see my man. I really do miss him.
*BUSISILE*

We arrive at the event and the car comes to a stop and

Mabutho hops out and comes to open the door for me. I thank
him as he takes my hand into his and make our way inside the
place. It looks beautiful and all the ladies here look amazing
too. I Don't feel out of place with how I look. We go to a table
and Mabutho greets a few people he knows there. He seems to
know them well. We get seated that moment and he places his
hand on my lap as we are seated.
“Tell me when you want to go home”,he whispers into my ear.
“I just need the bathroom to go and pee”,I whisper to him.
“Should I accompany you?”,I nod my head slowly.
I don't know these people so I don't want to be lost.
“Okay, Gentlemen I will be back in a moment”,Mabutho
announces to the men around the table.
“Sure”
“Come",he takes my hand and we stand up.
We make our way to the bathrooms I assume. He is guiding me
through the way. We get to the bathrooms and he stands by
the door.
“I will wait for you here”,he says.
I nod my head and make my way inside the women's
bathroom. I sigh and went to go and pee. I did what I needed to
do then I got up when I was done. I flushed and made my way
out to wash my hands. I get done and look at myself through
the mirror. Who knew I would look this nice one day? Mmmh. I
made my way out of the bathroom and Mabutho was still
where I left him.
“Thank you for waiting for me”
“I wouldn't leave you. Come”,he pulls me and we make our way
away from the bathrooms. He leads the way to a open outside
area that looks nice.
“Aren't we going back to where we were?”
“We will. I just want some time to look at you”,I shy away.
“Mmmh”
He goes behind me and wraps his arms around me and kisses
my neck softly. I giggle a bit.
“You like that?”,he says into my ear.
“It feels, it makes my knees feel shakey”,I say.
“That is your weak spot”
“What is that?”
“A spot that I will use more often”, he says and kisses the weak
spot once again.
“Mabutho”,I say as I start breathing a bit heavily.
“Mabusi”
“Mmmh”,I close my eyes.
“Are you okay?”,he asks.
“Yes I am”,he chuckles lightly.
“Lets go back inside. You will get more of this at home",he says
and I turn around to look at him.
“At home?”
“Will you sleep in my room tonight?”,he asks.
“Won't your mother know?"
“I promise I will be descrete. I will come to your room. I love
having you in my arms”,I blush.
“Lets go back inside”,he nods and we made our way inside to
the rest of the event.
The event was going so well I would say. I don't feel left out at
all. Mabutho would give me attention just to make sure I am
still okay and enjoying. It is nice going out and MaThabethe was
right. There are good looking men I see here but it means
nothing at all.
Chapter 10.

The event was wonderful. I won't lie but I was starting to get a
bit tired and also I don't stay up until this late usually. Mabutho
gave me his blazer to put on over my shoulders as I was feeling
cold but now I am better. I watch him as he talks to the person
beside him for a moment. I am just here thinking about
Mphembe and also my family. I never thought I would marry a
man as old as him. What is Mabutho doing with me? Why does
he love me like he says he does or does he? What about
Mandisa? Didn't he say that he wants to get married to her
next year. Will she be his wife while I am married to his father
and keep our relationship a secret. Yes it will be a secret if it
happens that we really take this seriously.
He places his hand on my lap and turns to me and his touch
snaps me out of my thoughts.
“Are you ready to go home?”,he asks and I look into his eyes
and nod before shying away.
“Yes”
“Okay, We can go”,He stands up and says his goodbyes and I
also do the same.
He leads the way out by holding my waist and we get out of the
venue we were in. He leads me to the car and then opens the
back and helps me inside. I get inside and he closes the door
and goes around the car and gets in also. He closes the door
and the car starts to move. He holds my hand into his and looks
at me.
“Did you enjoy yourself?”,he asks.
“Yes I did”,he kisses the back of my hand and I feel flutters in
my stomach.
“I will talk to someone I know about you going to University
soon but we will speak about that tomorrow”,he says.
“Are you serious?”,I ask in utter disbelief.
“Yes Sthandwa sami. I am”,I smile.
“Ngiyabonga kakhulu (Thank you so much)",he smiles.
The rest of the ride was just okay. We would speak here and
there and he would mention some things about the farm. His
phone rang and he took it out of his pants and he looked at the
screen. I saw who it was and it was written “Mandisa",I look
away towards the outside of the window and the ringing
stopped and then I felt his hand on my shoulder.
“Mabutho this is a difficult thing we are doing. We will be
hurting alot of people here. Not only Your father, Mandisa, My
family but also ourselves”,I say.
“I will take care of everything Mabusi. Trust me”
“How?”
He is silent for a moment.
“For now I don't know but I will. I want you ”
“I am someone you are not supposed to have”,I say
“Mabusi don't say that”,he says.
“I am being honest”
He keeps quiet and I turn to face him and he looks at me.
“I won't hurt you. That is what I promise”,he seems sincere.
“Okay”
I sigh. This is tough, this is going to be a really hard thing to do
and go about. What we are doing is something we are no
supposed to be even doing or starting.

*MABUTHO*

Busisile rested her head on my shoulder when she was feeling

sleepy. I made her do that so that she can have a support
structure for her head. I feel like she has alot of things to get
through at the moment. I understand her concerns about
everything but one thing I will make sure is that I treat her well.
Mandisa called a few times but I didn't answer my calls for now.
I will once I get home and have put Mabusi to rest. She shifts a
bit and I look at her and make sure she is atleast in comfort.
The driver drives inside the farm as the gate opens and closes
behind the car as it drives in. I brush Mabusi's face gently as I
look at her. The car finally comes to a stop and then the drive
hops out and opens the door. She looks so peaceful and I don't
want to wake her up. I gently get her on my lap and hold her in
my arms and then get out of the car and the driver closes the
door behind me. I make my way towards the house and I was
able to open the door before walking inside. The lights were off
for a moment. I was about to make my way up the stairs when
someone spoke.
“How was the event?”,I look around I see Bongani seated while
doing some work on his laptop.
“ It was good”,he looks at me.
“Mmmh”
“Let me put her to rest”
“Are you serious about that?”,he asks pointing at Mabusi who
was still in my arms.
“Yes”,I say.
“I won't ask how or say anything but uzozibonela Wena(You will
see for yourself)",he says and I look at him for a moment before
going up the stairs.
I got upstairs and I went to my room and I got inside. I sighed
and closes my eyes before laying her on her stomach and
unzipping her dress from the back and going down. I took it off
her and went to get my top and put it on her before placing her
properly in bed. After that I went over to the balcony and I
closed the sliding door and started calling Mandisa. It rang a
few times before it got answered.
“Baby"
“Mandisa”
“I have been trying to call you”
“Yes, I know. I saw”
“What is going on lately. I miss you?”,she says while sulking.
I sigh.
“Nothing”,I say
“Oh okay. Can I swing by your work place tomorrow?",she
asks.
“Yes sure. We need to talk"
“You are scaring me. Is it something bad?"
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she asks.
“In my view no it is not"
“Oh okay then. I am sleepy. Let me rest"
“Okay then bye”
“I love you",I sigh before hanging up.
I hold onto my phone for a moment and stay outside for a bit. I
need some fresh air to think a little.
*BUSISILE*
I woke up in the morning. The sun hasn't been up as yet. I look
around and I see Mabutho laying next to me. I sit up quickly
from the bed. When did I get in here? I ask myself that question
and then look around the room. His grip around my waist starts
to tighten.
“You are awake",he says.
“How did I end up here?"
“You fell asleep Mama”,he says.
“I did ?”
“Mmmh”,I look at him and he still has his eyes closed.
“I have to leave”,I quickly say.
“Don't for now. I love having you in my arms”,he says.
“Really?",He nods his head.
“Mmh”
“I shouldn't stay for long. Your mother will be awake any
second”,He pulls me to himself.
“I promise she won't see you”,He says and I start to ease up a
bit and he pulls me to him as I lay back on the pillow.
“I am not sleepy anymore",I say softly.
“You will watch me sleep then”,he smiles and I giggle.
“Mmmh”,I look at him as he sleeps.
The most thing I am grateful for is that no one saw me getting
out of Mabutho's bedroom in the morning in his Tshirt from
last night. I had showered an got dressed while he was getting
ready to leave for the office. I made my way down the stairs
when I was done and I found MaThabethe singing in the
kitchen.
“Good morning mah”,I say
“Good morning my child. How are you?"
“I am well, yourself?"
“I am good. How was yesterday?",she asks.
“I didn't understand alot of things but it was nice”,I say.
“Ubungeve umuhle izolo(You were so beautiful yesterday",she
says.
“Thank you",I blush.
“Where is Mabutho?",she asks.
I was about to answer when he entered the kitchen.
“Mah",he goes to greet his mother and sits on the high chair
and winks at me. I blush while shying away.
“Morning. I have made some food. Come an eat”,MaThabethe
says.
“I will miss you",I say to her.
“Me too, I enjoyed being here for these past two days"
“Do visit phela ",she adds on and we share a light laugh.
“I will”,I say softly.
I just don't want to have a child with Mphembe. If I go home
now it means that and I won't work here. I don't know if I
should Tell Mabutho so he doesn't let me go. Maybe I should, I
don't know.
Chapter 11

MaThabethe and Bongani left quiet earlier than I anticipated.

Bongani had to go and do something and that required for
MaThabethe to be dropped off early as he can't do it later. It
was really sad to see her go. I really was sad and kind of wished
that she could've stayed longer but I understand that she is a
wife just like I am and has to go back home and take care of her
husband even though he has many wives. I sometimes wished
that we stayed here permanently and forever with no one
disturbing us but be consumed in unexplainable happiness that
we don't even know where it even comes from. Does that even
make sense? Can you make any sense of what I had said? No?
Yes? Okay anyway. Mabutho also left. He said he had to go and
work in town and so I understood. Running such a big operation
requires alot of work from him for it to succeed and from us as
well as we are part of the team that is helping with how
everything will operate.
This means I was left at the farm house alone. I cooked some
food to keep myself busy after helping Sbu out. I want to do
more but they don't let me do more work. They say they will
take care of it and I just don't know why they don't let me work
tirelessly like them. Anywho I was done with cooking and I was
just washing some dishes in the kitchen when I heard the door
bell ringing. I frowned a bit but then thought it must be one of
the workers. I wiped my hands and made my way towards the
front door and then I opened it to meet Lethu. The last time I
saw her was when we went to pick up strawberries on their
farm.
“Hello”
“Hello, how are you?”,she asks.
“I am well”, I reply.
“Mmmh,I came to see you”
“Me?”,I ask shocked at what I have for her to come and see
me.
“Come in”,I say and move out of the door and she walks in
while walking proudly in her high heels. She looks sophisticated
today.
“Please be seated. I will be back shortly”
“Sure”
She goes and sits down and I go to the kitchen and make some
refreshments for her wondering what she is doing here and to
see me for what? That was what was roaming in my head. Just
after that when I was done making refreshments for her I went
to the living room and served her the drinks.
“Thank you",I nod and sit down on the couch.
“I am sure you are asking yourself why am I here”, I no to her
statement.
“I know we met once and are not the best of friends but I
would love to get to know you. I really like your aura it
possesses some calmness and I like it or Maybe am I reading
thinga wrong?"
“How you feel about me is really how you feel about me”,I say.
“Mmh I hear you. So I would like for us to try and be
friends",she says.
I don't know. I have never really had many friends besides
being friends with Dudu.
“I don't mind”,she smiles.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity. So how are things
going?",she asks.
“They are going well"
“And Mabutho? How is he treating you?”,she says with a big
grin and I couldn't help but blush.
“Look at you”
“He is treating me okay”,i say
“Just okay? Girl with that smile on your face I think he is doing
some good treating”,she says.
“But I am married to his father. I shouldn't be smiling over my
step son”,she takes a sip of her drink and places it down.
“You are young and I am sure you want to explore guys your
age or guys close to your age and not old men who lived their
lives. I am not judging but I am just saying. That man has a thing
for you and he won't let it go until he has it with you. I know
Mabutho through my husband and he is a determined person. I
have seen him with another girl but the way he behaves around
you it is like he is a teenager all over again”
“Don't you think I will be betraying my husband. That he will be
betraying the girl he is with?"
“Yes I won't lie. It will be like that but of you guys are serious
with each other then you will fix it”,I sigh.
“This is hard”
“Don't worry. That is what I am here for”,she smiles. I don't
think I would pour my heart out like this.

*MANDISA*
I had just done with work and turned off my PC as it is lunch
time. I told my father I am going to be back. I just needed to go
and see Mabutho. I have missed him so very much. My farm
boy who didn't know what the City life had instore for him. I
love Mabutho. Yes at first I was hesitant that he is a farm boy
and I am a city girl but that didn't bother me anymore when I
got to be his girlfriend for a while. I love the way he is. I just
love him.
I swing by Nando's just so I can buy full chicken meal that we
can eat together and when I get my meal I drive off to his
offices in town to see him. Yesterday I was really missing him so
much. I get to the offices with much time to spare. I park my car
and I get out of the car with the food and then I lock the door
and make my way towards the offices. I got the admin needed
to be done when I got inside and then I made my way to
Mabutho's office. Who would've thought that the farm boy I
met in Varsity would be this big. I mean Mabutho loves his
agricultural life very much. It is like he breathes it only. I knock
on his office door and I hear a come in. I find him on call with a
little smirk on his face.
“Mmh ngiyajabula ukuzwa lokho.(I am so happy to hear
that)",he says.
Damn I have really missed him. I make my way inside and place
the food on his table.
“I will buy it. I won't forget",he says and chuckles while
swinging on a chair.
“Okay, bye”,he hangs up and looks up to me and I go around his
desk and give him a kiss in the lips.
“I have missed you so much",I say. I really did.
“I did as well”
“You have been busy I see”,I say moving away from him and I
go to prepare our lunch.
“Things have been hectic. Trucks have been delayed on the
road in delivering the milk supply”
“They are delayed by what?”
“That is what I have been trying to find out”
“Don't worry. Everything will be okay”
“Hopefully",he says and his phone rings.
“We are spending time",I say while giving him a look.
“I will be back in just a second”,he says and I huff before he
stands up and goes out of the office.
I stay there and start eating the lunch whole waiting for him.

*MABUTHO*
“Mama”,I say while answering my call.
“Baba”,I chuckle as he voice echo's through my phone
speaker.
“Did you forget something?”,I ask.
“Yes
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I did”
“And that is?”,I ask with a grin wide across my face.
“When you coming back home please pick me up at Lethu's
house",she says softly.
“How did you get there?",I ask with a frown.
“Lethu was here so we both left together”
“Mmh”,I bury one hand inside my pocket.
“Okay, I will fetch you when I get off”
“Thank you Ntuli”,I feel tingles go through my body as she said
that.
“Kubonga mina MaSibisi. I have to go",I say.
“Okay, Work well"
“Thank you”,We end the call and I sigh after thinking about
Mandisa who is in the office.
I turn back and make my way inside the office and she is
already eating.
“That call was lengthy”
“It was”,I reply.
I go and sit on the chair next to her and pull the Nandos. She
knows how I used to love it in Varsity. I would buy it every
chance I get.
“We should go out for Dinner tonight",She says.
“I can't tonight but tomorrow night we can”,I say and she
smiles.
“Thats perfect. It gives me enough time to prepare"
“For what?",I ask.
“For me to look good”,I chuckle and shake my head.
“What?”,She starts giggling.
“Usuyozipendake(You are going to paint your face)",I say
”I am”, I look at her for a while.
“You are beautiful",she blushed.
“Thank you”,I maintained my stare in her.
*BUSISILE*
I loved the strawberry farm the last time. I would admit I did
and so Lethu told me we should go to her house and she would
teach me how to make some strawberry pie. Her husband was
out. She told me that she is a house wife but she studied. I wish
that I can study, that is one thing I wish more than anything in
the world. We are not picking up strawberries this time but
there is a bunch in their kitchen. She goes and gets an apron
and puts it around her neck and hands another one to me and I
thank her.
“You will love the pie once done”,she says
“I hope so. Maybe I can make it at home once I know”
“Yes you can!”,she says.
We go and wash our hands and my phone rings. Is it Mabutho?
I take it out and it is Mphembe. I answer the call.
“Baba",I say
“Nkosikazi, Kade yagcinana(Long time)",he says.
“I am sorry”
“I understand you might have been busy. Are you okay?”,he
asks.
“Yes I am well. How is everyone home?",I ask and Lethu looks
at me.
“They are well. They are okay”,he says.
“That's good",I say.
“one of the girls is going to have Umhlonyana next week and I
want you back home”,he says. My heart skips a beat.
“Ohw”
“Yes. I want all my wives under one yard during that period”
“I will come back baba”
“Good”
Oh my God. I didn't think I would go back home this soon.
Chapter 12

I didn't think that I would be back home this early. Yes maybe I
didn't want to come back home as yet and see the other wives
and being insulted from every corner that I turn into but what
choice do I have because I have to come back and prepare like
the other wives. Well I thought I would come back a week
before but Mphembe gave me a benefit and said that I can
come back a few days before and Not a week. Mabutho will be
going down with me home. He had to pause his work for his
little sister's ceremony and ceremony's are a big thing in this
family. It is taken seriously so people should drop everything
they are doing and come back home.
We are a few kilometres from reaching the Ntuli household and
I have been sleeping and looking out of the window and talking
here and there with Mabutho but overall I am just nervous. I
am wallowed in thoughts as I am starting at whatever passes
infront of my eyes.
“What are you thinking about?”,It's Mabutho.
I turn to him and look at him as he shifts his focus back onto the
road waiting for me to answer him about my thoughts. I
haven't seen Mandisa since forever, I don't know what is going
on between them but it is not my business in this case. I sigh
and close my eyes before opening them and deciding to answer
him.
“Nothing”,I say. He quickly steals a glance from me. An intense
one and then he looks back onto the road.
“You can't say it's nothing Mabusi when you have been lost
since we left the farm”,he says.
“Ngikhathazekile(I am worried)”,I finally say.
A woman shouldn't share their marital problems. My problem
here is that I don't want to have children now with Mphembe
and I don't know how to avoid that. He is my husband and I
have to obey him. The fact that I have an interest in his son is
very bad. I could be crucified for it.
“Ukhathazwa yini mama?(What worried you mama?)”,he asks
and slowly takes my hand into his as he is driving.
“Mphembe wants us to have children”,I blurt that out and he
looks over to me.
I tighten the grip of my hand around his and he does the same
of which makes me relax a bit.
“You are scared?”,he asks.
“Yes”
“Of having children's?”,he asks.
“With your Father Mabutho. He already has many children. I
know he is my husband and I have to obey him but I am scared.
I just can't imagine my father ontop of me”,he laughs at my
distress.
“Mabutho don't laugh please”
“How can I not when you say it like that?”,I frown.
“Buka mama ngiyaxolisa kodwa ngeke kwenzeke lutho.
Ngiyethemba(Look I am sorry. Nothing will happen, I
promise)”,he says.
“He will want to rest in my room tonight”,I say
“Don't worry. I will take care of things and you will sleep with
me in my room”,I give him a look.
“Haibo Mabutho. No one should see me in your room. Your
mothers will have questions”,I say.
I love being in his arms, I really do but we can't do anything out
of order when we get home.
“Don't worry mama. Trust me”,I sigh.
“Don't get me into trouble Mabutho”,He slows down the car
when we are close enough to his home and stops it.
“Come here”,he perks my lips and I close my eyes as I feel his
tender lips on mine.
I open my eyes and look at him.
“Ngiyakuthanda Mabusi (I love you Mabusi)",he says with much
sincerity.
“Ngiyakuthanda nami Ntuli(I love you too)”,I say and he
smiles.
“Calm down”,i nod and breathe in and out before he starts the
car again an starts driving to his home.
When we approach the house already cars are parked outside
on the yard and you could see the little reunions there by the
gate with parents and their children. Mabutho drives in the
yard and parks his car and his mother already is on her way
towards the car. She comes to my side and opens the door for
me and Mabutho unbuckled the seat belt for me and
MaThabethe pulls me out of the car and squeezes me info a
hug while I can smell the sweet powder on her.
“I am so happy to see you Busisile!”,she says as she hugs me.
“Me too Mah”,I can officially say that this woman really likes
me.
“Hawu mama have you forgotten about me?”,Mabutho asks.
“I saw you two weeks ago Mabutho”,she says waving her hand
in the air dismissing her sulking son who hasn't been welcomed
by his mother
“Also Busisile. You saw her two weeks ago”
“Hayi Mabutho umona!”She says and Mabutho shakes his
head.
“Take her bags to her room. Come",she pulls me towards the
main house.
I breathe in and out preparing myself for anything and meeting
the other wives. I haven't seen Mphembe but I will see him
after greeting the other wives. We get inside the kitchen and
move to the living room and some of them are there with their
other children.
“Sanibonani”I greet.
They look at me.
“Hawu washintsa boh (You have changed),MaGasa says in a
bitter tone.
“She is young. She should change and explore”, MaThabethe
says.
“Ushadile njalo(She is married)”,MaGasa says.
I keep my silence for a moment and look down onto my feet as
they examine me. Yes I have changed a bit the way I used to
dress but I like it. It's not revealing as much but I have my
shoulders covered with the dress I am wearing so I thought I
looked fine when I left the farm. Now I wish I could go back
there for a while and just come for the event on the day then
leave again to the bubble I was stuck in there.
“Where can I find Mphembe?”,I ask.
“He is outside by the Kraal",MaThabethe directs me.
I thank her and I make my way outside the house to the Kraal. I
keep on taking short breaths like I am running out of air. My
chest starts feeling like it is depriving me of my lungs taking in
fresh air and taking out the air that is not needed. I get by the
Kraal and Stand a distance as I watch Mphembe and his other
married sons in there. I assume they are choosing a Goat that
they will slaughter for the occasion. I am sure two will be
chosen because this family on its own is big. Three would be
enough in my defence.
I stand a little while before Mphembe sees me and he moves
away from the Kraal and comes towards me. I breathe in and
out as he walks towards me.
“Baba”,I bow my head.
“I have missed you MaSibisi”,he says in a cheer voice.
“Baba”,I keep on saying that.
“Ngizolala kwelakho namhlanje (I will sleep in your room
today)”,That is something I have been avoiding or trying to
avoid.
I heave a sigh before I answered him.
“Yebo baba. It's fine I will prepare for you”
“I would love that. I have missed your foot baths”he says.
“Yebo”,I don't know what to say at this point.
I hear footsteps approaching us as I have my head bowed
looking at the floor and then they stop beside us.
“Mphembe”
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The voice says.
I breathe in and out. My breathing is trying to be steady but It
can't be in the manner in want it to be. The effect that he has
on me is something else that I don't know. I can't even be able
to describe it fi I want to.
“Mabutho Ndodana. Kuhamba kanjani (My boy, how is it
going?)”
“Its going well baba. It's going well”
“I hope so, are you treating your mother here well?",I gaze
upon them for a moment.
Mabutho steals a glance at me and smiles widely.
“Yes, we are living well.”
“That is good. I don't want any of my children to mistreat any of
my wives”
“Don't worry baba. I will take care of our mothers. Mah is
asking for Mamncane”,I look down again.
“Hayi, you can take her away.”, Mphembe says and we say our
goodbyes to him and walk away. As we are between the houses
going off to the main house Mabutho pins me on the wall and
hovers over me.
“Mabutho someone might see this”
“No one will”,I feel agitated already.
“Mabutho”
“Can I kiss your lips mama? I will let you go after”,he is not
giving me a choice here.
“We can't Mabutho”
“Ngiyacela(Please)”,he says softly as he leans towards me and
captures my lips.
He holds my face closer to his that our noses touch and I gasp
for air making way for him to passionately ignite the kiss more.
I close my eyes and for a moment I forgot what is going on and
the possibility of us being caught but enjoy the feeling. He pulls
my body closer to his and I feel fuzziness in my stomach as he
does so. It is like my body is feeling warmth that I don't know
how to comprehend. He breaks the kiss and looks at me with a
smile. He is charming. Still I will praise his mother till the end.
That woman birthed a beautiful child. Actually children because
Bongani is also perfect in my eyes. They are a perfect blend of
Mphembe and MaThabethe.
“You can go”,he says and steps back. I move away from him
leaving but I turn back and look at him standing there with
hands in his pocket while watching me as I move away from
him before I disappear from his eyes.
_____
I have been standing and going around since I came here. With
serving the girls who are locked up in the hut as well and also
with cooking and helping around. The more children came
today and I could say that it is a full yard today. I am feeling
tired after so long so I went to take a shower. It is the first time
I have used a shower here. I never have until I learnt how to use
it at the farm and it is very quick and convenient I should say.
After I was done I heard a knock on my door and I was
preparing bathing water for Mphembe. I o and open the door
and Mphembe walks in the room.
“MaSibisi”,he comes and pulls me close to his portbelly as he
smells of the goats blood.
“I need to bath and take a shower”,he says.
“I will prepare it for you baba”
“Thank you”,he plumps himself on the bed and I go and
prepare a shower for him.
I come back and take off his shoes and then start bathing his
dirty feet at the moment while massaging them. He closes his
eyes and moan at my touch.
“I missed this most about you”,he says and I smile.
“The other wives don't do this for me”
“That is sad"
“Mmmh”,A knock comes into my door and I am startled a bit.
“Ubani?(,Who is it?!)‘,he asks.
“NguSenzile baba(It's Senzile)”,I get off my knees as he groans
and I wipe my hand before I go and open the door.
Senzile stands infront of the door holding a trey with tea on it
and some biscuits.
“Kuthiwa angilethele ubaba lah(I was told that I should bring
this for baba)”,He says.
“Thank you. I will give it to him”
He nods and runs off. I close the door and go to Mphembe.
“This is for you”,I place it on the dressing table .
“Thank you. Mmmh”,he says.
“The shower water must be ready now”
“Let me start with tea before it gets cold”,I nod and he starts
with having his tea.
I go and discard the water and then go back inside my room.
My phone pings and I go and get it. It's a message from
Mabutho. I open it.
“_I will be there in an hour to fetch you_”,I don't reply. Instead I
ignore it.
He shouldn't be doing this. Putting our lives at risk like this.
Mphembe finishes his tea and goes out to get his shower.
_____
Would you believe me if I said that Mphembe fell right into
sleep right after showering. I don't know. I was expecting him
to initiate something since he said when I come back we will
start with making babies but no he is next to me snoring like I
don't know what.
I have been looking at the roof while laying next to him as sleep
hasn't come for me as yet or maybe it's because the snoring is
getting to me too much that I can't close my eyes properly for a
moment. My phone vibrates and I look over it and Mabutho's
name flashes over it.
I take my phone and answer the call.
“You can't call me at this hour”,I say.
“Open up or I am knocking on the door”,I feel my heart skip a
beat.
“No Mabutho go back to your room”,I whisper.
“I am not going anywhere Mabusi and people will see me
here”,he says.
“Go to your room. I will be there shortly”,I say while sighing.
“Okay, I will be waiting”,he hangs up an I sigh as I hold onto my
phone.
I look at Mphembe and then I tip toe out of the bed and wear
my shoes before making my way towards the door. I have to
quickly come back before he wakes up and realises that I am
not in bed with him. I open the door carefully and when it was
fully open I got out and closed it before running to where
Mabutho's room is. I feel hands snaking around me as I am
running like someone has caught me and I get a fright until I see
who it is.
“Stop running. Come”,he pulls me to his room quickly and locks
the door.
“Mabutho we can't do this. Your father might wake up any
minute now”
“He won't. Those sleeping pills are strong”
“What?”
He goes to his bed and opens it then fixes the pillows.
“Come let's rest. I will wake you up when it's time to go”,he
says.
“And your father?”,
“Don't worry about him. Trust me",he says and I sigh and get in
bed with him. He gets in behind me and kisses my neck sending
tingles down my spine to my toe.
“I want to sleep like this every night”,that can't happen as long
as we are here.
“Me too”,I say honestly.
I feel like sleeping too.
He brushes my back and it's soothing me. This, this will be te
death of me.
Chapter 13
As promised Mabutho woke me up. He gently moved me as I
was still consumed in the sleep that I was in and quiet frankly I
was enjoying every bit of it.
“Mmmh?”,I say with my eyes still closed as he shook me
gently.
“Its 3 am Mabusi. You have to wake up”,He says.
“I still want to sleep. Can't we rewind the clock?”,I ask while
feeling a bit cranky as well from being woken up.
“I wish I could do so but I can't”,he kisses my cheek then goes
to slightly biting my earlobe.
“Mmmh mhh Mabutho”
“Wake up Sthandwa sami”,he says and I finally open my eyes
and turn to him.
“You look beautiful ”,I know I don't but I don't protest against
him.
“Thank you”,I sit up from the bed and rub my eyes before I
start with getting off the bed and he holds my waist and pulls
me back.
“Mabutho I have to leave before anyone sees me”, I say.
“Wait for me. I want to accompany you”,he says and I sigh.
He lets me go and gets off the bed. I close my eyes as he is
shirtless then he tells me that I can open my eyes and I open
them. I then do and look at him.
“Come”,I slowly get off the bed and he takes my hand into
his.
He opens the door and checks the coast then he pulls me out of
the door and we walk together going towards my room. I hope
that Mphembe is still asleep. We get to my room and we stand
infront of the door. He cups my face and gives me a light perk.
“I will see you mama”,I nod my head and I open the door and
go inside careful not to make some noise.
I got inside and closed the door then made my way towards the
bed and Mphembe is not snoring anymore which worries me
but I get on the bed and keep my silence for a moment.
“Baba”,I call for his name but he says nothing.
I sigh after that and close my eyes for atleast an hour so that I
can wake up and prepare some food for him before he even
wakes up from this bed.
I walk from the kitchen with my long skirt covering my ankles
and a doek properly done on my head as I move along the
outside rooms going to my room to go and serve Mphembe. I
take a few breaths in as the kids greet me saying “Mamncane”,
as I walk past them and greet back as well. I get to my room
and Mphembe is all up and awake and dressed as well.
“Awu, sekuyikho leso sokudla Nkosikazi?(Oh it's food time
now?)”,he says as I bow to hand him the tray with porridge.
“Yebo baba”
“Ngiyabonga(Thank you)”,he takes his food and then he adds
what he likes into his porridge.
I look at him for a moment and then look down.
“I am sure you are tired. You should rest”,he says.
“I am not, thank you.”,I say softly.
“Hayi mawusho njalo ke MaSibisi (If you say so)”,I then excuse
myself that moment and leave him to enjoy his morning meal.
I cannot sit down and relax when everyone else is up and down
with preparations of the event that will be happening in just a
few hours to come. I haven't seen Mabutho this morning and
my mind just thinks maybe he is around the yard or maybe he is
with some of his siblings wherever he is. I go and help out
where ever I can. The huts are already polished for the day so I
don't have to do that today. The other wives seem to be staying
out of my way and then I stayed Out of theirs that moment.
“Don't you feel like you are too young for this?",I turn around
from what I am doing on the washing line. I was placing the wet
cloths on the washing line.
It was one of Mphembe's children the varsity ones.
“Excuse me?”
“I mean you are like my age so I don't get it.”,she says.
“I don't think you will even if you tried”,I say. She gives me an
eye.
“MaSibisi!”,I look up to who is calling me and it's Mabutho from
far ahead.
He is standing in a distance with hands in his pocket.
“Isho nje uthanda amakhehla(Just say you love old men)”
This girl says before she leaves.
I sigh before I finish what I am doing and I go to where
Mabutho is standing and I stand infront of him.
“Hi”,he says
“Hey”
“I need to go to town for something. Can you come with me?”
“Will that be okay? Is it allowed?”,I ask
“I asked permission from dad an he agreed”,He says.
“Okay then,let me go and put these pegs away”,I say
“I will wait for you in the car”,I nod and I turn.
“Mama”,I turn to him as he calls for me.
He mouths an I love you and I blush before rushing off with a
smile on my face. I go and out the pegs away and then I take off
iphinifa(Apron) and hang it in the kitchen before I go out
rushing to where Mabutho is. He is standing by his car talking
to one of his brother's. As soon as I come they wrap up their
conversation and I greet as they greet back before His brother
opens the door for me and I thank him and Mabutho gets in the
car as well and he starts the car. He hands a piece of paper to
me.
“Mom said I should get this so I will need your help”,he starts
the car and starts driving out of the Ntuli yards.
“Okay, I will help. Why didn't you come with one of your
sisters?",I look at him and he has a smirk on his face.
“I don't want to spend time with them like I want with you”
“Ah Mabutho”,he chuckles, then takes my hand into his.
“Ngiyakuthanda mama(I love you)”,he says. “I love you too”
He smiles and then brings my hand to his lips and kisses it from
there.
I like that, I really like it alot. I can't stop smiling when he steals
glances at me and looks at me for a moment. Music is playing
on the radio and he increases the volume of the song.
“Ngizokwenza uMam'Ntuli wami( I will make you my wife)",my
cheeks feel heated that moment. I close my eyes for that
moment.
*MABUTHO*
I can't help myself. It will be really heard for me to keep myself
away from Busisile these day. I wish she was all mine and I
wasn't sharing her with someone else. She is also sharing me
because I haven't broken up with Mandisa as yet though my
feelings for her are not the same anymore. I just don't know
how to break it down to her that I would want us to go our
seperate ways one day. Also this relationship of mine with
Busisile is a bit complicated but is there any relationship that
doesn't have any complications? I don't think so but I think we
will get through all of this.
We are going shopping with her and it gives me enough time to
spend with her. I love the innocence that she oozes and the
way she looks so clueless on other things. Makes me excited
that I will get to experiment first things with her. Like having a
burger for example.
“Do you want a burger?”,I ask her while looking at her.
She moves her eyes from the windshield and looks at me.
“Please, After buying what we need at home”,she says.
“We can start with your burger then shopping later”
“Haibo Mabutho people at home are expecting these things
early",she says and I unbuckle her seat belt.
“Well I don't care, they can wait”,I lean in and kiss her lips.
She is taken for a moment but when I deepen it she responds
quiet well to it. She releases a soft moan as per accompanied
with her heavy breathing. I want to touch her thighs but due to
the skirt she is wearing I can't careess those dark skinned
thighs.
“Mabutho",she says while catching her breath. I lick my lips
after the kiss.
“People are watching",she says with her eyes closed.
“They aren't”,she opens her eyes and looks at me.
“You are beautiful",she looks away
“Thank you”
I want to keep her as mine. Forever maybe?
Chapter 14
The way Mabutho is staring at me brings out the shyness in me.
I don't know what do with myself as he is staring at me. It's like
he staring into my soul or trying to reach for it and grab it with
his hands. He is pushing the trolley while I have the list in my
hands. We went to order some burgers from Steers and I can't
wait to indulge in one and taste all of those amazing sauces
that comes with them. I think I have found my new City
favourite food so far and that is the burger.
“I think we have found everything needed from this list”,I say
looking at the list them what is inside the trolley to make sure
that we haven't left anything out.
“I think everything is in here”,I say
Mabutho doesn't respond to anything I am saying so I look up
to him and he is quite staring at me for no reason that I know
of.
“Ntuli”,I say
“Mama”,he responds.
“Did you hear what I just said?”,he shakes his head without any
shame of hiding that he wasn't listening to me.
“I was looking at you. I can't listen and look at you at the same
time. I simply can't”,Haibo.
I frown a bit as he says that.
“What do you mean?”,I ask.
“You look beautiful”,The frown disappears instantly replaced
with a smile on my face.
“Thank you”
“That doek really suits you”
“Kodwa Mabutho, we need to start leaving so please let's focus
on checking if everything is in here”,I say trying to hide the fact
that I am blushing.
“It's okay, we can come back and buy what was left out if it
happens”,he says casually
“I don't think we will have time for that.”,He bites his bottom
lip and nod.
“Let's go and pay”,he says and starts pushing the trolley
towards the tills.
We get there and we stand in a que waiting for our turn. He
grabs some chocolate, P.S to be exact and then he placed it in
the load of things in there. When it was our turn we offloaded
everything for it to be scanned through and Mabutho paid for
everything.
“Are you collecting stickers?”,the cashier asks with such
politeness.
“No, thank you”,I smile and she nods.
We thank her and start making our way out of the store now
headed to the parking lot so we could offload all he thing that
are in this trolley. Once we get to the car Mabutho opens the
boot and the car guard comes rushing to assist. He goes and
opens the door for me and I thank him and get inside. Once
there when the car guard was done I saw him give him some
money before he went away with the trolley. I am sure some of
them back home are asking themselves where I am. Especially
Maka'Nkosinathi. She would have a very big problem because
she will think I am not really doing anything to help back home.
I am, I really am trying to get used to the wives but so far the
only wife I am close to so far is MaThabethe. If she knew what
me and her son are doing I don't think she would appreciate it
and would like it at all. That scares me, sometimes those are
the things that make me feel scared to do this. I am a married
woman fod goodness sake I am not supposed to be cheating on
my husband! But then again, part of me wants to because it
likes this feeling. This feeling of you being complimented by
someone who is young. Looks young, this feeling of having
someone to hold you every night while sleeping and gives you
kisses in the morning. I know Mandisa is still in the picture but
Mabutho makes me feel like it is me and only me in his world.
That I have nothing to worry about anyone sleeping next to him
because he will sleep next to me at night. Is it safe to say that
My step son behaves like my husband? Do you get it? No? It's
find you will with time.
I am snapped back into reality when the driver's door opens
and Mabutho gets in holding paper bags from Steers. He places
them on my lap and they feel warm.
“I chose Sprite cold drink for you”,he says while looking at me
as his perfume scent has invaded the car.
“Thank you”,I smile.
“Do we eat now or we go to my room when we get home”,he
says.
“We can't do that”,I say.
“We can”
“The family members will ask questions”,I say
He chuckles.
“I am joking kodwa ngizolala nawe angithi namhlanje?(I will
sleep with you tonight?)”,yes I have gotten used to it. I sleep
better when in his arms.
“Yes",here I am finding myself agreeing to this idea.
He smirks.
“Kwakuhleke(Wonderful)”
We start eating in the car, with me making sure that I don't
make it dirty. Moments in and already Mabutho is staring at
me. I don't know what to do with myself when he does that. I
don't know if I should stop eating or what. I really don't know.
____
“Sikhulekile kunina bo Ntuli, Mphembe...”
The thick insense smoke is covering the whole rondaval that is
filled with all of the Ntuli family members. There are alot of us
here which means this rondaval had to be big enough. A goat is
being choked by the smoke as it starts to get restless while
Mphembe is announcing that they are doing a ceremony for
the young girl who had just started her periods. I remember a
time.when I started mine. I never got Umhlonyana because my
parents don't have the means to do one for me. I wished I had
one. Even Umemulo omkhulu but I did get one of some sort
after Mphembe paid Lobolo for me to be his bride and before I
moved to live here.
I look around the room and MaThabethe is seated next to me
while she has a scarf over our laps to cover us both. This smoke
is getting too much at some point but we soldier on. After that
when everything was done we were released to go to what we
were doing. Tomorrow it's the ceremony and so we have to
make sure everything is really prepared.
“Haibo Ntombi awusho”,MaThabethe says as we walk out of
the hut.
“Mah”
“Have you seen Mabutho with someone nje at the farm. Like a
lady of some sort?”,my heart skips a beat.
She is fishing for some information that I do know but not
clearly.
“Ey Mah angazi ukuthi ngingathini(I don't know what to say)”,I
lie.
“Oh Hayi Kulungile khululeka. (it's okay, don't worry)Sleep
well”,she says and I walk off.
I am really tired and I just want to take a shower then go to
sleep. I get to my room and I close the door. I take off all my
clothes and also the doek and put on a shower cap and I go to
the bathroom and get on with showering. I step into the
shower and I start bathing. The warm water falling on my sling
and it feels amazing. I feel myself relax under the shower head
as I am getting wet.
“Mama!”
I am startled by a voice but then I listened carefully and it's
Mabutho. How did he get in here?
“Mabutho?”,I ask
“kwangathi uyangabaza ukuthi yimina(It's like you are doubting
it's me)”,he says while followed by a chuckle after.
“I didn't expect you now”,I say.
“I am tired. I just want to rest”,he says.
“Oh”I carry on with what I am doing until I am done.
I grab a towel and I wrap myself with it and get out of the
shower.
I walk into the bedroom and he is in boxers laying on the bed.
He turns to me and sits up when he sees me coming out from
the bathroom.
“Come here”,he says softly and I go towards him and he pulls
me to him and kisses my lips softly before he sucks on them
and I respond to the kiss with much energy and passion. He
then holds my waist bringing me closer to himself and I can feel
the heat.
“Mmmh”,I moan in his mouth as his hands travel from my waist
and hold my butt.
I throw my head back once he kisses my neck. Still that mush
between my legs is felt. So as the tingles and heat I am
feeling.
“Mabutho”,I say softly.
“Sthandwa sam”, he responds.
“Ngicela uthathe ubuntombi bami(Please take my virginity)”,I
say.
He stops what he is doing and stares at me.
“Mabusi”
“Take my virginity. I want you to take it and make me a
woman”,I say.
He is quite for a while and doesn't know what to say. He keeps
in blinking as if he is trying to figure me out and what I have just
said.
“You want me to take it?”,he asks.
“Yes I do”
“Busisile are you really sure about this?”,he asks once more for
my assurance.
“Yes, I am sure”
He nods and perks my forehead then lips before he kisses my
neck again. This time he removes the towel and he runs his
fingers between my thighs. I part my legs a bit and his hands
run from my thighs near my valve. He gets there and cups it
while kissing me. I moan as he lets his finger move to my clitoris
and he starts rubbing there. I moan feeling this little enjoyment
at the moment.
“My fingers are big so you might feel some pain”,he whispers
softly into my ear and I nod while throwing my head back to
give him more access to kissing my neck. He tries to put in his
finger but it is. Bit painful that I stood on my toes.
“Its a bit painful”,I say.
“Ngiyaxolisa Sthandwa sami should I stop?”,he asks as he finally
slips in the finger and thrusts it inside for a while before he puts
in another. I feel the pleasure and gasp for some air as that
happens.
“Mmh?”,he asks
“No”,What is this? Are fingers supposed to be in there? I
doubt.
It feel nice though. It makes me feel good and I like it very much
at this moment. I place my hands on his shoulders as he keeps
on thrusting his fingers in and out of me. I feel like my knees
are getting weak for a moment.
“Mabutho”
“Mama”
“I think my knees are failing me”,I say.
“Okay”,He says and then keeps on thrusting but holds my waist
and when I feel like I was about to fall from this pleasure I was
feeling he stops and he picks me up and places me on the bed.
He gets ontop of me and removes the towel completely. He
kisses my neck and then my lips.
“Ubungenzani?(What were you doing to me?)”,I ask.
“I was preparing you”,he says and I don't understand what it
was for but I enjoyed it.
“Are you ready mama?”,he asks.
“Yes I am”
He nods and gets off me and he goes and takes off his boxers
and then pulls me by my legs to come closer to him and then he
opens my legs. I can feel my heart beating against my chest. I
am going to loose my virginity tonight. He starts rubbing the tip
of his dick on my valve slowly and It feels nice before he started
increasing his pace and I felt the pleasure increase. He stopped
for a moment and pushed it in and I felt like jumping off the
bed because I was starting to feel the pain as he entered
deeper and deeper but he held my waist.
“Ungakhathazeki Sthandwa sami, kuzophela manje(Don't worry
my love. It will be over now)”,he says.
I nod my head as he goes in deeper as I close my eyes and held
onto the sheets. When he finally stopped I knew then that it
was gone. I am not a virgin anymore and I gave it to my step
son Mabutho.
____
I couldn't go out. Preferably I couldn't walk properly. Mabutho
was turning me upside down left and right tossing and turning
me like a pancake the whole night. He couldn't stop saying
thank you as he felt what he was feeling while inside if me. He
made me shake under his hold and I have never felt that
pleasure.
He left this morning after he made sure we took a shower and I
was okay. He promised that he would send a child with food to
my room so that I can eat and then rest after. I thank him for
that. A knock surfaces from my door and I shout a come in and
Sizile walks in with a tray that has some food on it.
“Sawubona Sisi, uthe uBhuti angilethe ukudla kuwe njengoba
ungaphilile(Hello Sisi, my brother said I should bring food for
you since you are not well)”,I smile. Honestly I really love Sizile.
He is a great child that I got along with when I first came here.
“Ngiyabonga, ungibongele(Thank you, please say thank you for
me)",he nods and places everything for me. When he was
about to walk out MaThabethe walks in the room and Knocks
on the door after.
“Hawu Ntombi how are you? Why are you in bed. I heard Sizile
say that you are not okay”,she asks with concern.
“Siyanginqamula isiluma Sami, angikwazi nokuhamamba Kube
engathi khona onginqamula inyawo(My period pains are bad
that I can't even walk, it's like someone is cutting my legs off)",I
lie partially. I can't walk because it's burning between my legs.
“Awu nkosiyami. I will send Phumlani to go and get some
medication for you that will help”.
“Thank you mah”
“Get well”,she stands up and smiles before kissing my forehead
and leaving out of the door.
I breathe out and start eating while events of yesterday come
back flooding into my mind like a movie as they play. I can't
stop thinking of how delicate and good Mabutho made me feel
yesterday. He made me feel good. Really good.
Chapter 15

*MANDISA*

I have been trying Mabutho for some time now. These days it is
a bit hard to get to my boyfriend Kanti I have always had a way
of getting to him even if he was going home I would've known.
Well I haven't seen him in a while so I was thinking of buying a
nice piece of lace and then I go and cook for him something
that is not heavy and won't make me gain some weight as well.
I am rummaging through my closet for something to wear as
my friend is rested on my bed typing away on her phone.
“Which dress is good?”,I ask her absent self.
I turn around and look at her while placing hands on my waist.
“Haibo!”
“That dress is good”,she points at the one I am holding.
“Its ugly"
“Why did you buy it then?"
“Mom bought it. Yazi Mabutho is acting strange lately”,I say.
She lifts her head and looks at me.
“I mean he lives with the lady so...”
“That's his step mother. I confirmed it when I got her
investigated. Plus she is too rural”
“If you say so”
“Plus Mabutho is not the cheating type. He never has so why
would he start now?”,I turn around and fish out for another
dress in my closet.
“Yes this one is perfect!",I say as I pull it out. My friend looks at
me and shakes her head before she carries on with whatever
she is doing on her phone.

*MABUTHO*
As much as I am here physically with my brothers but my mind
is not here. It's with Busisile. I want to go and check if she is
okay, I didn't have mercy on her yesterday and mainly because
it felt so good to be one with her that I couldn't resist myself. I
also can't believe that she gave me her virginity. Did she see me
worthy of it that much? I am happy, really happy I would say.
My phone rings and I take it out. We are by the Kraal outside of
it with my unmarried brothers while the married ones are
inside. I move away from them and look at it. It is Mandisa. I
have been trying to avoid her for a while. I still don't know how
to end things with her if I will. I answer the call.
“Baby”
“Mandisa how are you?”
“i am not good. I have been missing you”,I sigh.
“I have been busy lately”,I say.
“Yeah I know you always are. I want to come. I am at the mall
on my way there now”,she says.
“Actually I am at home”,I say while scratching my head.
“What? You didn't tell me”
“It slipped my mind. I am sorry”,there is silence between us for
a moment.
She heaves a heavy sigh from the other end of the line.
“Okay, I am not happy you didn't tell me though”.
“I am sorry”,she hangs up on me.
I know she is angry Wherever she is. I will deal with her later for
now I want to find a way to go and check on Busisile.

*BUSISILE*
I don't want to lie, I am bored out of my mind being in here. I
did fall asleep after some time and Mphembe came in to check
on me before leaving with MaGasa to go wherever they are
going. Tomorrow will be the day of the ceremony and I hope
that I will be better. Right now I am feeling better but the pain
is still felt down there.
A knock surfaces from my door as I am still layed in bed, just
woke up from my little nap that I had been in.
“Come in!”,I say.
I hope it's not one of the wives coming in here to ask me why
am I not up. Yes MaKhumalo already did that and made me feel
very bad about it. The door opens and he walks in and I get to
sit up as he walks in.
“Mabutho”,I pull the covers to cover my body well and he walks
in further closing the door and locking it.
“How are you? I have been wanting to check on you the whole
day and I couldn't hold myself now”,he says and comes towards
me and stands infront of me.
“You could've called”,I say
“I wanted to see for myself. Did you eat?”,I nod my head.
“Yes the kids have been bringing food in for me”,I say.
“I missed you. Seeing you up and down the yard”,I giggle and
look down.
“You missed what? You caused all of this”,I say
“I know”,he traces his fingers and lifts my chin up slightly so
that I can look at him and he places a perk on my lips.
He started kissing me really well and then I responded to the
kiss before breaking it.
“I don't want to end up being turned by you”,he chuckles.
“Okay, I should get going. Ngiyakuthanda (I love you)”,he says.
“I love you too”
He gives me a last kiss before he makes his way out of the door
and closes it. I am left in the room all alone again. I lay back on
the bed. I can't believe that I am not a virgin. I still just can't
believe it.
____
“Sibiziwe Thina
Advertisement
wele Mah ...!!”
The little girls are singing and dancing as we watch them half
naked with their boobs all out. Their look so beautiful with all
the beadwork around them. I am standing with the other
children who are more or less my age. MaJili is singing and
dancing more as her daughter is the one who is having this
ceremony. It is beautiful to watch, I won't lie. Yes today I feel a
bit better. Much better that I am able to move with everyone
else. If I was still a virgin I would've joined the little ones but I
am not so I am on standby with everyone else.
Bongani comes and stands next to me as we are watching
everything unfold. I am not used to him just like Mabutho's
other brother.
“MaSibisi”,he says.
“Hello, how are you?",I ask.
“I am good, how are you?",he asks.
“I am well”,I smile slightly.
We keep quiet for a moment.
“Uyamthanda ?(Do you love him?)",he asks suddenly after the
long silence.
“excuse me?",he stares at me.
“The first time he told me how he felt about I didn't believe it
was this serious",he says.
“Do you love him?",he asks.
“Bhuti I...”,I turn to him.
“Mabutho,do you?",I swallow as my heart beats fast.
“Don't worry about anything. I just want to know”
“I need to be somewhere",I turn and leave him there.
How does he know about our affair or relationship? I don't
want Mphembe finding out this way. I am scared, really scared.
I shouldn't have got into this situation. What if he goes and tells
his father? I take out my phone and call Mabutho as I am going
to my room.
“Sthandwa sam”,He answers.
“Please come to my room, I need to tell you something”
“Are you okay?"he asks with concern.
“Please come”
“Okay, I am on my way.”,he hangs up.
I really need to end this. I really need to end this whole thing
before it gets worse.
I keep on pacing up and down the room as I wait for him to
come. He comes after some time and he gets into the room and
closes the door locking it.
“Mama, what's wrong?",he asks.
“I...I ”,I swallow some spit in my mouth and breathe in and
out.
“I think we should end our relationship. It's not going to end
well for us Mabutho”he blinks and looks at me before
frowning.
“Wait what?"
“Its for the best Mabutho”
“You must be hungry, I will get you some food”,he turns going
to the door.
“Your brother knows about us so I don't want more people
knowing. It will lead to massive drama",I say.
“I said trust me Busisile and don't worry about him",he says.
”I will get you food, I will be back”,he goes to unlock the door
before opening it and going out.
I sigh and dump myself on the bed before burying my hands
over my face.
Chapter 16

I stayed in the room and I dozed off after some time waiting for
Mabutho. He left for a long time that is why I dozed off. When I
woke up I was woken up by him puting me under the covers.
His scent gave it away that it was him. It looked like lights were
on as well.
“What time is it?"
“Its late”
“Is everyone asleep?",I ask.
“No”,he tucks me in properly.
“Mabutho”
“Mmh"he looks at me.
I sit up properly off the bed and rub my eyes for a moment
before looking at him.
“Are you angry at me?"
“Why would I be Sthandwa sami?",I asks.
“That I wanted us to break up”
“That won't happen Mabusi”,he says.
I keep my silence for a moment and just look at him.
“I just felt scared for a moment.”
“I understand but talk to me and don't decide to take the easy
way out”
“Ngiyaxolisa Mphembe(I am sorry)",I look down and fiddle with
my fingers.
He places his fingers under my chin and lifts my head so that I
can look at him.
“Ngiyakuthanda yezwa?(I love you okay?)",I nod my head.
“I love you too”
“Don't worry about anything”,I nod my head once more.
“Okay”,he lets me go.
“Shift so I can get in bed”,I shift to the side as he takes off his
shoes and gets in bed.
He wraps his arms around my waist and I lay my head on his
chest. I wish I could lay like this in his chest forever. I wish there
was an forever in this situation.
“You are quiet. What are thinking of?",he asks.
“Nothing”,I softly say.
“Mmmh”,I lift my head to look at him.
“Really it's nothing”
“Baby you know you can talk to me”,he says.
“I know. I love you for that",he smiles.
“Awuphinde futhi ngizwe mama(Please repeat, I want to hear it
again)”,I giggle.
“I love you”,I say softly.
”I love you more.”,he says.
I sigh and breathe out.
“Won't everyone come and check up on me?",I ask.
“I told them that you said you are very sick so you don't want
any disturbances”,I shoot him a look
“Mabutho”
“I don't want interruptions with you”
“Mmh”,I shake my head. This man!
_______

*MANDISA*

I was angry I won't lie and hurt at the same time that Mabutho
didn't tell me that he is heading home. I feel like we are being
distant and that has never happened before. Mabutho has
never made me feel like our relationship is rocky, I just hope
maybe it's the anger and hurt that is talking more than anything
because I love that man and if there is another woman in his
life. That woman won't stay long and I will make sure she
disappears from Earth forever. I love my farm boy so much that
I don't see myself with anyone else. I don't see myself starting a
relationship with anyone else or see anyone who possess great
husband qualities like Mabutho.
My father already approved him and that is also important so I
don't think I want any other man than him.
I just woke up and I look at my phone expecting some message
but nothing. I sigh and dial his number and it rings a few times
before it is answered.
“Hello”
“Mabutho",I say.
“Mandisa, how are you?”
“A bit angry but I am okay. I just miss you”,I say
“I do too”,I sigh.
“When are you coming back home?”,I ask
“Tomorrow maybe”,he says.
“And what about work?"
“Everything is okay that side. Look my father is calling me. I will
call you okay?”,I just nod.
“Mabutho I love you okay?”
Advertisement
I say.
“I know”,he says.
I sigh and then hang up after that. Useqomile Loh, no it can't
be. Maybe I am just looking into nothing. Mabutho would not
cheat on me. He would tell me when he wants to go his
seperate way. He is not like that. I get off the bed and make my
way to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face.
Good thing it's the weekend anyway so I will just stay indoors
and watch some TV.

*BUSISILE*

I am ready to leave this place and be free with Mabutho and us

being together without behaving like thieves in the night. I just
finished bathing, he left early in the morning as usual without
anyone seeing him. He said I should trust him and I do trust
Mabutho. I just have never done this before. I haven't seen
Dudu in a while, I might as well ask to go and see her before we
leave. Yes! I should do that. I get out of the bathroom and a
knock surfaces from my door. I quickly grab a dress and wear it
before I go and answer the door and it is Mphembe. I open the
door widely while bowing my head and he walks in the room
and goes to sit on the bed.
“Baba”,I go towards him.
“MaSibisi unjani?",he asks.
“I am well and yourself?”
“I am fine. I am worried about you, you have been sick since
you have been here. I think you should stay behind for a while
before going back to the farm with Mabutho”,I look up to him.
“Ngicela ukubuza ukuthi ubaba ucaze ukuthini?(Can I ask what
does baba mean?)”
“I mean that you will be staying here until I can say you can
go”,I feel my heart skipping a beat.
“I won't be leaving?”,I ask just to clarify what he is saying.
“Yes”,I feel my stomach turn. I swallowed.
“Yebo baba”,I am heart broken. I want to leave, I don't want to
stay here.
He stands up and walks out of the room and I close my eyes
trying to hold my tears back. I breathe in and out before I wipe
the tears that are making their way down my cheeks. I stand up
and then I go towards the door quickly and make my way out. I
go to Mabutho's room and knock on his door. It opens and he
looks at me.
“Mama what is wrong?”
“I am not leaving with you. I am staying”,I say it so bitterly. It's a
bitter pill to swallow.
“What? Why?”, He frowns.
“Your father said I am staying. I am not leaving with you”,I
heave a heavy sigh trying to release the lump that is in my
throat.
“I will talk to him”,he says.
“Please. I don't want to stay”,I say and he pulls me inside the
room and closes the door before he wraps his arms around
me.
“Don't cry. I will sort things out”,he says and I sob on his chest. I
really don't want to stay here with everyone. I want to leave.

*NARRATED*
Zanele moves swiftly around the house going to her mother's
bedroom where her mother is seated reading a Bible. Yes
MaKhumalo may be heartless and contain no Christian value in
her but she loves reading the Bible. To her it's a joyful thing to
do even though this family is traditionally orientated. Zanele
walks into her mother's room and quickly closes the door.
“Mah ngiza nezinye(Mom I have some news)",Zanele says and
goes on her knees infront of her mother.
MaKhumalo puts away the Bible ready to hear what her
daughter had to say.
“What is it?"
“Leyanto ekuthiwa uMamncane(That thing called Mamncane)”
“What did she do?”, MaKhumalo more eager to hear.
She doesn't like Busisile nor MaThabethe or MaJili. She gets
along very well with MaGasa.
“I saw her at Mabutho's room. The next thing she is inside”,
MaKhumalo gasps.
“You are lying!”
“Stru I am telling you”,Zanele crosses her fingers swearing on
what she saw.
“What is she doing in there?”
“I don't know”
“Mphembe won't like this!”,Zanele continues.
“Don't tell anyone for now. I want to see what is really going on
there”, MaKhumalo says in thoughts and Zanele looks at her
mother before she nods her head. She can't go against her but
she also wonders what is going on between the two. .

.*BUSISILE*
Mabutho tried to cheer me up and I am really glad to have a
man who is gentle and calm as him. He makes everything feel
alright even when things seem upside down for a moment. He
is actually strong should I say and his calmness scares me
sometimes. Especially in situations where we should be
panicking he doesn't. He posses his calm aura. Makes me
wonder if he does go through emotions of fear of something
because I do. All the damn time I do.
“Are you sleeping?”,he asks as I am silent.
I am laid on his chest as he is breathing slowly while he is
caressing my hair and running his fingers through.
“No I am not”
“I won't leave today”,he says.
“Why?”
“I won't leave without you. I will be bored all alone in the
house”,he says and I giggle.
“You have stayed alone”,I also want to leave.
“I don't want to anymore”
“Mmmh”
“Don't worry. I will talk to dad about this”,I nod my head.
I hope he gets through to him.
Chapter 17

*MANDISA*

It's really early hours of morning and today I am prepared to

get to work on time and look good also in that sense I want to
have a great day, as I prepared myself to go and take a shower
my phone rang and I quickly went to check on who might be
calling me at such wee hours of morning and it was my dad. I
answered.
“Dadddy"
“Princess, how are you?",yes as old as I am I still call my dad like
that.
“I am good, I am surprised by your call this morning. Is
everything okay? Is mom okay?”,I ask quickly as my thoughts
ran wild.
“Yes everything is okay, your mother is fine. I wanted to inform
you that I am leaving for Rustenburg this morning so I won't be
in at the office.”
“Don't you need your P.A with you on that trip?”,he laughed.
“No thank you, I will be fine”,I really was hoping that he would
need me so that I can leave for a while and get some fresh air, I
need it.
“Okay then,travel well”
“Thank you, We will talk later”,I nodded before we ended the
call. I sighed and looked at my phone.
I wonder what is going on with Mabutho, he used to call me
every chance he got and now I hardly got his calls. He can't
possibly be cheating on me at this time. We have been together
for so long that we cannot break up now. I sighed and made my
way to the bathroom to take a shower.

*BUSISILE*

I woke up early today even though I am a bit tired but I was in a

very happy mood this morning and it is because of Mabutho.
We did it again, yes I slept with him and I have not felt thus
pleasure before then what I felt yesterday. Anyway I went to
the main house and then I got to the kitchen and started with
preparing for cooking of the porridge for Baba, I was moving
around the kitchen helping some of the wives that were awake
and up as well.
“Waze wamoyizela boh(You are so happy)",MaKhumalo says.
“Its nothing”
“Or it's small boys that make you smile like that"
What does she mean?
“Ubaba usevukile”
It's MaJili that announces, he spelt in her room last night and so
we had to wake up and prepare for him.
“You are so glowing this morning”,MaJili says
I smile. Is it that obvious?
“Can I please be excused?"
“Sure"
I leave the room and I go to my room and I open the door and
get inside. I close and lock it before I walk up to the bed to
sleeping Mabutho and I stand beside him.
“Mabutho”
I shake him to wake up.
He shoots his eyes open and looks at me.
“MaSibisi",he says.
“Wake up, it's morning and the sun has risen”,I say
“Ngicela ubuyele engubeni(please come back into bed)”,he
says
“I have to go and cook and clean as well.”
“There are alot of girls here in the yard baby, please”,I sigh.
“Kodwa Mabutho"
“I love you"
“I love you as well”,I give him a light kiss on the lips.
“Cela ungiphinde mama(Please do it again mama)”,He says.
“Okay”,I giggle
I kiss him again and he smiles.
“Okay let me wake up now”
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he gets off the bed and goes to the bathroom and I stay and
make the bed and clean up the room as well. I take his pants
that he wore yesterday and folded them nicely.
He comes out after some time and he looks at me.
“Can you please go to my room and pick out an outfit for
me",he asks
“Okay”,I walk out of the room and looked around before I
quickly made my way to Mabutho's room.
I got it and I quickly went to pick out clothes for him that he will
wear and then after that I got o make my way out back to his
room quickly. After I gave him his clothes I left him there in my
room and quickly made my way to the main house and majority
was up already. I greeted and then also dished for myself and
waited for Mabutho to walk in so that I can dish up for him as
well.
After some time he entered with his brothers laughing at
something they must've shared amongst themselves.
“Bafana bami”,MaThabethe says.
“Sanibonani boh Mah”,They greet and we all greet back.
“The food is ready, Busisile will dish up and bring it to
you”,MaThabethe says.
This woman really likes me. I mean there are their sister's here
but she chose me to do the job of which I would gladly take.
“You really love Busisile”,Malhum MaKhumalo says in an
unhappy tone.
I go about dishing up ignoring her.
“So? Is it a problem?”,MaThabethe asks.
“It will be”
“Don't bore me”,MaThabethe says.
I have never heard MaThabethe talk back to MaKhumalo
before.
MaKhumalo clicks her tongue and she walks out of the kitchen.
I finish dishing up for the Men and made my way out going to
where they are seated. I find them seated outside Bongani's
room on a bench. I serve them.
“Siyabonga Mama(Thank you)”,Philisani says and I nod after
serving them.
I moved away from them and went to also eat as well in the
kitchen with the other wives. The young girls who are my age
don't really like me and have proven that they don't like me at
all of which I have accepted for that matter.

MANDISA

In all my life I have never been like this. Worry, right now I
would've moved on and just fucked it off but this is Mabutho
and I love him. Maybe his family vacation is holding him back
and yes also rural places don't have network so that is the
better explanation of him not contacting me as yet. I do wish
that I left with my dad though , I really needed to be out of the
city and just refresh my brain in the process of it all.
I am out with my friend at the mall and we are doing some
shopping. It has been some time since I last saw her as well so I
thought that we hold meet and relax together while catching
up on each other's lives.
“This dress is beautiful ”,I say while holding it against my body.
“Yes it is really”
“I should buy it”
“Mandisa where is Mabutho?”
“He is at his home. He told me”,I say
She nods and goes about her business.
“Wena? Your mister I haven't seen him in long time”
“Oh he is there. He asked me to move in with him and I agreed.
I will move in next week”
What? I have always wanted to move in with Mabutho but him
being so traditional he declined it and said I will only move in
with him when he pays lobolo for me. Of which when is that
going to happen.
“Oh I am so happy for you friend!”
“Thank you...”,My phone rings and I put the dress down me
fiddle inside my bag before I find it and take it out.
I get to it and then I look at the screen. I quickly answer.
“Hello”
“Mama”,I am trying to be angry here.
“Mabutho ufunani?(Mabutho what do you want?)”,I ask.
“I am coming back today. I want us to talk”,He says.
My heart skips a beat.
“Ngani?(About?)”
“Everything that involves us. I have been thinking”,I start to feel
excited.
Could it be that he is going to propose tonight?
“Okay”
There is silence between us.
“I love you bye”,I hang up and look at my friend.
“Lets get me an outfit. Mabutho is proposing tonight and I have
to look good.”
“I am so excited”, my friend says.
“Me too, finally!”
Yes finally now I am going to be Mrs Ntuli.

MABUTHO
As much as I want to stay here for a long time because Busisile
is here but I have to go back and sort some things out for us
and also go check on the farm and monitor things that side. I
called Busisile inside my room and she came as soon as she
possibly can. I told my mother that I am leaving and she packed
my clothes for me and I was ready to leave now.
She enters the room and looks down on the floor. She is
beautiful, I don't know how to explain how I feel when I see
Busisile.I feel peace and calmness when she is in my arms.
“You called me in”,She says and I look at her as she gazed on
me.
“Come here”,She comes closer to me and she stands infront of
me.
I pull her on my lap to sit there and then I look at her face.
“I am leaving today”
She looks at me before she opens her mouth to speak.
“Leaving? Alone?”,I sigh and nod .
“I will be back as soon as possible. I will call you I am not
deserting you but I love you. I want to sort out my farm and
also when you come back you need to go to school”
“What if your father wants to sleep with me?”
“Don't worry about that okay?”,She is a bit hesitant about it but
she nods.
“Okay”,she replies.
“Can I get a kiss?”,I ask.
She sighs and nods before I lay my lips on hers and kiss her.
“I love you Mabusi”
“I love you more Mabutho”
She looks into my eyes. I love this woman so much.
Chapter 18

BUSISILE

To say I am saddened by Mabutho leaving would be an

understatement. I was really not happy but I could not hold him
back from leaving.It has been a month since he left. We do talk
on the phone as he calls as much as he can and I do get the
time to talk to him. Mphembe has been trying for us to have a
baby but he would fall asleep. I then saw an opportunity one
day and lied about it and said he did sleep with me but he fell
asleep during the course of it.
He believed it but he wanted us to try again just so that he can
be sure. It's early hours of morning and I was sleeping in my
bedroom with Mphembe. It was his night with me. I jumped off
the bed and went to the bathroom to pee. After that I felt like
vomiting and I turned to the toilet and vomit inside. I wipe my
lips and feel like vomiting once more and I do so.
“MaSibisi ukahle?(MaSibisi are you well?)”,It's Mphembe.
“Yes I am well baba”
“You sound like you are vomiting”,He says.
“It must be last night's food.”
“Or maybe a Ntuli”,My heart sinks to my stomach.
I flush the toilet and go to rinse my mouth and walk out of the
bathroom.
“Ngeke kukwazi ukuthi ngithwale ngokushesha kanje baba(It
can't be possible that I got pregnant this early baba)”,I say.
“It happened to MaGasa”,What?!
I cannot be pregnant.
“Let me call in UMaMhlongo to assess you”,He says taking his
clothing excited and walks out.
I sink on the bed. I cannot be pregnant. If I am pregnant then it
means I am pregnant with Mabutho's child. That is a mess, a
huge one!
Maybe I am not pregnant and it's just bile. Yes it's bile. I calm
myself down before I start to clean up my room.
________
I have been stressed about this situation since
morning. Mphembe hasn't told anyone as yet that there is a
possibility that I am pregnant and I am grateful for that but I am
still stressed though. I have been cooped up in this room since
after breakfast when Mphembe wasn't there. He surely left
and went to get MaMhlongo wherever she is. Whoever she is.
A firm knock surfaces onto my door.
“Busisile yimi uMaThabethe!(it's me MaThabethe)”,I go and
open the door.
“Are you well? You have locked yourself in here”
“I am okay, just minor flue”,I say.
“Oh, I wanted to check up on you. Also baba is back he is asking
for us ”
I start to panic.
“Are you okay?",She asks again with worry on her face.
“Yes I am okay mah”
“Okay come ets go and hear what that man wants from us”,She
takes my hand into hers as we walk out of my room.
I am really scared right now. Atleast they won't take a
pregnancy test on me right? Right? We walk into the family
rondaval and everyone is seated. The door is closed when we
walk in and MaMhlongo is a Sangoma I assume because she is
the only one I don't know.
“Hlala phansi lah ocansini ntombazane(Sit here on the mat
girl)”,I do as I am told.
I am scared.
“Lay on your back”,I look around the room.
“MaSibisi lay on your back and take instructions from
MaMhlongo so that everything goes well”,Mphembe says.
I breathe in and out before I lay down on my back and she
comes to hover over me. She pulls my skirt up and rips my
underwear off me and she sniffs it before she dips her fingers in
me and I squirm.
“Be still”
“It hurts”,I say. She is doing it roughly.
She then pokes onto my stomach.
“Stop!”,It's MaThabethe.
“She is in pain can't you see?"
“MaThabethe...”,Mphempe tries to interject.
“No, leave her if you are going to cause pain on her and we will
buy pregnancy test sticks. This is the 21st century and she is
young for this”
“Waze wamkhulumela boh(You are her spokes person
boh)”,MaGasa says.
The sangoma carries on and when she is done and dips her
hands in some Muti before she takes her bag full of bones.
MaThabethe comes and takes me into her arms.
The sangoma throws the bones around and looks at them
before she takes the Muti and it has turned a different colour.
It's red while it was greenish back then.
“She is pregnant”,She says.
What?!
Commotion starts within the room amongst the wives
seemingly unhappy but my mind is roaming at the word“
Pregnant”.
“Pregnant?”
“Is it even Mphembe 's child?!”,MaKhumalo bursts.
“Its a Ntuli. It's a Boy”,Mphembe gets more excited.
Tears leave my eyes and I get up from there and run out of the
room with them calling me back.
I run out of the yard. I can't do this, I can't carry Mabutho's
child. I ran as far as I could and sat down on grass when I got to
where I wanted to. I started crying.
“Busisile!”,It's MaThabethe.
How did she even keep up with the way I was running.?
She comes towards me and stands infront of me.
“Come Sisi don't cry”,She says.
“Mah I can't I...”
“I know having a child at this age and with a man old is not ideal
but it's a blessing from God ”,She says.
I feel more guilty. I wipe my tears and look at her.
“I m sorry mah for disrespecting you”,I say.
“You didn't”,She says so kindly.
“Its not Mphembe's child. I never slept with him”,I quickly say.
She covers her mouth so quickly.
“Uqonde ukuthini Busisile?(What do you mean Busisile?)”,I
looked down and fiddled with my fingers.
“It is Mabutho's child”, I fiddle with my fingers more and cry.
“I am sorry”,I quickly say.
“Get up, don't tell anyone this for now”,She says pulling me up
and I nod.
“Wipe those tears and when we get home we pack our clothes
we are leaving”,she says.
I just nod agreeing to whatever she is saying. As instructed we
walked back home in silence consumed between us and when
we got home she told Mphembe to give me space when we got
home to sink in the news. I can't believe I am pregnant I still
can't. We packed our bags as she had instructed and I waited
for her to tell me what to do next.
________
“Siyabonga Sbusiso, siyaxolisa ukuk'hlupha ebusuku (Thank you
Sibusiso, we are sorry to bother you at night)”,MaThabethe
says to Sbu.
“Its no problem mah”,He replies.
I have been quiet since we left home. No one knows we had left
and I am happy with that but mostly scared as well. Maybe I
shouldn't have told MaThabethe but I was panicking and I
didn't know what to do as well.
“Come”,She says and we get out of the car.
We caught a taxi coming here and then we called Sbu to come
and fetch us because it as late
I held onto my bag for dear life as we made our way inside the
premises to the house. MaThabethe knocked on the door and
rang the bell.
“I'm coming!”, a voice said
The door opened and it was Lethu, she quickly hugged me.
“It has been so long since I saw you. Sawubona mah”
“Yebo Ntombi”,MaThabethe replies.
“Why travel so late?",Lethu Speaks but I don't answer.
“We have an urgent matter. Where is Mabutho?”,MaThabethe
asks as we walk inside.
We get to the sitting room and Mandisa is there as well crying
her lungs our while she is on her knees holding onto Mabutho's
Legs with Lethu's husband trying to take her off.
“Mabutho don't do this to us please.”She cries.
“Mah,Mabusi what are you doing here?”,His mother places her
bag on the floor.
“We need to talk it's urgent”,MaThabethe says.
“Mandisa”Lethu's husband pulls her off him as she is crying.
“I can't parent alone”,Mandisa cries those words out.
“Mandisa!”,I look down.
MaThabethe takes my hand and we walk up the stairs. This is a
mess really. She gets into the room she usually uses and she
places our things down.
“You will sleep with me tonight”
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She let's out a smile and I feel some relief a bit.
We sit there for a while and Mabutho walks into the bedroom
after knocking.
“Sanibonani”
“Sit down”,He finds a spot and sits down on the bed. She stands
up and stands infront of us.
“I don't know what is going on between you two but something
is going on and I want an explanation”,I look down before I
glance at Mabutho and he breathes in and out.
“I love MaSibisi mah”,Relief washes over me.
“You do know she is married to your father”
“Yes I do but I can't help myself. I would like to marry her. If it
was up to me then she would be my wife already”,I slightly
smile.
“Nkosi Yami",She places her hands above her head.
“I hear you but this is a mess. Your father will not be happy. It's
obvious that she loves Busisile as well”
“But he is old for her”,Mabutho says
“Wena? Aren't you old?”
“Only by a few years but I am young”,His mother chuckles.
“Kade ngangizwa jehova”
“Sothini because there is nothing we can do now.”,Mabutho
turns to me and looks at MaThabethe.
“Eh I have an announcement or issue to address”,He says
We wait for him to speak.
“Mandisa is pregnant.”,My heart sinks and tears stream down
my cheeks.
She is pregnant? How?
“That woman that was crying?"
“Yes,she is my ex girlfriend and she is pregnant. 4 months
pregnant”,I stand up.
“Busisile sit down”,MaThabethe says.
“I am sorry Sthandwa sami",Mabutho jumps up to hold me in
his arms while I cry.
“Jesu Mabutho ! You have created a mess.!",MaThabethe says
seemingly frustrated.
“I am sorry mah”
“Sorry?! What about Busisile? She is also pregnant yazi you
can't zip up your pants just like your father”,She says and of
pulls me away from Mabutho.
“Pregnant?"
“Get out”,MaThabethe instructs.
“MaThabethe ngicela siyikhulume lendaba sehlise umoya (Can
we talk about this and calm down)”,Mabutho tries to say.
“Mabutho get out before I throw my shoes on you!”,His mother
says.
He stares at me for a while and let's out a Sorry before leaving
the room. What have I done? Why can't I run
away?MaThabethe cradles me in her arms but I can hear her
huffing and puffing about what she has heard as well. How
could I be so stupid and land myself in such a mess.
“Ngiyaxolisa Mah”,I kept on saying that as she rubs my back.
“It is okay Busisile. The mess is done we have to find a way
forward about this”,she mentions.
“I will see what I am going to do”,she continues to say.
I keep on sniffing but tears keep on rolling down my cheeks.

MABUTHO
I donʼt know what to do at the moment,I am stuck in thoughts
as I make my way down the stairs and I find Nkanyezi seated on
the couch with Lethu next to him. Mandisa is gone and she
mentioned that she will not give up. That is another problem I
have. I cannot believe that Busisile is pregnant. I do not know
what to think at the moment. Should I go back upstairs and beg
my mother that we should talk this through. That I actually
want to talk to Mabusi and tell her that everything will be okay
and Mandisa being pregnant will not change my intentions of
being with her.
“Man we are leaving now”,Nkanyezi mentions and I nod.
I canʼt speak at the moment. I look at them for a moment
before I escourt them out of the house. They get to their car
and I wave my hand as Nkanyezi gives a hoot before he drives
his car off and they are out of sight. I stand in one position for a
moment letting the cold wind bathe my skin for a moment. I
breathe in and out and sigh, I need to come up with answers
and they all solely stand on my shoulders. I turn around and
make my way inside the house. I hear some rattling sounds
coming from the kitchen and I go there to find my mother
preparing some tea. She turns around and faces me before she
carries on with what she is doing.
“MaThabethe ayidle iyʼshiyele(I am sorry)”,she keeps quiet and
carries on with what she is doing then she turns around and
faces me.
“Did you think of Busisile in all of this love thing of yours
Mabutho?”,she frowns and places her hand on her hips.
“I did”,I say
“If you did then you would have not impregnanted your
fatherʼs wife, let alone sleep with her!”,she says.
“Nihleli lah kanti niyanyobana(You live here to sleep with eacb
other)”,she mentions.
I keep my silence to let her take out whatever she wants to
say.
“You have to tell everyone about what you and Busisile
did”,she says.
“Mah can we wait until Busisile shows before we mention
anything”,I say.
“Everyone knows that she is pregnant. The sangoma was there
when they tested her”,I cuss under my breath
She throws a swab my way.
“Hayi Mabutho, fix this!”,she points at me and goes back to
making her tea. I stand there for s while before walking away
from her and going up the stairs. I rush to my motherʼs room
and I open the foor and find a sobbing Busisile. My heart breaks
at the sound of that. I never intended on making her cry. I
never wanted that but it is happening right now. With each sob
my heart feels pain and also in the pit of my stomach.
“Sthandwa sami”,I walk further in and go to embrace her.
She keeps on sobbing and I rub her back. I swallow my spit.
“I am sorry”,she lifts her head and looks at me in her redish
eyes.
“Sthandwa sami ngiyaxolisa(My Love, I am sorry)”,I mention.
“I can not keep up with this Mabutho. Everyone will blame
me”,she says and I pull her further towards me.
“I take full responsibility. It will not happen just trust me”,She
nodded.
“I love you mama”,She nods again and I wipe her tears. I heave
a heavy sigh.
I have to find a way to fix this.

*BUSISILE*

I slept well after MaThabethe got tea for us in order to help me

calm down. She has been really nice to me which I did not
expect after sleeping with her son and getting pregant from
him. Actually cheating on my husband with her son. I did not
expect the way she has reacted but anyway I will just mention
that maybe she has not fully processed the news as yet.
Mabutho impregnanted two women so she has to digest that.
Out of wedlock even!
I woke up early today and went to make some porridge for
breakfast. As I was cookibg Sbu came in the kitchen and
greeted and I did the same.
“It is so good to have you back. I have missed having you
around Ntokazi”,he mentions.
I jusy laugh at that.
“I will not be staying for long”,I say.
“Hawu why?Did you get another job?”,he frowns.
“No, I have to be home. My husband needs me there”,I juat
say.
He nods.
“Well do visit alot”
“I will”,I smile.
I carry on with making the porridge while he watches. After
some time Mabutho walked in and he looked at us before he
greeted.
“Sbu has the quantity of what the clients need have been met
with milk?”,Mabutho asks.
“Yes, I just met it yesterday”,he mentions and Mabutho nods.
“I have a meeting to attend”,he says and disappears after that.
I can not look at him at the moment. I am still trying to process
that Mandisa is pregnant.
Chapter 19

*MANDISA*

I have been crying on my friends lap yesterday until I passed

out. I woke up with a massive headache and sat up on the bed
while I was still dressed in yesterdayʼs clothes. She comes inside
the bedroom and she has a glass of water in her hands.
“Hey Mngani, how are you?”,she asks softly.
“I feel awful”
“Mabutho...he...he does not love me anymore. What will I do
with this child? We were supposed to get married soon and be
together Mngani”,My friend lets me vent and sits next to me.
My heart is aching at the moment.
“You will be the best mom, that I know. Forever is not always
promised to us with the people we love but make the best of it.
I know it’s hard but you will get through it”
Her words of encouragement bounced off my ears.
“I want him, no one else”,my voice starts cracking as I look at
her.
I love Mabutho so much, I love my farm boy. The father of my
unborn child. I have to fight for us.
“I know Mngani, its not easy but it will be okay”,she comforts
me. Still it doesn't do anything to me, instead I yearn to have
him with me the most.
Why did he give up on us?Why would he let me go? I do not
understand. I ask for my phone and my friend gets it for me and
I go to my contact list and dial his number. It rings a few times
before it gets answered.
“Mandisa”,he says.
“Mabutho why are you doing this to me?”
He sighs.
“I do not want to string you along. I love someone else”,my
heart breaks.
“What about our child Mabutho!?”
“I will take full responsibility for my child. Now can I be
excused? We will talk some other time.”
He hangs up on me.Tears stream down my cheeks more as my
heart is aching badly than before. I feel like I will undergo a
panic attack at this point. I decide to call my dad to come and
fetch me as I need to be with my mother. My family does not
know that I am pregnant yet and I don't even know how will I
break the news to them that I am pregnant out of the wedlock
and the father of my child just told me that he loves someone
else.
I dial my father's number and it rings a couple of times before it
gets answered.
“Princess”
“Daddy can you come and fetch me I am not okay”,I say
through my sobs.
“Okay I am coming now my baby, daddy will be there”,I sniff.
I hang up from the call and I rest my head on the bed and carry
on wallowing myself in tears and pain.

BUSISILE
I helped with the cleaning today, I am not crippled just because
I found out that I am pregnant no but also I am just a month
pregnant so no one would actually know I am pregnant until I
show of which I am praying does not happen. A part of me
wants to run away from this mess that I have found myself in
and I have no one to blame but myself but where will I go if I
run? I can't go back to my family because they will send me
back and if they find out about this shame I would be crucified
by the whole community at land.
MaThabethe is at the living room reading a magazine while I am
here in the kitchen making some tea for her in this now cloudy
yet warm weather. The kettle clicks indicating that the water
has now reached its maximum temperature. I pour the water
into the cup and I put the kettle back before I pick up the tray
and make my way to the living room. I put the tray infront of
her and she discards the magazine from her attention.
“Thank you my child”,I nod my head.
“Has Mphembe tried calling you?”,She asks as she assembles
her tea.
“Yes mah”,I reply.
I looked at that phone while it rang as I did not know what to
say to him when I answer the call. He is looking for me and
MaThabethe that I know because we left without telling
anyone at all where we are going.
“I won't say that I am not disappoint in the both of you
MaSibisi, I really am. I did not expect this at all but at the same
time I understand where this is coming from. Mabutho is more
or less around your age group and you wanted to explore that
with him and I feel like he took advantage of that as the older
one between the both of you. I wish this situation was different
from the both of you. He betrayed his father in this instance as
Mphembe loves you dearly”,I look down.
“You do know that right?”,She carries on.
“Yes mah”,I cast my eyes to the floor.
“Do not worry I will try and figure things out. Just don't
stress”,She sips on her tea.
The main door opens and I look up and my eyes land on
Mabutho who walks in and closes the door behind him. I don't
move from the spot that I am standing in instead he just comes
towards us and he stands by the couch next to his mother.
“Sanibonani”,He greets.
I greet back and his mother keeps quiet.
“MaThabethe ngicela sixoxe sibonisane. Angithandi makunje
phakathi kwethu(MaThabethe can we talk, I don't like it when
things are this way)”
“Can you un-Impregnant Busisile and save her from the Cross
fire?”,He keeps quiet because he can't do that. He cannot make
me not pregnant.
“That’s impossible Mah and you know it”
“Mmmh”,she sips on her tea once more.
“Can...Can I talk to MaSibisi for a few minutes?”,He steals a
glance at me while he is talking to his mother.
“Ngeke ngikuvimbe vele usumnyobile(I won't stop you, you
have already slept with her)”,I wish the ground can swallow me
at that moment.
He sighs and then he walks through to the kitchen and I follow
after him. We get in there and he turns to me and moves closer
to me before he pulls me into his arms and heaves a deep sigh
and I rest my head on his chest. Silence prevails between the
both of us for a moment as we fall into comfortable silence.
“I love you so much”,he says.
“I am scared Mabutho. I am not ready and strong enough to
face my consequences”
“You don't have to”,He says.
“Mmmh”
“I am sorry about Mandisa”,He says.
“You don't have to be”,I mean it. She has been here longer than
I have.
“No I mean it and I am not going to shy away from my
responsibilities with our child but I am choosing to be with you
alone mama”
“But she is pregnant too Mabutho”,Out of wedlock too.
“I know. I will pay for the damages but I don't love her
anymore”,I keep quiet.
He kisses my forehead after that and we let go of each other.
“I am sorry I made you cry”,He says.
“It’s Okay”
Advertisement
He cups my face and lays a perk on them of which turns into a
short sweet kiss.
We break from the kiss and he smiles.
“You are so beautiful”,I blush and lightly giggle just to hide that
I am blushing.
“Thank you Ntuli”
“I hope you are not making another baby in there!”,
MaThabethe shouts.
Oh my soul this woman.
“Let's go and get some burgers”,I smile.
“I would like that.”
“Okay let me go and inform mah”,I nod as he leaves me in the
kitchen as I wait for him.
________________ It was a bit of a challenge for MaThabethe
to let us go together but she also didn’t see the point of
keeping me inside the house mainly keeping me away from
Mabutho as the damage between us is already done. A part of
me cannot believe that I am about to be a mother in just a few
months time and also a part of me is scared. I think this
situation would’ve been a bit better if I was not married to
Mphembe but in this case I am married to Mphembe. I don’t
know how he would take this once he finds out that one of his
wives had an affair with his son. MaGasa and MaKhumalo
would be ecstatic to hear about my short coming as soon as
these news reach their ears.
“MaBusi”
I am shaken out of the trans that I am in.Thoughts have been
the only thing that has been consuming my mind for the past
few hours since I had found out that I am pregnant with
MaButho’s child.Things are not going to be as easy from here
on wards and I can feel it in my bones that things are going to
turn as ugly as they can be.
I look at MaButho as he is looking at me waiting like he has said
something while I was being lost
“What were you saying?”, I have to ask as I am really lost in
this.
“What would you like to have?”, he asks with a calm voice.
My problems right now are bigger than having to choose what
to eat.
“Anything is fine”
“Are you sure?”, he asks with a raised eye brow.
“Yes”, I faintly smile.
“Okay”, he turns to the lady who is by the window at the drive
through. Soon enough he pays and we are going to the
collection point.
We get our food and I thank him for it and quickly indulge in
the burger. It has been so long since I had this amazing taste
inside of my mouth. I turn to him and he smiles when he looks
at me.
“You like it?”
I nod my head and go In for another bite of this burger. Soon
we leave and he is driving wherever he is taking us. His phone
rings and he takes it out of his pocket and stares at it before he
puts it back where it was.
“Are you not going to answer that?”,I ask.
“No, it is not important”,I nod my head and carry on eating.
The ringing phone stops ringing and starts all over again and he
looks at me.
“Answer it”
“It’s baba”, my body comes to a sudden hault. I look at him and
my heart is beating fast just as he answers the phone call while
he sighs.
“Mphembe”, he says and I keep quiet for a while. I try to read
his expressions but they are not giving me much to work with. I
just slowly carry on with what I am eating and he keeps quiet
for a while before he sighs.
“Yebo baba”, he says and runs his fingers over his head.
He hangs up after that and he looks at me.
“Ubaba knows that you and mah are here and he said he is
coming this afternoon”
“How did he know?”,that was rather too quick.
“My father can do anything if he wants to”
I just nod my head because I don’t know what to do or say.
“Should I get you some ice cream while at that?”, he asks.
“No, I just want to rest now”
“We can get a place for now where you can rest”
“And your parents”
“we will see the when we come back”, he says. I just nod.
“I just hope everything becomes okay”, I say and he nods then
takes my hand into his.
“Everything will be okay”
“Your father knows that I am pregnant and he thinks it is his,the
sangoma was called in to confirm and she said that it is a Ntuli
child so everyone is assuming that”, I have to come clean to
him.
“The truth will come out one way or the other. I know this is a
sticky situation but we have to tell ubaba the truth”, he says
and my heart skips a beat.
“I….”
He holds my cheeks and makes me look at him.
“Don’t worry I won’t turn my back on you”, he says.
I am really scared. I finish my food and he gets some ice cream
for me before he goes to a near by BnB that we will rest our
head there for now before we go home. We get inside and I
throw myself on the bed and he joins me too after taking off his
shoes. He kisses my nose and I giggle.
“MaButho that is not nice”
“It is, umuhle( you are beautiful) inside and outside Busisile”,he
says.
“You too”, I start to yawn and close my eyes as he wraps his
arms around me and kisses my cheek.

MANDISA

My father came and I have never felt so happy to see him in my

life. I need to be home and cry in my mother’s arms first.
Mabutho can’t just do that to me. We have been through stuff
together and I know I am not the best thing after sliced bread
but atleast I love that man. It should count for something too.
My eyes are puffy as I get into my father’s car and he is driving
home.
“Mandy are you okay princess?”, I shake my head.
I don’t want to cry infront of my dad. As much as I am
comfortable around him but he would not understand.
“What is wrong?’”
“I am just not okay”
“Do you want to talk to mom when you get home?”, I nod my
head.
“Yes”
“Okay then”, I thank the lord that he didn’t push.
The drive going home was quiet silent. I just wish this car can fly
so that I can be home on time.

MABUTHO

My bladder going through some pressure is what woke me up

from the little nap that we were taking. I got up and Busisile
was not next to me, she might be in the bathroom so I quickly
got off the bed and called out for her while going to the
bathroom.
“MaBusi, are you okay?”, silence prevailed the room.
I get to the bathroom and knock on the door and there is no
answer. I open the door and get inside and there is no one
there. I move from the bathroom and look around for her and
even go outside calling for her but I can’t find her. It feels like it
is a dream at this moment and I wish that it is or she shows up.
I quickly rush to the reception and ask around about her and
they tell me they will get the surveillance out for me after
arguing my way of her being my pregnant partner.
We look through the camera’s and I see her moving out of the
gate and I quickly go back to the room we were using and I get
my car keys and rush out to get inside my car and look for her.
My phone rings and it is my mother. I ignore the call and put
my phone on silence. I hope she has not gotten far.

BUSISILE

My heart is beating fast as I ran away from the room quiet

quickly, I am not in the space of facing Mphembe and telling
him how I have a child with his son. How I have been secretly
loving his son for some time right now. I know that it seems like
I am a coward at this point but a lot is going to come my way
and it will not be the same for Mabutho so it is best that I
leave.
I got a lift from some Van that was driving on the road by an old
man that I don’t know. He asked me where I am going and I just
pointed the road ahead. The Maskandi music in the car cannot
be missed. Even though it is the two of us but the noise is as if
we are far away.
He keeps on having a sip off his nip and would close it and offer
some to me though I have declined a few times.
“So where are you going?”, he asks.
“To the city”, I don’t even know which city he is going to.
“Oh I am going to Pietermaritzburg wena?”, he says.
“I am going there too”, I feel tears prickling my eyes.
“That is good then”, I keep my silence and look outside the
window.
They will have to forgive me one day but for now I cannot face
my outcomes.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 20
I look at this man who is dropping me off in a place that I am
not for once familiar with. It is starting to get dark and I asked
that he drops me off in an area that is atleast a bit safe for me. I
know the decision that I have taken is impulsive but this to me
seems a bit better than what I was about to face.
“Uhambe kahle mntanami”, the man says and I smile as he
drives off leaving me in this place.
I start walking around and just stood by the robot and watched
as the cars were moving back and forth from this place. I look
for someone who has a phone so I can send atleast a message
to Mabutho to tell him not to look for me but at the same time
he might call the person to ask where I am and then he will
come and fetch me. That I know. I sigh and I make my way
across the robot and I find a spot on the pavement and I sit
down. I feel like crying already and tears stream down my
cheeks for a moment. A dirty girl sees me and she moves closer
to me. She is not that dirty as you can still make out the color of
her clothes.
“Hey, are you lost?”, she asks and I am scared to even answer.
“Trust me I wont hurt you”
“I am not lost, I ran away”
“How old are you?”, she asks.
“21 you?”, she smiles.
“I am 21 too, I have been on the streets for 3 days now.”
“Why?”
“I wasn’t able to register at the university system yet so now I
am having problems and I don’t have a place to sleep. They
stole my things too”, she giggles and I feel bad for her.
“I am sorry”
“It’s okay, I just hope that my father can make it to fetch me or
something. I only have him in my life”
“I have no one”, at this moment I have no one.
“I am sorry for the loss”, she gives me some pity.
“My parents are alive, I just ran away from my maritial
problems”
“Trouble in paradise?”, I shake my head no.
“My husband is old”, she gasps and then little rain drops
started coming down on us.
“Hey I know a spot where we can get some sleep. Come”, she
says and we both go together.
“Where are you from?”, I ask.
“Deep parts of the eastern cape”, she says and I nod my head.
I can tell by her accent that she must speak deep isixhosa”
“I am iminathi by the way”
“Busisile”, we find a spot and we sit together. I feel so very bad
for her.
She is a sweet lady too. I don’t know what I will do from here
but I hope something comes up with time and I can get to
taking care of my child. I wouldn’t want to loose him. I love him
already.
“Where are white people’s houses from here?”, I ask.
“They are a distance why?”
“I want to look for a job”
“You might find it, they always looking for someone to clean up
after them”,I nod my head.
We sit together and talk about anything to keep us busy from
everything that us happening in our lives.
This is a new journey that I am about to embark on.
MABUTHO.
I feel like I am going crazy at the moment. I have called some of
my friends who I know to be on the lookout for Mabusi. I am
even afraid of going home and the sun has already set and my
parents have been calling me the whole day until I had to block
them for a moment. I sigh as my car approaches the house and
I feel hopeless, I cannot even report this to the police yet as I
have to wait 24 hours before I report her missing. I get to park
infront of the house and I can see my father’s car and I sigh. I
quickly turn off the ignition and I get out of the car and drag
myself making my way inside and then I find my mother sitting
on the couch with my father giving her a massage. Mphembe
never does this but he has a very soft spot for my mother. Out
of all his rural wives my mother is the only city girl from his
wives that he loves so much. It must be how beautiful she is or
how she is naturally. I always asked myself how my mother
married such a rural man and agreed to being a wife amongst
his other wives but I guess she loves him.
My mother gets her feet off Mphembe and makes her way
towards me.
“We have been calling you Mabutho, where is Busisile?”, she
asks and I swallow.
“She…she ran away”, I say and my father gets up from the
couch.
“Ran away where Mabutho!?”, my mother asks.
“I don’t know, I…’, I don’t even know what to say. I couldn’t lie
and say Busisile is somewhere when I don’t know where she is
and if she is still alive wherever she is. Cold shivers go down my
spine as I think of that.
“Don’t tell me that nonsense Mabutho how can Busisile run
away when she was with you?”, I keep my silence.
My father looks at me and I shy away from his eyes.
“Where is my wife Mabutho?”, I felt myself cringe at him saying
that.
“Baba I don’t know where Busisile ran off too but I am having
people search for her”
“You better have my wife here tomorrow.”
I wonder where Busisile is and it is not giving me any ease. He
walks away clicking his tongue seemingly he is angry. My
mother looks at me and I look at her, I know what she wants to
say but she is quiet.
“How can she run away? Mabutho we cant wait for tomorrow,
we should go and look for her.”, she says with worry.
“Yebo ma”
“She is pregnant and this is all your doing. You should’ve left
your father’s wife alone”, she whispers and sighs.
She turns and goes away to get her shoes. I am left there
standing in the same spot with my head held down. She is right,
I shouldn’t have gotten that close to Busisile but I couldn’t help
myself and we need to find her.
BUSISILE
The night seemed to be long but when morning arrived we
were reminded that we are given a new day despite us having
no shelter and also no proper cover too. Cold mornings are the
worst and I am feeling its worst at the moment. Iminathi takes
the cardboard we were resting on and she folds it.
“Come so we can go and try to get something to eat”, she says.
She is very nice.
“Okay”, I am not used to being in the city and also in have
never went to the city alone.
The part of myself where I am scared is what is making me not
even think of going back home. I am scared that my marriage
has collapsed and I have brought shame not only to myself but
everyone around me who loves me.
MaThabethe had trusted me with her son. Mandisa loosing the
father of her child while I too have cheated on my husband
with his son.
As we are walking and crossing the street Iminathi pulls me and
holds me by the hand as we cross the road and she turns to
look at me.
“Are you okay?”, she asks and I nod.
“Yes I am okay”, I say and she nods.
She buldges her eyes and looks behind me.
“Look that man dropped his wallet”, she says and she pulls me
as we are now rushing after the fallen wallet with another dirty
guy behind us.
She takes it.
“Bring that wallet here”, the dirty guy says.
“Unganya apha kuthi, voetsek!”,she says.
“Yeyi wena slyvia”,the guy is ready to fight her.
She hands the wallet to me and I move back as she shoves the
guy who slaps her and she kicks him. I have never fought in my
life before. The way they are fighting I am scared and a lot of
more dirty men come to try and access the situation.
“MaSibisi”, my heart beats fast when I hear that.
I turn around and it’s Bongani. Two of some men who are with
him go and help Iminathi out and he looks at me.
“What are you doing here Ncane?”, he says and I look down.
“I….I..”, I don’t know what to say.
“That’s my wallet”, he says and I hand it over to him shameful.
“Busi, who are these men?”, its iminathi.
“Who are you?”,Bongani asks.
“She..she is my friend”, I say looking between them.
“Cishe bakunyathela ntombazane, ungalwi namaphara(They
almost beat you up girl, don’t fight with these street people)”
“They asked for it”, she says to one of the men who helped her.
“We are leaving, lets go”, Bongani says.
“I… I don’t want to leave”, I say softly and he frowns.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to face Mphembe or Mabutho”, the frown fades
away.
He knows already. He cleared his throat.
“Let’s go”, he says once again and I look at iminathi.
“Do you know this man?”, she says coming to me.
“He is my husband’s son”, we are now following after these
men.
“Kanti ineminyaka emingaphi igxhegu lakho?(How old is your
man?)”, she asks.
“69 years”
“Haah Busisile, lomntu ngutato mkhulu wakho mos(That is your
grandfather )”
“I know”, we reach the car and we are told to get inside.
The gentle men who were with him bid their goodbyes and
leave.
He gets inside the car and we do so, we look at each other. He
starts the car and he drives off.
----------
I know I am a coward and so be it, I do no want to face my
problems at the moment so it is best when things are like this.
This is the first time being in this city and it has been, well I
don’t know how to say it as it has only been a few hours since I
came here and ran away from my maritual problems.
I am seated on this bed and I am lost in thoughts, thoughts I
don’t know how I will come back out from.
Iminathi walks out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped
around her body and she looks at me. We are in the main
bedroom. Bongani said that we can use it as we would need
some privacy.
“Yoh I don’t remember the last time I took a proper bath. Do I
smell like a boy?”, she says and I nod my head.
“Busi
I know we are not really friends and we have just met but I
hope that things get better for you”, she says and I smile.
“I hope so”, they will not get better, I know that.
“Well let me get dressed, where are this man’s clothes that he
laid out for us”, she says and I point to the bed.
She quickly goes and get’s dressed.
“I am taking this with me. I like these nike shorts”, she says and
slips in Bongani’s shoes.
“Okay”, I don’t even know what to say.
“Don’t you want to talk to your husband?”, she asks.
“I am scared Nathi”
she sighs and comes to sit next to me.
“Maybe talking to him will help, the truth does set you free”,
she says.
“I don’t know”
“You are a good girl who seems to have values, I am sure things
will work out…”, a knock on the door disturbs our conversation.
“Can I come in?”, its Bongani.
“Yes!”, this girl says.
He walks into the room and he looks at us.
“I see you guys have freshened up”
“Thank you for…the little hospitality”, she says.
He nods his head.
“There is food in the kitchen, can I talk to Ncane a bit?”, my
heart skips a beat.
“Oh okay”, she stands up and leaves me here.
“I just got a call from Ekhaya kuthiwa ulahlekile(They said you
are lost)”, he says.
“I ran away”
“I know it is not my business but all of this has to do with my
brother and father”
“ I am pregnant, with Mabutho’s and Mphembe doesn’t know
yet, your mother knows as I told her. I… I don’t know how
everything is going to pan out but it is best if I am away”
“You don’t want to face your consequences”
“Yes”
“Mmmmh”
“My brother and dad are loosing their minds over you not being
known where you are, face your consequences and die once”,
he says.
“It is not easy”
“My mother understands that you are you but also you are
naïve, You are very young to be tossed around like this and in
this manner”, I close my eyes and feel tears streaming down my
cheeks.
“Tell him, give my father the decency to know the truth just as
you have told my mother”
“It is not easy”
“Life is never easy”, he says.
He turns and walks out of the door leaving me in the room
crying. I rest on the bed. What am I going to do now? what has
became of my life at the moment. I wish I didn’t go to the reed
dance this year, I wouldn’t be in this situation.
I cannot blame anyone but myself.
.
He called them and they are all here. Mphembe, MaThabethe
and his two sons. Iminathi is still here for a little bit but I heard
Bongani say that they will go to the mall to go and get
something to eat for everyone. I have been in this bedroom for
quiet a while and I do not even want to come out. I hear a
knock on the door and it opens and MaThabethe walks in the
room.
“Busisile mntanami”, she says.
“Ngiyaxolisa ma”, I say.
“This is very tough Busisile, we don’t know how things will pan
out. I know you are scared but you are not alone”, I feel alone.
“Thank you”, I say.
“Should I call Mphembe in? he wants to see you. he couldn’t
sleep last night worrying about you”, she says and I nod my
head looking down.
“Okay, I will give you space”, she gets up and walks out of the
room. A few minutes later Mphembe walks into the room.
“Mkami”, I swallow.
“Baba”, I stand up from the bed and stand on my feet facing
down.
“What is the issue MaSibisi? Please tell me”, he says and I
manage to find the courage to look at him.
“Please can you take a seat.”, I say and he comes and takes a
seat on the bed.
I get down on my knees infront of him and I look down.
“Mphembe, I would first like to say I apologize, you took me
from my home so that I can come and help expand your family
name and I have disappointed you greatly in that”, I say.
“I love you MaSibisi, you haven’t disappointed me.”, he says
and I swallow.
Tears form in my eyes.
“I…I have been having an affair with Mabutho behind your back
and I ended up falling pregnant with his child”, I say.
“MaSibisi angikuzwa mina, uthini?(I don’t hear you, what are
you saying?)”, he shifts on the bed coming closer.
“I had an affair with Mabutho baba, I am sorry”, I say.
“When did this start?”, he asks.
“I….its has been some time”, I say.
He gets off the bed and he goes and locks the door. I haven’t
moved where I am.
“MaSibisi, ungilingelani kodwa mfazi!(Why are you doing this to
me woman!)”, I am terrified.
“My son? He is your child too!”, he says.
“You and Mabutho will know me”, tears stream down my
cheeks.
“That’s why you ran away?”, he asks.
“Yes”
I say shamelessly.
“I am not one to send my wives off or let them go away and
study or get a job as I provide everything but I gave you a
chance MaSibisi and you have greatly disappointed me”, he
says and tears just stream down my cheeks.
“We are going to return home tomorrow”, he says and I nod
my head.
“Yebo baba”, he looks at me for a while before he goes and
Unlocks the door then he goes out closing the door.
The tears cannot stop streaming down my cheeks. I am afraid
of what awaits for me at home. Soon the door opens and
MaThabethe rushes inside and she comes towards me. She
picks me up from the floor and hushes me.
“It’s okay, all will be well”, I nod my head.
“He didn’t do anything to you didn’t he?”, she asks.
“No, he did not”
she sighs.
“Thank God”, she says and looks at me.
“I am glad you are okay and he didn’t do anything to you”, she
keeps on saying.
She caresses me just to soothe me.
“What… What will happen to Mabutho ma?”
“I don’t know, I cannot confirm that my child but I hope
Mphembe comes to some reasoning. He can be short tempered
and I am glad he didn’t do anything to you.”, she says and I
sigh.
“You know he is old now and he cant keep up with you but
people who are around your age can”
“Do you think he will send me back home?”
“I don’t think so. He will not do that”, she sounds so sure.
I chose to just keep my silence and let her speak further.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 21
MABUTHO
I spit the unflattering taste of blood from my mouth and wipe
my lips before I look at him and the anger is quiet visible on his
face. I don’t blame him, I don’t blame the fact that he is this
angry. Mabusi is everything wanted in a woman that I have only
wished to have but couldn’t find until my father brought her
sweet soul forth to my disposal.
My one hand on the cold tile as the blood droplets from my
nose have surfaced there and so that in my mouth.
“Uyosinda ngonyoko mfana( you will be saved by your
mother)”, he loves her.
Both of them, MaSibisi and MaThabethe a bit too much too if
you ask me.
“Baba you are 48 years older than Busisile, you are too old for
her”
“I will kill you mfana!”, he charges towards me and grabs the
nearest item at bay and my mother shouts after her precious
husband.
“Baba ngicela wehlise ulaka, abantwana laba(Please can you
calm down, these are children)’, he doesn’t ay anything. You
don’t say anything when MaThabethe has spoken.
“Get up from the floor”, my mother says to me.
My father is still rooted at the same spot that he is in. I get a
glimpse of MaBusi at the far corner trying to hide behind the
wall to be unseen.
“Mphembe I know that these two have disappointed you
greatly but being violent will not solve the problem. You
promised you would stop”, she starts to do her famous
weeping.
My father has not always been a soft person but rather known
for being hard, he used to fight back in his days. Lead with an
iron fist, that is why he has became the man he is today, my
mother fell in love with the fighter man who was handsome
before the grey hair came about. She raved about how he once
was, that is why he has these many wives. He likes women too
but he is all about family as it is already. Expanding the Ntuli
name is something he wants more than anything even though
he has a lot of children if it was up to him he would’ve had
more children.
“I am angry MaThabethe”, she walks closer to him and lays her
head on his chest.
The Durban girl has surfaced with these used to be foreign
gestures to Mphembe.
She was the one who kissed him first when they got together
and he was more surprised by that, but what do you expect
from a girl who grew up in a place like Lamontville compared to
one who grew up kwaNongoma.
“Kuzolunga baba”
“He is not getting my wife if he is thinking of that”, he says.
“But Mabusi is pregnant with my child baba, just let her go. I
love her”
“Mabutho do not test me!”
“Mphembe and Mabutho”, I keep quiet as my mother warns.
He is quiet and so as I, I don’t know what to say anymore but
giving up on uMaBusi is not something I am going to do at the
moment.
“Please,can I call Busisile so that we can talk about this before
we leave and go home”
“There is nothing to talk about here KaMangethe, this boy
needs to leave my wife”
“But baba can we sit down and let’s talk”, he huffs.
She leaves the room and she comes back after some time with
Busisile who has her head bowed as she walks in. the relief of
seeing her washes over me at that moment as I watch over her.
We get to settle and my mother is seated on the couch and
Mabusi too though she first aimed for the floor.
My mother is a modern woman who married an ancient man,
MaBusi also has traditional morals that she instills in her
everyday life.
“Go and clean yourself up MaButho”, my mother mentions.
“He is not going anywhere, I am not done with him”
“It is not his fault Mphembe, yimi obesephutheni.( I am the one
at fault here) he didn’t force anything upon me and I am the
one who willingly gave myself up to him of which I know I
shouldn’t have done unto any man but you. I know I have
created a great crime unto the Ntuli yards, family and their
ancestors and that is why I seek that any punishment you have
for me I will take it as it comes”
“I want Mabutho to stay away from you”, MaThebethe sighs.
“I don’t think this conversation will go anywhere today”
Silence prevails the room. My mother is loosing a bit of hope at
the moment.
NARRATED
Mphembe has always been known to hold one of the largest
family in his area and he haskept to that. He vowed that his
family name would grow and he has married for stability and
also for love, love being MaThabethe and the new child
Busisile. Yes he knows that she is young but that is what he
likes, it kind of reminds him of the young Bathabile Thabethe
and MaJili as well. He loves it, it takes him back to the days he
used to travel to Durban back and forth and the days where he
used to be still active and strong willed and not so very frail as
he seems like now. Old age has caught up with him and he did
let himself go but he cannot let the age get to him, he still
wants to feel that fresh taste of being young and in love and he
loves it.
There is no denying it
Advertisement
he does have a soft spot for MaThabethe and also Busisile the
most and many of his other wives.
There is never enough for him while he is still alive, that is why
expanding his home will forever be in consideration despite
him being old. He will do it until he takes his last breath.
He loves the gentleness that Busisile has and the calm aura she
posses, she is not much feisty like the MaThabethe can be at
times when they are alone, she knows how to tame him and he
knows not to overstep when it comes to his city woman.
He is angry, angry that all of this happened under his nose and
the fact that his son enjoyed parts of it, its clear to him because
he didn’t come to report that his youngest wife is seducing him
but kept quiet and enjoyed savouring his wife until he
deposited his sperm.
He has nothing against he unborn child. It is as much as his,
afterall it is a Ntuli.
He doesn’t know what to do at this moment but all he knows is
that he is greatly disappointed in Busisile and Mabutho.
.
On the other hand, Iminathi has been able to get in touch with
her father who has deemed to try and find some money to get
her back home.
He doesn’t case if his daughter returns with the issues going on
with the university but he is happy to have heard from his
daughter after some time of not being able to reach her.
Here they are now waiting at the food court for some Pizza’s
and burgers ordered from Steers and it’s neighbour Debonairs.
“The orders are taking a bit long”, she complains without
putting into thought of what she is saying.
Yes it is a bit packed at the food court, they are not even seated
at all.
“So how did you become Busisile’s step son?”, she asks.
She is curious, she saw the man and he is old in her defence.
“She got married to my father”,Bongani mentions.
She gets that she will not receive the full information, even
Busisile seems to not want to spill the beans too.
“You know you don’t have to seem uptight about life, you seem
like a tight one”, she says and he frowns.
“Uchaze ukuthini mama(what do you mean mama?)”
“Ndiqond’ba u-uptight man awuncokoli nokuncokolo nami
undibuze ba iweather injani though ndiyazi injani(I mean you
are uptight man you are not even talking to me and asking how
the weather is like even though I know how it is like)”
“I don’t know what to say”
“Usually Zulu men have things to say”, she rolls her eyes shying
away from his gaze.
“I don’t like that”, he mentions turning fully to her.
The longest conversation they have had since they started
talking to each other.
“What?”
“That eye roll thing”
“Okay?”, she shrugs her shoulders.
“Owakephi ntokazi?(Where are you from?)”
“Ndingowase maqaqasini(I am from somewhere far)”, she
mentions.
He won’t know any place besides Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
“Mmmh”, he goes to being silent again.
His cell phone rings and he excuses himself before he attends
to it.
BUSISILE
I kept on staring at the ceiling not knowing what is coming next
for me. Mphembe is more than furious and I do not blame him,
I know what awaits for me are the hurls of names that will
come from the family. I should’ve seen a child in Mabutho
though he is older than me but I should view each and every
one of Mphembe’s children like my very own. I turn my head as
I look at the snoring Iminathi, she is really in her sleep and I
guess it must also come with the comfort of this bed.
As I am laid on my back I place my hand on my stomach and I
sigh and breathe in and out. I get that everything seems a bit
shaky but my thoughts right now are on this child that is inside
of me.
I look at the lady next to me and try to not wake her up while
getting out of the bed. I want to use the bathroom so I open
the bedroom door. Mphembe is sharing a room with
MaThabethe and Mabutho disappeared with his brother. I go to
the bathroom and I do what I need to do before I get out after I
am done. I move to where my room is and I feel someone
holding my arm and I jump in fright.
“Shh its me”, Mabutho says.
Standing infront of me nearly naked but in his bottoms.
“Mabutho”
He leads us in the room and closes the door behind him. The
snoring princess is still at it.
“How are you baby? Are you okay?”, he asks and I feel like
crying.
“I am going to be okay, how are you? your face?”
“I will survive”, he says and pulls me into a warm hug.
“I love you and we will get through this”
“He is angry at us”
“I know but we will be okay”, I nod my head.
“Is your friend a heavy sleeper?”
“No, she is just resting. She hasn’t slept properly in days”, I say.
“Why?”
“She got stranded here, university stuff and she is not from
Kzn”
“Mmmh, okay”, he gives me a kiss and holds my cheeks.
“I love you so much Mabusi, don’t forget that”
“I love you too”, I say. ‘he gives me the last kiss before he
departs from my room.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 22
The morning came rather too soon in a space that I don’t even
want to face Mphembe as I am scared. I know that soon we will
be leaving going back home and I am scared of what awaits me.
I am even afraid of moving out of this room and I took an early
bath before everyone else woke up and when Iminathi got to
wake up I was already done with bathing.
I am seated on the bed staring outside the window, the curtain
is flapping up and down due to the wind and it has me in some
trance. I am alone in the room after the begging that iminathi
had done just to get me out of this room but it all fell deaf to
ears.
I sigh as I rub my hands together. I know that Mphembe might
be angry that I haven’t availed myself. It is disrespectful what I
am doing but I cant find myself walking out of this door and
going to fill duties that I don’t know how to anymore. I don’t
feel lost, just scared. I love Mabutho, I love how he makes me
feel and makes my blood rush at times. I love when he pulls me
closer to him and gives me a small kiss on the temple of my
head and tells me that he loves me while he looks at me. I love,
I love a man that was once in love with another woman. I close
my eyes and sigh, a knock on the door surfaces and I turn my
head and watch in the direction where the knock is coming
from. Another one surfaces once again before the door opens
and MaThabethe peaks in her head and she lets herself in
without me saying a word.
“Why are you sitting here, food is ready”, she says.
“I am fine thank you ma”, she sighs and comes closer.
“You have to eat Busisile, you are carrying a something in you
and it needs to be fed.”
“I am fine, thank you ma”
“Everything will be okay, Mphembe will calm down about
everything”
I keep my silence. I am just worried about Mabutho in all of this
more than I am. I wonder how far I would’ve gotten if I ran
away as far as I could.
“You know you are going to be a mother pretty soon and that
comes with putting your child and yourself first”, she says.
“Have you ever done that?”, I ask curious.
“Yes, many times, I have put myself and my kids first more than
my husband”
“What about your family?”
“If it’s the family who sticks beside you in happiness and
sadness then yes”
I sigh and she keeps her silence for a moment.
“What do you wish, more than anything?”
I wish I was given the freedom just once in my life.
“I cant wish much”
“You can”
“Wishes never come true”, I say.
“Let me go, I will send someone to bring the food to you”, I nod
my head and thank her.
She moves away from me and she makes her way towards the
door, she opens it and walks out.
I carry on where I left off with the staring and then the door
opens and I turn back, it is Mphembe. I get off the bed quickly
and bow my head.
“Baba”, I greet softly and there is silence between the both of
us.
“MaSibisi”, he finally says and I nod my head.
He walks in further into the room and I swallow.
“Why are you locking yourself in here?”
“I…I am not well”, I lie.
I learnt that, it is something I don’t usually do.
“Do you need to go to the doctor?”
“No, I will be fine, thank you”, silence prevails between the
both of us.
“Do you love Mabutho?”
he asks and I swallow.
“I…I…”, I don’t know how to answer him in a gentle manner.
“Be honest”
“Yes”
“What do I not do for you?”, I get the courage to look up to him
and he is staring back at me.
His facial expression shows that he wants to know what is going
on.
“There is nothing you do not do for me?”
“Is it because I am not as young as Mabutho?”
“Yes”, I say honestly and he clenches his jaw.
“I feared this would happen but I trusted you Busisile, what is
everyone going to say? The other wives? The whole community
about this shame”
“I am sorry Mphembe”
“You are not , both of you as you are only because I now
know”, he says coming closer to me and I move back.
“I am sorry Mphembe, it was never my intention to hurt you”, I
quickly say.
He is hurt but also he is angry and I do understand where he is
coming from.
NARRATED
The breakfast is eaten with no silence in place. Iminathi and
MaThabethe are chatting up a storm while Bongani is seated
with Mabutho who’s mind is in the other room where his father
vanished to. In there with Busisile. He wishes to come close
there and hear what is being said and done but he holds
himself from trying to jump off this couch and go in there. They
are not carrying any conversation just company and great food.
A laughter gets Bongani’s attention and it is of a woman who he
just met the previous day. She is talkative were his thoughts.
She is just too much for him, the fact that she rolls her eyes and
is able to talk back to him for his silence just rubs him off the
wrong way, even the laughter he doesn’t like it.
He has heard a lot about Xhosa women, beautiful and loud and
also one of the female creatures who are considered to be real
mean fighters.
The beauty and loudness has been proven from him and also
the fighting. He has experienced that first hand from this
woman.
“Mama enkosi for the breakfast ibimandi(It was nice)”, the loud
woman says.
He thinks as he looks in the direction of his mother and Nathi.
“The pleasure is mine, you should visit us in the rural area. I am
sure Busisile will like it”
“I would love to!”
The thoughts are running wile in his head. Why is his mother
inviting a stranger in their home. Yes she is a nice person but
that doesn’t give her the right to invite a stranger in their family
yard.
A cry gets everyone’s attention and Mabutho is the first to
leave the room rushing to where Mphembe and Mabusi are in.
He gets in the room and Mphembe is not having any mercy on
Busisile’s body as she apologizes, he is angry and hurt. Mabutho
pulls his father back and pushes him off Mabusi who is crying
curled up near the floor as she keeps on apologizing.
“Ndumezulu!”,MaThabethe’s anger shoots up as she sees the
sight.
She has never experienced this but some other wives have and
she once left this man for it. He begged her and it took over a
year for her to come back into his arms once again after
promising that he will never be a violent person towards a
woman but he failed to keep his promise.
“Mabutho step away Mfana before I hurt you”
“Hurt me? Baba you are hurting the mother of my child and you
think I will just let you carry on. I will not! The one who is in the
wrong about this whole situation is you marrying a child ! dont
even play victim you saw this coming”, he is also angry.
He pulls the weeping Busisile who has felt numb. The slap was
unexpected so as the hands that were thrown in her direction.
She holds on tightly to Mabutho, scared is the word.
He pulls her out of the room and he pulls her out of the house
going to his car. They are leaving and it is final too.
Mean while MaThabethe was still in disbelief of what this man
has done.
“Are you happy now?”
“Don’t…”
“Don’t what Ndumezulu?! I cant look at you right now”, she
clicks her tongue and walks away.
.
Bongani had pulled Iminathi away from the family drama,
strangers should not be in their business.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Outside”
“Hey they are hitting my friend in there. Your old father is
crap”, she clicks her tongue.
“You don’t talk like that and you don’t know Busisile”
“All I know is that she great dick over wrinkled dick”, she says.
He cannot figure her out.
“Are you always like this?”, he says.
“Like what?”
“You talk too much”
“I know”
He would not be able to crack this woman well.
MABUTHO
We have been on the road for quiet some time and she has
been crying and sniffing since we left, my mother has called and
I only answered her for a brief moment before I hung up on
her. I took Mabusi to the doctor and the doctor assured me
that everything is okay. She is in her critical stage though. I
need to call Mandisa and also see what she needs, as much as
we are not together anymore but she is pregnant with my first
born child and I also need to be there for her.
“MaSibisi”
She turns and looks at me and her eyes are red, they are puffy
and if she was light skinned she would’ve been red at this
moment.
“I am sorry”, I say.
I feel like all of this is my fault. I approached her.
She light smiles in my direction and she sniffs.
“It is not your fault”
“I will not leave your sight okay?”, she nods her head.
I park the car at the side of the road and pull her in for a hug
and she holds onto me.
“Everything will be okay”, I brush her back as I say so.
She starts sobbing again and I keep on caressing her.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 23
I have rested and my body is quiet aching as well, Mabutho has
his hands wrapped securely around me, I guess he doesn’t want
me to run or leave while he is still resting, I look at this man
who is sleeping next to me and I run my hands on his face
admiring his features, he slowly opens his eyes and looks at me
and I return the favour and look at him. we don’t stop the
staring contest between the both of us. He smiles and then he
pulls me to kiss my forehead and I close my eyes.
“How are you feeling?”,he asks.
“Okay”, I quickly say.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, my body is aching a bit but it is nothing that I cannot
handle at the moment.
I say honestly. He nods his head and he caresses my arm.
“I have been thinking of going to the doctors appointment
tomorrow with Mandisa”, he says and looks at me.
“It’s okay, you are having a child together”, he sighs.
“Thank you”, I nod my head.
“Now what?”
“I don’t know but I am not letting us go”
“I am not doing that either”
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes please”, he nods and he gets out of the bed and then I also
do the same. I ask for the bathroom and he shows it to me
while he tries to get food for us. I do what I need to do and I
wipe myself and there are little drops of blood on my tissue and
the doctor did mention that having a small bleed is normal
when you are about to have a baby, it does happen at times.
I flush and wash my hands before I walk out of the bathroom.
Mabutho is on the phone and he seems to be talking someone
and I do not interfere in his conversation as it does not involve
me at all.
I sit on the bed waiting for him to finish with his call and he
does in time.
“That was umah, she is just checking up on us”
“We cant rush away, I understand why your father is angry”
“But that doesn’t give him the right to hit you”
“Mabutho we cant question an elder”
“Are you hearing yourself Busisile?”
“Yes”
He shakes his head.
“Mabutho he is angry and I understand that”
“I do too but his actions shouldn’t be justified not by you
especially”, he says and I keep my silence.
“Food is on its way”, he says and goes to the bathroom leaving
me in the room. I sigh and cover my face.
.
The days have passed by quite quickly and all that has been
going on is the back and forth about the pregnancy, we haven’t
seen Mphembe since the day I was punished for my sins and
Mabutho hasn’t been wanting to see his father as yet after all
of that. I also am scared of talking to Mphembe but sooner or
later we would have to face him and learn how to bury the
hatchet that is there between all of us. So here we are, today
going to the Ntuli homestead. I am nervous, I have never been
this nervous and I know that some of the wives most probably
already know what I have done with Mabutho. He has been
quiet since we left where we were coming here and he hasn’t
said anything about what awaits us here. we keeps our silence
until we enter the yard. He breathes in and out and gives me a
assurance that he is here and that everything will be okay. It
does give me some assurance in that.
We get out of the car and make our way inside the yard and I
see MaGasa standing by the verander and she places her hands
on her hips. The kids greet Mabutho and I and I greet them
back. I have not seen them since I ran away.
“Heeh indodakazi yolahleko noma ngithi umfazi wolahleko(The
prodigal daughter or should I say the prodigal wife)”, she says
and looks at me while I shy away from her.
“Sawubona ma”, Mabutho greets.
“Yah Butho”
“Ubaba ukhona?”
“Ulele(He is asleep)”.
“Where is he sleeping?”
“I will wake him up”, she says and walks away from us.
We share a look before we make our way inside the house.
MaJili is in the kitchen and she greets us.
Mabutho asks about his mother and MaJili tells him that she is
in her room. We wait on MaGasa and she comes back.
“He said he would like to see MaSibisi alone”
“She is not going there alone”, she frowns and claps her
hands.m
“Why?”
“Let’s go”,Mabutho says.
“Heeh imihlola ke le!”, MaGasa says.
“Mabutho please”
“No Busisile!”
“Haibo Mabutho ubiza umawakho ngegama?(Mabutho are you
calling your mother by her name?)”,MaGasa keeps on speaking.
“Please”
“I will accompany you”, I sigh and nod my head.
We leave MaGasa there and go to the main room of which is
MaKhumalo’s room. We knock and Mabutho looks at me. I sigh
and make my way inside the room and he follows, I see
Mphembe seated in the bed with the little flat screen tv on. He
looks at my direction and he doesn’t look okay.
“Baba”
“Ngicela usondele MaSibisi(Please come closer MaSibisi)”, he
says.
“I am scared baba”, I say honestly and he sighs.
“I will not lay my hands on you”, he says and I move forward a
little bit and stand just before the front of the bed.
“I just want us to talk”, he says.
I just keep my silence.
“It is hard for me to accept this but I have been pulled by the
ear”, he says and I still keep my silence.
“I am prepared to raise the child but I am letting you go and so
as Mabutho”, he says.
“Letting go of what Mphembe?”, Mabutho asks.
“I am letting go of you both in this family”
“You are disowning us?”, my heart skips a beat.
“Yes, seeing you both disgusts me”
“I don’t trust you both and you with my life anymore”
Mphembe says.
“Please baba, any punishment but that”, I say.
Mabutho keeps his silence.
“Please, I am giving you a few days to leave everything that you
inherited from me for my kids”,he says.
“Mphembe if we are cutting ties now we are cutting ties
forever”, Mabutho says.
Mphembe keeps quiet for a while.
“Send a message to me when you have left”, he says and
Mabutho takes my hand in his and pulls me out of the room.
“Mabutho you cant abounden your family like that”
“Watch me Mabusi”, he says and he opens the car and gets me
inside. I see MaKhumalo and the other wives gossping while
watching us from the verander. He closes the door on my side
while I am inside and then he gets inside his side and he starts
the car before he drives off. I keep my silence that moment and
he drives out of his family yard. I keep on looking back as the
dusts starts to get stronger and stronger as the house fades and
the yard disappears into thin air. My heart aches, my heart
aches for him the most.
I turn and look at this man and he is angry, I am scared of even
trying to talk him out of this as he will not change his mind.
“Mabutho”, I say and he looks at me.
“Is this all worth it?”
“For my happiness yes Mabusi”, he says.
I nod my head that moment.
NARRATED
Ad the dust seems to settle on the other side, in the Ntuli
household the wives hold a conversation with MaGasa dishing
out the glimpse drama that she saw between Mabutho and
Busisile.
“Za came to me the other day and saw MaSibisi going in his
room”,MaKhumalo dishes out her news too adding on the news
they are hearing,
“Maybe she is pregnant with his child not Mphembe’s”, the
news are dished some more.
“We should ask MaThabethe, she knows something from her
bestfriend and son”, MaKhumalo says.
She shakes her head. Why did she have to sleep and witness
the ending action?
But it was not over yet for them. The suitcases roll through the
green grass and they turn their heads seeing MaThabethe in a
white dress that deems to express her being a fresh woman.
The lights flicker in one of Mphembe’s cars that she loves the
most. The Audi Q7. She was the one who made him choose that
car while MaKhumalo wanted Mphembe to buy the Avanza for
her many children. They all had a chance to select a car they
wanted Mphembe to buy so that he can drive around with
them and the city girl wanted the top of the class range SUV. It
has only been a year since Mphembe bought this car and he
enjoys it too. He was skeptical bringing such a car in the rural
area for it didn’t fit here but you cannot take the city out of a
person.
The lights flicker and the boot is soon open and she shoves her
two suitcases.
“Haibo Sisi where are you going?!”,MaKhumalo asks.
MaThabethe ignores.
She places all her things inside. She has her sun hat on and her
sandals topped with the dress she is wearing. She opens the
front door and already one of the wives has informed
Mphembe with the departure.
“Bathabile”, he gets over to the driver’s side as he knocks on
the window.
She rolls the window down and looks at this man.
“Where are you going?”
“I am going far away from you, I won’t stay for a man who
beats women”, his heart skips a beat.
He promised and vowed to himself that he would never do that
again as he never wanted to loose her and now he is loosing
her.
“Mama, ngicela sikhulume(Mama can we please talk?)”, he
says.
“There is nothing to talk about Mphembe, act as an example”,
she says and she starts reversing the car.
It is also helpful that this car is an automatic as she hasn’t
driven in some time. Being driven around has been a luxury to
him. Yes the others don’t deserve the car that she is leaving
with, they chose the cars they wanted to travel in with their
husbands so this is her car.
The dusts settles after the car disappears through the dust and
Mphembe feels heavy hearted.
“Baba ukahle?(Baba are you okay?)”, one of the wives asks.
“I need to rest”
“I will send the kids with your food and water”, he ignores and
he walks away going into the main room.
MANDISA
“I hope it is a boy”, my mother says and I smile.
“Me too, I am going to a doctor’s appointment with Mabutho
later on”, I quickly say.
“How are you feeling?”, she turns to me from the sink and I
sigh.
“I am sad mah, I love this man”
“Maybe you should sit down with him and try to find a way to
talk through this”, she says.
“I have been trying”
“Maybe instead of fighting you should try again”, this is hard
honestly.
“Okay”, she smiles and drinks her water.
“Let me go and get some work done okay?”, I nod my head and
send a message to Mabutho reminding him of our doctors
appointment. I didn’t expect to be pregnant but I am happy the
baby is here, I hope it brings us closer and closer.
I place my hand on my stomach and rub it gently.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 24
I had fallen asleep as the drive was a bit long but when I wake
up I am in the bedroom in the farm house and I am hearing
some moving sounds. The darkness that is displayed infront of
me as the curtains are not closed from inside the house. It
indicates that it is night time now. I sit up from the bed and I
stretch myself and I see the boxes and also about 2 suitcases
that are packed. This is Mabutho’s room, there is no doubt
about that. I slowly get out of the bed and I make my way to
where the moving sounds are coming from and Mabutho is in
the closet. It is almost empty.
He turns to me and he smiles.
“Hey”
“Hi, what are you doing?”
“I am packing our things before we leave”
“Do you need help?”, I ask.
“I have got this baby, the chef came and I told him to make
something for you”
“So you are leaving everything?”, he nods his head.
“Yes”
“Where to from here?”, I think out loud.
He comes towards me and he holds me close to him.
“Do not worry about anything okay?”, I nod my head.
He kisses my forehead.
“Let’s go and eat”
“I am not hungry yet, we can finish up here”, I say.
“Okay, only for 20 minutes then we go and eat”, he says and I
nod my head.
“That is fine by me”, we get on with packing the rest of the
things and mostly are his things more than mine. What I have
here are the clothes he got for me and I like them, I hope with
time I will still fit in them.
After 20 minutes we leave what is left and we go and eat our
food. We sit on the couch together and we speak about
anything that comes into our minds and speak about my
experience in the farm to. We are laughing and enjoying each
other’s company and soon we go and wash our dishes and
Mabutho tells me that we will finish the rest of the things in the
morning. We get to his room and I go and take a shower with
him and he gets to wash my body and after we are done with
bathing we get out of the shower and go and get dressed
before we slip into bed and carry on with our conversation
from where we left it off until I doze off once again.
BONGANI
My mother would’ve bite my head off if I had thrown this
woman out and when everyone else left it was just awkward.
She doesn’t like silence that is one thing I have noticed but I am
glad that her varsity issues are getting sorted. I had to pull
some strings so that things can speed up and she can leave, a
few phone calls made that possible for me. It was either that or
I am stuck with her until God knows when.
I am getting ready for work, I tried to call Mabutho to figure out
how he is doing and I called my older brother Phumlani and we
have decided that we should go and see Mabutho and be there
for him. Dad did see this coming, MaSibisi is very young so she
would find someone who is young attractive too but it is not
her fault though, Mabutho wanted her first so he has to take
care of the mess that this girl is in. I am preparing for work and I
am almost done with doing my tie when my phone rings and I
take it off from my bed and it is Nkosinathi. I thought marriage
and his new company is holding him down for some time.
I quickly answer the call.
“Bafo”, I say.
“Bafo, kuhamba kanjani ?(How are things going Bhuti?)”
“They are going okay”
“Mmmh, I was talking to umah izolo and she told me things”
“What things?”, I frown.
“Its a lot, about Mabutho and MaSibisi, apparently Mphembe
ubaxoshile and uMaThabethe left as well”,What?!
“What is going on?”, he asks.
“Mabutho umithisile uMaSibisi(Mabutho impregnanted
MaSibisi)”
“Why is baba not calling everyone on this matter than to take
decisions on his own?”
“I don’t know”
“Let me call Mabutho and check how he is”
“Okay”, he hangs up after that.
I quickly try my mother and it rings a few times before she
answers.
“Mfana wami”
“Mama where are you?”
“I am at home, why?”
“In Lamont?”
“Yes, why?”
“So you left home?Nkosinathi just called”
“MaKhumalo likes talking, she gossips even with her sons”
“You didn’t want us to know?”
“It’s not like I am dying Bongani hayi, how is Iminathi? I hope
you are treating that girl well”
“I am trying my best”
“Mmmh”
“I will see you in a few”
“Haibo go to work”
“But ma”
“I am being serious”
“I cant get to Mabutho”
“I will try Busisile”
“Okay”
“Bye”
“I love you ma”
“Ayi Bongani ibani nentombi nithi I love you kubona(Ayi
Bongani have a girlfriend you will say I love you to)”, I shake my
head.
“Okay”
“Bye mfana wami”, she hangs up.
I don’t know how I ended up having such a mother but no one
is like her.
I get out of my room when I am done and I find this woman
frying in the kitchen and she has a towel wrapped around her
body.
I clear my throat and she looks at me.
“Good morning”
“Morning”
“I am making breakfast, do you want some?”
“Izinto zabelungu azisuthisi(White people food don’t satisfy
me)”, I say as I watch her having sliced avocardo and toasted
bread too and its two slices.
“Can you just sit down and stop being indoda you will faint at
work”, she says.
I find myself not arguing with her and I go and sit down in the
living room and I pull the remote and open the news as I wait
for whatever breakfast that she has. She comes after some
time with a trey and she places it infront of me. I look at the
presentation, it is not messy and the coffee is hot.
“The coffee has no sugar, do you need it and milk?”
“No thank you”, I say looking at her.
“Okay then”
“Can I have 4 more slices of bread?”, I say looking at the two
slices of toasted bread.
“Yoh okay”, she moves away from me and she comes back with
the bread and I thank her.
“Please get dressed”
“I am covered”
“Iminathi”, I warn and she raises her hands.
“Ndiyakuva, I will do it”. I nod my head she walks off.
I breathe out and I run my fingers over my face before I start
eating the food that is infront of me.
MABUTHO
I sent a message to Mphembe telling him that we have left his
place, the car is filled with our things and a sleepy Busisile, I
look at this woman and I run my fingers on her face before I let
her be. I sigh as I am consumed in thoughts. So this is a new
start. I have some money that I have in my savings and some in
my investment account and I don’t want to touch that but for
now we need a place to stay and hopefully we will get one very
quickly. I am driving to Durban. My phone rings , I had it off the
whole of yesterday and sometime this morning. I answer it.
“Hello”
“Butho, its Nkosinathi”, I swallow.
“Bhuti”
“How are you?”, I sigh before I answer.
“I am good and yourself?”
“I am okay”, silence prevails between the both of us.
“I heard the news”
“Ohw”
“What are your plans? This needs to be fixed”
“I will not fix anything, I love Busisile and we are expecting. We
apologized to baba and we were willing to try and get
forgiveness but he disowned us so that I am not going to
entertain”, I say.
“But we are family, we need to find some way”
“Your father has made up his mind and even if he changes it,
mina no Busisile angasifaki(He shouldn’t involve me and
Busisile)”
“I hear you but family is everything”
“I am not disputing that, that’s why I should protect my family. I
am not mad at anyone but me and Mphembe have cut ties”, I
say.
“Where are you?”
“I am on my way to Durban”
“You left the farm house?”
“Mphembe said I should leave everything for his children”
“I will talk to him”
“Don’t, I don’t want to be associated with his selfish self”
“Your mother left home too”
“Good,did he tell you that he laid his hands on Busisile?”
“What?!”, I feel myself boiling at the thought.
“I will have a word with him”
“Don’t, he wont listen. I will call you when I have settled”, I say.
“Okay, if you need anything call me”
My phone indicates that there is an incoming call”
“Okay”
We hang up and I answer the other call.
“Mandisa”, I scratch my head.
“Mabutho you didn’t call me to tell me what is going on and
your phone wasn’t reachable”
“I am sorry, I am going through something, can we schedule for
2 hours from now”
“Okay, we need to talk. Keep your phone on and don’t stand
me up”
“I will not, I promise”
“Okay”
I hang up after that. I turn to Busisile and pull the little fleece
that is on her up a bit so that she is fully covered.
I love this woman and the day I vowed to love her is the day I
vowed to go through the hottest flames with her and I am
prepared for that.
BUSISILE
We are in a place where MaThabethe was born in. Mabutho
told me that he has to go to his appointment with Mandisa and
I understood. He is the father of her child and he has to be
there as much as he is for our child. This house is beautiful
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it is a double story and it is mordernised. There is a double
garage that has a door that leads from there into the kitchen. I
didn’t know that MaThabethe has a sister and also a brother
but what I know is that her brother is married and her sister has
never been married but she has two daughters of which one
lives in another province while the other is doing her final year
in university. It seems like she comes from a really great family
if you ask me.
“Do you want a foot massage Busi?”, her sister asks me as she
has already fed me until my stomach hurts.
“No, thank you ma”
“There is a massage chair you can sit on”, she says.
“Haibo Thobile why are you panicking? She does that when
someone is pregnant”, MaThabethe says.
“This is our first grandchild Batha”, her sister reasons.
“Haibo Mthoko has a child”
“That we hardly see”, she says.
“Busi if you need something just call me okay”,MaThabethet
sits next to me.
“How are you feeling my child?”
“I am feeling okay mah, thank you”
“You know, I know this is not how you imagined things to
happen but I am happy that Mabutho is here with you”, I smile.
“Are you not hating me?”
“Why should I?”
“I sneaked around with your son”
“You are young Busisile, we all make mistakes and yours came
with a valid reasoning, I am not justifying you cheating but what
I mean is that you are young and you were obliged to be
attracted to someone who is in your age group or young”
“I hear you mah and I am sorry”
she pulls me in for a hug.
“It is okay baby”, she rubs my back and I feel comforted too.
“I am making fruit salad!”, her sister says from the kitchen.
“Thobile awuhlale phansi soqhuma!(Thobile sit down we will
explode!)”
“Does she like cooking?”, I ask.
“Yes, she used to be a chef at the biggest hotel in her life”
“Wow”
“I also used to be something once, before I met Mphembe”,she
says and smiles.
“Do you love Mphembe?”
“Yes I do, I don’t think that will change anytime but I hate his
actions”, I nod my head.
“I hear you”
“And do you love Mabutho?”, I giggle and shy away.
“I have my answer.”, she laughs at me.
Her sister shows up with a trey with juice and bowels.
“Here is something to nibble on”
“Kodwa Thobile”, MaThabethe says.
“Thank you ma”, I say.
“I love this one”, she says and walks away.
I don’t think I can stomach anything at the moment.
MANDISA
He came , he actually showed up. The car got parked infront of
my gate and I quickly go to the car and he gets out and opens
the door for me. The chilvery is there. I thank him and he closes
the door and gets inside the car and he drives off.
“Sorry I am late, I had to sort something out”, he mentions. S
“It’s okay, I hope you are good”, I say.
“I am good, I hope you are too”
“I am trying”, he keeps his silence and I sigh.
“Mabutho can we talk?”, I say.
“Okay”, he rests his body on the seats.
“What happened to us? I thought we were happy”
“We were happy Mandisa”
“Then why are we splitting up? What did I do wrong?”
“You didn’t do anything wrong Mandisa, I care about you and I
loved you and I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with
you…”
“Then?”
“Then I felt like you didn’t complete me. Yes loving a person is
one thing but feeling complete is what I wanted. I didn’t feel as
complete with you, something was missing and I didn’t want to
string you along so I thought we should end things”, I feel a
lump in my throat.
“Who is she?”, I ask and he keeps quiet.
“Can we forget this conversation?”
“No who is she Mabutho!?”
“Busisile”
“Who ? that Step mother of yours?”, I don’t think I heard him
properly.
“She is my woman”
“Ukhohlakele!(You are evil!)”, I turn away from him and tears
stream down my cheek.
“I am sorry Mandisa”
“How could you do that to me?”
“It just happened”
“Is it because I am from the city?”
“No”
“Then what? I am not dark and skinny like her?”
“Mandisa don’t do that”
“What?! Huh? You have hurt me Mabutho”
“I am sorry”, I sob.
He lets me be and the ride to the doctor is filled with my sobs. I
cannot believe that he did this to me,I was assured that he
would not cheat on me with his step mother and he goes and
does that. I shouldn’t have allowed that girl next to my man.
We get to the doctor and he parks the car.
“I hope she receives every bad thing”, I say and take off my seat
belt .
“Take that back Mandisa”, his tone is warning.
“I won’t!”
I open the door and he pulls me from getting out.
“I am warning you Mandisa you don’t want us to fight”
“Leave me alone”
“Don’t you ever wish bad things upon Mabusi, I am the one
who wronged you not her don’t piss me off now take that back
before we fight”, I swallow. He has never spoken to me in that
manner.
“I am sorry”
He lets me go and I get out of the car. My arms hurt a bit. He
gets out too and he closes the door. I cant believe this man has
done this to me all for that girl.
IMINATHI
“Ndiyavuya ukuva lokho mntanami(I am happy to hear that my
child)”, my father says.
I am seated outside on the verander.
“Ewe tata, I am just waiting to move and ndifumane i-allowance
so that I can buy some things”
“Oh uyehova mntanami akanokusilahla (God never forsakes
us)”, I am just happy that my school issues are getting sorted.
The electric gate opens as I am seated on the verander and a
car I do not know drives in.
“Tata, I will call you later yeva?”
“Okay, ndiyakuthanda mntanami(I love you my child)
“Uthandwa ndim(You are loved by me)”
We hang up and I get up from the floor and a man comes out of
the car and he looks at me.
“Sawubona sisi”
“Hello”, he gets out and closes the door behind him.
“I am here for my brother”
“Who is your brother?”
“Bongani”, he chuckles after.
“Oh,he is not here. he left for work”
“He is on his way I guess, I called him”
“Okay would you like some juice while you wait?”
“Ngingakuthokozela lokho ntokazi(I would like that)”, I turn and
walk inside the house and he goes to the living room. I get to
the kitchen and I make some juice and dish up for him since
there are no biscuits I go and serve him and he thanks me.
“Bongani hasn’t told me about you yet”, he says.
“Oh we are not dating, I am here on Busisile’s account”, I
mention.
“Oh, I see.”
“Let me leave you”, I say.
“Okay, thank you”
I walk away and go to the bedroom I used and I get shoes and
wear them before I go out of the bedroom and I meet Bongani
in the kitchen.
“Hi”, I say.
“Hi,how are you?”
“I am fine and yourself?”
“I am good”
“I cooked, should I dish up for you?”
“Yes please”, I nod my head and get a plate for him.
He is still in here in the kitchen.
“Your brother is waiting for you”
“I will go to him shortly”, he mentions and I just nod my head.
He goes and gets a glass of water and I give him his food and he
thanks me before walking away.
I will say that man is mighty weird.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 25
MANDISA
The visit to the doctor was not that long, the doctor gave me
some prescription to get some medication. The car was silent
and not any one of us were talking. This is a first and usually
when this happened it was from my side and he would be
sweet talking me into forgiving him. eventually I would forgive
him. I look at him and he is focused on the road. He drives to
the drive thru for Nandos and he gets me my favourite meal
and when he has paid and collected he gives the meal to me
and I thank him.
He keeps his silence then and drives me back home. When we
get home he parks the car just by the gate.
“I will see you on the next appointment, do call when you need
anything”
“I need you”
“Mandisa”
“I love you Mabutho and that cant just change”
“I know”
Silence prevails between us.
“I have to go Mandisa”
“I will call you”, he just nods his head.
“Don’t call me if it is not something concerning the pregnancy”,
he says.
“It will”, I am part of the pregnancy too.
He hops out of the car and he opens the door for me and I hop
out. We say our last goodbyes and I leave him with a heavy
heart. I then entered my home and I felt so below, how can he
choose her over me? Us?
BUSISILE
I wanted to help Mabutho’s aunt in making supper but she told
me that I should relax with her sister, her daughter lives at res
so she is not here but she told me she will come here tomorrow
so that she can see me and have someone her age she can go
around Durban with. I have never been around much and the
things I know are from Mabutho and no one else. I know I am
not far with my pregnancy but it already feels like I am when I
haven’t started much. We are watching some comedy show
and MaThabethe is laughing more than I am, she is enjoying it
so much. Her sister comes in the living room carrying her phone
and she gives it to her.
“Its your ex”, she says that handing her phone to MaThabethe
and she stops the laughing and takes it.
“Ndumezulu”, her tone indicates that she is annoyed but she
stands up from the couch and walks away.
I am left here all alone and I don’t know if I should change the
channel or not but what will I watch if I do? The front door soon
opens and Mabutho walks in. he looks drained but he smiles
my way and I return the smile to him.
“How are you?”, he asks as he comes to sit next to me.
“I am good, your aunt is going to make me gain weight in no
time”
“She overfeeds everyone”, he mentions and he pulls me closer
to him.
“How was the appointment?”
“It was okay, Mandisa is still not into terms that we are
separate”, he says looking at me.
“I… she has been with you for a long time and she is pregnant”,
I say.
“I do understand what you mean but I don’t want to be with
her when I will not reprocate the energy she wants me to”
“Maybe as time goes things will get better, give her time to
come to terms”
“I know that you are a very nice person but when it comes to
Mandisa she can be mean and I want you to never let her walk
over you okay?”
I nod my head.
“Promise me Mabusi”
“I promise”, he kisses my forehead.
“Musani ukujolela phambi kwabantu abadala(Don’t do your
things infront of older people)”, I shift from Mabutho as his
mother comes in and I look down.
“We are sorry ntombi yaMphembe”
She clicks her tongue.
“Your father doesn’t give up”, she says as she places her phone
on the coffee table.
“I am disowned so I don’t have one”
“Don’t play like that”, she says.
I keep my silence.
They keep on speaking back and forth and I excuse myself to
the kitchen.
IMINATHI
These men left after clearing the pot and I caught a glimpse of
what they were talking about but I am not sure if it is true or
not. I don’t know what to say honestly about everything. I am
leaving soon and I am quiet excited about that too.
I have cooked supper, I love cooking especially outside in the
fire while my father used to tell us stories with uMakhulu when
we were young with my cousins that I lived with. they were two
boys and us two girls but my girl cousin died. She had a
headache and she went to sleep and that was the end for her
which left me with my two male cousins. They are married
now, have wives and work back home and a family that is why I
am my father’s responsibility, they cant chip in much with
regards to my life but I still love them.
I have made some steam bread and beef stew as well. I wish
there were the beef bones here instead of the actual meat but I
am okay with it regardless of it being unavailable. I am done
with cooking and I just need to bath and then relax now. I
quickly move from the kitchen and I go to the bathroom and I
quickly take a bath and after I am done I get out and I go to the
bedroom. I change and get dressed in some of this man’s
clothes that he has lended to me well they are mine now. I will
wear them on my lazy days. I cant even look at myself through
the mirror and the only mirror available is in his bedroom and
the microwave that serves to be a mirror to me. What kind of
house lacks mirrors? What about the guests honestly.
I get to the kitchen and I go and drink some water, it is already
dark outside and he has not come back home. Winter is
approaching so maybe it is still early, I don’t even have a phone
to ask him if he is safe. I don’t want his family blaming me if he
is somewhere dying.
I see the headlights shining through the window and it seems
like a car is coming in. I rinse my glass after I am done and I wait
for him to walk inside and he does after some time closing the
door behind him.
“Molo bhuti”
“Sawubona “, he says as he walks in the kitchen and goes to get
his usual dose of one cold beer for the day before he eats and
rests.
“How was your day?”, he asks. Nice of him to ask and he is
trying to make conversation.
“It was okay, nothing much happened. I cooked”, he nods his
head.
Silence prevails between us.
“Should I dish up for you?”, I ask.
“Please”, he says.
“Okay, you need to freshen up then you can come and eat”
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he looks at himself.
“Is there anything wrong with me?”
“Yes, you need to take off that tie and all of that and wear
something relaxing and comfortable before you even down that
beer”, I point at it.
“I will still eat, the food wont change”
“Please let’s not fight over that”, he sighs.
“Fine”, he places the beer on the counter and leaves.
I prepare the food for the both of us and he comes back already
changed. I tell him the food is ready and he says he will eat at
the living room. I bring the food for the both of us and I sit
down and so does he, he opens some tv to super sports and
now we are here watching soccer. I dislike it but tolerate it. I
start eating and he is not even using his spoon when he is
eating.
He finishes first and I offer to get him another plate and he
accepts the offer. It reminds me of my father and how he loved
having seconds of my mothers food. She was such a sweet soul,
always kind and giving even the little we had she was willing to
give it to someone who will need it as well. I miss her, I miss her
everyday and my father has reminded me how I am like my
grandmother and her as well. Both of them will always been my
angels. My grandmother was unlike her daughter, she stood up
for nonsense and she had a very big voice too. I dished up for
him in a new clean place and got him some water to wash his
hands. I went to give it him and he washed his hands and
thanked me. It is the least I could do for him keeping me here
despite my newly found friend being gone but it is the smallest
gesture I can say thank you with.
He is halfway through the meal when I come back and I sit next
to him.
“Unesandla esihle(You can cook)”, he says.
“Thank you”, he nods his head and goes back to eating and I do
the same.
.
A week later and a few days closer to when I am leaving this
place and I should say that staying here has been somewhat
different for me in a sense that this man has been either
uncomfortable in my presence or this man has been quiet and
it is his nature to be quiet but I had let him be like that and I
didn’t want to bombard him in that manner as well.
We are painting a room, he mentioned that some of his siblings
who are studying around this area are coming in the next few
days and so he is preparing an outside building for the rest of
them. I hope by the time they come I will be gone.
“Where should I be placing this?”, I ask pointing at the box full
of tools.
“Let me get that”, he comes and picks it up and puts it
somewhere else.
“So you don’t want me to help you?”, I ask.
Already its lunch time, he had lunch and since all morning he
has been cooped up in this room.
“I am fine”, he says.
“Why do you have to do that?”, he frowns and watches me.
“Do what?”
“You are uptight as I have mentioned before”
“I am just like this”
“Okay”, I say and I go and get a brush and I help him. he stops.
“Iminathi, I don’t want you to do any labour”
“Why?”
“It’s a mans job and I am almost done too”, he says.
“Bonga, this is the new era”, I say.
“An era of what?”
“An era where men and women can do the same things”, he
steps closer to me and I look up to him.
“Uyazizwa kodwa ntokazi?(are you hearing yourself?)”
“Yes”, I say.
He swallows
“Can… Can I kiss you?”, I swallow while looking at him.
The space between us is closed in no time and our lips are in
sync. The spill of pain from the paint brushes onto our bodies
brings us back to the reality at hand and we pull away.
“I am sorry”, I quickly say first.
I am embarrassed. I drop the paint brush and rush off, we
kissed. Oh my god we just kissed! What has just happened?
I get inside the house and rush to the bathroom and I close the
door behind him. A knock quickly surfaces from the door.
“Iminathi please come out so we can talk”
I keep my silence.
“Please, ngizozibamba mama ukuthi ngingakuthinti(I will help
myself and not touch you)”, he begs.
“I am about to clean up”
“Just a few seconds”, he says.
I sigh and take in a few breathes before I open the door and he
stares at me.
“I am sorry if I scared you”
“You..you didn’t”, he nods his head.
“I don’t know what more to say”
“You don’t have to say anything”, I quickly reply.
He just nods and presses his lips together.
Let me leave you to get cleaned.
I thank him before I close the door and lean against it.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 26
BUSISILE
It has been a bit of a rollercoaster but also it has been a time
where life seemed to make some sort of sense to me as well,
Mabutho having to start from scratch his whole life has not
been a bed of roses for him, he used his savings to buy a farm
and that meant that his car had to be included for him to do
that and he got one just in Ashburton. His friend has been off
help too more than his many siblings. So that was the first turn
of events for him, secondly getting clients was a bit challenging
too as much as he had good clients back when he was under his
family but they are not used to the land he had so he has some
building up to do but it seems like things are going to come
together slowly but surely.
MaThabethe has been staying in Durban with her sister and so
as us, moving wouldn’t be a great idea considering the financial
position this man has put himself in and the fact that he is
expecting children as well has contributed some how but I am
trying all I can to be as supportive to him as I could possibly be.
Mphembe has been begging MaThabethe into coming back but
she is hearing non of it, she is actually coming out of her shell
and I think the real MaThabethe is yet to be seen. Mandisa, I
have kept my distance around her and Mabutho has tried to
get us civil but I know that she hates me and I do understand
why she is like that. I do not blame her for such.
It has been just 4 months now into this pregnancy and I am
starting to show now, my wardrobe has not changed much just
that I cant wear some of the clothes that Mabutho bought for
me when we were living in the farm but he did get me some
new clothes though I thought it is unnecessary because I still
have my old clothes and they have space for me but this man
insisted on me getting some more comfortable clothes for
myself.
I am also thinking I shouldn’t go to a private doctor but go to
the clinic for check ups so that he can save much money,
Mandisa is ahead of me with her pregnancy, just two months if
I am not mistaken before she gives birth and he needs to have
something prepared for the baby that will come.
It is early in the morning and I just got out of bed and left him
still asleep and I went to take a quick shower to wash off our
odor from last night’s sinful activities. I used to sneak in here or
he would sneak into the room I used to sleep in, we used to
sleep in separate rooms until he had a ‘chat’ with his mother
who then allowed us to sleep together in one room. It helps
because at times I do crave to be one with him and he doesn’t
mind feeding my craving and desire. I get out of the shower and
I quickly go and get dressed, I walk out of the room and make
my way downstairs and it is quiet, no one is awake as yet. I get
the pots and start with making some porridge with butternut
today, I don’t know if Mabutho would like it but I hope that he
does, as I am almost done MaThabethe comes down into the
kitchen.
“Hawu Busisile wavuka ekseni kangaka(Busisile why are you
awake this early?)”, she asks.
“I was tired of resting”
‘You should rest, you are pregnant after all”, she mentions and I
just nod my head.
“Can I dish up for you?”
“You relax, I will dish up for everyone. Go and call Mabutho,
ilanga lizongena enqeni manje(The sun is way up now)”, she
says.
“Okay ma”, I move away from her leaving her with dishing up.
Her sister is sure awake, I think. She usually is not an early bird
but she does come out eventually. I go into the room Mabutho
and I use and I wake him up and he opens his eyes.
“Good morning, food is ready and your mother is looking for
you”, I say.
“Good morning Sthandwa sami”, I blush shying away from him.
He sits up and rubs his eyes before he stretches.
“What time is it?”
“I think its 8 am”|
“You look fresh”
“Thank you”
“You woke up early again”,I look away from him and play with
my fingers.
“Mabusi, please relax. Don’t worry yourself much.”
“I am just helping out Sothole”, a little smile creeps on his face
before he gets out of the bed and comes to my side.
“Don’t try and soften me up”, he warns and I nod my head.
“Yes”
He kisses my forehead.
“Rest, I will make the bed”, I nod my head.
“Okay”, I turn around and leave him in the room.
I get down stairs and MaThabethe and her sister are there in
the kitchen already, I greet and she responds.
“How is the little one treating you?”,she asks.
“Well so far”, I say and find myself rubbing my little bump.
“I cant wait for little feet to run around here”, she says in
excitement.
“Let’s hope Mabutho allows you guys to stay for long even after
things get better”, MaThabethe mentions.
“I hope so”, I say and then there is a ring on the intercom.
Mabutho’s aunt goes and answers it.
“Hello”
“Hello, MaThabethe”
“Yes, who is it? How may I help you?”
“It’s Ndumezulu”, the name comes up and MaThabethe’s mood
changes immediately.
“Can you please let me in, I just want to talk to Bathabile”,he
mentions.
“I will sort it out, don’t open the gate”, MaThabethe mentions
to her sister.
“She will see you shortly”, I swallow as she smiles at me and
MaThabethe walks out.
“Come and eat your food my child and don’t worry okay”
I join her in the eating while MaThebethe is still outside and
Mabutho soon joins us.
“Your father is here”, his aunt says and he grabs a chair and I
get him his food and he thanks me.
“Oh”, he says.
“Mabutho I know that you don’t want to be associated with
him but please you guys need to mend things”
“Aunty the only thing I am willing to do is do a ceremony as an
apology to that man and the ancestors to cleanse Mabusi and I
for wronging him but as of that I am not taking it any further
than that”, he says.
I sigh, we have tried. We have all tried to convince him
otherwise but he is hot headed.
“I signed us up for a birthing class”, he mentions to me.
“For what?”, I ask softly.
“So we can be prepared for the baby”
“It is like exercises for you mostly”,his aunt mentions.
“I.. its okay, I think the reading of articles and attending the
doctor is fine for now”
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I appreciate the thought but we also have to be mindful of the
money he is spending.
“We will talk about this later”, he mentions and I nod my head.
“Okay”
We carry on eating.
NARRATED
Bathabile makes her way towards Ndumezulu who takes the
time to admire the woman that the Gods have blessed him to
be his wife, it has been hard without seeing this woman in their
home yards of him having to hug the curves of the woman he
loves dearly. It has been hard, very hard for him. he woke up
early and embarked on a journey coming here on his own not
forgetting to get something for his woman along the way, the
flowers from Woolworths with their moist chocolate cake and
some appetizer was enough to always woo this woman in. He is
not much on the romantic side but this woman introduced that
to him, he has been trying through all of his wives too.
She reaches him and doesn’t open the gate. He is standing
infront of it with flowers in his hand and the other treats on the
passenger seat waiting for him to take them and give them to
his woman. She folds her arms across her chest and she
swallows.
“Stha…”
“What are you doing here Ndumezulu?”, she interrupts him
and he swallows.
He is sweating, he knows that he should’ve taken a better
approach with regards to Busisile and not have let his hands
itch and his mind switch off to hurting her.
“Please lend me an ear, I am sorry for what I did”
“Why do you do it Ndumezulu?”
there it is, he cannot explain how his temper gets the better of
him.
“It was not my intention”
“If I didn’t leave would you be trying to reason with me and
what you have done?”, he looks down when she mentions that.
She gazes upon him for a moment as he is silent. She knows her
answers already.
“Ayidle iyshiyele Mkami(I am sorry)”, he says and attempts to
look at her.
She sighs.
“I am not going to say anything further, you should leave”, she
says.
“I will apologize to MaSibisi”, he says. He just wants to fix things
with his wife.
“She wronged you Mphembe so I don’t want it to be like I am
forcing you to do that to her. Just leave the child alone”, he
says.
He smiles, the smile creeps up on his face unexpectedly as he
hears her calling him by his clan name. there might be progress.
“What do you want me to do?”, he asks.
Frustrated at that.
She looks at him.
“I want you to go home to your other 5 wives and let me be, I
am not coming back. I have made up my mind”, she says and
turns leaving him standing there with the flowers he bought for
her.
She didn’t even ask if they are for her as she usually does when
he buys them once in a while.
Memories flood him, the memories that play like a movie to
him when he was a young man in a relationship with this city
girl that had him by his chin. When he was begging like this at
her gate for the same reason he is here for today.
He sighs, giving up is not in him. He once won her back and he
is determined to get his wife back.
IMINATHI
School, it has been going good and I have once made friends
with the library. I know my way around it too and I have gotten
the hang of studying once again, the exams are soon
approaching. Just a week before we can start and I will be done
just next week and I will go home quiet soon, even my bursary
is paying out of which is very helpful.
It is a cold winter but I am craving for some wings from Kfc and
so I asked my roommate if she would like to come with me but
she declined the offer, mentioning her insufficient funds. I too
have the, I only have R100 in my bank account and it has to pull
me through for atleast a week and a few days and then I will be
okay but I just want to make myself happy at the moment so I
let her be. I put a jacket over me and grab my phone and card
before I move out of the heading to the nearest mall here.
My phone, it’s a very expensive one at that. Bongani got it for
me 4 months ago before we departed our ways and a few
things to help me settle. I am grateful for his kind gesture. We
exchanged numbers and his reason for having my number it
was to ‘check up on me’, he did check up on me that day if I
had settled well and maybe a few days later and after that I
have never heard from him again. I think he is keeping his
distance and I have never really attempted calling him, what
will I say? I am just scared to just check if he is fine just once
but I have told myself that I don’t have a valid reason to call so I
have never really called him.
I make my way to the mall and I get there and get to KFC and
have my order taken then I wait for it. I keep on scrolling
through social media just to keep myself busy.
I do not even have Busisile’s number and I would like to check
on her after the drama she has in her life. Her marriage
might’ve ended that day too.
I find myself messaging this man asking for him to possibly get
me Busisile’s contacts just as I think of her.
The whatsapp message goes through, as much as he doesn’t
have any profile picture but it shows that he is online. I don’t
think he uses this app much as I have never seen him post even
once. Well I am lying, last week he posted a picture of some
Zulu king with a zulu related caption that had praises, I was
bored of it so I skipped it and dry videos too that are supposed
to be funny when they are not.
He is typing back, the message comes through.
‘UMaSibisi akwudlali uwasaphi(MaSibisi doesn’t have
Whatsapp)”, this man.
‘I can call her’
‘Mina angifonelwa ngani?(Why don’t you call me?)’, I find
myself speechless.
‘For what reason?’, I send the message.
Really for what reason.
‘Ukube nginokhokho bami manje bekuzoba njani?( If I was dead
I wonder how things would be like?)’, he says.
‘You are alive’
‘Can I see you mama?’, flutters in my stomach.
‘Can I have the number please?’, I don’t think I would like to
face him.
‘Please’, he sends.
‘Okay, only for an hour’, I find myself replying.
He sends the number, mxm bloody thing!
My order comes and I go and collect it.
.
I have called Busisile, we talked for a little while and to hear
that she is doing okay gives me ease.
I like her and her character and if I didn’t meet her then I don’t
know where I would be now. Here I am making my way to this
man’s car in this winter darkness. I get to his car and get inside.
Being a gentlemen is frozen this winter I see. The car is warm
and cozy too shutting out the harsh coldness.
“Hi”, I say.
“Hey, how are you?”, he asks.
“Ndisaphila wena?( I am still alive and you?)”
“Ngiyaphila nami(I am good)”, he says and I nod.
Silence prevails between the both of us.
“I bought some things for you”, he says drawing a plastic from
the backseat. A Woolworths one and I peak inside, there is
some cake. Hot chocolate sachets and some snacks too with
Yogurts in bottles too. I look at him.
“Thank you”, I say.
“You like it?”, he asks and I nod my head.
“Yes”, he slightly smiles.
“I am happy to see you”, I shy away from him.
He is making me feel shy all of a sudden in this car.
CHAPTER 27
IMINATHI
He has sent a message, I do not know how to comprehend or
should I say that I do not know how to respond to the message
but he simply wished me a day ahead and also asked me if we
can see each other during lunch hour. Meaning we should meet
around 12:00-14:00 between that time, I am guessing because
he didn’t specify which time he would like for us to meet.
I wonder for what also. I am not feeling too good today and it is
a lucky day for me because I have online classes so that means
that I can stay inside. I get off the bed leaving my phone on the
bed and I make my way to the kitchen and I open the fridge and
my cake is gone, I feel my heart sinking in my stomach. I feel
angry right now. I rush through the passages and I go to each
room knocking on the door.
“You are going to break the door in the morning! We are
sleeping”, the first girl opens saying that.
“Who took my cake from the fridge? I didn’t put it in there for
you to eat it”, I say.
“Haibo, we didn’t do anything”
She closes the door on my face.
I feel like punching someone, these girls will know me. They
have just dampened my mood. I get to my room and slip in my
bed and I try to calm down before I start killing other people’s
children. I search for some bar fridges for sale online and on the
student page that maybe someone is selling and oi find them
but I don’t have the money at the moment. I thought maybe I
would find one for R900 but they range higher than that. My
phone rings and it is one of my cousin brother’s. I haven’t
spoken to him in a while and this is a bit of a surprise
considering that they are well wrapped around their husband
duties.
“Hello”
“Mimi ka tata wakhe”
“Molo bhuti, uphilile?(Are you well?)”
“Ndiphilile, wena uright? How are things there? Ndivile about
you encountering problems”
“Yes, they are sorted now, I am good”
“Good then”
“How is your wife?”
“She is good, she is outside making porridge”
“Greet her for me”
“I will, I am happy to hear that you are okay, uyathandwa
Mimi(You are loved mimi)”, that I know.
“Ndiyazi, ndiyabulela ngothando endil’ fumanayo kuni (I know, I
am grateful for the love I receive from you guys)”
He chuckles.
“Look, I will call you later okay?”}
“Okay”
“Bye”, he hangs up after that.
For a moment I have even forgotten that I was a bit angry over
the cake, I am not going to buy it at woolworths, I am not
insane like that. I will just have to find the culprit and punish
them so they can learn not to take people’s things. I get off the
bed and I make it, let me bath and maybe I will feel better.
.
From studying and going through my lecture slides to me being
tired for the day and I am now scrolling through illegal websites
searching for an eye catching movie that I can download. My
phone rings when I find one and put it under the download list
and I take it. Its Bongani, I answer the phone and there is a bit
of silence before he speaks.
“Sesixabene mama? Khona esikubangayo?(Are we fighting
mama?)”, he asks.
“No, why would you think that?”, I ask.
“You didn’t talk to me since yesterday and just looked at the
message I sent”, he says.
Oh I forgot about that message.
“What do you want us to meet for what reason?”, I ask.
“I…I... I would like for us to talk”, he says.
“Is there something wrong?”
“I think as adults its better if we talk face to face”, he says. ]
“Uhm, I don’t know. I am not good company today”
“Why?”,this man.
“I am just having a bad day”
“I promise I will not make your day worse”
I keep my silence for a moment.
“Okay then, should I dress up?”
“No, just come as you are”
“Where are you?”
“I am at work but I will leave now, I will tell you when I am
there”, he says.
“Okay”, we end the call after some time and I carry on where I
left with my findings.
After about an hour I receive a call from him telling me that he
is outside. I wear my shoes and then take atleast my card in
case and make my way out, I see my roommate and I brief her
about the cake situation and she tells me she will be on the
look out for me and sympathizes with me. Why didn’t they just
ask for a slice? They just took the whole thing, I went outside
and this man is standing outside his car waiting for me. I see a
little smile forming on his face as he watches me make my way
towards him making me feel nervous, why is he smiling? Is
there something amusing on my face? I find myself rubbing my
face to make sure that things are okay and I reach him.
“Sawubona”
“Molo”
“How are you?”
“I am okay, I guess”. He frowns and steps closer to me and he
removes a loose lash from my face.
“Why? What happened?”
“You know res, they stole my cake but I will find that person
and they will know me”
“Don’t worry about it, we can get another one”
I look at him.
“It’s not about that only, they will carry on stealing my things. “,
I feel so short as I am breaking my neck to look at him, okay I
am exaggerating but you know what I mean.
“Why would they steal your things?”, he asks.
“We all share a kitchen so everyone’s meat is in the fridge.”, I
say.
“Mmmh okay, come”, he says and we go to his car.
We get inside and he drives off from my res and the car is cozy.
“So, what did you want us to talk about?”, I ask.
“A lot of things”, he says.
“What things?”, he steals a glance from me.
“I can’t talk to you without looking at you”, he says.
“Ohw”
“We will talk”, I just nod my head.
He asks what I would like to have and I just ask for some
Nandos, I am craving it and it is getting a bit pricey these days
too. He gets it for us through the drive thru and I thank him, he
goes and parks the car and he lets me eat
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he is his silent self, I think this man is overshadowed in his
family and him being the middle child too I would assume
contributes. I get done and look at him.
“What do you want us to talk about?”
“Bengisacela sishade , sithandane( Can we get married and fall
in love)”, he says.
What?
“Excuse you, uyaziva uba uthini?(Are you hearing yourself?)”
“Yes”
“Bongani asithandani noku thandana ngoku uthetha
ngomtshado nomathandana ndi…(Bongani we are not even in a
relationship and now you are talking about marriage and
relationships)”
“I know”
“It seems like you are taking a huge step, you know that
relationships are hard,I wont start with marriage it doesn’t
even work for old people anymore”
“I know that Nathi, I know all of that and I wouldn’t be saying
this engathi angiphilile, I know what I want”
“I don’t think I know you that well”, I say.
“I have 29 siblings, the rest I think you know. I will not learn
about you in one day and the same for you”
“Ndicela amanzi”
He gives me his water and I drink it, suddenly I feel hot.
“I love you”, I turn to look at him and my hands are shaking.
“Please take me back”
“Nath…”
“Bongani uyandicapukisa, andifuni ukuva kwanto (You are
irritating me, I don’t want to hear anything right now)”, he just
presses his lips and he nods.
He starts the car and he takes me back to res. When he gets
there he parks the car and I get out running while rushing to go
inside. My heart is beating very fast at the moment.
BUSISILE
I am getting used to sitting at times and just not doing anything,
Mabutho went to his doctor’s appointment with Mandisa. He
took his mother’s car and he uses it so much. MaThabethe is in
her room and yesterday she came back from seeing Mphembe
in a sour mood. I am watching some tv and whatever I am
watching is entertaining me too. My phone rings and I take it
and its Bhuti Bongani. He told me yesterday that iminathi was
asking for my number and he gave it to her and I really was
happy to hear from her. I answer the phone.
“Hello bhuti”
I hear him heave a sigh.
“Sorry to bother you Busisile”
“It is okay, I am not doing anything”
“Can I talk to you?”, he asks.
“Sure, is there something wrong?”
He heaves a sigh once again.
“Yes, I…I like your friend very much”, he says.
“Friend?”
“Iminathi”, he mentions and I almost gasp. I didn’t think of that.
“Oh, that’s nice”
“We are not together just like you and Mabutho”
“Ohw”
“I want to do right by her”
“Meaning?”
“I asked her if I can send my uncles to her home”
“But bhuti this is modern times and she comes from a different
place unlike us, in our culture it might be easy to propose
marriage and accept it and you know your partner along the
way but for her it might be something new and different”
“She is angry with me”, he sighs.
“Why do you want to marry her first what if you have dislikes
along the way?”
“I am certain about her Sisi”, he says.
“I am new in this dating thing. I have only been married once
and I don’t have great advice for that but try talking to her
again and hear from her.”
“Okay, I will do that. Thank you”
“You should talk to your mother or maybe your brother’s too or
your father about this”
“No, my father is too old school. He will not understand I love
someone from another tribe”
“I am sure he will understand”
“He disowned his own child, I think I am fine for now”, he
mentions.
“Okay”
“I will visit soon”
“Okay”, we end the call and MaThabethe walks in.
“Is that Mabutho?”
“Bhuti Bongani”
“Oh, what did that one want?”
“He wants to get married”, she pops her eyes.
“You mean my Bongani?”
“Yes”
“Haibo with who?”, she sits next to me.
“Don’t tell him or anyone that I told you but its with Iminathi”
“That friend of yours we once met?”, I nod my head.
“She is young, why are they rushing?”
“I don’t know, they are not together like Mabutho and I but he
told her that he wants to marry her”
“Like father ,like son. You know when I met Mphembe he did
the same to me and I thought, this rural boy thinks I am one of
those farm girls who will fall on their knees to that. I liked my
freedom but 5 months down the line I married him even more
to spite MaKhumalo”, she says.
“I don’t think Iminathi would survive the kids and the wives if
so”
“I trust that girl she would be fine. Mabutho has to speed up his
things and marry you”, I shy away.
“I am still married to Mphembe ma”
“Haibo that goat thing? It means nothing, under Home affairs
you are single sisi”, she stands up .
“Would you like some juice?”
“No thank you”, I say and she nods and walks away.
.
It has been just a few days now since the call from Bhuti
Bongani and also Iminathi, she told me what Bongani told me
but I heard her side and she said she is scared because she
doesn’t want to marry a monster in disguise but MaThabethe’s
kids in my opinion are sweet hearts just like their mother.
Today Mabutho and I are going to be talking about the apology
we will send to Mphembe and also cleanse our names and his
and for everything that we have done in the Ntuli yard and
name as well. I am well nervous too, as much we haven’t done
much yet but just having to go and look at Mphembe scares
me. I am scared of him, I will not lie.
I am in the kitchen, today I have decided that I will cook for
everyone. Mabutho walks in the kitchen and he comes my way
and kisses my cheek.
“Sthandwa sami”
“Sothole”
“What are you doing?”
“I am cooking,I don’t want to be lazy”
“You are not being lazy. I wish I could give you a lot more
during this pregnancy”, he says and I turn around from the pots
and look at him.
“Do not worry about it, I am happy and content and I am
enjoying everything”, I say.
He smiles and perks my lips.
“I love you so much Mabusi”
“I love you more”, he kisses me and I respond then we break
the kiss.
“I.. I was thinking”, I say.
“mmmh”
“That I use the doctors from the clinic, that way you can
prepare well for the baby. Mandisa is about to give birth and…”
“No Busisile, I have this under control. You will go to doctors
and I will pay for them, you will give birth in comfort too just
like Mandisa will too”
“I was just…”
“Don’t”, I nod my head.
“I am sorry”
“It is fine”, I nod my head.
I had hoped that maybe he hears me further and hears me out.
CHAPTER 28
BUSISLE
Today I have a doctor’s appointment with the doctor and I am
going with Mabutho, he has never missed accompanying me to
the doctor and I enjoy going with him. We use his mother’s car
when travelling and he uses it so much since he sold his car just
so that he can restart his life. I wish that I could help him more
than anything but I know that in this day you need to be more
educated to get a great job and getting that education is money
on its own.
I go outside the house to wait for him by the car as he is still
inside.My stomach is growing daily and I think I am gaining
weight too, it’s the sitting around that is making me be like that
and as much as I know everyone wants me to relax but I do
miss doing something everyday and every morning.
He comes out of the house and he opens the car and comes
towards me and opens the door for me, he helps me inside and
I thank him as he closes the door and then he goes around and
gets inside the car and then he drives off.
“I am hoping that today we get to know the gender of the
baby”, he mentions.
We already know that his first born is going to be a boy. He told
me months ago when he found out with Mandisa. Well I am
just hope that we have a healthy baby irregardless of its
gender.
“What are you hoping for?”
“Anything”, he mentions.
“You know, I know that you are in a really tight spot in terms of
finances but you have to do rifght by your child one day
Mabutho”, I say and he sighs.
“I know baby, I know. I do want to”
“You will”
“It will happen after Mandisa has given birth. “, he says and I
nod my head.
“You know why I love you?”
“No why?”, I look at him and he smiles.
“I love you because of the way you are and your heart. That is
why I am scared that one day Mandisa will chew you up and I
don’t want that for you”
“Don’t worry about me, I will be able to handle her”
“I hope so , I can fight for you but sometimes you have to stand
up on your own”
“Okay”, I nod my head that moment.
“Have you spoken to your siblings?”, I ask.
“A few, yes”, I nod my head.
“Okay”
The drive commences and then we get to the doctor and make
our way inside.
.
I don’t know how long I can wait to hold this precious thing that
is in my stomach, I was once just afraid of being pregnant
especially with Mabutho’s child but now I am just loving
everything that goes about that. We are now on our way to get
something to eat, he said we just need some time to be alone
away from the main house and everyone too, just the both of
us. I agreed to that and now we are on our way to where he is
taking me, I am looking outside the car and as the car drives I
am falling in love with the city more and more. I have never
really been to this part of town before so it is all new to me and
it is quiet fascinating, I don’t have friends here who will take me
around to see everything and the only people who I go around
with are MaThabethe , her sister and Mabutho too. That is all.
“Would you like to try something new?”, Mabutho asks.
“Yes”, I turned around to face him.
“Okay, we will try something”, he smiles.
“I cannot wait, I am excited”, I say clapping my hands and he
chuckles.
We get to wherever we are going and he unbuckles my seat
belt.
“I promise that I will give you everything you desire”
“I am content already”, I say to him and he smiles.
He gets out of the car and he comes and helps me out and
closes the door behind me before he whisks us away from the
parking lot going into the restaurant. It looks fancy and I love
the lights too, we get to sit at the table and got to get a menu
and we go through it. Some things I am not familiar with until
Mabutho explains what they are and some I get what they are
based on the ingredients that are there. He helps me order
something I think I might like and then the person who has
been helping us takes our orders and he leaves. We conversate
together and then our drinks come and I have a sip off my drink
as I am thirsty too. He calls the person who was helping us and
he tells him to bring another drink that is just like mine before
he walks away.
“You don’t like your drink?”
“No, its for you”
“I am fine with this one”
“You can finish that one if you want to”
“Thank you”, he smiles.
Our food soon arrives and we are just conversating well, I am
doing most of the talking to be exact and he is listening while
we are eating. As we are still enjoying our lunch, his phone
rings and he takes it out and looks at me.
“It’s Mandisa”, he mentions.
“Oh”
He answers it.
“Mandisa”, he speaks. I carry on eating my food.
“What? Are you not due sometime next month and not now?”,
he flinches after that.
“Okay, I am on my way”, he says.
He hangs up after.
“Mandisa is at the hospital, she is about to give birth”, he
mentions.
“You should go”
“I am sorry
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Sthandwa sami”
“I understand”, I really do, you cant confirm when a child wants
to come.
The person who was helping us comes back and he takes the
food away to pack it away for us. Mabutho pays and we are
now leaving. He is going to drop me home before he goes to be
with Mandisa.
He drives us home and when we get home, I get inside and he
tells me he will be back in a few. I get inside with the food and
MaThabethe is seated with a young lady that I do not know.
“Hawu wabuya ngokusheha bengithi nishawa umoya nesoka
lakho(You came back early, I thought you were going
somewhere with your man)”, she says.
I greet the lady and she greets back.
“Mandisa is at the hospital giving birth”
“Haibo uMabutho akasangeni ezosho nje(Mabutho doesn’t
even come inside and report that)”, she says.
“He will be back”
“This is my niece she has one week off from her varsity life. She
is Monde”
“I am Busisile”
“Umama has told me about you”, she smiles.
“Yah you are age mates, you should go and play together”,
MaThabethe says.
The lady laughs.
“Aunty we are old”
“Not that old Monde”, I ask if they would like what I have and
they decline and tell me that I can eat it alone.
I excuse myself to the kitchen to dish up for myself.
MANDISA
I feel so alone at the moment, I am just in excruiciating pain
and I cannot seem to bare it. I want this over and done with
and my doctor hasn’t attended me as yet. He is on his way.
“It could be the baby turning”, my mother tries to say.
“It is a bit painful”
“Don’t worry”, I am worried, I now have to change the baby
shower invites to a sip and see.
“I now have to call the planner to change everything”, I say.
“Don’t worry about that for now just focus on yourself.”
“I have called Mabutho”
She nods her head. My dad is out of the province but I am sure
my mom had to let him know what is going on, finally my
doctor comes and he sees me sweating my butt off.
“Good day”
“Doctor please…”
“Has another doctor done a scan on you?”
“Yes”, my mother mentions.
“Okay, please give me a few minutes then we will take it from
there.”. my mother nods as he leaves the room.
IMINATHI
My little feet drag themselves going towards him, my heart is
beating fast and the last time we talked was the time he said
what he said to me. I am still in a state of shock but mostly I
was just confused as to how he just came to that conclusion.
What did I expect from a Zulu man honestly whom has a father
who is a polygamous man. He has been trying to get to me but I
have been silent, asking if we could talk but I do not know what
I will say to him. I have nothing to actually say to him at all so I
just don’t know.
But today I have decided after this time that I faced him and
close off any loose ends. He is standing by his car and he is
watching as I make my way to him. I finally reach him and there
is some silence between the both of us.
“Sawubona”, he mentions”
“Molo”
“How are you?”
“I am good, how are you?”
“Ngiyancenga(I am okay)”, he says and then sighs there after.
“I am happy you are here”, he says.
I couldn’t help myself but look at him.
“Ohw”
“I am sorry”, he says.
“About?”
“Scaring you but I was being honest”
“You don’t even know if I like you like that”
“Isn’t it my duty to love, provide and make you happy?”
“Yes as a man but I mean you cant just marry someone you
don’t like”
“Do you?”, I keep my silence.
“Nathi”, he says and I take in a deep sigh.
“I have never done this before Bongani”, I say.
“Dating?”
“No, this.The marriage talk and everything, why cant we date
for a while and see where it goes?”
“If it makes you happy its okay, but to me I don’t see the point
because I am sure what I want from you and us”
“That is?”
“That I take you as my wife”
“I am not ready to pop babies”
He laughs, the first time I see him laughing this much.
“Babies?”
“Yes, isn’t that what your father’s wives do?”
“Yes but you will not be his wife, you will study like you want to
and we will not have kids now.”,he says.
“I am not a virgin too if that is what you are looking for”
“Ungakhathazeki ngalokho(Do not worry about that)”, he says.
I look at him and just nod my head.
“Can I hold you?”, he asks as he holds my hand and pulls me
closer to him.
He holds my waist and he kisses my cheek and then whispers
into my ear.
“I cant help myself, ngiyakuthanda futhi ngifuna ukwenza into
eqotho nobulungiswa kuwe(I love you and I want to do the
most honest and rightful thing to you)”, he says.
“Oh”
He looks at me and he leans in to kiss me and I let him be, I
want to kiss him too. Our lips touch and soon I am holding onto
him as he kisses me. After the kiss we break it up and he perks
my lips.
CHAPTER 29
BUSISILE
I am starting to fall asleep as we are watching a movie in
Monde’s room and she just seems fond of me when we have
just recently met. The rubbing motion on my stomach is not
really helping because it is also contributing to me starting to
feel like I am dozing off.
“What gender is the baby?”, she wakes me up and she has
stopped touching my belly.
“I am not yet sure”, I say.
“What is the other lady having?”
“Mandisa?”
“Yes her”
“A baby boy”, I say.
“I like you”, I give her a smile.
“You are beautiful”
“I have some money, why don’t we order some snacks”
“I eat too much lately”
“Don’t worry about that”, she sits up and gets her phone.
“I need the bathroom, I want to pee”, it is getting late as well
and I am just waiting for Mabutho to inform me of any progress
with Mandisa.
I go to the bathroom and I do what I need to do, after I am
done I get out and I go and wash my hands before leaving. I go
to the room Mabutho and I are using and I get a fleece before I
go back to Monde’s room. She already is on her phone pressing
away for whatever that she is looking for. I get in bed next to
her and she then places her phone aside. My phone rings that
moment and I quickly take it before I answer.
“Hello”
“Mabusi”
“Hey, how is everything?”
“She gave birth”, he says.
“That’s good, I am so happy for you. How is the baby?”
“They took her away”, he says.
“It’s a girl?”
“Yes it is, she looks just like Phumlani”, I giggle.
“I mean she does look like you too if that is the case”
“Or mah”, I giggle.
“What are you doing?”
“I am watching a movie with your cousin”
“Which one?”
“Monde”
“Oh, okay then. I hope she is not bombarding you with
anything”
“Not at all, I like her”, Nomonde looks at me.
“Okay, let me go. I will be back soon. I love you”
“I love you more”, I say before I hang up.
“Senihleba ngami emjolweni wenu(You are gossiping about me
in your relationship)”, this is something MaThabethe would say.
“We are not”
“I heard my name loud and clear”
I laugh.
“You are just like your aunt”, she smiles.
“Come let me massage your feet”
“I am fine”
“It is fun Busi”, she says and she takes my feet and place them
on her lap and gives me a massage.
This family and pampering me, they will make me even more
lazy right now.
IMINATHI
I found myself in this man’s house, cooking for him. I have
never vowed that I would not cook for a man but it is
something that my brothers have instilled in me not to do like
the girls in res for their res boyfriends so technically I am not
doing it because I am cooking in this man’s house.
I left with him, I don’t know how I got here but I did. I am lying,
he asked for us to go and eat somewhere and this little girl
went and packed an overnight bag incase and that incase just
ended here.
I am hungry, the meal we had just evaporated in my stomach
so I thought I should cook if he is hungry as well. I think the
meal I had didn’t fill me up. I just had something small, I
thought it would fill me up but it did not.
I turn around from the sink and I look at this man staring at me.
“Hey”, I say and he smiles.
“Hey, this kitchen suites you”, he mentions before he comes
closer to me.
“I love cooking”, I mention.
Yes and I do not mind it at any time.
“And you are a very great cook sthandwa sami”
He holds me and I look at him.
“Really?”,he nods and kisses my cheek.
“I am so happy that you are here with me”, he mentions and I
melt in his arms.
My first Zulu boyfriend. I have heard stories about these
creatures, stubborn and they cannot be told anything. Social
media voting the men as the scariest heart breakers but so far
this man is the sweetest.
I think if all goes well I will be doing a hash tag on Twitter
stating that it is the hill I will struggle on.
“Let me turn off the stove and then I will dish up”
“I am not hungry”, he mentions. Yes he cant be hungry because
he had a lot of steak while I stuck to pasta and a salad.
I was trying to be fancy and that fancy didn’t work out for me.
“Okay”, he lets me go and I go and turn off the stove. I dish up
for myself and I go and change into more comfortable clothes.
I get in his bedroom and I go and scout in his closet. Adidas
shorts with this Nike vest. I drag his shoes. I did mention that I
love this man’s clothes.
I walk out of the room and he spots me before he chuckles.
“You are going to take my whole wardrobe at this rate”
“You should get two of everything now”
“Hayi mama, I cant have my beautiful woman looking like a
man”, I smile.
“Ndimhle?”
“Kakhulu sthandwa sami”, he comes and gives me a kiss on the
lips.
“I cannot wait for the day you let me take you and make you a
Ntuli”, Oh this one.
BUSISILE
He walks in the room just as I have came in from the bathroom
and now I am trying to moisturize my body and get into my
pyjamas. He came in some time ago, yes I heard the car come
in the gate. I think he was still informing his mother how things
went at the hospital with Mandisa and her giving birth. I get
dressed and he watches me before I get on the bed and he
kicks off his shoes and joins me in while holding me.
“You are back”
“Yes, I missed you”, he says and kisses my neck.
“How is she?”, I ask.
“They are okay, I left them while they were sleeping”
“I thought you are having a boy”
“Me too
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but it turns out to be my little girl”, I smile.
You could see how happy he is in his eyes. He is a father after
all now.
“Tell me everything, did you take pictures of her? What is her
name?”, I say and Mabutho chuckles.
“Slow down sthandwa sami, one question at a time”
“I just feel excited, its like I am the one who just gave birth”
“You will soon and we will have our baby with us, by then
things will be in order”, I nodded my head.
“Her name is Zamamphemba Honour Ntuli. Her mother gave
her the English name”, he doesn’t sound happy about that.
“You wanted her to have what name?”
“Just one Zulu name”
“Its okay, atleast she has one”
He laid on his back and I laid on his chest before he placed his
arm around me.
“She will use it often”, I nodded my head.
“I have to go back home and sort things with my father”
“You want to talk to him?”
“I just want to do right for my children and you”, he pulls me to
him closer.
“So that I can marry you one day”, I smile.
“I love you”, I say.
“You are the best thing that has ever happened to me”
“Really?”
“Yes”, he mentions.
I love Mabutho so much, I regret making Mphembe angry but I
don’t regret falling in love with his son.
“I will ask Mandisa after some time if you can come and see the
baby”, he mentions.
“I do not think she will be comfortable as yet and lets give her
some time to adjust and respect her”
“Okay then, but I think with time you guys will have to be in
each other’s presence because of the baby”
“Yes I know that”
.
The next day came and MaThabethe and her sister with
Mabutho left for the hospital. I know that Mabutho has not
informed his father that he is now a father but he did inform his
brothers about that and I heard they will come and see him
later on. I am stuck with Monde but I really enjoy her company,
she is just like her mother and aunt, always around and saying
whatever that comes in her mind. She was baking something
for us to eat while we are watching some tv and I guess she
loves tv very much at the moment.
“What do you want to have while we wait?”, she asks.
“Nothing, I am fine Monde”
“Mah will kill me if I don’t take care of you”
“I wish my friend lived near by, she is really amazing”, I say.
Yes I miss Dudu, a lot and I wish at times that I could just be in
her space. Yes Iminathi is my friend but I feel like I have just left
and forgotten about Dudu. All the things that have been
happening and she doesn’t even know what is going on in my
life right now. If I get back where I used to live, I will go and see
her and tell her that I am going to be a mother now.
“There is someone outside”, Monde says and goes to answer
the intercome before she comes back.
“Is it someone you know?”, I ask.
“Yes, grab some juice”, she says and I go to the fridge and grab
some juice.
I pour some for the both of us and after some time Bongani
enters the kitchen followed by Iminathi who rushes to me.
“Oh my god you are pregnant!”,she inspects me.
“Khange undixele ngalonto, uxolo sisi unjani?(You didn’t tell me
about that, sorry sisi how are you?)”
“I think I did”, I say not remembering.
“I don’t remember”, she says.
“Hello Monde and Busisile”, Bongani greet.
“Hello Bhuti and Sisi”
“This is Iminathi,umkami. Themba lami, this is my cousin
Nomonde”, he mentions and Iminathi blushes.
“You guys are married?”,I ask with a frown, confused. How
quick.
“No, we are not. Come I want to feel your baby kick”
“I am going to the hospital, I will see you later”, he mentions
before he leaves.
“You and Bongani”, I say to iminathi and she laughs.
“Khange ndiyicinge nami but I mean we live once”, she says.
“I think I will like you”,Monde mentions.
“We are baking”, I say.
“I can help”, Iminathi says and they do the work and they don’t
let me be. They speak about university things as I watch them.
I also wish I was in university.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 30
MANDISA
The excruciating pain from my abdomen was felt, I couldn’t
give natural birth so I just opted for a C-section. I didn’t want to
go through all the trouble of giving birth naturally. I expected to
have a baby boy but to my surprise it is a girl and I am happy,
girls are mostly adored by their fathers, I have seen that with
mine. I am just glad that I didn’t get time as yet to shop for the
baby, I was going to go next week and buying clothes that
didn’t fit a girl would be something else.
I have rested, I feel much better from yesterday. My father and
mother bought things for us and so as Mabutho before he left. I
wish he didn’t have to leave but stayed longer for us but I guess
he is running to his little…. Let me calm down before I get to
explode.
I am bathed and in bed, my daughter should arrive here any
minute with the nurse. I am staring at the tv screen when my
parents walk in and I smile, my mother has a baby bag with her.
“Hello mommy”, she is excited.
“Hello”
“We brought more clothes for Zama”, I sigh.
Mabutho gave him that name and my mother loves it.
“Thank you”
“Is this boy coming?”, my father asks.
“Yes daddy, he is coming with his family. Please be nice”, he
nodded his head.
The nurse walks in pushing my baby inside and I smile, I cannot
believe I endured pain for something so beautiful, a part of me
and Mabutho.
“Good morning”, the nurse greets and we greet back, she takes
the baby and gives it to me and I hold her tiny body in my arms.
“She is all fed and changed, I will fetch her later”, the nurse
mentions.
“Thank you”, my mother says and she walks out.
“Look how beautiful she is”, I am jealous because she looks
nothing like me but more of Mabutho’s family.
“She doesn’t even look like me”
“She looks like her father”, my mother says.
I smile. She is beautiful though. I am grateful for her.
“Sanibonani”, we look towards the door and we see Mabutho
with his mother.
Yes I know her because I have seen her pictures a couple of
times.
“Hello”, my mother greets.
They walk inside, with a woman whom I presume is a family
member too.
“We are from the Ntuli family, I am Mabutho’s mother”, his
mother introduces herself to my family.
“I am Mandisa’s mother”, Mabutho is by side in no time and he
is staring at the baby.
“It is nice to meet you,I hope we are not intruding anything”,
his mother mentions.
“Not at all, this is our grandchild”, I look at Mabutho and he
does the same before he greets and I reply.
“Do you want to hold her?”, I ask.
“She is small”, he says.
I know he is scared to do so, he was too yesterday.
“She is”, he stretched out his hands and I helped him hold her
properly and he does it.
His mother is next to him in no time making baby sounds next
to the baby and she has the widest smile, maybe she might
have some influence in us being a family and grooming our
child together,after all she married a rural man.
“She looks like me when I was young”, she mentions and there
is laughter in the room.
Soon his brother’s arrive baring gifts so as some of his sister’s
too. The room gets full and my family excuses themselves
saying they will see us later. I stayed with this family, I felt the
warmth from them and as much as some didn’t really talk much
but the girls did talk.
“You should have another child after this one so that the kids
are not too much apart in age”, one of his sister’s mentions and
the brothers clear their throats.
“Mandisa and I are not together anymore”,Mabutho says and it
shatters me.
I just swallowed and kept quite.
“I have to get somewhere, I will see you guys later”, Mabutho
says before he leaves the room.
The baby is in someone else’s arms asleep.
Leaving silence in the room and with his family in an awkward
position.
“Our family will be in contact with your family about the
damages sisi”, the older brother mentions.
Yes he was introduced as that.
“Damages of?”, I don’t understand.
“We will send a letter to you father”, he mentions before
leaving and soon slowly everyone leaves.
A letter? Doesn’t a letter come when Lobola negotiations are
done? I don’t know.
BUSISILE
I fell asleep on the couch with these two watching something
and chatting, those muffins had an effect too. Yes when I am
done eating and full,I just feel hot and stuffed and feel like
sleeping of which I do now. Someone shakes me off my sleep
and I open my eyes expecting it to be someone else but it is
Iminathi.
“You have been sleeping for some time, I though it was a nap. I
don’t think its healthy to sleep on the couch”, I sat up and
stretched myself.
“Monde and I made some food, are you hungry?”, I rub my
stomach.
“No, I am fine”
“I cannot believe you are pregnant,so what now?”, she asks.
I am still trying to defrost from my sleep.
“I am just waiting to give birth”
“What happened?”, she asks and sits next to me and I rub my
eyes.
“His father disowned us, meaning he lost everything he worked
for but he is starting over”, I say and she gasps.
“Hayini, lotatomkhulu “
“Mmmh”
“I know you guys did him wrong but he can be angry and
maybe get you guys to apologise some way”
“Mabutho and I will do that and apologise to the ancestors so
everything goes okay in our lives”
“Uxolo vha? I know its not easy for you. you are young, my age
and you are already going through a lot”
“Yes”
“I don’t wish to meet the others then”
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I look at her.
“You guys are serious with Bongani?”
“He is, I am scared though Busi, I don’t know what to expect”
“Bongani is a great man, MaThabethe’s kids are.
“Utsho ngoba ujola nonyana wakhe (You are saying that
because you are dating her son)”, she laughs and I blush.
“He just had a baby”
“Hayini Busi!”, she gasps.
“They were together before us”
“Are they still together?”
“No”
“You are strong shame”
Monde came to us.
“Come lets eat, hey you are awake”, she says and I get off the
couch.
“I am, I am tired too”
“Your man is on his way, both of you”, I am glad, I have missed
Mabutho.
I went to use the bathroom and then I came back and then we
went to eat together, these people really want me to get fat
with time and I don’t like that, I will be rolling. Yes I love the
fact that I have gone from the small skinny frame and have
gained some weight but soon I will pop, that I know.
After eating we went to wash the dishes and then we went
back to our seating. As we are watching some tv we hear the
door opening and Omah with Mabutho walk inside the house
and MaThabethe comes to us.
“Hello girls, hello Iminathi. I have not seen you in a long time
my child, how are you?”, she asks squeezing her in a hug.
“Ndiphilile mama wena unjani?(I am well mama, how are
you?)”, she says.
“I am well, all my girls are here”
“Mah what are you implying”, Mabutho asks.
“I have had enough of you boys, let these girls shine”, she says
and I giggle.
He doesn’t look happy about that.
“How was the hospital visit?”, I ask.
“I have very forward sisters from that man’s forward wives”,
Mabutho says.
“Haibo Mabutho, you don’t say that. It is mean”, his aunt says.
“Haibo vele bayaphapha”, MaThabethe mentions.
Mabutho whisks me away from everyone else and we go to the
backyard.
“How are you?”, he asks.
“I am okay, I just ate. I took a nap too”
He rubs my stomach.
“The baby is growing everyday”
“Yes”
“I think I have to speed up my apology process”, he sighs after
saying that.
“That’s great. I hope your father reasons”
“I don’t think he will”, he says.
“We might be surprised”
“Mmmh, I want us to spend the afternoon together before I go
and speak with some potential clients”, he says.
“Okay, I am fine with that”, he kisses my lips.
“I love you Mabusi and I will keep my promise”, he mentions.
I believe him, I know he would.
NARRATED
The Ntuli house hold has been filled with whispers and gossips
around to fill all the questions that are arising. The wives
haven’t had the courage to even ask their husband on what is
happening, he has been occupied by his fallen relationship with
Bathabile that he has even forgotten for a second about his
anger towards Mabutho and his young wife Busisile.
He is in what used to be her room, yes he has other wives but
he is longing for this one. He learnt love through Bathabile and
all he has ever know was to grow the family name that is why
he has so many wives.
He is the only child, the last person who carried the Ntuli name
and he vowed to make sure that it multiples through him and
he did that but it became an obsession that he couldn’t stop, he
wanted more.
He is laid on the bed with the soft sheets touching his skin, her
scent has faded and it has brought much sadness to him that he
had bought the exact fragrance that Mathabthe uses on herself
to smel divine. He takes his phone and he makes a call and it
rings a few times.
It gives him some hope that she will answer, he has been trying
everyday to get hold of her and beg her but it hasn’t been easy
to even reach her. His Durban attempt failed the last time.
“Hello”, her voice comes through making him nervous and
happy at the same time.
The woman he loves has answered.
“Sthandwa sami”
“Ngikusize ngani?(what can I help you with?)”, she says.
It sounds a bit harsh than the fact that his son and young wife
deceived him.
“Please can we fix things”
“I am not going to be with an abuser Ndumezulu and you know
that”, she mentions.
“I know, I promise sthandwa sami”
“Do you know you are a grandfather now”, she says.
“Oh”
“Oh?”
“Who is the parent?”
“It’s Mabutho’s he got his ex girlfriend pregnant”, he doesn’t
know what to do.
“Is it a boy?”, he asks.
“It’s a girl”, he is more disappointed.
Makhumalo showed him the world when he had his first son.
He was more happy when his love bore him boy children alone.
“Don’t do that, it is still your grand child, she is innocent”, he
loves the way she has become soft and less aggressive”
“He needs to do right”
“He will”
“I love you”, he is moving away from the topic of his son. He is
not the reason why he called, he wants to speak to her.
“I love you too, but I still am angry at you”, she says and hangs
up leaving him before he could even respond.
His heart is happy, she still loves him and that his made his day
so far since she left this house. He feels alive.
He looks at the phone and smiles before he tucks it away.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 31
BUSISILE
The house is a bit of a buzz at the moment,MaThabethe really is
in her grandmother mode as it is, they are preparing something
that they have bought for Mandisa and the baby. She is getting
released today from the hospital and by this weekend we
should be well on our way to the Ntuli house hold. MaThabethe
called her husband and they spoke. He was pleased with just
hearing from her I guess because we are allowed to come but
we are going there with Mandisa and the baby after Mabutho’s
brothers are done with paying the damages. Yes he didn’t want
his father to be involved in that and his brothers have been
really supportive in that.
This was one of the days where everyone was just in a jolly
good mood as they wake up.
“Busi, you are not supposed to be on that chair”, I was wiping
the cupboards while standing on the chair.
I wanted to be active, something that will keep me distracted.
“Bhuti!”, Monde shouts for Mabutho.
“I will not fall,do not worry”
“You are very stubborn at times”
“I am just cleaning Monde”
“What is wrong?”, Mabutho appears and he frowns upon
seeing me.
“You see?”, Monde points at me.
He comes and gets me down. Monde takes the cloth away from
me and Mabutho holds me close to him as she walks away.
“You always want to put yourself at risk”
“I was careful”
“It doesn’t ease me Mabusi”, he mentions.
“I am sorry then”, he kisses my forehead.
“Have I been neglecting you or do you feel neglected?”
“No, I understand that you want to prepare everything for the
baby”
“But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t spend time with you”
“What do you want us to do?”, I ask.
“Maybe we can watch something and eat and sleep and kiss”,
he kisses my lips and I giggle.
“There are elders in the house”
“And maybe I can be buried inside of you”, shivers go through
me.
“That is something we should do in private”, he kissed my neck.
“So you want us to do it?”
I was feeling weak already.
“Mabutho”
“Yes”
“Let’s not be mischievous”, he chuckled.
“Okay, I will get some things for us to eat”, he mentions. \
“Okay, let me finish up here”, I say. He doesn’t let me go.
“Busisile, I do not want us fighting”, he says.
“Okay, I will stop”
“Please, I don’t want to be stressing over you a lot”, he
mentions and I nod my head.
“I am sorry”, he kisses my cheek.
“No go and choose what we will do and the I will join you
shortly”, he mentions.
“Okay”, I walk away from him going up the stairs, this sitting
around thing is something I just cannot get used to no matter
how much I try but it just gets to me at times, I wish that there
was a way you can be safe and do everything you are used to
doing than to just be cautious.
This is a city thing and it is all new to me.
I get in the room and then I seep my way through to the
bathroom as I need to use it.
DUDU
It has been some time since my friend got married, I have
always been worried about Busisile, always tried to shield her
from things that hurt her but she proves to be a bit strong to
me. I knew that she was well taken care of in the Ntuli house
hold more than her home. Her parents are just…something
else, I don’t know how to describe it but they are just
something that I cannot really reckon with.
I miss my friend though, I miss being in her presence and I know
that we cannot be just like before because she is now a married
woman and married women have to seep away from their
unmarried friends.
I have a bowel full of soft porridge with a trey and some tea as
well as I make my way to him and place it infront of him.
I shy away from him as soon as he thanks me with a smile and I
turn away.
“Join me”, he mentions.
I look at him.
“I…”
“Come Dudu”, he says.
The softness from his voice reminds me of my best friend.
I pull a grass mat and join him on the floor as he has his meal. I
watch the exact male replica of Busisile, he is beautiful and
could pass up as a woman if needed to be but his bone
structure gives it away that he is a man. He licks his lips and he
places the porridge down and goes to the tea and takes a gulp
in it and he turns to looking at me.
“Ngiyabonga Mfazi wami”, he says and I blush.
“Yebo”, he always calls me that or says that since we were
young.
“Do you miss her?”, I say and he stops eating and sighs.
“Everyday”
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he says and pauses for a moment before he turns to me.
“You know I love my sister”, he says.
“Yes I know”
“Am I a horrible person?”, never, he can never be.
“You are not a horrible person, you are as sweet as her”, he
mentions.
“I know its tradition but at times I just miss her home”, he
mentions.
“I know”, I say trying to comfort him.
He goes back to his eating and then he finishes. He gets up and
I take everything.
“Ngiyabonga Dudu”, he says staring at me and I look at him
before shying away.
“It’s okay, I will see you in the afternoon”, I mention and he
nods.
“Okay”, he takes his stick and he is on his way to the field. I
watch him as he disappears.
My best friend’s brother. The man who makes my heart skip a
beat at his presence, I vowed to atleast take care of him for her.
I turn and walk back inside the house and I wash the dishes. My
sister has already left so I am all alone.
MABUTHO
I watch her as she lays beside me clinging on my top as she is
rested. The tv seems to have put her to sleep, but I have also
learnt that she sleeps once she has been fully fed and so that
could also be the case. I position her properly so that she
doesn’t get disturbed and sleeps well before I kiss her forehead
and I get off the bed and take my phone before I walk out of
the room. My business is making some progress, yes it is very
exhausting to start all over but this is for me and something
that I had started all on my own without the start up from my
father, yes it will take some time to get where the old farm was
but I am still determined that everything will have it s time and
it will reach the place where it is supposed to be.
I walk down the stairs and everyone has left, they went to gift
Mandisa and the baby, I haven’t neglected them, I just have to
give the same amount of attention to my woman.Yes I will be
present in the child’s life and that is all. I don’t want Mandisa
thinking the child will bring us somehow back together. I don’t
hate her, nor have a problem with her. She has never wronged
me but things are just not the same anymore.
My phone rings and it is my brother. I answer it.
“Bhuti”
“Hey, we are at the farm, buying the goat for Saturday.”
“Okay, what are they saying?”
“A lot of things, I want to send a few pictures of the options we
have”, he mentions”
“Okay, that’s fine”, I say.
“Okay then, we will talk just now”, he mentions before he
hangs up.
I want what is best for Mabusi, and my children as well. Do I see
a future with her? Most definitely without any doubt.
I receive a message from my brother and I sigh, I have to do
what is right for my children and this woman and myself.
IMINATHI
I am back at res and with the tests and on going assignments I
really have less time to actually spend with this man but we do
get to talk a lot during the day and he wishes a good night too. I
am dating someone, I don’t know how I should describe the
relationship that I have with Bongani but I am really learning
from it.
I just got back at res after my classes and I am very tired at the
moment. I get in my room and throw myself on the bed and I
remove any of the pillows that are disturbing me at the
moment.
My phone rings and I take it, its Bongani. I told him when I will
be free so that is why he is calling.
I answer it.
“Sthandwa sami”,he says and I blush.
“Hey”
“I miss you, how are you?”
“I am okay, just tired”, I say.
“So coming by there is not an option”
“Please do come”, yes being in his company might do me some
good.
“Okay, I will be there very soon, rest. I will call you when I am
outside”
“Okay, bye”
“I love you”, I blush before he hangs up.
I roll on the bed and I feel like wearing that top I took from his
closet.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 32
IMINATHI
The sleep was too short lived and before I knew it, I had to
leave and meet this man, I didn’t reakky change much because
he didn’t mention that we would be going somewhere decent
so I just wore casually and went up to him. the afternoon cold
breeze was kicking in as I rushed to this man’s car and got
inside shutting the door and the warmth was felt from the car is
welcomed.
“Hello”, I say and he looks at me and smiles.
“Wasumuhle kangaka mfana wami(Why are you this beautiful
my boy)”, he says and I laugh pushing him away from me
playfully.
“You are really testing me”, I say as he chuckles.
“I didn’t even notice that I lost these clothes too”, he says.
“I am sorry, I took them the day I was visiting”
“uyazitapela ezintweni zami nje mama(You are taking as you
like from my things mama”, he says and I shake my head.
I find myself laying my head on his shoulder.
“I missed seeing you”, I say truthfully.
“I missed you too Sthandwa sami, at times I felt like coming to
fetch you but I know you have school work”, He says.
“Mmmh”, the comfortable silence consumes the car and he
brushes my braids with his fingers.
I enjoy this, I will not lie at all. I really do.
“I am free this weekend”, I mention and then I sit up to look at
him.
“What do you want us to do?”, he asks.
“I don’t know, maybe do a picnic or paint or go for lunch or…”
“I have never painted before”, he mentions and I smile.
“Me too, but we can try. We don’t have to be perfect. We just
need to enjoy”, I say.
“Okay, you can plan it and I will send the money”
“We can maybe do it at your backyard since you have some
space”, I say.
“Okay , I am okay with that”
He leans in and gives me a kiss and I giggle.
“You are so random”
“But you like it”, I laugh and I kiss him back and before we know
it. We are deepening the kiss.
The tender texture of his lips against mine, fills up the warmth
inside of me. His warm hand against my semi cold skin as his
lips are attached to mine enhances any feelings that I am
feeling, lust, desire and many more at the same time that I
cannot even comprehend which one I am feeling the most at
this moment.
We soon break the kiss and I catch my breath before I find him
staring at me and he smiles.
“I cant wait to marry you”, he mentions and I swallow.
“You are sure”, I say.
Yes I realise that things happen in a relationship.
“Yes, I know what I want for us and where I would like this to
end up”, he says and I smile.
I couldn’t help myself.
DUDU
The water has been fetched from the river and all hope of me
maybe seeing Busisile has run very low these past few months
and now I have just accepted that I would never see her again.
My sister will be well on her way back from the market pretty
soon but she should’ve been back way earlier than now. maybe
she is with her boyfriend, yes she has one and she is trying to
keep it a secret from me but I already have my suspicions and I
know that my assumptions are very accurate. It is no secret
that I cook for Busisile’s brother on his way to his work place
and back when he goes home. I know I am a food stop so that
he gets something he can eat. He doesn’t eat much, they really
didn’t have much to eat on. One of the reasons why when
Babu’Ntuli chose Busisle, her parents didn’t hesitate but took
the opportunity to try and better themselves and their child’s
lives. I mean he does have pretty kids that are educated too. I
am sure Busisile doesn’t get tired and goes into not having
anything in that house hold.
I am in the kitchen, I have just finished cooking and I am dishing
up the meal for tonight for me and my sister and also the man
that will pass here any minute.
I hear a knock on the door and I go to it and he is standing
there, sweaty from a hard day of working and his overalls that
have lost its colour years ago shows some soil dirt. The farm is
tiresome. The chief overworks his workers for little pay. I know
it is little. I have never really been to the Ntuli farm before but
it is not here. he used to have one with the chief but he sold his
share to the chief.
“Hey, come in”, I say moving from the door and he comes
inside taking off his shoes and he sits on the bench that is next
to the wall.
I light up the lantern and then turn to him.
“How was the day at the farm today?”, I ask before I move to
get a jug of water for him to down something down.
I give it to him.
“Thank you, it was long. The chief had an announcement
today”, he says and I get him his meal and a dish to wash his
hands in.
“What did he say?”, I hear him heave a sigh.
I go and get him to wash his hands before I get his meal.
“He said that he is going to let go of some workers soon”, he
says and I feel sad.
“Why?”
“New machines”, he says. Technology is really destroying jobs
for us.
I give him his food and he thanks me.
“Do not worry, you will not loose it”, I say feeling sad as he
does.
“You think so?”
“You are an asset Mbheki, I think that’s something”, I say and
he smiles before he starts eating.
“You cooking so nicely, I love your food”, he mentions for I
don’t know how many times and I blush for the hundredth
time.
“Thank you”, I say.
“How was your day?”, he asks.
“I went to wash some few blankets for a few people”, I say.
He looks at me.
“Did everyone pay you?”, he asks and I nod my head.
I am lying, I only got two payments out of 4 but I don’t want
any drama honestly.
“Where is your sister?”
“With her boyfriend maybe”
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I say.
He nods his head. I get my food and join him in eating. He
finishes his food.
“Thank you, it was delicious”, I giggle.
“My pleasure”
“I have to go before it gets dark on the way”, he says and
stands up with his dish. I quickly do the same and take it away
from him.
“Okay, let me walk you out”, I say and he thanks me.
We walk out of the house and he stops for a while and turns to
me.
“I have a friend, he lives in the city. I am have been thinking of
moving there for better things and a better job”, he mentions
and my heart breaks.
“Ohw”, he wants to leave.
“What…What have your parents said?”
“I haven’t told them yet but I am thinking Dudu”, he says and I
nod my head biting my bottom lip”.
“You…you can go and try”,I say.
“Do you want to come with me?”, he says and I look at him.
“Me?”
“Yes”, he stares down at me.
“I…I….I don’t know Mbheki, I will have to speak to my sister
about this”, I say and he nods.
“It is okay, I understand”, I nod my head and he gives me a
smile.
“Stay well”
“Travel well”, he waits for me and I turn around and go back
inside the house locking the door before I peak through the
kitchen curtain and he is still standing staring at the house
before he turns and walks off.
I watch him until he disappears,
and I close the curtain and sigh. What does this mean? Does he
really want to move with me?
BUSISILE
Time really passes by fast, my pregnancy is developing really in
a way that I can only adjust to it for a few moments and then it
turns. I am used to now eating a lot and about anything and
sleeping for some time after having certain meals but now I
cant stomach some foods.
It is Saturday and today we are going to the Ntuli house hold
and I am really nervous. Mandisa will be here too with the
baby, everything that needs to be done for the baby is here
too. Mabutho just wants to fix our problem and also the child’s
issues in one go so that everything can resume right after.
MaThabethe called her husband and told him that we are
coming so he is expecting us but I am not sure how he will
welcome us and I understand that we are not welcome in his
home yard.
It has been what? A very few months since I came here and
back then I was just a skinny girl who just found out that she is
pregnant with her step son’s child while now I have gained
weight. Something I have been struggling most of my life to do
but then I get pregnant through a boy and all my struggles have
vanished in that department.
We are about to enter the Ntuli yards, Mabutho is driving and
his mother with his brother are seated at the back in this car
while Mandisa is travelling in another car with Mabutho’s other
brother. My feet hurt, that is another thing that I have just
discovered in this pregnancy is that my feet can hurt really bad
now and swell up. I hate that, I really do.
“Mabusi, you are awake”, MaThabethe announces me from
sleep valley.
“Yes ma”
“For a second I thought Mabutho did something to you”, I turn
to Mabutho.
“What would I do to my girlfriend ma”
“We don’t know, anything is possible with men these days”, she
says.
“You mean your husband”
“Eyi wena that’s still your father”, she claps back.
The Ntuli house hold can be seen from where we are. Mabutho
takes a deep breath and we arrive there. MaKhumalo is the first
one to step out and stand outside on the veranda and then
MaGasa and MaJili follow after that. I swallow.
When we left here, only a few knew that I was pregnant off
Mabutho but I am sure they still remember that I am pregnant.
Now it is time to face the music. Mabutho parks the car and
then he gets out and so as MaThabethe.
“Hawu wabuya dade nesquad sakho!(You have come back my
sister with your squad!)”, MaKhumalo says and MaThabethe
looks at their way.
“Yes, my husband has been begging for my return!”,she smiles
after and MaKhumalo is not happy by the looks in hearing that.
“Ma”, Phumlani says to his mother.
“What? Isnt it she likes to talk too much”, MaThabethe
mentions.
Mabutho helps me out of the car and then MaKhumalo claps
her hands.
“Heeeh Jesu!”,she claps her hands again.
He goes and gets Mandisa too.
“Ayi sobuka ibiskop namhlanje(We are going to watch a movie
today)”,MaGasa says.
MaJili is already gone and we see her resurfacing with
Mphembe and I look at the floor.
“Bathabile”,the happiness in seeing MaThabethe cannot be
missed as he makes his way towards his wife.
“You are back”
“Not for long”, she says and the little joy is short lived I guess.
“I am happy to see you. I will sleep in your room today”, he says
and the other wives are not happy to hear that.
“I didn’t come alone Ndu”, she says. I look up and find him
staring into her eyes.
It showed that we didn’t even matter at that moment.
“Meet Your grand child”, she says pulling Mandisa closer to her
and taking the little baby and Mphembe looks at the baby then
he turns to finally notice us. He is not happy, the glimpse of joy
he was having is gone and I swallowed. The man next to me is
not making things any easier with his silence. I don’t know If I
should greet or keep my silence.
“I need to take some medication”, Mphembe mentions and
walks away from us leaving us here.
MaThabethe keeps her silence as well before she speaks.
“Come let’s go inside”
“Ma Talk to your man”,Bongani says.
“Ayi indoda ka MaKhumalo”, she says
“You are still married to him”, she keeps quiet.
We get inside the house and she settles us before she turns to
go and look for Mphembe.
“I am going to the car, will you be okay?”, Mabutho asks and I
nod.
He asks Mandisa too who nods before he walks away and
silence has consumed the room. It is so quiet like there are no
kids in this family.
“So you think that after getting another woman’s man that life
is sweet?”, Mandisa speaks and looks at me.
“Pardon?”
“You heard me”, I keep my silence.
“Even if you keep quiet, it wont take away how evil you are
from taking the father of my child away from me and my
daughter”, she says.
“I did…”
“I don’t want to hear it, know that karma knows people’s
addresses”, she says and I swallow before she clicks her tongue.
MAMNCANE
CHAPTER 33
Being in the presence of Mandisa has not even been a
comfortable person to sit with just in that short while that we
were left together. MaKhumalo entered the room and she went
over to Mandisa.
“This is the new child sisi?”, she says and she Mandisa nods.
“Yebo ma”
“I am Mabutho’s Mamkhulu, Makhumalo”
“I am Mandisa”
“Can I hold the little Ntuli?”, she asks and Mandisa hands over
her daughter to MaKhumalo.
“Awuboni nje, ingane ka gogo”, she says to the baby. Mandisa
looks over to them.
“Fanele usheshe ulamanise(You have to quickly get another
baby)”, MaKhumalo mentions and Mandisa lightly laughs.
“I am sure in the father’s side it is sorted”, she looked over to
me and I just looked away from her.
“Mmmh”, she keeps on playing with the baby.
“How is the pregnancy going MaSibisi, you last ran away from
here so we don’t have updates”, MaKhumalo says and she is
not even looking at me.
“It is going okay”, I settle for that.
“Mmmh”
“I need the bathroom”, I quickly get up and I leave the room. I
don’t know how everything is going to go but I am hoping that
everything goes on quickly.
Mabutho is outside with his brother by the cars and they are
taking out our bags at that moment.
Bongani seems to be on the phone but soon enough he hangs
up and he turns to Mabutho who is closing the car door.
“You love this woman heh?”, Mabutho asks and his brother
shys away from him.
“Did you take everything?”
“You know your father will have a heart attack”
“I don’t care”, Bongani replies.
“I love Nathi and if anyone in this family cannot take it then I
don’t care”
“Good for you”, I reach them and Mabutho places everything
on the floor and looks at me.
“What is wrong baby?”
“Can I avoid being in the same room with Mandisa and
MaKhumalo?”
“What did Mandisa say?”, he has a frown on his face.
“Nothing, I just don’t feel comfortable around her. She is
hurting and seeing her just…”, Bongani excuses himself taking
some of the things and he walks away.
“Don’t worry, I have talked to her and yes she is still hurting but
you did nothing to her and you do not owe her anything. She
was never your friend to begin with and she never will be.
Don’t take what she says to heart. Can you promise me that?”,
he asks.
“I… I cant say mean things”
“I am not saying mean things but tell her where she shouldn’t
play around you. You are both going to be in each other’s lives
whether we like it or not. You as my woman and her as the
mother of my child. It will take time to adjust but promise me
baby that you will not let Mandisa get to you”, I nodded my
head.
“Say it Mabusi”
“I promise”, I say and he nods.
“Ngazile , mmh ingakho ubaba wakho egula nje kanti umdlela
isketi egcekeni(I knew it, mmh that’s why your father has not
been okay it is because you have been sleeping with his wife)”,
its MaGasa.
I swear MaGasa and MaKhumalo are related some how. Not
through this marriage only but somewhere else.
She is standing by the verander.
“I don’t think what I do with Busisile involves you. it is between
me and her and my father”, Mabutho mentions.
He has a short temper lately.
“Kodwa still”, MaGasa says.
“Come”, Mabutho pulls me away and we walk away.
I am just realising that we just ran away from everything, we
are now facing the live responses of what we have done.
“Are you okay?”, he asks and I nod.
“Yes”, he kisses my hand and I smile.
He just makes everything feel better.
.
It’s the following day, we haven’t really talked to Mphemba and
we didn’t see MaThabethe this morning. Maybe she has
disappeared to talk with Mphemba but then we don’t know. I
don’t know how to be active or what to do in these yards but I
know that since the shame that I have done I shouldn’t even try
like everything is okay. Even Mandisa is not allowed to do
anything, she is not a Ntuli so she cannot do anything but to
take care of her daughter.
Mabutho is asleep next to me and its close to 6 am in the
morning. I look at him as he has his arm over my thighs.
He likes holding me when we are sleeping and I like it too, it
keeps me safe and warm too. I slowly get off the bed and I
quickly go and freshen up before I get dressed and I make my
way out of the room. I have been thinking of one person for the
longest time right now and I feel like I need her, I have
neglected her too.
My feet take me out of this yard leading the path that I have
known for quiet some years and after some time of walking I
find the place and I stand there for a while outside looking at
the place and I turn around. What am I doing here? Mabutho
will be worried about me once he learns that I am not in the
yard. I turn back and make my way back home, I miss being a
child under my parent’s wing. Yes it wasn’t as easy but atleast it
wasn’t that complicated. I get back in the yard and already I can
see some of the wives are awake. I greet and they greet back.
They are not bad, just that we have never really formed a
relationship.
I get to the room I use with Mabutho and he is still resting. I
close the door and slide next to him in bed and close my eyes. I
wish things could go well.
DUDU
Today it is a cold morning, despite the fact that it is a bit foggy
outside but it is cold too. I have lit up the candle and also I have
prepared the porridge for this morning. My sister is asleep, but
soon she will wake up. I have ran the idea past her of going to
the city and in that tip she told me that her boyfriend wants to
come and ask for her hand in marriage.
It has been stressful for the both of us. I know that she would
just take her bags and join her man’s family but also things
should be done right and I don’t see our family doing that. They
abounded us a long time ago and I don’t even know where we
could start if we have to look for them.
The porridge is ready and I have dished up for 3 people and let
the hot substance cool down. The knock on the door let’s me
know that he has arrived. I run my fingers over my dress and
my jersey and then I go and open the door and he stands
infront of me. He smiles and he doesn’t seem like he is going to
the fields.
Yes he was one of the people that were let go and I feel like I
could do something to help him. Yes the job at the farm didn’t
do much but it brought something for him too to contribute to
his family too and take care of himself as well.
“Hello”, I greet and he smiles.
“Good morning, how are you?”, he says and I let him in.
“I am well,you are going somewhere today?”, I say and he sits
on the bench that is against the wall.
“Yes, to the shops to get some last things before I leave to the
city, I just need something to carry what I have”, he says and I
nod my head and give him his food and he thanks me.
“Have you thought about it?”
“Yes,I have”, he starts eating. I don’t want to lie, I am scared.
Mostly I have been skeptical with leaving my sister but she is
about to start a new life and I will be left here all alone.
“What do you say? You know I am not forcing you to do
anything”, he says and I nod my head before I sigh.
“Yes I know. “, he nods his head and carries on eating.
“I will leave with you”, I say and he stops eating looking at me.
“Really?”
“Yes”
He stands up leaving his meal and he comes towards me.
“I promise you will not regret this decision”, he says and I look
at him before I shy away.
“Okay”
“Is your sister here?”, he asks.
“Yes, she is sleeping in the other room”
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he nods his head.
He takes my hands into his hands and he holds them.
“Don’t worry, everything will be okay”, I trust him.
NARRATED
Bathabile cannot even move out of the bed with this man
holding onto her for dear life as she wants to wake up. How did
he enter this room? Last night he came knocking on the door to
be let in but she refused for him to come in but here he is
snoring lightly as he is rested next to his beloved wife. Peace, is
what he feels. He feels like the ancestors have answered his
silent pleas of bringing his wife back into the yards. The little
grudge over his son and young wife is a bit gone mainly
because he almost lost a long term marriage over something he
thought he could recreate with the young one.
She removes his hand and shakes him from his sleep.
“Ndumezulu”, she says and it takes a bit of time for him to
wake up.
Where did this man go? The fierce yet handsome man she once
fell in love with, yes he is still handsome but soon the wrinkles
will cover that youth that was once there.
He stares into the eyes of the woman he loves dearly and he
smiles as he sees that it is not a dream for the fact that he woke
up next to her this morning. She frowns as she watches him
staring at her.
“What are you doing here? how did you get in here?”, she asks.
“I came in when you were asleep”
“Please leave”, he sits up when she tries to chase him out.
“Sthandwa sami ngicela sikhulume( my love can we talk)”, he
says as he tries to hold her hand.
“We have talked enough Ndu”, she shortens the name.
“Please,I have had time to evaluate on the kids issue and we
can talk and find a common ground and I could try and forgive
them”, he says.
“That is great for you Ndumezulu, mina it doesn’t involve me. I
warned you and you thought I was joking when I said I will not
be with an abuser”, she says and his heart aches.
“Tell me what I can do to rectify everything. I will do anything
Sthandwa sami”, he is begging, pleading with his love.
He thought that forgiving Busisile and Mabutho will be a way to
going back into her heart and having her back home but it
seems like it is not.
“Anything?”, she is thinking.
“Yes anything”, he says, he would give up the whole world if he
has too.
“Okay, I want a house in Ballito”, he says and he frowns.
“Why would you want to stay there when we have a home
here?”, he asks. He doesn’t understand.
“That’s the only way I can forgive you and some money too”
“Bathabile…”, is she planning an escape and blocking him out of
her life forever?
“That’s all I want then I will come back”, she says and he looks
at her.
“uyafunga?(You promise?)”
“Ngiyagomela(I promise)”, she gives him a light perk to seal the
deal and his heart is over joyed.
“Okay”, he says.
He has to keep this from the other wives, they cannot know
that he is going to buy an expensive house in Durban and give
some amounts to MaThabethe and not for them.
BUSISILE
Its getting a bit busy now, everyone is awake. Eating, getting
dressed and also some are just preparing for imbeleko for
Zamamphemba. The yard is buzzing as it always does during
early hours of morning. I am stuck in this room and Mabutho
left some while ago after getting something for us to eat. I am
scared, as much as I know the reason why we are here but I feel
scared more than anything. I haven’t seen Mphembe since
yesterday when he left after the mentioning of Mabutho’s
daughter and I really do not blame his actions so as Mandisa. It
was bound to happen and the way they are reacting is very
valid at this point.
I hear a knock on the door and I get off the bed and make my
way to the door and I open it. It is MaThabethe.
“Hello sisi, why are you locking yourself in here?”, she walks
into the room and she sits down on the bed.
“I was going to come out soon”
“Don’t worry, the old man wont bite. I am taming him. how is
my grandchild?”, I smile and rub my stomach.
“He is good”
“That’s good, don’t worry things will be okay”
“I am worried ma, I wont lie and I acknowledge what Mabutho
and I have done”
“That’s all that matters”, the door opens and Mabutho walks in.
“Hey”, he greets and I smile.
“I am here to see you actually, I have news”, MaThabethe says.
“What news?”
“Close the door behind you”, he does that.
“What is it ma?”, he asks.
“I got your father to greet to buying a house in Ballito for me”
“That’s great”, he says not much interested.
“Can you be interested? You are a father now. You cant be
cramping my sister and her children you guys need your own
space to do stuff and make more babies”, I shy away and
Mabutho frowns.
“We are not taking anything from that man”
“Its from me”
“What did you say to him for him to even agree to say that”
“Phela eyami iyadayisa groot(My coochie sells good)”, she says
and I gasp lightly and Mabutho frowns.
“Ma!”
“Just take it Mabutho and stop with your big head. Take Mabusi
to the beach. Iyofa nini ingane yabantu niyihluphekisa sikhona
ayi(When will this child die while you are making her suffer
while we are here)”, she stands up and walks out.
He paces up and down the room.
“Calm down, you will talk to her later”
he breathes out and comes towards me and he pulls me closer
to him.
“Are you hungry?”, I am a little but I wont eat now.
“No, not yet”
“Okay tell me when you are hungry”, he says and I nod my head
and smile at him.
“Everything will be alright”
“You think so?”
“Yes”
“Even if we live in a shack?”
“Yes, I love you”, he smiles and kisses my lips.
“That will not happen but I love you too”, I giggle.
“What do you hope for?”, He asks looking at me.
“A healthy baby”
“Me too, after the baby. We will get married and live happily”
He slowly moves me around and I giggle.
“And then you will go and study like you have wanted to”, he
says and kisses my neck.
I smile, I hope so. I hope that God remembers us.
.
We soon left the room and I was well on my way to the kitchen
while Mabutho had to go with his brother to sort out the goat
issue for the ceremony. I am trying by all means to avoid
Mandisa as much as I can but also I am trying to not make it
seem like I am avoiding some people. MaThabathe is once
more lost again and so as Mphembe and the kids are running
around. I guess they do not have school today. I just wonder
how Dudu is doing now.
MAMNCNE
CHAPTER 34
The smoke, almost had me when the incese was blown in the
direction of the Goats and sheep that are infront of us. Mandisa
is stuck outside of this big rondaval that can accomodate more
people. She is not a Ntuli after all and I? I am here because I am
one and also I am here to apologize of the infidelity that
Mabutho and I brought into this family. The women on one side
and the male on the other side. Yes the Varsity freaks are also
here. Not all of them but they are here and the younger ones
are giving me stares. They don't like me and it is very clear that
they will never like me or try to accomodate my presence in
this life.
Mabutho is called by his father to the front. He introduced his
daughter to the ancestors and gave her the official name of
Zamamphemba and she wailed until her new granny took her,
MaKhumalo.
She has the baby craddled in her arms. She is her grandmother
after all. She is attached to the baby or should I say that she is
attached to the mother more than the baby. She loves Mandisa
and that is no shame. She didn't hide it for that matter and I am
not against it but just shedding some light.
“Speak Mabutho”,His father says.
We haven't really sat down properly and talked. All he said was
that we can do the apology ceremony and he accepts it.
I didn't get time to actually stand infront of him and apologise.
Yes I am sincere in that, I do apologize for being sneaky and
doing this to him when I should've told him from the get go
that I also would have an interest in his son.
Mphemba seems a bit happy these days. Full too, he doesn't
want to be fed by anyone beside MaThabethe. Following her
like a lost puppy and some wives were not pleased with that, I
guess they were happy that her presence was not needed here
but she is staying. That I know.
I look at her as she is seated next to me with a scarf around her
shoulders. She loves her children so much, more than the man
she met before her children. There is nothing not beautiful
about this woman and I admire and am grateful for her kind
heart towards me too.
“Yebo baba",Mabutho says and moves closer with the animal
and I am holding onto my scarf as well.
The incese is not suffocating me usually but today it has a smell
that I really do not like but will tolerate for this stay.
Mabutho speaks to his ancestors. Mentioning my name and his
with his father in the mix. Yes they know me as well. I was
introduced into this very place when I was taken by Mphemba.
He is done and he moves away and his father speaks and after
that we are all to be dismissed. The male species going to cut
open these animals and I watch them pull them away for them
to go and take their last breath. Makhumalo is rushing to her
room. I am sure she is going to teach Mandisa a few bible
verses here and there that she doesn't understand. I was once
shocked to learn she has one because she only uses it when she
wants to misquote a verse from the bible.
“Everything is going to be okay right now”,MaThabethe says as
she stands next to me and I nod.
The ladies move to the kitchen to check on the steam bread
that was made. Two big pots full too.
As everyone leaves I stand by the rondaval and wait for
Mphemba to walk out and he does. He stops for a while as he
realises that I am standing there and doesn't say anything I also
swallow.
“MaSibisi”,He says as he lets out a light nod.
“Baba”,I don't know how to address him.
“Kuhamba Kahle(Is everything okay?)”
“Yes”,He nods his head.
The silence is something that I needed to gain strength from
before I speak to him.
“I would like to apologize...”,He cuts me through.
“It is okay Busisile”,He says and my heart starts beating fast.
“I...”
“I loved you because I saw MaThabethe in you, the younger
version and thought that I would feel youthful with you once
again”,I nod my head.
“But that is not the case anymore. I realised that growing old
should be it”,He says.
“Than....thank you”,I say.
“How is the pregnancy treating you? Walk with me”,He says
and starts walking and we walk together.
“The pregnancy is going well”
“Uthini uMabutho ngalento yenu(What is Mabutho saying
about this thing of yours?)”
“We are taking slow steps”I don't know how to feel that I am
gossiping about Mabutho to his father.
“He should know soon, I didn't raise him this way”,I nod my
head
“Yebo baba”
“Okay, you can go”,I thank the Gods. I move away from him
quickly and go to the main house.
Everyone is in the kitchen except Mandisa.
“Go and rest Busi”,MaThabethe says.
“I can help ma”
“No”,She says.
“Babusa ondlavini!”,MaGasa says.
I ignore her and make my way to the living room and Mandisa
is there. I turn around when I see her and just walk away.
I do not want to be in the same room as her until I have the
courage to be able to face her.
DUDU
I did some washing, I don't want to leave my sister in a mess
and I know she doesn't have a problem. Our home will be
closed and we will both be leaving. I cannot believe it, I hope
that everything that is there in the city is atleast better than
here. Something to look forward for.
I am at the river and I have just hung the blankets I was washing
on the rocks and the clothes are also washed as well. I am just
sitting now on the rocks waiting for the washing to get dry
when I see Mbheki making his way towards where I am. He is
taking slow strides but they are making him reach me faster as
he is tall with long legs. He gets to me and he smiles looking
down on me.
“Sawubona,I was looking for you and your sister told me you
are here”,he says.
“Yes, I am just doing some washing before I leave”,I say and he
nods before he sits down on the rock next to me and I shift a
bit.
“Are you scared of me?”,He asks.
No, I think parts of my body get weak when you are next to me.
“No”
“Please look at me Dudu”,He says and I swallow before I turn
my head to look at him and he stares back at me.
“You are beautiful, inside and outside and I am glad that we
have each other”,He says and I smile.
“Me too”,I say.
He smiles, my best friend pops up from that smile just by
watching him. I look away from him and then we both stare at
the river.
“The water sounds are calming”,I say.
“Very”
We keep our silence.I like this silence.
He lets me rest my head on his shoulder and he takes a little
peak at my face and he brushes my cheek with his free hand
before he stops and we go back to staring at the river.
NARRATED
It has been some time now since he came home, Bongani that
is and he feels like his family is hindering him from speaking to
his woman every chance he gets. Yes Nkosinathi and Phumlani
with Mabutho know about Iminathi, his Xhosa Angel that he
loves do very dearly in his heart but his other relatives do not
know and he doesn't know how they would be accepting of her
especially his father considering that he is a very traditional
man. He doesn't care about that, he knows what he wants and
his heart is telling him to love this woman with his whole being.
He moves away from his brothers with his blooded hands and
he goes to the tap leaving them proceeding with the animals
and he washes his hands at the tap and wipes his hands with
his top and takes out his phone and dials her number at the top
of his head.
He has memorised it. It is a very important number that he can
recite even in his sleep.
“Baby”,He hears her voice and he smiles automatically to it.
It gets to him, that voice that he has heard more than a
hundred times but there is something special when he calls him
like that. Her special person, those are his thoughts.
“Themba Lami
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ngifisa ukube ula emagcekeni uphithizela njengabonke abafazi
balayikhaya ngibone ubuso bakho (I wish you were here in
these yards running around like all of the wives here, seeing
your face)”,he says.
She is blushing on the other side, rolling over the books that are
scattered on her single bed almost making her fall off it. Her
roommate is giving her a questionable look at that moment.
“Baby ndino roomza toho (I am with my roommate baby)”,She
warns as she melts.
“How long are we doing this little dating what what? I want to
marry you now”,He says.
He places his hand behind his back as his body faces the
beautiful view of the landscape.
He can even send all his brothers and father by force to the
Eastern Cape to get his wife for him and all will break loose if
they do not do that.
“Baby,I don't even know how my brothers will feel when they
hear that I am to wed someone”,He says.
“Its part of life. We will grow our own family”
“I know, how is everything there?”,She is diverting from the
topic.
Not that she doesn't want to get married but she is treated like
a little princess at home and leaving her dad is something she
doesn't know where she would start with.
“Ngiyakuzwa mama, kuhambe Kahle(I hear you mama,
everything went well)”,he says.
“Thats good”
“I love you Nathi”,He says and her heart is pinned against the
the other organs around it.
“Uthandwa ndim muntu wami(You are lived by me )”
He sees one of his mother's approaching.
“I will call you later”,He says and they end the call.
He is satisfied. Though that was a very short call but he will
have a lengthy one later.
They have been dating for some time, yes it is short but it is
some time. Why can't they get to know each other while they
are married and in their house, yes he will make sure she
doesn't get pregnant until they are both ready but he wants to
wake up next to his wife, call his wife every second and have
her in these family gatherings. He looks like a lost sheep coming
here alone without his companion.
On the other hand Iminathi rests in her back as she looks up at
the ceiling after the phone call, in a short space of time she
feels so secure and sure about Bongani but she is scared too.
Something scare her even though she knows that some things
shouldn't be scaring her but she loves this man and possibly
sees a future with him. Is she forward?
“Thinking of your man?”,The roommate asks and she turns to
her.
“Yes, can I ask? Is it bad that I want to marry this man one
day?”,She asks.
She doesn't know, she has never received a proposal before.
Well those ones that are not serious she knows.
“We feel like that when in love"
“Okay, I think I want to spend the rest of my life with him”
“If he feels the same way”,the roommate replies.
“He does”
“Thats good”,She looks at her phone and types a message and
places her phone in flight mode after sending that message.
‘I will love to spend the rest of my life with you Bongani’,He
looks at it as his phone is still in his hand.
“Bongani ngicela usinake please (please can you pay attention
to us)”,it's MaJili speaking.
She has been speaking to him for the past minute but now he is
not listening.
“Haibo Bongani your mother is talking!”,MaThabethe says.
“I need to go, I will see you”,He tries to call Iminathi but she
doesn't go through.
He leaves the kitchen with everyone wondering what is going
on.
“It's your son MaKhumalo”,MaGasa says.
“Haibo Mphemba should talk to him”, MaKhumalo liked
Bongani, manily because he resembled Nkosinathi. She liked
him.
He tries again and the phone doesn't go through and before he
knows it, he is cursing.
He wants to know what she means, she is accepting the
proposal or what? He wants to know.
BUSISILE
The bedroom door opens and this bloody man walks in. He has
blood over his top. He takes it off and he is left without
anything on top. He wipes his hands with it and they seem
clean and he closes the door before he comes to me. I am just
seated in bed and I am not in the kitchen because of
MaThabethe and I don't want to bond over vile words
exchanged with Mandisa so I would rather be stuck here.
“Sthandwa sami”,he comes and leans in to perk my lips.
“Baby”
“How are you feeling?”
“Good, I spoke to Mphemba”,He frowns.
He still is not over his little thing with his father.
“What did he say?”
“I just wanted to formally apologise and he told me why he
liked me”
“And?”,He asks. He is not pleased that I spoke to Mphemba but
his curiosity has the best of him, he wants me to continue.
“He said he loved me because I reminded him of your mother in
her youthful days”
“Mmmh”,He says and sits on the bed and he pulls me to him
and I place my hand on my stomach.
“When will this little one start kicking”,He says and he places
his hand on my stomach.
“In Due time”
“I am tired, I want to take a quick nap”,He says.
“Should I prepare some water for you to bath?”
“No baby, it's fine. I will bath after”,I nod my head and he kisses
my lips.
“I love you Mabusi”
“I love you to Mabutho”,He smiles.
He lays down on his back and I watch him as he tries to rest.
35
IMINATHI
He is here, I was called by the security guard to inform me that
someone is looking for me and it is a man. I was confused at
first at which man it could be but curiosity got the better of me
to go and see who it is at this now late hour and it is him. I
thought he was away and wouldn't be back until the next two
days but here he is standing near the gate wearing overalls like
he had just came from a heavy duty in a ceremony. The cold
room operator or the meat distributor. Either way he is here
and I can't even comprehend the look on his face. I reach him
and I am feeling nervous but I tell myself that I shouldn't be.
“What are you doing here?”,I ask.
I don't know what to say honestly.
“I am here about the message that you sent earlier on”,what?
Did he have to drive all the way coming here?
“Oh that?”,He nods his head.
“What does it mean mama?”,He asks.
I step closer to him and he looks at me as I stare back at him.
“I like your outfit”,I say.
“Nathi”
“I love you Bonga”,I say.
“I love you too, you know that baby”,I blush.
I shy away from his gaze.
“Do you want to marry be one day?”,The question he asks.
Yes I wanted him to ask me, I was afraid of just saying it out
there and embarrass myself.
“Yes,I would love to”.
“When can I send my family to your family?”,Is this an official
proposal?
“Are you proposing?”,I ask tilting my head to the side.
“I am taking a decision with you”,Argh this man.
“I don't know, it's up to you”,My mouth runs.
I am taking impulsive decisions right now.
He wraps his arms around my waist and perks my lips.
I want to kiss him, I want to feel his tender lips devour mine in
the process. I find myself kissing him and he is kissing me back,
his lips pressed against mine and to the rhythm of exchange I
suck on his lips as he does on mine. Not caring on who could be
watching me kissing this man. After all he is my man.
We break the kiss and he gives off a smirk and it's a bit devious.
“In 3 weeks my family is going to the Eastern cape”,He is not
asking me but he has made that decision.
Surprisingly I have accepted it.
“Okay”
“I love you Nathi”,He says.
I look at him and I smile.
“Let's go and eat something. I am hungry”
“Wait, can I tell you something?”,He says.
“What is it?”
“My family is very huge, I am not including any family like
cousins and all of that. I just mean my siblings , my father and
his wives. We are huge and I don't want you to be
overwhelmed. Don't be intimidated by them and tell me.if they
bother you”,No one will try me.
“I will, how many siblings do you really have?”
“28 siblings”,What?! That's a whole creche.
“Ohw, that's alot”,I don't know if I will remember everyone. I
will just say Mntase to everyone I see.
“Okay we can go and grab something to eat. I miss your
cooking”, he says.
“I am lazy to cook these days”,I say and he chuckles.
He lets go of my waist and we walk to his car and we get inside
before he drives off. I cannot believe what just happened.
BUSISILE
Mabutho has been asleep since he came back and I have been
up and doing quiet nothing than to entertain myself through
YouTube on Mabutho's phone while he is asleep. I log out of
YouTube and I look at him and he is sound asleep. I understand
why he is tired, it has been a hectic couple of months all
together and he needs to rest and also just take a breather for
a moment. I pull the blanket up to my waist and he shifts a bit.
Any little Movement just makes him shift somehow.
I should maybe go and see how everyone else is doing than to
keep myself locked in here until when.
I also haven't seen Sisi, Lethu in a long time too and I wonder
how she is doing honestly.
“You are thinking too much”,I look at the man who is next to
me and he is looking at me. It shows that he has just opened his
eyes.
“Mmmh?”.
“What are you thinking off?”
“Lethu, how she is”
“She is okay, to we might visit then if you want to ”
“Maybe when we get back home”,I say and he nods.
”Let me go and prepare some food for you”,I say.
“I am not hungry yet, Busi. Stop worrying too much”
“Mabutho I am just trying to help”,He nods his head and places
his hand on my stomach.
”I like this”,He says.
“What?”,I ask as he traces his fingers on my swollen belly.
“This, us expecting and together. I just love it”,He says and I
smile.
“I am happy for you”,He chuckles.
“You know we should have another baby when our lives are
stable enough”,He says.
“I want to study maybe when things are okay”,I say.
“I promise you will do that, right before we have a second
baby”,I smile.
“Thank you”,He trials his fingers on me.
We stay in the room for some time until I leave and I go to the
main house to get something for us to eat. There is some of the
kids there and two wives. I greet and then I dish up for
Mabutho and myself and then I warm the food. I wait for it.
“MaSibisi, is Zama’s mother your friend?”,One of the wives
asks.
“No”,I have never been friends with Mandisa.
She nods and then let's me be. I finish up and the I go back
outside to the room we are in and I give Mabutho his food and
he thanks me. I get to eat my own food and he is gobbling
down the food while I can't take more than 2 spoons before I
feel like vomiting. I place my plate down and rush to the
bathroom and I vomit. Mabutho follows after me.
“Are you okay?”,He asks and I nod my head as it is is still stuck
in the toilet.
“I am fine”,I say after lifting my head and he nods his head.
I flush the toilet and he gets some water for me to drink.
“Your child doesn't want me to eat”,I say and he chuckles.
“Thats not good, what do you want to eat?”
“I think I just need to rest. I last slept this morning”
“Are you sure that you don't need some food before you rest?”
“No, I am fine baby. Don't worry”,he says.
“Okay”
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He helps me out of the bathroom and then he places me on the
bed and I rest my head on the pillow. I will wake up a little
while from now on.
DUDU
My sister is watching me as I pack the last bit of my things and I
could feel my heart nesting quite fast at that moment. I am
going to seperate from her. That is what is making me feel
nervous. She smiles as soon as my eyes land on her and I sit in
the bed next to her and she comes closer.
“I know you are worried but don't, as the older one that is my
Job”,She says.
“I know, I don't know if I should still go”,I say.
“Go, in a few days I will be gone too and who will you stay
with?",She asks that question.
No one, I don't know if I will be able to visit her too.
I miss Busisile at this point. I wish I could tell her about this trip
that I am taking, this change that could change my life for the
worst or better.
“What if things just get worse?”,I ask.
“I will be here waiting for you then to come home. Don't worry
about anything.”,She says and I sigh and nod my head.
I really hope that things go accordingly or atleast things don't
get bad while there.
“So you and Mbheki huh?”,I know she has been wanting to ask
that question once again.
She has been asking that question since I started feeding him
everytime he went to work and came back to work.
“We are just friends”,I say.
“Ayi Dudu you can't be just friends at this point.”,she says.
“I am serious”
“So you tell me that just friends make this bug move together?”
“Yes”
“Ayi angiyikholwa Leh, Kodwa you know what is
happening”,she says.
We are just friends. Mbheki and I, there is no crime in being
that only.
.
A new day has come and which the previous night I didn't have
much sleep. Yes as much as my sister and I slept together for
the last time but I didn't get to sleep well, instead I was thinking
alot. Maybe I should start to relax and actually take this leap of
faith that is here. As soon as I get to get a Phone in the city, I
will call my sister every day and every chance I could get. I hope
that marriage treats her well. I pray that it does.
She is awake and she made some breakfast for us today.
Usually I am the one who cooks because I love the kitchen and
it made me happy to get those little compliments from Mbheki
about my way around the kitchen, when the food was ready we
ate together and I took a bath right after and wore the most
decent clothes that I have. After that while I was still doing the
last touch ups I heard his voice in our little home. My sister
chatting up a storm with him. Usually she is asleep resting, I
don't know why she sleeps that long these days but she does
always when she comes back from her soon to be husband. I
am glad that man is going to make an honest woman out of
her.
“Let me call her, I am sure she is ready now”,She says and I
hear her footsteps coming to the room.
She gets inside and stares at me smiling.
“Your boyfriend is here”
“We are just friends”
“Still, are you ready?”,She asks. No I am not ready.
“Yes”
“I love you okay, you have my number with you. Call me as
soon as you can get a hold of a cell phone okay?”,She says.
“Okay, I will miss you”
“I will miss you too. Come to my wedding soon”,She says and I
giggle before we share a long hug.
My mother's first born, I wish my parents were still alive to see
us this far. My sister is my everything, she practically raised me.
We break the hug and I take my bag and we walk out of the
room and Mbheki is steated on the bench but as soon as he
sees us he stands up from it and he shares a smile our way.
“Hello Dudu”,He says first before I even reach him.
“Hello”,I say and share the same smile shying away from this
man.
Yes at times he makes me shy.
“Are you ready to go? I don't want us arriving there while it's
dark”,He says.
“Yes”,I say.
“Okay, Sisi. We will see you”,Mbheki says.
“Okay, take care of my sister Sibisi”,She says.
“I will, I promise”,She nods her head.
Soon we are outside and leaving this place heading to where
we will catch a taxi. We are walking side by side and he starts
speaking as I am a bit silent.
“You look beautiful”,He says and I look at him and blush.
“Thank you”,I say and he keeps on smiling.
“I am excited yet nervous”,he says.
“Me too, I don't know what we will see there but be hopeful for
anything positive”,I say.
“Yes, everything will be just okay”,He says.
“I hope so”,I nod my head.
As we are walking cutting through the forest path where most
people get their wood he changes the hand that was holding
his luggage and he then grabs my hand into his and I look at
him.
He smiles, this man is beautiful. My friend is really beautiful, I
love their dark complexion the most too.
Busisile didn't like how slim she looked but she looked
beautiful. She envied to be like me while I wished I was slim like
her. I feel like I struggled slot being a big girl more than
anything.
I don't say anything about the hand gesture that his brother has
just done but let him be.
BUSISILE
One day left before we go home. I am glad that what we came
here for has been done and now we could just go home and
back to our lives. Yes back to me being a cabbage and waiting
for this baby to come. I wonder how our baby will look like,
maybe different from little Zama. She is a cute one too, that is
for sure.
This man next to me is asleep when I wake up. He is not snoring
like he was last night, I pushed him a but then so he can sleep
properly and that when the siren became silent. He didn't even
wake up then when I thought that he would. I guess he is taking
this as a moment to rest and gain back some energy too. I get
out of the bed leaving him there and I go to the bathroom. I
pee before I flush and I feel like vomiting and I do so too. This
pregnancy is really draining me now. Yes I hate the vomiting, I
don't like it at all.
After that I went and stepped into the shower and took a quick
bath then I was done. I got out of the bathroom and I found
him awake but still within the blankets.
“Good morning”,I say and he looks at me and smiles.
“Good morning, why are you awake This early?”,He asks.
“What time is it?”
“It's 5 am Busi”,He says.
“Oh, old habits”,I go and lotion my body before I get dressed
and get back in bed next to him.
“Let me go and wash my self too since you didn't invite me into
your bathing session”
“You were asleep. I didn't want to disturb you”,I say as he sulks.
I give him a kiss on his forehead and he smiles before he gets
out of bed and rushes to take a bath.
MAMNCNE
CHAPTER 36
IMINATHI
Moving is such a daunting process. I had to say goodbye to my
roommate, phela the girl is going to live with her man now and
I will not let that opportunity pass. That man came from
another province all the way from KZN to the Eastern Cape with
his family who had to meet some of my most difficult family
members and had to leave his leg or arm or whatever it is but
all I know is he paid mean money from Yonela's satisfaction
rant after the negotiations so I have to give the man something
and stay with him.
It's not like I do not want to live with him because I do, I want
to actually cuddle up with him and cook for him and do
everything for him as he does for me. Treat my Zulu king like a
king that he is.
I am in the main bedroom and Bongani is bringing in my boxes
and some of my other things from the car. As much as I lived in
a small space but I do have some stuff, stuff that he bought as a
start up for me when I went to res. Tell me this man is not a
sweetheart?
I open the wardrobe and already he has shifted his things and
opened some space for me and I am happy to see that. It gives
off an indication that he wants me here as much as I want to be
here.
“Baby!”,I hear him calling me.
He enters the main bedroom.
“I made some space for you”,He says and wraps his arms
around my waist and kisses my neck.
“I see that and I appreciate it so much baby”
“How about we move everything tomorrow to its rightful place
and then tonight we go out”
“Where are we going?”,I ask.
“Where would you like to go?”
“We can go to Spur. I am craving their ribs”,He kisses my cheek.
“Okay my love”
“Let me help you with the rest of the things from the car”
“I am happy you are here and you are mine and I am yours”,I
turn to him and wrap my arms around his neck.
“Thank you for loving me”,I say and give him a kiss.
He holds me close to him. Each kiss lingers with more desire.
I love this man so much and I am not going anywhere now.
BUSISILE.
This moving business is what excites me. As much as I know
there will be so much work to be done but I am happy that
Mabutho and I are moving into our new space. Yes the moving
in will not be done in one day but atleast we will get to sleep
there.
Lethu and her husband are even going to be here with us,
helping us so as Mabutho's aunt too. I wish that I can share this
with my family and my friend but I know that one day I will.
“What do you need to get before we go to the
house?”,Mabutho asks.
“We should get some chicken and rolls and drinks for when we
get tired and hungry”,I say.
“Lets go to Woolworths and get them”,I nod my head.
“Thats fine, the mall?”
“Yes baby”,I rub my stomach.
I am tired of being pregnant now. I think I will take two years
off before I even think of having another child with Mabutho or
maybe more years can be added and just take a break from this
draining process. I enjoyed parts of it but some parts I didn't
because I was one to have to be always careful at times and the
people around me act paranoid. Mabutho drives to a close by
shopping centre that has Woolworths and he parks the car
before he asks me if I want to go with him and I decline the
offer. I want to stay here and not put my feet in a position
where they will get swollen too quickly.
He agrees, he leaves the car and quickly goes inside the mall. I
heard that soon we would have to go to the Ntuli’s because of
Bongani whom is now married. I should call Iminathi this
afternoon and find out how she is, yes I did call her when the
lobolo negotiations ended but I didn't dwell much on that. I just
congratulated her and let her in on who and who that she will
find once she goes to that homestead and MaThabethe is the
least of her worries.
It takes some time before Mabutho is back from the shopping
centre and he has the food with him. He puts it at the back and
gives me a packet of treats and I am grateful, already my mouth
is salvating on what is infront of me and I dig in.
We drive home, it sounds nice. Our new home, together and
the excitement cannot be suppressed at the moment.We finally
get to our place and the gate opens, the beautiful house comes
into full display infront of me and already there is a car parked
infront of us. Soon this car haults and I see the couple hop out
of their car and wave our way and we do so as well. I haven't
seen Lethu in a minute!
We get out as well and I exchange greets with the husband and
with the wife I receive some hugs and some “When are you
due?”,questions and some aunt compliments her way.
She recieves everything and after that we make our way inside
the house. Some of our things are already here, so as some of
the furniture it's just a matter of arranging things and putting
them into place. We will not finish today but I am hopeful that
we will get majority of things done.
I get the food and take it to the kitchen and Lethu is with me
too.
“Wow, I haven't seen you in a long time.”
“I have been hiding inside the house not doing anything. I miss
the strawberry farm”,She giggles as we start packing some
things away.
“When the baby is here, you should come with it.”,She says.
That is a good idea. I think after 3 months of heavy parenting I
would need that scenery infront of my eyes.
She jokes about the baby coming out red as I enjoy
strawberries and I laugh. I really do like them and Mabutho
does get them for me when I am having a day where I just feel
like eating them in that moment.
DUDU
I don't know how to feel, act around Mbheki as he once
confessed what he meant and also the kiss. A part of my brain
ignored this situation for a while but it kept coming back and
haunting me in some parts of it so I couldn't ignore it.
It has been some time and this Babu’Sibisi issue is going strong.
It's like the relationship between Mbheki and Mr Sibisi has
grown to something stronger now.
They had some forms signed alot of things done and at this
point my fear for all of this has just consumed me yet this man
hasn't proven otherwise since he has came into our lives. I
mean some plans might take longer. Maybe I am getting
paranoid and I told myself that I should be relaxing and the
Meer fact of that I should trust Mbheki and his judgement but
we had just gotten to the city and already things are handed to
him. It didn't give me ease at this point.
I did point out that Mbheki maybe could be related to this man,
somehow. I don't know how, I mean how man Sibisi men has
this man met here and haven't given all of this? To me it
doesn't make any sense at all and so I think Mbheki passed on
the message to this old man and they took an initiative to find
out through , I don't know what but this man is coming here to
this place today.
I have cooked and cleaned and also done the laundry.
Tomorrow Mbheki is taking me to town to get anything I want.
He said that anything I want. I would like some clothes, the
ones I have do not fit the standard of this place and yes I love
my dresses but I need something new. I have a phone and I
have been checking up on my sister quiet often and marriage
seems to be treating her well I guess.
“Dudu”
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I hear his voice call out for me from the bathroom.
I finish up what I am doing and quickly open the door and he is
standing there.
The city money seems to be cleaning him up really well at this
point.
“Yes?”
“He is here”,He says.
I feel like we are together and we make major decisions
together. I am only grateful that he lets me be in the decision
making about his life and includes me without feeling guilty.
That I really appreciate.
“Okay”
“Come”,He takes my hand into his, we walk into the living
room.
The old man has been served some juice and something to
nibble on. I greet and he smiles saying “Makoti”,Which only
tickles Mbheki somewhere in his body as he lightly giggles to
that.
I greet the old man, yes I will not be rude but I still do not fully
trust this man.
We get seated soon and Mbheki and I share a couch. This man
asks questions of how I have been and that Mbheki and I
should visit him and also consider grandchildren for him.
Mbheki and I haven't spoken that far, even a relationship hasn't
been put on the table! Mbheki promises the old man those
things and they share a laugh.
Soon this thing dies down and an envelope is brought forward.
“The results have came in”,The old man says.
Mbheki smiles his way.
“Whatever they say we are still related”,The old man says.
Well there it is, they might be related or not.
I am a bit confused but I do not dwell much on that.
He takes the envelope and rips it open and takes the paper out
and reads it before he hands it to Mbheki who reads it too and
turns it to me.
All I see are words and numbers I cannot understand. The word
related catches my attention and the number 99.99% too.
Soon enough this old man has Mbheki in his arms calling
him,“Ingane ka Mfowethu(my brother's child)”, he draws his
phone from his pocket and soon a picture is displayed.
He shows it to Mbheki who is utterly shocked at what he is
seeing.
“That is ubaba”,He says.
“This was before he got married. You look like your mother
more”,The old man says.
They are related!?
My head wraps around that but my heart soon eases at the
thought of that.
“He never mentioned much of his family”,Mbheki says as he
stares in fascination that he has an uncle! His father's brother.
Overall this man is too trusting. What if we were scammers and
we scammed him off his riches, he should be glad we were not
smart like that before this whole thing.
“I am so happy to have you Mfana wami”,The man is emotional
and keeps on hugging this man.
This man recieves it and mentions how he feels, happy too. I
feel like I am invading their space here. I quickly get up but I am
told to remain and so I do.
“I have a sister too”,Mbheki mentions.
“She is back home?”
“No, she got married and I haven't seen her since then”,The
uncle is uncomfortable with that and mentions that Busisile will
be found.
I like the sound of that, my friend being found.
Soon I go and dish up for these men as they catch up. They are
happy and I am happy for them.
They eat and soon after Babu'Sibisi leaves.
Mbheki is happy.
“Thank you”
“For what?”,I ask.
“For everything Dudu, I don't know what I would be without
you. I don't want to even know”,He says.
He comes and gives me a small kiss on the lips and I am taken. I
blush before looking away.
“I promise to never change”,He says.
That's good to hear. I like that.
BUSISILE
The heavy moving got to me, my body couldn't take it anymore
so I had to sit down while the rest carried on with their duties. I
am drained now and my body really need some magical hands
on them to actually get me through the rest of the day. Soon
the others also take an eating break and we are now seated
outside on the benches. I love this house so much, it is very
beautiful and MaThabethe knew what she was doing when she
chose this beautiful house.
“This house is beautiful”,Lethu compliments.
I know right?
“It is"
“My woman loves it so much”,Mabutho mentions and I smile.
I really do and I don't know how many times I have just been in
awe about this place.
“Are you okay? Do you need anything?”,He asks.
“No I am fine, thank you”,I say.
He relaxes. I just need a bath and some bed if I can get that.
I cannot wait to have this baby out of me.
37
CHAPTER 37
IMINATHI
It's recess and I have just arrived in the Eastern Cape. I am
nervous about going home to my village mainly because my
father has not even called to speak to me about a letter arriving
home. Yes the negotiations have been moved to the end of this
week, I am nervous because I don't know if Bongani’s family
will be coming or not. I am mostly nervous about my brothers
as well, what they will say. Yes they are married and have their
lives a bit set but still I am their little one. The one whom they
have been over protective off for years.
I hold onto my duffle bag as it is close to me and I watch as
Kamva is waiting for me by the bus stop. I rush closer to him
and he gives me a small smile. Atleast it's him, I am more
nervous of the other one.
Kamva is more lenient when it came to scolding me. When I say
someone has a soft spot for me I mean him out of everyone in
the family. I don't mean that the others including my father are
bad or mean, no that's not what I mean but I simply mean he is
less overprotective and gives me some sort of freedom to find
myself.
“Intombi kaNobomi! Usumhle kangaka wena?(Nobomi's girl,
you are this beautiful now?)”, I giggle.
“Hey”,I say and he reaches for my things before he hugs me.
“I missed you, how are you?"
“I am well bhuti”,I say.
“Ndiyabona that means that boy you are seeing has some
impact”,I swallow.
“Niyifumene?(You received it?)”,he lightly smiles.
“UYoni akonwabile tuu(Yoni is not happy)”,He says and I sigh.
“Come let's go”,He says and we go to his truck. He opens the
door for me and I get in. He places my bag at the back and gets
inside the car before he starts it. We wait a little while before
he drives off.
“I know uk'ba ndimncinci but ndiyamthanda bhuti,
ndonwabile(That I am young but I love him bhuti and I am
happy)”
“Ndiyakuva Sisi, the problem is that you know some of them at
home will not hear it”,I know. That's why I still have a few days
to try.
“So tell me about this man, how old is he?”,He asks.
Oh hell no, I am not about to tell him that my man is over 30. I
swallow.
“Bhuti ask something else”
“How old is he Nwabisa?”,At home they use my second name. I
guess to keep my mom's image alive or something like that but
my father is very fond of the name my mother gave me.
“Is that important?”
“Ewe, what if lomntu ngutatomkhulu?(Yes, what if this man is a
grandpa)”,he says.
“He is not. He is just a little over 35”,I look outside the window
avoiding his eyes but I can feel his on me.
“What?”
“Thats beside the point. He is not old or has kids and you know
that utata was 16 years older than umama”,I say in my defence
and he breathed out and I look at him.
“Okay, what does he do? His life and where is he from? His
surname suggests that he is Zulu”
“He is”,I say with a smile thinking about my Zulu man when he
plays his guitar music and dances around while I am busy.Then
he tells me how much he loves me.
“Okay”
“I know that Yonela would want me to keep marrying in my
circle”
“Yes but don't mind him, this is your life. This man, tell me
more about him”,He says.
It's like he has opened the flood gates for me to express how I
feel about this man.
“The...the first time before we started being in the relationship
he told me what he wants. He is gentle and he cares about me.
I love it when he does his cultural things and I like that he
doesn't see me as a child but as his equal”,I say.
“I hear you, I hope that things work out okay”
I hope so .
“Uzondinceda?(you will help me?)”
“I will try my best”,That's good enough for me.
Soon we get home and then I see my father outside working on
his bike. He stops and looks at the car and leaves his tools as he
makes his way towards us and I get out of the car and rush to
him.
“Tata!”
“Ntombami!",we hug and I am happy to be home.
We break the hug and he looks at me with a smile.
“You have grown”,he says.
“You just saw me like some time ago”
“I was worried about you”
“I am okay now”,I say and he hugs me.
“Come inside. Your brother will bring in your bag”,We make our
way inside the house.
“It is so quiet in the house”
“Umakhulu wakho went to visit her siblings”,He mentions and I
nod my head.
“How is school?”,He asks.
“Great! I am doing well so far”
“Keep it up”,He says and then goes to the kitchen. He pulls a
Trey from the oven and I gasp.
“You made them?”,He chuckles and I look at the lemon biscuits.
“Yes, you love them so much”,I love them because they remind
me of my mother.
“Tata you didn't have to but thank you. I will eat as much as I
can”,He laughs.
I grab one and then he does the same.
I love these moments with my father.
“Uphi uNwabisa!?”(where is Nwabisa?)”,I can hear Yoni saying
from outside. He walks inside the house and I stand there.
I am scared of Yonela more than I am scared of anyone.
I have never really got to do much because of him and me
being in KZN was all because my father had faith in me. If it was
up to him he would've built a university right here in this village
for me to be close to them.
“Molo bhuti”
“Uthi molo Nwabisa!?(You are saying hello Nwabisa?!)”
“Yonela sukhwazela umntana (Don't shout at the child)”
I thought I would atleast get some time to actually sit down and
settle before I encounter some drama.
“Tata we need to talk about this with her”
“Yes but she had just gotten here”
“Its okay tata”,I want this over and done with.
“Who is this Ntuli? What does he want from our family? There
is no relation that will happen do you hear me?”
“Why? ”
“Nwabisa, you want to get married now? Did you go to KZN to
get married and find a Zulu boyfriend ”
“No, but...”
“But ntoni? You are pregnant?”,what?! I haven't even had sex
with Bongani yet.
“No”
“Tell us if you are, it's okay”,I thought my dad would be as
aggressive as Yoni is trying to be.
“Dad I am not pregnant. ”
“Then this won't happen”
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Yoni says then tears the letter into shreds before he throws it
on the table .
“Tata”
“You are still 21 Nwabisa”
“Ndiyamthanda Tata and uyandithanda, ndiyathembisa uk'ba
ndizawugqiba ifundo zami. Ndiyakucela toho(I love him dad and
he loves me and I promise that I will finish my studies. Please)”
“Asuva ngawe Nwabisa!(we won't hear from you
Nwabisa)”,Yoni says and I look at my father.
He doesn't say anything but I just place the baked treat down
and leave the kitchen. I go to my room and I close the door
before I start crying.
I hear some little commotion but I don't pay much attention to
it.
I throw myself on my bed and I cry, I didn't think how much my
brother's choice would affect me.
Do I love Bongani? Yes, I do. These past few weeks I have
imagined what our life would be like together.
The little kisses in the morning before we leave for our day, the
random calls and messages during the day. Him randomly
showing up on campus just so he can get his reply on a message
I was too scared to reply to or maybe forgot to reply to it and
then he would buy something I like and tell me how much he
loves me and I feel so secure and protected.
Where I would cook for him something and he likes it even
though he might not know it. Some of my traditional food too
or bake for him one day while he plays his music and dances for
me though he cannot dance very well. For me that is just
something I want to experience with him for the rest of my life.
The Purity that he has shown to me. Is that hard to ask? Does
his age matter really? I don't think so, he makes me happy. That
counts for something right?
A knock surfaces from the door and I ignore it.
“Nwabisa please can we talk”,It's my father.
I want to talk to him but I am scared that the part of the talk
will leave an agreement with what Yonela has said.
I mean Yonela got married at 25 with his wife who was once
,19. Why can't I do the same?
“Nwabisa ntombami, ndicela sithethe (Nwabisa my child,
please can we talk)”,He says.
I feel bad for him.
My phone rings and I sit up and pull it out my jeans and it's
Bongani, I didn't tell him how I left and went and if I have
arrived safely.
I turn it off and send a message stating that I am okay and I am
home safe. I don't want to speak to him at the moment.
I stand up from the bed and I go and open the door for my dad
and he smiles while looking at me before it fades.
“I am sorry”,he says and gives me a hug.
“You are the only girl we have here at home. Someone the boys
want to protect and my only child that serves to be proof
enough that I am fertile”,he says and I sniff.
“I am sorry Bhelekazi”,he says.
“Please talk to Yoni tata”,I say.
“Yonela did raise some points. We don't know this boy and his
family or where they are from”,He says.
“His name is Bongani Ntuli, he is the second born of his mother
and I think number 7 if not 6 from his father's children. He is
from a big family and his mother is very lovely woman, he is
lovely too”
“How many children does his father have?”
“29,he is married. It's a polygamy home”,I feel him stiffen.
“I don't want that for you”,He says.
“Bongani wouldn't so that to me Tata"
“How do you know Nwabisa?”
“He told me, he doesn't desire to have many women like his
father because his heart can love one person"
“Which I assume is you”,I nod my head.
He sighs.
“I will think about this but you are still young to be a wife”
“I know but Yoni's wife is too and so did mom when you
married her”,I say and he chuckles.
“Thats different. Different times"
“But Yoni has been married 7 years only”,I say.
“I know. Come and eat”
“Okay, I will come when I have washed my face.”,I say.
“Okay”,he kisses my cheek and let's me go to wash my face.
.
I have settled. More or less I should say that my welcome
wasn't as welcoming. Yoni and his family are here, I don't know
if it is to keep an eye on me or they are here for holidays but
either way he is off from his work. He works ins Queens town
so they live near there with his family.
I love my family but at times they get on my nerves. I decided
to call my so called boyfriend since I have been avoiding him
last night before I have to wake up.
The phone rings a few times before it gets answered.
“Sthandwa Sami, sesixabene yini?(Are we fighting?)’?”,he says.
I smile a bit.
“No, I was still trying to settle in"
“I missed talking to you and it seems like the Eastern Cape has
swallowed my wife”,I find myself blushing.
“The drama baby”
“I am being serious”
“Well my brother is not happy about the letter”I sigh.
“Which one?”,I did explain to him I have brothers.
“The older one”,I sigh once again.
“What did your father say?”
“I don't know where I stand with him but he is not as mad as
that one is, he is trying to reason I think he is scared but also
not trying to show it”
“You are his only daughter”,He says.
“Yes I know, but I am meant to grow up right?”,I ask.
“Ukube ngikumithisile ngabe kungcono(If I had impregnated
you then it would've been better)”,he says.
“Baby are you hearing yourself?”,Being pregnant is the better
solution here? This man must have smoked something to say
that.
“Yes, I am hearing myself”
“Ayi baby, still they would be mad and raise the baby in their
own "
“Dont worry, that could be our plan B"
“I am not sleeping with you if that's the case. I don't want to be
pregnant now”,I say and he laughs.
Oh he finds this amusing, my fear of having a baby at this age is
amusing.
“Okay so what is plan B then? We can run away”,He says.
“Baby, don't overthink this. You have a wild imagination”
“I just want us together”,He says and I bite my bottom lip.
“Me too”, I want that. I want us together.
38
CHAPTER 38
IMINATHI
Yonela is not talking to me, quiet frankly I am the one who is
not talking to him, I mean why would I when a man who has
what he wants wants to hinder us all from getting a taste of
what he has. He hasn't told me concrete reasons of why I
shouldnt atleast be engaged to Bongani for that particular
reason. Maybe if it was a Xhosa or Baca or Pondo guy he
would've been very happy and probably offer half the payment
himself.
I don't know but he is the most rooted and traditional one in
the family. You would swear he is my father's age too for that
matter.
I wish my grandmother could come back from her trip and sort
out her grandson because I cannot take this from him anymore.
I have waken up and I am outside near the kraal. My father's
livestock is slowly decreasing. He sold some of his animals
recently when I had to get things to prepare me for university
and also some cows left this yard when Yonela decided to get
married and I don't know if the time comes when Kamva takes
someone will be have cattle to spare for him but I know my
father he will have something for him.
I throw the crumbs and the chickens are plucking on the floor
away as I watch them. I just woke up and washed my face
before I dressed up in my dress and my old gum boots. They are
pink and my father bought them for me 4 years ago, when the
colour pink used to be my favourite.
I smile a little as I feed these little creatures.
“Molo Sisi, namhlanje wavuka early(Today you woke up
early)”,It's Sis Balwa, Yoni's wife.
“I just couldn't sleep”,I say and she breathed in and out.
“I don't know if I am overstepping but I heard that you are
getting married”,She says.
I keep quiet.
“Are you not happy?”,She asks and comes closer.
“Your husband doesn't want me to.”,I say and stop what I am
doing just remembering him tearing that letter up infront of
me.
“I am sorry”,she says.
It's unfair honestly but I don't say it. She is 26 years old and she
has been married to that man for 7 years now. Why can't I ? I
mean I am older in age in terms of getting married between the
both of us but this is Yonela I am talking about. Hard headed.
“What is tata saying about this?”
“He is unsure”
“Oh, food is going to be ready soon”,I nod my head and she
leaves.
I carry on with what I am doing. When I am done I turn around
and make my way to the house and I rub my boots on the
carpet near the kitchen door and get inside. Kamva is up and he
smiles when he sees me.
“Molo Nwabisa"
“Molo bhuti",I say.
“I am going to town to run errands. Do you want to come?”,he
asks and as I was about to say yes Yoni walks in.
“She is staying here, we don't want her going to boys”,He says.
“Whats your problem with me bhuti?",I am starting to get
irritated.
“My problem with you how?”
“You don't want me to do anything and worse since someone
asked to make me their wife”
“I don't want you being someone's wife especially in KZN ”
“Why? ”
“You have to keep a clear root for your children and not
confuse them. You are a Xhosa woman which should go
accordingly”
“No Yonela that is not how life works. You married Lubabalwa
because you love her. Let Iminathi do the same”,Kamva
intervenes.
“Kamva don't intervene in this, elders should take care of it”
“Exactly, you are like us bhuti. The elders are uMakhulu and
Tata here. While they are still alive they can make that
decision”,He clenches his jaw.
He is angry.
“Uthetha nami olohlobo Nwabisa?!(You are talking to me like
that Nwabisa)”,He says.
“Calm down Yonela”
“Akho mbeko kulomntana!( There is no respect in this
child!)”,He says.
“What is going on with the shouting?”,My father asks.
“Ask your daughter who is disrespecting us for this Zulu
boyfriend ”,I swallow.
I respect my father but for Yoni to say that really just pissed me
off. Bongani is more than just being a Zulu man, he is my man.
Atleast say that.
“Nwabisa?”
“Tata”,I turn to my dad leaving Yonela who is breathing fire.
“Kuqhubeka ntoni ngawe mntanami( what is going on with you
my child?)”,He asks.
“Tata, I... Yonela is being a bit hard on me. Yes I found love
early but Tata shouldn't I get a fair shot like him and Balwa? He
married her at 19 why can't I get married at 21?”,I say.
“Dont compare me and My wife in this”,Yonela goes off.
“What difference does it make?”
“You see what I mean? No respect”,Yonela says.
If he could he would hit me right now.
“Come Nwabisa”,My dad says.
“Tata I...”,Yonela tries to speak but my dad lifts his hand.
“I will speak with her”,He says and then he sighs before I follow
after my father.
We walk outside and then he places the shovel next to the
house.
He then goes to the tap and he washes his hands before he
closes the tap and looks at me.
“Tell me why do you want this to happen so badly. You have
been here only two days”,He says.
“I know that you don't want me leaving tata but at some point I
will. I want to experience love too and this man is willing to
make an honest woman out of me in that. I know I have to
finish school and I am not neglecting you tata”,I say.
He sighs closing his eyes.
“You are still my baby”
“I know”, I say.
“Nwabisa. I don't know what to say”,He says and I look down.
“You don't speak to your brothers in that manner. We have
spoken about this before”,He says and I nod.
“Ewe tata, uxolo(Yes dad,sorry)”,He nods.
“Go and bath so we can eat then Kamva will take you with to
town .
“Okay”,He didn't respond to me giving me atleast a clear
indication of what is going on honestly.
I walk away.
DUDU
I have been here in the city for just a short while but so far I am
adjusting to this place. Mbheki has been going around through
the city to find a job and yesterday it seemed promising and for
me? Well I tried to get one and I did at a Chinese shop in town
but to Mbheki's friend's judgement of them overworking you
and you get little pay Mbheki didn't like that so I was told to
wait until Mbheki gets a job and then from there we will know
what to do.
I am in the living room. I had just cleaned this house and
cooked too. I am waiting for these men to come back. I wish to
get a phone soon so that I can be able to contact my sister and
ask her how things are going.
The door opens as I am watching the news and then Mbheki
walks in the house and he smiles looking at me.
“Hello”,I say.
“Hi"
“You seem hopeful”,I say.
“I got a job, I think”
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He says and I look at him and smile.
“Oh my God, where?!”,I say.
“At the taxi rank”,He says and I look at him.
“As the driver? You can't drive yet”,I say.
“No, I will be helping with the load and counting money”,He
says and I breathe out.
“Okay, are you sure?”
”Yes, I am happy. Things are going to be okay for us”,He says.
“I will look for another job”,I say.
“Or we can soon start with little courses you can do just to keep
you busy”,He says.
“Isnt that going to cost money?”,I ask.
“I do not mind Dudu, it's investing in you”,He says and I nod my
head.
“Thank you so much”,He nods his head.
“I cooked. Do you want me to dish up for you?”,I ask.
“I am full for now. My new boss got me something to eat”
“Thats nice of him”,I say.
“It is”
We sit next to each other and I rest my head on his shoulder as
we watch TV.
I don't know but I think I love Mbheki but I know that we are
just friends.
IMINATHI
It has been only two days and already this man has drove
kilometers just to be here but I am happy to see him. We just
came back from town with Kamva and in a distance we saw
Bongani's car. I told him and he told me he will cover for me
while I go to my boyfriend. That is why I love Kamva so much. I
love Yonela too but at times we butt heads.
I got out of the car and ran to this man's car and he got out and
I got in his arms and he kisses my neck.
“God knows how much I have missed you”,He says and I feel
the same.
“Me too baby, you know you shouldn't be here”
“I know but I couldn't help stress over you”,He says.
This is sweet. We break the hug.
Kamva drives past and stops the truck.
“Bhudda”,He says.
“Bafo”,Bongani says and Kamva looks at me.
“You will find me by the gate. umntana wasekhaya, andifuni
ngaye (This is my sister, I don't want anything happening with
her)”
“Nothing will happen to her”,Kamva nods before he drives off a
bit.
I quickly give Bongani a kiss and he is a bit surprised but he
returns it. His fingers intertwine around my waist and he holds
me closer to him. I break the kiss and look at him then trial my
fingers over his chest.
“Ngiyakuthanda mama”
“Uthandwa ndim Sithandwa sami”
“I know this may look otherwise but I promise you. We will be
together”
“And we will be, that I know”,I say and he smiles bitting his
bottom lip.
“Umuhle”,He says removing my braids and playing with them
and I smile.
“Enkosi(Thank you)”,I say shying away.
We stay there for a little while before we disappear in his car.
BUSISILE.
Pregnancy, the worst thing that has became my enemy. Here I
am in bed because I am sick while I am pregnant and my lazy
bum couldn't bring itself to get out of this room. All thanks to
this man that I love and his lovely family.
Mabutho rushed out of the house to go to the pharmacy to get
something that I can consume for the cold. MaThabethe has
left already, yes she went back to the Ntuli yards and much to
her dismay but she mentioned that a promise is a promise.
I haven't seen Zama since we left the Ntuli yards and Mabutho
has been checking up on her. I know I will not see her until she
is a bit grown to move around a lot but for now I could only see
her through pictures and videos in Mabutho's phone.
The door opens and this man walks in and he has some take
away and also another brown paper bag.
“Baby I got you some food and also medication. The pharmacist
was really helpful”,I sat up and stretched for the food.
“Thank you Sothole”,He smiles.
“You know I like that, when you call me like that"
“Its part of your surname”
“Yes I know but your soft voice makes it sound good”,He says
and I giggle and he kisses my nose.
“Baby”
“Mmmh?”
“I will be going with Nkanyezi this weekend on a work trip. I am
trying too...."
“Its okay, I understand ”,I say.
“I hate leaving you alone”,He says getting on the bed sitting
next to me while I take my food that is still warm and I eat.
“I will be with aunty here. I will be fine”,I say.
“I promise when we get married, I will give you the biggest
wedding ever”,He says and I giggle.
“I would love that”,He perks my lips.
“I love you"
“I love you more”,He takes a chip from my food and we decide
to share.
After eating I got full and he helped me take my medication.
He then made sure that I was warm enough and even opened
the heater for me and I thank him.
He slipped in bed next to me and pulled me close to him.
“I miss my brother”,I say and he looks at me.
“You miss him?”
“Yes, I wonder where he is in the world”,I say.
“Maybe he is not that far”,I nod my head.
“Yes, maybe”,I didn't realise how much some part of me misses
home. I wish I could visit but I know that I would be turned
around as quickly as possible.
39
Chapter 39
BUSISILE
The day for Mabutho to leave has came. I am quiet saddened
that I will not be with him for just some time. I know I can get
through just a few days without him but I am so used to being
next to him that it will be some adjustment for this weekend
that I would have to make but I understand where he is coming
from and this is work related. It is important that he must go.
We are standing outside the car and he has his hands around
my waist staring at my saddened face.
He has been telling me that he will call and the weekend will be
over in just a quick bit and I know that but calling and presence
are not the same thing.
“I wish I could take you with me”,he says.
Me too, but a pregnant woman is not supposed to travel much.
Well in this family, they are just paranoid should I say.
“Take care of yourself. I love you”,I say.
I musk the sadness just so that he can leave and doesn't stand
here any longer delaying his friend.
“I love you more Sithandwa sami”,He perks my lips and pulls
me in for a hug that is fully interrupted by the swollen belly that
is in the way.
I wish I could put it aside so that I can just get a proper hug.
He kisses my neck before he breaks the hug and he gets inside
the car while I step away.
I watch as its engine roar and before I knew it, he drives out of
the yard leaving the electrical gate closing on its own.
I turn away once the car is gone and I get inside the house.
MaThabethe's sister went out to get something from the shops
so it's just me, myself and I.
I even miss Monde's company so as MaThabethe's company.
Yes she does call very frequently to check how we are doing at
the moment and if we are still okay and do not need anything. I
am sure that things have gone back to normal in the Ntuli yards
ever since the ceremony and I could only think of that.
I get to the living room and switch on the TV.
I haven't watched it since yesterday, I was helping Mabutho
pack some things and things that are of importance.
My phone pings and I take it and it's a message from him.
‘I miss you already’, it says.
It's from Mabutho and I am wondering why is he texting while
driving.
‘I miss you too, be safe’, I send and then grab the remote and
flip through the channels to find something that I might like to
watch.
IMINATHI
The week is about to end and in just two days I am supposed to
go back to res and settle in for the continuation of the
semester.
The supposed lobola negotiations are supposed to be
tomorrow and things have been silent here at home. I am tired
of begging them, quiet frankly they shouldn't be surprised one
day when I rock up married to the love of my life with children
just to force them to take the lobola's this time. I don't really
know why they are doing this at this point. I feel like they are
also not communicating sufficient things to me the way that
they should be in order for me to atleast understand what is
going on.
I am seated just outside the kitchen in the sun. The house feels
a bit cold mainly because it's a bit wide and also Yonela's cold
energy. I do not know why he has not gone back to his house,
he is not really needed here and he has been tormenting my
holidays as it is.
“Can I join you Sisi?”,I look up and is his wife.
I nod. I won't find peace actually.
Maybe Yonela has sent his wife to fish some news from me that
they can gossip about. Well a few days ago I told this woman in
confidence of why I would want to be with Bongani. This one
took what we have discussed to her husband who confronted
me about it making it a bit of a mess. He is angry at me and I
am too but more especially I am disappointed in my father for
not talking to me. I wish my grandmother was here to hold her
kids on a leash. Atleast that would've comforted me in my stay
here.
“I am sorry sisi”,Balwa says.
It's already done. I know she will do it again, she is loyal to her
husband of which is understandable. I would be too loyal to
Bongani if I was married to him in his family but she didn't have
to be a mail woman and take what I said to her in confidence to
her man and have me ambushed in that manner.
“Its fine”,I don't want to talk about it.
Kamva has been the sweetest so far. As always , he comforted
me and made me feel free and express myself in the way I
wanted to without feeling I am being fought against or
whatever the case may be. That is why he is my favourite
brother to be quiet honest and I am not afraid of saying it.
“Yonela loves you so much Nwabisa”,She says.
Scoff! She is trying to make me see reason in her husband's
childish ways.
“Balwa I am not going to speak about Yonela. I don't want my
day ruined”,I say and she is quiet.
We sit in silence for a moment.
My father was in the kraal since morning and he has been busy
with his cattle. Yonela ? I don't know where he is and I really do
not care at the moment. Kamva went out on an errand and I
declined to even leave before I get another earful from his
beloved.
“You know marriage is not easy”,Bales speaks.
I sigh, I really do not want to talk to her at the moment.
“What is easy?”
“Being in love is exciting but also precautions need to be taken”
“You and Yonela didn't think of that when you guys got
married”,I say.
Yes I am throwing a jab so that she can take it on her husband's
behalf. Isn't it she is his spy and spokesman too!
“I am sorry”,She says.
I am not about to apologise. I am too worked up to do so.
I stand up from where I am leaving her there and I see the
bakkie making its way back in. Great! Kamva is back and things
will be a bit better for me today. I make my way to the car as it
has came to a halt and he hops out and my uncle comes out of
the car too.
“Nwabisa!”,I rush up to him and I see my grandmother too.
I have never felt happy, I feel like I have been released from the
shackles of being abused and rush up to them.
I am happy to see them, I am grabbing my grandmother's s
waist like my life depends on it and I start sobbing.
“Makhulu, uYonela has been abusing me these past few days
and I am not happy. Utata is not helping”,Yes I am selling them
out.
My grandmother can put Yonela in his place and I know she will
chase him away to go back to his house and make the rules
there, not here.
My father has a very soft spot for his late sister's kids so that is
why tag teaming with Yonela is so easy for him.
“Shhh I am here now, I will sort it out”,She says.
“We heard you want to get married”,My uncle says.
I don't know how to answer it but I nod in honesty.
“Shhh, don't cry my child. I am here now”,My grandmother
says.
I am happy.
_
_
We are in the living room
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silence has befallen the room after my grandmother has told
Yonela off when he tried to bring his useless points across. My
father has been silent and quiet frankly he has no say when his
mother has spoken. My uncle is silent too, I am happy because
the might has been humbled.
“I leave for a few days and already things are upside down!”,My
grandmother repeats again.
She has a thing for repeating what she has said before again as
a way for us to hear what she is saying.
I look at Yonela who has his head bowed down. He has been
told the your house your rules lecture and his wife is nowhere
near uttering a thing.
I look at Kamva and I am thankful that he had to fetch my
grandmother. If it weren't for him calling her back then I
would've probably killed Yonela by now if he said anything else
to me.
“Tomorrow that boy's family is coming. You will not give them a
hard time as other families didn't with you!”,My grandmother
is stern.
I am happy, everyone has gotten the memo.
Yonela shoots his eyes to my grandmother and he wants to
protest but he knows better than to say anything because he
would be sent packing this instant and that 2 daystah extension
will be terminated .
“Nwabisa go and make some tea for me”,Gladly.
I stand up and rush to the kitchen. I quickly send a text to
Bongani telling him to not change his plans and he should be on
his way here in KZN.
I fill the kettle with water and get onto making tea.
Yonela walks in the kitchen and he looks at me.
“Are you happy?"
“Yes, very much!”,it rubs him the wrong way and quiet frankly I
don't care.
Kamva follows and he smiles when he enters.
“Do you need any help?”,He asks.
“No, I got it. Thank you”,I thank him for what he has done for
me.
“I want you to be happy ”,Argh he deserves a big reward for his
efforts.
DUDU
I am nervous, it's Mbheki's work day today and I am just
wondering how things are going to go for him honestly. He is
supposed to come back a bit late today so his friend will be
back earlier than he will be. I am in the kitchen just doing the
finishing touches on the meals when I hear a hoot from outside
and I make my way outside and I see a taxi parked by the gate.
Mbheki Hoos out of the passanger side and he opens the gate
before the taxi drives in. He comes towards me and he smiles.
“Hey, you are back early?”,I say.
“Yes, I want you to meet my boss. Well he wants to see where I
live”,He says and it is weird for that.
“Why?”
“I don't know”,I stake a deep breath in as the man hops out of
the taxi.
He seems a bit old and as should be I presume. He makes his
way towards us after closing the taxi and locking if and Mbheki
places his hand on my waist.
I feel my heart skip a beat and it pulsates in that moment.
The man has a serious face that one cannot read off.
“Ntokazi”, he says.
“Baba”,I just say and look away from him.
“Mnumzane, this is Dudu. We live together with a friend”
“She is with your friend?”,The old man asks.
“No she is with me”,I look at Mbheki as he mentions but I keep
my silence.
“It is nice to meet you Nkosazane."
“We should go inside”,we move inside the house.
The man looks around the house and he settles on the couch.
I am now released to the kitchen. I prepare something to drink
and take it to them, they are speaking and seems like this man
is doing most of the talking. His eyes light up as he speaks with
Mbheki and I am wondering what kind of a boss is this.
I stay in the kitchen to finish my pots and soon Mbheki walks in
the kitchen.
“Come, Babu Sibisi wants to talk to us”,Sibisi? That's his
surname? Okay.
W walk to the living room and we settle on the couch. The TV is
switched off and there is silence.
“my daughter and son, I know that what I am about to mention
will be something that is out of character but I think it's best
that I mention it here”,The man says.
We don't know him, infact all I know is that he is Mbheki's boss.
We nod in acknowledging him.
“I do not have children. I have never had children before and
my wife became late years ago. I have always been alone after
that with no one to leave my legacy for. When I saw you mfana
you reminded me of my young self once and knowing you gave
me a bit of hope and I want to take you in as my child if you
allow me”,the man says.
I look at Mbheki.
“I appreciate that baba but what could be the reason?”,He asks.
“I want to leave my things to someone whom atleast hold my
name and you do”,he says.
Sibisi? Yes that's why.
I have no doubt that this man is not Mbheki's father by any
chance because Mbheki and Busisile look just like their father
and bits of their father and this man looks like nothing to
Mbheki and Busisile.
“Dont you have my family members?”,I butt in and ask.
It could be a scam. I heard of those so who knows.
“I do have a brother somewhere in the world but he got
married years ago and forgot about me”,He says pained.
“I will think about it”,Mbheki says.
The man nods.
The juice has not been touched. He stands up and we do the
same.
“I will see you tomorrow”,the man says and Mbheki escourts
him outside. I stay in the house waiting for him to come back.
40
CHAPTER 40
BUSISILE
It's Saturday, Mabutho is not here and we just called each other
this morning. He told me that Bongani is going to the Eastern
Cape with some of their brother's and the father will stay
behind as he is old for long distance as of yet to pay for
Iminathi's lobola. That is quick and I would t blame him as
Iminathi is a catch that one wouldn't want to let go. Yes I
haven't known her for that long but I know that she is a good
woman and I know that Bongani knows what is right for him.
Here I am parading the stores of this mall. MaThabethe has
driven coming down to Durban just to keep my company and
see me. Yes she came with a new ride and it seems like
Mphemba is the one who paid for it. The woman is living larger
than she has ever lived and she all testifies that it is working
well for her.
I am alone in the house while the aunt has went out to get
some errands done for the day. I don't mind staying alone
honestly but the house is really quiet and I just miss having
Mabutho around at times or even his mother too.
I am just watching some TV when my phone rings and it's this
man whom I share my love with. I find myself smiling that very
moment before I even answer his call.
“MaSibisi”
“Sothole, how are you?”
“I miss you, that's how I am”
“Me too, how is everything going that side?”,I ask.
“Everything is going good baby. Work is going in the direction I
am hoping for”
“That is great. I hope that it gets better”
“It will Sthandwa sami. I have been thinking, you need to get on
WhatsApp soon so we can video call each other”,He says.
“Okay, I will learn it some time"
“I will teach you”, we chat some more and before we know it
the call ends and I am back to watching some TV infront of me.
After the little series is done I get up from the couch and rush
to the bathroom to pee. I can't wait for my child to come and
have someone I can sit with all day but I hope that one day I will
be able to go to school and Mabutho has garenteed that
happening for me.
DUDU
Meeting Mbheki's boss has been something that has been on
my mind the whole time since we have met him. I am actually
thinking how this man wants to take Mbheki under his wing
and possibly leave everything for him when he hardly knows
him and we also do not know him as well. I am worried and
Mbheki is a bit too but I can see that he doesn't really believe
that a man could be this generous. It's too suspicious to me.
It's almost lunch time and I know that Mbheki is on his way
back as he mentioned that he might pop in during lunch. I just
turn off the stove from cooking, this will be our lunch and
supper too and that is all I do during the day, I cook and clean. I
could be working right now if Mbheki and his friend didn't tell
me not to take the job at the China store that I got. The front
door opens I move from the kitchen and Mbheki walks in and I
look at him.
“Hi”,I say.
“Hi, I have a few things outside.”,He says and two men follow
him inside with a few plastic bags.
It's groceries and I look at him.
“Where did you get this from?”
“My boss”,He says with a smile and I frown a bit.
The men go outside and come back inside with the groceries
and I look at the things on the floor.
“Mbheki”,He looks at me.
“Yes?"
“What does this man want from you?”,I ask.
“I think he likes me as a son since we also share the same
surname and he doesn't have any other family members”,I
frown.
“I understand but don't you think he is doing a but too much? I
am not being ungrateful but this is the city and people are
dangerous”,I say and he comes closer to him.
“Do not worry Dudu, nothing will happen to us okay? I will
make sure of that”,He says and gives me a little perk on my lips
before walking out.
I am left there dumb founded and I touch my lips. Did he just
kiss me? I move from the living room and rush to the room I
use and look at myself through the little mirror. He just gave
me a kiss, what does it mean?
It means nothing Dudu. My other thoughts say and I sigh
closing my eyes.
“Dudu!”,I hear Mbheki call me and I go to the living room and I
find him there opening a few plastics from Edgars and Mr Price.
He takes out a dress and holds it up.
“What do you think?”
“Its beautiful Mbheki”,I gasp going closer to it.
“I bought it for you”,He says and I look at him.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes”
I hold it against my body and twirl around.
“Its beautiful"
“You are beautiful”,I find myself blushing.
He is making me feel a bit shy at the moment.
IMINATHI
It's the negotiations day and the last time I spoke to Bongani
was just 2 hours ago when he told me how far they are with the
distance. I did send the location but I can't help think of the
worst just as he is silent and I can't reach him anymore. Alot is
going through my mind at the moment. Could it be that they
are lost or maybe they got injured on their way here? Alot is
going through my mind at the moment.
Balwa is with me in my room as I am placing up and down
trying Bongani again for the 5th time and when the white
woman announces that the number is not available at the
moment I feel it sink to my stomach.
“Maybe where they are there is no signal”,Balwa says.
I am sure Yonela is happy with the delay that is happening. If it
was up to him they would get lost forever.
My grandmother is trying to oversee if everything is going good
and that no one messes up anything for me.
I try Bongani again and this time it rings than to send me
straight to voicemail. That gives me hope and before I know it
the call is answered.
“Sthandwa Sami"
“Bongani nikuphi?”,I ask.
“We are infront of your home”
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I rush to the window and peak outside and that's where I see
men infront of the gate shouting.
Parts of me ease as I let a breath out.
“You scared me, I thought you have closed your phone and ran
off”,he laughs.
“Why would I do that baby?”
“I don't know what goes on in your mind”,I say.
“I wouldn't. I want you”,I find myself smiling.
Balwa is also smiling even though she doesn't know why.
I peak through the window again.
“Where are you? I can't see you”
“You are not supposed to see me”,he says.
“Not even a sneak peak?”
“Stay wherever you are Iminathi. I don't want trouble and you
will see me alot after this”,He says and I groan.
“Fine”
“I love you Mama”,I smile.
This Zulu man of mine.
“I love you too baby”,We speak some more before we hang up
on each other.
I join Balwa on the bed and she looks at me.
“You love this man”,She says.
“Yes I do”,I can't even hide it anymore.
I hope that Yonela is not ruining anything for me.
DUDU
After the things were left in the house Mbheki left to go and
see his new boss and I can't help but have that man give me
unease vibes at times. I am worried about Mbheki, even though
he says that I shouldn't worry but I could not help but worry. I
know if Busisile was here she would say the same thing as I am
saying. It has been almost an hour since he left and he also
bought a phone for me. I am just scared that what if this man
makes us pay for all of this in some way. Yes Mbheki as a
beautiful soft heart just like Busisile but I am scared for him and
he thinks everyone is kind like them well not everyone is nice
like them.
I wish his friend could maybe help him open his eyes that this is
the city and people here can be ruthless.
I sit infront of the TV and watch it, well it's watching me as I am
consumed in thoughts. Some of those thoughts involve the
little kiss that Mbheki gave to me earlier on and I still cannot
stop thinking about it. The door opens and I turn to it and he
walks in and his boss follows him. I stand up from the couch as
they walk inside.
“Sawubona ndodakazi”,The man says.
“Baba”,I don't know how to address him.
“Babu Sibisi wants to talk to you Dudu”,Mbheki says.
I swallow.
“About?”,I ask.
“He will tell you”,Mbheki says.
“Baba would you like anything to drink?”,he asks.
“Water”,Babu Sibisi says and Mbheki disappears. I am left with
this man.
“I like you for the young man”, he says and I keep my silence.
“I know you are concerned about Mbheki and me being this
nice”,Yes I am concerned!
“Why are you nice?”,I ask.
“Beacuse I need you guys to look after my assets when I am
gone”,he says.
“Why don't you find your family? You have money”,I say.
“I know but this feels right”,I am still not convinced.
“Please take care of this man. My lawyer will contact both of
you soon”
I don't know what to say.
In my head this is just screaming Scam!
Mbheki appears and he comes with the water and gives it to
her boss.
“Keep her close, she is a gem”,the man says.
“I intend on doing that”,Mbheki says with a smile.
This man gives me a bit of unease.
41
CHAPTER 41
DUDU
I am worried about Mbheki and his sudden trust on this man
that we hardly know in our lives. I just know that sometimes
people can't be this kind for nothing but I am trying to trust
that Mbheki knows what is happening and is very alert too.
He comes back inside the house after accompanying his boss
and I am cleaning out the things from the living room and he
stops infront of me before I look up to him.
“I see that you are worried”,I am. why shouldn't I be?
“This man,how much do you trust him?”
“I don't know Dudu”
I nod my head while biting my bottom lip.
“Just be careful okay?”,He nods his head.
“I will be, I promise you”,I sigh while closing my eyes and then I
nod.
“Let me go and wash these”
“Okay”,I walk away from him and go to the kitchen.
I place everything in the little sink and I breathe in and out.
I pray that God looks out for us in this situation. I don't want to
find us in a place where we have to pay with our lives for all of
this that is suddenly being handed out to us.
One thing about Mbheki is that he sees the good in other
people and that worries me.
Yes give someone the benefit of a doubt but also do not be too
trusting and I wish that he wasn't this trusting at all.
IMINATHI
The negotiations are giving me some sort of anxiety and I am
not at rest at the moment. It has been over a little as 2 hours
and my grandmother has been coming in and out of my room
to check if I am fine and all I would ask is if things are okay and
she would assure me that they are but I don't trust Yonela or
my dad at the moment.
I have paced up and down the room, called this man until I ran
out of airtime and now all I am left to do it is to just sit and
relax and just wait for the end results.
“Everything will be okay”,Balwa says.
Easy for her to say, she is married to her love.
“I don't know, they have been in there for far too long”
“These things take time Nwabisa”
Well they are rubbing me off the wrong way.
My phone rings and I quickly take it and it's this man who
should be a few steps closer to being my husband.
Husband? Mmmh something that sounds so good to say yet so
strange.
“Sthandwa sami”,I sigh.
“I am worried”,I quickly say.
“I am not supposed to tell you this but my brother just sent a
message and he says everything has gone well, they are just
finishing up”,I breathe out.
“I hope you are not joking”
“How can I play with something so sensitive?”,I am just
stressed.
“Its just, I am stressed”
“Don't be”
“You don't know how my family behaves so I am far from
relaxing until they tell me”,he chuckles.
“Okay but know that you are mine now and I am not letting you
go”,I smile.
There is a light knock on my door.
“Baby I have to go”
“Okay”,my grandmother enters the room followed by my
father.
“Nwabisa, everything went well mntanami”,I couldn't believe it.
“Are you serious Makhulu?”,I rush to her and hug her.
“Enkosi kakhulu”
“Oh my child”,She rubs my back.
I turn and hug my dad as well. He recieves me by holds me for a
little while longer.
“I am going to miss having you here every time”
“I will visit alot. I promise tata”
“I am scared that you have grown up.”
I don't say anything, instead I indulge being in his arms for that
long.
BUSISILE.
Couches can be uncomfortable at times even when you take
the most shortest nap you can find but they are uncomfortable
at times. I fell asleep while I was watching TV and it's the most
common thing to happen in my life these days and that is falling
asleep too much. I grab my phone under my back and also the
remote that has treated me so harshly since I closed my eyes
and I place them on the coffee table.
I stretch before I get off the couch and waddle my way to the
kitchen.
My stomach is complaining and I am hungry too
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too much. I open the fridge and get something to eat and also
take out some ingredients so that I can cook. I don't know when
Mabutho's aunt is going to be back. It's getting a bit late now so
I might as well cook something for the both of us.
I get my snacks and eat them while I am cooking. If I don't then
I will find myself on the floor fainted from hunger.
The multitasking helps because I get to finish on time but I
don't shy away from dishing up for myself and grabbing a plate.
I place my hand on my stomach and rub it before I grab a
utensil and make my way to the living room. I place my food
down and I go and lock the doors. Mabutho's aunt's has her
own set of keys so she will open with them once she comes
back. I close the curtains and turn on the lights. I go upstairs
and do the same before I come back down.
I find my phone ringing and I lunge to it. It's Mabutho.
I quickly answer it.
“Sthandwa sami”,he says.
“Mabutho”,I say.
“What did I do now for you to call me by my name?”,He asks.
“Nothing, you did nothing. I didn't know there was a problem
when I called you by your name”
“You usually call me by my clan name these days.”,I giggle at
him sulking.
“You said I am making you sound older”
“If you say Mphemba yes but I like having my own clan name to
use ”,I laugh.
“You are so dramatic”
“I am dramatic, have you met my mother?”,I am now laughing
too much.
“Oh, I will tell MaThabethe that you said that about her”
“Ah I forgot she is your best friend phela. Ngeke sisahleba
ngaye(We won't gossip about her)”,I carry on laughing.
“Stop, you will kill me and the baby”
“I don't want that. ”
I try to calm down from the laughing and I eventually do.
“What are you doing there?”
“I am about to eat. I am all alone”,I say.
“Yes, your aunt hasn't came back so I am still all alone”
“I will call her to check on her just now"
“Okay”
“Is our baby treating you well?”
“Yes, very much. Just like it's father”
“I am happy ufunzo seluvela early kanje”,I laugh.
This man is going to kill me.in laughter.
“Mabutho my stomach hurts from laughing”
“I am sorry Sthandwa sami, I will stop for the night but I will be
back”,I laugh.
I hear him heave a sigh.
“I love you MaSibisi. Don't ever forget that”
“I love you too Sothole”,My heart warms up as he mentioned
that.
I love him, so much and I don't regret loving him.
IMINATHI
I finally got to be in the presence of Bongani after not seeing
him for the past week and trust me it has been a daunting week
at that. Now I am happy that things went well for the both of us
and I am happy that I am returning to KZN with him, plus I
couldn't stay because I am only left with one day before I go
back to school.
He is holding my hand as we are seated in the back seat while
his brother is the one driving.
I look at this man and he looks right back at me and I smile.
“Umoyizeliswa yini?”
“Mmmh?”
“Uyamoyizela”
“What is Moyizela?”
“Blushing, smiling ”, we still have a long way to go.
Yes as much as we can understand each other but there are
certain words where we don't buy with time we will understand
each other I guess.
“Nothing”,I shake my head.
He soon wraps his arms around my waist and whispers into my
ear.
“I love you”,He slightly kisses my neck.
I love him too, he knows I do.
42
CHAPTER 42
BUSISILE.
It has been quiet the two months and I am getting closer and
closer to giving birth as I can possibly get. My feet get swollen
to quickly, I get too tired too quickly and cranky and hungry too
and Mabutho has to put up with all of that.
Today we are going to review that house that MaThabethe had
gotten for us and I am quiet excited. Yes it's nice living with his
aunt but some days I feel like if we lived alone like at the farm
house those would be a but better. I don't know if I am making
some sort of sense or not.
The drive is yet a bit lengthy one but not for much longer. We
are getting to the other beautiful parts of this city and I am here
for it.
“Have you spoken to your father?”,I find myself asking
Mabutho that as he is driving.
He quickly takes a glimpse off me and then he keeps quiets for
a moment before he answers.
“Yes, last week”,That's progress I guess.
“What if he wants you back at the farm?”
“I will not go back Mabusi”
He means it but I do get why he will not go back. Having
something on his own without his family and siblings being
involved is an achievement to him even though he had to
restart everything. I look at him for a moment before I find
myself saying.
“I am proud of how far you have come”,I just let him know.
He turns to look at me and then he smiles before he takes my
hand and kisses it.
“It makes me happy to hear that”
“I mean it Mabutho”,he looks at me.
“You mean alot to me Busisile”,I smile and giggle.
“I even forgot for a moment that Mabusi is not my real
name”,He chuckles as he focuses on the road.
“You are full of jokes you know that?”,I shake my head with a
smile.
We keep each other occupied with the talking and then we get
to the place and I see a beautiful gate open and Mabutho drives
in.
“Wow”,the green grass, the structure and beauty of the house
has got me mesmerized at the sight.
“Its beautiful?”
“Yes, very much”,I say.
There is a car parked just along this driveway.
Mabutho hops out and he comes to my side and he helps me
out of the car and I thank him. A lady hops out of the car and
she smiles, she is beautiful and so petite. I have never seen
someone who is almost my old size so beautiful.
“Hello, I am Amanda”,She says.
“Mabutho and Busisile Ntuli ”
“Mrs Ntuli did mention. I am just here to show you the house
and give the keys to you”,she says.
“We will stay here?”,I ask.
“Yes”,I look at Mabutho and he lightly smiles.
“Let's go inside and see the place first”,he says and I nod my
head. We make our way inside the house.
MABUTHO.
I am a bit uncomfortable with the set up, the house I want
Busisile and our child and I to share is a house that I
accumulated through all my hard work but I do understand that
my mother is trying to look out for us and is being generous to
us as well. Seeing Busisile's eyes glisten at the sight of each
room and the little smile that appears on her lips just reminds
me of how much I love this woman and I am glad that I didn't
let her go too.
The lady who is taking us around the house is the one talking
with Mabusi while I just keep my silence and stare. I am now
convinced that the answer from Mabusi after this is that she
likes the place and I wouldn't have a choice but to accept this
‘Gift’ from my mother.
The fact that my mother pawned my father for it just rubs me
off the wrong way but then again. I get where she is coming
from.
“Oh my!Sithole look at this big kitchen and living room”,Busisile
says.
She has hands over her mouth.
The modern look is getting to her so much.
“Is the house child friendly? I have a daughter and another
baby on the way.”,I ask.
“Yes, very but you can baby proof the corners once the one
who is yet to come starts moving around. Congratulations by
the way”,She says. I just nod.
“I love this place, it's so beautiful”,Busisile says.
I knew that she would love everything about this place.
We are escorted to see the ocean view and it is beautiful, I
stand behind Mabusi and place my hands around her waist.
“This is beautiful”,I say .
“So much”,The smile on her face just melts me so much.
MANDISA
Motherhood? That's something that has shown me that it is not
easy to juggle around. I don't know sometimes what to do
when the baby cries non stop or they don't want to rest either.
I just feel like I am failing at times. Yes I have a nanny that helps
me, the grandparents saw it fit to have someone who can
atleast assist me whenever I need her and need help with the
baby.
Me and Mabutho? It had ended. I am now convinced that he
didn't love me enough, enough to be with me for the rest of
our lives.
He loves his daughter though and he never fails to show up and
be there for her. I am grateful that he is being a great dad for
his daughter.
I don't know if I can trust him to let my daughter visit when the
time comes. Not because of him but his new found girlfriend. If
she can do something like jumping from father to son then my
child is nothing. I do not trust her one bit.
I am in the shower and I had just woken up. I do have rough
nights at times but I am more concerned about getting back
into my shape and also getting out there once again. One child
with no relationship can't hold me down now can it?
DUDU
I watch as this fancy car makes it way through the gate and
swallow as I look at it but you cannot miss the happiness in his
voice as he shouted over to me.
“Look what I have!”,He says pointing at this beautiful fancy car.
He just got his licence and already he has a car now.
“Where? When did you get to buy it Mbheki?”
“You know Babu’Sibisi”,I am still unsettled about that man but I
don't want to hinder Mbheki from getting his blessings, if these
are his blessings.
Am I wrong to be concerned for him? I really am and what
scares me the most is the fact that he will start seeing other city
girls and forget about me.
He hops out of the car once it's on a stop and he comes
towards me and picks me up before he gives me a cheek kiss.
I don't take it to heart or think about it much but it has been a
regular thing. The lip perks, forehead perks and cheek kisses.
He never said anything and I have never said anything too.
“This man loves you”,I say.
“He does
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it's shocking how much he is changing our lives”,He says and I
smile.
“What did you do today?”,He asks as he looks at me.
Still my feet are dangling in the air as I am locked in his arms.
“The usual”,We still live with his friend and his friend says he
should take advantage of the benefits he recieves from Mr
Sibisi. He is even teaching him the ropes of the taxi business.
“Mbheki”,I say to him.
“I know you are concerned Dudu”
“I am but I am not going to say that I just have been thinking...”
”What is it?”,his eyes rest on mine for a moment and I look
away from his gaze.
“Please look at me”,He says.
I look back at him.
“I...I...”,He says and stops before he takes a deep breath in.
“You?”
“I don't know how to tell you this”,My stomach turns.
“Yo...you don't have to be scared”,My heart is beating very fast.
“Thank you for being here with me, for leaving with me”,he
says.
I lightly smile.
“Thank you for taking me. Is that all?”
“Ye...yes”,he says.
“Okay, I think this man might be related to you somehow just I
don't know how and I...”,his lips rest on mine and I am shook as
they rest longer than usual. He sucks on my lower lips and I let
him be.
I find my self closing my eyes as he kisses me. He doesn't let me
go but his grip tightens so that I do not fall. He breaks the kiss
and I open my eyes and we gaze on each other.
“I am sorry to say this but I love you Dudu,I really do”,My heart
races.
I never expected him to say this.
“I...I don't work or look like girls from here and...”,he interrupts
me.
“I don't want you to be the same as the girls around here. I will
take care of you,I love you for how you are and there is no one
like you.”,He says.
I don't know what to say.
“Please...please put me down a bit”,I say and I could see some
disappointment on his face. He nods his head and puts me
down.
BUSISILE.
Mabutho was really quiet through the house tour until we got
the set of keys and I just couldn't get enough of this place. He
did ask me that do I like it before we were even handed the
keys and I said yes. I could not lie, I have never seen such
beauty before.
I am in the car now waiting for him to finish his call outside.
My phone rings and I quickly take it and it is MaThabethe. I
smile before I even attempt to answer the call.
“Hello”
“Busisile, how are you?”
“I am fine ma, how are you?”
“I am okay, so how is the house?”
“Its beautiful ma, I have never seen something like that”
“I have taste. Phela I am not from here. I know stuff”,I giggle.
“Does baba know?”
“No, even if he does. He won't do anything about it”,I nod my
head.
“I hear you mah. I think Mabutho is not happy about the idea
but he is just doing it to please me and you”,I say.
“As he should be doing. You know his pride and ego will not
shelter you and as a mom I have to step up sometimes”
“I don't want him feeling somehow”
“He will get over it. You guys should focus on the baby and the
furniture will arrive tomorrow okay?”,I nod my head.
“Siyabonga ma, kwande kuwe(Thank you ma,more blessings to
you)”
“I receive my child. Thank you. Let me go”,She says.
“Okay, bye”
“Bye my child”
I hang up and then Mabutho soon finishes his call and he comes
and hops in the car.
“Are you okay?”,I ask.
He nods his head and smiles.
“Yes, I can't wait to stay alone with you”,He says and I find
myself smiling.
“Me too”
He starts the car before he drives off.
43
BUSISILE
I have heard stories about giving birth, the pain from the
contractions is what has been emphasized more than anything,
countless times as well. A part of me is nervous but another
part of me is wondering when these contraction stories would
occur to me as badly as described. I should be screaming my
lungs out, promising to not love Mabutho anymore and hate
him for the pain I am going through but that is not the case.
Instead I am in this hospital gown seated on the hospital bed
feeling light contractions but not enough to have me rolling
over the floor. I expected drama and action. The whole hospital
knowing that Busisile is giving birth for the first time in her life
and she is bringing some life into this earth.
“Can I have some water?”,I say.
Mabutho gets me a glass of water and I thank him giving him a
smile.
His aunt is here and so as his mother, she didn't want to miss
this moment for the world.
“Are you sure you are okay baby?”,Mabutho is worried.
I guess maybe Mandisa went through the screaming and
shouting.
“Its painful but not bad”,I say and drink some water again.
“Let me call the doctor”,He says before walking out of the room
to call the poor doctor for the 3rd time.
He is worried, I am too but the doctor said that people
experience different things so I will believe him.
I place the water on the side and then fold my arms.
The tingling sensation on my abdomen indicates what I am
going through.
He is back within a few minutes followed by a doctor and two
nurses.
“Mrs Ntuli how are you feeling?”
“I am not dying”,I say and some laughter is shared.
The baby bag neatly and nicely set just nearby. We are
prepared, when the water broke, I didn't panic but Mabutho
had some panic in him. You would swear he has not been
through this already.
“Okay, let me check if you are ready to push”,The doctor says.
“I think I am”,I say.
I can feel it, this baby is about to make its way out.
“Okay, let's get you set quickly”
I am positioned to be able to push this baby out. Mabutho
hurries to my side and stands next to me.
“It will be okay”,He says.
“On a count of three,you should push”,The doctor mentions.
Just two attempts and the baby slipped out. The process wasn't
as daunting but quicker than I thought.
They cleaned me up, stich me up and also cleaned my child. It's
a baby boy, we didn't really mind whatever gender we have but
it has been said before that I might have a boy.
Mabutho's eyes are full of life in an instant as he looks at his
son.
“He looks just like me”,He says like he can not believe he just
have a photocopy of himself.
I didn't expect much though from this child, babies tend to
betray their mother's in terms of looks and who they look like.
“We have to take him away for a bit”,The doctor says and the
nurse takes our baby away.
We are stuck with baby naming but agree that we still have
atleast 3 days before we can have a final word.
I am changed, so as the bed I am on and soon I am in fresh
pyjamas. Visitors are allowed in and I am not drained at all even
though I would like to have sleep later.
“That was quick”,MaThabethe says.
Yes it was, everything just happened quiet fast.
“Phela ingane encane ziyazikhiphela ingane(The young ones can
easily give birth)”, Mabutho's aunt says.
“We will wait just a few then we will try for another
one”,Mabutho says.
“Ayi Wena,You already have two children let them grow up a
bit first and Wena Busisile, don't let this one bully you”,I giggle.
“Yebo ma”
“Mabutho go and get something to eat for
Busisile”MaThabethe mentions.
He is not happy about that but he doesn't argue. He knows his
mother is chasing him away from this room.
He gives me a perk before he leaves the room.
“How are you feeling?”
“I am happy”,I really am. I wish that I could've shared this
moment with other people who love me.
IMINATHI
Whomever that created school after high school should have
been put on exile for something so vile and cruel that carries on
from generation to generation. Okay maybe it is because I am
just having a bad day and not that I really hate school. Bongani
will come and fetch me and we will have to leave and go to see
his brother and Busisile. Apparently she is supposed to be due
soon plus I haven't seen Busisile in a while too. I think it will all
work out, soon I am going to the Ntuli family to be introduced
as a wife there and in December we will get to do the rest of
what is left between Bongani and I.
I drag my feet going to the car and he hops out, waits for me to
reach him and he takes me into his arms and gives me a hug.
“How are you Sthandwa sami?”,He says.
“Hi baby”,I lay a kiss on his lips.
“I am tired”
“I can see, come let's go”,Please.
We get inside the car and he drives off. I close my eyes and rest
my head on the seat.
“Do you want anything to eat?”
“No, not really but we should pass by the shops to get
something for your brother and Busisile.”
“Okay, no problem”
“Can I rest a bit?”,I ask. I know he doesn't like it, he would
rather get an energy drink for me just to stay awake and talk to
him while he driving.
“Okay”,Thank you!
I quickly close my eyes and relax my body.
The drive doesn't seem to long as we get home quiet quickly. I
rush to the bedroom and take off my clothes before I go to take
a quick shower in the bathroom, I feel alive once again after
and then I step out of the shower. I wrap a towel around me
before I make my way to the bedroom and I pull something I
will wear from the closet and a bag to pack some of my things
and also Bongani's. He steps into the room once I am done with
getting dressed with a plate of food. No he cannot cook to save
his life, his food is for a hungry bachelor and so he settles for
things that are ready made and quick for the oven too.
It's store made food and I don't mind. I thank him, he must
have ordered something while I was still showering.
“What do you want for me to pack for you?”
“Anything”,He says and sits on the bed.
I pack things for him, things that he approves as well before I
pack my things and I am done.
I join him on the bed and we eat together.
“I am so happy we are together”,he says and I giggle.
“I know that I am fun”,He laughs.
“You are truely something Imi”
“Is your family going to give me a new name?”,I have to ask.
“Not really, it will depend but I doubt they will”,He says.
“Okay then”
“What you don't want it?”
“I already have two, juggling to remember 3 names would be
alot”
“I might just ask them to give you one”,He smiles.
“Dont let it be something weird baby”
“I won't trust me”,I lean in and give him a kiss and he kisses me
back before we break it off.
“We have to finish off so we can leave”,I say.
DUDU
The past few months I have set foot in this City has made some
changes in my life that I never thought would happen at the
pace that they are in. I never thought that we would be this far
in a short space of time but I guess that our God is looking out
for us.
Mbheki and I move from his friend's place, much to me getting
comfortable living there but his friend understood and was
saddened that now he will come back to a cold home as I
always woke up and prepared them for work and they came
home to a clean house and a cooked meal but I am sure if he
gets someone , a woman he loves for that matter and marry
her, he will have that all back.
His uncle got us a place in Morning side,Durban. A start for us
and something I was rather looking forward too, I have decided
to let my guard down after the relation reunion and soon
enough these men are planning to take a trip back home to
reunite the brothers. Life is going...great I should say. Things
have really changed for us for the better. Mbheki is enrolled in
a business course to learn about running a business and also his
uncle is really preparing him to take over, I wondered why he
did not have children but I guess it is a blessing in disguise.
I for one have been placed in a position to choose what I want
to do, Busisile and myself have always dreamt of being in
university, studying and being together in the world but then I
am not with her now. I asked to go and study and fulfill the
dream me and my best friend have always had and I was
granted that too, now I just have to wait for my application to
be approved for the following year then things will go great.
I have been checking up on my sister and she quiet happy
where she is and I am also happy for her too.
I also got the chance to do my driver's licence while I am still
home and I have obtained it, I was quiet happy though I was
scared too but I am glad that it was over.
Things between Mbheki and I have been okay, for the both of
us. A part of me is scared of loving him and another wants to be
with him and he has been good to me and treating me well but
his uncle puts some pressure on us that I get scared too.
Today I am in the house, I just did my usual and I have already
made a friend with the girl who lives next door. She lives with
her mother and she is around my age too.I don't want to keep
her that close to me but we do get along.
My phone rings as I am in the bathroom just finished taking a
bath. I rush to it and answer the call.
“Hello”
“I am still stuck at the rank with my uncle, I will not be there
anytime soon”,Mbheki says.
I sigh, we had promised to go together and get some groceries
done but I guess that I should go on my own.
“Its okay”
“I am sorry, I will make it up to you”,He says.
“Its fine, I will get things done. Don't worry”
“Okay, I love you”,He says and I hang up with my heart beating
fast.
I love him too, I want to tell him that but I feel like I am
betraying Busisile. I should be taking care of her brother not
loving him.
I quickly get dressed before I get my bag and the car keys to my
small Picanto. A gift I got from the suddenly rich uncle just go
get me by and I love it so much. I have never had a car in my
life, even at home so this was the biggest gift I have ever
recieved in my life.
I get out of home and go to the car and I drive to the mall, I am
still getting the hang of things
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yes at times the car switches off in the middle of the road and
sometimes not but I am still yet to get used to it.
I make it to the mall safe and sound.
I get out of the car and I make my way inside, I need the
supermarket quickly and I will get what we need them I will be
in and out. I see a woman that I have seen before, she rather
looks familiar then I remember that she is one of Busisile's
sister wives. I wonder what she is doing here but I find myself
going towards her just to greet.
“Sawubona ma”,I say and she smiles. She is really beautiful.
“Sawubona ngane Yami unjani?(hello my child, how are you?)”
“I am well ma, how are you?”
“I am well as well”,I can see she is a bit confused on where she
knows me from.
“I am Busisile's friend from back home,Dudu. I thought I should
greet”
“Oh,I see. You recently moved here?”
“Yes, I stay in morning side ma”
“Ouu, nice.”,I like her aura.
“Maybe I should take your number in case”,She says.
I am glad she asked for it.
I give it to her and she thanks me.
“ Thank you for coming to greet”
“Yes ma, go well”
“You too my child”, we part ways and I go and get my grocery
done.
BUSISILE
Busisile the baby bringer is forgotten about and the Ntuli son is
all that is in the mind of this man, he has been hogging our little
boy in his arms for some time now until he fell asleep and the
nurses decided to take him away before he could remember
that there is a Busisile too in here.
I eat some of the food that the hospital has provided. This place
is top service and I am grateful for it.
“Do you want anything else?”,Mabutho asks.
“I would like a blanket. A small one for at night"
“I will tell ma to get it”,I nod my head and thank him.
“I think it's time I went to baba and discussed taking you as
mine fully”,I look at him.
“Meaning”
“Being my wife and not his”,He says.
“What are you going to do? How will that happen?”
“Dont worry about it, I will get through it okay?”,I nod my head
and he kisses my cheek.
“So you agree?”,He asks.
“Yes, I love you and I want to be with you”,He smiles.
“I love you so much Mabusi”,He kisses my lips and I kiss him
back. I love him so much.
“Ayibo this is a hospital let the sick recover!”,It's MaThabethe.
Her voice is just noticable. We break the kiss and she walks in
all alone this time with some plastics and a car seat too.
“Mah, what is that”
“Things for my second grandchild.”,She smiles.
“Thank you ma”
“You are welcome Mabusi”,She says and laughs while looking
at Mabutho.
“When did you buy all of this?”,Mabutho asks.
“I bought it at the mall with my time and money”,she says.
“Mmmh"
“I bumped into a friend of yours Busisile, nice girl”,I am
confused. I don't have friends here.
“Which friend ma?”,I ask who can claim to be my friend in
Durban. I only know Monde and Iminathi is all away there with
her man.
“She said she is a friend from home, her name is Dudu I
think”,My heart skips a beat.
“Dudu?where is she?”,I ask.
“Calm down baby”,Mabutho says.
Oh my, my friend.
“I took her number in case”,She says and I feel like crying.
“Thank you ma”,she smiles.
We sit together for a while before visiting hours end and they
had to leave. She left the number with me and I quickly
punched it on my phone and it rang a few times before it was
answered.
“Hello, who am I talking to?”
“Dudu”
“Yes?”
“Its me, Busisile”
“Busisile?Oh my soul, I am so happy to hear from you! I miss
you so much!”
“Me too Dudu, I tried to go and see you but your sister told me
you left”
“I did, I live in Durban now with your brother. I am just taking
care of him, nothing more”,She says.
“Alot has happened in my life, I have alot to tell you but for
now I have a baby”,She gasps.
“A baby? Oh my, how old is he?”
“A few hours old, I just gave birth”
“Oh my soul Busi! This is great news, your uncle and brother
will be happy!”
“Uncle?”
“Yes, we found your father's rich brother.”,What?
“Wow, I miss Mbheki. Tell him I love him so much”
“We will come and visit you and the baby”,I am happy to hear
that.
“I would love that”
I tell her where I am ending the conversation with promising to
see each other and the endless I love yous before we end it.
I really love my friend and I wouldn't trade her for anything.
.
The following day comes so quickly that I had to get myself
ready and so as the baby, I am excited, more excited about
seeing a part of me that I had before I got married.
I never wanted to give up any relation I had with the people of
the past and surely I will not start now.
I am now in my new clean pyjamas and I am just ready and
waiting. I even asked a nurse to help me tie my hair properly
and look nice. I asked her if I look good and she laughed at me
and told me.that I look okay.
Now as I wait, the clock strikes 11, I asked Mabutho to bring
some ribs for me on his way here so that I can have something
nice to eat.
Soon I hear footsteps and deep voices and my friend emerges
first holding a big gift bag and her hand bag. She rushes to me
and hugs me and I hug her back holding her tightly.
“I can't believe you are here”,I say.
“I am here”,She says.
I see my brother too, he comes closer and gives me a hug while
an old man stands by looking at us.
“How are you Mntaka Ma?”,He asks.
“I am well, how are you? You look different”
“We have been taken care of”,He says.
“Are they taking care of you?”,He asks.
“Yes”,he nods his head.
I know he never wanted me to get married to Mphemba but I
got married anyway. I couldn't defy my parents.
“I am not with Mphemba anymore. It's a long story”,I can see a
glimpse of joy in his eyes.
“This is Bab' Sibisi, we call him that. He is our uncle Busi,
Malume this is your niece Busisile”
“Hello”,I say.
“Sawubona Ndodakazi, how are you?”
“I am well baba, how are you?”
“I am well”.
“I have been dying to meet you since I heard about you”,I smile.
“I am glad to meet you too”,I say.
The nurse wheels in the baby and soon Dudu is over the mood
with him.
“He looks so chubby and cute"
“He looks nothing like you”,Mbheki says.
“He looks like his father”,I say.
“Where is the father?”,The uncle asks.
“He will be here soon”,I say and they nod.
Soon they are tossing the baby around. The uncle hogging my
son now in awe mentioning about the things “Mkhulu”,Will do
for him.
I am happy to see parts of me here with me.
44
BUSISILE.
I didn't think that in a time like this that I would have my family
near by or have someone that is beside a Ntuli near me who
would be here to support me and see me. Seeing my friend,
brother and now my new uncle just made things better for me.
Made me feel that I do have people who actually love me and it
is not Mabutho and MaThabethe alone but parts of my family
as well. I wonder why my father has never mentioned his
brother. Quiet frankly he has never mentioned his family more
ever and I assumed that he must be all alone and have now one
in the world beside us. That is what I have always assumed but I
guess with this, it's not the case but something different.
I have fed my son by the help of the nurses. This holsital has
great service and I like they way they do things. They make sure
that my baby and I are comfortable too. He is here asleep in his
little cot and I am just trying to get myself to the bathroom. I do
with time and I do what I need to do, change my cotton pad
and then wash my hands after I am done before I walk out. I
find Mabutho here already staring at his sleeping son. He sees
me wobbling my way towards the bed and he comes and helps
me. I am not in much pain but I don't want to put any pain on
down there. He gets me on the bed and shares a kiss with me
and I smile.
“How are you doing today Mama?”,He asks.
“I am well, how are you?”
“I couldn't wait to see you but umah took me somewhere first
before I could even come here”
“Its okay, I understand. ”,He just nods.
“I brought some food for you as well”,He says.
“Thank you baby,I had visitors too”,He frowns.
I hardly know anyone either than his family members.
“Who?”
“My brother and friend. I even have an uncle”,I say.
You cannot miss the joy in my voice. I am really happy and it
seems like the uncle.is taking good care of Mbheki and Dudu
too.
“Oh that's nice, how were they?”
“Amazing, I am just happy”,He smiles.
I am happy for you baby. I really am.
He gives me a kiss and then we break it up, soon his brother
and Iminathi walk in followed by another set of his siblings.
“Hello”,Iminathi rushes to me and hugs me.
“I haven't seen you in a while. How are you moment?”,I smile
as I hug her back.
Yes I haven't seen her in a while. The last time I saw her she
wasn't engaged to Bongani and now she is. I am happy for her
and happy that she will be part of this family. I just hope she
can handle the other wives as they tend to be harsh at times to
other people.
“Yes, beinge pregnant and all, I couldn't move alot as I would've
liked to”,We break the hug.
I greet everyone else who is in the room. Soon the baby is
picked up and is being admired and passed around like a sack of
potatoes. The girls gawk over him and kiss him, they ask me his
name but so far we are still blankenwith the father and we
don't want to leave the hospital without giving him any proper
name as yet. We also don't want to rush the name giving as we
don't want to give him a name that he wouldn't like and us we
wouldn't like in a long run.
They understand our reasons and are in full support of them so
the baby will remain to be called baby Ntuli for now by the
hospital and I am okay with that. Mabutho being praised and
raised with having his first son and they encourage him to have
more kids in the future and not stop here. I would love that but
not for now. For now I would like to take a break.
MANDISA
I just heard that Mabutho has a child with his “Step mom", and
I don't know how to feel about this. I am lying, I know how to
feel and I am not happy at all. Why am I not happy? The fact
that they are living the life better and handling things better
than I did when Mabutho and I broke up. I still love him, though
it will take time for me to actually get over him but I do still love
him and I wish that I didn't. The fact that they have a son
together rubs me off in some way and I don't know how to
comprehend everything and just feel about everything that is
happening right now.
“Mandisa”,it's my dad.
I have been home for a few months now and soon I will go back
to work. Though I wish that I can extend my stay until my
daughter is atleast a year old.
“Dad”,I appear in the kitchen that he is in.
He offers me a bowel of fruits and I take some thank him for his
hospitality.
“Lets talk”,He says.
“Okay”,Some silence prevails between us and before I know it,
he speaks.
“I know that you are having a hard time during this parent hood
and being a single parent”,He says.
I nod my head.
“Yes dad it is"
“How is the father?”,Parts of me want to say bad things about
Mabutho but he is a gold father and he loves his daughter.
“Things are good. He is a great father”,I say
“I am happy to hear that. I am happy that you guys are being
civil and okay just for your daughter and putting her first”
“She is priority”
“I know and that's why I commend you both”,He says.
Well thank you for that voice dad. I didn't even know I needed
to hear that. That even though me and Mabutho are not
together anymore but the fact that we make co- parenting
work for our daughter brings some satisfaction in my heart and
I like that.
DUDU
We arrived back home just a few hours ago, I fished up for
Ubabu'Sibisi and they had a conversation with Mbheki about
going back home and actually seeing his brother with the kids.
He mentions how he misses him and how they haven't seen
each other in so many years too. I am sure I would love to see
my sister. I also miss her despite anything else and when they
go to attend their family issues, I will also go and attend to my
sister and spend some little time with her.
He left after everything, promising to see us soon and for us to
go and see Busisile some other time too with the baby. I cannot
Believe that she is a mother now, I didn't expect it to happen
like this. I thought we would share the journey but some things,
like cannot do in your way instead it will do it in its way.
I am in the living room
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watching TV when Mbheki joins me and he sits next to me.
“What are you watching?”,He asks. Staring at the cooking show
I am watching.
“I am watching Chopped”,I say.
He nods his head like he understands what it is but I know he
will not ask further.
“I am happy you are here”,I say and turn to him.
He turns to me, taken aback by my words and what I am saying
to him.
“What do you mean?”
“That I am happy you chose to take me into your life like this.
You would've moved to the city on your own but you offered to
take me and I am grateful”,He smiles and pulls me closer to
him.
“I love you, that's why”,he says it.
I am in a bit of a shock as I hear him say it but I return it by
saying.
“I do too”,He kisses my lips and I accept him.
I don't want to fear anything when it comes to this man, I might
loose him just because of what i might feat and so I would take
the risk and be with him.
IMINATHI
A baby is something so precious and pure that you have to
bring the best aura you have around one. Busisile gave birth to
this beautiful thing and I couldn't get my mind off that baby up
until we left. Even now I am excited even on her behalf on how
motherhood will treat her but she is a strong woman so I know
that things will go better than I would think.
We are now headed to where Bongani's aunt resides. We will
sleep there and it will be my first time actually staying there
this weekend.
I have called Kamva, he asked me about life and my man as well
and I told him. I am okay with my family, I have no beef with
them. What happened then it is all in the past now and I would
like to believe that I am over it too. We have a lengthy call and
after some time we say our goodbyes and hang up from the call
too.
Bongani places his hand on my thigh and I look at him.
“Do you know how much I love you?”,He asks.
“No”,I giggle after that.
“I love you so much that it is endless love”,I smile, blush to be
exact.
“Stop baby you are making me blush”
“I am serious”
“I love you”,I kiss his cheek.
I really do love him and he has been nothing shorter than
greatness.
BUSISILE.
The food here at the hospital isn't as bad as MaThabethe had
said to be, she mentioned how it's unpleasant but I do not even
see what she has mentioned because I really like the food, yes
some greens and foods are tasteless but others I think I can
down just for the next day or two before I am discharged. The
night is slowly creeping in and another day ends with me being
a mother. I don't know what to name my child but what I know
is that he will be precious. Maybe some of the family members
from the Ntuli home have a name already for him. His little bed
is beside me and soon the nurses will come and take what is
their for the night. I slowly get off the bed and go to his, hover
over him as he has his eyes closed. I don't even know where to
start with this journey I am going to embark outside of this
hospital but I hope it's pleasant for us.
We are discharged, the doctor told me that I can go home with
our child, I am happy that little Ntuli is going home. My brother
and uncle said that they will pass by just to see us and I am well
expecting them too. I hope that Dudu is also on her way too
just so that I can have a moment to catch up with my friend
too. I am sure she has alot of questions that she wants answers
for and I will gladly give that to her. I do need someone I can
talk to and that is her.
We get to the house Monde is here so as her mother and
MaThabethe too, she is going to leave when she wants to. That
is what she said and she mentioned that Mphemba doesn't
have much of a choice. We walk inside.the house with Mabutho
following behind me with the baby things that I was presented
with while I was in the hospital.
“Hello, welcome back home”,Monde says while making her way
towards me and then she uncovers the baby.
“Oh he looks so cute”
“Everyone says that”
“Babies are cute anyway when they are just born”,I giggle.
MaThabethe makes her way towards us and takes the baby.
“Kodwa mfana ka gogo”,She says holding him closer to her
chest.
“Monde, take Busisile to her room and make sure she is
comfortable”
“My brother and uncle are coming too”
“We will prepare for them”,She says.
Monde takes me upstairs and we get in the main bedroom. This
room is quiet huge and I still cannot get over how this house is
a house I live in with the man I love. I share with him. I get in
the room and I am settled after some time. Monde tells me
that she will get me something to eat and I thank her. I am
being pampered and sitting like this without doing much
majority of the time. Mabutho walks into the room and he locks
the door behind him.
“Monde is still going to come back”.
“I know. I just want to spend some little time with you before
you are taken away from me”,I laugh.
“I wouldn't be taken away from you. You know that”,He gets on
the bed and kisses my lips.
“I love you, you know that?”
“Yes I know And I love you too”,I say.
“I have talked to Umah about what I said and she agrees with
me”
“Now we have to get through your father”,I say.
“I will, don't worry”°| gives me a little kiss and a knock comes
through the door and the handle is moved.
“Sisi Busi!”,It's Monde.
“I am in here! Mabutho go and open the door”,He groans and
gets up from the bed then he unlocks the door then opens it.
“I am here to bring food for Busi”,she says.
“Okay”,He takes it and she leaves before he closes the door.
“Come we will share”,I say.
He gets on the bed with the plate.
45
It has been just close to 4 months now. Things are picking up in
life, well I would say from my side I know that things are picking
up well. Iminathi was introduced to the Ntuli family, the most
perfect thing I have ever witnessed and the happiness that
radiated between her and her partner was just something
beautiful to watch. My son is growing so as Mabutho's
daughter too. She is really grown now and looks more and
more like her father so as the little one I have. They have
betrayed us the mother's in not even looking the slightest bit
like us but also Mabutho is good looking so I do not have any
problem with that.
Mabutho's farm business is picking up. Yes it is not at the rate
as it was when he was in his father's farm but it is going in a
way that you can see the progress that is there. I miss the farm
house though from time to time but I am happy with where we
are as well. MaThabethe is really looking out for us as her
children and it warms my heart to even have her in my life.
I have just changed my son and fed him and now he is asleep.
MaThabethe left last month when Mphemba complained about
missing her so much. I mean that man loves that woman so
much and I could see that more than the other wives but Who
am I to know how other people in love look like?
I lay my little boy in his cot and then I grab his nappy bin and
make my way out of the bedroom and go downstairs and go
outside. I throw the plastic with used nappies inside the bin
outside and I make my way inside the house. I quickly check on
him and if he is sleeping well before I go downstairs and make
some food for myself and get down to cooking some lunch for
Mabutho. Maybe when he comes back he will be hungry. I
don't know for how long he will be gone so might as well be
prepared. My phone rings and I quickly take it and it's Dudu,
yes we call each other often and also she has been visiting me
alot since we found each other and we haven't yet went back
home to enquire about my father and his extended family. Our
uncle has been great too as well. I feel like I have a father in my
life and people who I can lean on mostly.
I answer my phone.
“Hello”
“Please buzz me in, I am outside”,She says and I giggle.
“Okay,I am coming now”,I say and then hang up.
I quickly buzz her in and I leave the kitchen. I rush upstairs to
check on my son and he is awake. Has his eyes open. I pick him
up and make my way downstairs with him. I thought he would
still be asleep now. It wasn't long before he shut his eyes and
now he is away. I wait for Dudu and she makes her way inside
the house and I have never see my friend like this before.
“What happened?”,I ask and she comes towards me and hugs
me.
“Whats wrong Dudu?”,I ask.
“I just need you”,She says and she starts sobbing.
I don't know what to do. I just comfort her and let her cry
brushing her back but it is not long until the baby cries and we
break the hug and I have to attend to him.
I hush him until he calms down and I pull his car seat and put
him in there and attend to the messy Dudu. Her eyes indicate
that she has been crying for some time.
“Please tell me what is wrong?”
“I am not a virgin anymore”,She says and I am taken aback by
what she is saying.
“What happened?”,I will not lie. I am shocked but at the same
time a part of me feels like I shouldn't be but keeping ourselves
for marriage has been a thing for us.
“I don't know Busisile.I don't know I just...things happened you
know”,She says.
“When did it happen?”,I ask.
“Just last week”,She says and I look at her.
“Okay Uhm do you regret it?”,I don't even know what to ask.
“I do a bit, I don't know but I feel so bad.”
“I am sorry”,I comfort her as she covers her face with her hands
as she cries.
I keep on rocking the car chair with my leg here and there just
to distract the baby.
We stay in silence for some time and she finally stops crying
and looks at me and smiles.
“I am here to have some fun, I shouldn't be crying for
something I agreed on right?”
“It's okay to feel like you rushed things from time to time”
“I didn't think it will feel this way.”
“Do you like whomever you gave it to?”,I ask.
“I love him Busi, I don't know why it hurts like this. Maybe it's
because I thought he felt the same way for a while”
“What did he do?”,I ask. I want to know who is this man who
has the audacity to do this to my friend.
“Things are not the same as before. He is not as consistent and
as caring as he was before. When I knew him. Ever since he
made new friends it has been a different story. I ...I don't
know”,she sighs.
“You can sleep over here. I will tell Mbheki you are not coming
back tonight”,I say.
“Its fine. Don't tell him, I don't want him to bother with my
depressed self”
“Are you sure?”,I ask.
“Yes”,She says.
“Okay, do you want anything?”,I ask.
“Can I go and lie down a bit?”
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I nod.
We get up and I show her a bedroom downstairs and she gets
inside and closes the door behind her. I am worried about my
friend and I didn't feel this way when I gave it up on Mabutho.
Maybe it's because he made things better for me. I quickly
attend to my baby and get my phone. Maybe getting a male
point of view will be better. I quickly dial him and it rings and he
answers.
“Themba lami”
“Sothole, how are you?”
“It is like you knew I needed to hear from you”,I smile. This man
has a way of making me blush out of nowhere.
“I know what you need. Baby I need something Neh?”
“O...kay”
“Dudu is sleeping over tonight. She is not okay and I don't want
her being alone and it's girly stuff. Can she sleep over?”,I say.
“I don't have a problem. What's wrong?”
“Its girl stuff”,I say.
“I can take it”,He says and I laugh. He joins me.
“Uthanda indaba Sothole”,He chuckles.
“Okay then, I will see you soon. Kiss my favourite person for
me”Thats his son.
“I will”,We hang up and I sigh. I hope that my friend gets better.
DUDU
Things...change and people do change as well. I didn't think
that the change will affect me this much and I didn't think that
for one he would loose his touch and the fact that I know him. I
thought I knew Mbheki but now I don't. He goes out with
friends now to places of fun and what not and his friends seem
as people of profile too that is a bit high just like his uncle's
standards. We did seal the deal in our relationship and actually
wanting to give us a try 4 months ago but now things have
changed in just a matter of a few weeks.
I gave him my virginity. The night was beautiful, I don't want to
lie but the negligence after it was what made things bitter for
me and makes me regret partially giving it up. I wish I waited
but what is done is now down.
The pillow is wet, I sniff and wipe my face too in the process as
well. I don't want to worry Busisile about her brother and my
problems.
I don't want to taint the image she has of her brother just by
mentioning how we are at the moment. She doesn't even really
know that we are dating. I didn't want to disclose it soon. I also
didn't want to involve her in our relationship in a sense where
at times she would have to choose between my battle or her
brother's battle.
I flip the pillow before laying on it again and my phone vibrates
in my jacket. I sigh and take it out. It's him and his name flashes
brightly on my phone. I put it away and ignore it. It stops and
starts again and a part of me wants to hear what he wants to
say. Why he is calling me. I know I should he ignoring him but I
want to hear him.
So I answer the phone. I keep quiet and wait for him to speak.
“Sthandwa sami”,My heart melts.
It shouldn't be doing that. I don't want it to do that.
“Mbhekizizwe”,I say.
I hear him sigh.
“Where are you?”,He asks.
“Far away”
“Will you come back home?”
“No, you can stay there alone. It's fine”
“I don't want to”
“Maybe you can go with your friend and go with the girls you
are always with”,He sighs again.
“I am sorry, please can you come back home so we can talk
about everything”,He says.
“I don't want to hurt myself so no.”,He says.
“I love you Dudu, I want you to know that”,Tears prickle my
eyes as I think about him with another woman. These women
from the city and I cannot compare to that. I am just a fat thing
and they are slim and nicely shaped.
“I love you too, bye”,I hang up before I find myself sobbing and
holding onto the pillow.
I know I am not the only girl he has slept with from here and I
don't think I would be the last. His behaviour showed that and I
caught on. I just wish that he was still the same man from 4
months ago.
BUSISILE.
I cooked and took the food to Dudu just so she can eat and she
did eat shame. I think she has been crying all over again until
she passed out and slept. Mabutho told me that he will be here
in a few minutes. I have prepared his meal and also my baby is
asleep now. He has been for over an hour and yes he is still
breathing too. I check every minute I get just to make sure that
he is okay as he is a bad sleeper at times.
I hear the car outside and wait for Mabutho and he soon walks
in through the doors. He has flowers in his hands and it's a big
batch too. He smiles my way and I return the favour.
“These are beautiful”,I say getting closer to him.
“These are for you”,He says.
“For me?”,He nods his head.
“Yes for you baby. I want to spoil you and make you feel
special”,He says.
I get closer to him and kiss his cheek.
“These are beautiful. Thank you so much Sothole”
“You are welcome baby"
“I cooked. Can I dish up?”
“Please baby, is the baby asleep?”,We walk to the kitchen and I
out the batch on the counter.
“Yes he is. He has been awake for so long he needs his rest”,He
chuckles.
“I wanted to sit with him"
“You will later on Mabutho. Don't wake the baby up”
“I will not. ”
“Good”,I dish up for him and he goes and washes his hands.
46
DUDU
Sleep consumed me quiet quickly and I am happy that I got to
sleep and forget about my problems for a while. I woke up
when it was already dark outside and Busisile knocking on the
door was what was doing the most in waking me up. I slowly
get off the bed and make my way to the door and she stands
before me when I have it open.
“I am just checking up and on you and asking you to come and
eat”,She says.
“I am fine”
“What is going on? I am worried about you”,You cannot miss
the concern in her voice.
“Nothing, I just have a headache and I am not feeling too well”,I
say with a weak smile accompanying my statement.
She stands firm and watches me as I say that.
“You know I know you and you cannot lie to me”,I swallow.
“I know”
“I will give you some time off but soon I will like to know what's
going on”,She says.
“Thank you”
“Come and eat”
“I am fine, don't worry”,My phone rings and she looks at me
waiting for me to move.
I excuse myself and I go and get my phone and it's her brother.
I sigh and decline the call and put my phone down.
“Should I bring your food here?”
“No, I am fine. Don't worry”,My phone rings again and I take it.
“It might be important.”,She says and turns leaving me.
It's still him. I sigh and sit on the bed before I answer the call.
“Baby, please tell me where you are”,He says.
“I am fine, I am safe”
“I want us to talk”,He says.
“We are talking now”
“Please. I don't like this”,He says.
“Mbheki...”
“Please”,I sigh.
“I am at Busisile's house”
“Okay, I am coming. Please don't move”
“I have nowhere else to go”,I roll my eyes.
“I love you”,I hang up after that. I then go through social media
and look at the pictures that this girl sent to me. I just started
using Facebook and this is what I encounter on. I don't even
know this woman but what I know is that she knows Mbheki
and it has been something for a while. What shook me is the
“Stay away from my man”,Message followed by these pictures
and I have never felt my heart in pain. Their friends are there in
the pictures too and I know that they go together to these fun
locations of theirs.
I go and use the bathroom and after some time I get a call from
him telling me that he is outside. He doesn't want to come and
disrespect Busisile and Mabutho too on their property. I walk
downstairs and I don't see anyone so I will just send a message
to Busi that I am outside but I will be back soon. I get out of the
house and he is by the gate. The security buzzes me out and I
thank him before I get to him. I stand a good distance and he
looks at me.
“I miss you”,He says.
It has only been a few hours since I was away.
“It hasn't been that long since I have been away”,I say.
“I know baby.”,I sigh.
“Please can we talk about whatever that is bothering you"
“Who is Vee?”,I ask.
He places his hands in his pocket.
“She is nothing”
“She is clearly something if you guys even have pictures
together. Lots of them that we don't have”,He walks closer to
me.
“Dudu I...”
“I am still talking Mbheki”,I say and he keeps quiet.
“What do you want from me? You should've stopped us going
on if you had someone else. You know how I feel about that”,I
say.
“I know and I am sorry”
“Have you ever slept with her too?”
“No, we have only kissed once”,He says and I look at him. His
body language doesn't say he is lying and his face I can see he is
telling the truth.
“You have hurt me”,I say and he swallows.
“I am sorry baby”,He says and moves closer to me and takes me
into his arms and I start crying all over again.
“I am sorry baby, I am deeply sorry. I shouldn't have done
something like that and I promise that it will never happen.
That I will never put you in this position. I asked you to come
with me here because I wanted to build a life with you in it. I
am sorry for breaking your heart. Ngiyaxolisa mama”,He says
and I sniff.
He holds onto me tightly.
I keep my silence. I don't know what to say honestly but things
are not going to be the same anymore.
“Cut that girl out of your life or cut me off your life”,I finally say.
“I will cut everything that attaches me to her”,Meaning his new
friends too. I hope that he does.
BUSISILE
I am worried about Dudu, she doesn't want to tell me what is
wrong with her and that is what worries me the most more
than anything. She is not even eating as I have offered food her
way. I get in the bedroom and Mabutho has put the baby to
rest. I am grateful for this man and I love him so much too.
“How is your friend?”,He asks.
“She doesn't want to eat or tell me what is wrong”
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I say.
“Give her some space and she will tell you what is wrong when
she is ready”,He says and I sigh.
“Okay, I will do just that for now. I just hope that she is not
dying alone inside”,I say and he comes towards me and holds
me by my waist”
“She will not die alone. You are here for her and you love
her”,He says.
“Okay, I hear you”,We share a kiss.
“I want us to talk about something”,He says.
“What?”
“Us, getting married and eveeything”,I slowly smile.
“You mean that...”
“I want us to officially get married.”
“What about Iminathi and Bongani?”
“They are waiting for Iminathi to finish her degree as she wants
her surname on it. She wants to wait”
“Oh, okay. I would love that”,I say.
“Then when the baby is 1 you can go to varsity”,My smile
widens.
“Really?”
“Yes”,I hug him.
“Oh thank you so much Sothole”
He holds me back.
“I love you mama"
“I love you too Sthandwa sami”
Having this man in my life has been a blessing and I do not
regret being with him. I just regret how things went about with
us but being with him is what I love more than anything.
NARRATED.
It has been too many nights with Ndumezulu sleeping in
MaThabethe's room that even MaKhumalo has been on the
edge of it. It was better when she wasnt here but now that she
is back from nursing her son's illegitimate child she is taking
their husband. Ndumezulu has been cooped up in her room too
much that he has forgotten that he has other wives too since
MaThabethe came back.
Here he is laying in bed waiting for MaThabethe to come out of
the ensuite bathroom and she does after time. Her skin looks
flawless as he sets his working eyes on her. He loves the wobbly
thighs and love handles that she has. It may not be the same as
it was when he first saw her but the shape is still there for him
to admire. He strokes his belly and watches his wife apply her
face cream before she pulls the gown off her skin and then
turns to him as he stares at her.
“Where are you sleeping tomorrow?”,she asks.
She knows the answer but she wants to be sprawled all over
the bed and turn however she wants to. This man doesn't want
that, he wants to sleep next to her as much as possible. She has
left before and he doesn't want to make that mistake once
again.
“I will sleep here”,He says and she looks at him.
“Ayi Ndumezulu. Go and sleep with the others. Isn't it you
wanted many wives”,She says with a frown.
“But I want to sleep with you"
“There are 7 people in this relationship. You can't make that
decision on your own. If you wanted to sleep next to one
person for everynight for the rest of your life then you
should've married one person”,She says and pulls the blankets
off and gets under the covers.
“But Sthandwa sami..."
“Ayi Ndumezulu, kuyashisa. You are supposed to be sleeping
with MaJili or MaGasa”,She says and turns her back on him.
He sighs and moves closer to her.
“I love you nolaka lwakho(I love you and your fiestiness”,She
groans.
“Okay”
“You don't love me?”,She smiles. She does love him.
“You know the answer”,He smiles.
“We should go on a vacation like you have wanted”,He says.
“And the others?”
“I will ask them what they want but I want to go with you
first”,He says.
“I want Zanzibar”,She says sitting up and looking at this man.
He looks at her too, admires her Beauty. It hasn't faded that she
has grown with it. He smiles and is reminded of how he fell in
love with this woman. She has always loved finer things in life
unlike the other wives and she has always kept him on his toes.
“I love you mama”
“I too baba”,He kisses her and she giggles like a child.
He loves the sound of that. He loves his wife so much.
DUDU
I had to leave with him, I sent Busisile a message telling her that
I have already left and that I will get back to her and come to
get my car some other time. I didn't go much into detail when I
explained why I had left. It's morning and Mbheki just woke up
and we both had breakfast. He told me that he will not be going
to work and he has called upon his uncle.
They are planning on going back soon to meet with his parents
and get answers on why he has a long lost uncle and that is
something that will be happening in just a week or two from
now. I just want to see my sister during that time. marriage has
been treating her well, she has not really complained much so I
am assuming that things are going very well for her.
“Baby, please get ready”,I turn from the sink and look at this
man.
He looks all dressed up and ready.
“Where are we going?”,I say.
“I want us to go to the beach then grab something to eat. Have
a picnic”,He says and I smile a bit.
“What do you know about picnics?”
“I googled it”,I giggle.
“Uhm, okay. Let me finish here and then get ready”,I say.
“No, I will finish up. Go and get ready”,he says and I nod leaving
him with the dishes and then I go and get ready. I can't wait to
see what this picnic plan has instore for us. I have never been
to one so this will out to be an experience.
47
DUDU
The drive was filled with calm music and also the view of this
bright day that it is today. I couldn't wait until we got to our
destination and we did get to the beach on time. We got out of
the car and there were some people on the beach but not very
much. He lock the doors of his car and we make our way to the
beach then we take off our shoes before we could even go
further on the sand. He holds my hand as we make our way and
there is a picnic set up just infront of us.
“How did this get here?”
“I organised some people to get it done”,He says and I giggle.
“You are a big shot now”,he chuckles.
“Maybe, maybe not”,We share a laugh.
He helps me sit down and I thank him and he goes around and
sit opposite me. He opens the basket and sets up the food for
us before he tells me that I can have something and I take the
grapes and have them.
“Sthandwa Sami, I am sorry about what happened. It should've
never happened in the first place”,He mentions.
“I hear you”
“I am really sorry mama”,He says and I sigh and take another
grape.
“I forgive you Mbheki. I really do but I was hurt”
He swallows and looks down shamefully.
“I am sorry”,he says.
I nod my head and grab some cheese and eat and watching the
waves form on the ocean.
“This is beautiful”,I turn to him smiling and he returns the
smile.
“I am glad you like it”,I really do like it.
It's calming too.
BUSISILE
I am tired. Raising a child is not so nice or should I say not so
rosey and I will be doing this for the next few years that will
come. Mabutho went to the farm too this morning so I am here
stuck on mommy duties with my best friend avoiding me from
asking her too many questions about what is really going on in
her life. MaThabethe called me this morning asking me how I
am and I told her that I am good. I am really good, beside the
draining days that parenthood comes with but I am good. Her
son is treating me well and everything is just going fine for me.
I decided that I should visit my uncle with my son and so I got
him ready and so as my self. I called Mabutho earlier to tell him
we are going but his line couldn't go through so I will try him
just now before we even leave. My uncle is expecting us to
come so I hope that he will be as happy to see us as will be to
be visiting him.
I call Mabutho and this time he answers.
“Mawakwami”,he says.
“Sothole, I am here to ask something”,I say.
“Okay, what is it?”
“Me and the baby want to visit Malume. We are bored and he
is also bored”,I say.
“Okay, I don't mind”
“Okay"
“Send me your location"
“Okay I will, thank you"
“I love you"
“I love you too”,I hang up and get everything I need and I get
out of the house. I have someone who will drive me already
here so I am not really in a train smash. I get inside the car with
the baby after greeting and the driver greets back before he
drives us off. I send a message to.my uncle telling him that I am
on my way. I have never really had a sit down with him before.
Yes he comes and checks up on us but usually there is everyone
else around us so this will be the first time. I am quiet excited
actually and see how he is. He is unlike my father though, not
too strict but is a person that can talk to.
The drive is not that long because we reach his place and he is
already waiting for us by the door. The driver parks the car and
we get out and he comes my way with a smile platsered on his
face. This man is no doubt related to me. He looks just like me
and parts of Mbheki too.
“Ndodakazi”,He says and we share a hug.
“Baba, how are you?”,I ask.
“I am happy that I am now getting visitors from precious
people”,I laugh.
“I am happy to be here too"
“I ask aunty to prepare something for you”
“Your wife?”,I ask.
“No, I am single as they come”,I wonder why.
He takes the baby from me and greets him how grandparents
greet their grandchildren. I get the rest of the baby's stuff and
close the door then I send the location to Mabutho and he
recieves it and he sends a reply telling me to tell him when I
want to leave. I keep that in mind.
We make our way inside the house and it's really beautiful. Not
too big and not too small, but just right.
I see an elderly woman and I greet her.
“Aunty, this is my child, Busisile”,I smile.
“Hello
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I have heard so much about you and Mbheki too”,I smile.
“Nice meeting you”,I say.
The grandpa as disappeared to the living room with his
grandson and I am forgotten about for a moment.
I follow after them and I sit down as well.
“I am happy you are here”
“Your home is beautiful”,I say.
“Thank you. This is your home as well”,He says and I smile.
“Thank you baba. For taking care of us. My brother and I so as
my best friend”,He smiles.
“I like your friend. I hope your brother is not blind and does
what's right before someone snatches her from him”
“It might happen maybe”,I say and he smiles.
You can tell that he is fond of Dudu.
“Would you like anything?”
“Nothibg specific”,He nods.
“Can I ask a question?”,I say and he looks at me.
“Yes”
“Why have you cut contact with your brother?”,I ask and he
sighs.
“It is more complicated than you think”,He says.
“I mean, it cannot be complicated"
“Woman issues”
“Such as?”
“Him being with the woman I loved once. That woman choosing
him as stability because I was busy building a future for us.
Hence the businesses”,He says.
“I am sorry”,I say.
He smiles.
“Its okay, it happened 20 years ago. I am fine”
“Can I ask a question again?”,He nods his head.
“Yes you can”
“Is my mother that woman?”,I have to ask.
He keeps his silence and looks at the baby.
“I don't know if it's your mother. I don't know if they are still
together or not so I wouldn't know”
“Oh, okay”,I say. I don't want to corner him.
“I have some things I bought for my grandson in my room. I will
take it when you guys are leaving.”
I smile.
“Thank you so much”
“You are welcome”,he says.
DUDU
He has his head rested on my lap, the breeze is not even that
harsh but is great. It is getting a bit chilly here and there but I
like the way that we are in. I have been taking pictures using his
phone and then I went through it and there was nothing that
traced to that girl or even his going out pictures. I guess he has
really cut them off I guess. Now we are just resting in this
peaceful day taking in one breath at a time with what we are
doing and he slowly slides his hand under my dress and his
hand rests between my thighs.
“Mbheki, people are looking”,I say.
He kisses my knees.
“I know. Don't worry”,He smiles and I just shake my head.
We stay in that comfortable silence.
“What are you hoping for in the future?”,I ask.
He looks at me and then rests his head the way it was.
“I am hoping you achieve your dreams and so as mine beside
you and you beside me and get married one day and have
many kids!”,He says and I giggle.
“Marriage?”
“Yes, I love you like that Dudu”,I smile.
“We will see”,I say.
“I want us to enjoy this”,He says and I look at him.
“Me too”,I really don't want to rush things but enjoy every
moment we have of our lives here.
“I am feeling a bit cold”,I mention.
“We can leave”,I am glad to hear that.
We pack up and he gets up and we now make our way to the
car and I am really tired as it is. I just want to get home and lay
in bed. I really enjoyed this so much. I don't want to lie.
48
BUSISILE
Today is the day, the day that we are going back home and the
day that Mabutho will get a chance to actually talk to his father
and so as my family talking to my parents. I am quiet nervous
with everything. Wondering how everything would pan out. I
just want to know answers of why everything unfolded the way
it did and wasn't there any way that things could've been fixed
during that time. I just wonder if our father has ever missed
having his brother and actually thought of reconciling with him.
I wonder where his whole family is and also I wonder why we
saw most of my mother's family and not his, I didn't want to ask
my uncle where his parents are but so far as we have known
him. He hasn't taken us to go and get introduced to other
elders that we might need to know. Maybe he will and he is just
wanting permission from his fellow brother to actually take us.
Honestly there is alot that could be unfolded on this journey
and I am mostly just happy that we have other caring family
members out there. It has been a year since I left home, a year
in which I haven't seen my parents in and all my other family
members and I knew that when I got married into the Ntuli
family that my parents will definitely cut contact with me and
they did, I am not their child anymore in their eyes.
“Baby, I have packed everything you need”,I hear Mabutho
behind me.
I grab the charger and the baby blanket off the bed and turn to
him as he is standing by the door.
I will travel with him and we will just meet the others when we
get home.
“Okay, I think we have everything now”
“We do”,He says.
I breathe in and out and he comes closer to me.
“Don’t worry, everything will be okay”,he says.
“I hope so, I hope things will go well”
“They will, you need this as much as I do need this and our baby
too does need this”,I nod my head.
“Okay, I get that”,He gives me a perk.
“I love you”
“I love you too”,I say.
We give each other brief smiles and then we start moving going
out of our bedroom and heading downstairs. We find the baby
all strapped up in his car seat and Mabutho picks him up and
we walk out of the house. Everyday I just feel like everything is
so Surreal. I never imagined that my life would turn out this
way, better and greater for me. I never imagined that in the
next year from then that I would be in a happy space, happy
place and actually fulfilled about what is happening in my life
and I am fulfilled.
I get in the car and Mabutho puts the baby into safety at the
back before he closes the door and gets in the front before he
starts the car and reverses out of the drive way. I need to learn
how to drive one day, just not now. Now I am still a bit fearful
so I would rather just wait until I have the courage to actually
do it.
DUDU
I turn the volume of the music that is playing a bit up as I hear a
gospel song coming on and it touches me well. I love this, I love
that these worship songs get to me and to me it indicates that
my life needs some God and prayer in them. Yes I didn't grow
up with a good bases on beliefs but I think now that I am older
and live here I need something to stand my ground on. I am just
waiting for Mbheki. We are at the petrol station filling up the
tank for our journey ahead. He said he is going to get
something for us to munch on while we are going home and
then we will pass and go and get his uncle before we drive
down going home. I am quiet excited and o also have things for
my sister as gifts that I have bought for her since I have stayed
here. I really hope she likes them because I do like them.
I see him making his way back to the car and he gets inside. The
petrol attended gets done with his job and Mbheki pays the full
amount in cash and gives him extra. I am a bit confused as to
why he gives him extra money. He starts the car and I open the
little plastic bag with some good things inside.
“Why did you give that man extra cash?”
“I was tipping him, they get tipped you know”,Well I didn't
know that.
“I didn't know that”
“Yeah”,Well now I have learnt. I will do better next time.
“How are you feeling about going home?”,He asks.
I smile.
“I am a bit excited about going home. I am just wondering in
what state am I going to find my home in since it has been so
long since it was occupied”,I say.
“Yeah, I will have to rebuild it for you”,I look at him.
“Why?”,He steals a glance from me.
“Because
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when I am going to be your husband it will be my duty”,I blush
and shy away from his gaze.
“You know I am studying and I will get a job one day and do
that right?”
“I know Sthandwa sami but, I want to do this for you as soon as
possible before there is nothing left of the place you call
home.”
“Okay, we will speak about this some other time”,He nods.
“I just wonder how my parents will take this suprise visit”
“Do you think something could go wrong?”
“Yes, things could go wrong.They are not people you can have
decent conversations with them at times”,He says.
I just nod my head.
“Everything will be okay”
“I really hope so”,The drive commences and soon we get to his
uncle’s house and his uncle comes out as soon as the car is
parked on the drive way. He has his suitcase next to him. This
man looks like Busi more now that I think of it and look at him
properly. The way their nose is shaped and his eyes too are the
same as hers. Yes Mbheki and Busi look alike here and there
but not that much.
“Ndodana”,He greets Mbheki first and he greets back. Asks how
are things and he mentions how they are like they don't see
each other almost everyday.
“Makoti, ukahle?”,I am just getting used to that.
Being called uMakoti and Mbheki likes it because he always
smiles widely when his uncle refers to me as that. I don't know
why though but he likes it. His uncle is very fond of me too, he
has mentioned it that even if Mbheki and I don't get together
he will find me a decent guy and he will take me as his
daughter. That warmed my heart because I have never really
had a parental figure in my life until this man came into ours.
I get out of the car and Mbheki helps him load his bag inside
the car before I shift to the back seat. The uncle asks me why I
am moving and I tell him I am moving for him and he tells me
that I should sit in the front and he will gladly take the back
seat. I thought I was just doing a decent thing and moving away
for an adult.
I get into my seat at the front and wait for Mbheki to get inside
the car so we can go.
“How far is Busisile?”,The uncle asks as soon as Mbheki gets
inside the car.
“She told me over an hour ago that she has left home.”
“Okay, she will get there first”
“Yes, it is not that long”
“Ndodakazi, how is School?”
“School is well baba"
“I am glad that things are okay”,He smiles.
I would not forget what this man has done for us this far.
BUSISILE
The journey going home felt too short for me and for the first
time it did. I had rested and also I have fed the baby along the
way but still it felt very short. Maybe because we didn't take
much stops as I had anticipated. When the Ntuli yards appears
just infront of us, I knew that we were back. I knew that the
women in there are the people who I will be dealing with
during our whole stay but honestly speaking I just missed the
home scenery though it wasn't pleasant but I missed it. I see
MaThabethe standing over her room and she waits for the car
to come to a halt before she rushes towards the car as we get
out. She comes my way and hugs me.
“Oh I have missed you, how are you?”,She asks and I smile.
“I have been good, thank you ma”,I say.
“Where is my first grandson?”,She says it like Mabutho's other
brothers don't have children.
She quickly goes and gets the little one and we are forgotten
about. The kids also come out and surround the car and I am
getting hugs from them, telling me that they have missed me
and asking if I have a baby now and I say yes.
They all ask me where the baby is and I tell them and they rush
off to MaThabethe who has the baby in her hands. I am
nervous. Why wouldn't I be when I am in Mphemba’s space. As
if he hears me thinking off him, he appears. The other wives
have long appeared just that they kept their distance. I don't
know what to do now in his presence. MaThabethe goes to him
with the baby and they both peak at the baby before he comes
our way. Mabutho comes and stands next to me.
“Baba" “How are you?”
“I am well”,He nods his head.
“He looks just like you”,he says and a crack of a smile forms on
his lips.
“He does, so much”,Mabutho replies. He turns to me.
“I hope you are well MaSibisi"
“I am well baba”,I look down.
I shy away from his gaze.
I can't look at his way any longer. I still feel the shame of what I
had done but I am not shameful for being with Mabutho and
having our son.
49
DUDU
Arriving home was something that took a while for us since we
got to take some stops and bathroom breaks. Well the
bathroom breaks come from me but you do understand what I
mean though. I didn't go with Mbheki and his uncle but simply
asked to be dropped off home as I want to assess how things
are and also clean up, plus I am not going to sleep over at the
Sibisi house hold when I am not even related there but they
said they will pass by Busisile's in laws and get her so they can
all go together. I hope they go well and that everything of theirs
goes well too.
The first thing I did when I got home it is to change the bedding
and get some cleaning done. It's not dirty but it's dusty here
and there so I need a clean space before I could even think of
sleeping or doing anything else.
I am sweeping just in the bedroom when I hear someone's
footsteps. I pause and wait in anticipation of who it may be and
my sister appears. I drop the broom and rush to her.
We share a hug for a moment. Stuck in each other's arms and it
feels good to see her after some time of being away from her.
“Oh my Dudu, you look amazing!”,she says.
“Me? Have you seen yourself?”,I say and break the hug.
I can see the ring on her finger too. She looks so beautiful. I am
happy for her.
“Not like you though”
“You look amazing, marriage is treating you well”
“I am happy and my in-laws are good, so as my husband”
“I am happy for you Sisi wami”,I hug her again and we break
the hug after some time.
“So, where is Mbheki? Tell me everything”,I shy away from her
and she giggles. Grabs the broom and puts it aside.
“He is there, things have been good. Found his rich uncle and
he has been taking care of us”,I say.
“Wow! You are living it up in the city. I hope you brought
something for me”,I giggle.
“Don't worry. I did, wait here”,I say.
“No, I am coming with”,We follow each other going out of the
bedroom.
BUSISILE.
I had to excuse myself and tell MaThabethe that I have to go
somewhere and she told me to not worry about babysitting as
she will do it. I am blessed to have her in my corner and I will
forever be grateful for her in my life. Mabutho wanted me to
do this alone as this is my journey and also he can't really have
much of being there with me because my parents will not
recognise him as my partner but it does give me some ease that
I am not going back home alone.
My uncle and Mbheki waited for me as I came out of the yard
and hurried outside to the car before the other wives had
anything to say. I greeted both of them and Mbheki started the
car.
“How are you Ndodakazi?(My daughter?)”
“I am well baba, how are you?”
“I am good as well.”,I breathe in and out.
“Where is your boyfriend?”,My brother asks.
“He stayed behind. This is a family matter",He nods.
“Where is Dudu?"
“She went to her home”,I nod my head.
I hope that she is okay.
I look out of the window as the conversation carries on here
and there between the boys. I sigh and look at the house and
huts and the dust rising and settling as the car moves. Having a
big car in this area is such an advantage. A small car doesn't
going around well enough as big cars.
I am nervous. Mainly because my father told me the day I left
home that I should never set foot as I am no longer part of the
family anymore. That saddened me, I don't want to lie and the
thought of how he will react just gets to me at the moment, I
just hope that he will be happy to see his brother after so many
years. My uncle is eager to see him despite them having the
differences that they had from years ago and that would make
me and Mbheki happy if they got along. Maybe we will get to
know more of my father's side of the family than my mother's.
Well know if he has other siblings in the world that we don't
know off.
I see the car approaching what used to be my home. It brings
back memories. The horror the most and great ones at times. I
never really impressed my mother with the little things I tried
to do. I was always taught from a young age what to do as a
wife once I get married and they were quick to get me married
and off I went. I wish they took me to varsity first before getting
me married but also I do not fault them in many ways I am just
disappointed in them at some things.
“We should get going before it's late for Busi”,My brother says
and we all nod.
He opens the door and hops out and I also follow after my
uncle opens mine. I thank him and still cannot get over the fact
that I look like a grown man. Well I have known I look slightly
like a boy with Mbheki but this just shocks me each and every
time.
We walk getting closer to the door. It's almost the afternoon so
I am sure my mother has retired from her duties and is at the
back of the house doing something or making something to eat
for my father. We were not rich but we could get by from time
to time. Mbheki knocks on the door once we have reached it
and I breathe in and out.
“Dont be scared”,he says.
How can I not? He knows how his parents behave at times.
The door opens and my father is the first one to open.
“Mbheki ho....”,He stops mid sentence when his eyes land on
his brother and Myself.
“Sawubona baba”,Mbheki says.
I am too scared to even utter anything.
They hold a gaze with his brother and the look on his face
shows that he is not pleased to see him.
“What are you doing here?”,he says to his brother.
I am not shook with the way he is talking but I expected better.
“That is not a way to greet your younger brother”,My uncle
mentions.
“Baba,who is at the door?”,I can hear my mother's hoarse
voice.
Yes it has been like.that for as long as I can remember.
“Baba we just want to talk”,Mbheki says.
“Talk about what?”,My father says.
He is not even hiding the fact that he doesn't want to see his
brother.
My mother appears, covers her mouth when she sets her eyes
on me and my uncle.
“Busisile”,She acknowledges me first before anyone else. I want
to go to her and get a hug, a hug that I have always wanted
from her.
“Mah”,I clear my throat not knowing what to say.
“Wh...what are you doing here?”
“Go back where you come from”,My father says to my uncle.
My mother rushes to me and pulls me away from standing next
to my uncle and grabs Mbheki.
“Stay away from my kids”,My mother spits to my uncle. Mbheki
yanks his arm from my mother.
“Both of you, you have to explain to us what is going on. This is
our family”,Mbheki says.
“Mbhekizizwe don't annoy me. You drag your sister from her in
laws to this nonsense!”
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the hoarsy parent says.
“You don't talk to the kids like that. They want an explanation
of why I haven't been an uncle in their lives”
“They are doing fine without you,so please!”,My father hasn't
uttered a word since his wife appeared.
We are caught between a rock and a hard place. I want to cry
too because of the way my mother is holding me. They hate
him, they really hate my uncle and he is such a gentle soul.
“No, mah ngiyeke!”,I yank myself too from her. Much to her
shock.
I have never been one to stand up for myself.
“Baba, this is your brother. What happened years ago should be
put aside”,I say.
“Come here Busi, let's take you home”,My uncle says and I
don't hesitate than to rush to him.
My father angry and my mother shouting for me to get away
from my uncle.
He comforts me and ushers me to the car with my mother
following behind. My father disappeared with our father.
She holds her long skirt tightly ready to fight this man.
“Busisile come back here!”
“Don't you dare talk to the children like that!”
“Or what? What are you going to do? You are not man enough
to do anything”,My mother's big mouth says.
My uncle opens the door for me and gets me inside while my
mother is pushing and shoving him out of the way to get to me.
“Get out of that car Busisile!”
“Stop it Khosi”,My uncle warns her.
“These are my children you are turning against me. Not yours
and never yours either so keep quiet!”
She points to me.
“Get out of there now!”,I am scared. Scared of my mother. I
know when she is like this.
“You are still behaving like I am the one who wronged you
Khosi when you jumped beds between me and my brother
because he was man enough and I wasn't. I was soft for you
and a sissy of a man to you huh?”
“Dont talk about me like that. You wouldn't have raised my kids
like your brother did. He is a man more than you”,My heart
sinks.
My uncle's face changes and an immediate frown forms on his
face.
“What are you saying?”,My mother's mouth is suddenly shut.
“Khosi”,He says.
“Nx, leave me alone”,She says trying to walk away from the
little war she was causing but he grabs her arm quickly.
I close the door quickly scared to hear whatever they will talk
about but my mother's facial expressions goes back to the way
it was when she was breathing fire before she leaves the man
in turmoil.
He stands there for a few minutes before I see him sigh, looking
down and then he opens the front door and gets in.
“Are you okay?”,I ask.
My mom could've left some marks from all the shoving and
whatever she was doing.
“Yes, I am. Are you okay?”,I nod my head and smile.
I wish that my uncle was in our lives before. I love how caring
he is and I feel like I really have a father figure in my corner.
I want to go home now. That few minute drama was enough for
me for the day.
Soon Mbheki comes out and he doesn't look happy either. He
gets in the car and closes the door, starts the car and soon
drives off.
“I need to call Dudu”
“Don't inconvenience her”,My uncle says.
“We don't have a near by Bnb”,Mbheki says.
“I can speak to my mother in law and see if they can help”,I say.
They are both quiet.
“It's okay Sisi, we will figure something out”,Mbheki says and I
nod.
DUDU
My phone rings and I am done with cleaning and I also went
out with my sister to buy something to eat close by and now I
am inside the house. Mbheki sent me a message telling me that
he is coming with his uncle so I went next door and asked to
borrow some matress and Sponge and they gave it to me. I also
went and bought more food incase they get here hungry. I
prepared everything and now I am just waiting to hear how
everything went. I don't know what to expect actually. I answer
my phone that moment.
“We are outside”,I hear his voice.
I drop the call and rush outside. Yes my home is not the best
but it will give proper shelter for the night. The bedroom will be
used by his uncle and himself and I will just use the living room
where I will lay there.
I get to the car and the sun has already set. I greet umalume
though I saw him earlier on today and Mbheki is out of the car
too. His uncle having a chat with me, seems okay so I don't get
to read off how the meeting went. This man talks too much at
times so you would never know. I get to help them with their
bags and we get inside and I show Malume where he will rest
with Mbheki.
“Where will you sleep?”,the uncle asks.
“Dont worry Malume, I have that sorted out”
“Thank you my child. ”,I smile.
I ask to dish up for them but they decline the offer. So they ate
where they come from.
I get to the kitchen and leave umalume settling down and
Mbheki is still outside. I follow after and go outside and stand
near the house watching him as he locks the car. After some
time he comes towards me and I look at him. His face has
readable expressions and I see all that he is feeling.
“Are you okay?”,I ask.
“No”,He says and I offer him a hug and he takes it.
We.stay like that for a moment before we break the hug and he
kisses my cheek.
“My mother and father are evil people”,He says.
“Why do you say that?”
“They are evil. They hate Sibisi for the mess they made”,He
says.
“I am sorry”,I say.
“Yeah”
“Everything will be okay”,He nods his head and kisses my lips. I
giggle and pull away.
“Your uncle is inside”,I whisper and he laughs with me.
“I love you”,I blush.
“I love you too”,I say.
I really do.
50
BUSISILE.
I am heart broken. On my uncle's behalf, I couldn't even
respond to Mabutho when he asked me how everything went
because everything went so horribly. I could hear how my uncle
was pained but no care in the world was given by my mother
and also my father. So she is the woman who got in between
brothers. She is evil, very evil and I also feel like I am following
in her footsteps except Mabutho is the son and Mphemba is
the father. I have been curled up under these blankets since I
came back. I haven't even went to check on MaThabethe as yet
as.i don't know how I would face her as yet. She is probably
with Mphemba. I have been told that he is very clingy onto the
lady as well.
The sound of the door opening doesn't move me but I know it's
Mabutho. He told me he would be back after I wasn't giving
him much answers. It closes and he comes closer. Soon he slips
into bed next to me and holds me.
“I don't like it when you are like this”,he says and I sniff.
“Talk to me Mabusi”
“They hate him”,I say and a lump gets stuck on my throat.
I feel sorry for him, I wonder how he feels right now. Eager to
see the brother that has wronged you only for him to not want
you.
“My father hates him so much, so as my mother”,I say.
He brushes my back as I start crying.
He turns me around to face him.
“I am sorry baby ”,He says.
“They hate him for something they did to him, I hate them
too”,I say.
“Ssh baby, hate is a very strong word”
“I do hate them Mabutho. They don't deserve anything pretty
as they are not pretty at heart”,He rubs my back.
“You are the sweetest thing on this earth and I don't want this
to taint your beautiful heart baby”,I sniff.
He looks at me.
“Okay?”,I nod my head.
“Okay”
“Are you going to eat?”
“No, I am not hungry”
“How about we call your brother and hear from them. Maybe
you will feel better”,He says.
I nod my head and he lets me go and gets off the bed to go and
get my phone. I wipe my tears and sit up as well. I just also
want to know if they are safe and sound. I worry about them
alot.
He gets my phone and joins me on the bed and I dial my uncle's
number and it rings a few times before it is answered.
“Ndodakazi”,He says and I smile.
“How are you?”,I ask.
I am concerned about him.
“I am okay, well. I am glad to be hearing your voice. I don't get
much calls”,I giggle.
That is just sad and cheesy as well but sad.
“Well it's late at night so I am sure they men back home have
everything under control”
“They do”
“Are you guys safe?”
“Yes we are safe, are you okay there?”
“Yes, I am fine. I was just concerned about earlier”
“Dont worry, I am not worried are you?”
“Not anymore”
“Thats my girl,tell that boy that you are going to visit me next
week with the baby for the weekend.”,I laugh and look at
Mabutho who has a wide smile plastered on his lips.
“I will inform him.”
“Okay then”
“I have to go, I will call tomorrow”
“Okay MaSibisi. Have a great night”
“You too”,We hang up after that and I turn to the smiling
Mabutho and throw myself in his arms. He kisses my forehead.
“How are you feeling now?”
“Better. Next weekend I am leaving with my backpack”,He
frowns.
“Going where?”
“On a Vacation with my uncle”
“I am family too”,I giggle.
“Its just the weekend”
“I wouldn't survive it Busisile”,I laugh.
“Oh, this amuses you”,I nod my head.
“Mmmh”
“I am sorry, I won't go”
“You can go, I don't want your uncle saying I am controlling
you”
“You are not”
He is sulking now.
I kiss his lips and he looks at me.
“I love you Ntuli”,He smiles a little.
“I love you too baby”.
DUDU
The night time had just came in moments ago and Mbheki said
to give his uncle some space after quickly narrating what had
happened when they went back to his home. I didn't expect
things to take that turn but it definitely did happen.
He was seated on that old bench I used to use when he came
here at times to have the meals that I made for him and I enjoy
making meals for him. It just satisfies my heart to know that he
has been fed when he is fed after being hungry. I am just
packing up things and putting them away so that I don't have
any problems in the morning. That I will wake up and attend to
go and buy something to make some food with instead of being
more distracted on cleaning. I will just do the cleaning after
that.
“We might be leaving tomorrow”,Mbheki mentions after
getting off his phone and I look at him.
“Oh”,He stands up from the bench and comes towards me and
stands behind me.
“Yeah, there is nothing much left for us here”,he says.
“I hear you"
“Soon we should start with restoring and extending this
place”,he says.
I turn around and look at him.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that we have to find a new design for the new
house”,he says and smiles.
I smile along with him.
“We will see”
“Can I sleep next to you?”,He asks.
“No, I don't want to disrespect your uncle”
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I say.
“He will be okay with it”,I shake my head.
“No, we will sleep next to each other the filling night. One night
wouldn't hurt us.”,I say.
He groans, clearly unhappy but he does get my point. We are
not even married and as much as his uncle likes me we
shouldn't really be disrespecting his home.
BUSISILE.
Morning came too soon, I was up already. Out in the yard and
with the other children up too so as the wives. I left Mabutho in
bed and went into the kitchen and made some food for
everyone who was asleep, yes I was the first one to wake up
and MaKhumalo joined me in a matter of just a few minutes
when I had just finished cooking, the other wives followed with
their other duties outside of the house.
She looks at me placing her hands on her hips.
“You want to kills us with poison now?”,She says and I am
taken aback with what she has said.
“Cha ngi...”,she interrupts me.
“Cha Ini?(no what?)I know sly young girls like you. Sies,nx”,She
clicks her tongue.
I ignore her and dish up for Mabutho and prepare to leave.
“That boy will wake up one day and you will leave this family
skhohlakali ndini sengane(evil child) mark my words,nx”,She
says and I just leave the kitchen.
The wall back to the room is a bit dreading, my heart is heavy
and I will not lie and say words do not get to me when they
actually do. I get in the room and Mabutho is still asleep. I close
the door and I look at him for a moment before I shake him to
wake up and he does,groaning and unhappy to be woken up
this soon.
“Here is some food”,I say handing the food to him.
“Okay, why are you up so early?”,he asks
“I couldn't sleep anymore”,He sits up and leans against the
headboard.
He takes his food and thanks me thereafter.
He starts eating.
“I will be back. I am just going to check on your mom”,I say.
He nods his head.
I move away from him and leave the room, I make my way to
MaThabethe's room and I knock in hopes that she is awake so I
can take her grandson. She has been helpful and I am very
thankful for that too and now I have go get back to my mommy
duties as it is.
The door soon opens and it seems she has been awake too,she
smiles when she sees me.
“Busisile, how are you?”
“I am good mah, sorry I didn't come yesterday”
“Its okay, I was the one who didn't want you to fetch my little
boy.”,she says.
“Thank you so much”,I say.
She smiles and turns telling me she is coming back.
I wait and soon she comes back with my child. I am happy to
see him and I take him immediately from her and also his things
and thank her once more.
“You are welcome.”
“Thank you”,I make my way back to our room.
I feel like the stay here will be very long and if I don't take care
of some issues then my stay here will never be good for me.
IMINATHI
I push his abdomen away from behind me making him slip out
of me and let go of the leg that he was holding for my balance
as the water splashed infront of me and I quickly get out of the
shower carefully going to the toilet and I vomit everything I had
just had this morning in there.
My throat burns there after and my stomach feels empty.
Bongani gets me a glass of water and I thank him before I flush
the toilet.
I have been sick this past week and I am afraid of even going to
the doctor and finding out what is going on because I know
what could be the possibility of being this sick but I am just
scared.
It has been a minute since I have lived with a man,A minute
where my life changed and I fell in love and accepted love too. I
am not in a rush to actually have the white wedding but the
traditional festivities I am okay with them and Bongani supports
my idea and that is what I love about this man so much. He is
just supportive.
“Baby I think you should go to the doctor. You have been sick
like this, the whole week”,he says.
“I am scared”,I say and he picks up my wet self.
“Why are you scared?”,he asks.
How do I tell him that I think I might be pregnant? I need to go
and ask that lady from the clinic why the contraceptive
injection didn't work if that is the case, really I need answers on
that.
“I might be pregnant”,I say and look at him.
“Pregnant how,you said your injection can prevent that”,A
smile creeps up on his face.
He can't hide it even if he has a little frown that he is trying to
form on his face.
“I don't know. I need to ask the clinic lady if maybe I am or not
and if I am we going to have problems with her”,Seriously
though we will.
He touches my stomach.
“There is a little baby in there?”
“We haven't confirmed it yet Bongani”
“A woman knows their body so it might be that”,He gently rubs
it.
I look at him, he loves this I can see.
“How will we take care of a child with our busy lives?”,I ask.
“We will figure that out. Come let's go and carry on showering
then we will go to the doctor”he days.
I will not even fight him.
“Please finish what you started”,I say.
I still want that shower moment before we were interrupted by
my vomit. He smiles as I said that and kissed my cheek.
“I would gladly do it baby”,I smile and we go back into the
shower.
We have our moment and soon we shower and get out.
We go and get dressed and I rebrush my teeth and then I
prepare myself. I hope it's just bile and I don't want to think of
how it would be like to raise a child now. This man is happy and
it's evident without us even reaching the doctor's office.
51
IMINATHI.
I am at the doctor. Bongani decided that it is okay to
accompany me and I am okay with it honestly. I am sure that
whatever I am going through, it's pregnancy and I cannot even
think of anything else beside that. If I am pregnant then I will
take it from there, we will see what we can do and how we will
also work around my school schedule once the baby is here.
I am nervous, I will not lie and I don't know how I will even tell
my grandmother if I am pregnant. My father would just feel like
the world is crashing infront of him and Yonela? He will have a
fit, that I know.
I still have school to complete and I haven't been properly
married to this man but everything is forgotten the minute I am
interrupted from my thoughts by Bongani telling me that we
can now enter the doctor's room.
We stand up and make our way in, we are welcomed inside by
the doctor and we get to be seated.
I state my case, tell him how I am feeling and that I would love
to take a pregnancy test and he agrees with it.
I do what is necessary and when I am done I join my fiance and
sit next to him. I know that Bongani will be happy if we are
pregnant. He couldn't even hid it from the assumption that I
had laid out this morning.
The doctor gets the pregnancy stick from my urine and looks at
it and utters “Congratulations”,I knew then that we will be
parents and I look at this man next to me and he has a proper
smile on his face.
“Thank you Sthandwa sami”,He says and I melt.
Forgetting that I am still a student and it will be stressful to be a
parent, wife and student at the same time but people do that
while working so I guess I will be able to handle things too.
We ask to see the baby and we get through with the scan. It
comes to me that we will be parents. If someone told me all of
this will be happening in my life this soon, I would've disagreed
and actually laughed at them.
This Zulu man's sperms surpassed contraceptives. First time
sleeping with a man and I get a child implanted in my stomach.
Wow, that's bad luck.
Bongani is asking questions that he has in mind and I ? I don't
have anything to say for now. Maybe when I have adjusted to
this new change and this idea of being parents then I will be
able to ask about the pregnancy and everything that comes
with it.
The doctor soon removes the gel from my stomach and I get off
the bed.
We are given pamphlets before we leave the doctor's room and
it sinks in then.
We are going to be parents.
“I need to finish off with everything before the baby
comes”,Bongani says.
“Like?”
“Like every traditional aspect we need to do has to be done and
we get married so that the baby comes with us together
officallly”,I don't disagree with him.
“Thats okay”,Yes, I wouldn't want my child being born out of
wedlock too.
“I will inform my mom and dad”,He says.
I have to inform my father too.
“Can we announce the pregnancy when I start showing ?”,I ask.
He looks at me and smiles. He kisses my cheek.
“Thats okay baby”,I sigh and smile.
I love this man and tight now he is being very sweet.
DUDU
I have already cleaned up, packed what is needed to be packed
and already called my sister and told her that I am leaving and
hope that she would be able to visit me at the city. I am happy
that she is happy in her marriage and that is all.that I want for
her.
I wheel my suitcase and Mbheki is standing by the car loading
things inside and his uncle is still on call away from the car. We
will wait for him to finish first before we leave this place.
“You look down”,Mbheki says.
“I wish we could stay longer but things are waiting for us back
home”,I say.
“Dont worry, we will come back soon. When the house is done
we will furniture it and have it nice and ready”,I smile and hug
him.
“Thank you for everything”,I say and he hugs me back.
“I love you Dudu”,my heart skips a beat.
I hold onto him a bit longer“I love you too",I utter those words
towards him.
“I will never hurt you ever again, I promise with my life”,I
choose to believe him.
We break the hug and he takes my things and loads them inside
the car.
His uncle comes back from his call.
“We are ready to leave"
“Can we check on Busisile first before we leave?”,He says.
He has been quiet since yesterday. Hardly heard him talk but I
do understand that they have had a rough two days.
“I will call her”,Mbheki says.
The uncle nods and he hops inside the car. I follow and Mbheki
makes a call to Busisile and we wait for him to finish before he
hops inside the car and informs us that it is okay to go and see
Busisile before we leave.
I know how fragile she can be at times. Busi hardly associates
herself in drama and she can't stand up for herself. when she
wants to so I understand that she must have had it tough too
yesterday.
She will tell me what went down when she is ready, so as this
man whom I call my boyfriend.
The drive to the Ntuli household is not really a long one but the
household just shows itself before you even know you have
arrived.
I can see children from a distance running around the yard.
Some grannies and then Mbheki takes out his phone and calls
Busi.
We wait for her in the car and the uncle hops out of the car. We
see bab'Ntuli approaching the gate.
They have a conversation with each other and soon I see
Busisile by the gate. As soon as the gate opened her uncle
engulfed her in a hug and they stood there for a moment. It is
just a sight to see, makes one feel envious of the fatherly love
that this man has for these children. One would think that they
are father and daughter if he didn't know Busisile and himself
on a personal level.
We watch as they break their hug and they seem to be talking. I
turn to look at Mbheki and he looks at me and smiles.
“What are you thinking about?”
“They look so alike”,I say.
He nods his head.
“I know”,I mean he does look like them but Busisile is the
female version of the uncle.
We wait for them for some time before Busisile makes her way
towards the car and I open the door to my side and hop out.
“How are you?”
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She hugs me and I hug her back.
“I am good, how are you?”
“I am okay. I didn't see you yesterday”
“We see each other almost everyday”,She laughs.
“I will be back home in a few days. There are things that
Mabutho and I need to sort out here first”,She says and I nod
my head.
“Are they treating you well?”,She nods her head.
“Yes.”,I am glad go hear that.
BUSISILE
I wish that I was leaving as well but I can't at the moment.
Mabutho told me that he wants us to go back home when the
little fire has settled and being here for a moment is a bit
awkward but bareable.
I watch as the car leaves, my uncle and brother with my best
friend. I turn around and see Mphemba. I will not lie, I have
been avoiding him for so long but I think it's time I gathered
courage and actually talked to him on my own, apologize for
what I had done and acknowledge my behaviour.
“Baba”,I say as I approach him.
I look down just to avoid his eyes.
“MaSibisi”
“I would like for us to talk”,I say and catch a glimpse of him and
he nods his head.
I breathe in and out before I could even utter anything.
“I would love to apologize for what I did, with the pain and
humiliation that I had put you through. The decision I took
regarding Mabutho and I was a conscious decision. I will not
justify my unruly and unkind behaviour. The anger you have
towards me is justified and I do apologize for that. I wish I
could've done things differently and in a proper manner as well.
I am sorry”,I say.
He sighs after I said that.
“I forgive you Busisile. I understand you are young and that you
would like younger people. I take your apology”,I slightly smile.
“Thank you so much Mphemba”,I say.
“Mabutho tells me that he wants to take you completely from
my hands”,I look at him and nod my head slightly.
“Uhm, he did mention it in passing”,I say.
I didn't think that they actually talked.
“I would have to do a ceremony for the both of you and re-
introduce you as Mabutho's wife then.”,He says.
“Uhm, thank you baba”,He nods his head.
“Let me go and find your mother”,He says before walking off.
I know he is going to MaThabethe. She has traumatized the
man that he is very clingy on her.
I walk off as well going to the room that Mabutho and I use. I
find him seated in the bed and he turns to me.
“How did it go?”
“Well, my uncle is happy and he is okay”,He nods his head.
“He told me something though”
“What did he say?”,He asks.
“He told me that we might actually be his children. I kind of
believe that”
“You do look like him but the DNA test will confirm things”,he
says and I nod my head.
“Yes, we will get it done but even if he is not my dad I still like
him as one”,he nods his head.
“Where is the baby?”
“With umah”,I nod my head.
“Your father told me you guys spoke ”,I sit next to him.
“We did. I just want thing to be right and no mistakes
happening”
“Thank you for loving me baby”,I say and kiss his lips.
“You will officially be mine soon”,He lays me down and gets on
top of me and I giggle.
“No baby for 3 years”,I say.
“Awu mama, that can't happen”,I give him a look.
He kisses my cheek.
“We will see about that MaSibisi”,He kisses my neck and I
giggle.
.
.
TO BE CONTINUED...
52
BUSISILE
The days passed with us still at the Ntuli yards until yesterday
when we decided that it is time to leave. After talking to
Mphemba I felt better. I am grateful that he was able to forgive
me for the wrong that I had done unto him and seeing my
parents did give me that push and courage to actually fix things
in my life that I had messed up. Now I just feel a bit better.
Mabutho is going to work tomorrow. The farm is coming
together and it's so beautiful to watch how this man is
passionate about his work. His father wants him back at the
family farm but he declined and said he wanted his own thing
and I quiet understand where he is coming from.
MaThabethe is here with us. She told her husband that we are
in ‘need’ of her when she is the one who wanted to tag along.
Obviously the husband wasn't happy with the sudden trip his
wife is taking but it is MaThabethe we are talking about. What
she says is final at this point. She is helpful though, she doesn't
mind sitting with the baby. She takes him first thing in the
morning and I think if it was up to her, he would be sleeping
next to her all night.
Here I am in the kitchen preparing something to eat. I am going
to get my DNA test done and I am nervous. I don't know why
but something in me just feels scared of what the outcome will
be in the next few days after the testing. I wish that we could
get quick results because I don't think that I would be able to
stick through the waiting. Mabutho is accompanying me to go
to the doctor and meet up with my uncle and brother. He
seems relaxed about the whole thing while I am here freaking
out.
I think I wouldn't be happy when I find out the truth. It would
feel like our whole lives have been a lie that my mother knew
all along.
“Baby are you done?”,I hear Mabutho and I quickly finish up
before he comes into the kitchen.
He appears just as I get my sandwich.
“Baby we have to there in 30 minutes”,He says and I sigh and
grab a plastic wrap.
“I know”,I wrap my food. I will just have it on the way.
“Are you okay?”
“I am nervous”
“Everything will be okay"
“I know ,it's just what if he is our dad and my mother has been
lying all along or what if my brother and I don't share the same
father?”,I ask myself those questions too.
I am just scared of finding out the truth.
Mabutho steps closer to me and places the car keys on the
counter before he wraps his arms around my waist.
“Whatever happens your brother will still be your brother.”,He
says and I nod my head.
“Okay”
“Now, can I have a kiss?”,I quickly nod and give him a quick kiss
before his mother comes in here.
“We can go now”
“I need a proper kiss when we get outside”,He says.
“I will give it to you. Don't worry”,I say.
He lets me go and takes the car keys and I take my food and
rush to go to MaThabethe and tell her that we are leaving.
Having her around is such a blessing, I don't even feel the void
of not having my mother around most times. She is my mom
too, that I believe more than her being a sister wife in my eyes.
I say my good byes to her and leave her. I get outside and hop
usndie the car before Mabutho starts driving the car and we
leave. I take out my food and I start eating and he holds out his
palm and I know he wants my food. I break some for him and
he thanks me and eats.
“You should've told me to make some for you”
“I am not hungry”,Hawu.
“Hawu”,He shurgs his shoulders.
I carry on eating.
“How is Mandisa and the baby?”
“They are okay. I will see my daughter this weekend”,I nod my
head.
“Okay”
“In the next coming weekend we have to go back home”,I look
at him.
“Why?”
“Baba is doing a ceremony for us.”,I don't understand.
“For us for what?”,I ask.
“For our child and also us being introduced to the ancestors
and you being erased as Dad's wife”,I swallow.
“He agreed?"
“Yes, he didn't have much of a choice.”
“Everyone has a choice Mabutho. He must've forgiven us
now”,I say.
He nods his head.
“I hope that most of my siblings will make it”,I lean back on the
seat.
”They will”,I smile at him.
I hope they come just to support their brother even if they do
not like me that much.
I finish my food just when we are about to arrive at the doctor's
surgery.
Mabutho quickly hops out of the car and comes to my side and
opens the door for me. I thank him and he locks the doors
before we make our way in and I see my brother with my uncle.
I rush to them and they hug me. I am not used to hugging a
fatherly figure and it feels nice. It feels like I am a little girl and I
am safe in a father's arms.
We break the group hug.
“Ndodana, how are you?”,My uncle asks.
“I am well baba, I hope you are well as well”,He says.
“I am”,He says and smiles looking at me.
“The doctor is waiting for us”,I nod and Mabutho tells me he
will wait for me outside while I go inside.
I am nervous but we are now here. We make our way inside the
doctor's room.
IMINATHI
Vomiting, I wish I was pooping more than vomiting. I hate the
bitter after taste that I have in my mouth and the amount of
times I have to clean my mouth is just draining but you know
what? This man is enjoying all bits of it. I wish he was the
pregnant one so he could feel all that I am feeling right now.
I just got out of the bathroom for the 3rd time today and I am
tired already. May this only last this week and then over to the
father because we should go 50/50 on this pregnancy. I walk
into the kitchen and find this man by the stove wearing my
apron while trying to make something on the stove.
“What are you doing?”,I ask.
“I am making some noodles and eggs for you”,he says and I
giggle then get closer to him and take over from the stove.
He takes off my apron.
“That is so sweet of you baby but the smell of eggs put me off”,I
say.
“I will learn how to cook for you just to eat if I have to”
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He says and I giggle.
“How about we cook together and that way you can learn",he
nods his head.
“How are you feeling now?”,He asks me.
“I am a bit better but I hate this vomiting business”,I say.
“Maybe we can ask the doctor what can help you”,He says.
“It is considered normal baby so there is nothing that will help
for now”,I say and he wraps his arms around me and kisses my
cheek.
“I am sorry Sthandwa sami”,he says.
“I just hope this baby comes out looking like me after all of
this”,He chuckles.
“Maybe, but I have strong genes”,That I can't deny. Look at
Busisile's child. He doesn't even look like his mother.
“I hope I have something though”
“You will baby”,He says.
“Can you get some bread and honey please”,I say.
He nods and lets me go. I get to the fridge and take some
bananas.
I get back to the counter and I switch off the stove before I take
anything else that I may need then start with making my
sandwich. He looks at me.
“Is that nice?”
“Yes it will be”,He nods his head with a frown as he looks at me.
I finish everything and give him a slice and he takes it. We both
taste it. He frowns more.
“It's nice”
“The bread throws me off and the honey”,He says.
“I will eat it then”,He puts his half bitten sandwich down and
looks at me.
“You want milk with that?”,it's a sarcastic question I can tell but
I answer him.
“Yes, that would be wonderful.
BUSISILE
The wait will be what will make me feel nervous than before.
The doctor took our samples and she mentioned that after 3
days we will get our results and now we have to wait. I am
nervous but also a part of me is happy that have done this.
Even without our mother knowing but my uncle deserves some
type of justice.
“Your boyfriend tells me that you are getting married to
him”,it's Mbheki.
I just nod my head.
“Yes"
“His family approves?”
“Yes they do, we have put our differences aside and I love
Mabutho”,I say looking at him.
“Okay, I know”,I nod my head.
“Do you love my friend?”,I ask.
They have a thing going on that I have noticed. The way he
behaves around her just gave it off”
“Yes, I do”,He says.
“Don’t hurt her”,I say and he smiles.
“I promise I will not”,I hope so.
I love Dudu like my sister so I will fight for any of them. I will not
just take Mbheki's side just because we are blood related.
“What if we are half siblings?”
“There is nothing like that in our culture Busisile. We are still
siblings and no white test will determine that we are or not”,he
says.
“I am just scared”,I say.
“You shouldn't be. You should focus on your family now and if
that man ill-treats you then we will shoot him”,I gasp.
“Mbheki don't say that”,I say.
“I promise you that"
“Since when do you know how to use a gun?”
“I will know the day someone hurts you”,He takes me in his
arms.
“I love you Busi"
“I love you too bhuti”,I say.
My uncle appears and he appears with Mabutho. I wonder
where they were and what they were doing.
“Are you okay?”,My uncle asks and I nod my head.
“Yebo baba”,I say.
“Mabutho invites us to your ceremony next weekend”,I look at
Mabutho and smile.
“It would be lovely to have you there”
“We will be there”,He says.
I...I feel content with how my life is going right now.
53
DUDU
They came back earlier than I had anticipated. I am stuck with
doing assignments and having to study for my test. University is
not easy and it is taking some time for me to adjust but with
the group that I work with at times, they are really helpful with
me adjusting to my work. Babu'Sibisi dropped off Mbheki and
he said that he can't stay for long as he has to run an errand
and that was it. I made something to eat for Mbheki as I was
getting something for myself and now he has been sitting next
to me for the time that I have been sticking my nose on my
books.
I feel tired already, it has been over 3 hours and my brain feels
like it is getting exhausted right now so I need a breather at
that.
“Are you done now?”,He asks as soon as he sees me closing my
books and he discards his phone.
“For now yes, I didn't ask how everything went”
“We will soon get the results and Busisile is scared”
“Are you not?”,I ask.
“No I am not. Busisile and I are always going to be siblings.
Nothing will ever change”,I nod my head.
“Thats beautiful”
“Can I kiss you?”,I shy away from him and he holds my chin
turning me to face him.
“Is that a no?”,He smiles.
“No”,I say.
He gives me a perk.
“How about we go to the mall and get some ice cream and just
have some fresh air from here?”,I would like that.
I pack up my school supplies and then I move to the bedroom
to put my things away. I hope things go well for them. I really
pray they do.
I change from what I am wearing and wear something a bit
more relaxing for outside before I go towards him as he is
waiting for me.
“I love you Dudu, never forget that”,I blush.
“I love you too”.
IMINATHI
Bongani just talked to his father, he was calling him with
regards of the further steps that should be taken in order for us
to finally be married.
I am watching something on TV. I am tired and really not in the
mood of studying right now and I just want to have a breather.
My baby daddy/ fiance comes back from the call outside and he
settles next to me and I offer him some chips but he declines.
“Mabutho and Busisile are getting married”,Oh wow!
I sit up.
“Thats wonderful. I am happy for them”,He smiles.
“I am too, next weekend we have to go home”,he says.
That would be my first time going to his family home stead like
that.
“I hope I will survive how big your family is.
“You will, my mother loves you and everyone else will love you
too"
“Busi is a sweetheart so I will take your word for it”
“We will do the rest of our traditional festivities a month later.”
“I do not mind,I should inform my family and then we would
start planning”,I pop some chips in my mouth.
“Umuhle mama, do you know that?”,He says staring at me.
I blush.
“Enkosi”
“We will have beautiful babies”,I laugh.
“That scares me. It's like you will get me pregnant right after
this one”,I say.
“If it happens then it happens”,He says.
Haibo, I can't have that. I need to study but I really need to
make sure after this pregnancy that my womb is protected
from his sperms.
“We will see about that”,He smiles.
I hope and pray that I don't get another baby anytime soon.
NARRATED.
Just as he is stuck on his errands. Business eraands. Sibisi was
left in thoughts, the DNA tests are just for formalities but he
knows through his bones and blood that Mbheki and Busi are
his children and Busisile resembles him the most.
He has been hurt, once, twice too many times. He had hunger
for the better and soft life that his woman then didn't have the
same hunger for but saw him as failure for trying to
be‘Modern’,It wasn't bad for him. He didn't see it as something
bad but saw it as an opportunity to see better things in life , see
the better side of life too.
Yes it wasn't easy for him to achieve what he has achieved and
it wasn't easy for him to get where he was. It was difficult for a
farm boy like him to just make it but non the less he did
through it all.
In all of this he is pained though. Pained that though he was
wronged but he was always seen as the villan and he took it. He
is pained that the possibility of him having children is high and
he never really raised them.
He wished that he knew this back then. He would've taken
them with him and raised them on his own.
He never found love, never tried to find a companion that he
would grow old with juts to protect his shattered heart from
further pain. He didn't want a woman who will come in his life
and take him for granted and take his character for granted.
Though women fell on his feet knowing his status in life and his
financial state, not forgetting that he was eye catching but he
never was interested in settling with any of the women who
came in his life. Even those who qualified to be genuine in
intentions and could be better.
BUSISILE
The days are slowly passing, slow as it is but they are slowly
passing and the more closer the result time comes in the more I
get nervous.
I have been sick lately, very sick at that. vomiting and weak, I
cannot even down anything and I will promise you that I am not
pregnant. I haven't been intimate with Mabutho in 3 months.
Though now we have a go ahead now to be intimate since I am
well healed but it hasn't been something that has been priority
and crossed our minds much.
My uncle has been coming here everyday just to check up on
me these past 4 days and I have been assuring everyone that I
am okay. Even the doctor didn't find anything wrong and ruled
out that I might have bile and just need to cleanse my body
inside. I should hydrate and have a healthy fix in terms of what I
will eat.
So Mabutho has gotten me everything that spelt healthy in it. I
will not lie, it's tasteless some of it and I don't really enjoy it but
with some foods I do enjoy it.
I have to start packing too and preparing for the trip we will
soon take and I can't wait honestly it is what has been keeping
me excited.
I have got a dress too for the day. I mean who wouldn't be
excited to marry the person they love?
I know that my uncle will come to visit just to check how I am.
As much as I am sick but I know that I will be better.
I lay on the bed as I feel a bit tired and I hear a knock on the
door. It's MaThabethe.
“How are you feeling? You are packing?”,I nod my head.
“Yes mah, I don't want us to have problems and forget things
when it's time to leave for home”,She smiles.
“You are excited”,I nod my head.
“Yes I am"
“Have you eaten?”
“Yes, Mabutho made sure I ate before he left”
“Thsts good, I was going to feed you too”,We laugh.
“Your uncle is here with your brother”,She says.
“Okay, I am coming”, she turns and leaves.
I get off the bed and follow after her going down the stairs. This
house is huge and I cannot wait one day to fill more kids in here
with Mabutho.
I see them just as I get to the last step and I rush to them. As
much as I see my uncle almost everyday now but I still get a bit
excited to see him.
“You will fall sickly”,Mbheki says.
I give him a look.
“Hello baba”,I say ignoring him and my uncle smiles.
“How are you?”
“I am well I am feeling a bit better today”
“I am happy to hear that”,he says.
“Let me go and get something for you guys”
“Its okay, sit down we don't want you falling in the
kitchen”,Mbheki says and I give him a look.
“We are actually here with the results",I am shocked.
“I thought it will take a week or more”,I say.
“They came earlier than we have anticipated”,I swallow and sit
down on the couch.
They join in.
“You have nothing to worry about”,Mbheki says and I nod my
head.
“Okay”,My uncle hands over the envelope to me.
“I am scared. I will faint if I look”,I say.
“Okay, breathe in and out. It will be okay”, he says.
I nod my head.
“I thinm you should do it baba”,Mbheki says.
He nods his head and opens the envelope.
I find myself clinging on my brother. Scared to find out the
reality of what could be happening after this. The news that
could change what has been our lives. He takes out the papers
and we wait for him to say something. He reads everything and
I see his hands shaking.
“What does it say baba?”,Mbheki asks before he takes the
papers from him.
I am now scared.
“We are siblings Busi”
“Meaning?”,I ask.
“M...Malume is our father”,He says and I see him clench his
jaw.
My uncle, unable to speak and so as I. Shock, I didn't think
things will turn this way.
I get up from my couch and kneel infront of him.
“I am sorry”,I say.
I am sorry that my mother deprived us life with our real father.
That we had to be perfect for us to be accepted by them. That
he has hurt him so much in life.
“I am so sorry",I say.
He pulls me up and hugs me.
“It's okay. It is not your fault”,He says and brushes my back.
Why did my mom do such to all of us?
“I love you guys”,He says.
I smile. I love him too, he has done more of a parent job than
the parents I had.
“We love you too”,He laughs.
We break the hug and I hug Mbheki too. I am just relieved now
that we know the truth and that we are also siblings. I am just
happy,I even feel a bit better. I think the results were making
me feel sick.
I got them something to eat, I didn't want them to leave
without eating too. Mbheki helped me and MaThabethe was
with Babu'Sibisi. She came to greet and they started talking
about the weather. You know old people and weather talk.
“How are you feeling?”,I ask.
“I am angry at umah for doing this to us”,He says.
I nod my head. I get where he is coming from.
“She will never give us answers. You know that”,He sighs and
nods his head.
“I know. How are you feeling?”,He asks.
“It will take time to come to terms with everything but I am
happy. My man is treating me well and I have you here also”,He
chuckles.
“He better treat you well”,We hear some laughing.
“Your mother in law must be really funny for him to laugh like
that"
“She is",I say. He gives me a look.
“What?”
“She might turn into your step mother if your father in law is
not careful. She is beautiful though I wouldn't blame him",I
gasp.
“Dont think ill of the elders. It's just an innocent laugh”,I say.
He laughs at me. This one thinks he knows everything.
MATHABETHE.
With my grandson asleep I decided to go downstairs after
giving Busisile with her family some privacy. I saw that what
these men were here for was serious and she feels the need for
me to know then she will let me know what is happening.
Mphemba has been calling me too much since I left. I don't like
the fact that he doesn't maintain his polygamous marriage now
that well. He is just all over me and I think being here gives me
a breather and I love being around these kids. I would visit
Bongani but he told me that he will call me when he wants me
there with Philani too.They want to be on their own and be big
kids and so Mabutho doesn't mind having me around him,so I
will give my attention to him and Busisile. I enjoy being with
them, being in the city once in a while makes me remember
how much of a city girl I once was before I got married.
I am happy for all my children. I am happy that they have found
their partners and pray that they stick to them alone.Polygamy
is not all roses, it's a difficult thing to get into and a difficult
thing to get through but you do when you love someone for
that long.
Busisile appears as her uncle is talking.
“Sorry to interrupt, baba what would you like to drink?”,She
asks and he smiles.
“Some tea would be fine",he says.
“So as for you mah?”
“Yes, thank you. Don't you want me to help?”,I ask.
“If I faint then Mbheki will carry me”,she laughs and we join
her.
She then disappears.
“She is such a wonderful child. I am glad that my son saw a
wonderful person in her”,I say.
“She is, soft spoken but she is. Like you”, He says and I laugh.
“Good auras attract each other I guess”, I say.
“I guess I have a good aura too”, He says and I laugh. He joins
in.
“Would it be bad to take my in law to lunch sometime?”
“It wouldn't be bad. Just lunch”,I say and he nods with a smile.
“Just lunch.”,I nod my head.
The kids return with the food and we thank them.
May God keep these kids for me, all of my children until I derail
from this world.
.
……………………………………..The End…………………………………………
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