CHAPTER 73
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I’m standing at some patrol station, waiting
for my aunt to pick me up. I’m finally seeing
Thalente, the last time I saw any of my family
members was a couple of months ago, it was
during my matric exams. We… No, let me
correct myself, I didn’t leave home on good
terms, I hurt those that truly loved and cared
for me. Often times I wish I could turn back
the hands of time and do everything
differently; Lord knows I wouldn’t have turned
my back on them. Every night I lay awake,
staring at the ceiling, wishing I had listened
to them and took their advises.
Life has been really difficult, nothing is going
as planned, absolutely nothing. I passed my
matric, but not with flying colors like I had
hoped. That meant I couldn’t study what I
wanted; Mphikeleli advised me to just take
any course and be in university, but my father
always taught me to never settle. I didn’t
work hard enough to qualify for what I truly
wanted and that meant I had to take a gap
year. The plan was to upgrade my marks and
get them to meet or exceed the entry
requirements, but it hasn’t happened. That’s
because Khwezi is a full time job, there’s so
much on my shoulders. When no one is around
she uses the opportunity to use drugs. I’ve
found her hight as a kite a couple of times.
She doesn’t care about our baby, she won’t go
to the OB/GYN, she doesn’t want to take her
supplements. She’s just being the most
difficult person one could ever deal with. I’m
crossing fingers that the baby comes out
okay, I hope she didn’t fuck it up because I’d
hate her until my dying day. That baby is now
the sole reason I’m holding on to hope.
My phone chimes and I quickly check it, it’s
Mphikeleli asking me where I am. I heave a
sigh and put the phone on flight mode. I didn’t
tell either of them where I was going, I just
walked out like I was going to smoke. Yeah,
my new habit, introduced by Mphikeleli. He
said it’s a good stress reliever and so far it’s
the only things he promised that turned out
to be true. When I first came to him with my
problems he said he will hold my hand
through it all, but that hasn’t happened. He
promised to organize me a contract with the
club he joined earlier this year and that hasn’t
happened either, I doubt it ever will. I’m even
tired of asking him about it because he
always has the same answer, “I’m working on
it, Nhlaks”. He hasn’t delivered on anything,
all he does is throw money at me and
disappear for days with his friends. I also
don’t know what he’s doing with guys who
look like they eat bullets for a living.
I’m brought back from my train of thoughts
by the engine of a beast, damn she’s sexy, A
BMW M4. I am starring at the car,
shamelessly drooling. I’d jump at the
opportunity to get into that baby and drive
her in an open road, Godness. The car stops
next to me and a second later the heavily
tinted window is rolled down. Fuck me, no
way!
“Thalente?” I’m shocked to say the least.
The last time I checked she couldn’t even
drive a car on my video games.
“Hey stranger,” she says with a wide smile,
“Are you going to just stand there with your
mouth hanging or you’re getting in so we can
go grab some lunch?” she asks and I swallow
hard, causing my adam’s apple to dance up
and down my throat. I grab the door handle
and get inside the car, it smells brand new.
“Whose car is this?” I ask and she points at
her chest.
“You lookin at the owner chile,” she sounds
different, like one of those spoilt brats.
“You’re kidding,” she shakes her head.
“Nope, bhut’Shlobo got her for me. My first
car, can you believe it?” her excitement has
my heart feeling a liitle jealous. I was
supposed to get a whip this year, a present
for passing matric and making it to Wits.
“This is so dope. Not everyone gets an M4 as a
first car,” she nods vigorously and starts the
engine before joining the main road again.
“God, it’s so good to see you. Can you please
reply my messages and take my calls from
now onwards? Nhlangano I miss you so
much,” her voice shakes at the last part.
I miss her too, I miss baba, MaZikode, I miss
my life as a Mavimbela. It’s not because of
the materialistic things but for the love,
support and unity we had.
“Life has been hectic but I’ll try,” that’s not
really the reason why I have been avoiding her
texts and calls. I was afraid of how things will
be after everything that happened. I still am
scared but when she texted last night I
couldn’t ignore her because I needed to escape
the nightmare that is my life.
We are eating at some fancy restaurant in
Umhlanga. I can’t believe this is Thalente.
She’s now this champagne drinking, oyster
eating princess. Her nails are so long I’m
wondering how she types and does research
for school. I honestly never thought I’d see the
day my simple, village aunt turn into a
baddie.
Her iPhone alerts her of a text and she sucks
her finger clean off her food and scrolls
through it. The smile on her face could light
up the whole room, it has to be a boyfriend.
“Tell him that I said if he ever breaks your
heart I’ll find him and cut off his balls,” I say
and she giggles.
“Oh calm down, Shaka Zulu. I don’t have time
for boys who are only noticing me now that
they can smell my brothers money all over
me,” she says and I’m proud of her. If they
didn’t want her then they have no business
licking their lower lips now.
“Anyway, it’s just Naledi, Bhut’Shlobo’s wife.
She’s letting me know that they’ll be coming
this weekend. MaZikode is also coming from
Mahlabathini, she cannot wait to kiss her new
granbaby in Naledi’s belly,” Thale explains
nonchalantly and my whole body freezes.
Wow, he’s having a baby, well that’s… Uhm…I
don’t know.
“Oh congratulations to them,” I say then grab
my glass and gulp down my beer.
Baba really cut me off, he is living his best life
with his new family with no care in the world
about me. I found out from Thalente’s
Instagram page that he paid lobola in
December last year. He moved to
Johannesburg and playing happy family with
his wife and her kid. What about me and his
grandbaby? If I wasn’t stalking Thalente’s
social media then I wouldn’t know what’s
happening in his life.
“I’m sure he would love to hear those words
coming from you,” she says quietly and I
chuckle. She’s funny.
“Huh, you got jokes,” a waitress stops at our
table to check if we are still good. I ask her to
bring me double Hennessy on the rocks.
“I’m not kidding you, Nhlangano. Your dad
misses you,” I want to shout at my aunt, ask
her why he hasn’t tried to reach out to me if
he misses me so much. I want to know why
he left me out in the cold this way. I’m lonely,
I feel lost everyday of my freaking miserable
life. I wish he’d just wrap his arms around me
and promise that everything is going to be
okay.
I throw my head back and heave a sigh, this is
me calming myself so I don’t cry. When I drop
my head my eyes land in the parking lot, a
group I know very well is laughing. My heart
starts thumping against my chest at the
sight of Zekhethelo in Rajesh’s arms. Why
would my best friend be kissing the love of
my life this way? His hand moves to her ass
and he squeezes. All the air in my lungs
escapes, I start feeling a rush or emotions and
before I can make sense of anything, I’m
jumping over the gate that’s separating the
restaurant and the sidewalk.
“Haibo! Nhlangano what are you doing?”
Thalente’s high pitched voice makes my
friends turn and see me charging towards
Rajesh.
“You back stabbing bastard,” I try to punch
Rajesh but our friend manages to grab me
from the back and pull me away.
“Dude, WTF?” someone in the group exclaims. I
don’t care about any of them, I’m seeing red.
The beast in me wants to tear Rajesh apart,
into tiny fuckin pieces.
“My girl? Really? How could you do this to
me?” I’m kicking and screaming, desperate to
free myself.
“Nhlaks, I didn’t plan to fall in love with her
man. We just bumped into each other in
Johannesburg, at campus and we started
hanging out. We connected in a way I can’t
explain, I’m sorry…”
Ze interjects, “Babe, you don’t owe this
asshole any explanations,” she says, brushing
his arm lovingly.
“Wena, go fuck yourself. I’m not your girl,”
she’s wagging a finger at me, “Focus on your
pregnant junkie and stay the fuck away from
us. If you ever try this shit again, I swear
you’ll wish you never knew me at all,” she
sneers and I’m looking at her with tears
burning my eyes.
“Okay, okay. I got him. Nhlangano let’s go,”
Thalente says, grabbing my hand.
“Ze, please. I’m sorry, I swear I never meant to
hurt you. Babe, I love you so much.” she clicks
her tongue and walks away. Rajesh runs
behind her, they make it to his car and he
opens the passanger door for her then runs to
his side. With a heavy heart I watch them
drive away.
“Fuck you dude, you just messed up our
plans.” they all walk to their cars.
THULISILE KHAMBULE
This is the hardest thing and yet the best
thing I’ve ever decided to do for myself. I
know my children are hurting over this but
like I told them, it’s time I went out there to
explore the world. For many years I lived for
everyone else except myself and now it’s time
to spread my wings and fly. My dream has
always been to travel the world and see its
beauty, I never got the chance to do it but
now is the perfect opportunity. My children
are grown, I have the time and money to live
on the road and experience things out there.
We are at the airport and everyone is crying.
The mother in me is telling me not to be
selfish and stick around for my daughters. But
a part of me that’s desperate to be freed is
telling me to run towards the plane and chase
the sun. Something deep inside of me tells me
that something amazing awaits me on the
other side.
“I will check in frequently and come home
now and again. You guys can always fly to my
destination at the time to spend some time
with me,” I say, hoping it makes it easier for
them. But if we are being honest, nothing will
make Senzeni and Sihle to understand why
their mother is choosing to leave them in
South Africa to hop from one foreign country
to the next.
“Ma, please. You can vacation now and again,
not live out there and visit us. We are your
family, we need you ma,” I smile, tears
flowing down my face.
“I’ve been through so much, Sihle. I also need
me, please try and see things from my point
of view,” she attacks her sister with a hug
and they cry together. It’s been so intense
throughout the week leading to today. We
have been preparing for this since February
but I guess that wasn’t enough to make it
any real, only this moment could.
I decide to hug my best friend goodbye, she’s
been crying her eyeballs out on Shlobo’s chest.
I think her hormones are exaggerating
everything, poor thing.
“Hey, don’t cry. I promise to be in the country
when you give birth,” I say and she smiles as I
wipe her tears.
“If you don’t then I’ll hate you forever,” she
says and I hold out my pinky finger, she joins
hers with mine and the promise is sealed.
“Oh, Naledi Mavimbela. God, who would have
thought we’d be crying for each other some
day?” we both laugh.
“I know right? I would have laughed if
someone told me at the beginning that you’d
be my most valued friend,” she says and I’m
glad our paths crossed. This girl before my
eyes turned out to be my pillar of strength,
my confidant and everything a best friend is.
“I wish you nothing but peace and happiness.
Love? You’ll always have plenty of that from
us all. You’re an amazing woman and you
deserve to live a beautiful, adventurous life
that fulfills every part of your soul. Go on and
be great, my friend. I will miss you always,”
we tighten the hug.
“Thank you so much,”
“This will always be home Thuli, never forget
that,” Shlobo mutters and I nod vigorously.
“Thank you. And please take care of this one,
she means so much to me,” we shake hands.
“Hey,” a voice says behind me and I quickly
pivot, knowing exactly who it is.
“Uhm… He.. Hey, what are you doing here?”
Mongezi smiles nervously. That’s a first, he’s
always so dominant and confident in himself.
“I couldn’t just let you leave without seeing
you off,” he mutters and I smile, a genuine
smile.
“Thank you, it means a lot,” I say and he opens
his arms for a hug. I don’t hesitate, I walk
straight into his embrace. It has been such a
long time, a part of me misses him so bad but
I know my decision was the best for us both.
I broke things off a month ago when he
confessed his love for me, I couldn’t belive it, I
couldn’t accept it. What he felt was not really
love, we were just in each other’s space so
much so that we couldn’t function without
each other. My children ended up accepting
that I’m with him and that made Khabo blow
up. We haven’t seen or spoken to her in a
while because of that, I hope my children get
to mend things with their aunt.
“Please miss me,” he whispers and I giggle.
“I already am,” that’s the honest truth.
I’m going to keep in touch and propose that
he visits me while I’m in some countries, but
I’ll make sure to make him understand that
we can never have a relationship like that. I
want him to enjoy the lifestyle I provide for
him and when the time comes for him to
meet his one I’ll let him go because he truly
deserves to be loved and cherished.
“I’m going to email you everyday. I’m sorry in
advance.” I’d love that very much,
I say to myself and we break the hug.
I turn to look at my children, they’ve calmed
down now.
“I love you all, please be okay for me. I will
call everyone of you when I get to my hotel in
Maldives.” that’s my first destination.
Two weeks in paradise to relax and get ready
for my new adventure.
CHAPTER 74
KHWEZIKAZI GUMBI
WARNING: MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME
READERS.
“Mphiks, please. I need a fix, can’t you see I’m
loosing my mind here?” I say and he shakes his
head, “Why are you doing this? You promised
that I’ll have as many drugs as I want for
helping you take Nhlangano from Shlobo.
Don’t go back on your word,” he leans back on
the couch and spreads his legs.
“You’ve been on free mode for a long time,
Khwezi. Shelter, food, money, drugs. It’s time
you work for your bit,” he says and I gasp in
shock. Has he forgotten that the department
took my certificate to teach?
“That’s not what we agreed on, Mphikeleli.
Keep to your end of the deal or I swear I’ll sing
like a cannery to Nhlangano. I will tell him
that I’m not pregnant and you don’t give a
rats ass about him, you’re just using him to
hurt Shlobo,” I threaten and he quickly gets on
his feet, shaking with anger. He’s intimidating
but I won’t show any sign of weakness, he has
to know that he won’t play ball on top of my
head.
“Are you threatening me Khwezi?” he asks,
slowly walking towards me.
“It’s a promise. You won’t use me like this,” a
hot slap lands on my face and I fall flat on my
ass.
“How dare you?” I ask with a shaking voice. A
hand placed over my burning cheek. No man
has ever laid a hand on me before.
“You bitch! You think you can threaten me?
Do you have any idea who the fuck I am? I’m
not Nhlangano, you can’t toy with me bitch,”
he looks murderous and I regret ever
threatening him.
He kneels down and unzips his pants, I
immediately get an idea of what he wants to
do and I try to crawl away but he grabs my
ankles.
“You’ve been begging Nhlangano to fuck you
for months now. Let me give you a grown
man’s dick,” I’m shaking my head, tears
streaming down my face.
“No, no, no. Please, don’t do this. I’m begging
you please,” I’m kicking him off but he’s so
strong. He roughly pulls my underwear down
and opens my legs wide.
“Mphikeleli, I’m begging you,” I scream but it
falls on deaf ears. He enters me at one go and
I cry in agony. Why is he doing this to me? I
don’t deserve this.
“Stop, please,” he takes my underwear and
gags me with it.
It’s painful, he’s rough and enjoying every
minute of it.
“Fuck, now I can understand why my son was
so obsessed. You have a sweet cunt,” Where’s
Nhlangano? Can he just walk in and stop his
father from hurting me this way.
“Your days of free things have come to an end.
You have to contribute. I can’t give you my
drugs to sell, you’d smoke everything. But,
you do have a pussy that makes a man
salivate and that’s what you’ll use to bring in
the money. From Monday you’re joining my
girls at the flat, congratulations you’re now a
prostitute,” he says and my heart drops into
my stomach. Over my dead body, I’d rather die
than sleep with strange man for money.
He starts groaning and suddenly stops
moving, he has released his damn filthy load
inside of me. I have never felt so dirty in my
whole life. This hurts more than anything.
Mphikeleli gets up and fixes himself. I’m
crying silently, looking at this man who just
violated me in the worst way possible. He
fishes for something in his pocket then
throws it at me, it’s a packet of cocain.
“You’ll get two bags a day, if you want more
then you’ll have to pay. My guy at the brothel
will explain the details of your new job to you
on Monday.” son of a bitch. I’m not going to
be his whore.
“Get up and go get yourself cleaned up before
Nhlangano gets back,” he orders but I just
remain in this position, feeling numb.
“Yei wena sfebe!” he kicks my legs until I
crawl to the bathroom. I have never hated
anyone the way I hate Mphikeleli, I’d pull the
trigger without hesitating if I had a gun
pointed at him.

KATHERINE MOLOTSI
I’m sitting around the table with my parents,
siblings and Karabo. We are celebrating the
verdict. I’m so relieved that Thabo is going to
pay for everything he has done to me these
past few months. After filling for divorce he
started losing his mind, Thabo stalked and
threatened me. I reported him to the police,
got restraining orders but nothing stopped
him. He continued to make mine and Karabo’s
life a living hell.
One night my girlfriend and I got home from
our date and found him in our house with a
gun, he was ready to kill us both. You can
imagine how scared I was for myself and
Karabo. The thought of her dying because she
loves me chocked me.
I tried reasoning with him but he didn’t want
to listen, he wanted me dead. That night I
died a million deaths after he pulled the
trigger on Karabo. If she didn’t move the
bullet would have went to her hear but by
God’s grace it landed in her shoulder. When he
tried to shoot again his gun jammed and
that’s when I took the opportunity to fight
him. We wrestled for the gun for a while until
it fell, when he tried to go for it I grabbed the
sculpture and hit him hard on the head. He
was unconscious immediately and that’s
when I restrained his arms and called the
police and the ambulance. He was arrested
and bail denied.
Today our long, exhausting trial was rested.
He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment
on two counts of attempted murder. This has
brought relief to us but it has made Thabo’s
mother to hate me even more. She was
present at the sentencing with Mabatho. I
bumped into them as we left the court room
and my ex mother-in-law spit in my face. I
just laughed at her and walked away, I don’t
care about her, her son deserves to do time
for trying to kill us.
“Babe, are you okay?” Karabo whispers to me
and snap out of it.
“Hey, love. I’m great. I’m just this king of how
normal we will start feeling,” I say and she
nods in agreement.
“Yeah, I just want to put this whole thing
behind us and focus on the future,” I smile.
“The future, that gets me excited,” I watch her
blush scarlet. We have spoken of what we’d
like to have in the future, marriage and kids
are in the books. I cannot wait to live happily
with this gorgeous woman next to me.
“You and I both babe,” I grab my glass and gulp
down my wine.
“You’re driving, Katherine,” my mother says as
I’m about to refill my glass.
“One of you will have to take the wheels of
my car. Karabo and I need to really celebrate
this. I mean it has been a long couple of
months,” she shakes her head.
“Take it to your house then. We are done
eating, we can all go,” mama mutters.
“Yeah, we still have to drive back to
Rustenburg,” my brother adds.
“Okay, let me get the bill,” the waitress passes
and I call her and ask her to bring the bill.
“Uhm, thank you everyone for supporting us
throughout this court case. It really means a
lot to us,” I clasps Karabo’s hand.
“We will always be there for you, Kat,” my
father says and I know it’s true. My parents
have always been on our side even when they
don’t fully agree with our life choices.
My phone chimes and I quickly peep on my
screen. It’s a text from Naledi, she says she
heard that Thabo will be locked up for a good
time and she’s happy that the law didn’t fail
me. I’m surprised to hear from her, especially
after how I’ve been ignoring her calls and
messages over the months. I didn’t even
attend her lobola negotiations in December. I
was still so angry with her for not telling me
that Thabo was hitting on her, but I think I
have to let that go and apologize to Naledi for
treating her so badly. She has always been a
great friend to me and she doesn’t deserve the
shit I’ve been doing to her.
I quickly text her “Thank you”. I’ll give her a
call sometime this week.
“Who is that?” Karabo asks.
“Uhm, it’s Naledi. She says she’s happy for us,”
I explain and she narrows her eyes.
“She’s still texting?” I nod.
“Yeah, I think it’s time I give her a call. She
honestly doesn’t deserve how I’ve been
treating her,” she raises an eyebrow.
Me fixing things with Naledi will definitely
cause problems in my relationship, but I’ll do
my best to make my girlfriend understand
that it won’t be like it was with Vhutshilo.
Naledi will never come before her.
“Uhm, okay.” I take a deep breath.
We can’t do this here infront of my family. I
need them to see us happy and healthy.
CHAPTER 75
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA
I’ve been a happy man these past couple of
months but I’ve been the happiest these last
few days. My life took a turn and it wasn’t for
the worst, I met a woman, married her
withing a blink of an eye and now she’s
expecting my son or daughter. I still cannot
believe that this is my life now, but God
knows that I’ll forever praise him for seeing
me worthy to live such a beautiful story. I
wish Nhlangano was still a part of my life so
he could enjoy this warmth with me, but he
has chosen his own path and I’ve learned to
accept that. I’ll always love him though, I am
just not going to force myself on him. When
his eyes are finally opened to who Mphikele
really is and comes to me to say sorry then I’ll
accept him with open arms.
I just had a lengthy conversation with my
sisters silent grave, I pray she heard every
single word and she will fight from her grave
to save her boy. This is the first time since
Nhlangano left that I gathered some courage
to talk to Busi. I felt like this is the right
time, you know, with my own baby coming. I
cannot stress and worry over him like I’ve
been doing, the new life Naledi and I are
expecting is all I have to focus on.
I check my phone for time, I don’t want to be
late for lunch. Oh, would you look at that,
five texts from my little sister. I bet she sent
me a picture of her new pair of shoes. I hate
Vivian Reddy for bringing Platinum walk to
Durban, but at the same time I love seeing my
sister happy and living her life. Thalente had it
hard growing up and I’m glad I can afford her
all the good things life can offer.
It’s not shoes or a handbag, just pictures of
the children from the shelter she volunteers
at. She hosted a little event for them, food,
jumping castles, presents and the works.
Thalente has changed, her looks, her little
attitude and things like that, but one thing
that hasn’t changed is her passion for helping
people and changing their lives. I am so proud
of her and I know for a fact that she’s going
to make one hell of a psychologist. I quickly
fire her a response and walk back to the
house.
“What’s funny?” I ask as I step inside and find
my wife and my mother laughing at the top
of their lungs. The sight of them this way
always leaves my heart feeling warm.
“Ma is still praying that I don’t gain any
weight on my bums during this pregnancy.
She says they’ll push you off the bed,” I throw
my head back and laugh. MaZikode needs to
let my wife’s ass off the hook. I am obsessed
with it and it drives me insane when I’m
hitting it from the back.
“Oh, MaZikode,” I say, pulling out the kitchen
stool and settling down. Naledi quickly gets
on her feet and head to the microwave and
my food is warming up in a second. She’s
looking like a true makoti, I love seeing her in
this village look. She’s wearing a brown and
white pinofor, a head wrap with the same
colors and there’s a doek going across her
chest. My late father is surely bragging about
his one and only daughter-in-law in heaven.
“Thanks babe,” I say as she places a small
basin with warm water and a dish cloth
infront of me. I love how she doesn’t shy
away from doing things old school while we
are here.
She goes to get my plate from the microwave
then comes and places it infront of me. I hold
her hand as she’s about to walk away, she
faces me again and I kiss her bearly visible
bump. Did I mention that we are only 3
months pregnant?
“Oh, Shlobo. I can only imagine how happy you
are to be welcoming your first child,” my mom
comments and I gulp down my saliva and
move my eyes from her.
“I cannot wait to see this one in here,” I say
and Naledi smiles down at me.
“Me too daddy. Now eat your food,” I nod.
“Yes, ma’am,”
“Oh not again,” Naledi mutters as she settles
down on her chair. MaZikode chuckles and I
just eat my food, sharing the same
frustrations as my wife.
“I know my love, I know,” There’s a church
that’s being held at the homestead closest to
ours. MaZikode said it’s been happening since
Thursday night. We arrived in Mahlabathini
yesterday and found a traffic of cars, coming
and going from that church. Ma says it’s a
young woman leading everything, hopefully
people aren’t falling for a scammer. People are
so desperate for money they aren’t even
afraid to use the lords name in vain.
“We should go and see what it’s all about. The
village women can’t stop singing her praises,”
oh no thank you.
“Nah, I think Naledi and I will pass,” I quickly
respond and my mother smacks her lips.
.
.
.
I am woken up from my peaceful, deep sleep
by someone banging on our door and crying.
What the fuck is this? I check my phone on
the pedestal and it’s only 3 in the morning,
who does this shit at people’s homes?
The banging gets worse and the person is
pleading with us to open, it’s a woman. Could
she be in serious trouble? I quickly climb off
the bed and that wakes Naledi.
“Baby, what’s going on?” she asks but I can’t
really see her face because it’s dark in here.
“I don’t know baby but I’ll go check. Stay in
bed,” I say hurriedly, grabbing my pants.
“Shlobo no! You can’t go out there, what if
they hurt you?” she’s scared, I can’t miss it in
her voice.
“I’m a big boy love, don’t worry. I just need
you to stay in here until I say it’s safe to
come out,” I switch on the lights and find her
eyes threatening to fall off.
“Okay?” she nods imperceptibly and I head out
the door. I find my mother about to knock on
our door, she looks terrified too.
“Who could that be?” she asks and I shrug my
shoulders.
“I don’t know, but I’m about to find out.
Please go to your room and I’ll come get you
when it’s safe,” I say and she raises an
eyebrow.
“I am not MaMoletsane and I don’t mean that
in a bad way. What I’m saying is she needs
protecting in her state and because she’s your
wife, my daughter. I am the owner of this
house so we go open together,” only then do I
see the golf stick and whip in her hands. I
grab the stick and lead the way.
I unlock the door and find a woman dressed in
white kneeling by our door, wailing so
painfully. There’s a man besides her, brushing
her back. He gets up as soon as the door is
fully opened.
His face gets lighting and I narrow my eyes,
his eyebrow is arched in a second. He can
recognize me too, I just don’t know where I
know him from but I do.
“It’s you,” he says, ignoring the woman
begging me to stop. I’m not sure what she’s
on about but I’m annoyed because there are
people at the gate watching this free show.
“Who are you? Why are you people doing this?”
I ask, completely angry.
“My name is Qophelo, this is my wife,
Londeka. Something similar to this happened
a while ago at the airport,” he says and it all
comes back to me. That was months ago and
I told them we weren’t interested in whatever
message they had for us. How did they find
us?
“Are you stalking us?” I ask, shocked out of
my mind
“No, no. We aren’t stalking you but this is not
coincidental either. My wife has a gift, like I
mentioned then. We came to this village to
help people from here and the neighboring
towns and villages. We were sleeping and she
woke up crying, I knew they had given her a
message in her dreams. She ran here and I
followed because I’m the only one who can
deal with her when the spirit has taken over,”
he explains, desperate for me to believe him.
“Shlobo, what is he talking about?” MaZikode
asks from behind me.
“I’ll explain ma,” I quickly answer MaZikode,
“Man, what is this? What does your wife want
from us?” I ask, anger has turned into fear
and curiosity.
He kneels down and starts brushing her back
again as she cries and hits the stoep with her
fists.
“Zulu, Mageba, calm down. He’s willing to
listen, calm down and explain the message to
them,” he says softly.
I can recognize the gentleness he uses with
her, he’s a man in-love and would do
absolutely anything for his wife. Just like me.
“Mavimbela… you can’t, she’s… not your…
wife but…” she says between hiccups.
“This is absolute madness, Naledi is my wife. I
know I started things on the wrong foot but I
rectified my mistakes, I paid lobola and the
remaining traditional ceremonies are going to
take place before the year ends,” I explain and
the woman grabs my legs.
“You don’t understand. You need to listen and
hear me…”
“Baby,” I quickly turn and find my shaking
wife standing in the middle of the kitchen, in
her gown and tears streaming down her face.
“What’s wrong babe?” my heart is thumping
against my chest.
“I uhm…Shlobo…I think…” she breaks down
and my heart drops into my stomach.
“Hey, I’m here. Talk to me, please,” I cup her
face and peck her lips repeatedly.
“No… No… Please stop it,” The Londeka lady
whimpers.
“Talk to me,” I coax Naledi and her eyes look
down at the feet and mine follow. There’s
drops of blood on the floor; Where’s that
coming from?
“I think I’m having a miscarriage,” it comes
out in an almost whisper and I die a million
deaths in a second.
“What no, baby, no,” I say, tears burning my
eyes. We can’t lose this baby.
“Don’t cry, it’s for the best,” Londeka says and
Naledi gasps in shock. I’m horrified to say the
least, how dare she says something so
insensitive.
“Get the hell away from us!” I scream.
“Shlobo, ignore her. We have to take Naledi to
the hospital now.” my mother says and I snap
out of my anger and run to the bedroom to
get my keys and phone. I come back to Naledi
in the same spot and my mother comforting
her. I don’t say anything, I just scoop mine in
my arms and rush out. My mother is behind
us, I hear her telling the still crying Londeka
and her husband off as she locks the door.