Shegrappedmebymyhai randthrewmeout ,

Shutt
ingthedoorbehind.Istoodupandslowl y
headedbackandj uststoodbehinditf
rom outsi
de
andli
stenedtotheirevi
llaught
erandloudvoicesas
theyappl
audedherf orkicki
ngmeoutl i
keadogt hat
Iwas.
Lady1:May beshe'
l
lfi
nall
ygeti
tthr
oughhert
hick
skul
lthatshe'
snotwelcomedhere.
Lady2:Whycan'
tshej
ustgofi
ndherori
ginal
pater
nalf
amil
yanywayandl
eaveusthefuckalone?
!
Lady3:Getoffhercasealreadyy ouguy s.Shedid
notchoosetobeast epchild.AndI '
m sureifshe
hadachoice,she'
dgof araway ,wher eshewoul dn'
t
havetodealwithyoureverydaywi ckedway s.Just
l
eavethepoorchil
dal one.

Allt
histimeIwasstandingthereeavesdroppingto
andal l
owingthei
rwordsli
keswor dsli
tthroughmy
soul.Iwalkedawaytomyout sideroom thatwas
gi
vent omebymyunmar r
iedauntwhof eltIdidn'
t
deservetostayatmyhomet hatwasjustnextdoor
af
termypar
ent
sdi
ed.

Myst epfather,whol ovedmedear l

ydur inghi sdays
ofhisl if
ewasal astbornof4si bli
ngs.Af termar ryi
ng
mymot herwhenIwasj ust2y ear
sol d, t
heydeci ded
thattheywer egonnabui ldahousej ustnextdoor
from mygr andparent '
shouse.Iwasanonl ychi l
d.
Apar antelymymot hercoul dn'tbearmyf atherkids
aftermeduet osomecompl i
cati
onswi t
hherwomb.
SoIr emai nedanonl ychildt i
l
lbothmypar entsgot
kill
edi nacarcr ashwhenIwas18andi nmat r
ic.
Thingshav en'
tbeeneasyf ormesi nce.Mywhol e
wor l
dcamest umblingdownev ersince.Iwentf rom
beingahappyext r
ov enchi ldtobeingani solated
i
nt r
ov ertwhopr efaredt obeal oneal lthetime.
Peacebecamemyl ongl ostfri
endt hatIlongedf or
,
fortheday sofmyl ife.

Hi,MynameisSnenhl
ahlaKhumalo.An18y
earsol
d
gir
lwholiv
esint
hebundus.Pleasecomeembarkon
thejour
neyofmyli
fewit
hme.
I
nser
t1

Iwassuperexci t
edandr eli
evedt ohav ewri
tt
enmy
l
astf inal exam papert osayt heleast.Icoul
dnot
believet hiswasi t
..
.theendofmyhi ghschooldays.
Finall
y !Nomor ecrossnightsandgoodby etoallt
he
stressandenxi etythatcamewi thbei ngacandi
date.
Mat ri
ci sn'tchil
d'
spl ay.Letalonewheny ouhadto
deal wi ththeloseofy ourpar entswi t
hinabli
nkofan
eyei nt heinteri
m.Iwasst il
lmour ningthei
rpassi
ng.
Andt hef eel
ingwasst i
llf
reshlikebakedcookiesin
myhear t.I
t'
sbeen7mont hssi nceithappenedbut
mymot her'simaginewasst i
llvivi
dinmyhead.Ihad
wokenuponanor dinarySaturdaytodomychor es
whenmypar entswer egetti
ngr eadyt ogototown
thatday .Lit
tl
edidIknowt hatitwast hel
astti
meI
wasseei ngthem.

Mymot hercameoutofthei
rmasterbedroom
dressedi
nanelegantbodyt
ightbl
ackdresst
hat
huggedherinal
ltheri
ghtpl
aces.Shehadfawn
ankledboot son, ascalfwrappedar oundher
shoul ders,afawnandmi l
i
tarygreenst ri
ppedcoat
hangi ngonherar m andabl ackleatherhandbag.
Sheal way spr efar
edanat urall
ooksoshehadher
hugebeaut if
ul afr
opul l
edbackint oani cebunand
herlipsgl owingf r
om al i
ghtpinklipgloss.Shewas
perfectbef oremyey es.Shewasgi v
ingmest r
ict
ordersonhowt ocleanherhouseasal wayswhen
mydadcamer ushi
ngoutandcompl ainedabout
ti
meal ready.Heki ssedmycheekbr ieflybefor
e
headingoutandt hatwasi t
..
.t
hel asttimeIsawmy
parent s.

Iwasbroughtbackt
oli
febysomebodynudgi
ngme
l
ight
ly.
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
youwer
esay
ing?
"
Amo:"Pennyforyourt
hought
s?"Shesai
dwav
ingher
handonmyf ace.
Me:"
Ar gsor
rymandude.Iwasjustt
hinki
ngabout
wher
et ofr
om her
e.Youknow,nowthatwe'r
edone
wi
thhighschool
."
Isai
ddismissi
ngherf
rom aski
ngmeami
l
li
on
quest
ions.
Amo: "
Varsit
ybabeeey.Iactuall
ycannotwai ttoget
outofhere.I
'm sodonewiththel i
feofthebundus
al
ongwi t
hboy saroundhere.Timet orollwit
hthe
bi
gdogsnow. "shesai
dwigglingherey ebrows.
Amoi syourt ypi
calratchetgir
l.Shedoesn'ttakel
i
fe
seriousl
y.Bei ngasmar typant
st hatsheis,shewas
stil
lapartyani mal,drankbeerl i
kethosebuchelor
unclesint heneighbour hoodandwasachai nsmoker.
Itwassaf et oconstractasent enceusingherand
troublealltogether
.Shewasmyf r
iendandIloved
hernonet heless.
Me:"
WellI
'
m act
ual
lygladI
'
m notgoi
nganywher
e
wi
thyouAmo.You'
rel
ikearot
tenpot
atowena"
Amo: "Dude,youshouldletlooseman.l i
vealitt
le.
You'r
est i
l
lav ir
ginatyourageev en.Imeanwho
doesthat?"sher ol
ledhereyesdr amat i
call
y"Ihope
youmeetat hugofaboy fr
iendi nPretori
anexty ear
andregretnotgiv i
ngawayt hatcooki et
ot hevil
lage
boys.
"shebusti ntolaught
er .Ichuckledandshook
myheadl
i
ght
ly.
Me: "wellI'
m wai ti
ngf ormyMrr i
ght.Andnot hing
youorany bodywi llsayt oinfluencemeot herwi se"I
saidbor edandl ookingatmywr i
stwat ch."Oh
sharks!Igot tagoAmo. "Myhear tracedatt he
real
isat i
onofmebei ngl at
ef ormycur few.Yup. ..
I
wasst ayi
ngi nmygr andmot her 'shousewi thmy
wicketunmar ri
edauntwhohadt woillegitimate
chil
drent hatcameandwentast heypl eased, any
timeoft hedaybutgav emeacur fewt hatwas4pm.
IfIhappenedt onotsetf ootont hey ardbef oret hen,
Iwasgoi ngt obemetbyav eryagoni sing
punishment .Iwasei thergoingt obepour edbyan
i
cycol dwat erandgetbeat enupwi t
hasj umbok.Or
theywer egonnal ockmeoutf rom themai nhouse
andf rom myout sider oom wi thoutfoodt hatday .
AndIwasgonnasl eepout si
de.That '
showmuch
thatwomanhat edmygut s.Ev enaf t
erI '
vebeena
partoft heirfamilyfor16y ears.
Isai
dmygoodby est
oAmoandot herfel
l
owschool
matessincethatwasourl
astdayofschool
and
i
mmedi atel
yspranghome.
Igott here15: 55pr eciselyandt hef i
rstthingIwas
metwi t
haf terst eppingmyf ootinsidet hehouse
wasav eryshar pslapcr osst heface.It empor ar
ily
l
ostmysi ght .Itwasal lblank.AsIwasst illt
ryi
ngt o
registerwhatwasgoi ngon, anotheronel andedon
myr i
ghtcheekandIst umbl edback, landi ngwit
hmy
backagai nstt hewal l.IThi nkmycheekwent
paralysedf oramomentbecauseIcoul dn' tf
eeli
tasI
stoodt herer ubbi ngit.At eardropv oluntaril
ycame
roll
i
ngdownmycheekf rom myr ightey e.Isatdown
onmybut tandbur ri
edmyheadonmykneesand
wept .Whydi dmypar entshav etoleav emebehi nd.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__

Shor
tandunedi
ted.
Pleaseli
keandcomment .Let'
sengageandtal
k
aboutthecharect
orsandwhaty outhi
nkoft
hem so
far.Don'
tfor
gettoalsoshar
e,please.
I
nser
t2

Iremai
nedint
hatposit
ion,al
l
owingtheki
cking,
punchi
ngandman-handli
ngthatIhadcomingin.
AuntNosi pho: "
Si kimanjandini.Whyi sy oust i
ll
sitt
ingdown?Heh?Whyi sy ounotf i
ghtl i
kethebi g
girlthaty ouare? "Shewaspant i
ngandr unningout
ofbr eathf r
om al ltheenergyshewasusi ngbeating
meup.Icoul dn'tfeel at
hingany more.Iwasusedt o
beingherandherel derdaught er,Khosi'spunching
bag.Whenev ertheyhadabaddayorwokenupon
thewr ongsideoft hebed, t
hey 'dtakeitoutonme.
Somybodyhadgot tenusedt oendur ingal lt
he
physi calpain."Standupandf oughtme.Angi thi
ungumf aziwenay oudon'tfoll
owr ul
es.St andup."I
didnotf eelatt
ackedany mor e.Iguessshegott i
red
beat i
ngmeup.Ibr oughtmyheadupf rom myknees
slowl ywi t
hmyhandsbl ockingandshi eldingmy
facef rom anyat t
ack.Shehadbot hherhandsonher
waistandwaspant i
ng.
Me:
"Ngy
acol
i
saf
orbei
ngl
ateaunt
y.I
twi
l
lnev
er
happenagai
n,Ipr
omise.
"Isai
dwit
hmyvoi
ce
qui
veri
ngandlooki
ngatherfr
om t
hev
iewofmy
bl
ockedhands.
AuntNosi pho:"Iwantt obeeat edby7.Uy angizwa?I
wantt obeeat ed.Munt 'angazeak' f
akeimpamanj e.
Vezandl ebendi ni!Getst ar
ti
ngnow"Shecl ickedher
toungeandwal kedaway .Il
ookedatherbodyt hat
wassqueezedi nsidel egginsasshewentaway .God
musthav ebeent ir
edcr eati
ngt hiswomanbecause
wow. .
.ev enaf reshelybakedsqueezedwhi tebread
doesn'tlookt hismi s-shapen.Nj eakahlangani
l
omunt u.Shehadl ongdar kski nnedf i
nger
sand
nailsthatlookedl ikecl awsandl ikedpaint
ingt hem
wi t
hadar kpinknai lpol i
sh,ringson3ofherf i
ngers
exceptf orthemat rimoni alfi
ngerandt hethumbon
bothhands.Shehadf eetwi t
hdar kheelsl
ikethose
ofment hatsmokeWeed.Li ket hatwouldst opher
from wear ingflipflops.Shedi dn'tgiveacareint he
wor l
d.Chewi nggum nev erl
ef thermout h.

Imadefi
rei
nthestov
er eal
quick,
washedthepot
andputi
tov
erthecoalstov
e.Iwasbusypeeli
ng
potatoes,l
ostinmyownt houghtswhenKhosi came
i
n.Shedr aggedherwhol efatbodylazi
ly,
lookingas
drai
nedasev er.Shelookedatmef r
om headt ot oe,
cl
ickedhertoungeandpassedby .Iwonderwhat
mangotherdr ai
nedthisti
me.Sheandhermot her
al
way sbringdiff
erentmeni nthehouse.Li
terally
newf aceseveryti
meandZama, theyoungersister
di
dn'tli
keitonebit.Iwonderwher eshewas
becauseIhav en'
tseenheral l
day.

Ifi
nishedcooki ng.Ev ery
bodyhadeat edandIhad
fi
nishedwashi ngthedi shesaswel l.Ir esor t
edt obed.
Ihadmypor t
abl eradioinmyr oom t hatwasbought
tomebymyf atheronmy16t hbir
thday .Il
istenedto
Jacarandaanddr i
ftedof ftomyper fectwor l
d.I
couldn'
twaitformyr esul t
st ocomeoutsoI '
dpack
mybagsandf inallyleavet hishellhol e.These
peopledon'tknowt hatthesewer et hei rlastday sof
enslavi
ngandbossi ngmear ound.Iwasgonnal eave
andt hehousewoul dsmel l becauset hei rmaid
woul dbegone.AuntNosi pho'sdaught erscoul dn'
t
evensweepamer ef loor.Ili
stenedt omusi cand
zonedout
.

Iwaswokenupbyt her aysofsunshinestingingmy

eyes.Irubbedt hem br i
eflyandgotup.Isatont opof
thebedt hinkingaboutwhatmydaywoul dl ooklike
today.Iheardal oudsoundout sidethencommot ion.
Whati sgoingon?I tsoundedl i
keacarhadj ust
parkedout sideoury ard.Drunkandloudv oiceswer e
neari
ng, bi
tbybi t
..
.Ididn'tquietmakesureofwhat
theywer esay ingbutt heywe-" BANG!BANG! "a
roughknockcamet hroughmydoor .Whocoul dthat
besoear l
yint hemor ning?!
AuntNosi pho:"Yewenl it
tl
edevil.Vul
al ah.Youstil
l
sleepthistime.Agi rl
doesn'tl
etsunshi neherinthe
but t
.Vukay ong"BANG!BANG!BANG!whatt hefuck!
Likeser i
ously
!Igrabbedmygownandpushedmy
fl
ipf l
opsin,headingtot hedoor.Iopenandt hef i
rst
thingthathitmynost ri
lsisasmel lofalcohol.No,
maket hatasmell ofbreweryandami xerofpiss.I
gagged.Si esman!
Me:
"Aunt
y."
AuntNosipho:
"Uthi
nyant
i.Vulala.Ul
elenoban
ngapha.Whoyousleepwith"shesaidpushi
ngthe
doorandstumbli
ngin,
almostf al
li
ng.
Me:"
Hai
boaunti
ngi
l
alangedwanj
e?!Whoar
ethese
menandwher
eareyouf
rom?didyouev
ensl
eep?"
AuntNosi:"Yeyfosegwena.Ngazongbuz'i
papale
speci
allah.Angl
alangaubsukubonkengfunel
a
wenaindota.Manjeuzong'
buzaamanyala.Hambo
geza"sheburped,leav
ingt
heatmospheresmelli
ng
l
ikeumcombot hi.
"Excusesme.Hambogezawena.Labobababazel e
wenal ana.Angi t
hiy ou'
redonewi t
hyoureducat i
on? !
Sekus'khat himanjesokut hiuthol
eumunt u
ozokunakekel a.HAMBA! "shesaidexiti
ngt heroom
backt othesecr eepyment hatlookedli
ket heyeat
peoplef orsuper.Theyhadsuchhugebel li
es
danglingof fthei
rownbodi es.I'
m sur
et heywer etaxi
driv
ersorownedsomebecauseandt heywer ein
thoset axirankuniform.Abr andwood, stri
ppedt -
shirtandomegasandal s.I '
m sureoutsidethere'
sa
Cressidat hat'
sparked.
"
Wozababy.
..
"Theydancedli
keteenagegroupi
es
t
hathadj
ustcamebackfrom aspri
ngwelcoming
t
ri
p.
I
nser
t3
*
***
***
**

Timewas11am ont hedot.IWassi nkeddeepi nto

thi
sol dcoucht hatrobbedoneoft hei
rlastpenny
eacht i
me.Thel ivi
ngr oom wasfil
l
edwi thallthese
ment hatAuntNosi showedupwi thearli
er.
Aparantelytheyareher et
oaskf ormyhandi n
marriagef oronemadal awhowassi t
teddirectto
met hatlookedol denought obemyf ather.Hehad
hisgazeonmet hi
swhol eti
me.Icoul dtel
lhewas
l
astingov erme.

AuntNosi :
"ThisisBr orPatmnt anam.Unamat ekisi
aw2andat arven.K'sukelanamhl anje,uzobo
yinkosikaziyakhe"shesai dcout i
ngal l t
hemoney
thatwasont oponacof feetableandwi stl
ing."Yah.
Iphelel
ePatmnganwam.Ngadl ami na"shespr ang
offherf eetandst arteddancingandr ejoi
cing.The
restoft hemenhaddozedof font hesecouches.
Theyl ookedv erytir
ed.Ibettheynev ersleptawi nk
l
astnightbusypl
ottingonhowmucht heywere
gonnaauctionmefor .Yes.
..
toAuntNosiIwasjust
anotherpi
eceoffurnishert
hattookal
lherspacein
thehouse.Sheneededt ogetri
dofme.

Me: "
butAuntNosi I
'm notr
eadytogetmar ri
edmi na.
I'
m sti
ll
youngandst il
lwanttoper
suemycar eer
.
Futhii
sn'tt
hismanol denoughtobemar ry
ing
someoneasy oungasme?Akanamf azi
yin?"She
camef l
yingacrossthetabl
eandslappedmehar d.
Pat :"
mshay e.Akananhl onipholomt wana.Uny oko
akamf undisangaumt hetho"Ist oopupandr anout .I
j
umpedt hef encet hatwassepar atingmypar ents'
housef rom t hegr andpar ents'
.Iranbehi ndthe
house.St oodnextt omypar ent'
smast erbedr oom
windowandscr eamedmyl ungsout .Imi ssedthem, I
mi ssesthem somuch.AndIdi dn'trealisehowl ongI
hadn'tsetf ootint hisy ard.Isankdownt omybut t
andsatdown.Thi swasn' thappeni ng.Ineededa
planandIneededi tfast.TherewasnowayI '
m
mar ryi
ngt hatol dscumbug.
*
***
Itwasi nthemor ningal
ready.Great !Lastni ghtI
packedal lmyclothesandputt hem i nsi derubbish
binbags.Theywer enotmuchbecauseAuntNosi
andKhosi hadtakenawayall myni cecl ot
hes.These
wer ejusttocovermeupsoIwoul dn'twal karound
naked.Ihadcal l
edAmoandexpl ainedwhatwas
goingon.Soshesai dshewasgonnapassi tbyher
mot herandheari fshewouldn'thel pst ayather
housej ustunti
llIgotmyMat ri
cr esult s.Igotupand
satont opofthebedandf li
ckedpl ayedwi thmy
finger
sner vousl
ywhenmyphonebeeped.
'
Mymom sai
dyoucancomest
aywi
thusf
orasl
ong
asy
ouwant'
-
Amo
Idi
dnothav eti
meinthewor l
dt or eply.Igotupand
headedout.Thiswasit
.Thebegi nni ngofmy
fr
eedom.Ibumpedi nt
oZamaout side.Idon'tknow
whatshewasbusywi thbutIdidn'tcar e.Shewas
neveronmycaseany waysoshewoul dn'treal
ly
noti
cedthatI'
m uptosomethi
ng.
Me:
"mor
ningZama"
Zama: "morningbabe."Inoddedbr i
efl
ytryi
ngwi t
h
everyfi
berinmenott opani c.Ijumpedthefencet o
mypar ent'
shouseandwentt ot akemyblasticst
hat
Istashedunderanol dcardoort hatwaslaying
aroundthepr evi
ousnight.Igrappedthem and
j
umpedt hefencetotheot hersideofthestr
eet.I
wasgone.
*
***
***
**

Iwokeupt oasmel lofcoffee.Istruggledopeni ng

myey esbutev ent ual
lysucceeded.Iwassur rounded
bycream bi gwal lsandacei l
ing.Wher ewasi ?Iwas
try
ingtor egist
er .Iremov edthecov ersoffmeand
sprangof ffr
om t hebedandst oodi nmyf eet.Wher e
thehellam i?It ookabr i
eflookatmy sel f
..
.Iwasst il
l
i
nmycl othes.ThankGod.ThatmeansIwasn' t
raped.Butwher ecoul dIpossi blybe.Thi splacei s
forei
gnt ome.Ohshi t.
..
couldi tbethat ,
thatdrunkar d
ofamadal ahav ecapt uredme.It houghtt omy sel
f
l
ookingf rom sidet osi
de.Nonono. ..
.t
hiscannotbe.
Ineedtof indawayout .Ican'ts-thedoorswang
open.Isteppedbackandwas-
Amo:"r
iseandshi
nepri
ncess.It
houghty
ouwer
ean
ear
lybi
rd"shewasbei
ngsarcast
ic.
Me:"t
hankgoodnessi
t'
syou.It
houghtIwas
ki
dnapped.
"Iheavedi
nrel
i
efeholdi
ngmychest
.
Amo:"hai
bomkabr aPat.Hewoul dn'thave
ki
dnappedyouassuch.You'repracti
callyhi
swi f
e
phel
a?!
"Shebustoutinlaughter
."Youcoul dhav e
madeahotslayingshebeenqueent hough.Abany e
abomamabal uckyyaz"shecouldn'tstoplaughi
ng.
MzuzuloyoI
'm annoy
edt othecore.
Me: "
Youcoul
dalwaysgobehi
swif
eonmybehalf
youknow.Helookedmoreofy
ourty
pet
hanmine"I
chuckled
Amo: "
ohnohoney .I
'mtoowildtobedeal ingwitha
diabeticdi
ck.I'
ddiefr
om asexual f
rust
r ation"she
roll
edherey esandwentonmaki ngupt hebed.We
continuedcleani
ngourroom oversil
lytalksandher
expli
citsexstori
es.i
enjoyedl
isteni
ngtot hose.Lol
don'tlookatmel i
kethat,
Iwasjustanint r
igued
vir
ginhao.
Myst ayatAmo' shomewasnot hinglikeIhad
i
magi ned.Iwasusedt obei ngshoutedatandbei ng
abused.Sobei nginsuchaqui eteandpeacef ul
placewasbl i
ss.Myheadwasatt heri
ghtspace.
Whi chwaspr eci
selywhatIneededbef or
efacingthe
realwor l
d.MyAuntst i
l
l hadnoideawher eIwasand
j
ugdi ngf rom bumpingintoZamat heotherdayat
ourl ocalstor
eandbaggi nghernottosayawor d,
it
l
ookedl i
keshel i
stenedbecauseNosi nevercame
l
ooki ngf ormeher e.

Iwasatpeacemaan.Ev engl owi ng.Amo' smom

couldn'tstopappreciati
ngmybeaut y.ShesaidI
remindedherofmymot her .AndboywasIaper f
ect
resembl eceofmymot her !Iwasmel ani
nskinned
withlongey el
ashesandt hi ckey ebrows.Wi t
hpur pl
e
l
ipsar eabeaut uf
ulcur l
edAf ro.IwasanAf ri
can
beauty.IrealNdoni.Iwasn' tsli
m nort hick.
..
Iwasf i
t
baby.Yes. .
.br
oadshol ders,myt hi ghsV-shaped,my
assf i
rm andbeaut i
fulthickcal fs.Ihadboobsl ike
tennisandboywasIhear y .Iwasj ustbeauti
ful
.
I
nser
t4
*
***
***
***

Day swentbyasf astasal ighting.Iguessi t

'st rue
whatt heysay ...
timef li
eswheny ou'
rehav ingf un.I
hadt het i
meofmyl ifeatAmo' shome.Ir emember d
howi tfeltlikebei ngl ovedandcar edf oragai n.They
havebeennot hingbutgoodt omeandIdi dntknow
howI 'dev erthankt hem.Butunf ort
unat elytoday
wast heeday .Mat r
icr esult
swer ecomi ngoutandI
wasaner v ouswr eck.Iknewt hiswoul dbet he
beginningofmef acingl i
feandr ealchallengesal one.
Withoutmymot herorf athertohol dmyhandand
guidemet hrough.Iwasanor phanandt hesoonerI
l
ett hatsink, thebet ter.Thewor ldwasaj ungl e.It
wasadogeatdog.Sur vi
val oft hefitt
estandIhadt o
bracemy sleff orwhatawai tedmeoutt her e.
OtherwiseIwasgoi ngt obeapr aytov ulturesi fI
conduct edmy selfl
ikeaweakl ink.
Wefi
nishedbathi
ngandAmobor rowdmeherj
eans
andasimplet
-shi
rt.Iwor
ethem wit
hmy
sneakers.Thewear therwasf avourableout side.I
combmycur l
yaf r
oni celyandl eti
tl oose.Amo' s
mom cal ledusf orbr eakfast.Shesai dweder served
adelishEnglishbr eakf astbef or
ewecol lectedour
resul
ts.Sowesatdownandsai dgr ace.Amodi gged
i
nshor tlyaft
erbutasf orme, Iwast ooner voust o
stomachany t
hingandIdi dn'
twantt ocomeacr oss
asrudef ornoteat ingsoIt ookaf ewbi t
esanddr ank
theteainstead.Weat eov ersill
ytalksthensai dour
goodby estoAmo' smom.
Me:"Idon'
tknowwhatI'ddoifIdon'tmakei
tAmo"I
sai
dwi t
hmyhandsatt hebackofthejeanpocket
s
andmyf acedown."Imeanifif
ailI
'dbecompell
ed
togobacktomygr andmother'
shouse.Andyou
knowwhatt hatmeansforme"Iwashonestl
yfeel
ing
fr
anti
c.
Amo: "whofai
ls?You?Comeonman.You' r
eli
kethe
Alber
tEinst
einofourschool
.Ifanyt
hing,you'
regoing
tosurpassusallbrur
"shewasn'tl
yi
ngt hough.Isure
wasasmar typants.AndIputinext
rahour sformy
exams.SoIhadt opass.
Me:
thanky
ouAmo.Forbei
ngaf
ri
endi
ndeed.You'
re
l
iterall
ytheonlypersonIhav enow.Andi tpainsme
toknowt hatwe'
regoingourseper ateway snext
year.Hav i
ngnobodyt ocallandconf i
nedinishar d
asitis.Iguessitwasgoingt obeal otmor eeasieri
f
Ihadsi bl
ings.Ornewany bodyf r
om myper t
enal
side."Myey esbreamedwi t
ht ears.Iwantedtocr y
myl ungsoutbutt hi
swasn'tt hedayforanyoft hat.
Shewr appedherar
m ar
oundmyshoul
derand
squeezedme.
Me: "I'
m sorrybabe.ButI'
ll
alway scomet hroughfor
you.Nomat terwherey ougo.EvenifIhav etoridea
dickinorderformet ogettowher ey ouare,
Iwi l
l"I
couldn'
tbeli
ev ethi
sone.Ifoundmy sel
flaughing.
"That'
smygi rl.Any
thingtoseey ousmi l
e."
Wehel dhandsandcont
inuedwalki
nginsil
ence.I
supposeshewasalsonervous.Shewasjustgoodat
suppressi
ngheremoti
ons.
Wear ri
vedatschoolandever
ybodywasal
ready
seatedinthehal
l.Wegotinandsatatt
hebackjust
astheyfini
shedsayi
ngaprayer.
Pr
inci
pal
:"goodmor
ningcandi
dat
es.Imustsay
,i
tis
goodt oseey ouaf tersuchabusyandl ongf estiv
e
season.Ihopeandbel i
evet hatev erybodywassaf e
andt hatweal lmadei ther etoday .Withmei san
envelope.Stil
lsealedf r
om t heD. E.insidearey our
stat
ement sofr esultsandI 'l
lcallouty ournames
onebyoneasy oucomef owar dtocol l
ectit.But
beforewedot hat,
mayIaskt haty ouappl ausef or
yourselvesfortheout standingr esultsthatyou
producedf orourschool t
hisy ear.Wemanagedt o
i
mpr ov efr
om 54%t o89%wi t
hdi sti
nctionsincluded
andwecamenumber2i nthedi stri
cts."
Therewasi nst
antcommot i
on.Scr
eams,drumrol
l
andwhilst
lesinbetween.Thi
swasav ict
oryforus.
Wewor kedextrahardforthi
sposti
ti
on.Itwasn'
ta
hundredpercentbuti
twashuge.
Thepri
nci
pal
conti
nuedshort
lyaf
tert
hecommot
ion
set
tl
edandcall
edoutournames.
Myhear
twaspumpi
ngfast
er.Al
mostl
i
kei
twant
ed
t
ojumpoutofmyr
ibcage.
Mynamewascal
l
edoutandIsprangonmyf eet
st
rai
ghtt
owar
dst
hepr
inci
palandextendedmyhand
tohisforashake.Heopenedhi sarmsf orahug
i
nstead.Hel ockedmei nforwhatseemedl i
kea
l
ifet
imeandsqueezed.Isuf focatedandt appedhis
backli
ghtl
yf orfreedom.Hef i
nalyletgobutsti
llhad
hisarm wrappedar oundmyshoul der.
Pri
nci
pal:nowthi
sisverycompel
l
ing.Pl
easeclap
handsforourAstudenther
e.5di
sti
cti
onsin-
Hedidn'tfinishhissent ence.Halfthehal lwent
bananasbyt hement i
onof5di sti
ctions.Iwas
dumbst ruck.Istoodt herewi t
hmyj awsont hef l
oor
andmyey ewi deopen.Theybecamegl assy .Ithi
nkI
wasalreadycr yi
ng.IknewIwasgoi ngtonai l t
his
butdefinatelynotthisext r
a.Notaf terwritt
ingt he
examsst i
llmoar ni
ngt hedeathofmypar ents.Iwent
downsl owlyonmykneesandcr iedmyl ungsout .I
didn'
tunder standwet herIwascy i
ngbecauseI
passedorbecauseIl ostmypar entsi nmymost
i
mpor tanty earandt heywer en'
theret obepr oudof
me.
Ifel
tsomebodypull
meupandi nforawarm hug.I
gaveinandhuggedthem backf
ordearl
i
fe.Thi
swas
j
ustwhatIneeded.
Pri
nci
pal
:"pl
easeset
tl
edown.Iunder
standt
hisi
s
ver
ycompell
ingbutl
et'
ssav
etime"
Theroom wentsilentwit
hfewwi spershereand
ther
e.Hecongratulatedmeandsai dallheneededt
o
saythenIst
eppeddownt hefewst ai
rsandheaded
backtomyseat .Amowasal readyinherfeetand
herarmswideopen.It hi
nkhekindajumpedupand
downlikeali
tt
lekid.That'
showexci t
edshewasf or
me.Irantoherandwehugged.
Hernamewasal socal
ledoutandshepassedv
ery
wel
leit
her
,obt
ainingabachel
or'
s.
Wewer efi
nal
lyoutsideandhavi
ngchatswithother
pupil
s.Congrati
l
ationswereinorderf
oreverybody
thatpassedandwor dsofencouragementforthose
whodi dn'
tmakei t
.
Ifel
talighttaponmyshoul der.It
urnedt ofindit
wasMr sGumede.ShewasmyPhy sicalScienceand
Mathemat icseducatorandshewasv er
yf ondofme.
MainlybecauseIwasawel l
-mannerdst udentapart
fr
om thef actthatIwasaVanDam i nbot hher
subj
ects.Ilikedhertoo.Shei
sv er
ywar m andl ovi
ng.
Beauti
fi
landf i
l
thyrich.Shetookt eachi
ngasa
hobbymor ethanapr ofessi
on.Herhusbandandshe
hadsuccessfulrunningbusinesses.Thati
ncl
uded
proper
tyowningi nGautengandt heyhad2sons
whower ealr
eadyi nVarsit
y.
Shecal
l
edmef
rom asi
deandwet
alked.
MrsGumede:
"so.
..
U.Phuh?
"Shehadherbeaut
if
ul
smil
eon
Me: "Yesma'am..
.Uni
veri
syofPretor
iahereIcome"I
di
dt hev i
ctor
ydance.Butthenareal
ist
icthought
creepedthroughmymi ndandIstoppedinstant
ly
andf aceddown.
MrsGumede:"
isther
esomethingwrongSne?"She
l
ookedatmewithasadface.Almostl
ikeshewas
t
ryi
ngtoreadme.
Me:"Idon'tknowhowI 'm goi
ngt ogetthere.With
myparent sgone,
Ihavenobody .Idon'
tev enknow
whereI'
llbestayi
ngoreat i
ngwhi l
eItrygetmy sel
f
t
hroughVasi ty
.Imeant heBursaryisgoingtocover
f
oreverythingbutthatmightt
akeawhi l
e.I'
m
f
rustr
ated.Icannotgobackt othathellhole.AndifI
don'
tl
eav
eforv
arsi
tyt
hent
ha-
Sheheltmyhandandsqueezediti
nassur
ancet
hat
ever
ythi
ngwasgoingtobefi
ne.Ihadn'
tev
en
real
i
sedIwassobbing.
Mr sGumede: "Li
stent omeSnenhl anhla.Not hing
andnobodywasgoi ngt ohindery ouf rom reachi ng
yourgoal sandachi ev eingyourdr eams.Notev en
yourself.I'
m wel lawar eofwhat 'sgoingoni ny our
l
ife.From t heperiody oulosty ourpar ents.Thatwas
thereasonwhyIwasal waysony ourcase, pushing
yout odoy ourutmostbesti ny ourstudies.I'm here
foryouandI 'm goingt ohel pyoumakesomet hingof
yourself.Ineedy out ogopacky ourbagsbecauseI '
ll
bedr i
vingy out oPr etoriaonFr iday.You'llstayatone
ofourf l
at sandwe' l
l provideforev erythi
ngi nthe
i
nt er
im unt i
llyouf i
ndy ourfeet.Wi l
lthatwor kf oryou?
IfIsaidIwasspeechlessI'dbely
ing.Iwasbey ond
that.Isqueezedherinforahugandt henquickly
pulledback.Iwasv er
yscaredofher.Shewasv er
y
i
nt i
midat i
ng.Forobvi
ousreasonsthough.Shewas
classy,
richandbeauti
ful.
Sowef i
nalisedeveryt
hingt
henIl
eft
.If
oundAmo
wait
ingf ormej ustaroundt
hecor
nerpuff
ingand
passingwhati tlookedli
keweedt
otheguy sshe
wasst andingwi t
h.
Amo:
"ngi
zoni
bonaar
oundmaj
i
ta"
Guy1:"
surenjay
ethu.Si
sonke.Fedeuzphathegrand
evarsi
ty.Uf
undenjayam.Ungafaninat
hisaan"
Amo:
"sur
emei
bras"shesal
uted.
Shecaughtmestar
ingatherwi
thmyeyebr
ows
rai
sed."
Whatbr
uh"sheroll
edherey
es.
Me:"remindmewhywe'r
efri
endsagain?Because
we'r
esonotcompati
ble.
"Shelookedatmefrom
headtotoe
Amo: "sayssomebodywho' sweari
ngmy
cl
othes,beensleepingonmybedandeat ingmyfood
becausesher anawayf rom somedibet
icmadal
a
whohadj ustlaidlobol
af orhert
oadrunkar
daunt"
shelaughcarefreely
Me:"Amothathurt
s"Isai
dchuckli
ng.Tr
yingt
o
suppr
esst
het ear
sthatwebuil
dingupinmyey es.
Shewrappedherar
m ar
oundmyneckandpul
l
edme
i
nforakissonmycheek.
Amo:"youknowIloveyouman.Qui
tbei
ngsensi
ti
ve.
You'
ll
notsurvi
veoutther
ewi
thyoursof
ti
esel
fwena.
Str
unasi"
.
Iknewshemeantwel l
.Ikeptqui
tetryi
ngt othi
nkof
whatshejustsai
d.Shewasr i
ghtthough.Ineededt
o
toughenupabitandgrowsomet hickskin.Iwasa
softi
eandthatwasn'
tgood.
I
nser
t5
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Todaywasf r
idayandMr sGumedewasdrivi
ngme
toPret
ori
aaround12PM.Butbef oret
hat,
Iwant
ed
togofacemyf ears.Iwant
edtogotomy
grandmother
'shouseandbitafar
ewell
tomyaunt
andcousi
ns.Itfel
tlikeanobl
ethi
ngtodo.
ButIwasn'tpl
anningonsetti
ngmyfootther
eallby
my self
.Ij
ustmightnotcomeback.AuntNosiwoul
d
auctionmebackt oBraPat.SoIwasgoingt
oask
MrsGumedet ocomewi t
h.
I
twas12am andAmo, hermot herandIwer esi
tt
ing
i
nt helivi
ngr oom chattingwhi l
ewai t
ingforMrs
Gumede.Iwasawf ul
l
yqui etandI '
m suretheworry
waswr i
ttenallovermyf ace.Iwast hinki
ngabout
whatawai t
edmei nPret oria.Iwaslookingatthe
tr
av el
ingbagt hatAmo' smot hergavetomeasa
present.Shesai dshewasn' tgoingtobeagood
mot herifshewast oletmet r
aveltoPretori
awit
h
myclothesinsi
deplast
icbags.Eventhought hey
weren'
tmuchandf ancy,
shesaidatleastt
heydi dn'
t
hav
et obeanobv i
ouscaset hatIwascomi ngf r
om
unf
ortunat
econdit
ions.EventhoughIinsist
edt hati
t
wasfine,
shewasn'tbuyi
ngit.SoIletherbe.

Iwaszonedouttomyownwor
ldwhenaknock
camethrought
hedoor
.Amowentt
ogeti
t.
Amo:
MrsGumedehi
,
youmaycomei
n.
Shemov
edback,
giv
ingwayt
oMr
sGumede.
Mr
sGumede:
thanky
ouAmogel
ang.
Shenoddedthencamein.herexpensi
vet
ast
eof
per
fumefil
l
edt her
oom assoonasshesteppedi
n
Shest
oodaf
ewf
eetawayf
rom t
hedoor
.
"
Sani
bonani
"
Us:
yebo.
Wegr
eet
edbacki
nuni
son.
Amo'
smom sprangonherf
eetasshewel
comedher
i
nandleadhert
oasit
.
Mr
sGumede:
ngy
abongaMr
sMageba.
Sheloweredhersel
fdowntoasitandputher
ext
ravaganthandbagonthefl
oor.Shel
if
tedherl
eg
upandputitontopoftheot
herandhuggedherknee.
"
It
'sabeaut
if
ulhousey
ouhav
eher
eMr
sMageba.
"
Shesai
dlooki
ngathersur
roundi
ngsandnoddi
ng
wit
hasmile.
Amo' smotherisanurseandasingl
eparent
.She
str
ivedtogivi
ngAmot hebestli
feshepossi
blycoul
d.
Wegr ewupwat chingherwor
kinghardandmaking
thehousewhati tl
ookedli
ketoday.
Amo'
smom:
ngy
abonga.
Shebl
ushed.
MrsGumede: thankyousomuchf ortaki
ng
Snenhlanhlainwhenshehadnowher eelsetogo.I
acknowledget heri
sksyoumusthav etakentaki
ng
herin.I
'm sureyouhady ourdoubt
sbuty oudidi
t
nonetheless.You'
reagreatwoman.Ay i
senzi
wa
l
eyontot hesesays.
Sheaddr
essedherwi
thsomuchhumi
l
ityand
r
espect
.
Amo' smom: Ididthef i
rstthingthatcamet omind.
I'
dliketot hi
nkt hat,
thisissomet hi
nganyot her
parentoutt herewoul dhav edone.Li f
ehassomany
unforseenci rcumst ancesandI 'dliketobel
ievethat
shouldsomet hinggowr ongi nour sel
vesandAmo
fi
ndsher sel
fint hesamesi tuat
ion,agoodSamar it
an
woul dtakeheri nasIdi dwi t
hSne.Andbesi des
uSnenhl anhlay i
nganey al aekhay a.
Shet
ookmyhandi
ntoher
sandbr
ushedi
t.
Mr
sGumede:
Mayy
ourwi
sdom ber
ichl
yincr
eased.
Amo'
smom:
Irecei
ve.
MrsGumede:anyway.
..angihl
alanga.We'v
egota
l
ongjour
neyaheadofusandwi thmehav i
ngto
comebacktoday,
weshoul dprobablygetgoi
ng.
Shewasal
readyi
nherf
eet
.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hrought
.
Me:
umh.
..
bef
orewel
eav
e..
.
Il
ift
edmyheadupthatwasf
aceddownt
hisent
ir
e
ti
met of
aceMrsGumede.
"Ther
e'ssomethi
ngI'
dli
ket
odoandI
'
dli
key
out
o
helpmedoi t
,i
fyoudon'
tmi
nd"
If
aceddownagai
n.
Mr
sGumede:
whati
sitbaby
?
Me:I'
dli
ketogotomygrandmot her'
shouseand
saygoodby
e.Itwoul
dn'
tfeel
rightifIj
ustl
eft
.
Mr
sGumede:
arey
ousur
ethough?
Me:
yesma'
am.
MrsGumede: okaythen.Thatshouldn'
tbeaprobl
em.
Butli
keIhadal readymentionedthatI'
dhav
et o
ret
urntoday.Sowedon' treall
yhavemucht i
me.
We'dbettergetgoing.
West
oodupandt
heyhel
pedmewi
thmyl
uggage.
Amo'smom disappearedtot
heki
tchenandcame
backhol
dingacontainer
.
Amo'smom: Idi
dn'
tknowwhatel
setopr
eparef
or
youbutIf
igur
edhomebakedcooki
eswouldbeni
ce.
Shehandedmet
hecont
ainer
.
Ir
ant
oherandhuggedhersomuchIt
hinkImi
ght
hav
ebr
okenaf
ewbones.
Me:t
hankyousomuchmama.Idon'
treal
lyknow
howI'
devert
hanky
ouforev
ery
thi
ngyou'v
edonef or
me.
Iwassni
ff
ing.
Shebrokethehugandwipedawayt
hestr
eam of
tear
sthatwererunni
ngdownmycheekswit
hher
thumb.
Amo'smom:j
ustdon'
tbeast
rangerokay
.Don'
t
for
gett
ocal
lasoft
enasyoucan.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyoumama.
Wewentout
sideandsai
dourf
inal
goodby
es.
Amowasawf ull
yquiett
heentir
etimeandIcoul
dn'
t
makeanythi
ngofhersil
ence.Iguessshewas
hear
tbr
okenthatIwasleavi
ng.Or
Coul
ditbet
hatshewasr
eli
evedt
hatIwasf
inal
y
l
eavi
ng?Ohwell
.
Amo:
I'
m gonnami
ssy
ousomuch.
Shesai
dwi
thashaki
ngv
oice.
Sheopenedherar
mswi
dei
nvi
ti
ngmei
nforahug.
Wehuggedforwhatseemedl
i
keal i
fet
imet
hen
f
inal
l
yletgo.Shewasreal
l
ycr
ying.
Amo:
you'
dbet
ternotcomebackher
ewi
-
Sher
emember
edt
hatwewer
en'
tal
one.
Shecamecloserandl
eanedf
orwar
dtowar
dsmyear
andwhisper
ed.
"
You'
dbet
ternotcomebackhomest
il
lav
irgi
n."
Shebustoutl
aughi
ngi
nbet
weenhercr
ies.
Me:
Youneeddel
i
ver
anceAmo.ButIl
ovey
out
oo.
Ichuckl
ed.
Wefi
nalygotinsi
dethecar
.Mr
sGumedebr
ought
t
hecarenginetoli
feandwedr
oveaway
.
Iwavedbackatt
hem aswewer
esl
owl
y
di
sappear
ing.
Il
etoutaheav
ysi
ghn.
Her
ewego.
..
.
Weparkedout
sidemygrandmot
her
'shouseandMr
s
Gumedekil
l
edthecarengi
ne.
Shelookedatmebri
efl
ybef
orel
ooki
ngpastmyf
ace
thr
oughthewindow.
Mr
sGumede:
doy
ouwantmet
ocomei
nwi
thy
ou?
Iwasr
eluct
ant
.
I
twaspr obabl
ybesti
fshest
ayedbehi
nd.Ididn'
t
wanthergetti
ngt
hecli
pseofwhatmyli
felookedin
t
hishel
lhole.
Ev
enthoughshewashel
pingme,
Ist
il
lhadsome
pr
idel
efti
nme.
Idi
dn'
twanthergett
ingtoexper
incethevul
ger
wordsthatwoul
dbet hr
ownatmel i
kestonessoon
asIstepmyfeeti
nsi
det hi
shouse.
Me:
noi
t'
sokay
.Ishoul
dn'
tbel
ongany
way
.
Ist
eppedousi
det
hecarandcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
nd
me.
Myhear
twasst
art
ingt
obeatf
astandmypal
ms
wer
esweat
ing.
Iwantedtogetbacki
nsidethecarbutmydeeply
root
edmor alswer
en'
tall
owingmet o.Ineededt
odo
thi
sifIwantedtobeatease.
If
inal
l
yfoundcour
aget
ogoi
nandIdi
d.
Thefirstthi
ngthatwelcomedmewasbot
tl
esof
beersallovertheyar
d.Treel
eav
eswer
eallov
ert
he
ground.KantihowlongwasIgonef
or?
Iappr
oachedandt
her
ewer
evoi
cescomi
ngf
rom t
he
ki
cken.
Ibr
acedmy
sel
fandt
ookal
ongbr
eat
h.
Iapproachedt
otheal
readyopeneddoorand
knocked.
Theyt
urnedt
ofaceme.
Khosi
:l
ookwhatt
hecatdr
aggedi
n.I
zul
uli
zonet
ha
namhl
anje.
Shel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
Me:
sani
bonani
.
AuntNosi
:ny
ani
bonani
yamasi
mba.Af
teral
lthe
ti
meungekholaekhay
auzofi
kalanaut
hi
nyani
bonani
.Kukwanyokol
ana?
Iwasalr
eadyshaki
nginmyboot
s.Iwantedtorun
awayasfastasIcoul
dbuti
twastool
ateforthat
.I
wasalr
eadyhere.
Me:
ngy
acol
i
saaunt
i.
AuntiNosi:uyacol
i
say oknukamaanwena.Uyazi
ukuthiungikhi
pheukudlaemlonyenwenanondi
ndwa
ndini
?Aphi amasakawakho?I '
mt aki
ngyout
ouBra
Patandcl aim mymoneyback.
Me:
NO!
t
hatcameoutat
abbi
tloudandIr
egr
etedsay
ingi
t.
Shest
oopupandchar
gedt
owar
dsme.
AuntNosi
:angi
zwanga?you'
vebeengonefort
wo
minut
esandyoualr
eadygrewsomeballs?
Ishi
eldedmyf
aceunder
neat
hmyhands.
Me: pl
easedon'thi
tmeAunt iNosi
pho.WhatImean
i
sthatlokhongekekwenzeke.Iwasacceptedtot
he
Univer
sit
yofPretor
iaandI '
m onmywayt her
easwe
speak.IpassedwellAunt
i.
Isai
dthatwi
thali
tt
leent
husi
asm hopi
ngt
oget
someposit
iver
emarksback.
AuntNosi
:heheheh
Shecl
appedonceandhel
dontoherweistand
l
ookedatmeli
kesomekindofachancer.
"nay
iimi
hlol
o.Awushokesisi
.Uthengisel
ebani
i
ndunukuzeuphase?Ngobasonkesiyaziukut
h
y
ou'r
eagoodf ornot
hingwenavezandlebe"
Thatcutt
hroughmysoul
.
AuntNosi
: hambauyothengi
saumzimbaedolopeni
andcl
aim ukuthuyaeUniver
sit
y.Sonkesi
yaziukut
h
awuhl
akaniphangangaley
ondlel
a.
Shel
ookedatmedi
sgust
ed.
Shewentout
sideandl
i
therci
gar
ett
e.
IlookedatKhosiwhowasj ustsi
tt
ingtherelooki
ng
atmeshocked.ThenIt ookalookaroundt hi
shouse
thatlookedsofi
l
thy.Iwastemptedtotidyitupbut
remember dMrsGumedewaspr obabl
yget ti
ng
i
mpat i
entwi
thme.
Me:
uphi
uZamaKhosi
?
Khosi
:Idon'
tknow.
Shedi
smi
ssedme.
Me:
kindl
ytel
lmeIhadcamebyt
osaygoodby
e.
Iwentout,
passi
ngAuntNosi
wholookedl
i
keshe
wasstandi
ngnextt
oachimney.
Me:
nisal
ekahl
eaunt
i.
AuntNosi
:yeyFUSEGmaan.
Sheclear
lyl
ookedf
rust
rat
ed.Butt
hatwasn'
tmy
baby
..
.

Wewer eonourwayt oPret

ori
a.Thetri
pwasl ong
andIwasgetti
ngimpatient
.SoIlookedout
sidethe
windowanddozedof f
.Iwaswokenupbysomebody
shaki
ngmelightl
y.Iopenedmyey esandwasmet
myMr sGumede.
Mr
sGumede:
we'
reher
eal
reday
.
Isatupstr
aightandr
ubbedmyeyes.Il
ooked
aroundandwasmesmer i
zedbyt
hecityl
ight
s.
Wewer
eher
eindeed.
I
nser
t6
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
*?

Iwokeupt oarayofsunshi nest i

ngingmyf ace.I
rol
ledoverthebedandwentt otakeashower .Il
et
thewarm waterhitmybearski nasIst oodunderi t
andindul
ged.Ifini
shedanddr iedmy selfup.Iwent
tothewalkinclosetandt ookoutabl ackvestand
greytr
ackpants.Imat chedt hosewi t
hmyNi kekicks.
Iti
ghtupmyaf rointoani cebun.Iputonsome
woopear r
ingson.Iwasl ookingal l
shadesofbeaut y.
I
t'
sbeenamont hsinceImov edhereandiwas
l
ovi
ngeverybitofthi
sli
fe.Ihadmyownr entedf
lat
whi
chthebursaryhel
pedpayf ori
tmonthlyand
ot
herst
uffli
kegroceri
esandast i
pend.I
twasn't
muchbutIsurvi
ved.
Soonaf terMrsGumedehaddroppedmeof f,
she
cal
ledhersons, Bandi
l
e29andKhethel
o22and
for
mal l
yi nt
roducedmetot
hem.Shegav ethem
str
ictordersonhowmucht heyshoul
dtakecareof
me.Sowe' vebeencl oseev ersi nce.Ev enthough
therewassomebadbl oodki ndav ibegoi ngon
betweenBandi l
eandIatf i
rst,weev ent uall
yclicked.
Het houghtIwaspr ey i
ngonhi sgener ousmot her
until
lhelearnedt hatIwasn' tthatki ndofaper son.
Whi l
eKhet heloont heot herhandwasj ustaneasy
goingguy .Sowehangoutf rom t imet ot i
me
becauset heyareal sobusywi ththei rstudi
es.
Bandilewasdoi nghi sf i
nal yeari nmedi ci
newhi l
e
Khethelowasst i
lli
nhi s2ndy earinl aw.Theywer e
quietefocused.Whi chmeantIhadaposi tiv
e
i
nfluencegoi ngon.Bandi leof ferdtot akemet oa
goodshoppi ngspr eeonet i
mebecausehet oughtI
neededamakeov er.SoIboughtal mostev erythi
ng
thatIneededf ortimebei ng.
Iwasmeet
ingupwi
tht
hem af
tercl
assf
orsome
qual
i
tyt
ime.

.
Iheadedt
otheki
ckentoprepar
esomet
hingl
i
tet
o
stomachj
ustbef
oreIwenttocl
ass.
Myflatwasawal
kingdi
stancetothecampussoI
hadenoughti
metodoany t
hingbefor
eIhi
tther
oad.
Ibr
owsedthr
oughmyphoneandnot
icedtherewas
act
ual
l
yacaf et
eri
adownt
hestr
eett
hatsell
scoff
ee
andmuff
ins.
I
twoul
dn'
thurttospoilmyselfwi
ththesemout
h
wat
eri
nggoddjes.Ideser
veitaft
erall
.
Itookmybagt hatwasont
opoftheki
cken
counter
,myphoneandheadset
sandoffIwent
.
Iwasonaphonet ext
ingAmowhenIbumpedi
nto
thi
sleant
all
figur
e.
Guy
:damni
t!
Il
ookedup.Gosh.
..
am Ishor
tort
hisguyi
sreal
l
ytal
l
.
Guy:JesusChri
stwoman,
woul
dyouwat
chwher
e
you'
regoing?
Hehadhi
sshi
rtspl
ashedwi
thhotcof
fe.
OhmyGod.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.Idi
dn'
tseey
oucomi
ng.
Hel
ookeddownonmecl
ear
lyannoy
ed.
Him:I
'mrushi
ngi
ntoanimport
antmeeti
ngfor
heav
ensake.NowIcan'
tgolooki
ngl
ikethi
s.
Hesaidtaki
ngal
ookathi
sabbst
hathadcof
fee
st
ainson.
"Nextti
mepleasewatchwhereyou'
regoi
ng.And
stoptext
ingwhil
eyou'
rewal
king.Youcoul
dget
knockeddownbyacary ouknow"
Al
lthi
stimeIhadzonedoutstar
ingathisabbsand
ar
mst hatwer
eclearl
yvi
sibl
einhisshir
t.Hemustbe
worki
ngoutbecausethi
sbodystruct
urerighther
e
l
ooksappeti
zi
ng.
Iwasbroughtbackt
oli
febysomebodycl
ear
ingt
hei
r
thr
ought.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.What
?
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:doy
ouper
hapswannat
akemyshi
rtof
f?
Hel
ookedmer
ighti
ntomyey
es.
Me:
excuessme?
Hi
m:t
hewayy
ou'
rel
ooki
ngatme.I
'
m notsur
eif
you'
ret
hinki
ngoft
aki
ngthi
sstai
nedshi
rtwi
thy
ou
soyou'
dwashitori
t'
ssomethi
ngel
se.
Hesmi
rked.Rai
singhi
sey
ebr
owst
il
lgazi
ngatme.
Gosht
hismani
ssobeaut
if
ul.
Me:
I-uhm.
..
Mymout hwasdr
y.Iwasl
ostf
orwor
ds.Iwant
edt
o
speakbutmyvoi
cefai
l
edme.
Him:nextti
mepl
easebecar
eful
alr
ight
.OrIwoul
dn'
t
bethi
snice.
Hemov
edt
othesi
deandwal
kedaway
.
"
Andqui
ttext
ingwhi
l
ewal
ki
ng.I
t'
snotsaf
e"
Hesai
dashewal
kedaway
.
Ist
oodther
edumbstruck.Li
keIwascl
uedt
omy
ownbodyandIcoul
dn'tmove.
Whatdi
djusthappen?
Isnappedoutofi
tandst
eppedi
nsi
det
hecaf
eter
ia.

Guy
.
It
ookonel
astgl
anceatherandwal
kedaway
.
Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
pandchuckl
ed.
She'
ssobeaut
if
ul.I
'
dlov
etoseeheragai
n.
Igottomycarandigni
tedt
heengi
neon.Idr
ove
str
aightt
omyoffi
ce.
Icoul
dn'
tshaket
hisf
eel
i
ngof
f.If
elti
tonmychest
.
WhywasIt hi
nki
ngabouther?Whyam I
exper
ienci
ngall
thesef
orei
gnfeel
i
ngsinmybody
?
Ipull
edoveront hesi
deoft heroad.Irubbedmy
faceinfr
ustr
ationandrest
edmyheadont he
stear
ingwheal.Herbeauti
full
ystruct
uredfacewi
th
darkfeat
uresstil
lvi
vi
dinmyhead.
Ikil
ledt
hecarengineandgotoutoft hecar.I
Closedthedoorandleanedonit.Iburr
iedmyhands
deepinmypocket sandcrossedmyl egs.
Iwantedt
ogobacktot
hatspotbutIknewIwasn'
t
gonnafi
ndhert
her
e.
Wher
edoesshel
i
ve?Whoi
sshe?
Ir
ubbedmyf
aceagai
ninf
rust
rat
ion.
Me:
Damni
t!
Iwenti
nsidet
hecarandbroughtthecarengi
neback
tol
if
e.'
KeRatawena'byPressplayedi
nmymi nd.I
i
mmediatelyr
equest
editt
obepl ayedi
nthecar.
Idroveawayt
owor
kli
steningtothel
yri
csandj
ust
remini
sci
ngonmyf
utur
et ogtherwi
thher.

"EkarenkaEmagodim'
athabakebajwetseker
ata
wena.Botl
ebagaobamf er
ekany
a.Jwalokasui
twa
ntshwanel
a.Wegonnamakebeauti
ful
babiesba
tshwanalewena.
..
"

Thesongwasonf
ull
blust
.
Ikeptsmi
l
li
ngandshaki
ngmyhead.
Thi
sismadnessbutIl
ovet
hef
eel
i
ng.
Iar
ri
vedatt
heof
fi
ceandgr
eet
edt
her
ecept
ioni
st.
Me:
goodmor
ningI
nat
hi.
Isai
dheadi
ngst
rai
ghtt
omyof
fi
ce.
I
nat
hi:Goodmorni
ngboss.Yourbrot
heriswaiti
ng
f
oryouinyouroff
ice.It
oldhi
mt owaitout
sidebut
y
ouknowhi m.Hewasv er
yadamant.
Me: don'
tworr
yI'
m gonnakickhi
sbal
lsonyour
behalfsohe'
dacknowledgewhyyou'
rebehi
ndt
hat
desk.
I
nat
hi:
I'
dappr
eci
tet
hat
.
Me:
he'
sst
il
lmybr
other
.Don'
tyouf
orgett
hat
.
Il
aughasIt
ookt
heel
evat
ert
omyof
fi
ce.
Me:t
hatchai
rdoesn'
tsui
tyoumf
anam.Getupand
l
etmesit
.
Iputdownmyl aptobagontopofthet
ableandt
ook
offmyblazerandhangitonthechai
ropppsi
tet
othe
onelwaziwassitt
edon.
"Uf
unanil
anasoear
lyndoda?Yi
nbakucoshi
l
e
kwakho?
"
Isai
dfol
dingmyshi
rt
.
Lwazi:
don'tgetaheadofy oursel
f.Andt
hat'
snot
whatI'
m heretodiscuss.Whydon'tyout
ell
mewhat
thehel
lhappendtoy ourshir
tinst
ead?Di
dyoubrake
i
ntosomecof
feeshopandy
ouwer
ecaughtst
eal
i
ng?
Il
aughandshookmyhead.
Me:amulti
mill
i
onai
reli
kemy sel
fbr
aki
ngi
ntosome
l
ousycof
feeshop?Ungangi
bhekiuj
ahi
l
esaan.Mov
e
al
ong.
Lwaz
i:Ar
eyougonnat
ell
mewhathappenedOzi
?
Me:l
et'
sjustsay
,mydaysoffucki
ngaroundar
eov
er.
If
oundtheoneandI'
m gonnamar r
yhersoon.
Isatdownonmychai
randspuni
tar
oundonce.
Lwazi:
stoptal
kinginri
ddl
esmanOzi
.you'
renot
makingsense.What'st
hatgott
odowi
ththecof
fee
st
ainsonyourshirt
?
Me: Lwazi manit'
seit
heryou'
resl
oworjustpl
ain
stupid.I'
ll
letyouf
igur
eitout.Tel
lmewhatyou'
re
heref orbeacuseI
'vegotacompanytor
unandIai n'
t
gotal lday.
Lwazi:al
ri
ghtl
istenmanuDlomongat
hiusuthanda
ukusi
nikezai
nkinga.He'
sal
lovert
hepl
acelatel
yand
Isuspecthe'
supt onogood.
Me:
gett
heboy
sonhi
stai
l
.Wemustkeept
rackof
al
lhi
smoves.He'
sashadyol
dmanandIdon'
thav
e
ti
me,uy
abonanawe.
Webi
dmegoodby
eandl
eft
.
Igotst
art
edonmywor
kimmedi
atel
y.

Sne
Ihadaveryl
ongdaytoday.Classeswerehecti
cand
thequal
i
tyti
mewi t
hthegentsdr ai
nedme.Ijust
wanttoshowerandgetunderthecover
s.
It
ookaqui
ckshowerandr
esor
tedt
osl
eep.
ButIcan'
tthough.
Icoul
dn'
tst
opthinkingabouttheguyIbumpedinto
thi
smorni
ng.Idon'tknowifI'
m hal
luci
nat
ingornot
butIr
ememberdhowhesmel ledli
ke.
Hisarmsandabbsthatf
il
ledupthatshi
rtandhis
beaut
iful
thi
ckeyebr
owsar ewhatf
il
ledmymi ndup
ri
ghtnow.
Am Ii
nlov
e?Wi
thast
ranger
?
Hai
iSnenhl
anhl
alal
amaan.You'
rej
ustav
il
lagegi
rl
.
Youdon'
tst
andachanceev
en.
Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutIdozedof
fthi
nki
ng
abouthi
m.
I
nser
t7
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

Iwaswokenupbymyphonevibr
ati
ng.Ir
eachedout
fori
tanddi
dn'
tcheckt
hecal
l
erID.Ipr
esseditand
puti
tonmyear.
Me:
hel
l
o
Bandi
l
e:l
etusi
ndude.
Imov
edt
hephonef
rom myearandcheckedt
he
ti
me.
Me:i
t'
sonlypast10Bandi
le.Andi
t'
saweekend.
Whatdoesaladyhavetodotogetsomebeaut
y
sl
eeparoundhere?
Isai
dput
ti
ngi
tdownandki
cki
ngof
fthecov
ers.
Iputonthegownanddr
aggedmysl
eepyheaddown
stai
rst
ot hedoor
.
Bandi
le:
Hiv
il
lagegir
l.Di
dn'
tyourauntt
eachy
ounot
towakeupt
hislat
e?
Hesaidpushi
ngmeasi
det
ogeti
nfol
l
owedby
Khet
helo.
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayyoumaycomei
nyouguy
s.Butmake
your
sel
vesathome.
Khet
helo:i
t'
snotli
keuf
asil
eorsomethi
ng.Don'
t
makeitsoundli
keweinter
rupt
edyoufr
om any
thi
ng
l
iket
hat.weallknowawunalut
hoSne.
Theybustoutlaughi
ng.Putti
ngthet
akeawaybr
own
paperbagontopofthekickencount
er.
Bandil
e:don'
tl
ist
entothi
sidi
otwenantwana.Go
takeashowerwhilewedi
shup.Youlookli
keyou
coulddowithsomefood.
Me:
thanksman.
Iwentupst
air
stoshowerqui
ckandcamedown.
Ifoundthem si
tt
ingont
heki
ckenst
ool
sand
feasti
ng.
Isatont
opoft
hecount
erandj
oinedi
n.
Khethel
o:so..
.we'react ual
lyheretoinvi
teyouto
havedinnerwit
hust hiseveni
ng.Justanout i
ng
nyana,
nothingspecial.Wehav en'tdonethati
na
whi
l
e.
JustwhatIneeded.Idi
dn'
tgooutmuch.Especi
all
y
atnightunl
essi
t'
swi t
hthem.SoIcoul
dappreci
ate
someev eni
ngsummerbr eezeny
ana.
Me:wehaven'
tdonet
hati
nages.I
'
dlov
etogoout
andmi
ggle.
Isai
dwi
thmymout
hful
loff
ood.
Bandile:Iexpecty outorepresentt
heladies't
eam
tonightandact uall
ylooklikeone.Thi
stomboy i
sh
tendeciesofy oursmustf all
.Namhlaj
ewe' retaki
ng
yououtf orat reatandshowy ouhowitfeelsl
iketo
beal ady.
Me:ohcomeonguys.Whataboutmycomfort
.
Dr
essesandheel
saren'
tformeandyouknowit.
Khet
hel
o:uzomt
hol
akanj
ani
umunt
uunj
eKodwa
Sne.
Het
ookmyhandsandmoni
tor
edt
hem.
"
Youdon'
tev
engety
ournai
l
sdone.
"
Bandil
e:herv
il
laget
endeciesmustf
all
.We'
rei
n
Pret
ori
a.Getoutofyourcocoon.
Ar
g!
Me:ar
ey ousur
eyouguysaren'
tact
ual
l
ygoi
ngto
pi
mpme?Becausey ou'
resoonmycaseaboutmy
st
ylei
t'
screepy
.
Theylaughi
tof
fandwi
pedt
hierhands.Theyheaded
tothedoor.
Khet
hel
o:we'l
lcomepi
cky
ouupar
ound6.You'
ve
gott
hewholeday.
Me:
what
ever
.By
e.
Ishutt
hedoorandwentupst
air
s.

.
6pm ont
hedot
.
Aknockcamethr
ought
hedoorasIgav
emyl
ooka
f
inal
touchup.
Ihadboy f
ri
endjeansonwi t
hawhiteshirtand
cry
stal6inchst
ilet
tos.Il
etmyafr
ol oose.Ican'
t
bel
ievehowhugeI t'
sgrown.Icomplement edthe
wholelookwit
hbut t
ornrosegol
dear r
ingsanda
peachbl
azeron.
Il
ookedasnat
ural
asIcoul
d,y
etsobeaut
if
ul.
Myl
i
pswer
egl
owi
ngf
rom asof
tdust
ypi
nkl
i
pgl
oss.
Iwasimpressedbyt
hewomanwhowasst
art
ing
ri
ghtbackatmeonthemir
ror
.
Igr
abbedmycl
utchbagandheadeddownst
air
s.
Iopenedt
hedoorandt
heboy
sst
eppedi
n.
Me:
yourj
awsar
eont
hef
loorboy
s.
Theywhi
stl
eddr
amat
ical
l
y.
Bandi
l
eextendedhishandt
otakemi
neandmade
medot het
urnaround.
Bandi
le:i
fIknewy ou'
dbesobeautif
ul,
Iwouldhav
e
l
eftKhethelobehind.Daaaaanm.Yououtdone
your
selftonight
.
Ibl
ushed.
Khathel
o:umuhl
entwana.Ihopewedon'tgrab
unnecessar
yatt
ent
iont
onightbecauseI
'
llpunch
somebody .
Bandi
l
e:mi
naf
uthi
I'
mthej
eal
oust
ypey
ouknow?
Wel
aughi
nuni
sonandwentout
.
Il
ockedt
hedoorandwehi
tther
oad.
*
***
***
**
Wearr
ivedatt
hisf
ancyr
est
aurantshor
tl
y.Wef
ound
our
sel
vesatabl
eandset
tl
ed.
Itookmybl
azerof
fandhungi
tont
hechai
randsat
down.
Myheartski
ppedabitwhenIr
ecogni
sedt
heguy
f
rom t
hecafeter
ia.
Hewastherewit
htwootherguyswhor
ecembl
ed
hi
m sowell
,
theymustbehisbrot
her
s.
Theywer
esi
tt
edaf
ewt
abl
esawayf
rom our
s.
Theywer
ecl
ear
lyhav
ingagoodchatandl
aughs.
Hepausedt
heminut
ehel
aidhi
sgazeonmeand
nar
rowedhi
sey
es.
If
eltal
umbonmyt
hroatandswal
l
owedhar
d.
Il
i
ftedmygl
assofOr
angej
uiceandt
ookabr
iefsi
p
f
rom i
t.
Ishi
ft
edmyeyesbackt
ohi
sandf
oundhi
m st
il
l
gazi
ngatme.
Hesmil
edanddi
rect
edhi
sat
tent
ionbackt
ohi
s
br
other
s.
Wesattherehav
ingagreatt
imeov
ersi
l
ly
conv
ersat
ionswit
htheboys.
Inot
icedhi
m st
eal
i
nggl
ancesofmeev
erynowand
agai
n.
Iact
edli
kei di
dn'
tnoti
ce.Idi
dn'
twannalookt
oo
obvi
ousthatIwasclear
lyimpr
essedbyhim.

.
Whatseemedt obeanhourhadpassedandt
heygot
upfr
om thei
rtabl
eandheadedout.
Iwi
shedhehadjustsai
dhiorsomet
hingbutnot
hing.
Hej
ustpassedbyourtabl
eli
kehedi
dn'tknowme.
Maybehewasstil
lpi
ssedof
faboutt
hecof
fee
i
nci
dent.Orhej
ustwasn'
ti
ntome.
Maybemyfeel
i
ngsabouthi
m wer
emaki
ngmesee
t
hingst
hatwer
en'
tther
e.
Imeanwhywoul
dhej
ustpassbymyt
abl
eandnot
sayany
thi
ng?
Notevena"
hey
..
.Igotmyshi
rtcl
eanedup.Thank
you"
Iwashur
t.Iwant
edt
ocr
y.
Bandi
l
e:Sne
Isnappedoutofi
t.
Me:
huh?
Bandi
l
e:Pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
Me:I'
m sorr
y.It
hinkI
'
mfeel
i
ngt
ir
ed.May
bewe
shoul
djustgohome.
Iwassuddenl
yannoy
ed.
Khet
hel
o:endenwenaudl
iwayin?You'
vebeenqui
et
si
ncewegothere.Di
dyouevenseetheLanga
br
other
s.
Me:
whatLangabr
other
s?
Bandi
l
e:t
het
hreeguy
swhoj
ustl
eft
.
It
ri
edtosmi
l
etosuppr
esst
heawkwar
dnessl
ookon
myface.
Me:
nowhy
?Whoar
ethey
?
Isi
ppedonmydr
ink.
Khet
hel
o:youreal
lyareoutdated.Ukhul
ele
emazweningempela.youdon'tevenknowtheLanga
br
other
s?Yahnehy ou'
reat y
picalvi
ll
agegirl
.
Hechuckl
edshaki
nghi
sheadwi
thdi
sbel
i
ef.
Bandil
e:theyar
etheyoungestandr
ichestdudesi
n
thecorporat
eworl
d.
Oh.
..
thatexpl
ainst
hei
rat
ti
re.Theyl
ookedal
lshades
off
ormal.
"Youdon'twannamesswi ththem.Wor dinthe
street
ssay stheyaremafi
as.Thei rFathergroomed
them int
ot hecorpor
atewor l
dsi ncetheywerest i
ll
youngandt hi
siswhybayizi
njazegame.Bay agri
ll
a
i
nboar droomsandt hatattr
actsmor eclient
si nt
o
wor ki
ngwit ht
hem.Langacont r
acti
onsi sbi
gi nthe
businessandhasbeensi ncet heysteppedov erafter
thei
rfat
herr
eti
redandOzi
thobi
l
e,t
heel
destson
becameCEO."
Whywer
etheyt
ell
i
ngmeal
lthese?
Me:
Oh.That
'si
mpr
essi
vebutcanwegohomenow.
Khet
hel
o:y
eahsur
e.Wel
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
Werequest
edourbi
l
landpai
dfori
tthenwewal
ked
out
.
*
***
**
Hewasleani
ngagainsthi
scarwit
hlegscr
ossed
andhandsbur
ri
edinhispocket
s.
If
eltchi
l
lst
rav
eldownmyspi
ne.
It
houghthewasl
onggone.
Hesawusappr
oachi
ngandhest
oodt
all
onhi
sfeet
.
Hi
m:gent
s.
Hesai
dwi
thhi
shandsst
il
li
nhi
spocket
s.
Hewasi
nami
l
itar
ygr
een2pi
ecesui
tandawhi
te
shi
rt
.
Hi
sar
msf
il
ledoutt
heshi
rt
.Andhi
schestozzi
ng
f
rom t
hechestcoat
.
Them:
etabr
aOzi
.
Theygr
eet
edbacki
nuni
son.
Hi
m:f
ede?
Hehadhi
sgazeonmet
hewhol
eti
me.
Them:
grandwena?
Him:ngi
grandt
hanks.Idon'
tmeannodisr
espect
butMayIhaveawordwiththi
spri
ncessov
erhere.
Hel
ookedatt
hem t
henbackatme.
Bandi
l
e:we'
l
lwai
tfory
ouemot
weni
.
Hel
ookedatOzi
shor
tl
ybef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.
Ozi
:Hi
.
Me:
hel
l
o.
If
aceddown.
Het
il
tedmychi
nupwi
thhi
sindexf
inger
.
Ozi:
doyouknowhowl
ongIwai
tedj
ustt
oseey
our
eyebal
l
sagain?
Ismi
l
ed.
Hi
m:soy
ou'
vegotabeaut
if
ulsmi
l
etoo?
Hel
ookedr
ighti
ntomyey
es.
"
Idi
dntgety
ourname.
"
Me:
Inev
erment
ionedi
t.
Hechuckl
edandmov
edhi
sey
esawayt
henbackat
meagain.
Him:l
etmei
nit
iat
ethi
sthen.I
'
m Ozi
thobi
l
ebuty
ou
cancal
lmeOzi
.
Me:
Sne.
Ozi
:Snenhl
anhl
a?
Me:
youguessedr
ight
.
Me:
that
'sabeaut
if
ulname.
Hel
ookedv
eryi
nti
midat
ing.
Hi
scol
ognehi
tt
ingmynost
ri
ls.
Hest
eppedcl
oserandbr
ushedmycheekwi
thhi
s
t
humb.
Hi
m:y
ou'
repar
ent
sar
ever
yluckyt
ohav
ewat
ched
y
ougr
owbeaut
if
ulev
erday
.
Hest
eppedback.
"
Doy
ouknowhowbeaut
if
uly
ouar
eSne?
"
If
eltmyhear
tsinkt
othepitofmyst
omachanda
l
umbbuil
dupi nmythr
oat.
Ilookedawaybl
i
nkingawayt
ear
sthatwer
e
threat
eni
ngmyey es.
Het
il
tedhi
sheadt
omydi
rect
ionandf
rowned.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Iheav
edandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.
"
DidIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
"
Hel
ookedconcer
ned.
Me:
no.I
t'
sjust
..
.mypar
ent
sar
enomor
e.Il
ostt
hem
8mont
hsago.
Iwant
edt
ocr
y.
Helookedatmespeechl
ess.Hewant
edt
oactbut
wasreluct
ant
.
Ozi
:i
sitokayi
fIhugy
ou?
Inodded.
Hesteppedcloserandpul
l
edmei
ngent
lyf
orahug
andsqueezed.
Hel
etoutasi
gh.
Ozi:
I'
m sorryf
orthelossofyourparent
s.AndI
apol
ogiesfortr
igger
ingthememor y
.Iundert
andi
t'
s
al
lsti
ll
fresh.
Heheldthebackofmyheadandrest
edmeonhi s
chest
.Herestedhi
schi
nonmyheadandrubbedmy
backgentl
y.Ii
nhal
edhi
ssexycognei
nandwished
fori
ttol
astlonger
.
"
I'
m sor
ryokay
."
Ibr
okef
reef
rom hi
sembr
ace.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
oroffl
oadi
ngmyprobl
emsony
oul
i
ke
t
hat
.ImeanIdon'
tevenknowy
ou.
Hef
rowned.
Ozi
:butyouknowmynameandt
hatcount
sfor
somethi
ng.Doesn'
ti
t?
Me:
itwasni
cet
omeety
ouOzi
butIt
hinkIshoul
d
getgoi
ngnow.
Ozi
:howam Igonnaseey
ouagai
nthough?
Hehadhi
sar
msf
oldedacr
osshi
schest
.
Me:
wel
l
...
Iguesswe'
l
lseeeachot
herar
ound.
Heunfol
dedhi
sarmsandsteppedcl
oser
.He
br
ushedmyhairback,
l
ookedatmeandsmil
ed.
Ozi
:Iunder
tand.CanIat
leastwal
kyout
othecar
.
Inodded.
Heburr
iedhi
shandsi
nhi
spocket
sandwewal
kedi
n
si
l
ence.
Me:
thanky
ouOzi
andpl
easedt
omeety
ouagai
n.
Henoddedandf
lashedasmi
l
e.
he'
sgotabeauti
fulsetoft
eet
handt
hatmadehi
s
smil
econt
agious.
Ozi
:l
ikewi
semi
ssSne.
Herubbedmychi
nandnoddedatt
heguy
s.He
t
urnedonhi
sheel
sandlef
t.
He'
ssohandsome.Mygoodness!
.
Igothomeandgotundert
hecov
ers.
Myphonebeeped
'
You'r
eav erybeaut
if
ulwomanSneandI
'
m sodr
awn
t
oy ou.I
'
llseeyousoon.Goodni
ght
'
Whoi
sthi
s?
Idi
dn'
tknowt
henumbersoIdeci
dedt
ocal
li
tback.
I
trangaf
ewt
imesbef
oret
heper
sonpi
ckedup.
"
Snenhl
anhl
a"
Myhear
tski
ppedatthi
ssl
eepyhuskyv
oicet
hat
camefr
om t
heothersi
deoft
heli
ne.
Me:
Ozi
?
Hi
m:hel
l
obeaut
if
ul.
Hi
svoi
cewasseduct
iveov
ert
hephone.
Me:
howdi
dyougetmynumber
?
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
Hi
m:Ihav
emyway
ssweet
hear
t.
Me:
ohr
eal
l
y?
Iwasact
ual
l
yhappyt
obespeaki
ngt
ohi
mri
ghtnow.
Him: y
esreall
y.Li
stenSne..
.Idon'
tmeantocome
acrossastoostrongtoyoubutI'
dreal
l
ylovetosee
youtommor ow.Isthatokaywit
hyou?
Me:
cal
lmet
ommor
owandl
et'
ssee.
Hi
m:ul
alekamnandi
yezwa.
Me:
goodni
ght
.
Thel
i
nedi
ed.
Isankdeepi
nsi
det
hecov
ersandsl
ept
.
I
nser
t8
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***
*

-
Ozi
thobi
l
e
Thei
nter
com buzzedandIpr
essedt
hebut
ton
Me:
yes?
Meagan:
letmei
nOzi
.
Shemustbeki
ddi
ngme.
Me:
whatt
hehel
ldoy
ouwanther
eMeagan?
Meagan:
toseey
ou.Pl
easel
etmei
n.
She'
sst
art
ingt
ogetundermyski
n.
Me:It
oldyoutonev
ercomebackher eagai
n.Whi
ch
par
tofthatdi
dyounotunder
stand?
Meagan:y
ouweren'
ttaki
ngmycal
l
sOzi
.SoIf
igur
ed
Ishoul
dcomehere.
Me:That
'sbecauseIdon'
twannat
alkt
oyou.Pl
ease
l
eav
emypr operty.
Meagan:I
'm notl
eav
ingunt
il
lyougi
vemeachance
t
oexplai
nmy self
.
Shemustbeoutofhermi
nd.
Me:
aft
er4mont
hs,
youcar
etoexpl
ainnow?Getl
ost
.
Meagan:
Ozi
please.Gi
vemeachance.
Ipr
essedt
hebut
tonandl
etheri
n.
Sheemer
gedi
n.
Me:
you'
dbet
terbequi
ck.Idon'
thav
eal
lday
.
Sheat
tempt
edt
ohugmebutIst
eppedback.
Meag:
wel
lhel
l
otoy
out
oo.
Me:you'
rewast
ingmyt
imeMeagan.Whatdoy
ou
want
?
Ihonestlydi
dnothaveanydesi rewhatsoevertobe
i
nt hesamespacewi thher.Wewer edoneandIhad
madet hatcl
earaft
erIlear
nedt hathecheatedon
mewi thoneofherstudents.Shecouldn'tdenyit.
Onlysheknewbestnott otryandmakemel ook
stupi
d.Soshecamecl ean.Ifinall
yhadthecour age
toendt hi
ngswit
hheraf t
erabackandf ort
h.Iloved
herdearl
y.I
twasn'teasyformet ojustl
etgo.We'
d
beonandof funti
l
l Icoul
dn'
ttakeitanymore.SoI
putastoptoit.
Short
lyaf
tershereali
sedthatIwasn'
tforher
anymore,
shetri
edtodestroymyimagebygoi ngto
themediaandtoldthem Iwasanabusivebustur
d.
Ihadmybackonherthewhol
eti
me.Iwasstandi
ng
i
nf r
ontoft
heki
ckencount
ermaki
ngcof
fee.
Iwasi
nmyboxer
sandf
li
pfl
opsonl
y.
Myent
ir
etor
soouti
ntheopenandexposed.
If
eltherhandssl
i
tfr
om behi
nd.
Il
etoutasi
ghandt
urnedt
ofaceher
.
Iremovedherhands,
tookmycof
feeandheadedt
o
theli
vi
ngroom.
Shef
oll
owedme.
Meagan:I
'm sorr
yaboutwhatI'
vedoneOzi
,
please
under
atndthatIwasdesper
ate.
Me: whi
chpartar
eyousor
ryforexact
ly?The
cheati
ngpar
toryouact
ual
lygoingtothepaper
s?
Shehangherheaddown.
"Idon'
treal
lyhavetimeforthisMeagan.You'v
edone
whaty ou'
vedone.Itiswhatitis.Li
fehast
omov eon.
I'
m alr
eadydoingthatandIsuggesty oudothe
same"
Ist
oopupwithoutev
enlooki
ngather
.It
ookmy
cof
feeandheadedupst
air
s.
"
You'
l
lseey
our
sel
fout
"
Meagan:
Ozi
please.
..
Il
efthert
her
e.
Iwentt
omymi
niof
fi
ce,
tookmyphoneandcal
l
ed
Sne.
I
trangaf
ewt
imest
henshepi
ckedup.
"
Hel
l
o"
Myhear
tsmi
l
ed.
Thi
swomani
sabletomakemefeelthi
ngswit
hout
hav
ingt
odoorsayany
thi
ngatal
l
.Itwaseff
ort
less.
Me:goodmor
ningNdoni
.Tel
lme.
..
howdi
dyou
sl
eep?
Her:
Isleptokayt
hanky
ouf
oraski
ngandhowdi
d
yousleep?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
thav
esl
eptbet
ter
.
Ther
ewassi
l
ence.
"
Uhm.
..
am Igonnabeabl
etoseey
out
hen?
"
Her
:youar
en'
tgoi
ngl
eti
tgo,
wil
lyou?
Ichuckl
ed.
Iwassit
ti
nginmyof
fi
cechai
rwi
thmyhandunder
myarmpitandt
heot
heronmyear,
wit
hmyhead
hangi
ng.
Ozi
:Iwoul
dn'
tbeabl
etodot
hatSnenhl
anhl
a.
Her
:okayy
ou'
l
ltextmewheny
ou'
rer
eady
.
Me:howabouty
out
extmeyourl
ocat
ionandI
'
ll
comepicky
ouupar
ound3?
Her
:I'
l
lseey
out
hen.
Me:
okay
..
.l
ater
.
Her
:by
e.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Iswi
tchedmyl
apt
oponandsentf
ewemai
l
s.
Myphonebeeped.
'
I'
m notgonnagi
veupony
ou.Webel
ongt
oget
her
.'
-
Meagan
I
sthi
swomancr
azy
?
Idel
etedthemessagei
mmedi
atel
yaf
terr
eadi
ngi
t
andproceededwi
thmywor
k.
*
***
***
***
**
Ij
oggeddownthestai
rcasest
otheli
vingr
oom
wheremywall
etandcarkeyswhere.
Ihadbluejeanshort
sonwi thablackgolft
-shi
rtand
allbl
ackNikesneakers.ItextedSnetel
li
ngherI'l
lbe
thereshor
tlybef
oreIhittheroad.
Sheli
ved30minut
esawayf
rom ourest
ate.Soi
t
shoul
dn'
ttakemelongt
ogett
here.

.
-
Snenhl
anhl
a.
Ir
ecei
vedat
extf
rom Ozi
tel
l
ingmehe'
sonhi
sway
.
Iwantedtobeascomf ort
abl
easIpossi
blycan.
So..
.Ihadbluej
eanswithasi
mplewhit
et-shi
rtand
sneakerson.Il
etl
oosemyafro.IWor
emyel egent
perf
umet oday.
Igr
abbedmyphoneandheadeddownst
air
s.
Isatontheki
ckencount
erandbr
owsedt
hroughmy
phone.
Iwaschat
ti
ngt
oAmo.
Appar
entl
yJobur
gwast r
eat
ingherwel
landshewas
doi
ngjustf
inewi
thherst
udi
esaswell
.
Amessagepoppedupont
hescr
een.
'
I
m out
side'
Itookaloooooongbr
eat
hthenwentoutl
ocki
ngt
he
doorbehind.
Hewasf
aci
ngaway,
ki
ckingthewheelofhi
swhi
te
Audi
Q2wit
hhi
shandsinhispocket
s.
I
sitmeorhej
ustl
ovest
hisgest
ure?
Me:
hi.
Het
urnedt
ofacemeandsmi
l
ed.
It
hinkI
'
m gonnagetdr
unkbyt
hedoseoft
hisman'
s
smil
e.
Hi
m:hel
l
other
e.
Hecamecl
oser
,ki
ssedmyf
oreheadandhuggedme.
Iheav
edav
erydeepandl
ongsi
gn.
Hechuckl
ed
"
Don'
tdi
eonmenow.
"
Hel
etgo.
Me:
howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hi
m:I
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Hewasgazi
ngthroughmysoul
almostl
i
kehewas
sear
chi
ngdeep.
Me:
I'
m good.Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Hel
augh.
Hi
m:l
ooki
ngaty
oul
i
kewhat
?
Me:l
i
key
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
osear
chf
orsomet
hingi
nmy
ey
es.
Him:wel
l.
..
IguessI'
mjustwonder
ingi
fyou'
ref
eel
i
ng
bett
ert
odayafterl
ast
night
.
If
aceddown.
Hereachedoutf
ormyhandandhel
dit
.St
il
ll
ooki
ng
atme.
"
You'
resobeaut
if
ul,
youknowt
hat
?"
Me:
thanky
ou.
Hel
etgo,
l
eanedagai
nshi
scarandl
ookedar
ound.
Hi
m:soy
oust
ayher
e?
Me:
yup.
Hi
m:t
hisar
eai
smost
elyoccupi
edbyst
udent
s.
Her
edi
rect
edhi
sfocusbackatme.
"
Arey
ou?
"
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owandnar
rowdhi
sey
es.
Me:
yesIam.
Him:notj
ustbeaut
ybutbr
ainsaswel
l
.Int
erest
ing.
shal
lwe?
Me:
yeahsur
e.
Heopenedt
hedoor
.
Hi
m:madam.
Ismi
l
edandgoti
n.
Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s.
Iusedtoseemydadopendoor sformymother
,Ij
ust
didn'
tthi
nkI
'dgett
oexper
ienceitmysel
f.
Hej
oggedt
otheot
hersi
deoft
hecarandgoti
n.
Hi
m:ar
eyouconser
vat
ive?
Me:
conser
vat
ive?
Whati
sthatnow.
Hi
m:you'
renotusedt
ogoingt
othesamepl
ace
ev
ery
timeanddoingt
hesamethi
ngs?
Hewaski
ndal
eani
ngf
orwar
dandl
ooki
ngatme.
"Youwouldn'
tmi
ndi
fIt
ooky
out
opl
acesy
ou'
renot
usedto?
"
Me:
oh.Wel
lno.Justasl
ongasi
t'
snotcl
ubs.
Hewi
denedhi
sey
es.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
tdocl
ubs?
Me:
no.
Hi
m:ev
enbet
ter
.
Hesaidt
hatwithmuchcont
estmenti
nhi
sv oi
ce
emphasi
singhowmuchhedidn'
tli
kei
tei
ther.
Hei
gni
tedt
hecarengi
neanddr
oveof
f.
Helookedli
keastar
ter
,af
ull
-cour
semeal
and
desser
tall
atonce.
Inot
icedhi
sstrongarmsandabbsthatwerelooki
ng
l
iketheywant
edt oescapef
rom hi
sownskin.He's
gotbeaut
if
ulhair
ylegsandtheywereoutt
oplay.
Isatt
her
edr
ool
i
ngwhi
l
ewedr
ovei
nsi
l
ence.

.
Wearr
ivedatt
hisex
trav
agantl
ooki
ngpl
aceand
wenti
n.
Me:
arey
ousur
ewe'
rewel
ldr
essedf
ort
hispl
ace?
Hel
aughandshookhi
shead.
Hi
m:i
t'
snott
hatdeep.I
t'
sjustanor
dinar
ycool
place.
Not
hingf
ancy
.
I
shef l
i
ppi
ngki
ddi
ngme?Thi
spl
acel
ooksl
i
ke
heav
en.
Host
ess:
goodaf
ter
noon.Tabl
efort
wo?
Hi
m:y
espl
ease.Def
inat
elyanonesmoki
ngar
ea.
Thehostessleadust
oourt
abl
eandwesett
led.She
handedoutthemenusandt
ookdr
inkor
der
s.
Me:
thi
spl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul.
Hewasl
ooki
ngatme.
Him:
notasbeaut
if
ulasy
ouar
e.AnywayI
'
m gl
ad
youl
i
keit
.Ihopei
t'
snott
oomuch.
Icoul
dn'
tst
opbl
ushi
ng.
Ourdr
inksar
ri
vedandwei
ndul
ged.
Hi
m:so.
..
Heputhi
shandsont
het
abl
eandbal
ancedonhi
s
el
bows.
"
Whati
sity
ou'
rest
udy
ing?"
Me:
Spor
tssci
ence.
Hewi
denedhi
sey
eswi
thshock.
Hi
m:Ohsoy
ou'
reaf
it
nessj
unki
e?
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
p
Me:
spor
tsi
smypassi
on.
Idi
dn'tknowwhatelset
osaywithhiml
ooki
ngatme
l
ikethat.IDeci
dedt
osti
cktoshortr
epl
i
es.
Him:r
arebuti
nterst
ing.It
houghty
ou'
dtell
mey
ou'
re
anaspi
ri
ngbusinesswomanorsomething.
I
fgazi
ngatsomebodywasdeadl
y,
I'
dbedeadby
now.
Ourf
oodar
ri
vedal
soandwedi
ggedi
n.
Hi
m:whatel
sei
sint
rest
ingabouty
ouSnenhl
anhl
a?
Wegoti
nter
rupt
edbyawomanwhost
oodnextt
o
ourt
abl
e.
Il
i
ftedmygazet
olookather
.
I
t'
sMi
ssDube.Oneoft
hel
ect
urer
satt
heuni
ver
sit
y.
Meagan:
wel
lwel
lwel
l
.whatdowehav
eher
e?
Shesai
dlooki
ngatOzi
thenbackatme.
Ozi
lear
nedbackonhi
sseatandst
aredather
.
Ozi
:canwehel
pyouMeagan?
Theyknoweachot
her
?
Hel
ookedr
atherbor
ed.
Meagan:
isthi
swhyyouwerequi
ckt
ochasemeout
ofy
ourhousethi
smorni
ng?
Isshehisgir
lf
ri
end.Ohmygosh,di
dhet extmelast
nightandcal
ledmethismorni
ngwhil
ehehad
company ?Imeanwhyelsewassheinhishouse
THISMORNI NG!Isatt
herewit
hmanyt hought
s
fl
oadingmymi nd.
Ozi:
Iaskedy ouaquest
ionMeaganandI
'
m not
gonnarepeatmysel
f.
Hehar
denedhi
sface.
Meagan:
whoi
sthi
s?
Ozithr
ewthesavi
etonthetabl
e,
pushedhi
schai
r
backandstoodonhi
sfeet.
Heleanedfowar
dtowar
dsherf
aceandwi
sper
d
something.
Meagani
mmedi
atel
ychar
gedt
othedoorand
wal
kedout
.
Hefi
xedhi
st-
shi
rtt
henl
ower
dhi
msel
fbackont
he
chai
r.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Me:
ist
haty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.
Hi
m:ex-
gir
lf
ri
end.
Icoul
dn'
treadhi
sface.I
thadnoemot
ionsatal
l
.
Me:
okay
.
Hi
m:ar
eyouenj
oyi
ngy
ourf
ood?
Hedi
dn'
tl
ookatmeonebi
t.
Me:
yeah,
thef
oodi
sfi
ne.
Hi
m:andy
ou'
renot
?
Hef
ocusedonhi
sfood.
Ikeptqui
te.
Weat
einsel
enceunt
il
lwef
inshed.
Iwasst
art
ingt
ogetuncomf
ort
abl
e.
Me:
cany
out
akemehome.
Hel
ookedatmeandnodded.
Wegotupandl
eft
.
I
twasaf
ter
noon,
around5.
Wegotinsi
dethecar
,buckl
edupandhebr
oughtt
he
carengi
netol
i
fe.
Herubbedhi
sfacei
nfr
ust
rat
iont
henf
acedmy
di
rect
ion.
Him:lookSne,I
'
m sor
ryfort
hesuddenchangeof
mood.Ididn'
tmeantomakey ouf
eelhowy oudo
r
ightnow.Imeanyoudidn'
tdoanyt
hing.I
sjust
-
hepausedandl
ookedf
owar
d.
"MeaganandIhaveahi st
ory.Thi
ngsdi dn'
tendwel l
betweenusandthere'
salsounpal atablestor
ies
aboutmethatyou'
reboundt ofi
ndoutaboutsoon.
Sei
ngherbacktherejustki
ndat r
igger dme.ButI
wantyoutoknowthatI'dneverhur tyou.I'
m notthat
guy"
Her
edi
rect
edhi
sgazebackatmeagai
n.
hel
ookedgenui
ne.
Hi
m:canItakey
ousomewher
eel
sebef
oreIcoul
d
t
akeyouhome?
Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m..
.notsur
ewhatt
omakeoft
his.
"
Please.
"
Inodded.
"
I'
m sor
ryokay
?"
Hebrushedmyhandl
i
ght
lywhi
l
elooki
ngatmet
hen
dr
oveoff.
Weparkedatsomei
sol
atedar
eat
hatwesawt
he
ci
ty'
svi
ewfrom.
I
twasbeaut
if
ul.
I
'
venev
erseenany
thi
ngasbeaut
if
ulast
his.
Heki
l
ledt
hecarengi
neandsmi
l
ed.
Hi
m: j
ustsoyouknow,
nobodyknowsaboutt
his
pl
ace.AndI'
venev
erbr
oughtanybodyher
ebefor
e.
Iwasmesmer
ized.
Me:
it'
ssobeaut
if
ul.
Hest
eppedoutandcamet
omysi
deoft
hedoor
.
Heopenedi
tandt
ookmyhandandhel
pedmeout
.
Hi
m:comeon.
Hecl
osedt
hedoorandscoopedmeup.
Iwr
appedmyhandsar
oundhi
sneckandhel
don.
Heputmeont
opont
hecarbonnetandj
oinedme.
Wewatchedt
hisbeaut
if
ulv
iewofci
tyl
i
ghsi
n
si
l
ence.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
Ohkay
..
.Idi
dn'
tl
iket
hesoundoft
hat
.
Basi call
yhet oldmeev eryt
hingthathappend
bet weenHi m andmeagan.Hewentont otelli
ngme
abouthi sl
if
e.He'sthef i
rstbornof3brot hers,
Lwazi
andBanzi .Noneoft hem wer emar ri
ed.Theirmot her
diedwhent heywer est i
llyoung.Sotheirfather
raisedt hem alonewhi l
ebui l
dingtheLangaempi r
e.
Hes32andhasnoki ds.Hisbr ot
hersandhi m are
verycl oseandt heyar eeachot her'
sbestfri
eds.
Ienjoy
edlisteni
ngtohim.He'
snotashar dcor
eashe
appearstobe.He'sfunnyandIactual
l
ylovedbeing
herewithhim.Wet al
kedandlaughedinbetween.
Me:
You'
renotasbadast
heypot
rai
yout
obe.
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owsandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:who'
sthey
'?
Me: Idi
dmyownr
esearchony
ouaf
tert
heguy
s
t
alkedabouty
oul
ast
night.
Hi
m:Oh.Theyt
alkedaboutme?
Het
urnedandl
ookedaway
.
Me:
t heydidn'
treal
l
ysaymuch.Ij
usthadt
ogodo
myresearch.
Hel
augh.
Hi
m:so,
sof
ar?
Me:
Ihav
emyr
eser
vat
ionsabouty
ou.
Het
urnedt
olookatme.
Hi
m:comeon.I
t'snotf
airt
hatyouj
udgemebased
ont
heinf
ormat
ionyoucoll
ect
edonint
ernet
.At
least
gi
vemeachancet
opr
ovemy
sel
f.
Il
augh.
..
"
I'
mver
ydr
awnt
oyouSneandIcannothel
pit
."
Iwasshi
ver
ingf
rom col
d.
Hi
m:ar
eyouf
eel
i
ngcol
d?
Me:
yes.
Hejumpeddownandwentinsi
det
hecar
.Hecame
backwi
thahoody.Hehel
pedmegetdownand
hel
pedmeputiton.
Hi
m:t
her
eyougo.
Me:
itf
it
smeper
fect
ly.
Hel
aught
hrowi
nghi
sheadback.
Hi
m:ar
eyout
omboy
ish?
Me:
somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.
Ismi
l
ed.
Henarrowdhi
sey
esandpull
edmecl
osert
ohim.He
puthi
shandonmyweistandpul
l
edmefut
hercl
ose.
Iwas.Wayt
oocl
oseIf
elthi
sjeanbut
tonsonmy
st
omach.
Helookeddeepi
ntomyeyesandst
uckhi
stounge
outtomosit
enhi
slips.
Iwashol
dingmybr
eat
hlooki
ngbackathi
m.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouSnenhl
anhl
a.
Il
ookedawayandt
ri
edt
ost
epback.
Heti
ghtenedhi
sholdonmyweistandt
il
tedmyhead
wi
thhisfi
ngerbackt
ohisgaze.
Hi
m:Iwantt
oki
ssy
ou.
If
eltchi
l
lst
rav
eldownmyspi
ne.
Heleanedfowar
dandpl
acedhi
sli
psonmi
neand
ki
ssedthem.
Idi
dn'
tki
sshi
m back.
Hepul
l
edbackandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
hmm.
Hi
m:doy
ouwantmet
ost
op?
Ishookmyhead.
Hepull
edthebackofmyheadcl
oserandt
ookmy
l
ipsi
nhis.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Isai
dinbet
weent
heki
ss.
Hi
m:hmm.
Ibr
oket
heki
ss.
Me:
I-uhm.
..
Ican'
tki
ss.
Henar
rowedhisey
esandti
lt
edhisheadtot
heside
t
ryi
ngt
of i
gur
eoutwhati
tisIwastr
yingt
osay.
Hi
m:whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
I'
venev
erki
ssedany
bodybef
ore.
Hebust
edouti
nlaught
erandhunghi
shead.
Hi
m:ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:
yes.
Thatcameoutasawi
sper
.
Hi
m:ohbaby
.
Hel
i
ckdhi
sli
psandl
ookedatme
"
It
'sokayj
ustf
oll
owmyl
eadokay
?"
Inodded.
Hepul
l
edmecl
oserandourl
i
psl
ocked.
Hekissedmepassi
onat
elyt
henst
oppedshor
tl
yand
l
ookedatme.
Hi
m:y
ou'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Hedeepenedt
heki
ss.
I
nser
t9
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**?

-
Ozi
thobi
l
e

Ourli
pslockedandourt
ongueswereexpl
ori
ngon
eachother.Ibr
oket
heki
ssandplacedasoftpeck
onherforehead.
Shebur
ri
edherheadonmychest
.
Ihel
dhert
ightandbr
ushedherhai
r.
Me:
Arey
ougood?
Her
:Hmm.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Her
:For
eign.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
SoIj
ustbr
okey
ourv
irgi
nit
y?
Shehi
tmeont
hechest
.
Youknowforsomeonewho'snev erki
ssedany
body
bef
ore,Imustsay
,you'
requi
etgoodactual
ly
.That
wasAmazing"
Her:
Yesitwas.I
'mfeel
ingal
lthesefor
eignf
eel
i
ngs
al
lovermybody.Idon'
tknowwhatitmeans.
Ikeptqui
et.
Mycockwasashar
dasar
od.
Ihaven'
tfel
tthi
sexci
tedinal
ongt
imeandIdi
dn'
t
havesexinfourmonths.
ButIwasn' tgonnagi veherthei mpr essiont hatI
want edtosleepwi thherbecauseI 'm notinar ush
foranythingli
ket hatwit
hher .Myi ntenti
onsar e
goodandpur e.Iloveher.Iknewt hat,t
hemomentI
l
aidmyey esonher .I
'
venev erfeltlikethisabout
anybodybef oreandI '
m notwi ll
ingt odoany thing
thatwillj
eopardizewhatIhav egoi ngonher e.She
hasn'tsaidanythingaboutherf eel i
ngst owar dsme
yetandIwasn' tgonnapushi t.Butf ir
stIneededt o
sentav eryharshmessaget oMeagan.I tlooksl ike
she'sforgott
enwhoIam andwhatI 'm capabl eof .
Her
:Ozi
thobi
l
e!
Me:
Hmm
Her
:Wher
e'sy
ourmi
nd?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.Di
dyousaysonet
hing?
Ipul
l
edheri
nforahugt
henpul
l
edherbackt
oface
me.
"
Ienj
oyedspendi
ngt
imewi
thy
ouSneandI-"
Myphoner
ang.
"
I'
m sor
ryIhav
etot
aket
his"
Ianswer
edst
il
lhav
ingheri
nmyembr
ace.
"
Brot
herman"
Lwazi
:"heymanI'
vebeencal
li
ngy
ousi
nce
af
ter
noon.Whereareyou?"
Me:
myspot
.What
'sup?
Lwazi:"
Isettheboy
sonDlomo'
stai
ll
ikeyousai
d
andturnsouthe'
sbeent
onogoodjustasI
suspected"
Me:
Howbadi
sit
?
Lwazi:
"It
'sbey
ondbadact
ual
l
y.Ver
ydi
stur
bing.And
you'
renotgonnal
ikei
t.
"
Me:
Wher
ear
eyour
ightnow?
Lwazi:
"justl
eftt
hewar
ehouse.I
'
m dr
ivi
ngbackt
o
Hatf
iel
d."
Me:
I'
l
lbet
her
eshor
tl
y.
Lwaz
i:"
sur
e."
Hehungup.
Sne:
Doy
ouhav
etobesomewher
eel
se?
Me:
yesandi
m sor
ryI
'
m gonnahav
etocutt
hisshor
t.
Sne:I
t'
sokay
.Iunder
tand.Thanksforbr
ingi
ngme
hereandt
aki
ngmeoutf orlunch.
Me:Nothanky
ouf
ort
rust
ingme.Letmet
akey
ou
home.
Sheat
tempt
edt
owal
kawaywhenIpul
l
edherback.
Me:DidIt
ell
youhowcut
eyoul
ooki
nthi
shoody
baby
?
Her
:"baby
"?Whendi
dwear
ri
veher
e?
Her
aisedherey
ebr
owdr
amat
ical
l
y.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
Youdon'
tl
ikepetnames?
Her:
Iwouldn'
tknowsinceI'
veneverbeencal
l
edby
onebut
,i
sn'ti
trudet
ocallarandom per
sonbypet
names?
Me:
You'
rer
andom?
Her
:I'
m noty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.Sot
hatmakesme
r
andom.
Il
augh
Me:
Soy
ou'
react
ual
l
ysay
ingwe'
rest
ranger
s?
Her
:wel
lpr
act
ical
l
y,y
es.
Me:
Soy
ougoar
oundki
ssi
ngst
ranger
sSnenhl
anhl
a?
Shebl
ushed.
Her
:I-
Iheltherbytheweistandsmashedmyl i
psonher
s.I
kissedherli
kemylifedependedonit
.Isl
itmy
tonguethroughandIheardherbreat
hheavi
ly
.
Ibr
oket
heki
ssandl
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
I'm notast
ranger.You'
regonnar
egr
etcal
l
ing
methat.Come,
let
'sgetyouhome.
Wegoti nsi
dethecarandIdr
oveoff
.Ipassedbya
rest
aurantanddeci
dedtobuyherdi
nnerthendr
ove
herstr
aighthome.

.
Imetupwi thLwazi todiscusssomebusi nessand
Dlomo.Dl omoi sourmat eri
alsuppli
erwho' sbeen
wor kingforusf orsol ong.Hemov edf r
om the
vil
lagesalongt i
meagoaf t
erhecommi tedadulter
y
andappar entlygotsomel ocalwomanpr egnant.Hi
s
wifewasn' thappyabouti tandt heonlywayt o
extinguishthef iret
hatwasbur ningbetweenhi m
andt heot herwomanwasi fhedesapper d.Sothey
relocatedandcamet oPr etori
a.WhenIwasdoi ng
somebackr oundcheckonhi m,Ialsolearnedthathe
didn'tknowt hatheleftthatwomanpr egnant.Latel
y
he'sbeeni nv olvedi
nsomeshadybusi nesswhi ch
I'
my ettofindoutaboutf rom Lwazi.Andt hatwas
cost
ingusbusi
ness.
*
***
*
Ical
l
edLwazi
andt
oldhi
mtol
etmei
n.
Iknockedatt
hedoorandheopendshor
tl
y.
Hi
m:Ol
a.
Me:
Eit
a.Fede?
Wef
istbumpedandIgoti
n.
Iwentstr
aightt
ohi
sfr
idgeandt
ookoutt
wo
dumpies.
Iopenedonewit
hmyt
eet
handt
hrewawayt
hecap
acrosst
heroom.
Wefoll
owedeachothert
othel
i
vingr
oom and
set
tl
edonthecouches.
Idr
ankthedumpi
edownal
mostatonegount
il
li
t
wasquart
erempt
y.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handf
ini
shedi
tof
f.
Iopenedt
heot
herone,
si
ppedoni
tthenputi
tont
he
tabl
e.
Hewasst
ari
ngatmet
heent
ir
eti
me.
Irubbedmyf
acebr
ief
lyandl
eanedbackont
he
couch.
Lwaz
i:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
m hor
ny.
Het
hrewt
hecushi
onatmeandIduckedi
t.
Lwaz
i:Fuckof
fman.Fi
ndy
our
sel
fawomanand
st
opsulki
ng.
Me:
Ihav
eact
ual
l
y.
Ismil
ed.Justt
het
houghtofheri
nmymi ndi
s
enoughtosetmeoff
.Ihadgoosebumps.
Lwaz
i:Getoutofher
e.Dudey
ou'
reev
enGl
owi
ng.
Di
dyougetsome?
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tbesit
tingheredri
nki
ngdowny our
beer
sandcomplai
ningaboutbeinghornyifIgot
somewenadumbass.Andany way..
.shesnotthe
ty
petobemessedar oundwit
h.She'
sspeci al
man.
Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveIwassay
ingt
hisaboutawoman.
Lwaz
i:Okayhol
ditr
ightt
her
e.Whoar
eyouandwhat
di
dyoudot
oOzi
?
Me: She'
saspeci
alcaseman.AndI
'
m def
inat
ely
keepingher
.
Isi
ppedonmybeerandr
eachedoutf
ort
heTV
remot
e.
Lwazi:I
nmyent i
reexi
stencet
hatI
'veknownyou,
I
've
neverseenyourf
aceli
ghtupli
kethatwhenev
eryou
spokeaboutawoman.Notev enMeagan.
Me: Uyabonake.Don'tspoi
lmymoodwi t
hthat
persondude.Shenear l
yrui
nedsomething
compel li
ngIhavegoi
ngont oday
.Thatwomanhas
total
lylosti
t.Canyoubeli
evesheshowdupatmy
placethismor ni
ngaf
tersheghostedonmef orf
our
mont hs?
Lwaz
i:Shedi
dwhat
?
Hebustoutl
aughi
ng.
"Canyoublamehert
hough.Af
tert
hesexy
ou'
ve
beengiv
ingher
?"
Me:
comeonman.Nott
hatagai
n.
Lwaz
i:I
t'
snotmyf
aul
tthatIwal
kedi
nony
ouguy
sa
coupl
eofti
mes.Youneverl
i
kedcl
osingdoor
s.Ij
ust
happendt
obeattheri
ghtpl
acej
ustatthewrong
ti
me."
Me:
Lwazi
!
Hi
m: Igot
tasay ,
you'reati
gerdudeyoh.I
'
vesi
nce
r
eali
sedthatIdon'tperf
orm asmuchasI'
dli
keto
t
hinkIdoafterseeingyouinact
i-
Me:
LWAZI
!
hel
aughoutl
oud.
"
Youdor
eal
i
set
hisi
scr
eepyr
ight
?"
Hestoodupandshrughisshoul
der
sthen
di
sappear
edtothekicken.
Hecamebackwi
tht
wodumpi
es.
Me:
Don'
tyouhav
eany
thi
ngst
ronger
?
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Wehaven'
tevendiscussedt
her
ealreasonwhy
you'
reher
ebutyoualr
eadywannagetyoursel
fdr
unk.
He'
sri
ght
.
"
Anyway..
.t
urnsoutourMrgoodi
etooshoesDl
omo
i
sn'
tascleanastheycome.Iact
ual
lywannasl
i
thi
s
t
hroati
fyouaskme"
Me:Stopspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
esandgett
othef
ucken
poi
nt.
Him:Oursuppli
erisactual
l
ynotusi
nghi
sTrucksto
tr
ansportmateri
alonl
ybutdoeshumantr
aff
icki
ng
aswell
.Str
ict
lyonboys."
Idi
dnotexpectt
his.
Me:
what
?
Him: Hegotont hebadsideofsomeRussi angang
sotheyalert
edthecops.Nowt hey'
reonhi
stail
.
Watchinghim cl
oselyl
ikeahawk.Ust oo.Whichis
thereasonwhyhehasn' tbeendoinghisj
ob.
Apparentl
ywe'realsol
inkedtohisshadybusinesses
beacusewe'redoingbusinesswithhim.Heknows
aboutthishencehe'sl
ayinglow.
Isatt
her
eshaki
ngmyheadandl
aughedhumor
ousl
y.
Thatsonofabi
tch!
Lwaz
i:Appar
ent
lyt
hisDl
omoguyt
raf
fi
cst
hisboy
s
forhisownuse.Hekeepst hem somewhereina
shadyhouseatanisolat
edpl ace,
feedst
hem sot
hey
couldsati
sfyhi
ssexualneeds.
Me:Whatki
ndofasi
ckbust
urdi
sthi
sguy
?Doeshe
nothav
eawife?
Hel
i
ftedhi
shandsi
nsur
render
.
Hi
m:Whoknowswhypeopl
edot
het
hingst
heydo?
Me:
Sowe'
real
sol
i
nkedt
othesesi
ckshenani
gans?
Henodded.
Ispr
angonmyf
eetandmov
edupanddowni
n
fr
ust
rat
ion.
Lwaz
i:Si
tdown.y
ou'
remaki
ngmedi
zzyman.
Isat
.
"
Sohowar
ewegonnadeal
wit
hhi
m?"
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:We'regonnachopof fhi
smanhoodandf eedit
t
othedogs.Theseboy sdon'tdeser
vethi
s.And
mostcertai
nlyhi
swif
et oo.Whatkindofaderanged
manthisguyis?
Igotupfr
om t
hecouchandt
ookal
astsi
pfr
om my
dumpie.
"Getthi
scrazymanofft
hestr
eetsassoonas
tomorrow.Iwanthi
minthewarehouset
omorr
ow
night
"
Wef
istbumpedandIst
ommedout
.

.
Igoti
nsi
demycaranddr
ovet
omyhouse.
Igott
hereandputthecarkey
sandwall
etont
opof
theki
ckencount
erandwentupst
air
s.
Itookoffmycl
othsandwenti
ntotheensui
tshower
.
Iturnedi
tonandlett
hecol
dwaterhitmybody.I
neededtocoolof
f.
If
acedthewallwi
thmyhandsagainsti
t.ICl
osed
myeyesandletmythought
saboutherfil
lmyhead.
Thi
sfeel
ingwasgivi
ngmechestpains.
It
urnedsheshowerof
fandst
eppedout
.
Idr
iedmy
sel
fup,
lot
ionedandputonaboxer
.
Ihadthi
sedgetocal
landjusthearhervoi
ce.ButI
fi
guredshecoul
dbesleepi
ngsoIdecidednotto.
Itookmyphoneandt
ext
edashor
tandbr
iefsms
thenputi
taway.
Igotundert
hesheet
sandzonedout
.
I
nser
t10
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Ozi
Iwokeuparound5am t
opr
epar
esomepaper
wor
k
bef
oregoi
ngtowork.
Ialsocal
ledmyPItodosomef utherdi
ggingon
Dlomo.Ididn'
twantnosupr
isesanymore.It
'squi
et
cl
earthatIunder
esti
matedhim.Ineededtoknow
whathewasupt o,i
norderf
ormet obeprepared.
Ihadjustf
ini
shedtaki
ngashowerwhent
he
i
nter
com buzzed.
Me:
Yes?
Secur
it
yguy:
MorningMrDlomo.I
'
vegotpeopl
eof
thel
awheredemandingt
oseeyou?
Me:
What
?Okayl
etmei
n.
Igrappedagown,pushedmyf
li
pfl
opsi
nand
headeddownstai
rs.
Thef
rontdoorbel
lrangandIwentt
oat
tendt
oit
.
Me:
TowhatdoIowet
hispl
easur
e?
Offi
cer:
MrLanga.Weapol ogi
esforbudgi
nginat
yourhouseli
kethi
sbutwe'vegotawarrantof
searchfory
ourproper
ty.
Me:
Arey
ouki
ddi
ngme?
Of
fi
cer
:Nosi
r.
Me: Ihav
etogotoworkinafewminut
es.Andwhat
exactl
yareyouher
etosear
chfor
?
Of
fi
cer
:youngt
raf
fi
ckedboy
ssi
r.
Irai
sedmyey
ebr
owandl
eanedmyhandont
hedoor
fr
ame.
Me:
Ist
hissomeki
ndofaj
oke?
Ichuckl
ed.
Of
ficer
:Nosir
.Wecoul
dreall
yjustgeti
tdoneand
ov
erwithsoonify
oul
etusin.
Me:you'
dbett
erf
indwhaty
ou'r
elooki
ngf
or.Ory
ou
andIwil
lhav
eaprobl
em Mr.
..
Il
ookedathi
snamet
agt
henbackathi
m.
"
Dladl
a.Li
vemypr
oper
tyasy
ouf
oundi
t.
"
It
urnedtowalkawayt
omybedr
oom andl
ett
hem
dothei
rjob.
Thi
smustbesomeki
ndofj
okebecauseifnot
,I
'
ll
hav
eDl
omo'sheadonmysi
lverpl
att
er.
ItookoutmyNav ybluet
wopiecesui
twit
hawhite
shir
tandgreyti
e.Icomplet
edthewhol
elookwit
ha
brownbelt
,wri
stwatchandpai
roffor
malIt
ali
an
brownshoes.
If
ini
sheddr
essi
ngup,
wenti
ntomyoff
iceand
gr
abbedmylapt
opbagandcarkey
s.
Iwentdownst
air
sandwai
ted.
Theycamedownaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es.
Me:
Didy
ouf
indwhaty
ou'
rel
ooki
ngf
ort
hen?
Of
fi
cer
:Nosi
r.
Me:
Soy
ouj
ustwai
stedmyt
ime?
Ihadmyhandsi
nmypocket
.
Off
icer
: We'
rejustdoi
ngourj
obsir
.We'l
lsee
our
selvesout.Thankyouf
oryourco-
oporat
ion.
Theyst
eppedout
.
Ishookmyheadandandt
ookmyst
uffheadi
ngout
aswell
.
*
***
Iar
ri
vedatt
heof
fi
ceandgr
eet
edI
nat
hi.
Me:
Goodmor
ningI
nat
hinkosi
.
Iputmyl
apt
opbagont
opont
her
ecept
ioncount
er.
Her
:Goodmor
ningMr
sLanga.
Shef
ixedherski
rtt
hatInot
icedwaswayt
ooshor
t.
Me:
Howwasy
ourweekend?
Shebl
ushed.
Her:I
twasgoodt
hanky
ou.Icoul
dn'
twai
ttocome
backtowor
k.
Me:Oh.Idi
dn'
treal
i
sey oul
ovey
ourj
obt
hatmuch.
Keepupthegoodspir
it
.
Igr
abbedmybagbef
oreshecoul
drepl
yandheaded
t
otheel
evat
er.
"
Pleasesentcof
feet
omyof
fi
ce.
"
Ishout
ed.
Igoti
nmyoffi
ceandmadeaf
ewphonecal
l
s.One
wastoBanzi
.
Hepi
ckedup.
Banzi
:Bhut
i.
Me:
Hit
her
echamp.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hi
m:I
'
m goodbr
o.Ij
ustmi
sshome.
Me:
Youhav
etost
ayf
ocusedony
ourst
udi
esman.
Hi
m:IAm.
..
butIst
il
lmi
sshome.
Me:
How'
sCapet
own?
Hi
m:Col
d.Howar
eyouguy
sdoi
ngt
hatsi
de?
Me:We'r
egood.Justhav
eaf
ewt
hingst
osor
tout
butwe'
regood.
Him:Lwazipromisedt
ovi
sitmet
hispastweekend
buthenevershowedup.
Me:
Iaskedhi
mtodoacer
tai
npr
ojectf
ormesohe
gothel
dup.ButI
'
llmakesur
ehepopsbyt
his
weekend.
Hi
m:Okay
.Igot
tagot
oCl
ass.l
ater
.
Me:
Shar
p.
Ihungupandst
art
edonwor
kimmedi
atel
y.
Mydoorswangopenandi
ncameI
nat
hi.
Shecatwalkedtowardsmyt abl
eandputthecoff
ee
ontop.Shesatontopofthetabl
eandcrossesher
l
egs.Heralreadyshortski
rtpul
l
ingupr
eveali
ngher
thi
ckandpal ethi
ghs.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Isai
dbr
ief
lyandcont
inuedgazi
ngonmyl
apt
op.
Shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
.Il
ookedupandf
acedher
.
Me:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
se?
Shebr
ushedhert
highandl
ookedatme.
Ir
emov
edmyGl
assesandl
eanedbackonmyseat
.
Her
:Doy
oul
i
ke?
Me:
Excuessme?
Shejumpedoffandcamear
oundmychai
randspan
i
taroundtof
aceher.
Shesatont
opofmei
nast
raddl
i
ngposi
ti
on.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Shegr
indedonmeunbut
toni
ngmyshi
rt
.
Iheldherhandsandpushedheroffmegentl
y.I
pull
edmychai rf
oward,
putmyglassesbackonand
focusedonmywor kagain.
Shest
oodupandt
ookaf
ewst
epsback.
Her
:WhatdoIhav
etodot
ogety
out
onot
icemeOzi
?
Il
ookedup.
Me:I
t'
sMrLangafory
ou.Closethedoorbehi
ndy
ou
andpr
etendl
i
kethi
sneverhappend.
Ir
edi
rect
edmyf
ocusebackont
hel
apt
op.
Her
:Imadeanext
raef
for
tpul
l
ingt
hisat
ti
reof
fjust
f
oryou.
Il
ookedupandf
oldedmyar
msonmychest
.
Me:
May
bei
fyoul
ookedabi
tdecent
.ButYoul
ook
l
ikeasl utandt hatdoesn'tatt
ractmeonebi t.I
'
m
surethere'sguy souttherewhowoul dbeimpressed
byt hestuntyouj ustpull
edInathinkosi
butI'
m not .
I'
m gonnagobackt omywor kandpr et
endli
key ou
neverconduct edy oursel
fli
keadesper atei
mmor al
slutinyourplaceofwor kandtriedtoseduceyour
boss.
Shepul
l
edherski
rtandt
ri
edpul
l
ingi
tdownt
hen
st
omedout
.
Ishookmyheadandgotbackonmywor
k.
Myphoner
angandIpi
ckedup.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouhav
eforme?
PI:I
'
vesentyouanemai
lwi
thal
lthei
nfor
mat
iony
ou
askedBoss.
Me:
Okay
.I'
l
lchecki
tjustnow.Thanksman.
PI
:sur
e.
Theli
nedi
ed.Iputthephonedownandopenedmy
emial
s.Myeyeswidendatwhatwasther
e.
Ical
l
edLwazi
.
Lwaz
i:ei
ta.
Me:
Didy
oucapt
ureDl
omoy
et?
Him:Notyet
.We'r
esti
ll
traci
nghi
smov
es.Wecan'
t
becarel
essgoi
ngaboutit
.
Me:Iwanthi
m att
hewar
ehousewhenIknockof
f
Lwazi
.
Hi
m:We'
reoni
tman.Rel
ax.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Itookalookatt
hee-
mai
lagai
nandhi
tthet
abl
ein
fr
ustrat
ion.
Me:
DAMNI
TDl
omo!

-
Sne
Ihadbackt obackcl
assestoday.Iatt
ended3and
sti
l
lhadonemor etogobutIwaal readyt
ired.I
decidedt
ogot othecant
eenandgr abasnackanda
dri
nkt of
reshenupbefor
eIcouldgobackt omynext
cl
ass.
Igott
her
eandnot
icedMi
ssDubewhowasseat
ing
atat
abl
ewi
thhercol
l
eaguehav
ingl
unch.
Iwentstrai
ghtt
ot hecount
erandboughtmy
st
uff,
foundatableandsatdown.
Ical
l
edMrsGumedeandAmo'
smom t
henat
e
shor
tl
yaf
ter
.
If
eltashadowwei
ghi
ngonmesoIl
ookedup.
Me:
Hi.CanIhel
pyou?
Meagan:
Stayt
hehel
lawayf
rom myman,
doy
ou
hearme?
Ii
gnor
edherandat
eonmysnack.
"
Don'
ti
gnor
emewhenI
'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyougi
rl
y"
Me:whydon'
tyout
ell
himt
ost
ayawayf
rom me
i
nst
ead?
If
ocusedonmyf
ood.
Meagan:You'r
eobv i
ousl
ytheonefishi
ngonhi m.Ozi
woul
dnev ergoforyourt
ype.You'
renothingbuta
st
udent.Whatdoy ouhavetooff
erforhim?
Shesai
dPont
ingatmeupanddown.
Me:
Somet
hingy
oucl
ear
lycoul
dn'
tof
ferf
orhi
m.
Her
:Excuessme?
Me:I'
dli
ketohav
emyl
unchbr
eaki
npeacei
fyou
don'
tmind.
Shel
ower
edher
sel
ftomyl
evel
andf
acedme.
Her:
I'm warni
ngyouSne.Youhav
enoideawho
you'
redeal
ingwit
h.St
ayawayoryou'
l
lregr
eti
t.
shewal
kedaway
.
Isatt
her
edumbst
ruckandf
ri
ght
ened.
Howdoessheknowmyname?
Thatunset
tl
edmymi
nd.IGotupandt
ookmyst
uff
andlef
t.
Iatt
endedmyl astclass.Thewhol etimeIwas
si
tti
ngther ethinkingaboutt hi
sMi ssDubewoman
andhert hreats.Thecl asswasf inal
lydismissedand
Iwalkedt omyf lat
.Igott her
eandt hrewev ert
hing
onthef l
oorandwentt oshower .Icamebackand
gotstart
edwi thdi nner.Ihadt oputmymom' s
cookingtechni quesandt eachingsintosomegood
use.SoIpr epar edaf ull
coursemeal whil
elist
ingto
j
acar
anda.

-
Ozi
.
Iwasgl
admydaywasf
inal
l
yov
er.
Iwantedtocall
Snet hewholedaybutaft
er
everyt
hingt
hatIjustfoundoutt
odayIcouldn'
tbr
ing
my sel
ftocal
lher.
Igr
appedmyst
uffandheadedoutst
rai
ghtt
omycar
.
Ical
ledLwazit
ofi
ndoutifhesucceededonthe
proj
ectandhesai
dtheywerealr
eadyatthe
warehouse.
Ideci
dedtopassbyapubandgr abaf ewdri
nks
befor
eIcoul
dgotothewarehouse.Ineededtodri
nk
somethi
ngstr
ongformetof acethatSchaumbur
g
aft
erfi
ndi
ngoutstuf
fabouthim.
If
inal
lydr
ovestrai
ghtt
othewar
ehouseaf
tert
wo
gl
assesofwhiskey.
Ipar
kedout
sideandst
eppedi
n.
If
oundt
heguy
ssut
ti
ngatsomer
oom.
Me:
Eit
a.
Lwaziandothert
woguyswhoworkedf
orusont
he
shadybusi
nesseswer
ealsoher
e.
Them:
Sur
esur
eboss.
Theygr
eet
edi
nuni
son.
If
acedLwazi
.
Me:
wher
eishe?
Hepoi
ntedatt
heback.
Iwenti
tandt
heyf
oll
owedme.
If
oundhi
mt i
eduponachai
rwi
thhi
sheadcov
erd
wi
thasack.
Iremovedit
.Hebr
oughthi
sey
esupt
olookatme
andlaughd.
Igr
abbedachairandpl
acesiti
nfr
ontofhi
m.If
olded
myshir
tandtookasitdi
rectt
ohim.
Hespi
toutt
hensmi
rked.
Dl
omo:Themi
ghtyOzi
Langa.TowhatdoIowet
his
pl
easur
emyfr
iend?
Il
ookedathim andt
ightenedmyj
aws.Al
lthe
pi
ctur
esoftheboysinmyheadcamef l
oadingdown
andIcoul
dn'
thelpmy sel
f.
Istoodupfr
om mychai
randt
hrewapunchonhi
s
stomach.
Hegr
oanedt
henl
aughdshor
tl
yaf
ter
.
It
hrewanot
heroneonhi
sface.
Hespi
toutbl
ood.
Me:
Bri
ngt
hebucketofI
ce.
Theguy
sbr
oughti
t.
"
Pouri
tal
lonhi
m".
Theydi
dandshor
tl
yhewasgaspi
ngf
orai
r.
It
ookt
heenv
elopeIbr
oughti
nwi
thmeandopened
i
t.
It
ookt
hesi
tagai
nandf
acedhi
m.
Me:
Doy
oul
i
ket
hesi
ghtont
his?
Hel
ookedatmeshockedt
henl
ookedatt
hepi
ctur
es.
Hest
art
edl
aughi
ngoutl
oud.
Hi
m: Theyarejustusel
essboys.Thei
rparentsdon'
t
ev
ent akegoodcareofthem.Itookthem offt
he
st
reet
sandf eedthem.I'
m act
uall
ydoingthem so
muchf avour
.
Me:
Arey
ousi
cki
nyourhead?
Thatcameoutsof
t.
"YouandtheRussi
angangcapt uresmal l
boysfor
drugmulesandnowy ou'
rekeepingsomeoft hem
foryour
sel
fsothey
'dsatisf
yy ousexuall
y.Young
i
nnocentboysandyou'r
esitt
ingtherelaughi
ng?"
Hi
m:Youdon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Me:
Doesy
ourpoorwi
fenotsar
ti
fyy
ouenough?
Hehar
denedhi
sfacepi
ssedof
fbywhatIj
ustsai
d.
Him:Don'
tbr
ingmywifeintot
his.Whathappens
betweenmeandheri
sn'tanyofyourbusi
ness.
Me: Ohbutyoumadei tmybusi nesswheny ou
turnedourcompanyasaf r
ontf oryourshady
disgusti
ngbusinesses.Nowt hecopsar eonourtai
ls
wat chi
ngourev er
ythi
ngmov e.Allt
hankst oyou.Di
d
youknowt heycameintomyhouset hi
smor ni
ngto
searchmypr oper
tybecauset
heyt
hinkI
'
mint
his
togetherwi
thyou?
Hel
aughagai
nshi
ver
ingf
rom col
d.
Ist
oodupandthr
ewtheenv
elopeont
opofat
abl
e
andcal
l
edontheguy
s.
Me:Gents..
.l
ooksl
ikeourMrtoughguyhereisn'
t
r
emor sef
ulofhisi
l
l-manner
dbehavi
our.Teachhima
l
esson.
Theycamewithsjamboksandst
art
edbeat
inghis
fr
eezi
ngcoldbodyup.Hewasgroani
ngandhisski
n
wateari
ngapart
.
Me:
Bri
ngal
ongt
hechi
l
li
es.
Theydi
dandpour
edi
tonhi
sopenwounds.
Il
ookedathi
m ashewasscr
eami
ngbeggi
ngf
or
mercy.
Ikneel
edcl
osert
ohi
m.
Me:
Shutup.
Het
onedi
tdown.
"
Nowy
oul
i
stent
omeandl
i
stenat
tent
ivel
y.You'
re
gonnatakebackt hoseboy sbacktotheirpar
ents
andtell
y ourwif
ewhaty ou'vebeenuptobehindher
back.Alsotakeyourbusinesselsewherebecause
wedon'tneeditany mor
e."
Hewaspant
ing.
Him:NoMrLangapl
ease.Icannott
ell
mywi
fe.
She'
l
leav
eme.
Me:
She'
sbet
terof
fwi
thoutapi
gli
key
ou.
Ist
oodupandheadedt
owher
eLwazi
wasst
andi
ng.
Lwaz
i:Andt
hat
'sal
lthepuni
shmentheget
s?
Me:
Didy
ouhav
eabet
teronei
nmi
nd?
Lwaz
i:It
houghty
ou'
regoi
ngt
oki
l
lhi
m.
Me:That'
smor ey
ourst
ylet
hanmi
ne.Cl
eanupt
his
pl
ace.I
'm goi
nghome.
Iheadedout
sidebutmadeau-
tur
nandpeekedmy
headin.
"
Noki
l
li
ngLwazi
.Lethi
m gohome.
"
Hehear
dhi
m cur
se.
Igotinsi
demycarandr estedmyheadont he
steari
ngwheel.Howam Igoi ngtof aceSneknowing
thatherbi
ologi
cal f
atherisapigwhopr eysonli
tte
boysandwaswor kingforme.ImeanI '
m wel
laware
thatshedoesn'tknowhi m orany bodyfrom t
hat
famil
y.NowdoIgoonandpr etendl i
keIdon'
tknow
what'sgoi
ngonandkeepl yi
ngt oher?
Thi
sisonebi
gmess.Il
ookedatmywatchandi
t
was10pm.Ii
gni
tedt
hecarengi
neanddrov
eaway.
Ipar
kedout
sideherf
latandcal
l
edher
.
Shepi
ckedupi
nhersl
eepyv
oice.
Her
:Ozi
.
Me:
Pleasel
etmei
n.
Her
:What
?Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Att
hegat
e.
Shegavemet
hecodeandpar
kingnumbert
henI
drov
ein.
Iknockedatherdoorandsheopenedshor
tl
y.
Her
:Hi
Istoodther
ewithmyhandsi
nthepocket
sandmy
chestcoatunbut
toned.
Me:
CanIcomei
n?
Her
:Yeahsur
e.
Shest
eppedasi
deandIgoti
n.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
orwaki
ngy
ouup.
Her
:It
'sokay
.What
'sgoi
ngon?Youl
ookdr
ained.
Me:
Longday
.MayIt
akeasi
t?
Her
:Makey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Il
oosedmyt
ir
eandt
ookasi
tont
heki
ckenst
ool
.
Her
:Woul
dyoul
i
keacupofcof
fee?
Me:
I'
dappr
eci
tet
hat
.Makei
tst
rongpl
ease.
Iwatchedherasshehadherbackonmemaki ngus
cof
feeinhercutepej
amas.Iappr
eci
atedherbeaut
y
byaeachday .
Shecameandjoi
nedmeshor
tl
yhandi
ngov
ert
he
cof
feemugg.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Her
:You'
rewel
come.
Isi
ppedoni
tasshewasst
arr
ingatme.
Ist
oppedandl
ookedather
.
Me:
What
?
Her
:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Iputmyar
msont
het
abl
eandr
ubbedmyf
ace.Il
et
outasi
gn.
Him:Idon'
tknowwhyIcameherebutI
tfel
tli
ket
he
onl
yplaceIneededt
obeaft
ert
hedayIhad.
Her
:Oh.Whathappened?
Me:
Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
Shef
ocusedhergaz
eonme.
Herbeautyi
nti
midat
edmef
rom t
alki
ng.Ij
ust
coul
dn'
t.
Icl
ear
edmyt hr
oatandt
ookasipofmycoff
eeand
l
ookedatherfr
om t
heconer
softhemugg.
Me:
Wel
lther
e'ssomet
hingI
'
vedi
scov
eredt
oday
andI-
Ipaused.Whatam Idoi
ng?Thi
scoulddi
str
oyherf
or
al
lIknow.Urg.MaybeIshoul
dwait
.
"
I'
m sorr
ySne.Ishoul
dn'
thav
ecomeher
e.I
'
llj
ust
l
eave.
"
Ispr
angonmyf
eetandheadedt
othedoor
.
Her
:Wai
t.
It
urnedt
olookather
.
"
It
'sal
readyl
ateandy
oul
ookt
ir
ed"
Me:
It'
sjusta30mi
nut
esdr
ive.I
'
llmanage.
Her
:Youcansl
eepov
er.
Inar
rowedmyey
esonher
.
"
NoImean,
you'
l
lsl
eepont
hecouch"
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Her:
uhm.
..
yesIam.ImeanIwoul
dn'
tl
ety
oudr
ive
t
histi
meoftheni
ght
.
Me:ButIneedt
oshowerandIdon'
thav
emy
t
oil
etr
ieswit
hme.
Her
:I'
vegotaf
ewunused.
Me:
Whataboutcl
othes.
Her
:I'
l
lbor
rowy
oumyov
ersi
zedt
-shi
rtandl
eggi
ns.
Il
augh.
Me:
Okayt
hatwoul
ddoIguess.
Her:I
'
llwarm upfoodf
oryouwhileyoutakea
shower.2nddooronyourl
eftupstai
rs.
Me:
Whataboutt
oil
etr
ies?
Her
:Oh.f
cause.Let
'sgo.
Wefoll
owedeachotherupst
air
s.Shegav
eme
t
oil
etr
iesandIwentt
oshower .
Icamedownshort
lyandfoundhersit
ti
ngatthe
l
ivi
ngroom wi
thamountainouspl
ateoffoodnextt
o
her.
Me:
Ist
hatf
orme?
Ipoi
tedatt
hepl
ate.
Shel
ookedupatmeandl
augh.
"
What
'sf
unny
?"
Shepoi
ntedatt
het
ight
sshehadbor
rowedme.
Her
:Youl
ooksqueezedi
nthose.
Il
augh.
Me:
I'
ll
sur
viv
e.
It
ookasi
tanddi
ggedi
nov
ersi
l
lyt
alks.
If
ini
shedupt
henshebr
oughtmeapi
l
lowanda
bl
anket.
Het
:okay
.Goodni
ghtt
hen.
Me:
Goodni
ghtandt
hanksagai
n.
Shenoddedandwentupst
air
s.
Iwokeupinthemiddl
eoft
heni
ghtwi
thmyback
andneckarchi
ng.
Me:
Aahf
uck.
Igotupandheadedt
oherroom.Iopendthedoor
thatwashal
fcl
osedgent
lyandwalkedi
n.
Ishookherl
i
ght
ly.
"
Sne.Snenhl
anhl
a."
Her
:Hmm.
Sheopenedherey
esandj
umped.
"Whatthehell
Ozi
.Younear
lygav
emeaf
ight
.What
areyoudoingher
e?
Shepul
l
edt
hecov
erst
ocov
erherupperbody
.
Me:I'
m sorr
ybutIcannotsl
eepont
hatcouch
any
mor e.Mybodyarches.
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owsonme.
Her
:Sowhat
'st
hepl
annow?
Me:Canwesharet
hebed?Ipr
omi
sey
ouwoul
dn'
t
ev
ennoti
ceI
'm her
e.
Her
:That
'swei
rdOz
i.
Me:
IknowbutIpr
omi
senott
otouchy
ou.
Her
:Okaygeti
n.
Igoti
nandkeptadi
stancef
rom usanddr
if
tedt
o
sl
eep.
Ifel
therbut
tonmymanhoodandIwokeup.She
hadherbackonmeandwasfastasl
eep.
Imov
edbackandf
acedt
heot
herway
.Il
ookedi
n
t
hecov
ersandmycockwasawake.
Me:
Shi
t!
Icur
sedundermybr
eat
handt
ri
edt
ogobackt
o
sl
eep.
Shet
urnedt
omydi
rect
ionandhel
dmecl
oser
.
Thi
sisat
estGodhel
pmewi
nin.
HowdoIsleepnextt
othi
sbeaut
if
ulwomanandnot
t
ouchher
?
Itur
nedt
ofaceherandpul
l
edherov
ert
omychest
andhel
dher.
sheposi
ti
onedher
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
yandwedr
if
tedt
o
sl
eep.
I
nser
t11
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

wokeupwithmybodycuddl
edupbyaheavyhand
andIr
ememberditwasOzi'
s.Ismi
l
edandremoved
i
tgent
ly.Hehel
dontomeandmumbl ed.
Hi
m:hmhm.
Me:
Ineedt
ogot
othel
ooOzi
.
Hel
etgoandt
urnedt
ofacet
heot
herway
.
Iguesshewasn'
tgonnawakeupany
timesoont
his
one.
Itiptoedtothebathroom andr eli
ev edmy sel
f.I
brushedmyt eethandr i
nsedmyf acewithwar m
wat er.Ir
eturnedtothebedr oom andf oundhim sti
ll
sleeping.Igotinsi
det hecov er
sandwat chedhim
sleep.Iadmi redhi
sbeaut y.He'ssohandsome.Hi s
thickanddar keyebrowsar ewel lshapedandhehas
l
ongey el
ashes.Hislipswer epinkishoutli
nedin
black.
Heopendhi
sey
esl
i
ghl
yandsmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:I
'
m qui
etanar
thuh?
Hesmi
l
edl
azi
l
y.Iwasembar
rassed.
Me:
Don'
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
f.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning.
Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Hegotup,
satonhi
sbut
tandl
eanedback.
Hi
m:Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
Isl
eptokay
.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Hi
m:Justokay
?
Hel
ookedatmeandl
augh.
Me:
What
'sf
unny
?
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ou'
reaspr
ingbooki
nyoursl
eep.
Li
kel
i
ter
all
y.
Hecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hi
m:Youhady
ourbum onmet
hewhol
eni
ght
.
Icov
eredmyf
acewi
thmyhands.
"
Don'
twor
ryl
i
kedt
hegest
ure.
"
Me:itwant
sagestureOzi.Whydoyoumakeit
soundli
keIdi
dthatdel
iberat
ely
?Iwassl
eepi
ng.
Helookedatmel
i
kehewant
edt
oeatmef
or
br
eakfast
.
Me:
Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
.
Hi
m:You'
rer
ight
.Ishoul
dpr
obabl
ygetgoi
ng.
Hegotoutoft
hecover
sandcamet omysideofbed
andki
ssedmyfor
eheadthenheadedout
.
Ifoundhim alr
eadydressedi
nhi
spr
evi
ouscl
othes
andfoldi
ngt hebl
anket.
Hi
m:Thanksf
ort
heni
ght
cap.
Me:
woul
dyoul
i
keacupofcof
feebef
orey
oul
eav
e?
Hi
m:Nosweet
hear
t.nextt
ime.
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
owonhi
m andt
eased.
Me:
Nextt
ime?
Hel
ookedatme.
Him:Wouldn'
tyouli
kewaki
ngupnextt
omeagai
n?
BecauseIwould.
Hewi
nkedatme.
Me:
Wel
lIdon'
tknowaboutt
hat
.
Heputt
hebl
anketdownandcamet
owar
dsme.
Heputhi
shandsi
nhispocket
sandl
ookedmeinthe
ey
es.Hemustbeobsessedwi
thmyeyebal
l
sreal
l
y.
Him:IloveyouSnenhl
anhl
a.AndI'
dlikeyoutogive
usachancebecauseIreal
lywantyouinmyl i
fe.I
knowy oudon'
tknowmeandIunder standyourfear
s
butIwouldneverbeabl
etoli
veanor malli
fe
knowingyoubutnothavi
ngyouasmywoman.
Ng'y
akthandamaKhumalo.
Me:Howdoy
ouknowmysur
namebecauseInev
er
t
oldyou?
Hecur
sedunderhi
sbr
eat
h.
Hi
m:Ar
ey ousurey
oudidn'
t?BecauseIt
hinkI
r
ememberthaty
oudid.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Hi
m:Hmm.
Heav
oidedmyey
es.
He'
sly
ingt
omeandIcanseei
t.
Me:
You'
rel
yi
ngt
omer
ightnow.
Hescr
atchedhi
sheadandl
ookedathi
swr
istwat
ch.
Him:Ishoul
dpr
obabl
ygetgoing.Ist
il
lneedt
o
showerandgot
otheoff
ice.
Me:
Okay
.Hav
eagr
eatday
.
Iheadedupst
air
s.
Hi
m:ComeonSne.
Ir
aisedmyhandathi
m.
"
Notev
enagoodby
ehug?
"
Iavoi
dedhim.Igoti
nmyr oom andmadeupmybed
andwenttotakeashower.Idressedupandheaded
downstair
s.Hewasgone.Ipickedupt hebl
anket
andsnif
fedonitt
hentookitupstair
s.
Icamebackandpr
epar
edasi
mpl
ebr
eakf
ast
sand
satdownt
oeat
.
If
ini
shedandl
eftf
orcampus.
Iar
ri
vedi
nmycl
ass,
tookasi
tandbr
owsedt
hrough
myphone.
Guy
:Hel
l
o.
Il
ookedupt
ofacehi
m.
Me:
Hi.
Hi
m:CanIsi
t?
Ir
oll
edmyey
esandnodded.
Hesatonthechai
ropppsi
temi
neandf
acedmy
di
rect
ion.
"
Iseeyouinmyclassesever
ydayandalsonot
iced
t
hatyou'
real
waysalone.MynameisSizwe.
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ouSi
zwe.I
'
m Sne.
Si
zwe:
Likewi
seSne.
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esonme.
"
Doy
ouhav
esi
bli
ngsi
nthecampus?"
Me:
Nowhy
?
Sizwe:
Your
idi
cul
ousl
ylookl
i
kesomeonei
nthe
campus.
Me:
Oh.t
hat
'sst
range.
Hi
m:Yeahi
tis.Andcr
eapyev
en.So.
..
wher
ear
eyou
f
rom?
Wesatt hereandgottoknoweachotherbett
er.He'
s
quietaniceguy.Verywarm andsmar
t.It
hinkI
foundmy selfabuddyoverhere.
Ourl
ect
urercamei
nandwebeganwi
thourl
essons.
Wewer
efi
nal
l
ydi
smi
ssedsowewentout
side.
Si
zwe:
Doy
ouhav
epl
ansf
ort
heday
?
Me:
No.Notr
eal
l
y.
Hi
m:GoodbecauseI
'
dli
ket
otakey
ououtf
ori
ce
cr
eam.
Il
ookedathi
m.
"I
t'
sanhonesti
nvi
te.Don'
tworr
y..
.I'
vegota
gi
rlf
ri
endandIl
oveherdearl
y"
Webot
hlaughandwentahead.
Hedr
ivesaGol
f7.
Me:
Howdi
dyouaf
for
dthi
scarSi
zwe?
Hebustoutl
aungi
ng.
Hi
m:Pr
ivi
l
egesofhav
ingr
ichpar
ent
sbabe.
Hewi
ngl
edhi
sey
ebr
ows.
Me:
mustbeni
ce.
Hi
m:Her
ewego.
Hepar
ked.
Me:
Wai
t,
Iknowt
hispl
ace.
Hi
m:Real
l
y?Youf
ancyhuh?
Me:
Notr
eal
l
y.Somebodybr
oughtmeher
e.
If
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:Boy
fri
end?
Me:
Whywoul
dyout
hinkoft
hat
?
Him:
Becauseoft
hatl
ookonyourface.Mygirl
fr
iend
hasi
tev
erti
mesheseesme.SoI'
mr ighthuh?
Me:
Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.
Wel
aughandgotoutoft
hecarandheadedi
nsi
de.
Myhear
tnear
lyst
oppedwhenIsawOzi
.
Hewaswit
hother8guysi
nabiggertabl
e.They
l
ookedl
i
ketheywerehavi
ngabusinessmeeting.
Hel
ookedatmethenhadthi
sser
iousl
ookonhi
s
f
acewhenhereal
i
sedI'
m her
ewit
haguy .
Hefocusedonhi
scompanywhenwegotasi
tand
set
tl
eddown.Weorder
dfoodandat
e.
Weor
derdicecr
eamsandtheycameupal
most
i
mmediat
ely.Wei
ndul
gedonthem.
Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dleav
enow.
Si
zwe:Whysosoont
hough?It
houghty
oul
i
kedt
his
pl
ace.
Me:
Idoi
sjust
-
Il
ookedov ert
oOzi '
st abl
eandnoti
cedhewasn'
t
pl
eased.Henev erstoleanygl
ancesli
kehedidt
he
otherday.Hej
ustact edli
keIwasnteveni
ntheroom.
Thatbrokemyhear t
.
Zi
swenot
icedt
hatIwasst
ari
ngel
sewher
esohe
al
sot
urnedt
olook.
Hi
m: Oh.Themi
ghtyOziLanga.WhenIf
inishwi
th
mystudi
esIwannabeli
kethatguyov
ertherewi
tha
bl
acksuit
.
Me:
Youal
soknowhi
m?
Si
zwe:
Hel
lyeah.Whodoesnt
.Hel
i
ckedhi
sice
cr
eam.
Me:
Wel
luhm-
Si
zwe:
Noooof
reaki
ngwaaaay
.
Hewi
denedhi
sey
esonme.
"
He'
stheonewhoboughty
ouher
e,i
sn'
the?
"
Me:
Noman.
Ibl
ushed.
Hi
m:Sneeee.He'
syourboy
fri
end?
Me:Notr
eal
l
y.Wel
lnoty
et.Ur
gIdon'
tknow.He'
s
aski
ngmeout.
Hi
m:Youmustbel
ucky
..
.t
hatguy
'sv
erypi
ckyon
woman.
Me:
Canwel
eav
enow?
Hi
m:Okaysur
e.
Wepai
dourbi
l
landwal
kedout
side.
Myphonebeepedasweappr
oachedt
hecar
.
'
You'
dbet
terwai
tformeout
side.
'
-Ozi
.
It
ookal
ongbr
eat
he.
Me:I'
m sor
rySi
zwebutI
'
m gonnahav
etost
ay
behi
nd.
Him.Noprobl
em buddy
.Aslongasy
ou'
resaf
e.I
'
ll
seeyouatcampustomorr
ow.
Me:Thanksf
orunder
standi
ngandf
ort
hei
cecr
eam
dat
e.
Hi
m:NoSweat
.Okayby
e.
Hegotinsi
dehiscar
,t
urnedhi
shi
phopmusi
conf
ull
bl
ustanddrov
eaway .
It
urnedt
oseeOzi
appr
oachi
ng.Iswal
l
owedhar
d.
Ozi
:Hel
l
o.
Me:
Hi.
Him: I
'
m sti
l
lkindabusyi
nsi
de.Woul
dyoumi
nd
gett
ingatableandwaitf
orme?
Me:
No.I
'
llj
ustwai
touther
e.
Hel
ookedatmebri
efl
yandt
ookouthi
scarkey
s
f
rom hi
spocket
.
Hi
m:Come.
Wewentt
owher
ehi
scarwaspar
ked.
"
Youcanstayheresolongandli
stent
omusi
c.Or
r
elax.What
evert
hatsuit
syou.
"
Hepressedthesunr
oofbut
tonsandi
tsl
i
topend.He
al
soswitchedonanair
con.
"
Thatshoul
ddo.
"
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hel
ookedatmeandnoddedt
henl
eft
.
Itookoffmyshoesandadj
ust
edthecarseatl
ower
.
ISwitchedt
hemusiconandasongbypress
conti
nuedtopl
ay.
Me:
Hmm.Ni
cemusi
c.
Ilowerdmyselfandcl
osedmyeyes.It
hinkIdr
if
ted
tosleepbeacuseIwaswokenupbysomebody
shakingmelightl
y.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryf
ort
aki
ngl
ong.Ar
eyout
ir
ed?
Me:
Hmm.
Hi
m:Canwegot
omyhouset
oni
ght
.
Me:
NoOzi
.
Hi
m: Pl
ease.I
'
vebeentoyourpl
ace.Ievensl
ept
t
here.Whywontyouret
urnthef
avour?
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thdi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tknowIwasi
ndebt
edt
oyou.
Him: Comeon.It'
snotl
iket
hat.Youaskedmeto
sleepoveryourpl
aceandIdid.NowI'
m aski
ngy
ou
todot hesame.
Me:
Youwer
eti
redOzi
.
Hi
m:Ar
en'
tyout
ir
ed?
Hesmi
rked.
Iwassoannoy
ed,
Iwant
edt
owi
pet
hatsmi
rkof
f
wi
thahotsl
ap.
Me:
Fine.ButI
'
m sl
eepi
ngi
nadi
ff
erentr
oom.
Hi
m:Whatmakesy
out
hinkt
her
e'sadi
ff
erentr
oom?
Me:
Ozi
!
Hi
m:Okayokay
.I'
m sor
ry.
Hesmi
l
edandi
gni
tedt
hecaranddr
oveof
f.
Hekeptst
eal
i
nggl
ancesofmeev
erynowandagai
n.
Me:
Don'
tdot
hat
.
Hechuckledandfocusedontheroad.Hesangal
ong
toPress'
ssongsnotmi ndi
ngmeatall.He'
sgota
beauti
fulv
oice.It
hinkI'
mreadyt
ogivethis
rel
ati
onshipthi
ngat r
y.

.
Wear
ri
vedatt
hisbeaut
if
ulcount
ryest
ate.
I
'm prett
ysurethi
splaceismostel
yocci
piedby
whites.I
tlookedsuperexpensi
ve.
Wear
ri
vedathi
shouseandmyj
awwasont
hef
loor
.
I
thasabeauti
ful
gardeni
ng.Andl
ookedl
i
kei
twas
wel
ltakencar
eoff.
Hepar
kedunder
groundandgotout
.
hecamet omysideofthedoorandopenditforme.
IThankedhi
mt hencameout.Wegotintoan
elev
aterf
rom t
heundergr
oundgaragetoaliv
ing
room.
Hi
m:Wel
comehomemydear
.
hesmi
l
edwar
mly
.
Ij
uststoodtheremesmr eisedbyt hebeautyofthi
s
house.I
twassobr ightandev ert
hingwasof fmarbl
e.
From t
heint
eriordesigni
ngt otheceil
ingandfloor
.
Me:
Wow.
Hi
m: I
'
m gonnagor
unashowerforyout
henwe'
ll
or
derinokay
?Youcandr
oolov
erthehousesol
ong.
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Me:Can'
tyoutakemef orat
ourf
ir
sti
stead?Imean,
howbigi
sthishouse?
Iwasl
ooki
ngar
oundcl
ear
lymesmer
ized.
Hi
m:It
houghty
ouwer
eti
redSne?
Me:
Okayt
hen.
Hi
m: You'
ll
haveapl ent
yoft
imet
odot
hat
.Fi
rst
ly
l
etsgetyouref
reshed.
Hecameandscoopedmeupunexpect
edl
yandwe
headedupst
air
susi
ngst
aircases.
Wegotintothi
sbeautif
ulmasterbedroom that
dominat
edwi t
hgreyandpurplecolour
s.Ithasa
hugebedthathadsomanypi ll
ows.Whatmanhas
somanypill
owsonhi sbed.Ishookmyheadand
l
ookedovertothehugecoucht hatwasbyt heconer
.
Idon'
tknowhowt odescri
bethisroom butitwasa
dream.
Hecameoutandhandedmet
oil
etr
ies,
atowel
andt
-
shi
rt
.
Hi
m:I'
ll
bedownst
air
swheny
ou'
redone.What
woul
dyoul
iket
oeat?
Me:
I'
ll
hav
eany
thi
ngy
ou'
rehav
ing.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoual
way
sthi
sreser
ved?
Me:
Alway
s.
Hi
m:Hmm.
HewentoutandIst eppedinsi
det hisensuit
bathr
oom t
hatalsohadashower .I thadceramic
ti
lesandsmell
edOhsoheav enl
y.It ookoffmy
cl
othesandsteepedunderthealreadyr unni
ng
showerandindul
ged.Itookages.Idi dn'
twannaget
out.
Iheardt
hebedr
oom dooropenandIswi
tchedof
f
theshower
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoust
ilal
i
vei
nther
e?
Heshout
ed.
Me:
yesI
'
m al
sodone.
Ishout
edbackanddr
iedmy
sel
fup.Lot
ionedand
putonmyclot
hes.
Iwentdownst
air
sanddi
dn'
tfi
ndhi
mther
e.
Me:
Ozi
.
Hi
m:Comi
ng.
Hecamedownshortl
ydr
essedi
nal
oosewhi
tev
est
andgr
eysweatpant
s.
hi
smuscl
edar
msandchestwer
eoutt
her
e.
OhmyGod.
Hehadsl
eeper
sandsockson.
Hel
ookedandmeandf
rowned.
Hi
m:Youdontl
i
ket
het
-shi
rtIgav
eyou?
Me:No.I
'mjustmor
ecomf
ort
abl
einmycl
othes,
t
hankyou.
Helookedatmeonel astt
imeandwenti
ntot
he
openplannedki
tchen.
Him:Youdoknowt haty
ou'renotgonnasl
eepwi
th
cl
othesyou'
vebeenwearingthewholedayi
nmy
sheet
sri
ght?
Hedishedupf
oodi
nplatest
hatIt
hinkgotdel
i
ver
ed
whenIwasshower
ing.
Me:
That
'snotf
airt
hough.
Him:What'
snotf
airi
sthef actt
hatIsleptinyour
pl
acesqueezedi
nyourlegginsanddidn'tcomplai
n
abouti
t.
Wel
augh.
Me:
Youl
ookedsexyi
nthem t
hough.
Hel
ookedupt
ofacemeandsmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Soy
ouf
indmesexy
?
Me:
Justal
i
ttl
e.
Hi
m:Wel
lIf
indy
ousexybi
gti
mei
tdr
ivesmenut
s.
Hecont
inuedtodishupthenbr
oughtthefoodina
t
reyt
otheliv
ingroom al
ongwit
hglassesofjui
ce.
Wesatdownandat
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.Sowhatdoy
ouwannawat
ch?
Me:I
'
m notreal
l
yaf
anofTVbutwecanwat
ch
what
every
ouwannawat
ch.
Hechuckl
edl
i
ght
lyandshookhi
shead.
Hi
m:You'
rev
eryi
nter
est
ingSne.
Het
ookt
her
emot
eandt
urnedt
onewschannel
.
Somethi
ngaboutaRussi
angangandaMrDl omo
poppeduponthenewsandhequickl
ychangedt
he
channel
.
Inot
icedhi
suneasi
nessbutact
edcool
.
Weat
eov
ersi
l
lyt
alkesunt
il
lwewer
edone.
Me:
I'
ll
dot
hedi
shes.
Hi
m:Noi
t'
sokay
.I'
l
l-
Me:
Iinsi
st.
Hi
m.Thanky ou.I
'
llgoupst
air
stomyof
fi
ce.I
stdoor
onyourr
ighti
fyouneedme.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
Hewentupstai
rsandIwashedthedishes.If
ini
shed
upandfoundhim busyonhi
slapt
op.Hef el
tmy
pr
esenceandlookedup.Hehadglasseson.
Hi
m:Ohhey
.You'
redone?
Me:
Yup.Youl
ookdi
ff
erentwi
thgl
asseson.
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
Me:
I'
dappr
eci
atel
ayi
ngdownnow.
Hi
m:af
cause.Justgi
vemeami
nut
e.
Heshutdownhi
slapt
opandhewentt
ohi
sroom.
Me:
Ozi
Ithi
nki
twoul
dbebet
teri
fwesl
epti
n
separ
ater
ooms.
Him:
ButwhySne?Whysl
eepsepar
atel
ywhenwe
canj
ustsl
eept
oget
her
?
Me:
It'
sinappr
opr
iat
eOzi
.We'
renotev
endat
ing.
Him: we'renotdat
ingonlybecausey oudontwantus
to.You'retheonewho'sholdingback.I'
vemademy
i
ntentionscleart
oy ouandy ouknowwher eIstand.
Butifthat'l
lmakeyoucomf ortabl
ethenther
e'sno
probl
em.
Hesmi
l
edandhel
dmyhandt
osomer
oom opposi
te
hi
s.
"You'
ll
sleepher
ethen.Thesheet
swer echangednot
solongagosoy oushoul
dbecomf or
table."
Inoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.Goodni
ghtt
hen.
Hekissedmyf or
eheadandheadedoutcl
osingthe
doorbehind.Thisroom i
sal
sobeauti
ful
.Butnotas
beauti
ful
ashi s.
Whydi
dIsuggestIwant
edt
osl
eepal
one?
Iwantt
osl
eepnextt
ohi
m.Whoam If
ool
i
ng.
Ur
g!Ist
oodupandwentout
.
Iknockedonhisbedr
oom doorbuthedidn'
tanswer.
Ipushedthedoorandwentit.
Iheardashower
runni
ng.Hewasshowering.Isawthet-
shir
thehave
met owearonthecouchandIf et
chedit
.Itookof
f
myclothesqui
ckandputiton.
Hecameoutshort
lywrappedwi
that
owel
onhi
s
wei
st.Hest
art
ledwhenhesawme.
Hesmi
l
edandj
ustst
oodt
her
e.
Hischestandshouder
sar
ebr
oad.Hi
sar
m's,
str
ong.
Iwaslit
eral
lydr
ooli
ng.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.What
?
Hechuckl
edl
i
ght
ly.
Him:Ar
eyouhav
ingahar
dti
mesl
eepi
ngi
nthat
bedr
oom?
Me:
Iuhm.
.somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Letmehel
pyouwi
tht
hoset
hen.
Hepoi
ntedthepi
ll
ows.Hemov
edt
hem andIgot
i
nsi
dethecover
s.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.I
'
llbebackshor
tl
y.
Hedisappearedtotheensui
tforawhi
l
ethencame
backdressedinboxersonl
y.
Heswitchedof
fthel
ightsandswi
tchedont
he
bedsi
deonesthengotin.
Hepul
l
edmecl
osert
ohi
m andki
ssedme.
Weki
ssedpassi
onat
elyunt
il
lhedeci
dedt
obr
akei
t.
Me:
Ooozi
.
Hi
m:Hmm.
Me:
Don'
tst
oppl
ease.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:I
t'
sfort
hebestsweet
hear
t.
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandswi
tchedof
fthebedsi
de
l
amb.
Wesi
nkedi
nsi
det
hecov
ers.
"
Goodni
ght
.Il
ovey
ou.
"
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Shi
t!Di
dIsayt
hat
?Ohwel
l
.
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
eint
hedar
kandsqueezemet
ight
.
West
ayedi
nsi
l
enceandzonedout
.
Bonusi
nser
t
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

-
Sne.
Myphonesal
arm wentof
fandIwokeup.
Il
ookedbesi
deme,
Ozi
wasn'
tany
wher
e.
Hekickedt
hedooropenandcameinhol
dingatr
ey
oft
oastedbread,abowel
off
rui
tsal
adandaGlass
ofOrangej
uice.
Hi
m:Mor
ningbeaut
if
ul.
Heputt
het
reyont
opoft
hebedandcamet
ome.
Me:
Mor
ninghandsome.
Hi
m:Oohy
eeees.That
'smor
eli
kei
t.
Heplacedasof
tpeckonmyl
i
psandj
oinedmei
n
bed.
"
Guesswhat
?"
Me:
What
?
Hepull
edthetr
eycl
osert
ousandpi
ckedagr
ape
andshovedi
tinhi
smouth.
Hi
m:I
t'
srai
ningcat
sanddogsout
side.
Me:
What
?HowcomeIdon'
theart
hesoundofr
ain?
Him:Becausesweet
hear
t,t
hehousei
s
soundpr
oofed.
Hetook3mor
egr
apesandshov
edi
nsi
dehi
smout
h
agai
n.
Me:ButIhav
etogot
ocampus.I
'
vegotacl
ass
t
oday.
Hi
m:Justone?
Me:
Yes.
Hi
m:Whatt
ime?
Me:
Int
heaf
ter
noon.
Hi
m:West
il
lhav
eenought
imet
hen.
Me:
Todowhat
?
Helookedatmeandl
aughd,
al
mostchoki
ngont
he
gr
apes.
Hi
m:Toj
ustchi
l
landbondhao.
Me:
Hmm.
Hi
m:Let
'seatnow.
Me:
Didy
oupr
epar
ethese?
Hi
m:Yup.
Heshovedmoregrapesi
nhi
smout
h.Notgi
vi
nga
damnintheworl
d.
Me:
Theyl
ookdel
i
cious.Thanky
ou.
It
ookabi
teoft
het
oast
edbr
eadandmoand
Hel
aughoutl
oud.
Hi
m:I
t'
sjustbr
eadSne.
Ial
sol
augh.
Me:
Iknowbuti
tst
il
ltast
esgood.
Hi
m:Wellmay
bet
hat
'sbeacuseIpr
epar
edt
hem
wi
thl
ove.
Weat
eandf
ini
shedup.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.I
'
m gonnar
uny
ouashower
.
ButIdi
dn'
twannashowernow.Ist
il
lwannast
ayi
n
bed.
Me:Nonotnow.Ist
il
lwannast
ayi
nbed.I
t'
sabi
t
chi
l
ly.
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owsonme.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Hegotoutofbedandt
ookt
het
reyandheadedout
.
Hecamebackandgotbacki
nsi
det
hecov
ers.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Hi
m:Yes.
..
Het
urnedt
ofaceme.
Me:Whydidyounotaskmeaboutt
heguyIwas
wi
thyest
erday
?
Henar
rowedhi
sey
es
Hi
m:Whyshoul
dIask?
Her
:Ar
en'
tyouwonder
ingi
fhe'
smyboy
fri
endornot
?
Hi
m:Wel
li
she?
Me:
Nobutar
en'
tyouwonder
ing?
Him:NoI '
m notwondering.Iguessi fhe'syour
boyfr
iendoraskingyouout ,isnoneofmybusi ness.
Icanonlydomybesti nexhi bit
ingmyl oveforyou
andhecanal sodohispar t.Thechoicewoul dbel ef
t
wit
hy outodecidewhoy ouwantt obewi th.Inever
worrymy sl
efaboutsuchthi ngs.Icanonlydomy
bestandwiny ourhear
tov ert obemi ne.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Conf
identmuch.
Hel
aughoutl
oudt
hrowi
nghi
sheadback.
Hehasoneofthemostcar
efr
eel
aughsoncey
ou
gett
oknowhim.
Hi
m:Youdon'
tsay
.
Hepul
l
edmeov
ert
ohi
schestandIl
aidt
her
e.
Hesmel
l
edsogood.
Me:
Didy
out
akeashower
?
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Whatt
imedi
dyouwakeupkant
i?
Hi
m:Ar
ound6t
odosomewor
kout
s.
Me:
You'
vegotagy
mint
hishouse?
Hi
m:Yup.
Me:
Wow.
Hi
m: Inot
icedhowf
ir
myourt
highsar
e.Doy
oual
so
wor
kout ?
Me:
From t
imet
oti
me,
yes.
Hi
m:Woul
dyoumi
ndbei
ngmygy
m mat
e?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t.
Westayedi
nsil
encet
henIbrushedhi
sst
rong
abdomenli
ghl
yandgent
ly.
Hei
nhal
eddeepl
ythenexhal
ed.
Iconti
nedbr
ushi
ngthem.Idon'
tknowwhyIwas
doingi
tbuti
tfel
tri
ght
.
Hi
m:Baby
..
.
Me:
yes.
..
Hi
m:Idon'
tthi
nkwe'
rer
eadyf
ort
haty
et.
Me:
Readyf
orwhat
?
Him:I'
m hornybaby.I'
vebeenhor nysi
nceIsawy ou.
Andit'
shardf ormenott opinyouagainstt
hisbed
ri
ghtnowandmakel ovet oyouasmuchasI 'dli
keto.
Andyoubr ushingmelikethati
sn'tdoi
ngmeort he
dudedownt heresomej usti
ce.
Il
ookedupt
ohim,hehadhisey
escl
osedandl
eaned
hi
sheadontheheadboar
d.
Me:
ButI
'
m onl
ybr
ushi
ngy
ou.
Heopenedhi
sey
esandl
ookedatme.Theywer
e
bl
oodshot
.
Hi
m: Youdon'tundert
andtheimpact
sy ouhav
eon
mewi t
houthavingtodoanythi
ngatal
l.AndI
r
espectyouthatmuch.
Me:
ButI
'
mready
.
Helookedmest
rai
ghti
nmyey
ebal
l
s.Hi
slookwas
i
ntense.
"
Iwantt
oexper
incehowsexf
eel
sli
ke"
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esandt
il
tedhi
shead.
Hi
m:What
?
Me:
Iwantt
ohav
esexOzi
.If
eel
ready
.
Hewi
denedhi
sgazeandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouav
irgi
n?
Me:
Yes.
Hedr
oppedhi
sjaws.
Him:Buthow?Imeany ou'
rei
nVar
sit
yal
readyand
you'
veneverhadsexbefor
e?
Hehadt
hisamusedl
ookonhi
sface.
"I
sthi
swhyy
ousai
dyou'
venev
erki
ssedany
body
befor
e?"
Me:
ComeonBabe.Yes.
Hi
m:Di
dyouhav
eaboy
fri
endt
hough?
Me:
No.You'
remyf
ir
st.
Hi
m:Hol
l
ycr
ap.
Heplacedasoftpeckonf
oreheadandl
ookedatme
deepinmyeyes.
"
Ilov
eyouy
ezwa?
".
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Hepull
edmeontopofhi
mi nastraddl
i
ngpositi
on
andmycagecameincontactwi
thhisalr
eadyhard
manhood.
Hepull
edmyfacewit
hbothhishandsandsmashed
hi
sli
psonmineandkissedmedeeply.Igr
indedon
hi
m andhemoandsoftl
yinbetweentheki
ss.He
gr
abbedmybuttandsqueezedit
.Isai
dhisname.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Hemumbl
edi
nbet
weent
heki
ss.
Hi
m:Hmm.
Me:
makel
ovet
ome.
Heopenedhi
sey
esandbr
oket
heki
ss.
Hi
m:Nobaby
.Icannot
.Notnow.
Me:
Butwhy
?I'
mready
?
Hi
m:Youaren'
treadymylove.Yout
hinkyouare.I
meanIdon'
tblameyou,
I'
m hotandal
lbutIwantyou
t
othi
nkwithyourmindandnotyour
-
Hepausedandl
ookeddownonmycage.
Ipunchedhi
m har
dont
hechest
.Hel
aughandhel
d
myhands.
Me:I'
mthinkingwit
hmyheadher
eandIknowt
hisi
s
whatIwant.Ibitmyli
ps.
Hi
m: Babycomeon. .
.Iwantitt
obespecial.I
fyou
weren'
tsopurethenI'dhav
ey oubeggingmet osi
nk
myselfdeepinyouri
ghtnowbut ,
you'
respecial
andI
wannaembr acethat
.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Isul
ked.
..
Helookedatmewi
thhi
shor
nyr
edey
esandl
i
cked
hi
slips.
Hef
li
ppedmeov
erandIwasunder
neat
hhi
m.
Hedeepenedt
heki
ssandki
ssedmehungr
il
y.
Ifel
thi
shandslidedownonmyt highsandhetook
offmypanti
es.Herubbedmyt hi
ghsagaincoming
backup.Hekissedmyneckandst oppedthent
ook
offmyt-
shi
rt.Iwasbathnaked.Helookedatmy
bodyandsmiled.
Hi
m:Your
esobeaut
if
ulbaby
.
Hecamecl osert
omyf aceandkissedmeagain.He
l
efttr
acesofwetkisseswhil
egoingdownonmy
body.Wit
hbiti
ngandblowinginbet
ween.Igot
goosebumps.
Hear
ri
vedatmythi
ghsandkissedtheinnerpar
tsof
t
hem.Hecuppedmyboobs,str
okingandtwisti
ng
myni
pples.
Isuppr
essedt
hemaonst
hatIf
etneededt
ocome
out.
Herest
edhistoungeonmycli
tandl
i
ckedi
tupand
downthenci
rcledar
oundi
t.
Hi
m:Yout
ast
esogood.
Hestar
tedt
oeatmel
i
kehehasn'
teat
ingany
thi
ng
f
ordays.
Heunbur
iedhi
sheadandpopedi
tup.
"
Arey
oust
il
lgood?
"
Inoddedbr
ief
lyandbi
tmybot
tom l
i
p.
Heconti
nuedandamoanescapedmymouthasI
pr
essedmylegstoget
herwi
thhi
sheadi
nbetween.
Hesl
i
thi
sfi
ngeri
nmycageanddi
gged.
If
eltmywal
l
scl
enchi
nandIt
ight
enedmybodyup.
Mylegswerestart
ingt
oshakeandIwasrunni
ngout
ofbreat
h.Ihel
donandgrappedthesheet
sasIcal
l
outhisnameloud.
Iwasshaki
ngl
i
kecr
azy
.
Me:
Ozi
i
i.
..
Hi
m:Leti
toutbaby
.
Hediggedhisheaddeep.If
eltt
heneedt
opeeand
soIscreamedoutloud.
Me:
Iwantt
opeeOz
i..
.
Hi
m:Not
hat
'sOr
gasm myl
ove.Don'
thol
ditback.
Ihel
donhi
sheadandl
etgo.
If
eltf
lushesofhotwat
ercomi
ngoutandIt
ooka
l
oongdeepbr eat
h.
Iwaspant
ing.
Hel
i
ftedhi
sheadupandsmi
l
ed.
Hi
smout
hwascov
erwi
thwhi
ti
shshi
nyf
lui
ds.
Me:
Eew.
Helaughandli
ckedhi
sli
pst
hencameand
at
temptedtoki
ssme.
"
Noway
s"
Hi
m:Butt
hat
'sy
our
sbaby
.
Hest
olet
heki
ssandpul
l
edmeup.
Me:
Whatwast
hat
?
Hi
m:Nowt
hatmyl
ovei
swhatwecal
lOr
alsex.
Hepull
edmeupt
henweheadedt
otheensui
t
bat
hroom.
"
Let
'sgety
oucl
eanedup"
Wegoti
nsi
deandt
ookawar
m sal
tedbat
h.
Hetookoffhi
sv estandboxerandhi
scockspr
ang
outt
ofreedom,str
ongandhard.
It
hinkIgott
raumat
isedbyt
hesi
zeoft
hatt
hing.
Idi
dn'
treal
i
sedhewasl
ooki
ngatmewhenIqui
ckl
y
l
ookedaway.
Hel
aughshookhi
shead
Hi
m:Doy
out
hinky
oucoul
dhav
ehandl
edt
his?
Hecuppeditandst
rokeditaf
ewt
imesl
i
cki
nghi
s
l
ips.I
tdr
ippedsomepre-cum.
Me:
Ozi
cov
ert
hatup.
Hechuckl
edandwegoti
nsi
det
hebat
h.
Isati
nfr
ontofhi
m andhi
scockwaspoki
ngme.
Me:
Ozi
..
.
Hi
m:Yebo.
..
Me:
Jacki
spocki
ngme.
Hebustouti
ntol
aught
er.Sol
oudIhav
en'
thear
d
hi
m bef
ore.
Hi
m:Ut
hiubani
?
Me:
Jack.
Hecont
inuedl
aughi
ng.
Hi
m:Youhav
eal
readygi
veni
taname?
Me:
Yes.
Hi
m:You'
resomet
hingel
sey
azi
.Ng'
yakt
handa.
Her
ubbedandwashedmyback.
I
nser
t12
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

-
Ozi
Iarrivedatt heof f
iceaft
erdroppingSneatCampus
shor t
lyaf terwewentt oherplacet ogetherchange
i
nt ocleancl ot
hes.Itwasalr
eadymi ddaysoIjust
camet ocheckont hest
uffandr et
ur nhome.Iwas
standi ngatt herecepti
onwhenIhear dstil
ett
oheels
ont hegr oundthatdemandedat t
entionmademe
turntol ookwhowast heowner .SoIt ur
nedtolook
andi twasMeagan.Shecat walkedherway
i
n,sway ingherhipsf r
om si
det oside.
Meaganwasbeauti
f ul
andsophisti
cat
ed.Shehada
dar
kf l
awl
essski
nlikechocol
ate.Andbigbri
ghtey
es
wit
honeofthoseli
ghtuptheroom smileswit
h
whit
eteet
h.
Il
eanedagainstt
hecount
erandf
oldedmyar
msasI
watchedherappr
oachi
ng.
Shewal
kedpastmeandUnat
hiandheadedst
rai
ght
tot
heel
evat
er.
Itookadeepbr
eat
h,shookmyheadandf
oll
owedher
short
ly.
If
oundheri
nmyof
fi
cesi
tt
ingont
opofmydesk.
Igoti
nandcl
osedt
hedoorbehi
nd.
Ist
oodbehi
ndi
tandl
ookedather
.
Meagan:
Ozi
.
Me:
Meagan.
Shel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
Her
:Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
No.
Her
:What
'swi
tht
hecasual
lookatt
heof
fi
cet
hen?
Me:Nott
hati
t'
sanyofyourbusi
nessbutIwasn'
t
pl
anni
ngoncomingi
ntoday.
Iappr
oachedt
hecouchandsatdown.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eMeagan?
"
Her
:Wel
l
...
Shegotof
fthecouchandcamet
ome.
"Isawtheweatherandi
tremindedmeofusand
howmuchy oulikemakingl
oveinsuchcondi
ti
ons.
SoIfigur
edIshouldcomemakeout ,
forol
dti
me's
sake"
Shewasst
raddl
i
ngme.
Ishookmyheadandl
aughl
i
ght
ly.
Me:Undernor
malci
rcumstancesy
esbut
,we'
renot
dat
inganymor
esonoI '
l
lpass.
Igotheroffmeandheadedtothedoorandopeni
t.I
burri
edmyhandsinmyt r
ackpant
spocketsand
stoodnexttoi
t.
Shecamet
owar
dsmeandcl
osedi
t.
Shecamearoundt
ofaceme.Shepul
l
edmebymy
hoodyandl
eanedf
orwardt
omyear.
Her:
Don'
tplayhar
dtogetl
over
boy
.Youknowy
ou
wantmetoo.
Me:You'
reseeingthi
ngshoney
.Youneedt
ost
op
bei
ngdel
usional.
Shegrabbedmymanhoodoutoftheblue.Sheknew
howmuchIl ovet
hatshi
t,
soshewastaking
advat
ageofit.
"
Meagan"
Shel
i
ckedmyear
"
Stopi
t.
Shebr
eat
honmynecksendi
ngchi
l
lsdownmyspi
ne.
Iwantedt
opinheragai nstt
hewallandf
uckher
brai
nsoutbutIcouldn'
t.Asbeaut
if
ulandtempt
ing
assheis,
Ij
ustcouldn't
.
Agli
mpseofSne'
sfaceregi
ster
edi
nmyheadandI
puni
shedMeaganawayswif
tly.
Me:
Youneedt
ogo.
Herphonebeeped.Shewentt
oat
tentt
oit
.
Shesmil
ed,
tookherhandbagandcamet
owar
dst
he
doorwher
eIwasstil
lstandi
ng.
Shelookedatmeforawhi
l
ewi
thasmi
rkonher
faceandwalkedout
.
Me:
Thedev
ilmustr
eal
l
ybet
est
ingme.
Il
ookeddownonmyshaf
tandi
tcl
ear
lygotexci
ted.
Me:
NoJack.Don'
tbeat
rai
tor
.
Ir
eposi
ti
onedi
t,
tookadeepbr
eat
handwal
kedout
al
so.
Ibi
dInat
higoodby
eandwentt
othepar
kingl
ot.
If
oundMeaganonherphoneandnear
lysuccumed
st
rokewhenshet
urnedt
oseeme.
Her
:I'
l
lcal
lyoushor
tl
y.
Shepr
essedherphoneandl
ookedatme.
Shewascl
ear
lyi
nti
midat
edbymysuddenpr
esence.
"
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?"
Shel
ookedgui
l
ty.
Il
ookedathershar
p.Sheav
oidedmyey
es.
Me:
Whatar
eyouupt
oMeagan?
Her
:Not
hing.Ishoul
dgo.
Shechargedt
ohercaral
mostav
oidi
ngmor
e
quest
ions.
Igoti
nsi
demycaranddr
oveoutshor
tl
yaf
terher
.
.
-
Sne
Iwasshiveri
ngfrom cold.IOpenedmyey esand
wasmetbydar kess.Ilookedaroundbutcoul dn'
t
seeat hi
ng.It
ri
edt omov ebutmybodywashel d
down.Itri
edtoshoutbutmymout hwaswr apped
wit
haductt ape.Ikickedandscreamdwi t
hmybody
ti
ghtenonthechair.Myhear tst
artedtopoundf ast
al
mostl i
keitwantedt oescapefrom myribcage.
Ist
art
edt
ocr
yanddi
dn'
tst
opki
cki
ngunt
il
lthechai
r
fel
l
.
Ihear
dthedooropenandt
hel
i
ght
scameup.
Isawheelf
rom myangl
eandt
heper
son
appr
oachedme.
Shel
i
ftedt
hechai
rwi
thmest
il
loni
tandIl
ookedup.
Meagan.
..
shehadablankface.Icoul
dn'
treal
l
ytel
li
f
shewaspissedorwhatbecausesheshowedno
emoti
onsatall
.Herf
acewascol d.
Shekneel
ddownandr
emov
edt
heductt
apebr
ief
ly
andIwi
nced.
Shel
ookedatmeandst
oodupshor
tl
y.
Shewenttositonasingl
ebedthatwasacr
osst
he
room.Il
ookedaroundandIwasn'
tfami
li
arwi
tht
his
place.
Iswal
l
owdsomesal
i
vaandnot
icedmyt
hroatwas
dry
.
Me:
Wat
er.
Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.
Icl
ear
edi
tandt
ri
edagai
n.
"
Wat
erpl
ease.
"
Thi
sti
meIwasaudi
ble.
Shelookedatme.TooktheJagofwaterthatwason
atablebesi
dethebedandpouredi
tinsi
deagl ass
andcamet ome.
Her
:Ar
eyout
hir
sty
?
Inoddedbrief
ly.Shecameandstoodt
all
nextt
ome.
Ilookedatherassheheldt
heglasshi
ghandpour
ed
thewateronmyhead.
Igaspedf
orai
randf
aceddown.
Shewal
kedaway
,st
oodnextt
othet
abl
eandl
ooked
atme.
Her:Di
dyounotquenchyourt
hir
stwi
thmymanl ast
ni
ghtandthi
smor ni
ngwhenyouwereoccupy
ingmy
spacei
nhisplace?
Ibl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imesandf
acedupt
olookather
.
Me:
LookMeagany
ou-
Her
:IT'
SMsDUBETOYOUBI
RTCH!
Iwasf
ri
ght
ened.
Me:MsDube...I
'
m sor
rybuty
oudon'
thav
etodot
his
pl
ease.Unt
ir
eme.
Shel
aughwi
thanev
ill
aught
er.
Her
:Soy
ougett
omakedemandsaswel
l
?
Sheappr
oachedme.
Me:
Nobu-
If
eltmycheekbur
nfr
om ahar
dsl
ap.
Iwant
edt
orubboni
tbutIwast
ightupt
othi
s
f
uckenchai
r.
Her:
Iwarnedyouni
cel
ytostayawayf
rom myman
butyoudi
dn'
tl
ist
en.Nowyou'l
ll
ear
nthehardway
.
Shewal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoorandcal
l
edoutnames.
3guyswhol
ookedscar
ywi
thscar
sint
hei
rfaces
camein.
"YouseeSne..
.Iknowevery
thi
ngt herei
stoknow
aboutyou.Let
'sseeifOzi
willst
il
lfindy
oupreci
ous
aftert
heseguysaredonewithyou"
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeandonewi
thme?
Her:
She'
sst
il
lpur
eandri
petobet
est
edboy
s.You
canhav
eherasmuchasyouwant
.
Theywhist
ledandr
ubbedt
hei
rhandst
oget
herev
en
l
icki
ngthei
rli
ps.
Me:
Meag-MsDubepl
easedon'
tdot
his.I
'
m beggi
ng
f
oryourmer
cy.
Mycri
esl
andedondeafear
sasshewal
kedout
l
eav
ingmewitht
hesemen.
Onet
ookoutapocketkni
feandcamet
ome.He
sni
ff
edonmyneckandmoand.
Hemovedtheknif
eonmybreastt
easi
ngt
henwent
ont
ocuttheropeloose.

-
Ozi
Iwaschi
l
li
ngatLwazi
'
spl
acedi
scussi
ngbusi
ness.
Me:
Ican'
tfi
ndSneonhercel
l
phoneandI
'
m st
art
ing
t
oworr
ynow.
Lwaz
i:I
sSnet
henameofy
ourmy
ster
iousgi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
Yes.Nowf
ocus.
Lwazi
:Well
can'
tyoucal
lany
body
,li
keherr
oom
mateorsomet
hing?
Me:
You'
renotr
eal
l
ythatst
upi
daf
teral
l
.
Hi
m:Fuckof
fdude.
Itookoutmyphoneandcal l
edthi
sBandil
eguy .I
hadhimt r
ackeddownt heni
ghtIsawhim wit
hSne
andhadhi m gi
vingmehernumbers.That
'showI
gottotextherthatsameni
ght.
I
trangf
ort
hel
ongestt
imeunt
il
lhepi
ckedup.
Bandi
l
e:"
Ola.
"
Me:
Heyman.Ozi
langaher
e..
.agai
n.
Bandi
l
e:"
Eit
afede?
"
Me:Gr
andmanlist
en,I
'
vebeentr
yingt
ocal
lSnewi
th
nol
uck.I
'
m wonderi
ngify
ou'v
eseenhert
oday?
Bandi
le:
"Noact
ual
l
y,Ihav
en'
tseenhersi
ncet
hat
ni
ght.
"
Ifel
theatbui
ldi
nguponmybodyi mmedi
atel
ybyt
he
thoughtofwhatcoul
dpossi
blybegoi
ngon.
Me:Al
ri
ghtthanksman.Don'
tfor
gett
ohi
tmeupi
f
andwhenyoureachher
.
Bandi
l
e:"
Sur
ethi
ng.
"
Ihungupandl
ookedatLwazi
whowasl
ooki
ngback
atme.
Lwaz
i:And?
Me:
Thedudehasn'
tseenorspokent
oheri
nday
s.
Lwaz
i:May
beshe'
sjustf
ineandj
usthav
ingaf
lat
bat
ter
y.
Me:YeahbutIdon'twannatakechances.I
'
m cal
l
ing
Charl
estoorgani
semeaCCTVoft hecampus.
Especi
all
ytheonedirectt
otheentr
ace.
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edChar
lesandhe
pi
ckedup.
Char
les:
Ngaml
a..
.
Me:
Ineedy
out
ogetmet
heUPCCTVASAP.
Char
les:
Butt
hat
'sgoi
ngt
obeabi
ttr
ickyt
ogetBoss.
Me:
GETMETHEFUCKENCCTVTAPECHARLES.
Char
les:
Oni
tBoss.
Iputt
hephonedownandsatonachai
r.
Lwaz
i:Your
eal
l
ylov
ethi
schi
ckdon'
tyou?
Me:
I'
dki
l
lforher
.
Lwazi
:Wow.Icannotmeett
hiswoman.Doy
ouwant
abeer
?
Me:
Iwantsomet
hingst
rong.
Hest
oodupanddi
sappear
edt
otheki
ckenand
camebackwit
habot
tl
eofWhi
skeyandgl
asseswi
th
rocksi
nthem.
"
Idon'
twantnor
ocksman.Iwanti
traw.
"
Heshookhi
sheadandsatdownhandi
ngmet
he
gl
ass.
MyphonebeepedandIcheckedi
t.
Me:
CanIusey
ourl
apt
op?
Him:It
'si
nthel
i
vingr
oom.Wast
hatmessagef
rom
Char
les?
Me:
Yeah.Hesentt
hrought
heCCTVcopy
.
Wefol
lowedeachot
hertotheli
vi
ngr
oom.Ipl
ugged
myphoneonandpressedplay
.
Idi
dnotbel
i
evemyey
es.
ItshowedSnebei ngcapt
uredbyt womenj ust
outsidecampuss.Theygotherinsideacarandit
speedof fshor
tl
y.Ihi
tthecoff
eet abl
ewithmyf i
st.
Lwaz
i:Whatt
hehel
lwast
hat
?
Me:
It'
saf
uckenMov
iedumbass.
Lwaz
i:Di
dIj
ustseey
ourwomangetsnat
chedof
f?
Me:
I'
m goingtokil
lthosemotherf
uckersandget
t
hei
rheadsdroppedbyt hei
rdoorhouses.
Igotupandpacedupanddown.
Lwaz
i:Butwhowoul
dwantt
ohur
ther
?
Me:Idon'tknow.She'
sver
ysweetman.ICan'
tthi
nk
ofanybodywhowoul dwannahur
therunl
ess-
Ipaused.
Lwaz
i:Unl
esawhatOzi
?
Me: Meagan.Iam goi
ngtokil
lher
.Isweart
oGod
Lwaz i
.Idonotgetphysi
cal
withwomenbutShe'
s
test
ingmet hatone.
Lwazi
:whoawhoawhao, whywoul
dyouthi
nk
Meaganwoulddothat?ImeanIknowshe'
scr
azy
andal
lbutt
opullastuntli
ket
hat?
Me: You'recl
ear
lyunderest
imati
ngher.Thatwoman
camei nmyof fi
cetodayandactedoutofcharect
or.
Itwasl i
keshewast ry
ingtobuyti
meorpr eoccupy
mef orsomeoddr eason.Ial
sofoundherinthe
parkinglotandshelookedsuspi
cious.
Lwaz
i:What
?
Me:
Igot
tagof
indSne.
Ichar
gedt
othedoor
.
Lwazi:
I'
m comi
ngwithyou.Ineedtomakesur
ethe
beasti
nyoudoesn'
twakeupt oni
ght.
Wegotoutandusedhi
scaranddr
oveaway
.
Charl
escal
ledmeandsaidtheyknewthecarf
rom
theCCTVfootageandgav
emeal ead.
Weweredri
vingt
oMeagan'splacewhenhecal
l
ed
sowechangeddi
rect
ionsandheadedtoMamelodi
wher
eSneissuspect
edtohavebeentaken.
Me:
Doy
ouhav
eaguni
nthi
scar
?
Lwaz
i:Ial
way
shav
egunsi
nal
lmycar
s.
Me:
Good.
Wear r
ivedandparkedafewhousesaway.Thi
s
nei
ghbor hoodl
ooksdanger
ous.Butnotas
dangerousaswear e.
Wet
ookoutt
he5mm pi
stol
sandgotout
.
Wetuckedthem inourpantsandwal ked.Wesaw
t
hecarfrom thefootageparkedoutside.Wegotin
t
heyardandwentt otheback.Therewasar oom
t
hatl
ookedlikeast udiof
rom ouside.Ithadno
wi
ndowsandl ookedsoundproofed.
It
ookoutmygunandLookedatLwazi
.
Henoddedatmet
henIki
ckedt
hedooropen.
Shewasscr
eamingwhent
heguy
stur
nedt
olook
whoki
ckedthedoori
n.
Me:
Gett
hehel
lawayf
rom her
.
Theyl
ookedst
art
led.
"
Don'
tmakemedot
hisboy
s"
Idi
dn'
twanttoshootthem i
nfr
onofSne.SoIt
ri
ed
myutmostbesttoremaincal
m.
Theymov
edawaywi
tht
hei
rhandsi
ntheai
r.
Me:
Mov
etot
hesi
deandgett
hef
uckdown.
Theydi
dasperor
der
d.
Il
ookedOvertoSnewhowasbr
uisedandhadher
cl
othest
ornedup.
Myhear
tsankt
othepi
tofmyst
omach.
Icl
osedmyey
esandi
magi
nedt
hepossi
ble.
Igoti
nfur
iat
ed.
..
wenttooneoft
heguy
sanhi
thi
m
wit
hthebum ofthegun.
Hegr
aonedi
npai
n.
LwazirushedtoSneandheldher
.Het
ookof
fhi
s
coatandwr appedherwi
th.
Guy1:MrLangasir.
..
wedi dntknowshe'
syour
woman.Pleasedon'
tkillus.Wewereonl
ypaidtodo
t
hejob.I
t'
snothingpersonal.
Me:Youhady ourfi
l
thyhandsonmywomanandy
ou
cal
lthatnotper
sonal?
Guy1:Wewerepai
dMrLanga.Pl
easespar
eour
l
ivesngaml
a.
Me:
Whopai
dyou?
Guy2:
Don'
tbeasni
tchman.
Iwentov
ertohi
m andhi
thim wi
tht
hepalm oft
he
gunonhisf
acethenpoi
ntedi
tonhi
shead..
.
Lwaz
i:Don'
tdoi
tOzi
.
Me:
Didy
ouhav
eyourwaywi
thmywoman?
Icoul
dn'
tbr
ingmysel
ftosay
ingt
heact
ual
wor
d
whichwasr
ape.
Lwaz
i:Ozi
..
.
Me:
SHUTUPLWAZI
!
Ther
oom wentsi
l
ent
.
Ther
ewassomucht ensi
oni
nther
oom.Sot
hick
onecoul
duseakni
fetocuti
t.
"
Imr
unni
ngoutofpat
ience"
Guy1:Nongaml
a.She'
sact
ual
l
yqui
etf
ier
ce.She'
sa
fi
ght
er.
Me:
Lwazi
takeSnet
othecar
.
Lwaz
i:Okaybutwehav
etot
akehert
othedoct
or.
He'sright.Mywomanneededhel
pri
ghtawayandI
couldn'twast
enomoreti
me.
Iwasgonnadeal
wit
hthi
sguy
slat
er.
Me:
GooutnowLwazi
.I'
l
lbewi
thy
oushor
tl
y.
Hepi
ckedSneupandwentout
.
"
Whopai
dyou?
"
Guy
1:MeaganDubesi
r.
Me:Right
.I'
m goi
ngtospar
eyourl
i
vesj
ustfort
oday.
You'
dbettermakesur
eourpat
hsdon'
tcr
oss.Orso
hel
pmel ord.
..
Theypl
eadedt
hatIl
ett
hem goandIdi
d.
Ist
ormedoutandheadedt
othecar
.
Igotatthebackandf
oundhercur
ledupi
ntoasmal
l
bal
l.Ipull
edheri
nmyembraceandshecr
iedher
l
ungsout .
It
ighendmyhol
donandcomf
ort
edher
.
Me:I'
m sor
rybaby
.I'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
etopr
otect
you.
SheweepedandLwazi
drov
eawayt
ohospi
tal
.
Iti
ghtenedmyjawsandgr
indedonmyt
eet
h
t
hinki
ngaboutMeagan.
I
nser
t13
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Ozi
Iwasrest
ingmyheadonthehospi
tal
bedandwas
wokenupbySnecaughi
ng.
Shelookedt
ir
ed.Hereyeshadbagsunder
neat
h.Her
bot
tom li
pwassli
ghtl
ytorndup.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Me:
Wat
erpl
ease.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Istoodupandpour
edherwater
.Ihel
pedhersi
tup
str
aightandgav
ehert
heglass.
Her
:Thanky
ou.
Shet
ookasi
pandgav
emebackt
hegl
ass.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Her
:I'
mfi
ne.
Iextendedmyhandt
otakeher
sinmi
nebutshe
pull
edback.
Il
etoutasi
gnandst
oodup.
Iwenttostandnextt
othewi
ndowandl
ooked
out
sideforawhil
e.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowIf
elt
.Iwasangr
yandsadatt
he
sameti
me.
Iwentt
otakeasi
tnextt
oherbedagai
n.
Me:SneI
'
m sor
ryf
orwhathappened.IknowIshoul
d
hav
eprot
ect
edyouagai
sntMeaganan-
Her
:Pl
easel
eav
e.
Me:
What
?
Her
:GETOUTOZI
.
Il
ookedatherbef
oreget
ti
ngof
fthechai
r.
Me:Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeatbef
oreIl
eav
e
t
hen?
Her
:I'
m nothungr
y.
Lwaz
ipushedt
hedooropenandsmi
l
ed.
Lwaz
i:MayIcomei
n?
Us:
Yes.
Hehadabunchoff
lower
sinav
aseandat
eddy
.
Hel
ookedatmet
hendownatSne.
Lwazi:
Ibr
oughtt
hisasy
ouaskedOzi
andIcamet
o
checkuponyouSne.
Hel
ookedather
.
Her
:Thanky
ou.
Lwazi
:It
'snicet
of i
nall
ymeety
ou.Butnotundert
he
ci
rcumstancesafcause.
Shenoddedandlookedatme.Iwasl
ooki
ngather
wit
hsomuchr emoseandwonderedi
fshereal
i
ses
howsorryIam.
"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Her
:I'
l
lsur
viv
e.
Thedoct
orcamei
nshor
tl
yandgr
eet
edus.
Doc:
Goodmor
ningMsKhumal
o.
Het
urnedt
olookatus.
"
MrLanga.I
'
v egotgreatnews.Yourwi
fewasn'
t
r
apedormolested"
Her
:I'
m nothi
swi
fe.
Il
ookedatherbr
ief
lyt
henl
ookedatt
heDoct
or.
Me:
Thanky
ouDoc.That
'sar
eli
ef.
Doc:I
'l
ll
eav
eyoutoi
tthen.Pl
easedon'
tbel
ongas
sheneedst
orest
.
Inodded.
Thedoct
orwal
kedout
.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
atert
hen.
Sheturnedt
olookt
heot
herwayanddi
dn'
tsay
anyt
hing.
Iwentovertoherandplacedasof
tpeckonher
for
eheadthenwel ef
t.
Lwaz
i:Ar
eyouguy
sokay
?
Ir
ubbedmyf
acebr
ief
lyi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Me:
No.Andwe'
ref
arf
rom i
t.
Lwaz
i:She'
sst
il
langr
yandt
raumat
ized.Gi
veher
t
ime,
she'
l
lbeokay
.
Me:Ther
e'smor
eact
ual
l
yandIdon'
tknowi
fwe'
l
l
sur
viv
eit
.
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esandgest
uredmet
opr
oceed.
"
Whathappenedt oSnenhlanhlalastnightisj
usta
t
ipofanicebag.There'
smor et hingsshe'sboundt
o
f
indoutabouthersel
fthatmightbr akehereven
f
urther
.AndIdon'tknowifshe'l
l everfor
giveme
whenshefindsoutIknewal l
along. "
Lwaz
i:Thi
ngsl
i
kewhat
?
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:
Dlomoi
sherbi
ologi
cal
fat
her
.
Hewi
denedhi
sgaze.
Lwaz
i:What
?TheeDl
omo?
Me:Yes.AndIdon' tknowhowt oprot
ectherfrom
gett
inghurtbythi
s.Shej ustl
ostherparent
s8
mont hsago.Shedoesn'tdeserv
eany t
hingthat
's
happeningtoherri
ghtnowman.
Lwaz
i:Whoi
sthi
schi
ck?Anddi
dyoudoa
backr
oundcheckonher
.
Me:Thoroughl
y.That
'showIl
ear
nedaboutal
lthese
t
hings.
Hel
ookedatmeandr
ubbedhi
shead.
"Andt
hingsjustkeepgetti
ngmoreandmor
eoutof
handwithi
nashor tspaceoft
ime.
"
Lwaz
i:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:She'
sgotasi
sterwhori
dicul
ousl
ylookli
keher
att
hecampusandshedoesn'tknowanythi
ngabout
her
.It
'sj
ustamat
terofti
meunt i
ll
shefi
ndsout.
Lwaz
i:Thi
siscr
azyman.Whatt
hef
uck?
!
Me: AndIwanttoprotectherman.Iwantt
omake
surenothi
ngeverhurtsher.ButI
'
vealr
eadyfai
l
edmy
missionaf
terl
astnight.
Lwazi:
Don'tbehardonyour
self.You'
vejustgot
ten
toknowherforashort
whil
enow.Andy oudidn'
t
knowwhatMeaganwasupt o.Yousti
llhaveaplent
y
ofti
met omakeituptoher.
Me:
Ilov
eherLwazi
.AndIdon'
twantt
olooseher
.
Heputhi
shandonmyshoul
derandsqueezed.
Lwazi:Gi
veitt
ime.Butfornow,
gohomeandr ef
resh.
I'
l
lpassbytheoff
icetocheckthi
ngsoutbef
oreIgo
onsightt
ocheckont heproj
ect.
Me:
ThanksBr
o.
Weheadedoutoft
hehospi
tal
tot
hecar
.
Lwaz
i:Sowhat
'
sgonnahappent
oMeagan?
Wegoti
nandhedr
oveof
f.
Ihungmyheadandl
eanedi
tont
hecarsi
t.
Me: AsmuchasIdon' twannaphysi
call
yhurther
,I
'
d
sti
ll
needt oteachheralessonshe'
l
lneverf
orget
.
Shet endstogetundermyskinnowandIcan'thave
that
.
Lwazi
:Youdon'
thavetobetheoner epr
imandi
ng
hery
ouknow?Icandot hatonyourbehalf
.You'
l
l
j
ustbesoftonherandshemightnotgetthe
message.
He'
sri
ght
.
Me:
Justt
akemehome.
Icl
osedmyey
esanddr
if
tedt
osl
eep.
*
***
**
Heshookmel
i
ght
lyandIwokeup.
Lwaz
i:Homesweethome.
Isatupr
ightandr
ubbedmyf
ace.
Me:Thankspal.Forl
astnightaswel
l
.Idon'
tknowi
fI
woul
dhav ehandledi
talone.
Lwaz
i:Any
timemf
anaki
thi
.
Me:
Ngi
zokbonake.Gomakeusmoney
.
Ifi
stbumpedhim andgotout
sidet
hecarand
headedinsi
de.
Iwassot
ir
ed.Isl
eptonachai
rthewhol
eni
ghtand
mybodyhur
t.
Iwentupst
air
sandt
ookal
ongmuchneededhot
shower.
Ifi
nishedupandgotdr essedingreytracksui
tsand
Nikekicks.Iputonabeani andheadeddownst air
s.
Igrabbedmycarkey sandt ooktheelevatert
othe
undergroundgarage.Imisseddri
vingtheRange
RoversoIrever
sedtheBlackBMW 3seriesout.
Banzical
lsi
tablackmamba.I t
'shi
sfav
our i
tehe
dri
vesitmorethanIdo.
Idr
oveoutt
heRangeRovert
henpar
kedt
hebl
ack
mambabackint
hegarage.
Idrov
eoutandwentt oacl osebyrest
aur
anttoget
somethingli
teforSnetostomach.Idr
ovestr
aightt
o
thehospit
alshort
lyaft
er.
Iwalkedtoherwardandwaswelcomedbyv oi
ces.I
pushedthealr
eadysl
ight
lyopenddoorandgoti
t.

-
Sne
AfterOzil
eftIaskedtheDoct
orformyphoneand
call
edBandileandAmoandt oldthem what
happened.Iaskedthem nott
otellany
bodysot
hey
promised.
Bandi
leandKhethel
ocamet oseemeandAmo
coul
dn'tcomebecauseshe'
sinJohannesbur
g.
Iwaswiththeguy
schat
ti
ngandl
aughi
ngwhent
he
doorpushedOpenandi
ncameOzi.
Hehadabr
ownt
akeawaypaperbagi
nhi
shands.
Ozi
:Hel
l
o.
Khet
hel
o:Hi
MrLanga.
Bandi
l
eandIkeptqui
te.
Bandilewasn'tpleasedatallwi
thhimr i
ghtnow.The
factthatIwasi nhospit
albecauseofOzi'sbitt
erex-
gir
lfr
iendinfur
iatedhim.Heactedov erprotect
ivefor
myl i
king.Idon'tknowifhisi
ntent
ionswer epurely
thoseofabi gbr ot
herorther
ewasmor et oit
.Buthe
wasn'tpleasedatalltoseeOzi.
Ozi
:Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngnow?
Heputt
hetakeawaybagont
opoft
het
abl
eand
camecl
osertot
hebed.
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.
Idi
dn'
tl
ookathi
m.If
ocusedont
heguy
s.
Ozi
:Ibr
oughty
ouf
ood.
Me:
Youshoul
dn'
thav
e.
Ozi
:Okay
.
Hemov
edwayandst
oodf
arawayf
rom us.
Hehadthissadl
ookonhisf
ace.Icoul
dtell
thathe
washur
tingbymysuddenharsht
reatmenttowar
ds
hi
m.
Ther
ewasanunsettl
ingsuddensi
l
encei
nther
oom
youcoul
dhearaneedledr
op.
Khet
hel
ocl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Khet
hel
o:We'
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
sspace.
Bandi
le:
We'
renotdoneseingSneKhat
hel
o.Youcan
goify
ouwantbutI
'm notdoneyet
.
Hewast
ryi
ngt
osentamessaget
oOzi
.
Ozi
:Thanksbuti
t'
sokay
.I'
l
ljustl
eav
e.
Myhear
tbl
edbyhi
sgent
ler
esponse.
Hel
ookedatmet
henwentout
.
Iwant
edt
ost
ophi
m buthewasal
readygone.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etobesor
udeBandi
l
e.
Bandi
l
e:Ohr
eal
l
y?
Khet
hel
o:What
'sy
ourpr
obl
em dude?
Bandi
l
e:Thatguyi
sn'
tgoodf
orSne.
Khet
hel
o:Andy
ouar
e?
Heshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
yinhi
sseat
.
Bandil
e:Well
..
.Ij
ustt
hinkSnedeser
vesbet
tert
han
thatgangst
er.
Me:He'snotagangst
erBandi
l
e.Andhe'
sbeen
not
hingbutgoodtome.
WhywasIdefendingOzi?Af
terseei
nghimli
kethat
wit
hagunlastni
ght,whowasItryi
ngtoconv
ience
her
e?Whoisher eal
ly?
Khet
helo:LookSne..
.y
oushoul
dfoll
owyourheart
anddowhaty oufeeli
t'
sbestf
oryoual
ri
ght.We'l
l
j
ustconfuessyou.Anywaywehavetogo.I
'
v egot
cl
assinanhour.
Theybi
dmef
arewel
landl
eft
.
Whati
swr
ongwi
thBandi
l
e?Hai
i
.
Ifoundt
onsofmessagesf
rom Si
zwesoIcal
l
edhi
m
back.
Si
zwe:
ThankGody
ou'
rest
il
lal
i
ve.
What?Doesev
ery
bodyknowwhathappendt
ome
al
ready
?
Me:
Hel
l
otoy
out
ooZwezwe.
Sizwe:Sor
rybuddy.I
sjustt
hatIwasworri
edabout
you.Youneverski
pclassandyourphonewasoff
.
Me:Oh.
..
Im sor
ry.Iuhm.
..
I'
mfi
ne.I
'
mjustnotf
eel
i
ng
wel
l
.
Si
zwe:
Oh.Textmeyourl
ocat
ionandI
'
llcomecheck
uponyoui
nanhour
.
Me:NO!Imeanther
e'snoneed.I
t'
sjustheadache
andI
'l
lbefi
nesoon.
ThedooropenedandOzi
wal
kedi
t.
"
Letmecal
lyouback.
"
Si
zwe:
Okaygetwel
lke.Xap.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Ozi
..
.It
houghty
oul
eft
.
Ozi
:Ist
hatwhaty
ouwant
?
Hel
ookedatmewi
thav
eryi
ntensel
ook.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hi
m:Doy
our
eal
l
ywantmet
ost
ayawayf
rom y
ou?
Ikeptqui
etandl
ookedaway
.
Hi
m:Youcan'
tev
enl
ookatme.
Ir
emai
nedqui
et.Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osayt
ohi
m.
Hewal
kedt
othedoor
.
Me:
Ozi
wai
t.
Het
urnedt
olookatme.
Hewasannoy
edandIcoul
dseei
t.
"
Don'
tl
eav
e."
Hi
m:AndwhymustIdothatSnenhl
anhla?What
's
t
heuseofbeingher
ewi
thyouwheny ouwon'
teven
l
ookatort
alktome?
Hewaspi
ssedof
f.Hi
svoi
cewast
hickandhusky
.
Ikeptqui
et.
"Doy ouevenwantmet obeher
e?BecauseI'
m
confused.Youcoul
djusttel
lmeandI
'
llr
especty
our
wishesyouknow? "
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatIwantanymore.Ithoughti
t
wasyoubutbei
ngwit
hy oui
sriskyOzi.I
'
m scared.
Him:Doy
ouwantmet
oor
gani
seapsy
chol
ogi
stf
or
you?
Me:
I'
m notcr
azyOzi
thobi
l
e.
Him:Inev
ersaidyouar
e.Ijustf
igur
edhaving
somebodytotal
ktoaft
erlastni
ghtmighthel
pyou
deal
.
Me:I
'
mfi
ne.Ij
ustneedt
imet
ofi
gur
ethi
soutonmy
won.
Hi
m:Ony
ourown?
Hel
ookedatme.
"
Fai
renough.I'
l
l l
etyoudot
hatt
hen.Cal
lmewhen
y
ouneedany t
hing."
Heheadedt
othedoor
.
Me:
Whoar
eyouOz
ithobi
l
eLanga?
Het
unedswi
ft
lyandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m:What
?
Hecameback.
Me:
Whoar
eyoubehi
ndy
ourt
ail
oredsui
ts?
Henar
rowedhi
sgazeonme.
Hi
m:I
'
m notsur
eifIf
oll
ow.
Me:
Youhadagunwit
hyoul
astni
ghtandwasr
eady
t
okil
lthoseguy
s.
Hi
m:Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt oki
l
lany
bodyandIhadt
hegun
wi
thmeforpr
otect
ion.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Hi
m: Youwerecapt
uredBaby.Andmysourcet ol
d
mey ouwer
etakentoMamel odi
.Iwasn'
tgonnago
t
hereunar
med.Also,
Ididn'
tknowwhatawaitedme
t
here.
Me:
Okay
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyousat
isf
iedwi
thmyanswer
es?
Ishr
uggedmyshol
der
s.
Hel
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Doy
ouwantmet
ost
ayandkeepy
oucompany
?
Ikeptqui
te.
Heheadedt
othedoor
.
Me:
Ozi
..
Hewalkedout
.Icov
eredmy
sel
fwi
tht
hesheet
sand
cr
ied.
Imi
sshi
m somuch.

-
Ozi
I
'veneverf
eltsof
rust
ratedbef
ore.Snedoesn'
t
undert
andhowmuchIl oveher
.Nowshe'sshutti
ng
meout .
Igoti
nthecaranddr
ovet
oMeagan'
splace.Ist
il
l
hadthekeyt
oherhouset
oIl
etmysel
fin.
Idi
dn'tf
indheri
ntheki
ckenorli
vi
ngr
oom.Iwentto
herbedr
oom andfoundheront
opoft
hebedreadi
ng
abook.
Shest
art
ledwhenshesawme.
Shegotupandsmi
l
ed.
Meagan:
Iknewy
ou'
dcomet
oyoursenses.
Sheki
ssedmyl
i
ps.
"
Imi
ssedy
ousomuchbaby
"
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudoMeagan?
Ist
il
lhadasoftspotforherandt
hatwasn'
tgood.
Lwaziwasr
ight.
..
Icannotbetheonetor
epri
mand
her
.
Shel
ookedupt
omeandsmi
l
ed.
"
I'
m notgonnar
epeatmysel
fMeagan.Isai
dWHAT
DI
DYOUDODAMNI T!
!"
Imanhandl
edherandpi
nnedheragai
nstt
hewal
l
.
Her
:Ozi
you'
rehur
ti
ngme.
Icametoocloset
oherourbodi
eswer
eagai
nst
eachot
her.
Il
eanedf
owar
dtoherear
.
Me:Youhav enoideawhatyou'v
ejustdonethi
sti
me.
Youmadeav erywrongmoveandy ou'
regoi
ngto
regr
eti
t.You'r
eluckyIdon'
tgetphysi
calwit
h
womenot herwi
seMeagan...
Ipul
l
edbackandheadedt
othedoor
.
Shel
augh
Her
:She'
snol
ongersopr
eci
ousnowhuh?
Thatwasenought
osetmeof
f.
Ichar
gedtowar
dsherandslappedherhar
dshef
ell
onthegr
oundwithherback.
Sheheldhercheekandwasbl
eedi
ngt
hroughone
nose.
Shewi
denedherey
esandl
ookedatme.
Iwal
kedov
ert
oherandkneel
ddownt
oherl
evel
.
Il
ookedheri
ntheey
esdeadl
y.
Me:
Don'
tpushmet
ohur
tyouMeagan.
Thatcameoutv
eryl
ow.
"Youoncemeantsomet hi
ngtomebutt hatti
mehas
passednow.Idon'twantany
thingtodowithyou
anymore.I
'm get
ti
ngsickofyourgamesandy ou'
re
gett
ingundermyskin"
Iwasv
erypol
i
te.
Her
:Di
dyouj
usthi
tmef
ort
hatbi
rchOzi
?
Il
ookedawayandt
ight
enedmyj
aws.
Me:
Meagan.
..
Her
:She'
snot
hingbutabi
rchwh-
Irai
sedmyhandtosl
apherbutf
ormedi
tint
oaf
ist
andputi
tdown.
Me:
You'
rer
eal
l
ytest
ingme.
Igotupandheadedtothedoor
.Itur
nedt
olookat
heronel
astti
met henwal
kedout.
I
nser
t14
(
Unedi
tedandshor
t)

*
***
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.

TwoweekshadpassedandSnewasdi scharged
from thehospi t
al .ShetoldOz i t
hatsheneeded
spacet owr apeherheadar oundwhathappend.He
organisedherahousecal lpsy chologi
stand
respect edherot herwi shesofnotbei ngi ncontact
her.Snemov edi nwi t
ht heGumedebr othersforti
me
beingunt il
l herfearsubsi ded.Thepsy chologi
st
camei nev erdayandSnest ruggledtoopenupabout
herf eeli
ngsatf irstbutev entuallygavei n.She
pour edherhear toutaboutwi shingtoknowher
biologicalfami l
yandsi bli
ngsi fshehasbecauseshe
wast i
redofhav ingnobody .Shewasdoi nggoodand
haven' tseenOzi Langaf orfulltwoweekssi nce
she'sdi
scharged.Shestoppedtaki
nghiscall
sat
fi
rstbecauseshewasi gnori
nghim butl
ater
answeredandt ol
dhimt ostopcall
i
ngbecauseshe
neededspace.
MrsGumedecamet oseeherl astweekandwasn't
pl
easedatallaboutthewhol esit
uat
ion.Apar
antel
y
MrsGumedeknowt hefatheroftheLangabrother
s.
Herhusbandandhim hav ehistor
yintheli
neof
busi
nessthatOziwasalsoi nvolv
edin.Shedi
dn't
wanttojumpthegunbyt ell
ingSnewhoOzi i
sbut
wantedtowaitfort
her i
ghttime.
Zamaoncer eachedourt oSneandwascheckingon
her.ShetoldSnet hathermotherandbigsi
sterwer
e
nowoccupy ingherpar ent
'shousefort
hei
rownslut
y
shenanigans.
Snewasn'
tpleasedaboutt
hatbecausethathousei
s
al
lthat
'sl
eftt
oremindherofherparent
s.
Sheknewthereandthent
hatsheneededt
ofi
nda
waytofi
ghtforherpar
ent
shouse.
AuntNosi
hadclueofwher
eSnewasandshewas
pl
oati
ngwithbr
apattogotakeandbr
ingherhome.
Bandi
lewashav i
ngahardti
menothavingSneas
hi
sgirl
fr
iend.Hermov
inginwit
hthem madethi
ngs
worsebecausehewasfall
i
ngheadoverhil
lswi
th
herever
day.
Oziwasn'ttaki
ngwellt
hef actthathehasn'
tseenor
spokentoSnef ortwoweeks.Asmuchashe
coul
dn'ttakeitany
more,hestil
lrespect
edherwishes
andstayedaway .
*
***
***
***
***
***

-
Sne
Ihadafightwit
hBandil
ebecauseIfeltli
kehedi d
notwanttounderst
andwhenIt ol
dhim Idon'tlove
hi
ml i
kethat.Imadethatcl
earwit
hhimt hatI
'
m not
i
nter
estedbuthedidn'
tseem toaccept.Thatalso
mademeconci dermov i
ngbacktomyf l
at.
Iwasf
eel
i
ngki
ndadownsoIcall
edSizwetocome
pi
ckmeupsoIcoul
dgetoutoft
hehouse.
Hearr
ivedafewmi nut
esl
aterandwewentt
oour
f
avour
at er
estaur
ant.
Iwasdressedinawhiteabovethekneebodyt
ight
summerdr esswithl
i
ghtbrowngladi
ator
sanda
summerhat .Icompl
etedthel
ookwithmywoop
ear
ingsandahandbag.
Iwassimpleyetbeauti
ful
.Iwaswear
ingmy
expensi
veperfume.Idon'
tknowwhyIwasdressed
upbutIjustf
eltl
ikedoi
ngit.
Wear r
ivedattherest
aur
antandgoti
n.IsawOzi
and
f
eltchi
ll
st r
aveldownmyspine.

-
Ozi
Iwaschil
l
ingi
nsi
det
her
est
aur
antwi
thbot
hmy
brot
her
s.
Lwaz
i:I
sthatSne?
It
urnedtolookatherandwasbreathtaken.She
l
ookeddiff
erentandmorebeaut
if
ul.Shelookedli
ke
abreat
hoff r
eshair
.
Me:
Damn.
Banzi
:That
'st
heeSne?YourSne?
Ibi
tmyl
owerl
i
pandnoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Banzi
:Wow.She'squietacat
ch.Shel
ooksabi
t
youngbutbeaut
uful
indeed.
Lwaz
i:That
'sbecauseshe'
s18.
Me:
Lookatt
hatassi
nthatdr
essman.Fuuuuck!
Iwast
ear
inghercl
othesof
fwi
thmyey
es.
Lwazi:
Eyfuckoffmji
ta.You'
reheredr
ool
ingover
yourwoman'sassfr
om adistancewhi
ley
ou'r
e
sexual
lyst
arvi
ng.
Idi
dn'thearanywor
dhesai
d.Ihadzonedout
l
ookingatSne.
Banzi
:Who'
stheguyshe'
swi
th?
Icoul
dn'
ttakei
tanymor
e.IknowSnesai
dshe
neededspacebutf
uckt
hat.
Ili
ftedmyglassofcast
ledr
aftandf
ini
sheditof
f.I
stoodup,gr
abbedmycarkeysandbidtheboys
farewel
l.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouendl
i
nichamps.
Lwaz
i:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
I'
mtaki
ngmywomanhome.
Lwaz
i:Hal
ala.Ungambul
ali
kodwake.
Me:
Fot
seksaan.
Iwal
kedovertothem andstoodver
ycl
osei
nfr
ontof
Sneanddi
dn'tacknowledgetheguy
.
Me:
CanIt
alkt
oyou?
Shewantedt
osaysomethingwhenIpul
l
edher
gent
lyandwewentout
side.
Her
:Ozi
I-
Ipi
nnedheragai
nstt
hecarandki
ssedher
.
Igrappedherassv
eryt
ightandhear
dherbr
eat
he
heavy.
Me:
Let
'sgohomebaby
.
Isai
dinbet
weent
heki
ssandshenoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Ibr
oket
heki
ssandopenedt
hedoorf
orher
.
Shegoti
n,
Ij
oggedt
omydoorsi
deandgoti
n.
Wehi
tthehi
ghwayandIspeedof
f.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ou.
Ibr
ushedhert
high.
Wearriv
ed,Ipar
kedandgotoutsi
de.Iopenedher
doorandshesteppedoutl
eadi
ngme.
Il
ookedatherassandbitmybot t
om l
ip.Wegot
i
nsideandIimmediat
elyscoopedherupandheaded
upstai
rs.shehel
dononmyneckandbur r
iedher
headonmychest .
Wegoti
nther
oom andIputherdownont
hebed.
Igotont
opofherandki
ssedherhungr
il
y.
Me:
Iwanty
ou.
Shewasbr
eat
hingheav
il
yanddi
dn'
tsayawor
d.
Iundr
essedherunt
il
lshewasl
eftwi
thj
ustpent
ies
on.
Ipeckedherl
i
pst
henki
ssedherneck.
"
Yousmel
lgoodbaby
"
Ifl
ippedherar
oundsoshe'dsleeponherback.I
grabbedherassandsqueezedit.Iki
ssedherbar
e
backgoingdownherspineleavi
ngwett r
acesand
bl
owi ngcol
dair
.Iar
ri
vedatherassandki ssedit
.
"
Thi
sissomer
eal
fir
m ass"
Ihear
dhergi
ggl
e.
Ifl
ippedheraroundagaintofaceup.Isl
idher
soakedpanti
esdownwhi l
elooki
ngdeepintoher
eyes.ShecoveredherfacewithherhandsandI
chuckled.
Ipart
edherlegswi
deopenandkissedherinner
thi
ghs.Iar
ri
vedathercageandi
twaswet .Il
ickedi
t
afewt i
mesthensuckedonit
.
Shehel
dmyheadandpi
nnedi
tfut
herdown.
If
eltherl
egsshaket
hensoonsher
eleased.
Icr
awl
edbackt
oherf
aceandl
ookedather
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Her
:Hi
.
Ist
oodupandundressed.If
inal
l
ytookofmyundi
es
andJackspr
angouttoli
fe.
Il
ookedatherandshel
ookedati
tandgasped.
Her
:Ozi
that
'snotgonnaf
it
.
Ichuckl
edandgotont
opofher
.
Me:
I'
ll
begent
le.Ipr
omi
se.
Iopenedhercl
osedl
egswi
thmykneesandgoti
n
between.
Her
:Ar
en'
tweusi
ngacondom?
Me:Iwannatast
eyoubaby
.ICan'
tbr
akey
our
vi
rgi
nit
yusi
ngacondom.
Iki
ssedherpassi
onat
elyt
ryi
ngt
odi
str
acther
.
Myhanddisappr
eadi
nbet
weenoutl
egsandIsl
i
d
mymiddl
ef i
ngeri
nandoutf
orl
i
kefi
veti
mes.She
wasr
eady.
Iposi
tionedmysel
fonherent
ranceandpushedi
n
gentl
y.
..shewi
nced.
Her
:Ozi
..
.
Me:
letmei
n.
Ipushedagai
nfort
he2ndt i
me.Shej
umpedupandI
hel
dherdown.Sheclosedherey
esandl
ookedaway
.
It
ouchedhercheekandmademef
aceme.
Me:
Lookatmebaby
.
ShelookedatmeasIpushedf
ort
he3r
dti
meand
thi
stimeitwenti
n.
Me:
Fuck!
Isl
i
dingent
lyandshewasmoani
ngi
npai
n.
"
I'
m sor
rybaby
"
Ipushedfut
heri
nandwaswel
comedbyt
hewar
mth
ofhercage.
Imovedinandoutsl
owl
yaf
ewt
imes,
herwal
l
swer
e
cl
ingi
ngonmycock.
Ist
art
edt
othr
ustherandshehadherey
escl
osed.
Me:
Don'
tcl
osey
ourey
esbaby
.St
aywi
thme.
ShenoddedandIincr
easedmypaceandthr
ust
ed
herdeeper
.Shej
umpedbutIatt
ackedherwi
tha
ki
ss.Shemoanedagainstmyl
i
ps.
Me:
Arey
oui
npai
n?
Idon'
tthi
nkmyv
oicewasaudi
bleenough.
Her
:hmm.
Sheshookherheadno.
Ibal
ancedwi
thmyhandsonthebedandpul
l
edmy
bodyupawayfr
om her
s.Idi
ggedherf
orawhil
e.
Shewasmoani
ngandIwasgr
oani
ng.
Me:
Yout
ast
esopur
eSt
handwasam.
Igotbackont
opofherandki
ssedher
.
"
Ng'
yakt
handaSnenhl
anhl
a"
Her
:Il
ovey
out
oo.
Isl
idmyhandunderneat
hhert
highandgr
abbedher
assandpul
ledherupwhil
eIsi
nkeddeepi
ntoher
.
Me:
Fuck!
Shescr
eamedoutl
oud.
"
I'
m sor
ry.Di
dIgot
oodeep?
Her
:Il
ovei
t.
Thatwasenought
osetmeof
f.
Ithrustedherandshewasmoani ngwit
hpassi
on.
Hermoanswer ef uel
i
ngmesoIspoonedand
thrustedandgrindedandpoundedher
.Iwentcr
azy
t
il
lIf
eltt
hencomi
ng.
Iburr
iedmyheadonherneckandpoundedher
deeperandf
astert
henIl
etoutwhatI
'dli
ket
o
bel
ievewasaveryl
oudgroan.
Me:
Uuuuuuur
rgf
uuuuck!
Icoll
apsedont
opofherandt
ri
edt
ocat
chmy
breat
he.
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandandpul
l
edhernextt
ome.
Me:
Thatwasamazi
ngbaby
.
Her
:Iwannabat
h.If
eel
dir
ty.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
It'
snotdi
rtbaby
.Andwe'
renotdone.
Sher
aisedherheadupandf
acedme.
Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.
Her
:We'
renotdone?
Ishookmyheadwi
thmyey
eshal
fcl
osed.
Me:Isti
l
lwanty
ou.Youwer
eamazi
ngandIcan'
tget
enough.
Itookherhandandpl
acedi
tonmyhar
dcockand
shelaugh.
"
Uyabonaukut
hIst
il
lwanty
ou?
"
Her
:Ist
il
lwanty
out
oo.
Me:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Her
:Yes.
If
li
ppedherar
oundandi
nser
tedmy
sel
fagai
n.
Thisti
mei twaspassionat
e.Imadelov
edelicat
ely
taki
ngmyt imewi t
hher.She'
ssobeauti
ful
.I'
m
defi
natel
ymar r
yingher.Weenjoy
edoursel
vesunti
ll
webot hcame.
Wefini
shedupandtookabath.Weal
sof
ini
shed
andcamebackint
othebedroom.
Her
:Ithur
tsbaby
.
Shesul
ked.
Me:
Real
l
y?Letmesee.
Il
aidheront
hebedandopenedherl
egst
ocheck.
"
Yeahy
ou'
rer
ight
.Itdoesl
ookof
fcol
our
"
Her
:Angi
thi
youf
uckedmel
i
kei
twasn'
tmyf
ir
st
t
ime.
If
rowned.
Me:Ohbaby.Real
l
y?It
houghtIwasgent
le.I
'
m sor
ry.
Comehere.
Ipul
l
edhercl
oserandhuggedher
.
"Butwe'
renotdonef
ort
oni
ghtangi
thi
?Ipr
omi
set
o
begentl
e"
Shepul
l
edawayf
rom me.
Her
:Kant
idoy
ouwannaeatmet
ofi
nishme?
Il
augh.
Me:NobutIfi
ndyouver
yir
resi
sti
bleSnenhl
anhl
a.
AndIdonoteaty
ou.
Il
i
ckedmyl
i
psandt
easedher
.
"
Uzongi
phaf
uthi
angi
thi
?"
Her
:You'
recr
azy.Shewentoutoft
hebedr
oom
l
eavi
ngmelaughing.
Me:
We'
l
lor
deri
ntoni
ght
.
Ishout
ed.
Ichangedt
hebeddi
ngandputonacl
eanone.
Shecamebackl
ooki
ngl
i
keshe'
sseenaGhost
.
Me:
What
'st
hemat
terbaby
?
Her
:Dowehav
ecompany
?
Me:
Nowhy
?
Her
:Ihear
dvoi
cesdownst
air
s.
Me:Mustbemybr
other
s.Ar
eyoucomf
ort
abl
etobe
r
oundthem?
Her
:It
'st
hei
rbr
other
'shouse.Wecan'
tki
ckt
hem out
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Her
:Yes.
Me:
Okayl
et'
sgety
oui
nmor
ecosycl
othes.
Itookoutmygreyshor
tsandavestandgav
et hem
toher.Sheputt
hem onandshel
ookedamazing.
Me:
You'r
eav er
ynat
ural
woman.I
'
llnev
ergetused
t
oyourbeaut
y.
Shesmi
l
edandIt
ookherhandandwewent
downst
air
s.If
oundmybr
other
seat
ing.
Me:
you'
dbet
ternotbeeat
ingmygr
ocer
ies.
Theylookedupandl
augn.Theyst
oopupand
greet
edSne.
Lwaz
i:Hi
Sne.Ni
cet
oseey
ouagai
n.
Banzi
:HiI
'm Banzi
.They
oungestandmor
e
handsomeversi
on.
Weal
ll
augh.
Her:
Nicet
omeety
ouBanzi
andgoodt
oseey
ou
agai
nLwazi
.
Me:Okay.nowt
hatt
hat
'soutoft
heway
,whatar
ewe
eat
ing?
Iwentov
ert
oseet
heybr
oughtt
akeaway
s.
Banzi
:wet
houghweshoul
dbr
ingf
ood.
Me:
Thanksact
ual
l
y.We'
rest
arv
ing.
Lwaz
i:I
'
m sur
eyouar
e.
Me: zi
bambeLwazi
.Musaukukhi
phal
emi
khuba
yakhoesnux.
Welaugh.Idi
shedupforbot
hSneandIt
henwe
wenttochi
lli
nthel
iv
ingroom.
Wesatont
hesamecouchandat
e.
Theboy
sjoi
nedi
nshor
tl
yandwehadsomequal
i
ty
ti
me.
Lwaz
i:SomaDl
omo.Howdoy
oukeepbusy
?
Inear
lychokedonmyf
ood.
Il
ookedathi
m andheav
oidedmyey
esandl
ooked
di
rect
lyt
oSne.
Her:Mysur
namei
snotaDl
omobutKhumal
oand
I
'm ast
udent.
Lwaz
i:I
sit
?Wher
ear
eyouf
rom agai
n?
Me:
That
'senoughLwazi
.
Heav
oidedmey
etagai
n.
Lwaz
i:Doyouhavesi
bli
ngs?BecauseI
'
m sur
ethey
ar
easbeauti
ful
asyouare.
Her
:Nott
hatIknowof
f.No.
Lwaz
i:Woul
dn'
tyoul
i
ket
ofi
ndouti
fyoudi
d?
Me:
Lwazi
Isai
dthat
'senough.
Her
:whatdoy
oumean?
Shel
ookedatmet
henbackatLwazi
.
Lwaz
i:Imeany
oudohav
esi
bli
ngsan-
If
lewacr
osst
het
abl
eandpul
l
edhi
m up.
Me:Donotdisr
espectmel
i
ket
hatLwazi
.I'
m
war
ningyou.
Banzi
:Her
ewegoagai
n.
Hest
oodupandl
eft
.
Sne:Whatar
ey out
alki
ngaboutLwazi
?Doy
ouknow
anyt
hingt
hatIdont
?
Il
etgoofhi
m andl
ookedathi
m deadl
y.
Lwaz
i:Whydon'
tasky
ourboy
fri
endher
e.
Hewal
kedout
.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handcur
sedundermybr
eat
h.
IlookedatSnewhowaslooki
ngatmewi t
h
searchi
ngeyes.Iknewt
her
ewasn'tget
ti
ngoutof
thisone.
I
nser
t15
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Ozi
Her
:whati
sLwazi
tal
ki
ngaboutOzi
?What
doeshemeanI
'
vegotsi
bli
ngs?Fi
rsty
oucal
l
ed
mebymysur
namet
hatInev
ert
oldy
ouabout
andy
oui
nsi
stedt
hatIdi
d,ev
enwhenI
r
ememberwel
lthatIdi
dn'
t.NowLwazi
addr
essedmebyacer
tai
nsur
namet
hatIdon'
t
evenknow.What
'sgoi
ngonandWhoar
eyou
peopl
e?
Me:
Sitdownbaby
.
Her
:Don'
ttel
lmet
osi
tdownbecauseIdon'
t
r
eal
l
ytr
usty
our
ightnow.
Me:
Youneedt
ocal
m downSnebecauseI
don'
treal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ourt
one.
Lwaz
iandBanzi
camei
nandIt
urnedt
olookat
t
hem.
Me:
You'
dbet
tergohomeLwazi
bef
oreshi
thi
ts
t
hef
an.
Banzi
:It
'spr
obabl
ybestt
haty
oul
eav
ebr
o.
Snel
eftusandwentupst
air
s.
It
urnedt
olookatLwazi
.
Me:
howdar
eyoudef
ymel
i
ket
hat
?
Ichar
gedt
owar
dshi
m butBanzi
stoppedme.
Lwaz
i:Idi
dyouaf
avourandsav
edy
our
r
elat
ionshi
p.Howl
ongwer
eyoupl
anni
ngon
keepi
ngheri
nthedar
k?
Me:
Unt
il
lIsawi
tfi
ttot
ell
her
.Doy
out
hink
she'
l
lbeabl
etohandl
ethatnowaf
ter
ev
ery
thi
ngshe'
sbeent
hrough?
Lwaz
i:I
t'
sbet
ternowt
hanl
ater
.Iwasn'
tgoi
ng
t
olety
oubui
l
dyourr
elat
ionshi
pbasedonl
i
es.
Me:
Nowy
ouknowwhat
'sgoodf
orme?
Banzi
:He'
sgotapoi
ntt
houghOzi
.Wat
everi
tis
thatyou'
rehi
ddingfr
om hermi
ghtbackf
ir
eify
ou
don'tcomecleansoon.
Me:
Stayawayf
rom t
hischamp.
Hel
i
ftedhi
shandsupi
nsur
render
.
Lwaz
i:Idon'
texpecty
out
oseei
tnowbutI
'
m
act
ual
l
ylooki
ngoutf
ory
ou.
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thsomuchr
age,
Iwant
edt
o
punchhi
sface.
Me:
GohomeLwazi
.
Iheadedupst
air
sandgott
othedoor
.
Ist
oodbef
orei
tforsomet
imeandgat
her
ed
somest
rengt
h.Ipushedi
tinandwal
ked
i
nsi
de.
Shewasst
andi
ngi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oom.
Thi
sdoesnotl
ookgood.
Il
etoutasi
gnandwentt
oher
.
Me:
Babypl
easesi
tdown.
It
ookherbyt
hehandandl
eadhert
othe
couch.
Isatdownnextt
oherandbur
ri
edmyf
acei
n
myhandsf
oramomentt
henr
ubbedi
tbr
ief
ly.
Iheav
edbef
orel
ooki
ngather
.
Me:
Ineedt
otel
lyousomet
hing.
Shel
ookedatmebr
ief
lyandIal
sol
ookedat
her
.
"
Uhm...I
..
.whenIf
irstsawy ouIwasver
ydrawnt o
y
ouandIknewIwant edy outobemineso.
..aft
er
t
hatni
ghtatt her
estaurantIki
ndahi
redaPl t
o
i
nvest
igatewhoyouar eandalsodosome
backr
oundcheck.Souhm.
..t
hat
'showIf
ound
outabouty
oursur
namet
hat
-
Ipausedandt
ookav
eryl
ongdeepbr
eat
h.
Shewasnol
ongerl
ooki
ngatmesot
hatwas
f
inef
ormebecausei
tmadet
hingseasi
er.
Idi
dn'
thav
etoseeherr
eact
ion.Ot
hewi
seI
mi
ghtst
opwhatI
'
veal
readyst
art
ed.
"
IAct
ual
l
yal
sol
ear
nedt
haty
ourbi
ologi
cal
f
atheri
sanempl
oyeeofourcompany
"
Shewi
denedherey
esandt
urnedt
olookat
me.
Her
:What
?Youknowmyf
ather
?
Herf
acel
i
tupwi
thexci
tement
.
Me:
Yes.Buthe'
snotagoodmanbaby
.
Her
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
That
'snoti
mpor
tant
.Ir
eleased
hi
m of
fhi
sdut
iessoonaf
terIl
ear
nedabouthi
s
i
mmor
alact
s.
Shet
urnedt
ofacedowni
ndi
sappoi
ntment
.
Iguessi
t'
sbesti
fshedoesn'
treal
l
yknow
det
ail
s.
"
Youal
sohappent
ohav
easi
sterwho'
sthe
sameageasy
ouandat
tendst
hesamecampus.
Shet
urnedswi
ft
lyt
olookatme.
Her
:Ihav
easi
ster
?
Me:
Yesandy
oul
ookr
idi
cul
ousl
ythe
same.
t
er:
Doy
ouknowher
?Hav
eyoumether
?
Me:
No.Onl
yonpi
ctur
es.Thi
sinf
ormat
ionwas
onl
ygat
her
edf
ormeabout3weeksago.
Her:Andy
oudidn'
tthi
nki
twasi
mpor
tantf
ormet
o
know?Totel
lmethatIwas
at
tendi
ngt
hesamecampusasmysi
stert
hatI
di
dn'
tknowexhi
sted?
Me:Iwaswai
ti
ngforther
ightt
imeSnenhl
anhl
a.And
youwerei
nhospi
tal
whenI
f
oundoutandsoonaf
tert
hat
,yout
oldmet
o
st
ayawayf
rom y
ou,
remember
?
Shel
ookedatmewi
thdi
sbel
i
ef.
Her
:Nowy
ou'
rebl
ami
ngme?
Me:
Nobu-
Her
:Youwi
thhel
dani
mper
ati
veI
nfor
mat
ion
aboutmenowy
ou'
rebl
ami
ngmef
ori
t?
Me:
I'
m notbl
ami
ngy
ou.I
'
mtr
yingt
oexpl
ain
t
hatt
het
imi
ngwasnotr
ight
.
Shespr
angonherf
eetandst
oodbyt
he
wi
ndow.
Her
:Whataboutmyf
ather
?
Me:
Whatabouthi
m?
Her
:Howl
onghav
eyouknownhe'
smyf
ather
?
Iswal
l
owedhar
dandcl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:
Iuhm.
..
Ist
utt
ered.
Shet
urnedherwhol
ebodyandf
acedmy
di
rect
ion.
Iav
oidedherey
es.
"
Aroundt
hesamet
ime.
"
Tear
sthr
eat
hedherey
es.
Her
:al
lthi
sti
mey
ouknewwhoIwasanddi
dn'
t
t
ell
me?
Me:
Wenev
err
eal
l
ygotachancet
otal
kabout
y
ourf
ami
l
y.Andaf
terIr
eal
i
sedhowmuch
t
alki
ngabouty
ourl
atepar
ent
shadanegat
ive
i
mpactony ou,
ldi
dn'
treal
lywantt
otakeyout
here
agai
n..
.unl
essyouvol
unteer
edtotal
kabouti
t.
Shewasnowsoabi
ng.
Her
:itdoesnothav
eanegat
ivei
mpacton
me.I
'
m st
il
lgr
iev
ingOzi
.
Me:
Iknowandt
hat
'swhatImeant
.
Ist
oodupf
rom t
hecouchandheadedt
oher
.
"
I'
m sor
ryf
ornott
ell
i
ngy
ousoonerbutt
rust
me,
youdon'
tneedy
ourf
ather
,Embr
acet
he
memor
iesy
ouhav
ewi
thMrKhumal
o."
Her
:Andhowwoul
dyouknowi
fIdon'
tneed
hi
m ornot
?
Igr
indedmyt
eet
h.
Me:
Becausehe'
sapi
gthat
'swhy
.
Shemov
edaf
ewst
epsawayandl
ookedi
nshock.
Igav
eherast
rai
ghtl
ook.
Her
:Ideser
vet
oknowhi
m Oz
i.Whatgi
vesy
ou
t
her
ightt
otel
lmet
hatIdon'
tdeser
vet
o
knowaf
atherIal
way
swonder
edaboutmy
whol
eli
fe?
Me:
Wasn'
tMrKhumal
otoy
ou?
Her
:HewasbutIst
il
lneedmybi
l
ogi
cal
fat
herOz
i.
Me:
Noy
oudon'
t.
Her
:Howwoul
dyouknowt
hat
?
Iwasget
ti
ngpi
ssedof
fbyherr
efer
ingt
othat
pi
gasaf
ather
.
SoIr
emai
nedqui
teandsuppr
essedmyanger
.
"
I'
m aski
ngy
ouaquest
ionOzi
thobi
l
e?"
Me:
BECAUSEHESEXUALLYASSAULTS
YOUNGVULNERABLEBOYS,
DAMNI
TI!HE'
SA
PI
GANDHEDESERVESABULLETI
NHI
S
HEAD.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handl
ookedather
.
"
LookI
'
m sorr
yokay
.Isj
ust.
..
Iwantwhat
'sbestf
or
y
ouSnenhl
ahl
aandIdon'
tknowhowelseIcantell
y
outhi
s.
Her
:Iwantt
ogohome.
Il
ookedatherbl
ankl
yasshet
ookoutherphoneand
madeacall
.
Me:Pl
easedon'tdot
hat
.Weneedt
otal
kaboutt
his
f
orheavensake.
Her:
ZwezweHi.whereareyou?..
.woul
dyoucome
pi
ckmeupplease.
..
.yeahI'
l
l sentyout
headressj
ust
now.Thanks"
Shetur
nedt
olookatmeasIwasal
soj
ustl
ooki
ngat
her
.
Her
:What
'sy
ouradr
ess.
Me:
25Kar
oost
reet
.Sy
lver
lakes.
Her
:Thanks.
Iwatchedhert
ypei
tonherphoneandIshookmy
head.
"
MayIpl
easehav
emycl
othes?
"
Iwal
kedoutandwentdownst
air
sandl
efthert
her
e.
Igotdownst
air
sandsatdown.
Thei
nter
com buzzedandIanswer
ed.
Me:
Yes?
Secur
it
yguy:
MrLanga.Ther
e'saSi
zweguyher
e
whosayshe'
sher
etopickupaMsSne.
Me:
Lethi
min.
Thedoorbel
lrangshor
tl
yaf
terandIst
oodupand
wentt
othedoor .
Iopenedi
tandl
ookedathi
m.
Hi
m:OhMrOzi
Langa.
Hetookofhi
sbuckethatandsquashedi
tinhi
s
hand.
"Idi
dn'
tknowIwascomingtoyourhouse.I
'
mreal
l
y
sorr
y.Thi
swasamistake.I
'
llj
ustl
eave.
Snecamedownandf
oundusatt
hedoor
.
It
urnedt
olookathert
henbackathim agai
n.He
cl
eardhi
sthr
oatandbrushedhi
shead.
"HiSne.Uhm..
.I
'
m sorr
ybutIcan'tt
akey
ouhome
ntwana.Ihopeyouunder
tand."
Her
:Whatdoy
oumeanSi
zwe?
Shet
urnedt
olookatme.
"
Didy
out
hreat
enhi
m Ozi
?"
Sizwe:Nohedidn'
t.Ij
ustdon'tt
hinki
t'
sagoodi
dea
formet oi
nter
fer
e.MyapolgiesMrLanga.Ni
sal
e
kahle.
"
Het
urnedonhi
sheel
sandl
eft
.
Icl
osedt
hedoorandheadedbackt
omysi
t.
Me:Youcoul
dhavej
ustaskedmetot akeyouhome
ni
cel
yyouknow?Iwoul
dhav ej
ustdonethat.
Shest
ormedupst
air
s.
I'
m sof
rust
rated.Sheprobabl
yhat
esmer i
ghtnow
andIdon'
tknowhowI 'l
leverr
egai
nhert
rust.
Myphoner
angdi
stur
bingmef
rom myt
hought
s.
Il
ookedati
tandl
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
Baba.
Dad:
Ozi
thobi
l
eMf
an'
wam.Kunj
ani
?
Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
ababa.Unj
ani
wena?
Dad:
I'
mfl
yi
ngdownt
oPr
etor
iat
ommor
ow.
Me:
Oh.Busi
nessorpl
easur
e.
Dad:Nei
ther
.Ther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otal
ktoy
ou
about
.
Thatdoesn'
tsoundgood.
Me:
Soundsser
ious.
Dad:
Iti
s.
Me:
You'
renotdy
ingar
eyou?
Hechuckl
ed.
Dad:Youofallpeopl
eshoul
dknowthatI
'
m nott
he
dyi
ngtype.Youshouldaskt
hatGumedeguy.
Il
augh.
Me:hecoul
dhaveki
ll
edyouifIdi
dn'tar
ri
vether
eon
t
imebaba.Isav
edyou.Any
wayI '
l
lseeyoutomorrow.
Ihungupandwentupst
air
s.If
oundhercur
ledupon
thebed.
Me:
Baby
.
Iwentov
ert
oher
.
"Ngyacoli
saforhur t
ingyou.Myintent
ionist ol i
ve
myl i
femakingy ouhappy .AndIknowI '
m goi ngt o
stumblealongthewaybecauseI '
m notper f
ect .But
I'
dreall
yli
keyout of i
nditinyourhear
ttof orgiveme
andgivemeanot herchancetomaket hingsr ight.
Her
:Howar
eyougoi
ngt
omaket
hisr
ight
?
shesni
ff
ed.Shewascr
ayi
ng.
"
Ilostmypar
ent
sinav
erghor
ri
fi
cwayandnowI
j
ustl
ear
nedthatmybiol
ogi
cal
fatheri
sanabuser
.
Howareyougoingt
omakeanythi
ngright
?
Me: Al
lIwanttodoi
stolov
ey ouSne.AndIwanna
spendtherestofmyl
if
edoingthat
.
Her
:Unt
il
lwhen?Unt
il
lyougett
ir
edt
heny
oual
so
l
eaveme?
Thatst
ungmyhear
t.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ngt
oleav
eyouSnehl
anhl
a.Il
ovey
ou.
Her:
Idon'
tdeserveyouOzi.Nothi
ngposit
iveis
goi
ngoninmyl i
fe.I
'm acurse.Mysi
stermightnot
al
sowantanythi
ngtodowi thme.Sowhywoul dy ou
bot
herl
ovi
ngmewhi l
ey oucanjustl
oveanyother
nor
malpersonoutthere?
Me:Becausether
e'snooneoutther
eformebuty
ou.
TheymightnotwantyoubutIdo.
Her
:DoyouknowhowmuchIsuf
fer
edsi
ncemy
par
ent
sdied?
Ihel
dhert
osi
tupst
rai
ghtandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Me:
Tal
ktome.I
'
m her
efory
ou.
Soshewentonandonandt oldmeev er
ysi
ngl
e
thi
ngandevenaboutherpar
entshouse.
"Soyoucan'
tev
engoi
nsi
dey
ourpar
ent
'shouseat
all
now?"
Her
:Yes.I
'
m scar
ed.
Me:I
t'
sokay
.I'
l
lhel
pyou.I
'v
egotal
awyerf
ri
end
whoowesmeaf av
our
.I'
m sur
ehewoul
dn'
tmind.
Her
:You'
ddot
hatf
orme?
Me:
Andmor
e.
Sherestedherheadonmyshoulder
.Iwr
appedmy
arm ar
oundandpulledhercl
oser
.
"
Nooneisgoingtohur
tyouf
rom nowon.Notev
en
me.I
'
llpr
otecty
ouokay?"
Shenodded.
"
Ilov
eyousomuchwenamf
azbr
aPat
"
Shel
aughoutl
oud.
"
Ther
eyougo.Any
thi
ngt
oheart
hatl
i
vel
ylaught
er"
Her
:I'
m notbr
aPat
'
swi
fet
hrough.
Il
augh.
Me: Yesngobaubal
eki
l
eangit
hi.Kubey
ou'
rea
shebeenqueennow.Umfazi
wephepha.
Webot
hlaugh.
"Icanjustimagi
ney oudeal
ingwit
hdrunkar
dsal
lday
everydayforal
lyourli
fe.Mypoorwoman."
Wer
emai
nedi
nsi
l
ence.
Me:
Doy
out
hinky
oucanf
orgi
veme?
Shenodded.
Her:If
orgi
vey
ou.Iguessy
ouwer
eonl
ytr
yingt
o
pr
otectme.
Me:
Doy
oust
il
lwantt
obewi
thme?
Her
:Yes.I
'
llgi
vey
ouachance.
Me:Thankyou.AndI
'
m notgoi
ngt
otakeadv
anceof
t
hatyezwa?
Her
:Ti
mewi
l
ltel
l
.
Icanonlyprayandhopemypastdoesn'
tresur
face
becauseI'
l
lbedoomed.
Me:
Aren'
tyouhungr
y?
Her
:NoI
'
m st
il
lful
l
.
Me:
Okay
.Butourbeaut
if
ulmomentwasr
uinedhey
.
Shet
urnedt
olookatme.
Her
:Wecanst
il
lhav
ear
epl
ay.
Il
ookedatherandf
eltj
ackmov
e.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Shenodded.
Me:
Iwon'
tsaynot
othat
.
Ipi
ckedherupandshecr
ossedherl
egsonmywai
st.
Weki
ssedandheadedt
otheensui
t.
Iputherdownandundr
essedher
.
Her
:Ar
ewegoi
ngt
omakel
ovei
ntheshower
?
Iwi
ggl
edmyey
ebr
owsandsmi
rked.
Ir
ant
heshowerandal
soundr
essed.
Wegoti
nandst
art
edki
ssi
ng.
Ipul
l
edhercl
oserandgr
abbedherass.
Isuckedonherbot
tom l
i
pandbi
tit
.
Isl
idmyhandbetweenourl
egsandpl
ayedwi
thher
cage.Shewasal
readywet
.
Me:
Arey
ouf
eel
i
ngbet
ternow?
Shenodded.
Me:
Good.
Itur
nedhert
ofacet
hewal
lthenIi
nser
tedmy
sel
f
fr
om behi
nd.
Ihel
donherwai
standt
hrust
edhergent
ley
.
Me:Thisi
ssogoodbaby
.Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llev
erget
enough.
Shewasmoani
ng.
Iturnedherheadandki
ssedherpassi
onat
elyt
hen
focusedonherassagai
n.
Igothert
obenddownandt
ouchhert
oes.
Her
:Babyi
t'
sgonnahur
t.
Shesul
ked.
Me:
I'
ll
begent
lemyl
ove.Ipr
omi
se.
Ist
art
edtomoveinandoutslowlyunt
il
lshebegged
metothr
ustherdeeperandf
aster.
Itur
nedofft
hewaterandincreasedmypace.There
weresoundsofmyfrontparthi
tti
ngagai
nstherass.
Shewasmoaninginpleasur
eandIf i
ndthatver
y
sexy.
Ipul
l
edoutandt
urnedherar
oundt
ofaceme.
Il
i
ftedherupandpi
nnedheragai
nsttheshower
gl
assandshewrappedherl
egsaroundmywai st
.
Ibal
ancedmyonehandont hewallandheldherass
wit
hanotherandpoundedherdeeperunt
il
lIf
eltt
he
needtorel
ease.
Her
:I'
m cummi
ngbaby
..
.i
m cummi
ng
Me:
Wai
tformebaby
.
Shehel
dontomeaspoundedherdeeper
.She
scr
eamedandIgr
oaned.Webot
hcame.
Il
etherdownandr
ant
hewat
eragai
n.
It
urnedherar
oundandwashedherback.
Me:
You'
resoamaz
ingy
ouknowt
hat
.
Her
:Yout
oo.
Me:
Youdon'
ttal
kmuch,
doy
ou?
Her
:Yes.I
'
mver
yqui
et.
Me:
Inot
iced.Nott
hatI
'
m compl
aini
ng.
Her
:Thanky
ou.You'
l
lgetusedt
ome.
Me:
Ilov
eyouj
ustt
hewayy
ouar
e.
Wecont
inuedt
oshower
.
"
Myf
atheri
sfl
yi
ngdownf
rom Dur
bant
omor
row.
"
Shet
urnedt
olookatme.
Her
:Oh.OkayI
'
lll
eav
eear
lyt
hen.
Me:
Ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
.Thi
shousei
stoobi
g.
Her:
YesbabybutIst
il
lhav
etogobacktomyplace.
Wecannotco-
habi
t.Mymotherwoul
dtur
ninher
gr
ave.
Ismi
l
edandt
urnedherar
oundagai
n.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llf
ixi
t.
Sheat
tempt
edt
otur
nbackbutIhel
dherf
orwar
d.
Her
:What
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Me:
Don'
twor
ryabouti
tmyl
ove.
Wefini
shedtaki
ngashowerandwentt
othe
bedr
oom.Wegoti nsi
det
hecover
snakedandmade
l
oveallni
ght
.

*
***
***
***
HAPPYBI
RTHDAYTOMYSELF
I
nser
t16.
(
unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Ozi
Icamebackf
rom t
aki
ngt
heshowerandwokeSne
up.
Ishookherl
i
ghl
yandsheopenedhersl
eepyey
es.
Me:Wakeupbaby.Youhavetoshowerqui
ckly
.I
hav
etodropyouoff
.I'
vegotanimport
antboard
meeti
ngwit
hmyf at
herandotherboar
dmember sat
10.
Her
:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:
It'
ssev
en.
Her
:Oh.Ial
sohav
etogot
ocl
ass.
Me:okaytel
lyouwhat.HowaboutIleaveyoubehi
nd
uzohambangeskhat
hisakho.I'
l
ltel
loneofmyguys
tocomefetchyouwheny ou'
redone.
Her
:Youhav
echauf
feur
s?
Me:
No.Notr
eal
l
y.ButIcoul
dgety
ouonei
fyoul
i
ke.
Iwi
nkedather
.
Her
:Hai
.HambaI
'
llcal
lacab.
Me:Kodwawhatki
ndofamanwoul
dthatmakeme
baby
?
Her
:Ozi
go.I
'
llbef
ine.
Me: OkaybutI'
l
lseeyoulat
erangi
thi
?Whatt
imei
s
yourlastcl
assanyway?
Her
:12pm.Andy
es.Youmaycomeseemei
t'
sfi
ne.
Iwentov
ert
oherandpeckedhercheek.
Me:
Igot
tagonow.Letmel
ovey
ouandl
eav
eyou.
Her
:By
e.
Iwal
kedt
othedoort
henst
opedandt
urnedt
oface
her
.
Me:Ohandt here'
sahelperi
nthehouse.Don'
tmake
upthatbed.You'l
lfi
ndherdownst
air
s.Don'
tbe
al
armed.
Her
:ohkay
.Al
ri
ghtt
hen.By
e.
Me:
Byel
ove.
Iheadeddownst
airsandtookt
heelev
atort
othe
undergr
oundpar
king.Iusedbl
ackmambatoday.
Ir
ever
sedoutanddr
ovet
owor
k.
Igott
her
eandf
oundI
nat
hibusyont
hel
apt
op.
Sher
aisedherheadandgr
eet
edme.
I
nat
hi:
Goodmor
ningMrLanga.
Me:
Goodmor
ningI
nat
hi.Unj
ani
?
Her
:Hayndi
phi
l
il
ewet
hu.
Iwentt
otheel
evat
orandgoti
nmyof
fi
ce.
Itookofmybl
azerandhungitont
hecoatr
ack.I
request
edI
nat
hitogetmeonebecauseIdi
dn'
tli
ke
hangingmybl
azer
sonchairs.
SpeakingofInathi
..
.I
'
m gladshe'sprofessi
onal
enoughtoconducther sel
fli
kenothinghappenedthe
otherday.We'vehadherwor ki
ngf orusforso
l
ong,I'
dhatetohav etolethergo.SoIwasj ustgl
ad
she'smaturedenough.
Il
owerdmysel
fdownonthechai
randopenedmy
l
aptopandwor
kedonthecompany'
sfi
gures.
*
***
**
Alit
eknockcamet hrought
hedoorandbef
oreI
couldansweri
t,
itswangopenandincamemyfather
.
Icannotgetenoughofhowhandsomeher
eal
l
yis.
He'sli
kefi
newine.He'
sagingwell
.
Weinher
it
edourl
ooksf
rom hi
m.He'
saveryfi
neol
d
man.He'
sinhi
slat
e50sbutyouwoul
dn'
ttel
l
.He'
sa
pi
eceofart
.
Irosef
rom mychai
randappr
oachedhi
m.He
openedhi
sarmswithasmil
eandwehugged.
Me:
Langa.Sot
hol
e.Sodumasa.
..
Hi
m:Sawbonamf
anawam.Uy
aphi
l
akodwa?
Webr
okethehugandhepat
tedmybackandwe
t
ookasi
t.
Me:
Ngy
aphi
l
ababa.Kunj
ani
kuwe?
Him:HaiNgir
ightmfanwam.Kodwaukuguga
sekuf
iki
l
enezi
zukuluangi
nasokodwa.
Il
ookedathi
m undermyspect
acl
esandsmi
l
ed.
Me:
HaoLanga.Wazewanehambaboh.
Heshruggedhi
sshouder
s,l
eanedbackandf
ixedhi
s
coat
.
Hi
m: Seng'
yashonjeOzi
.nishadanini
kodwa?
Ngi
zokwaziukubonaizi
zukulwanazamingi
saphi
l
a.
IAct
uall
yrememberdthatIhadarawsexual
i
nter
coursewithSneandneededt
osentover
morni
ngafterpil
l
s.
Me:Maduzenjebaba.Fut
hiwenausazophi
l
a.
Pl
easeExcuessmeabi t
.
Iwalkedouttotherecept
ionandtol
dInathito
organi
semef reshfl
owers,f
err
erorocherand
mor ni
ngaft
erpill
l
sandgav ehert
headr ess.
Ior
der
dherandwal
kedbackt
otheof
fi
ce.
Me:Ucol
obaba.I
khonai
ntobekadengi
saf
una
ukuy
il
ungi
sa.
Him:Akukhoinki
ngamfan'
wam.Yonk'i
nti
ri
ght
kodwa?Youlookdif
fer
entandhappy
.
Hel
ookedatmecar
eful
l
y.
Ibl
ushed.
Me:Somethi
ngl
iket
hatbaba.Anyway
..
.y
oust
il
l
hav
en'tt
oldmewhyyou'
rehere.
Heshi
fteduncomf
ort
abl
yinhi
sseatandcl
ear
dhi
s
t
hroat
.
Hi
m:YesAct
-
ThedoorswangopenandI
nat
hipeekedherheadi
n.
I
nat
hi:
I'
m sorr
ytodi
stur
bbutt
heyar
ewai
ti
ngf
or
y
ouintheboardr
oom.
Me:
Alr
eady
?
Il
ookedatmywr
istwat
ch.
"
Okaywe'll
bether
ejustknow.Thanky
ou
I
nat
hinkosi
."
Him: Weshouldgetgoi
ng.I
'
m notgoi
ngt
osaymuch.
I
'l
ljustobser
ve.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
West
oodupandwentt
otheboar
droom wher
e12
mor
emember
swher
eseat
ed.
Igreetedthem thenwegotst ar t
ed.Ournewi ntern
wasbr ief
ingusont helat
estcompanyf igur
esand
apparentl
yi twasdoinggood.Webui l
d8hundr ed
thousandhousesatadev elopingsurbabandt hat
madeusal otofmoneyev ent houghDlomocost ed
usalot.Wemanagedt obringi n50mill
ionand
everbodywashappy .
Me: Wecouldhavemademuchmor ehadwenot
cameacr osst
hechallengeswehad.Nowt hatweall
KnowDl omowasoursuppl i
er,Ihat
etostandhere
andinformyouthatI'
vereleasedhimfrom hisdut
ies
withimmediat
eeffect.He'
snol ongerapartofour
team.
Baba:
Whathappened?
Me:MrDl omogotinvol
vedinshadybusinessest
hat
gotusalsoli
nkedinanditwasputti
ngthecompany
undert
hreats.SoIhadtolethi
m go.
Baba:
Ift
hat
'st
hecaset
heny
oudi
dgood.
Iconti
nuedt oupdat
ethem onothercompany
rel
atedissuesandprogr
essthenthemeetingwas
di
smi
ssedshor
tl
y.
Ev
ery
bodyl
eftandBabaandIr
emai
ned.
Baba:
I'm proudofyoumyboy
.Idon'
tregrethandi
ng
youover.You'r
etaki
ngt
hecompanyi
nbi gger
hei
ghts.
Me:Ngy
abongababa.Sowhati
sitt
haty
ou'
reher
e
f
or?
Thedooropenedandi
nwalkedav er
yli
ghtski
nned
andl
eanwomanwi thl
egsofthoseofmodels.
Bl
astf
rom t
hepast
.
Whatt
hehel
li
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Il
ookedatbabat
henl
ookedather
.
Shesatdownacr
osst
het
abl
edi
rectt
ome.
Her
:Gent
lemen.
Me:
Mer
cy.Whatasuppr
ise.
Il
ookedatubabawhowasf
aci
ngdown.
Mer
cy:I
t'
snicetoseey
ouagai
naf
tersuchal
ong
t
imeOziLanga.
Sheozzedwi
thconf
idence.
Herchi
nwasupandherchestwasout
.
Me:
Likewi
se.
Babacl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Baba:
Pleasewai
tout
sideMer
cy.
Shelookedatmebr
ief
lyt
hem t
ookherhandbagand
walkedoutsi
de.
Me:Babawhatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngon?Whati
sMer
cy
doi
nghere?
Baba:She'
sther
easonwhyI'
m her
e.Weflewdown
toget
herandIwant
edyoutoseeheragai
n.
Me:
Why
?
Baba:
BecauseNdodanaIwanty
out
omar
ryher
.
Il
aughoutl
oud.
Me:
Wit
hal
lduer
espectmdal
akodwat
hat
'si
nsane.
Hegav
emeast
rai
ghtf
ace.
Hei
snotki
ddi
ngi
she?
"
You'
renotpul
l
ingmyl
egar
eyou?
"
Baba:Idonotpl
aygamesOzi
thobi
l
e.Youhav
eto
marryher.
Me:
Ngobani
baba?
Baba:Becausei
t'
stherightt
hingt
odo.She'
sless
for
tunat
eandweal lknowwhy .
Me:That'
sbecauseIki
ll
edherf uckingfat
hertr
ying
topr
otectyoubaba.Howdoy ouexpectmet omarry
somebodythatIr
obbedoftheirfather?Howam I
goi
ngtoliv
ewithher?
Baba:
Thi
siswhyy
ouhav
etomar
ryherOzi
.
Ibangedt
het
abl
eandspr
angof
fmyf
eet
.
Il
ookedathi
m di
rect
ly.
Me: Iam notgoi
ngtomarryt
hatgir
l.Nottocl
ear
yourconsciousandmostdef
inat
elybecauseIDO
NOTLOVEHER.
Isai
demphasi
singt
hel
astpar
t.
Baba:
You'
l
llear
ntol
ovehi
m.Lov
egr
ows.
Ishookmyheadandchuckl
ed.
Me:
Ifeel
somuchdi
srespect
edr
ightnow.Iki
l
led
peopl
e.Mor et
hanoncepr otect
ingyou.Nowyou
comeatmesi deways?ThisisnonesenseandI
'
m
notdoingi
t.I'
m oldenought ochoosewhoIwantt
o
marry.Thi
s..
.isn'
thappeni
ng.
Baba:
Ozi
li
st-
Me: NOBABA!Idonotappr eci
ateyoufl
yi
ngdown
heretodictat
emyl i
fe.I
'
veprovenmysel
fenought
o
you.Itendshere.
If
ixedmyt
ieandt
ookmyf
il
eandwal
kedout
.
Igotint
omyof f
iceandt
ookmybl
azer
,l
apt
opand
carkeysthenst
ormedout.
Ical
l
edSneandsheanswer
ed.
Her
:Hi
baby
.
Me:
Hey
.Ar
eyoust
il
latt
hecampus?
Her
:No.I
t'
spastone.I
'
m home.
Me:
OkayI
'
m comi
ngt
oseey
ou.
Her
:Okay
.
Ther
ewasanincomi
ngcal
lfr
om Lwazi
.Snehungup
soIanswer
ed.
Me:
Ola.
Lwaz
i:Eksemj
i
tahowzi
t.
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tgetbet
ter
.
Hechuckl
ed.
Lwaz
i:Kant
ihasy
ourol
dmanl
osti
t?
Me:
Compl
etel
y.He'
scr
azy
.
Him:Hej
ustcal
ledmeandt
oldmewhathappened.
I
'm gl
ady
outoldhimt
hewaytogetof
f.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
egonnat
akehi
ssi
de.
Hi
m: I
'
m notcrazymi
namfwet
hu.Ili
keSnebetter
f
oryou.Foral
lweknow,
thi
sMercychickcoul
dbeup
f
orvengence.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:You'
reri
ght
.Wemustf
indoutwhatshe'
supt
o
andbeaheadofher
.
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Leav
ingt
heof
fi
ce.I
'
m goi
ngt
oseeSne.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouguy
sokaynow?
Me: YeahandIhatet
osayt hi
sbutthanky
oufor
i
nit
iati
ngthatIcomeclean.We'r
egoodnowso..
.
Him:Anythi
ngfory
ouman.YouknowIgotyou.
Anyway.
..Igott
ogoseemywoman.We'll
tal
k.
Me:
Sur
e.
Thel
i
nedi
ed.
Idr
oveoutandheadedt
oAcadi
a.

-
Sne
Ozi
cal
l
edandsai
dhe'
sonhi
sway
.
Ihear
daknockandIwentt
oat
tendt
hedoor
.
Iopenedupandat
tackedhi
m wi
thahug.
Hespanmear
oundt
henputmedown.
Hi
m:Somebodyi
sinagoodmood.
Ismi
l
edandhel
dhi
shandi
n.
Me:That
'sbecauseI'mthel
ucki
estgi
rli
nthewor
ld.I
gott
hegift
sandt hanky
ou.
Heheav
edandsatdown.
Hel
ookeddr
ained.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
comebaby
.
Il
ookedathi
m andf
rowned.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Hi
m:y
es.I
t'
sjustwor
kbutIdon'
twantt
obor
eyou.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Hi
m:Yes.Howwasschool
today
?
Me:
Itwasgoodact
ual
l
y.
Iwentonanonandhewasj ustwat
chi
ngand
l
ist
eningt
ometalki
ng.JustNoddi
ngandl
aughi
ng
her
eandther
e.
Hi
m:Baby
.
Me:
Hmm
Hi
m:It
houghty
oudi
dn'
ttal
kmuch.
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Am Ibor
ingy
ou?
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:No.I'
m act
ual
l
yamusedandhappyt
oseey
ou
soexci
ted.I
t'
sagoodt
hing.
Ibl
ushed.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
toff
eryouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink.
Woul
dyouli
kesomethi
ng?
Hi
m:Whatdoy
ouhav
e?
Me:
Jui
ce.
Hef
rowned.
Me:
Comeonbaby
.Justj
uice?
Ismi
l
edandnodded.
"
Iwantsomet
hingst
rong.
"
Me:
Likewhat
?
Hi
m:Beerorwhi
skey
.
Me:ButIdon'
tdri
nkany
.Howdoy
ouexpectmet
o
hav
ethem here?
Hi
m: I
'
m goi
ngt obr
ingsomef
orwhenI
'
m her
e.And
pl
easedon'
ttoucht
hem.
Il
aughoutl
oud.
"
Ngi
yak'
khuzanj
alobaby
"
Webot
hlaughandmyphoner
ang.
Ianswer
edandputi
tonmyearst
il
lgi
ggl
i
ng.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Woman:Wozauzot
shel
alomat
tshi
ngel
ani
ukut
h
uy
asazi
wena.
Iki
ll
edmysmi
l
eimmedi
atel
yandl
ookedatabl
ank
space.
"
YewenVezandl
ebendi
ni.Di
dyouhear
dme?
"
Iquickl
ydr
oppedt
hecal
landhel
dthephonet
omy
chest.
Ozi
:What
'swr
ong?
Ij
ustr
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
Hecameandshookmebr
ief
ly.
"
Snenhl
anhl
a"
Me:
She'
sher
e.
Hi
m:Who?
Me:Myaunt
.She'
sher
eOzi
.Whati
fshe'
sher
eto
t
akemebackandI-
Hi
m:Heyheyhey
.Lookatme.
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thmygl
assyey
es.
"
Takeadeepbr
eat
h"
Ii
nhal
edt
henexhal
ed.
"
Good.Nowsl
owdownandt
ell
mewhat
'sgoi
ngon.
"
Me:
AuntNosi
justcal
l
edandshesai
dshe'
sout
side.
Hi
m:Howdi
dsheknowwher
eyoust
ay?
Me:
Howam Isupposedt
oknowOzi
.
Hi
m:Cal
m downal
ri
ght
.I'
m ony
oursi
deher
e.
Ipacedupanddown.
"
Babyyou'
regoi
ngt
omakemedi
zzy
.Godownand
l
etheri
n.
Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
?Icannotdot
hat
.
Hi
m:Yesy
oucan.Nowgoandwel
comey
ouraunt
.
Il
ookedathi
m conf
ussed.
Me:Whatifshesnat
chesmel
i
ket
heydi
dint
he
campus?Ican'
tOzi.
Iwasal
lwor
kedupandmyhear
twasr
aci
ng.
Him:Not
hingi
sgoingtohappent
oyou.Nowbeni
ce
andgowelcomeyourguest
.
Myphoner
angagai
nandIst
art
led.
Me:
Pleasemakesur
eyouf
etchmebacki
ftheyt
ake
meaway.
Iwal
kedouthesi
tant
lyandappr
oachedt
hegat
e.
Acr
essi
dawaspar
ked.
Myheartwasbeati
ngf
astandmypalmswere
sweat
ing.Iwant
edtor
unbackbackshesawme.
AuntNosi
:Yeeywena.Kuni
nisi
l
indi
l
elana?
Iappr
oachedandgr
eet
edt
hem.
Me:
SawbonaAunt
i.Nawebr
aPat
.
AuntNosi:Si
wonyi
we.Singeni
seendl
i
niphel
a
si
khathel
eKusek'
denil
ana.
Me:
Okaykodwakumel
eni
thol
eapr
operpar
king
downt
her
oadkucal
a.
Shet
oldbraPattofi
ndpar
kingandhewentont
hen
camebackshort
ly.
Ileadthem i
nsi
deasnervousasIwas.Andf
ort
he
factthatOzi
wasinther
e.
WegotinandIfoundhi
m si
tt
ingont
heki
ckenst
ool
f
aci
ngtheopposit
e.
Me:
NingangenaAunt
i.
AuntNosi
:Sy
abonga.Wubani
manj
elo?
Ozi
stoodupandt
urnedt
ofacet
hem.
"
Wubani
wena.Whoi
syouendl
i
nyont
anam?
"
Ozichuckl
edandf
oldedhi
sar
ms.Cl
ear
ly
unbother
ed.
Ozi
:SawbonanaweAunt
i
braPatcamecloserdr
aggi
nghi
sunbut
tonedOmega
sandal
sandstoodsidebysi
dewit
hAuntNosi
.
AuntNosi
:Isay
s.Whoi
syouanduf
unani
lana?
Ozi
justl
ookedatherwi
thabl
ankf
ace.Orr
ather
bor
edIdon'
tknow.
Ozi
:.
Ngiyakhul
umanami
mah.Yesi
hlakancanekwi
si
ngi
si.
Iwant
edt
olaughbutt
hiswasntt
her
ightt
ime.
BraPat
:Yiningat
hiuy
adel
elawenamfana?Uyazi
ukut
hngizophumamanjeng'l
andei
sagi
lasami
emotweni?
Ozi
chuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
AuntNosi
:usuy
afebalanaedolobeni
wenali
tt
le
devi
li
?Uyi
bizai
skol
olentooyenzamanje?
Me:
Noauntkodw-
AuntNosi
:Fut
hingi
wony
iwemaan.Unawoubeer
l
ana.
Shewentov
ermyf
ri
dgeandopenedi
t.
"Haaauuumadoda.Usudl
aucheeze?If
ridgey
acwal
a
kangaaka?Ut
henganganisisi
?Ngendunu?That
mani shebuy
sy outhi
sfood?
Il
ookedatOzi
whowascl
ear
lyannoy
ednow.
Br
aPat
:Umf
azwam kumel
eat
hengel
wey
imi
na
ukudl
a.Hai
lent
oey
enzekal
a.
AuntNosi:
Youdidn'
tev
enof f
eredustoeatordrink
somethi
ng.Angi
kukhul
isangali
kethat
.It
'snothowI
growyou.Awusanamamanner s.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantl
anaaunt
.
Her
:we'
reher
etot
akey
ouubuy
eleekhay
a.
Ozi
:Ov
ermydeadbody
.
Heapprouchedandburr
iedhi
shandsinsi
dehi
s
pocket
s.Hestoodtal
landver
yint
idat
ing.
"Li
stenhereAuntNosi
.I'
m actuall
ybei
ngni
cewi t
h
yourightnow.Buty
ou'
veov erstayedy
ourvi
sit
.
Sekunelenihambemanj
e.Snei sn'
tgoi
nganywhere
wit
hy ou"
Shel
aughoutl
oudandbr
aPatcont
est
ed.
Oziappr
ouchedandst
oodbef
orel
ooki
ngdownon
hi
m.
"Lalel
alahmadala.Thisisn'
tyourspacetoown.I'm
runningoutofpati
encebyj ustlooki
ngatyourf
at
selfri
ghtnow.Thathaisgogwanasakhoandl eave.
Makeherawi femani phumal anaandleav
emy
womanal
oneuy
angi
zwa.
"
BraPatwasnoddi ngl
ikeal
it
tl
eboybei
ngbull
ied.He
turnedandgrabbedAuntNosibyt
hecl
othesand
draggedherout.
Il
augh.
Me:
Didy
ouj
ustshakeauntNosi
offherboot
s.
Hel
ookedatme.
Him:Whatkindofpeopl
earet
hose?I
sthatt
heman
you'
resupposedt
omar r
y?
Ichuckl
ed.
Hel
aughandshookhi
shead.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
YesIam now.Thanky
ou.
Iwentov
ert
ohi
m andhuggedhi
swai
st.
Her
est
edhi
schi
nonmyhead.
Him:
You'
rewel
comemfazwephepha.Wel
augh
andr
emai
nedinsi
l
ence.
Ihopet
heydon'
tcomebackher
eev
eragai
n
becauseIcannotdeal
wit
hthem.
I
nser
t17
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***
Onemont
hlat
er.

Atanunknownl
ocat
ionmercyhadameet i
ngwith
MrGumedeanditwasn'
tforpleasur
e.pl
otti
ngand
schemi
ngwastheagenderfortheni
ght.
MrGumede:
Sitdown.
Hesai
daf
terMer
cywal
kedi
n.
Shepul
l
edt
hechai
randl
ower
dher
sel
foni
t.
MrGumedejustl
ookedatherwi
thquest
ioni
ngand
ner
vousey
es.
Mer
cy:
Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
.
MrGumede:
Wel
lspeakup.Idon'
thav
eal
lni
ght
.
Sher
oll
edherey
esandf
ixedherdr
ess.
Mer
cy:
Wel
lOzi
ref
usedt
ohi
sfat
hert
omar
ryme.
MrGumedebangedt
het
abl
e.
"Rel
axnow.Takei
teasyont
heangert
ant
rums.I
'
m
onit
."
MrGumede: You'
dbet
terbequickbecausewe'r
e
runni
ngoutofti
me.Wehav et
owi noverevey
thing
andwemustbesmar tdoingi
t.
Mercy:Idon'
tundertandwhyIshouldmar r
yaman
whokill
edmyf at
heri nor
derformet otakeover
thei
rcompanywhi l
ewecanj ustusethatgir
ltoget
himtosignevery
thing.
MrGumede:
whatdoy
oumean?
Mercy
:Weholdt
hatKhumalogi
rlhost
ageand
demandt
hatOzi
signovert
hecompanyasransom.
MrGumedest
oopupandpacedupanddowni
nthe
r
oom.
MrGumede:
No.That
'snotgoi
ngt
owor
k.Hel
oves
t
hatgi
rl
.
Shel
eanedonherseatandcr
ossedherl
egs.
Mercy
:Exact
lymypoint
.Ev
erymanhasaweakness
andOzi'
sist
hatgi
rl
.
MrGumede:
NoMer
cy.Thatwi
l
ljustt
ri
ggert
he
sl
eepingbeasti
nhi
m andweall
knowwhatmi ght
happen.Thi
sisOzi
Langawe'
replot
ti
ngagai
nst.
Mercy:
Morereasonwhyweshoul
dgetr
idofhi
m
onceandf
orall
.
MrGumede:
It'
stoor
isky
.
Mer
cy:
Wel
ldoy
ouhav
eabet
terpl
ant
hen?
MrGumederemai
nedqui
etandcont
inuedt
opace
upanddown.
MrGumede:We'
vegott
obesmartaboutthi
s.
Becausei
fwef
ail
he'
sgonnacomeaftermysons.
Mer
cyst
oopup.
Mercy:Gety
ourguysreadyt
oni
ght
.Ozi
wil
lnot
escapefr
om thi
sone.
MrGumede:
What
'sy
ourpl
an.
Mer
cy:
leav
ethatonet
ome.
Shet
ookherhandbagandwal
kedout
.
"
Iwantt
hem ar
medGumede.9pm shar
p."
MrGumeder
emai
nedi
nthehot
elr
oom andr
egr
eted
hav
ingmetupwi
thmer
cy.
Mer cy'
sf ather,
MrGumedeandOzi '
sfatherwer e
businesspar t
ner sf
ory earsunti
llMercy'sfathergot
greedyandpl ottedonst eali
ngthebusinessal lt
o
himself.Sohepl ott
edonki l
li
ngbothMrGumede
andLangaSeni orbutOzi beathimt oit
.Hef ound
outandki l
l
edhi mf ir
st.Mer cygrewupt olearnabout
i
tandv owedt oseekr evenge.She'sdoneher
researchaboutt heLangaBr ot
hersandev enwhen
sheknewshedi dn'
tstandachance, shejusthadt o
getjusticef orherfather.

-
Mer
cy
Igoti
nandspot
tedhi
m att
hebarsect
ion.
Hewassi
tt
ingal
oneononeoft
hebarst
ool
s.
Iappr
oachedt
owherehewassi
tt
ingandsatnextt
o
hi
m crossi
ngmyl
egs.
Me:
Whi
sky
.
Thebarmannoddedandgotont
oit
.
It
ookoutmyci
gar
ett
eandl
i
tit
.Ipuf
fedaf
ewt
imes
wi
thoutl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Theygav
ememyglassofWhi
skeyandIdr
anki
t
downatonego.
"
Anot
herone"
Het
urnedt
olookatme.
Banzi
:Youneedt
otakei
teasyont
heshot
slady
.
It
urnedt
olookathi
m.Ibl
ewt
heci
gar
ett
esmokeat
hi
m andsmil
ed.
Me:
Doy
ouwantasmoke?
Banzi
:Not
hanks.Idon'
tsmoke.
Me:
Isi
t?
Ishi
ft
edmygazef
rom hi
m andl
ookedf
owar
d.
"I
t'
sapitt
ybecauseIf
indmenwhodon'
tsmokev
ery
bori
ng.Thei
rki
ssesar
ev er
ydr
yal
so.
"
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Hi
m:I
sthatbasedony
ourexper
ienceoft
hem?
Me:
Yesact
ual
l
y.
Iki
l
ledmyci
gar
ett
eandt
urnedmywhol
ebodyt
ohi
s
dur
ect
ion.
"
Ever
ysmokingmanIdat
edwaswayabet
terki
sser
t
hanthosewhodon'
t.
"
Hi
m:Wel
lmi
ss.
..
Hel
ookedatme
Me:
Mer
cy.
Him:MissMercy.
..
Icangi
vey
ouadi
ff
erent
exper
iencei
fyouall
owme.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
real
l
y?Youl
ookqui
ety
oung.
Hi
m:Ev
enmor
ebet
terr
eason.
Hel
ookedatmyexposedt
highsandl
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.
Me:
Idar
eyou.
Hel
eanedf
orwar
dbutIt
il
tedmyheadt
othesi
de.
Hechuckl
ed
"
Nother
e"
Hest
oodupandf
ini
shedhi
sdr
ink.
Hi
m:Yourpl
aceormi
ne?
Me:
Def
inat
elymi
ne.
Hi
m:Thatshoul
dn'
tbeapr
obl
em.Let
'sgo.
Me:Letmeuset
her
estr
oom f
ir
st.I
'
llf
indy
ou
out
side.
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Hewal
kedoutandt
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edt
he
guy
s.
Me:Bl
uej
eansandaBl
ackt
-shi
rt
.He'
scomi
ngout
now.
Ist
oopupandwentt
othel
oo.
Idi
dmybusi
nessandwentout
.

-
Ozi
Myphoner
angwaki
ngmeupf
rom mysl
eep.
Ir
eachedf
ori
t.
..
pressedandputi
tonmyear
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Lwaz
i:I
sBanzi
byy
ourpl
ace?
Me:
IDon'
tknow.I
'
minmyr
oom sl
eepi
ng.
Lwaz
i:Gochecki
fhe'
shome.
Me:
Whywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Lwaz
i:That
'swhatI
'
mtr
yingt
ofi
ndout
.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyouback.
Ihungupandwenttochecki
ftheBMW wasi nthe
garagef
rom t
hegar
agecameraanditwasn'tt
here.I
l
ookedatthewal
lcl
ockanditwasjustaf
ter1am.
Icheckedt
her
oom hesl
eepsi
nandhewasn'
tther
e.
Ir
eturnedtothebedroom andcal
l
edhisphone.It
di
dn'tgothrough.Ihungupandcall
edLwaziback.
Hepickedupi mmedi at
ely
.
Lwaz
i:I
shet
her
e?
Me:
Noandt hecari
sn'
ther
eei
ther
.Hi
sphonet
akes
mestr
aightt
ovoi
cemail
.
Lwazi
:Thi
sisodd.I
t'
sunl
i
kehi
mtobeoutt
il
lthi
s
l
ate.
Me:I'
l
lcal
lthetracki
ngcompanyandt
ell
them t
o
t
rackmycar .I
'
llcal
lyoushor
tl
y.
Lwaz
i:Sur
e.
Ihungupandcal
l
edt
hem andt
heygav
emet
he
l
ocati
on.
It
extedLwazit
hei
nfoandwentintothewalki
n
cl
osetandputont
racksui
ts,
abeani
eandkicks.
Iheadeddownst
air
stotakemycarkey
sthenwent
tothegar
ageanddroveout.
*
***
**
Iarri
vedt
her
eandfoundLwazileani
ngonhi
scar
thatwaspar
kedj
ustinf
rontoft
heBlackMamba.
Ipar
kedi
nfr
ontofhi
sandgotout
.
Me:
Didy
ouf
indhi
m?
Heshookhi
shead.
Iwentt
othecarandpeekedi
nsi
de.
..
hewasn'
tther
e.
Me:
Ther
e'sgott
obeanexpl
anat
iont
othi
s.
Lwaz
i:Di
dyougeti
ntoaf
ightorsomet
hing?
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
Arey
our
eal
l
yst
upi
d?I
shemygi
rl
fr
iendor
somet
hing?
Lwazi
:I'
mjustaski
ngman.Noneedt
obi
temyhead
off
.
Iwentt
othepub'
sent
ranceandchecked.Ther
ewas
acamera.
Me:Ther
e'sacamer
af aci
ngthi
sdi
rect
ionher
e.We
coul
dgettheCCTVfootageoft
oni
ght.
Lwaz
i:How?
Ishookmyheadandt
ookoutmyphone.
Me: Dadwastedhismoneytakingyoutot
hose
expensi
veschools.You'
requi
teslow.
Isearchedforthenameoft
hepuboni nt
ernetand
foundmul t
ipl
enumbersonthei
rpage.
Onehast
obetheowner'
s.Ical
ledafewi
nvai
nand
t
ri
edonthel
astone.Hepuckedup.
Ital
kedtohi
m andexplai
nedwhatwasgoi
ngon.He
saidhe'
l
lbehereshor
tl
y .
Hear
ri
vedaf
terwhatseemedl
i
keal
i
fet
ime.
Wegoti
nandhepl
ayedt
heCCTVf
oot
agef
ast
f
owardf
rom 9PM andwesawBanziget
ti
ngoutof
t
hepubandshor
tl
ytwoguysat
tackedandgothi
m
i
nsi
deacar.
Lwazi:DudeIknowt hi
sisn'
tther
ightt
imebuty
ou
at
tractPsychos.Fi
rstMeagannowMer cy
.
Me:
You'
rer
ight
.Thi
sisn'
tthet
ime.Focus.
Wet
hankedt
heownerandwal
kedout
.
Wegott
othecar
sandl
eanedont
hem.
"
Thi
sisf
rust
rat
ing.
"
Ir
ubbedmyf
acei
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Lwaz
i:Howdowef
indt
hisMer
cychi
ck?
Myphonebeeped.
I
twasamessagewi
thal
ocat
iononi
t.
Me:
Ithi
nkwef
oundhi
m.Let
'sgo.
Ij
oggedt
omycar
.
Lwaz
i:Wher
e'she?
Me:
Dri
vebehi
ndme.
Igoti
nandr
equest
edf
ort
hel
ocat
ion.Ispeedof
ffor
whatt
ookabout35mi
nut
esdr
ive.
Wearri
vedandpar
ked1ki
l
omet
erawayf
rom t
he
l
ocat
ion.
WegotoutandIopendthecarbootandt
ookout
pi
stol
s.It
hrewafewtoLwaziandwewalked.
Lwazi
:Whati
sthi
spl
ace?Andwhosenty
out
he
message?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.I
'
m assur
pri
sedasy
ou.
Lwaz
i:wel
lwhati
fit
'sat
rap?
Me:Don'
tgetcol
dfeetonme.Youcanst
il
lgoback
i
fyou'
renotsur
eaboutdoi
ngthi
s.
Wer
emai
nedsi
l
entandcont
inuedt
owal
k.
Wearr
ivedaf
terawhi
l
eatwhatl
ookedl
i
keahuge
ol
dhouse.

-
Banzi
Theyhadmet i
edonachairandmyheadwas
poudi
ngfrom t
heguntheyhi
tmewith.Ther
ewas
l
ikefi
veguysinher
eholdi
ngAK47sandbythel
ook
oft
hings,t
her
ear
emor eout
side.
Theywer
epat
ient
ly
wai
ti
ngf ormybr
other
s.
Mercy:I'
m sor
ryy
ougoty
our
sel
fcaughti
nthecr
oss
fi
rebutIhadtousey
ouasabai
ttogetyour
brot
hers.
Banzi
:Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
Mer
cy:
Woul
dn'
tyoul
i
ket
oknow?
Shedr
aggedachai
randsatdi
rr
ectt
ome.
"WellpoorBanzi .
..
yousee,themoneyy ou'r
e
swimmi ngindoesn' tonlybelongtoy ouguy s.The
Langasdon' towni t
.You'reherelivi
nglavishlywhile
you'
rebigbr otherki
lledmyf atherincoldbloodf ori
t.
Iwasst i
llyoungwheni thappend.ButIv owedt o
seekrevangef ormyf at
herandt odayisthedayI
ful
fi
lli
t.I'
m sorryboy .
Shest
oopup.
Myjawwasont
hef
loorshockedbywhatIj
ust
hear
d.
Iwasdeepinmythought
swhenIhear
dsoundsof
gunshot
scomingfr
om outsi
de.
Icl
osedmyey
esandsai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.
Me:Godpleasebewi
thmybr ot
hersbecauset
here'
s
nowaytheycandef
eatal
lthesepeopl
e.IknowI-
Icoul
dn'
tfi
nishmypray
er .Thegunshot
sper
sist
ed
andIwasnowshakingfrom fear
.
Oneguycamer
unni
ngi
nandpant
ing.
Guy
:Kubi
sist
erboss.Al
lour12guy
sar
edown.
Mercy
:WHATTHEHELL.GOOUTTHEREANDKILL
THOSEGUYS.IWANTTHEM DEADDAMNI
T!!
Theyhesi
tat
edgoi
ngoutpushi
ngoneanot
heri
nfear
.
Shepacedupanddownandgunshor
tswer
ef i
red
agai
nforthel
ongestt
imet
henf
oll
owedbysi
lence.
Shepul
ledoutagunf
rom herwai
standpoi
ntediton
myhead.Shewasheavi
ngandshakingwhi
l
el ooki
ng
att
hedoor.
Shecl ear
lywasn'
treadyf
orwhatwasgoi
ngtocome
throughthatdoorandsheknewitbyt
hel
ookonher
face.
Thedoorwaski
ckedopenandi
nwal
kedLwazi
then
f
oll
owedOzi
.
Mercyt
ri
edst
andi
nghergr
oundbutshewascl
ear
ly
f
ail
i
ng.
Ozi
:It
'sov
erMer
cyputt
hegundown.
Shehel
dont
oitst
il
lpoi
ti
ngatme.
Lwaz
i:Putt
hegundownbi
tch.
Mer
cy:
NO!IWANTTOKI
LLHI
M LI
KEYOUKI
LLED
MYFATHER.
Shest
oodhergr
oundst
il
l.
Lwazi
:Idon'tr
eal
l
yhaveasof
tspotforwomenli
ke
mybrotherher
e.I
'l
lbl
owyourbr
ainsouti
fyoudon'
t
FUCKENPUTTHEGUNDOWNNOW!
shemov edthegunawayf
rom mesl
owl
yandl
ower
d
herhands.
Shesi
nkeddown,
satont
hef
loorandcr
ied.
"
Thr
owt
hegunov
erher
e."
Shedi
dasshewasor
der
d.
Lwaz
ipi
ckedi
tupandhandedi
ttoOzi
whowasj
ust
st
andi
ngt
her
elooki
ngl
i
keazombi
e.
Mer
cy:
Whydi
dyoudoi
t?
Shewascr
yingherl
ungsout
.
"
All
Iwantedwasanormall
if
ewit
hafat
herbuty
ou
t
ookthatawayf
rom me.WhyOzi
?"
Il
ookedatOzi
whocoul
dn'
tbar
etol
ookatMer
cies
si
te.
Ozi:Idi
dn'
tmeant okil
lhi
m.Everyt
hinghappendso
fastataveryshor
tspaceofti
me.Hewasgoi ngt
o
kil
lmyfatheri
fIdidn'
tki
ll
himfir
st.He-
Lwazi
:Youdon'
towethi
sbit
chanexpl
anat
ionOz
i.
Sheki
dnappedmybabybrot
her
.
Lwaz
ifl
ewacr
osst
her
oom andsl
appedherhar
d.
Ozi
:St
opi
tLwazi
.
Lwazi:Sheneedstobeeli
minat
ed.Li
kether
estof
theguys.She'
salooseendandwon'tst
opat
nothi
nguntil
lshedest
royedus.
Ozi
:NO.we'
reNOTgoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
.
Lwaz
i:TakeBanzi
homeandI
'
lldeal
wit
hheral
one.
Fol
lowedbyt
hatPsy
choMeagan.Ihat
est
upi
d
bi
tches.
Ozi
:NoLwazi
.Isai
dwe'
renotgoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
.
Lwaz
i:Unt
ir
eBanzi
andgohome.NOW!
gethi
m outofher
e.
Mercy:
Ozipl
easedon'
tlethi
m ki
l
lme.I
'
lll
eav
etown
andyouwon'
thaveto-
Lwazithr
ewanotherpi
erci
ngsl
apacr
ossherf
ace
hernosebled.
Lwaz
i:SHUTTHEFUCKUP!
Mercyhel
dont
ohercheekst
il
ll
ayi
ngdownand
soabi
ng.
Het
urnedt
olookatOzi
.
"I
fweletherl
i
ve,she'
l
lonl
ycausepr
obl
emsf
orus.
Shehastogo."
Hehadadeadl
ylooki
nhi
sey
est
hatI
'
venev
erseen
bef
ore.
Whoar
etheseguy
sandwhatar
etheycapl
eof
?
Ifeel
li
keIdon'
tknowthem atal
l
.Howdi
dtheyt
ake
outonall
thosearmedguys?
Ozi
cameandunt
iedme.
Igotupandappr
oachedt
hedoor
.
Ozi:
I'
m sorryMercybutyouhavetof
ace
quencequensesofyouract
ions.
Hesai
dwi t
houtlooki
ngathert
henf
oll
owedmeand
wewalkedout.
Wehear
dgunshor
tsshor
tl
yandwecont
inuedt
o
wal
k.
Wegoti
nOzi'
scarandLwazi
arr
ivedt
ohi
sshor
tl
y
t
henwedrov
eout.
Istol
egl
ancesofhi
m whi
l
ehehadhi
sfocusont
he
road.
Ozi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:Yeah.Justapoundi
nghead.Not
hingagr
andpa
can'
tfi
x.
Henoddedandcont
inuedt
ofocusont
her
oad.
Icl
ear
dmyt
hroat
.
Ozi
:Doy
ouwantt
osaysomet
hing?
Me:Umh..
.y
eah.t
hanksf
orcomi
ngt
hrought
ome,
I
guess.
Ozi
:Youconduct
edyour
sel
finaveryr
eckl
ess
manneratt
hatpuby
ouknowt hat
?
Iswal
l
owedhar
dandl
ookedout
sidet
hewi
ndow.
"
Don'
tyouhav
eany
thi
ngy
oucansayf
ory
our
sel
f?"
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.Pl
easedon'
ttel
ldad.
Het
urnedt
olookatmebr
ief
ly.
Ozi
:That
'sal
lyou'
rewor
ri
edabout
?Dadf
indi
ngout
?
Me:No.I'
vebeencar
elessandI
twi
l
lnev
erhappen
agai
n,
I'
m sor
ry.
Hi
sphoner
angandheconnect
edi
ttot
hebl
uet
oot
h.
Ozi
:Yes?
Lwaz
i:Sl
owt
hef
uckdown.
Ozi
:Idi
dn'
treal
i
seIwasspeedi
ng.
Lwaz
i:Di
dyouki
ckhi
sassf
orbei
ngr
eckl
ess?
Hechuckl
edandl
ookedatme.
Ozi
:I'
m oni
t.
Lwazi:
Good.Doy
oual
sowantmet
odr
ivet
oyour
house?
Ozi
:Wedon'
tneedbaby
sit
ti
ngLwazi
.Gohome.
Lwaz
i:Goodni
ghtt
hen.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
.
HehungupandIl
ookedatt
hecarscr
een,
i
twas
past4am.
Isankdeepi
ntot
heseatandcl
osedmyey
es.
Whoaremybr
other
s?WhatIsawtoni
ghti
mpr
essed
me.I
t'
sti
meIl
ivedcl
osebyt
hem now.
Idozzedof
f.
I
nser
t18
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***
*
-
Snenhl
anhl
a

Ithasbeenamonthandacoupl
eofweekssinceOzi
andIbeendat
ingandhetr
eatsmeli
kenot
hingbuta
queen.
Iwasl
ooki
ngatav
erybusydayt
oday
.
Ihadbackt
obackcl assest
hatendat16:
00andan
assi
gnmentthat
'sduetomorrow.
Ineededt
otouchbaseoni
ttheni
twi
l
lber
eady
.
Iwasheadi
ngt
othecampuswhenacarstopped
besi
demeandItur
nedtol
ook,
i
twasSizwe.
Hi
m:Heyy
ou.Hopi
n.
Igoti
nfr
ont
.
Me:
Wenzani
lanasoear
lyZwezwe?
If
oundcof
feei
nhi
scarandIsal
i
vat
edmy
sel
foni
t.
Him:Icomef r
om myf
ri
end'
sfl
ati
nthi
s
nei
ghborhood.
Me:
Soear
lyi
nthemor
ning?
Ilookedathi
mf r
om t
heconer
soft
hecof
fee
takeawaycup.
Hel
aughandl
ookedatme.
Him:It'
snotev
enwhatyouthi
nkuyazi
.Wecame
backlatef
rom par
ti
ngl
astni
ghtandIuseda
ni
ghtcap.
Me:
Hmmkay
Hi
m: Anyway.Doyour
ememberthechi
ckIwas
t
ell
i
ngy ouaboutt
haty
oulookal
i
ke?
Ishi
ft
eduncomfor
tabl
yinmyseatandt
ookasi
p
fr
om thecup.
Me:
Hmm.
Hi
m:She'
smygi
rlact
all
y.
Ij
umpedandnear
lyspi
l
ledt
hecof
fee.
Me:
What
?Si
ncewhen?
Hi
m:Si
ncesi
nce.
Me:
Allt
hist
imeshe'st
heoney
ou'
vebeenr
efer
ing
t
oasyourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Hi
m:Yup.
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
tthi
nky
oushoul
denl
i
ght
enme?
Hel
augh.
Him:Haiphel
aIknewyou'
dseeherev
ent
ual
l
y.Fut
hi
naweyou'v
ebeenbusyangi
thi
.
Me:
Butst
il
lSi
zwe.DoessheknowIexi
st?
Hi
m:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:Doessheknowy
ouhav
esomeonel
i
kemeasa
f
ri
end?
Him:Yeah.Ishowedheryourpi
ctur
ethisot
herday
andshesaidsherecogni
sedyoufrom campus.
Ikeptqui
teanddi
dn'
tknowwhatel
set
osay
.
May
beIshoul
djustaskhi
m quest
ionsabouther
.
"
Sowher
edoesshest
ay?
Hi
m:eKasi
.Mamel
odi
.
Me:
That
'sherhome?
Hi
m:Yup.
Me:
Doesshehav
esi
bli
ngs?
Him: Noshe'
stheonl ychil
dfrom hermot
herbut
apparent
lyherfat
herknockeddownsomewoman
backinthevil
l
agesbef oretheycamehere.At
least
that
'swhathermot hertol
dher .
Me:
Dot
heyknowabouther
?
Icl
ear
dmyt
hroat
.
"
Orhi
m Imean?
"
Him:No.They
'r
ebackinthev
il
lagesandt
hey
haven'
tbeent
heresi
nce.
Me:
Okay
.Ar
en'
tyouat
tendi
ngcl
assest
oday
?
Him: Iam.Ijustneedtogohomeandchangeinto
cleanclothesandgrabanot
hercof
feesei
ngthatyou
tookmi ne.
Me:
Hai
phel
a.
Hi
m:Pl
easet
akenot
esf
orme.I
'
llbeabi
tlat
e.
Me:
Okay
.Lat
ert
hen.
Ij
umpedof
fandheadedi
nsi
de.
IwasbusyonmyphonewhenIbumpedi
nto
somebody.
Il
if
tedmyheadandnear
lyf
aint
ed.I
twasl
i
kel
ooki
ng
atmyownrefl
ect
iononamirr
or.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry.
Il
oweredmysel
ftoherl
evel
andhel
pedherpi
ckher
booksup.
Her
:It
'snopr
obl
em.
Shenar
rowedherey
esonme.
"Hey
..
.Iknowy ou.Youar
eSi
zwe'
scl
assmat
eand
newfri
endright?"
Il
ookedawayav
oidi
nghergaze.
Me: Yes.Snenhlanhl
a.Si
zwetoldmesomuchabout
you.I'
mj ustnotgoodincat
chingpeopl
e'
snames.
Her
:Amanda.AmandaDl
omo.
Thatcomf
ir
nedi
t.Sher
eal
l
yismysi
ster
.
Weext
endedourhandsf
orashake.
Me:It
'sni
cetof i
nal
lymeety
ouAmanda.AsSi
zwe'
s
gi
rl
fr
iendafcause.
Shel
augh
Her:l
ikewisebabe.Hetoldmewel ookal
ikebutI
didn'
twanttobeli
eveitatfi
rstunt
il
lnow.You'r
eli
ke
thedarkerver
sionofmeandi t'
screepy.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
.It
'scr
azy
.
Her:Weshoul
dhangoutsomet
ime.Il
i
key
ou
al
ready
.
Me:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Igott
orunnowbabe.Seey
ouar
ound?
Me:
Def
inat
ely
.Itwasr
eal
l
ylov
elyt
omeety
ou.
Shesmi
l
edagai
nandof
fshewent
.
Iwatchedherdi
sappear
ingthent
urnedonmyheel
s
andwalkedtocl
ass.Igoti
nandgotstart
edwi
thmy
day.
If
eltasenseofr
eli
efandI
'
m guessi
ngi
t'
sgot
ev
erythi
ngtodowit
hAmanda.
If
eltasmi
l
ecr
eepoutf
rom conert
oconerandIl
et
i
t.

-
Att
heLangaResi
dence.
TheLangabrot
hersweresi
tt
ingatabi
gtabl
ehav
ing
breakf
astwi
ththei
rfat
her
.
Therewassomuchtensi
oninther
oom that
cut
leri
esandcr
ocker
ieswer
etheonlyt
hingsmaki
ng
noi
se.
Lwaz
i:You'
rev
eryqui
ett
odayBanzi
.Ar
eyouokay
?
Ozist
oleaglanceatBanzi
andcont
inuedt
ofocus
onhisfood.
Banzi
:YesI
'
m okay
.I'
mjustt
hinki
ng.
Lwaz
i:Aboutwhat
?
Banzi
:Maybei
t'
sti
meIcamebackandst
ayedwi
th
youguys.
Theyal
lrai
sedt
hei
rheadsf
rom t
hei
rpl
atesand
f
acedhi
m.
Ozi
:What
?
Baba:
What '
swit
hthesuddenchangeofi
nter
est
?
Whathappened?
Banzi
:Not
hing.I
'
mjustt
ir
edofbei
ngi
nCapeTown
al
one.
Ozi
:Whatabouty
ourst
udi
es?
Banzi
:I'
l
ldoacor
respondence.
Lwaz
i:You'
recr
azy
.
Ozi:
Youcannotj
ustswi
tchpr
ovi
nceswheny
ouf
eel
l
ikeit
.
Banzi
:IcanandIwi
l
l.I
'
m mov
ingbackandt
hat
'si
t.
Hewipedhi
smout
hwi
thacl
othandt
hrewi
tont
he
t
abl
e.
Hepushedhi
schai
rbackandwal
kedout
.
Lwaziat
tempt
edtocallhi
m backbuthi
sfat
her
rai
sedhi
shandandsignal
edhimtolethi
m be.
Ozi
:He'
scr
azyi
fhet
hinkswe'
regonnal
ethi
m di
tch
Var
sit
yjustl
i
ket
hat
.
Baba:
Whathappenedl
astni
ght
?
Theyl
ookedateachot
hert
henl
ookedatt
hei
rfat
her
.
Lwaz
i:Whatdoy
oumeanbaba?
Baba:Irecei
vedaphonecall
thatMer
cywasfound
deaddur i
ngtheweehoursofthi
smorni
ngal
ong
wit
hot hersevent
eenguy
satsomeabondened
househalfwayt oJor
bur
g.
Lwaz
i:Shehadi
tcomi
ng.
Baba:
What
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Ozi:Youbroughtherher
eandshekidnappedour
brotherbaba.Whatdi
dyouexpectwemustdowhen
thathappens?
Baba:Your
efusedt
omar r
yher
.Shemusthav
efel
t
rej
ect
edandseekedfory
ourat
tent
ion.
Lwaz
iChuckl
edanddi
ggedbacki
nhi
sfood.
Ozi:
ShehadBanziki
dnappedandyougoonabout
herl
ikeshewassomekindofanasser
ttous.What
i
swr ongwit
hyou?
Baba:Youcoul
dhavejustmadet
hingsr
ightby
agreei
ngtomarr
yher.
Ozi
:Didyouevendoapr operbackgroundcheckon
whatshe'
sbeenupt oall
theseyearsbefor
ey ou
act
uall
ybroughtheri
ntoourli
ves?
Baba:Sheaut
omati
cal
lybecameapartofourl
i
ves
thedayyouki
ll
edherf
atheri
ncol
dblooddamnit.
Lwaz i:
Hewasprotectingy ou.Youcouldhav ebeen
aghostnowifOzididn'twal kthroughthatdoor
whenhedi dt
hatday .Youcannotcont inueguil
ty
tr
ippinghi
mforsavingy ou.Itshouldstopbaba.And
I'
mt heonewhokil
ledMer cy,nothim.
MrLangat
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Baba:
Whatbusi
nessdi
dyouhav
e,t
oki
l
lher
?
Lwaz
i:Shewasat
hreattoourf
amilybusi
ness.She
hadt
ogo.Iwaspr
otecti
ngtheLangaempire.
Banzi
:AndIwanti
t.
Hecamedownt
hest
air
sandt
heyal
ltur
nedt
oface
hi
m.
Ozi
:What
?
Banzi
:YesBhuti
.Ialsowantt
obei
nvol
vedint
he
famil
ybusi
ness.You'v
ekeptmei
nthedar
kforso
l
ong.Iwantinnow.
Ozi
:Youmustbehavi
ngaloosescr
ewsomewhere
i
nthatheadofy
our
sbecauseyou'
recl
ear
lyl
oosi
ng
i
t.
Lwazi
:Youwanti
ntodowhatexactl
y?Doyouthi
nk
we'
resel
li
ngchi
psther
e?Doesi
tlookli
kewe'
re
pl
ayi
ngtoyou?
Banzi
:I'
l
lswit
chcareer
sandst
udysomet
hingi
nli
ne
wit
htheCorporat
eworld.
Ozi
chuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Ozi
:Whatal
oadofnonsensey
ou'
respi
tt
ingout
.
Baba:
Whatmadey
ouchangey
ourmi
ndmf
anawam?
Banzi
:Ij
ustwantt
obel
i
kemybr
other
s.
Ozi
:Ther
e'snot
hingf
asci
nati
ngaboutbei
ngus
Banzi
.Fi
ndyourownpart
h.You'
reonl
y20.
Lwaz
i:Fi
nishy
ourst
udi
esf
ir
standt
henwe'
l
ltal
k.
Ozi
:Don'
tyouhav
eabucketl
i
stt
oti
ckany
mor
e?
Lwaz
ilaughandl
ookedatOzi
.
Lwaz
i:Whati
sthat
?
Ozi
:Av
eryst
upi
dwayofl
i
vingl
i
fei
nanut
shel
l
.
Het
urnedt
olookatBanzi
.
"Li
stenBanzi
.We'
llor
ganiseyouatherapistt
otalk
aboutwhatyouexper
iencedlastni
ght.Butyou'
l
l
needtobecaref
ulbecausethatmightlandusinhot
water.
"
Baba:
Lethi
m deci
dewhathewant
s.
Ozi:
NOLANGA.We' renotlett
inghim decideon
anyt
hing.He'
sstil
ltr
aumat i
sedf rom l
astnightand
heneedshelp.That'
swhatwe' regoingtogethi m.
Heneedst ogobackt oschool andfi
nishhischosen
course.
"
Hegotupandheadedupst
air
s.

-
Snenhl
anhl
a.
Il
ookedaroundandwast
heonl
yonel
efti
nthe
campusli
brary
.
Icheckedt
het
imeandi
twasj
ustbef
ore8pm.
Ohshucks.Howam Igoi
ngt
ogethome?
Ipackedmybooksandmyphoner
ang.
Icheckedt
hecal
l
erI
Dandasmi
l
ecr
eepedout
.
Me:
Baby
.
Hi
m:Hi
sweet
hear
t.Howar
eyou?
Me:
Exhaust
ed.
Hi
m:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Att
heLi
brar
y.
Hi
m:What
?Thi
sti
meSne,
arey
oual
one?
Me:Ihadanassi
gnmentt otouchbaseonandIl
ost
t
rackofti
meandy es,
I
'm alone.
Hi
m:St
ayr
ightt
her
eanddon'
tgooutunt
il
lIsayso.
Me:
Oka-
Thel
i
nedi
ed.
Justgr
eat
.
It
ookmyphoneandcal
l
edAmot
obuyt
ime.
Shepi
ckedupi
nst
ant
ly.
Amo:
Ourv
eryownsout
hAf
ri
canNAN.
Il
aughoutl
oudandshej
oinedme.
Me:
Himyf
ri
end.
Her
:Howar
eyoudoi
ngbabe?
Me:
I'
m goodact
ual
l
y.Forachange,
Ican'
tcompl
ain.
Her
:How'
sMrCEOt
reat
ingy
ou?
Me:Goodactal
l
y.He'
sgoal
s.I
'
mfal
l
ingi
nlov
ewi
th
hi
m byeachday.
Her
:Ishoul
dcometoPret
ori
asoonandyouarr
ange
ameeti
ngwithhi
sbr
other
s.Ial
sowantahunk.
Il
augh.
Me:No.Idon'
twantt
hem bl
ami
ngmewheny
ou
abusehi
m.
Her:
Iwon'
thavetoifhe'
snotweak.Ihat
emenwho
don'
townt
heirbal
ls.Theyt
urnmeof f
.
Il
aughandwecont
inuedt
otal
kforawhi
l
e.
Wef
inal
l
ysai
dourgoodby
esandIj
ustsatt
her
eand
r
elaxed.
Imusthavedozedof
fbecauseIwaswokenupby
phoneri
ngi
ng.
Me:
Hey
.
Ozi
:I'
m out
side.Come.
It
ookmybagandt
hankedthesecurit
yguyfor
l
ett
ingmest
ayi
nti
l
llat
ethenIwal kedout
.
Isawhi
scarpar
kedj
usti
nfr
ontoft
hegat
e.
Hef
lashedhi
sli
ght
satmeandIwentst
rai
ghtt
oit
.
Igoti
nandwehuggedbr
ief
ly.
Ozi
"Wer
eyousl
eepi
ngal
ready
?
Hemoni
tor
edmyey
es.
Me:
Idozedof
f.
Ozi
:Don'
tev
erst
ayher
eti
l
lthi
slat
eokay
?
Me:
Okay
.
Hedr
oveaway
.
Hi
m:Woul
dyoul
i
kesomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
Yespl
ease.I
'
mver
yst
arv
ing.
Hi
m:Whenl
astdi
dyoueat
?
Me:
Emi
ni.
Hi
m:Whyar
eyoust
arv
ingy
our
sel
f?
Ir
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
Wedrov
einatsomef
ir
epl
aceandor
der
eddeck
woodwit
hdri
nks.
I
tar
ri
vedaf
tersomet
imeandwedr
oveout
.
Me:
Canwegot
omypl
acet
oni
ghtpl
ease.
Hel
ookedatmeanddi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
Wear
ri
vedatmyf
latandhepar
ked.
Wewenti
nsi
deandIdi
shedupal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y.
Ipromi
sedt
obr
ingsomebeer
sforwhenhe'
sandhe
did.
Hewal
kedt
othef
ri
dgeandt
ookoutdumpi
es.
Hecamebackandsatontheki
ckenst
ool
and
l
ookedatmedi
shingup.
Me:
Doy
oual
sowantf
ood.
Hi
m:Nobaby .Ihadj
usteat
enwhenIcamet
oyou.
Mam Rosecooked.
Me:
Okay
.
If
inusheddi
shi
ngupandj
oinedhi
m ont
het
abl
e.
Idi
ggedi
nandhewasj
ustwat
chi
ngmeeat
.
Hi
m:Howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
Busy
.
Isaidalmostnotaudi
ble.Mymout
hwasst
uff
edup
withfood.
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
If
ini
shedandwewentupst
air
s.
"
Youcanmakeyour
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e.I
'
mjustgoi
ng
t
oshowerqui
ck.
"
Hi
m:CanIj
oiny
ou?
Me:
Didn'
tyoushowerwheny
oucameher
e?
Hi
m:IdidbutI
twoul
dn'
thur
tifIdi
dagai
n.Wi
thy
ou
t
hist
ime.
Hewi
ngl
edhi
sey
ebr
owsandsmi
l
ed.
Me:WhydoIsensel
i
kei
t'
snotgoi
ngt
obean
i
nnocentshower
?
Hi
m:I
tdoesn'
thav
etobei
fyouwant
.
Hest
art
edt
oundr
esst
henshor
tl
yhewasnaked.
Hepassedbymeandheadedoutt
othebat
hroom.
Ishookmyheadandl
augh.
Iwentoutei
therandf
oundhi
ml eani
ngwithhi
s
handsonandf aci
ngt
hewall
.thewaterwashi
tt
ing
hi
snakedbody .
Ist
epedi
nandhel
dhi
mfr
om t
heback.
Hegrabbedmyhandsandmademehol
dhi
shar
d
cock.
Me:
Whyar
eyoual
way
shor
ny?
Hechuckl
edandt
urnedt
ofaceme.
Him:
I'
m notal
wayshorny.Onl
ywhenI'
m wi
thy
ou.
Andwehaven'
thadsexintwoweeksbaby.
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?
Her
eachedf
ort
hesoapandt
urnedmear
oundt
o
f
acet
heot
herway
.
Hi
m: If
indyouveryi
rresi
sti
ble.Andthefactt
haty
ou
gr
antedmet hepr
ivi
l
egeofy ourpureness,
tur
nsme
oneachti
meIt hi
nkaboutit.
Hewaswashi
ngmyback.
Wef
ini
shedshower
ingandwentoutt
odr
your
sel
ves.
Hescoopedmeupandweheadedbackt
omyr
oom.
Hesatontopoft
hecouchandputmei
nast
raddl
i
ng
posi
ti
on.
Westart
edkissi
ngpassi
onatelyf
orawhilethenhe
l
aidonhisbackandburr
iedhishandsunderhis
head.
Hi
m:Doy
ourt
hingbaby
.
Isinkedhi
scockdeepi
nmeandf
oundmyasson
theair.
Ist
art
edgr
indi
ngonhi
m sl
owl
y.
Hecl
osedhi
sey
esandgr
oaned.
I
nser
t19
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

-
Snenhl
anhl
a
It
ossedthesheet
sofmeandr
oll
edov
erandgotout
ofbed.
Iheadeddownst
air
sandt
her
ewasnosi
gnofOz
iin
thehouse.
Il
ovehi
m andall
butther
e'sj
ustsomet
hingIcannot
putmyfi
ngeronabouthi
m.
He'
ddisappearf
orhour
sattimesandcomeback
dur
ingtheweehoursofthemorni
ng.
Idon'
twanttosuspectthathemightbecheat
ingon
mebutt her
e'ssomet
hinggoingonthatIj
ustcannot
comprehand.
It
houghtwe'
dbespendi ngt
hewholedayt
ogether
i
ndoorsandl
azingaroundal
ldaybuthel
eftwi
thout
evensayi
nggoodbye.
Imadecof
feeandr
etur
nedupst
air
stomakeupt
he
bed.
Icl
eanedt
hewhol
efl
atwhi
l
ejami
ngt
oJacar
anda
hit
s.
Thebedr
oom doorswangopenandhebudgedi
n.
Ir
emai
nedt
her
eandl
ookedathi
m.
Me:Youcannotcomeandgoasy
oupl
easet
omy
f
latOzi
.It
'sunnecat
abl
e.
Henar
rowedhi
sey
esi
nconf
usi
on.
Hi
m:Whatwentwr
ong?
Me:
Wher
edi
dyougo?
Hel
ookeddownathi
msel
fthenbackatme.
Hi
m:Gy
m.Doesn'
tthegearspeakv
olumes?
Il
ookedathi
m.Idi
dn'
tev
ennot
icehewasi
nhi
s
gym gear
.
Me:
Wher
edi
dyougett
hose?
Hi
m:Theyareal
waysinmycar
.Theonlyti
met
hey
ar
en'
tther
eiswhent
heyar
ebeingwashed.
Me:
Okay
.
Hi
m:Doy
ouf
eel
li
kespendi
ngt
hedayi
ndoor
s?
Me:
No.I
'
vegotpl
ans.
Idon'
tevenknowwhyIsai
dthatbecauseIdidn'
t
haveany
.IwasannoyedandIcoul
dn'tunder
stand
why.
Hi
m:Di
dyoumaket
hosebef
oreoraf
terIl
eft
?
Me:
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
.
Helookedatmeli
kehewast
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
e
somethi
ngout.
Hi
m:Whathappened?
Me:
Not
hing.
Him:Igotogy m andcomebackt oyoulooki
ngli
ke
you'
vejusteatenapigforbreakf
astandyou'
re
gonnatell
menot hinghappened?Youdoknowt hat
's
averychil
dishwayofv oi
cingyouri
ssueswit
hme
ri
ght?
Irol
ledmyey
esandf
oldedmyar
msacr
ossmy
chest.
"
Arey
ouony
ourper
iods?
"
Iwi
denedmygazeonhim.Idon'tknowwhyI '
m
get
ti
ngannoy
edbythesightofhim butIwant
edt
o
bi
tehi
sheadoff
.
Me:That'
saver
yst
upi
dquest
ion.Isai
dnot
hing
happened.
Hi
m:Soy
ou'
rej
ustbei
ngr
udef
orf
un?
Me:
Ineedt
ogetr
eadyOzi
thobi
l
epl
ease.
Hi
m:Doy
ouwantmet
oleav
e?
Me:
That
'supt
oyou.
Hi
m: Okay.I
'
lll
eav
e.Butj
ustsoyouknow,
Idon'
tfi
nd
t
hischi
ldi
shbehavi
orcut
e.Stayher
eandr
egroup.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,hebangedt
hedoorandl
eft
.
It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edKhet
hel
obuthe
di
dn'
tanswer
.
Ical
ledBandi
l
eandaskedhi
mtogooutwi
thme,
he
sai
dhewasbusy.
Ical
l
edAmoandi
trangf
orawhi
l
eunt
il
lshepi
cked
up.
Amo:
Mngani
.
Me:
Heyfri
end.I
'
m sol
onel
y.Howabouty
oucome
t
oPret
ori
a.
Her
:Asi
ntoday
?
Me:
Howaboutnow?
Her
:What
?That
'sshor
tnot
ice.What
'swr
ong?
Me:Nothi
ng.Ij
ustfeell
i
keunwindi
ngabi
t.And
you'
ret
heonlypersonIthi
nkcoul
dhel
pmedot hat
.
Sher
emai
nedqui
etf
orawhi
l
e.
"
Amoar
eyoucomi
ngornot
?"
Her:
Whataboutt
ranspor
tfar
e.You'
ret
heonewho
wantsmetocomethere,
Youpay"
Igr
inedl
i
keani
diot
.
Me:
Iknewy
ou'
dsayt
hat
.I'
l
lcal
lyouanuber
.
Shescr
eamedi
nexci
tment
.
Her:Icannotwai
ttogett
her
e.Letmegetr
eadyt
hen.
I
'l
lseey ousoon.
Me:
Ican'
twai
ttoseey
oumyf
ri
end.By
efornow.
Ihungupandt
wer
kedabi
t.
Ifeell
ikegoi
ngout
.Itwoul
dn'
thur
ttojustgoout
thereandhavef
un.I
'l
lseeOzionMonday.
*
***
***
***
***
***
**
Timewas15:
35andIwasbusywi
thmybooks
buyi
ngt
ime.
Myphoner
angandIr
eachedf
ori
t.
Me:
Hey
.Ukuphi
?
Her
:Out
side.Comef
etchme.
Me:
OkayI
'
llbet
her
einami
nut
e.
Iputmyphonedownandspr
angout
.
Iwasr
eal
l
yexci
tedt
hatsher
eal
l
ycame.
Igott
othegat
eandwer
ant
oeachot
her
.
Wehuggedandscr
eamedgr
abbi
ngat
tent
ion.
"
Youcame.
"
Webroket hehugandshet
ookaf
ewst
epsbackand
scr
uti
nisedme.
Her
:Lookaty
ou.Ohmygoshy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Vi
tami
ndi
cki
sreal
l
ydoi
ngy
ouwonder
s.
Wel
aughandhuggedagai
n.
Me:youlookgoodtoobabe.Ev
engai
ned
complexi
onIsee.
Her:
Wedon' tusegroundwat
ert
obat
hbutr
unni
ng
andprocessed,honey
.
Sheswungherheaddramat
ical
l
yandherbr
aids
swungfr
om si
detoside.
Il
aughandhel
dherhand.
Me:
Come,
let
'sgoi
n.
Wegott
omyf
latandsheset
tl
eddown.
Shedeci
dedthatwecookbef
oreourbi
gni
ghtout
andsowedid.
Her
:So.
..
how'
sMrCEOt
reat
ingy
ouhonest
ly?
Ismi
l
edandl
ookedather
.
Me:Icouldn'
thav
easkedf
orabet
terboy
fri
end.He
under
standsme.
Her
:Howdi
dMr
sGumedet
akei
tthough?
Me:Shedi
dn'
tsaymuchbutshewasn'tpl
eased
aboutt
hef
actthathi
sex-
gir
lf
ri
endhadmecaptured.
Itol
dheraboutt
hekidnappingi
ncidenti
ndetai
l
sand
shewasfasci
natedabouttheLangabrother
s.
Her
: Theysoundl
iker
ealmaf
iastome.Butasl
ong
asyou'r
ehappyandsafet
henI'
m good.
Me:HaiAmo.Theyaregoodguys.FuthiIhav
en'
t
heardf
rom orseenMeagansi
nce.Ithi
nkshelef
t
town.
SpeakingofMeagan, Ineverreall
ysawherin
campusaf t
erthatnight.Isuspecttheymusthav
e
thr
eatenedhertoleavet own.
Ohwell
..
.goodri
ddancei
fyouaskme.Shewasl
i
kea
badodourthatwoul
dn'
tgoaway.
Wecont i
nuedt
ocookwhi l
etal
kingaboutal
most
anythi
ngandever
ythi
ng.ShesharedherJor
burg
stori
eswithmeandIsharedmyPr et
ori
aexper
ience
withher.
I
twaslovel
y.Idi
dn'
treal
i
sehowmuchImi
ssedher
unt
il
lnow.
Weevencal
l
edhermot
herandshewashappyt
hat
weweret
ogether
.
I
twas6pm andwehadj
ustf
ini
sheddr
essi
ngup.
Her
:Sowher
ear
ewer
eal
l
ygoi
ng?
Me:
Iwast
hinki
ngDr
ossHat
fi
eld.
Sher
aisedherey
ebr
owandl
ookedatmel
i
keIwas
cr
azy
.
Her
:Isn'
tthataf
oodandwi
necel
l
orr
est
aur
ant
?
Me:
Iti
s.
Her:
Hellno.It
hinkweshoul
dgot
oamuchv
ibey
pl
acethanthat
.
Shet
ookoutherphoneandbr
owsedt
hroughi
t.
Shel
ookedatmewi
thasmi
rkonherf
ace.
"
We'
regoi
ngt
oJackbudha.
"
Me:
Isn'
tthati
nMamel
odi
?
Her
:Yesi
tisandt
hat
'swher
ewe'
regoi
ng.
Me:NoAmo.That'
sfarandIhear
dthat
nei
ghbour
hoodi
squitedanger
ous.
Her:
I'
vebeent
hereaf
ewt i
mesandi
t'
snott
hatbad
comeon.Don'
tbeapussy
.
Iwasv
eryr
eluct
antbutIhadt
otr
usti
nher
.
Me:
Okaybutwe'
renotusi
ngat
axi
right
.
Shehadanannoy
edl
ookpl
ast
eredonherf
ace.
Her
:Whendi
dyoubecomeasnob?
Me:I
t'
slat
eandIdon'
ttr
ustt
het
axi
satni
ght
Amogel
ang.
Her
:Cal
lyourhunkandaskhi
mtot
akeust
hen.
Me:NO!nonono.Hedoesn' tevenknowthatI'
m
goi
ngoutthisl
ate.Idon'
tknowifhe'
dagreeornot
butIhopehe'
scool wi
thitwhenhefindsout
.
Her
:Soy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m?
Me:No.AndI'
dli
ket
okeepi
tthatway
.Let
'sj
ust
l
eav
ealready
.
Sheshookherheadandl
aughl
i
ght
ly.
Wef
ini
shedupandwel
eft
.
Wer
equest
edanuberandwear
ri
vedaf
terawhi
l
e.
"
IhopeIdon'
tregr
ett
his.
"
Her
:We'
reher
eal
ready
.It
'st
ool
atef
ort
hatnow.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposedt
omeanAmo?
Her
:Not
hingman.Let
'sj
ustgohav
efunokay
.
Shet
ookmyhandandwegoti
nsi
de.
Thepl
acewaspackedt
ocapaci
ty.
Ther
ewasv
eryl
i
mit
edspacei
nsi
de.
Me:
AMO.
Il
eanedf
owar
dtoherearandshout
ed.
Her
:WHAT?
Me:
ITHI
NKWESHOULDGOOUTSI
DE.
Her
:NO.COME.
Wegott
owhatlookedl
i
keaVI
Psect
ionandf
ounda
t
abl
eandsatdown.
"
Thi
sismuchbet
terangi
thi
?"
Me:
Yes.
Inoddedbr
ief
lywi
thmyey
eswamder
ingev
ery
wher
e.
Her:Youneedt orel
ax.Youdon'
twantt ol
ookl
i
ke
anuprightsnob.You'
llgr
abanunnecessar
y
at
tenti
on.
Me:
OkayI
'
llt
ry.
Her
:Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
odr
ink.
Me:
Orangej
uicepl
ease.
Shel
ookedatmeandl
augh.
Shegotupandwenttothecout
erthenl
atercame
backwit
hicecr
eam l
ookinggl
asses.
Sheputt
hem downandshov
edonemydi
rect
ion.
"
Thi
sdoesn'
tl
ookl
i
keanOr
angej
uice.
"
Her
:No.I
t'
ssomet
hingbet
ter
.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Her
:Tast
eitf
ir
st.
Me:
Isi
ticecr
eam.
It
ookasi
pandf
rowned.
Shel
ookedatmeandl
augh.
Her
:It
'sabl
owj
obcockt
ail
.You'
renotsupposedt
o
besi
ppi
ngi
t.
Iwi
dendmyey
es.
Me:Awhat?Itt
ast
esnast
y.Howam Isupposedt
o
dr
inki
tkant
i?
Her:I
t'
sgonnatast
enastyatfi
rstbutyourt
ast
e
budswill
getusedtoi
t.Justdr
inkitatonego.
It
ookanot
hersi
p
Shel
aughherl
ungsout
.
"
ComeonSne.That
'
snothowy
oudr
inkt
hatt
hing"
Icl
osedmynoseandt
ooki
tdownatonego.
Igaggedandst
uckmyt
oungeout
.
"
Come.Let
'sgositbyt
hebar
.It
'sbor
ingher
e.Ev
en
t
hemusicsucks.
"
WegotupandIf
oll
owedher
.
Wegott
othebarsect
ionandsatdownont
hest
ool
s.
Shekeptt
hem comi
ngandIkeptt
aki
ngt
hem down
atonego.
It
hinkt
heywer
ereachi
ngt
hei
rdest
inat
ionnow
becauseIcoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.
DjMaphori
sa'
shell
osongplayedandIgotdownto
thedancef
looranddancedl
ikenobody
'sbusi
ness.
If
eltsomebodygr
abmyar
mli
ght
lyandIt
urnedt
o
l
ookitwasAmanda.
Me:
OHHI
II
IIMANDYBABE.HOW AREYOU?
I
fthatdi
dn'tdest
royherear
drum t
henshe'
s
har
dcore.
Shegr
appedmeandpul
l
edmeout
side.
Amanda:You'
renotsupposedt
obedanci
ngl
i
ket
hat
Sne.You'
l
l-
Igaggedaf
ewt
imesandpuked.
Sher
ubbedmybackgent
lyunt
il
lIwasdone.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Me:Yes.If
eel
muchbet
ternow.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?
Amanda:Il
ivei
nthisneighbourhood.Ishoul
dbe
aski
ngyouthatquest
ion.Ididn'
tknowy ouvi
bei
n
suchpl
aces.
Me:Idon'tvi
beatallact
ual
l
y .Mychi
ldhoodfr
iendi
s
theonethatbroughtmehere.Shewantedtohavea
goodti
meso. ..
Amanda:
wher
e'sshe?
Il
ookedar
oundanddi
dn'
tseeher
.
Me:
Shemustbei
nsi
de.
Her
:Isi
tyourf
ir
stt
imedr
inki
ng?
Me:
Yes.Ineedwat
er.
Amanda:Let
'sgoinsi
de.Ican'
tl
eav
eyououther
e
al
one.I
t'
snotsafe.
Wewal
kedbacki
nandsheboughtmewat
er.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Her
:You'
rewel
come.Takei
teasyont
h-
Amo:
I'
vebeenl
ooki
ngal
lov
erf
ory
ou.
Shel
ookedatmeandl
ookedatAmandat
henback
atmeagai
n.
"
Imustber
eall
ydr
unkr i
ghtnowbecauset
her
e'sl
i
ke
t
woSnenhl
anhl
asstandi
ngbefor
emenow"
That
'showal
i
kewer
idi
cul
ousl
ylook.Amandaal
so
hasanAfr
o.
Wel
aughather
.
Me:Nosi
l
ly.Thi
sisAmanda,mycampusmat
e.
Amandat
hisisAmo,mychi
ldhoodf
ri
end.
Amanda:
Nicet
omeety
ouAmo.
Amo:Li
kewiseAmanda.Pl
easeexpl
aint
omewhy
your
idi
cul
ousl
ylookal
i
ke..
.
Shebur
bed.
"
Tomor
rowt
hough,
nott
oni
ght
.Toni
ghtl
et'
sdance.
Shewentbackt
othedancef
loorandenj
oyedt
he
musi
c.
AmandaandItookasi
tatat
abl
eandwat
chedher
danceherbut
tof
f.
Amanda:
Whathav
eyoubeendr
inki
ng?
Me:
Abl
owj
obcockt
ail
theysai
d.
Wel
augh.
Amanda:
That
'st
oomuchf
oraf
ir
stt
imer
.You
shoul
dtakei
teasyont
hose.I
'
llbuyy
ouabel
grav
ia
ci
der.
Me:
Idon'
tknowi
tbuthey
,br
ingi
ton.
Shewalkedtothecount
erandcamebackwi
tha
pack.Shesatdownandwestart
eddr
inki
ng.
Anot
herDjMaphor
isahitbl
ust
edupthespesker
s
andIr
etur
nedbacktothedancef
loor
.
If
oundmy
slefdanci
ngwi
thsomer
amdom guy
.
Guy
:Ar
eyekont
le.Keny
akahobol
elal
wena.
Me:
No.Don'
tspoi
lthemoodman.Let
'sj
ustdance.
Guy
:Comeon.Don'
tpl
ayhar
dtoget
.Kai
tsi
wa
mpatl
alwena.
Me:Noman.Idon'
tev
enknowy
ou.I
'
m notgoi
ng
any
wher
ewithyou.
Ifoundmysel
fbei
ngpul
l
edoutoft
hecr
owdheadi
ng
outsi
de.
"
Wher
ethehel
lar
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
Hepi
nnedmeagai
nstt
hewal
landki
ssedme.
Therewer epeopl
ear oundbutev enifIwasto
scream forhel
p,everybodywasj ustmindi
ngthei
r
ownbusi nesshere.Theymi ghteventhi
nkI'
m his
gir
lfr
iendbythelookoft hi
ngs.
It
ri
edtopushhi
m of
fmebuthewast
oost
rongand
Iwast
oodrunk.
"
Gett
hehel
lawayf
rom me.
"
Hel
i
ckedmyneckandgr
abbedmyass.
Guy
:Comeonbabygi
rl
.Skaei
rankar
eaobat
le.
Me:
Nooo.Letmego.
Iwascr
ayi
ngandput
ti
nghi
sup.
Hegotpul
l
edawayf r
om meandafewpunches
l
andedonhim.Hefel
lonthegr
oundandr
eceiv
ed
ki
cki
ngofhisl
if
e.
Il
ookedupandnear
lysuccumedast
roke.
Hestoodhist
all
figurebef
oremeandhadav
ery
f
rant
iclookpl
ast
er edonhi
sface.
Helookedatmei
ntensel
yinmyey
esanddi
dn'
tsay
any
thing.
Me:
Ozi
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e.
Idon'
tknowi fIr
eli
evedthatherescuedmey et
agai
nfrom whateverthatwassupposedtohappen
orIwasratheral
armedbyhi ssuddenpresenceher
e.
Howdidhef indme?Howdi dheknowwher eIwas?
Ishehavi
ngmef ol
lowedorstal
ked?
Hi
sVoicestar
tl
edandbr
oughtmebackf
rom my
wonderl
and.
Hecamecl
oserandpi
nnedmeagai
nst
hewal
land
cagedmei
n.
Ozi
:Whatisitt
haty
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
ogetmet
opr
ovet
o
youSnenhl
anhl
a?
Hi
svoi
cewasst
rongandhusky
.
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
veev
erhear
ditbef
ore.
Me:
BabyI
..
.
Ismi
l
edweakl
yandt
ri
edt
out
teranot
herwor
dbuti
t
wasi
nvai
n.
Igav
eupt r
yingt
ospeak.Wordsfai
ledmeandmy
mouthbecamedry.I
'
mv er
yinti
midatedr
ightnow.
Ozi
:Whatdoy
ouwantt
osee?
Me:
Not
hingbaby
.Ij
ustwant
edt
ohav
efun.
Hepul
l
edbackandl
ookedatmyey
ebal
l
.
Ozi:
You'r
ereal
l
ytest
ingmypat
iencewi
thy
ou,
doy
ou
knowthat?
Iremainedqui
etandwasaf
rai
dtobr
aket
heey
e
contact.
"
Gogety
ourf
ri
end.
"
Inoddedl
i
keal
i
ttl
eki
dandr
ani
nsi
de.
Amo: You'
remakingthi
sdi
sappear
ingst
unta
tendencynow.Idon'
tli
kei
t.
Me:
Wehav
etogoAmo.
Amo: I
t'
sonl
yaf
ter1am Sne.Theni
ghti
sst
il
lyoung
babeeey.
Shedancedherwaybackt
othedancef
loorbutI
pul
ledherback.
Me:Amoit'
sei
therwe'
rel
eav
ingnoworI
'
mleav
ing
youher
e.
Amo:
Goahead.I
'
llf
indy
ouhome.
"You'
l
lgooutoft
hispl
acenowi
fyouknowwhat
's
goodfory
ou."
It
urnedandswal
l
owedhar
d.
Il
ookedatAmoandpl
eadedwi
thherwi
thmyey
es.
Amo:
Whoar
eyoumanj
ewena?
Shest
umbl
edandbal
ancedonOzi
'
sbi
ceps.
Ozi:Somebodywhodoesn'tappreci
atebeingi
nthi
s
fi
lt
hyplaceandaguingwithyou.I
'mrunningoutof
pati
ence.Getyourhandsoffmeandst ar
twalki
ng
now.
Shel
ookedatmeandIsi
gnal
edt
oherwi
thmyhead.
ShelookedupatOzi
andrai
sedherhandsi
n
sur
renderandwal
kedout
.
Wef
oll
owedherandwegoti
nthecar
.
Iat
tempt
edt
ogoi
nfr
ontbutwaswar
nednott
o.
"
Don'
tev
ent
hinkabouti
t.
"
Igotatt
hebackandsatwi
thAmo.
Hei
gni
tedt
hecarengi
neanddr
oveof
f.
Il
ookedatt
herearv
iewmi
rr
orandf
oundhi
m
st
ari
ngatme.
I
flookscoul
dki
l
l,
I'
dbedeadbynow.
Heswi
tchedof
fthel
i
ght
sandwedr
ovei
nsi
l
ence.
Wewer
ewokenupbysomebodyshaki
ngusr
oughl
y.
Weopenedourey
es.
..
Ilookedar
ound,
wewer
eat
Ozi
'
sgarage.
Ozi
:Getout
.
Wegotoutandst
ambl
edt
otheel
evat
or.
Amo:
Wher
e'st
hispl
ace?
Nobodyansweredher.She'
dbet
tershuthermout
h
orshe'
l
lgetusentor
agated.
Istoleagl
anceatOz
iandf
oundhi
mlooki
ngatme
pissedoff
.
Ishi
ft
edmygazeswi
ft
lyandl
ookedf
owar
d.
Wegoti
nandheadedupst
air
s.
Ozi
:Come,
I
'l
lshowy
ouy
ourr
oom.
Hel
ookedatAmo
Amo:
Myr
oom?
Ozi
:Di
dIst
utt
er?
Shej
ustl
augh
Her
:Heyr
elaxnowal
ri
ght
.Easyt
iger
.
Ozihar
denedhisj
awsandwal
kedaway
.She
fol
l
owedhim shor
tl
y.
Iwenttohi
smasterbedroom andt
hrewmy
sel
fon
thebedandzonedout.
If
elthi
m undr
essmet
henpi
ckedmeupandcar
ri
ed
met ot
heshower.
Heputmedownandr
ant
hewat
er.
Iwi
ncedast
hecol
dwat
erhi
tmynakedbody
.
Me:
Thewat
eri
scol
dOzi
.
Hi
m:Don'
tyoudar
eadj
usti
t.
Hewal
kedout
.
Ist
ayedi
nther
eandal
l
owedt
hewat
ersobermeup
abit
.
If
ini
shedandhest
eppedi
n.
Hepul
l
edmeoutanddr
iedmewi
that
owel
.
Wewentbackt
othebedr
oom andhet
hrewmemy
pi
j
amas.
Icoul
dn'
tdar
etol
ookathi
m.
Idon'
tknowifIwasembar
rassedorscar
edbutI
wasuneasy.
Heopenedt
hecov
ersandIdr
essedupandgoti
n.
Me:BabyI'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
oni
ghtt
o
happen.
Hi
m:You'
dbet
tersl
eepSnehl
anhl
a.
Wit
hthatsai
d,hedi
sappeardi
ntothewalki
ncl
oset
andcamebackwearinghisboxeronl
y.
Hegotinsi
dethecov
ersandswi
tchedof
fthe
bedsi
deli
ghts.
Me:
Goodni
ght
.Il
ovey
ou.
Hi
m:Lal
a.
Isi
nkeddeepandbef
orey
ouknowi
t,
Iwasout
.
I
nser
t20
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
Iwokeuptomyheadpoundi
ng.It
ri
edt
ogetupbut
thr
ewitbackont
hepi
ll
ow.
Doyouknowt hatf eeli
ngwheny ouf eelli
keyour
headiscarr
yingal lyourbodywei ghtandi fyouwere
togetup,
itwouldact uall
yknocky oudown?Thi sis
howI'mfeeli
ngr ightnow.Myst omachi sinknots
andIfeelsi
ck.Ift hisiswhatalcohol andparty
ing
doestopeoplet hemor ni
ngafterthenI '
m notcutfor
i
t.
EventhoughIdon'tr
emembermuchaboutwhat
wentdownl astni
ght,
Idoknowthatitwasn'
tfora
goodcourse.It
'ssaf
etosayIr
egretever
ysinglebi
t
ofit
.
Ozicamei
nandIwantedtojumpoutofmyski
nand
besomeoneel
se.That
'showembarr
assedIam
aboutmy
sel
fri
ghtnow.
Ozi
:Goodmor
ning.
Hewasholdingaglassofwhatl
ookedli
kea
smoothi
e.Only
,thecol
ourofi
tdi
dn'
tlookmuch
appet
izi
ng.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Ilookedhi
mintheeyest
ryi
ngtor
eadanyemot
ion
theymightdi
spl
aybutIf
ail
ed.
Hi
sfacewasasbl
ankasanewbook.
Hedidn'tshowanyemotionsatall
andthismade
thi
ngswor seformebecausethenIcoul
dn'tf
igur
e
outhowdeepi nshi
tIwaswi t
hhim.Ihatednot
knowing.
Ozi
:Her
e.Thi
sshoul
dhel
pyou.
Igotupandsatupr
ightandhehandedmet
hegl
ass.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Hi
m:I
t'
sahomemader
emedy
.
It
ookasi
pandittast
ednasty
.Il
if
tedmyey est
o
l
ookathi
m andhewasleani
ngagainstt
hedoor
fr
amewit
hhisankl
escr
ossedandhi
sar
msf
olded
onhi
schest
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Whyam If
eel
i
ngl
i
ket
his?
Him:I
t'
scall
edhangover.I
thappenswheny
ou'
ve
beendri
nki
ngthenightbef
ore.
Me:
Oh.
Him:Imadesomef oryourf
ri
endt oo.She'sal
ready
upandlooksnothi
ngli
kethetort
urey ou'
regoi
ng
thr
ough.It
akeitshe'
susedtothi
s?
Hel
ookedatmewi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es.
Icl
ear
dmyt
hroat
Me:Yesact
ual
l
y.She'
squi
etexper
iencedi
nthi
s
depar
tment
.
Hi
m:Andy
ou'
renot
?
Igl
ancedathi
m andhewasnotmov
inghi
sey
esan
i
nchawayfrom mine.
Hewasreal
lyt
aki
nghi
sti
mewit
hmeandIsensed
somegr
il
li
ngcomingmyway
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoui
nsi
nuat
ing?
Hi
m:It
houghtyoudi
dn'
tl
ikecl
ubs.OrwasI
i
magi
ningt
hings?
Me:Idon'
tbaby
.Whati
sthi
s?Youdon'
ttr
ustme
now?
IknowwhatIdidl astni
ghtwaswrongandIregr
et
i
t,
butIwasn'tgoingtogiver
oom f
orhimtofeel
dominantt
owar dsme.
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowSne.Yout
ell
me?
Me:
Itwasj
us-
If
eltmyi
nsi
dest
urnandIf
eltt
heneedt
othr
owup.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Ij
ustnoddedandf
eltpukebui
ldi
ngupandIcov
erd
mymout hwit
hmyhandandr antot
hebathr
oom.
Ithr
ewupunt i
l
lthewasnot
hingl
eftt
ocomeoutbut
Ikeptongaggi
ng.
Igotupandr
insedmymout
hwi
thwat
er.
Il
ookedonthemirrorandIwasl
ookingpale.My
eyeshadbagsunderneat
handIdef
inatel
ylooked
horr
ibl
e.
Ipulledmyafrobackandr eal
isedi
tneededsome
attenti
on.Ibr
ushedmyt eethandwashedmyf ace
thenwentbackt othebedroom.
If
oundt
hebedmadeupal
readyandhewasoutof
si
ght
.
Whyhaven'
tIeverseenmam Rosecomingtomake
upourbedwheneverI'
m her
e?It'
sli
keOzior
der
sher
nott
ocomet oourbedroom andhepref
erst
odoit
hi
mself
.
Any
way
..
.
Igotoutt
owhereAmowassleepi
nganddi
dn'
tfi
nd
her.Ther
oom l
ookedl
i
kenobodywassl
eepi
ngini
t.
Iwentoutandheadeddownstai
rs.Iwaswel
comed
byl
oudv oi
cesandIwalkedi
n...
sheandmam Rose
weresi
tti
ngdownhav i
ngcof
fee.Oziwasn'
tther
e.
Me:
Sani
bonani
.
Theyt
urnedt
olookatme.
MamaRose:
Mol
omnt
anam.
Amo:Hell
osl
eepyhead.Whydi dn'
tyoutel
lmeyour
boy
fri
endisl
i
vingsuchalaxur
iousli
fe?Lookatt
his
house.I
t'
sE.
X.T.
R.A.
V.A.
G.A.
N.T!
Me:
Amost
oppl
ease.You'
reembar
rassi
ngy
our
sel
f.
Il
ookedatmamaRoseandshesmi
l
edweakl
y.
Amo:
Woul
dyoul
i
kecof
feet
hen?
I
sshefr
eaki
ngser
iousr
ightnow?Who'
saguest
her
ebet
weensheandI?
Il
ookedatherandr
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:I'
dli
kesomecof
feepl
easemam Rose.Makei
t
st
rong.
MamaRose:
Okaymnt
anam.
Amo: Hlalaphansiphel
a.Yohlastni
ghtwaslitneh?
Mamel odiisdefi
natel
yaplacetobe.I'
venever
dancedlikethati
nages.Notev enJor
burgisthatli
t.
Ij
ustsatt
hereandli
stenedtohergoi
ngonandon
andon.Shesoundedli
keabeei nmyear
s.Myhead
wasn'
tdoingmejusti
ceeit
her.
Mam Rosegav
ememycoffeeandIat
temptedt
o
t
akeasipbutt
hesmel
lofi
twastoost
rong.
Ipushedi
tasi
deandf
oundmam Rosel
ooki
ngatme.
Shesmi
l
edandj
ustkeptst
ari
ng.
Me:
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ongmama?
MamaRose:
Qhamnt
anam.
Shejustcoul
dn'
tst
opsmi
l
ing.I
sthi
swomanokay
upst
airs?Gosh!
Me:Amokanti
wenaar en'
tyousuf
feri
ngf
rom
t
his.
..
whatdoyoucal
li
t?Handover?
Shebustouti
nlaught
er.
Amo:It
'shangoverandno.Minangi
yi
njayegame.
I
'm amotherf
ucker.Kudal
angiy
enzalent
o.
Iwasaboutt
osaysomet hi
ngwhenIsawOzi
st
andi
ngupthestai
rcaselooki
ngdownonus.
Hecall
edmebyhandandIst
oodupandheaded
upst
air
s.
Me:
Excuessme.
Igott
other
oom andf
oundhi
m si
tt
ingont
hecouch.
Ozi
:Pl
easesi
tdown.
Isatatt
heedgeoft
hebedandf
acedhi
sdi
rect
ion.
Hewasalsosit
ti
ngattheedgeofthecouch,
l
eani
ng
for
war
d,bal
ancedhandonhislabbyit
'sel
bowand
hewasholdi
nghischi
n.
Henarr
owedhisey
esonmel
i
kehewast
ryi
ngt
o
f
igur
esomethi
ngout.
Imaintai
nedt
heeyecont
actunt
il
li
twasst
art
ingt
o
getuncomfor
tabl
e.
Ibrokeitandmov edmyeyesawaywhil
esteal
ing
glancesathim andhedi
dn'
tmovehisaninch.
Ishi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
yonmyseat
.
Me:
Ist
her
esomet
hingy
ouwantust
otal
kabout
?
Ozi:
Ar eyouproudoft
hewayy
ouconduct
ed
yoursel
flastni
ght
?
Iswal
l
owdhar
d.
Me:No.I'
m not
.ButIdon'
tregr
eti
t.Iwant
edt
o
expl
ore.
If
oldedmyarmswi
thsomuchat
ti
tudet
ryi
ngt
o
i
nti
midat
ehim.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:You'v egotanatt
it
udebaby .Iwouldfi
nditcute
undernor malcir
cumstancesbuti t'
sgotnoroom
heretofitinri
ghtnow.Youact edoutofchar ect
or
wheny ougotr udetomey esterdayjustsoyou'dget
met oleaveandy ougetupt onogood.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
orbei
ngr
udebutt
hatwasn'
tmyt
icket
t
ogoout.
Him:Yoursorrydoesn'tcutit.Youcompr omised
yoursaf
etylastni
ght.Allforwhat?Coul dyouhave
beenabletodefendy ourselffr
om thatguyshouldI
havenotarr
ivedthereint i
me?
Me:Whywher
ey outher
eeven?Howdi
dyouknow
wher
eIwasOzi?Areyoust
alki
ngme?
Trustmet
ouserev
ersepsychol
ogyonaper
sont
o
tr
yandgetawaywi
thmurder.
Hi
m:Don'
tpatr
oni
zememyl
ove.I
'
m act
ual
l
ytr
ying
t
obeci
vil
here.
Me:Whyar
eyoudodgi
ngmyquest
ions?Ar
eyou
hav
ingmefol
l
owed?
Hi
m:Thebr
acel
etIboughty
ouandmadey
ou
promiset
onev err
emoveitf
rom y
ourwri
sthasa
tr
ackeronit
.I'
m nothav
ingyouf
oll
owed.
Ispr
angof
fmyf
eet
.
Me:
Ithaswhat?Ar
eyoucr
azy
?
Il
ookedatmywr
ist
.
Hi
m:Si
tdown.
Thatwasver
ypoli
te.Il
ookedathi
m andhehada
bl
anklookpl
ast
eredonhisface.
"
SitdownSnenhl
anhl
a."
Il
oweredmy
sel
fbackont
hebedandcr
ossedmy
l
egs.
"Idi
dthatbecauseI'
mv er
yconcernedaboutyour
safet
y.Idi
dn'twanttobeuneasyeveryt
imeyou'
re
notbymysi de.Notaft
eryougotcaptur
ed.
"
Me:I
'
m notsome12y ear
sol
dki
dOzi
thobi
l
e.Ican
t
akecar
eofmy sel
f.
Hi
m:I
sthatso?
Iwasver
yrel
uctanttoanswert
othatbecauseofthe
wayhewaslookingatmeButIjusthadtorepl
y.
Me:
Yes.
Thatwasn'
tsoconv
inci
ng.
Hi
m: Didyouprot
ecty
oursel
fwhenMeaganhady ou
ki
dnapped?Didyoupr
otectyour
sel
fagai
nstt
hatguy
l
astnight
?
Ir
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
"I
tlookst omet hatyoucannotbemor er esponsi
ble
andt hatIover
estimatedy ouri
ntell
igence.AndI '
d
l
iketobel i
evethatI'
mr i
ghtaf t
erhowy ouconducted
yourself
.youwentt othemostdanger ous
neighborhoodandgoty oursel
fdrunkfort hefi
rst
ti
mei ny ourl
if
e.Doest hatsoundr esponsibleto
you?"
Me:NobutI
twasf
ort
hef
ir
stt
imeIj
ustwant
edt
o
hav
efun.
Hi
m:Andt
hat
'ssupposedt
omakei
tri
ght
?
Me:
NobutAmoi
stheon-
Hi
m:Don'
tyoudar
eSnenhl
anhl
a!
Thatcameoutf
ir
m asawar
ningbutl
ow.
"
Don'
tpl
aythatbl
amecardcraponme.Youcannot
f
uckupandblameitonsomeoneel
se.
"
Iwascr
ying.Whyi
shebei
ngsohar
sh.It
houghthe
l
ovedme.
"Icannotover
lookthefactthatyoudidn'
tpickupmy
call
sallni
ghtonlytofi
ndy oupinedagainstawallof
somef uckenpub.Youwer edishonestandy ouI
'
m
notgoingtotakethatl
ayingdown. "
Hewasget
ti
ngpi
ssedof
f.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Myv
oicewast
rembl
i
ng.
Hel
etoutasi
gh.
Hi
m:Comeher
e.
Ist
oodupandsatonhi
slap.
"I
'
m notgoi ngtoletyoubesomeonet haty ou'
renot.
Thisi
sn'tthewomanIf el
linl
ovewi th.IfIwanteda
fl
oozi
e,Icouldhav ef
oundmy sel
foneal ongt i
me
ago.I
'
vewai t
edforamor edecentwomant ocross
mypathandt hatwasy ou.You'r
ev eryexcept i
onal
andIdon'twanty outoloosey ourself
.I'm notbeing
harshbecauseIwantt ohurtyourfeeli
ngs.AndI '
m
alsonottryi
ngtobedomi nantandbel i
ttl
ey ou.But
i
t'smydut ytomakesur eyoubecomet hebestwi f
-.
..
Lookbaby ,Iunder
tandthatyou'r
estil
lyoungbutI '
m
heretomol dyou.AndI '
m goingtocomeacr ossas
harshattimesbutthat'
sbecauseIl oveyousomuch.
Idon'tappreci
atehowy ouconductedy ourselfl
ast
nightandI'
m notgoingtoletitgowi t
houty oufaci
ng
quencequensesofy ouracti
ons.Youhav et obe
repremended."
Me:
howam Igonnagetmypuni
shment
?
Hechuchked.
Him:Ar
en'
tyousoi
mpat
ient
?You'
l
lhav
etowai
tand
see.
Hepushedst
anceofmyaf
robackandpl
ayedwi
thi
t.
"
Ist
her
emedymaki
ngy
ouf
eel
anybet
ter
?"
Me:
YesbutIj
ustf
eel
funny
.
Him: Al
coholisnotforbabi
esmyl ov
e.Andi
s
certai
nlynotforwomen.Ift
here'
sanybodyt
hat
disgustmet othecore,i
sadri
nki
ngwoman.
Me:Pl
easelet
'snotgobackther
e.Ihear
dy oul
oud
andcl
earandit'
snotgoi
ngtohappenagain.
Hi
m:I
tbet
ternotbecauseIdon'
ttakeki
ndt
oempt
y
pr
omi
ses.
Hekeptpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhai
r.
"
Itneedssomeat
tent
ionshame.
"
Me:
Leav
emyhai
ral
onepl
ease.
Hel
augh.
Hi
m:Thi
sAmocheeki
sver
yrat
chet
.
Ipunchedhi
schest
.
Me:
Baaaby
.
Him:Comeonbaby.Youknowi
t'
str
ue.Shel
ookes
l
ikeshecanst
andoneononewit
haman.
Her:I
fonl
yyouknewshewantoneofy
ourbr
other
s
shame.
Him: What?Never.Notthatshe'
sbadoranyt
hingbut
she'sdef
inat
elynotBanzi'
spieceofcakeandLwazi
i
sn'tthegent
letype.They'
llki
ll
eachother
.
Me:
Hai
she'
snott
hatbadhao.
Hi
m:Babe.
..
you'
rej
ustusedt
oher
.
Me:
hai
suka.
Wel
aughi
tof
f.
"
Weshoul
dpr
obabl
ygetgoi
ng.
"
Hi
m:Andwhenshoul
dIcomepi
cky
ouup?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Hi
m:I
'l
ltr
ansf
ermoneyi
ntoyouraccount.Pl
easego
doamakeover.I
'
mtaki
ngyououtfordinnert
onight
.
Me:
WhataboutAmo.
Hegotmeof
fhi
slabandst
oodup.
Hi
m:Whatabouther
?
Me:
She'
l
lgetbor
ed.
Him: Shemustfi
ndher
sel
famanorr
etur
nto
Jorburgtoday
.
Hewal
kedout
.
"
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
."
Heshout
ed.
Iheadedupst
air
sandf
oundherf
udget
ingwi
thher
phone.
Me:
Hey
Her
:Kuni
nini
upst
air
s?Makeupsex?
Thi
sonereal
lyneedsdel
i
ver
ance.I
'
m unabl
etocan
wit
hhershame.
Me:
I'
m notaddi
ctedt
osexAmo.
Her
:Yeahri
ght.Anyway
, Ihav
etogobackt
oJor
bur
g
t
oday.I
bhar
iyam iy
angfuna.
Me:Haukanti
you'
vegotaman?Yety ou'
vegoty
our
ey
esgall
avant
ingal
loverandsal
i
vat
ingonother
men.
Shel
augh.
Her
:IdobutIst
il
lneedat
ast
eoft
heLangabr
other
s.
Shewi
nked.
Me:
Whaty
ouneedi
sJesus.l
et'
sgo.
Ical
l
edacabandwel
eft
.
Myphonebeeped.R5000wastransf
aredint
omy
account
.If
eltmycl
itdotheThusoPhala.

-
LangaResi
dence.
Nar
rat
ed.

Ozi Langai nvi

tedhi sbrother sandf atherf orl uncht o
discusssomeper sonalaf fairs.Hewasgoi ngt oask
them t orepresenthimi nl obol anegot iati
onsf or
Snenhl anhlaKhumal oASAP.Hei sheadov erheel s
i
nl ovewi t
hheranddi dn'tneedanyt imef ramet o
dictatehisassur anceabouthi sfut urewi thher .He'
s
nev erbeensur eaboutany t hi
ngi nhi slif
ebef or e,hi
s
wor ds,Notmi ne.Hef el
tgui lt
yf orget tingpr ivileges
ofherwhi l
ehe'sj ustamer eboy fr
iend.Al so. .
.hewas
get t
ingtir
edoft heupanddownmov ement s.The
sleepi nsandout sf r
om di fferentpl acesi nor derfor
them t obewi theachot herev er y
daywasn' tr eal l
y
i
deal f
orhim.Despi t
ethef actt hathe' sahar dcor e
andsupersexybusi nessman, hewasst il
l deepl y
rooted.He'saZul u,noty ourev erydayt y
pical but
yourcl assyandsophi sticatedZul uman.Hi sSt ayin
theU. Sdur inghi sHar var dUni ver si
tyy ear sdidn' t
det achhi mf rom hi sroot sandsohewant edtodo
thingsr i
ghtandbyt hebookandmar r
yt hel oveof
hisl i
fe.Somanywomen' shear tsar egoi ngt oget
brokenwhent heyl earnhe' sof fthemar ketbecause
theyal lwantapi eceofhi m andhopedt hey '
d
becomeMr sLanga.Ozi Langai sr umour edt obea
l
adi esmanandhasar eput ationaboutbei ngv ery
picky .Ev erywomanhe' sev erdat edwasuni quel y
beaut iful i
nsuchawayt hatt heywoul dt urnheads
ever ywher et heywent .Themedi a'sobser vati
ons
howev er,
isthatev erysi zzli
nghotbusi nesst y
coon
outt her estr uggl estokeepi tzipped.Theybel ievea
manofhi scal i
br eandst atusshoul dmov ef r
om one
woman' sbedt oanot heral soj udgi ngbyt hefactt hat
womenev er ywher ewant edapi eceofhi m.
Sur prisinglyt hechar i
smat i
candhunkyCEOhasgot
hisey esononewomanandonewoman
only ,
Snenhl anhl aKhumal o.She' sal lhewant sandal l
sheneeds.Shei swhatmakeshi mf eel fulfi
ll
ed.He
sawav eryv i
v i
dpi ctureofhi sf utur epr ojectedi nthe
dept hofherey est hef i
rstdayshesawherand
coul
dn'
tst
opwonderi
nghowbeaut
if
ulthei
rbabi
es
woul
dlookwi
thherasthei
rmot
hersi
ncethatday.
I
nser
t21
(
Unedi
tedandshor
t)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.
Hav ey ouev erf
el tchestpai nsduet ol oving
someone?Andt heonl yt
hingy ouev erwantt odoi s
l
ivey ourl i
fewaki ngupnextt o, expl
oringlife, shari
ng
dreamswi thandmaki ngt hem happy?Thi sisav ery
foreignexper i
enceI '
m hav ingsi ncemyent ire
existenceofknowi ngany bodybutSnenhl ahl a
Khumal o.Thewomani smaki ngmef eel t
hi ngsI '
ve
nev erfeltaboutany bodybef ore.Beingr aisedbymy
fatheronl y,deniedmeapr ev il
lagetoexhi bi tthe
projectionandanexchangeofl ovebet weenhi m and
ourmot her.Her ai sedust hebestwayheknewhow
andhadav eryfewdemonst rationsofl ovet oshow
tomybr ot
her sandI .Idon' tknowaboutt hem butI
wishIhadt hepr ev i
llageofseei nghiml ov ingmy
mot her.Thatway ,Iwoul dhav eexper i
encedwhati t
meanst ol ov eawomant hroughmyt hem.
Snenhlahl
ai sn'
tthemostbeaut if
ulwomanI '
veever
dated.Herbeautyisnat ur
alwithouteffor
ts.She
wakesupi nt hemorninglikeshejusttookashower
fr
om heav en.Ihadanexwhom I '
dl i
ketobelieve
wast hemostbeaut if
ulthen,butshenev er,
ev enfor
oneday ,mademef eelhowIf eelaboutSne.
Iopenedt heri
ngcaseandit'
sdi amondcli
tt
ered.A
womanl ikeSnenhlanhl
adeservestohavethi
skind
ofaringonhermat r
imoni
alfi
nger.Andtoni
ght,I'
m
sl
it
ti
ngi tin.I
'
mt aki
ngastepinmaki nghermine.
Iputonmyblazerandgr
abbedt
hebunchoff
lower
s
thatwerel
ayi
ngdownontopoft
hetabl
eal
ongwith
carkeysandexi
ted.
Journey
susual
l
ytakelongerandyouonl
yhatet
he
roadwhenyou'
reant
ici
pati
ngtoseesomeone.
I
t'
squar
terpast8andI
'
m speedi
ngont
heN4hi
gh
way.
Iar
ri
vedatt
her
esi
denceandmademywayi
n.
Iknockedatt
hedoorandsheopenedshor
tl
y .Our
eyesmetandIcoul
dn'thel
pbutgr
inl
ikeanidiot
.
Her
:Hey
.
Shef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Me:
Hibaby
.Youl
ookbr
eat
htaki
ng.
Ist
eppedcl
oserandki
ssedherneck.
"
Yousmel
lgoodei
ther
."
Her
:Thanky
ou.
Shebl
ushed.Ihandedhert
hef
lower
s.
Me:
Youl
ookami
l
li
ondol
l
ar.
Shewaswear i
ngacr eam ti
ghtlongsleeveddr ess
wit
hcol l
ars.I
twasr evel
li
nghercleavageal l
theway
downt oherbell
ybut t
on.Thedresswashuggi ngher
i
nalltherightpl
aces.Shecompl imentedthel ook
wit
hrosegol d7inchst i
l
ettos,
ar osegoldwr i
st
watchanddangl i
ngear i
ngs.Herhairwasr evi
v ed
andhandf reesty
led.Shelookedpower ful
.
Shet
ookt
hef
lower
sandsmel
l
edt
hem.
Her:Thanky
oubaby
.Theyar
ebeaut
if
ulandsmel
l
good.
Me:
Notasbeaut
if
ulasy
ouar
e.Shal
lwel
eav
e?
Her
:Yes.Letmequi
ckl
yputt
hem i
nsi
deav
aset
hen
we'
l
lleav
e.
Shet ur
nedt ofacethekickencounterandgaveme
theviewofherf ir
m assthatwasstickingoutofthat
dress.Iti
lt
edmyheadt othesidetotakeagood
l
ookandst uckmyt oungeouttomoi st
enmyl ips.
Damn! Shewasdoneshor tl
yandwel ockedthedoor
andwal kedout.
Ihel
dherhandallt
hewayt
othecar
.Iopenedthe
doorforhert
henIwal
kedt
omysideandsteppedin.
Ii
gni
tedt
hecarengi
neandwedr
oveof
f.
Me:
Howwasy
ourday
?
Itur
nedt
olookathert
henf
ocusedont
her
oad
agai
n.
Her
:Itwasbusy .Inevershopedt
il
lIdr
oppedunti
l
l
t
oday.Thesalonwaspackedt ocapaci
tyandIwas
j
ustgoingcrazywaiti
ng.
Il
ookedatherbr
ief
lywi
thast
upi
dsmi
l
epl
ast
ered
onmyface.
Thi
swomani
sri
dicul
ousl
ybeaut
if
ul.
Me:Itwaswort
hi ti
fyouaskme.Youl
ook
absol
utel
yst
unning.
Shebl
ushed.
Her:Enoughwi
tht
hecompl
i
ment
s.Theymaki
ngme
shy
.
It
ookherhandi nmindandplay
edwi
thher
matri
monial
finger
.Shehadnoabsol
utei
deaand
di
dn'tev
engetthehint.Ismi
l
edandwedrov
eaway
whil
econver
sing.
*
***
***
*

-
Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
Wearri
vedatt
hemostextravagantandexpensi
ve
l
ooki
ngrest
auranti
nBrookl
yn.Hecamet omysi de
oft
hedoorandhelpedmestepout .
Aff
luentmenli
keOzi
Langaal
way
sgoal
loutt
o
l
ookingthei
rbest
.
Hewaswear i
nganav ybl
uepoloneckwit
hadark
str
ipedgreytwopiecesuit
.Hefil
ledi
tupni
cel
ythat
theblazzerwashugginghi
sbicepsandhi
sabbs
wer
eozzi ngunderneatht
heblazerandpoloneck.
Hi
spant swerereveali
nghisf
itquadri
cepsandhe
waslookingfl
athandsome.
Hetookmyhandi nhisandwewal kedi
n.Wegot
usher
edtoourtabl
eandaswewal kedi
n,Inoti
ced
thepl
acewasempt yandtherewasonlyonetable
andther
estoftheplaceshadRedandWhi t
eflower
pedal
sall
overthefl
oor.Theli
ghtsweredi
medand
candl
eswereon.Iwasmesmer ized.
Me:
Whyi
sthi
spl
aceempt
y?
Ienqui
redl
ooki
ngar
oundandadmi
ri
ngt
hewhol
e
set-
up.
Hi
m:Ibookedt
hewhol
erest
aur
antt
oni
ght
.
Hepul
ledmychairandIsatdown.Hewalkedt
ohis
si
deofthetabl
e,t
ookhisbl
azeroffandhungi
ton
hi
schairbef
oreswiv
eli
ngdown.
Me:
Youdi
d?
Hi
m: Yesbaby
.Iwant
edust
ohav
eagoodt
ime
al
one.
Hel
ookedatmeandhi
sey
eswer
est
rangel
y
compel
l
ing.
Me:
Ilov
eit
.Itl
ooksbeaut
if
ul.
Heext
endedhishandacrosst
het
abl
eandt
ook
minei
nhisandkissedi
t.
Hi
m: Youl
ooksoamazi
ng.I
'
mfai
l
ingt
ocont
ain
myself
.
Me: Whatyou'
ref
eel
i
ngisnothingcompar edtohow
Ifeeleacht
imeIl
aymyey esony ou.Ist
il
lcannot
beli
evehowamanofy ourcal
ibrecouldfall
foragi
rl
l
ikeme.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m: Youhol
dnoi
deahowmuchofadi
mey
ouar
e,
doyou?
Ishookmyheadl
i
ght
ly.
"Myplanistoli
vemyl
i
femaki
ngy
our
eal
i
set
hat
aboutyoursel
f.
"
Awai
tercamewi
thourst
ater
sandwei
ndul
ged.
"Ihopeyou'r
enotall
egict
oanythi
ngbecauseI
couldn'
task.Ot
herwiseIwoul
dhaverai
sed
suspensi
onsaboutt
hissur
pri
se.
"
Me:Igrewupavaragebaby.Poorandmi
ddl
ecl
ass
don'
tsuff
erf
rom all
egi
es.
Hel
aught
hrowi
nghi
sheadback.
Ourmai
ncour
sedi
nnercameandwedi
ggedi
n.
"
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llst
omachal
lthi
s."
Hewasclear
lyenj
oyi
nghi
sfoodbecausehewasal
l
smi
les.
Him:Buty
ouhav
en'
ttouchedmuchofi
t.Don'
tyou
l
ikei
t?
Hecutapi
eceofmeantandf
edme.
"
Wecanshar
emymeal
ify
oudon'
tl
ikey
our
s."
Me:No.It
'snott
hat
.Idon'
twantt
osuf
ferf
rom
const
ipat
ion.
Hi
m: Oh,
wel
l
,Iwon'
tl
etal
lthi
sgoodf
oodgot
o
wast
e.
Heconti
nuedtoeatwhi
leIindul
gedonmy
Appl
eti
zerandweconvesed.
Hef
ini
shedupshor
tl
yandt
hewai
tercl
ear
edt
he
t
abl
e.
Musicplayedsof
tl
yfrom t
hespeakersandafamil
i
ar
voicecameoutther
eaft
er.It
urnedtoseeitwas
Press.Ihel
dmycheeksinshock.
Hecamet owar
dsusandsangthelyr
icsf
rom t
he
songt
it
led:KeRat
aWena,thatOzi
langal
ovesso
much.

'
Cetokei nkil
e..
.Ngwanenwakeamony al
a..
.Ican'
t
i
maginel if
ewi t
houtyou,
bakampabar eo
nj
esi
tse..kehopolatsat
sil
apelekeobona...
your
smil
ebr i
ghtenupmydaybaby ..
.you'
rethebeatinmy
hear
t.
..oncetamatlababy.
..
akesakgonal ego
i
tswara'

Itur
nedt ol
ookatOziandfoundhim kneel
eddown
onhiskneewithanopenedringcaseinhishand.My
j
awsdr oppedtothef
loorandmyhandshel dmy
cheeks.Iwasblownaway.Themusicsoundt oned
down
Hi
m:Baby
..
.
Hi
svoicewasquiv
eri
ngandhiseyeswer
ered.He
wastr
yingbyal
lmeanstosuppr
essthet
earsthat
wer
ebr eami
ngi
nhiseyes.
"Thankyouforfi
dgetingonyourphoneandbumpi ng
i
ntomet heotherday.BecausethenIwouldn'thave
mety ouwhenIdid.IknowI '
veonlyknowny oufora
shortwhil
ebutIreal
isedmywhol eli
fehadno
meaningunti
lly
oucamei ni
t.Idon'
tknowwhatt he
futur
eholdsbutIpromisetoli
vemywhol eli
fe
makingyouhappy .
"
Iwascrayi
ng.Tearscamerol
li
ngdownmycheeks
andIgaveuptryi
ngtowipethem of
f.
"Il
oveyouSnenhl
anhl
aKhumalo.AndIwantt
o
spendall
thedaysofmylif
ewit
hyoubymyside.
Wouldyouful
fi
llmydreamsandbemywife?"
Idi
dn'
twantt
olethi
mfi
nish.
Me:
Yes.
Hewi
denedhi
sey
esandbl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imes
Hi
m:Yes?
Heenqui
redcar
eful
l
y.
Me:
Yesbaby
.I'
l
lmar
ryy
ou.
Hesprangoffhi
sfeetandpickedmeupf
rom t
he
chai
randspanmear ound.
Ihuggedhisneckandgi
ggl
edwithjoy.Heputme
downandt ookmyhandinhi
sandsl i
ttheport
able
onepiecedimondri
ngonmyfingerandkissedit
.
Hi
m:per
fect
.
Me:I
t'
saper
fectf
itbaby
.Howdi
dyouknowi
twoul
d
f
it
.
Hesmi
rked.
Hi
m: l
et'
sjustsay
,Imeasur
edy
ourf
ingerwhi
l
eyou
wer
esleepingoneni
ght.
Ipunchedhi
sabbsl
i
ght
ly.
"You'
remaki
ngahabi
tofpunchi
ngmebaby
.That
'
s
abuse."
Ibusti
ntol
aught
er.
Me:
I'
m sor
rymyl
ove.MrLangawami
.
Hehadt
hisst
upi
dgr
inonhi
sfacebymecal
l
inghi
m
t
hat
.
Hi
m:Sayt
hatagai
n?
Me:MrLanga,Sot
hobe,
Sodumase,
Madev
u
aqgabul
'
inkomi
shi
..
.
Hebustouti
ntol
aught
erhangi
nghi
sheadbackon
ai
r.
Hi
m:Wher
edi
dyoul
ear
nthatbaby
?
Me:
Idi
dmyr
esear
ch.
Hi
m:I
sit
?Kudal
aungf
unawena.
Webot hl
aughandhepulledmebymywai stgentl
y
andtookmyli
psi nt
ohisandtheyl
ocked.Wekissed
wit
hourli
psexplori
ngoneachother
'sowntune.
Hebr
okei
tandpl
acedasof
tpeckonmyf
orehead.
"
Ilov
eyoubaby
."
Hel
ookedi
nsi
demyey
ebal
l
sandIl
ookedi
ntohi
s.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Themusi
ccameupandPr
esscont
uinedt
osi
ng.
Herest
edhi
sfor
eheadonmi
neandwedanced
sl
owly.
Me:
Iti
smeory
oul
ovePr
ess'
ssongs.
Hesmiledwidel
y.I
t'
sri
dicul
ous.Icannot
comprehendhowaZulumanl ikehimlovesTswana
songs.
Hi
m: Hi
ssongsconveysdeepmeaningsofl
ove
st
handwasam.ImightbeZulubutIknowgood
musi
cwhenIhearone.Andpressisoneofthose
ar
ti
stsf
orme.
Wecontuinedt
odancewhilel
it
eningtoPress
si
ngingt
ousl i
ve.I
'
m sweapedoff
.Nobody '
sever
donethi
sforme.Me..
.awholeSnehlanhl
aKhumalo,
vi
ll
agegir
l.Whatatwi
stoffat
e.
Il
ookedatmyf ingerthatgl
i
tter
edfrom t
his
beautuf
uldiamondringandasmi l
ecreepedfr
om
eartoear.
Wecont
uinedt
oenj
oywhatwasl
eftoft
heni
ght
.
I
nser
t22
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

-
Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
Iwaschai neddownt othebedwi thbot hmyl egs
andar mspar ted.Itri
edt oscr eam atthetopofmy
l
ungsbutt hev oi
cewasn' tcomi ngout.Myt hroat
wassodr yf rom allthecryingandscr eamingI '
ve
beendoing.Shel ookeddownonmeandl etoutan
evi
llaughter .Shewaswear inggl ovesthatwer e
coveredinbl ood.Inherhandsshehadsci ssorsthat
weredr i
ppingoft hesamebl ood.Itri
edtomov ebut
mybodywasnumb.Il ookedov erwhenIr eal
isedthe
bumpwasn' tthereany more.It urnedtolookather
wit
ht earsf alli
ngdownf rom eachconerofmyey es.
Me:
Wher
eismybabyMeagan?
Shecont
inuedt
olaughi
nthemostev
ilway
.
"WHERETHEHELLI
SMYBABY?WHATDI
DYOUDO
TOMYBABY?"
Iwi
mper
d.
Her
:SHUTUP!
!
shedemanded.
"Iwarnedyout
ostayt hef
uckawayf
rom myman
butyoudidnotl
ist
en.Oziismi
neandI'
l
ldowat
ever
i
ttakestohavehim back.
"
Shetookofft
hegl
ovesandherfi
ngergl
i
t t
eredf
rom
thedi
amondthatr
efl
ect
edfrom t
heli
ght.Sheki
ssed
i
tandlookedatme.
"YouseeSne. ..
thisiswhathappenswheny oucome
from whi cheverhellholethatyoucamef rom and
takeov ermyl i
fe.Thisri
ngwassupposedt ome
mi ne.Al ongwi ththatbabyy ouwer ecar
ri
ng.Buty ou
deci dedt ohav ewhatwasmeantf orme.Don' tbe
alarmedt hough,yourbabyi ssafeandI'
l
lraiseit
toget herwi thOzi andweshal lli
vehappi
lyev eraft
er
l
ikeaper fecthappyf amil
ythatwewer emeantt obe,
bef orey oui nt
ruded."
Me:
NOOOOOOOOO!
Ij
umpedof
ffr
om mysl
eepandwokeup.
IfoundOzi
looki
ngdownatmewi
thaf
rownonhi
s
face.
Hi
m:Hey.Heyheyhey
.It
'sokaybaby
.Youwer
ejust
dr
eami
ng.
Igl
ancedaroundfr
anti
c.Iwaspanti
ngandsoaki
ng
wetinthepi
jamasthatIwasweari
ng.
Il
ookedatOzi
andhel
dhi
mfordearl
i
fe.
Iwi
mper
dinhi
sar
msandhecomf
ort
edme.
"I
t'
sokaymyl
ove.I
twasj
ustabaddr
eam.I
'
m her
e
now."
Ifi
nal
l
ypl
acat
ed.Il
ookedathim bef
orel
ooki
ng
downonmytummyandt ouchedit
.
"
Whati
sitbaby
?"
Me:
Idr
eamedIwa-
Icouldn'
tfi
nishthatsentence.Ispr
angof
ftot
he
toil
etandpuked.Ifelthi
shandbr ushi
ngmegent
ly
onmyback.Hewal kedoutandcamebackwi tha
glassofwater.
"
Her
e,dr
inkt
his.Ther
e'snot
hingcomi
ngout
any
mor
e."
Ir
aisedmyscrunched-
upfaceandt
ookt
hegl
assof
waterandgul
peditdown.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Henoddedl
ooki
ngatmewi
thaf
rownpl
ast
eredon
hi
sface.
Ibr
ushedmyteet
handri
nsedmyfacewi
thwar
m
watert
henwal
kedout
.Hefol
lowedme.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yes.Iam now.
Hi
m:What
'swr
ong?Youv
omi
tof
tenl
atel
y.
Me:Howam Isupposedt
oknowt
hatOzi
?Am Ia
doct
or?
Ilashedoutandr
egr
etedi
tal
mostimmediat
ely
.I
raisedmyeyesandf
oundhimlooki
ngatmewithso
muchr emose.
"
I'
m sor
ry.I
sjust
..
.Idon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
th
me."
Hi
m:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhaty
ouwer
e
dr
eami
ngabout
?
Me:
No.Nott
oday
.Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Him:Okay.CanIbookyouanappoi
ntmenttoseea
doct
oratl
east?Ihat
etoseeyoupukeli
kethat
.And
i
t'
shappeningmoreoft
ennow.
Me:
Ihav
etogot
oschool
.I'
vegotat
estt
oday
.
Hi
m:Whatt
ime?
Me:
12P.
M.
Hi
m:Can'
tIbooki
tforaf
ter
noont
hen?
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:
You'
renotgoi
ngt
oleti
tgoi
fIr
efuse,
wil
lyou?
Him:No,Iwont.I
t'
simperat
ivet
haty
oudoandI
needtoknowifevery
thi
ngisokaywi
thy
ou.You'
re
myfinacéeaf
teral
l.
It
urnedt
olookathi
m andhewassmi
l
ingwi
del
y.
Me:Arethesetheper
ksofbeingsomeone'
sfi
nacée
orofbei
ngy our
sinpart
icul
ar?
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:I
tcomeswi
thbei
ngaf
utur
eMr
sLanga.
Il
ookedatmyel
egentr
ingandf
lashedasmi
l
e.
"I
tlooksev
enmorebeaut
if
uldur
ingt
heday.Il
ovei
t
somuch.Thanky
oubaby.Youcanbooki
tfor4P.M
pl
ease."
Iwentovert
ohi
m andhuggedhi
swai
standl
ooked
upathim.
Him: I
t'
sapleasureSthandwasam.Ihadjust
fi
nishedpreapri
ngbreakfastwhenIcameupher
e.I
don'tknowifyou'l
lbeabletostomachany
thi
ngnow
thatyouvomited.
Me:
Itwoul
dn'
thur
ttot
ry.
Heki
ssedmyf or
eheadandt
ookmebyt
hehandand
weheadeddownstai
rs.
Ifoundthet
abl
eal
readysetupandt
hef
oodl
ooked
appeti
zi
ng.
"
Hmm.Thi
slooksmout
hwat
eri
ng.Icangetusedt
o
i
t"
Isai
dswivel
i
ngdownonmychair.Hesatopposi
t
meandlaughshaki
nghi
shead.
Hi
m: Dontgetusedt
oit
.Idon'
tl
ikebei
ngi
nthe
ki
tchen.
Me:
Buty
ou'
reabestcook.
Him:That'
sbecauseIhadtol
earnhowtocook
duri
ngmyuniversit
ydaysi
ntheU.S.t
akeawaycan
denyoneofthezestofhomecookedmeals.SoI
tookcooki
ngclassest
osurvi
ve.
Me: Wow.NowIknowIwon' teventr
ytocookfor
you.Itwasbet
terwhenIdi
dn'tknowall
thaty
oujust
t
oldmenow.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Wehav
eourwhol
eli
vesf
ormet
oteachy
ou.
Hewinkedanddi
ggedi
nhi
sfood.Ij
oinedi
nonmi
ne
al
so.
Me:
Whatt
imedi
dyouwakeup?
Hi
m: Iwokeuparound5a.m andappreci
atedy our
sl
eepingbeaut
ythenIgotuparoundsixt
opr epare
br
eakf ast
.
Me:You'
rev
erynaught
ybaby
.Butwhydoy
ou
al
wayswakeupsoearly
?
Weconv
esedwhi
l
eeat
ing.
Him:Irunamul t
ibi
ll
i
onr andcompanybabe.Ihav e
toworkhardorelsetheLangaempirewill
collapse.
Andany wayyouknowwhatt heysay.
..
Earl
ytobed
andearlytor
isemakesamanheal t
hy,wealt
hyand
wise.
Me:Wheredoyougetal
lthet
imet
ojuggl
e
ev
eryt
hingi
nyourl
if
ethough?
Hehadhi
sheadbur
iedi
nhi
spl
ate.
Hi
m: I
'
m aprowhenitcomest
oti
memanagement
.
I
'mveryst
ri
ctsot
hatworkesf
orme.
Me:
I'
ll
lear
nat
hingort
wot
hen
Hi
m:Yousur
ewi
l
l.Sot
ell
mebaby
..
.
Hewi pedhismout hwit
haclothandleanedfoward
onthet abl
e.Hewassuddenlyint
imidati
ng.He
l
ookedatmest r
aighti
ntheeyes.Idon'
tthi
nkI'
llev
er
getusedt ohi
sserioussel
f.
Il
ear
nedbackwar
donmyseatandpai
dat
tent
iont
o
hi
m.
"
Whowi
l
lhandl
eyourl
obol
anegot
iat
ionswhenI
sentmypeopl
etoy
ourhouse?
"
Iheavedandrubbedmyey es.Iknewsomedayt
his
wouldhappenbutIjustdi
dn'tt
hinki
twoul
dbeso
quick.
Me:Idon'
tknowbutI'
m guessi
ngmyf ather
's
br
other
swoul ddi
etobetheresothey'
dsharethe
money.auntNosiwi
ll
bethereei
therasmyaunt .
Hi
m:Aty
ourgr
andmot
her
'shouse?
Me:
Yes.
Il
etoutasi
gh.
"
Iwi
shwe'del
opeorsomet
hing.Theydon'
tdeser
ve
t
ogetacent
."
Hi
m:Nobaby
.Iknowy oudon'
tli
ket
hem muchbut
wehavet
odotheri
ghtthi
ng.I
t'
snotaboutmoney
ev
en.
Me: Theydi
dn'
traisemebaby
.Whyar
ethey
deservi
ngofmyl obol
amoney?
Him:Becausethei
rbrot
herrai
sedyouashisown
andnowhe'snotheretohandlet
heaffai
rs.Theyar
e
ther
ightpeopl
etotakeovernow.Besi
des..
.Iwantt
o
marryyouf
airandsquare.Al
so.
..
Iwanty
out
otake
pr
ideinbei
ngmywi fe.
Hepushedhi
schai
rbackandst
oodup.
"
Letmegoj
otdownal
ett
erI
'
llbesendi
ngt
othem
t
hen.
"
Me:
Alr
eady
?
Him:Iwanttohavey
ouasmywi f
eonceandforal
l
.
ThatauntNosiwomanuyadel
elaandIwanther
al
ongwi t
hhergoonoffmycase.
Hej
oggedupt
hest
air
case.
Me:
I'
ll
dot
hedi
shest
hen.
Hi
m:Thanky
ou.
Heshout
edanddi
sappr
eadupst
air
s.
Iwashedthedi
shesandmam Rosewal
keddown
thest
air
caseandhurr
iedt
ome.
Mam Rose:
Ohno, pl
easemt anam.Uzawundi
qot
hisa
emsebemzi
ni.Khawuyekeezizi
tj
awethu.
Shet
ookoutmyhandsf
rom t
hesi
nk.
Me:Hai
bomama.I
t'
sokay
.Ij
ustwantt
ohel
p.I
i
nsi
st.
Her
:Nopl
ease.I
t'
smyj
ob.Yousi
tdownandr
elax.
Me:
Okayke.
Ipull
edtheki
ckenstool
andsatdown.Ifi
ddledon
myphoneandt ext
edeverybodyi
nmysmal lci
rcl
e
sharingt
hegoodnewswi t
h.Shekeptst
eal
ing
glancesofme.
Mam Rose:
URi
ght
?
Me:
Yeboma.Yi
ndaba?
Shesmil
ed.I
sthi
swomanokayupst
air
sorshe'
sjust
afanofsmil
es.
Her
:Uy
aglowisha.Undi
khumbuzamnangel
axesha
ndi
mit
hii
fir
stbornyam.
Shegr
inned.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanma?
Ishi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
yonmysi
tandf
ixedmyt
-shi
rt
.
Her
:Youar
epr
egnantwet
hu.
I
'm what
?She'scr
azy.Whotol
dherthi
snonesense?
Al
so,can'
tshemindherownbusi
ness.Nxa!
Me:
That
'snonesensema.I
'
m notpr
egnantmi
na.
Ist
oodup.
"
PleaseExcuessme.
"
Iheadedupstai
rsandtur
nedtofaceheragai
n.She
wasstil
lsmil
ingli
kearet
ard.Whattheact
ual
lyfuck.
Suchaudacit
ythough.
Iwal
kedi
nthebedr
oom anddi
dn'
tfi
ndOzi
ther
e.
Me:
Baby
..
.
Ishout
ed.
Hi
m:I
nmyof
fi
ce.
..
Heshout
edback.
Iwal
kedouttohisoff
iceandf
oundhim swi
vel
edon
hi
schairgazi
ngonthelapt
opscr
een.Hehad
gl
asseson.
Me:
Youwi
l
lnotbel
i
evet
his?
Hespanhi
schai
rar
oundt
ofacemydi
rect
ion.He
pushedhi
sgl
assesupt
hebr
idgeofhi
snoseand
l
ookedatme.
Ismi
ledatt
hisv
iew.Hel
ookedsocut
eanddi
ff
erent
i
nthose.
Me:Doyourempl
oyeesknowyouarel
ess
i
nti
midat
ingwi
thyourgl
asseson?
Hi
m:Ar
eyouhi
nti
ngt
hatI
'
m cut
e?
Hesmi
ledandIgi
ggl
edwhi
l
est
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
f
rame.
Me:
Yesbaby
.
Hi
m: Don'
tl
ett
hem heary
ousayt
hat
.They
'l
lst
op
r
especti
ngme.
Il
augh.
"
Whatdi
dyouwantt
otel
lme?
"
Me:
Uhm..
.ur
gIf
orgot
.Itpr
obabl
ywasn'
tthat
i
mport
ant
.
Hi
m:I
'
mthatdi
str
uct
ive?
Hebi
dhi
sbi
tt
om l
i
p.
Me:
Noy
ou'
renot
.
Hi
m:pr
oov
eitt
hen.
Hegotupf r
om hischai
randmoti
onedtomy
di
rect
ion.Hepull
edmei nandcl
osedthedoor
behi
nd.
"
Kissme.
"
Hewaskissi
ngmyneckandhishandwas
wander
ingonmyass.Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
hmm.
Hesmashedhi sl
i
psonmineandwekissed.Iwas
breathi
ngheav
yunti
l
lhedeci
dedt
obrakethekiss.I
sulked.
"
Whyar
eyout
easi
ngme?
"
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Sitdownther
e'ssomethi
ngmor
eimpor
tant
t
hansexIwanttotel
lyou.
Isatont
oofhi
sdeskandl
ookedathi
m.
"
Ispoketomylawyerf
ri
endandheagreedtohel
ping
y
ouwi t
hhavi
ngaccesstoyourpar
ent
'shouse
agai
n."
Ij
umpeddownandhuggedhi
m dear
ly.
Hi
m:You'
l
lbr
akemybonesbaby
.
Ipul
l
edof
fandki
ssedhi
sfaceal
lov
er.
Hewasl
aughi
ngl
i
keasmal
lboy
.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchbaby
.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.CanIgetaqui
ckynow?
Me:
Yes.
Ispr
angof
fandr
anoutl
aughi
ngt
othebedr
oom.
Isatdownandcouldn'
tshakeof
fthedream Ihad
aboutMeagan.It
ouchedmybellyandbrushedit
.
I
nser
t23
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
GrowingupIal wayswant edtost udywhatIwas
passionateaboutandf i
tnessasawhol eiswhatI
l
ov e.That'
swhyIst r
ivedtogetgoodmar ksinorder
formet ogetthroughuniversit
yandst udysports
science.Iwaswr i
ti
ngmyf i
rsttestev ertodaysince
andi t
'ssafetosayIsurpassedi t.Inail
edi t
.I
showedi tfl
ames.Iwasmadef ort hi
s.
Iwaspacki
ngmybookswhenSi
zweandAmanda
satdownnextt
ome.
Si
zwe:
Howdi
dyouwr
it
ethet
estnt
wana?
Iwasaboutt
orepl
ywhenIsawAmandalooki
ngat
myhandandheldherchesti
nshock.
Amanda:
OhmyGod.I
sthatwhatIt
hinki
tis?
Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.Shescr
eamedherl
ungs
outandj
umpedov
ert
ome.
Amanda:
Congr
atul
ati
onsdol
l
.Ohmygosh.
Wehugged.Shet
ookmyhandandobser
vedt
he
r
ock.
"
Babe.
..
youshoul
dtakenot
esher
e.Thi
sisar
eal
r
ock.
"
Shel
ookedatSi
zwewhowasj
ustl
ooki
ngatus
l
aughi
ng.
Me: I
'
m st
arv
ingy
ouguys.Let
'sgetsomet
hingt
o
eat
,si
tdownandtal
k.
Wewal kedoutandheadedtothecanteen.We
orderdfoodandsatdown.Inoti
cedtheatt
ent
ion
thatIwasgetti
ngandIdidn'
tunder
standwhy.It
mademef eeluncomf
ort
able.
Twogirl
swer epoi
nti
ngatmewhilest
ari
ng.One
deci
dedtocomeov ertoourt
abl
eanddistur
bedour
peacef
ullunch.
Gi
rl
:Soy
ou'
reOzi
Langa'
sfi
nacee?
Shel
ookedatmewi
thsomuchr
esent
ment
.
Me:
YesIam.
Gi
rl
:Youguy
swon'
tl
ast
.You'
renotev
enhi
sty
pe.
Amanda: Excuessme.Didyourmothernotteach
youtogreetpeople?Ordi
srespecti
sjusthome
brewed?
ShelookedatAmandathenbackatmefrom headto
toebefor
eturni
ngonherheel
sandwalki
ngawayt o
hertabl
e.
Il
ookedatSi
zweandAmandawhower
etot
all
y
amused.
Amanda:
Ser
vesherr
ight
.Bl
oodyhoe.
Si
zwe:
Hai
bobaby
.
Amanda: Nobabe.She'
sgotal
iver
.Whoi
ssheto
rockuponourtableonsome'y
ouguyswontl
ast
'
typeofshir
t?
Shemi
mickedherv
oiceandIj
ustl
augh.
Si
zwe:
Unedr
amakodwa.
Amanda:
Hai
shemustf
uckof
fmaan.Sodol
l
...
Shel
ookedatmewi
thquest
ioni
ngey
es.
"
You'
redat
ingOzi
thobi
l
eLanga?
"
Iclearedmyt hroat
.Iknowwhatthi
smeans.She
probablyknowshi mfir
sthandbecauseherfat
her
whoj ustgotfir
edwaswor ki
ngforhim.He'
smi ght
notbeherbi ggestfanri
ghtnowandwilldi
courage
mef rom dati
nghi m.
Me:
Uhm,
yes.
Iav
oidedherey
es.
Her:Idon'
tper
sonall
yknowt heguybutIknowmy
fat
herworkedathi
scompany .Theyf
ir
edhimthough
j
ustrecent
lyandI'
vegotnoideawhathappened
but.
..
I'
m sohappyforyoubabe.
Irai
sedmyheadt
olookather
.Shewasgenui
nel
y
happyforme.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchMandy
.Thatmeansal
ott
o
me.
Her
:Sowher
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
othatot
herni
ght
?
Webustoutint
olaught
erandIt
oldt
hem what
happened.
Wegoti
nter
rupt
edonceagai
nbyt
wogi
rl
swho
askedtotakeapictur
ewithme.Haibokant
iwhen
didIbecomeKim Kardashi
an?Hai
!Wet ookafew
self
iesandtheytol
dmehowpr ett
yIam andal
l t
hat
stuf
fthentheylef
t.
Me:What'
sgoingonguy
s?Whyam Iget
ti
ngso
muchrecogt
ini
on?
Sizwe:You'
reaboutt
omarr
yoneofthemost
affl
uentbusi
nessmanint
hecount
ry.Whatdoy
ou
expect?
Me:Okaybuthowdopeopl
eknowaboutourl
ove
andper
sonall
if
e?
Amanda:Ozii
salwaysunderaspotl
i
ghtdol
l.You
mightf
indanart
icl
eaboutyouguysonthegossi
p
col
umnev en.
Me:
Whatgossi
pcol
umn?
Amanda:
Letmechecki
fther
e'sany
thi
ng.
Shetookoutherphoneandf i
dgetedoni tt
hengav e
i
ttome.Ther ewasindeedanar t
icl
ewi t
hapi cture
ofOziandIthenightheproposed.Itcover
dal l
t he
ni
ghtdetai
l
sandal sotouchedont hefactthatthe
mi
ght
yOzi
Langai
snol
ongeront
hemar
ket
.
IgaveAmandaherphonebackandr
emai
nedi
n
shock.
Me:Howdidtheyf
indout
?Oz
ibookedt
hewhol
e
r
est
aurantmos?
Si
zwe:
Thi
sisOzi
Langawe'
ret
alki
ngaboutbabygi
rl
.
Thisisr
idi
cul
ous.Iknowmyf i
anceisabusi ness
manbutIwasn' tawarehei
sthi
saf f
luentand
famous.Wecont i
nuedtoeatwhil
etalki
ngabout
stuf
fingener
al.Myphonerang.Icheckedthecall
er
I.
Dandsmi l
ed.Ipickedi
tupandanswer ed.
Me:
Baby
.
Ozi
:HeyWi
fey
.Ar
eyoudone?
Me:
Yes.Iwasst
il
lhav
ingl
unchwi
thmyf
ri
ends.
Ozi
:CanIcomepi
cky
ouupt
hen?
Me:
Yeahsur
e.
Ozi
:I'
l
lcal
lyouwhenIgett
her
e.
Me:
Okay
.By
e.
Ozi
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Bye.
Ozi
:YewenaSnenhl
anhl
a.
Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
BabyI
'
vegotcompany
.
Ozi
:So?Putmeonl
oudspeaker
.Iwanty
ourf
ri
ends
t
oknowthatIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Babyno.You'
rewast
ingt
ime.
Iheadhi
m chuckl
ed.
Ozi
:I'
l
lseey
oushor
tl
ythen.
Me:
Byebabe.
Ihungupandweconti
nedt of
inishourl
unch.My
phonebeepedaf
terawhil
eandi twasamessage
fr
om Ozi
.Hesaidheparkedoutside.
"
Guy
sIhav
etogo.Mymani
sher
etopi
ckmeup.
"
Si
zwe:
Okaywe'
l
lwal
kyouout
.
Wewalkedoutandf
oundhim st
andi
ngnexttohis
carwi
thhi
shandsburr
iedi
nhispocket
s.Ibl
ushed.I
can'
tgetov
erhowhandsomeher
eal
l
yis.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Hesteppedcloserandweshar
edahugbr
ief
ly.I
t
urnedtofaceSizweandAmanda.
"
Guy
sthi
sismyf
ianceOzi
.Ozi
thi
sismysi
-
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
"
Imeanmyf
ri
endAmanda.
"
Heext
endedhi
shandt
oshakeAmanda'
s.
Ozi
:It
'sapl
easur
etomeety
ouMsAmanda.
Amanda:
Likewi
se.
Me:
I'
m sur
eyour
ememberSi
zweov
erher
e.
Il
ookedatSi
zweandhewaspal
eintheface.He
l
ookedli
kehewant
edtor
unforhi
sli
fe.
Ozi
:Fedemyaut
y?
Hefl
ashedasmil
eandf
ormedhi
shandi
ntoaf
ist
andt
heybumped.
Si
zwe:
Grandgr
otman.
Ozi
chuckl
ed.
Ozi
:Cal
lmeOzi
.
Si
zwe:
Sur
esur
egr
ot-ImeanOzi
.
Hest
eppedbackandr
ubbedhi
shandst
oget
her
.
Me:I
'l
lseeyouguyst
omor
row.We'
vegot
somewheretobe.
AmandaandIhuggedt
hent
heyl
eft
.Wegoti
nthe
caranddr
oveaway.
Ozi
:Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouandAmandametal
ready
.
Hegl
ancedatmebr
ief
lybef
oref
ocusi
ngont
her
oad.
Me:We'veonlymetafewdaysago.AndIj
ustf
ound
outshe'
sSizwe'
sgir
lf
ri
end.
Hi
m:Doessheknowy
ouguy
sar
esi
ster
s?
Me:Noshedoesn'
t.Butshe'
sagoodperson.Idon'
t
t
hinkshe'
l
lhav
eapr obl
em whenshef
indsout.
Ozi
:Hmm.Howwasy
ourt
est
?
Me:
Awal
kint
hepar
k.
Hel
ookedatmebr
ief
lyandsmi
l
ed.
Ozi
:Mssmar
typant
swami
maan.Mustbeni
cet
o
bethissmor
kyhotandhav
ebr
ainsaswel
l
.Whata
package.
Ifli
ckedmyshoul der sandwel aughi nunison.I
turnedtolookoutt hewi ndowandsuddenl ymy
moodchanged.Iwasner vousofwhatwe' llf
indout
atthedoct or.Idon'tknowhowI '
dt akeitifIfi
ndout
thatI'm pr
egnant .I
'veonl yknownOzi f
orashor t
whi l
eandIst il
lwantt ogett oknowhi m better
wi t
houtbringingachi ldintothis.Ilovehim andhe
l
ov esmet oo.ButIf eell
ikeev erythi
ngi smov ingway
toof ast
.He'sagoodguyandhe' streati
ngmewi th
nothingbutr espectbutwhati fit
'salltoogoodt obe
true?Whati fit'
sallfarfetched?I sher eadytobea
father?Iwaswor ri
edabouthi sr eact i
on.
Iwasbroughtbacktol
if
ebyasoftbrushonmy
handandIturnedtol
ookati
tthenr
aisedmyey
est
o
l
ookathim.
"
Wher
ear
eyousweet
hear
t?"
Me:
I'
mjustner
vousbaby
.That
'sal
l
.
Hi
m:Aboutt
hedoct
or'
sappoi
ntment
?
Me:
Yes.
Het
ookmyhandandsqueezedi
t.
Hi
m:What
everi
tis,
wel
ldeal
wit
hitt
oget
her
,okay
?
Me:
Okay
.
Wedrov
einsil
enceandar
ri
vedshor
tl
y.Wewal ked
i
nsi
deandsatdown.Adoct
orcameinshor
tlyand
cal
l
edus.westoodupandfol
l
owedeachother.
Doct
or:
GoodafternoonMrandMr
sLanga.How
mayIbeofhel
pt oday?
Hel
ookedatusatt
het
opofhi
sgl
asses.
Il
ookedatOziwhowasj ustsi
tt
ingther
esmi l
ingli
ke
aret
ard.I
'
m surehe'st
ickl
edbymebei ngaddressed
asMrsLanga.Itur
nedtolookatthedoctoragain.
Me:Well
..
.I
'
m suf
fer
ingf
rom nauseasandI
'
vebeen
vomi
ti
ngoftenl
atel
y.
Doc:
Hmm.Hav
eyoubeeneat
ingoutofy
ourdi
et?
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Doc:Didy
ouchangey
ourdi
eti
nthepastcoupl
eof
days?
Me:
No.Nott
hatInot
iced.
Il
ookedatOzi
whowasj
ustshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.
Doc:
Okay
.Anyal
l
ergi
es?
Me:
Nott
hatIknowof
,no.
Doc:
Okay.Pl
easest
epov
ert
hebedI
'
llcomecheck
youj
ustnow.
Idi
dasperor
der
dandhecameov
ert
ocheckme.
"Yourbl
oodpr
essur
eandt emperatur
eseemsfi
ne.I
suspectat
ypi
calal
l
ergybutIdon'twantt
oguess.
"
Hecont
inedt
ocheckmeup.
"
Arey
ouhav
ingnor
mal
per
iods?"
Comingtothi
nkofit
,I'
mlat
e.Ihaven'
tseenmy
peri
odst
hismonth.Il
ookedovert
oOzi wholooked
puzzl
ed.
Me:
Act
ual
l
ydoc,
I'
mlat
e.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandav
oidedOzi
'
sey
es.
Doc:
Okay.Behindt
hatdoorisar
estr
oom.Br
ingme
asampl
eofy ourur
inepl
ease.
Igotof
fthebedanddi
sappear
edt
othet
oil
etand
camebackwi
thmyur
inei
nsi
deacupandhandedi
t
tohi
m.
Il
ookedatOzi whowasj ustsi
tti
ngt her
elooki
ngat
mewi t
hanexpr essi
onthatIcouldn'
tmakemuchof .
Icanonlyhopeit'
sposi
tivethi
nking.Wesatin
si
lencewait
ingforther
esults.
Doc:
Alr
ight
..
.ther
esul
tsar
eready
.
HelookedatOzit
henatme."Congr
atul
ati
onsMr
andMrsLanga.You'
repr
egnant.
"
Ifel
tflashesofhotai rbur
ningmycheeks.If eltl
ike
I'
vebeenst ungbyabeeandmyheadwasbuzzi ng.
Foramomentf eltli
keIwasdeaf .Iheardv oices
from faraway .Thedoct or
'svoi
ceechoedf rom so
farawayi nmyhead.Iwast yi
ngtor egi
sterwhatI
wasj usttol
d.If acedupandl ookedatOzi .Hehad
hisfaceburr i
edi nhishandscryi
ng.Hest oodupand
camet owardsme.
Doc:I
'l
lgi
vey
ouspacet
odi
gest
.I'
l
lbeout
sidewhen
youneedme.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,hewal
kedout
.
Me:Iknowyouprobablyt
hinkItr
appedy
ouor
somethi
ngbutIdi
dnt.Idon'
tknowwhathappened.I
knowwe'veonl
yknow-
Heat
tackedmewi
thaki
ssandpi
ckedmeup.
Hi
m:Woul
dyouj
ustshutupf
orasecond.
Hewasl
aughi
ngdur
inghi
stear
s.
"
OhmyGod.We'
repr
egnantbaby
."
Heki
ssedmeandspanmear
ound.Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Putmemedownpl
ease.
Heputmedownandki ssedmyf
aceallov
er.He
kneel
eddownandtouchedmybel
lyandbrushedi
t
thenr
est
edhisheadonit.
Him:Hell
othereli
tt
lechamp.Thi
sisyourdaddy
speaki
ng.Icannotwaitt
omeetyou.
Me:
Comeonbaby
.It
'
stooear
lyf
ort
hat
.
Her
oseupandl
ookedatme.
Hi
m: I
t'
snevert
ooear
lyf
orachi
l
dtogett
oknowhi
s
f
ather
'svoi
ce.
Me:
Arey
ouhappy
?
Him:Happy?That'
sanunder
stat
ementst
handwa
sam.I'
m overthemoon.I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngtobea
fat
herforsuchalongt
imenow.
Me:Okaybutl
et'snotgetaheadofour sel
ves.We'
re
nothundr
edpercentsure.Let'
shavethedoctordr
aw
somebloodfi
rstthenwe'll
takeitf
rom ther
e.
Hi
m: Don'
tbustmybubbl
eplease.I
'
venev
erbeen
t
hishappysi
nce.
..
wel
lfor
ever.
Me:
Comeonbaby
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyoucr
avi
ngany
thi
ng?
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:Cal
lthedoct
orandl
et'
sgett
hisdonewi
th
pl
ease.
Hepeekedhi
sheadt
hrought
hencamebacki
n.
Hi
m:He'
scomi
ng.Ar
eyoucr
avi
ngany
thi
ng?
Igavehim adeadlyl
ookandhejustgr
innednot
bother
edatall.Thedoct
orcamebackandhedrew
somebl ood.
Doc:I
'l
lcal
lyoui
naf
ewday
soncet
her
esul
tsar
e
back.
Westoodup.Hi
m andOzishookhandst
henwe
wal
kedout.Wegoti
nthecarandhedroveof
f.
Me:
I'
m scar
edbaby
.
Het
ookmyhandandsqueezedi
t.
Him: Iknowhey.Butdon'tworr
y.I
'l
lbewithyou
everystepofourpregnancy.we'l
lsubdueev
erythi
ng
thatcomesourwayt ogether.
Me:
Aren'
tyouscar
ed?
Him: Iam.ButI '
vebeenwai ti
ngf orthi
smoment
forever.Iwantedtobeaf athersomuchbutI
wantedt obringachil
di nt
ot hiswor l
dforal
lther
ight
reasons.Wi t
hloveandwi ththewomanIl ovewit
h
everyfibrei
nmybody .Andt hat'
sy ouri
ghtnow.
You'remakingmydr eamscomet r
ue.
Hel
ookedatmebr
ief
lyt
henl
ookedahead.
"Soyeahsur
e,Iam scar
edbutnotmor
ethanIam
exci
ted.
"
Me:
Okay
.I'
m gl
adbecauseIdon'
twanti
ttoseem
l
ikeIt
rappedyouorsomet
hing.Hewassti
ll
gri
nni
ng.Iwantedt
owipet
hest upi
dgr
inof
fhisf
ace
wit
hahotslap.
Hi
m:Doy
ouwanti
ce-
cream?
Het
urnedhi
sfocusonme.
Onemor
ewor
dfr
om hi
m,IswearI
'
m gonnacr
ack.
Me:
Takemet
omypl
ace.
Him:ButIwantedt
ocal
lmybr
other
stoshar
ethe
goodnewswith.
Me:
Wecandoi
tatmypl
ace,
i
t'
sfi
ne.
Hecal
l
edhi
sbrot
her
sandtol
dthem t
ocomet
omy
f
lat
.Wear
ri
vedal
mostatt
hesametime.
Lwaz
i:Hel
l
ost
ranger
.
Hepul
l
edmei
nforahug.
Me:
Hel
l
oLwaz
i.
Lwazi:
Youlooksobeaut
if
ul.Iseemybr
otherher
eis
taki
nggoodcareofy
ou.
Banzi
:Iwasaboutt
osayt
hesamet
hing.
Hegavemeahugei t
herandt
ookf
ewst
epsback
andscr
uti
nisedme.
"
Youl
ookgoodshawt
y."
Ozi
:Enoughwi
thy
ourcompl
i
ment
snow,
I'
mjeal
ous.
Me:
Let
'sgeti
nsi
dey
ouguy
s.
WewalkedinsidetheflatandIcookedasimpl
e
mealwhil
etheywat chedsoccerdri
nkingt
hei
rbeers
andmakingnoise.Ifi
nishedanddishedupandtook
thepl
atest
ot heli
vingroom.
Lwazi:
There'
ssomet hi
ngcli
tt
eri
ngsomewherei
n
thi
sroom butidon'
twanttobetoofor
ward.I
'
llj
ust
wait
.
Weall
laughi
nuni
son.Iputt
heplat
esont
opont
he
t
abl
eandandOzipul
ledmetositonhi
slap.
Ozi:Act
ual
l
yboys.
..Idi
dnotcal
lyouher
esowe'
d
spendsomequali
tyti
me.
Bamzi
:Ouch!Her
eIwast
hinki
ngy
oumi
ssedme.
Ozi
:Idi
dbutt
hat
'snott
her
eal
reasonwhyy
ou'
re
her
e.
Hewr
appedhi
shandar
oundmywai
st.
"
SneandIar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Ipr
oposedl
ast
night
."
Iwav
edmyhandandf
launt
edmyr
ing.Theywhi
stl
ed.
Lwaz
i:Fi
nal
lybaf
o.Iwasgetti
ngt
ir
edofyoueat
ing
andf
ini
shi
ngmygr ocer
iesi
nmyhouse.
Theybusti
ntol
aught
er.
Ozi
:Thanky
oubaf
obutThat
'snotal
l
.
Heputhi
shandonmybel
l
yandbr
ushedi
t.
"There'
sabunbaki
ngi
ntheov
anal
ready
.We'
re
havingababy
."
Thegent
sst
oodupanddi
dthev
ict
orydance.
Lwaz
i:He'
sgoi
ngt
obehi
suncl
e'
ssont
hatone.
Het
wer
ked.
Banzi
:I'
m goi
ngt
obeanuncle.I
magi
nehi
m hav
ing
anawesomeunclel
i
kemyslef.
Lwazi
:Congr
atul
ati
onsbr
o.We'
resohappyf
ory
ou
guys.
Banzi
:Yeahi
t'
sadoubl
ecel
ebr
ati
on.Weshoul
d
t
hrowabr
ai.
Me:
Noguy
s.Don'
tbeext
rapl
ease.
Lwaz
i:Let
'st
oastt
ohav
ingabi
gfami
l
y.
Banzi
:Yeahandwel
comet
othef
ami
l
ypr
incess.
Lwaz
i:Justsoy
ouknowke.You'
reawi
fet
oal
lofus
now.
Wel
aughi
nuni
son.
Banzi
:Yeswif
ey.Youfoundahandsomehusbandin
me.Here'
stoyouguysandtoapromisi
ngfut
ure.
Cheer
s..
.
Theyal
lrai
sedtheirdumpi
esandtoast
ed.Ozi
pul
l
ed
mecloserandkissedmepassi
onatel
y.
Ozi
:Thanky
ousomuchbaby
.Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
I
nser
t24
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

-
Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
It
'sbeent woweekssi nceOzi proposedt ome.Hi s
brotherswer etotall
yhappyandt odayhe' sdr ivi
ng
mehome.Isuggest edt hatI'duseat axi becauseI '
ll
bet ravelli
ngwi thAmoandAmandabuthei nsist
ed
thathe'lltakeus.Hesenthi sletterhomet woweeks
agoandmyuncl e'sappr ovedit.Sot omor rowhe' l
lbe
sendi nghi speopl etonegot i
atel obol aandaskf or
myhandi nmar r
iage.AmandaandIar eget tingclose.
Shest i
l
l doesn'tknowt hatwe' resi stersandIdon' t
knowhowt obrakei tdownt oher .Idon' twantt o
scareheraway .Thebondwehav ei sincredi bleand
i
tf eelsgoodt ohav eheri nmyl i
feasasi st er..
.even
thoughshedoesn' tknowi tyet.WhenIt oldhert hat
I'
llbegoi nghomebecauseOzi wi l
l bepay ingl obola,
shei nsistedthatshe' scomi ngwi th.She' sal ready
metAmoandt herearenobadv ibesbet weent hem
sothatIhadt wobestfemalewar r
iorsinmyci rcle.I
coul
dn'tbemor ehappi
er.Ialsor eceivedaletter
fr
om Ozi'slawyerf
ri
endthatgr antedmef ull
per mit
tomypar entshouseandIwast ogoi ngtoshowi tto
mywi cketauntwhenwear ri
v e.Ozi promisedtohel p
mer egardi
ngthatandhelivedt ofulfi
llhi
spr omise.
Wewer eonourwayt
othebundus.Oziwasdr
ivi
ng
uswhenAmoandAmandawer esleepi
ngtheent
ire
j
ourney
.
Wear r
ivedaf
terfewexhausti
nghoursandIt
oldOzi
toparkatmypar ent
'
sgateandnotmy
grandmother
's.AmandaandIwill
bestayi
ngherefor
theenti
reweekendsinceI
'vegotf
ull
access.
Ozi
:Whatal
ongj
our
neybaby
.
Hest
ret
chedhi
sar
msandIchuckl
ed.
Me:
Say
samanwhocomesf
rom KZN.
Heal
sochuckl
ed.
Ozi
:So,
thi
siswher
emybeaut
if
ulwi
fet
obei
sfr
om?
Me:Yesbaby
.Thisi
smypl
aceofdomi
cil
e.Bor
n,
br
eadandbutter
ed.
Hel
ookedoutt
hewi
ndowandobser
ved.
Ozi
:Ist
hisy
ourpar
ent
'shouse?
Hepoi
tedwi
thhi
sey
es.
Me:
Yup.That
'sy
ourchi
l
d'sgr
andpar
ent
s'house.
Hesmi
l
edl
ooki
ngpassedmet
hrought
hewi
ndow.
Hi
m:I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ozi
:Yourgi
rl
sar
est
il
lfastasl
eep.
Helookedatt
hem t
hrought
her
earv
iewmi
rr
orandI
t
urnedtowakethem up.
Amo:
OhmyGod.Fi
nal
l
y.
Amanda:
We'
reher
eal
ready
?
Me:
Yesbabe.
Amanda:
ThankGod.
Amo:
Whyar
ewepar
kedher
eandnott
her
e?
Shesignal
edwithherheadpoit
ingatmy
grandmother
'shouse.Il
augh.
Me:Becausewe'
l
lbest
ayi
ngher
efort
her
estoft
he
weekend.
Amo:Eh.DoyouwantauntNosiphot
ogobananas
onyou?Idon'
twantt
obeskinnedali
vemi
na.
Amanda:
Who'
sauntNosi
pho?
Amo: Awomanwho'sgotav
eryl
oosescr
ewi
nher
head.Cr
azyi
fyouaskme.
Me:
Don'
tbeal
armedMandy
.She'
l
lnothar
myou.
Wegotoutandtheyoff
loadedt
hel
uggageand
gr
ocer
iesandtookthem i
n.
Amo: Kant
iwhyusbar
iangamaneafakelemot
o
ngendunuonceandweoffl
oadint
hey ar
d?
Shesaidcarr
ingapackofonionstotheyardandOzi
j
ustlookedathersuppr
essingtheedgenottolaugh.
Hewasget t
ingusedtoherandAmowasn' t
i
nti
mi dat
edbyhim onebit
.
Me:He'
snotal
l
owedtosetf
ooti
nher
eunt
il
lhe'
s
of
fi
cial
l
yasonin-
law.
Amo:Hai
fuckr
ulesbr
a.Lookatus.we'
resuf
fer
ing
now.
Shecameandpi
ckedapackofpot
atoesandr
oll
ed
herey
esonme.
"
Lookaty
oust
andi
ngt
her
eli
keaqueen."
Me:Youknowwe'dbelongf
ini
shedbynowify
ou
wer
en'tcompl
aini
ngt
hismuchmyf r
iend.
Amo:
Hai
bra.I
'
mti
red.
Ozi
:Doessheev
ershutup?
Hewhisper
edandIlaugh.SoontheyweredoneandI
gav
ethem thekeyt
ot heyhouse,
theywentahead.
It
urnedt
ofaceOzi
andhepul
l
edmecl
oser
.
Me:Babywe'r
estandi
ngi
nfr
ontofmypar
ent
's
houseyouknow.
Heletgoofmequi
ckandbur
ri
edhi
shandsi
nsi
de
hi
spockets.
Ozi
:Oh.I
'
m sor
ry.I
'
m notusedt
othi
s.
Me:
Soy
ou'
regoi
ngback?
Hewasnowl
eani
ngagai
nstt
hecar
.
Hi
m:Yesmyl
ove,
I'
m dr
ivi
ngback.
Me:
Buty
ou'
recomi
ngbackt
omor
rowr
ight
?
Hi
m: Yes.Ihav
etodr
ivet
hem her
e.Theydon'
tknow
t
hisplace.
Me:
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
.
Him:Don'
tbeacr
ybaby
.I'
l
lbebackbef
orey
ou
knowit
.
Me:
Let
'sgetbacki
nthecar
.Iwantt
oki
ssy
ou.
Him:Huh-uhbaby.YourauntNosicoul
dbepeeki ng
thr
oughthosetwit
chedcarti
ans.Nextthi
ngy ou
know,t
hey '
l
lbechargi
ngmeext rafort
hat.So,no.
Me:
Comeon.Justagoodby
eki
ss.
Him:Nomyl
ove.Theydon'
tev
enknowwe'
rehav
ing
sex.
Webot
hlaughi
nuni
son.
Me:
Hai
boI
'
m pr
egnantt
hough.
Hel
ookeddownonmybel
l
yandsmi
l
edwar
mly
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lthem?
Me:
No.I
t'
sbesti
ftheydon'
tknow.They
'l
lchar
ge
y
oumi
l
li
onsj
ustt
obespi
tef
ul.
Hechuckl
ed.
Him:Moneyi
snotapr
oblem sweet
hear
t.Asl
ongas
I
'l
lhav
eyouasmywifetomorrow.
Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andwehugged.
"
Ihav
etogost
handwasam.
"
Ipul
l
edback.
Me:
Okay
.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ouseaGPSgoi
ngback?
Him:Yes.Idon'
twanttoendupi
nthemount
ains
somewherenotknowingwhereI
'
m goi
ng.
Hesai
dlaughi
ngandwi
nki
nghi
sey
eonme.
Me:
Okaydr
ivesaf
ethen.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouy
ezwa?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oobaby
.
Hest eppedi
nsi
dethecarandbroughtthecar
engineanddroveof
f.Hewav edgoodbyeandI
wavedbackathimt i
l
litdi
sappear
ed.Istoodatt
he
gateforawhil
eobservi
ngmyenv ir
onmenttheI
wal
kedi
nsi
de.
If
oundthem alr
eadycl
eani
ngandev
ery
thi
ngwas
al
readypacked.
Me:
Wehav
etogogr
eett
hatsi
de.
Amo:
Who'
swe?I
'
m notgoi
ngt
her
e.
Me:
Hai
boAmodon'
tber
ude.
Amo:
I'
ll
justst
aybehi
ndandf
ini
shupher
e.Yougo.
Il
ookedatherandshewasn'
tki
ddi
ng.
Me:
Mandyl
et'
sgobabe.
Amo:
Bracey
our
sel
fMandy
.
Me:
Amost
opbei
ngext
rapl
ease.
Shelaughandcont inuedt omop.AmandaandI
walkedoutwentt omygr andmot her'
shouse.There
weretwocar sparkedout side.Iguessedtheywere
myuncles'.Weappr oachedandInot icedtheyar
d
wascleanandt hegr asswascut .At
leasttheywere
taki
ngmyguest sser ious.Wegoti nandf oundthem
sit
ti
ngonast oop.Theywer eatotalof8My3uncl es,
thei
rwivesandf ewoft heirsons,mycousins.Aunt
Nosiandherki
dsweren'
tamongstthem.Wemade
ourwaytothem andIf
eltmyhear
tstar
ti
ngt
orace.
Theytur
nedtofaceusandimmedi
atel
ylookedat
usli
ketheywer
eseeingghost
s.
Me:
Sani
bonani
.
"
Yebo"
.
Theygr
eet
edbacki
nuni
sonst
il
lst
ari
ngatus.
AmandaandIsatdownnextt
oeachot
her
.
Me:
Ninj
ani
bant
uabadal
a?
Them:
Siy
aphi
l
a.Unj
ani
wena?
Me:
Ngi
yaphi
l
anami
.
Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
ence.
Uncl
e1:We'r
er eceivedalet
terf
rom acert
ainLanga
fami
lyt
hataskedf oryourhandi
nmar r
iage.Uyabazi
?
Il
ookeddownshy
ingaway
.
Me:
Yebobabomcane,
ngi
yabazi
.
Uncl
e1:
Okay
.Akunanki
ngakesi
zobabonakusasa.
Me:
Ngy
abongababomcane.
AsAmandaandIwereget
tingup,
auntNosi
appear
edf
rom t
hehouse.
Aunt
Nosi
:Lookwhatt
hesummerwi
nddr
agged.
Amandaalongwithmymalecousi
nsl
augh.It
apped
Amanda'
sthighandshebot
tl
edit.
Me:
Sawubonaaunt
y.
AuntNosi
:Usuzewaf
ikaekhay
a?
Ir
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
"
Kungani
ufi
kel
eendl
i
nkabhut
i?"
Mycousi
n:I
t'
sherhomeact
ual
l
yaunt
.
Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m.
AuntNosi
:Whoi
sspeaksofy
oumanj
ewenacheese
boy?
Mycousinjustchuckledandshookhi shead.Now
mycousinherewasmeantt obet heonet omarr
y
me.Hisparentsadoredmesi nceIwasy oungand
t
heysaidhim andIwer ecompatible.Ial
ways
t
houghttheywer epl
ay i
ngwhenIact all
ygrewto
r
eal
isetheywer eseri
ous.Butwhodoest hat
?
Me:I'
vegotal
ett
erfrom cour
tthatst
atest
hatI
'
m
per
mitedatmyparent'
shouseAuntNosi.
Il
ookeddownnotmov
ingmyheadani
nch.I
'
mreal
l
y
scar
edofthi
swoman.
Aunt
Nosi
:Ut
hikwenzenj
ani
?
Cousi
n:I
t'
sherhome.Sheshoul
dcomeandgoas
shepl
eases.I
sthatsi
mpl
eEngli
shfory
ou?
Kant
iwhywast
hisguyonami
ssi
ont
ogr
il
lhi
sown
aunt
?
Ist
oleaglancetoseeauntNosihol
dingherwaist
l
ookingathim def
eat
ed.Shecl
ikedhertoungeand
tur
nedonherheels.
Hayi
ye.NottodaySat
an.Todayy
oumety
ourmat
ch.
Iwascelebr
ati
ngfrom wi
thi
n.
Uncle:
Who' st
hey
oungwomany
ou'
rewi
th
Snenhlanhl
a?
Irai
sedmyheadt olookathi m.Theyprobablyknow
mybi ologi
calf
atherbecauset heywereofthesame
agegr oup.Per
hapst heyevengr ewuptogetherwho
knows.Butatthismoment , Iknewbyhowhewas
l
ookingatherthathecompr
ehendedwhatwas
goi
ngon.Icanonl yhol
dmybreat
heandhopehe
doesn'
tspi
llt
hebeans.
Me:
Uhm.
..
wumngani
wami
from t
heUni
ver
sit
y.
Henoddedhi
sheadl
i
ght
lynotconv
inced.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Cousi
n:Youguy
slooksomuchal
i
ke.I
t'
scr
eepy
.
Inoddedmyheadwi
thadecei
vi
ngsmi
l
eonmyf
ace.
Me:
Wegett
hatal
ot.
Uncl
e:Okayakunanki
ngamant
ombazane.
West oodupandIt oldAmandat ogoaheadI '
ll
find
herinthehouse.Iwant edt oseeZamasoIwent
i
nsidethehousebutshewasn' tthere.I'
m star
ti
ngt o
thi
nksheav oidsbei
ngathomeandwoul drather
spendmuchofhert i
meel sewher e.IsawKhosi and
greetedherbutshedi dn'
tgr eetback.What ever
demonshewassuf feringfrom. .
.It'
snotmybaby .I
walkedoutandwentbackt omypar entshouset o
fi
ndAmoal r
eadydone.I tremi ndedmeofwhenmy
patentswerestil
lal
i
v e.Itwascl eanandwar m.Like
thehomei tusedt obe.Amocal l
edhermotherand
tol
dhershe' llbehomel ater.Sowecookedand
fi
nished.Wedi shedupandwentt ositout
side
wat chi
ngt hesunset .I
twasal mostduskandt he
neighborhoodwasdi m withchimneyssmokesf rom
coal stov
es.Chi ldr
enwerepl ay
ingsoccerinthe
str
eet sandIf eltli
kehome.Wesatdownandat e
whileI'mthinkingabouttomor row.
I
nser
t25
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Nar
att
ed.
ThedayOzit
hibi
leLangaandSnenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
havebeenpati
entl
ywait
ingfori
sfi
nal
lyher
e.
Sne,AmoandAmandawokeupdur i
ngthewee
hoursofthemor ni
ngtoprepar
efortheday.The
negoti
ati
onswer etot
akeplaceatSnenhl
anhla'
s
parent
'shouse.Soevery
bodyelsewasalreadyt
her
e
hel
pingwheretheycan.
Oziandtwoofhisbr
othersdr
ov etoget
herinawhi
te
MercedesbenzC63whilehi
sfatherandtwouncl
e'
s
al
ldrovedowninasevenseaterVolkwagenT6
kumbie.
They'
vebeenstandi
ngatt
hegat
eoftheKhumal
o
premi
sessince10a.mint
hemorni
ng.
Ti
mewasnow12P.M andtheLangamenhad
wokenupar
ound4a.
mt ot
raveldownher
ebutt
hey
wer
estil
lstoodupout si
de.Hungr
y,t
hir
styandti
red.
Ozi
wassl eepingont
opofLwazi whowasflatr
ested
onthegr
assj usti
nfr
ontonthegate.
MrLangawoket hem up."Vukani.Thisisn't
accept abl
e."Hesaid.Andt heywokeupr ubbingthei
r
faces.Thesunwasn' tdoingt hem just
iceeither
."Ozi
shouldn'tbehere.Hewassupposedt ost aybehi
nd
i
nt hecar .
"Babomcanesai d."Whenar et heylet
ti
ng
usin?Thi sisri
dicul
ous."Lwazi sai
dv eryannoyed.
Ozi gotupandheadedt othecart ocallhersoont o
bewi fe.

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o
Amandawasbusydoi ngmeat ot
almakeov
erwhen
myphoner ang.Shepasseditt
omeandIanswered
wi
thoutcheckingthecall
erI
.D.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Ozi
:Heybeaut
if
ul.
Myhear
tsmi
l
ed.
Me:
Heybaby
.Howar
eyou?
Hi
m:Hungr
y.Pl
easef
ixmeapl
ateoff
ood.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Him: Out
side.Thi
sisr
idi
cul
ousbaby.Whenaret hey
l
etti
ngmypeopl ein?I
t'
sbeentwohoursforcr
ying
outloud.
Me:
Idon'
tknowmyl
ove.ButI
'
m sur
etheywi
l
lsoon.
Ther
ewassi
l
ence.
Hi
m:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
I'
m get
ti
ngr
eady
.
Hi
m:Di
dyouguy
scook?
Il
augh.
Me:
AfcausewecookedOzi
.
Hi
m:Wher
e'sAmo?
Me:
Her
ewi
thme.
Hi
m:Sentherwi
thapl
ateoff
ood.I
'
m st
arv
ing.
Me:
Icannotdot
hat
.Hangi
nther
e.
Hi
m: Babyngi
zofayazi
?Wher
ecanIf
indast
ore
ar
oundherethen?
Me:
OkayI
'
llsneakoutapl
atef
oey
oubackdoor
s.
Hi
m:Thanky
ousomuch.Don'
tl
etmybr
other
sknow.
Il
augh.
Me:
Ihav
etogo.
Hi
m:Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ou.
Me:
Met
oo.By
enow.
IhungupandAmandadi dfi
nalt
ouchupsonmy
makeupandweal lgotdr
essedinourt
ail
ored
dressesandwai
ted.
ZamaandAmandawer
egoi
ngt
oaccompanymet
o
thel
i
vingr
oom.
Amo'
smot
hercamei
nshor
tl
yandgaspedi
nshock.
Amo'
smom:
Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ulmnt
anam.
Herey
eswer
ebr
eami
ngwi
tht
ear
s.
"
Youl
ookj
ustl
i
key
ourmot
her
."
Me:
Thanky
oumama.
MrsGumede:
Enoughwit
hthetear
snow.You'll
rui
n
t
hemakeup.Thi
sisn'
tadayf
orthat.Cont
ain
your
sel
fmybaby
.
Wesmi
l
edandshef
ixedmyheadwr
ap.
Myuncle'
swi
fecamei
nshor
tl
yandt
oldust
heyar
e
r
eady.
Igotupandtookonef i
nallookatmy
sel
fint
he
mirr
orandlookedatAmandaandZamawhol ooked
sobeauti
fuli
nthei
rdresses.
Il
ookatlongdeepbr
eathandwewalkedoutt
othe
l
ivi
ngroom weremyuncl
esandtheLangamenwere
seat
ed.
Wegotther
eandsatdownonagr
assmatand
bowedourheadsdown.
Uncl
e:Whi
chonebet
weent
hisf
lower
sdi
dyoupi
ck?
Lwaz
i:Theonei
nthemi
ddl
e.
Wer
emai
nedbowed.
Uncl
e:Snenhl
anhl
a.
Ir
aisedmyheadt
olookathi
m br
ief
lybef
oref
aci
ng
downagai
n.
"
Doy
ouknowt
hesepeopl
e?"
Me:
Yebobabomcane.
"
Kul
ungi
l
e.Ni
ngahamba.
"
Wer
oseupandwal
kedout
.
Zama:
Whi
choneamongstt
hosemeni
syour
s?
Wel
ookedatherwi
thdi
sbel
i
eft
henl
augh.
Me:
Hewasn' ti
nther
e.He'
snotal
l
owedt
obepar
tof
t
henegot
iat
ions.
Zama: Oh.GoodbecauseI
'
vegotmyey
eont
he
youngerlooki
ngone.
"
Wel
aughi
nuni
son.
Thenegoti
ati
onstooklongert
hanexpect ed.I
wonderhowmucht heychargedthem.Myuncl esare
verygr
eedy.I
'
m suretheychargedthem anarm and
aleg.
I
twasfi
nal
lyover
.Theytookt
heblanket
sandaf
ew
pr
esent
stothem andal
lwasseal
ed.
Iwenttothekickentohel
pt heelder
sdishupt hen
theyt
ookt heplatest
otheli
v i
ngroom andIwent
backtomyr oom andsatthereremini
scingaboutall
thepastevent
st hatt
ookplacebetweenOzi andI.
At
extcamethr
oughmyphonedi
stur
bingmef
rom
mybl
issf
ult
hought
s.
'
HeyWi
fey
.'I
tread.
'
HeyHubby
.'Ir
epl
i
ed.
Myphoner
angandIanswer
ed.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Hi
m:Am Ial
l
owedt
oseey
ounow?
Me:
Sur
e.I
'
llsneakout
.Wher
ear
eyou?
Him:I'
m att
hecar
.Ipar
kedaf
ewhousesawayf
rom
your
s.
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y.
Theli
nedi
ed.Ipushedmysl
eeper
sinandheaded
out
.
Iwal
kedt
owar
dswherethecarwasparkedandhe
wasl
eani
ngonitwi
thhi
shandsburr
iedinsi
dethe
coatpocketsandanklescrossed.Hef
lashedasmi
l
e
ashesawmeappr oachingandr ev
eal
edhis
beauti
fulsetoft
eeth.
Hi
m:I
fiti
sn'
tmybeaut
if
ulwi
fe.
Heopenedhisar
msandtookmeinforahug.He
squeezedmeandwest
ayedint
hatposi
ti
onfora
whil
e.
"
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.
"
Ipull
edf
reefr
om hi
sembraceandt
ipt
oedonmy
feett
ogi
v ehi
sgi
antsel
fakiss.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Hi
m:Youl
ooksobeaut
if
uli
nthatdr
ess.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hepul
ledmecloserandmademef acefor
ward
st
andi
nginf
rontofhist
allf
igure.Hepl
acedhishand
onmybell
yandrestedhischinonmyshoulder.
Hi
m:Howsmyl
i
ttl
echampdoi
ng?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
She'
sgood.
Hi
m:She?
Me:
Yes.I
t'
sashe.
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:I
sthaty
ourwi
sh?Foral
i
ttl
epr
incess?
Me:Yes.I
twoul
dbeniceandeasyt
ohav
eababy
gi
rl
.What'
syourwi
sh?
Him:I
tdoesn'
treal
l
ymat t
ertome.Ahealt
hybabyas
beaut
if
ulasit
'smotheri
sall
I'
m hopi
ngfor.
Keki
ssedmyneck.
"
Ican'
twai
ttomakel
ovey
ouasmywi
fe.
"
WesawLwazi
andBanzi
appr
ouchi
ng.
Me:behavey
our
sel
fLanga.You'
rebr
other
sar
e
coming.
Him:No.You'
remywi
fenow.Ther
e'snot
hingt
ohi
de
anymore.
Me:
Baby
.
Hegr
aonedandl
etgo.
Lwaz
i:Makot
i.
Igr
inned.
Theygott
ousandwegr
eet
edeachot
hershar
ing
hugs.
Banzi
lookedathi
sbr
other
.
Banzi
:Thi
siswher
eyou'
rehi
ding?
Ozi:Iwasn'
tal
l
owedi
nther
e.Wher
eel
sewasI
supposedtogo?
Banzi:
Remi ndmenottotakepar
tinthi
s
shenanigansev
eragai
n.Thoseol
df ol
ksar
esucha
bore.
Lwazi
:Theycan'
tst
optal
ki
ngman.Whatabunchof
assbor
ingol
dniggas.
Ozi
laughatt
hem.
Banzi:Weleftwi
thoutsay
ingawor
dsoonaswe
fi
nishedeati
ng.
Lwaz
i:Iat
easf
astasIcoul
d.
Hel
ookedatOzi
.
"Youmi
ssedoutonsomegoodmeal
manbr
o."
Ozi
:Say
swho?
Hesmi
rked.
Banzi
:Youat
eal
ready
?
Ozi:Mywi
fefi
xedmeapl
atewaybef
orey
ouguy
s.I
beatyout
oit
.
Lwaz
i:Wowwi
fey
.Andy
ouj
ustf
orgotaboutus?
Banzi
:It
houghty
ouwer
emar
ri
edt
oal
lofus.
Ozi
:Leav
emywi
feal
onepl
ease.
Weal
ll
augh.
Lwazi
:Thatwasav
erydel
i
ciousmeal
Sne.Di
dyou
pr
eparei
t?
Me:IwishI'
dtakethecr
edi
tbutIhadnot
hingt
odo
wi
thitunfor
tunat
ely.
Lwaz
i:Okay
.Itwasst
il
lgoodnonet
hel
ess.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Banzi
:Who'
sthegi
rlwhocamei
nther
oom wi
thy
ou?
Me:
Theywer
etwo.Whi
chonear
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Banzi
:They
oungest
.
Me:
Oh,
Zama.
Banzi
:Isshedat
ingany
one?
Ozi
:Banzi
!
Banzi
:ComeonBhut
i.I
'
vebeencel
i
bat
efort
ool
ong
now.
Ozi
lookedathi
m wi
thwar
ningey
es.
Me:
Wel
lIdon'
tknowhey
.We'
l
lfi
ndt
hatout
.
Il
ookedatOzi
andhej
ustl
ookedbackatmebl
ankl
y.
Ozi
:Areyouguy
sser
iousl
ynotacknowl
edgi
ngmy
pr
esence?
Me:
Comeonbaby
.
Lwaz
i:Sot
heot
heronei
syourpr
oti
gal
sist
er?
Il
ookedathi
m andgasped.
Me:
Hai
boLwazi
.
Lwazi:
Ohmybad.You'
react
ual
l
ythepr
odi
gal
daughter
.
Ozi
:fi
ndyousel
fawomanandst
opbot
her
ingmy
wif
eLwazi.
Lwaz
i:That
'smypl
an.
Heredi
rect
edhi
sfocusbackonmeandwai
tedf
or
ananswer.
Me:
Yes,
she'
smysi
ster
.
Lwaz
i:She'
sahot
y.I
'
m notmar
ri
edy
ouknow?
Hewi
ggl
edhi
sey
es.
Welaughandstayedther
ejustt
alki
ngwhi
l
ethey
wai
tedonthefolkest
ocomeout .
Twocarscamespeedi
ngandpul
l
edov
err
ight
i
nfr
ontofus.
Ozi
pul
l
edmeandshi
eldedmebehi
ndhi
m.
Atot
alof6mencameoutpoi
ti
nggunsatusandI
f
eltmyinsi
dest
urn.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Ozi
:It
'sokaybaby
.Gobacki
ndoor
s.
Iwasaboutt
orunf
ormyl
i
fewhenonemanshout
ed
Ozi
'sname.
Man:
OZILANGA!
hecameoutf
rom onecarandchar
gedt
owar
dsus.
Ihear
dOzi
cur
seunderhi
sbr
eat
h.
Ozi
:Fuck!
Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.
"
Whot
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ouar
eLanga?
"
Ozi
:Dl
omo.Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hest
il
lshi
eldedmebehi
ndhi
m.
Dl
omo:Didyout
hinkyou'
l
lmar
rymydaught
erandI
woul
dn'
tfi
ndoutabouti
t?
What
!Hi
sdaught
er?I
sthi
smyf
ather
?
Ozi
:She'
snoty
ourf
uckendaught
er.
Ozi
'svoi
cewascalmy etster
n.Hehadsomuch
powerbehi
ndhi
swor dsandcal mvoi
ceandt
his
manwasclear
lysensingital
l.
Dl
omoscr
eamedoutl
oudi
nfr
ust
rat
ionl
i
keamad
man.
Dl
omo:She'
smydaught
er.She'
sMYBLOODY
DAUGHTERANDYOUWI LLNOTMARRYHER!
Ozi
lookedathi
m andchuckl
ed.
Ozi
:Youcameall
thewayf
rom Pr
etor
iaj
ustto
scr
eam y
ourl
ungsout
?Andyoucally
our
selfaman?
Dlomojuststoodthereandlookedathi
m withv
ains
poppi
ngoutf rom hi
shead.Ijustst
oodther
e
dumbstruck.
Dlomo:youwil
lnotmar
rymydaught
erLanga.Iwi
l
l
notal
lowit!
Hisvoi
cewastr
embl
i
ng.Idon'
tknowifitwasdueto
hi
m bei
ngscar
edorf
urymouted.Buthedidnotl
ook
okay
.
Ozi
:Ist
hatso?Well
I'
m sorr
ytobet
hebear
erofbad
newsbutyou'
ret
oolat
e.She'
smywife.
Dl
omol
osti
tagai
nandscr
eamed.
Dl
omo:
Nooooooo.
BAM!BAM!BAM!
gunshot
swentof
fandIl
ostmyhear
ing.
Ozipul
ledmet
ot heot
hersi
deoft
hecarandwe
squat
eddownforamoment.Hequickl
yopenedt
he
carandcameoutwi
tha5mm pi
stol
.
Me:
Ozi
NO!They
'l
lshooty
ou.
Ozi
:IfIdon'
tactnow,
mybr
other
sar
edead.
Her
anbackandmor
egunshot
swentof
f.
BAM!BAM!BAM!
Ozi
:Fuck!
Ir
emai
nedsquat
edandsai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.
Thewassi
l
enceshor
tl
yandIhear
dLwazi
'
svoi
ce.
Lwaz
i:Ar
eyouokay
?
Thesi
l
encecont
inuedf
orawhi
l
e.
"
OZIAREYOUFUCKI
NGOKAYMAN?"
Ozi
:yeahI
'
mfi
ne.Igotshotonmybi
cep.
What
!Theyshothi
m.No!
Banzicamet
omysi
deoft
hecarandf
oundme
cur
ledup.
Banzi
:Hey
.It
'sokay
.It
'sov
er.
Iunbur
ri
edmyf
acef
rom mykneesandl
ookedup.
Hehadbl
oodst
ainsonhi
scoat
.If
rowndandl
ooked
athi
m.
"
It
'snotmi
ne.I
'
m okay
."
Me:
Wher
e'sOz
i?Wher
e'sev
ery
one?
Hel
ookedatmebl
ankl
y.
"
Banz
i!"
Banzi
:Ozi
gotshotbuthe'
sokay
.
Me:
Andt
her
est
?
Hel
etoutasi
gh.Il
ookedathi
m andcameoutf
rom
t
hehi
ding.
Myst
omacht
urnedbyt
hesightofal
lthesemen
l
yi
ngont
hegr
oundcoveredi
nblood.
Ilookedovert
oOzi ,
hewashol
dinghi
sbleedi
ng
shoulder
.Heturnedtoseemeandmotioned
towardsmydirecti
on.
Ozi
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.Ar
eyouhur
t?
Ozi
:It
'sj
ustaf
lashwound.I
'
llbef
ine.
Hesmi
l
edweakl
y.
Il
ookedaroundandmywholef
amil
y,t
heLangas
al
ongwi t
hneighbour
swer
eoutt
oseewhatjust
happened.
Amandacameoutandf el
lonherkneeswhenshe
recogni
sedherf
atherl
ayi
ngonthefl
oor
unconsci
ous.
Shewi
mper
dwhenAmo'
smot
herconf
ort
edher
.
Ever
bodywasjustshockedandt
hewhol
e
envi
romentwasgloomy.
Thepoli
ceandtheEMSemergencyservi
cesal
ong
wit
hpathol
ogi
starr
ivedshor
tl
yaft
ertheywere
cal
led.
Thecor
pseweretakent
othepathol
ogyvanand
Dlomo,
alongwi
thOziweret
reat
edintheambul
ance.
Dl
omowast akenawaybyanambulanceandOzi
wasl
eftwi
thjustast
it
chthatwascoveredup.
Hehel
dmebyt
hehandandl
ookedgazedt
hrough
mysoul
.
Ozi
:Li
stenbaby
..
.I
'
m notl
eav
ingy
oubehi
nd.We'
re
goi
nghome.Okay
?Gopacky
ourst
uff
.We'
l
lleav
e
wit
hAmanda.
Ishookmyheadr epeat
edlyandwentt
oAmanda.I
tookherbyherhandandwewal kedi
nside,
leav
ing
Oziandtheguysgivi
ngstatement
stothecops.
I
nser
t26
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga
Ihonestl
ydon'tknowhowIcanmakemywi feunsee
all
thathappenedy ester
day.Shedidnotsayawor d
tomet heentir
et r
ip.Shedoesn'
twanttotal
kabout
i
tandt hatscaresme.Iwi shshecoul
djustletmein
soI'dknowwhat 'sonhermi nd.
Idecidedtocal
lourgener
alpracti
ti
onertodohome
roundssohe'dcheckuponhersi nceshedoesn'
t
wantt otal
kaboutherf
eel
ings.I'
m worri
edaboutmy
chil
dandIcan'thel
pbutwonderi fit
sokay.
Myhandisn'
tgoingeasyonmeei ther.Ididnot
sl
eepforonesecondlast
nightduetopai n.The
doct
ormightaswell
checkitbecauseIcan' tt
aket
his
pai
nanymore.Ihadtodrinkmyselftosleepandend
updozi
ngofont hecouch.
Iwasaboutt
ogocheckuponSnewhenshecame
downt
otheki
cken.
Igotupf
rom t
hecouchandwenttoher
.Iat
tempt
ed
togiv
eherahugbutshepushedme.
Me:
Mor
ningmaKhumal
o.Di
dyousl
eepwel
l
?
Her
:Whydoy
ouactl
i
key
oucar
e?!
Thatcameoutasar het
ori
calqi
esti
onandi
tst
ung
myheart.If
rownedandlookedather.
Hereyesandnosewer
epuff
edup.Shel
ookedl
i
ke
she'
sbeencry
ingal
lni
ght
.
Me:
ButIdocar
ebaby
.Andy
ouknowi
t.
Shei
gnoredmeandcont
inuedt
odowhat
evershe
wasbusywit
h.
Iwentt
oherandt
ookherhand.Shepul
l
edi
tback.
Her:
Iwantt
ogobackt
omypl
ace,
ift
hat
'sokaywi
th
you.
Me:
Ift
hat
'sokaywi
thme?
Il
ookedatherandshedi
dn'
tl
ookatmeonebi
t.
"
Isi
tokaywi
thy
out
oleav
e?"
Iaskedhopi
ngshe'
l
lregr
etsay
ingi
t.
Her
:What'
sthepoi
ntofmebeingher
eifyouj
ustl
et
mesleepal
onewhi
leyousl
eeponthecouch?
Icur
sedundermybr
eat
h.
Sheisri
ght.Ishoul
dn'
thavedonet hat
.Ipai
dlobol
a
forherj
ustyester
dayandevery
thingwentsout
h
ther
eafter
.Ishouldhavebeenthere.
Me:
Idozedof
font
hecouchmyl
ove.
Her
:That
'sal
ameexcuess.
Shest
il
ldi
dnotl
ookatme.
Me:Idrankmysel
ftosl
eeplastnight
.Iwasi
nso
muchpain,Iwant
edsomethingtonumbitupsoI
r
esort
edt odri
nki
ng.
Ist
oppedandt
ookal
ongbr
eat
h
"
WhatIdidwasanhonestmi
stake.AndI
'
m not
j
ust
if
yingi
t.I
sjust
-
Her
:Okay
.
Shetur
nedandat
tepmtedtowal
kawaybutIpul
l
ed
hert
omeandhurtmy sel
f.
Me:
Uh!Fuck!
Her
:Doesi
thur
t?
Me:
Justal
i
ttl
e.
Her
:Letmechecki
t?
Inodded.
Isatont
hekickenst ool
andshecamewi t
haf i
rst
aidki
dandabowl ofwarm sal
tywat
erandacloth.
Sheunwrappeditandstart
edtowashitgent
ly.
Il
ookedatherandshest
il
lav
oidedmaki
ngey
e
cont
actwit
hme.
Me:
Youcan'
tev
enl
ookatme?
Ienqui
redst
il
ll
ooki
ngather
.
Shelookedatmebr
ief
lyandr
edi
rect
edherf
ocus
backonmyhand.
"
I'
m sor
rybaby.ButIdon'
treal
l
yknowwhyy
ou'
re
madexact
ly.
"
Shecont
inuedt
ocl
eanmywound.
Ihel
dherhandt
ost
opandmadeherf
aceme.
"
Saysomet
hingpl
ease.Letmei
n."
Ipl
eaded.
Her
:Whatdoy
ouwantmet
osayOzi
?
Me: Idon'
tknow.Lashoutonme.Slapme.
..
any
thi
ng.
butpleasedon'
tgivemethesi
lentt
reat
ment
.I
cannothandlei
t.
Shesighedandl
ookedatme.Il
ookedbacki
nher
eyebal
ls.
Her:Okayt
hen.Doyoupr
omi
set
oanswerev
ery
questi
onwit
hhonesty
?
Me:
Yes.
Thatwasal
i
e.
Her
:Doy
oupr
omi
se?
Sheobser
vedatmyr
esponse.
Me:
Yesbaby
.
Her
:Okay
.Whywasmyfa-
..
.ImeanDl
omowasso
f
uri
ouswit
hyoul
i
ket
hatyester
day
?
Me:
BecauseIf
ir
edhi
m andnowhewant
srev
enge.
Her:Hedidnotlookl
i
keaguywho'
soutf
or
vengencethough.
Me:
Whatdi
dhel
ookl
i
ke?
Her:Li
keafat
herwhowantedt
opr
otecthi
s
daught
erfr
om somet
hing.
Il
ookedatherwi
thdi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:Areyouinsi
nuat
ingt
hatI'
m capabl
eofhurt
ing
you?AndthatDl
omowast r
yingtosentanal
ertthat
you'
remakingamist
akebymar r
yingme?
Her
:Yes.No!Wel
l,Idon'
tknowOzibutwhydi
dhe
hav
etheguardst
oshowupt her
eli
kethat
?
Me:He'
sabitch,
that
'swhy
.Het
hinkswi
thhi
spussy
andnothi
shead.
Shegaspedi
nshock.
"
Wherewasheal lt
hoseyearsago?Youjustst
art
ed
wit
huniv
ersi
ty.Di
dheatleastt
rytor
eachoutand
f
indouti
fyouneededfundingoranyt
hing?
Me:
Nobut
-
Me:
List
enSne,
Iknowhe'
syourbi
ologi
cal
fat
herand
youhaveasof tspotforhim.ButIdon't
.I'
lldo
wateveri
ttakestoprotectyoufrom t
hatpig.You
andAmandadon' tdeservehim asafather.Imight
nothavepowert oprotectherfr
om him butIhave
thepowertoprotectyouandt hat'
sexactl
ywhatI '
m
gonnado.
Igotupf
rom myseat
.
Her
:We'rehischi
l
dr enOzi
.Idon'
tthi
nkhe'
l
lhur
tus.
Hedoesn'thav
ear easont
o.
Me: Theonlythingthat'
smakingy ouhisdaught
eri
s
thatbloodthat'
srunninginyourvainsandnothi
ng
else.Also.
..
didhelookstabl
et oyou?Isthat
somebodyy oureal
lywantinyourcircl
e?
Shejuststoodther
edumbst r
uckli
keshewasst
il
l
processi
ngallt
hatIjustt
oldher
.
Her:
Hedeser
vesachancet
hough.Ideser
vet
o
knowhi
m bet
ter
.
Sher
eal
l
ydoesn'
tknowwhatshe'
saski
ngf
or.
Me:
I'
m notsoberenought
otal
ktoy
ouaboutt
his.
Il
eftherst
andi
ngt
her
eandheadedt
othest
air
case.
"Ical
ledadoctorf
orahousecal
l.Heshoul
dbeher
e
short
ly.I
'
m goi
ngtotakeashower.
"
Her
:ButIhav
en'
twr
appedy
ourwound.
Me:That
'swhatthedoct
ori
scomi
ngher
efor
.To
al
socheckyou.
Iheadedupst
air
s.
Her
:I'
mfi
ne.Idon'
tneedt
obechecked.
Me:Lethi
m checkonmybabyandmakesur
eit
s
f
inethen.
Idi
sappear
edupst
air
sandgotundr
essed.Igot
undert
heshowerandlett
hewat
erhitmynaked
body.
Ifi
nishedaf
terawhi
l
e,dr
iedmy
sel
fupand she
camei n.
Iremai
nedst at
ioner
ywit
hmynakedsel
f.Il
ookedat
herandletoutasigh.
Shel
ookedatmethenatmycock.Iknowt
hatl
ook
onherf
ace.Shewant
smeasbadasIwanther.
Il
ookeddownonmycockandi
twasobv
iousl
y
exci
tedtoseeher.Ir
aisedmyey
est
olookather
,
sheli
ckedherl
ips.
ShemotionedtowardsmeandImetherhal f
way
thr
ough.Itookherli
psi
nmi neandki
ssedherwith
somuchhunger .Iwasf
rustrat
edandI
'm knownto
giv
eoutsteamysexsessionswhenI'
ml i
kethat
.
Ineededt
orel
ease.
Ipul
l
edherandmadeherf
acet
hemi
rr
oredwal
l
.
Ipul
l
edhersil
kynightdressupandri
ppedherl
ace
pent
iesof
fandtheyfall
ont hegr
ound.
Ipinedheragai sntthewallandinsertedmy sel
f
withoutwar ni
ng.Shemoaned.Ihel donherwai st
andt i
lt
edmyheadt othesideforabet terviewand
thr
ustedherdeep.Shewasl ooki
ngatmet hrough
themi r
rorasIdi dmyt hingint
ensely.Ilookedat
my sl
efinthemor r
or,myey eswerebl oodshotf r
om
hangov er
.Ihadanext r
emet enselookonmyf ace.I
sli
ddeepi nsideherandpoundedherhar df r
om
behind.Herasswasbounci ngonmyt highs.Whata
beautif
ulview.
Shewascr
eami
ngmynameoutl
oud.
Iincreasedmypaceandt hr
ustedherdeeperand
faster.Herwal
lscl
ingedonmeandIl etoutan
i
nt enselowgroanandrel
eased.
Ir
emai
nedi
nthatposi
ti
onwit
hmyhear
tpaci
ng.I
wast
ryi
ngt
ocatchupwithmybr
eat
h.
Ibrushedherbackthenpul
l
edoutwi
thmyj
uices
fl
owingdownshor t
ly.
Ipull
edherbackupandpul
l
edherni
ght
dressupand
tookitof
f.
Ir
ant
hebat
htapwat
erandwesaokedour
sel
vesi
n.
Shegotininf
rontofmeandrest
edherheadonmy
chestwhi
leIrest
edminebackonthewall
.
Wer
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
Her
:You'
resoqui
et.
Me:I
'm sorr
y.Weshoul
dgetoutnow.Thedoct
or
wi
ll
beher esoon.
Her
:Okay
.
Wegotoutanddr
iedour
sel
vesupandgotdr
essed.
"
I'
ll
gomakebr
eakf
ast
."
Me:
Thanky
ou.I
'
llbei
nmyof
fi
ce.
Her
:Okay
.
ShewalkedoutandIwentt
omyof
fi
ceandmadea
phonecall
toLwazi.
I
trangf
orawhi
l
ethenhepi
ckedup.
Lwaz
i:Sur
e.
Me:
Wher
edoy
ouputy
ourphone?
Hi
m:Geezr
elaxman.I
t'
stooear
ly.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Hi
m:Myhouse.
Me:
Anyupdat
esaboutDl
omo?
Hi
m: Yeah.Hegott
ransf
aredt
oSt
eveBi
kohospi
tal
l
astnight
.
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y.
Ihungupandmademywaydownst
air
s.
If
oundSnewi
tht
heDoct
orsi
tt
ingar
oundt
het
abl
e.
"
Oh,
Iwasn'
tawar
ethaty
ouhadar
ri
vedal
ready
."
Doc:
Ijustgother
e.
Her
oseupf
rom t
hechai
randweshookhands.
"
Whathappenedt
oyourar
m?"
Me:
Asknoquest
ions,
hearnol
i
es.
Doc:
Fai
renough.Doy
ouwantmecheckoni
t?
Me:
Please.
Isatdownandhecheckedi
t.Hewr
appedi
tand
short
lywasdone.
Doc:Thereyougo.Youshouldcl
eanitatl
easttwice
adayandi tshoul
dheal
fast.Nostr
aighi
ngit.That
i
ncludespicki
ngyourwi
feup.
Me:I'
l
lpickmywif
eupwhenev erIwantt
o.Notev
en
awoundedarm wi
llst
andinmywayofdoi ngt
hat
.
Thankyoufort
hethecheckup.
Doc:
It'
sapl
easur
e.
Il
ookedatSne.
Me:Pl
easecheckonmywi
feandseei
fthebabyi
s
f
ineei
ther
.
Sher
aisedherf
aceupandcont
est
ed.
Sne:Ohno.I
'
mfi
ne.I
'
m sur
ethedoct
orhasabusy
schedul
e.
Me:He'sdoi
nghi
sjob.Andwe'
repay
inghi
mforhi
s
ser
vices.
Doc:
That
'scor
rect
.
Me:Ihav
et ogor
unsomeer
rands.Wi
l
lyoubeokay
byy
ourself
?
Shel
ookedatmeandr
oll
edherey
es.
Her
:YesI
'
llbef
ine.
Yousee,I'
m notonet obejeal
ousbutmywi feisa
ver
ybeaut uf
ul womanandI '
m sureawholelotof
menoutt herewouldlovetohaveherinthei
rarms.
SoIhavet omakesur ethi
sdoctorri
ghthere
under
standst hatshe'
soffl
imit.
Me:
Okay
.
Iwentov
ert
oherandpeckedherl
i
ps.
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
Igav
ethedoct
oronemor
elookwhi
chsai
d;'
I
fyou
dar
emakeyourmov
eonmywi
fe,
you'
redead'
thenI
wal
kedout
.
*
***
***
*
Iar
ri
vedatLwazi
'
shouseanddr
ovei
n.
Il
etmy
sel
finandf
oundhi
m wi
thsomegi
rl
.
Lwaz
i:Geezman.Don'
tyouev
erknock?
Igav
ehim awarningeyeandhesi
gnal
edt
othegi
rl
tomakehersel
fscares.
Soonasshedi
sappear
ed, Ichar
gedtowar
dshim
andthr
ewamuchant i
cipatedpunchonhi
sstomach.
Hehel
dont
oitandgr
aoned.
Hi
m:Whatt
hef
uckman?
Ir
aisedhi
m upandt
hrewanot
herone.
Hest
umbledbackandroseupst
il
lhol
dingonhi
s
st
omachandlooki
ngbackatmedeadl
y.
Me:
I'
m war
ningy
ouLwazi
!
Thatwasv
eryst
ern.
"
Musty
oual
way
sbet
hisst
upi
d?Huh?Musty
ou
al
way
sactsoi
mpul
siv
e?
Hi
m:Outwi
thi
tal
ready
!
Hewasangr
yandIcoul
dseehewasv er
ytempet
ed
t
opunchmebackbutheknewbestnott
o.
Me:Whydi
dyoupull
thet
ri
ggerf
ir
st?Doy
ouknow
whaty
ou'
vedone?
Hi
m: Theywer
egoi
ngt
oshootf
ir
sti
fIdi
dnotact
f
ast.
Me:
Soyousawi
tfi
ttoshootf
ir
st?Wi
thmywi
fe
t
her
e?
Hi
m:She'
ssaf
e.Shedi
dn'
tgethur
tnow,
didshe?
Me:
That'snott
hef
uckenpoint
!Whatkindof
i
maginedoyouwantt
opotraytoheraboutus?
Hemumbl
edsomet
hingt
hatIdi
dn'
tmakemuchof
.
"
Excuessme?
"
Him:She'
salreadyseenyouwit
hagun.I
t'
snot
somethi
ngnew.Soonshe' l
ll
ear
nwhoyoureal
l
yar
e
andshe'
llhav
et oli
vewit
hit.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Arey
ouf
uckenst
upi
dorsomet
hing?
Hi
m:Orsomet
hing.
Ist
oodther
eandcontai
nedmy sel
f.Iwantedt
o
punchhi
sstupi
dfacebutIchosenotto.
Me: Dl
omoi sst
il
lSne'sf
ather
.Hemightbeapigand
al
lthatbuthe'
ssti
llherf
ather
.She'
sbeenthr
ough
enoughforustokil
lhim.Doyouunder
standthat
?
Hi
m: Sowe' r
ejustgoi
ngt
olethi
m keep
di
srespect
ingusliket
hat
?
Me: I
'mtryi
nghardnott
ocontactmypeopleandget
them t
ofini
shhim of
fonthathospi
tal
bed.ButI
'm
doingthi
sforSne.
Hi
m:You'
vet
urnedsof
t.
Me:I'
vegotababyonit'
sway .I
'
mt ry
ingtobea
bet
terpersonher
e.Wecan'tgoaroundkill
i
ngpeopl
e
Lwazi
.It
'swrong.Don'
tyouhaveconscious?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow.
Il
ookedathi
m blankl
y.Hehadablankexpr
essi
on
onhisf
ace.Hereall
ydoesn'
tcar
e.
Me:
Your
eal
l
ydon'
tgi
veasackoff
lyi
ngcat
s,doy
ou?
Hi
m:Idon'
t.
Inoddedl
i
ght
ly.
Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Hegr
innedl
i
keani
diot
.
Hi
m:Somegi
rl
.
Me:
Wher
edi
dyoumeether
?
Hi
m:Atacl
ubl
astni
ght
.
Me:Youwenttothecl
ubl
ast
night
?Af
terev
eryday
t
hathappened.
Hi
m:That
'sexact
lywhyIwentt
her
e.
Me:
Andy
oupr
etendl
i
key
ouar
en'
thuman.
Hechuckl
ed.
"
Doy
oul
i
keher
?"
Hi
m:I
t'
stooear
lyt
otel
l
.
Me:Doabackroundcheckonherbef
orey
oucan
conci
derany
thi
ng.
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Me:Tel
lBanzi
topaymeav
isi
t.Ineedt
ospeakt
o
hi
m.
It
urnedonmyheel
sandwal
kedout
.
"
Useacondom.
"
Ishout
edandhear
dhi
m cur
se.
Idr
oveoutandr
etunedhome.
I
nser
t27
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.
Ineverreal
lythoughtI
'dcar
esomuchaboutamanI
hardlynewmyent irel
i
fe.Evenaf
terIwastol
dabout
hischarect
or,Isti
ll
wanttogettoknowhim andbe
thejudgeofthat.
Imeanev
ery
bodydeser
vesasecondchancer
ight
?
Iwentt
oOzi'
smi ni
off
iceandf
oundhi
mfocusedon
thel
apt
opscreen.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandhet
urnedt
olookatme.
Me:
Ineedt
ogot
othehospi
tal
.Wi
l
lyout
akeme?
Het
ookof
fhi
sgl
assesandr
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows.
Hi
m:Excuessme?
Me:
Iwantt
ogoseeDl
omo.
Hi
m:Why
?
Me:
Ineedt
oknowi
fhe'
sokay
.
Hi
m:He'
sst
il
lal
i
ve.
Il
ookedathi
m andhelookedatmebackbl
ankl
y
andweremainedsi
l
entforawhil
e.
Me:Icangot her
eal
lbymy sel
fify
oudon'
twantto
t
akemey ouknow?I
'
mj ustbei
ngpoli
tebyaski
ng
youtotakeme.
Hi
m:I
sthi
snecessar
y?Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etosee
hi
m?
Me:
Ineedt
oseehi
m Ozi
.
Hesi
ghedandgotupf
rom t
hechai
r.
Hi
m:Okay
.I'
l
ltakey
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Canwego?
Hi
m:Asi
nnow?
Me:Yes.Iwantt
ogonowsoIdon'
tbumpi
nto
Amandaandhermother
.
Hi
m:Okayt
hen.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Wegotoutanddr
ovest
rai
ghtt
oSt
eveBi
kohospi
tal
.
Igotther
eandaskedforhi
swardnumberatt
he
recept
ionandt
heydir
ectedus.
Wear
ri
vedandst
oodout
sidehi
sdoor
.
"Ar
eyousurey
ouwanttodot
his?Wecoul
dal
way
s
gobackhomeyouknow.
"
Hel
ookeddownatmeandpl
eadedwi
thhi
sey
es.
Me:
YesI
'
m sur
e.I
t'
sformyownsani
ty.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngi
nwi
thme?
Heshookhi
sheadno.
Hi
m: I
t'
sprobablybestt
hatIdon'
t.Yougoahead,
I'
ll
wai
tforyouhere.
Inoddedandpushedt
hedoorl
i
ght
lyandwal
kedi
n.
Myhear
tsankt
othepi
tofmyst
omach.
Imoti
onedtowar
dshi
sbedandhewasbr
eat
hing
wit
hanoxygenmusk.
Hewasst
il
lunconsci
ousanddi
dn'
tl
ookt
oowel
l
.
Hi
sski
nwaspal
e.
It
ouchedhi
shandt
hatwasi
cycol
dandsqueezedi
t.
Me: Idon'
tknowwhyIcameher ebutIdid.Inev
er
gotachancet oknowyouandIhopey oupull
thr
oughsowe' dhaveanot
herchancebecauseI-
Ihear
dsoundsofvoi
cesnear
ingt
hrought
hedoor
andItur
nedtol
ook.
ThedoorswangopenandincameAmandaanda
middl
eagedlooki
ngwoman.Theystopedwhent
hey
sawmet henthewomanchargedt
owardsme.
Woman:Whatthehel
lareyoudoi
ngher
e?Gett
he
hel
lawayf
rom myhusband.
Herhusband?Thi
sisMr
sDl
omo?
Iwasabouttomoveawaywhensheshout
ed
repeat
ingher
sel
f.
"
ISAI
DGETTHEHELLAWAYDAMNI
T!"
Ist
art
ledandmov
edawayl
ooki
ngov
ert
oAmanda.
Shelookedhur
tanddr
ained.Shehar
dlyev
ersai
d
anyt
hingtomewhenwedr ovebackfr
om the
bundusthatday
,apar
tfr
om questi
onabouther
fat
her'
ssuddenappear
ancetothatpl
ace.
Idi
dnotknowhowtoanswerhersoIbr
ushedi
t
undert
hecar
pety
etagai
n.
MrsDl
omocamecl
oserandl
ookedmedeadl
yint
he
ey
es.
"Youshoul
dgobacktowhichev
erhellhol
ethatyou
camef r
om.Youarenothi
sdaughterandyou'
re
cert
ainl
ynotwel
comedhere.Doyouhearme? "
shepoi
tedv
erycl
oseatmeandIst
eppedback
al
armed.
Whyi
sshesof
uri
ouswi
thme?
Me:
Ijustwant
edt
omakesur
ehewasokay
.
Her:
Youjustwant
edtomakesur
ehewasst i
llal
i
ve
soyou'
dfi
nishhi
m of
faf
tery
ourthugofabusband
coul
dn'
tki
llhi
m?
Me:That'
snott
ruemama.Ozi
isagoodper
sonand
hedi
dn'tmeantohur
thi
m.
Shechuckl
edandl
ookedatme.
"
You'
dbet
terst
ayt
hehel
lawayfr
om myf
ami
l
yif
y
ouknowwhat'
sgoodf
oryou.
"
Me:
Icannotdot
hat
.
Shest
aredatmeandIst
aredbackatherj
ustas
much.
Idon'
tknowwhereIsuddenl
ygotthecour
agebutI
wasgetti
ngtir
edofever
ybodybashi
ngmeand
tel
l
ingmet hewaytogetof
f.
"
Ideservetobeher
ejustasmuchasyoudo.Hei
s
myfatherandIhav
ear i
ghtt
obehere.
"
Ist
oodmygr
oundunshaken.
Shel
aughweakl
yandshookherheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Her:You'
vegotaner v
et ocal
lhi
my ourfat
her,
do
youknowt hat?Af
teryoursl
utymothercoul
dn'
tkeep
herski
nythighscl
osedf ormarr
iedmen?
Ibl
inkedmyeyesr
epeat
edl
yandf
eltweakonmy
kneesinst
ant
.
"
Youarenothi
ngbutar esultofy
ourmot
her
'shoe
way
s.U-l
-i
-v-
e-z-
a-n-
d-l
e-b-
e!
Sheemphasi
sedt
hatl
astpar
t.
Amanda:
Mamapl
easest
op.
MrsDlomo:St
ayoutofthi
sAmanda.Andst
aythe
hel
lawayfr
om thi
stoogoodf
ornothi
ngpi
eceof
tr
ash.Uf
ananonyoko!
If
eltl
i
kemysoul
hasbeencutwi
thaswor
d.
Icoul
dn'
thol
dbackt
het
ear
sthatwer
erol
l
ingdown
mycheeks.
Me:
I'
vegotnoone.
Ist
oppedandwi
pedmyt
ear
sof
f.
"Iwi
ll
notl
ety
out akeawaymysecondchanceof
havi
ngafami
lyagain.
"
Mr
sDl
omo:
Uthi
ni?
Me:You'
ll
hav
etokil
lmebutI
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Theyar
emyfamil
y.
Sher
eleasedav
eryshar
psl
apacr
ossmyf
ace.
Amanda:
MamaNo!
Mr
sDl
omo:
Howdar
eyou!
Thatcameoutveryl
owbutster
n.Mor
el i
kea
warni
ng.Iwasn'
tbot
her
ed.I
'v
ebeenthroughwor
se.
"Doy ouknowwhaty ourmot hercostme?Sl eepl
ess
nightsofpainandsel fdoubt.Isleptnightinand
nightoutweepi ngbecauseofmyhusband' s
i
nf edi
li
ty.Ihadtogiveupev erythingandleav ei
tall
behindjusttost ar
tanewandf orgetaboutit.Now
youshowupi nourli
v esandopenmywoundsagai n?
You'rear eminderofwhatr uinedmymar ri
age.And
you'restandingthereinsult
ingme?Howdar eyou!
"
Ifel
talumbbui l
dinguponmythroatandI
swall
owedv eryhard.Thi
swasverybi
tt
erand
unpalat
abl
ef ormyt ast
e.
Mymot herwasami str
ess?MYownext raordi
nar y
beauti
ful motherwhoal waystaughtmer ightfrom
wrong?Whobel ievedi nputt
ingothersfi
rst?Shewas
dati
ngamar ri
edmenandasar esult
,Iwas
concei
v ed?SoIwasn' tmadeoutl ove?Isthiswhy
I'
mf or
ev erexperiencingunfort
unateseriesofev ents?
BecauseI '
m acur se?Di dsheknowhewasmar ri
ed?
Didheev entellher?Whyam Iev enbeingpuni shed
fort
heirdeedst hough?I t'
snotmyf ault
.Idi dnot
choosetobeconceiv
edunderthoseci
rcumst
ances.
MustIhangmy sel
foutofshamenowbecauseI'
m
anil
legi
ti
matechil
d?
Il
ookedatherandwassuddenl
yfi
l
ledwi
thsomuch
anger
.IknewIneededt
ostandupformy
selfandI
hadtodoitnow.
Me:Iam notmymot her
.Andyouwil
lnotdenymeof
mybirt
hright
sbecauseofsomethi
ngIdidnotdo.
Thi
sman. .
.
Ipoi
ntedatmyfat
herwhowasl
ayi
ngunconsci
ous
onhishospi
tal
bed.
"
..
.I
smyf atherandAmandai
smysister
.Ify
outhink
I
'
llbackoffthenyouhav
eanot
hert
hingcoming.
"
Shet hr
ewherhandbagatmeandbeatmewi t
hit
.I
blockedwithmyhandsbutshepushedmesohar
dI
fell
ont heground.Shest
art
edki
cki
ngmewhil
e
screaming.
Ishi
eldedmybell
ywi t
hmykneeswhi
l
ecur
ledup
andshejustcont
inued.
Ihear
dthedooropenbr
ief
lyandhear
dOzi
'
svoi
ce.
Ozi
:Whatt
hehel
l
!
Hecamer
unni
ngandpul
l
edherawayf
rom me.
"
Arey
ouf
uckencr
azy
?"
Sheatt
empt
edtogetoffhisgr
ibbutOzi
heldher
ti
ght
.Shewaspant
ingwithsomuchrage.
Mr
sDl
omo:
Leav
emyal
one.
Ozi
:Cal
mthef
uckdown.Whatonear
thi
sgoi
ngon
her
e?
Her
:Iwanttosquasht
hisl
i
ttl
ecockr
oachonceand
f
orall
.Letme.
Ozi
:Li
kehel
lyouwi
l
l.
Heletherl
ooseandst
eppedasi
det
omakewayf
or
her
.
"
Goahead.Idar
eyou.
"
Helookedatherandshelookedathi
m br
ief
lyt
hen
pi
ckedherhandbagont hefl
oor.
Iwasst
il
lcur
ledupi
nasmal
lbal
lont
hegr
ound.
Hecameandsquat
ednextt
ome.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Ij
ustnoddedwhi
l
esoabi
ng.
"
Cany
oumov
e?"
Icont
inuedt
ojustnodmyhead.
Her
oseupandhel
pedmegetup.
Me:
Takemehome.
Hi
m:Ar
eyousur
e?Don'
tyouwantadoct
ort
o-
Me:
TakemehomeOzi
!
Hi
m:Okay
.
Het
urnedt
olookatMr
sDl
omo.
"
You'dbett
erpr
aybybabywasn'
tnegat
ivel
yaf
fect
ed.
Orsohelpmelord.
"
Iwal
kedi
nfr
ontwhi
l
ehef
oll
wedmebehi
nd.
Il
ookedatAmandawhowasal
socr
ying.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.Ishoul
dhav
ebeenhonestwi
thy
ou.
Iat
tempt
edt
ohol
dherbutshest
eppedback.
Iwal
kedoutt
oget
herwi
thOzi
andgott
othecar
.
Isatatt
hebackseatandcr
iedmy
sel
ftosl
eep.
Iwaswokenupbyasof
tbr
ushonmyf
ace.
Iopenedmyey
esandmetwi
thhi
s.
Hel
ookeddownatandgav
emeaweaksmi
l
e.
Iwassl
eepi
ngonhi
slabs.
Hi
m:Hey
.
Me:
Hey
.
Myheadr
emai
ndr
est
edonhi
m.
"
Arewehomey
et?
"
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Whyar
eweseat
ingi
nthecar
?
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
twantt
owakey
ouup.
Me:
Howl
ongwasIsl
eepi
ngf
or?
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Wear
ri
vedher
eaboutandhourago.
Me:
Oh.
Hebr
ushedmycheekwi
thhi
sthumbandst
il
ll
ooked
downatme.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouokay
?
Iheav
ed.
Me:Ihavef
oundoutthi
ngsaboutmysel
fthatIdi
dn'
t
know.I
t'
salott
oprocessbutI
'l
lbef
ine.
Hi
m:Doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Me:Yesbutnott
oday.Ij
ustwantt
ofor
getabout
ev
eryt
hingf
orawhile.
Hi
m:Iunder
stand.I
'
m her
eify
ouwantt
ovent
.
Il
ookedupathi
m andsmi
l
ed.
Me:
Iknowbaby
.Andt
hanky
ou.
Hi
m:Whatf
or?
Me: Iknowy ou'r
eonlytry
ingtoprotectmefr
om
getti
nghur tandIappreci
tethat
.Iwanty out
oknow
thatyou'r
eef f
ortsdon'
tgounnoticed.
Hi
m:But
?
Isi
ghed.
Me:
ButIwoul
dreal
l
yappr
eci
atei
tify
oul
etmeget
toknowhim bett
er.Letmemaket hatmist
akefor
myselfsothatwhenthingsdon'
tworkbetweenhi
m
andI,Ihav
emy selft
obl ameandnotyou.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Me:
Okay
?
Him:Yes.You'r
emakingsomuchsense.Imeani
t'
s
notf
airthatIdenyyouthechancet
oknowhi
m.I'
m
notf
inewi t
hitbutI
'
llal
l
owi t
.
Me:
Iknewtherewasasof
ti
esomewher
edown
t
her
eslumberi
ng.
Hel
augh.
Hi
m:Don'
tbr
ibeme.
Me:
Isi
twor
king?
Hi
m:Onehundr
edper
centbutdon'
ttakeadv
angeof
i
t.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Hi
m:Good.
Weremai
nedsi
l
entwhi
l
ehebr
ushedmyhai
rfora
whi
l
e.
Hecl
eardhi
sthr
oatwi
thoutl
ooki
ngatmeandbr
oke
t
hesi
lence.
"
Baby
."
Me:
Hmm.
Him: I'
vebeent hi
nkingyouknow.Wi theveryt
hing
thathappenedl atel
yandall t
hepainy ou'
vebeen
through,Ithinkitwouldbebestfory outogoaway
forawhi l
e.Youknow, Unwindabi
t.Itwouldbe
healthyforthebabyaswel l
.
Me:whatdoy
oumeangoaway
?Wher
ewoul
dIgo
t
hough?
Hel
ookedatme.
Hi
m:Howwoul dyouli
keaweekendget
awayt
othe
Mal
div
es.JustyouandI?
Me:
li
keabaecat
ion?
Hi
m:What
every
ouwantt
ocal
li
t.
Me:
Thi
scomi
ngl
ongweekend?
Hi
m:Thi
scomi
ngl
ongweekendbaby
.
Iscr
eamedal
i
ttl
ethencont
ainedmy
sel
f.He
chuckl
ed.
Me:
I'
dlov
ethatbaby
.Iwoul
dappr
eci
atei
tsomuch.
Hesmi
ledandbr
ushedmybot
tom l
i
pli
ghl
ywi
thhi
s
t
humb.
Hi
m:Any
thi
ngt
oseet
hatsmi
l
e.
Hecamedownandkissedmepassi
onat
ely
.Iki
ssed
hi
m backwi
thj
ustasmuchpassi
on.
DidImenti
onthathe'
sabestki
sser
?WellIdon'
t
haveany
thingoranybodyt
ocomparehi
m withbut
he'
sthebest.
Ibr
okethekissandhel
i
ckedhi
sli
psst
il
ll
ooki
ngat
meintheeyes.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:Ilov
ey oumor
ethany
oul
oveme.ThatIcan
pr
omiseyou.
Igi
ggledandpul
l
edhi
sheaddownandki
ssedhi
m
agai
n.
Icannotwai
ttogoawayandunwi
ndabi
t.
I
nser
t28
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.
TodaywasThur sdayofalongweekendaheadand
thesundidn'twearit'
sbestcl
othesasLanga
constract
ionsmadei ttot
hefrontcoveroft
he
biggestmagazineinthecountr
y.Forbadpubli
cit
y
though.
Ozihadjustwokenupandgoi ngthr
oughhi st abl
oid
whenhecameacr ossanarticl
ethatli
nkedt hem
wit
hDlomo' shumant r
affi
ckingscandals.Thear ti
cle
speci
fi
edt hatDlomoalongwi t
htheLangabr other
s
wereusi
ngt heLangaempi reasaf r
ontf ort
hei r
shadybusinesses.
Ozi
readi
tti
l
ltheendandl
etoutasi
gh.
"
Wil
lthi
severendthough?!"Het
houghttohi
msel
f
r
ubbi
nghisfacei
ndistressandf
rust
rati
ons.
Hei
str
yingal
lthathecant
ost
ayawayf
rom t
roubl
e.
Andhewaswi l
l
ingtochangehiswaysfort
hesake
ofhi
swi f
eandunbor nchi
ld.Buti
tseemsli
ke
tr
oublealwayscreepsi
t'
swayi nt
ohisl
if
eweather
heli
kesitornot.
Hei spl
anni
ngont aki
nghiswif
eonaweekend
getawaywher ehe'
shopi
ngitwil
lsoft
enherheartup
whenher evealst
oherallhi
spastbecausehewas
ti
redofbuil
dinghismarr
iagewit
hhiswifebasedon
afoundati
onofl i
es.
Theyaresupposedt
ofl
yawayt
hisev
eningbuthe
neededtodoadamagecont
rol
bycall
ingapress
confer
encefi
rst
.
Hecal
l
edhisbr
otherwhopi
ckedupal
most
i
mmediat
ely
.
Lwaz
i:Babakast
il
lcomi
ng.
Givenanytimeorday,undernormalcircumstances,
thi
swoul dhaveti
ckl
edhi mt othecore.Buttodayit
broughthimfeari
nstead.Itmadehim wonderand
questi
onifhe'
dbeagoodf at
hertohischil
dandi f
thedustwouldeversettl
ebef or
eitcouldactual
lybe
born.
Hebl
ewoutai
rsl
owingwit
hhispout
edli
psbef
ore
r
epl
ayi
ngt
ohisbr
otherontheot
hersi
deoft
heli
ne.
Ozi
:Ei
taBaf
o.How'
sit
?
Lwazi:Yousounddown.Yini?Wasyourassdeni
ed
accessfrom t
hecooki
ejarlastni
ght
?
Ozi:Iwi
shthatwasthecase.I
twouldhavebeenal
ot
easi
ertohandlethant
herealact
uali
ssuewe'r
e
faci
ng.Di
dy ouseethear
ti
cleonli
ne,
aboutus?
Lwaz
i:No.Whatar
ti
cle?Bat
hini
manj
e?
Ozi
:I'
m cal
l
ingapressconfer
encepreci
sel
yat10:00
a.
m.Ineedy out
here.Takeasneakpeeksolong.
Lwaz
i:Sur
ecase.I
'
llseey
out
hen.
Theli
nedi
edandOzit
hobi
lemadeanotherphone
cal
landi
nfor
medthei
rfat
herofwhatwashappening.
Soonaft
ert
hephonecal
l
,heheadedt
ohi
sroom and
foundhi
swif
esl
eepi
ng.
Hewentoverandsatont
heedgeoft
hebedand
admi
redherbeaut
y.
Hel
aidhi
sgazeonherandwasr
emi
ndedofhow
muchheneededt
osubduethi
ngs.Justaspl
itl
ook
ather
..
.hekmewheneededtodori
ghtbythem.
Heki
ssedherf
oreheadandwentt
otakeashower
.
Short
lyhewasdone.Dr
essedi
na3pi ecebl
acksui
t
andawhiteshi
rt
.Looki
ngpowerf
ulandafl
uetas
theycome.
Hewalkedoutf
rom theensui
tandf
oundhi
s
pr
eci
ouswifest
il
lfastasl
eep.
Hejot
teddownanoteandlef
titonthebedsi
det
abl
e
andpeckedherl
i
psbefor
eheadingout.

Hear
ri
vedatt
heof
fi
ceandf
oundt
het
eam al
most
r
eady
.
Hehadabr
iefmeet
ingwi
thhi
sbr
otherdi
scussi
ng
t
heDlomoi
ssue.
Thissi
tuat
ionwasal
otmor ecompl
exforhim now
thatDl
omoi shi
sfat
herin-
lawandi
twasn'thelpi
ng
thathi
swifehasasoftspotf
orhi
m.
Shor
tl
ytheywer
edone.
Ti
mewaspr
eci
sel
y10:
00a.
m.
Thepresspeoplealongwithjour
nal
i
stsweremaki
ng
commot i
onwaiti
ngf orthemight
yOziLangat
o
gracet
hem withhispresence.
Hewalkedi
nandthewhol
eroom wentdead.Too
qui
ety
ou'dhearani
ddl
edrop.
That'
showpower f
ulhi
saurawas.Itwasf
eltby
every
bodyanditdemandedat
tenti
on.Hel
ooked
extr
emelyint
imi
dati
ngandhandsomeastheladies
wouldagreeonthi
s.
Theyweresuddenlygett
ingdi
str
act
edf
rom t
hei
r
workbyhispresence.
Heputonhi
sglassesandpushedt hem att
hebr
idge
ofhi
snoseasthecaremalightswerefl
ashi
ngfr
om
ever
ycor
neroftheroom i
nsilence.
"Goodmorning.Mynamei sOzit
hobileLanga.CEOof
theLangaConstructi
on.I'mjustgoingtobebrieft
o
saveeverybody'
sprecioustime.OurCompanymade
i
ttofrontcoverofapopul armagazineforallt
he
wrongreasons.We'reawar eofMrDl omo'sscandal
s
whichalsoli
nkedust oit.Heisnolongerapartof
ourt eam andwasr eleasedfrom hisduti
eswith
i
mmedi ateeffectafteritwasbr oughttoour
attention.Ourcompanyi ssupportsandisful
ly
behindt hehumant raffi
cki
ngcampai gnthattakes
placegl oball
ybutmosti mportantl
yinourcountry.
Wet akepr i
orit
yi nensur i
ngthatourownpeopl e,
boy stobepr ecise,aresafe.Wedonotsuppor tsuch
activit
iesandourcompanyi sn'
taf r
ontforal
lthe
al
legat ions.We- "
Hisaddr
esswasinter
rupt
ed,
disr
espect
ivel
ysobya
MrSakhil
e,CEOofanopposi
ti
onconstr
ucti
on
company.
Ozibur
ri
edhi
shandsdeepi
nsi
dehispocket
sand
l
ookedathi
m wi
thsomuchconfi
denceunshaken.
Guy:Howcomey ouworkedwithamanf ort
hatl
ong
wit
houtknowingaboutt
his?Doesn'
tyourHR
depart
mentdoproperbackgr
oundcheckonyour
employees?
Ozit
ookofhi
sgl
assesandpl
acedt
hem ont
opoft
he
pul
pit
.
Theguycont
inuedst
roki
nghi
shi
ddenagendaand
orchest
rat
edhismi
ssi
ont
otar
nisht
hei
mageoft
he
LangaEmpire.
"MrDlomocannotworkalonei
nt hi
sshenani
gans.
Weallknowhe'
snotthatsmart.Evenalowergrader
cantel
l,
thi
shasyouwr i
tt
enall
ov er.
"
Ozi
:Ar
eyoudone?
Sakhi
l
e:Doanswermyquest
ionpl
ease.
Ozi:
Idonothav eti
met oanswertorepeat
edlyf
alse
annoyi
ngandignorantaccusat
ionsaboutmy
company.Especial
l
ythoseorchestr
atedbysomeone
fr
om anoppositi
oncompany .
MrSakhil
etri
edt
oint
errupthi
m onceagai
nbutOzi
'
s
voi
ceheldsomuchpoweranddemandedsomuch
att
ent
ion.Soher
ephr
ained.
"Ifi
ndi tver
ydisrespectfulthatyousetfootinmy
premisesandpl aythe' holli
erthanthou'cardonme
Sakhile.Thereisnothingr obustorintel
l
ectualabout
vomi t
tingfal
seaccusat ionsaboutt hi
ngsy oudonot
know.Don' tgetmest ar t
edabouty ourempl oyee
whom y ouprot
ectedaf terhesexuallyassault
ed
mor et
hanoneofy ourst uffandy ouprotect
edhis
assbecausehewasgoodathi sjob.Pleasekeep
youri
gnoranceatbay .Andify
ou'regoingtosmoke
yoursocksatleastwashthem becausetheairyou'
re
blowi
ngstinks."
Hestil
lhadhisgazeonSakhi
lewholookedli
kehe
j
ustswallowedabarbedwir
e.Hedidn'
thave
any
thingbacktosaysuddenl
yandsawi tf
itt
oturn
onhisheelsandwalkhi
sembarrassedsel
fout.
MrOziLangaf
ocusedhi
sgazebackonandt
hanked
t
hepress.
"
I'
vegotnot
imef
ormor
est
upi
dquest
ions.
"
Withthatsai
d,hewalkedoutoft
heboar
droom and
headedtohisoff
ice.
Helooseneduphi
stieandpour
edagl
assofwi
nkey
anddownedital
latonego.
Hegrappedhi
sstuf
fthenLwazi
bar
gedi
njustwhen
hewasabouttowalkout
.
Lwaz
i:Younai
l
edi
t.
Theyf
istbumped.
"
IsawSakhi
l
edr
aggi
nghi
spot
bel
l
youtwi
thawal
k
ofshame.
"
Theybot
hbusti
ntol
aught
er.
Ozi
:He'
sjustaf
isht
ryi
ngt
oswi
m wi
tht
heshar
ks.
Lwazi:If
eel
sor
ryf
orhi
swi
fe.Whatast
upi
d
husband.
Theychuckl
ed.
"
Rushi
ngsomewher
e?
Ozi
:I'
mfl
yi
ngmywi f
edownt ot
heMal di
ves.I
'
m
cr
acki
ngofft
heshel
lonceandforal
l
.
Lwaz
i:I
fit
'smeantt
obe,
itwi
l
lbe.
Ozi
:Yeah.Ifshedeci
dest
odumpme,
atl
eastl
eti
tbe
atMal
dives.
Lwaz
i:Shewont
.Icanbetoni
t.
Ozi
:Wi
shmel
uckman.
Lwaz
i:Wor
kyourchar
m.
Theybi
deachot
hergoodby
eandOzi
drov
eback
home.
*
***
***
Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga

Imadeaquickst
opatSparandboughtafr
esh
bunchoff
lower
sthendr
ovestr
aighthome.
Imademywayinandwasmetbymummer
ed
voi
cesandapl
easantar
oma.
Me:
Sani
bonani
.
Theyt
urnedt
olookatme.
Mam Rosegr
eat
edbackwi
thashysmi
l
e.
I
sitmeordoIgett
hef
eel
i
ngt
hatt
heygetal
ongj
ust
f
ine?
Iwentov
ert
oSneandki
ssedhercheek.
"
Thesear
eyour
s."
Shef
lashedasmi
l
e.
Her
:Thanky
oubaby
.You'
ret
hebest
.
Me:You'
rewel
come.Whatar
eyouguy
scooki
ng?I
'
m
st
arvi
ng.
Her
:Gochangeint
osomethi
ngmorecomf or
tabl
e
whi
leIdi
shupforyou.Wehaveabusydayahead.
Me:
What
'shappeni
ng?
Her
:Ineedtodoshoppi
ngonsomef
ewt
hings
bef
oreweleave.
Iwantedtor unformyli
fe.Womantakeforever
whent heydoshoppingandIhatemall
s.Ihate
shopping.Iknowmyst yl
eandwhatsuit
sme.WhenI
geti
nast or e,
IgetwhatIli
ke,
payf
oritandleave.
ButlooksliketodayI
'
mi nfori
t.
Me:CanIcal
lachauf
feurf
ory
ou?I
'
m notf
eel
i
ng
wel
l
.
Isai
dwithapoutedmouthbutt
hatwasn'tso
convi
nci
ngbecausether
eshewas,j
ustlaughi
ngat
me.
Her
:Iwanty
out
otakeme.
Shootmenow.
Me:
Okay
.
Iheadeddownst
air
sandgotoutofthef
ormaland
dressedi
nasmartcasual
.It
ransf
err
ed5Kint
oher
accountt
henwentbackdownt
air
s.
Ifoundamount
ainouspl
ateoff
oodwai
ti
ngf
orme
andMam Rosewasoutofsight
.
I
twasj
ustmeandmywi
fe.
Idiggedinwhil
eli
steni
ngtohert
ell
i
ngmeabout
everyt
hingshe'
sgoingtobuyatt
hemal
l.
Me:
soundsl
i
kewe'
regoi
ngt
obuyt
hewhol
emal
l
.
Shegi
ggl
ed.Il
ovei
twhenshe'
shappy
.Shemakes
mewanttobeabett
erman.
If
ini
shedandwedr
ovet
othemal
l
.
Wewenttof ivedi
fferentst
oresal
readyandIwas
l
oosingmyt emper.Thesepeople'
sstareswer
en'
t
hel
pingei
ther.Thi
si swhyIhatemall.
Shesai
dshewantedt
ogot
oonel
astst
ore,
Cot
ton
OnbutIpr
otest
ed.
Isatmyassoutsi
det
hest
oreononeoft
hecouches
onthecor
ri
dor.
IsawSakhil
eappr
oachi
ngbutIj
ustmindedmyown
busi
ness.Iwast
ooti
redanddi
dn'thav
etheener
gy
f
orf
orhi
slameass.
Hest
oodbeforeme.Irai
sedmygazewi
thmy
ey
ebr
owraisedandlookedathi
m.
Me:Yourpotbel
lyl
eav
esnot
hingt
obedesi
red.
You'
reobscuri
ngmyviewi
fyoudon'
tmi
nd.
Hej
ustst
oodt
her
eandl
ookeddownonme.
Hef
inal
l
ygat
her
edwor
dsandbr
oket
hesi
l
ence.
Sakhi
l
e:Ihear
edy
ou'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:
Andy
ourpoi
nti
s?
Hi
m:Whoi
sshe?
He'
stouchi
ngonaver
ysensit
ivesubj
ectt
hatIwas
nowherecl
osei
nfi
ndi
nginter
esttal
ki
ngaboutit
.
Me:
That
'snoneofy
ourbusi
ness.
Snecameshor
tl
y.Thanky
ouwer
efi
nal
l
ygoi
ng
home.
Iroseupf
rom myseatandst
oodonmyf
eetwai
ted
formywif
e.
Hest
il
ll
ookedatmewi
thanar
rowedgazel
i
kehe
wast
ryi
ngt
oreadme.
Hi
m:I
'
m wat
chi
ngy
ouLanga.
Me:Howwouldyoul
ikey
ourpopconswhi
l
eyou'
re
bei
nganaudi
nceofmypreci
ousli
fe?
Hi
m:Don'
tpat
roni
zemeLanga.
Igotcl
osert
ohi
m andl
ookedhi
mint
heey
es.
Me:You'r
enomat
cht
omeSakhi
l
e.I
'
llgi
vey
out
o
mybrothers.
Withthatsai
d,Snear
ri
vedandIhel
pedherwi
thher
shoppingbagsandwewalkedout.
Wewenttoar est
aur
antandgrabbedamealt
hen
headedst
rai
ghthometopreparefort
het
ri
p.
Iwantedtoenjoymylongweekendawayf rom
ever
ythi
ngwi t
hjustmywifebymysidemaki ngher
happy.Andthat'
sexact
lywhatthi
stri
pisabout .To
bondwithandassureherofourfut
uretogether
.
Wefi
nall
yfl
ewtoMal
div
esandIwasl
ooki
ng
f
orwar
dtoit.
I
nser
t29
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.
Ast hesunpeekedt hroughthesky softhemaldives
andt herayofi t
ssunshi nesti
ngingacrossthefaces
ofthef astasleepcoupl ewhower ecuddled.
..
Sne
sti
rredherey esaf ewt i
mesandt heedgetorespond
tomot hernaturegott hebetterofher.Shegentl
y
remov edOzi'sholdcar eful
l
ynott owakehim upand
ti
ptoedt othebat hroom torel
iefhersel
ffr
om the
edge.
Sheret
uredtonoticejusthowbeaut
if
ulthesun
l
ookedthroughit
'stranspar
encyf
rom t
hewindows
wit
houtcurti
ans.
Shewentovertowraphergownaroundandstood
nextt
othewindowtogetabet t
erv
iewofthe
beaut
if
ulsunr
iseofthi
splaceandt
hesea.
Shest
oodt
her
eforawhi
l
eunt
il
last
rongar
m
cur
vedi
t'
swayar
oundherwai
stf
rom behi
nd.
Asmil
ecreepedfrom eart
oearbyt
hewar
medof
hi
sbodyagaisnther
s.
Ozi
:Whydi
dyousneakoutofbed?
Helower
dhi
sheadtoherneckandsheti
l
tedt
othe
si
detogi
vehi
m enoughr
oom toki
ssit
.
Sne:y
oulookedsopeacef
ul.Idi
dn'
twantt
owake
youup.
Ozi
:Hmm.
Hepeekedhi
sheadupf
rom herneckandr
est
edhi
s
chi
nonhershoul
der
.
"
Itl
ookssobeaut
if
ul,
doesn'
ti
t?"
Sne:
It'
srev
ivi
ng.Whataper
fectchoi
ce.
Ozi
:Doy
ouwantt
ogof
oramor
ningwal
k?
Sne:
I'
dlov
ethat
.
Ozi
:Let
'sbr
ushourt
eet
hthenwe'
l
lgoaf
ter
.
Theywentt
oanensui
teandr
efr
eshedt
hemsel
ves.
Shor
tl
ytheywer
edone,
dressedi
namaxyf
lor
al
dressandsandal
s,Snel
ookedbeaut
if
ul.
..
fr
eshl
i
ke
theairoft
heMaldi
ves'
.
WhileOziwasdressedi
nawhitegol
ft-
shi
rtt
hat
huggedhisbi
cepsandabbssowellwit
hshort
s.Hi
s
beauti
ful
hair
ylegswereoutt
oplay.
Theywentouthandt
ohandandt
ookawal
k.
Sne:
Wow.Thi
spl
acei
sli
ter
all
yabr
eat
hoff
reshai
r.
Shel
i
ftedherchi
nupandi
nhal
ed.
Ozi
:Itdoeswonder
stoone'
ssoul
.
Sne:
Hav
eyoubeenher
ebef
ore?
Ozi
:Yes.
..
Alone.
Theyconti
nuedt
aki
ngt
hei
rref
reshi
ngwal
kin
si
lence.
Snedeci
dedt
obr
akei
tandcur
iosi
tygott
hebet
ter
of
her
.
Sne:Whydi
dyouf
eel
theneedt
oemphasi
sthel
ast
part
?
Ozilookedatherf
rom t
heconerofhiseyest
hen
focusedhisgazebackonhi
ssurroundi
ngs.
Ozi
:Idon'
twantyoutot
hinkI
'
veal
sobr
oughot
her
womenherebefore.
Keki
ckedst
onest
hatwer
eont
hei
rpar
thj
ustf
orf
un.
Sne:Well
,that
'syourpast.I
tshoul
dn'
tbot
herme
becauseIwasn'tapartofit
.Right
?
Ozit
urnedhi
sheadandl
ookedatherwi
tha
nar
rowedgaze.
Ozi
:That
'smat
ured.
Theyarr
ivedattherest
aur
antwheretheyweregoi
ng
tohavethei
rbreakf
astandtheywereusher
din.
Theplacelookedabsol
utel
ystunning.I
t'
sv ani
shed
woodenchairsandtabl
esandi t
'sseawallpaperwas
j
ustadr eam.Itwascompell
ing.
Theyf
oundat
abl
eataf
arbackandset
tl
eddown.
Awai
tercamet
otaket
hei
ror
der
sanddi
sappear
ed.
Ozir
ubbedhist
humbonhischeekboneandthrew
hi
shandatthebackofhi
sheadandleanedbackon
hi
schair
.
Hel
ookedcar
eful
l
yathi
swi
fewhowasseat
ed
acr
osst
het
abl
edi
rectt
ohi
m.
Sne:
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ong?
Ozi
:Why
?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Sne:
Yourst
arei
sget
ti
nguncomf
ort
abl
e.
Hechuckl
ed.
Ozi
:You'
renotusedt
oital
ready
?
Henar
rowedhi
sgazeandl
ookedatheramused.
Sne:
No.And.
..
Idon'
tthi
nkIwi
l
l.
Ozi
:Why
?
Sne:
Itdoesn'
thel
pthaty
ou'
rei
nti
nidat
ingasi
tis.
Shelower
edherey
esawayf
rom hi
s,av
oidi
ngey
e
cont
act.
Ozi r
ubbedtheedgeofhi
schinlightl
ysti
lll
ookingat
her.Hewonderedtohimsel
fifhe'l
levergetusedto
herbeauty.
Ozi
:Doyoual
sof
indmei
nti
midat
ingwhenImake
l
ovetoy
ou?
Shel
ift
edhergazeupandmadeey
econt
actwi
th
hi
m again.
Sne:
Iact
ual
l
yfi
ndi
tir
resi
sti
ble.I
tdoest
hingst
ome.
Allofasudden,
Snewasgetti
ngoutofhercocoon
andbecamemor erel
axedandcomfor
tabl
earound
herhusband.
Therewasanelect
ri
fyi
ngwaveacrossthetabl
eand
Ozifelthi
sgr
oincl
ench.Hesuddenl
yfel
tthehunger
forhiswif
e.
Hepressedonhi
sli
psandnar
rowedhi
sint
ense
gazeonher.
Ozi
:Nhl
anhl
a-
Tal
kaboutbadt
imi
ng.
..
awaiterint
err
upt
edhim by
makinghi
swaytot
hei
rtabl
ewi t
hat r
eyoff
ood.
Ozicl
ear
edhist
hroatandt
hankedhi
m bef
orehe
noddedandwal
kedawayagain.
"
Thi
slooksdel
i
cious.
"
Hesai
dpi
cki
ngupachi
pandshov
ingi
tinhi
smout
h.
Sne:
Arey
ouser
iousl
ychangi
ngt
het
opi
c?
He'
sdarkbrowscametogetherashefr
owned.And
asmil
ecreepedf
rom oneconerofhi
smouth.
Ozi
:Di
dyouwantt
otal
kaboutsex?
Hepr
essedhisl
i
pst
oget
herandr
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows
t
aunt
ingher
.
Sne:
Wel
l
...
Shel
if
tedheroneshoulderdismissi
vel
yand
swal
l
owedt heknotofdisappoi
ntmentinhert
hroat
.
"
Youi
nit
iat
edi
t.Iwasj
ustf
oll
owi
ngy
ourl
ead.
"
Helookedatherfrom t
heconer
sofhi
scof
feemug
bef
oreputt
ingitdown.
Heleanedfor
wardbef
orebal
anci
ngonhi
sel
bows
andlookedather
.
Ozi
:Howar
eyourst
udi
esgoi
ng?
Hewasser i
ouslychangi
ngthetopi
c.Foramanli
ke
him,dati
ngaf inewomanl i
keSnewhoal sodi
dn'
t
helpbutlookabsolutel
ygorgeousacr
ossthe
tabl
e..
.t
heonl ylogi
calt
hingtodori
ghtnowwasto
avoidsuchtalks.
Snesenseditandshewasmor
ethanwi
l
li
ngt
ogo
wit
htheflow.
Sne:Pr
ett
ywel
lact
ual
l
y.Idon'
tregr
etmychoi
ceof
car
eer.
Thereshewasagai
n..
.bei
ngablubbermouth.Once
shestar
tst
alki
ngaboutherst
udies,
shedoesnot
stop.
Oziwasjustenj
oyi
ngtwot
hingsr
ightnow.
..hi
sfood
andsei
ngherhappy.
Theypai
dthebi
l
landwal
kedoutshor
tl
yaf
tereat
ing.
Theywanderedaroundexpl
ori
ngont
hepl
aceand
i
t'
sbeautyunti
ll
itwasmidday.
Ozi
:It
hinkweshoul
dheadbacknow.I
'
mti
red.
Sne:
Met
oo.
Ozi
:Comeon.
..
hopov
er.
Hecar
ri
edheral
lthewayt
othei
rpl
ace.
Athoughtcr
eepedint
ohisheadandhi
sinsi
des
begantotur
natthefearofhav
ingt
ocomeclean
wit
hher.
Hedidn'
tknowwhatt
oexpectbuthopedt
hings
don'
tgosouth.
*
***
**
Theyarr
ivedatt
hei
rpl
aceandwentt
otakeal
ong
neededshower.
Theplanwast
ogohav
elunchatamostext
rav
agant
reast
urant
.
Theywer ereadytogowhensuddenl yOzifeltav er
y
heavyloadonhi sshoul
ders.Hecouldn'
ttakei t
anymor e.Eachsecondthatpassedby,madehi m
feell
i
kei twasprolongi
ngmaki ngthi
ngsright.He
wantedt osethimselff
reewiththetr
uth.
..
onceand
foral
l.
Enoughwasenough!
Hebl
ewoutairsl
owlywit
hhi
smout
hpout
edand
t
ookSne'
shandintohi
s.
Ozi
:Canwet
alkf
orasecond?
Sne:
Like,
now?
Hebr
ushedt
hebackofhi
sheadner
vousl
y.
Ozi
:Yespl
ease.
Hesi
gnal
edwi
thhi
shandf
orhert
otakeasi
t.
Sne:
Itsoundsser
ious.
Shehadaf
rant
icl
ookonherf
ace.
Hej
oinedhershor
tl
yandsatnextt
oher
.
Her
ubbedhi
sfacebr
ief
lyandt
urnedt
ofaceher
.
Ozi
:Idon'
tknowwher
etost
art
.
Snef
eltadr
ylumponhert
hroatandsheswal
l
owed
i
t.
Sne:
Star
tatt
hebegi
nni
ng.
Herv
oicewast
rembl
i
ngwi
thf
ear
.
Ozi
:I'
m nott
heper
fectguyt
haty
out
hinkIam.
Hesaidenqui
ri
ngherfacecaref
ull
ywit
hhi
sey
es.
Shenoddedli
ghtl
yforhi
mt oconti
nue.
Hepushedhi
mselftot
heedgeoft
hecouchand
bal
ancedhi
selbowsonhi
skneeshol
dingt
heback
ofhi
sheadwit
honehand.
"
I'
vedonesomest
uffi
nthepast
..
.t
hingst
hatI
'
m not
proudof .
"Hesai ddr awi ngasmuchener gyfrom
deepwi thinaspossi bl e."IhadtodowhatIhadt odo
toprotectmyf ami ly.Mymot herdiedwhenwewer e
veryli
ttl
e.Banzi wasonl yt womont hs.Ihadtohel p
myf atherraiset hem.Asy oungasIwas, Ihadt o
growupf astort hingswoul dgoreal l
ybadf orus.I
watchedmyf atherbui l
dourcompanyf rom scratch
tobewhati tistoday .Andwhent heythreatenedt o
takeitaway ,Ihadt oi ntervene.IdidwhatIwas
supposedt odot opr otectourf ami l
y'
slegacy .For
mybr othersandourchi ldren.Sot hi
ngsgotoutof
controlandIdi dst ufft hatIwi shIcoul dundoev en
today"
Shewasf i
ddlel
ingwithherfi
ngert
ips.Shehadto
remaincalmforthesakeofthebabybutitwas
gett
ingtoomuchf orher.St
il
ll
ooki
ngathim, she
askedcaref
ully
..
.
Sne:
Whatdi
dyoudo?
Ozi
tur
nedhi
sgazesl
owl
ytol
ookather
.
Ozi
:I.
..
uhm.
..
Sne:
Didy
ouki
l
lpeopl
e?
Helookedatherwi thsomuchpai ninhiseyes.I t
wasquietevidentthather
egretshisdarkpast .But
notmorethanher egret
scomingcl eanwit
ht helove
ofhi
slif
er i
ghtnow.Hebegant owonderifitwasa
smartmov e.Byhowshewasl ookingathi
m, hefelt
knot
sinhisst omach.Butther
ewasnot urni
ngback
now.Hehadt ofi
nishwhathest ar
ted.
Heburri
edhisheadinhi
shandsandrubbedt
he
backofitbr
ief
lybef
orer
aisi
ngi
tbackupagai
n.
Ozi
:Yes.
Herj
awsdr
oppedt
othef
loor
.
Sher
oseupf
rom t
heseatandOzi
didt
oo.
Sne:
Whatel
se?
Ozi
frowned.
Ozi
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Sne:
Imeanwhatel
sear
eyouhi
dingf
rom meOz
i?
Hervoicewasqui
ver
ing.Herey
esbr
eamedwi
th
t
ears.
..glassy
.
Ozi
:Wel
l
...
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
"
MrsGumede.
..
Herey
eswi
denedbyt
hemensi
onoft
hatsur
name.
"Herhusbandandushavehi
story
.Hewasbusiness
part
nerswithmyfat
herbef
orethi
ngst
urnedsourer
betweenthem."
Sne:
YouknowMr
sGumede?
Ozi
:Yes.
Sne:Andal
lthi
sti
mewhenIt
alkedabouther
,you
pret
endedt
onotknowher
?
Ozi
:Yes.
Sne:HowdoyoudothatOzi?Howdoyoulookat
somebodyy
ouclai
mt olov
eandliei
nthei
rfacel
i
ke
that
?
Ozi
:BabyI-
Sne:
I'm pregnantwit
hyourchil
dforcr
yingoutl
oud.
Didyounott hi
nkIwouldwanttoknowt heki
ndof
manI '
m getti
ngmy sel
finv
olv
edwi t
h?
Ozi
:Idi
dn'
twantt
oscar
eyouof
fNhl
anhl
a.
Sne:
Soy
oudecei
vedme?
Ozi:Ihav eapastokay.OnethatI'
m notproudof.
YesIkilledafewpeoplebutI'm nott
hatperson
anymor e.Atl
eastI'
mtryingt
ochange.Fory ou.
..
.and
thebaby .Youmakemewantt obeabet terman.
Can'tyouunderatndthat?Thi
siswhyIbr oughtyou
here.BecauseI-
Sne:Becausey
outhoughty
ou'
dsoft
enmeupby
bri
bingme?Whatkindofaper
sonarey
ou?
Ozi
:Babyl
i
sten.
..
Sher
ant
othei
rbedr
oom andl
ockedher
sel
fin.
Ozi
wentaf
terhershor
tl
y.
Hest oodoutsi
dethedoorrel
uct
antt
opushi n.He
didn'twantt
ocrossboundari
essoheknockedlighl
y
call
inghername.
"
Babypl
ease.Letmeexpl
ain.
"
HebeggedonthedoorbutSnedi
dn'
tbudge.She
r
emainedsi
lent
.
"
Nhl
anhl
a."
Shest i
lldi
dnotanswer.Hebroughthimselft
o
putti
nghi shandonthedoorknobafterbatt
li
ngwit
h
thatthoughtforawhil
eandtri
edtopushi tbuti
t
wasl ocked.
Hesqueezedhi
seyesshutandl
eanedhi
sheadon
t
hedoorcursi
ngunderhi
sbreat
h.
"
Fuck!
"
*
***
**
Itwasmidni
ghtwhenthefull
moonwasshini
ng
compell
ingl
ythr
oughthewindows.I
t'
sli
ghtwas
dir
ectandfi
ll
edther
oom.
Shewalkedoutoft
heirbedr
oom andsl
owl
y
moti
onedtowardsthecouchwherehewassl
eepi
ng.
Hiscl
otheswerecarel
essl
ythr
ownonthefloorand
hewasleftwi
thLuiosVuit
tonunder
wearonly
.
Hehadhi shandssplayedoneit
hersi
deoft he
cushion,
headturnedtothecouch,hi
stanned,wel
l
buil
dlegssprawledapart
,hi
skneesli
ghtl
ybentand
hewasf astasl
eep.
Thesi
deofhi
swel
lbui
l
dber
enakedbodyar
oused
her
.
Shefel
tgui
l
tyf
orl
ocki
nghi
m outt
osl
eepont
he
couch.
Sheneededhi m.Shewantedhim.Whowasshe
fool
ing?Inallt
hatherev
ealedabouthimsel
f,she
sti
ll
want edtobeapartofhisl
if
e..
.hi
sfutur
e.Imean,
Everybodyhasapast.Whowasshet ojudge?
Shesatcar
eful
lyont
heedgeonthecouchandr
an
herf
ingert
ipsonhi
sber
eback.
Shebi
donherl
owerl
i
pbyt
heext
remeneedofhi
m.
Shelongedforhi
shandsonher
.Hisbodyagai
snt
her
sandhi swarm br
eat
honherneck.
Shetrav
eleddowntohiswaistandhetur
nedhi
s
faceandopenedhi
ssleepyeyesslowl
y.
Hetur
nedwit
hhiswholebodysosleeponhi
sback
andpi
ll
owedhishandsunder
neat
hhishead.
Shegotupt
oundr
essunt
il
lshewascompl
etel
y
naked.
Shebentdownandcupedhi
smanhoodandst
roked
i
tafewtimessti
l
linsi
det
heunder
wear
.
Helookeddownatherl
azi
ngl
ywi
thhi
ssl
eepygaz
e
andgroanedsof
tl
y.
Shesli
tdownhisundi
esandi
tspr
angoutt
oli
fe.
Hardasarod.
Shet
ooki
tindownt
ohert
hroatandgagged.
Hechuckl
edi
nhi
sdeephuskyv
oice.
Shesli
diti
nandoutaf
ewt
imesandbeganwor
king
onit
.
Hewascur
singandspeaki
ngi
ntongues.
Hepushedherof
fgentl
yandgotup.Hedrewher
wi
thhimtothefl
oorandfl
i
ppedherunder
neat
hhim.
Ozi
:Iwantt
obei
nsi
de.
Hepushedi
nint
ensel
yandst
art
edt
oki
sshersl
owl
y
whi
lethr
ust
ingi
nandout.
Thevoltofel
ect
ri
cit
ythatwastr
avel
li
ngbet
ween
them wassoint
enseithadSneshut
ti
ngherey
es
andcryi
ng.
Wasi
tduet
ohur
torpl
easur
e?
Ozi
fel
therwar
mtear
sandst
opped.
Ozi
:Whati
sitBaby
?
Sne:
Doy
oul
oveme?
Shesai
d,st
il
lhadherey
escl
osed.
Thatst
unghi
shear
t.
Ozi
:Openy
ourey
esf
ormebaby
.
Shedi
d.Tear
sescapedonei
thersi
deofey
econer
.
Hewipedt
hem offwi
thhi
sthumbandgazeddeep
i
nsi
dehereyes.
"I
veneverl
ovedanyonethewaythatIloveyou.I
knowit
'salott
oprocessbut.
..
im aski
ngy outot
ake
mewithmypastandl ov
emewi thmyf laws.
Theysti
l
llookedateachotheri
ntheey
esandOzi
wasbrushinghercheekbonewit
hhist
humb.
"Givemet i
meandachancet oproofmyself
.Judge
mebymykeptpr omi sesandnotmyshortcomings.
Please.Because.
..
IloveyouNhlanhl
a."
Herest
edhisheadonher
sandshuthi
sey
esst
il
l
si
nkeddeepinsi
deher
.
Sne:
I'
m scar
ed.
Ozi
:Don'
t.Ineedy
ouher
ewi
thme.
..
now.
Hef
eltherwal
l
scl
enchonhi
m andhewi
nced.
Shepul
l
edt
hebackofhi
sheadandmetwi
thhi
sli
ps.
Hetangl
edhistonguewit
hher
sanddeepenedt
he
ki
ssthenst
artedtothr
ust
.
"
Fuck!You'
resodel
i
cat
e."
Hi
shuskydeepv
oicev
ibr
atedt
hroughherst
omach.
Shewr appedherl
egsaroundhi
swaistandhe
thr
ustedherasthoughhewasthrust
inghersoul.
That'
showgoodhemadehi mfeeldownthere.
Thevi
ewbyt hemoonl
i
ghtwasi
gni
ti
ngt
hemoodt
o
i
t'
sful
lcapaci
ty.
Heputherl
egsonhi
schestanddi
ggedher
.
Herl
oudmoanswer
efuel
i
nghi
m.
Hei
ncr
easedhispaceandt
hrust
edl
i
keamani
ac
t
hengr
oaned.
"
UuuughFuuuuck"
Hecol
l
apsedbesi
deherandsl
eptonhi
sback
cur
vingheri
n,t
osl
eeponhi
schest
.
"
Pleasedon'
tl
eav
eme.
"
I
nser
t30
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Twomont
hsl
ater
.
Nar
rat
ed.

SneandOzi
'srel
ati
onshi
pwasbl
osomi
ngl
i
ke
fl
owersi
nspri
ng.
I
fther
eeverwaspeopl
ewhobel
ongedt
oget
her
,it
wasthem.
Shewaslearni
ngtof
orgi
veOziandlov
ehi
m wi
thhi
s
shor
tcomingsli
kehebeggedhert
o.
Al
othashappenedov
ert
hepastt
womont
hs.
Snemanagedt
ogetadr
iver
sli
cense.
Herst
udi
eswer
efi
neandt
hebumpwasst
art
ingt
o
show.
Ozi
suggest
edt
hatt
heymov
eint
oget
herandSne
hadnoreasontocontestt
othat.Shewascar
ryi
ng
hi
spreci
ousfir
stborn.Heneededhertobecl
oseso
he'
dprot
ectthem i
fneedsbe.
Itwasjusti
ntheaft
ernoonandMam Rosehad
knockedoffal
ready
.
Snedeci
dedtogol
i
edowni nt
hei
rbedr
oom and
per
usethr
oughapr
egnancymagazi
ne.
Shewasget tingmorebeaut
ufulandhappywit
hthe
pregnancyglow.thought
sofexcit
ementfi
ll
edher
headdailyandshewasatar i
ghtspace.
Ozi
pul
l
edov
erout
sideont
hedr
iveway
.
Hegr
abbedhi
slapt
opbag,
blazerandhoppedout
.
Hemadehi
swayi
nsi
deandcal
l
edhi
swi
fe.
Ozi
:HoneyI
'
m home.
Hethr
ewev
ery
thi
ngont
hecount
erandl
oosenedhi
s
t
ie.
Hisey
eswanderedaroundt
hehousef
orhi
swi
febut
shewasoutofsi
ght.
"
Baby
!"
Heshout
ed.
Sne:
Bedr
oom!
Sheshout
edback.
Hej
oggedhi
swayont
hest
air
caseheadi
ngupst
air
s.
Hewal
kedi
nandhi
ssmi
l
eli
tupt
her
oom.
Heleanedagai
nstt
hedoorf
rameandwatchedher
f
ocusingonthemagazi
nenotnot
ici
nghi
m.
Shemov
edhergazeawayandmethi
mlooki
ngat
her
.
Sne:
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?
Hepr
essedhisli
pstogetherandnar
rowedhi
sgaze
t
henpushedhimsel
fforwardwalki
ngtowar
dsher.
Ozi
:Longenoughtoknowy
ou'
vedr
if
tedawayt
o
motherl
andalr
eady.
Hepeckedherl
i
ps.
"
Hel
l
o."
Sne:
Hibaby
.You'
reear
ly.
Ozi
:YeahIknow.I
twasoneoft
hoseday
s.Letmei
n.
Hepar
tedherl
egsandr
est
edonhi
sst
omachi
n
bet
ween.
"
Whatdoy
ouhav
eher
e?"
Het
ookasneakpeekatt
hemagazi
ne.
Sne:
Babyst
uff
.Wannasee?
Ozi
:No.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
"
I'
drat
herbondwi
thmyson.
"
Hesli
thi
scoldhandi
nsi
deSne'
smat
erni
tybl
ouse
andshewinced.
Sne:
You'
resocol
d.
Ozi
:I'
m sor
rysweet
hear
t.
Heleanedhi
sheadonthebeaut
if
ull
ysmal
lov
al
bumpandbrushedi
t.
"Hell
otherechamp.Iapologisefort
ouchingyouwit
h
coldhands.Mommyi sal
socompl ai
ning.Pl
easeask
forfor
givenessonmybehal forIwon'tgett
obond
withyouev eragai
n."
Her
aisedhi
sgazeupandsmi
l
edathergi
ggl
i
ngwi
fe.
Ozi
:howi
sitgoi
ng?
Hewasgent
lybr
ushi
ngi
tst
il
l.
Sne:Ij
ustgetnauseasconst
ant
lybuti
t'
snott
hat
bad.
Hel
ookeddownoni
tagai
n.
Ozi
:Takei
teasyonmommyokay
.Beagoodboy
.
Sne:
Youkeepsay
ingi
t'
saboyl
i
key
ou'
resur
eofi
t.
Hepulledherbl
ousedownandr
est
edhi
sheadon
hert
highs.
Ozi
:That
'sbecauseIam.
Sne:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Ozi
:BecauseI'
dli
ketobeli
evet
hatLangamengot
ver
ystr
ongspermsandt hewayyouareImakel
ove,
agir
lwouldneversur
viv
eit.
Theybusti
ntol
aught
er.
Sne:
You'
resosi
l
ly.
Shebr
ushedhi
sheadt
hatwasr
est
edonhercl
osed
t
highs.
Ozi
:Howwasy
ourday
?
Sne:
exhaust
ing.
Thewassi
l
encet
hensheheav
edav
eryl
ongsi
gh.
"Amandaissti
ll
nott
alki
ngt omeandi
t'
sal
so
putt
ingastr
ainonmyf r
iendshi
pwi
thSi
zwe.
"
Hegotupandsatonhi
sbut
t.
Ozi
:Gi
vehert
imet
opr
ocessev
ert
hing.
Sne:
It'
sbeent
womont
hsbaby
.
Ozi:
There'snot i
meframeforheal
ingsweet
heart
.
We'redi
fferentashumanbeings.Wedon'
tdealwit
h
t
hingsthesameway .Gi
vei
tt i
meokay.
Sne:
Imi
ssher
.
Ozi
:Iknow.Whenl
astdi
dyout
ryandr
econnect
ed
wit
hher?
Sne:
It'
sbeenamont h.Il
efthercount
less
messages.
..
Igott
ir
ed.
Ozi
:Whydon'
tyout
ryagai
n?May
beshe'
dpi
ckup
t
hist
ime.Imean-
Hegoti
nter
rupt
edbySne'
sphoner
ingi
ng.
Shereachedov
ert
oitandl
ookedatOzi
bef
ore
answeri
ng.
Sne:
Lwazi
.
Ozi
broughthi
sbr
owst
oget
herandf
rowned.
"
Yeshe'
sher
e..
.okayj
usthol
dononesec.
"
ShehandedOzithephonewhoshothera
quest
ioni
nglookbutshej
ustshr
uggedher
shoul
ders.
Het
ooki
tandputi
tonhi
sear
.
Ozi
:You'
l
lpayaf
ort
unef
orcal
l
i-
Hesprangonhi
sfeedandst
oodt
all
sti
l
lhol
dingt
he
phonetohi
sear
.
"
SlowdownLwazi
.Icannotcompr
ehandawor
dyou
j
ustsai
dman.
"
Lwazi
wasobviousl
ybeingvagueontheot
hersi
de
oft
heli
ne.Hi
sv oi
cewastrembli
ngandhedidnot
makemuchsenset ohi
sbrother
.
Ozithoughti
tmi
ghtbeduetobadrecept
ionand
pacedupanddownunti
llheact
all
ycaughtwhathe
sai
d.
Hest
oppedmov
ingandwasgl
uedont
hef
loor
.
Hi
shandstr
embl
inganddroppi
ngt
hephonel
andi
ng
oni
tsscr
eentot
heground.
HezonedoutforamomentbywhatLwazij
usttol
d
hi
m unt
il
lhewassnappedoutofi
tbySnebrushi
ng
hi
sarmlight
.
Hetur
nedhisgazesl
owl
ytol
ookatherbl
ankl
yand
t
ri
edtotal
kbuthismout
hwasdry
.
Alumpwasbuil
dinguponhi
sthr
oatbuthe
swal
loweddr
yly
.
"
Ihav
etogo.
"
Thatcameoutv
erydr
yani
naudi
ble.
Snewor
eaf
rant
icl
ookonherf
ace.
Sne:
Wher
eto?What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Ozi
:Myfat
her.
..
he.
..hewasi
nvol
edi
nacarcr
ashon
hi
swayhere.
Herubbedhi
sfacef
rant
ical
l
yandt
urnedt
olookat
her
.
"
Arey
ougonnabef
ineher
eal
one?
"
Sne:
Nobaby
.I'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou.
Heshookhi
shead.
Heknewitwasn'
tagoodi deat
otakeherpr
egnant
wi
fetotheacci
dentscnenewit
h.
Shewast
oof
ragi
l
etobeexposedt
osuch.
Ozi:
Youcan'
tcomealongNhl
anhl
a.Can'
tyoucall
theGumedebrot
her
stocomestaywit
hyouuntil
lI
comeback.
Sne:
Whenar
eyougonnagetback?
Shewaswor
ri
ed.
Ozi
:Idon'
tknow.Pr
obabl
ybymi
dni
ght
..
orear
li
er.I
j
ust
..
.Idon'
tknow.
Withthatsai
d,hebrushedhersidearm br
ief
ly
l
ookingatherthenstormedout.HisC63Wheel s
screet
chedont hegroundasher ev
ersedoutand
spedoff.
Sneremaineddumbst
ruckt
ryi
ngt
oregi
sterwhat
j
usthappened.
Sheheadeddownstai
rst
odr
inkwat
erandsatont
op
oft
hekickenst
ool.
Shetookoutherphoneandcal
l
edLwazi
buther
cal
lskeptget
ti
ngreject
ed.
Fearcreepedi
nandshef
eltherst
omacht
urni
nto
knots.
Shecal
l
edKhet
hel
owhoanswer
ed.
Khet
hel
o:Pr
incess.
Sne:
Ineedy
ouher
ewi
thmepl
ease.
Herv
oicewasshaki
ng.
Khet
hel
o:What
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
Sne:
YesbutIdon'
tknowf
orhowl
ongwi
l
lIbe.
Khet
hel
o:Won'
tOzi
mindmypr
esenceathi
shouse?
Sne:
Itwashi
sideat
hatIcal
lyouact
all
y.
Khet
helo:
Oh.Okay
,sentmeal
ocat
ion.I
'
llbet
her
e
shor
tl
y.
Sne:
Thanky
ouKhet
hel
o.Pl
easedon'
ttel
lBandi
l
e.
Khet
hel
o:hmm.
Thel
i
nedi
edandSnet
ri
edt
oremai
ncal
m.
*
***
***
**
Ther
oadwasal
mostbl
ockedbyemegencycar
s.
Theskywasf
oggywi
thsmoke.
Roboticl
ightsfr
om emer gencycar
swer ef
lashi
ng
aroundast hesunset
..
.i
twasal mostduskand
darknesswascr eepi
ngin.
Peopl
egotoutoft
heirst
ati
onar
yvehi
clesand
obser
vedf
rom adi
stance.
Ozipul
l
edoverandhoppedoutal
mostwhi
l
ethecar
wassti
lli
nmoti
on.
Hepagedthrought
hecr
owdt
ryi
ngt
omakehi
sway
t
othefront
.
Asheapprouched,hesawhi
sf at
her
'scorpsei
na
bodybagbeingtakent
oaforensi
cvehicl
e.
Heclenchedhi
sjawsatt
hev
iewandf
elthi
sknees
f
ail
him.
Hemoti
onedsl
owlytowar
dst
heof
fi
cial
sandsawa
ver
ydi
stur
bedLwazi
.
Lwazi
sawhim andwal
kedtowards,meeti
nghi
m
hal
fwayandst
oppedastheyreachedtoeachot
her
.
Lwazil
ookedathi
m bl
ankl
yandOzi
li
ft
edhi
shand
tohi
sheadandrubbedi
t.
Lwaz
i:He'
sgoneOz
i.
Hi
svoi
cequi
ver
ed.
Hecouldn'
thol
dbacktheedgetoletital
lout
any
mor eandsobrokedowninhisbrother
's
embraceandroar
ed.
Oziwrappedhi
shandaroundhisbr
other
'sshoulder
andsqueezedwhi
let
ryi
ngt opul
lhi
mselftogetheri
n
thepr
ocess.
Lwazi
whimperedl
i
keasmal
lboywhol
osthi
s
fav
ouri
tet
oy.
Ozi
:I'
m sor
ry.
Hisvoi
cewasthickfrom t
helumponhi sthr
oat.He
knewbestnott
obr eakdownunf r
ontofal
l t
hese
peopl
e.Moreespecial
lyhi
sli
ttl
ebrot
her.Hehadt o
bestr
ongforhi
ssake.Itcomeswi t
hbeingtheel
der
si
bli
ng.Andi
nthiscase..
.adeput
yparent.
Lwazipul
ledf
reef
rom t
heembr
aceandwi
pedhi
s
tear
soff.
Anof
fi
cergr
eet
edt
hem andt
heyt
urnedt
ofacehi
m.
Offi
cer
:MrLanga.We'
resosor
ryf
ory
ourf
ather
's
passi
ng.
Ozi
nodded.
Ozi
:Whathappened?
Of
fi
cer
:Hehi
tat
ree.That
'sal
lweknowf
ornow.
Ozi
:Andt
hef
lame?
Lwaz i
:Itexpl
odedsoonaft
er.
..
wit
hhimi nsi
de.The
fi
refi
ghterswerej
ustnearbywhenithappened.They
managedt oar
ri
veonti
meandext i
nguishedthecar
beforehecould-
Ozi
:Noneedt
osayi
t.
Theof
fi
cernodded.
Therewasanunsettl
i
ngsil
encewhi
letheyst
il
ltr
ied
toregi
stert
hesuddentr
agi
cofthei
rfat
her'
spassing.
"
Whatar
ewedeal
i
ngwi
thher
eof
fi
cer
?Mur
der
?"
Off
icer
:Li
keIsai
dMrLanga,
wedon'
tknowany
thi
ng
asyet.
Lwazi
:Inyourl
ineofdut
yandexperi
ence,What'
s
yourt
ake?Giveussomethingman.Sur
elyt
here'
s
somethi
ngthatyoucanpickup.
Of
fi
cer
:I'
m sor
rysi
rbutwecannotspecul
ate.
Lwaz
i:You'
reusel
esst
hen.Getoutofoursi
de.
Of
fi
cer
:We'
l
llety
ouknowi
fwef
indsomet
hing.
Lwaz
i:Noneed.We'
l
ldoi
tour
sel
ves.
Ozi
:Lwazi
!
Off
icer:
Youwouldn'twanttogeti
nthewayofdoi
ng
ourjobMrLanga.Isuggestyoust
ayoutofi
tandl
et
usdowhatwe'reasignedto.
HelookedatOziwhowaslooki
ngathi
mint
ensel
y
andnoddedbefor
ewalki
ngaway.
Lwaz
i:Usel
ess!
Ozi
:Iunder
standthatyou'
rehurt
ingbutgetagr
ib
bef
oreIpunchyourstubbornassri
ghtnow.
Lwaz
i:Whatdoy
oumakeoft
his?
HelookedatOziwhotwit
chedhisl
ipstothesi
de
andrubbi
nghischeekbonetr
yingt
ofigur
ethatout
.
Ozi
:Mur
der
.
Heshotst
rai
ght
.
Lwaz
i:Butwhy
?Andbywho?
Ozi
:Vengence.Who?Idon'
tknow.We'
l
lhav
etof
ind
t
hatout.
Theyr
emai
nedsi
l
ent
.
"
Iwantt
ogetcl
osert
othecar
."
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
her
.
Of
fi
cer
:MrLanga.You'
reov
erst
eppi
ngboundar
ies.
Ozi:I
t'
smyf at
herwhofuckendiedonthi
sspot.And
that'
shi
sfuckencarovert
here.Don'
ttel
lmeim over
steppi
ngboundari
es.
Lwazi
:Pl
easegivemeper
missi
ont
opuncht
his
dumbassri
ghtnow.
Theof
fi
cerr
aisedhi
shandst
otheai
rinsur
render
andtheLangabr
othersbendov
erandwentcl
osert
o
thei
rfat
her
scarthatbur
nedout.
Oziwastaki
ngagoodcl oserlookati
tnothopingto
getormakemuchoft heaccidentsi
nceit
'snothis
l
ineofexper
ti
esbutsawsomet hi
ngthatl
ookedlike
ari
ng.
Hebendov
erandpi
ckedi
tup.
Her
ubbedtheashesof
fitandi
twashi
sfat
her
's
mat
ri
monialr
ing.
Hef
eltl
i
kehi
ssoul
wascuti
ntomanypi
eces.
Tear
scamer ol
l
ingdownhischeeksashekneel
ed
downandsatonhisbut
tleani
ngonhisfat
herscar
andwiped.
Thepai
nwaswr
enchi
ng.I
tcutdeep.
I
tawakent
hatofhi
smot
her
spassi
ng.
Thepictureofthel oweri
ngdownofhismother
's
coffi
ntot hegravecamev i
vi
dinhi
sheadandhis
father
'sfacethatlookedli
kealonel
ysoull
ooki
ngat
hiswife'
scoffinwasf ramedinhi
smind.
I
tal
lcamebackf
reshandv
ivi
d.
Hehel
dther
ingcl
oset
ohi
schestandcr
ied.
Lwazisquat
eddownnexttohi
m andbur
ri
edhi
s
headonhisbrot
her
'sshoul
der
.
*
***
***
*
Theygothomeandfoundbotht
heGumedebr ot
her
s
seat
edinthel
oungewatchi
ngsocceronasuper
spor
tchannel
.
Theywalkedi
nandBandi
l
eal
ongwi
thKhet
hel
o
tur
nedtofacethem.
TheGumedebrother
sroseupf
rom t
hei
rseat
sand
st
oodonthei
rfeet.
Khet
hel
o:MrLanga.
Banzi
stoodnextt
ohi
m.
Ozi
noddedhi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.
Hel
ookeddr
ained.
Hi
seyeswerebl
oodshot.Hehadhisshi
rtf
oldedup
t
hesl
eevesandhi
svainswerepoppi
ngout.
Hel
ookedpuf
fedupl
i
kehewascr
ying.
Ozi
:Gent
s.Thanksf
orbei
ngher
e.Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Banzi
:Anyti
megr ootman.Wehel
pedoursel
veswi
th
yourbev
erages.Ihopeyoudon'
tmind.
Ozi
rai
sedhi
shandt
odi
smi
sst
hest
atemnent
.
Ozi
:Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.I
t'
sjustbooze.
Lwaz
iwasqui
ett
heent
ir
eti
me.
Hewentovert
hetabl
eanddownedagl
asst
hatwas
f
ull
ofcast
leli
teandsatdown.
"You'
remor et
hanwel
comet
osl
eepov
er.Thanks
againforcoming.
"
Lwazi
:Theyaren'
tl
eav
ing.We'
regonnapl
ayf
if
a.
Ri
ghtgents?
Hesaidl
ookingdownatthegl
assthatwasi
nhis
handandtheygri
nnedwhil
enoddi
ngthei
rheadsi
n
uni
son.
Hewasdeteminedt
odoanyt
hingpossi
blet
ogethi
s
mindof
fthi
ngsandtonumbthepai
n.
Ozi
:I'
m sor
rybutIwon'
tj
oiny
ou.Ineedt
orest
.
Lwaz
i:Gobewi
thourwi
fe.Youneedhermor
ethan
y
ouneedusr
ightnow.
Banzi
:Sur
egr
oot
man.
Heheadedupst
air
sandf
oundSnei
nsi
decov
ers
r
eadi
nganov el
.
Shebr
oughtherheadupandf
rowned.
Sne:
Hey
.
Hegaveheraweaksmil
eandwentovert
ositonthe
couchandbur
ri
edhi
sfacei
nthepal
m ofhishands.
Shepeel
edt
hecov
ersof
fandwentt
osi
tnextt
ohi
m.
"
Baby
."
Shesai
dsof
tl
y.
Hetr
iedt
ospeak.
..
sti
ll
bur
ri
edhi
sheadbutt
hel
ump
onhi
sthr
oatwasjustt
oomuch.
Shecurv
edherhandar
oundhi
sshoul
derandpul
l
ed
hi
mf orahug.
Het
urnedwi
thhi
sbodyandgav
ein.
Hesqueezedherf
ordearl
i
fe.
Ozi
:He'
sgoneSne.
Sne:
Ohbaby
!
Shebr
ushedhi
sbackst
il
lhuggi
nghi
m.
Ozi
:Justl
i
ket
hat
.Li
ter
all
yinf
lames.
Snefeltherheartsi
nktothepitofherstomachand
star
tedcryi
ngt oo.Sher
emember dsitt
ingoutsi
de
herhomei nthedarkwait
ingforherparentst
oretur
n.
Whenshesawcarl i
ght
spull
ingoveratthei
r
gate,
sherantoitwithj
oyhopingt
heyhadf i
nal
y
ret
urned.Onl
ytobemetbyt woofficer
swhoasked
tospeaktoelders.
Herwi cketaunt
,Nosipho,whojustbrokethenews
toherlikeitwasnothingaft
ertheoff
icerslef
t,al
so
slappedherhardfacrossthefaceforcryi
ng.She
saidhercrieswereannoying.
Herhear
tcr
inj
edandOzi
pul
l
edherbackandl
ooked
heri
ntheey
es.
Ozi
:Youcannotaffor
dtogodownt
hatr
oadagai
n
Nhl
anhl
a.Please.
Sne:I
'm sosorr
yforyourlossbaby.I
sjust
..
.Iknow
exact
lyhowy oufeel
rightnow.And-
Ozi
:Hey.I
t'
sokay.Youneedt
ocalm downnow.For
t
hesakeofourbaby.Pl
easehoney
.
Hepul
l
edheri
nandhuggedherbysi
de.
Sne:
Whydot
hingshav
etoal
way
sgosout
h?
Shewassoabingandsnif
fing.Sheal
readyhada
hi
ccup.That
'showsoftheartedshei
s.
Ozi:Icantal
kunti
llIturnedblueinthefacetryi
ngto
explai
nhowl i
feoperatesmydear .Butit'
sjustthat
.
Lif
e.AndIthappens.Wej usthav
etof i
ndawayt o
fi
gureitoutaswelive.
Si
l
encef
il
ledt
her
oom.
IfIwastosaythi
scouplewasi nsomuchpainri
ght
now,thatwoul
dbeanunder stat
ement.Theywere
goingthr
oughthemost.Theirhear
tscommunicat
ed
andsharedthepai
ninsil
ence.
Ozi
:I'
mjustgl
adt hatyou'
reher
e..
.asmywi f
e.
You'
remysourceofst r
engthandIdon'
tknowwhat
I
'ddoify
ouwer en'tbymyside.
Hesqueezedherandti
ghtenedhi
shol
d."
You'
real
lI
needt
ogetthroughthi
s.Okay?
Shenoddedi
nbet
weenherhi
ccups.
"
Let
'sr
estnow.I
'
llneedst
rengt
hfort
ommor
ow.
"
Theyundr
essedandgotbet
weent
hesheet
s.
Hespoonedherandt
heycuddl
ed.
Sne:
Arey
ouokay
?
Hel
etoutasi
gh.
Ozi
:Iwi
l
lbe.
Ther
ewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
"ButIneedy
outoknowthat
,Icandoanythi
ng.As
l
ongasIhav ey
ou.We'
restr
ongert
ogethert
han
apart
."
Sne:
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Ozi
:That
'senoughf
orme.
Heki
ssedherheadandt
heyr
emai
nedsi
l
entagai
n.
Sne:
Baby
..
.
Hedi
dn'
trespond.
Shet
urnedt
olookathi
m,hehadzonedout
.
Hel
ookedv
ulner
abl
einhi
ssl
eep.Sof
ragi
l
e.
"
Ilov
eyou.
"
Sheki
ssedhisfor
eheadandtur
nedt
hebedsi
de
l
ambof fandsi
nkedinsi
det
hecover
sfaci
nghi
s
di
rect
ion.
Soonsheal
sodr
if
tedof
f.
I
nser
t31
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.
Loosingapar
entist
hemostchal
l
engingexperi
ence.
Itdoesn'
tmat
terhowol
dorhowy oung.I
tjustt
ear
s
oneapart.
Itdoesn'
thelpi
ftheydi
edinthemannert
hatMr
Langadid..
.i
nfl
ames.Lit
eral
l
yso!
ThatawakenedOzi
Langa'
ssl
eepi
ngbeast
.
Hefoundhi
mslefaspottodi
gestt
heinf
ormat
ion
t
hatwasbroughtf
orwardtohi
m byhi
sP.I.
Hefoundhisj
awscl
enchedhardr
eveal
i
ngthecheek
bonewhil
ehebat
tl
edwithal
lthet
houghsi
nhishead.
'
Iam obviousl
yget ti
ngsof
t.Ever
yTom Di
ckand
Harryfi
ndsapl aygroundonmyhead.Imadea
promisetomy selfandwif
ethatIwasgoi
ngto
changemyol dway s.ButI
'm goi
ngtohav
etobend
t
herul
esabit
.Ilostmyfatherbecauseofpeople
whosti
l
lwanttosett
lescoreswithme.Icannottake
t
hisl
ayi
ngdown.
I'
vegotachil
donthewayandifIdon'
tdeal
wit
hal
l
thesel
ooseends,t
hey
'l
lgoaf
teritt
ohurtme.I
cannothav
ethat.
Mywifedoesn'
thavetoknowabouti
t.ThesoonerI
putanendtoit
,thesoonerwecanal
l l
i
vein
harmony.Ast
it
chintime,r
ight
?'
Hewasstandi
ngnextt
oakraalobser
vingt
hecows
anddr
if
tedawayi
ndeepthoughts.
Memor i
esofhi schildhoodi nthi
spl acecame
fl
oadi ngdown.Andher emember djusthowi tused
tof eel l
i
kewhenhest il
lhadbot hhispar entsaround.
Althoughhi sf atherturnedt heplaceandmadei t
muchni cerandv eryextravagantthanwhati tused
tobebef oretheyswi mmedi nmoney ,anddispitethe
factt hatitwasl ocatedint hevil
lagesoft heKwaz ulu
Nat al pr
ov i
nce...
hesaidhewant edi ttofeelli
ke
homeandev erygrandchi l
dmusthav ear oom for
whenev ertheycamet ov isi
t.That'
showbi gthis
houseis.Moreorlessamansi on.Hisf atherdidnot
l
iveherefull
ti
mebecausehel aterfell
inlovewi t
h
CapeTown.Butgav ethem str
ictintr
usionst hatthey
shouldburr
yhim herewhenhedi esandt hatthey
shouldneverfor
getthati
t'
stheirplaceofdomi ci
le.
Theirpr
ideandlegacy.
Hiswordssoundedfr
eshinOzi'
sheadwhen
somebodynuldgedhi
mlight
lybri
ngi
nghi
m backt
o
l
ife.
Hemov
edhi
sweakgazeandl
ookedatt
heper
son.
Mandl
a:Baf
o.Youl
ookdr
ained.
Hesai
denqui
ri
ngi
nhi
sey
esbutOzi
mov
edt
hem
away.
I
fthere'
sany
bodywhohatesbeingvul
nerabl
eand
di
splayi
ngsi
gnsofweekness,
it'
sOzil
anga.
Hel
etoutasi
ghst
il
ll
ooki
ngaway
.
Ozi
:Thisi
sareal
l
ydi
ff
icul
tti
meBaf
o.uBabawasal
l
we'
relef
twit
h.
Mandl
a:Hao.Kodwasi
khonanj
e.Nobababakhona.
Ozi
:Iknow.AndI
'
m gr
eat
ful
.Isj
ustt
hat
,nowI
'
llhav
e
tooff
icial
lybeaparentt
omyl it
tl
ebrot
her
s.
Especiall
ytoBanzi
.Heisn'
ttaki
ngthi
swellatal
l
.
Mandl
aputhi
shandonOzi
'
sshoul
derandsqueezed.
Mandla:Thingswil
lworkoutjustf
ine.Banzii
squiet
hardert
hany outhi
nkofhim.Doy ouremember
ngoMembesowami whenhewasj ust12year
sold
andhewr estl
edwiththerebel
li
ngbull?
Ozi
laughsohar
dandMandl
ajoi
nedhi
m.
Ozi
:Evenwhenhewashur
ti
ngandcr
ying,
hest
il
l
swangonit
'shor
ns.
Mandl
a:I
'
venev
erhear
dany
bodyf
artsohar
dbef
ore.
Theywer
ebot
hinst
it
ches.
They'
vealwaysbeenclose.Si
ncet
heywer
est
il
l
young.Theyar
eoffthesameageandgrewup
toget
her.
Hereli
edonhimf
orcomfor
tandcour
agewhenhe
neededtodr
awsomestr
ength.
Theyattendedthesameschool andwer
eeach
other
'sbestfr
iedsbef
oreOzicouldmovetot
heCape
withhisfat
herandbrother
slat
er.
Ozi:
Thankyouforal
way
sbei
ngt
her
eBaf
o.I
appreci
atei
t.
Mandla:
Always.I
'm sor
ryIcouldn'
tcomerepr
esent
youkumalobolanegoti
ati
ons.Iwasoutofthe
count
ry.
Ozi
:Wat
erundert
hebr
idge.She'
smi
nenow.
Mandl
alookedathi
m andOzi
tur
nedt
ofacehi
m
wi
thasmirkonhisf
ace.
Mandl
a:Your
eal
l
ylov
eher
,don'
tyou?
Ozi
gri
nedandnoddedhi
sheadr
epeat
edl
y.
Ozi
:She'
sev
ery
thi
ng.
Mandl
a:You'
resmi
l
ingl
i
kear
etar
d.
Theyl
aughandt
hent
her
ewassi
l
ence.
Mandla:
Theyarewait
ingf
orusactaul
l
y.I'
vecome
t
ofetchyou.Thecowmustbeslaught
ered.
Ozi
:Al
ready
?
Hesai
d,gl
anci
ngonhi
swr
istwat
ch.
I
twasi
ntheaf
ter
noon.Fr
idayoft
heuml
i
ndel
ofor
t
heLangajuni
or'
sburial
tommor ow.Peoplecamein
l
argenumbersfr
om thei
rrespectiveplacest
opay
t
heirl
astr
espectandmor alsupporttotheLanga
f
ami l
y.
Ever
ybodywasgoingupanddowninthebi
gyar
dof
theLangapr
emisesdoi
ngthei
rchor
es.
Snenhl
anhl
aflewdownwi
thherhusbandandwas
amongsthewomenwhowerecookingandtaki
ng
car
eofguests.
Shewasr eluct
antaboutcoming.Notonl
ybecause
shewaspr egnant,
butalsobecauseshewasn'
t
off
ici
all
ymar ri
edtoOzi.
Ozihowever
,wasver
yadamantthatshecomes
downtoKZNwi t
hherbecauseheneededher
suppor
t.
*
***
**
I
twasi ntheaf
ter
noonandt hesunwasbr
inging
downshadowsasi twentdowntothemountainsof
thev
il
lage.
They
ardwaspackedt
ocapaci
tyandev
ery
bodywas
goi
ngonwi
tht
hei
rbusi
nesspr
epar
ari
ngf
ort
he
bur
ial
.
Lwaz
idraggedhi
smuddysel
finthebigkicken
wher
etheLangawiv
eswerecookingastorm.
Lwazi:
Butwhatki
ndofwivesar
eyouthatdon'
tev
en
checkify
ourf
avour
it
ehusbandateornot
?
Smangel
e:Ever
ybodyel
sehasal
readyeat
enLwazi
.
Wherehavey
oubeen?
Lwazi
:Iwasatthegr
aveside.Andi
fyouaskmeone
morequest
ion,
Imightnotbeali
vet
oansweri
t.
Hesai
dswivel
l
inghi
msel
fonachai
rthatwasat
someconer
.
Smal
aughal
ongwi
tht
heot
herwi
ves.
Sm:
I'
ll
dishupf
ory
ou.
Lwaz
i:Oht
hanky
ousweetJesus.
Hel
ookedar
oundanddi
dn'
tseeSne.
"
Wher
e'st
hey
oungerwi
fe?
"
Sma:Oh.Ir
eli
evedhertogot
akanap.Poorchi
ld
hasbeenonherfeetsi
ncemorni
ng.I
tcan'
tbegood
f
ort
hebaby
.
Woman:Shemustwakeupandcomehel
pus.Langa
wi
vesdon'
tsl
eepdur
ingt
heday.
Smal
ookedatherandr
oll
edherey
es.
SmaisMandl
a'
swif
ewhi
l
ether
udewomani
sOzi
'
s
l
astuncl
e'
swi
fe.
Sma:
She'
spr
egnantmamcane.
Mamcane:
Manje?Whosai dshemustgetmar
ri
ed
t
haty
oungifshecannothandl
eit
.
Lwazi
:ThisiswhyIwontbri
ngmywifeher
eaf
terI
'
m
marr
ied.You'
reabit
termongst
eri
n-l
aw.
Mamcane:Gowakeherup.Ther
e'sguest
swhoneed
t
obecater
dfor.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dshewentout
.
Smadi
shedupf
orLwazi
andwentt
owakeSneup.
Theyr
etur
nedt
othekichentofi
ndLwasi
'
spl
ate
cl
eanandhewasoutofsight
.
Sne:
Doy
ouneedhel
pwi
tht
hedi
shes?
Smasmi
l
edather
.
Sma:Nobabe.Thegi
rl
swi
lldothem.Ij
ustwanted
yout
owakeupbecauseov
er sl
eepi
ngcandrai
ny ou.
Shehadtosayany
thi
ngtopr
otectherf
rom get
ti
ng
hur
tbytheact
ualr
easonwhyshehadtowakeher
up.
Snej
ustsmi
l
edback.
Sne:
It'
sactal
l
yOkay.Iinsi
st.I
twoul
dberudet
ojust
si
taroundwhil
ether
e'ssomucht odo.
Sma:
Okay
.You'
l
lwashandI
'
llr
inset
hen.
Theyst
oodsidebysi
deandwashedt
hedi
shes
whil
econv
ersing.
Smakeptst
eal
i
nggl
ancesatherev
erynowand
agai
n.
"
You'
rer
eal
l
ybeaut
if
uly
ouknow.
"
Snet
urnedhergazeandf
lashedabl
ushi
ngsmi
l
e.
Sne:
Thanky
ou.
Sma:It
'sr
eall
yref
reshi
nghavi
ngayoungbr
idel
ike
your
sel
faround.I
tcangetbor
ingar
oundt
heseold
onesi
fyouknowwhatImean.
Shewi
nkedandSnegi
ggl
ed.
Sne:Icanimagi
ne.Andthankyouf
orthewar
m
welcome.Iwasn'
tsurei
fitwasagreati
deat
hatI
comej udgi
ngby.
..
Shel
ookeddownonherbel
l
ythenf
acedSma.
"
Alsofort
hef
actt
hatwe'
renotof
fi
cial
l
ymar
ri
ed
y
et."
Sma:Hepai dl obol
af oryou.Acompl eteoneatt
hat.
You'
renotjustgi r
lf
riendandboy fr
iend.Andbesi
des,
youwouldn'tlethim comeal lt
hewayher etoburr
y
hisf
atherwithouty ouholdinghishandnow,would
you?
Theycont
inuedt
owasht
hedi
shes.
"Langamenmayoccuretobetoughont
heoutside
buttheyar
erealsof
ti
esandsometi
mestheyneed
ustokeepthem goi
ng,y
ouknow."
Sne:
Soy
oudon'
tthi
nkI
'
veov
erst
epped?
Sma:
No.Andev enify
oudid.Whocar
es.I
t'
sy our
manthatbr
oughtyouher
e.He'st
heonl
ypersonyou
shoul
dbeconcer
nedabout
.
Sne:
Thanky
ouSma.
Theysmil
edateachot
herandf
ini
shedwi
tht
he
di
shesshort
ly.
*
***
***
Tr
aditi
onall
y,whensomebodydi
esofunfor
tunate
i
ncidentsli
kethewayMrLangadi
ed,t
heydon'tbri
ng
hi
scor psehomeunti
ll
themorni
ngoftheburi
al.
I
t'
star
booandi
thasbeengoi
ngonf
orages.
Ozithoughtitwasridi
culousandwantedtocontest
agai
nstit,buthewast ol
dhowmuchofasnobhe' s
becomeandt hatheshouldleav
ethesethi
ngstothe
el
ders.Sohebackedof f
.
Him andhisotherbr
othercousinswerechill
ingor
hi
dinginaVolkwagen12seat erkombirest
ingfrom
beingsentawaytodochor es.ButBanziwasn't
amongst hem.Hewasi sol
atinghimselfawayf r
om
everybody.
Ozi
:Wher
eisBanzi
?
Lwaz
i:Pr
obabl
yathi
sfav
our
it
espot
.
Ozi
:Hest
il
lgoest
her
e?
Lwazi:That
'shispl
aceofsani
ty.Healwaysgoes
ther
ewhenev erhewantedtoconnectwit
hmom.I '
m
surehe'l
lki
llt
wobirdswit
honestonenowt hathi
s
oldmanj oi
ned.
Ozi
:It
houghthel
etgooft
hatnonesense.I
t'
s
madness.
Hehoppedof
fthecar
Lwaz
i:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Ozi
:Tocheckonmywi
fet
henatBanzi
.
Lwaz
ichuckl
ed.
Lwazi
:Youmi ghtwantt
odot
hatbecausemamcane
i
sn'
tgoingeasyonher.
Ozi
:Shel
i
kesbei
ngChuckNor
ri
sthatone.
Heshookhi
sheadandwal
kedinsi
dethehouseand
f
oundthewi
vesint
heki
ckenpeeli
ngoffv
egetabl
es.
Ozi
:Wi
ves.
Theygr
eet
edbacki
nuni
son.
"
MayIst
eal
herj
ustf
oramoment
,pl
ease"
Mamcane:
Andwho'
sgoi
ngt
opeel
herv
eget
abl
es?
Sma:I'
l
ldoi
t.Al
i
ttl
ebr
eakf
rom t
hiswon'
tsmasha
st
rai
n.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatOzi
andr
oll
i
ngherey
es.
Ozi
chuckl
edandt
ookhi
swi
fe'
shandt
ohi
sout
side
r
oom.
Theygott
her
eandsatont
opoft
hebed.
Ozi
:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Snesi
ghed.
Sne:
I'
m good.
Shewast r
yinghardtohi
dethefactthatshe'
stoo
exhaust
edfrom beingonherf
eetalldaybutdidn'
t
wanttogiveherhusbandthei
mpr essi
onthatshe
wasn'tf
itt
obeaLangawi fe.
Ozi
til
tedhi
sheadt
oreadherf
ace.
Ozi:
Baby
..
.y
oudoknowt
hatIknowy
out
oowel
l
r
ight?
Sne:
Meani
ng?
Ozi
:Meani
ngt
haty
ou'
rel
yi
ngt
ober
ightnow.
Sne:
Okay
.I'
mjustal
i
ttl
eexhaust
ed.
Ozi
:Al
i
ttl
e?
Shechuckl
edandshookherheadno.
Sne:
OkayI
'
m deadt
ir
ed.Myf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngme.
Ozi
:That
'si
t.You'
renol
ongergoi
ngbacki
nther
e.
Youneedtorest
.
Hesaidpul
li
ngherf
eet,t
aki
ngoffhershoesand
put
ti
ngthem onhi
slabsandgav
eheraf oot
massage.
Sne:Thankyoubut
,Ihav
etogobackbaby
.Whyar
e
yousett
ingmeupforafail
ure?
Ozi
frowned.
Ozi
:Whatf
ail
ure?
Sne:
Wedon'
twanty
ourf
ami
l
ythi
nki
ngI
'
mlazynow.
Ozi
:Whocar es?You'
recar
ryingababyi
nther
eand
youcannotaffor
dtobeony ourf
eetal
lday
.It
's
r
idi
cul
ous.
Sne:
I'
m notheav
il
ypr
egnantOzi
.
Ozi:Sti
ll
.Isai
dno.Futhither
e'ssomanyofthem out
there.Umsebenzingekeumengobanakukubambe
wena.Theywer edoingjustf
inebef
oreyoucame
along.
Sne:ButI
'
m par
toft
hem now.AndIhav
etodomy
duti
es.
Ozi:
Yourdut
yistot
akecar
eofme.Andr
ightnow,
I
needsomelove.
Hebendov
ert
oki
ssherbutsher
etr
eat
edand
gi
ggl
ed.
Sne:You'
recrazyi
fyouthinkI'
m gonnamakelovet
o
youunderyourfat
her'
sroof.Fut
hithi
sisj
ustnota
goodtime.
Hesmi
rked.
Ozi
:Why
?
Sne:
Youhav
etobur
ryy
ourf
atherf
ir
stmyl
ove.
Hegr
oaned.
Ozi
:Ihat
ethesest
upi
dcul
tur
alsuper
sti
ti
ons.And.
..
Hel
ookedatheri
ntensel
y.
"I
'
m nev
erbri
ngi
ngyouherei
fyou'
regonnadenyme
ofmyhusbandpr
ivi
l
eges.
"
Shej
ustgi
ggl
edandOzi
chuckl
ed.
"
Come.Let
'sgety
out
osl
eep.Ihav
etogobackand
l
ookf
orBanzi.
"
Sne:
Babyno.Ihav
etogobackt
oo.
Ozi
:Snenhl
anhl
a!
Shegi
ggl
edandgotundert
hecov
ers.
Ozit
ookof
fhi
sshoesandgoti
nei
therandcuddl
ed
her
.
Shepret
endedt
ohav
ezonedoutaf
terawhi
l
eby
snor
ing.
Ozi
mov
edsl
owl
ytocheckandsawherf
astasl
eep.
Heputonhi
sshoesandwal
kedout
.
Ont
opofahugest
oneunderat
reesatBanzi
.
Hewaswat
chi
ngt
hef
ull
moont
hatwascomf
ort
ing
hi
sbr
okenhear
t.
Hi
sbr
othersatdownnextt
o,wi
thoutl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Ozi
:Ni
cev
iew.
Banzi
justnodded.
Ozi
tur
nedt
olookathi
m andchuckl
ed.
Ozi
:Howmuchdi
dyouhav
e?
Banzi
:Thi
sist
he5t
hone.
Ozi
:Ar
eyouonasui
cidemi
ssi
onorsomet
hing?
Banzi
chuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Banzi
:Ithel
psmet
hink.
Hepuff
edandpassedi
tont
ohi
sbr
otherwhor
aised
hi
shandtotheai
r.
Ozi
:Notmyki
nd,
thanky
ou.
Banzi
:Youdon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
remi
ssi
ngon.
Ozi
:It
'sbet
tert
hatway
.
Helookedathi
sfacet
hatwasv
isi
blycl
earundert
he
f
ull
moon.
Banzihadhi
sey essl
i
ght
lyopenfr
om thej
ointhe'
s
beensmoking.Hewashighandsmel
ledli
keaweed
fact
ory.
"
Whydoy
oukeepcomi
ngher
e?"
Heenqui
redbutBanzij
ustkeptqui
et.Ozi
didn'
twant
topushi
tsotheyremai
nedinsil
enceforwhat
seemedl
ikeages.
Banzi
:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
olect
uremeaboutsmoki
ng
weed?
Hewascl
ear
lyoutofi
t.
Ozi
:No.
Banzi
chuckl
ed.
Banzi
:You'
rethewei
rdestbrot
herI'
veeverknown.
Butyou'
real
socoolandIli
kethataboutyou.
Ozifel
thi
sheartwrenchandshink.He'sal
ways
beenawarethatBanzismokeshimselftosl
eep
whenhe'shurt
ing.Andatthi
smoment ,heknewjust
whatwasgoingon.Hislit
tl
ebrotherwashurti
ngso
badandhedidnotknowhowt oeasehispain.
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Ozi
:Banzi
look-
Banzi
rai
sedhi
shandt
odi
smi
sshi
m.
Banzi:It'
sokay .Youcan'tal
waystakeawayourpai
n.
I
t'senoughnowbi gbro.You'
real
sohumanandy ou
needt ov entaswell.I
t'
stimeyoustartf
ocusi
ngon
yourselfwithouthav i
ngtoworryaboutusall
the
ti
me.
Ozi
:Buti
t'
smyjobt
owor
ryabouty
ou.Andmake
sur
eyou'
rewel
l
.
Banzi
:Ar
eyouwel
l
?
Oziswall
owedhar dandsuddenl yhewast ongue
ti
ght.Hereali
sedhowmuchhe' salway sputhis
brot
hersfir
stwhilehebottl
editallin.He'
snev er
beenmuchofat alker
.Especi
all
yabouthi sfeeli
ngs.
ButbeingwithSnewasbr ingi
ngt hatupandhewas
l
earningtovent.
Ozi
:Iwi
l
lbe.
Banzi
:I'
m her
eify
ouneedt
otal
k.
Ozi
chuckl
ed.
"
Youshoul
dheadbackandmakesur
eyourwi
fei
s
okay
.Mamcanewi
l
lgr
il
lhert
odeat
hyouknow.
"
Theyl
augh.
Ozi
:Thanksbutshe'
ssl
eepi
ng.
Banzi
:Hmm.
Ozi
:Wi
l
lyoubeokay
?
Banzi:
I'
m agr ownassnowbr
o.Thesoonery
ou
real
i
set hat
,thebet
ter
.
Hewasbackatcl
osi
nghi
sey
esagai
n.
Ozi
:I'
m gi
vi
ngy
ou30mor eminutes.Ify
oudon't
comebackbyt
hen,
I'
m comingtodr agyourass.
Banzi
chuckl
ed.
Lwaz
i:Deal
.
Ozi
jumpedof
fther
ockandpat
tedhi
sshoudert
hen
wal
kedaway.
Hegoti
nsi
dehi
sroom andSnewasnott
her
e.
"
She'
sasst
ubbor
nast
heycome.
"
Het
houghtoutl
oudandshookhi
shead.
Het
hrewhi
msel
font
opoft
hebedandbef
orehe
knowsi
t,
hewasout
.
Lwaz
icameinandshookhi
mroughl
y.Heopened
hi
seyesandcur
sed.
Ozi
:Whatt
hef
uckdude.I
'
mtr
yingt
osl
eep.
Lwaz
i:Wi
thy
ourshoeson?
Helookedathi
sf eetandindeed,hewassl
eepi
ng
ont
opont hesheetswithhisshoeson.
"
You'
rewi
fei
sgoi
ngt
oski
nyoual
i
ve.
"
Ozi
:Shehasher
sel
ftobl
ame.Uf
unani
?
Lwaz
i:Bat
hiwehav
etogoguar
dthegr
ave.
Ozi
lookedathi
swr
istwat
ch.
Ozi
:It
'sfewminut
estomidni
ght
.Whogoest
othe
gr
avesidear
oundthi
sti
me?
Lwaz
ichuckl
ed.
Lwaz
i:Yourol
dmenbel
iev
einwit
chcr
aft.Apparentl
y
wehavetogomakesur
enobodygoesthereforthei
r
ownshenani
gans.
Ozi
:That
'scr
azy
.I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Tel
lthem
t
ocomedr
aggmeout
.
Lwaz
i:Iwi
l
l.
Hewal
kedout
.
Ozi:
Whatki
ndofnonesensei
sthi
s?Whatam I
,a
ghost?
!
Hetookof
fhiscl
othesandlockedt
hedoort
hengot
undert
hesheet
sanddrif
tedoff.
Snewi
l
lhavetomakeaplanonwhereshewas
goi
ngt
osleep.Angi
thi
shedoesn'
twantt
osl
eep
wit
hme.
*
***
***
**
Ti
mei
ssomet
hingy
oucannotst
op.
Nomatterhowmuchy
ou'
dli
ket
oputi
tonhol
d,y
ou
j
ustcouldn'
t.
Themorni
ngofthedayt
heLanga'
swi
shedi
tnev
er
occur
ed,i
sher
e.
Ever
ybodywasdr
essedi
nthei
rdarkshadesof
cl
othesandt
heywerel
ayi
ngLangatorest.
TheLangaf
ami
l
ywasseat
edundert
hef
ami
l
y
gazibowhil
esur
roundedbyacrowdoffamil
y,
fri
endsandbusi
nessassoci
atesf
rom al
lconer
sof
thecoutr
y.
Thepast
orhadj
ustreadaver
seandt
hechoirwas
hummingahym whenthecof
fi
nwassl
owlygoing
down.
Banzi
hadLwazi
inhi
sar
msandt
heywer
eweepi
ng.
Whi
leOziwasstandi
ngatt
hef
arbackwat
chi
ng
f
rom adi
stance.
Hewasstil
ldr
essedinhi
sjumpsui
toveral
lsand
t
imber
landbootswit
habeanieonhishead.
Hehadhi
shandsburri
edi
nsi
dehi
spocket
sandhi
s
j
awswerecl
enched.
Thi
swasi
t.
..
thef
inal
goodby
etot
heMrLangaj
uni
or.
I
t'
sfunnyhowl
i
feoper
ates.
Onemoment,
oneisheal
thyandhappyastheycome.
Andt
henext
,theyar
egone.Justl
i
kethat
!
Li
fei
stooshor
ttowast
eitont
hingst
hatdon'
t
matt
er.
Youl
i
veev
ery
daybutdi
eonce.Maket
hemostofi
t.
I
nser
t32
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.
It
'sbeent
woweekssincewelai
dOzi
'sf
athert
orest
.
Ican'
tsayhe'
sdoi
nggoodbuthe'
scopi
ng.Oneday
atime.
Wit
hhim gone,Idon'tr
eall
ythinkIwantaweddi
ng.
Wester
n,tr
adional
..
.nothi
ngatall.I
'
dreal
lyj
ustl
i
ke
t
omov eonwi thmyl i
feifyouaskme.
I
'
m notonewi
thspot
li
ght
.Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
ll
handl
ehavi
ngsomanypeopl ecomingfr
om all
coner
softheworl
djustt
ocomeseeme.I t
'st
oo
muchatt
enti
on.OneIdon'
treal
lyneed.
Ihadjustf
ini
shedwi
thmyclasseswal
ki
ngt
owar
ds
thegatewhenIsawAmanda.
Ihadranoutofpat
ientstr
yingtogethert
otal
kto
me.It
'sbeen3mont hs.I
'
ver eachedr
ockbut
ton.
AndI '
m notaboutt omopwi thmy sel
font hefl
oor
forhert onoticethatI'
m sorry.Butwait
!Whatam I
sorryfor?Whati sitthatIdidtoheragain?If
anything,Itr
iedtor econci
leforsomethingIhad
nothingt odowi t
h.Shecangot ohel
lforall
Icare.
I
'
m done.
I
'
m donebeggi
ngpeopl
etoacknowl
edgeandaccept
me.
Ipassedbywher
eshewasst
andi
nganddi
dn'
tgr
eet
.
Amanda:
Younol
ongergr
eetnow?
Isshefuckenki
ddingme?Idon'thav
eti
meor
energyfort
hisdr
am honest
ly.
Icont
inuedt
owal
k.
"
I'
mtal
ki
ngt
oyouSne"
It
urnedt
ofaceher
.
Me: Nowt hatitsui
tsyou?Whatdoy ouwantf r
om
meAmanda?Huh?Igett hatyoudon'tappreciat
e
thefactthatI'
mt heresul
tofyourmother'
spai nand
yourfather'
slegit
imatechi
ld.Butwhatisitthatyou
actal
lywantf r
om me?
Shehadherl
i
pspar
tedwi
thshock.
Whywassheshocked?wasIt hel
astper
sont
o
expectt
osaysuch?Wel
ltough.
It
urnedt
owalkawaybutsher
ani
nfr
ontofand
st
oodbefor
eme.
Amanda: Listen..
.Ineededt imeokay .Todigest
ever
ythingt hatwast hrownatme.I tal
lcameasa
shockandIdi dn'
tknowhowt ohandleit.I
'm sur
e
ther
e'sapar tofyousomewher edeepdownt hat
understandswhatIwasgoi ngthrough.Hav i
ngto
l
earnthati ndeedy ourfathercheatedony ourmot her
whil
ey ouwer epr aisi
nghi misn'
tapl easant
real
i
sation.
Me:Sowhatnow?I 'm st
il
ltheel
i
giti
matehalfsi
ster
.
Andthat
'snotgoingtochange.I
'l
lfor
everbea
cont
antreminderof-
Amanda: Idon'
tcareaboutt
hatSne.Iwantt
ohav
ea
rel
ati
onshipwit
hy ou.
Shel
ookedatmeandbl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imes.
Idon'
tknowwhatIwantany
mor
e.May
bei
t'
sfort
he
bestthatIj
ustl
i
vemyl
i
feasi
tis.Wi
thj
ustmy
husband.
Me:
Idon'
tknowAmanda.
Her:
PleaseSne.I
'
mt heonl
ychil
d.Justl
i
keyou.Can
youimaginehowitcouldbeforusi
fwewereclose?
Isi
ghed.
She'sri
ght
.Wecoul dbeeachother'
sbestf
ri
ends.
Buthermotherwar nedmetostayaway.And
honestl
yIcan'
tri
skput t
ingmyli
feandthatofmy
chi
ld'sonj
eopardy.Ineedtot
hinkhardaboutt
his.
Me:
Okaybutwel
ltakei
tonedayat
ime.
Asmi
l
ecr
eepedf
rom t
heconerofhermout
h.
Amanda:
Idon'
tmindbabysteps.Imissedyou.So
muchandyoul
ookbeauti
ful
.Pregancyglow.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Amanda:
Arey
ouenj
oyi
ngi
t?
Me:
Yes.I
t'
sst
il
lfi
nef
ornow.
Amanda:
Howf
arar
eyou?
Me:
3mont
hs.
Shelookedatmel
i
keshewant
edt
osaysomet
hing
buthel
dback.
"
What
'swr
ong?
"
Her
:Uhm.
..
Dadwasaski
ngabouty
ou.
Me:
Oh.
Her:
Hereall
ywant
stogett
oknowy
ouSne.Gi
ve
hi
m achance.
Me:
Howi
she?Af
ter
..
.youknow?
If
iddl
edwi
thmyf
inger
s.
Her:He'
sful
l
yrecov
eredandbackonhi
sfeet
.It
's
beenthr
eemonthshey.
Me:
Yeah.I
t'
sbeenl
ong.
Ther
ewasanawkwar
dsi
l
ence.
Iwoul dbel y
ingifIsai
ditdi
dn'
tti
ckl
emetoknow
thather eal
lywantstogettoknowme.I
'dalsolove
that.Besides,Ozihadalr
eadygi
venmepermission.
Me:
Itwoul
dmakemehappyt
oknowhi
mtoo.
Shenodded.
Her
:Babyst
eps.Si
s.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatmeandIsmi
l
ed.
"
I'
ll
seey
ouar
oundt
hen.
"
Me:
Doy
ouhav
eti
mef
ordr
inks?
Her
:Noactual
lyIhavetorushhome.We'r
ehav
inga
f
amilydi
nnert
onightandSizweisi
nvi
ted.
Shenar
rowedherey
esonmel
i
keshewast
hinki
ng.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.Someot
hert
imet
hen.
Shehadzonedout
.
Inudgedher
.
"
Mandy
."
Her
:I'
m sor
rybutIhav
etogo.Takecar
e.
Shesmil
edandwalkedawaybef
oreIcoul
dev
ensay
somthi
ng.Ohwel
l
.
Iwal
kedoutandwai
tedf
ormyuber
.
It
hinkI
'
mreadyt
oacceptt
hatcarof
fer
.
I
'v
egotmydri
ver
slicenceany
wayandIcan'
tsayno
whenmyr
ichhubbywantstospoi
lme.
Theuberar
ri
vedatIhoppedi
n.
Iar
ri
vedhomeandhewasn'
ther
eyet
.
Iheadedtot
hebedroom andchangedi
ntosome
l
egginsandanover
sizedt-
shi
rt
.
Ipushedmysleeper
sinandheadedbacki
nthe
ki
ckentogetsomethi
ngtodri
nk.
MyphonerangandIpi
ckedi
tupf
rom t
heki
cken
count
er.
I
t'
sanunknownnumber
.
Ipr
essedandputi
tonmyear
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Voi
ce:
Hel
l
omnt
anam.
If
roze.
Me:
Uhm.
..
hi.y
es.
..
hel
l
o.
Dl
omo:
Howar
eyoumypr
incess?
We'
ret
her
eal
ready
?Okay
!
Me:
I'
m goodbab'
Dlomo.Howar
eyoudoi
ngy
our
sel
f?
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
Dl
omo:
I'
dbebet
teri
fyoucal
l
edmedaddy
.
Whoa!Hol
dupol
dman.You'
remov
ingf
ast
.
Me:
All
ingoodt
imesi
r.Imean.
..
baba.
Iwhi
sper
edt
hel
astpar
t.
Thewassi
l
encef
orawhi
l
e.
Hi
m: Idon'
tknowifit
'stoosoonbut
..
.I'
dli
ket
o
i
nvi
teyoutodinneratmyhousetoni
ght.Amandai
s
al
sobringi
ngherboyfri
end.
Me:
AtMamel
odi
?
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Wit
hOzi
?
Hi
m:Yes.
Me:
Uhm.
..
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
deaMrDl
omo.
Hi
m:Iknowbutyou'
remydaught
erandasmuchas
I
'mtr
yingt
oworkthi
ngsoutwi
thyou,I
'
dalsol
i
keto
workt
hingsoutwi
thhi
m.Imeanhe'
smysoni
n-l
aw
now.
Me:Yes.Well
,I'
m notpr
omisi
nganyt
hing.I
'
llt
extyou
l
aterwi
thfeedback.Whatt
imeshoul
dwebet hereif
wecome?
Hi
m:7-
ish.
Me:Okay.Thanky
ouf
ory
ourgener
ousi
nvi
te.We'
l
l
t
alkl
ater
.
Hi
m:Thanky
ouf
ory
ourt
ime.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.By
e.
Hi
m:By
e.
Inear
lyfai
ntedwhenIt
urnedt
oseeOzi
leani
ngon
thedoorfr
amelooki
ngatme.
If
akedasmi
l
e.
Me:
Hi.
Idon'
tknowi
fthatwasaudi
tabl
e.
"
Woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
"
Isai
dgi
vi
nghi
m mybackandav
oidi
nghi
spi
erci
ng
gaze.
Hi
m:Wast
hatDl
omo?
Tr
usthi
mtoshootst
rai
ght
.
Iswal
l
owedhar
d.
Me:
Uhm.
..
yes.
Ipl
acedt
het
wogl assesont
opoft
heki
chencount
er
andpour
edj
uice.
Hecameandsatont
opoft
hehi
ghst
ool
.
Hi
m:Whatdi
dhewant
?
It
urnedandhandedhi
mthegl
assandsatdown
di
rectt
ohim.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Heputi
tdownandmoveditasi
deandbal
ancedon
thet
abl
ewit
hhisel
bowsleani
ngfowar
dandgazed
atme.
Me:
Hewasi
nvi
ti
ngust
odi
nnerathi
shouset
oni
ght
.
Hi
m:Ov
ermydeadbody
.
Me:
Baby
..
.
Hewi
denedhi
sey
es.
Il
ookedaway
.
"
Her
eal
l
ywant
stowor
kthi
ngsout
."
Hi
m:Youdon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Me: Howwouldy
ouknowifyou'
renotgi
vinghi
ma
chance?Igav
eyouasecondchance.Whywon'
tyou
giv
ehim?
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows.
Ir
egr
etedsay
ingt
hat
.Thatwasal
owbl
ow.
"
I'
m sor
rybut
..You'
renotbei
ngf
air
."
Hi
m:Idon'
towet
hatpi
gany
thi
ng.We'
renotgoi
ng.
Me:Youdon'
thav
etogoi
fyoudon'
twantbutI
'
m
goi
ng.Al
one.
Isai
drai
singmyr
ightel
bowt
oboostmyconf
idence.
Hechuckl
edandt
ookt
hegl
assofj
uiceanddowned
i
t.
Hegotdownf r
om hi
sst
ool
,tookhi
slapt
obagand
headedupst
air
s.
Iwasl
eftdumbst
ruck.Andpi
ssedof
f.Ar
rogantass!
Isatther
ebat
tl
ingwi
thsendi
ngDl
omoat
extt
otel
l
him wewon'
tmakeit
.
Ozi
appear
edf
rom upst
air
sandl
ookeddownatme.
Hi
m: I
fwe'regonnal
eav
e, wemustdoitnow.Idon'
t
wanttogi
veoutbadimpressi
onoftar
dinesst
omy
f
atheri
n-l
awnow.
Hesmi
rkedandIsmi
l
ed.
Ir
anupst
air
sandf
oundhi
m get
ti
ngundr
essed.
Me:
We'
ret
aki
ngashower
?
Hi
m:Doyouwanttogotoyourf
ather
'shouse
smel
l
ingl
i
keanoldspi
ce?
Isni
ff
edatmy
sel
f.
Me:
Idonotsmel
ll
ikeol
dspi
cebaby
.
Hel
aughanddi
sappr
eadt
otheensui
t.
Iundr
essedandj
oinedhi
m.
Soonwef
ini
shedanddr
iedup.
Me:
Howdoy
out
hinkwe'
resupposedt
odr
ess?
Hi
m:I
t'
sjustdi
nner
.Smar
tcasual
wit
hdof
orme.
Hetookoutjeansandr
oundneckner
vybl
uel
ong
sl
eevedt-shi
rtandmat
chedt
hem wit
hmil
i
tar
ygr
een
Ti
mberlandboot s.
Iset
tl
edforasi
mplebl
ackmaxydr
esswi
thadeni
m
j
acketandgl
adi
ator
s.
Iwassit
tinginf
rontofamir
rorapplyi
ngmybl
ood
redli
pst
ickwhenhecameandst oodbehi
ndme
curv
ingmei nhisarmsandkissi
ngmyneck.
Igi
ggl
ed.
"Youlookcut
e.AndIl
ovei
twheny
oumaket
hose
giggl
es"
Me:Youl
ooklikeasnackyoursel
f.I
'
m notsur
eif
Dl
omowillf
inditappr
opri
ate.
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Hewon'
tresi
stt
his.
Wefi
nishedupandhet
ooka13y
earol
dwi
newi
th
andweleft
.
Wemadeaqui
ckst
opatSparandboughtaf
resh
bunchf
lower
s.
Hi
m:Unf
ort
unat
elyf
ory
ou,
thesear
en'
tyour
stoni
ght
.
Me:Idon'
twor
ry.IknowI'
vegotsomet
hingbet
ter
wai
ti
ngformethanf l
ower
s.
Helookedatmebr
ief
lyt
henf
ocusedbackont
he
r
oad.
Hi
m:Ohy
eah?Li
kewhat
?
Me:
Acar
.
Il
ookedathi
m andhel
ookedatmeback.
Iwi
ggl
edmybr
ows,
hewi
denedhi
sey
es.
Hi
m:I
sthatay
es?
Me:
Yesbaby
.I'
mreadyt
otakey
ouony
ourof
fer
.
Hesmi
l
edandt
ookmyhandi
nhi
sandki
ssedi
t.
Hi
m:Fi
nal
l
ybaby
.Wow.
Me:
Thanky
ou.I
t'
saboutt
ime.
Hi
m:I
t'
sbeenl
ongov
erduei
fyouaskme.
Hesqueezedmyhandwedr
ovei
nsi
l
ence.
*
***
***
*

Ozi
langa
Wear
ri
vedatt
hist
ownshi
p.I
tmakesmecr
inge.
Ihatet
ownshi
ps.I'
m notafanoft
hei
rli
fest
yle.And
Mamelodiwastoppi
ngitup.I
twasget
toand
danger
ousasfuck.
Wepar
kedout
sideDl
omo'
sbeaut
if
ulhouse.
Iwasnost
rangerher
e.
I
'
vebeenher
emor
ethanoncesoIwasf
ami
l
iarwi
th
i
t.
Sne:
Arey
oupar
kingout
side?
Me:Ican'tj
ustdr
ivei
nanot
herman'
sy ar
dwit
hout
per
mission.He'
ll
havetogr
andusaccess.
LikeIgi
veasackoffl
yi
ngcatsaboutt
hat.Icoul
d
runmycaroverandknockhi
sbloodygat
edowni fI
wantedto.
Heshoul
dbegl
adI
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
ormywi
fe.
WegotoutandIl
ockedt
hedoor
s.
Snet
urnedt
opul
l
edmeback.
"
What
'swr
ong?
"
Her:
You'r
enotsupposedt
ogoi
nther
ewi
thouta
j
acketon.
Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngmer
ightnow!
Me:
Buti
t'
sdamnhotbabe.
Her
:Iknowbuti
t'
spr
otocol
.
Me:
Foramanl
i
keDl
omo?Pl
ease!
Her
:Babyplease.Dothi
sforme.andIneedyouto
beonyourbestbevi
ourwhenwegetinthereokay
.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Icur
sedundermybr
eat
handf
etchedt
hedamn
j
acket.
Howi
ssheokaywi
tht
his?
West
eppedont
hev
eranderandhear
edv
oices.
Sheknockedandaf
terawhi
l
ethedooropened.
Amandabr
eamedasmi
l
eandt
heyhugged.
Shegott
omeandweshar
edahugei
ther
.
Amanda:
HeyOzi
.Thanksf
orcomi
ng.
Me:
Nosweat
.
Shelookedatt
hebunchoff
lower
sinmyhandand
thewine.
Amanda:
Aret
hosef
orme?
Shewi
nked.
Me:Unfor
tunat
elynot
e.Theyaref
ory
ourmot
her
.
Andthewine,f
ormyfatheri
n-l
aw.
Shesmi
rked.
Amanda:
Comeoni
nguy
s.
Shel
eadt
hewayandwewal
kedi
nfol
l
owi
ngher
.
Theygotupwhent
heysawusandwegr
eet
ed.
MrsDl
omopul
l
edShei
nforahugt
hencameont
o
me.
Wasn'
tthi
sthesamewomanwhowant
edt
oki
l
lmy
wi
fetheotherday
?Women!
Mr
sDl
omo:
Langa.
..
wel
come.
Shef
akedasmi
l
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Thesear
eyour
s.
Ihandedhert
hef
lower
s.
Mr
sDl
omo:
Oht
hanky
ou.Youshoul
dn'
thav
e.
Me:
Ohno.I
t'
sapl
easur
e.Ihopey
ou'
renotal
l
egi
c.
Dlomoapprouchedmeandwegav eeachothera
deadl
ylook.Heextendedhi
shandt
omi neandwe
shook.
Dl
omo:
Langa.Idi
dn'
tthi
nky
ou'
dcome.
Me:
I'
m her
etomakesur
eyoudon'
tpi
mpmywi
fe.
Igav
ehi
m abr
iefsmi
l
ethenki
l
ledi
tinst
ant
ly.
"
IthoughtIshoul
dbr
ingwi
ne.
"
Igav
eitt
ohi mthenmovedalongtowhereSizwe
wasseat
ing.Poordudel
ookedgluedonhisseat
.
Her
oseupandwef
istbumped.
Me:
Sizwer
ight
?
Si
zwe:
Sur
egr
otm-Imeanbr
aOzi
.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
Goodt
oseey
ouagai
n.
Si
zwe:
Likewi
se.
Mr
sDl
omo:
Let
'sal
lset
tl
edownpl
ease.
Weal
ltookoutseat
snextt
oourpar
tner
s.
"Thankyoucoming.Weappreci
atei
t.Mayweplease
saygraceandthankGodforthi
sbeauti
ful
bigf
amily
.
"
Sheshouldgof
oraudi
ti
ons.She'
sgood.Act
ingi
s
hercal
l
ing.
Weextededourhandst
ohol
doneanot
herandwe
cl
osedoureyes.
Shewassay
inggracewhenIopenedmyey
esand
sawDlomoi
ntensel
ylooki
ngatSne.
Icl
ear
edmythroatandhest
art
ledwhenhef
ound
melooki
ngathi
m.
I
'
m gonnaki
llt
hismot her
fuckerr
ightunderhi
sroof
l
i
kenobody'
sbusiness.
Hemov
edhi
sgazeawayandcl
osedhi
sey
es.
He'
sgotbal
l
stocl
osehi
sey
eswi
thmeacr
osst
he
t
abl
eeven?!
Hiswifefi
nal
yfi
nishedandwest
art
eddi
shi
ngupf
or
oursel
ves.
Mr
sDl
omo:
SoShe.Howspr
egnancyt
reat
ingy
ou?
Shestol
eanev i
lgl
anceatmyinnocentwif
ewho
wasjustsi
tt
ingher
eutter
lysweapedoff
.
Sne:
It'
sgoodact
all
y.I
'
m enj
oyi
ngev
erybi
tofi
t.
Shewasbr
ushi
nghersmal
lroundedbump.
Iwasj
ustl
eani
ngbackonmyseat
,bor
edl
i
kehel
l
.
MrsDlomo:That'
sgood.Congr
atulati
ons.I
t'
sa
beaut
if
ulphase.Embr
aceitwhi
leitlast.
Sne:
Thanky
ou.
AmandawaslostsomewhereinSizwe'
seyes.They
wereobv
iousl
yatthei
rownli
tt
leromanti
cwor l
dand
dr
if
tedawayfrom t
hetabl
e.
West
art
edeat
ing.
Theywoul
dn'
tbestupi
dtotr
yandpoi
sonuswoul
d
they
?Ever
ybodywaseati
ngfr
om t
hesamedi
shes.I
guesswe'
resaf
e.
Shor
tl
ywef
ini
shedandDl
omol
ookedatme.
Dl
omo:Let
'sgetgl
assesf
orourwi
neher
eLanga.
Maywe?
Her
oseupf
rom hi
schai
r.
Icl
enchedmyjawst
oget
herandpushedmychai
r
backandfol
l
wedhim.
Wegoti
ntohi
swi
necel
l
orspaceandhet
urnedt
o
f
aceme.
Whatapr
edi
ctabl
epi
g!
Dlomo:Youmightl
i
ket
ostayawayfrom my
daught
erify
ouknowwhat
'sgoodforyou.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
OrwhatDl
omo?Hmm?Whatar
eyougonnado?
Hecameclosert
omeandwel
ookedeachot
her
deadl
yint
heeyes.
Dlomo:
Don'
tunder
est
imatemeLanga.Youdon'
t
knowwhaty
ou'r
edeal
ingwit
h.
Me:
OoohI
'
m shaki
ngi
nmyboot
s.
It
appedhi
m onhischestwi
thbot
hmyhandsandhe
st
umbledbackl
i
ghly.
"
I'
m act al
l
ybeingverypoli
tewi
thy
ouDlomo.I'
m
l
earningtotol
eratebecausemywif
ehasasoftspot
f
ory ou.Other
wiseI'
dputabull
etr
ighti
nyourskul
l
f
orkilli
ngmyf at
her"
Hebl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imes.
"
What
?Youdi
dn'
tthi
nkI
'
dfi
ndout
?"
Dl
omo:
I..
.
Wor
dscl
ear
lyf
ail
edhi
m.
Me:
What
'swr
ong?Youcan'
tspeaknow?
Heswallowedhar
dandhi
sthr
oatmadeanaudi
ble
sound.
Dlomo:Ihadnothi
ngt
odowi t
hyourol
dman's
suddenpassi
ng.Webothknow,hehadmany
enemies.
Me:
Andy
ouj
usthappent
onotbeoneoft
hose?
Dl
omo:
He'
smetwi
thhi
smat
ch.
Hesmi
rked.
"You'
dbetterlookovery
ourshoulder
esLanga.I'
m
comingforyou.AndwhenI '
m done.You'
repreci
ous
wifewil
lsellf
orav er
ygoo-
"
Ipi
nnedhi
m agai
nstt
hewal
landl
ookedv
erycl
osel
y
athi
m.
Me:You'r
etouchi
nganervenowDl
omo.Don'
tyou
dar
e.I'
m warni
ngyou.Nothi
ngi
sst
oppi
ngmef r
om
bl
owingyourbrai
nsri
ghtnow.
Hechuckl
ed.
Dl
omi:Ohbutyou'
rewif
edoes.Youwoul
dn'
tri
sk
l
oosi
nghernow,wouldyou.
Me:
You'
rel
i
keadar
kcl
oudt
hat
'shov
eri
ngov
erme.
Il
etgoofhi
m.
Hepul
l
edhi
sshi
rtandf
ixedi
t.
"
I'
ll
seey
ouar
ound"
Dl
omo:We'renotdonehereLanga.Youdestroyed
meandrobbedmeofsomuch.You' dbettersleep
wi
thoneeyeopenmat e.
Me:
Fory
ou,
I'
ll
dri
nksl
eepi
ngpi
l
ls.Thanksf
ordi
nner
.
Iwalkedoutt
othedi
nni
ngr
oom andSnewasn'
t
ther
e.
Mr
sDl
omowasi
ndul
gingont
hef
ood.
Me:Youmightwantt
ogoforact
ingaudi
ti
ons.
You'
rever
ygoodbytheway.
Shel
ookedatmeshocked.
"
SNENHLANHLA!"
Ishout
ed.
Shecameshor
tl
y.
Her
:Baby
.
Me:
It'
sti
met
oleav
e.
Her
:ButIwas-
Me:
NowNhl
anhl
a.
Her
:Fi
ne.
Shet
ookherst
uffandwesai
dourgoodby
est
o
AmandaandSi
zwet henwel
eft
.
Thedr
ivehomewasi
ntense.
Shewasl
ooki
ngout
sidet
hewi
ndowcl
ear
lymad.
Me:
Whyar
eyoumad?
I
twasasthoughIgaveherplat
for
mtovent
.She
t
urnedi
mmediatel
yandlookedatme.
Her
:Howcoul
dyoubesosel
fi
sh?
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Het
:Youdon'
tknowwhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
?
Shel
aughl
i
ght
ly.
"
Don'
tpat
roni
zemeLanga.
"
Me:I
'
m notdoi
ngsuchandyoumightwantt
o
r
ephr
ainf
rom usi
ngthatt
onewi
thme.
Her:I
'm MAD!Don'
ttel
lmehowI
'
m supposedt
oact
becauseI'
m mad.
Il
ookedatherbr
ief
ly.Shewasr
eal
l
yst
eami
ng.
Me:
Wel
lwhyar
eyoumadt
hen?
Her
:Whywoul
dyour
uinsuchabeaut
if
uldi
nner
?
Ichuckl
edandshookmyheadi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
Idi
dnosuch.I
twast
imet
oleav
eandt
hedi
nner
wasov
erany
way
.Weat
e,di
dn'
twe?
Shekeptqui
ete.
"LookSne.Youaskedmetogowithy
outothe
stupi
ddinnerandIdi
d.Whatmor
ewouldyouwant
met odo?
Her
:Idi
dn'
tasky
out
o.Iwasgoi
ngt
ogobymy
sel
f.
Me: Theny ouclear
lydon'tknowmewel lIfyout hi
nk
I'
dletyougot hereallbyyoursel
f.Dlomoi s
dangerous.I'
m drummi ngintoyourthi
ckskulljust
soy ou'
dfinalygeti
tthroughbuty oudon'
t.You're
toosturbon.Hedoesn' thaveyourbesti
nterestat
heart.
Her:He'smyf ather
.Youcouldhaveatleastt
ri
edt o
getalongwithhim.Isawhowy oukeptexchanging
deadlylooksacrossthet
able.Howdoy ouexpect
himtowor kthingsoutwi
thy ouify
ou'r
enotwi ll
i
ng
totr
y?
Me:Igi
vezerofucksaboutDl
omo.Hecangoj
ump
t
othenearesthel
lforal
lIcar
e.
Her
:OhmyGodOzi
thobi
l
e.Justshutupokay
!
It
urnedt
olookatherandf
eltmybodyheat
ingup.
Ipul
l
edov
ert
othesi
deandgotoutoft
hecar
.
We'
venev
erhadsuchaheat
edar
gumentbef
ore.
Ineededai
r.Shewasdr
ivi
ngmei
nsane.
Ir
ubbedmyf
acei
nfr
ust
rat
ionandj
ustst
oodt
her
e.
HowdoIt
ell
hert
hatherf
atherki
l
ledmi
ne?
Woul
dsheev
enbel
i
eveme?
She'
scr
azyi
fshethi
nksI
'
lll
etherdel
usi
onsabout
havi
ngaper
fectf
amil
ywi
ththeDlomohappen.
Thatsonofabi
tchhasanot
hert
hingcomi
ng.
If
inalyplacat
edandgotbacki
nsi
det
hecarand
dr
ov eoffinsi
lence.
I
twaspr
obabl
ybest
.
Wearr
ivedathomeandshewentstr
aightt
obedand
pul
l
edthecoveresov
erherhead.
Shewascr
ying.
Me:
Baby
.Canwet
alkpl
ease.
Her
:Leav
emeal
one.
Il
etoutasi
gh.Fuck!
Me:
Idon'
twanty
out
osl
eepwi
thaheav
yhear
t.
Her
:Whydoy
oucar
e.
Me:
Damni
tSnenhl
anhl
a!You'
rebei
ngchi
l
dish.
Sher
emovedt
hecov
ersof
fherheadandt
urnedt
o
l
ookatme.
Her
:Iam achi
l
daf
teral
l
.Hav
eyouf
orgot
tent
hat
?
Me:
Youknowwhat
?What
ever
.
Ist
ormedoutand.
Ifit
'sspacesheneeds,
it'
sspaceshe'
l
lget
.I'
m
sleepi
nginadiff
erentr
oom.
I
nser
t33
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.

Snesti
rr
edhereyesaf
ewtimesandwokeupt
o
Ozi
'ssi
deofthebedempt
y.
Hewasoutofsi
ght
.
Shesatupst
rai
ghtandrubbedherey
esf
oracl
ear
er
vi
ew.Hewasn'tther
eindeed.
Hedi
dnotsl
eepi
nthei
rbedr
oom l
ast
night
.
Thatcannotbegood.Shet houghttoherself
.If
there'
sanyt
hingshelearnedaboutherlateparent
's
l
ov eli
fei
sthat,whentheyslepti
nseparater oomsit
onlymeantonet hi
ng.Shithi
tthefanandt herewas
troubl
einparadi
se.
Thesamewashappeni
ngtohernowandsheknew
i
twasn'
tagoodsi
gn.Shehadtofi
xitbef
orei
tgot
outofhand.
Shepeel
edthecover
sandki
ckedt
hem of
fthen
rol
l
edoutofbed.
Shewrappedhergownaroundandpushedher
sl
eppersi
nandheadeddownstair
shopingt
ofi
nd
Ozibuthewasn'
tther
e.
Mam Roseemer
gedf
rom anot
herr
oom.
Mam Rose:
Mor
ningMnt
anam.
Sne:Morni
ngMam Rose.Hav
eyouseenmy
husband?
Mam Rose:
Ewe.He'
sal
readyl
eftf
orwor
k.
Shel
ookedatt
hewal
lcl
ock.I
thadj
ustpassed7.
Whyelsewoul
dhegotoworkthi
searl
y?Unl
esshe'
s
av
oidi
ngme.Thatt
houghtcr
ossedhermi
nd.
Shel
etoutasi
gh.
Sne:Okay.I'
m goi
ngt
oshower
.Pl
easedon'
tpr
epar
e
breakf
astforme.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,sheheadedupst
air
sandshower
ed.
Shecamedownshor
tl
yandr
equest
edanuber
.
Shet
ri
edcal
li
ngOzi
whi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
orherr
idebuthe
di
dnotpi
ckup.
Hhm!
Shest
oppedcal
l
ingaf
teracoupl
eoft
imeswi
thno
l
uckandputt
hephonedown.
Shetappedherfi
ngersont
het
abl
eandt
wit
chedher
bot
tom li
ptotheside.
Wor
rywasf
il
li
ngherbody
.
Theuberarr
ivedandtheydr
ovet
otheLanga
Const
ruct
ionoffi
ces.
She'
snev
erbeent
her
ebef
ore.
Thestuf
fonlyknowherfrom i
magesbutt
hey'v
e
nevermetheri
nperson.Shetal
kedt
oInathi
af ew
ti
meswhenshecoul dn'
tgethol
donherhusbandbut
theynevermet.
Shemadeherwayi nt
ot hefr
ontent
raceandsway
ed
herhi
psfr
om si
det oside.Cl
icki
ngher10inch
sti
l
let
osonthegroud.
Asifherbeaut
yandf ashi
onsensedi
dnotdemand
att
enti
onenough,herexpensi
vesweetsmell
i
ng
perf
umef i
ll
edtheroom andtur
nedheads.
Shegott
othef
rontdeskandgreetedInat
hiwho
l
ookedmesmer
izedbyherbeauty.Mthobi
si,
The
i
nter
n'sj
awwasli
ter
all
yonthefloor.
Sne:
Goodmor
ning.
I
nat
hi:
Goodmor
ning.MayIhel
pyou?
Mt
hobi
si:
Icanhel
pyouact
aul
l
y.Gl
adl
yso.
Hesai
dsteppi
ngclosert
oher
.Wayt
oocl
osehewas
cr
ossi
ngboundar
ies.
Snesteppedbackandcl
ear
edhert
hroatbef
ore
focusi
ngonInathi
agai
n.
Sne:
I'
mlooki
ngf
orMrOzi
Langa.
I
nat
hi:
Oh.Unfor
tunat
elyHe'
snothereatthe
moment.Hewenttot
heconstr
ucti
onside.
Sne:I
t'
sfi
ne.I
'
llwai
tinhi
sof
fi
ce.Doy
oumi
nd
showi
ngme?
I
nat
hi:
Doy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntment
?
Shesaidopeni
ngandperusi
ngt
hroughherj
our
nal
thatwasonthecount
er.
Sne:
No.Idon'
t.
Inathi
:ThenI'
m sorrybutnoone'sall
owedinMr
Langa'soff
icewit
houthimt here.I
'
dsaywaitf
orhim
i
nt heboardroom butyoudon'thaveanappoi
ntment
either
.
Mt
hobi
si:
OrIcanj
ustkeepy
oubusywhi
l
eyouwai
t.
Hesteppedcloseragai
nandlookeddownonSne's
cl
eav
aget hatwasouttoplay
,andlickedhi
sli
ps.
Sne: Doesyourbossknowthi
sishowy ouharr
ass
femal evi
sit
orsi
nthiscompany?Especi
all
yift
hat
visi
torhappenstobehiswif
e?
Mt
hobi
sif
lewbackl
i
kehewasbl
ownaway
.
Hescrat
chedhisheadandl
ookedawaycur
sing
underhi
sbreat
h.
I
nat
hi:
Ohmyf
uckenGod.
Shequi
ckl
yhel
dhermout
htoshuti
t.
"
I'
m sor
ry.You'
reSnenhl
anhl
a?TheeSnenhl
anhl
a?
Howdi
dInotcat
chy
ourv
oice?
Sne:
It'
shar
dtoi
nper
sonbabe.
I
nat
hi:I
'
m sosor
ryforkeepingyouher
e.Come,
I'
ll
t
akeyoutoMrLanga'
sof f
ice.
Sne:
Thanky
ou.
SnelookedatMt
hobisibr
ief
lythencli
ckedherheel
s
agai
nf ol
lowi
ngI
nat
hi t
otheelevator
.
Theygoti
nOzi
'
sof
fi
ceshor
tl
y.
I
nat
hi:Woul
dyoul
i
keany
thi
ngt
odr
inkwhi
l
eyou
wai
t?
Sne:
Nothankyou.I
'm her
etohav
ebr
eakf
astwi
th
myhusbandact
uall
y.
Shesaidt
akingoffhercoatandhangi
ngitonthe
coatr
ackjustbehi
ndthedoorthenheadedtothe
deskandputtheWimpyt akeawaybagontop.
I
nat
hi:
Okay.I
'
llj
ustgobacktomywor
kst
ati
on.I
'
ll
bet
herei
fyouneedanyt
hing.
Sne:
Thanky
ouI
nat
hibutt
hatwoul
dbeal
l
.
I
nat
hiwal
kedoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
nd.
Snewal kedaroundwit
hhereyeswanderingar
ound
theoffi
ce.Hereyesmetwithapict
ureofher
sleepi
ngf aceonabigsket
chyport
raitt
hatwas
hangingont hewall
dir
ectt
oOzi'sdeskandchair
.
Shemotionedsl
owlytowar
dsi
tandr
anherf
inger
s
on,smoothl
yadmir
ingit
.
I
tlookedbeaut
if
ul.I
fper
fect
ionexhi
sted!
Wheredidhegetthepic?Whendi
dhet
akei
t?
Sneakyhusband.Shesmil
ed.
Thedoorswangopenandshet
urnedt
ofacei
t.
Oziwalked,
inov
eral
l
sandami
ninghel
metonhi
s
head.
Hepuzzl
edf
oramomentwhenhesawhert
hen
st
eppedi
nandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Heobvi
ousl
ywasn'
texpect
ingt
ofi
ndhi
swi
fei
nhi
s
of
fi
ce.
Ozi
:Hey
.
Hegr
eet
edheadi
ngt
othecoucht
oundr
ess.
Hedi
dnotl
ookpl
easedatal
l
.
Wasi tduehi
swif
e'ssuddenunannouncedv
isi
tor
becauseofwhatt
ranspir
edlastni
ght?
Sne:
Hey
.
Shemov edawayf
rom t
hepor
trai
tandmadeherway
tosi
tnexttohi
m.
"
Howar
eyou?
"
Ozi
:I'
mfi
ne.Howar
eyou?
Hefi
nishedundr
essi
ngandget
ti
ngdr
essedi
ntohi
s
f
ormal.
Hestoodupandwalkedtohi
sdesk.Heswi
vell
ed
downonhischair
,puthi
sgl
assesonandopened
thel
aptopscr
een.
Sne:
I'
mfi
ne.
Ther
ewasanunset
tl
ingsi
l
ence.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Sheaskedcar
eful
l
y.
Ozi
:Yup.
Hesai
dnotl
ooki
ngatheronebi
t.
Herheartbr
okeandsuddenl
ytear
swerethr
eat
eni
ng
hereyes.Hewascl
earl
ygivi
ngheracol
dshoul
der
.
Sheswal
l
owedthelumpt
hatwasbui
l
dingupand
cl
ear
edhert
hroat
.
Sne:Uhm.IthoughIshoul
dbri
ngyoubr
eakf
ast
sei
ngthatyouleftt
hehouseear
ly.
Ozi
:Thanky
ou.
Hewasfidget
ingont
hel
apt
op'
skey
boar
dli
kehe
wasvent
ingonit.
Snesatdownont
hecouchandst
art
edcr
ying.
Ozibroughthisgazeupandl
ookedatherf
rom
abovehisglasses'f
rame.
Ozi
:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Snesni
ff
edandwi
pedt
het
ear
sof
f.
Shel
i
ftedheroneshoul
dert
odi
smi
sshi
squest
ion.
Ozi
sti
l
lhadhi
sgazeonher
.
Ozi
:Youdon'
tknowwhyy
ou'
recr
ying?
Sne:
Whydi
dyousl
eepi
nadi
ff
erentr
oom?
Ozi
:BecauseIthoughti
t'
swhaty
ouneeded.I
sthat
whyyou'
recry
ing?
Sne:
Whywoul
dyout
hinkIneededt
hat
?
Het
ookofhi
sgl
assesandpl
acedt
hem car
eful
l
yon
t
hedesk.
Ozi
:Becauseyouwer
efumi
ng.I
twasn'
tgoodf
or
nei
therofus.
Sne:
Soyouthoughtsl
eepi
ngi
nadi
ff
erentr
oom wi
l
l
makethi
ngsri
ght?
Heclosedt
hel
apt
opscr
eenandl
eanedbackonhi
s
seat
.
Ozi
:Idon'tknowbuti
tlookedl
i
ket
her
ightt
hingt
o
doatthatti
me.
Theyr
emai
nedsi
l
ence.
"
Ist
hatal
lyoucar
eabout
?"
Sne:
What
?
Ozi:ThatIsl
epti
nadi f
fer
entr
oom.I
sthatal
lyou'
re
concernedaboutr
ightnow?
Shel
ookedatheri
nconf
usi
on.
Sne:
I'
m notsur
eifIf
oll
ow.
Ozi
:Don'
tinsultmyi
ntell
igenceNhlanhl
a.Wehada
ver
yheat
edar gumentlastnightandyou'
regonnasi
t
t
hereandpatroni
zeme?
Sne:I
'm notpatr
oni
singy
ou.I'
m aski
ngsoyou'
d
el
aborat
ef ur
theronwhatyoumean.Idon'
twantt
o
assume.
Hechuckl
edhumor
lesl
ythennar
rowedhi
sint
ense
gazeonher.
Ozi
:Domeaf
avour
,wi
l
lyou?
Sne:
Okay
..
.
Ozi:
Whi l
ey ou'r
ebusyt ryi
ngt
oplayhappyfamily
wit
hy ourfather,don'
tputmychil
d'
sl i
featri
sk.Do
notdaredoany t
hingthatwoul
dthreat
enitsli
feor
youandIwi llhaveapr obl
em.Doyouunderstanda
wordIjustsaidtoy ou?
Shebli
nkedaf
ewt
imest
henl
ookeddownand
nodded.
"
Onemor
ethi
ng.
"
Snel
ookedathi
m.
"
Pleasedon'
teveradr
essmewi
tht
hatt
oneagai
n.
I
t'
sv er
ydisr
espect
ful
."
Shelower
edherey
esandl
ookeddownandf
iddl
ed
wit
hherfi
nger
s.
Hewasn'
tbei
ngpol
i
teatal
l
.
Sne:
I'
m sor
ry.Iwasangr
y.
Ozi:
Wi t
hwhatpreci
sel
y?Fort
hef
actthatI
'
mtry
ing
toprot
ectyouf
rom amanwho'st
ryi
ngtousey
outo
set
tlescor
eswit
hme?
Sne:
He'
snott
hatbadOzi
.
Ozi
:Damni
tNhl
anhl
a!
Hebangedhi
stabl
eandgotupfr
om hi
schairt
o
st
andnextt
othewindowandl
ookedoutsi
de.
"
Hef
uckenki
l
ledmyf
ather
."
Hisvoi
cet
rembl
eddowni
ntoasof
ttoneont
hatl
ast
part
.
Snehadhermout
hpar
tedandwascompl
etel
y
speechl
ess.
"
Icandr
um i
ntoy
ourheadandspeakunt
il
lIt
urn
bl
uei
nthef
ace.You'
dst
il
lnotgeti
t,wi
l
lyou?
"
Het
unedt
ofaceher
.
"Whatmor edoyouwantmet osaytoyouSne?Why
don'tyoutrustme?Af t
erev
erythi
ngI
'vedonet o
provetoy outhatI
'
ddoany thi
ngtoprotectyou,you
sti
llchoosenottotrustme?DoInotdeser v
ei t
?Is
thatit
?"
Sne:
Nobaby
.Youdo.
Ozi
:Thenwhati
sit
?Di
dIgi
vey
ouar
easonnott
o
t
rustmeevennow?
Shegotupf
rom t
hecouchandwal
kedt
ohi
m.
Sheputherar
msar
oundhi
swai
standl
ookedupat
hi
m.
Hehadhishandsbur
ri
edi
nhi
spocket
sandl
ooki
ng
downather
.
Sne:I
'm confused.I
t'
shardtodrawal inefrom
somethi
ngt hatyoudon'tevenknow.It r
ustyou.
Completel
yandIgett hatyou'
retr
yingtopr ot
ectme.
Butl
etmepr oveitmysel
fthathe'
st hepersonyou'
re
sayi
nghei s.
Ozi:
Areyouli
steni
ngtoy
oursel
f?You'replay
ingwi
th
fi
reSnehl
anhl
a.Andyou'
l
lgetburned.Dlomois
danger
ous.
Sne:
He'
sst
il
lmyf
ather
.
Oziunbur
ri
edhi
shandsandrubbedhisheadi
n
fr
ustr
ati
on.Howst
ubbor
ncanoner eal
lybehonest
ly?
Thiswomanisahar
dnuttocrack.
Ozi
:You'
resostubbonandItannoysthef
uckoutof
me.I'
venev
ermetany bodywhopressesonmy
ner
vesli
keyoudo.Noone.
Hemov
edawayf
rom herandsatdownont
hecouch.
Sne:
All
Ineedy
out
odoi
sbet
her
eforme.
Ozi
rubbedhi
sface.Anddi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngback.
"
Ihav
etogot
ocampusnow.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
."
Shegr
appedherst
uffandat
tempt
edt
owal
kout
whenhecal
ledher
.
Ozi
:Sne.
Shet
urned.
"
Makesur
enot
hinghappenst
omychi
l
d.Imeani
t.
"
Shegav
ehi
m aweaksmi
l
ethenwal
kedout
.
Hefor
medaf i
stwi
thhi
sonehandandpunchedhi
s
pal
m wit
hit
.
Sonofabi
tch!

Snehadjustfini
shedwit
hhercl
assesandwas
walki
ngont hepavementtoanearst
orewhenacar
wasfoll
owingher.Shenoti
cedi
tandstoppedt
o
l
ookatit.
I
twouldst
opwhenshest
opst
hedr
ivewhenshe
wal
ked.
Herheartst
artedtoraceandshei ncr
easedherpace
butitwassti
ll
onhert al
e.Herphoner angi
nsi
deher
backandshet ri
edtotakeitoutbutshewastoo
shakingt
oholdany t
hing.
Herbagdr
oppedt
othef
loor
.
Shebenddownandpickeditupasfastasshecoul
d
whil
esti
l
ltr
yingt
oreachforherphone.
Shef
inal
l
yputherhandsoni
tandt
ooki
tout
.
Ozi
wascal
l
ing.
Shepr
essedandputi
tonherearst
il
lwal
ki
ngf
ast
.
Sne:
Hel
l
o.
Shewaspant
ing.
Ozi
:Hey
.Hav
eyoubeenr
unni
ngorsomet
hing?
Sne:
No.Uhm.
..
ther
e'sacart
hat
'sf
oll
owi
ngme.
Ozi
:What
?Wher
e?Wher
ear
eyou?
Sne:
I'
m at
..
.uhm.
..
Ozi
:Snenhl
anhl
a!
Sne:
Justgotoutofcampus.
Ozi
:Cany
ouseei
tsr
egi
str
ati
on?
Shetur
nedt
olookatt
hecar
.Itwasst
il
lfol
l
owi
ng
her
.
Sne:
Yes.
Shecal
l
edoutt
her
egi
str
ati
onnumbert
ohi
m.
Ozi
:Gobackt
ocampusnow.
Sne:
Ican'
t.I
'
m wayt
oo-
Ozi
:JustdoasIsayf
orheav
ensake.I
'
llbet
her
ejust
now.Doyouhearme?
She:
Okay
.
Thecarscr
eechedi
tswheel
sont
het
art
hensped
off
.
Shehel
donherchestandt
ookl
ongdeepbr
eat
hs.
Sheconti
nuedtowalktot
heshopt obuyabot
tl
eof
st
il
lwaterandboughtt
imeinsi
de.Shewasafr
aidt
o
goout.
Herphoner
angaf
terwhatseemedt
obeagesand
shepi
ckedup.
Sne:
Hey
.
Ozi
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Sne:
Byt
hest
orej
ustbef
orecampus.
Ozi
:What
?Whatar
eyou-
Hepausedandhungup.
Hedr
ovet
othest
oreandpar
ked.
Hewal
kedi
nsi
deandf
oundheratt
hef
arback,
st
andi
ng.
Shesawhi
m andwal
kedt
owar
ds.
Ozi
:Doyoueverl
i
sten?Isai
dgobackt
othecampus.
Doyout
hinky
ou'r
esafeinhere?
Sne:
Notnowpl
ease.
Shewalkedpassedhi
m andhej
ustst
oodt
her
e
watchi
ngher.
I
fIwastosayhe'
spissedof
fri
ghtnowI
'
dbe
under
est
imat
ingi
t.
Hef
inal
yregr
oupedandf
oll
owedherout
.
Heunl
ockedandt
heybot
hhoppedi
n.
Hel
ookedatherandshej
ustl
ookedaway
.
Ozi:
Justwhati
sitt
hatyou'
ret
ryi
ngt
opr
oveher
e
Snenhl
anhl
a?Thatyou'
ret
ough?
Shel
ookedathi
m.
Sne:
I'
mfi
nenow.Thanksf
oraski
ng!
Het
ight
enhi
steet
handsqueezedhi
sey
esshut
.
Howdowepani
shwomenagai
n?
Hei
gni
tedt
hecarengi
neanddr
oveof
f.
Sne:
I'
dli
kesomehotwi
ngspl
ease.
Ozi
:Fr
om whi
chr
est
aur
ant
?
Sne:
Chi
ckenLi
cken.
Ozi
:Okay
.
Theydr
ovet
oSi
l
ver
lakesmal
landt
heypar
ked.
"Ther
e'snodr
ivet
hrough.I
'
llj
ustgoi
nqui
ckl
y.You
coming?"
Sne:
No.I
'
llst
ay.Pl
easebr
ingi
cecr
eam.
Hel
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed.
Ozi
:That
'sal
l
?
Sne:
Yes.
Ozi
:You'
resur
e?
Sne:
Yesbaby
.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Ozi
:Okay
.St
ayput
.I'
l
lbebackj
ustnow.
Hel
eanedf
owar
dandki
ssedherl
i
pst
hengotof
f.
Hemadehi swayt oChickenLi
ckenwhenhe
recogni
sedtheregi
strat
ionnumberoft
hecarSne
gavehim.Itwasparked.
Hemadehi
swayt
oitbutt
heowner
swer
enott
her
e.
Hewal
kedt
oChickenLi
ckenandpl
acedhi
sorder
t
henst
oodnextt
othedoorandwat
chedcl
oselyat
t
hecar
.
Twomenwi thawomanst oodnextt
oitandlooked
l
iketheyweredi
scussi
ngsomethi
ngbeforegoingt
o
thei
rsepar
ateways.
Het
ighedhi
sgr
ipont
hekey
sandshookhi
shead.
Howst
upi
dcanoner
eal
l
ybe?
Theycal
l
edhi
sor
der
,het
ooki
tandheadedback.
Hef
oundSnedozzedof
f.
Heshookhert
henshewokeup.
Ozi
:Feedy
ourcr
avi
ngs.
Sne:
Oht
hanky
oubaby
.Thatwasqui
ck.
Hel
augh.
Ozi
:Youdozedof
f.Howwoul
dyouknow?
Sheshr
uggedandl
i
ckedheri
cecr
eam.
Heputt hecarongearanddrov
epastwher
ethe
suspi
ciouscarwasparked.
Hel
ookedi
nsi
deitandt
heownerwor
eascr
unched-
upf
acewhenhesawthem.
Snewastoofocusedonheri
cecr
eam,
shedi
dn'
t
evenseei
t.
TheydrovehomeandSnethr
ewhersel
fonacouch
andindul
gedonherwi
ngswhileOzi
wenttohi
s
off
icetomakeaphonecal
l
.
Shepi
ckedupal
mosti
mmedi
atel
y.
Meagan:
Heyl
overboy
.
Ozi
:Justwhatt
hehel
lar
eyoupl
ayi
ngatMeagan?
Shechuckl
ed.
Meagan:Ili
kei
twheny
ou'refrust
rat
ed.Li
sten.
..
im at
ahotel
.Icanhel
pyour
elease.Iknowhowmuchy ou
wantto.
Hehunguponl
eanedagai
sntt
hewal
landshuthi
s
ey
es.
I
nser
t34
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.
Iar
ri
vedatt
heof
fi
ceandcal
l
edLwazi
tocomeov
er.
Af
terwhatseemedl
i
keawhi
l
e,hewal
kedi
noozi
ng
wi
thconfi
dence.
Lwaz
i:Et
a.IcameassoonasIcoul
d.
Hesatont
heopposi
techai
rdi
rectt
omi
ne.
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oMeagan?
Hebl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imesandr
ubbedhi
schi
n.
Hi
m:Whatdoy
oumean?Di
dsomet
hinghappen?
Hewaslookingner
vousandIcoul
dtel
lbyhi
sbody
l
anguage.Hewasuneasy.
Me:That'
sexact
lywhatI'm aski
ngLwazi.One
minuteMeagandisappear
sandwenev erhearf
rom
heragai
n.Thent
henextshej ustreappear
sfrom t
he
sur
faceoft
heear
th.Di
dyounotki
l
lher
?
Lwaz
i:Di
dyouwantmet
o?
Icl
earedmyt
hroatandshi
ft
eduncomf
ort
abl
yinmy
seat
.
Me:YouknowwhatImean.IthoughtyousaidImust
backof
fandthaty
ou'
l
ltakecareofit.Whatdidy
ou
meanbythat
?
Lwazi
:Well
,Iki
ndamadehergoawayf
orawhi
l
eto
getov
eryou.
Me:
Andy
out
houghtt
hatwoul
dmakeherst
ayaway
?
Him:She'
snev
erbot
her
edy
ouorourwi
fenow,
did
she?
Igotupf
rom myseatandwentt
opouradr
ink.
Me:She'
sbacki
ntown.Fr
om.
..
wher
every
oumade
hergo.
Igav
ehi
m agl
assofscot
chandsatont
hedesk.
Him:She'
swhat
?Imadeherpr
omi
senott
ocome
backandshedi
d.
Me:
Didy
out
hinkshe'
dli
stent
oyou?Whatdi
dyou
pr
omi
seher
?
Hi
m:Nothing.It
oldherIdi
dn'
twantt
ohavet
odeal
wi
thherharshl
yforhertogetst
ayaway
.
Me:
Whydi
dyounotj
ustki
l
lher
?
Hescr
atchedhi
sheadanddownedhi
sdr
ink.
Hi
m:She'
sawoman.
Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead.
Me:That'
snonsense.Mercywasawomant oobut
t
hatdidn'
tst
opy oufr
om kil
li
nghernow,
didit
?Just
whatam Imissi
nghereLwazi?
Him:Nothi
ngman.Ijusthaveasoftspotforher.I
'
d
hatetoki
ll
somebodywhooncebecomesocl oseto
usli
keshedidn'
tmeannot hi
ng.Imean,shoul
dSne
betr
ayyou,woul
dyouwantherki l
l
ed?
Me:Sneismywi feandshe'scarr
yingmychild.
Meagandoesnotcomecl oset
owhatSnemeanst o
me.Andthisisn'
tabouther.Meaganisdangerous.
Moredangerousnowt hatSneispregnant
.
Hel
ookedatmewi
thr
emor
se.
"
Whatdoy outhi
nkwillhappenwhenshef i
ndsout
t
hatwe'r
eexpecti
ng?That '
sifshehasn'
tyetand
t
hat'
sthereasonshe'
sbacki ntown.Damnit!"
Iwal
kedt
ost
andnextt
othewi
ndow.
Idi
dnotev
ent
ouchmydr
ink.
Hi
m:Doy
out
hinkshemi
ghtdosomet
hingst
upi
d?
Il
etoutasi
gh.
Me:
Shecal
l
edmel
astni
ght
..
.
Ipaused.
"
Iact
ual
lycal
l
edherafteracarshe'
sbeenr
idi
ngi
n
wasonSne'
stai
lyest
erday.
"
It
urnedt
ofacehi
m.
"
Liv
eittomet
hist
imeokay
.I'
l
ltakecar
eofi
t
mysel
f.
"
Hi
m:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowi
thher
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Iwasr
ight
.
Ihol
dnoi
deawhatI
'
m goi
ngt
odowi
thMeagan.I
promisedtoneverpl
aythatgameagai n.I
'v
egotone
l
astbulletf
orDl
omo'sheadandt hat'
sit.Nomor
e
ki
lli
ngs.NowI'
m coneredandIdon'tknowwhatto
do.
Hi
m:Cal
lmei
fyoudon'
thav
etheguar
ds.
Il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
efandhewal
kedout
.
Imadeaphonecal
landshepi
ckedup.
Meagan:
Lov
erboy
.
Me:
HiMeagan.Ar
eyouaty
ourpl
ace?
Her
:No.I
'
m atcampus.
If
eltmyi
nsi
dest
urn.She'
sbackt
owor
kal
ready
?
Me:Uhm.
..
canwemeetaty
ourpl
acewheny
ou'
re
f
ree?
Her
:Icanski
pmyl
ect
uresf
ory
ou.
Me:
Now?
Her
:I'
m wal
ki
ngoutal
ready
.I'
l
lseey
out
her
e.
Me:
Sur
e.
Ihungupandt
ookmydr
inkanddownedi
tatonego
t
henwal
kedout
.
Ipar
kedout
sidehercompl
exandgotoutoft
hecar
.
Shear
ri
vedshor
tl
yandhoot
ed.
Ihoppedbacki
nanddr
oveshor
tl
yaf
terher
.
Wewalkedi
nandassoonasIcl
osedthedoor
behi
nd,
sheatt
ackedmewit
hakiss.
Igav
einandweki
ssed.
Her
:Imi
ssedy
ou.
Shesai
dsmi
l
li
ngagai
nstmyl
i
ps.
Sheunbutt
onedmyshi
rtandIpul
l
edawaybr
aki
ng
theki
ss.
Me:
Thatshoul
dn'
thav
ehappened.
Her:Comeon.Iknowy
oumi
ssmej
ustasmuchasI
missedyou.
Shemot
ionedsl
owl
ytowar
dsmebi
tt
ingherbot
tom
l
ip
Shewrappedherarmsaroundmyneckandwr
apped
herl
egonmywai standkissedmeagai
n.
Ir
esi
stedandunt
angl
edherhands.
Shel
etoutaf
rust
rat
edsi
gh.
Iwal
kedpassedhert
osi
tdownonachai
r.
"
Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Me:
Ineedy
out
ost
ayawayf
rom meandmywi
fe.
Herey
eswi
denedi
nshock.
Shedi
dn'
tknow?
Her
:Yourwhat
?
Shechuckl
edner
vousl
y.
"
You'
renotmar
ri
edt
oher
."
Me:
Ipai
dful
ldowr
y.We'
rel
i
ter
all
ymar
ri
ed.
Her
:Thatmeansnot
hing.I
tcanst
il
lbechanged.
Me:Idon'
twanti
tchanged.Il
oveherMeagan.The
soonery
ouecceptt
hat,t
hebetter
.Pl
ease.
Her:No.West
il
lhaveachance.She'
sjustar
ebound
andIknowyouusedherjustt
ogetbackatmebaby
butwecansti
l
lfi
xthis.
Shewast
ouchi
ngmeagai
n.
Me:NoMeagan.Shewasnev erareboundandIhad
got
tenov
eryoualr
eady.Myintent
ionsabouther
wer
epurefr
om thegetgo.
Her
:NoOzi
.Youl
oveme.Nother
,butme.
Me:Don'tyouhav
esomepr i
delefti
nyouMeagan?
Walkawaywhileyoust
il
lcan.Idonotl
ovey
ou
any
mor e.
Shebl
i
nkedr
epeat
edl
ylooki
ngatme.
Igav
ezer
ofucksabouthowshef
eel
sri
ghtnow.
Her
:Di
dyouev
erl
oveme?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:That
'sr
idi
culous.You'
ret
heonewhof
uckedup.
Notme.Sodon'tyoudare.
Her
:AndI'
mtr
yingt
omaket
hingsr
ightbyy
oubaby
.
Pl
ease.
Me:Meaganstop.Myfut
urelayswit
hSne.We'
re
st
art
ingafamil
yandIdon'
tneedy oust
andi
ngi
nt he
wayofthat
.Youhadyourchance.
Her
:She'
spr
egnant
?
Il
ookedatherbl
ankl
y.
Idi
dnotknowhowt
oanswert
othat
.
Me:
Yes.Sopl
e-
Shepull
edof
fthewi
gonherheadandt
hrewi
ton
thef
loor
.
Wel
ookedateachot
hermant
oman.
"
Hav
eyoul
osti
t?"
Her:Doyouknowhowmanyt
imesIt
ri
edt
o
concei
vefory
ou?
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ows.
"
DoyouknowhowIf el
twhentheGynecol
ogi
sttol
d
meI
'
m barrenandIt
hatIcoul
dneverbearki
ds?
"
Shest
art
edt
owhi
mper
.
Me: Idi
dnotknowbecauseyounev
ert
oldme.And
I
'm sorr
ythatyouwentt
hrought
hat
.
Her:DoyouknowhowmuchIspendontreat
ment
j
usttoproveherwr
ongandcar
ryy
ourchi
ld?Goi
ng
fr
om oneGy nat
oanot
herhopi
ngt
her
e'shopebut
nothi
ng.
Me:Whydidyounott
ell
meal
lthi
s?Icoul
dhav
e
beent
her
ef ory
ou.
Shechuckl
edandl
ookedatherwi
thgl
assyey
es.
Her
:BecauseIdi
dn'
twanty
out
othi
nkIwasn'
t
womanenoughforyou.
Ir
ubbedmyf
acei
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Me:WhendidIev
ermakeyouf
eel
li
keyouweren'
t
goodenoughi
nallt
het
imewe'
vebeentoget
her
Meagan?
Her
:Notev
enoncebut
-
Me: Butyoujustfel
ttheneedtokeepthingsfr
om
me?Yourpar tner?Wewer einitt
oget
herforfuck
sakes.Butyoudecidedt ohavearel
ati
onshipwit
h
mebasedondi shonestyandyouwerehopingitwil
l
work?
Her
:Idi
dthi
sfory
ouOzi
.
Me:No.Youdi
dthi
sfory
our
sel
f.Andt
heny
ouwent
andcheat
ed.
Il
ookedather
.
"I
twasnevergoi
ngtolast.Pl
easeleaveusalone
Meagan.Anddon'
ttr
yanddoany t
hingstupi
d
becauseI
'l
lbecompel
ledt of
orgetthaty
ouonce
meantsomethi
ngtome. "
Her
:Ozi
wai
t.
Iwal
kedoutandbangedt
hedoor
.
Ihear
dherscr
eem andshor
tl
yther
ewassoundof
thi
ngsbr
aki
ng.
Ipausedforawhilebat
tl
ingwit
hthethoughtof
goingbackandmakesur eshe'
sokaybutit
's
probabl
ybestthatIj
ustl
eave.
*
***
**
Iar
ri
vedattheof
fi
ceandmyphoner
angj
ustasI
wassett
li
ngdown.
Ianswer
edandputi
tonspeaker
.
Me:
Hel
l
ochamp.
Banzi
:Tuneintonewschannel
rightnow.That
Dlomoguyjustgotar
rest
ed.
Me:
What
?
Iqui
ckl
ytunedt
heT.V.t
hatwasmoutedonthewal
l
onandDlomowashandcuff
edandbeingt
aken
awaybytheHawks.
'
Not oriousgangst erandDr ugdeal erMenzi Dlomo
j
ustgotar restedaf terbeinginvestigatedlongand
har dbyt heof fi
cials.Dl om'struckasy oucansee
behi ndme, wasf oundwi thvulnerableboy sbet ween
theagesof7and15.I tisall
egedlyt hatthe
not oriousDl omowhoi saf omerempl oy eeoft he
LangaConst ruct
ion, i
snotonl yinvolvedi nthedr ug
deal ingswi thacer tainRussiangangbuthe' sal so
humant r
afficki
ngi nexchangef ormoneyandsex ual
pleasur e.TheHawksgotat i
pof fdur i
ngt heear ly
hour soft hi
smor ni ngabouthi splanst otraff
ict hese
youngboy st oCapeTownandt hey '
veconduct eda
roadbl ockj ustout sideoft own.Al otwi llberev ealed
l
at er.Thi sisThabi soMamabol orepor ti
ngt oy oulive
from CapeTown. '
Whatt
hehel
l
!
Ir
oseupfrom mychai
randpunchedt
hedesk.Son
ofabi
tch!
Ipacedupanddowni
nmyof
fi
cewhenI
nat
hibar
ged
i
n.
I
nat
hi:
Sirdi
dyou-
Me:
NotnowI
nat
hinkosi
.Cl
oset
hedoorbehi
nd.
Shewal
kedoutpuzzl
edandshut
ti
ngt
hedoor
.
Youmi ghthaveescapeddeathDl
omobuty ou'
renot
offthehook.Nothi
ngwillst
opmef r
om sl
i
tingyour
throat
.Notevenjai
lcell
sorpri
sonwall
s.
Iconti
nedpaci
ngupanddowndri
ft
edawaywi
thmy
thought
swhenthephoner
ang.

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.
Ical
l
edhi
m andi
trangf
orawhi
l
eunt
il
lhepi
ckedup.
Ozi
:Uhm.
..
hibaby
.
Me:
pleasecomef
etchme.
Hi
m:Ri
ghtnow?
Me:
YesmanOzi
.Ri
ghtnow!
Hi
m:OkayI
'
m comi
ng.
Ihungupandputi
tdown.
Iwipedt
hetear
sthatwerer
unni
ngdownmycheeks
andcoul
dn'
tevencont
inuet
oeat.
I
t'
snotni
ceexper
ienci
ngy
ourf
atherget
ti
ngar
rest
ed.
WorseonT.
V.
Ihadjustsatdownandstar
tedeat
ingwhenthe
canteenT.V.vol
umewentupandIraisedmyeyest
o
onlyseehiminhandcuf
fs.
May
beaf
teral
lOzi
wasr
ightaboutt
hisman.
Imeant
heal
l
egat
ionsagai
nsthi
m ar
en'
tpal
atabl
eat
al
l.
Whatki
ndofamonst
eri
shepr
yingony
oung
vul
ner
abl
eboysl
i
kethat
.
Heneedsdel
i
ver
ance.
Ineedt
oapol
ogi
set
omyhusband.Hewasr
ight
.
Igotupandt
ookmyt
hings.
JustasIt
urned,
Ibumpedi
ntosomeone.
Ir
aisedmyheadupandnear
lysuccumbedst
roke.
Ifeltcoldchi
l
lst
rav
eldownmyspi
neandmyi
nsi
des
turnintoknot
s.
Il
ookedatherasshel
ookedatmewithanone
expr
essi
onfaceandIswal
lowedhar
d.
Me:
Mea.
..
.Meagan.Hi
.
Iwi
pedmytear
swi
that
humbandshewasj
ust
l
ooki
ngatme.
Shel
ookedabsentmi
ndedandexhaust
ed.Mor
eli
ke
azombi
e.
"
Idi
dn'
treal
i
sey
ouwer
ebacki
ntown.
"
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Di
dyourhusbandnott
ell
you?
Sheti
lt
edherheadandf
oll
owedt
hedi
rect
ionof
mineasIl
ookedaway.
"
Oopsi
e!He'
sal
readykeepi
ngsecr
etsf
rom y
ou.
"
Il
ookedatherandhel
dmybookscl
oset
omychest
.
Me:
Youhav
enoi
deawhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Shechuckl
ed.
Her
:Whoar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oconv
iencesweet
hear
t?
Hmm?Me?
Ishr
uggedoneshoul
der
"
Pleasebuyhim somethi
ngsweetforhi
sli
ps.They
t
asteddryandcoldthi
smorning.
"
Ifel
theatbui
l
duponmybodyandIl
ookedather
onelastt
imebef
orest
ormi
ngout
.
"
Takeiteasyont
hest
resssweet
hear
t.I
t'
snotgood
f
orthebaby."
Shel
aughandIwal
kedf
astal
mostst
umbl
i
ngdown.
Mybooksandphonefel
lont
hegr
oundandIkneel
d
downtr
yingt
opickt
hem up.
Awarm handt
ouchedmineandIl
ookedup,
hehada
war
m smilepl
ast
eredonhi
sface.
Hewi
pedmyt
eardr
opwi
thhi
sthumb.
Guy
:CanIhel
pyouwi
tht
hose?
Ij
ustnodded.
Wepi
ckedt
hebooksandbot
hroseup.
Me:
Thanks.
Hej
ustsmi
l
edandnoddedback.
Iwal
kedawayt
ofi
ndOzi
'
scarpar
ked.
If
umed.
Iopenedt
hedoorandgoti
nbangi
ngi
t.
If
oldedmyar
msacr
ossmychestandl
ookedathi
m.
Ozi
:Hi
myl
ove.
I
shegonnaactl
i
kehedoesn'
tseet
hatI
'
m mad?
Me:
Takemehome.
Hi
m:Don'
tyouwantwi
ngsandi
cecr
eam t
oday
?
Igav
ehi
m adon'
tyoudar
est
are.
Her
aisedhi
shandst
osur
renderanddr
oveof
f.
Hestol
egl
ancesatmet
henshor
tl
ybr
oket
he
si
l
ence.
"
Howwasy
ourday
?"
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lyouwhenwegethome.
Hepl
acedhi
shandonmybel
l
yandbr
ushedi
tthen
smi
l
ed.
"
Wheni
shegoi
ngt
ost
artki
cki
ng?
"
Me:
bet
weent
he16t
handt
he25t
hweeks.
Hi
m:Wheni
sthat
?
Me:
Nextmont
h.
Hi
m:pl
easel
etmeknowassoonasheki
cks.
Me:
It'
sasheandy
esIwi
l
l.
Hel
ookedatmeandchuckl
ed.
Him:Arepregnancymoodswi
ngscat
chi
ngupwi
th
youSthandwasam?
Ishotathi
m andhej
ustsmi
l
edamused.
"
DidIt
ell
youhowbeaut
if
uly
oul
ookeachday
?"
Me:
Psm!
Him:
AndI'
m cr
azyi
nlov
ewi
thy
oumamakast
il
l
comi
ng.
Asmi
l
ecr
eepedoutandIki
l
ledi
tfast
.
Herest
edhi
shandonmybel
l
yandwedr
ovei
n
si
l
ence.
Wear
ri
vedaf
terawhi
l
eandmadeourwayi
n.
Iwal
kedst
rai
ghtt
othebedr
oom andhef
oll
owedme
shor
tl
y.
Hi
m:Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:
Yeswedo.
Hel
ookedatmeandbl
i
nkedt
hensatdownnextt
o
me.
Hi
m:Ohkay
..
.doy
ouwantt
ogof
ir
st?
Me:
Wher
ewer
eyout
hismor
ning?
Hi
m:Iwasatt
heof
fi
ce.Why
?
Il
ookedathi
m.
Me:Don'
tpatr
oni
zemeOzi.Di
dyounotl
eav
ethe
of
fi
ceatall
thi
smorni
ng?
Hecur
sedunderhi
sbr
eat
h.
Hi
m:Idi
d.
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
"
Iwentt
oseeMeagan.Buti
t'
snotwhaty
out
hinki
t
i
s"
Me:
Whydi
dyougoseeher
?
Him:Ineededt
otel
lhert
ost
ayawayf
rom
you.
..
fr
om us.
Me:
Whendi
dyouf
indoutshewasback?
Hescr
atchedt
hebackofhi
shead.
Hi
m:Ical
l
edherl
astni
ght
.
Iwi
denedmygazeathi
m.
"Nowait.
..
thecarthatwasonyourt
ail
yest
erdayI
sawitatthemallanditwasherwit
hsomeot hert
wo
guys.SoIcall
edtocheckwhyshewasback."
Me:Andyou'
reonl
ytel
l
ingmenow?WhenIsl
ept
wi
thyouonthesamebed?
Hi
m: Comeonbaby.You'
ref
orev
ert
ickedof
flat
ely
.
I
tcan'
tbegoodfort
hebaby.
Me:
Whathappenedwheny
ougott
her
e?
Hi
m:Am Ibei
ngi
nter
rogat
ed?
Me:
Whathappenedwheny
ougott
her
eOzi
?
Hi
m:Wespoke.
Me:
Wast
hatbef
oreoraf
tery
ouki
ssed?
Hi
sgazewi
dened.
Hi
m:Didyoubumpintoherorsomethi
ng?Because
what
everi
tist
hatshetol
dyouit'
sli
es.
Me:
Whyar
eyoubei
ngdef
ensi
ve?
Him:
I'
m not
.ButIknowhowt
wist
edshei
s.She
cameontomeandnottheot
herwayr
ound.
Me:
Soy
oudi
dki
ss?
Hi
m:Babycomeon.
..
Me:
I'
m mov
ingout
.
Igotupandheadedt
otheensui
t.Hef
oll
owedme.
Hi
m:What
?That
'sr
idi
cul
ousNhl
anhl
a.
Me:Idon'
tneedyoutostopme.I '
mt i
redand
drai
nedfr
om ever
ythi
ng.Myfatherjustgotar
rest
ed
andyou'
resneaki
ngaroundbehindmyback.
Hi
m: I'
m notsneaki
ngbaby.Idi
dnotdoanythi
ng
wrongapartfr
om goingt
oseeMeaganwi t
hout
t
ell
ingyou.
Me:Ineedspace.Ican'
ttr
ustyou.Foral
lIknow,you
coul
dbetheonewhogott hecopsonDlomo'stai
l
l
andi
nghimt ojai
l.
Hi
m:OhIwishIdi
d.Butpri
sonisn'
twher
eIwant
hi
m.Iwanthi
m si
xfeetunder
.
It
urnedtolookathi
m,hi
sfacehadchanged
i
mmedi at
ely.
Me:
Youmustbehappynowt
hathe'
sbehi
ndbar
s.
Hi
m:Snenhl
anhl
a.
Icont
inuedt
opackmysui
tcase.
Hewal
kedout
.
Ifi
nishedpacki
ngstuf
fthatI
'
llneedf
ornowand
headeddownstair
s.
Hecamedownshor
tl
yandpl
acedhi
scr
edi
tcar
don
t
hetabl
e.
"
Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtyou.Buti
fthi
siswhaty
our
eal
l
y
wantt
henIwon'
tst
opy ou.
"
Hewalkedupstai
rsandandIfel
tmyheartwrench.I
r
egr
etedpull
ingthi
sstupi
dstunt
.I'
m notsaf
eout
t
herebymysel
fandwithMeaganbei
ngback,
onl
y
Godknowswhatshe'
ddo.
Iwant
edt
ofol
l
owhi
m upst
air
sbutmypr
idedi
dn'
t
l
etme.
Ical
l
edanuberandwai
tedout
sidehopi
ngOzi
wil
l
comebegmetostaybuthedi
dn't
.
Icr
iedwhi
l
ewai
ti
ngf
ori
t.
I
tar
ri
vedsoonandIhoppedi
n.
Dr
iver
:Wher
etoma'
dam?
Me:
Acadi
a.
Yup.
..
I'
m goi
ngbackt
omyf
lat
.
HedroveoffandIsawOzithr
ought
hegl
asswi
ndow
upst
air
slooki
ngatthecar
.
Isankdeepont
hecarseatandwept
.
I
nser
t35
(
Unedi
ted)

-
Snenhkanhl
aKhumal
o.

Theuberdroppedmebymyf l
atandIdr aggedmy
l
uggageandwal kedinsti
llcrying.Iunlockedand
waswel comedbyt hemel dwesmel lofthefl
atfr
om
notbeingopenedf orweeks.Ihav en'tbeenhere
si
nceImov edinwi thOzi.Andwhenheaskedme
whatwasIgonnadowi t
hi t
, IsaidI'l
lkeepitforr
ainy
days.Andnow, hereIam. .
.facingr ai
ningdaysinmy
prematuredaysofmar ri
age.
Idroppedt
heluggagedownandopenedwi
ndows
forsomefreshbr
eeze.
Iwentontoopenthecupboardsandfr
idgeandthey
wereempti
erthanabankersheart
.Onl
yawat er
bot
tlewasther
ebutitwasalsoempty.
Il
etoutasi
ghanddr
aggedthel
uggageupstai
rst
o
myroom.Thebedwassti
l
lneat
lydonel
ikeIwas
har
dlyoutofsi
ght
.
Isatdownandtookmyphonet
ocal
lAmanda,
she
didnotanswer
.
Iundressedandputonanoversi
zedt
-shi
rtand
shotsandIwr appedmyaf
ro.
Iheadedbackdownst
air
sandpl
ayedJacar
andaon
ful
lblust
.
Iki
ndafeltasenseofrel
axat
ion.Alotwasgoi
ngon
i
nmyl if
elatel
yanditwasweighingdownonme.I
neededtobealone.Eveni
fit
'sjustf
oroneni
ght.
Ispr
ingcleanedthef
latandafterawhileitsmell
ed
andlookedli
kehomeagai n.Ii
nhaledonthe
fr
agranceofGladeai
rfreshenerthenexhaled.
Timewas8P. M andIdeci
dedtoorderi
nsi
nce
ther
e'snot
hingt
ocooki nt
hispl
ace.
Iplacedanorderonl
ineforDros'
famousgril
ledPork
chopser vedwi
thApplemousseandoni onri
ngs.I
askedf orasal
adandSirjui
ceont hesi
dethenI
wentt oshowerqui
ck.
Icamedownshor
tl
ywear
ingmyP.
Jsunder
neat
h
andwr
appedwi
thagown.
TherewasaknockonthedoorandIwentt
oat
tend
toi
t.Itwasmyfooddel
iv
ery
.
It
ippedtheguythentookmyfoodt
hatIwasal
ready
dr
oolingoverandwenttodi
shup.
It
ookt hetr
eyandwentt
otheli
vi
ngr
oom and
watched'I
fLovi
ngyoui
swrong'
.
Idiggedi
nandindul
gedonmyf
oodunt
il
lmy
stomachhur
t.
Itooktheemptytr
eybackt
otheKi
ckenandwashed
thedishesqui
ck.
Thedoorknoptur
nedandIjumpedf
ort
hef
ryi
ngpan
thatwashangi
ngonthehanger
.
Theper
sontr
iedtopushi
topenbuti
twasl
ocked.I
st
oodther
ereadywit
hmypan.
Akeywasinser
tedanditt
urned.Thedoorpushed
openandhewalkedi
ntall
.
Isi
ghed.
Me:
Ozi
!Younear
lygav
emeaf
ri
ght
.
Heraisedhi
sey
ebr
owsandl
ookedatt
hepani
nmy
hands.
Il
ookedati
ttooandcl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
"
Nev
ermi
ndt
his.
"
Ichuckl
edner
vousl
ythenhungi
tback.
Hechuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Hi
m:Whatwer
eyougonnadowi
tht
hat
?
Me:
Iwantedt
opr
epar
esomeeggsbutIchanged
mymind.
Hi
m:Hmm.
Isuddenl
yfel
tembar
rassedaboutwhathappened
earl
ier
.Icl
ear
edmythroat.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Henarr
owedhi
sey esandl
ookedatmewi
thhands
bur
ri
edinhi
spockets.
Ozi
:Icametomakesur
eyou'
reokay
,judgi
ngf
rom
howyoulef
tear
li
er.
Me:
Oh.
Ozi
:li
stenSne,
Ican'tst
ayawayfr
om you,ev
enifI
wantto.We'
remarri
edandyoucan'tj
ustupand
l
eavewheneverthi
ngsdon'
tgoidealf
oryou.
Me:Thosethingscanbeav oi
dedandIdi
dn'
tj
ustup
andl
eave.ItoldyouIneededspace.
Hesi
ghed.
Hi
m:Whodi
dyout
hinkwasont
hedoor
?
Il
ookedathi
m,hel
ookeddeadser
ious.
Me:
Ithoughti
twasani
ntr
uder
.
Ozi
:Wer
eyougonnauset
hepanf
ory
ourpr
otect
ion?
Me:
Yes.
Ozi
:Thatmeansy
ou'r
eawarethaty
ou'
renotsaf
e
her
ebaby.Whydoyouhav
et obesost
ubbonthough?
Iwentt
osi
tdownandhef
oll
owedme.
Me:Ididnotappreci
atewhatyoudi
dandIstil
ldon'
t.
Myfatherjustgotar
rest
edandyou'
resupposedto
bet
her eformebuty ouwer
en'
t.YouwenttoMeagan
i
nst
ead.
Hi
m:Idi
dnotgot
oMeaganj
ustf
ort
hef
unofi
tokay
.
Andthatwasbef or
eIcouldlearnthatDl
omogot
arr
ested.AndI
'm sorr
ybutIwar nedyouagai
nsthi
m.
Ify
oudi dnotyer
ntogetsocl osetohim,maybeyou
wouldn'
thurtt
hismuchrightnow.
Me:
Wow.That
'sv
erycl
assi
c.
Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow.
"
OkayI
'
m sor
ry.
"
Hi
m:y
ou'
rev
erydi
srespect
ful
.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybaby
.Forl
eav
ingt
hehouseei
ther
.
Isai
dwi
thapout
edmout
h.
Ozi:I
'
dnevercheatonyoumylove.Idon'
tknowhow
Icanmakey oubel
iev
ethatbutIwon'tdoyoul
ike
that
.
Me:
Ibel
i
evey
ou.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:y
oudo?
Me:
Yes.
Hel
i
ckedhi
sli
ps.
Hi
m:That
'senoughf
orme.
Me:
Doy
ouwantust
ogohome?
Hi
m:No.Let
'ssl
eepher
etoni
ght
.We'
l
lgot
omor
row.
Me:
OkaybutIneedI
cecr
eam.
Hegr
inned.
Hi
m:Icangogety
ouat
inr
oofcont
aineri
fyoul
i
ke.
Il
augh.
Me:
AndWi
ngs?
Hel
ookedar
oundsni
ff
ingt
hennar
rowedhi
sgazeon
me.
Hi
m:Ismel
lfoodi
nher
ethough.Di
dyounotj
usteat
?
Ibusti
ntol
aught
er.
Me:
Idi
d.ButnowIwanthotwi
ngs.
Him:Aret
heyev
enheal
thyf
ort
hebabysi
ncet
hey
'r
e
sohot?
Me:
Ithi
nktheyar
e.Ot
her
wiseshewoul
dn'
tcr
avef
or
t
hem t
hismuch.
Hel
aughhumor
lesl
ythr
owi
nghi
sheadback.
Hi
m:Soy
ou'
renott
heonecr
avi
ng?
Me:
Nope.
Hi
m:Howi
she?
Ishookmyheadandl
ookedathi
m.He'svery
adamentt
hati
t'
saboy.SoI'
mjustgonnal
ethim be.
Me:
He'
sgoodbaby
.Nowl
et'
sgobuyt
hosegoodi
es.
Him:Noy
ou'
rest
ayi
ng.I
'
llgoqui
ck.Ial
soneeda
beer
.
Me:
Asl
ongasy
ou'
l
lcomebackwi
thmygoodi
es.
Hi
m:l
etmedasht
hen.
Hej
umpedof
fandcamet
oki
ssme.
"
Donotmov
eani
nch.I
'
llbebackj
ustnow,
okay
."
Hebrushedmyt
ummyandIgi
ggl
edt
henhej
ogged
out
.
Ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhoI'
mfooli
ngbecauseI
real
lyl
ovethi
sman.Wi t
hmymindbodyandsoul
.
He'smyhappyplace.
Thedoorswangopen.
Me:
Doy
ouwanty
ourcr
edi
tcar
dal
re-
Itur
nedandf
roze.Iwantedt
oscr
eam butIwast
oo
shockedt
outt
eranythi
ng.
Theychargedt
owar
dsmeandbefor
eIcoul
dscream,
theycov
eredmynosewi
thacl
othandi
twasli
ghts
out.
*
***
***
***
**
Ipeel
edmyeyesopenandbl
inkedafewti
mes.The
l
ightwast
oobri
ght.Orwasi
ttoocl
osetome?
Iwander
edmyey esaroundt
hispl
ace,
itl
ooksl
i
kea
pri
vat
ehospi
tal
war d.
Ihadf
lashesofthedream Ihadt
heotherdayand
mybodycringedinst
antl
yatthef
ear
.
Itwasn'tj
ustadr eam af
terall
.Ihadhopedand
prayedthatitwasbuther eIam.Releavi
ngit.Accept,
Iam notchaineddownt histi
me.Il i
ft
edmyhandt o
seeiftheringwasst i
l
l i
nmyf ingerandIsi
ghedin
rel
iefasitgli
tt
eredbackatme.
Ifel
tver
ynumbfr
om what
everthatIenhal
ed.My
headwaspoundi
ngandmythroatwasdr y
.
It
ri
edt
ogetupwhent
hedooropened.
I
nwal
kedawhi
temal
elooki
ngdoct
or.
Hecameov
ert
omybedandl
ookeddownonme.
Man:
Hel
l
o.
Il
ookedathi
m andnodded.
"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:
DoIkn-
Myt
hroatwast
oodr
yformyv
oicet
obeaudi
ble.
Hepour
edmewat
erandhel
pedmedr
inki
t.
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Henodded.
"
DoIknowy
ouf
rom somewher
e?"
Hemov edhi
sgazeawayandav
oidedmaki
ngey
e
cont
actwit
hme.
Il
ookedathim car
eful
l
yanditr
egist
ered.He'
sthe
guywhohelpedmewi thmybooksearl
ier.
"
Whoar
eyou?Andwher
eam I
?"
Man:
List
en.
..
Youhav
-
Thedoorswangopenandinwalkedt
hedev
il
'sagent
.
Orshoul
dIsaythedev
ilher
sel
f.
Theguyst
eppedbackf
rom mybedandgr
eet
edher
.
Meagan:
Leav
eus.I
'
llcal
lyoushor
tl
yfory
ourj
ob.
Henoddedandwal
kedout
.
Shecameandst
oodnextt
omybed.
Meagan: Youknow, t
herecanonlybeonetruequeen
thatr
eighssupreme.Andr i
ghtnow,bythelookof
thi
ngs,you'
rejustnottheonewhoholdsthatpower
Unfor
tunatel
y.
Shet
ookmyhandandsl
i
dther
ingof
fmyf
inger
.
It
ri
edt
ofi
ghtherbutIwast
oonumb.
Shel
i
ftedi
tcl
oset
othel
i
ghtandi
tgl
i
tter
ed.
Sheki
ssedi
tthensl
i
ditont
ohermat
ri
moni
alf
inger
.
"
Whataper
fectf
it
."
Shelookeddownonmeagainwiththemost
di
sgustedandwicketl
ookonherf
ace.
"
Didyout
hinkI
'
dwal
kawayf
orev
erandl
ety
oukeep
what
'smi
ne?"
I
'venevermetanybodyaswi cketasthi
swoman
befor
e.NotevenauntNosi.Herey esar
esparkl
i
ng
withf
ire.Shel
ooksveryt
hirstyformyblood.
Me:
Whatdi
dIev
erdot
oyouMeagan?
Icoul
dn'
tevencr
y.Idon'tknowhowbutsomehowI
j
usthopedmymanwi llsavemebefor
eanythi
ngbad
coul
dhappen.
Her:Icandrum int
oy ourheadal
lni
ghtl
ong,
you'd
sti
llnotgeti
t.Il
ovehim Snenhl
anhl
a.Ver
ymuch.I
cannotli
vewi t
houthim.I'
m sur
eyou'
dunder
stand
thatthi
sisn'
tpersonal.
Me:What
everhappenedtoy
ouMeagan?You'
resi
ck
manandyouneedhelp.
Shechuckl
ed.
Her
:Igaveuptr
yingt
ogethel
phoney
.Theonl
y
medi
cineformeisOzi
.
Me:Youdon'tlov
ehim.That
'snotl
oveMeagan.
You'
reobsessedandyoushoul
dseakhel
p.
Her
:You'
ddot
hesamei
fyouwer
eme.Tr
ustme.
Me:I'
m nothi
nglikeyou.Andifyoulovehi
ml i
keyou
cl
aimyoudo, you'dl
ethim go.Justt
ethimfol
low
hi
sheart.
Her
:Andt
hat
'ssupposedt
obey
ou?
Me:Helovesme.Andwe'r
eaboutt
ost
artaf
ami
l
y.
Doesn'
tthatmeanany
thi
ngtoyou?
Her
:SHUTUP!
Sheheldherheadfr
ant
ical
l
yli
keshecoul
dn'
thandl
e
thesoundofthat
.
"
Youbr
ingoutt
hewor
sti
nmel
i
ttl
egi
rl
"
Shel
ookedatmeonel
astt
imebef
oreshecal
l
edout
aname.
"
Mike!
"
Thedooropenedandt
heguypeekedt
hrough.
"
It
'st
ime.
"
Henoddedanddi
sappear
ed.
Hecamebackpushi
ngat
reyf
ull
ofoper
ati
onal
sci
ssor
sandkni
fes.
If
eltmyhear
tdr
opt
obepi
tofmyst
omach.
Ihel
dont
omybel
l
yandsqueezedmyey
esshut
.
Mike:
Ican'
toper
ateherwi
thy
ouher
e.Youneedt
o
l
eave.
Her
:Don'
ttel
lmewhatt
odoMi
ke.Ipayy
ou.
Mike:
Iknowthatandthat'
spreci
sel
ywhyyouchose
me.Icomehighl
yrecommended.Nowplease,
leave.
I
'l
lcal
lyouoncethi
sisover.
Her
:I'
l
lbeout
side.
Shel
ookedatme.
"
Nomer
cyher
e.Dowhaty
ou'
repai
dtodo.
"
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,shewal
kedout
.
Hewentovert
olockt
hedoorandcamebackt
o
st
andnexttomybed.
Il
ookedathi
m andpl
eadedwi
thmyey
es.
Ther
e'ssomethingabouthowhel
ooksatmet
hatI
coul
dn'tcomprehand.
Hebr
ushedmyhai
rst
il
lgazi
ngdeepi
ntomyey
es.
Mi
ke:
You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Il
ookedathi
m andbl
inked.Ohdearl
ord.Ihopehe'
s
notgonnat
ryandhav
ehi swaywithme.
Me:
Mike.
..
Isai
dpl
eadi
ng.
"
Isi
tokayi
fIcal
lyout
hat
?"
Henodded.
I
sn'
themuchofat
alkerorhe'
sjustner
vous?
"Idon'
tknowy ouandy ouhavenoreasontodef
yher
butpleasedon'tdot
his.I'
m beggi
ngyou.
"
Heputhi
sindexf
ingeronmyl
i
pst
oshutmeup.
Hi
m:Shhhh.I
'
m notgonnahur
tyou.
Me:
Huh?
Him:Li
sten,whenIbumpedintoyouear
li
er,
Ifel
t
ver
yforei
gn.Igotver
ydrawntoyou.Idi
dn'
tknow
youwerethepati
entIwasgoingt
ooperateon
t
onight
.
Me:
Youknew?
Hi
m:Ij
ustknewIhadagi
gtoni
ghtbutIdi
dn'
tknow
i
twoul
dbey ou.
Idi
dn'
tknowwhattosay.I
'
m at
otalstr
angert
ohi
m.
Whywouldhewanttosavemeunless.
..
Il
ookedathi
m wi
thmyl
i
pspar
ted.
Me:
Arey
ouf
all
i
ngi
nlov
ewi
thme?
Hi
m:What
'sy
ourname?
Me:
Snenhl
anhl
a.Snewi
l
lbebet
tysi
nce-
Hi
m:Si
nceI
'
m whi
te.Igeti
t.
Hechuckl
ed.
"Li
stenSne.I
'm gonnat
ryandfi
ndawayt
ogety
ou
outofhereunharmedokay?"
Me:
How?Youhav
etobecar
eful
orshe'
l
lki
l
lme.
Hi
m:Iwon'
tl
etsuchhappent
oyou.
Icoul
dn'
tfathom whatwasgoingonhere.Thi
swhi
te
mandoesn'tevenknowme, yethe'
sgett
inghi
msel
f
onthefi
ri
ngl i
nej
ustforarandom per
sonli
kemysel
f.
He'shi
redtooperateonmeorwhateveriti
sthathe
doesandyethe'
sher epl
ani
ngonhelpingmeescape.
Whatat wi
stoffate.
"
I'
m gonnaneedy
out
ost
aycal
m okay
?"
Inoddedmyheadr
epeat
edl
y.
Heopenedhi
smedi
cinecaseandcameupwi
than
i
nject
ion.
Hewalkedtowar
dst
hedoorandst
oodbehi
ndi
tthen
unl
ocked.
Hecal
l
edoutonMeaganandshecamei
n.
Herey eswanderedar
oundlooki
ngforhim bef
orehe
stabbedherontheshoulderwi
ththei
nject
ionand
shecol l
apsedonthef
loor.
Hej
umpedherandcameov
ert
ome.
"
Cany
oumov
e?"
Ishookmyheadno.
Hecl
osedhi
scasequi
ckandpul
l
edandscooped
meup.
Wewal
kedout
.
Iwassti
ll
toonumbanddi
zzyt
oregi
stermy
sur
roundi
ngs.
Wegottohi
scarandheputmeinthebackseat
bef
orej
oggi
ngtotheot
her
sideandhoppedin.
Hebr
oughthi
scarengi
net
oli
fe.
Hel
ookedatmeont
her
earv
iewmi
rr
orbr
ief
ly.
Me:
Pleasecal
lmyhusbandt
ocomet
akeme.
Hi
m:No.I
t'
stool
ate.I
'
llt
akey
out
omypl
ace.
Me:
Mikepl
ease.
Hi
m:Iwon'
thur
tyouSne.Tr
ustmeokay
?
Isankonmyseatandcl
osedmyey
es.
God.
..
whydoIkeepat
tract
ingtroubl
e?Whatdi
dIdo
t
odeserv
esuchaseri
esofev ents?!
HedroveoffandIj
ustgav
eupt
ryi
ngt
oconv
ince
hi
m other
wise.
*
***
*
Thesunst
ungmyey
esasIpeel
edt
hem open.
Iwassur
roundedbybl
ackwal
l
s.
Iki
ckedt
hecov
ersof
fandspr
angonmyf
eet
.
Il
ookedatt
hedoorandbat
tl
edwi
ththet
houghtof
goi
ngoutbefor
eIgat
her
edsomestr
engt
h.
Iwentov
erandt
urnedt
hedoorknobandi
tal
l
owed
me.
IwalkedoutnotknowingwhereIwasgoingunt
il
lI
foundmyselfi
naki cken.Amuscul
i
netypeofki
cken
butbeautuf
ul.
Hehadhi
sbackonmecr
acki
ngshel
l
sofeggs.
Icl
earedmyt
hroatandhet
urnedt
olookatmeand
fl
ashedasmi
le.
Wow.He'
sver
yador
abl
e.
Hi
m:Goodmor
ning.
Hewipedhi
shandsandadj
ust
edt
heheatt
hen
cametome.
Ij
ustr
emai
nedgl
oedt
othegr
ound.
Hepl
acedasof
tpeckonmycheekandobser
vedmy
f
ace.
"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Di
dyousl
eepwel
l
?"
Me:
Yes.But
..
.
Atthispoi
nt,Iwasveryscepti
cal
aboutaski
ngtogo
home.Idon'tevenknowt hi
sman.Forall
Iknow,he
couldbedangeroushimself
.
"
I.
..
Iwantt
ogohome.
"
Hef
rowned.
Hi
m:Soqui
ck?Youhav
en'
tev
enhadbr
eakf
asty
et.
Il
ookedathi
m.Hel
ookedgenui
ne.Oram It
oo
tr
ust
ing?
!
"Come,i
twi
l
lber
eadysoon.Thebabyhast
oeaty
ou
know.
"
Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hisMi
ke?
Him:What?Prepar
ingyoubr
eakf
ast?It
'san
i
mportantmealofaday.Andasadoctor,Ican'
tl
et
youski
pit.Notwhenyou'
repr
egnant.
He'
sav
oidi
ngmyquest
ionandI
'
mint
ri
gued.
Hetur
nedtofi
nishwi
thbr
eakf
astandIwasj
ust
st
andi
ngther
elooki
ngathi
m.
Heev
enwhi
stl
ed.Li
keIwasnoti
nhi
sspace.Thi
s
man!
Hedi
shedupandsett
het
abl
eni
cel
ythencameov
er
t
ome.
"
Comenow.Takeaseat
."
Het
ookmyhandandIf
oll
owedhi
slead.
Wesatdownandbegant
oeat
.
Suddenl
yIgotsoemot
ional
andst
art
edt
ocr
y.
Hecameov
ert
omyseatandcomf
ort
edme.
"
It
'sokay
."
Me:
Iwantt
ogohome.
Hi
m:Youwi
l
l.Al
li
ngoodt
ime.
It
urnedt
olookathi
m andwi
pedmyt
ear
sof
f.
Me: No.IwanttogonowMike.Iappr
eci
tet
haty
ou
savedmyl i
feandthatofmychi
ldbutl
etmegonow
please.
Him:
Whyar
eyoupot
ray
ingmeast
hisbadper
son
now?
Me:
Whydi
dyounotj
ustt
akemehomewhenI
askedy
out
olastni
ght
?
Hegazedatmewi
thhi
sbl
ueey
esandat
tepmt
edt
o
ki
ssme.
Ipushedhi
m backandgotof
ffr
om t
hechai
r.
"
Whatt
hehel
ldoy
out
hinky
ou'
redoi
ng?
"
Hestuckhi
stongueoutandmoi
stenedhi
sli
psand
br
ushedthebackofhi
shead.
Hi
m: I
'
m sorr
yaboutt
hat
.Let
'ssi
tdownandeatour
br
eakfast
,pl
ease.
Il
ookedathi
m andhepl
eaded.
Webot
hsatdownandweat
einsi
l
ence.
Hest
olegl
ancesher
eandt
her
e.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryokay
?
Ij
usteyedhi
m andconti
nuetoindul
dge.Thef
ood
wasniceandIwasstar
vingso.
..
I
nser
t36
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
***
*

Nar
rat
ed.

Shelookedatherwr
istandr
eal
i
sedherbr
acel
eti
s
gone.
Thi
sexpl
ainswhyOz
ihasn'
tfoundhery
et.
Hav
eyouev
erbeenatamer
cyofat
otal
str
anger
?
Snef oundher sel
finadil
emmahav i
ngt obegt hi
s
manf orfreedom wi t
houtcomi ngacrossas
ungrat ef
ul becauseatthispoint,shehast obegf or
herwayout .I
twasn'tgoi
ngt obeeasyf orOzitofind
hernowt hathecoul dn'
ttrackherwher eabouts.But
shewant edt ogetoutofher e.
..
beforethisoddman
doessomet hi
ngshecan' tbegintobringherselft
o
thi
nkabout .
Shewasal
sosi
ckwor
ri
edaboutwhatOzi
mightbe
goi
ngt
hroughwi
thhermi
ssi
ng.
Sne:
Mike.
Het
urnedt
olookatherandsmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:Doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Hewipedhi
shandst
hatwer
edr
ippi
ngofwat
erand
l
eanedagai
nstt
hesi
nk.
Sne:
Howaboutt
aki
ngmehomenow?
Hi
m:It
houghty
ouenj
oyedmycompany
.
Hesmi
rked.
Sne:Whatgamesar
eyouplay
ingher
eMike?I
wannagohome.Myhusbandmustbeworri
edsi
ck
aboutme.
Hemot i
onedt
owar
dsherandsquat
eddownnex
tto
herchai
r.
Hi
m:Whataboutme?
Shel
ookedathi
m puzzl
ed.
Sne:
Whatabouty
ou?
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouSne.Whatam Isupposedt
odowi
th
mysel
fnowthatI
'
veexper
iencedwhati
tfel
tli
ke
hav
ingyouher
e.
Shel
ookedathi
m wi
thdi
sbel
i
ef.
Sneisav eryattr
act
ivewoman.Young, act
iveand
appeti
zing.Mikecouldn'thel
pbutfal
ldeepinl
ov e
withher.Allt
hiswasal sofor
eignandover
whelmi ng
forhi
mt of al
lheadov erheel
sinl
ovewithastarnger
butherehewas, lov
esi ckli
keapuppy.
Sne:I
'
m mar r
iedandpregnantMi
ke.Howcany
ou
possi
blyt
hinkwecoulddate?
Mike:Iwouldn'
tmindr
aisi
ngthatchi
l
d.And
whatevermoneyhepaidfory
ourwedding,
Ican
r
eturneverycentt
ohim.
Shechuckl
edli
ght
lyandrest
edherheadont
het
abl
e
bur
ri
ngitwit
hherhands.
Sne:
Idonotl
ovey
ouMi
ke.Idon'
tev
enknowy
ou.
Mike:I
'l
lmakeyoufal
li
nlov
ewi
thme.Gi
vemea
chancebeaut
if
ul.
Sne:
No!ILOVEHI
M.ONLYHI
M.NOW TAKEME
HOMEYOUPSYCHO!
Hegri
ndedhisteet
handsur
passedt
heangert
hat
wasbuil
dingup.
Mi
ke:
Fine!
Het
ookouthi
sphonef
rom hi
spocketandt
hrewi
t
ont
hetabl
e.
"
Ther
e!Cal
lyourhusbandt
ocomef
etchy
out
hen.
"
Shelookedathimr el
uct
antnotknowi
ngi
fhewas
pul
li
ngast untornot.
"
Takei
tbef
oreIchangemymi
ndSne.
"
Shequickl
ygrabbedi
tlooki
ngathi
m bef
oredi
ali
ng
Ozi
'snumbers.
I
trangl
i
ter
all
yjustonceandheanswer
d.
Ozi
:Ozi
Langa.
Sne:
Baby
.Pl
easecomef
etchme.
Shesai
dlooki
ngatMi
kewhowasl
ooki
ngout
side
thewi
ndow.
Ozi:
OhmygoodnessSt handwasam.Ukuphi(wher
e
areyou)?Arey
ouokay?Isthebabyfi
ne?We'v
ebeen
searchi
ngforyoual
lni
ght.Wherear
ey ou?
Sne:
I..
.uhm.
..
wai
t.
Shel
ookedatMi
keagai
n.
"
Wher
eist
hispl
acemi
ke?
"
Mikewithoutev
enl
ooki
ngather
,gav
ehert
he
adress.
Sheputthephonebackonherearandgav
eOzi
the
adr
essjustasshewastol
d.
Ozi
:I'
l
lbether
eassoonasIcanokay,baby
?St
ay
st
rongst
handwasam.Areyoust
il
lokay?
Shenoddedbutr
emember
edhedoesn'
tseehi
m.
Sne:
Yes.I
'
mfi
ne.
Shedidn'
twanttohangupandwishedshecould
st
ayont hephonewit
hhim unt
il
lhear
ri
v edbutMike
eyedherandshehadtosayhergoodbyes.
"
Pleasehur
ry.
"
Ozi
:Nowai
t-
Shehungupandpl
acedt
hephonebackont
het
abl
e.
Sne:
Thanky
ou.
Mi
ke:
You'
rewel
come.
Hel
ookedather
.
"
Don'
tyouwannabat
horshowerbef
orey
oul
eav
e?"
Sheshookherheadno.
Sne:
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Hewalkedtoherandcamev
erycl
ose,
theywer
e
br
eat
hingthesameair.
Mi
ke:
I'
ll
wai
tfory
ou.I
'
m av
erypat
ie
ntman.
Sne:Ther
e'snot
hingt
owai tonMike.St
opt
his
obsessi
onaboutmealready.Pl
ease.
Hesmir
kedandbr
ushedhercheekwit
hathumband
l
eanedf
orwar
dtokissherbutt
hephoner
ang.
Hebi
thi
slowerl
i
pandr
eachedoutf
ori
t.
Hepr
essedandputi
tonhi
sear
.
Mi
ke:
Yes?
..
.Lethi
min.
Heputi
tbackont
hecount
erandst
eppedback.
"
Yourmani
sher
e.Hedoesn'
twast
eti
menow,
does
he?
"
Shel
ookedathi
m.
"Loosenupnow.Wedon'
twanthi
mtot
hinkIwasn'
t
goodt oyounow,
dowe?"
Shegav
ehi
m aweaksmi
l
eandt
hedoorbel
lrang.
Hel
ookedather
.
"
RememberwhatIsai
d.I
'
llwai
tfory
ou.
"
Thenhewentt
oat
tendt
oit
.
Heopenedt
hedoorandhi
sgazewi
denedi
nshock.
"
Ozi
Langa.Thi
sisasur
pri
se.
"
Ozi
:Mi
chael
Whi
te.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eman?
Ozi wasjustassurpr
isedt
oseeMi keonthedoor
aft
ersuchal ongt
imetheyhaven'
tseeneachother
si
nceHar var
d.Hewashappyt oseehim.Butthat
happinessdieddownwhenher ememberedthe
actualreasonwhyhewasher e.
Mi
ke:
Iwor
kher
enowmyf
ri
end.
Mi
ker
emember
edhedi
dnoti
nvi
tehi
minand
qui
ckl
ycamebackt
ohi
ssenses.
"
Oh.Wher
ear
emymanner
s.Pl
easecomei
n."
Hest
eppedasi
demaki
ngwayf
orOzi
tocomei
n.
Hesawhiswi f
eandrantohol
dherli
kehedidn'
t
wantheroutofsi
ghtany
more.Sheheldonhimtoo
f
ordearli
fe.
Mi
keswal
l
owedhar
dandi
mmedi
atel
yfel
tuneasy
.
Thecoupl
eletgoofeachot
herandOzi
obser
vedher
wif
e.
Ozi
:Ar
eyouokaybaby
?
Sne:
Yes.Al
lthankst
oMi
ke.
Heturnedtolookathi
mthenr
edi
rect
edhi
sfocus
backatheragain.
Ozi
:Whathappened?
Mike:Uhm...
act
ual
l
y,I
t'
sal
ongst
ory
.We'
l
lneed
beersfort
hat.
Ozisuddenl
yfel
theatbuil
dinguponhi
sbodyandhe
st
il
llookedathi
swifeint
ensely
.
Ozi
:Whathappenedbaby
?
HedismissedMikeanddi
dnotacknowl
edgehi
m
onebitr
ightnow.
Snestar
tedtocr
yandhetookherbacki
nhi
s
embraceandcomfor
tedher
.
HegaveMikeani
ntensequest
ioni
ngl
ook.AndMi
ke
l
ookedaway.
Her eal
isedjusthowmuchhemessedup.Andi fhe
knewsoonerwhoSnebel ongedto,he'
dtur
nback
theclockandt akeherhomerightaway.Heknows
Ozi t
oowel l
andhe'snotsomeoney ouwanttofuck
with.
Mi
ke:
I'
ll
giv
eyouguy
sspace.
Ozi
:Ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
.We'
rel
eav
ing.
Mi
ke:
Ithoughtwe'
l
lcat
chuporsomet
hing.
Ozi
:Now'
snotagoodt
imemat
e.Ihav
etot
akemy
wif
ehome.
Mi
kenodded.
Ozi
li
ft
edhi
swi
fe'
schi
nwi
thhi
sindexf
ingerand
wi
pedhert
ear
sgazi
ngdeepi
ntoherey
es.
Ozi
:I'
mtr
ull
ysor
ry.Ishoul
dn'
thav
elef
tyout
her
e
al
one.
Sne:
Youdi
dn'
tknowbaby
.It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t.
Hekissedherf
oreheadandcur
vedhi
sar
mtohug
herf
rom si
de.
Sherestedherheadonhi
schestandhet
urnedt
o
faceMike.
Ozi
:I'
l
lseey
oul
atermat
e.Thanksf
orkeepi
ngher
saf
e.
Helookedathi
m andMikewasalr
eadyshaki
ngin
hi
sboots.Hegavehim aweaksmil
eandnoddedhis
head.
Mi
ke:
Sur
e.Lat
er.
Ozi
nodded.
Snestol
eagl
anceatMi
kewhowoul
dn'
tri
skl
ooki
ng
ather
.
Heregr
ettedever
ythi
ngthathappenedbuthewas
st
il
lmadlyinl
ovewithher
.Theonet hi
ngapartf
rom
Ozi,t
hathewaswor riedsickaboutwashowwashe
goingtocont
inuel
ivinglif
elikehedidnotmeetsuch
aphenomenal womanwhom hecan' tevenhav
e
becauseshe'
smar r
iedt ohisfri
end.
Sne:
ByeMi
ke.Andt
hanky
ousomuch.
Mi
ke:
By-
byeSne.
Theywal
kedoutandhecur
sedunderhi
sbr
eat
h.
*
***
***
***
*
Thecoupl earri
vedhomeandOzi washeat ingup.
Foreverythi
ngatt hi
smoment .Hewasmadt hathis
wifedefyedandputherl if
eandt hatoft heirunborn
chil
dindangerbymov ingoutoft hehouse.Don' t
evenmensi onherendingupatMi ke'splacewho
didn'
tevenknowhewasi ntown.Buthel ovesher .
Deeplyandwhol y.Atthispoint,
hislovef orherhad
totakepriori
tyandmakehi m placate,fast.
Het
ri
edbyal
lmeanst
osuppr
esshi
sanger
.
Ozi
:I'
l
lruny
ouawar
m ni
cebat
h,okay
?
Sherai
sedherashamedey
esfr
om thegroundand
l
ookedathi
m.Hehadhi sl
i
pspressedt
ogetherf
rom
anger
.
Sheknewhimtoowellt
oknowthathewasfury
mouted.Shewentov
ertost
andnextt
ohim and
faceddown.
Sne:I
'
mreal
lysor
ryf
orbei
ngst
ubbonandr
iski
ng
wit
hmyli
fe.
Him:Youputourunbornchi
l
d'sli
feindanger.Even
whenIaskedyoupoli
tel
ynotto.Don'tevengetme
star
tedwi
thyoursbecauseI
'm honestl
yangryri
ght
nowbaby.
Hi
svoi
cewascal
m,deepy
etst
ern.
Shelif
tedhergazefr
om herf
iddl
ingfi
nger
ti
psto
l
ookathi m.Hehadsuchanintensel
ookonhisface
thathiseyeswerebl
oodshotandhisvai
nswere
poppingout.
Sne:
Iapol
ogiesf
ormybehavi
or.Ipr
omi
set
otake
morecont
rol
ofmyemotions.
Ozi:
Isear
chedallni
ghtf
ory ou.Doy ouknowhow
scar
edIwaswhenIcouldn'ttrackyoudown?Not
evenhavi
ngaclueofwhereI'dfindyou?Mybrot
her
s
andaretur
nedt
hewhol eci
tyupsidedownlooking
butt
herewasnothi
ng.IhadlosthopethatI
'
dfind
youal
ive.
Sne:Idon'
tknowwhathappenedtomybracel
et.
Theymusthav esl
i
ditof
fwhent heyt
ookme.
Ozi
:Howdi
dyouendupatMi
ke'
spl
ace.
Sne:Meaganhi
redhi
mtooper
atemesot
hey
'dki
l
l
thebaby
.
Ozi'
smoodhi tt
her
oof
.Hespanar
oundi
n
fr
ustrat
ions.
"Ihadbumpedi nt
oMikeearl
ieratt
hecant
eenand
whenher eal
i
sedIwast hepati
enthewassupposed
tooperat
eon, hecoul
dn'
tdoit.Sohehel
pedme
escape.
Ozi
:Whenwast
hat
?
Sne:
lastni
ght
.
Ozi:Thenwhydi
dhenotbr
ingy
ouhome?Orcal
lme
at
least?
Shef
aceddownagai
n.
"
NHLANHLA!
"
shestar
tledandlookedathim.Hi
sfacehadtur
ned
red.Helookednothi
ngli
kewhatshe'
sseenbefore.
Hischeekboneswer epoppedoutgr
indi
ng.
Sne:
Hesai
dhewasinl
ovewi
thmeandt
hat
'swhy
hedi
dn'
tbr
ingmeher
e.
Hechuckl
ed.
LwaziandBanzi
camedown.Theymusthav
ehear
d
thenoi
se.
Lwazi
:Cal
m downOzi
.Icoul
dheary
oual
ltheway
fr
om upst
air
s.
Ozi
lookedatSneandwentupst
air
s.
Banziwentov
ert
oherandcomf
ort
edherasshe
soabed.
Banzi
:Hey.I
t'
sokay.At
leasty
ou'
resaf
enowhey
.We
l
ookedall
overfory
ou.
Lwaz i
:Don'
tmindhim.He'
sjustmadbecausehe
thoughthel
ostyou.Wewereallwor
ri
ed.
Sne:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
emov
edout
.Thi
sisal
lmyf
aul
t.I
don'
tknowi
fhe'
l
lev
erf
orgi
vemeaf
tert
his.
Lwazi
:Cal
m downwi f
ey.He'
syour
sandhe'
l
lcome
ar
ound.He'
sjustst
il
lmad.
Banzi
:Hel
ovesyouguy
sbothsomuch.I'venev
er
seenhi
mloosehi
smindli
kethatbef
ore.
Theycomf
ort
edherandev
ent
ual
l
yshepl
acat
ed.
"Youshoul
dwearhi
sfav
our
atel
i
nger
ieandmakei
t
uptohim."
Shechuckl
edt
hroughhert
ear
s.
Lwazi:
Andcookusaf ul
lcour
semeal.Wedeserv
eit
tooyouknow.You'
remarri
edtoal
lofus.Don'
t
for
getthat
.
Theyl
aughi
nuni
son.
Banzi:Hemustbereal
l
yexhaustednow.Lethi
m
restbecausehedi
dn'
tsleepani
nchlastni
ght.
Sne:
Okay
.Ial
soneedt
obat
handr
est
.
Lwaz
i:Ar
eyouokayt
hough?
Shesmi
l
edweakl
y.
Sne:I
'
mf i
neyouguy s.Andt
hanky
ousomuchf
or
car
ryi
ng.You'
rehusbandgoal
s.
Theybot
hgr
innedl
i
kei
diot
s.
"Il
oveyouguyssomuch.Iwoul
dn'
taskf
orbet
ter
brot
her
'sin-
law.
Banzi
:Husbands.
Shel
augh.
Sne:
Yeshusbands.
Lwaz
i:Goandrestnow.Weneedt
hatf
ull
cour
se
mealwhenyourechar
ged.
Shesmi
l
edandheadedupst
air
stot
hei
rroom.
Shef
oundhi
m sl
eepi
ngont
opont
hesheet
sonhi
s
st
omachwit
hshoesoff
.
Hi
slegswer
epartedwithonekneesl
i
ght
lybentand
hi
sarmsoneit
hersideofthepi
ll
ow.
Hel
ookeddr
ainedi
nhi
ssl
eep.
Shet
ookafl
eeceandcov
eredhi
m wi
tht
henki
ssed
hi
spart
edl
i
ps.
Shewentt
oshowerqui
ckandcamebackt
ojoi
nhi
m
i
nhissl
eepandzonedout
.
*
***
***
***
*
Oziwokeuptohiswif
e'sf
aceverycl
oset
ohi
s.They
wer
et oocl
oseyou'
dswearther
ewassome
r
esuscit
ati
ongoi
ngon.
Hewat
chedhersl
eepi
ngandadmi
redherbeaut
y.
Hefelthi
sgr
oincl
enchandchi l
l
stravell
i
ngdownhi
s
spi
neatthesi
ghtofhissl
eepingbeautyandhe
wantedtomakeadeli
catelov
et oherbuthedi
dn'
t
wanttowakeherup.Sohelethersleep.
Hepl
acedhi
sli
psgentl
yonher
sandki
ssedt
hem
t
henwentt
oshower.
Hewentdownstai
rsshor
tlyandfoundhi
sbr
other
s
chi
l
li
nginthel
i
vingroom play
ingFif
a.
Theyt
urnedt
olookathi
m andgr
eet
ed.
Lwazi
:You'
reawake.Good.Comel
etswhi
pey
our
ass.
Banzi:
Plusi
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
ncewepl
ayedt
oget
her
.I
missedthi
s.
Hel
ookedatt
hem andl
augh.
Ozi:Sav
ethebestf
orl
astboy
s.Ihavetorun
somewherebutwhenIcomeback,pl
easedon'
t
accusemeofchil
dabuse.
Theyl
aughi
nuni
son.
Lwaz
igotupandwal
kedt
ohi
m.
Lwaz
i:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Ozi
:Ther
e'ssomet
hingper
sonal
Ineedt
osor
tout
r
ealqui
ck.
Lwazi
:It
'sprobabl
ybestt
hatIdon'
taskbuthowl
ong
wil
li
ttake?
Ozi
:Iwon'
tbelong.Tel
lSneI
'
llbebacksoonwhen
shewakesup.
Lwaz
i:Sur
e.
Theyf
istbumpedandhewal
kedout
.
Hearri
vedshor
tl
yatMi
ke'
spl
aceandbuzzedt
he
i
nter
com.
Heanswer
ed.
Mi
ke:
Yes?
Ozi
:Openup.
Mi
ke:
Sur
e.
Thegat
esopenedandhedr
ovei
nandpar
ked.
Hewal
kedi
nandknocked.
Mikeopenedthedoort
obemetwi
thagunpoi
nted
onhisfor
ehead.
Her
aisedhi
shandsi
ntheai
randt
heywal
kedback
i
nsl
owly.
Ozi
:Whydi
dyounotbr
ingmywi
fehome,
Whi
te?
Mi
ke,
sti
l
lrai
singhi
shandshel
ookedathi
m.
Mike:Ididn'tknowshewasyour
sman.Iwoul
d
neverdisrespectyoul
i
kethat
.Youknowme.
Ozi
bri
dgedt
hegunandpoi
tedi
tathi
m agai
n.
Ozi
:Whatbusi
nessdoy
ouhav
ewi
thMeagan?
Mi
ke:
Meagan?
Ozi
:Thechi
ckwhohi
redy
out
ooper
ateonmywi
fe.
Mi
ke:
Oh.Shepay
edmet
ogetr
idofanobst
acl
e.I
di
dn'
tknowSnewast
heone.HenceIdi
dn'
tpr
oceed
wi
thi
t.
Ozi:It
houghtyoul
eftthatshadybusi
nessi
ntheU.
S
Mike.Didyounotl
earny ourl
esson?
Mi
ke:Aman'sgottohaveanextr
ahust
leont
hesi
de
man.Nowputthegundownplease.
Ozil
ookedathimthenl
ower
edthegunand
unl
oadeditbef
oreput
ti
ngi
tatt
hebackofhisj
eans.
Ozi
:Imi
ssedy
oumat
e.
Mi
ke:
It'
sgoodt
oseey
oumyf
ri
end.
Thehuggedbrief
lyandMikemadehiswaytot
he
fr
idgeandtookouttwodumpies,
openedt
hem and
gaveonetoOzi.
Theyfol
l
owedeachot
hert
othel
i
vingr
oom and
set
tl
eddown.
Theysatatdi
rect
ionopposi
tes.
Ozi
:Sowhatbr
ingsy
oui
ntown?
Mi
kegul
pedhi
sdr
inkandl
ookedatOzi
.
Mi
ke:
Igott
ir
edoft
heSt
atesandgothomesi
ck.
Ozi
: It
houghty
ousai
dyouwer
edonewi
thSout
h
Afr
ica.
Mike:Iknowbuti
t'
shome.Iwasboundt
ocome
backsoonerorl
ater
.
Ozi
:Sowhatnow?Ar
eyougoi
ngt
opr
act
icet
hissi
de?
Mi
ke:
Yeah.That
'st
hepl
an.
Ozi
:Mi
chael
li
sten-
Mi
ker
aisedhi
shandt
odi
smi
sshi
m.
Mike:Iknowman.Iwon'
tputy
ouinasit
uati
on
wherey ouhav
etobai
lmeoutfrom myt
roubl
es
agai
n.
Ozi:Justst
icktobeinglegi
tandfor
getaboutbei
ng
shady .Al
otisatstakehereandIwon'
tbethereto
bail
y ououtthi
stime.I'
mt r
yingt
oleav
ethatli
fe
behind.
Mi
ke:
What
'sy
ourbusi
nesswi
tht
hisMeaganchi
ck?
Ozi:
She'
sascor
nedexwhowon'
ttakenof
oran
answer
.
Ozi
flexedhi
sshoul
der
sandneckr
epeat
edl
ythen
dr
ankhi
sbeer
.
Hewasv er
ytense.Hi
smuscl
eswer
einknot
sand
achi
ng.
Mi
ke:
Thatbadhuh?
Ozi
:It
'st
hesecondt
imesheki
dnappedmywi
fe.
Mi
ke:
Whatt
hehel
l
?
Ozishruggedhi
sshoul
derandcont
inuedt
odr
inkhi
s
beer.
I
tfr
ustr
ateshim notknowinghowt odealwi
th
Meaganwithouthavi
ngtoki l
lher.He'
sflat
det
ermi
nedt oleavetheki
l
lingli
febehindbutitl
ooks
hewasgetti
nghi sar
mt wi
st ed.
"
Sowhat
'st
hepl
annow?
"
Mi
keaskedl
ooki
ngv
eryconcer
ned.
He'sav erygoodfri
endofOzi andtheycomeal ong
wayandhav eexperi
encedthehighsandlowsoflife
together.He'
soneper sonwhoknowsOzi Langal
ike
thebackofhi shand.Hehatedseinghim backed
againstthewalll
ikethis.
Ozi:
That
'swhat
'sf
rustr
atingmemyf
ri
end.Idon'
t
knowhowtodealwit
hthis.
Mi
ke:
Youmeany
oudon'
twantt
oki
l
lher
?
Ozi
lookedathi
m.
"
Icansortt
hatoutforyou.Letmet
akeyououtof
y
ourmisserymyfri
end.Shesoundsl
ikeanui
sance.
"
Ozi
:You'
ddot
hat
?
Mi
ke:
Iowey
ousomuch.I
t'
sthel
eastIcoul
ddo.
Theyraisedthei
rbeer
scheeredtothedeal
and
drankthem downwhilecat
chingup.
Ozil
ookedathi
swr
istwat
chandi
twasj
ustaf
ter7
P.
M.
Mi
ke:
Gott
odash?
Ozi
:Yeah.She'
spr
obabl
yawakenow.
Mi
kel
ookedathi
m andcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Ozi
lookedathi
m backandr
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow.
Mi
ke:
She'
sabeaut
yman.
Ozi
:Mi
chael
!
Mike:
Iknow.I'mjustsay
ing.You'
vescor
edy our
sel
f
adimet her
e.Pl
easetakegoodcareofher.She'
s
ver
yrare.
Ozi
:Fuckof
fman.
Theybusti
ntol
aught
erandOzi
sai
dhi
sgoodby
es
thenl
eft
.
Hear
ri
v edhomeshortl
yandf
oundhiswif
egazing
onapregnancymegazi
neandtheguyswereeat
ing.
Snegotupf
rom herseatandwel
comedhi
m.
Shel
ookedr
evi
vedandabr
eat
hofmi
nt.
Shewaswear i
ngbeggyt
rackpanswi
thal
ooset
-
shi
rtandsneaker
s.
Asmi
lecr
eepedf
rom Ozi
'
smout
hashet
ookheri
n
hi
sar
msandembracedher.
Hepul
ledherf
aceuptouchingherv
elvetcheeks
wi
thbothhi
shandsandkissedherl
ikeitwasjust
t
hetwoofthem i
ntheroom.
Theboysclear
edthei
rthr
oatstr
yingtodi
str
uctthem
butOzipul
l
edhercloserwit
honehandlandingon
herassanddeli
cat
elyki
ssedher.Theki
sswassl ow
andsloopy.Thei
rtongueswer
etangl
i
ngandt
hei
r
breat
hingwasecalati
ng.
Hescoopedherupandt
heyheadedupst
air
s.
Bonusi
nser
t.
18SNL
(
Unedi
tedandcr
opt
op)
*
***
***
***
***

Nar
rat
ed.

Heplacedheronthebedandswit
chedonthemusi
c.
TeyanaTayl
orftKehl
ani'
smor
ningsongpl
ayed
sof
tlyf
rom t
hespeakers.
Heswi
tchedondiscobl
uelight
sthatdimmedthe
r
oom l
eavi
ngitl
ookingbeautuf
ulandromant
ic.
Thev
iewwasj
ustper
fect
.
Hetookofhi
st opandhischestozzedoutandhi
s
sexyabbsl
eftSne'
scli
tthr
obbing.
Shebitherbot
tom l
i
plooki
ngathi
mtaki
nghi
sti
me
undr
essing.
Hewasl
eftwi
thhi
sCal
vi
nKl
einundi
esandhi
s
manhoodpr
intmadeherswal
l
owdownsal
i
va.
Hissexywellbuil
dbodywascompl etel
yexposedas
hemor t
ionedslowlyt
ohisbeauti
fulwif
eandpulled
herbythelegstotheedgeofthebed.
Hepull
edhert
rackpant
sof
fandt
hrewt
hem ont
he
f
loor
.
Hepul
l
edherupandt
heywer
enow st
andi
ng.
Hesl
idhishandsunderneat
hhert
oppul
l
ingi
tup
andi
tlandedonthefl
oor.
Shewasl
eftwi
thhermat
chi
ngbr
aandl
acepent
ies
onl
y.
Hepul l
edhercloseranddeepenedaki
sswhil
e
runni
nghi shandsonherberebackunt
angl
i
ngt he
bra.
..
Itdroppedtothefl
oor.
Hebrokethekissandt ur
nedherar ound.Hestood
behi
ndherandpul ledherfacebyherchinwithhis
i
ndexfingerandkissedherfrom behindwhil
eone
handwascuppi ngandstroakingherbreast
s.
Heranhi
sfinger
sdownandsli
dhi
shandinher
under
wearandcameincont
actwi
thherdr
ipi
ngwet
cage.
Hegentlyr
ubbedonthecl
i
tandasof
tmoan
escapedfr
om hermout
h.
Hesmi
l
edagai
nstherl
i
psandki
ssedherdel
i
cat
ely
.
Het
urnedheroverandmadehersitont
heconerof
t
hebedandsli
dt hepent
iesdown.
Hekneel
eddownandbroughbot
hherl
egsonei
ther
si
deofhi
sshouder
swideopen.
Heki
ssedthei
nnerpar
tsoft
het
highsgoi
ngupt
o
t
hecage.
Shewasshaki
ngandbr
eat
hingheav
y.
Hear
ri
vedati
tandl
i
ckedi
taf
ewt
imes.
Hewrappedhi
sarmsaroundherwideopenlegsand
st
art
edtoeati
tli
kehe'
sbeenstar
vingfordays.
Sheputheronehandonhisheadandpushedi
t
deepi
nbetweenherthi
ghswhilebal
anci
ngonthe
bedwit
htheother.
Shewasmoaningsof
tl
yandOzi
waspl
ayi
ngt
ri
cks
wit
hhi
stonguedownther
e.
Shestar
tedshaki
ngsobadandherbodywas
tensi
ngupbuthepul
ledbackandshesul
ked.
Sne:
Iwasaboutt
ocomebaby
.
Ozi
lookedatherwi
thhi
shal
fopendgazeand
smi
ledlazi
l
y.
Ozi
:Noty
ethun.
Hepull
edhert
othecouchandputheri
nast
raddl
i
ng
posi
ti
on.
"
Makei
tupt
ome.
"
Hebi
thi
sbot
tom l
i
p.
Sne:
Wit
hpl
easur
e.
Thesongi
nthebackroundwasf
uel
i
ngt
hemood
andi
twasonrepeat.
Shepushedhi
m backt
ot hecouchandsi
nkedhim
deepi
nherwarm andt
ightcagetaki
nghi
mi nand
outsl
owly.
Hehadhi
sey
escl
osedandhangedhi
sheadback.
Shesquat
tedinbet
weenhim andf
oundherasson
theai
rbounci
ngonitbad.
Hewasgr
oani
ngandcur
sing.
Theexpressi
ononhi
sfacesai
dshewasgi
vi
nghi
m
thebestti
meofhisl
i
fe.
Shegri
ndedonhi
mf orawhi
le,
whil
ehehadhi
s
handsbur
ri
edunder
neathhi
shead.
Hepul
ledhercl
oserandst
oopupwi
thherl
egs
wr
appedaroundhiswai
st.
Helai
dheronthebedunder
neat
hhi
m andgazed
deepi
nhereyes.
Ozi
:Il
ovey
ousomuchNhl
anhl
a.
Sne:
Ilov
eyout
ooLanga.
Heplacedhi
sli
psonher
sandki
sseddel
i
cat
ely
whi
lespooni
nghersl
owl
y.
Theirl
ipswer
emakingsoundsandthesongi
nthe
backroundwasdoi
ngjust
iceei
ther
.
Hebr
oketheki
ssandbur
ri
edhi
sheadonherneck
andt
hrust
edi
nandoutwit
hadi
ffer
entpace.
Shewasmoaningwi
thpl
easur
ewit
hhernai
l
s
duggedonhi
sstr
ongber
eback.
Theymadel
ovel
i
ket
heywer
edanci
ngt
othesong.
Het
ookhisti
metofeel
ever
yconerofherwal
l
s
t
her
epossibl
ywas.
Hebr
oughthi
sheadbackandki
ssedheragai
n.
Hel
ookedathershehadherey
escl
osed.
Ozi
:Openy
ourey
esbaby
.
Sheopendt
hem andsmi
l
ed.
Hegothi
salr
eadyhardcockturnedonagai
nandhe
smi
ledbackl
azi
lyandkissedherfor
ehead.
Hest
art
edtot
hrustheragai
n,i
ncr
easi
nghi
space
t
hist
ime.
Hewaspoki
ngdeep,
har
dandf
ast
.
Shest
art
edt
oshakeandherbodyt
ensedup.
Sne:
I'
m cumi
ngbaby
.
Sheheldonhimtightj
ustashepul
l
edhercl
oserand
thr
ust
ingfast
er.
Ozi
:Wai
tformebaby
.Comeon.
Hewasgr
oani
ngandshewasmoani
ng.
Shescr
eamedoutl
oudandhecol
l
apsedont
opof
her
.
"
Aahf
uck!
"
Hedr
ewinairandt
heyremai
nedinthatposi
ti
onf
or
awhi
let
ryi
ngtocat
chthei
rbr
eath.
Heunbur
ri
edhi
sheadandl
ookedather
.
Shegi
ggl
edandhechuckl
ed.
"
Thatwasamazi
ng.
"
Sne:
Youwer
eamaz
ing.
Heki
ssedheragai
nthenpul
l
edout
.
Shecl
enchedherwal
l
sonhi
m ashewaspul
l
ingout
.
Ozi
:Aaahbaby
..
.Fuuuck!
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Hedi
sappearedt
othecl
osetandcamebackwi
tha
t
owelandtheycl
eanedt
hemselv
es.
Hesl
eptonhisbackandpul
l
edhercl
osert
osl
eep
onhi
schest
.
Shedr
ewci
rcl
esonhi
sabbsandt
hey
communi
cat
edsoul
tosoul
whi
l
etheyr
emai
ned
si
lent
.
I
nser
t37
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
*

Ozi
Langa.
Ipeeledmyeyesoffandmetwit
hherbeaut
if
ulf
ace.
Irubbedthem af
ewt i
mesandsmil
ed.
Me:
Goodmor
ningchubbychi
cks.
Shegi
ggl
ed.
Her
:Goodmor
ningbaby
.
Ipul
l
edheront
opofme.
Me:
howdi
dyousl
eep?
Her
:Ihaven'
tsl
eptt
hatni
cei
nal
ongt
ime.Thanks
t
olastni
ght'
ssessi
on.
Il
aughl
azi
l
yandf
eltmygr
oincl
ench.
Sherai
sedhereyebrowsandlookedi
nsidethe
cover
s.Jackgotexcit
edbythemensi
onofl ast
ni
ght'
sdeedsandpokedher.Wehadsl eptnaked.So
hej
ustr
oseup.
ShelookedatmebackandIpr
essedmyl
i
ps
toget
her.
"
Baby
"
Inoddedmyheadr
api
dlyandshegi
ggl
edagai
n.
"
Whyi
sheup?
"
Me:
Iwanty
ou.
Her
:Butwe-
If
li
ppedherandi
nsecondsshewasunder
neat
hme.
Ikissedherwithmyey esclosedandIf eltasmi l
e
creepoutagainstmyl i
ps.Iposi
ti
onedmy selfather
entranceandinsert
edwi t
houtwarning.Ist artedto
thrustherwhenaknockcamet hrought hedoor .I
i
gnor editandfocusedonmywoman.I tper si
sted
againandshepushedme.
Her
:Theywon'
tl
eav
eyouknow.
Me:
Fuck!
Ist
opped.
"
WHAT?
"
Ishout
ed.
Lwazi
:Sorr
yforthedi
stur
bancebutIneedt
ohav
ea
wordwit
hy ouj
usttwominutes.
Me:
Can'
ti
twai
tti
l
lI'
m upLwazi
?
Lwaz
i:No.I
t'
ski
ndaagent
.
Me:
Damni
t!
Il
ookedatherandshewasamused.It
hrust
edaf
ew
ti
mesandstoped.
"
Don'
tmov
eani
nch.I
'
llbebackj
ustnow.
"
Shegiggl
edandIgotof
ftowrapmygownand
walkedout
.If
oundhim st
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
.
Lwaz
i:I
'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
byourmor
ninggl
ory
.
Me:
Whati
sitt
hatcoul
dn'
twai
tman?
Il
eanedagai
nstt
hewallandburr
iedmyhandsinthe
gownpocket
s.Hebett
erbequickbecauseIwanna
gobacktowhatIwasbusywit
hbef or
ehe
i
nter
rupt
edme.
Lwaz i
:So,BanziandIbeent hi
nki
ngabout
organi
singasmal lanyanabrai
heretoday
.Youknow,
j
usttocelebrateli
fe,ourwif
ebeingsafeandt
heli
tt
le
champwho' llsooncrowdourspace.
If
oundmy sel
fgr
inning.Ican'
twai
ttomeetmyki
d.
Andthet
houghtofitexcitesmeent
irel
y.
Me:That
'snotsuchabadi
dea.Butwi
l
litbej
ustt
he
f
ourofus?
Lwazi
:I'
mthi
nki
ngofinv
iti
ngf
ewofmypal
s.You
andSnecandothesame.
Me:
Okaybutdon'
tbr
ingwei
rdosi
nmyhousepl
ease.
Lwaz
i:Deal
.
Me:
Doy
ouneedhel
pwi
thany
thi
ng?
Lwaz
i:Gobacktoyourwi
fe.We'
l
lfi
gur
eev
ery
thi
ng
el
seonceever
yoneisup.
Me:
Sur
e.
Iwalkedbacki nandfoundt hebedal r
eadymade
andtheshowerwasr unning.Itookoffmygownand
walkedin.Shewasf acingthegl asswall
.Igotinand
hel
dherf rom behi
nd.Shet i
ltedherheadt othesi
de
togivemeenoughr oom.Ikissedherneckandshe
vol
unt ar
il
ybendbackandhel dontotheglass.I
smirkedandbitmybot t
onlip.Il
ovehowshe' s
l
earningtogiveinandexporeonoursexlife.Each
ti
mef eelsli
kethefi
rst
.Icannotgetenoughofher.
Ii
nsertmysel
finandoutafewti
mesl
ooki
ngather
assandasmil
ecreepedoutfr
om mymout
h.
Istartedt ospoonherf r
om behi ndandf el
tchi
ll
s
traveldownmyspi ne.Iclosedmyey esandhanged
myheadbackpi cturi
ngtheseconddayImetherat
ther estaurantandhowmuchIl ongedforhertobe
mi nesoI 'ddot hingstoher.Ilov ethi
swoman.Ev en
afterever yt
hingwebot hwentt hrough,shesti
ll
drivesmei nsane.Shecoul dbei nar oom ful
lof
beaut i
fulwomen, I
'
dst i
l
lchoseher .
Ipull
edherbackandt urnedheraroundsoI'dseeher
face.Waterwasr unningdownherf lawl
essskin.I
rubbedmyhandonherwetcheeksandar ri
vedat
herpart
edlips.Shelookedl i
keshewasr unningout
ofbreat
h.Igazedt hroughherlazybeauti
fuleyesfor
somet i
mewhi leholdingherveryclose,
ourbodies
wereagainsteachot her.Herbreast
swer esmashed
agai
sntmyabbs.
Me:
Ng'
yakt
handaSnenhl
anhl
a.Yezwa?
Shebli
nkedherarousedayesandherthi
cklong
eyel
asheswereshiel
dingt
hewaterfr
om bli
ndingher
.
Her
:Makel
ovet
omebaby
.
Il
if
tedherupagai
sntt
hewal
landbal
ancedwi
thmy
hand.
Isnuggl
edmyheadonherneckandpoundedher
deepandhardagai
sntthegl
assast
houghIwant
ed
mybodyt obeonewit
hhers.
Shereachedhercli
maxfi
rstandIf
oll
owedher
shor
tlyafter
.Wetookt
heshowerandcleaned
your
selves.
Shetur
nedt
ofacemeandIf
acedt
hewal
lsoshe'
d
washmyback.
Her
:Whowast
hatont
hedoor
?
Me:Oh.I
twasLwazi.Hewastel
l
ingmet
hatt
hey
'r
e
t
hinki
ngofor
gani
singabrai
.
Her
:Oh,
thatwoul
dbeni
ce.Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tsayno.
It
urnedt
ofaceher
.
Me:No.AndI'
m sorr
yfornotrunni
ngitpasty
ou
bef
oreIcoul
dagree.Thi
sisyourhousetoonow.
Shesmil
edandwashedherface.Inar
rowedmy
gazewhenInot
icedt
hatherri
ngwasof f
.
"
Baby
."
Her
:Hmm.
Me:
Wher
e'sy
ourr
ing?
Shelookedatmet
henatherf
ingerandbackatme
agai
n.
Her
:Shet
ooki
t.
Me:
Who?
Her
:Meagan.
Shedi
dnotl
ookbot
her
ed.
Me:
Whydon'
tyoul
ookbot
her
edbyt
his?
Shel
ookedatmeandsmi
l
ed.
Her
: I
'
m saf
eandunharmed.I
m herewit
hy ounow.
Worsecoul
dhavehappenedbuti
tdidn'
t.Ican'
tsul
k
overapi
eceofmat
eri
althatcanberepl
acedwi
thi
na
bl
inkofaney
e.SoI
'drat
herjustf
ocusonwhatI
have.
Iwasl
ooki
ngatherf
rowned.
"
I'm sor
ryabouteveyr
thi
ngthatI'
vedone.Defyi
ng
youandbeingpigheadedli
kethat.Ishoul
dn'
thave
mov edoutofthehouse.
"
Shehuggedherar
msar
oundmywai
standIl
ooked
downather.
"Il
ovey ou.SomuchandIwantt omakey ouhappy
j
ustasy oumakeme.I '
vereal
isedthatlovetakes
twoandt hatwecan'
talwaysseeey etoey e.Butt
hat
doesn'tmeanIshouldupandl eaveev ery
thingwe
don'tagreeonsomething.
Me:Youcanjustuset
henextr
oom i
fyoucan'
t
handl
emey ouknow?
Her:Ifi
gured.ButbabyIwanttocreateahappy
homef orusandourbaby .There'
snoanyother
pl
aceI '
dratherbethanherewithyou.AndIcoul
dn'
t
haveaskedf orabetterf
athert
omychi l
dthanyou.I
l
ovey ouLanga.AndIknowIcanbeahandf ulat
ti
mesbutthankyouf
orshowi
ngmedemonstrat
ions
oflov
eevenatti
meswhenIdon'
tdeser
vei
tthe
most.
Shewasemot
ional
.
Icuppedandsqueez
edheri
ntomywar
m embr
ace.
Me:I
t'
sokay.You'
remypi
gheadedwomanandI
'
ve
madepeacewithi
t.
Shepunchedmychestl
i
ght
ly.
Her
:That
'snotf
unnyOzi
.
Me:I
fIgotapennyeachtimey
oupunchme,
I'
dbea
mi
ll
i
onair
ejustbythatnow.
Shechuckl
ed.
"ButI
'm grat
efulf
orwhaty ou'
vejustsai
d.Itf
ulf
ill
s
met oknowt hatyouacknowledgedyourbull
shitand
arewil
lingtoownupt oit.I
'l
lbeheretoguideyou.I
needyout oknowt hatnomatterwhathappens,I
'm
notgoinganywhere."
Shel
i
ftedherheadt
olookatme.
"
Imeanti
twhenIsai
dIl
ovey
ouNhl
anhl
a.AndIst
il
l
wantt
ospendt
her
estofmyl
i
femaki
ngy
ouhappy
."
Shet
ipt
oedonherf
eett
oki
ssme.
Me:
We'
l
lgocheckf
oranot
herr
ingt
hen.
Thi
sti
mey
ou'
l
lgett
ochoosey
ourf
avour
ate.
Her
:No.Idon'
twanti
t.
If
rowned.
Her
:You'
l
lbuymeanot
heronef
orourweddi
ng.
Il
ookedatherwi
thmynarr
owedgazetr
yingt
o
fi
gur
eoutwhatshewastr
yingt
osay.
Me:
Ithoughty
ousai
dyoudi
dn'
twantanyweddi
ng.
Her
:Thatwast
hen.Ihadachangeofhear
t.
Me:
Youwantust
ogetmar
ri
ed?
Her
:Yes.
Iturnedof ftheshowerandwewalkedouttodry
ourselves.Wef i
nishedsoonandwalkedoutandi
n
tothecl osettogetdressed.
Me:
Whatchangedy
ourmi
nd?
Her
:Ev
ery
thi
ng.
Me:Wel
lI'
m gl
adthatIcouldal
sogett
owearar
ing
onmymatri
monialfi
ngertoo.
Shel
ookedatmepuzzl
ed.
Her
:Doy
ouwantone?
Me:
AfcauseIwantone.I
'
vealway
swant
edone.Sl
i
d
i
nbythewomanIlovedearl
y.
Her
:Somedecli
ningushav i
ngaweddi
ngwoul
d
hav
erobbedy
ouoft hatchance?
Me:
YesandI
'
m gl
ady
ouchangedy
ourmi
nd.
Ismil
edandwef i
nisheddr
essi
ngupi
ntr
ackpant
s,
vest
sandsneakers.
"Let
'sgohavebr
eakfastthenseehowwecoul
d
contri
but
etothi
sbrai.Shal
lwe?
Shenoddedherheadwi
thasmi
l
e.
Iki
ssedherheadandt
ookherbyhandt
henwe
walkeddownst
air
s.
Wef
oundt
heguy
schi
l
ledatt
hebal
conyout
side.
Sne:
Goodmor
ninghubbi
es.
Theyt
urnedt
ofaceusandsmi
l
ed.
Banzi
:Goodmor
ningwi
fey
.
Wewenttostandnexttothem andwatchedthe
beaut
uful
viewout
side.I
twasabeaut i
fulSat
urday
morni
ngandtheweatherwasv eryf
avourabl
e.
"
Didy
ouguy
ssl
eepwel
l
?"
Iey
edhi
m.Iknowwhathe'
str
yingt
odo.
Me: Ver
ywellt
hanky
ou.Iwon'
taskhowy
ousl
ept
becauseyousl
eepal
one.
Hebustouti
ntol
aught
er.
Banzi
:You'
dbesur
pri
sedbi
gbr
other
.
Me:Ihopet
hatdoesn'
ti
nsi
nuat
atethatyousneak
chi
cksinmyhouseundermynosebecauseIwon't
l
ikei
t.
Hej
ustsmi
l
ed.
Sne:
Loosenupbaby
.He'
sol
denought
odat
enow.
Me:
No.Notundermywat
ch.
Lwaz
iandBanzi
laugh.
Lwaz
i:So.
..
canweor
gani
set
hebr
aial
ready
?
Me:Tel
luswhat
'sneededandmywi
feandIwi
l
lgo
buyt
hem.
Banzi:
You'renott
aki
ngourpregnantwi
feonsome
brai
shopping.Sheneedst
orelax.We'
ll
do
ever
ything.
Her
:Ar
en'
tIj
ustl
ucky
.
Me:I'
m al
sopregnantsoi
tmeansI
'
llst
ayi
nand
keephercompany.
Lwaz
i:What
evert
hatsui
tsy
ou.Justgi
veusy
our
cr
edi
tcar
d.
It
ooki
toutandgav
eitt
othem.
Me:
Don'
tmi
l
kmedr
y.Iwor
khar
dformymoney
.
Lwazi
:Makasti
l
lcomi
ng.
..
coul
dyoupl
easehel
pus
wit
hagrocer
yli
st.
Her
:Yeahsur
e.Let
'sgocheckt
hecupboar
dsf
ir
st.
Theybot
hwalkedi
nsi
det
hehouseandIwasl
eft
wit
hBanzi.
Me:
So.
..
arey
ousei
ngsomeone?
Hel
ookedatmewi
thawi
denedgaze.
Banzi:
Comeonbhut i
.I'
m nothav
ingt
his
conversat
ionwi
thy
ou.
Me:
Whynot
?
It
ookaseatnextt
ohi
m andhewasbusyf
idget
ing
onhi
sphone.
Hi
m:Becausei
t'
sawkwar
d.
Me:
Woul
ditbeeasywi
thLwazi
then?
Him:No.I
t'
sst
il
lnew.I
'
m notev
ensur
eifi
t'
sgoi
ng
anywher
e.
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?
Hi
m:ComeonOzi
.
Ichuckl
edandr
aisedmyhandst
otheai
r.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hen.Whenev
ery
ou'
rer
eady
.
HestoleaglanceatmeandIknewhewant
edt
osay
something.
"
Outwi
thi
t.
"
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Hi
m:CanIi
nvi
teherov
er?
Me:
Who?
Hi
m:Mygi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
Inmyhouse?Nev
er.
Hi
m:Butbhut
i-
LwaziandSnecamebackandhekeptqui
et.I
chuckl
ed.
Lwaz
i:Let
'sgopal
.
Banzi
:Okaysur
e.
Hegotupf
rom t
hechai
randheadedi
nsi
de.
Me:
Heybuddy
..
.
Het
urnedt
olookatme.
Me:
Youcanbr
ingher
.
Hegri
nnedandcamebacktofi
stbumpmet
hen
di
sappear
edint
othehouse.
Snel
ookedatmeamused.
Her
:Whatwast
hatal
labout
?
Me:
Hewant
stoi
nvi
tehi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her
:Gr
eatnews.We'
l
lfi
nal
l
ymeether
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowi
fthat
'sagr
eati
dea.
Her:
Takeitasachancet
ogett
oknowwhoy
our
l
it
tl
ebrot
herisdat
ing.
Me:Notsuchabadi
dea.Don'
tyouwannai
nvi
tey
our
f
ri
endsaswell
?
Her:
Amoisfar
.It
'st
heel
event
hhourandIdoubt
she'
l
lmakei
t.
Me:
Whydon'
tyoui
nvi
tet
heGumedebr
other
sthen?
Her
:Youdon'
tmi
nd?
Me:Theyarecool
guys.Af
causeIdon'
tmi
nd.Lwazi
l
ikest
hem anyway.
Igotupf
rom mychai
randt
ookherhand.
"Let
'sgomakebr
eakf
astnow.Mysonmustbe
star
ving.
"
Wewal
kedi
ntheki
ckenandIl
ethersi
tont
hest
ool
.
Ist
art
edwi
thbr
eakf
ast
.
If
ini
shedsoonandweat
ewhi
l
econv
ersi
ng.
Her
:Howdoy
ouknowMi
ke?
Ir
aisedmyey esandl
ookedather
.Shewasf
ocused
onherfood.
Me: Wemeeti nHarvard.Hewasstudy
ingMedici
ne
attheti
meandwewer ealsot
eam mates.Sowe
cl
ickedandIf oundouthe'sal
sof
rom S.A.sowe
becomef r
iendssince.
Her
:Okay
.
Il
ookedatherandcont
inuedt
oeat
.
Me:
Washeany
howi
nappr
opr
iat
ewi
thy
ou?
Shel
ookedup.
Her
:No.Nev
er.He'
sbeengoodt
ome.
Me:
Good.
Weat
e.
*
***
***
*
Sne
Itwasabeaut
if
ulaf
ter
noonandIwasinside
prepar
ingt
hesal
adwhenBandil
e,Khet
helo,Lwaz
i
andBanziwer
ebusywitht
hemeatoutside.
Theint
ercom buzzedandjustasIwasaboutt
o
answer,
Lwazi cameinrunni
ng.
Lwaz
i:Don'
twor
ry.I
'
llat
tentt
oit
.
Iconti
nuedandmi nut
eslat
er,
twobeaut i
fulwomen,
onelookedprettyyoungandtheotherol
der.They
walkedinfol
lowingeachother.Theyst
oodinthe
middleofthekickenandLwazi si
gnal
edtothem t
o
comeonr i
ghtin.
Hewentt othey
oungerl
ooki
ngoneandpeckedher
l
ips.Thenhandshookwi
ththeot
herl
ady.
Theyall
cametost
andnexttomeandOzi
came
j
oggingdownt
hestai
rcase.
Lwaz
i:Ladies,
thisri
ghther
eismybr
otherOzi
wit
h
hi
sbeauti
fulwife.
Het
urnedt
olookatus.
"
Langas,
thi
sismygi
rl
fr
iendI
tu.And.
..
"
Hepausedandl
ookedatt
heot
herl
ady
.
"
I'
m sor
ryma'
am.What
'sy
ourname?
"
Shef
lashedagenui
nesmi
l
e.
Lady
:Li
zzy
.
She'
sver
ywar
m.Icoul
dtel
l
.
Weexchangedgreeti
ngswi
tht
heladi
esandthe
i
nter
com buzzedagai
n.Ozi
wentt
oattendt
oit.
Lwazi
:Ladi
es,pl
easemakeyour
sel
vesathome,
we'
l
l
bedoneoutsi
denotlong.
Wi
tht
hatsai
d,hewal
kedout
side.
Li
zzy
:CanIhel
pyouwi
thany
thi
ng?
Shesmi l
edputti
ngherbagont
het
abl
eandt
aki
ng
offhershoes.
Me:Iwasj
ustpr
epar
ingt
hesal
ad.Ev
ery
thi
ngel
sei
s
r
eady.
Il
ookedatIt
uandIcouldn'
ttel
li
fshe'
sboredor
what.Shewaswander
inghereyesaroundthehouse.
I
tu:
CanIhav
esomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Me:
Oh.
..
mybad.Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
ohav
e?
I
tu:
Drygi
nandt
oni
cpl
ease.
Me:
Comi
ngr
ightup.
Idi
sappear
edt
othel
ivi
ngroom andcameback
shor
tl
ytofi
ndOziwi
thMikest
anding.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatandt
heyl
ookedatme.
"
HiMi
ke.Ni
cet
oseey
ouagai
n."
Isai
dhandi
ngI
tut
hedr
inks.
Mi
ke:
Likewi
seSne.Howhav
eyoubeenbeen?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tbebet
ter
,thanky
ouandWel
come.
Mi
ke:
Thanky
ou.
Theywal
kedoutf
oll
owi
ngeachot
her
.
IlookedatI
tuandshewasdaydreaminglooki
ngat
them.Idon'
tknowwethershewaslooki
ngatmy
manorMi kebutshewasdrol
li
ng.
Iwentovert
ofi
ndLi
zzyalr
eadydonewi
tht
hesal
ad.
She'
ssuchasweet
heart
.
Wet
ooki
ttot
hef
ri
dgeandshepour
edusj
uicet
hen
weal
sowal
kedoutt
ochi
l
lont
hebal
cony
.
Theguyswer
esti
llbusywi
tht
hemeatandwesat
ther
eandunwi
nded.
Li
zzy
:Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulhouse.Whatawayt
o
unwi
ndonaSatur
dayaft
eroon.
Iwasaboutt
oaskwhoi nvi
tedherbutBandi
l
ecame
andki
ssedherf
orehead.
Shegi
ggl
ed.She'
ssuchahappysoul
.
Theygotupt
ost
andont
hesi
de.
I
tu:
What
'sy
ournameagai
n?
Il
ookedather
.
Me:
Snenhl
anhl
a.
I
tu:
SoSne,
you'
remar
ri
edt
oOzi
?
Me:
Yes.
Shechuckl
edandpl
ayedwi
thhergl
ass.
I
tu:
Wher
e'sy
ourr
ing?
Idon'
tknowwher eshewasget
ti
ngatbutIdonot
l
ikeheratt
it
ude.She'
sbeensel
f-
cent
eredf
rom t
he
momementshegother
e.Idon'
tknowwhather
pr
obl
em i
sbutIdon'
towehershit
.
Me:
Longst
ory
.
Li
zzycamebackandl
ower
edher
sel
font
hechai
r.
I
tu:
Whendi
dyouguy
smeet
?
Me:
lastweek.
Isai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.
Shewidenedhereyes.She'
seit
herpl
ayi
ngal
ongor
she'
sjustpl
ainst
upidtogetthesar
casm.
I
tu:
Andy ou'
real
readypregnant?Youdon'
twast
e
t
imegir
l.MaybeIshouldalsotakesometi
psonhow
t
osecurethebag.
Li
zzyl
ookedatmet
henather
.
Li
zzy
:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutI
tu?
Shel
aughl
i
ght
lyandpoi
tedatme.
I
tu:Mi
ssgoodytooshoesher
e,shej
ustmetOzi
li
ke
f
ivemi
nutesagoandalr
eadyshe'
spregnant
.
Li
zzy
:Andwhatbusi
nessdoy
ouhav
ewi
tht
hat
?
I
tu:
I'
mjustwonder
ing.What
'ssospeci
alabouther
?
Li
zzy:Mor
especiali
nawaymostgi r
lshe'
sdat
ed
bef
oreweren'
t.I
sn'
tthatobv
ious?
I
tuchuckl
edanddr
ankhergl
ass.
I
tu:
I'
mjustsay
ing.How'
sthebabygr
owi
ngbyt
he
way?
Me:
Pret
tygoodt
hanksf
oraski
ng.
Li
zzy:Byt
heway ,youlookmor
ebeauti
ful
inper
son
Sne.It
houghtBandil
ewasexagger
ati
ng.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Thanky
ougi
rl
.Youl
ookgoody
ousel
f.
Theguy
scamewit
habowl ful
lofmeatandputi
ton
thet
abl
ewepr
eparedout
side.
Lwaz
i:Themeati
sreadyl
adi
es.
Li
zzyandIwenti
nsi
det
obr
ingt
her
estoft
hef
ood.
Oziwentinsidet
oconnectthesoundandplay
eda
ver
ychil
leddeephousemusi c.Themoodwasj ust
vi
by.Wedi shedupf
oreverybodywhil
eIt
ujustsat
t
heredri
nkingherbi
tt
erflatassaway.
Wesatdowni
nabi
glongt
abl
eout
sideandat
e.
Mikestol
eglancesofmeher
eandt
her
eandIwas
gett
inguncomfort
abl
e.
Ozi
:So.
..I
tur
ight
?
Hel
ookedatI
tuwhowasseat
ednextt
oLwazi
.
I
tu:
Yes.
Ozi
:Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
I
tur
oll
edherey
es.
I
tu:
Idi
dn'
tknowy
oucar
e.
Ozi
:What
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
I
tu:
Youdi
dn'
twanttoknowaboutmet
hedayy
ou
f
oundmeatyourbr
other
'shouse.
Ozi:
Ihadnobusi
nessaski
ngaboutyout
hen.But
you'
rei
nmyhousenowandi t
'smydutyt
oknow
ever
ybodywho'
sinsi
demypremises.
It
u:Idat
eyourbr
other
.Thatshoul
dbeenought
o
easeyouup.
Shel
ookedatmeandaskedf
oranot
herdr
ink.I
nthe
middleofourdi
nner
.Howspeci
aldoesshet
hink
sheis!
I
tu:
MayIhav
eanot
herdr
inkt
rof
fywi
fe.
Ozi
:Ther
e'senoughdri
nkstot
akehome.I
'
m sur
e
youcanwaitunt
il
lshe'
sdoneeat
ing.
It
u:ButI
'mt
hri
styandwannadr
inknow.Notaf
ter
eati
ng.
Banzi
:I'
l
lgogeti
tfory
ou.
I
tu:
Iwanthert
ogeti
tforme.
Lwaz
ihar
denedhi
sfaceandl
ookedather
.
Lwazi:
What
'sy
ourpr
obl
em?Can'
tyouseeshe'
sst
il
l
eat
ing?
Sher
oll
edherey
es.
I
tu:
Sor
ry.
Lwaz
ipushedhi
schai
rbackandst
oodonhi
sfeet
.
Lwaz
i:MayIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou?
Hel
ookedatI
tuandshest
oodupandf
oll
owedhi
m.
Ozi
:SoBanzi
,coul
dn'
tyourguestmakei
tany
mor
e?
Wechuckl
ed.
Banzi
:It
oldhernott
ocome.
Ozi
smi
rked.
Ozi
:Why
?
Banzi
:Ij
ustt
hou-
"
Whyisshesospeci
alt
haty
ouev
enadr
essheras
wi
fey
."
Weal
ltur
nedt
olookatt
hedr
unkandl
oudI
tu.
Ozi
wipedhismout
handthr
ewthesav
ietont
he
t
abl
e.Hepushedhi
schai
rbackr
oseupwalki
ng
t
owardsthem.
Bandi
l
e:Whatt
hehel
li
sherpr
obl
em?
Me:
Ihav
enoi
dea.
Banzi
:Shemusthav
ehadonet
oomanyt
odr
ink.
Li
zzy
:She'
sjustbi
tt
er.
Inot
icedMikest
eal
i
nggl
ancesbutwoul
dlookaway
whenIlookathi
m.
He'
sav
eryl
aidbackguy
.Nowonderhe'
sfr
iends
wi
thOzi
.He'
sver
ychi
l
led.Andj
ustsatt
her
emi
ndi
ng
hi
sown.
Ozi
camebackandsatdown.
Lwaz
iandI
tuwal
kedout
.
Banzi
:Whatt
hehel
lwast
hatal
labout
?
Ozi:
Idon'tknowbutLwazimustj
ustcal
lherint
o
oderbecauseI'
m al
readyf
edupwit
hheratti
tude.
Ever
ybodyfocusedbackont
hei
rfoodandt
heywer
e
al
lconver
singovert
hesamesubj
ect.
Isatt
her
equi
etanddr
if
tedof
f.
Ozi
brushedmyhandandIl
ookedathi
m.
Ozi
:Canwegoi
nsi
de?
Me:
Okay
.
Ozi
:Excuessusguy
s.
Theywer
echat
ti
ngandl
aughi
ngt
oev
ennot
iceus.
Het
ookmyhandandwewal
kedi
nsi
de.
Lwaz
irel
easedav
eryhotsl
apacr
ossI
tu'
sface.
Lwaz
i:Howdar
eyoudi
srespectmei
nfr
ontofmy
f
ami
l
yandf
ri
endsl
i
ket
hat
?
I
tu:
I'
m sor
rybaby
.
Hewasaboutt
orel
easeanot
heronewhenOzi
cal
l
edhi
sname.
Hef
ormedhi
shandi
ntoaf
istandl
ower
edi
tdown.
Ozi
:That
'senoughLwazi
.Whatar
eyou,
nut
s?
Lwaz
ilookedatOzi
deadl
y.
Lwaz
i:St
ayoutofi
t.
Ozi
wentov
ert
othen.
Ozi:sl
apheragaini
nmypr esencei
fyouhaveadead
wish.Womenar en'
ttoy
slad.Takeherhome.
Lwaz
i:Justl
eav
eIt
umel
eng.
I
tu,whowassobbi
ngt
ri
edt
ohol
dhi
m buthe
pushedher
.
"
Don'
tfuckent
ouchme.Isai
dleav
e."
Ozi
:She'
stoodr
unkt
odr
ivel
i
ket
hatman.Takeher
home.
Hehar
denedhi
sfaceandgr
appedherr
oughl
yand
pul
l
edherout
side.
Wewalkedupst
air
sandassoonashecl
osedt
he
door
.Hepull
edmegentl
ytofacehi
m.
"
Arey
ouokay
?"
Me:
Yes.I
'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Ozi
:Doy
ouknowt
hisI
tuchi
ck?
Ishookmyheadno.
Me:
No.
Ozi
:Thenwhyi
ssheact
ingbi
tchy
?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s.
"
Doy
ouwantt
orest
?"
Me:
Idon'
twannaseem r
ude.
Ozi
:It
'sokay
.I'
l
ljustletev
eryoneknowthatyou'
re
t
ir
ed.I'
m sur
ethey'l
lunderst
and.I
'l
lbebackalr
ight
?
Me:
Okay
.Pl
easet
ell
LizzyI
'
m sor
ry.
Hi
m:Okay
.
HewalkedoutandIsatdownont
hecouchand
swi
tchedontheTV.
Hecamebackshort
lywi
thatr
eyofmeat
,abowl
of
peanut
sand6packofcast
lel
i
te.
Il
aughed.
Me:
What
'sal
lthi
s?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Him:Ify
oucan'
tgot
othebr
ai,
lett
hebr
aicomet
o
you.
Me:
Whatdi
dyout
ell
them?
Him:Thatt
heycanst
ayandt
urnupt
il
ltheydr
op.I
'
m
havi
ngabraiwi
thmywif
eundoor
s.
Il
aughed.
Me:
You'
resocr
azy
.
Hi
m:Iknow.What
'spl
ayi
ng.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwannawat
ch?
Hi
m:Youchose.
Iresor
tedtoNet
fl
ixandt
her
ewasani
nter
est
ing
seri
esthatwaspl
ayi
ng.
Thewi
ndowswer
est
il
lopen.Andt
hecur
tai
nswer
e
danci
ngf
rom t
hesummerbr
eezeout
side.
Wesnuggledonthecouchandhei
ndul
gedont
he
meatdr
inkinghi
sbeers.
Me:
Baby
..
.
Hi
m:Hmm.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Hecur
vedhi
shandar
oundmeandIr
est
edmyhead
onhi
m.
Wewatchedtheser
iesi
nsi
l
encewi
thhi
mlaughi
ng
her
eandther
e.
I
nser
t38
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
*

Nar
rat
ed.

Carlightsf l
ashedasacarpar kedout sideourgat e.I
sprangonmyf eetandr ant oit.Theyhav ebeen
gonef ortool ong, f
inallytheyar ehome.My
excit
ementdi eddownwhenInot iceditwasn' ttheir
carthatwaspar kedout side.Imot i
onedt owar dsi t
sl
owl y.Twopol i
ceof f
icersgotof fandcamei n.They
greetedmeandaskedt ospeakt oel ders.My
parentsar en'
thomey et.Theyar et heel der
sbutt hey
aren'
ther e.Icoul dtell
, t
heseof ficersmeant
business.Ev enifIwast opersuadet hem tol evel
withme, theywoul dnot .Idecidedt otaket hem to
myaunti nmygr andmot hershouse.Il eadt heway
andast heywal kedi n,Iremainedout side.I'
dr ather
fr
eezet odeat ht hansetmyf ooti nthishouse.SoI
satont hest oopj ustout sidethedoorandsoont hey
walkedoutwithmyaunt .Theyl ookedatmewi t
ha
cer
tainexpr
essionontheirfacest hatIcouldnot
makemuchof .Theyarepoliceof f
icersaf
terall
.
Theyalwayslookunfri
endly.Iremai nedseatedand
waitedf
orauntNosi t
ocomeback.

Shelithercigarett
eandst oodatt heopent osmoke.
Shedi dn'
tlookatmeonebi t.Mysuspencewer e
ki
lli
ngme.Fearcr eepedinthatinstantandmy
stomacht urnedintoknots.Isuspect edwhatwas
goingonbutIneededconf or mation.Ifearthehel l
outoft hi
swoman.Ican' tev enbegi ntol ookather .
AndI '
vealway str
iedmybestt oav oi
dheratal l cost.
Butatt hi
smoment ,Ihavetof aceher .If i
ddl
edwi t
h
myf i
ngerti
pst ryi
ngtogathersomest rengthtof ace
herandIdi d.Iwalkedtowardswher eshewas
standingandst oodaf ewstepsawayf rom her.I
wouldn'tdarefaceherdirection,soIf acedaway .

"
Aunt
i.
"Isai
dont
hedownl
ow.
"
Ufunani
?"Sheshotst
rai
ght
.

She'sneverbeat
enmebeforebutIknowshe'
s
capable.SoI'
m put
ti
ngmyselfi
nri
skforanyt
hing
herebutIhavetodoit.

"Whatdi
dthecopswant
?"Iaskedagai
n,st
il
lfaci
ng
away.

Icoul
dtel
lbytheheavysmokecomingmydir
ecti
on
t
hatshewaslooki
ngatme.Probabl
yevenbl
owingit
mywayint
enti
onall
y.

"
Uyi
hlonony
okobaf
il
e.Carcr
ashi
ng.
"

ITur
nedtolookatherandseeifshewasgenui ne.
Herfacewashard.Shewouldn'
tjokeabout
somethi
ngthi
stragic.ImeanIknowshe'sheart
less
andevery
thi
ngbutshewoul dn'
t,
wouldshe?Ilooked
atherandt riedt osaysomet hi
ngbutmyv oi cewas
l
ockeddownonmyt hroat.Ther ewasal umpt hat
wasbul i
dingupandasIswal l
owedi t,shedr oped
thepi eceofasmokedci garetteont hegr oundand
squashedi t.Shewal kedbacki nsideandIr emai ned
gloedt ot hegr ound.If elttearswar m upmycheeks
andIdi dnotr ealiseIwasal readycr ying.Thi scannot
bet r
ue.Onenor mal humanbei ngcannotbet his
coldhear t
edt owar dsanot herhumanbei ng.Imean
eveni fitwast rue,whi chIdoubti tisshewoul dn' t
j
ustt ellmeaboutmypar ent'spassi ngl iket hat .
Shoul dn'tsheshowsomecompasi on?Idon' tknow
whoIwast r
y i
ngt oconv iencebutIf inal ygat hered
somest rengt handheadedt othehouse.Ineeded
hertot ellmet hatshe' sj oking..
.orsomet hing.Thi s
i
sn'tnomat tertoj okeabout .Iappr ouchedt hehouse
andt heywer elaughi ngatt het opoft heirl ungs.If elt
somesenseofr eli
efandl etoutasi gh.They
woul dn'tlaughoutt hi sloudi fsomebodydi edr ight ?I
stil
lneededhert ot ellmeot herwise.SoIpushedt he
door.Shewassi tti
ngwi thKhosi .Iwal kedi t, closed
thedoorbehi ndmeandl eanedagai nstt hewal l
.
Theyl ookedatmel ikeIwasi nvadingt heirpr i
vacy .I
l
ookedatthem thinki
ngt
hey'
llsaysomethi
ngbut
theydi
dn'
t.Icl
earedmythroatandfocusedmygaze
onauntNosi.

"Whatdi
dyoumeanmyparent
sdi
ed,
aunt
y?"I
enqui
redwi
thmyvoi
cet
rembli
ng.

"Ngi
thebafil
emaan.Badabul
eamaf
u"shesai
d
humorlesl
y.
"
Gopackamasakawakho.You'
renol
ongerst
ayi
n
mybr
other
'shouse.
"

Ibl
inkedaf
ewtimesastear
swererol
l
ingdownmy
cheeksast
houghsomebodytur
nedonatub.

"
Itcan'
tbe.Theycan'
tbegone"Ilower
edmy self
wit
hmybackagai nstt
hewall
.Ifeltmykneesfai
li
ng
mesoIsquat eddownandsobbed.
"Yey
...
Ungazorasalana.Maw'
funaukukhal
aphumel
a
ngaphandl
e."ShesaidInthemostroudyvoi
ce.I
heardKhosilaughi
ng.

Ifeltl
ikemysoul 'sbeencutwi thaswor dandasf or
myhear t.
..Ifel
tlikei twouldst opbeat ing.Icoul dn'
t
holdbackany mor e.Thef aceofmymot hersmi li
ng
reveali
ngherbeauf ulsetofteet hcamev i
vidi nmy
mi ndandIshookmyheadr api dly.Shecoul dn'tbe
gone.Notl ikethat .Shesaidt heywer ecomi ngback
andIbel i
ev edthem.Ist art
edt owhi mperwhenIsaw
auntNosi chargi ngt owardsmet hroughmygl assy
eyes.Isprangonmyf eetandapi ercingsl apl anded
onmycheek.It urnedt orunawaybutt hedoorwas
closed.Imusthav elandedwi thmyf aceagai snti t
becauseIf eltdropsofbl ooddr ippingf rom mynose.
Icuppedi ttryi
ngnott omesst hef l
oor ,aki cklanded
onmybut t.

"
Phumauyobangaumsi
ndongaphandl
e
v
ezandl
ebe!
"
Iopenedthedoorandshepushedmeoutcl osingit
behi
ndme.Iwal kedoutandsquatedoutsi
det o
drai
nthebl ood.Ihear
dthedooropenandbef oreI
knowit,asjambokwasmaki ngcontactwithmy
body.Shebeat edmei nt
oapulp.Icr
iedmyl ungsout
whil
eshieldingmybodywi t
hmyhands, curl
eddown
onthefloor.

"
Snenhl
anhla!Baby!Snenhl
anhl
a!"Ozishookher
r
oughl
ytry
ingt owakeherupf r
om thedream.

Shejumpedoutofbedandwenttostandbythe
coner.Ozir
oll
edoutei
therandmot
ionedsl
owly
towardsher.

"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"Heenqui
redcar
eful
l
y.

"
Stop!Don'
tcomenearme.
"Shesai
dfr
ant
ical
l
y,
l
ookingt
err
if
ied.
Hest
oppedandr
aisedhi
shandsi
ntheai
r.
"I
'
m notgonnahur
tyoubaby
.Justt
ell
mewhat
's
goingon.
"

Shelookeddownonherbumpandt ouchedit
.She
broughthergazeupandOzi wasmotioni
ngtowards
her.Shepinnedher
sel
fagaisntt
heconerand
l
ower eddown.Sheburr
iedherheadinherkneesand
shiel
dedit.

"Pl
easedon'
thur
tme."Shesaidwi
thherhead
burr
iedandherv
oicequi
ver
ing.

Ozisquatt
eddownnextt oherwithaf r
ownpl ast
ered
onhisface.Whywoul dshethi
nkhewoul dev
erhur t
her
?Thi sbroughtwor r
yandconcer ntohim.He's
neverseenany bodythist
err
ifi
ed.Letalonehi
swi fe.
Hecareful
lyunt angl
edherarmsar oundherknees
andbroughherheadbackup.Shel ookedv er
y
t
orment
ed.

"IwouldneverhurtyouSnenhlanhl
a"hesaidsquat
ed
downandhol dingherhands.Shecouldn'
tl
ookat
him onebit
.
"Lookatmebaby
."Heti
lt
edherchi
nwithhi
sindex
fi
ngerandmadeherf
acehim.Ateardr
oppedfrom
hereyeandhewi
peditoffwi
thhi
sthumb.

"What'
sgoingonlove?"Shel ookedathi mforawhile
asthoughshewast ryi
ngtor egi ster.Shewander ed
hereyesar
oundther oom andi tclicked.Shebrought
hergazebacktohim andst artedt ocr y.Ozi
'sheart
brokeatt
hesightofhisfranticallylookingwi f
e.He
satdownnexttoherandpul l
edheri nhi swarm
embrace.

"Shhh.Itwasjustadream.Youneedtocalm down
now."Her ockedherbackandfort
handshecr i
ed
unti
llshecouldn'
tanymore.Shedri
ft
edoffi
nhis
handsandhest oodupandscoopedher .Heplaced
hercareful
lyonthebedandcov er
edherwi t
hthe
sheets.Shewashav i
ngahiccup.Hesatdownatt he
eadgeoft hebedlooki
ngdownonandbr ushi
ngthe
ster
nofheraf t
obackgentl
y.Shewasdeepi nher
sl
umber .

Hewenttotakeashowerqui ckandworejeanswith
aroundneckt -
shi
rtandkicks.Hewalkeddownstair
s
andfoundhisbrother
stouchingbasewi t
hcleani
ng.
Theywerealreadydoneandt hehouselooked
spotl
essagain.

"Wow.You'dswearweneverhadabr
aaiher
elast
night
."Hesai
dmakinghi
mselfacupofcoff
ee.

Lazwilookedathim andwentt
ost
andnextt
ohim
l
eaningagaisntthecount
erwit
haki
ckencl
oth
hangedonhi sshoul
der.
Banzigr
eetedhim."I
'
m goi
ngtoshower
."Hesai
d
befor
ejoggingupthest
air
cases.

Ozirubbedhi
sfacebr
ief
lyandbal
ancedont
he
counter
.

Lwaz
i:What
'swr
ong?
Ozi
:It
'sSne.
Lwaz
i:What
?Issheokay
?
Helookedconcer
ned.Hepull
edt
hehi
ghst
ool
and
satdownnexttohisbr
other
.
Ozi
:Idon'
tknow.Shehadadr
eam t
hatwokeherup
t
obescaredofme.
Her
ubbedt
het
ipofhi
scof
feemug.
Lwaz
i:Whatwast
hatdr
eam al
labout
?
Ozi
:Idon'tknowbutI '
m guessi
ngi
thadever
ythi
ng
t
odowi thherpast.Andwi t
hevery
thi
ngshe'
swent
t
hroughtwiththekidnappi
ngandstuf
f,I
'
m afr
aidit
t
ri
ggeredher .
Heheav
edandbr
ushedt
hebackofhi
shead.

"
Shecouldn'
tevenlookatme, man.Whatev
ershe
wasdreamingabout,gothermindtwi
stedi
nto
t
hinki
ngIcouldphysi
call
yhurther.
"
Lwaz
i:Di
dyouev
ert
ryt
o..
.y
ouknow?
Hei
nsi
nuat
ed.
Ozil
ookedathi
m andbr
oughthi
sbr
owst
oget
her
andfr
ownd.
Ozi
:What
?No!I
'
dnev
erdot
hat
.

Theyremainedsi
l
ent.Lwazijustdi
dn'tknowwhatt
o
saytohisbrot
her
.Oziclear
edhi st
hroatandl
ooked
athi
m.

"Whathappenedwit
hy ourwomanl
astni
ght
?"He
sai
ddrinki
nghiscof
fee.
Lwaz
iey
edhi
m andsuddenl
yhewasannoy
ed.
Lwazi:
Idon'
tknowwhatIwast
hinki
ng.Ikeep
at
tract
ingt
hesepsy
chos.
Ozi:Wouldy ouhandleagent lewomanwi thy our
kindofcalibre?Imeanwebot hknowy ou'
renott he
beggingtype.I '
m notsayingthesepsychosar egood
foryoubuti fyouneedawomanofst andar ds,you
needt owor kony ourtemper .Youcan'
ttreatwomen
l
ikeobjects.Theyar evulnerablebei
ngsandt hey
needt obel oved.

Lwaz ichuckledandshookhishead.Lwazi :Women

arecompl exbeingsbro.Youtreatthem good, they
takey ouforapussy.Inf
actIthinkit'
sbestt hat
they'
retreatedli
ketheyarenott heonlyoneswi th
feeli
ngs.I'
vedatedaf ewtoknowt hattheyprefer
badboy sthangoodones.Nowt el
l meifthatisn'
t
twisted.
Ozi
:Igetwhaty
ou'r
esayi
ngbutthatdoesn'
tmean
t
heyshouldbetr
eat
edli
kepunchingbags.No
womendeser
vestogothroughabuse.I
fitdoesn'
t
wor
kout,
youpartways.I
t'
sassimpleast hat
.
Lwazi
:AndthisiswhyMeaganisn'
tgett
ingthe
messagethatyouguysar
edone.Yourgentlenessi
s
whatkeepshermessingwi
thyourter
ri
torybecause
sheknowsyouwon'tdoanyt
hingtopunishher.
Ozij
umpeddownf
rom t
hest
ool
andgotr
eadywi
th
br
eakfast
.
Ozi:SowhatdidyousuggestIdo?Beatherintoa
pulpforhertogeti
tthroughhert
hickskul
lthatI
don'twantheranymore?Heaskedwhi l
ebrakingegg
shell
s.
Lwazi:Youshouldhav
eputabul
lett
hroughthat
thi
ckskullofher
sthemomentyoureal
isedshe'
s
rebel
l
ious.
Ozi
chuckl
edandshookhi
shead.
Ozi
:Sayssomebodywhosentherawayf
rom get
ti
ng
ki
ll
ed.
Theyl
aughi
nuni
son.
Lwaz
i:YouknowwhatImean.
Ozi
:AllI
'm sayi
ngi s,f
indawomany ouconnectwi
th.
Shedoesn'thavetobeper fectbutr
eal.Lear
ntobe
pat
ientandknowt hatnotevery
thi
nghast obe
sol
vedwithv i
olence.
Lwaz
i:Whatdot
heyr
eal
l
ywant
?
Heasked,
rubbi
nghi
schi
n.
Ozi
:Tobeunder stood.Youdon'thavetohav e
sol
uti
onsfortheircrazyoddbehav i
our
.Theyar etoo
complexi
fyouaskmeandy ou'l
ll
oosey oursanit
y.
ButIknowtheylovegoodl i
steners.

Lwaz ir
emai nedsil
entsti
ll
rubbinghischin.He
l
ookedmor elikesomebodywhobet tl
edwithhis
thoughts.Foramanofhi scalibre,I
'm sur
ehe
thoughtallt
hiswascr azyandt hathewasn'tcutout
forit
.

"Don'
tforgettol
earnthei
rlovelanguage."Ozi
picki
ngupt hetr
eyofbreakfast
, heheadedupstai
rs
andlefthisbr
otheri
nhisthought s.
*
***
**
Ozi
Langa

IpushedthedooropenandSnewasn' tinbed.I
placedthet
reycaref
ull
yont hebedandjustasIwas
abouttogolookforher,shewalkedoutfr
om the
cl
osetlooki
nggoodandsmel l
ingni
ce.

Me:
Hi.
Her
:Heybaby
.
It
ookheri
nforanembr
aceandsher
est
edherhead
onmychest.
Me:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Shepul
l
edoutfrom myembr
aceandsatdown.I
fol
l
owedherandsatdownei
ther
.
Her
:I'
m good.Thanksf
orbr
eakf
ast
.Itsmel
l
sdev
ine.
Me:
You'
rewel
come.
West
art
edeat
ingi
nsi
l
enceandIcoul
dtel
lshe
di
dn'
twanttomaintai
ney econt
act.Idi
dn'
twantto
makeherfeel
uncomfortabl
esoIletherbe.We
cont
inuedt
oeatinsil
enceandwef ini
shedshor
tl
y.
Her
:Thatwasv
erydel
i
cious.Thanky
ouhun.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
It'
sapl
easur
echubbycheeks.
Sheattemptedtostanduptotakethet
reywhenI
grappedherhand.Shelookedati
tandIqui
ckl
ylet
go.
"
I'
m sor
ry.Canwet
alk?
"
Shenodded.
Iroseupandgentlytookherhandandwewentt
osi
t
downont hecouch.Imadeherf aceme.

Me:
I'
m wor
ri
edabouty
ousweet
hear
t.
Isai
dsti
l
lhavi
ngherhandi
nmi
neandbr
ushi
ngt
he
backofi
tli
ght
ly.
Sheheav
edasi
gh.
"
It
'sokaybaby
.Youcant
alkt
ome.
"
Her
:Iknow.
Me:What'
sgoi
ngon?Whydi
dyout
hinkI
'
dphy
sical
l
y
hur
tyou?
Shef
aceddown.Il
i
ftedherheadbackup,
shegazed
i
ntomyeyes.
Her
:Ihadater
ri
bledr
eam t
hatt
ri
gger
edmy
unf
ort
unat
epast.
Me:
MayIaskwhatt
hedr
eam wasal
labout
?
Her:I
twasaboutthedaymyparentspassedon.
AuntNosibeatmeintoapulpt
hatnightforcr
ying
aboutthei
rpassi
ng.Shesai
dIwasmaki ngnoise.

If
rowned.Kant
iwhatki
ndofamonst
eri
sthat
woman?Imeanf orf
uck'
sakes!

Me: Shebeatyouupbecausey
ouwer
ecr
yingf
ort
he
passingofyourpar
ent
s?
Shenodded.
"
Whatdi
dshebeaty
ouupwi
th?
"

Shenar rat edtomehowherpar ent s'passi ng

broughtat wi
stoff ateandhowherl ifedr ast icall
y
changed.Shesuccumedt hewor stt hingspossi ble.
From get tingbeat enupal mostev er ydaywi tha
bucketofi cepour edonhernakedbody ,goi ngt o
bedonanempt ystomach, beingf eededr ot tenf ood,
tobei nglockedt osleepout si
deonmostf reezi ng
nights.Thatbecamehersecondnat ur esince, until
l
thedaysheescapedt oAmo' shouse.Nobody
shoul dev ergot houghwhatshewentwr ong.The
factthatshewasi ll
-tr
eatedbecauseshe' sa
stepchild,asi fshemadet hatchoi ce. .
.mademesi ck
i
nt hest omach.Icannotbegi ntoest abli
shhowa
woman, letalonet hatwithel i
git
imat echi ldr en
herself,woul df i
ndcomf ortinill
-tr
eat ingani nnocent
child.What ev
erhappenedt ot r
eatingev erybody ,
wet herbloodr el
atedornot ,withkindness?
What everhappenedt orandom womenexhi biti
ng
l
ov edemonst rat
ionstor andom chi ldrenont he
streets?Iwasget t
ingpissedof f.Sheoncet oldme
howwi cketandtwistedt
hatoldhackofawomani s
butshedidn'tdwel
l muchint
odet ai
l
s.Inever
thoughtmywi fewentthr
oughsucht raumati
c
experi
ences.Andtot opi
toff,shecameintomyl i
fe
onlytobekidnappedandt or
turedbymypast .Phew!

Il
ookedathercompl
etel
ylostf
orwor
ds.
Me:
Aret
hosescar
esaty
ourbackf
rom her
?
Shenodded.Icursedundermybreat
h.Iknewt her
e
andthenthatIneededtoputast
optoit.That
i
ncludesstar
ti
ngbypay i
ngMeagananunpl easant
vi
sit
.

Ipul
l
edhercl
oserandl
ockedheri
nmyembr
ace.
Me:Iwishther
ewasanywayIcouldcarr
ythi
sload
f
oryou.Ihateseei
ngyoul
iket
his.Mor
eespecial
l
yif
youthi
nkI'
deverhurty
ou.
Ipul
l
edherbackandmadeherf
aceme.
"IWouldneverhurty
oubaby .EvenifIwasgi
vena
chanceto,I
'
dhur tmysel
finstead.
"
Il
ookedatherbri
efl
yandsherest
edherheadonmy
shoul
der
.Wer emainedsi
l
ent
.
I
nser
t39
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
*

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o

Iwokeupandhe' snotthere.It'
sanewdayal r
eady?
Urg.Idon' twannawakeup.Remi ndmewhywehav e
towakeupagai n?Car eers!Right..Icouldjustst ay
homeandbeat roffywifebecausehel l
o,my
husbandi sloadedbutnooo. .
.IsaidIwant edt obe
carreeor i
entat edandpur posedr ivenangi thi?So
hereIam.Isi ghedandr oll
edoutofbed.Ir eallyf
eel
exhaust edanddr ai
ned.Juggl i
ngbot hschool and
pregnancyi sn'tchi l
d'splay.Andwi t
hschool closi
ng
tomor rowsf orEast erhol i
days, Ireall
yjustwannago
homef orther estoft hehol i
day s.Idon' tr
emember
whathappenedl astnight.WhatIr ememberhowev er,
i
scr yinginmyman' sarms.Imusthav edriftedoffto
sleep.He' ssosuppor tiveshameandIhonest l
y
woul dn'thaveaskedf orabet terpar t
ner.He' sgoing
thr
oughhisownstuffbuthi
m beingaZul
uman, he
bott
lesi
tall
in.I
'
mj ustgr
atef
ultodothi
sli
fet
hing
wit
hhim.
Iwenttotakeaqui
ckshowerandbr
ushedmyt
eet
h.
Iheadhim wal
kinandcal
lmyname.

"
Nhlanhla!
"Heshout
ed.Hecanbel
oudwhenhe
wantstothi
sone.Soear
lyi
nthemorni
ngt
hough.
"
Ensui
t!
"Ishout
edback.
"
Comeseet
hisr
eal
qui
ckbaby
."
"
Whati
sitsoear
lyt
houghOz
ithobi
l
e?"
"
Justcomeal
ready
."
If
ini
shedwi
thmybusi
nessqui
ckandwal
kedout
.He
l
ookedatme.
"
Hi.
"Hesmi
l
ed.
"
Goodmor
ningt
oyout
oo.
"
Het
ookmyhandandwewal
keddownst
air
s.
"
Yini
Kant
iOzi
?"
"
Wozamaan.
"Hepi
ckedmeupandIgi
ggl
ed.
"Youdar
edropmeont
hesest
air
cases,
you'
l
lsee
auntNosi
"
Hebusti
ntol
aught
er.
"
Knowi
ngher
,Iwoul
dn'
tdar
emyl
ove.
"
Heputmedownandheav
ed.
"
Idi
dn'
tnot
icey
ou'
resoheav
ylat
ely
.Phew!
"
Il
ookedathi
m andr
oll
edmyey
es.
"
Arey
ousay
ingI
'
mfat
?"Ipout
ed.
"
No.Mysoni
s."Hesmi
rked.Mcm!
"Icouldhav
eusedmytwoGodgivenfeettowal
k
youknow.Butyoual
wayswannaplaysuperman
angithi
."
Weshar
edalaugh.Hewasr
eal
l
ypant
ing.Imustbe
r
eal
l
yheavy
.
"Sowhatdidyouwannashowme? "Iasked.He
gavemehisdashingsmil
ereveal
i
nghi sbeauti
ful
set
oft
eeth.Hebli
ndfoldedmewithhishandsand
gui
dedmyst eps.I
'
m guessi
ngwewer ewal ki
ng
out
side.
"You'r
eready
?"Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyearandI
shiver
ed.
"Ozimaan.Mysuspensearekil
lingmealr
eady.
"I
wasi mpati
ent.Ort
ooexcit
ed?Idon'
tknow.Ihadt
o
keepmykneesi ncheck.Tr
ustthem t
opullt
he
chickeni
ngstuntonme.
"
Youneedt
ogr
owsomepat
iencewoman.
"Ur
g!
Her emov edhi shandsf r om myey esandmyj aw
droppedt othef loor.Ar edBMW SUVwaspar kedat
thedr iveway .Wi thribbonshangedandabouquetof
fl
ower sontopoft hebonet .Iheldmychesti nutter
astoni shment .Acar !Nohedi dnot!Ohmygosh!I
cover edmywi deopenedmout handlookedathim.
Hehadhi shandsbur ri
edi nsidehispocketsand
woreagoof ysmi l
eonhi sf ace.Hel ookedli
keaman
ful
fil
led.Youcoul dtellf
rom howhest oodhisground
thathewasf eeli
ngal lshadesoff ulf
il
mentr i
ghtnow.
Well hey .
..
I'
m notcompl ai ning.I
fany t
hing,
I'
m swepd
offmyf eet.
Imot
ionedsl
owl
ytowar
dst
henewbaby
.She'
sreal
l
y
beauti
ful
.She'sagoddess.Iwal
kedar
oundher,
runni
ngmyf i
ngerti
psgentl
yonhercur
vybody.She'
s
adream.Iturnedtolookathi
m.
"I
sshemine?
"Iaskedst
il
ll
ostf
orwor
ds.Ihadt
oa
askphel
a.
"She'
sy our
sbaby .
"Henoddedr
abidl
y.Heleanedon
thebal
conywal l
andwatchedmetaki
ngmyt ime
observ
ingher.It
ookmybouquetoffl
owers.
"
Baby
."It
urnedt
olookathi
m.
"Catch."Het hr
ewt hekeysandIcaughtthem.I
hoppedi nandi gnitedtheengine.Ohmygosh.It
evenf eelscomf ortabl
e.Ipressedont
heacceler
ator
andgav eitahighr ev.
..
itr
oared.Nowthi
sisa
perf
ectchoi cef oraspot t
yladyli
kemyself
.Thi
sman
getsmeman.I sn' thegoals?!

Iranouttohi
m andheopendhi shandstotakeme
i
n.Hespanmear oundandIburri
edmyheadonhis
neckandgiggl
ed.Heputmedown.IHookedmy
handsarounshi
sneckandt i
ptoedtogiv
ehim aki
ss.
Hepulledmecloseranddevouredonmyl i
ps.
"Thankyousomuchbaby ."Imummeredagainsthis
l
ips.Hekissedthehell
outofmethatwedidn'thear
Lwaz i
'
scarpull
ov er
.
"Si
esman.Getar
oom."Wepul
ledoutf
rom t
heki
ss
andIbur
ri
edmyfaceofOzi
'
schest
.
"
Thi
sismyhousewenasl
i
ma.
"Ozi
sai
dchuckl
i
ng.
"Thatdoesn'
tgi
veyouari
ghtt
osuckf aces.Nathi
it'
s
ourhouse."Hel
ookedatt
hecarandwhi st
led.
"Whosebabyisthi
s?"He'
sobv
iousl
yjustasswept
off.
Icl
earedmythroatandwav edmyhandintheairl
i
ke
aqueen.At
leastthat'
showIfeel
aroundthese
Langamen,li
keat ruequeen.
Lwaz
ilookedatmeandwhi
stl
edagai
nwi
thhandsi
n
hi
spockets.
Oziwascompl
etel
yamused.Hi
segowasdamn
r
ighgget
ti
ngst
rokedr
ightnow.
"Hambamakotimaan.Haymt akababayouar
e
husbandgoal
s.Umphethekahleumfazi
wethuphel
a.
Haumadoda."
Hecametousandopenedhi
sar
mswi
de.We
shar
edasensual
hug.
"
Okaythat'
stoolongphel
a."Ozi
commanded.And
wesharedalaugh.
Lwazi
letgoandextendedhi
shandt
ohi
sbr
other
.
Theyf
istbumped.
"
Uyi
njamf
anakat
hi.
"HeCompl
i
ment
edhi
m.

TheseLangabr ot
hershaveawierdrelat
ionshi
pbutI
l
ikeit
.Theyactalltouchandeveyr
ti
ngbutt heyknow
wherethei
rroyalt
iesandpri
ori
ti
eslay.Theyhave
eachother
'sbacksandt hel
ovetheyshareisjusta
compell
ingsighttowatchhonest
ly.
"So,makot
i.Whenar
eyout
aki
ngmef
orar
ide?
"He
asked.
"Nowwoul dbeagreatti
meactual
l
y."Ozij
umpedin
andIsmi l
ed."
Waitforme.I
'
m comingwith.
"Heran
backtothehouseandcamebackwi thapackof
cast
leli
te.
Lwaz
iremov
edt
hebal
l
oonsandwegoti
n.They
settl
edint
hebackbeat
.Okaaaaay
!Iseewhatt
hey
'r
e
tr
yingtodoandI'
l
lprovet
hem wrong.
"Let
'st
estyourdr
ivi
ngwi
fey
."Ozi
sai
dopeni
ngacan
ofhisbeer
.
"Youf ai
ltofoll
owr oadsi gns,we'retaki
ngi tback.
Futhinoquest ionsasked. "LwazisaidandIl ooked
atthem throught herearv iewmi r
ror.Theysat
comf ort
ably.Hehehe!Hownai vearethesemen?I
knowIt ookpr operandmuchneededdr ivi
nglessons
andIobt ainedmydr iverslicensefai
randsquar ebut
dot heytrustmemucht ogambl ewi ththei
rliv
eslike
thi
s?Hai ke!Let'sdothis.
"
Asambephela."Ozisai
dandIr ev
ersedout
.They
whi
stl
ed.Theyarejusti
diot
stheseones.
"LwaziconnectyourphoneontheBluet
ooth.I
wannaenj oythi
scrui
se."Ozi
saidandLwazi
connectedhisphone.Asongcameonf ullbl
astand
thefi
rstthingweheardwas'MastermasterKG.'
"Ohhellno!Nofreaki
ngwaybr
uh.
"Ozi
prot
est
edand
Ilaughoutloud.
"
Whatki
ndofmusi
cfucker
yist
his,
man?
"Ozi
asked
andIlookedatt
hem ontherearv
iewmirr
or.Ozi
was
hol
dinghisheadl
ookingatLwazi
.Thi
sisvery
amusive.
"Haikantiwhatki
ndofmusicdoy ouwant
?"Lwazi
askedfidgeti
ngonhisphone.It
hinkhewaslooki
ng
forabettersongbecausewow!
"
Don'
tyouhav
etheLay
about
s?"Ozi
asked.
"Thi
sisn'
teveny ourcar.Howy ougettomakesuch
demandsbaf f
lesmer eall
y."Lwazisaidl
ooki
ng.
..
embarrassed?Idon'tknowbutmyst omachhur
ts.
Ozi
wasi
nst
ichest
oo.
"
You'r
esuff
eri
ngfr
om ama2000tendenci
es.Yi
ni
i
MasterKG?wubanloy
o?"Hesai
dstif
fl
ingi
n
l
aughter
.
"
Haimaan.Idon'
tknowhowt
hissongendedupi
n
myphone.
"
Ozi
wasi
ntear
sandhecoul
dspeakany
mor
e.
"UrgLet
'sr
atherasktheownerofthi
scarewhat
ki
ndofmusicshe'dli
keustoplay
.Hai."Lwazi
sai
d.
"
Bemyguessed.
"Ozi
conf
ident
lysai
d.Onet
hingI
'
ve
discov
eredaboutmyOziandIisthatwe'
vegotthe
samet ast
eofmusic.I
'
dplayasongandhe'dsing
al
ongt oit
,leav
ingmecomplet
elyamazed.Eit
herI
gettochoosethemusicbuti
twouldsti
ll
favourOzi
.
"Whatki
ndofmusi
cwoul
dyoul
i
kemakot
i?"Lwazi
asked.
"Nneka'
sshi
ningstarsongplease.
"Ilookedatt
hem
andsawOzinoddinglight
lywithastupidgri
nonhi
s
face.
"Smoothdr
ivi
ngbythewaymylove.I
'm super
rel
axed.
"Helookedatmethr
oughthemi r
rorand
drankhi
sbeer.
Wedr ovetothemall
anddecidedtobuyfood.I
boughthotwingsandicecr
eam whil
etheysettl
ed
fordeckwoodandextrapacksofcast
leli
teforeach.
Wedr ovebackandwalkedi
n.
Theyputtheirbev
eragesinthefr
idgeandfol
lowed
eachothertotheli
vi
ngr oom.TheyfoundBanzi
chi
lled,
focusedonhisphone.Idishedthet
akeaway
uponpl at
esandpour edjui
ceonabi gj
ugandtookit
tothem.
"
Ohno.Wedon'
twantj
uice,
thanky
ou.
"Ozi
sai
d.
Ur
g!Meandmyshortmemory.Theyhav
ebeers
st
ashedi
nthef
ri
dge.Af
cAusetheywon'
tdr
inkt
his
j
uice.
"
I'
ll
takei
tbackf
ory
ou.Rel
ax.
"Banzi
vol
unt
eer
ed.
"
Thanky
oust
handwasam.
"
Het ookt hejugbackt ot hefri
dgeandcamet osit
nextt ome.Weat ewhi leconversingandsoonwe
fi
nished.Theyt ookt heirbeersanddev ouredon
them whi l
eLwazi andOzi playedFi f
faandIwas
chil
ledwi thBanzi.Hewasl ookingt obuysomer eal
cool sneakerssoheaskedmet ohel phim choose.
Hissenseofst yl
ei suniqueandhi sf ashionsenseis
toocompl ex.There'
sliketonsofv ari
etyisthi
sapp
butnotev enoneimpr essedhi m.Pi ckydoesn'teven
begint osum itup.He' sEXTRA.
Ozi
'sphonerangandheexcusedhi
mselfandjot
ted
upthestai
rcases.Heappear
edf
rom upst
air
sshort
ly
andcal
ledme.
"
Baby,
canwet al
kplease.
"Iwalkedupst
air
sand
wal
kedin.Heatt
ackedmewi t
haki sst
hemomentI
stepi
nshut
ti
ngthedoorbehi
nd.Hi
sli
pswer
esof
t
andtast
edofbeer
.
Igi
ggl
edandwi
ggl
edmywayoutofhi
shol
d.
"
NoOzi
thobi
l
e."Isai
dgi
ggl
i
ng.
"Kancanebaby ."Hesaidintenselygazingatme.He' s
drunkandIcoul dt el
lbyhowpar t
ial
lyopenedhi s
eyesar e.Hepul ledmecl oserandsmashedhi sl i
ps
onmi ne.Igavei n.Hegroanedsof tl
yanddev our ed
onmyl ips.Ipulledbackabi tandhewasbr eathing
downmyneck.Thesmel lofalcoholfr
om hisbr eath
wasj uster ot
ic.Hebi dhi
sbot tom li
pandr estedhis
foreheadonmi ne.Hesqueezedhi seyesshutand
heav ed.
"
Nhl
anhl
a."
"
Hmm.
"
"Il
oveyoubaby.Thankyouforbei
ngherewit
hme
thr
oughital
l
.Idon'tknowhowI'dhavehandl
edt
he
deathofmyfat
herifyouweren'
therewit
hme."
Hel
etoutasi
gn.
"
Inev
ert
houghty
ou'
dbemyhappyendi
ng.
"
Iatt
emptedtopullbackbutheti
ght
enedhi
sholdon
me.Hewasemot i
onal.Ozi
becomesveryv
ulner
abl
e
abouthi
sfeel
ingswhenhe'sdrunk.
"
Ilov
eyout
ooOzi
thobi
l
eLanga.
"
Hegr oaned.Iknowhe'stickl
edri
ghtnow.I'
m
pressingal
ltherightbut
tons.Nothi
ngtur
neshi
m on
l
ikemeaddr essi
nghim byhisful
lname.
"Thankyoufort
hepl
easantsur
pri
sebaby
.Ir
eal
ly
l
ovethecar.
"Isai
dwi
thmyheadr est
edonhi
schest
.
"Anythi
ngf
oryoumyangel.
"Hebroket
hehugand
tookmyhand.Wesatdownonthecouchwit
hme
straddl
i
nghim.Her
estedhi
sheadbackandhi
s
handssett
ledonmybutt
.
"
Youl
ooksocut
e."Isai
dsof
tl
yandhechuckl
ed.
"
Amandoesn'
tl
ookcut
eNhl
anhl
a."
"You'
renotaman.You'
remymanandy
oudol
ook
cute.
"
"Ki
ssmeke."Hesaidlooki
ngatmel
i
kehe'
sgonna
zoneoutanysecondnow.
Il
ower
edmyheadandcapt
uredhi
sli
ps.If
elthi
s
cocktwit
ch.Imoanedsof
tl
yandhesmi
l
edagai
nst
mylips.

"
Baby
."
"
Hmm.
"Il
ookedup.Iwasr
est
ingonhi
slaps.
"I
'm goi
ngawayonabusi nesstr
ip.Thatcal
lI
recei
vedwasaboutthatandIactuall
ycall
edyou
heresowecouldtal
kabouti t
."
"
Okay
.Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
"Iasked.
"
Doy
ouwantmet
oleav
e?"
Igotupandsatupst
rai
ght
.
"
Isi
tnotbusi
nessr
elat
edkant
i?"
"
Iti
sbutIcoul
dst
ayi
fyoudon'
twantmet
ogo.
"
"Whywoul dn'
tIwanty outogo?Comeonhun.Go
outther
eacqui r
easmuchknowl edgeasyou
possibl
ycan.You' r
eaCEOofamul ti
mill
i
on
company .Iunderstandi
tcomeswit
htheter
ri
tor
y."
"
Areyousur
e?I'm wor
ri
edaboutyoursafet
y.Two
weeksi
stoolongformenotseei
ngy ou.
"Helooked
wor
ri
ed.
"I
'
llbef
inebabe.Besides,Iwasthi
nki
ngofgoi
ng
homefortheEasterholi
days."
"
Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing.
"
"
Tommor
ow.
"Ismi
l
ed.
"
Whyar
eyousmi
l
ing?
"Hel
ookedconf
used.
"I
'
m dri
vi
ngdownwi t
hmynewbaby
."IWi
ggl
edmy
eyebr
ows.Hechuckl
ed.
"
You'
ref
lexi
ngnowbaby
."
"
Heynow.
"
Weshar
edal
aught
er.

Iwasdonepacki ngmybagsandhelpinghi
m pack
hi
sl uggage.I
twasjustaft
er6andIhavean
assignmentthatIneedtosubmi
ttomorrowbefor
e
goinghome.
"
Baby
."Isai
d.
"
MrsLangawami
."Myhear
tswel
l
ewd.
"I
'
m goi
ngtothestudy.Ineedt
ofi
nishmy
assi
gnment
.It
'sduetomor r
ow.
"
"Okay.I
'l
lcomekeepyoucompany .Ipr
omisetobe
quit
e."Hesaidgenui
nely.He'
salsobeenso
supporti
veofmystudies.He'dst
ayupt i
ll
lat
e.
Somet i
mesduringweehour softhemorning
keepingmecompanywhi l
eI'
m busywithmy
proj
ects.Hewouldn'
tgot obedwi t
houtme.Ismil
ed
andnodded.
"
Thanky
ouhubby
."
"I
'l
lgogr abafreeceandmakemy sel
fcomf or
tabl
e
onthecouch. "Hesai ddi
sappeari
ngi nt
othecloset.
Hewasnowsober .Hehadtotakeacol dshower
aft
erIdeni edhim somenaughtydance.Hi m andsex.
Don'tgetmest arted.Iwal
kedtot hestudywithmy
booksandhecamebackshor tly
.Hesnuggl ed
comf ort
ablyonthecouchandcov eredhimselfwi
th
thefleece.
Igotstar
tedandt ouchedbasedonmyassi
gnment.
I'
dfeelhi
sintensegazeheavyonmeandwhenI
questi
onit,
he'djustsmileandmouth'
Il
oveyou.
'
Ifi
nishedaboutupanditwasaround10P. M.He
wasnowf astasl
eeponthecouch.Ishookhi
m
l
ightlyandheopenedhiseyes.Hehavemehi s
dashingsmi l
e.
"
Arey
oudone?
"Heasked.
"
Yesbaby
.Let
sgosl
eepnow.
"
Hegotupandweheadedt
oourbedr
oom.He
openedt
hecov
ersandIgoti
n.Hegoti
nbehi
ndand
cuddl
edme.
"
I'
m gonnami
ssy
ousomuchwhenIl
eav
e."
"
Met
oobaby
."
Hekissedmyneck.Westay
edinsi
l
encewithour
hear
tscommunicati
nganddri
ft
edt
osleep.
I
nser
t40
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
*

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

Iwokeupsuperl atet hismor ningandr anar ound

l
ikeaheadl esschicken.Iwassi tt
inginfrontofthe
mirrordoingmybusi nesswhenhewal kedinandt he
fi
rstthingthathi tmynost ri
lswashi sexpensi ve
smel l
ingcol ogne.Ilookedathi mt hrought hemi r
ror
andIwasut ter
lysmi tten.Hel ookedsmashi nginhis
cri
spywhi t
eshi rtt
hat '
st uckedi nt
ohi snav yblue
sli
m pant s.
"Youl
ookbreatht
aki
ng.
"Hesai dl
eani
ngagai
nstthe
doorfr
amewi t
hankl
escrossedandhandscr
ossed
onhischest
.
"Youlookv er
yint
imidati
ngy our
sel
f.
"Iroseupfr
om
mychai randwenttohi m.Ibutt
onedhisnavybl
ue
chestcoatandf i
xedit.Heopenedhisarmsandtook
mei
nforahug.
"Whatti
mei syourfli
ght?"Iasked.Ican'
treal
lysay
I'
m notsadforthefactthathe'sfl
y i
ngtotheU.S
becauseIam.Myhear ti
swr enchingactaul
ly
.Idon'
t
knowhowI '
llcopenotseei ngorbeingaroundhim
thatl
ong.Igotusedt obeingaroundhim somuch
thatImisshi
m already.
"3P.M.I
'
vegotanimportantmeet
ingwit
hpotent
ial
cli
ent
sat10.IhopeIsealt
hedealbef
oreIl
eave.
"
Westayedi
ncompletesi
l
ence.Iwant
edt
ocr
yand
hef
elti
t.Hesqueez
edmet i
ght.
"
Iknowy
ou'
rehur
ti
ng.Iam t
oo.
"
"
Twoweeksi
stool
ong.
"
"Iknowbaby
."Sil
enceagain."
Whydon'ty
oujust
comewi t
hme? "Heasked.Ipull
edawayandlooked
athim.Hewasserious.
"
Tot
heU.
S?"
"
Yes.Whynotv
ele?
"
"
It
'stheelev
enthhourbabe.Ihadal
readyadjust
ed
myselft
hatI'
m goi
nghome.NowIhav etoreadj
ust
.
That'
sj ustmessingwithmymoodswi ngs.Whydid
younotaskmel astnight
?"Isuddenl
yfel
ttheneed
tocry.Bloodypregnacyhormones!Isni
ffedandhe
chuckled.
"Sothi
sisinevi
tabl
ehuh?"Ilookedathi
m andhe
sti
ff
ledalaughter
.Thi
sisclearl
yamusivetohi
m.
"
Let'
sgohav ebreakf
astatourfav
orit
erest
aurant
t
hen.It
'st
heleastwecoul ddobefor
ewebot hleav
e.
I
'
llbuyyoutubsoficecream."
"
Andhotwi
ngs?
"
"
Andhotwi
ngssweet
hear
t.
"It
ipt
oedandki
ssedhi
m.
"
Letmef
ini
shupt
henI
'
llbewi
thy
ousoon.
"
"
Uphumel
afut
hi?
"
"Yes.It
hinkIjustshoul
dtosav
eti
me.Idon'
twanna
arri
vehomel ate.
"
"
Okay
.Don'
ttakel
ong.I
'
llwai
tdownt
air
s."
Hedr aggedmyl uggageandwal kedout.It
iedmy
afrointoaneatbunr eveal
i
ngmybeaut i
ful
l
y
structur
edf ace.I'
m becomingchubby .Somuchso
thatIcan'tevent r
acemyj awli
ne.Pregnacy.Hai
ke!I
st
il
ll
ookst
unni
ngthough.Isatt
her
eandadmi
red
mysel
font
hemirr
or.
"NHLANHLACOMEONNOW!
"Heshout
edf
rom
downst
air
s.
"
TWOMI
NUTES!
"Ishout
edback.
"YOUSAIDSO30MI NUTESAGO!.
"Whathappened
tomenbeinggentl
ewi t
hthi
erwomenkanti
?Haibo!I
fi
nishedupandwalkeddownst
air
s.If
oundhim
alr
eadyonhisfeet
.
"Howarewegoingt
otr
avel
thenbecauseI
'
m not
comingbackher
e?"
"
Usey
ourcar
.I'
l
ldr
ivebehi
ndy
ou.
"
"
Okay
."
If
oundi tal
readypar
kedoutsidewithal
lmystuf
i
nside.Hetookitoutofthegarageforme.How
sweet.Igotinanddroveout.Hedroveaft
erme.
Myphoner angconnectedt
otheBl
uetoot
h.Il
ooked
athi
scarthroughtherearv
iewmir
rorandhewas
abi
tbehi
nd.Ianswered.
"
Missi
ngmeal
ready
?"
"
You'
redr
ivi
ngl
i
kesomebodywho'
sgotbal
l
s."
Ichuckl
ed.
"
Whatdoest
hatmean?
"
"
Slowdown.
"
"Okay.
"Thiscar '
scomf orti
sv er
ydecei vi
ng.You
can'
tevent el
lthatyou'r
espeedingunl essyoucheck
thespeedomet er.Ir
educedt hespeedabi t
.We
arr
ivedattherestaurantandpar ked.Wegotoutand
meteachot herhalfway .
"You'r
everybr
aveforsomebodywhojustst
art
ed
dri
vingfi
veminut
esago,youknowthat?"
Ichuckl
ed.
"Idi
dn'
tnoti
cethatIwasspeedi
nghao.I
'
llt
onei
t
down."Ismi
rked.
"
Nhl
anhl
a!"
"
Ipr
omi
sebaby
.Nowr
elax.
"
Wewal kedinhandtohandandtheat
tentionwe
weredrawing.Haiphel
a!Mymanisquietacat ch
anditdidn'
thel
pthatI'
m smoki
ng-
hotmy self
.Now
all
owmet oblowmyownhor n.TodayIrockedina
bohemianl ook.Ihadonabeggyf awnjumpsuitwit
h
anav yblueblazerandboyf
ri
endboots.Icompleted
thelookwithwoopear i
ngsandar osegoldhandbag.
Ilookstunning,eveni
fIsaysomy sel
f.

Ifel
tmyheartdr optothepitofmyst
omachand
Ozi'
sbodytenseup.Hesqueezedmyhandandt here
shewas..
.approuchingwit
hherheaddropped.She
broughti
tupandt helookshewore!Hergaze
widenedinshocklikeshewasseingamiddayghost.
Shewantedtoj umpoutofherownskin.
"
H..
hi.
"Itcameoutmor
eli
keawhi
sperasshef
orced
asmil
e.
"Meagan"Ozi sai
dstil
l hol
dingme.Sheat temptedto
passbuthebl ockedherway .Shetookafewst eps
backandf ai
ledtomai ntai
nOzi '
sdeadlyeyecontact.
Hehadhi sjawsclenchedandhi scheekboneswer e
poppingout.Heat t
empt edtomot iontowardsher
butIheldont ohishandandpul l
edhim back.
"
Ozi
thobi
l
e,no!
"Ipl
eadedwi
thhi
m.Hedi
dnotev
en
l
ookatme.Hehadhi
sey
esf
ixedonMeagan.
"Makesuret hisi
sthelasttimeourpat hscross
becauseIwon' tbeheldresponsi bl
eforwhatwi l
l
happenthenextt i
meIseey ouMeagan. "Hisv oi
ce
cameoutcommandi ngandst ern.Hert hr
oatmadea
sli
ghtmov e.Ithi
nksheswal lowedhar d.Icannot
comprehandhowshe' si
nt i
midat edbyhi m butsti
ll
havetheguar dstogetmeki dnapped.Becausef rom
howshel ooksr i
ghtnow, sheclearlyknowswhat
he'
sdisabili
ti
esare.
Sheli
ter
all
yspr
angonherf
eetandhet
ight
enedhi
s
hol
donmyhand.
"
Cal
m downbaby
.She'
snotwor
thi
t.
"
Hecur
vedmewi
thhi
sar
m andl
etoutasi
gh.
Wewalkedi
n,ahostessgreet
edandusher
edusin.
Wefoundatabl
eandhepul l
edachairf
orme.Isat
downandhesett
ledonhis,di
rectt
ome.
Awai
torcameandweor derdaful
lengl
i
shbr
eakf
ast
wi
thOrangej
uice.Hedi
sappear
edshort
y.
Il
ookedathi
m,hel
ookedabsol
utel
yannoy
ed.
"CanwejustforgetaboutMeaganandf
ocusonour
breakf
ast
,please?"Isai
d.
"
I'
m sor
ry.I
'
mju-
..
."Hi
sphoner
angandheanswer
ed.
"Lwazi
..
.Yeah..
.noI'm not.She'sl
eaving
soon..
.y
eah...
okayby e"hehungupandpl acedthe
phoneont hetable."Lwazi wantstojoi
nusfor
breakf
ast.Ihopey oudon' tmindbecauseItol
dhim
hecancome. "Hesai dr ubbinghischeekwit
ha
thumb.
"Yeahsure.I
twoul
dbeni
cesay
inggoodby
etohi
m
actual
l
y."
"
Awesomet
hen.
"
Ourfoodar
ri
vedandwedi
ggedi
n.Ist
olef
ri
esi
nhi
s
pl
ateandhechuckl
ed.
"
Whydowomenl
i
kedoi
ngt
his.
"
"
I'
m notawomanbaby
."
"
Afcausey
ou'
renotwenast
handwasam.
"
It
hrewasav
ientathi
m andheducked.
"
I'
m gonnami
ssy
ouuy
azi
."
"Don'
tevenmensi
oni
t.Thatt
imeIdi
dn'
tev
enget
anyacti
ontol
astmefortwoweeks.
"
Het
wit
chedhi
smout
htoi
tscor
nerandIl
aughed.
"
Youwon'
tdi
eOzi
thobi
l
e."
"Don'
tdothat
."Henar
rowedhi
sgazeandbi
thi
s
bit
tonl
ip.
"
What
?"It
eased.
"Myf ul
lnameNhl anhl
a."Helookeddownbet ween
him andthetableandcursedunderhisbreath.Hi
s
handdisappearedunderthetableandIlaugh.
"I
t'
snotfunnybaby.AndI
tdoesn'
thel
pthatyou'
re
si
tti
ngtherel
ookingsodamnsexy.Uuur
g."He
groaned.
"
Manj
ewhatwasy
ourhanddoi
ngdownt
her
e?"
"
Adj
ust
ingJack.He'
sget
ti
ngexci
tedangi
thi
."
Wechuckl
edi
nuni
son.
Lwaz
ipul
l
edachai
randsatdown.
"Supfam."Hepi
ckedaf
ryi
nOzi
'
spl
ateandl
ooked
aroundforawai
tor
.
"Idon'tsharefoodwi thmenf orobviousr
easons
wenasl ima.Sodon' tputyourhandinmyf ood.For
allIknow, youjusttouchedyourmeatbef oreuza
l
anaanddi dn'tevenwashy ourhands."Ozi sai
dand
bothlwazi andIbusti nt
olaughter.
"
Uyi
sli
mangempel
a."Lwazi
sai
d.
"
HiLwazi
."
"
Hel
l
omakot
i.y
ou'
rel
eav
inghuh?"
"
Yup.Imi
sshome.
"
"Ishouldcomevi
sitbefor
eyoucomeback.The
placelookedr
efr
eshing,man.
"
"
I'
dlov
ethathey
."
Suddennoi
seer
rupt
edf
rom somecor
nerandsome
guywasharr
asi
ngawai
tress.
"IASKEDFORCOFFEE25MI NUTESAGOANDYOU
BRINGI TCOLD.WHATAM ISUPPOSEDTODO
WITHTHI S?"Heshoutedandpour
edt
hepoorl
ady
withthecof
fee.Shegasped.
"
Ohmygosh.I
shecr
azy
?"Isai
dannoy
ed.
"
Doyouwanttogot
akecar
eoft
hat
?"Ozi
asked
l
ooki
ngatLwazi
.
"
EyAngi
zi
ngeni
."Lwazi
sai
d.
Ozi
pushedhi
schai
rbackandwal
kedov
ert
othe
t
abl
e.
*
***
*

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Seeingt hisguyharassingthewai tresspressedon

myal readyannoy edner v
e.If eltmybodyheatup
again.Iwasst il
lverysetoffbysei ngMeaganandI
want edtot akeoutmyf rustrationsonsomet hing.
Thisguyi sbeingaj erksohedeser vesbeingatt he
receivi
ngsi deofwhatI '
m aboutt odot ohim.
Besides, nothi
ngpissesmeof fli
kement reat
ing
womenl ikedirt
.Iwalkedov ert otheirtabl
e.He
broughthi sgazeupandl ookedatme.
"
Enden?
"hesai
d.
"
Pleasegethi
m anot
herhotcof
fee.I
t'
sonme.
"Isai
d
t
othewai
tr
essandshenoddedwal
ki
ngaway
.
"I
twasn'tnecessar
ytoembar
rassherli
ket
hatmy
guy.
"Isaidwithmyhandsbur
rieddeepinmy
pocket
s.
"Ey
,youdon'
tev
enknowmel
i
ket
hat
.Ungakhul
umi
nami.
"
Hel
ookedatmef
rom headt
otoe.
"Canwet al
koutside?"Her
oseupandwalkedout
.I
foll
wedhim.Het urnedtol
ookatmethemomenthe
steppedoutsi
de.
"
Whot
hef
uckdoy
out
hinky
ouar
eni
gga.
"Hesai
d.
Ir
eleasedav
eryhotsl
apacr
osshi
sface.
"Fi
rstoffal
l,I'
m notanigga.Andsecondly,
I'
mt he
guywho' l
lteachyoutoshowsomel it
tl
erespectf
or
women. "Het ri
edtothr
owapunchbutIpunched
himf i
rstonhisstomach.Hegr oaned.
"
Womenar
en'
ttoy
ssaan.
"
"
Hadebr
uh.
"Hesai
dhol
dinghi
sst
omach.
"
Nowgogety
ourcof
fee.Iexpecty
out
ogi
vehera
widesmil
eaccompaniedbyaf
att
ip.
"Henodded.I
walkedi
nandsett
leddownonmyseat.Theyl
ooked
atme.
"
What
?"
"
Whatdi
dyoudot
othepoorguy
."Lwazi
asked.
"
Not
hing.Wej
ustt
alked.
"
"Hmmm."Hewasn'tbuyingmyst
ory.Idon'
tgiv
ea
sackoff
lyi
ngcat
srightnow.Hehaditcoming.
TheguywalkedbackinandLwazilookedathim and
l
aughed.If
eltSne'
seyesheavyonmeandIdi dn't
dar
elookather.Idi
ggedbackinonmyf ood.Lwazi '
s
pl
atecameandheat easwell
.Ical
ledthewaitress
andpayedfortheguy'
scof
feewithatipontop.
Wewalkedoutandgottothepar
kinglot
.Shewas
ver
yemoti
onalandi
tbrokemyhear t
.Ipul
ledheri
n
f
orahugandsheletital
lout.
"Comeonlov
e.I'l
lbebackbefor
eyouknowi
t.I
promi
se.
"Ibrushedherback.
Shecr
iedtil
lshecouldn'tnomore.IlookedatLwazi
andhejustshrugged.Shefinal
yplacated.Icupped
herf
aceandweshar
edasal
tyki
ssf
il
ledwi
th
emoti
ons.
Lwaz
icl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandwel
ookedathi
m.
"Letmelov
eandl eav
eyoumakoti
.Tr
avelsaf
eand
takei
teasyontheaccel
erat
oral
ri
ght
?"Hehugged
herandwef i
stbumped.
"
Don'
tfor
gett
hemeet
ingat10babakast
il
lcomi
ng.
"
"
I'
mri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.
"
"ByeLwaziandt
hankyou.
"Shesai
d.Lwazi
wav
ed
hishandandwalkedaway
.
"
Doy
oust
il
lwantI
cecr
eam andhotwi
ngs?"
Shesmi
l
edandnodded.Ismi
l
edback.
"
I'
dlov
ethat
."
"
Okay
.Ar
eyougonnabeabl
etodr
ive?
"
Shenodded.
"
Okay
.Let
'sgo.
"
Wedr oveoutandwentt
obuytoanearbymal
l
becausether
eisn'
tChi
ckenLi
ckenher
e.Wear
ri
ved
soonandIwenttobuyhergoddi
esandflowersand
cameback.Igoti
nhercarandhandedher.Herface
beamed.
"
Iboughy
ouf
lower
s.Ihopet
heycheery
ouup.
"
"
Thanky
oubaby
.Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.
"
"
Youst
il
lhav
eyourcr
edi
tcar
dri
ght
?"
Shenodded.
Iwatchedassheindul
gedonhericecream whi
leI
l
eanedcloserandbr
ushedherbel
l
y .I
t'
sgrowing
qui
etbiglat
ely
.
"
I'
m gonnami
ssmybondi
ngsessi
onswi
thmyson.
"
Shegi
ggledandj
ustsav
our
edont
hei
cecr
eam.
Soonshewasdone.
"
Ihav
etogobaby
."
"Met oo.
"Sheleanedov erandIcuppedherface.We
sharedasensual ki
ssandIf eltJackt
wit
ch.Ibroke
thekiss.I
t'
sbettert
hisway .Ihuggedhersoti
ght
thatIfel
tchi
ll
straveldownmyspi ne.
"
Trav
elsaf
eokay
.I'
l
lfacet
imeev
ery
day
."
"
Trav
elsaf
etoobaby
.Il
ovey
ou.
"
"
Iloveyout ooNhlanhla.Cal
lmei fyoufeel
t
hreatened.Especial
l
yaboutt hatAuntNosiwoman.
"
"
Ipr
omi
se.By
e."
"
Byemyl
ove.
"
Ikissedheronemoretimeandki ssedherbell
yt hen
hoppedout .Iwat
chedherdri
v eawayandsoonI
droveouttooandheadedt otheoffi
ce.I
'v
egota
meet i
ngwithpotent
ial
cli
entsandsoonaf terthatI'
m
fl
yingtotheU.S.howIwishshecoul dgowi t
hme
though.
I
nser
t41
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

Isti
rredmyey esandr ubbedthem af ewt imes.The
wallsar ediff
erentf rom t hoset hatI'
m usedt o
waki ngupsur roundedbydai l
y.Iwander edmyey es
aroundt ryi
ngt or egist ermysur roundi ngs.Asmi l
e
curvedf rom bot hconer esofmymout hwhenmy
eyesmetwi t
haf ramedpi ctureofmypar ents
hangi ngont hewal l.I'm home!Iar rivedpr ettylat
e
yester dayandr esor t
edt osleepinginmypar ent's
room.It ookmyt i
meandadmi redt hepi cture.My
mot her 'ssmi l
ewasdashi ngfrom it.Al mostl i
keI
couldhearherspeak.Imi ssher .Imisshersomuch
i
tbr eaksmyhear t.Iwi shshewasher e, nowt hatI'
m
goingt hroughthi spr egnancy .I'dbel y i
ngi fIsaid
thi
sst agei nmyl i
fei sn'tov er
whel mingatt imes.
Andev enthoughOz i supportsmei nev eryway
possi ble, amot her '
sgui dancewoul dmakei tawhol e
l
oteasi erf ormer i
ghtnow.Phew!ButI '
m homeand
that'
sal lthatIneeded.Awayf r om theci ty'sbusyl i
fe
andl ight s.Idon' tknowhowt oexpl aint hepeace
thatcomeswi t
hbei ngathomebuti tdoeswonder s
tomysoul .Ir olledoutofbedandpushedmy
slepper si n.Iwal kedoutandwentt ot hebat hroom.
Mypar ent '
shousei sn' tthatclassybutwe' v egot
runningwat erandaf lushi ngtoi l
et.Somet hingmost
househol dsi nt hisv illageenv y.At l
eastIdon' thav e
togoout si deeacht imeIneedt oreli
efmy sel f.Idid
mybusi nessandwal kedout .Iwentf r
om r oom t o
room andnot i
cedt hewhol ehousesmel ledmust y
andi tsur eashel lneededsomemuchpr oper
cleaning.Spi der sf oundt hemsel vesahomei nev er
y
cornerher eandIcanonl yhopet herear enor ats
hostingpar t
iesdur ingmyabsence.Thel astt i
meI
washer e, wasdur ingLobol anegot i
ationst hat
turnedwhatwasmeantt obeabeaut i
f ul, r
emar kable
dayi ntoasor rowf ul one.Thator deal lef tmy
premat urer elationshi pwi t
hAmandadent edi naway
thatIdon' tev enknowi fitwil
l everbef ixed.Igav e
upt r
y ingr eachoutt oher .Evenaf t
erDl omo' sar r
est,
shest
il
li
gnor
edmycal
l
s.SoIl
etherbe.

Aroughper si
stedknockcamethroughthedoorjust
asIwaspacki ngcrocker
iest
hatweusedont heday
ofthelobol
a.Ev er
ythi
ngwentsouthreal
quickand
wenev erhadachancet oputever
ythi
ngbacktoit'
s
ori
ginalpl
ace.
Iheadedt otheki ckentoattenttothedoor .I
unlockedandbef oreIcouldevenhol dtheknob,it
turnedandt hedoorwaspushedopen. ..
toowideand
quickitnearlyhitmybump.Ist eppedaside,making
wayf orhertocomei n.Shelookedatmef rom head
totoeassher ai
sedhernosei nregardwi t
h
contempt .Shesmackedt hepoorchewi nggum so
l
oudi nhermout hthatIbelieveifthereareratsi
n
thehouse, nowt heyknowt heyhav ecompany .So
earlyi
nt hemor ning!Didsheev enbrushher
teeth?Haike!
Shewal
kedov
ert
ost
andi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
her
oom.
"
Yimot
okabani
lengaphandl
e?"
Il
etoutasi
ghandwal
kedpastherbackt
othel
i
ving
r
oom.Shef
oll
owedme.
"
SawbonanaweauntNosi
."Isai
d.
"Akuy
enzwanganomshadokodwausuw'
l
etha
amadodaendli
nikabhut
i.
"
Amadoda?I
ssheki
ddi
ngmer
ightnow?
"Icamealoneaunt
y.It
'smycarthat
'sparked
outsi
de.
"IsaidasIputthecr
ockeri
esinsi
dethe
boxes.
Sheclappedonceandheldherwai st
.Ilookedather
andnothinghaschangedaboutthiswoman.She
waswear ingaleopar
dpri
ntleggingwit
hapi nkt-
shir
tthatwaslisf
tedupbyherbigbreasts.Herbel
ly
wasouti ntheopenandshewr appedherheadwi t
h
stocki
ngs.Herblack,
dryandcrackedheelsreveal
ed
fr
om thef l
ipf
lops.
"
It
'sy
ourcar
?"Shebusti
ntol
aught
er.
"Hai
bontombazane.Namingi
ngay
thengaphela.
"
Shesai
dlooki
ngatme.Thiswomani sful
lof
cont
empI '
mtel
li
ngy ou.
"
Wel
lmyhusbandboughti
tforme.Sot
hatmakesi
t
mi
ne.
"
Isawheramusementdi
sappearf
rom herf
aceas
shelookedatmeandbl
i
nkedrapi
dly
.
"
Eyakho?
"Sheenqui
red.
"
Yebo.
"
"
Thatgoodtonot
hingofamanbuy
edy
out
hatcar
.
Ngobani
?"
"
BecauseI
'
m herwi
feandIneededt
hecaraunt
y."
"Youleftthev i
l
lage5mi nutesagokodwausubuy a
nemot o.Uyalotshol
wafuthi usukaphansi
.Haiphela
i
mi t
hiuny okoakushiyel
ey onaiyasebemzasisi
."She
chuckled.
If
eltmyhear
twr
ench.Il
ookedatherasshet
ooka
si
t.
"
What
'st
hatsupposedt
omeanaunt
y?"
"Akhekhoumuntuophilekahl eenhlokoongafuna
ukulobol
awena.Azeakut hengelengishonemoto
pho!Kusobalaukuthi
mi thiiyaksebenzel
a
ntombazane.Kodwaev ery t
hingthat'
s
fi
nished.
..
kubuyekuphele.Trustedme.Wesaw
thi
ngshappeninf
rontofphambi
kwet
hut
hina.We
seeandshutup"
Wheni sshegonnar eal
isethatengl
i
shisn'ther
fr
iend?FuthiIcannotbeli
eveshe'dt
hinkthatlowof
me.Ialway sknewshedi dn'
tthi
nkhighl
yofme
kodwal e!
"
Manj
eiphi
lendoday
akhoedel
elay
o?"Sheasked.
"
Ukhona.Andakadel
eli
aunt
y,pl
ease.
"
"Hehadhishandsi nhispocketswhenhespeakto
us.Uyi
bizanil
eyonto?Abafanabasemadolopeni
angi
kazengibathande.Theydon'tr
espect
.That'
s
whyIwant edyoutomar ryuBraPat.
"
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
"
WhyuKhosi
angashadi
nay
ekant
iifhe'
sthatgood?
"
"Unoml omokantit
hisday s.Thi
siswhatImean.
Loy amfanawamasui tukufundi
saukudel
anje
k'phela.Youcaneventalkback.Hee!
"
"I
'
m sorryant
ikodwai fyou'
resogoodwi t
harrangi
ng
marri
agesforotherpeople,yi
ndabauKhosi
angashadi
leevennow? "Oryousel
feven.Ibat
tled
wit
htheedgeofsay
ingt
hatoutl
oudbutI
suppr
essedi
t.
"
Uthi
ni?
"
Sher
aisedherhandt
osl
apmebutIpr
otest
ed.
"
Don'
tyoudareaunt
y."Shef
ormedi
nint
oaf
istand
l
ower
editdown.
"Yourdaysofhitt
ingmear eover.You'
ll
stopwith
yourabusiv
ebehav i
ourifyoudon'twanttoendupin
j
ail.
"Isai
dwi t
hav er
yst er
nvoiceandsheblinkeda
fewtimes.She'sclearl
ystart
ledbymysudden
couragetodefencemy sel
fandwoul dn'
tbel
ieveher
eyes.
"Uyadel
elasi
nceuhl
alaePi
tor
i.Kuyok'
si
zaukuthi
uphindi
selel
eyamotoemuva,ubuyelaekhay
aand
getmarriedt
oubraPat.
"Sher oseup.
What
'
sthi
swoman'
sobsessi
onwi
thbr
aPatkant
i?
"
Gonearethoseday swher eyoucall
edtheshotsin
myli
feaunty.I
'm marri
edtoOzi t
hobil
eLanga.And
I
'
m nottaki
ngt hatcarback.Dealwit
hit.
"Ishotback.
I
'
m si
ckandt ir
edofbei ngbull
iedbyevery
one.More
especi
all
ythi
swoman.Whodoesshet
hinkshei
s?
Rhaa!
"I
thingi
hambemina.Watchoutkent
ombi
.Ungaz
e
ufenjengoy
ihl
ononyokophel
a."
Wit
ht hatsai
d,shewal
kedout
.Iremainedsquat
ted
anddumbst r
uck.What
'st
hatl
aststat
ement
i
nsinuati
ng?
*
***
*

Af t
ernoonsar ethemosthear tsoot
hingaboutbeing
home.Wat chingthesunshadowsandt hesmoke
from coal chimneysmokeasi tclai
msit'sspoton
theat mospher e,i
swhatdeclareshome.Iwas
preapringmy selfafrui
tsaladwhenmyphoner ang.I
pickedi tupf r
om t hetabl
eandasmi lecreepedout
from mymout h.Ianswered.
"
Heyy
ou.
"Isai
d,si
tt
ingdown.
"
Hel
l
ochubbycheeks.Unj
ani
?"
"
I'
m good.Howar
eyou?
"
"
Imi
ssy
ou.CanweFaceTi
me?
"
"
Now?
"
"
Arey
oubusy
?"
"
No.Notr
eal
l
y.Gi
veme5mi
nut
est
oconnectt
hen.
"
"
Okay
."
Ihungupandwenttotakemylapt
op.Il
ayi
nbed
andcal
ledhi
m back.Heanswer
ed.
"
Wif
ey.
"Hegav
emehi
sdashi
ngsmi
l
e.
"
Heymyl
ove.
"
"Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.
"Iwi
shIcoul
dki
ssy
our
ight
now."
Ismi
l
ed.Imi
ssedhi
m somuchandIf
eltl
i
kecr
ying.
"
Imi
ssy
out
oobaby
.How'
sUSA?
"
"
Busy.Ij
ustcameoutfrom aconfer
encemeet
ing.
I
'
m goingbacktoanot
herafteranhour
."
"
Busymuchhuh?
"
"Ver
y.Iwishyouwer
eher
e.Imi
ssy
ourmagi
cal
hands.How'shome?
"
"
It
'sgood.
"
Hefrowned.Iknowhedoesn' tbel
iev
emebutI '
m not
abouttotel
lhim aboutauntNosi'
sbit
chybehavi
or.
Hemi ghtputeveryt
hingonholdandflybackher
e.
So,no.
"
Arey
ousur
ebaby
?Whyam Inotconv
ienced?
"
If
lashedhi
m asmi
l
e.
"
Ijustsmi
l
ed.Ar
eyouhappy
?"
Hechuckl
edandnodded.
"Iwi
shIwast her
e.I'
venev
erhadsexwi
thagi
rl
underherpar
ent'
shousebefor
e.Thi
swoul
dbemy
chancetoexplor
e."
Hechuckl
edandIl
aughed.
"You'
resonaught
ybaby
.Ther
e'snot
hingspeci
al
aboutthat
."
"Ohthereis.I
magineust r
yingt
osuppressour
moansandgr oansbecausewedon'
twantt he
parent
st ohearushavingsex.I
t'
sapit
tytheyaren'
t
ali
veanymor e."
Idon'
tknowwhyt hatdi
dn'
tmakemesad.Il
ovehow
ever
ythi
ngthatcomesoutofhi
smout
hmakesme
happy
.
"
Hai
langausi
l
emaan.
"
Hesmi r
ked.AndIsawsomeguyappearf
rom t
he
backr
ound.
"I
'
m sorryt
ocuty oushor
tsweethear
tbutwehav
eto
prepar
eforthenextmeeti
ng.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
al
right
?"
"
Okaybaby
.Lov
eyou.
"
"
Whathappenedt
othe'
I
'?"Hesai
dandIgi
ggl
ed.
"
Ilov
eyouLanga.
"
"
That
'smygi
rl
.Il
ovey
out
ooy
ezwaMr
sLanga
wami
."
Ibl
ewhi m aki
ssandhecaughti
tandpl
acedi
tinhi
s
hear
t.Ichuckl
edandhungup.
Iwal
kedbackt
othekickenandr
eali
sedIdon'
thav
e
aYoghut
.Zamawalkedinandsmil
ed.
"
Lookaty
ou.
"Shesai
dst
il
lsmi
l
ing.
Iopenedmyar
mswi
deandweshar
edahug.
"
Hel
l
oZama.Howar
eyou?
"Webr
oket
hehug.
"
I'
m good.Howar
eyoudear
."
"I
'm good.Youlooksobeaut ufi
l.Wow."Isaid
rubbinghercheeck.She'sr
eallybeauti
ful
.Shelooks
dif
ferentf
rom bothhermot herandbigsister
.She's
atotalopposi
te.Evenchatectorwise.Zamai sver
y
l
aidbackandr eserved.Unl
ike..
.youknowwho.
"Youlookst unningy ouself
."Shebrushedmybel l
y
andIf eltakick.Ohmygosh.Bot hourgazewidened
aswel ookedateachot her
.Thishasnev er
happenedbef ore.Anotherpleasantl
ightki
ckcame
throughandIsmi led.
"
Wow.Thi
shasnev
erhappenedbef
oreZama.
"
"Ar
ey ouser
ious?
"Shesaidassheplacedherhand
cat
efull
yonmybel l
yandsmil
edwidely.Ij
ust
noddedrapi
dlywit
hagrinonmyface.
"
ImustbeaspecI
alcaset
hen.
"
Shemustbei ndeed.Westay
edther
eandl
i
stenedt
o
theki
cks.Icannotwaitt
otel
lOzi
.
Theyf
inal
l
yst
oppedandIaskedZamat
oacompany
met
othest
ore.Ineededy
oghur
tformyf
rui
tsal
ad.
WewentoutandIl
ockedt
hedoor
.
Wewal kedtothest or
eandIfeltmyl oadeaseup.I
real
lymissedthischangeofscenery.Thesi ghtof
watchi
ngboy splaysocceri
nt hestr
eet sbarefooted
andgreeti
ngev ery
bodyIknowwasj ustamazi ng.I'
d
catchafewpeopl egivi
ngmef unnyst ar
es.I'm
guessi
ngi t
'sbecauseofthepregancybutI tdidn'
t
gettome.Iwasenj oyingever
ybitoft hi
smoment
andZamawasagr eatcompany.
*
***
**

Unknownl
ocat
ion.
Nar
rat
ed.

Miketookof fhislatherglovesandj acketandplaced

them onthet able.Helithiscigaret
teandpulleda
chairt
osi tbeforeher.Shebr oughthergazeupand
l
ookedathi m.Hel ookedatherbackwi thavery
chil
l
edf acialexpressi
on.Hepul l
edaf ewpuffsof
thecigarett
eandbl ewt hesmokeherdi rection.She
l
ookedawayandher oseupf r
om thechai r
.Hewent
tostandnexttot hewindowandl ookedout side.She
wasshaki nginfearandshi ver
ingfrom cold.She
wasonl yinherunderwear ,t
ieduponachai rwi t
ha
hermout hsealedwi t
haduckt ape.Shecoul dn't
establi
shhowshecoul dhav eendedupher ewi t
h
thi
sman.Butsheknewkamarwasabi tch.Funny
howf atecantwistinabl i
nkofaney e.Afewday s
ago,shehadsomebodyel sekidnapped.Butt onight
thetableshaveturnedandshe' stheoneatt he
recei
vingendoft hestick.
Hecamewi t
hanotherci
garet
teonhishand.Only
thi
sti
me,i
twasn'tl
it
.Hesatdownonhi schair
,
l
eanedfor
wardandbalancedonhisknees.He
l
ookedatherri
ghti
ntheeyeswithhi
sshar pbl
ue
eyes.
"
IwishIcouldsayIdon'
tl
oveherbutI
."Hesai
d,st
il
l
l
ookingather.
"Idon'tt
akeki
ndtopeoplewhoharr
assthosethat
areclosetomyheart
.BothOziandSneholda
specialpl
acei
nmyhear t
.AndIwishwasdoingthi
s
forOzi morethanI '
m doi
ngi tforSnebecausehe' s
mybest fri
end.He' ssacri
fi
cedt hemostunbelievable
thi
ngsi nhisli
fef orme.Andt her
e'snothi
ngthatI
coulddot hatwi l
lcomecl oset oshowingmy
grati
tudetohi m.Butt hi
sisn'tabouthim.It
'sabout
thatexcepti
onal womany ounear l
ygotmehur t
ing
her.Iloveher.Andi t'
scrazy."Hegr i
ndedhisteeth
andlithiscigarette.
"I
'
m goi ngtoremov etheducktapefrom yourmouth.
Nott hati
twouldhelpy ouifyouscream butIhate
noise.Iti
rr
it
atestheshitoutofme.Soi fyouknow
what '
sbestforyou,youwoul dn'
tdoanythingto
i
rri
tateme.Right t
?ShenoddedandMi ker oughl
y
pull
edt heducktapefrom hermouth.Shewi nced.
"
Shhhhh!
"Heputhi
sindexf
ingeronhermout
h.
"You'v
ealr
eadyfai
l
ed."Shel
ookedathi
m and
pleadedwit
hhereyes.
"Pl
easedon'
tdothi
s.I
'
m beggi
ngf
ory
ourmer
cy.
"
Shewhisper
ed.
"Ididnotsayyoucantal
k.You'
ll
tal
konl
ywhenIsay
so."Helookedattheci
gatet
teonhi
shandand
noti
ceditwasbur
ningout.Hefl
ickedit
sasheson
herthi
ghsandshewincedyetagain.
"YouknowMeagan.Womenli
key oumakemesi ck.
Youmademehat emyjob.
"Hepul l
edapuffand
pressedt
heci
gar
etteonhert
high.Shescr
eamed.
"Shuuuutthef
uckup!
"Thatcameoutext
remel
ylow
andchill
ed.
"
Ijustsai
d,Idon'tl
i
kenoise.I
t'
sei
thery
ou'reslowor
j
ustrebel
li
ous."Hepul
ledandpressedthecigaret
te
y
etagain,thi
stimeonherboobs.
Meagansuppressedt heexcruci
ati
ngpai
nthatstung
thet
ipofherheart.Shewasscar edtol
eti
tallout.
Butt
earswerealreadyroll
ingdownhercheeks.
"I
'
m achainsmokerwhenfr
ustr
ated.Andr
ightnow,
I'
m bey
ongt hat
.Soyou'
l
lbarewit
hmeast herei
sn'
t
asashtr
ayinhere.
"
"
FuckYou!
"Shespi
ttout
.
"I
fyou'
regonnaki
l
lmejustdoitnow,
asshol
e."She
sai
dfier
cel
yandMikechuckl
ed.
"
Oohf
ier
ce.Il
i
ke.
"Mi
kekeptt
hepul
l
scomi
ngand
pressi
ngthecigat
ett
eal
lov
erherbody
.Shewas
numbf rom t
hepain.
"I
fyouthi
nky ou'
resuf
fer
ing,
theny ouhavenoidea
becausethi
sisjustt
heti
pofani cebag.Aneyefor
aneye,ri
ghtMeagan?Younearlygotherfucked.But
nowlookatyou."
"Gofuckyour
sel
f,man.She'
sal
sohav i
ngyouunder
herspel
landyoudon'
tevenseethat
."She
whimpered.
"
Isshe?Howso?Dot
ell
?"
"Whydon'
tyouaskyousel
fhowcomey oual
lfal
lfor
her
?She'sawit
ch.Unti
emeandI'l
lhel
pyoudeal
wit
hher.
"
Shefelthercheeksburnf
rom t
heslapsMikekept
real
i
sing.Shefelldownonthegroundwi
ththechai
r.
"Ihadhopedt
hiswouldbefunbutI
'
m get
ti
ng
disgust
edbyt
hesightofyou.
"
Heputtheduckt
apebackonandunti
edher
.He
pi
ckedherupandwalkedoutwi
thhermumbli
ngand
ki
cki
ng.Hegottohi
scarandputherint
hebooth.
Hedr oveawayt owherehercarwasandpul l
edover.
Hekilledhiscarengineandwentt otakeheroutof
theboot hintohercarbooth.Shelookedatherashe
wasaboutt oclosetheboothandpleadedwithher
eyes.Shewasmumbl i
ngtryingt
osaysomet hingbut
wasobv i
ouslynotaudibl
e.Shepleadedbuthercri
es
l
andedondeafear s.
"Ihopeyoubecomeachi
ckeninyournextl
i
fesoI
'
d
gettoeatyou.Tr
avel
wel
lbi
tch.
"
Hebangedcl osi
ngtheboothandpouredpetr
olall
overandliti
t.I
tcamet of
lames.Hedidnoteven
watchitburn.Hehoppedbackint
ohiscarand
br
oughtt heenginebackt
olif
e.Heli
tanother
ci
garett
eanddr oveaway.
I
nser
t42.
(
Unedi
tedandshor
t)
*
***
***
***
*

Mi
chael
Whi
te.

I'
m aguywho' smost elymi stakenf orbeingchill
ed
andlaidback.SomesayI 'm anegoi standself-
centered.Whi l
ei nactual lfact,I
'mr ut
hlessasf uck.
I'
m notaf anofl ongspeeches.I 'm amanofv eryfew
wordsandnoi sei rr
it
atet hehel loutofme.Il ovemy
peaceofmi ndandIdon' ttakeki ndt oweaklings.
Peoplewhof eel deservingl i
ket hewor l
dowest hem
somet hing, setmeof f.IfIwasabl etomake
somet hingofmy self,r
egar lessofmybackr ound,
whycan' tt hey ?Igr ewupwi thasi l
verspooni nmy
mout h.Butt hatf lewoutt hewi ndowwhenmyf ather
camehomedr unkev eryni ghtandbeatmymot her
i
ntoapul p.Iwasj ustasmal lboy .Icouldn'
tdo
anythingt opr otecther .SoIwat chedt hescene
eveyday, cur l
edupi naconerast hatbecameour
secondnat ur
eunt i
llthatjerkdozedof fwi t
hhi s
cigarettet hattorchedt hehouseonf ir
e.Hebur nedit
downwi thbothhi m andmymot herinside.Ihadr an
awayf rom homet hatni ghtafterhegav emea
beat i
ngofmyl ife.For t
unat eforme, Isurvived.
Unf ortunatelyformymot her,shebur nedi ntoashes.
Ibecomedi sorientedf orawhi l
et ryi
ngt ofigurel i
fe
outt hroughtmypai n.Inev erat t
endedany
counsel l
ing.Il
ivedandl earnedtobot t
leitallinside.
Litt
ledi dIknowt hatIwasat i
ckingt i
mebomb.Igot
i
nt oav eryuglyf ightonet i
mei nuni versit
ythatl efta
coupl eofmendead.Ihadal way sseenOzi atour
footbal lpracti
ce.Butt heni ghtoft hatordeal was
whatcement edourbr otherhood.Hecamet hrough
formewhenIwasambushedandt houghtI'dloose
myl i
fe.
Hi,
I'
m MichaelWhit
e.A32yearol
dwhit
edudeyou
don'
twannamesswi th.I
'
m adoct
orbyprof
essi
on
andwolfatnight
.

Iswi
tchedont
heT.
Vandnewsaboutawoman
who'
sbodycoul
dn'
tbei
dent
if
iedwasf
oundbur
ned
andinashesi nsideacarboot hj ustoutsi
de
centur
ion.Ichangedt hechannel andther
eitwas
agai
n.Ohf orfuck' sakes!Whatwasshe?AnI ce
queenorsomet hing?Mcm!Don' tthesepeopl
ehave
bett
ernewst or eportorsomet hing?Myphoner ang
j
ustasIswi tchedt heT.Voff.Ilookedatthecall
erI
D
andanswer ed.
"
Ozi
."
"
Mike,
What
sup,
man?
"
"
I'
m goodbr
o.Howar
eyou?
"
"Awesome.Ij
ustsawthenews.
"Therewassil
ence.
Ishewait
ingf
ormet oconf
ir
m whathealr
eady
knows?YesIdidit
.Iki
l
ledt
hatbi
tch.Nowcanweall
getonwit
hourliv
es?
"Di
dyoudoi
t?"Hef
inal
l
ygat
her
edt
hecour
aget
o
sayit
.
"
YesIdi
d."
Heremainedqui
teagai
n.I
fIdidntknowanybet
ter
,
I
'dsayhesti
ll
fel
tsomethi
ngforthatchi
ck.
"
Arey
oual
ri
ght
?"Iasked.
"YeahI
'm good.I
sjust
,whenyousai
dyouwere
goingt
otakecareofit
,Idi
dn'
tthi
nkyoumeanti
t.
"I
chuckl
edandshookmyhead.
"Idon'
tgoar
oundwasti
ngmybr eat
hsayi
ngthi
ngsI
don'tmeanman.Youshoul
dknowt hi
sbynow.
"
"Yeahbutbur ningher.Aren'
tyouovert
hatphase?"I
clenchedmyf ists.Whenmymot herdi
ed,
Ipromised
topunishany bodywho' deverhurtmewit
hfir
e.I
want edthem todiepainfull
ythesamewaythatmy
mot herdid.
"
Don'
tgot
her
eman.Nott
oday
."Isai
d.
"Don'
tfuckwit
hmeMi ke.I'
m notgonnabeableto
takeyououtofthathellholeagai
n.Youcan'
taffor
d
togobackthere.
"Shit!Ipressedonhisner
ves.And
hewasr i
ght.
"Iwon't
.Justrelaxokay ."Isaidtry
ingtoconv i
ence
him.Iunderstandwhyt hisisverysensi
ti
vet ohim.
Hewentt hroughhel landbackwhenIf el
l i
nto
depressi
oni nmyf inalyearandIwant edtoqui t.He
hadmybackandwast her eformewhenIl iter
al l
y
hadnobody .Ifi
nishedmydegr eeinMedici
newi t
h
him watchi
ngmel i
keahawk.Ther ei
sn'
tany
thi
ngo
wouldn'tdoforhim.We' r
eoffthesameagebuthe'
s
theresponsi
bleone.Asr uthl
essasheis,
he'
s
alwaysbeenr esponsi
ble.
"
Igott
ogo.Don'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
d."
"
Yeahsur
e."
Hehungup.Phew!Iwal kedt ot hefri
dgeandt ook
outabeer .Isatdownont hecouchandbr owsed
thr
oughmyi mages.Thereshewas.Herbeaut i
ful
l
y
str
ucturedf acewithperfectfuturesf i
l
ledmyhear t
wit
hj oy.Istolethepi
cinhersl eepthatnightandI
haven'tbeenabl etogotosl eepwi thoutthinki
ng
abouthersi nce.She'
sjustper fect.IneverthoughtI'
d
fal
lforabl ackwoman.Letal oneonewhi chbelongs
tomybest fr
iend.HowdoIt el
lmyhear ttoforget
aboutherwhi l
eitact
uall
yl ongsandy ernsforher?
Thisissomef uckedupsi t
uat i
on.Ileanedbackand
downedmybeer .
*
***
**

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.
ZamaandIst ayedupt i
lllateandIaskedhert o
sleepwi thme.Idon' tknowwhybutIwasf eel
ing
offishlastni ght.Likesomebodysomewher ewas
l
oosi ngt heirsoul .I
tmustbepr egnacyhomor ns.We
wer eseat i
ngi nt hel i
vi
ngr oom wat chingreali
ty
showssal ivati
ngonsomegoddi es.IswearIeatlike
api glately.Mymout hisal waysst uf
fedwi t
hfood
andIcoul dn'tcarel ess.Itdoesn'thelpthatthebelly
i
sdr amat i
callygr owinglat el
y.Hai!I'
m pregnant.Let
mej ustdowhatpr egnantwomendoandembr ace
thismoment sbecauseI 'l
lmi ssthem.Zamawas
focusedonherphonef idgetingwi t
hherf i
ngers
whi leIwasf ocusedont heTVscr een.
"Howl ongarewomengoi ngtobevict
imisedbymen
though?I'm sur
eshegotki l
ledbyherboyfri
end.
Nobodywoul ddosucht oawomanunl essshe
cheatedandt heboyfr
iendcouldn'
thandl
ei t
."She
saidgazingonherphone.
"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
"
Twi
tt
eri
sbuzz
ingwi
thUPst
udent
spost
ingabouta
l
ectur
efrom t
hei
rcampuswhoisbel
ievedtohav
e
beentor
chedali
vei
nhercar
boothl
astnight
.Amiss
MeaganDube."
Myhear tdropped.Ilostmyappet itethatinst
ant.I
j
umpedf r
om thecouchandsnachedt hephonefrom
herhand.Shepuzzl ed.Myey eswi denedasIsaw
herpictur
ewi t
ha' RIP'capti
on.Ohmygosh!Meagan
i
sdead?Buthow?Whowoul ddosuchat erri
b-.
..
Ifel
t
ter
rif
iedatthethoughtt hatcrossedmymi nd.I
sprangoffmyf eetandwal kedout .
"Uyaphi
?"ShesaidandIjustignoredher.Ichar
ged
tothebedroom andmyphoner angjustasIwalked
i
n.Speakoft hedevi
l
!Ishutthedoorbehindmeand
answered.
"
Hel
l
o."
"
MaKhumalowam.
"Hesai
decst
ati
c.Bl
oody
mur
derer
!
"
Don't'MaKhumalowami'me.Whatdi
dyoudo
Ozit
hobil
e?Futhi
areyoueveni
ntheU.S?
"Iwas
fuming.
"
Heycal
m down.Whatdi
dIdonow?
"Heasked.I
s
hegonnapl
aydumbwi
thmer
ightnow?
"
Didy
oudoi
t?"
"Dowhat
?Babyyou'
respeaki
nginri
ddl
esr
ightnow
andyou'
renotmaki
nganysense.
"
"Don'
tpat r
oni
zememaanOzi .Youkil
l
edher
angit
hi?"Iwasnowcry i
ng.Whyam Icryi
ng?Am I
cryi
ngf orMeaganorforthef
actthatImisshi
m?
Urg!Bloodymoodswings.
"
Oh.That
."
"
Isthatall
y ou'
regonnasay
?Oht hat
?Awomandied
Ozi
.InbloodyflamesandonlyGodknowswhodi
dit.
Wenaut hiohthat?
"
"Youneedt ocomethefuckdownSnenhl anhl
a.I
coul
dn'tgiv
easackoff l
yingcat
sifMeaganbur ned
orgoteatenbydogs.Ididnotki
llher
.I'
mt hetheU.S
damnit
.Howcoul dIpossibl
ybeenabletodot hat
?"
Mymouthwasl ef
thanging.Whyisheshouti
ngat
me?Isoabed.Heremainedquit
eandli
stenedasI
sni
ff
ed.
"
Youhadnot
hingt
odowi
thi
t?"Isai
dthr
oughtmy
cr
ies.
"Ev
erydoghasi t
'sday
.Ithankwhoev erthatdidi
t.
Goodriddance.
"Hespitout.Whatiswr ongwitht
his
man?Ahumandi edhere.Nomatterhowev il
oneis,
nobodyhasar i
ghttotakethei
rli
fe.
"
Whyar
eyouokaywi
tht
his?
"
"I
'
m sorr
y.Di
dy ousuggestIbuyabunchofbouquet
andgeti
tdeli
veredatthecri
mesceneasasignof
gri
evemaybe?"
Ir
emai
nedqui
te.Compl
etel
ydumst
ruck.
"Don'
tfuckwit
hmeSnenhlanhl
a.Nowcamey
our
sel
f
downandst opupset
ti
ngmychil
d."
Ihungupandl
aidonbedandcr
ied.Whyi
shebei
ng
soharsh?
Thedoorpushedopent oincameZama.Shehel d
meinherar msanddi dn'tsayanythi
ng.Sherocked
mebackandf or
thandIj ustcr
ied.I'
m hur
t.By
ever
ything.Moreespeciall
yaboutMeagan'ssudden
hear
twr enchi
ngdeath.Nobodydeser vestodiesuch
apainfuldeat
h.Nobody !
"
Comeonnowbabe.You'
regonnaupsett
hebaby
."
"
Hewashar
shwi t
hmeZama.Whydi
dhespeakt
o
mel
i
kethat
?"Isni
ffed.
"Idon'
tknowSnebutt
hatmanlovesyou.IDon'
t
knowwhathappenedbutI
'
m surehedidn'
tmeanto.
"
"
Ihunguponhi
m."
"Cal
m downnow.Wi pethosetearsandcallhi
m
back.
"ShesaidandIbrokefreefrom herembrace.
Shesmiledandwipedmyt ears.
"
Cal
lyourmangi
rl
.Don'
tl
eti
ssuesgeti
nbet
ween
y
ou.
"
She'
sri
ght
.Inoddedandshest
oodup.
"Letmegiv
eyouspace.I
'
llbebackal
ri
ght
?Now
placat
eandsmi
le.t
hebabycansensethi
snegat
ive
energy.
"
Igi
ggl
ed.Whendidshebecomesosmart?She
wal
kedoutandIcal
ledhi
m.Hepickedupalmost
i
mmediatel
y.
"
Baby
."Hesai
dsof
tl
y.Myhear
tswel
l
ed.
"
I'
m sor
ry.
"
"
Arey
oucal
m now?
"
"
Yes.Justabi
t.
"
"
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"
"
Idon'tknow.Mymoodswi
ngsar
eal
lov
ert
hepl
ace
l
atel
y.
"
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
"I
'm sorryst
handwasam.Buty ouneedt
otake
controlofyourtemper
.Itdoesn'
tsi
twel
lwit
hme.I
feeldisr
espected.
"
Ir
emai
nedqui
te.
"
Imi
ssy
ousomuch.
"Hesai
d.
Tear
sbreamedmyeyesagai
n.Iwi
shIcoul
dhol
d
hi
mt i
ghtandi
nhal
ehi
sscent
.
"
Imi
ssy outoobaby.There'
sst
il
lacompl
eteweek
t
ogo.Ican'
thandl
et hat
."
"
Butyoudi
dn'
twannacomewi
thmemos.
"Hewas
l
aughi
ng.
"
Babydon'
t.Ineededtocomehome.It
'sagood
t
hingf
uthi
ngobat hebabyj
ustki
ckedyest
erday
."
"
What
?Thebabyki
cked?
"
Inoddedr
api
dlyandr
eal
i
sedhecan'
tseeme.
"
Baby.
..
didy
oujustsaymysonki
cked?Fort
hef
ir
st
t
imeandIwasn'
tthere?
"
"
Yesbaby
."Ismi
l
ed.
"Whyisthatboysuchat r
ait
or?I
'm onl
ygonefor
5minutesandhe'
salreadybetr
ayi
ngme?I '
m hur
t.
"
Il
aughed.
"
Onl
yoneweekl
eftmyl
ove.Hangi
nther
eal
ri
ght
."
"Okay
.I'
l
ltry
.Letmegomakehi m moneynow.I
havetogo.Pleaser
efr
ainf
rom get
ti
ngupsetbaby
.
Thatboyisgonnabemoody .
"
Igi
ggl
ed.
"
Okaybaby
.Il
ovey
ouy
ezwa.
"
"
Nami
Ng'
yakt
handast
handwasam.By
enow.
"
"
Bye.
"Ihungupandsatont
hebed.Heki
ckedagai
n.
Thist
imei
twasv
eryst
rong.Ismi
l
edandhel
dmy
tummy.
"I
'
m sur
ey ourf
atherwoul
dhav
esai
dyou'
regoi
ngt
o
beastr
ikerwit
hthatki
ck.
"
I
nser
t43
(
Unedi
ted)

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

Iregretrefusingtogowi t
hmyhusbandov er
seas.
Hisabsencemakesmyhear tgrowfonder.Iwishhe
couldcomebackal r
eady.Iwasenjoyingbeinghome
until
leverthingthathappenedtoday.I
tkinda
messedupwi thmymoodandnowIf eel l
onely.I'
m
l
ongingf orhi m somuch, i
thurt
s.Isatont hecouch
anddeci dedt omakeaf ewphonecal lstomyf riends,
start
ingwi thAmo.Herphoner angforthelongest
ti
meandj ustasIwasaboutt ohangup, shepicked
up.
"
Heygi
rl
."Shesai
dpant
ingheav
y.
"
Uhm.
..
Hi.Hav
eyoubeenr
unni
ngorsomet
hing?
"
"
No,why?"Shegiggled.Ther
ewasav oi
ceofaman
i
nthebackround.I
sshehav i
ngsex?
"
Oohkay
.Whydoy
ousoundl
i
key
ou'
recat
chi
ngup
wi
thy
ourbr
eat
hthen?
"
"Uhm.
..
letmecallyoubackbabe.
"Shegi
ggl
edagai
n
andwi
tht hatsai
d,shehungup.Wow.Howni
ce.
Icall
edKhet helonextbecauseIcoul dn'
tcall Bandil
e.
Hisrelat
ionshi pwi t
hmehassi ncebeendent ed
becauseIr efusedtobehi sgi r
lfr
iend.There'snobad
vi
beorany thinglikethatbetweenus.We' rejustcool
andev er
y thingbutt hi
ngsar en'tthesameast hey
werebefor e.AndI '
m alsorespect i
nghisrelationshi
p
bykeepingmydi stance.I'
mj ustgladshe'sgota
gir
lf
ri
endnowandshe' ssuperf r
iendl
y.Il
ikeheral ot
andtheyl ookcompat ibletogether.
Khet
hel
o'
sphoner
angandhepi
ckedupaf
terawhi
l
e.
"
Vil
l
agegi
rl
."Hesai
dandIbusti
ntol
aught
er.
"
Itr
usty
out
osaysuch.
"
"
IsawyourWhatsAppst
atust
haty
ouar
ehome.
Howisi
tntwana?"
"
I'
m goodman.
"Il
etoutasi
gh.
"
Thatdoesn'
tsoundconv
inci
ng.Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?"
Ir
emai
nedqui
te.Ibecameemot
ional
thati
nst
ant
.
Meagan'suddendeathi
saf
fect
ingmei
nway
sI
nev
erthoughtitcoul
d.
"
Youknowyoucant
alkt
omeaboutany
thi
ng
Ngwana.
"
"
Iknow.I
'
mjustgoi
ngthroughstuff.Doyou
r
ememberMeagan,Ozi
'
sex- gi
rl
fr
iendthatki
dnapped
me?"
"Thattwi
stedchi
ck.YeahIdo.Don'
ttel
lmeshet
ri
ed
hertri
cksagai
n."
"Wel
lshedid.ShegotmekidnappedagainbutIwas
l
uckytohavebeenrescued.St
oryforanotherday
.
Butwhat'
supsett
ingmemor enowi sthatshe'
sdead
Khet
helo.
"
"
Eh.She'
sdead?Whathappend?
"
"
Don'
tyouwat
chnewsdude?
"
"I
'
m notastuckupphelamina.Newsaref
orpeopl
e
whocareaboutwhat'
shappeningi
ntheworl
d.I
don'
t.
"
If
oundmy
slefchuckl
i
ng.
"
That
'sbecausey
ou'
reawi
erdo.
"
"Yeahbutonaseri
ousnot
emannt
wana.What
happenedtoher
?"
"Hercarwast or
chedwithherinsi
dethebooth.
"I
heaved.Myhear twasr
eallyheavy
.Ifel
tli
kebreaki
ng
down.IthoughtIcamehomet ounwindbutitl
ooks
l
ikeitdoesn'
tgetanybettert
hanbeinginthecit
y.
Badnewsj ustkeepfol
l
owi ngme.
"Woah!That
'shecti
cmos.Seemsli
keshehadalot
goingoninherl
if
ethatwoman.Imeanoutofal
lthe
deathst
hereareinthewor
ld,
shechooset
oburn?"
I
shecrazy
?Kanti
what'
swrongwit
hpeopl
emaking
f
unofherdeat
hli
ket
hat?Aret
heycol
dheart
ed
much?
"
HaiboKhet
hel
oshedi
dnotchooset
odi
e.Letal
one
i
nthatmanner
."
"Haiy
ouknowwhatImean.Shepr obabl ymetwith
hermatchandt heysentherstr
aighttohel l
.Anyway
whydoy ousoundt r
oubled?shouldn'tyoube
poppi
ngchampagneorsi ppi
ngonsomegoodj uice
cel
ebrat
ingthatshe'
sfinall
youtofy ourlif
e?"
He'
sri
ght
.Ishoul
dpr
obabl
yber
eli
evedbutIcan'
t.
I
'm notasheart
lessast heyare.Coul
ditbemen's
nat
uretonotgett ouchedbysomebody '
sdeat
hor
Meaganwasj ustnottheircupofcoffee?
"Idon'
tknowwhyI '
m aff
ected,butIam Khet
hel
o.To
topitof
f,I
'm allbymyselfhere.AndIthi
nkI'
l
lat
tend
hermemor i
al serv
iceift
herewi l
lbeany.
"
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
"You'
resweeterthanIt
hought.Any
wayy ousound
l
ikeyoucouldreall
ydowithsometalk.Mymom is
sti
llt
her
e.Callherandmeetup.May beyoucoul
dbe
abletovent
."
"Oh.Idi
dn'
tknowt
hat
.I'
l
lpayherav
isi
t.Thanks
ntwana.
"
"Don'
tsweati
t.Comegivemear i
deonyournew
babyonceyou'
reback.Shel
ooksli
keagoddess.
"
Ichuckled.He'snotev enmadt hatIdidn'ttel
lhi
m.I
nevertoldany bodyf orthatmat t
er.Notev enKamo.I
j
ustpost edapi ct
ureofi tonmyWhat sAppbut
nothingtoraiseey ebrows.Andany wayI'
m notused
tohav i
ngany bodyt oshar estuffgoi
ngoni nmylif
e
with.I'
m suret hey'
ll
under standthatI
'm newt othi
s.
I
'
m st
il
ladj
ust
ing.
"Youcancountonitman.Thanksf
ory
ourt
ime.I
'
ll
seeyousoonke."
"
Keepwel
lnt
wana.By
e."
"
Bye.
"
Ihungupandsatt heret hinki
ng.Ineedsomet hingt o
keepmymi ndof fthings.Il ookedar oundt hehouse
anditwasspot less.If i
nal l
ydecidedt ogocookupa
stormt oeaseuponmyheav yhear t
.Usual lycooki ng
i
st heraput i
cformybr okenhear tandr i
ghtnow, I
hopeitdoesmewonder s.Ihadboughtgr oceriest o
l
astmef ortwoweeks.SoIt ookoutev erythingand
putmymomma' scooki ngt echniquesintosome
goodpr act i
ce.I
naboutanhour ,thehousesmel led
appetizi
ng.If i
nallyfini
shedandwentt otakeaqui ck
bath.Ifinishedandcamebackt odishup.Iwentt o
si
tinfrontoft heTVbutI 'dzoneouti nmyt hought s.I
tr
iedtoeatbutIf elttoomoodyandl onely,Icoul dn't
stomachev enasmal lpot i
on.Ilostmyappet it
eand
wenttogoputt hef oodaway .
Idecidedt or esorttobedandwetmypi llowsto
sleep.Mydayj ustt urnedgloomyandr i
ghtnow
thereisn'tany t
hingt hatwouldmakemef eelbet t
er
andsaf et hanj ustbei nmyman' sarms.Il ookedat
thewal lclock,itwasj ustafter10.Iswitchedof fthe
TVandl i
ght sandwentt omyr oom.Itookof fthe
gownandgotundert hecovers.Icall
edOzi buthe
didnotpi ckup.Idon' tknowhowmanymi ssedcal l
s
Ileftf
orhi m.Mcm!
Iswitchedoffthebedsidelampsandj ustwhenI
wassl owlydri
fti
ngof ft
osleep,Iheardar ough
knockcomi ngthroughtthekickendoor .Whocould
thatbe,thi
stimeoft henight
?Idr aggedmy sel
fout.
"
Whoi
sit
?"Iaskedst
andi
ngnextt
othedoor
.
"
Vul
alanawena.
"
Irol
l
edmyey esandunlocked.Thef irstthi
ngthathit
mynost r
il
sisasmel lofbooze.Isthiswomanev er
soberthough?Shemustbegoi ngt hroughstuffof
somesor tbecausenopersoni ntheirrightst
ateof
mindcanr esorti
ntodri
nki
ngt hi
smuch.Theal cohol
i
salreadyinhersystem.Somucht hatshe' dsti
ll
smel
lofi
tev
enwhenshe'
ssober
.
Shepushedmeasi
deandst
umbl
edi
n.
"
Hmm.
"
Sherai
sedhernoseandsmelledaround."
Itsmel
li
ng
ni
cenicehere.Udl
aini
ngapha?Ngilambeeee.
"She
sai
dopeningandpeekingi
nev er
ypot.
"Don'
tjustst
andt
her
e.Di
shmeup.Iwantt
obe
eatenphela.
"
Shewentt hroughtthecabinetsandf r
idge.Ijust
l
eanedagai nsthewal landwat chedherdoasshe
pleases.I
'
vegotnoener gy,nonewhatsoev erforher
tonight
.Besides,it
'sherbrother'
shouseangi thi
?Let
herdoasshepl easeske!
"Hmm kukhal
awenacheese.Wenapol onyngapha.
Hambacheesegi r
l.Udl
aimpilongef olkandknife
moswena.Kumnandi .Haingiyakvumamaan.I 'm
sureyouwoul
dn'tmindneh?I ndoday akhoiri
ch
mos."Shesai
dassher aidedoutev erthi
ngthatshe
neededandplaceditonthetable.
"
Giv
emepl
ast
ic.
"Shesai
dleani
ngont
het
abl
eand
bur
ryi
ngherhead.She'
stot
all
ywast
edandof
f
bal
ance.
Iwal kedov ert othedr awerandcameoutwi t
ha
plastic.Iputev ery t
hingt hatwasi nt het ableand
placedi tinfrontofher .It hinkI'mjustgonnawakeup
i
nt hemor ningandheadbackt oPret ori
a.Shemi ght
aswel ltakeev ey r
thing.It ookoutacont ai nerand
dishedupf orherandputi tintheplasticbag.I
shookherl ightly,shewasal r
eadysnor i
ng.I sshe
sl
eepi ngwhi l
est anding?Wow!Ishookheragai n.
Shebr oughtherheadup.Shewasal readydr ooli
ng
ont het ableev en.Shel ookedatmewi thherey es
partiall
yopened.Ipoi ntedatt heplast i
candshe
l
ookedati t
.Shet ri
edt ospeakbutbur bed.Yuck!She
shookherheadandr ai sedherf i
nger.Shehadno
energyl eftinhert oev enwhi sperasi nglewor d.She
wasf i
nished.Shet ookt hepl asti
candst umbl edout,
burbingy etagai n...
leav ingt heroom smel l
ingofan
Afri
canbeer .Godf orbid.Whatki ndofanal cohol
doessheev endr ink?Hai i!
Il
eftt
hedooropenforawhi
l
eandrefr
eshedtheai
r
wi
thGlade.Theki
ckenwasr
evi
vedagai
n.Il
ocked
andheadedbackt omyr oom.Igotundert hesheet s
andcheckedmyphonehopi ngI '
llf
indmi ssedcal l
s
fr
om Ozi butnothi
ng.Myhear tgrewev enf onderfor
hispresence.Il
aidupwat chingt heceil
ing.Anot her
knockcamet hr
oughtheki t
chendooragai n.Ohf or
peace'ssake.Shejustrai
dedmyki cken.Whatmor e
doesshewantnow?Ii gnoredi tbutitpersisted.Urg!
Igotupv eryannoyed.Ididn'
tev enputonmygown.I
j
ustheadedout .
"Idon'
thav eal
coholi
nthehouseift
hat
'swhatyou
want."Isaidunl
ocki
ng.Iopenedt
hedoorwit
hout
evenlooking.
"
Ial
way
sbr
ingmy
sel
fal
cohol
."
Iturnedswift
lyt
omeetwi t
hhi
stal
lfi
gure.Hewas
standingonhisfeetwi
thhi
shandsburr
iedinhi
s
pocket sandweari
nghi
sdashi
ngsmile.
"Ohmygoshbaby !
"Ij
umpedont ohim.Heheldonto
met i
ghtandlaughed.Iwi
ggledmy sel
fawayfrom
hisembrace.Iwantedtoseeifi
treall
ywashim or
myey eswereplayi
ngtri
cksonme.Il ookedathi
m.
Helookedashandsomeasev er
.Justliket
hefir
st
ti
meIsawhi m.Iwaslit
eral
l
ydrooli
ngoverhim.
Utt
erl
ylostinhi
swellst
ruct
uredbody.Heclear
ed
hi
sthroatandIsnappedoutofi
t.Hechuckl
ed.
"
Arey
ougonnaletmei
n?OrmustIj
ustf
lybackt
o
t
heU.
S?"Hefl
ashedmeasmil
e.Ohmygosh!
"Oh, y
es.Comei n."Isaidexcitedl
y.Hewalkedi nand
shutt hedoorbehindhi m.Assoonashet urned,I
attackedhim withaki ssanddev our
edhislipsbuthe
pulledback.Irai
sedmyey ebrows.Hesmi ledand
stuckhi st
ongueoutt omoistenhisli
ps.Hegazed
deepi ntomyey es,Ifeltweakonmyknees.
"
I'
vewai
tedf
oraweaktoki
ssyou.Iwannat
akemy
t
imesav
ouri
ngi
t.Pl
easel
etme."
Withthatsaid,hepull
edt hebackofmyheadwi t
h
hishandandt ookmyl i
psinhis.Igav einandshut
myey es.Heswepedhi stongueinmymout h
sendingchil
lsdownmyspi ne.Asof tmaonescaped
mymout handIf el
thisli
pscurvei ntoasmi l
e
againstmine.Hesav ouredonmyl ipsanditfel
tli
ke
theveryfi
rstti
meweki ssed.Riverjordanmustbeen
fl
oodingdownt her
erightnowbecausewow, hewas
ki
ssi
ngmel i
kehisl
if
edependedonit.Myheart
st
art
edtoracebuthebroket
hekissandlookedat
me.Iopenedmyeyes.
"
Hi.
"Hesai
d.
"
Hel
l
o."
"You'
remorebeauti
ful
thanIcanr
emember
."He
saidl
ooki
ngsoftl
yinmyey es.
"Youlookappeal
ingy
oursel
f.
"Hechuckledand
pull
edmei nhisembr
ace.Webothletoutasigh.I
rest
edmyheadonhi schestandi
nhaledhisscent
.
Hesmel l
edtoodamngoodIgotarousedev enmore.
"
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch.
"
"Howdidyougether
e?When?
"Iaskedst
il
li
nhi
s
embrace.
"Today
.Itookthef
ir
stfli
ght.Icoul
dn'tt
akei
t
anymore.
"Hesaidbrushi
ngt hester
nofmyhair
back.Myheartsmi
led.Imissedhim somuchei
ther
.
Hepul
l
edbackandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
"Uhm.Ideci
dedtocomehere.Icoudn'
twai
tti
l
lyou
camebackaftert
woweeks.Ihopeit'
snotabi
g
deal
."Heenqui
redcar
eful
l
ylooki
ngatme.
"
Youhavenoi deahowgl adIam t
haty
oucamebaby
.
I
t'
sapleasantsurpr
ise.
"
Hesquateddown.Heputhi
shandar
oundmywai
st
andr
estedhisheadonmybell
y.
"He'
sthereasonwhyIcoul
dn'
tst
ayanylonger
.Igot
sojeal
ouswheny out
oldmehekicked.
"
Ichuckl
ed.
"
Didheki
ckt
oday
?"Hesai
dbr
ushi
ngi
tgent
ly.
"
Yes.Theyar
ebecomi
ngst
rongereacht
ime.
"
"Heyt herechamp.Mommyt oldmeabouty ourf
ir
st
kickandIcoul dn'
thel
pbutdropever
ythi
ng.Ihope
your eali
sethatIfl
ewbackallt
hewayf r
om the
Statesbecausey oubetr
ayedme."
Icoudn'
thel
pbutgetsmi
tt
en.Hel
ookedatmeand
smil
led.
"Nowbeagoodboyandkeept hosekickscoming.
I
'll
bewai t
ing,
alr
ight.
"Hesl
i
dhiscoldhands
underneat
hmypy j
amatopandIwinced.Hekissed
myt ummyandr oseup.
"
Ihavet
oletmyguy
sgo.
"Hel
ookedathi
swr
ist
wat
ch.
"
Whatguy
s?"
"
Iaskedt hem t
odri
vemeher esoy
ouandIwoul
dn'
t
t
ravelbackindif
fer
entcar
s."
"
Oh.Ar
etheyout
sidenow?
"
Henodded.
"
Haubaby.Whydidyounottel
lme.Wecouldhav
e
i
nvi
tedt
hem i
n."Isai
dheadi
ngtothedoor
.Heheld
myhand.
"
Uyaphi
?"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
oinv
itet
hem i
n."
"Li
kehel
lyouwill
.Theyaren'
tst
ayi
ng.I
'
llbebackjust
now."Hewalkedoutandcamebackafterawhil
e
wit
hplast
icbagsful
loffoodandgoodi
esandhis
l
uggage.
Hepl
acedthem onthet
abl
eandheav
ed.Hehel
don
t
ohiswai
standlookedatme.
"
Didy
oucook?I
tsmel
l
sgoodi
nher
e."Hi
sey
es
l
andedont hepotsovert
hest
oveandIcoul
dn'
thel
p
butbusti
ntolaught
er.
"
Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
"Hel
ookedatmepuzzl
ed.
"Seemslikeeveryoneishungryt
oni
ght.Youwon'
t
beli
evewhowasj usther
eraidi
ngmycubbetsbef
ore
youarri
ved."Isai
dpackingthefoodawayand
dishi
ngupf orhim.
"
Who?
"Hepul
l
edachai
randsatdown.
"
AuntNosi
.Ify
ouarr
ived5secondsear
li
er,
you
woul
dhavebumpedintoher
e."
"
Shewasi
nher
e?"
"Hmm.Doesn'ti
tsmel
ll
ikeAf
ri
canbeeri
nher
e
becauseshebur
bedandwow."
Webothbustintolaught
er.Igav
ehima
mount
ainousplateoffoodandsatdownopposi
te
hi
m.
"Thankyoubaby
.Ut
hiuAuntNosi
wenzeni
kahl
e
kahle?
"
"
Shestumbl
edinher
eanddemandedthatIdi
shup
f
orher
.Thensherai
dedmyfr
idgeandcabbet
s.She
t
ookal
lmygr
ocer
ies.
"
Helookedatmepuzzl
edbef
orechuckl
i
ngand
shaki
nghishead.
"
She'
sgoti
ssuesshame.Sheshoul
dseeaShr
ink.
"
Hesai
dwit
hfoodinhismouth.
"I
'
m gladIdidn'
tbumpintoherkengobaIprobably
wouldhaveranformylif
e.Thi
stimeofthenight
nogal
."Heroll
edhisey
esandIbustintolaught
er.He
shookhishead.
"You'
v eout
doney
our
sel
fher
emyl
ove.Thef
oodi
s
deli
cious.
"
Ismiledandwatchedhi
m eat
.Hehadhishead
burr
iedinhi
splateandfor
gotIwasher
efora
moment .Hebr
oughtitupandfoundmelooki
ngat
him.
"What?"Heshruggedhi
sshoulder
sandIj
ustshook
myhead.Ilovethisman,God.Howhe'
sabl
eto
comet hr
oughformeeacht i
meIneedhimthemost,
baf
flesme.
Hef
ini
shedeat
ingandIof
fer
edhi
m hi
sbeer
,buthe
sai
dno.That'
saf
ir
st.Hemustbeget
ti
ngcol
dvi
bes
fr
om bei
nginmyparent
'shouse.
"
Thankyouf
orthefoodsweet
hear
t.You'
ret
hebest
."
Heki
ssedmyforehead.
"
Let
'sgosl
eept
hen.I
t'
spr
ett
ylat
e."
"
Iwouldn'
tl
oveany
thi
ngmorethanr
esti
ngnextt
o
y
ouri
ghtnow."Hewiggl
edhi
sdarkbrows.We
r
esor
tedtobed.
Igotundert
hecov
ersandwat
chedhi
m undr
ess.
Hefini
shedshor
tl
yandjoi
nedi
n.Hepul l
edme
cl
oserandIwasinhi
sarms.If
eltel
ectri
cshock
wavesashishai
ryl
egscameincontactwit
hmyski
n.
"
So.
..
Igettospendtheni
ghti
nthehousewher
emy
womangrewupi n.
"
"
Howdoesi
tfeel
?"
"
Likehome.
"
Ir
aisedmyheadandwel
ookedateachot
her
.
"
Real
l
y?Youf
eel
li
kehome.
"
"
Yesmyl
ove.Butdoy
ouknowwhatel
secoul
digni
te
t
hespar
k?"Hesmi
rked.
"
Dot
ell
."Ismi
l
ed.
"
Mepinni
ngy ouagai
sntthi
sbedrightnowandmake
l
oveyouyouunderyourpar
ent'
sroof.
"Helookedat
meint
ensel
y.
"
That
'scr
azybaby
."Igi
ggl
ed.
"
Notascr
azyaswhatIwannadot
oyour
ightnow.
"
Hefli
ppedmeov erandinseconds,Iwasunderneat
h.
Hesmashedhi sli
psonmi newekissedunt
il
lthere
wasnokissinganymore.Hebroketheki
ssand
i
ntensel
ylookedatmeagai n.
"
WhydoIl
ovey
ousomuchSnenhl
anhl
a?"
Icoudn'tanswer.Iwasalreadytakenbyt hemoment
somucht hatmybreathi
ngmyescal ati
ng.Het r
aced
hisfinger
sonmypar t
edl i
psandslowl ytookthem i
n
his.Thisti
mehesav ouredont hem slowlyand
sl
oopy .Ifel
tchi
ll
straveldownmyspi ne.Icoul
dn't
keepmybodyi ncheckasi tyer
nedforhi m.
"
Langa.
"Imummer
dbet
weent
heki
ss.
"
Hmm.
"
"
Makel
ovet
ome.
"
"Asyouwishbaby.
"Hepul
l
edmeev
encl
oserand
deepenedtheki
ss.
I
nser
t44
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***
**

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

Idi
dnotsleepawi nklastni
ght.Ozi keptmeawake,
makingl
ov etomeal lni
ght,It
hinkI '
m gonnago
backtoPretor
iawithasourcage.I 'm not
complai
ningthough.Imissedhim somuchandl ast
ni
ghtwasdedi cat
edtous.Hecoul dn'
tstop
commendi nghowpeacef ul
lyquietthisar
eais.
We'vefi
nal
lydiscoveredanewwayofsleepi
ng.He
wrapshisarm aroundmeandhangshislegontop
l
ikeI'
descape.
Iremovedhi
shandt hatwaswei ghi
ngheav yonme
andhemumbl ed.Heturnedtofacet heot
herway
andfel
lbacktohisdeepsleep.Thisiswhathappens
whenyoudepriveyoursel
fagoodsl eepfr
om hours
offl
yi
ngbecauseofsex.Iroll
edoutofbedand
wrappedmygown.Iwal kedouttot hebathroom and
didmymor ningbusi ness.Ibrushedmyt eethand
washedmyf ace.Iwal kedbackint heroom andgot
dressedthenwal kedoutagai n.Isweptt heyardand
wateredthef lower s.Mymot her'
sf l
ower smustbea
special
kindofspi ciesbecauset heyaren'tseasonal
.
Theyarefor everblossomedandal i
v e.
Bytheti
meIfini
shedoutsi
de,t
hey ar
dlooked
ref
reshi
ngl
ybeauti
fi
l.Iwassat
isf
iedwit
hhowi t
l
ooked.
Iwentbackindoor
sandstar
tedcl
eani
ngt
hehouse
whil
eli
steni
ngtoJacar
anda.
Ifi
nishedar ound10andev enbathed, t
herewasst i
ll
nosignofOzi wakingup.Idecidedt ogowakehi m
up.SoIpr eparedaf ullengl
ishbreakfastwit
hagl ass
ofOr angejuiceandt ookittohi
m.Ipushedt hedoor
openandwal kedin.Hewasst i
llf
astasleep.Ipl
aced
thetreycarefull
yontopoft hesidetableandshook
himl i
ghtl
y.
"
Baby
."Isai
d.
Hemumbl
edsomet
hingandt
urned.Her
ubbedhi
s
f
acebef
orel
ooki
ngatme.
"
Hey
,goodmor
ning.
"
"
Youwouldn'
twakeupsoIt
houghtIshoul
dmake
y
oubreakf
ast.
"
"
Whatt
imei
sit
?"
"
Justaf
ter10.
"
"
Ohman.Howt
ir
edwasI
?"
Hegotupandsatupst
rai
ght
.
"Youwouldn'
tletmesl
eepangi
thi
.Thosear
ethe
quencequenses.
"
Hechuckl
ed.
"
Thesel
ookmout
hwat
eri
ng.MayIbr
ushmyt
eet
h
f
ir
stpl
ease?
"
"Yeahsur
e.I
'
vealreadyputy
ourstuf
fint
he
bathr
oom.Fi
rstdooronyourlef
t.
"
"
Thanky
ou.
"
Heroll
edoverandwalkedout
.Imadethebedand
openedthewindowsandcurt
ainsf
orsomefresh
br
eeze.Hecamebackl
ooki
ngr
evi
ved.
"
Thehouselookssqui
ckl
ycl
ean.Whatt
imedidy
ou
wakeup?"HesatdownonthebedandIpl
acedt
he
t
reynextt
ohim.
"
Around8.Icoudn'
tsl
eepany
mor
e."
"
Hmm.
"
Weatei
nsilencewit
hhi
m st
eal
ingglancesofme
her
eandthere.Hecl
ear
edhi
sthroatandIlookedat
hi
m.
"Idon'
tknowi
fI'
mruini
ngt
hemomentbut
,youdo
knowthatIdi
dn'
tki
l
lMeaganr
ight
?"
Il
ookedathi
m, hel
ookedgenui
nebutishelegi
t?
Doesitmeanhe'si
nnocent
?Il
if
tedmyshoulderand
shr
ugged,di
smissi
nghim.Hestoppedeat
ingand
l
ookedatme.
"
What
'st
hatsupposedt
omeanNhl
anhl
a?"
"
Idon'
tknow.Yout
ell
me.
"
"Youcan'
tpossi
blyt
hinkIdi
ditnow.Iwasi
nthe
Stat
esforcr
yingoutl
oud."
"Thatdoesn'tproveany t
hingbaby.Andthewaythat
youkeepi nsist
ingthatyouwer et
her emakesme
wonder .Imean, y
ougoonabusi nesstri
pand
suddenlyMeagandi es.I
trai
sessuspensionsdon't
knowt hink?"Isai
deat i
ngandnotl ooki
ngathim one
bit
.
"
Icoul
dgety
ouprooft
hatIwasi
ntheU.
S,i
fthat
's
whaty
ouwant.
"
Icoul
dfeel
himl
ooki
ngatme.
"Youcoul
dbei
ntheU.Sandsti
l
lgetherki
l
led.That
doesn'
tmakey
ouinnocent
."
"I
-di
d-not
-ki
l
l-her
!"Thatcameoutst
ern.Ir
aisedmy
eyesandlookedathim.Helookedatmeback.
"
Okay.I
fyouinsi
stt
henitshouldn'
tbeaprobl
em i
f
webothat
tendedhermemor i
alservi
cer
ight
?"
"What?Li
kehell
wewi ll
.I'
m notat
tendi
ngsome
stupi
dmemorialser
vicejustt
oprovemyinnocence
andneit
herar
ey ou.
"
Her
oseupheadedt
othedoor
.
"
I'
m goi
ngt
obat
h.Thanksf
ort
he
br
eakf
ast
."
Hewal
kedout
.

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Isinkedmy selfdeepinthebathtabandallowedt he
war m watert osoothmybody .Mybodywasat ching
from thelongf li
ghtandmymuscl eswereinknots.I
fl
exedmyj oinsandgr oanedabi t
.Thedoorpushed
openandshecamei n.Sheplacednewt owelsontop
ofami ni
tableandl eanedagaisntthedoorframe.I
cont i
nuedwi thmyr elaxat
ionmomentandcoul dfeel
herey esheav yonme.Icoudn' tgiveadamni fshe
thinksIkil
ledMeaganornotbecauset ruthis,Mike
beatmet oit.I'
m pret
t ymuchjustasguil
ty.
If
ini
shedbat
hinganddr
iedmy
sel
fup.
Iwal
kedoutandshef
oll
owedme.
Il
oti
onedmy sel
fandfeltherhandsonmyback.I
cl
osedmyey esandlethermagicaltouchdome
wonders.Shepr
essedonmyknot sandIgroaned
sof
tl
y.
"You'r
esotense.Laydownandl etmemassage
you."Shesai
dsoftly.Ilai
donmyst omachandshe
gotontopofme.Ir elaxedmybodyandl etherwork
hermagiconme.Ar oughknockcamet hrought
he
kit
chendoorandshest art
led.ShegotoffmeandI
l
ookedather.
"
Arey
ouokay
?Whyar
eyousoj
umpy
?"
"Yes.Theknockjustcameunexpect
edl
y.I
'
llgo
checkwhoi ti
s."
"
Okay.I'
l
lgetdr
essedsol
ong.Thanksf
ort
he
massage."
Shegav emeaf aintsmi leandwal kedout .Icoul
d
tel
lthatshe'suneasy .Itookoutmyl ongsl eeved
navybluet -
shir
twi t
hsweat pantsandki cks.I
dressedupandsatdown.It ookoutmyl aptopand
sentaf ewemai l
sandgotbusywi t
hcompany
fi
gures.Ihaddr i
ft
edof ftomywor kwhenIhear d
commot i
oncomi ngf rom outside.Ibattl
edwi ththe
edgenott ogoout .Idi dn'
twantt oov erstepbutIgot
soconcer ned.Iwalkedout .
"
Wuyelomf
azi
obal
ekil
elonaPat
?(I
sshethewoman
whor
anaway,
Pat?
)"Iheardaman'
svoi
ce.
"Yebophela.Ngizomthathanalenganeyakhe.
I
zokhulel
aekhay a.Akuyonainkingaley
o.(Yes.I'
m
gonnatakeherwi tht
hebaby .I'
llr
aisei
t.Thatisn'
ta
probl
em.)"Anothervoicesai
d.
Iwalkedinandtheroom wentdead.Il
ookedatall
theseold,
potbell
y,t
axidr
iverl
ooki
ngment hatwere
crowdingtheroom andmywi f
e.
"
Sani
bonani
.(Gr
eet
ings)
"Igr
eet
ed,
looki
ngatSne.
"Hau!hau!hau!madoda.Nayiimihl
olaboh.
Sekuchamukanamasokaekamel weni(
Godf or
bid.
Nowboy fri
endsemergefrom bedrooms.)
."Oneold
mansai dlooki
ngatmepuzzled.
"Yahnangul omfanawakhonamadoda.Wuy ey ena
l
oongi t
hathelaumfaziwami .Udelelakabifuthi.
(Yes,
here'
sthey oungladgentl
emen.He' st
heonet hat
stol
emywi fe.He'
sful
lofcont empev en).
"braPat
saidwithhisheadhanged, avoidi
ngmaki ngey e
contactwit
hme.Ir edi
rectedmyf ocusbackt oSne.
Shel
ookedt
err
if
ied.
"
Arey
ouokaybaby
?"Iaskedst
il
ll
ooki
ngather
.
"Ut
hibaby
?Uy adel
alalomfanamadoda.Udelela
i
mpela.Hau!Hau!Hau!(He'scal
l
ingherbaby.This
l
adisreal
lyful
lofit
).
"Ilookedatthi
schatt
erboxof
anoldmanbr i
efl
ythenfocussedonSneagai n.
"
Snenhl
anhl
a."Shel
ookedatmeandnodded.
"Pleaseexcuessus.
"Isaid.Shelookedatmeand
pleadedwithhereyes.Sheattemptedtowalkaway
butt hi
soldmany el
dathert ostop.Icl
enchedmy
j
aws.
"Awuyindawowenamf azi.Yi
makhonalapho.
(Don't
youdarewalkaway ,woman.St aywher
eyouare.)"I
fel
theatbuil
duponmybody .Iwant
edtopunchhi s
sorr
yoldassf orevenspeakingtomywifel
ikethat
butIcontai
nedmy self
.IlookedatSne.
"Justgobaby .
"Myv oicecameoutst er
nyetcal
m.
Assoonasshedi sappeared,Imoti
onedslowl
yto
theoneoldmanwhoseemedt obetheonecall
ing
theshots.Ihadnotev engottohim whenbraPat
sprangoutonhi sfeetleavi
ngoneOmegasandal
behi
nd.Ist
oodnextt
otheol
dmanandburri
edmy
handsdeepinmypocket
sandl
ookedathi
m.
"Fi
rstofall
,Idonotapprecit
et het
oneyou'
reusing
toaddressmywi fe.Secondly
,Idon'
thavepat
ience.
SoIsuggesty outakeyourcrewandheadoutbef or
e
shi
thitsthefan.Thisi
sn'toneofyourt
axi
ter
rit
ori
es."
Helookedatme,
thenattheot
herguyswho
suddenl
ywentmuteandbusti
ntol
aughter
.
"UcabangaukuthikuseGautenglanawenacheese
boy.UthatheumfazikaPatmaan.Sizokukhomba
umuz ionotshwal
anamhlanje.
(Youthi
nkthisi
s
Gauteng,cheeseboy.TodayYou'l
lshi
tyourpant
s.)
"
Ichuckl
edandl
ookedathi
m.
"Andwhatcany oupossi
blydo,
mageza?Br
ingt
he
wholetaxi
ranksquad?"Isai
dgazi
ngathi
m.He
chuckl
ednervousl
y.
"Hehehe.Ni
yamuzwalomfanamadoda?(Ar
ey ou
l
isteni
ngtothi
slad?
)"Hesaidl
ooki
ngfrom si
deto
sideathisf
ell
owmenbuttheywerenotbudging.
"LeyanganeingumfazikaPat.f
uthisi
zohamba
naye."HeattemptedtowalkpastmebutIbl ocked
him.Thisoldmani sreal
lyt
esti
ngmypat ience.I
didn'
tcomeher etocausedramaatmywi fe'
shome
butthispotbel
lysor
ryassistwist
ingmyar m.
"I
'm warningy ou,man."Iwhispered.Ihadalr
eady
reachedt hatzone.Hechuckl edandpushedmet o
walkpastagai n.Ilosti
tandt hrewamuch
antici
patedpunchonhi sstomach.Hegr aonedin
pain.Iheldhim upandpi nnedhi m agai
nstt
hewall.
"Snenhl
anhl
aismywif
e.You'l
lref
rai
nfrom hav
ingall
thi
ssenseofowner
shi
ponher .She'
smi ne!
"I
attempt
edtothr
owanotherpunchbutSnewalkedin.
"
Ozi
no!Leav
ehi
m."
Ishutmyey esandcursedundermybr eath.I
clenchedmyjawsstil
lpinni
ngt hismanont hewall
.I
neverwanthertoseemel i
kethis.Notevensl appi
ng
anybody.Il
oweredmyhandandl ett
heguygo.He
stormedoutfoll
owedbyhi suselesscrew.I
remainedfacedtot
hewal landt ri
edtoplacate
beforeIcoul
dturntofaceher.
"Ozi
thobil
e."Shecal
ledmesoftl
yandIfel
tasense
ofcalmnessshowermeov er.Iwasst
il
lfacedtot
he
wall
.Iturnedslowl
yandlookedather
.Icurvedmy
moutht othesideandscr
atchedmyhead.
"I
'm sor
ryaboutthat.Youshouldn'
thaveseenit."I
saidbarelybei
ngabletolookather.Shejuststood
therewithherarm cuppedonthebell
yjustlooking
atme.
"Imustj
ustmakepeacewi ththefactthatI
'
m
marri
edtoamanofy ourcali
brebefor
eIsuccumb
str
okeorgointoearl
ylabour.
"Shesaid.Inarrowed
mygazeandl ookedather.Iwastryi
ngtofigureout
whatshewast ry
ingtosay.
"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"Ienqui
redcar
eful
l
y.
"Fol
lowme."Shewal
kedbackandIf
oll
owedhert
o
herroom.Myeyeswi
denedandIqui
ckl
yshutt
hem.
Shit
!
"
Yini
leh.
"Shesai
dwi
thhert
hickey
ebr
owr
aised.
"Uhm...
babyIcanexplai
n."Iwal
kedtoherbutshe
stoppedme.Iremainedgluedtothegr
ound.
"Youcannotexpl
aintomet
heobvi
ous.Ithoughtwe
agreed.
..
act
aull
yyoupromi
sedt
hatyou'
ll
leavethi
s
l
ifebehi
ndOzithobi
le.
"
"
Ihav
e."
"Thenwhat'si
tdoingi
ny ourluggageOzi?"Shesai
d
poiti
ngatthegunthatwasont hebed.Shewent
throughmystuff
.ButIcannotbr i
ngthatupnow,
unlessIhaveadeathwishright?
"Okaybabyletmeex pl
ain.Thet
hingis-
"myphone
rang,comingint
omyr escue.Ohthankyousweet
Jesus.Ianswered.

Lwaz
iLanga.

Ical
l
edhi
m andhepi
ckedupi
nst
ant
ly.
"Thanksforsavi
ngmyassman.Iowey
ouy
ou.
"He
saidontheothersi
deoft
hel
ine.
"Dudeyoubett
ercomebackfrom t
heU.Sbefor
eI
blowherstupi
dbrai
nsout
.She'sbeenpl
ayi
ngme
man.Allt
histi
meshe'spr
etendedtobewit
hme
when-
"
"
Eyslowt hefuckdowndude.I
'v
eonlygott
woear
s.
Notpipes.Whosebrai
nsareyoubl
owingandwhy
?"
Hesaid.Isatdownandheaved.
"Thatnui
sanceItuchicki
sSakhi
le'
sdaught
erman.
Turnsout,she'
sbeenusingmetokeeptabsonus
andthecompany ."Imanagedt
osay .
"What?Whatki ndofasickjokei
sthi
s?Di
dyounot
doapr operbackgroundcheckonthi
schi
ckl
ikeI
askedy outo?
"
"Idi
dman.Shewasascleanastheycome.She'
s
obvi
ousl
ygoodatwhatshedoes."
"Idon'
tunder
stand.Di
dy ounotsayy
oumetherata
pubonenight?"Heasked.
"Idi
d.Well
..
.She'
stheonewhoki ndai
nit
iat
edthi
ngs
andIwentwiththefl
ow.Ididn'
tthi
nkshecoul
dbe
shady.Imeanshedoesn'
tlookshady.
"
"Youareobviousl
yslowerthanal owergrade.AndI
clear
lyover
estimatedyourstupidass.Icoul
dexpect
suchfrom Banzibutyou'
retakingthecake.Didn'
t
youlear
nany
thi
ngfr
om Banzi'
sani
mocit
y?"I
fhe
washerehewasdef
inat
elygoi
ngtopunchmyteet
h
out.
"
Iknowman.Idon'
tknowwhathapped.
"Isai
d.
"Youusedy ourhor nydicktothinkinst
eadofy our
head,that
'swhathappened.Fi xy ourmessbef oreI
comebackLwazi .Don'
tbull
shitmeman.I '
veworked
toodamnhar dandf oughttoothandnai l
foryouand
yourweakassdi cktojeopardi
set hecompanyl i
ke
that
."Thelinedied.Hehungupme.Gr eat!Ipaced
upanddownt her oom.Iwasf umi ng.
"
Sityourassdown,man.You'r
emakingmedizzy
."
Mikesaid.Hewassinkeddeepint
hecouchsmoking
l
ikeafrustat
edman.
"Thatbi
tch!Howdi dyoufi
ndthi
sinf
ormat
ionont
his
chickMike?"Iaskedsti
l
lpaci
ngupanddown.
"Herbit
chyatt
ituderai
sedsuspici
onsont hedayof
thebraai
.Therewassomet hi
ngoffIcoul
dn'tshake
abouther.Andbesides,Il
ookoutforpeoplewho
l
ookoutf orme.SoIkeptt absonherandv oil
a!
Turnsoutmysuspensi onsaboutherwereright.
"His
ey
eswereclosedt
hiswhol
eti
me.Idon'
tknowhow
manyci
garett
eshesmokedsi
ncehegothere.
What
'seat
inghim?
"What'
syourprobl
em dude?Yousmokebett
ert
han
achimney.
"Iasked.Hechuckl
edandrubbedhi
s
chi
nwithacigaret
teinbet
weenhi
sfi
ngers.
"
Matt
ersoft
heheart
,mate.
"Hesaid.I
'm gonnahave
t
ogetusedt
ohisshortr
epl
ies.Thi
sdudeisweirdas
f
uck.
"Pi
eceofadvice,
lockthosefeeli
ngsdownandthrow
awaythekey.Womenai n'tshi
tman.Theyareall
the
same."Isai
dsitt
ingdown.Her aisedhi
shandand
shookhishead.
"That'
swherey ou'
rewr ong, pal.Ican'tst opthinking
abouther.She'sexcept ional.Not hinglikewhatI '
ve
seeninallmyday sofdat i
ngandf uckingar ound."
Hiseyeswer esti
llclosed.Il ookedathi m andshook
myhead.He' snotabi gf anofchi tchat ssoI 'l
llet
him be.Besi
des,Ineedt imet ot hinkmy sel
f.Imust
real
lybeloosingmyt ouchi nt hegamei fchickslike
It
uandt hatstupi
df atherofher sar eabl etopl ayme
l
i
kethat
.Ir
emai
nedqui
teandbat
tl
edwi
thmy
t
hought
s.
-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
--

MyZul uspeaki
ngpeopl
e,pl
easeExcuessmyzul
u
neh.Ibegoooooo!
Anyway,IthoughtIshoul
datl
eastl
eavey ouwit
h
something.SoIsacri
fi
cedmysleepjusttopostan
i
nsertkebeforeIcouldgohome.Il
ov eyou.
Goodnight
I
nser
t45
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
**
Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Iwokeupt oherbuttonmycock.Il ookedundert he

cov ers,herbut tcheekswer eoutt oplay.Shewas
wear i
ngasi l
kysexyni ghtdresst hatrevealedallher
asset s.Iletoutasi gh.Soshedeci dedt odenymeof
myhusbandpr ivi
l
egesaf t
erwehadav eryheated
argumentaboutt hegunshef oundi nmyl uggage
earlier.Shewentt osleepwi thoutev entalki
ngtome.
Idon' tunder standwhywomenhav etobesopi g
headedatt i
mes.Whent heyar emad, thenshithas
tohi tthef an.Iknowshewor et hi
ssexypi ecejustto
tutoreme.
Ishookherli
ghtl
ytowakeherup.Ican'
tdealwi
th
thi
serect
ion.I
talsodoesn'
thel
pthatshe'
sfl
i
pping
sexyri
ghtnow.
"
Baby
."Ishookher
.
"
Hmm."Shemumbl edinhersl
eepandtur
nedto
f
acemydir
ecti
onwithhereyessti
l
lcl
osed.Thi
s
womani
sridi
cul
ouslybeaut
if
ul.
"
I'
m st
uff
edhoney
,pl
ease.Justal
i
ttl
e."
Shesl
owl
yopenedhersl
eepyey
es.
"
Ozi
lal
amaan.
"
"Ican'
tSnenhlanhl
a.Iwanty oubaby."Isul
ked.She
gotoutofbedandheadedt ot hebathr
oom, swayi
ng
herroundhipsfrom si
det oside.Shemustbe
enjoyi
ngseeingmesuf ferthi
smuch.
"
You'
renotget
ti
ngany
.Gobackt
osl
eep.
"
Isshekiddingme?She' snotdoingmeanyj usti
ceby
beingprovocativel
ysexyl i
kethat.Iwanttofuckthe
shitoutofherr i
ghtnow.Isatt herewaiti
ngforherto
comeback.Shewal kedbackinandgotundert he
covers,wit
hherassst arr
ingri
ghtatme.Damn!I
cursedundermybr eath.IsweartoGod, mywi f
e's
gotsomegr eatass.Istaredatitbackandbitmy
bottom l
ip.Ireal
lywannasi nkmy selfdeepi
nsideher
ri
ghtnow.
"Babyplease.Justaquickythen.Ipromi
seI'
l
lbe
fast.
"Ipleaded,gr
abbingherassf i
rm.Thi
swoman
i
sdr i
vingmei nsane.She'
sabletoturnmeon
effor
tl
essly.
"No.That'syourpunishment
."Shesai
dst
if
fl
inga
l
aught er
.Igotoutofbedandheadedout.Angeke
phela.Suchtortur
e!Jackwaspokingi
nmyboyleg.
"Notnowchamp.You'
dbet
tergobackt
osl
eep.
"I
sai
dadjust
inghi
m andwal
ki
ngout.
"
Wher
ear
egoi
ng?
"Sheasked.
"
Ineedabeer
."
Icouldhearherchuckle.Iwal kedouttothekit
chen
andt ookoutacol dcastl
elight.Iopeneditand
thr
ewawayt hecapacr ossther oom anddownedit
halfway.Iwalkedbackt other oom andshewas
snor i
ngli
ght
ly.Ishookmyhead.She' sreall
y
adamantaboutt his.Myf i
ercewoman.It ookoutmy
l
apt opandsatdownont heedgeoft hebedand
decidedtowor k.Ineedsomedi st
racti
on.
AmandaDl
omo.

Ihatehowmymot herisusingmet ogetbackatSne.

Allf
orwhat ?Amanwi thnoi ntegr i
tyl
ikemyf ather?
Psm!Inev erreall
ywant edtobel ievewhatt he
i
nternethasalway scoveredonunpal atablest ori
es
abouthim.Ididn'twantt obelievemyownf ather
wascapabl eofsuchev ilacts.Butnowt hathe' s
arr
ested,I
'm battl
ingwiththinkingany thi
ngposi t
ive
andhim allatthesamet i
me.Mymot hershoul dj
ust
makepeacewi ththefactthat, herhusbandi sn'twho
shethoughtshei s.Imeanhecheat edonherbef ore
andev enimpregnatedanot herwoman.Hehasno
i
ntegri
ty.
It
'sri
diculousthatI'm deniedachancei nl i
fet obe
withmyonl ysi
ster.Ihav ebeeni gnoringSne'scal ls
si
ncemyf at
hergotar rested.Somehowmom i sr est
assuredt hatOzi
thobileLanga, alongwithSnehav e
everyt
hingt odowi thhisar rest.That'
sal oadof
nonsensei fyouaskme.Nowshet hr
eatenedt o
disownmei fIdefyherandev ermakecont actwi th
Sne.Imi sshersomuchandIhat ehowbadt hings
havetur
nedbetweenus.Buti
fIwantt oobtainmy
di
ploma,I'
l
lhav
etokeepmydi stanceuntil
lIdon'
t
needmom ordad'sdi
rtymoneyany more.There'
sno
wayI'
ml et
ti
nghergo.She'
sallIhaveanyway .
Thedoorswangopen, disturbi
ngmef r
om my
thoughts.Il
ookedatherdirect
ion,
shegavemea
faintsmil
e.Shelooksl
ikeshehasn'thadadecent
sleepinages.She'
sdrainedandaging.
"Mama.Uright
."Iaskedoutofconcer
n.Shenodded
herhead.
"Yesbaby
.Youhav
etogetr
eady
.We'
rel
eav
ingi
nan
hour.
"
Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
owi
nconf
usi
on.
"
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"
"
Tov
isi
tyourf
atherAmanda.
"
"
Mamawet
alkedaboutt
his,
please.
"
"
Don'tgetstart
edwiththatnonsense.I'
m notint
he
moodf oryourchi
l
dishbehavior.Getreadyinanhour
.
Don'
tletmecomedr aggyououtofher e."
"
I'
m notgoi
ng.
"Ipr
otest
ed.Idon'
tunder
standwhy
shef eel
stheneedt okeepshowi ngdadthatshe
caresbycontinui
ngt opayhimv isi
stswit
h
ci
gar ett
esandtoil
etri
es.That'
sjustabsur
d.Theman
doesn'tcaremuchabouther .Henev erdi
d.Andif
shewant stoplaythegoodwi fethenthat
'sher
business.Butsheshouldkeepmeoutofi t.
"Youwillt
akeabath,dressdecentandgov i
sity
our
father
,eveni
fyouhav etodoitscreamingand
kicki
ng.Donottestme."Withthatsai
d,shestor
med
out.Mcm!Ican'twai
ttogainmyi ndependenceand
l
ivemyownl if
eawayf rom t
histoxichome.
Igotupanddraggedmysel
ftothebathroom t
otake
abath.Shor
tl
yIwasdonewithever
ything.It
ook
tookmyhandbagandwal kedout
.If
oundher
seati
ngi
ntheki
tchen.Thecarwasal
readyi
dli
ng
outsi
de.
"
You'
reexhaust
ingmycarpetrol
.I'
vebeenwai
ti
ng
f
oragesforyoutogetdone.
"
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.I
'
m donemos,
aren'
tI?Ur
g!
"Whatdoy
out
hinkweshoul
dtakef
orhi
m?"She
added.
"She'
syourhusband.Whyareyouaski
ngme?"I
askedrhet
ori
call
y.Iwentt
othefri
dgeandt
ookouta
bottl
eofwater.
"You'
reverydi
srespect
ful
Amanda.Thi
sisn'
thowI
broughtyouup.
"
"I
tmustbehomebrewedt hen."Imumbled,hopi
ngit
comeoutasawhisper.Sheflewacrosstheroom t
o
sl
apmebutquickl
yregrett
edi t
.
"I
'
vegottoomanystr
essfact
orsal
ready
.Pl
ease
don'
taddonthel
ist
.Let
'sgo.
"
Wewal kedoutanddr
ovetothemall
.Shebought
st
uffthatshethi
nksmydadwill
needpluspacksof
ci
garett
esthenwedrovest
rai
ghttoNewLockpr i
son.
Thedri
vewasqui
teandtense.Thej
our
neyt
ookl
ong
butev
entual
l
ywearri
ved.
"Pl
easehol dyourhorses.Idonotwanttohaveto
dealwithyourchildi
shacts.I
t'
syourfat
herwho's
behi
ndt hesewal l
sandIneedy outoshowsome
compassion,siyezwana?"Shesaid,l
ooki
ngatme
sharp.Ij
ustnoddedandwewal kedin.Wearri
vedat
therecepti
onsandt heytookusthroughthe
vi
sit
ationpr ocessyetagain.I'
m superannoyedright
now.Dot heyhavetodot hiseacht i
mewev i
sit
?Ur g!
Theyleadust othevisi
tor
sr oom andwesatdown.
Thi
sisnopl aceforhumanst ostayat.I
t'
sgloomy
anddepr essing.Thebigwal l
sandbadaur aleaves
nonetot hedesi r
ed.Iguesst heypurposel
ydesigned
i
tthatway .
Iwasdr i
ftedoffi
nmyownt houghtswit
hmyey es
wander i
ngaroundthesebigwallswhenhewalkedin.
Ifeltahugelumbonmyt hr
ough.I'
llnev
ergetused
toseeinghimintheseorangeov er
all
s.Hesatdown
ont heothersi
deofthetableandlookedatme
briefl
y.
"Youlookbeautifuleveryday,mypr i
ncess.
"Hesaid.I
gavehim af ai
ntsmi l
et r
yingtoforceachuckle.I
don'
tknowhowIf eelbutI'm messrightnow.Anger
doesn'tevenbegint odescribei
t.Mom nudgedme
sharpwi t
hherelbow.I ttookeveryfibr
einmybody
formet obeabl etowhi sperawor d.
"Thankyou."That
'sallIcoul
dsay.Hi
sthr
oatmadea
mov ement,l
ikehejustswall
oweddownal umpof
disappoi
ntment.Hesmi ledweakl
yandnodded
l
i
ght
ly,
redi
rect
inghi
sfocusonmom.
"
It
'ssoni
cet
oseey
oumydear
."
Mom didn'
trespond.Il
ookedather
,hereyeswer
e
br
eamingwitht ear
s.Shel
ookshurt
.Itwaswri
ti
ngal
l
ov
erhereyes.
"Mama. "Icall
edhersoft
ly.Shelookedatmeand
bli
nkedt hetearsawayaf ewti
mes.Whydoesshe
keepcomi ngher ei
fitbr
ingsouttheworsti
nher
?I
don'tunderstand.
"Webroughtyouthese.Ihopet
heyareenough.
"She
pushedthepl
asti
cbagt omydadwi t
houteven
l
ookingathi
m.
"NgiyabongamakaAmanda.Kodwawhycan' tyou
l
ookatme? "Hesaid,looki
ngcaref
ull
yatmymot her
.
Ishesl oworsomething?Whatwomani nherri
ght
stateofmindwouldf i
ndstrengt
htolookather
all
egedchildmolesterofahusband?Ifeltmybody
tenseup.
"Babawhatdoyouhavetosayf oryoursel
f?You
haven'
tsai
danythi
ngregardi
ngy ourar
restsi
nce.
Don'ty
outhinkwedeservetohearitfr
om the
hor
se'
smout
h?"
"Amanda!Ngikukhuzi
lenj
alongal
amanyal
aakho"
shej
umpedi ntopr ot
ecthi
m.Unbel
iev
abl
e.
"I
t'
sokay ,l
etherspeakherhear t.Shehasar i
ghtto."
Hesai d.Lookathim acti
ngalldecent .Ijustwantt o
spitoutonhi sf
acer i
ghtnow.I'm disgust edtobe
cal
ledhi sdaughtereven.Mylif
et urnedupsi dedown.
Iwast hetalkofthecampusal lbecauseofhi m.
Peoplepointedwi t
heachot herofmeev erywhereI
went.Idon'tevenknowwhyI '
m here.Ir oseupf rom
mychai randattemptedt owalkaway .Hecal l
edme.
"
OziLangasetmeupmychi ld.Ihadnot
hingt
odo
wi
thallt
heseal
legat
ionsagainstme.
"Hesaid
l
ooki
ngatme.Ichuckledandshookmyhead.
"Iknewyouweregonnapi ni
tonsomebodyel
se.
Hav eyounodecency?"Iwasbal
anci
ngwit
hmy
handsont het
able,
leaningf
orwar
d.
"Whywouldhedot hatbaba.Whatdoesanaffl
uent
manli
keOzithobi
l
eLangahav etogaininal
lthi
s?"I
sai
dfuming.
"
Idi
dn'
ttakey
out
othoseexpensi
veschool
sfory
ou
tobeslowAmanda.Connectthedotsmaan.Iwasa
stumbli
ngbl
ockbet
weenhi m andmydaught er.He
knewIwasn'
tgonnalethi
m haveher.Theonlyway
togetri
dofmewast ogetmel ockedup.Can'tyou
seethat.
"
"That'
sri
diculous.Allt
hosewomenwhot esti
fi
ed
againstyouregardingthei
rsonscan'tbelying.I
t'
s
ti
meownupt oyourerrorsandmakepeacewi ththe
factyourdir
tydeedsar ecomingtocat chupwi t
h
you.Andy ouhav enobodybutyourselftoblamef or
i
t."Iwasstil
lonmyf eet.
"Youneedtowat chyourtoneyoungl ady.Idi
dallI
hadtodo,soy ou'
dhav eevery
thingthatyouhav e
today
.Idonotappr eciat
eyou'r
eungr atef
ulselfr
ight
now.Iworkedhar dforyoutogot ouniversi
ty.St
art
showinggrat
it
ude."
Ichuckl
edi
ndisbel
i
efandlookedatmom,shewas
faci
ngdownthi
swholeti
me.Iredi
rect
edmyfocus
backdad.
"
Idon'tneedy
ourf
il
thymoneybaba.Youcangladly
t
akeitandshovei
twheret
hesundoesn'tshi
ne."
"Amanda!
"Mom said.Ilookedatt
hem bothand
grappedmybag.Iwalkedoutbutbutswif
tlymadeu-
turn.
"Snenhlanhlaisbet t
erof
fwi t
houtyou.You'
reapig.I
hopet heylocky ouupandt hrowawayt hekey.
"With
thatsaid,Istormedoutleavingmymom behi nd.I
walkedt oat axirankandtookataxitoSizwe'
splace.

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Iwaswokenupmyar ayofsunshinestingi
ngmy
face.Ilookedonhersi deofthebed, shewasn't
there.Iroll
edoutandwentt obat h.Icamebackand
gotdr essed.Ihavetogobackt oPr etor
iasoon.The
companyneedsmyat tenti
onandt here'
snowayI '
m
l
eav ingmywi febehind.Withthosebunchof
bell
y potstaxidr
iver
s,I'
dbedammed.
Shewal
kedi
nandsmi
rked.
"
Goodmor
ning.
"Shesai
d.
"
Uyadel
elawena.Comeher
e."
Shewal
kedtomeandgavemeaki
ss.Imadehersi
t
onmylapt
henwrappedmyar
msaroundherbel
l
y.
"
Howdi
dyousl
eeppr
incess?
"
"
Isl
eptgood.Wena?
"
"
Don'
teven-.
..
"If
eltaverystr
ongkickonmyar
ms.
Myeyeswidenedinshock.Il
ookedupatmywif
e.
"OhmyGodhoney ,didyouf eelthat?"Shejust
giggledandnoddedherhead.Idi dnotexpectt hi
s.I
t
hasn'tkickedoncesinceIar ri
vedher eandIwas
start
ingt obel
ievet
hati t
smot herwasj usttr
yingto
l
ur emei ntocomeingher e.Isquat t
eddownand
placedmyhandont hebelly
.Anot herkickcame, I
wasgr inningl
ikeani di
ot.
"Nogirlkicksthishard.It
'saboybaby ."Isai
d,ver
y
amused.Thi sjustmademef eelforei
gn.Ihave
neverexper i
encedt hiski
ndofj oyinmyl i
febefor
e.
I'
m goingt ohav eababy ,
withthewomanIl ovewith
allmyhear t.Idon'tknowhowIf eel
.Ididnotfeel
the
tearsthatwer eroll
ingdownmycheeks.Shewas
wipingthem.
"
Arey
oucr
ying?
"
"
No!
"Isai
dwi
thmyl
i
pspr
essedt
oget
her
.
"
You'
recry
ingbaby.Oohmypoorhusband.
"She
madeafunnyfaceandIcoul
dn'
thel
pbutchuckl
e.
"Youdar etell
mybr ot
hersaboutthis,uzongazi
kahle."Ir
oseupandsmashedmyl ipsonher s.She
want edtosaysomet hingbutIshutherupwi ththe
kiss.Shegiggledagainstmyli
ps.Ipulledbackand
kissedherf or
ehead.
"Thankyouforthi
sgi
ftmaKhumalo.Idon'tknow
howIcanev erbeabl
etoshowy oumygr ati
tudes.
Youmakemewhol e.
"Shewrappedherarmsar ound
mywai standrest
edi
nmyembr ace.
Aknockcamethr
ought
hekitchendoor
.Shel
ooked
atmeandIrai
sedmyeyebr
ows.
"
Let
'sgoat
tendt
oit
."Isai
d.
"
No,
it'
sokay
.Youcanst
ay,
I'
ll
bef
ine.
"
"I
'm nottaki
nganychances.Foral
lIknow,wehavea
taxiranksquadcampingintheki
tchenri
ghtnow.
Let'
sgomf azi
kabraPat.
"
Ipul
l
edherbyt
hehandandwewal
kedout
.She
coul
dn'
tst
opgi
ggl
i
ng.
"Whatdidyoudot obr
aPat'sshoet
hathelef
tint
he
ki
tchenbaby?"Isaidl
aughi
ng.Shej
oinedmeand
bustint
olaughter
.
"I
t'
ssomewher
eoutsi
de.I
'
m gonnamakefir
ewi
thi
t.
Ihear
dshoesmakewarmfir
einthest
oves.
"
"Hehehengat hi ngi
yabonal i
khulumeinsidethestov
e
l
ithi'Ngiphindisele.
' "wewer estil
li
nstit
cheswhen
wear riv
edatt hekitchenandt hedoorwasopen.I
quicklyletgoofherhand.Mr sGumedel ookedatus
withasuppr essedsmi l
eonherf ace.Icurvedmy
mout htot heconerandbr ushedthebackofmy
headi nembar rassment .Shecouldn'
thav ehear
d
that,couldshe?Shi t!
"
Sani
bonani
."Shegr
eet
edwi
thamusement
.
"
Yebo.
"Wegr
eat
edbacki
nuni
son.
"Mr
sGumede."Snesai
d,ecst
ati
c."
Whatapl
easant
sur
pri
se.Pl
easecomein.
"
MrsGumedewalkedi
nandtheysharedabone
cr
ashi
nghug.Ist
oodther
eandlookedatt
hem.Okay
I
'm ki
ndadumbst ruckri
ghtnow.DoIexcuessmy self
ordoIjuststayandobserve?Thisisawkward.They
pul
ledawayf rom t
hehugandj ustwhenIthoughtit
wasov er
,theybabykissed.Okay,t
hat'
sit
.That'
smy
que.
"
Uhm.
..
I'
l
lbei
nthebedr
oom.
"Isai
d.
Theybot
hlookedatmel
i
keIj
ustsai
dthemost
dumbestt
hing.
"Don'
texcuessy oursel
fonmyaccount .Idon'tbit
e
youknow. "MrsGumedesai d,l
ookingasi nt
imidati
ng
asIcanr emember .Wecr ossedpathsaf ewt i
mes
anddespi t
eourhistorywithherhusband, Ial
way s
heldherwi t
hhighregards.Iadmireandr espectthe
kindofwomant hatsheis,smartandpower f
ul.She'
s
emotionall
yint
elli
gent.Sheknowswher etodr aw
boundari
esandwhen.Andt hat
'swhatIr espect
mostabouther .
"NoMa' am.Ijustcametotakewaterandgobackt
o
thebedroom.Iwaski ndabusywit
hwor konmy
l
aptop."Anythingtogetawayfr
om her.Ihav
eto
showsomer espectnowthatshe'
sli
keasecond
mot
hertomywi f
e.Thatpr
act
ial
l
ymakeshermy
mot
her-
in-
lawr
ight?
"Bigcompani esl
ikeLangaconstructi
onswer enever
establi
shedinbedr ooms.Si
tdownnow.Snewi llget
thatlapt
opandbr ingyouwater.RightSne?"She
l
ookedatSneandshewasj ustsmi t
ten.She'
s
amusedr ightnow.
"
Def
ini
tel
y.
"Snesai
dst
il
lal
lsmi
l
es.Tr
ait
or!
"Let
'sgotot
heli
vi
ngroom."Snesaidandpull
edmy
handout.Wegottot
heli
vi
ngr oom andset
tl
eddown.
"I
'l
lgopr eparebreakf
ast."Shesai
d.Iwantedto
signalwithmyey estohernott oleavemealonewit
h
thiswoman, butshedel i
berat
elyavoidedmyeyes.
Shewal kedoutandl eftmewi t
hMr sGumede.I
clearedmyt hroatandlookedather .
"So,Ozi,
howhav eyoubeenmf an'
wami ?Sincey
our
father
'sbur
ial.
"Il
ookedather,
shel ookedgenui
ne.
SomehowIf el
tateaseandfr
eet oconfidei
nher.
"I
t'
sstil
lfreshmama.ButmybrothersandIar
e
taki
ngitonedayatatime.Thanksforaski
ng.
"Isai
d
sti
ll
lookingather
.Shenoddedherhead.
"I
'm gl
adt oheart
hat.Iknowithasn'tbeeneasyand
i
twillneverbethesamewi thouthim,butItrusty
ou
enought omakeitthroughwithouthim.Her ai
sed
youwel l
."Shesai
d.Ifeltasenseofrelaxat
ion
showerov erme.Il
oosenedupabi t
.
"Thanky
ousomuch.Iappr
eci
atet
hat
.AndI
'
lldomy
best.
"
Ilookedaway.Therewasabr
iefsi
l
enceandIcoul
d
feelhergazeheavyonme.
"
Howar
ethi
ngsgoi
ngbetweenyouandSne?
"I
mov
edmygazetol
ookather.
"Wecouldn'
tbehappiermama.Therearetr
ialsand
tr
ibul
ati
onsthatar
etesti
ngourfat
ebutI'm suret
hey
aren'
theret
obrakebutsoli
dus.
"Isaid,
conf i
dentl
y.
"Doyouloveher?"Sheshotst
rai
ght.Ilookedather
,
shemeantbusiness.Imoveduncomf ortabl
yinmy
seatandlookedherdir
ecti
ntheeyes.
"Ipr
oposedtohermama.Af causeIl
oveher
.Ilov
e
hermorethanIlovemysel
f.She'st
hebestt
hingthat
haseverhappenedtome.Andmyul ti
mategoali
st o
l
ivemylif
emaki nghert
hehappiestwomanonear t
h.
I'
l
lli
vetoful
fi
ll
andr eachthatgoal
."Shesmil
ed
widel
y.Snewalkedinwithat r
eyofEngli
shbreakf
ast
andplacedi
tont hetabl
e.Shesatdownnextt ome
andtookmyhandi nhers.Isqueezedit
.
"Snenhl anhla,whenBandi l
eandKhet helot oldme
howhappyy ouar e,Ididn'twanttobel ievei tunti
l I
sawy ou.AndnowasI '
m seati
ngher e,Icant ell
y ou
onet hing, youhav ef oundy ourselfat r
uemanher e
mt '
anami .Youar ebl essed.Nowmyhear tisatease
knowi ngt hatyou' reinrighthands. "Shesai dwi tha
straightface.Doessheal way shav et olookso
i
ntimi dating?Hai !ButI '
m gladsheappr ov esofme.
Act uall
y,I'm overt hemoon.Inev erthoughther
j
udgementaboutmyr elati
onshipwi thSnewoul d
touchmesodeepandmeant hismuch.I 'm grateful
thatmywi fehasheri nherlif
e.She' spur e.
"
Thanky
ousomuch.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atet
hat
."
Shewasal
readysi
ppi
ngonhercof
fee.Wej
oinedi
n
andat
e.
"
Manj
ewheni
stheact
ual
weddi
ng"
?
Snenear
lychokedonhert
oast
edbr
ead.
"Ar
ey ouokay?"Ibrushedherbackl
i
ght
lywhi
l
e
sti
fl
ingalaughter
.
"YeahI'
m good.Uhm..
.wehaven'
tdeci
dedonthe
dateyet
.Iwast hi
nki
ng,I
twouldbebestaf
tert
he
babyisborn.
"
"Okay.Butdon'
tderai
lonitt
ool
ong.Si
funa
ukushadisaphel
a."MrsGumedesai
d.
"Yesma' am."Isai
doutloud.Shepinchedmythi
gh.I
chucked.Wehadourbr eakf
astoverli
ght
conversati
ons.Unti
ll
therewasaknockont hedoor.
"Comei n!
"Sneshoutedhumor l
eslywhi l
ewewer e
busyindulgi
ngandconv ersi
ng.Whoev erthatwas
makingherwayt otheli
v i
ngroom i sonel azyperson.
Judgingbyhowt heywer edraggingt hei
rfli
pf l
ops
thatwereclappi
ngagainsttheirfeet.Herpr esence
weighedonust hemomentshest eppedin.Weal l
broughtourheadsupf r
om thepl atesandl ookedat
her.Shefrozeontheground, l
ookingpuzzl edwi t
h
hermout hhangi
ng.IfuSatanubambeki l
e, wasa
person!
I
nser
t46
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
*

Nar
rat
ed.

AuntNosi phoremaineddumbst ruckandgluedto

theground, wi
thhermouthhangi ng.I
twasas
thoughshedi dn'
texpecttofindSnewi t
hcompany .
OrMr sGumedet obeprecise.Shelookedatthem as
theylookedatherbackhopi ngshe'dsaysomet hi
ng
orgreetatleastbutwordsobv i
ouslyfai
ledher.She
didn'
tknowi fsheshouldstorm outorremain
standing.
"
Becaref
ulwit
hf l
i
es,aunty
.Theymi ghtf
indcomfor
t
i
nyourhangi
ngmout h.
"Snesaid.Ozinudgedher
l
i
ghtl
y.Sherol
ledhereyes.
"
Hau.Sani
bonani
.Ididn'
tknowitt
hatyouhav
e
v
isi
ts.
"AuntNosi
said,st
il
lonherfeet
.
"
Sawbonaaunt
y.Pl
easej
oinsus.
"Ozi
sai
d.
Shedidn'
twanttobet oldtwi
ce.Shesatdownnext
toMrsGumedeandhel pedherself
.Shedidnot
smel
l l
ikeabrewerytoday.Whichisagoodt hi
ng.
Sneroseupfrom herseatandbr oughtheramugg.
Shewasalreadysali
vati
ngovert hefood.
"Ngiz
wengephungangi nhl
ulaphel
a.Iwasn'
tmean
tocomei nbutkethesmellcal
ledmyname. "They
all
lookedateachot her
.MrsGumedewasj ust
l
ookingatherpuzzled.Shemusthavebeenst ar
ving
becausesheeatsli
keshehasn'teat
enanythingfor
days.
"Thi
sf oodist
oosmallf
orme.Pleasei
ncreaseit
ngiy
abuy a.
"Shewal
kedoutandtheywereleft
puzzled.Shecamebackshor
tl
yfoll
owedbyKhosi
andZama.
"Hlal
aniphansigi
rls.We'r
ehavingbr eakfasti
nmy
brother
'shousetoday."Howbrav eofher .Notthat
Snehasanypr oblem withcat
eringforthem butt he
audacit
yofthiswomanal way
sl eavesherbaf fl
ed.
Wher ei
sthatwomanwhowasdumbst ruckjusta
minuteago?Hai .
"Sani
bonani.
"Zamasaid,l
ookingannoy ed.Sne
l
ookedatKhosi.She'
slostawhol elotofwei ght
.
Embarrassmentwashedov erherfacerightnow.
Whatwasshedoi ngherethenifshewasn' tso
comfortabl
e?
"
Hel
l
o."Ozi
andMr
sGumedegr
eet
edback.
"Pl
easesi
tdown.Ther
e'spl
ent
yoff
oodf
or
ever
yone.
"Snesai
d.
"No.Ij
ustcametogr
eet
.I'
m ki
ndaf
ull
,thanky
ou."
Zamasaidshyl
y.
"YeyHlal
aphansiudl
ewenasli
ma.Idon'
twantto
hearyousayyou'
rehungr
ylat
er.
"AuntNosi
saidwit
h
hermouthstuf
fed.
TheysatdownandSnewentt opr eparebreakfast
.
Zamawal kedouttohel pherandt heywal kedback
tothedinni
ngroom shor t
ly.Nosiphoandher
daughtersat
e,whil
eMr sGumedet ri
edherut most
besttomaket hesi
tuationlessawkwar dbycreati
ng
andkeepingconversati
onsgoi ng.She'sverysmar t
andauntNosi wasn'tacti
ngallbitchyasal ways.I
tr
ustbothOziandMr sGumedet obei nti
midati
ng
t
hismuch.
Theyfini
shedeatingandSnecoul dn'
thelpbutnot
ice
howmoodyKhosi l
ooked.Shelookedli
kealost
puppy.Li
keal onelysoul.Somethi
ngisn'
tri
ghtwit
h
her.Asdrainedassheal wayslooks,
thi
sisway
beyondit.Herweightlossisal
arming.
Theytooktheplat
estotheki tchenandhercousins
hel
pedherwiththedishes.Zama' sphoneranganda
smil
ecreepedoutonherf ace.Shewal kedleav
ing
SnealonewithKhosi
.Snest oleglancesatherbut
sheavoidedmakingeyecont act.
"
Areyouokay?"Snemanagedtoasked.Khosi
l
ookedatherbri
efl
ythenmovedhereyesaway.She
wassni
ffi
ng.
"Makhosazana,
what'swrong?"Snemovedcl
oserto
her
,shewascr yi
ng.SheheldherhandandKhosil
et
i
tallout
.
"Mymotheri
scr uelSne.I'
m sor
ryf
orall
thebad
thi
ngsI'
veeverdonetoy ou.Iwant
edtofeel
bett
er
aboutmysel
fsoIt ookital
loutonyou.
"Shesobbed.
"
It
'sokayKhosi
."Shebr
ushedherbackgent
ly.
"I
t'
snotokaySne.I t
'sfarfrom beingOkay .Shemade
mesl eepwi thallthesev i
ll
ageol dmenj ustsowe' d
havemoneyf orgroceri
es.Shesai dIwasf atand
uglyandt hatnobodywoul dev erfindmeat t
ract
ive.
Henceshepi mpedmet oal l
thosemen.Il ikeditat
fi
rst.Itwasf unget t
ingallthatmoneyef fortl
essbutI
couldn'ttakeitanymor e.Guiltst
ar tedtowei ghheav y
onmeandIwant edout .Shesaidshe' llgetmeki ll
ed
i
fIst oppedbecauseIwashersour ceofincome. "
Shecont inuedt osob.Sne'shear tdr oppedt othepit
ofherst omach.Shecoul dn'tbel
iev ewhatshewae
hearing.
"Whydidyounotr
epor
thert
othepol
i
ceKhosi
.
That
'sabuse.
"
"
She'
smymot herSne.IWoul
dn'tbeabl
etol
eav
e
wi
thmysel
fifshewenttoj
ail
."
Sneremainedquiet
.Completedbuf
fl
ed.Kant
iwhat
ki
ndofat wist
edmost eri
sthiswoman?She
wonderedtohersel
f.
"Ist
oppedsleepi
ngwitht
hem andwehav
en'
tbeen
abletobuygrocer
iesf
orweeksnow.We'
vewentt
o
bedonhungr ystomachswhi
leshedrankhersel
fto
sl
eepal l
dayev er
yday.Wedon'
thavefoodinthe
house.Thisi
swhysher ai
dedyourcubbet
stheot her
ni
ght."Shesaid.
"I
t'
sjustf
ooddear.Iwi
shyouhadtoldmeearl
ier.We
coul
dhav edonesomethi
ngagai
nstthi
sevi
lacts.
Youdon'tdeser
vesuchtr
eat
ment."Snesai
d.
"OhbutIdo.Aft
erhowi l
lItr
eatedyou,Ideserv
eital
l
coming.Evenwit
ht hesi
ckessthatIfoundoutabout
,
i
t'sGodpunishi
ngme.Iwi shIcouldt
ur nbackthe
clockandmaket hi
ngsri
ghtSne."Shesaid.Shehad
stoppedcr
y i
ngnow.
"Whatsickess?Whatar
eyoutal
ki
ngaboutKhosi?
"
Snelookedather.Shewasf
iddl
i
ngwit
hherfingers.
"Itest
edposi t
ivel
astmont h.Shedoesn'tevenknow
aboutitbecauseIcan'teventalktohersinceI
stoppedmaki ngmoneyf orher.Ihavenobodytot al
k
to.I'
m depressed"Shewhimper edalloveragai
n.
Sne'sheartdropped.Oziwalkedinandst opped
whenhesawt hem.Hebroughthisdar kbrows
togetherandfrowned.Snecoul dtel
lhewas
conf
used.Shesi
gnal
edt
ohi
mtogobackandhedi
d.
Sher emainedwit
hKhosiandcomfor
tedher.She
doesn'tknowhowshecanpossibl
yhelpherbutit
breaksherheartt
hatherownmotheri
stheone
sendinghertoanearl
ygrave.
*
***
***
Thef
oll
owi
ngday
.

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Wedeci dedt ocomebackf rom thebundusduet o

thecompanyneedi ngmyat t
enti
on.Ispendt he
whol enightcomf orti
ngmywi fefrom allthe
traumat icnewsKhosi j
ustdroppedonhery ester
day.
Wi thever y
thingshe' sputhert hr
ough, shest i
ll
sy mpathizeswi thher .I
'venevermetany bodywho' s
big-heartedasher .Don'tgetmest artedwi t
ht hat
auntNosi woman.Mybodyst eamseacht i
meIt hink
ofher .Istil
ldon'tunder standthelevelof
whi cketnesst hatwomanhas.Li ke,i
tdef eatsme.I f
she'
sablet
oil
l
-tr
eatherownf
lashandbl
oodl
i
ke
that
,howmuchforSne?
Wewokeupv er
yearlyandtr
avell
edbackt oPretor
ia.
ThesoonerSnel eavesthi
splace,t
hebetter.She
can'taf
for
dtoabsor ballt
hesenegati
velyaroundher.
Iknowhercousi nneedsherbutmychild'swellbei
ng
takespri
ori
ty.Idon'
twantamoodychi ld.SoI'm
doingmybestt oprotecti
t.

Wear rivedatmyhouseandt hefirstthingIwant ed

todowast otakeal ongpropershower .Ican'tget
overhowf arthatplaceis.Snewassl eepingt he
entir
et r
ip.Ihadt ochasehert othebackseat
becauseherdozi ngof fwascont agious.I t'
sjust
aft
ermi ddayandIcan' tbel
iev ehowmuchIdi dn't
misst hi
spl ace.It
'sagoodt hi ngthatIcameback
withmywi febecauseIwoul dn'thavehandl edbei ng
herewi t
houther .I'
m sousedt ohav ingherar ound.
Beingint heBundusdi dmeanumber .Regar dlessof
all
thedr amaandt hatauntNosi woman, Isti
ll
enjoyedmyst aythere.Itmadememi ssbei ngi nmy
homepr ovince.
Iheadedupstai
rsandtookacool shower .If
ini
shed
short
lyandwalkedouttogetdressed.Snewas
taki
nganap.Ididn'
twanttodisturbher.SoIwentt o
mymi nioff
iceandcal
ledLwazi.Itr
angf orawhile
thenhepickedup.
"
Sur
e."Hesai
d.
"Ishoul
dorgani
zeyouaj
obatoneoft hesecal
l
centercompani
eswenasaan.Youransweri
ngski
l
ls
sucksbigti
me."
Ihear
dhi
m chuckl
e.
"
They
'l
ll
oosecl
i
ent
sinoneday
.What
'sup?
"
"
Ineedt
oseey
ou.Howqui
ckcany
ougether
e?"
Ther
ewassi
l
encet
hensomeshuf
fl
inggoi
ngon.
"
Letmecal
lyoubacki
nami
nut
e."
Hehungupbef or
eIcoul
dsaysomethi
ng.Iopened
mylapt
opandcheckedmyemai l
s.Myphonerang.It
washim.Ianswered.
"
Doy
ouhav
ecompany
?"Iasked.
"
Yeah,
she'
sher
e."Hesai
d.
"
Who?
"
"
It
u."
"
Whyar
eyoust
il
lseei
ngher
?"
"I
'
llt
elly
oul
ater
.Letmegetr
eady
.I'
l
lbet
her
einan
hour.
"
"
Sur
e."Ihungup.
He'dbetterhaveal
ogicalexplanati
onastowhyi she
sti
l
l seei
ngthatgi
rl
.IfSakhil
et hi
nkshe'
ll
stealour
companyt hatIworkedsohardf or,
thenhehas
anotherthi
ngcoming.Ipickedupmyphoneand
cal
ledChar l
es.Heansweredal mostimmediat
ely.
"
Bozza.
"
"
Char
les,
howar
eyou?
"
"
Grandbozzay
am.WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
"
"Ineedyoutodosomedi ggi
ngonSakhi lefr
om
Sakhil
econstr
uct
ions.Fi
ndev er
yli
ttl
edet ai
lther
eis
abouthim.Don'
tl
eavenost oneunturned.Iwantto
knowhowmanydogsorr atshehasi fhedoes.
Ev
ery
thi
ngChar
les.
"
"
Ist
her
esomet
hingwr
ongBozza?
"
"Idon'
tpayy
out oaskmequestionsChar
les.Now
getonwithyourwork.
"Ihungupandwentout .

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

Myphoner
ang,
dist
urbi
ngmypeacef
ulnap.
Ilookedatt hecallerID.Mcm!Idon' tknowwhodi ed
andmadeherqueenofShi bat hisone.Shet hi
nks
she' saspecialcase.Itossedt hephoneasi deand
rolledover.Iheadedt ot heensui t
et otakeal ooand
rinsemyf ace.Itstoppedr inging.If i
nishedand
wal kedout.Itrangagai n.Iwoul dn'tholdmybr eat
hif
IwasherbecauseI fshet hinksI'll
pickupany ti
me
soont henshe'llsuffocate.Idon' twantt otalktoher.
Itfinal
lyst
oppedr ingingandbeeped.Amassage
camet hr
ough.Icheckedi t.
'
Iknowyou'r
eprobablyseei
ngmycall
sandjust
i
gnori
ngthem.PleaseanswerSne.
'-
Amanda.
Idon'
thavetimeforthi
s.Iat
temptedtowalkout
whenitrangonceagain.Ohforheavensake.I
l
ookedatit,i
twasSizwe.Ianswered.
"
Heyst
ranger
."Isai
d.
"I
t'
sme.Pl easedon' thangup. "Shesaid.Ir
emov ed
thephoneawayf r
om myearandhungupt hat
i
nstant.If,
andwhenI '
mr eadyt otalktoher
,Iwil
l.
Fornow, Ialsoneedmyspace.Iwal kedouttothe
kit
chenandf oundmyhusbandwi thLwaziandMi ke.
Whatev ertheywer ediscussi ngseemedv ery
i
mpor tantforthem tol ookt hattense.Thei
rbody
l
anguagesai dital
l.Theydi dn'tevenacknowledge
mypr esence.
"
Hel
l
other
e."Isai
dandpassedt
hrough.
Theyt
urnedt
ofaceme.
"
Hel
l
oSne.
"Theygr
eet
edbacki
nuni
son.
"Uhm.
..
babe.doyouneedsomet
hing?
"Ozi
sai
d.Why
doeshelooksounset
tl
ed?
"
No.Icamet
ocook.If
eel
li
kei
t.Why
?"
"
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.We'
l
lor
deri
ntoni
ght
.Youcan
gobacktorest
.I'
m sur
eyou'
rest
il
lti
redf
rom
tr
avel
l
ing.
"
Oohkay
!Ishetryi
ngtogetri
dofmer i
ghtnow?Wow.
Hedoesn'
tseiz
et oamazemet hi
sone.Ij
ustey
ed
hi
m andwalkedbackupstai
rs.
"Iloveyou."Hesai
d.Iwav
edmyhandand
dissapeared.

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

InoticedhowMi kelookedatmywi f
easshe
dissapearedupstai
rs.Ihopehedoessomet hi
ngwi t
h
hisfeeli
ngsbeforeitcausesadri
ftbetweenus.He' s
mybestbuddyandt hereisn'
tany
t hi
ngIwoul dn'
tdo
forhim.butwheni tcomest omyf amil
y,especial
l
y
mywi f
e,Iwouldn'
tbli
nktwicebeforesl
it
tinghis
throatopenandsenthi sheadbackt ot
heU. Sona
sil
verplatt
er.
Icl
earedmythroat,br
ingi
nghim backt
olif
e.He
snappedoutofitandlookedatme.Igavehimt
he
'
don'
tyoudar
e'look,helower
edhi
sblueshar
peyes
awayfr
om mine.Iredi
rect
edmyfocusbackon
Lwazi
.
"
Whyar
eyoust
il
lseei
ngt
hisgi
rl
?"Iasked.
"I
fwehavetofi
ndoutprecisel
ywhat'
sgoingonthen
I
'l
lhav
etogetherevencloserandbeatherather
owngame."Hesai
dconf i
dentl
y.
"Andhowarey
oupl
anni
ngt
odot
hat
?"Ienqui
red
caref
ull
y.
"Ihav
etogethert
otrustme.I
'
llsoft
enherupabi
t
andgethert
ofall
inl
ovewit
hme. "
Ishookmyheadi
ndi
sappr
oval
.
"
That'
saveryst
upi
didea.
"Mi
kej
umpedi
n.Lwazi
l
ookedathi
m.
"I
'
m sorrybutdoyouhaveabr
il
li
antone,
Doc?"
Lwazishotback.Mi
kerai
sedhi
shandsintheai
rin
surr
ender.
"
Noneedt ogetal
lworkedupaboutit
,mate.Iwas
j
ustsayi
ng."Mi
keleanedbackonhisseatand
r
elaxed.
"Li
stenLwazi ,wedon'tknowhowwel ltr
ainedthi
s
chi
cki s.Youhavet obecarefular
oundher .I
t'
sour
familybusinessthat'
satstakehere.
"Isai
d.
"AndIunderst
andthat
.Atf
ir
stIwant
edt
omakeher
dissapearf
orgoodbu-
"
"Notev eryprobl
em requi
reski
ll
i
ngpeopleLwazi.
Thisisn'tamov ie.We'
renotact
ingher
e."Isai
d.He
chuckledl i
ghtl
y.
"
Idi
dn'
tgoaheadwi
thi
tnow,
didI
?"
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
"Iwishyoudid.Foronce,Iagreewithyouthere.That
onewasabr i
ll
ianti
dea.Youhav etodealwitha
problem f
ir
sthand."Mikesaid.Il
ookedathim.He
hadabl ankface.Iknowhemeanswhathej ustsaid.
"Andisupposet
hat
'
sget
ti
ngri
doft
hem
permanentl
y?Li
key
oudi
dwit
hMeagan,r
ight
?"I
asked.
"Youguessedri
ght
."Hesaid,i
nav erychi
l
ledt
one.
Thisismoreli
kehi
m.Hedoesn' tt
hinktwi
cebefor
e
kil
li
ngsomebody.He'
scoldheart
ed.
"
You'
ret
heonewhoki
l
ledMeagan?
"
Weallt
urnedtolookather.Shi
t!Whendidsheget
her
e?IthoughtItol
dhertogoupstai
rs.
"Baby."Igotupf rom t
hecouch." Ithoughtyouwent
upstairs.
"Isaid,almostst
utt
ering.Shedi dn'
t
acknowl edgemeonebi t
.Shecameandst ood
beforeMi ke.Hisfacesuddenlyflashed.It
'sasi
fshe
hassomeki ndofapower fuleffectonhim.
"
Uhm...
Sne.
"Her oseupfr
om hi
sseat.Hewant
edto
t
ouchherbutcontai
nedhi
mselfqui
ck.Shewasst
il
l
l
ooki
ngathim.
"Whydidyouhav et okil
lherInsuchacr uel
manner?"Herv oicewasbr eaki
ng.Mi kelookedat
me.Irubbedmyf aceinfrustr
ati
on.Thi sisonehel l
ofamess.I'm pr ettycert
ainthat
,toher ,we'reallj
ust
abunchofki l
lers.IunderstandthatIt ol
dherabout
mypastbuthav ingherhearaboutsuchf rom peopl
e
I
'm sur
roundedwi th,i
sjustsomet hi
ngdi ffer
enton
i
t'
sown.Atl eastnowsheknowst hatIdi dn'
tkil
lher.
"
Itwasamistake.Idi
dn'
tmeantoki
l
l her.
"Mikesaid.
Didhej
ustl
ietoherri
ghtnow?Whateverhe'
sfeel
ing
formywi f
e'sgothi
m prett
ybadbecauseIdon'
t
recogni
zehimr i
ghtnow.It
'sLi
kehedoesn'
twantt
o
portr
ayhiswickedsidetoher.
"Howdoyousleepatnight
?"Shet
urnedtolookatal
l
ofus."
Whydoy ouki
llpeopl
eli
kei
t'
snothing.What'
s
wrongwit
hyoupeople?"
Iat
tempt
edt
ohol
dherbutsher
etr
eat
ed.
"Calm downbaby.Pl
ease.
"Shel
ookedatmewi t
h
glassyeyes.Theywer
ealr
eadybr
eamedwithtears.
Mypoorwi fe.Howmuchcanshereal
lydi
gest
?
Thei
nter
com buzzed,
grabbi
ngourat
tent
ion.
"
I'
ll
getit
."Lwaziwentt
oat t
endt
oit.Aknockcame
t
hroughthedoorshort
lyandheopened.
"
CanIhelpy
ouof fi
cer
s?"Lwazi
sai
d.Weal
ltur
nedt
o
l
ookt
heirdi
rect
ion.
"Goodaft
ernoonMrLanga.We'
reher
eforOzi
thobi
l
e
Langa.
"Theymadetheirwayt
owardsus.
"Off
icerDladl
a.IfIdi
dn'
tknowanybetter
,I'
dsayy
ou
l
ikeme.TowhatdoIowet hi
svi
sit
,thi
sti
me
around?"Iasked.
"
MrLanga, y
ou'r
eunderar
restfort
hemurderof
MeaganDube.Youhav earighttoremai
nsil
ent.
Anythi
ngy ousay,wi
l
lorcanbeusedagainstyouin
thecourtoflaw.
"
"
What
?"Lwazi
andSnesai
dinuni
son.Mi
kechuckl
ed.
"Areyouf
uckenkiddi
ngme?
"Isai
d.Theywer
e
alr
eadyhandcuf
fi
ngme.
"
Pleasedon'
tmaket
hingsdi
ff
icul
tforusMrLanga.
"
Ichuckl
edandl
ett
hem be.
"You'dbetterpr
aythi
sisal
ljustabaddr eam and
thatyou'r
egonnawakeupf rom i
tDladla,becauseI
don'ttakekindtof
akeall
egati
ons.Thisisn'tt
hefir
st
ti
mey oumakeagr andent
ranceinmypr oper
ty.
"I
said.
"I
twasme.
"Mi
kesai
d.Theyl
ookedathi
min
conf
usi
on.
"
I'
mtheonewhokill
edher
.Ozi
hadnot
hingt
odo
wi
thi
t.
"Ichuckl
ed.
"
Ist
hissomekindofaj
okesi
r?We'
rewor
kingher
e."
MrDladl
asai
d.
"I
fyoudidy ourjobpr operl
ytheny ou'
dknowwhodi d
i
t.Butyou'r
ej ustlazingy ou'
refattummyar ound,
eati
ngthest ate'
smoneyandwai sti
ngit
'sresour
ces
bymakingwr ongar rests.Now,ar eyougonnauncuff
hi
m ory ouneedhel pdoi ngthat?
"Mi kesai
d.They
uncuff
edme.Ir ubbedmywr ist
sandbur ri
edmy
handsinmypocket s.
"
What'sy
ournamesi
r?"MrDl
adl
asai
d,l
ooki
ngat
Mike.
"
Michael
Whi
te.
"Mi
kesai
d,unbot
her
ed.
"
MichaelWhi
te,we'
renowar
rest
ingy
ouf
ort
he
murderofMeaganDu-"
"Yeahy
eah.Savethelongbor
ingspeech.Ihavemy
ownlawyer
.Iwon'tneedonefrom t
hestates.Now,
canweleaveal
ready?"
Hewasaschill
edast heycame.Mi keisl
ikeadeep
sea.Chi
l
ledbutdangerous.Theycuffedhim.
"
Takehi
m."Dl
adl
asai
dtohi
steam.
"
We'll
beri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou,
mat
e?"Isai
d.Dl
adl
a
t
urnedtof
aceme.
"MrLanga,weapologi
seonceagain,fori
ntr
uding
yourspace.Ihopeyouunderst
andthatwe'r
ejust
doingourjob.
"MrDladl
asaid.
"Yetyou'
resti
l
l i
nourproper
ty.Gett
hef uckout,
man.
Shayais'
shwapa."Lwazisai
d.MrDladlanodded
l
ightl
ybeforefol
lowinghi
steam andtheywalkedout
withMikehandcuffed.
"
Whatdidjusthappen?"Sneasked.Icoul
dn'
tbr
ing
mysel
fint
olookingather.
"Thatwasfunt
owat ch.
"Lwazisai
dchucki ng.Thi
s
i
diotisaddi
ngf
ueltothealr
eadyburningfire.Imi
ght
notbethewhokil
l
edMeaganbutI 'vegotapi leof
questi
onscomi
ngmywayandI 'm notready.
I
nser
t47
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

There'
snot hingasf rustrati
ngashav i
ngt ostop
someonef rom goi ngbackt ot hei
roldhabi t
sagai n.
Especial
lywheny ou'veseent hem trappedi nthere
beforeandexper iencedshi ttyseriesofunf ortunate
eventsduet ot hef actthat,whent heyar einthat
darkspace, theyl ooseal lsenses.NowIneedt o
makesur et hatMi kegetsoutofj ailbeforehegoes
backtothatdar kspace.Ican' taffordt oseehi m go
thr
ought hatphaseagai n.It'
shel li
fy ouaskme.Al l
hellbr
akesl ooseandal l shithast ohi tthefan.He
hasanul tr
aper sonal i
vinginsi dehim andoncehe' s
awaken,Ican' tputhi m onal eash.
Iwokeupandrol
l
edoutofbed.Iwentt
omymi ni
off
iceandmadeabr
iefphonecal
ltomylawy
er.I
askedhimt omeetmeatNewLockpr isoni
ntwo
hours.IhavetodowhatIhavetodotogetMikeout
ofjai
l.Evenifi
t'
sthel
astt
hingIdo.
Iwentt otakeashower ,
dressupandsoonIwas
fi
nished.Iwal kedoutoftheclosetandf oundmy
beautif
ulwi f
est i
ll
sleepi
ng.HowIwi shIcanprevent
herfrom const ant
lygett
inghurt!Isatontopofthe
bedandbr ushedherhairback.Whydoesshenot
wrapherhai rupwhenshesl eepslikemostwoman
do?
"You'
l
lgetearl
ywr i
nklesfr
om f
rowningt
hishar
d."
Shesaidsoft
ly.Ichuckl
edandpeckedherli
ps.
"
Goodmor
ningchubbycheeks.
"
Shepunchedmychest
.
"
Idon'thavechubbycheeksbaby
.You'
remaki
ngme
f
eelfat.
"Shewhined.
"Evenifyouwere,whi
chyou'
renot.You'
l
l st
il
lbet
he
mostbeaut i
ful
womanf ormeandmyey eswould
sti
l
l befi
xedony ouandyouonl
y."
"
Prov
eit
."
Il
eanedoverandtookherli
psinmineandkissed
her
.Ipul
ledbackandlookedathereyebal
l
s.
"
Wast
hatconv
inci
ngenough?
"
Sheshookherhead,no.Il
eanedbackandkissedher
l
ipsagai
nthenherearsandneck.Shegiggl
ed.
"
Howaboutnow?
"Isai
d,st
il
lki
ssi
ngher
.
"You'
regonnabel
ate.
"Shesaidbetweenhergi
ggl
es.
Ipull
edbackupandpeckedherl
ips.
"
You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
"
"
Andy
oul
ooksmashi
ngy
our
sel
f.Of
fi
ce?
"
"
No.Pr
ison.Ihav
etogetMi
keoutoft
her
e."
Shenodded.
"
He'
smyf
ri
endbabyandhehasnoone.
"Isai
d.
"
ButIdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
hough.
"Shesmi
rked.
"Youdi
dn'thav
eto.Iknowy
oubet
terphel
a
ungumfaziwamiwena."
Shesmi
l
ed.
"
You'
l
lbel
atet
hen.Getgoi
ng.
"
"
Okaysweetheart
.Letmeloveandleav
eyou.Don'
t
f
orgetdi
nneratLwazi'
spl
acetoni
ghtangi
thi
?"
"
Aren'
tyougonnacomebacksowe'
ddr
ive
t
ogether
?"
"OhIwi l
lsweet heart
.Iwasjustremindi
ngy ou.
AngithiI'
mt r
yingt obeagoodhusband."Iwi nked.
Shest oodupf rom thebedtohugme.Ipi ckedher
upandgosh, she'sreal
l
yheav y
.Iwon'ttel
lherthat
though,unlessI '
vegotadeathwi sh.
"
Okay
,letmegonowbaby
.Pl
easer
estokay
?"
"
Okay
.By
e."
"Bye.
"Iwalkedoutanddr
oveawayst r
aightt
oprison.
Iarri
vedt
herealmostsi
mult
aneouslywithmylawy er
.
Igotoutofthecarandweapproachedeachother.
Weshookhandsandgr eet
ed.
"
Zwel
i
."
"
Langa.Whatt
roubl
edi
dyouf
indy
our
sel
fint
his
t
ime?"
Ichuckl
ed.Whatki
ndofat
hugdoeshet
hinkIam?
"
Iwi
shi
twasmebutt
her
e'sav
erycl
osef
ri
endof
minewhoneedshel pbehi
ndthesetall
wall
s."I
bri
efedhimful
lythenwewalkedin.Theyl
etusint
o
somei nt
err
ogati
onroom andwesatdown.
"
Onlyoneofyoui
sall
owedtoseeMrWhite.One
v
isi
toratat
ime.I
t'
sprot
ocol
."Apr
isonwardersai
d.
"Don'
ttellmeaboutProtocol
.We'rebothhislawyers
andwe'regonnaseehi m bot
h."Zweli
said.The
wardernoddedandwal kedout.Thedoorswang
openshor t
lyandincameMi ke..
.l
ooki
ngaschi l
led
andlai
dbackasev er
.Hechuckledwhenhesawus
andpulledhischai
randswi v
ell
edonit.Helookedat
Zwelit
henatme.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e,mat
e?"Hesai
d.
"
Thi
swit
hmei sZwel
i
,myl
awy
er.He'
sher
etoget
y
ouout
."Isai
d.
"Accordi
ngtohowIwasbr i
efed,
theyar
en't
supposedtokeepyouinhereift
heyhaven'
tcharged
youy et
.Sowe'r
egett
ingyouout."Zwel
isai
d.Mike
l
ookedathim andchuckl
ed.
"
Notnow.
"Hesai
d.Il
ookedathi
m puzzl
ed.
"
Whatdoy
oumeannotnow,
Mike?
"Ienqui
red.
"Lucyneedstobef edandI'v
egotjusttheri
ght
persontofeedonmycr avings.
"Hesaidplayi
ngwith
thehandcuffs.Il
ookedatZweliandaskedhi mto
excuessus,hedid.Iwasleftwit
hMi keal
one.
"Justwhatki ndofasickgamear eyoupl ayi
ng,Mike?
Who' sthatprey?You'
vebeeni nheref orfiv
emi nutes
buty ou'
realreadypr
eying?"Iwasalreadyf uming.
Hismot hermusthav ebumpedhi m ont heheada
fewt imeswhenhewasy oungbecauseIswear ,
there'saloosescrewsomewher eint here.
"Dl
omoneedstogo."Hesaidandthi
sti
me,he
l
ookedi
nmyey ebal
ls.Icl
enchedmyjawst
ogether
.
Thi
smother
fucker
!
"You'
renotgonnadoanythi
ngtohi
m,Mi
ke.Doyou
hearme."Myv oi
ceescapedbet
weenmygri
nded
teet
h.Hechuckled.
"
Lucyi
shungr
y,mat
e.Heneedst
obef
ed.
"
Isprangonmyf eetandwentov ertohisside.I
pull
edhim upandpinnedhim againstthewal l
and
cagedhimin.Wel ookedateachot herdeadlyint
he
ey
es.
"Don'tyoudaresinkbackin.OrI'
m gonnaki l
lyou
my self
.Don'
ttestme, Mike.I'
vehadjustabout
enoughwi t
hy ourbull
shi
talready.Tel
lmei fyou'
re
sufferi
ngandI'l
ltakeyououtofy ourmisery.
"Isai
d,
withhim st
il
lcaged.
"Okay.Fi
ne.
"Hesaid.Il
etgoofhi
m.Andwel
ooked
ateachotherbr
ief
ly.
"
Guar
d."Hecal
l
edout
.
Thewar
derpeekedt
hrought
hedoor
.
"
Myt
imei
sup.
"Hesai
d.Ist
il
lhadmyj
awscl
enched.
"
Don'
ttr
ymeMi
ke.
"Isai
d.
"Gohomemat e.I'
ll
getoutwhenI'
mready."Wi
th
thatsai
d,hewalkedoutvol
unt
ari
l
y.Ipunchedt
he
deskafewt i
mes.Zweliwal
kedbackin.
"
Enden?Ithoughtwe'r
egetti
nghi
m out
."Hesai
d.I
l
ookedathim andletoutasi
gh.
"
Let
'sj
ustgo.
"Wewal
kedoutt
othepar
kingl
ot.
"
Sentmey
ouri
nvoi
ce.Thanksf
ory
ourt
ime,
man.
"
"
Any
time.
"
Weshookhandsandwentt
oourr
espect
ivecar
s.
Igotinmycarandpunchedt hest eeri
ngwheel afew
ti
mesi nf
r ustrationt henr estedmyheadoni nfora
while.Ifi
nallygat heredsomest rengthbackand
droveout .Iarrivedatmyof fi
ceandst artedwithmy
day.IhopeIdosomet hi
ngpr oduct i
veaftertheshi
tt
y
mor ningIjusthad.Howam Igonnaexpl ainDlomo's
deatht oSnei ft hatl unati
cki l
lshim?I '
vealready
gainedmy selfpr eyingey esf rom herabout
Meagan' sdeat h.Ican' thav ethi
sagai n.Dammi t
Mike!Icur sedundermybr eath.
*
***
***
**

Nar
rat
ed.

Theeveni
ngwashereandLwaziinv
itedOzi
andSne
overhi
shouse.I
tuwasthehost
.
ThedoorswangopenandinwalkedOzi
andSne,
handtohand.I
tu'
sinsi
dest
urnedwit
hnerv
esbut
shet
ri
edhar
dtokeepcal
m.
"Doy oual
waysmakeahabi tofarr
ivi
ngatpeopl
e'
s
houseswi t
houtknocki
ngOzi?"Shesai
dlooki
ngat
them wit
hsomuchcont empment,wi
thherar
ms
crossedinherchest.
"Thi
sismybr other
'shouseifyouhav en'tnoticed.
Andthel astt
imeIchecked,Inevernegot iat
edhi s
Lobola.Nowbeagoodgi r
landst ayiny ourlane."
Ozisaidmakinghiswayinwi t
hhi swi f
e'shandst il
l
i
nhis.Lwazi j
oggeddownt hestaircaseandgr eet
ed
them.
"
Heyf
ami
l
y."Het
ookSnei
nforahug.
"How'
smychampdoi
ng?
"Headded,
rubbi
ngSne'
s
bigr
oundbel
l
y.
"Hejustst
art
edki
cki
ngr
ecentandIswear
,he'
s
gonnasentmetoanear
lyl
abour.
"Snesai
d,heav
ing.
"He'
saLangaphela.He'
sboundt
ogi
vehor
seki
cks.
"
Lwazisai
dchuckl
i
ng.
I
tuwant
edt
ojumpoutofherski
nwi
thj
eal
ousy
.
"
Baf
o."Lwazi
ext
endedhi
shandandhef
istbumped
wi
thOzi
.
"
Olamf
anaki
thi
."Oz
isai
d.
"
Thanksf
orcomi
ng.Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atei
t.
"
"Anyt
imechamp.We' r
efamil
y.
"Ozisai
dwhi l
e
l
ookingaround."
Ineedabeer,man.Whatdoy ou
havehere?"Hegotint
err
upt
edbyAl i
teknockthat
camet hr
oughthedoor.
"I
'l
lgochecki t.Makey our
selvescomf or
tabl
e.
There'splentyofbeersinthefri
dge."Lwazisaid,
headingtot hedoor.Ozimadehi swayt othefridge
totakeabeer .It
uwaspi erci
ngt hr
oughhim wi t
hher
eyes.Annoy ancewast heorderofhermoodt his
evening.ButOzi gavezerofucksabouther.
"Thehandsomeoneishereever
ybody
."Banzi
made
hisgrandandr
oudyentr
ance.Theyal
ltur
nedtol
ook
athim.
"
Youmade?
"Lwazasai
d.
"Iwasn'
tgonnamissitman.
"Heat
tempt
edt
ohug
Lwazibutheret
reat
ed.
"
Ey,
don'
tcomeher
ewi
thy
ourgayt
endenci
eswena.
"
Lwaz
isai
dandt
hewhol
eroom er
upt
edi
nlaught
er.
"
Comeon,youknowy
ouwannahugme.
"Banzi
sai
d
l
aughi
ng.
"Ahandshakewil
ldoman.
"Lwazi
sai
d.Banzi
shook
hisheadchucki
ng.
"You'
reasuckerforsenti
ment s."Heextendedhi s
handt oshakewit
hhisbrotherbutLwazi attacked
him withahug.Theyhuggedwhi l
elaughi
ngt hen
brokeit.Banzi
bumpedLwazi onthechestwi thhis
sportsbagandmadehi swayt othepowercoupl e.
Snehadherar mswideopenedf orhim al
ready.They
huggedandLwazi wiggl
edhi swayoutofher
embr aceandtookafewst epsback.
"Youareheavil
ypr egnant
,mygoodness.Youlook
gorgeousthough."HesaidandSnegi ggl
ed.He
mot i
onedbacktohi m andtouchedherbel
ly.I
tu
rol
ledhereyesclockwise.
"Hel
lother
elit
tlechamp.It
'sy
ourmosthandsome
uncl
espeakinghere.Iknowyoudon'tknowmyv oi
ce
becauseI'
m alwaysawaybuttel
lyouwhat,I
'l
lbuy
youverycoolsneaker
sandgadgetsjusttomakeup
f
orl
ostt
ime,
alr
ight
?"Ev
eybodychuckl
ed.
"Uzongimoshel
aumt wanaBanzi
."Snesai
dand
Banzi r
aisedhi
shandsinsur
render.Hel
ookedathi
s
brotherandsmiled.
"BabuLanga."Hesai
d,moni
tori
nghisbrother
'sface
caref
ull
ywithawarm smi
leplast
eredacrosshis
face
"
Small.
"Ozi
sai
dwi
thagr
inonhi
sface,
clear
ly
t
ickl
ed.
"
Youlookmor
eli
key
ourf
atherasyougrowoldman.
Dar
kandugl
y.
"Ther
oom busti
ntol
aughter
.
"Youwi
shmfan'
wam.Youcoul
dneverbeas
smashi
ngasIam ev
enify
ouwantedto.
"Ozisai
d.
"Hm conf
identmuchhuh?"Banzi
sai
dandOzi
shr
uggedhisshoulder
s.
"
Ican'
thel
pitman.I
trunsi
nmyv
eins.
"
"
Yeahri
ght.
"Banzi
sai
dandl
ookedatI
tuwhol
ooked
l
ostandannoy
ed.
"
Hiuhm..
."hesai
dwi
thhi
sdarkgazenar
rowed,
t
ryi
ngtor
ememberhername.
"
It
u."I
tusai
d.
"
Right
!"Hesnappedhi
sfi
nger
.
"
Howar
eyouI
tu?
"
"
Icoul
dbebet
teri
fyoudi
dn'
tev
adeandcr
owdmy
man'
shouset
hismuch.
"
Ever
ybodywasalreadyf
ollowingeachothertothe
l
iv
ingroom,notacknowledgingheronebit
.Itwasas
i
fshewasaskedt hequestioninpassi
ngnje.
Shewant edt opuncht hewal l andbr eakherf i
ngers
withf r
ustrations.Thefactt hatt heseLangabr others
aresocl osemakeshercr ingei nf ear.Howonear t
h
i
sshesupposedt oaccompl i
shhi sfather'
smi ssion
whent heyar esoUni t
ed?Andany way ,what'swith
thespecial treatmenttheyar egi v i
ngt hi
sr uralgi
rl?I
s
shesomeki ndofani cequeensomet hing?She
thoughttoher sel
fbeforest ompi ngherf eetand
maki ngherwayt ot heli
vingr oom.Shewasmetby
roudyv oi
ces.TheLangabr ot
her sal ongwi ththei
r
favorit
ewi fe, werealr
eadyset t l
edcomf ortably
hav i
ngbeer s.Shecl earedhert hroughandt hey
turnedtol ookather .
"I
'
llgodi
shupf
orev
ery
onei
nthedi
nni
ngr
oom.
"She
sai
d.
"Thankheavens.Iwasabouttodieinst
arvati
on.
"
Banzisai
d.Sher emainedgl
uedtotheground.They
l
ookedatherbl ankl
y.
"
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngel
se?
"Ozi
asked.
"I
sn'
tIcequ-
"shepausedandcl
earedhert
hroat
agai
n."ImeanSnecomingtohel
pme? "
Ozi
rai
sedhi
sdar
key
ebr
ow.
"Ithoughtyouhadev ery
thi
ngal l
figur
edoutinYOUR
housemadam. "Heemphasi zedthelastpart
.Itu
flexedhershoulder
,ti
lt
edherheadandbl i
nkedaf ew
ti
mes.Shewant edtosaysomet hingbutchosenot
to.Shechargedout,leavi
ngt hem tot
heircatchup
session.
"What
'swit
hher
?"Banzi
asked.Theyshr
uggedt
hei
r
shoul
der
s.
Hel
ookedatt
heunbot
her
edLwazi
.
"Whyar
eyouwit
hthi
schickbro?Becauseforone,
she'
snoty
ourt
ypeandtwo,she'
sanuisance."He
added.Lwazi
lookedathi
m backanddr
ankhi
sbeer
.
"She'
sourfut
ureassetsmal
l
.Si
tbackandl
ear
n."
Lwazisai
d.
Snel ookedatOzi,thenatLwazithenbackatOzi
again.Hesensedquest i
onscominghi swaybut
peckedherl ipsshutti
ngherup.Shelookedathi m
andhecur vedheraroundhisarm andt heysett
led
backont hecouchlist
eningtoBanzitelli
ngthem
aboutCapeTown.
*
***
***
*

"
Idon'
tknowifI
'l
lbeabl
etogoonwi
tht
hisdad.I
t'
s
t
oomuchf orme.
"It
usaid.
"Don'tbeani di
otnow, mypr i
ncess.That'
sy our
fut
ur elegacyyou'r
ewor ki
ngon.Fi xyoureyesonthe
ballanddon'tloosefocus.Itwil
lbeov ersoon."
Sakhilesaidont heothersi
deoft heli
ne.
"Idon'
thavetheguar
dsdad.Whataboutmy
consci
ous?Iwon'tbeabl
etoli
vewit
hmy sel
f."she
saidcr
ying.
"Justdowhatyou'resupposet odoItumeleng.
You'rer
acingagainstti
meher e."Wi
ththatsaid,
the
l
inedied.Sheslowlyremov edthephonefrom her
earandplaceditont hetable.
"Areweev ergonnaeat
?"Lwazisaid,
walki
ngin
foll
owedbyev ery
oneandalmostbustingher
.She
start
ledandwipedhertear
sfrant
ical
ly.
"Uhm...
yeah.uhm...
Iwasj ust.
..
.phewt heoni oni
s
messingwi t
hmyey es."Shest utteredandbegan
dishi
ngupf orherandLwazi .Ev erybodysatdown
butOziremainedstanding,wat chinghowt rembli
ng
herhandswer e.Heburriedhishandsdeepi nhis
pocketsandnar r
owedhi sgaze.
Shefini
sheddi
shi
ngupandgaveLwazi
hispl
ate
thensatdownnextt
ohi
m andsmil
ed.
"
Didy
oucookal
lthi
sfood?
"Ozi
asked,
looki
ngatI
tu.
"
YesIdid.Ihopeyouenj
oyi
tbecauseIout
done
mysel
fhere."Shesai
d.
"
Why
?"Ozi
enqui
red.
"
Excuessme?
"It
usai
d,shi
ft
inguncomf
ort
abl
yon
herseat
.
"Whygothroughal
lthet
roublesj
ustt
ocookastor
m
forus?
"Ozi
'squest
ionsf
ollowedup,maki
ngher
plamssweat.
"Well,Iwantedtoapol ogizeforhowIconduct ed
my selftheotherday."Shesai dtryi
ngtof orcea
smi l
e.Ozi noddedli
ght l
y,sti
l
l notconvinced.
Everybodyst ar
teddishingupandat tempt edtodigi
n.
"
Don'
teat
."Ozi
sai
d,st
il
lst
andi
ng.
Theyl
ookedathi
m puzzl
ed.
"OhsweatJesus.IthoughtI
'
dneverseethedaymy
brot
hersay
sgr ace.
"Banzisai
dchuckl
ing.
"Haibophel
ababe,getonwit
hit.Ican'
twaitto
savourontheseal
ready.
"Snesaid,swal
lowingdown
sali
va.
"
Whyareweeati
ngdi
ff
erentfood?"Oziasked,
wander
inghi
sey
esonthetablethenl
ookingatIt
u.
"Uhm.
..
ohthat
.Icookedsmal lchi
ckenbecausemy
manandIloveitandIthoughtIshoul
dcookstew
beeff
orev
eryone."Shesaidwithhervoi
cealmost
shaki
ng.
"Wealsowantchi
cken.
"Ozi sai
d.Hetookherpl
ate
andrepl
aceditwi
thBanzi
's.Banzil
ookedathi
m
puzzl
ed.Whil
eLwazist
iff
ledalaughter
.
"MybrothersandIwil
lshar
ethechi
cken.Youcan
havethestewjustf
ortoday.I
'
m sur
eyoudon'tmind
ri
ght?
"
It
u'sf
acewasal
readyf
lashi
ng.Herpal
swer
e
sweati
ng.
"Idon'tmindt
hestew.I
tlo-
."Banzidi
dn'
tdaref
ini
sh
hissentencewhenhesawhi sbrot
hereyei
nghi
m
i
nt ensel
y.
"Act
uall
yyouknowwhat ,mydoct
orsai
dIshoul
d
stopeati
ngbeeffornow.Sochi
ckenwi
lldo.
"He
pull
edthepl
ateinfrontofhi
m.
Snehadal
readyest
abl
i
shedwhatwasgoi
ngonand
pl
ayedal
ong.
"Thechickenisn'
tenoughoft
herestofus.Why
don'twejustorderi
nguysandletLwaziandI
tu
enjoythei
rchicken.
"Snesai
d.
"
Ibrokemynai
ltr
yingt
oprepareallt
heseandyou'
re
t
ell
i
ngmey ou'
regonnaor
derin.Suchaudecy
!"I
tu
f
umed.
"May beyoushoul
dstoptr
yingtol ookli
keamniotes
withthoselongcl
aws.Howdoy ouev enlookat
yourselfi
nthemirr
orandli
vetoseeanot herday?
Thatmakeupl ooksscar
yandt hickenought obe
usedonf ivemorewomen."Ozifir
edshot sandIt
u
gasped.
"Foral
lIknow,itmeltedi
nthesefood.Ievenlostmy
appeti
tebyjustlooki
ngatyou."Headded.It
u
pushedherchairbackandranoutcrying.
"
Whatt
hehel
lwast
hatal
laboutbr
o?"Banzi
asked.
"
Didshej
ustt
ryt
opoi
sony
'al
l
?"Lwazi
alsoasked.
"Pr
ett
ymuch.Iwarnedy ouaboutthi
sdol
lfacedbut
asusual
,youhar
dlyli
stenLwazi.
"Ozisai
dpulli
nghi
s
chai
randsit
ti
ngdown.
"
Thatbi
tch!
"Lwazi
sai
dont
hedownl
ow.
"Keepyourcool.Banzi
thr
owt
hisf
oodaway
.We'
l
l
orderi
n."Ozisaid.
Banzitookal
lthebowl
sandwentt
othr
owt
hem
outsi
deandcameback.
"Di
dy ouj
ustt
hrowawaymybowl
s,man?
"Lwazi
asked.
"
Theycont
ainedpoi
sonLwazi
."Banzi
repl
i
ed.
"
Youoweme.Fi
rstsal
ary
,you'
rebuy
ingt
hem.
"
"
Yeahwhat
ever
."
Theyor deredf oodonl ineandwai tedf orittobe
deli
vered.Ituwal kedi nwi t
hacl eanf ace.Banzi
couldn'thelpbutbusti ntolaughter.Shepul ledher
chairandsatdownwi thherchi nhel dhighand
breastsout .That hawenagi r
l!Shelookedl ike
someonewhoj ustgotr echargedandr evamped.
Theyl ookedathi mi nsi l
ence.Thet ensionthat
suddenl yfi
lledther oom. .
.youcoul dev enheara
ni
ddl edrop.Banzi senset hatLwazi wantedt oski
n
heraliveri
ghtnowbutcamei ntoherr escue.
"SomissI
tu.Whati
sitt
haty
oudoagai
n?"Banzi
askedher
.
"
I'
m ani
nvest
igat
ivej
our
nal
i
st.
"It
usai
d.
"I
nter
est
ing.Coul
dy ouhappentobei
nvesti
gat
ingus
ri
ghtnow?"Banziadded.Snel
ookedatherand
suddenl
ysomethingcli
cked.
"
Whatf
ir
m doy
ouwor
kforagai
n?"Sneasked.
"
S&S.
"
"
AndWhat
'sy
oursur
name?"
"
Mkhi
ze.
"
"Ohwow.Thi
sjustkeepsget
ti
nginteresti
ng.
"Sne
sai
dandever
ybodylookedatherpuzzled.
"She'
stheonewhowroteanart
icl
eaboutour
engagementongossi
pcolumn.
"
Theyt
urnedt
olookatI
tubutshewasf
aci
ngdown.
"
Ist
hist
rueI
tu?
"Ozi
asked.Shenodded.
"
Howdidyoufi
ndoutaboutthatev
eni
ngbecausei
t
wasapr
ivat
esetup?
"Oziadded.
"I
nmyl ineofJudy,we'
reboundt ofi
ndoutabout
thesethings.Whenweheardthattherest
aurantwill
beclosedear l
yfort
herestoftheeveni
ng,i
traised
suspici
ons.Somyt eam andIcampedoutsideand
wai
ted.Ther
esti
shi
stor
y."
Everybodyremainedsi
lentandbaffled.Theirf
ood
cameandI tu'
sphoner angjustastheywer eaboutt
o
eat.Sheexcusedherselfandwalkedout .Theyal
l
l
ookedather ,wonderi
ng.
I
nser
t48
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
**

Lwaz
iLanga.

"Thanksforthewonder
ful
nightLwazi
.Whatat
urn
ofeventsthough.
"Snesai
dast heywal
kedt
owards
thedoor.
"
Wonderf
ulni
ghtmyl ef
tbum.Wenear
lydi
ed.Al
l
t
hankst
othatdol
lface.
"Ozisai
d.
"No.Al
lthankstoy ouforsavingourliv
esbro.You'r
e
real
lyl
i
keadeput yparent.Idon'tknowwhatki ndof
anancestorIcouldhavebeen.I magineahandsome
uncest
orlikemyself.I
'
dpr obablymaket heheavens
shake.
"Banzisaidandweal ll
aughed.
"
Whosai
dyou'
dgot
oheav
enBanzi
?Hai
!"
Ial
wayst
houghtIwast
hecrazi
estinthef
amilybut
thi
sonei
sprovi
ngtobetheonetaki
ngthecake.
"
I'
ll
seey ouguysaround.Thanksf
orhonor
ingt
he
i
nvit
ati
on."Isai
d.
"Noworri
esman.Sal analonodol
lywakho.
Siy
ahambat hi
nks.
"Ozi sai
dandtheywalkedout.I
j
oggedupt hestai
rcaseandwalkedinmyr oom.She
wasalr
eadyundert heconver
s.Ipul
ledthem of
fand
thr
ewthem onthegr ound.
"
Getup.
"Isai
d.Shel
ookedatmef
ri
ght
ened.
"
Wher
eam Igoi
ng.
"Sheasked.
"Isai
dgetthehellup."Ipull
edheroutofbedand
ri
bbedherlaceunderwearof f.Shethoughti
twas
sexyatf
irstbutherfacialexpressi
onchangedwhen
shereal
i
sedhowdeadl ymyey eslooked.
"
Lwazi
please.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Iignor
edherandpulledheri
nthebat hr
oom.I
pushedherundertheshowerandr anthecoldwater
.
Shewincedasithitherber
eskin.Sheattemptedto
runoutbutIgaveheradeadlyl
ook, shewalkedback
i
n.
"
Thi
swat
eri
scol
dbaby
.I'
mfr
eezi
ngpl
ease.
"She
cri
edwhi
l
egaspi
ngforai
r.Il
i
tmyci
gar
ett
eandsat
downonthet
abl
eseat.
"Don'
tyoudarest
epoutunt
il
lI
'm donesmoki
ng.
"I
saidandtookmyti
mepuffi
ng.
"Wheredoy ougett
henerv
et ot
ryandpoisonmy
famil
y?"Iaskedi
nav er
ychil
l
edmanner.Shekept
quiet
.
"Isai
dwher edoy ougett hener v etotryandki l
lmy
familyItu?"Il ookedather .Shewasnowshi veringin
cold.Herski nhadgoosebumpsf rom cold.That 's
exactlyhowIwanti t.Ir oseupf rom thet oi
letchai r
andt hrewt heci garettei ni t.Ipul l
edherbyt hehai r,
screami ngandki ckingandwentt omydar kr oom i n
thebasement .Nobodyknowst hisplaceexi stsapar t
from Ozi .Thel astt i
meIsatmyf ootinherewas
whenIt ookPal esa'scor pseout .Shewast hel oveof
myl i
feandIhadcompl etelydev otedmy selft oher
butshecheat edandf ellpr egnantwi t
hanot her
man'sbast ardchi l
d.Il ostal lsenseofcompassi on
andlockedhert odiei nt hebasement .Oneni ght
whilesleepi ngatOz i
'spl ace, Ihalluci
natedabouti t
andhewokemeupt hrowi ngpunches.That 'show
herbodywasdiscov
ered.Ihatedwomensinceand
promisedmysel
ftoneverfal
li
nloveagai
n.Ihat
ed
howsheplayedmef orafool
.
Iswi tchedt
hel i
ghtsonanddraggedheront
he
staircasegoingdown.Imadehersitonachair
.She
waswhi mperingandbeggingformer
cybutIhad
alreadyswitchedtothatzone.
"
Lwazipl
ease.Itwill
nev
erhappenagai
n.I
'
lll
eave
t
ownandnev ercomebackagain.I
'
llev
enstayoutof
y
ourli
fe,
please."Shepl
eaded.
"Youcanscr eam andshoutasl oudasyoucan.Thi s
houseissoudpr oofed.Justsoy ouknow,you'r
enot
theonl
yort hefir
stwomant odiedownher e.Ihope
herghostkeepsy oucompanyunt i
ll
youloosey our
l
astbreath.
"Isaid,headingtothedoor.
"Soonmyf at
herwil
lreal
i
sethatI
'm missi
ngandthe
fi
rstpl
acehe'l
lcomesearchi
ngisthi
shouse.Don'
t
beanidiot
."
Ichuckl
edandst
opped.It
urnedt
olookather
.
"
Thatwhi
mpwhosentswomentodohi
sdir
tyj
ob
wi
ll
comeher
e?Thatman?He'
sgotnobal
l
sthatone.
Evenmybr other'sunbornsonsurel
yhasball
sbigger
thanthoseofy ourfather
s.Now,don'
twasteyour
breathmydear ."IwalkedupandstoppedwhenI
reachedthedoor .
"NobodycrossestheLangaclanandl i
vest
otel
lthe
tal
e."Iwal
kedoutwi t
houtevenl ooki
ngather.I
won'tmisshisstupi
duglyface.I'l
lpeeonhercorpse
onceithasdecomposed.Usel essbitch!

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o

Ikeptsteal
inggl
ancesofhi
m buthewast oo
focusedont her
oad.It
ouchedhisshoul
derandhe
turnedhisgazeatmeandsmiled.
"Canwegotoourfav
our
it
espot?
"Isaid.He
narr
owedhi
sgazeatme,cl
ear
lynotcomprehendi
ng
whatIwassay
ing.
"
Whatspot
?"
"Yourspotsi
ll
y.Youhaven'
ttakenmet
her
esi
nceI
becamey ourgi
rl
fri
end.
"
Hel
aughed.
"Youwerealr
eadymygirl
fr
iendwhenIt ookyou
ther
e.Youjustdi
dn'
twannaadmi tity
et.
"Hesaid
sti
ll
laughi
ngandfocusi
ngont heroadagain.
"
Liar
.Youweret
oosureofyour
sel
f.That
'swhyy
ou
t
houghtIwasal
readyi
ntoy
ou."
"Butyouwereint
omebabe.Verybad.Ifel
titwhenI
kissedyou.
"Helookedatmebri
efl
y.Iwassmi tt
en.I
cannevergetusedtohowhandsomeher eall
yis.
"
You'
resof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f.
"Isai
d.
"
Andt
hisi
swhyy
oul
ovemet
hismuch.
"
Wedrov
einsi
l
enceandar
ri
vedatourspotaf
tera
whi
l
e.
Weparkedandr
emai
nedi
nthecarduet
othechi
l
ly
weat
her.
"
Thi
sisn'
tsaf
eyouknow.
"Hesai
dlooki
ngout
side
t
hewindow.
"Nothi
ngisgonnacomenearwher eOzi
thobile
Langais.Notwit
hthataura.
"Isai
d.Heturnedto
l
ookatmewi t
honeey enarr
owedandsuppr esseda
smil
ethatwant
edt
ocr
eepoutf
rom bot
hcor
ner
sof
hi
smout h.
"
Leti
tout
.Iknowy
ouwannasmi
l
e."
"
Whyam Iget
ti
ngthefeel
i
ngt
haty
ou'
ref
all
i
ngi
nlov
e
wi
thmyshadysi
de?"
"
Wel l
.
.."Il
i
ftedmyshoul
derandf
iddl
edwit
hmy
f
ingers.Hetil
tedmyf
aceupbymychi nwi
thhi
s
i
ndexf i
nger.
"
Baby
..
."hesai
dsof
tl
y.Il
ookedbackathi
m.
"Iam fal
l
inginlovewithit.Ireal
i
sedthati
t'
snotall
bad.Imeant akef ori
nstancewhatconspiredtoni
ght
.
I
fy ouweren'tsov i
gil
ant,wecoul dhav
eatethat
poisonedfood."Isaidlookingdown.
"Lookatmebaby.
"HesaidandIf
eltchi
l
lst
rav
el
downmyspine.Ibr
oughtmygazeupandmetwit
h
his.
"
Whatar
eyousay
ingmyl
ove?
"Headded.
"I
'
m sayi
ngIlov
eyouforwhoyouare.Howyou'
re
al
waysabletocomeatther
escueofpeopl
eyou
l
overeal
lyt
urnsmeon."
Hewi
denedhi
sgazeandgr
inned.
"
Arey
out
urnedonr
ightnow?
"
Inoddedrapidl
y.Hel
eanedforwardandpeckedmy
l
ips.Ifel
thi
shandbetweenmyl egs.Hepul
ledthem
apartandsl
iddedfut
heri
n.Iheaved.
"Letmeinbaby.Openup."Hesai
dagai nstmyli
ps.I
didasperhi
swi shesandfel
thi
sfingersli
dinsi
de
mycage.Igaspedandhechuckled.Hemov edi
tin
andoutandasof tmoanescapedmymout h.
"You'
resowet .
"Hewhisperedandpull
edawayf
rom
thekiss.Ipull
edhim cl
oserandburr
iedmyheadon
hisshoulder.Imoanedsomemor e.Hekeptmovi
ng
hisfi
ngerslowlyandIfeltmybodytenseup.
"
Baby
..
."Imumbl
edsof
tl
y.
"
Hmmm.
"
"
Ithi
nkI
'
m gonnacum.
"
Heincreasedhi
spaceafewti
mesandpul l
edhi
s
f
ingerout.Iwhi
ned.Hel
i
ckeditcl
eanedandki
ssed
mypout edli
ps.
"
Let
sgohomesweet
hear
t.Ngi
funaukukudl
askoen.
"
Hesai
dashei
gni
tedt
hecarengi
ne.
"
Skoenbaby
?"Iaskedseduct
ivel
y.
"
Yesmyl
ove.skoenskoen.
"
Ifel
tmycl i
tthrobbesandcouldn'
thelpbutattach
hi
m wi thkiss.Hisbreathi
ngescalat
edasItouched
hi
sal readyhardcock.Ipulledbackandhedr ove
away .Hest oppedaf ewmet er
sawayandpul led
over.Her ubbedhi seyesfr
anti
call
yandrestedhis
headont hesteeri
ngwheel .
"FuckbabyI'
mt oohor
ny.Ican'
tsee.
"Hesai
dandI
chuckl
ed.Ihandedhim awaterbot
tl
edandhedr
ank
i
tdown.
"That
'smuchbet
ter
.Let
'sgohomenow.
"Wi
tht
hat
said,
hespedoff
.

NewLockPr
ison
Nar
att
ed

Yabay
abay
abazumbay
abazumbay
abazumba
pepeeee.
..
yabay
abay
abazumbay
abazumbay
aba
zumba.
Asonger uptedaspri
soner sbeganclimbingontop
oftablesanddanced,pressingonMi ke'
ssleepi
ng
nerves.Hepull
edthecov ersoverhisheadandtried
toblockthenoisebutitwast ooloud.Hesprangon
hisfeetandshouted.
"SHUTTHEFUCKUP. "Hescr eamedashebl ocked
hisears.Mi kelikesv eryquietplaces.Theybr i
nghim
peaceandkeephi m sane.Not hi
ngi r
rit
ateshimlike
noiseandr oudypl aces.Ittr
iggersandwakeshi s
ultr
aper sonaupandonceshe' sawake, nobodywi l
l
beablet oputheronal eash.Shedoesn' tgobackto
sleepwi thoutspeal i
ngbl oodandnobodywi l
lbe
readyforwhatMi kewi l
l doonceheswi tchestohis
ultr
aper sonanamedLucy .Hegav eitanameaf t
er
hismot her.Hebel i
vest hatshelivesinsidehimin
ordert
oseekr evengef orherpai nfuldeath.
"SHUTUUUUUUP! "Hey el
ledonceagai nbutther
e
wasnowayhi svoicecouldcompet ewiththenoise.
Theinmat eswereobviouslysingingatthetopof
thei
rlungs.Theyconti
nuedsi ngingi
nganddancing.
Li
ttl
edidt
heyknow,ther
ewasamonst erbei
ng
awakensl
owly.Mi
kewassl owlybutsurel
ygett
ing
tr
igger
edandLucyhadalreadytakenover
.
Het ookouthi ssharpedt oot
hbr ushandpul ledone
oftheinamat esandst abbedhi m acout lesst i
mes.
Bloodcamej ut t
ingoutandt hecr ewmov edback
andcausedcommot ion.Thei nmat efel
l ont he
groundandt hewhol er oom wentdead.Mi ke
cli
mbedont opoft het abl est
illholdingthe
toothbr
ushandl ooki
ngl i
keawol f.Hisblueey es
glowingfi
ercely.Allt
hei nmatest hatwer eont opof
thetablej
umpeddownqui et
lyliketheywer eaf r
aid
tomakenoi se.Her olleddownt hetopofhi sblood
stai
nedorangej umpsui tandt i
edi tonhiswai st.He
l
ookeddownatt hem wi thhisbl oodshotey es.
"Nowy ouli
stent
omeandl i
stenverycar
efull
y
becauseit'
sthel
astti
meI '
m gonnasayit.There
won'teverbenoi
seinthi
scell.Fai
luret
ocompl y,
you'
llseeyourmother
'sbum."
Theroom sti
ll
remainedqui
et.Hel
ookedatthem
onemoret i
meandj umpeddown.Hegotbackinhi
s
bedandsleptonhisbackburyi
nghi
shandsunder
hi
sheadandcl
osi
nghi
sey
es.
I
nser
t49
(
Unedi
ted)
*
***
***
***

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

"
Evenf
rom acr
osst
hesea,
sof
aracr
osst
hesea.
Icanheary
oucal
l
ingme,
babycomet
ome.
Dest
inycont
rol
stheend,
nomat
terwher
eyouar
e.
Dream anddar
etol
oveagai
n,y
ourhomei
sinmy
heart
.

Iknowt
hewayIf
eel
abouty
ouwon'
tpass.
Ohy
esi
t'
sgonnal
astandst
andt
het
estoft
ime.
Soy
oursear
chf
orl
ovei
saboutt
oend.
You'
refut
urehol
dsaplacewher
etr
uelov
ebegi
ns.
"-
BoystoMen_yourhomeisi
nmyheart
.
Themusi ccameonf ullblastf r
om downst airsandI
wonder edwhatwasgoi ngon.Ir olledoutofbed
wi t
houtev enwr appingagownandheadedout .I
wasmetwi thacompl etedi m house, candl esand
rosepedal sthatwer ebededont hef loorf rom our
doorheadi ngdownt hehal lway .Acr osst her oom
wasr edl i
ght sflashing" Goodmor ningbeaut if
ul".My
j
awdr oppedt othef l
oorwi thshock.Orexci t
ement ?I
don' tknowbutIf eltbut t
erfli
esi nmyt ummyand
goosebumpshi tti
ngt her oof .Ilookedar oundand
romancewasobv i
ousl ytheor deroft heday .The
wondowbl indswer er oll
eddown, deny i
ngt hel i
ght
from penet r
ati
ngt hehouse.Smal lredl ightsfrom all
corner soft hehousewer eon, maki ngt hewhol e
env i
r onmentappeal i
ngt ot heey eswi tht hehel pof
thesecandl esont hef loor.Ididsayt hishousewasa
dream whenIsatmyf eeti nitthef i
rstt imebutI
nev ert houghti thadsuchbeaut ifulf i
tures.The
ownerobv i
ouslyknewwhathewant edwhent hey
wer edesi gningitbecausewow, it'
saheav enon
earth.Myhear tswel ledasIf oll
owedt her osepedal s
downst airs.Themusi cbecamel ouderasI
appr oachedandt herewasamal ev oicesinging
alongt ot hisbeaut i
fulsongwhi chhappenst oalso
bemyf avour i
t e.Iknewmymancansi ngbutInev er
thoughti twast hisdeep.Imademywaydownt he
staircaseandt her ehewas, inhisjeansandanapr on
wr appedar oundhi snakedt osso.Sexydi dn'teven
begi ntosum uphowdel i
cioushel ooksi nthatapron.
Hisbr oadchestwasoozi ngunder neat handhi s
bicepswer eoutt opl ay.Hmm!Hel ookedl i
kea
snack, Itellyou.Hewasbusyl i
ghtingt hecandles
thatwer eont hebeaut ifull
ysett ablewhenhet urned
toseeme.Hest oppedsi ngingandf lashedmeone
ofhi sdashi ngsmi l
es.Ismi ledbackwi thmyey es
fi
xedont het abl e.God, thismani sgoal smaan.He
i
sj ustgoal s.Hemot i
onedt owardsmeandext ended
hishandt ot akemi ne.Igl andlyextendedmi netohis
andhemademademet wi r
l unexpect edly.Inearl
y
fellbuthecaughtme.Iwasnowbendi ngbackwar ds
i
nhi sbeddedar ms, lookingathi m ashel ooked
deepi nmyey es.Hepl acedasof tpeckonmy
foreheadandIgi ggled.
"
Hi.
"Hesai
d.
"
Hey
."Isai
dsof
tl
y.
Hepull
edmeupandwr appedmyarmsaroundhi
s
neckwhil
ehecar
eful
l
yplacedhisonmywaist
.He
gazedt
hroughmysoulandstar
tedsi
ngi
ngagai
n.

"Takearomant
icj
our
neyj
ustt
ost
artatt
he
beginni
ng.
Youwon'
tknowwher
eyou'
regoi
ng'
ti
l
lyougett
her
e.
Andi
sitj
ustphy
sical
ori
sitl
ast
ingl
ove?
Pl
easedon'
tgi
veup.
Wewon'
tknowunl
esswet
ry.
"

Hest
oppedsi
ngi
ngagai
nandl
ookedatme.
"Nnhlanhla.
"Hebr ushedmycheecksti
l
llooki
ngat
me.Hi sfacewasf ullofal
lsor
tsofemoti
ons.I
untangledmyhandsar oundhi
sneckandsettl
ed
them onhi ssexybiceps.Hechuckl
edt
henswi t
ched
backt otheintenselookagai
n.
"Il
oveyouMaKhumal
o.Andy
ou'
resor
idi
cul
ousl
y
beaut
if
ul.
"
Ibl
ushed.
"Youknow,whenIt hinkaboutallt
heshittystuff
you'v
ebeenthroughi nthecourseofknowi ngand
beingwit
hme, it
'scrazy.Nobodywoul dhav ebeen
ableputupwithallthenonsenseIputy outhrough.
Peoplefi
ndthenextexhi stwhenshithit
sthef anbut
hereyouare,st
il
lstandingbeforeme."Hesai d.
"Bab-"hepl
acedhi
sindexf
ingeronmypar
tedl
i
ps
andmademeshush.
"Letmef i
nishmyl ove,please.Idon'
twantyou
sayinganythinginretur
nofev eryt
hingthatI
'
llsayto
yout hi
smor ning.Justl
istenandabsorbokay ?"He
saidlooki
ngdownatmeandIj ustnoddedli
ghtly.
"
You'
reanamazingwoman.Andwi
thal
lhonest
ly
Nhl
anhl
a,Idon'
tdeser
vey
ou."
"Nobabybutyoudo."Ij
umpedin.Iknowhesai dI
shoul
dn'
tspeakbutI'
m notgonnalethim goahead
sayi
ngsuchnonsense.I
fanybodydeservesmei n
thi
sworl
d,i
t'
shim.Nowwhydoeshef eell
ikehe
doesn'
twheni
nact
ual
fact
,hedoes?
Helookedatmeintensel
yandIl
ookedr
ightbackat
hi
m.Asi nt
imi
datedasIwasofhisl
ookri
ghtnow,I
st
oodmygr ound.
"You'
renotj
ustbeauti
fulandcleverbutyou'
real
so
stubbor
naren'
tyou?"Ismiledbuthedidn't
.Oohkay
!
"Iwouldn'thav easkedf orabet t
erwomant owal k
thi
sjourneywi th.IknewGodhadanswer edmy
prayerswhenIbumpedi ntoy outhatotherday .It
wasn'tacoi nci dencet hatwemet ,
baby.Dest iny
broughtust oget herbecausewhenIf i
rstsawy ou
thatday,Inot icedj usthowy oungy ouwer e..
.wel l
youstill
ar e,butIl ayonmybedt hatni
ghtbat tling
withthethoughtofl ett
ingy ougobutIcoul dn't.
WhatIf eltfory oudi dn'tstopmef rom pursuingy ou,
evenaf t
ercr ackingmyskul llongandhar dabouti t.I
knewy ou'ret hekindofwomanIneeded, heck, I
wanted.DamnNhl anhlay oudr ovemei nsaneand
thethoughtofanot hermanhav i
ngy ouashi sown
mademybodycr i
nge. "
Ichuckl
ed.I
shej
eal
ous?Wow.
"Lastni ghtyoupr ovedj ustwhatar ightchoiceI
madeabouty ou.Youov ercamey ourf earsand
accept edmef orwhoIam.Inev erthoughtI '
dli
veto
seet hedaybuther eIam.Thanky ousomuchf or
l
ov ingmewi thmyf lawsandshor tcomi ngs.Baby,
thereisn'tanythingIwoul ddof ory ouandy ouknow
thatright?"Het i
ltedhi sheadandsear chedmyey es.
Inoddedst i
lll
ooki ngathi m.I '
venev erseenhi m
l
ooki ngsov ulnerabl ebef ore.Evenwhenhel osthis
father.Shame, mypoorman.
"Andthemosti mpor tantthingIneedy outoknowi s
thatI'
dnev erhur ty oudeliber atel
y.Il
ov eyouenough
toletyougoi fIfailwithmymi ssion,whichisto
makey ouhappy .Idon'twantt odomi nateinthis
union,baby .Iwanty outobey ourowni ndi
vidualand
doy ourowni ndividualstuff.Ev enthoughit'
sst i
l
lmy
Judyt oguidey ou, pleasel etmeknowi fandwhenI
comeacr ossast oost r
ongt hatyouf eel
overshadowedbyme.Okay ?"
"Butwe'regoodtoget
herbaby.I
fthere'
sanythi
ng
thatInoti
cedaboutusisthatwe'r
estrongerand
goodt oget
herthanweareapart.Al
lthosefewtimes
wespendapart
,mademereal
i
set
hat
."Icuppedhi
s
f
acewithbot
handhands.
"Il
oveyoujustasmuchasy oulov eme.AndI '
d
rat
herhavear ol
ler
coast
erli
fewithy outhana
smoothri
dewi thsomeoneelse.Ngi f
unawenaand
wenawedwa.Ican' ti
maginemy selfli
vi
ngli
fewit
h
somebody."Isaid.
"Hel
lwil
lhav
etobrakel
oosethatday.NotwhenI'
m
sti
ll
ali
ve.
"Hesai
dandIlookedathim amazed.
"
Haukant
idi
dn'
tyoujustsayy
oul
ovemeenought
o
l
etmegoify
oudon'tmakemehappy?
"
"Haibabyphumalaphoplease.Thethoughtofyouin
anotherman'
sarmsnjedr i
vesmecr azy.Idon'
teven
wannat hi
nkabouti
t.
"Ilaughandpulledhishead
downt henki
ssedhi
slips.It
urnedtolookatthe
tabl
eandsmi l
ed.
"You'
veoutdoney
our
sel
fher
eLanga.I
tlooks
beaut
iful
."
"
Youthinkso?Iwant
edtot
hankyouf
orbei
ngt
his
i
ncr
ediblewomanthaty
ouare.
"
It
unedandl
ookedathi
m.
"Youandyourpl
easantsur
pri
seskodwa.I
thas
becomeyoursecondnatur
ehuh?"
"
Tel
lmey
oudon'
tl
ovei
t.
"Hesai
dsmi
rki
ng.
"
Ilov
eitbaby
.Il
ovey
ou.Ver
ymuch.
"
Ipushedhi m againstthekitchencount erandour
bodiest ouched.Iuntangledtheapr onandpul ledit
up, i
tdroppedt othefloor.Igrappedhi smanhood
andsquat t
eddownst i
lll
ookingathi m.Hehada
stupidgr i
nplaster
edacr osshi sface.Iworkedhi s
beltandunbut tonedhisjeans.Ipul l
edt hem down
foll
owedbyhi sboyleg,hiscookspr angoutt o
freedom.Icuppedi tandst rokedi tafewt i
mes, i
t
drippedsomepr e-
cum.Ist uckmyt ongueoutt o
moi stenmyl i
psandt ookal lofitinmymout h,he
cursed.
"Uurhfuck!
"Ilookedathim,hewasbalancingwith
hishandsont hecounter
, hi
sheadhangedbackand
hiseyesshut.Istar
tedtosuckandli
ckandsuckand
l
ick.
..hehadhishandatt hebackofmyheadal r
eady,
i
ncreasingmypaceandspeaki ngintongues.I
l
ookedupathi
m,hisfaci
alexpressionwas
somewher
ebetweenpainandpl easure.Ii
ncr
eased
mypaceandhepull
edoutinstantly
.
Hepi ckedmeupandmademehol dt
hecounter.He
pull
edmysi lkynight
dressupandshi ft
edmypent ies
totheside.Ibendedov erandgavehim enough
room, heinser t
edhimselffrom t
hebackent r
ance
withoutwar ningandstartedtogrindhard.
Thesoundofmyasscl
appi
ngagai
nsthisthi
ghs
wascompeti
ngwit
hthemusici
nthebackground.
Heponderdeeperandhar derandIwasscr eaming
outl oudwhi l
ehewasgr oaningandspeaki ngi
n
tongues.If el
tmybodyt enseupandmyl egsstart
ed
trembl ingbad.Hepul l
edoutandt urnedmeswi ftl
y.
Hepl acedmeont opoft hecount erandsquat t
ed
downabi tspreadingbothmyl egswi deopenon
eithersi deofhi sshouldersandst artedtosuckme.
Hesuckedonmycl itandIfeltawav ebui l
dup.Iheld
ont ohi sheadandpushedi tdeepi nmel ikea
want edmycaget oswal lowhi shead.Myl egs
startedt r
emblingagai nandjustasIwasaboutt ohit
thewav e,hecamebackupandi nsertedhimsel
f
agai
n.
"Ozi.
..
"Isul kedbetweenmymoans.Heat t
achedme
withaki ssandswepthi stongueinmymout h.He
placedhi shandont hecounterandpul
ledmecl oser
tohim wi ththeotherandstart
edtopoundmedeep
andhar d.Hewasgr oani
ngsol oudt
hatIfel
this
husky,bol dv oi
cevi
brati
nginmyempt ystomach.
"Shi
tbabyI
'
m cumi
ng.
"Hesai
dwi
thhi
svoi
cehar
dly
audi
ble.
"Cum wit
hmeNhl anhl
a.Relaxyourbodyandcum
withmesweetheart
."Idugmynai lsonhi
sbackand
heincr
easedhispace.Hepoundedf ast
erand
deeperunti
l
lbothourbodiestensedup.
"
Oohbabeeey
!"Iscr
eamedoutl
oud.
"AahhfuckNhlanhl
a.Uuuhshii
ii
t!
"Herel
easedand
hangedhisheadonmyshoul derandwetri
edto
catchourbr
eath.Icl
enchedmywal l
sonhim andhe
groanedsof
tl
y.
"
Shi
tbaby
,don'
tdot
hat
."
Igi
ggl
edandheki
ssedmyneck.Hecamet
omy
f
aceandweki
ssedshor
tl
y.
"
Thatwasamazi
ng.
"Isai
d.
"Don'
tevenmensioni
t.Wow,
whatasteamysessi
on.
You'r
egonnatur
nmebackont hi
sinst
ant
."Hel
et
outasigh.
"Let
'sgotakeashowert
henwe'
l
lcomebackand
eat.
"Isai
d.
Hepi
ckedmeupwi t
hhiscockst
il
li
nsi
de.I
twas
sl
owl
ygett
ingsof
tthought
.
"Idon'
twannapul
lout
.It
'sverywar
minher
e."He
saidwit
hasmirkonhisface.
"
Haubabykodwai
t'
saspongebobmanj
e."
Hebusti
ntol
aught
er.
"You'
recall
i
ngJackaspongeBob?Uy adel
elamos
wena.I'
m gonnahavetoupmygame."hesai dwhil
e
weheadedupstair
s.Wegotinandgotunderthe
shower.Heputmedownandr anthewar m wat
er.
Hisjui
cescamerunningdownmyt hi
ghs.Helooked
atthem andsmil
ed.
"
Lookatmyseedsgoi
ngdownt
hedr
ain.
"Il
aughed
andhegav
emeawashi
ngsponge.
"Youcan'
tbesul
kingovert
hosewhenyou'v
egotone
cooki
ngalr
eady.
"Isai
d.Heturnedmearoundand
washedmyback.
"I
stovesakhosi bakerkamnandi baby.Jackcan
att
esttothatyoh.You'regonnabet hedeathofme
wena."HesaidandIt urnedtolookathim.Hel ooked
superdrai
nedrightnow.Ilaughedandshookmy
head.Hejuststoodundert heshowerandl ett
he
waterdothetri
ck.

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

I'
m soinlovewithmywi f
e.She'
sever yt
hingaman
couldaskfor.She'
sgotallt
hequali
tiestojustst
roke
myegoef fort
lessl
y.She'
sbeaut
if
ul,smar tand
stubbor
n.Buthey ,
Iloveherwi
thallthatshecomes
with.Wefini
shedtakingashower.
"Doyouwantmetodr
esst odi
ne?"Sheasked.I
narr
owedmyeyesandlookedather.
"
Youmeani
nanev
eni
ngdr
essandst
il
ett
os?
"
"
Uh-
huh?
"
Ishookmyheadandmotionedtowardsher
.Ipul
l
ed
herbythewai
standcapt
uredherli
ps.
"Dr
esswar m, i
t'
sabitchil
ly.Aft
erthi
sthough."I
savouredonhersoftwar ml i
psandshepulledback.
Ipressedmyl i
pstogetherandlookeddownatmy
cook.Ilookedbackatherandpl eadedwit
hmyey es.
"NooooOzi.Tel
lhi
mt osleep.I
'
m notgivi
nghi
m
anythi
ng.
"Shesaidtaki
ngouttracksui
tsi
nthecl
oset
.
"
Justal
i
ttl
ebaby
.Pl
ease.
"
"Nohun."Shegav
ememycl
othesandki
ssedmy
cheek.
"Getdressed.
"Sheadded.Il
etoutasi
ghand
adjust
edJack.
"
Ican'
tgetenoughofy
ouandy
ouknowi
t.
"Isai
d.
"Manj ewho'
ssupposet
oeatallt
hefoodinthe
ki
t chenwhenwe'r
eupherehavi
ngsex?"Shesaid
whi l
edressi
ngupandIchuckl
ed.Wefini
shedandI
pickedherupthebri
dal
styl
eandheadeddownstair
s.
Iputherdownandpul
l
edt
hechai
rforher
.
"
Madam."Isaid.Shesmi
ledandswi
vel
eddown.I
wentt
omysi deandsatdownaswel
l.
"Thi
slooksabsol
utel
ybeaut
if
ul.You'
rehusband
goal
sOzithobi
leLanga.
"Il
ookedatherti
ckled.
"You'rewelcomemyl ove.Pleasedoenj oy.
"Isai d.I
dishedupandst ar
tedeat i
ng.Shet ookhert i
me
l
ooki ngatandt ast
ingal lt
hisdishes.Isatt hereand
wat chedheramused.Shecl earlydoesn'tknowwhat
shewant st oeatandt hewayshehadhermout h
stuffedandbot hherhandsi nev erydishwasj ustfun
towat ch.Nottoblowmyownhor nbutI 'm agr eat
cook.Iknowmywayar oundtheki tchen.Mywi fe'
s
reactiontowardsthesef oodrightnow, cansur el
y
attesttothat.
"Youcanhav eever
ythi
ngel
sebaby
.Justsl
owdown
please.You'
l
lchoke.
"
"Hmmm leavemeal onedude."Shesaidal
most
i
naudibl
e.Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead.Myphone
rangont
opoft heki
tchencounter.Iwi
pedmyhands
andpushedthechairback.Ist
oodupandwalked
overtowherei
twas.Ipickeditupandcheckedthe
cal
lerID,
itwasunknown.Iansweredandplacedit
onmyear .
"
Ozi
Langa.
"Isai
d.
"Goodmorni
ngMrLanga.You'
respeakingt
owarder
MasombukaatNewLockpr i
sonhere."Hesai
d.If
elt
coldchi
l
lsinmyst
omachandr emainedsil
ent
.
"
MrLanga,
arey
oust
il
lther
e."
"
WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
"
"Therewasav eryunpleasanti
ncidentinoneofour
cell
slastni
ght.
"Hesai d.What'swrongwi t
hthi
sguy?
Can'theconstr
uctaf ull
sentencewithoutmehaving
toorchestr
ateeverywor dfr
om him?St upi
dass!
"
Wel
l
,what
'st
hatgott
odowi
thme?
"Iasked.
"
Welly
ouappearedonthenextofkeenf
ort
heguy
whoki
ll
edoneinmatel
astnight
."
Ifel
tknotsinmystomach.Damny ouMichael
.I
l
ookedov eratSneandshewasbusystuffi
ngher
facewit
hf oodtoevennot
iceme.Icl
ear
edmyt hroat
andfocusedont hi
sguyagain.
"
Uhm.
..
who'
sthati
nmat
ethatheki
l
led?
"Iasked.
"
Micheal
Whit
eistheper
petr
atorandheki
l
ledan
i
nmatenamedBonganeZondo."
Ifel
tmybodyeaseupandIl etoutasi
gh.Idi
dn'
t
real
iseIwashol
dingmybreaththi
swholeti
me.Oh
thankyousweetJesus.
"
Okaysowhatdoy
ouwantwi
thme?
"Iasked.
"
Weneedy
out
ocomet
otheof
fi
cet
oday
."
"
Ican'
ttoday
.You'
l
lhav
etomakei
ttomor
row.
"
"
Sir
,Idon'
tthi
nky
ouunder
stand.Youha-
"
"IsaidIcan'ttoday.I'
vegototherimpor tanterr
ands
torun.I'
llmaket imeandcome.Unt i
llthenplease
don'tcrowdmyphone. "Ihungupandt hr ewthe
phoneont hecount er
.Thatmot her
fuckingMi ke!
He'scrazyi fhethinksI'
l
lbai
lhisassoutofj ail
after
whathej ustdid.Ormay beIjustshoul dandsav e
Dlomo'sassbef orehegetstohi m?Ur gdammi t
!He
j
ustr ui
nedmymoodandnowIcan' tthinkstrai
ght.
Iwal
kedbackt
omyseatandsatdown.
Shel
ookedatmeandIcoul
dn'
tmai
ntai
ney
econt
act
.
"I
t'
sgoodtoknowt hatIt
akepriori
tyinyourli
fe.
"She
smil
ed.Il
ookedathercaref
ull
yt r
yingtofigur
eout
whatshewassay i
ngpreci
sely
.Shel ookedatme
backandsmiledevenwidel
y.
"
IknowMikeneedsyouf
orwhatevershi
thedi
dbut
I
'
m glady
ou'r
eputt
ingmefi
rst
."Sheadded.
"Di
dyouheart
hat
?"Iaskedsof
tl
yandpuzzl
ed.She
nodded.
"Youwer el i
teral
lyaf ewmetersawayf rom mehun.
AfcauseIhear dthat.Andyoushoul dst opbeating
yourselfupf orotherpeople'
smesses.I fit
'stoo
muchl oadf ory outhenuseme, thisiswhyI '
m here
afterall
.Tohel py ouwithyourburdens. "Shesaid,
l
ooki ngrightintome.If el
tmygroincl enchandI
couldn'thelpitany more.Thi
swomanj ustgetsme
andi tt
urnsmeon.
Ipushedmychai
rsandwentt
opi
ckherup.
"Iwannasti
ckmycockdeepi nyouthatmyson
holdsi
tifhecan.FuckNhlanhlayoudri
vemenut s,
woman."Iheadedupstai
rsandpi nnedheragai
nst
thedoorthemomentwewal kedin.
"Idon'
tpromi
set obegent
lebutifI
'
m hur
ti
ngyou
pleaset
ellme,okay?
"Shelookedatmepuzzl
ed.
"Nhl
anhla."Isai
dandshebitherbot
tom li
psending
mest r
aighttomyzone.Ir
ibbedhertracktopapart
anditdroppedtothef
loor
.Iburri
edmyheadonher
neck.
"Baby
..
."shewhisperedandIdi
dn'
tacknowl
edgeher
.
Iwasalreadyheat
ingup.
"Makemey ourbit
chLangaandhav ey ourwaywi th
me."Sheadded,seduct
ivel
yandIfeltextr
emecol d
chi
ll
stravel
downmyspi ne.Theelectr
icwav esthat
wereexchangi
ngbetweenusr i
ghtnowwer einsane.
"
Wit
hpl
easur
ebaby
."That
'sal
lImanagedt
osay
.

*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*

I
'm sor
ryIcoul
dn'
tpostl
astni
ght
.Ihopet
hismakes
upfori
t.
I
nser
t50
(
Unedi
ted)

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

TodayIwokeupdur ingt heweehour soft he

mor ningbecauseI '
vegotav erybusydayahead.I
startedmydaywi thsomeheat edgy m sessi
on.Il ost
awhol elotofnutrientslastni ghtbecausedamn, my
wifegav emeheral l
.Ihadsexandmadesweetl ove
tohert il
lIcouldn'tany mor e.NowIneedal lthe
ener gyIcanpossi blegett okickst artmyday .Ihave
togot oprisonbef oreIgot otheof fice.Ican'tsay
I'
ml ookingf orwardt omyv isitthere.Ishouldget
Mi keoutassoonasIpossi blecan.If ini
shedwi th
mygy m sessionandt ookal ukewar m shower .I
wr appedat owelaroundmywai standheadedt oour
room.Iwal kedinandshewasst i
llfastasleep.I
dissapear edtothewal ki nclosetandgotdr essedi n
my3pi ecechar coal suitandacr ispywhi teshirt
.I
paireditwi thablackpai rofItali
anl eathershoesand
abl ackbelt.Iwal kedoutandl ookedatt hewall
clock,itwasj ustaf ter6am.Iwentov ertothebed
andpeckedmywi f
e'spoutedl i
psandwal kedout .I
tookt heelevatordownt otheunder groundgarage
andr eversedt hebl ackBMW 3ser iesoutand
screechedt hegr ound, speedingof f.Iwasonmy
wayt ot heofficewhenmyphoner ang.Ipr essedt he
answer ingbut tonwi thoutevenchecki ngthecallerID.
"
OziLanga.
"Isai
dbutt
her
ewassi
lence.Il
ookedat
t
hescreenandsawLwazi
'
sname.
"Lwazi
."Ther
ewassil
enceagai
nthensome
shuff
li
ngandsni
ff
ing.
"I
'
ml oosi
ngi
tbro.I
'
m sinki
ngbacki
nthatdar
k
space.
"Hesai
d,sni
ffi
ng.
"
What
?Wher
ear
eyou?
"
"
Myhouse.
"
"I
'
llbetherejustnow.
"IhungupandmadeaU- t
urn.I
can'tgototheoffi
cewhenLwazi soundsli
kethat.
He'satoughnutt ocr
ackandhandl ycr
iesbutwhen
hedoes,Iknowshi ti
shitt
ingthefan.Palesareal
ly
didanumberonmybr other.Helovedherdearlybut
shebet rayedhi m. .
.turninghimf rom al ovinggentl
e
guyintosomeoneIcoul dn'
trecogni ze.Hehasn' t
beent hesamesi nceshepassedon.Ir emember
whenshegotbur ri
ed, Lwazi drankhi mselftosleep
alldayev eryday.Hewashur t
ingsobadt hathecried
everydayl ookingatherpi cturesanddi dn'
teator
takeabat hforday s.I tbrokemyhear t.Ihated
seeinghi ml i
ket hatandIdon' twantt oseehim go
backt hereagai n.Idr ov ebetweenl anesl i
kea
mani acunt il
lIarrivedatHat f
ield.Ipunchedt hecode
anddr ovei n.Iturnedt hedoorknobandpushed, it
all
owedme.Ibur gedi nandcal ledhi sname.
"Lwazi!
"Hedi dn'tanswer.Ij
oggedupst air
sand
pushedhi sbedroom dooropen, thebedwascl ean.It
didn'
tlookl ikesomebodyhadsl eptoni t.Myheart
start
edt obeatagai nstmyr ibcage.Ipani ckedand
walkedt ot heclosettolookforhim buthewasn' t
thereeithe.Iat t
empt edtowalkoutbutr emember ed
thebathr oom.Whydi dInotthinkoft hat?Imot i
oned
fasttothebat hroom andhewasn' ttherestil
l.
Dammi tLwazi .Isawy ourcaroutsideman, where
areyou?It houghttomy self
.Icouldn'tthinkanymore.
Istoppedforamomentandr egrouped.Iwal kedout
andat t
empt edtowal kbackdownst airsbutIhear da
sniff
ingsoundcomi ngf r
om hisof f
ice.Iturnedand
mademywayt here.Ipushedthedoorandwasmet
withdarkessandasmel lofbooze.Iswi tchedt he
l
ightsonandt herehewas, sit
tingonhi sbut tagainst
thewallwithabottleinhishand.Myhear tdropped
tothepitofmyst omachatt hesi ghtofthis.Ilooked
aroundandt hereweret womor eempt ybottl
esof
whiskeynexttohim.
"
Lwazi"Ical
l
edhisnamesof t
lybuthedi
dn'tl
ookat
me.Itookoffmyblazerandthrewitont
hedeskand
r
olledupmysleeves.Isatdownnexttohim and
wrappedmyarm aroundhim.
"What'
sgoingon, mate?Whattr
igger
edyou?"Isai
d
l
ookingathim butheshookhisheadandcouldn'
t
hol
dbacknomor e.Ipul
ledhi
mtomyl apsandhelet
i
tallout
.
"Leti
toutman.Leti tal
lout
."Isai
d,sti
llholdinghim
i
nmyar ms.Ihateseeinghi
ml i
kethis.Thel astti
me
hewast hisdownandoutwasaf t
erheki l
ledt hel
ove
ofhisli
fe.Nothi
ng,notevenli
feit
sel
fmadesenset o
hi
m af terthat
.WhenPal esadied,hediedwi t
hapar t
ofhim.Notev endad'ssuddenhear twr enchi
ng
deathtr i
ggerdhimt hi
sdeep.Isatt her
ewonder i
ng
whatwasgoi ngonwi t
hhi m andthenithitme.That
chi
ckI tumeleng!Damni tLwazi.Ihar
denedmyj aws,
tr
yingtocal m downandhopi ngthatmyov er
i
magi nationsareget t
ingthebet t
erofme.Icl ear
ed
myt hroatandgat heredsomest r
engthbef or
e
whisper i
ngawor d.
"Lwazi
.Wherei
sItu?
"Her oseupswift
lyfrom my
embraceandwipedhistear
svigor
ousl
y .Il
ooked
awayandgri
ndedmyt eeth.
"
Idon'
tknowwhat'
sgotteni
ntomebr
o.Ij
ustl
osti
t.
"
Hesai
dbetweenhi
shiccups.
"
Whatdi
dyoudo?Wher
eisshe?
"Iaskedcal
mly
.
"
Int
hebasement
."Hewhi
sper
ed.Mygazewi
dened
i
nshock.
"
What
?"
Hecuppedthebackofhi
sheadwithbothhi
shands.
Isprangonmyfeetandwal
kedout.Ir
antothe
basementandt
hedoorwaslocked.Ir
anbacktothe
of
fi
ce,
hehadhi
sheadbur
ri
edonhi
sknees.
"Where'sthekey ?"Imov edmygaze, t
racingthe
dir
ectionofhi shandashepoi ntedt ot hedest.My
eyesmetwi thkeyst hatwer elayingont hedeskand
Igrabbedt hem.Ir anbackt ot hebasementwi thmy
heartracing.Icouldonl yhopeandpr ay ,f
orhissake
thatshe'sst i
l
lali
ve.Nott hatIgav easackoff layi
ng
catsaboutwhathappenst othisdol lfaced.Butit
can'tbeint hi
shouse.Orl etalonei nthi sbasement .
Historycan'trepeatitself.Itwoul dn'tbegoodf orhis
sanity.
Iunlockedasf astasIcouldandpr essedt hewall
switch,thelight scameupwhi l
eIwasal ready
j
oggeddownt hestair
s.Shewascur ledupi ntoa
smal lballi
nt heconer.Isai
dal i
tt
lepr ayerandranto
her.Isquatteddownandhel dher,herbodywasas
col
dasi ce.Ipr essedhernecktofeel herpulse,
it
wasst il
lthere.Oht hankheavens!Ipickedherup
andwal kedout .
"Pl
easehelpme, Ozi.
"Shewhisper
edandIlookedat
her
.Ikindafel
treli
evedthatshewast
alki
ng.It
meansshe'sokayr i
ght?Imeanshewouldn'
tbeable
toutterawor difshewasn' tri
ght ?Iwast ryingto
convincemy self
.Iwentt oLwazi 'sroom andpl aced
heront hebed.Ir antot hebat hroom andf il
ledt he
bathtabwi thwarm wat erandr anbackt ot akeher .I
putheri nsideandpacedupanddownt her oom.I t
suddenl yhitmet hatshewashal fnaked.Itcoul dn'
t
beappr opr i
atetoseeheri nherunder wearsl i
ket hat.
Thiscan' tberight.Mywi fewoul dn'tapprove.I
walkedoutandsatont opofLwazi 'sbed.Icoul dn't
helpbutwonderi fshewasr ecov eri
ngwel linthere.I
wander edmyey esaroundt her oom andsawa
bathi
ngt owel onachair.Itooki tandwal kedbacki n.
Ipushedt hedooropenandourey esmet .Ithrewt he
towel ather .
"
Putt
hatont
op.
"
Shenoddedandt r
iedtowrapitaroundherunderthe
water
.Iwasreall
yreli
evedtoseeherbeingableto
evenl
iftupherar
ms.Shef i
nishedandlookedatme.
"
Thanky
ouforsavi
ngmylif
eOzi
.Idon'
tknowhow
I
'
llev
err
epayyou.
"Shesai
d.
"
Howabouty
oudot
hatbyt
ell
i
ngmewhatabr
ight
younggi
rll
ikeyour
sel
fisdoi
ngget
ti
ngher
sel
fin
suchevi
lactsl
i
kethat
?"
Sheswal
l
owedhar
dandf
aceddown.
"
You'reasuccessfuljournali
stIt
u.Whatdoesyour
f
aulthol
dagainsty ou?"Isaid,st
il
ll
ooki
ngather.Her
f
acechangedf r
om what ev eremoti
onshewas
weari
ng,i
ntosorrow.
"
I'
mtry
ingtohelpyouhere.Yout r
iedtopoi
sonus
wi
thmypregnantwif
eincluded.Doy ouknowhow
muchthet
houghtofthatisfuel
ingme? "
Shebroughthereyesupandlookedatme.Shet
ri
ed
tosaysomethingbuthert
hroatwasdry
.
"
Arey
ouwar
m now?
"Iasked.Shenodded.
"Good.You'
l
lfi
ndclothesontopofthebed.Dry
yoursel
fupandgetdressed.
"Iwalkedoutinst
ant l
y
andwenttotheoff
ice.Lwaziwasn'tther
eanymor e.I
walkeddownst
air
sandf oundhim drinki
ngwater.He
eyedmeandIjustpassedhim andt ookoutaglass
andplacedi
tonthekitchencount
er.
"
She'
sokay
."Isai
dandIhear
dhi
m heav
e.
"Thanky oubro.Idon'tknowwhatI '
ddoi fyoudi dn'
t
come. "Hesaidandl ookedathim.Her eall
yl ooked
drai
ned, l
ikehehasn'tsleptawinklastni
ght .I
pouredwat eri
ntothegl assandlookedathi m befor
e
headingupstair
s.
"I
t'
sprobablynotagreati
deathatyoubei nthe
samer oom wit
hher.SoIneedyout ostayoutside
andeav esdr
opourconver
sati
on.Justincasey ou'
re
unset
tledwithmebeinguptherewithher."
"
Yeah,
Iunder
stand.I
'
mri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.
"
Inoddedandwal kedupstai
rs.Iki
ckedthedooropen
andshewassi t
ti
ngatt heedgeoft hebedi
nLwazi's
tr
acksui
ts.Igav
ehert heglassandsatdownona
chai
r.Shetookasi pandIlookedather.
"Dr
inki
talldown.Youmustbedehy dr
ated.
"She
l
ookedatmeconcer ned.Il
ookedatherand
chuckl
ed.Iroseupandtookthegl
assfrom her
handsandtookasip.
"I
t'
snotpoi
soned.Nowdr i
nkbecauseIdon'
thave
thewhol
eday .
"Iwentbacktomychairandsat
down.Shedrankital
latonegoandputtheglass
down.Welookedateachot
heri
nsi
l
encet
henshe
cl
earedhert
hroat
.
"Well,myf at
her'scompanyi sbeingl iqui
dateddueto
debts.Ithasn'tbeendoi nggr eati
nt hepastf ew
years.Sohebor rowedmoneyf r
om t hebankt okeep
i
tafloat.Ithasn'tbeeneasywi thyouast he
opponent .Allhi
scl i
entswer epullingoutbecause
theyarereceiv i
ngbet t
erservicesatLanga
contracti
ons.Duet othatreason, hiscompanyhasn't
beenabl etomakeenoughmoneyt osettlet
hedebts
andpayi tsempl oyees."
"
Sowher
edoy
oucomei
nal
lthi
s?"Iasked.
"Well
,hesaidImustgetint
oar el
ati
onshipwith
Lwaziandev ent
ual
lygetmarr
iedtohim soIcould
haveasharei nhal
fofhi
sassets.Thati
ncludes
shar
esatLangacont r
acti
ons.
"Shesaid,fi
ddli
ng
wit
hherfingers.
"Thenhowwasy ourpl
angoi
ngtowor
kify
ou
poisonedus?
"Ienqui
redf
urt
her
.
"
Lwazi
isn'
tthatsmar
t.
"
Il
ookedather
.Whati
sshet
alki
ngaboutnow?
"
Inwhatsense?
"Iasked.
"He'
sjusthar
dcorebuthe'snotbr
il
lent
.Iwasn't
gonnasucceedwithmymi ssi
onwithyousti
llaround.
You'
dobv i
ousl
ybehi sbrai
nssotheonlywaytowi n
wastoeleminat
ey ou."
"
Andmypr
egnantwi
fe?Ar
eyout
hathear
tl
ess?
"
"I
'm sorr
yMrLanga.Iknowy oudon'
ttrustmebutI
wasn'tgonnal etyoueatt
hefood.Myconsci ous
wasn'tgoingtol etme.Whenyouwalkedi nthatday,
Ihadjustgottenof ft
hephonewithmyf atherand
tel
li
nghimt hatIcan'tdoi
tbuthethreatenedme. "
Shest ar
tedtosob.
"Idon'twanttobecaughtupinhisshadybusinesses.
Iwor kedhardtobewhereIam butI'
m neverenough
tohim becausehealwaysrubsiti
nmyf acethatI'
m
uselessandt hathewi
shedIwasaboy ."
Iletoutasi
gh.Toeventhi
nkthatLwazineal
ykill
ed
thispoorgi
rlf
orherf
ather
'sevi
lmissi
onsagainstus?
"
Hedoesn'tcareaboutmeMrLanga.WetherIdi
eor
r
otinj
ail
,I
'djustbeagoodri
ddensforhi
m.That'
s
whyheputsmeupt odohi
sdir
tyj
obs."
"Butt
hat
'snoexcuseforwhatyounearl
ydid.You
shoul
dhavecamet ouseandletusknow."Isai
d.
"
IknowandIunder
standi
fyouwantt
osentmet
o
j
ail
.Ideser
vei
t.
"
"Nobodywi
llsentyoutoj
ail
orhurtyouforthat
matter
.Noteventhatspi
nel
essfatherofyours.
"I
sai
dandroseupandshedi dtoo.
"Ican'
tgohome.Notafterthef
ail
edmission.Idon'
t
knowwhathe'lldot
ome. "Shehadapleadinglook
onherface.Il
ookedatherandheaved.Lwazi
walkedinandIt
usteppedback.
"
Itol
dyout
ost
ayout
,man.Ar
eyoucr
azy
."
"
IknowbutIcoul
dn'
thelpi
t.Iwantt
ohel
p."Webot
h
l
ookedathi
m puzzl
ed.
"LookItu..
."hesaidwal ki
ngtowar dsher ."Iknow
whatIdi dtoy ouisunforgiv
able.Andy oudon' thave
areasont ot r
ustmeorev enwithy ourl i
feforthat
mat t
er.Butallowmet omaket hingsr ightbyhel pi
ng
yougetoutoft hi
ssituati
on."Hesai d.Ilookedathi m
andhel ookedgenui ne.He'smybr otherandIknow
himlikethebackofmyheadbutcanhebet rusted
r
ightnow?
"
Buthow?
"Sheasked.
"Youcanstayi
nmyhouse.I '
ll
mov eout
.Ineedtogo
awayforawhileandclearmyhead.Youcanstay
heresolongunti
l
lthedustsett
lesandmybrother
fi
guresouthowhe'l
lhelpyou"
Wait
,what
?I'
m gonnahel pthi
schicknow?Tr
usthi
m
t
oambushmel i
ket hat.Andwhatdoeshemeanhe
wantst
ogoaway ?Ilookedathim andhel
ookedat
meback.
"I
'
llhel
pyouIt
u.AndIthi
nkhisoff
erist
hebestf
or
now.Nobodyhastoknowthatyou'
reher
e."
Wel
ookedatherandshewasv
eryr
eluct
ant
.
"YoucantrustusIt
u.Ri
ghtOzi?"Il
ookedathim.I'
m
real
lyconf
usedwi t
hthi
svir
sionofhimrightnow.
Butit'
sacaringoneandIapproveofi
t.Ishrugged
andnodded.
"Okay.I'
llt
akeyouuponyouroff
er.Thankyouso
much."ShesaidandLwazifl
ashedasmi le.
..
oneI
haven'tseensi
nceshewaswithPalesa.Couldhe
gottr
iggeredbywhatI tutri
edtodobecausehe
l
ovesher ?Becausefrom wher eI'
m standi
ngright
now,there'
smor etothisthatwhatmeet stheey e.I
l
ookedatmywr istwatchandl ookedatthem.They
werelookingateachot her,
almostzonedout .I
cl
earedmyt hroat,br
ingingthem bothbacktolife.
"Ihavet
ogo.There'ssomet
hingIneedt
osor
tout
."I
saidandtheynodded.
"Thanky ouagainOziforwhatyou'
vedoneforme.I
reall
yappreciat
eit.
"ShesaidandInodded.I
signaledtoLwaziandwewal kedoutfol
l
owingeach
other.Itur
nedtolookathimthemomentwe
steppedout si
detheroom.
"
Whatareyouplayi
ngat?"Il
ookedathi
m shar
p.He
r
aisedhi
shandsinsur
render.
"
Rel
axman.Ipr
omi
seIwon'
thur
thergai
n."
"
Lwazi
."Isai
d.
"Tr
ustmeplease.
"Il
ookedathi
mforawhi
l
ewi
th
searchi
ngey
es.
"
Finet
hen.I
fyoudoany
thi
ngst
upi
d,Iwon'
tspar
e
y
ou.Youknowt
hatr
ight
?"Hesmi
l
edandnodded.
"
Alr
ightIhav
etor
unnow.Takecar
e."
Ipat
tedhi
sshoul
derandwal
kedout
.

It
'saboutt i
meIpai dthatmor onnamedSakhi kea
vi
si t
.Ihavebeeni gnori
nghisstupidgesturessince
webecameopponent sbutthistimehe'sfi
nal l
y
gettingwhathe'sbeenl ongi
ngf or.Heaskedf ormy
attentionandmyat tent
ioniswhathe' l
lget
.Iar r
ived
attheSakhi l
econst r
ucti
onsof f
icesandpar ked
outside.Iwalkedintothef r
ontdeskandf ounda
l
adyt oobusypainti
nghernai l
stoev ennoticeme
comi ngin.Itappedthetableandshest art
led.
"
Whatf
loorandr
oom numberi
syourst
upi
dboss?
"
Shel
ookedatmepuzzl
ed.
"
I'
m sorr
y,what?"Shebl
i
nkedherbi
gfakel
ashesa
f
ewt i
mes,looki
ngatme.
"
DidIst
utt
er?
"
"
Nobutdoy
ouhav
eanappoi
ntmentsi
r?"
"Idonow. "Ilefthersit
ti
ngthereandmademyway
tothecor ri
dor.Ilookedatthei
rnoticeboar dhoping
I'
dfindhi soffi
cenumberandt herei twas.He'sjust
asst upidandpr edict
ableasIthought.Whoj ots
downt hei
roffi
cenumberonanot i
ceboar d?
Iheadedt ot heel evatorandf ounday oungl ady
i
nside.Shesmi ledbutIdi dn'tsmi leback.She
quickl
yki l
leddownhersmi leandIgoti nand
pressedt hef l
oornumber .Thedoorwasaboutt o
closewhent hatdol l
facedr eceptionistcamer unning
andst oppedi t.Ist eppedbackandmader oom for
her,shecl osedt heelevatordoorandl ookedatme.I
burri
edmyhandsi nmypocket sandf eltthisyoung
l
adiesey esheav yonme.Theywer eexchangi ng
whisperinmypr esentsbutIwasn' tgonnagi vethem
thesat i
sfacti
on.Theel evatorstoppedandopened, I
walkedoutaf t
ert hetwol adies.Sher ansof ast ,
almostt wisti
ngherst il
ett
ot owher eIassumedwas
herboss'sof fi
ce.Shepushedt hedoorandIal so
mademywayi n.Shewasst andingi nt hemi ddleof
theroom whenherbossl ookedsoconf used.His
gazewi denedwhenhesawme.
"Ididn'
tlethi
minsi
r.He'
sjustbei
ngdi
ff
icul
t.
"She
said,panti
ng.
"
Leav
enowMaur ine.
"Hesaidandt
heshelookedat
mebefor
ewalki
ngout.Ishutt
hedoorandmotioned
t
owardshi
sdesk.
"O-oziLanga.
"Hestut
ter
edandswallowedhard.
"Whatar eyoudoi
ngheremf'
wethu?"Heroseup
from hischai
randIst
oodbefor
ehim withmyhands
burri
eddeepi nmypocket
sandlookingathi
m.
I
nser
t51
(
Unedi
ted)

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga.

Hewassti
l
llooki
ngatmelikehe'
sseei
ngaghost
.If
hedi
dnotpeeonhimsel
fthenIdon'
tknow.
"What
'sthematter
?Ar eyouseeingaghost
?"Iasked.
Hetookaglassofwat erandgulpedi
tdown.He
unbut
tonedhisshi
rtandwentt oopenawindow.He
camebackandr emainedstandi
ng.
"
Langa.
..
towhatdoIowet
hispl
easur
e."
Ipull
edt
hechai
randswi
vel
eddownoni
tthen
point
edathi
s.
"
Takeaseat
."Isai
dandhedi
d,i
nrel
uct
ance.
It
ookmytimeandlookedathim.Myst
arewas
cl
ear
lymaki
nghim uncomfor
tabl
e.
"WhathaveIdonetogainyouasanenemySakhi
l
e?"
Iasked.Hebl
inkedrapi
dlyandt
ookasipofhi
s
wateragai
n.Hepl
acedthegl
assdownbutitmi
ssed
andfell
.Thewat
erspi
ll
edonthetabl
e,wet
ti
nghi
s
papers.
"Ur
gdammit!
"Hegrunt
edandIj
ustrubbedmychi
n
andwat
chedhimtr
ytodryt
hem up.
"
Youdoknowt haty
oucan'
tret
ri
vewhat
ever
i
nfor
mati
ont hatwasonthosepaper
sbydry
ing
t
hem up,
right?"
Hedidn'
tacknowledgeme.Hecont
inuedt
ryi
ngto
av
oidmypr esencebyal
lmeansandIwasgetti
ng
pi
ssedoff.
"
Sitdown.
"Isaidbutheconti
nuedwithhisbusi
ness.
"
Isaidsi
tyourassdownMkhi ze!
"Hestart
ledand
l
oweredhimsel
fslowlybackonthechair
.
"
Isai
dwhathav
eIdonet
ogai
nyouasanenemy
?"
"I
-uhm.
..
Langa.
..
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
aboutmfe'
thu.
"Hestut
ter
ed.
"
Idi
dn'tcomeher esoyou'
dplayhi
deandseekwi
th
me.I
'
vegotacompanyt orunsodon'
twast
emy
t
imeMkhi ze.
"Icoul
dn'
trecogni
zet
hesoundofmy
ownvoi
cerightnow.Hewasn'tl
ooki
ngatmeonbi
t.
Hecomplet
elyavoi
dedmyey es.
"Whereisyourdaught
er?
"Iaskedandheswi
ft
ly
broughthi
sgazeup.
"Nooooo.NoLanganooooo.
"Hespr
angupandhel
d
hishead.Whatadr
amaticgr
ownassman.
"
Sitt
hefuckdownMkhi
ze.You'
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngon
mynerv
es."
"
Ify
ouki
l
ledmydaught
erLangaIswe-
"
"What?Youswearwhat ?Whatareyougonnado
Mkhize, Huh?"Istoodupfrom thechai
rand
motionedt owardshim.Igottohim andwelooked
eachot herdeadlyintheeyes.Thi
sistheki
ndoflook
anymanwoul dgiv etosomebodywhot hr
eatenst
o
harmt heirdaughter.
"Whatcanyoupossi
blydo?Sentyourwif
ethi
sti
me
tocomepoisonusagain?"Hebl
inkedbutst
il
lst
ood
hisgr
ound.
"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ngabout
."Hesai
d.
"
Youdon'
tknowhuh?Whatdoy
ouknow?Whatdo
youknowbecausey ou'
rejustawimpwi t
hno
backbonet odoy ourowndirt
yjob.Whatkindofa
fathersendsthei
rdaughterinthel
ion'
sden?"I
pushedhi m andhestumbledbackandcamebackt o
standi nf
rontofmeagain.Hewashuf f
ingand
puffing.
"Don'tyoudareLanga.I'
m notoneoft
hose.Mina
ngizokunyat
helamfan'wam.Uf i
kekwancenget
she
l
aKi mi."HesaidandIchuckled.
"
Youcan'
tdoany t
hingtomewena.Notev
enwhen
I
'
m of
fbalance.Youain'
tshi
tMkhi
ze.
"
Hemov edawayf
rom meandr
ubbedhi
sface
f
rant
ical
ly.
"
Whatdi
dyoudotomydaught
erLanga?
"Hesai
d
whi
l
epaci
ngupanddown.
"
Nothi
ng.I'
m notsosur
ewhat'sgonnahappennext
t
imethough.
"Isaidwal
kingt
ot hedoor
.
"
Wher
eisshe.
"Heasked.
"
Idon'
tknow.
"Iwaswal
ki
ngbutst
oppedandt
urned
t
olookathi
m.
"I
'v
egotenoughenemi estolastmet hree
gener
ati
ons.Dontaddt othelisti
fyouknowwhat '
s
bestf
oryou.I
'm warningyouMkhi ze.Don'tfuckwith
me."HeremainedquietandIwal kedout.Ifoundthe
youngwomanwi t
hthedollfacedrecepti
onistatthe
fr
ontdeskgossipi
ng.Theysawmeandkeptqui et
.
"You'
ret
akingthecompanydownt hehil
lwithyour
gossi
p.Gobackt owork.
"Isai
dwi t
hasternv oi
ce
andtheybumpedheadsr unni
ngaroundli
ke
headl
esschickens.Iwal
kedoutandchuckled.

Newl
ockpr
ison.
Ozi
Langa.

Iwasseati
ngdownwhent hei
nter
rogat
ionroom
dooropened.Il
i
ftedmygazeandmyey esmetwit
h
acert
ainPoli
ceoffi
cer
.
"MrLanga.
"Hesai
dandt
hrewt
hef
il
esont
hedesk
bef
oresit
ti
ngdown.
"
It
'sgoodt
oseet
haty
ouf
inal
ycame.
"Headded.
"Idon'
thav ethewhol
eday
.Whyam Isummoned
here?"Iasked.
"St
raightt
othepoi
ntIsee.
"Hesai
dandIj
ustl
ooked
athim.
"Al
ri
ghtthen,Iwon'twastey ourt
ime.Weact
uall
y
wantedtofindoutaf ewthingsaboutMi
chaelWhit
e,
seei
ngthaty ou'
rehisnextofKin."
"
Whatdoy
ouwannaknow.
"Ienqui
red.
Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
ebef
orepr
oceedi
ng.
"Hisbehaviorisver
yalarming.
"HesaidandIl ooked
athim.Ican'tsayI'
m surpr
isedthough.Thisi
sMi ke,
mybest fr
iendof15y earswe'r
etalki
ngabouther e.I
alr
eadyknowwhathewasget ti
ngatandi twasn't
somethingIr eal
l
ywant edtohear.Il
eanedbackon
thechairandf ol
dedmyar msacr ossmychest .
"
Inwhatsense?
"Iasked.
"Idon'tknowhowt oexpl
ainitbuti
tseemshe'
s
suffer
ingfrom somepsychologi
cali
ssues.
"Hesai
d.
Ilookedathim andremainedquiet
.
"
MrLanga.Di
dyouhearwhatIj
ustsai
d?Thatman
swit
cheschar
acter
sli
kehe'
sdemonpossessed.
Onemi nut
ehe'
scoolandchi
l
ledandt
henext,he'
s
outtokil
l.
"
"
Andhowi
sthatmypr
obl
em exact
ly?
"Isai
d,bor
ed.
"Wel
lwethoughtper
hapsyoucoul
dhelpuswit
h
someinf
ormati
onthatcoul
dhel
pusfigur
ehim out
."
Ichuckl
ed.
"
DoIl
ookl
i
keadoct
ort
oyou?
"
"
NoMrLangab-
"
"
Iwantt
oseehi
m."Isai
d.
"
Buti
t'
snoty
etv
ist
inghour
s."
"I
'
m surey
oucandomej
ustt
hisonef
avour
."Iwas
brushi
ngmybear
d.
Hel
ookedatmeandl
etoutasi
gh.
"Okay.Justdon'
tgetusedtoit
."Heroseupfrom hi
s
chairandwalkedout.Isatt
her
ef orawhil
eand
waited.Thedooropenedandhewal kedi
n.Asmile
curvedfrom t
heconerofhismout hwhenhesawme.
"
Heyman.
"Hesai
d.Ist
oodupandwentov
ert
ohi
s
si
de.
"
Heybuddy
."Wehuggedbr
ief
lyt
henl
etgo.
Hel
ookedatmeandchuckl
ed.
"Youlookamess.Whathappenedt oyou?
"He
conti
nuedtoscruti
nizeme.Ist i
llhadmyshitsl
eeves
fol
dedaftertheLwazi ani
mosity.AndImustsay,I
wasn'ti
mpr essi
ng.Ichuckledandshookmyhead.
"
Longst
ory
,man.
"
"Okaythen.You'
remaki
ngahabi
tofcomi
ngher
e.I
didn'
tknowy oul
ikedmethi
smuch.
"
Ichuckl
edandwebot
hsatdown.
"
What
'sup?
"Hesai
dandl
eanedont
het
abl
e.
"Areyouatitagai
n?"Isai
d.Heheav
edandr
ubbed
hisfacebr
iefl
y.
"
Yeahman.
"
"Whattr
igger
edher
?"Hel
ookedatmeandr
aisedhi
s
eyebr
ow.
"Shewant
edblood."Hesai
d.Ir
ubbedt
hebackofmy
headandremainedqui
te.
"
Arey
ougood?
"HeaskedandIl
ookedathi
m.
"
YeahI
'
m good.
"
Henar
rowedhisgazeandl
ookedatmel
i
kehewas
t
ryi
ngt
of i
gur
emeout .
"
Tryagai
n."
Il
etoutasi
gh.
"I
'mjustexhausted.Icoul
dreal
lydowi t
habreakbut
Ican't
.Dadleftmewi thawholelotof
responsi
bil
it
iesthatatti
mesIfeeltheytakeat
oll
on
me. "
"
Whydon'
tyougoonav
acat
ion.
"Hesai
d.
"Ican'
t.Iwasj
ustatt
heU.Snotsolongagoandal so
spendsomet i
meinthebhundus.Ican'
tabandon
thecompanyli
kethat
."
"Butyoualsocan'
truni
twithyourheadspaceal
l
over.Youneedabreaktorevampandr egr
oupman.
You'real
sohuman."Heinsi
sted.
Il
etoutasi
gn.I'
mr eal
lyexhaust
edandheisri
ght
,I
doneedabreakbutIjustcan'
tri
ghtnow.Notwhi
l
e
ever
ythi
ngi
ssti
llasiti
s.
"YeahI'
ll
see.Soyousti
lldon'
twantt
ogetoutoft
his
place?
"Iasked.Hechuckledandl
eanedback.
"
Missedmet
hatmuch?
"Il
aughl
i
ght
ly.
"Somet
hingl
ikethat
.Butit
'sal
sofory
ourowngood.
Ipromi
sedtotakecareofyoua-"
"
Andyou'
redoi
ngj
ustt
hat
.Don'
tbehardony
our
sel
f
man.
"Hejumpedi
nandIr
emainedqui
et.
"Lookmat e,you'ret
akingcareofallofus.AndI
under standthatIalsoaddedt oyourload.I
'm sorry
aboutt hatbutj ustl
etmest ayhereforawhi l
e.This
placei swhat'sgoodf orme.It'
sbetterifIf
eedher
cravingswi t
ht hesejai
lbi
rdsthaninnocentsoulsout
there.Andal so...
"hepausedandcl earedhisthroat
.I
l
ookedathi m, heavoidedmyey es.
"I
'minl
ovewi t
hy ourwifeman.It
'sdri
vi
ngmecrazy
andIcan'tdoany t
hingabouti
t.I
t'spr
obabl
ybest
thatIj
uststaylocked,awayfr
om her.
"Hesaid.
"
Stopt
alki
ngabouther
."
"
I'
mjustv
ent
ingman.I
t'
sno-
"
"
Isai
dst
opMi
ke.
"Isai
dbet
weenmygr
indedt
eet
h
andher
aisedhi
shandsi
nsur
render
.
"
Sor
ryman.Thi
siswhyIneedt
ost
ayher
e."
Hepushedhi
schai
rbackandgotup.Ial
sor
oseup.
"Doconsidergoingonthatvacat
ion.I'
l
lpayf
ori
tifI
haveto.Justtakeyourwifeandgor el
axman,
alr
ight
."Hesaidandwef ist
bumped.
"
Thanksmat
e.Iappr
eci
atet
hatman.
"
"
Nosweat.I
'l
lseey
ouar ound.Pl
easest
opcr
owdi
ng
me.
"Hesaidandwalkedout.
"Mike.
"Ical
ledhi
m.Hetur
nedbef
orehecoul
dwal
k
outandlookedatme.
"Don'tki
llhi
m man, f
ormywi fe'
ssake. "Ipl
eaded
andhej ustlookedatmeandsmi l
edt henwalkedout .
Irubbedmyf acebr
iefl
yandwalkedoutei t
her.I
guessI '
l
ljusthavetolethi
m be.May behei sbetter
offinherethanoutthere.Ij
usthopebyt heti
mehe
getsout,he'dhavegainedhissanit
yback.Myphone
rangasIwal kedoutandIanswer ed.
"
Mfanaki
thi
.uRi
ght
?"Iasked.
"
Ineedt
otal
ktoy
ou.Cany
oucomebymyhouse?
"
"
Asi
nnow?
"
"
Yeah,
ify
oucomeanhourl
atey
ouwon'
tfi
ndme.
"
"
What
?Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
"
JustcomeOzi
."Hesai
dandhungup.Ir
ushedt
o
mycaranddr
oveoff
.
*
***
**
Iarr
ivedathishouseandsawBanzi '
scar.IwishI
hadallthetimeandener gytot
ravell
ikeBanzi does.
Thischampi sall
ov erthepl
ace.You'dswearhei sn'
t
basedinCapeTown.Ipul l
edoverandwal kedout.I
mademywayt othedoorandwaswel comedby
l
oudv oices.Iwal
kedi ntowheretheywereseat ed
andtheyt ur
nedtolookatme.Al lt
hisloudv oi
cesfor
j
usttwopeopl e?
"
Gent
s."Igr
eet
ed.
"
Ola.
"Theygr
eet
edbacki
nuni
son.
"Ar
eyouev
eratschool
though?
"Iasked,
looki
ngat
Banzi
.
"Yeahman.ButIal socan'tstayawaywhenmy
familyneedsme."Hel ookedatLwazi andIalso
mov edmygazet ohim.Hel ookedmor eexhaust
ed
thanhewaswhenIl efthi
m her e.Theyweresit
ti
ng
outsideontheveranderr,
Isatdownandj oi
nedthem.
"IcameassoonasIcoul d.
"Isaidlooki
ngatLwazi
whost i
llhadhi
ccups.Di
dhecr ysomemor eaft
erI
l
ef t
?Becausehisnosewaspuf fedandhisey
eswere
bloodshot.Heheavedandfaceddown.
"
I'
m goi
ngawayforawhile.Ineedsometi
meaway
f
rom t
heout
sideworl
d."Hewasst il
ll
ooki
ngdown.
"What'
sgoi
ngonbro?
"Banziasked.Icoul
dtel
lthat
seei
nghimli
ket
hiswasdist
urbi
ngt ohim.
"I
'vebeent ry
ingt osuppressthisangerwi t
hinmef or
somet imenowandIr eali
sedthatI
'mf ail
i
ng.It'
s
taki
ngov ermyl i
feandIwantt ostopit."Hestoped
anddr ewi nsomemuchneededbr eath."Ihaven't
healedf r
om Pal esa'
passing.Ikeptsearchingforher
i
nal lt
hegi rl
'
sf acesandchar ector
sandwhenI
couldn't
,itdrovemet ot heedge.IthoughtI'drepl
ace
herbutIcan' t.SoIreali
sedthatIactuall
yneedt o
deal
wit
hthi
sandt
alkt
osomeone.
"
"
What
,li
keashr
ink?
"Banzi
askedandhenodded.
"Hol
lycrapman.Youain'
tgonnat
alktonost
ranger
aboutyourf
eel
ingsl
ikethat
.That
'sbei
ngapussy."
Headded.
"WatchyourtongueBanzi
."Hel
ookedatmewi
th
eyebrowsrai
sed.
"MaybeIam apussyaf t
erall
.ImeanIactallt
ough
butdeepdownI'
m bleeding.Whoam Ifool
ing?"
Lwazisai
dandhestillhadhisheadhanged.
"Doyouwanttogof
orapr
ofessi
onal
hel
p?"Iasked
andhenodded.
"
Wher
ear
eyougonnago?
"Iadded.
"Bhut
ithisi
sri
dicul
ousman.Don'
ttell
mey ou'r
eal
so
support
ingthi
scrap.
"Banzi
sai
d,al
l workedup.
"Lwazineedshelp,
Banziandittakesamanof
i
ntegri
tytoadmitandreali
sethattheyneedhelp.
There'
snothingshami
ngaboutt hat.Anditdoesn'
t
makehi mlessofaman.Heneedshel pandwear e
goingtosupporthi
mint hi
stoughjourney.I
t'
snot
j
usthisbat
tl
ebutour
sal
so.
"Isai
dandBanzi
nodded.
"Ar
eyougonnabeokaythoughbro?"Heaskedand
Lwazi
justshr
ugged.Hewassobbing.
"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
hen?
"Iasked.
"
Iwantt
ogof arf
rom ev
ery
thingandeveryoneunt
il
l
I
'
m heal
ed.SoI'
m goi
ngtoP.E."Hesni
ffed.
"
Doy
ouhav
eev
ert
hingf
igur
edoutal
ready
?"Iasked.
"
Yeah.Ial
readybookedformyst
ayt
her
eandI
'
m
f
lyi
ngdowni ntwohours.
"
"What!Twohour s?"Banzisai
dandIj ustranoutof
words.Ifeltav erydryl
umponmyt hr
oatandI
swall
owedi tdown.Inev err
eali
sedtheimpactof
Lwazi'
spr esenceunt i
ll
nowt hathe'
sleaving.Ican'
t
sayI'
m nothur tingbecauseIam, deeply
.
Banzi
wentt
ohi
m andpul
l
edhi
m up.
"Ineedy outoknowt hatIsti
ll
respectyousomuch
andt hatI'
l
lbeherefory ouwheny ouneedme."He
hadhi shandonLwazi 'sshoul
derandLwazi j
ust
nodded.Ast ream oftearscamerunningdownhis
cheecksl i
kesomeonej ustopenedawat ert ub.I
guessi t
'struewhent heysay ,every
onei sf ighti
nga
demont hatnobodyknowsnot hi
ngabout .Inever
thoughtI '
dseet hedaywher emybr otherhi trock
bot t
om andl ooksov ul
nerable.I'
veal way sdr ewmy
strengthfrom hi m atti
mesofneedt hatIdi dn't
reali
sehewasj ustacti
ngt ought ocov erhiswounds
up.Hewasbl eedinginsidethisentir
et imeandI '
m
prettysureloosi ngdadi nthatmanneral sor ubbed
salttohisf r
eshwounds.
Hewaswhi mper
ingandIst oopup.Wegr ouped
huggedandcomfortedhim.Hiscri
eswer ereal
lyof
someonewhoneededhel p.Hecan'ttakeitany
more.
Welethi
m cryi
talloutti
l
l hepl
acated.
Hepackedhi sbagsandwasr eadyt
ohittheroad.
Hedi dn'
twanttobidItumelenggoodbyesowej ust
l
ef tanddrovehimtotheairport
.Wewat chedhis
fl
iedtakeoffandthisisgottobethehardestthi
ngs
towi t
ness.Banziwasalsotryi
nghardnottobrake
downbutIcoul dtel
lthathewasn'tt
aki
ngi twell
.
"So,whenareyougoingback?"Iputmyhandonhi
s
shoulderandhetur
nedtolookatme.Hegav emea
f
aintsmi
l
eandcl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
"I
mmediatel
ywhenwegethome.
"Hesai
dandI
nodded.
"
I'
m sor
ry.Iwi
shIcoul
dst
aybutI
'
vegott
ogoback
t
oschool.
"Headded.
"
Don'tworr
yaboutitchamp.I'
m notal
lal
onehey
.
I
'v
egotSnenhlanhl
aherewithme."Henoddedand
weremainedsil
ent
.
"Ari
ghtthen,weshouldprobablygethome.You'v
e
gotal ongwaytogo."Isaidandwewal kedbackto
thecaranddr ov
eof f
.Wear ri
vedatLwazi'
splace
andhedr oppedmeof fwithoutwalki
ngbackin.We
bideachotherfarewel
latthegateandoffhewent .I
pressedthecodeandwal kedin.IfoundI
tuseati
ng
onacouch.Shel ookedupwhenshehear dmewal k
i
n.
"
Hey
."Isai
d.
"
Hey
."
"
Ijustcamet
otakemycar
."
"
Sohe'
sgonehuh?
"Shesai
dandInodded.She
want
edt
ocr
ybutIexcuessedmy
sel
freal
qui
ck.
"I
'l
lseeyouaroundt
hen.Takecarealr
ight
."Isai
d
andshesmi l
edweakly
.Iwalkedout,l
eavi
ngheron
thecouch.Igoti
nmycaranddr ovehome.

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

IthoughtIheardOzi'
scarparkint
hedr i
vewayabout
20mi nutesagobuthedidn'tcomein.Iwal
kedout
andsawhi mrest
inghisheadonthesteeri
ngwheel.
Iwalkedt ohissi
deofthedoorandopenedt hedoor
,
hedidn'tlookup.
"Baby.
"Isaidbuthedi dn'
trespond.Ihear dhim sni
ff.
Ipull
edhim outandhecompl ied.Iopenedt he
backseatdoorandwegoti natt heback.Ilookedat
him,hiseyeswer eredandswol len.Helookedatme
andat eardropedfrom hi
sey e.Hepr essedhi sl
ips
toget
hertosupr essetheedget oletital
lout .
"
Heey.I
t'
sokaybaby.
"Iwipedt
heteardropof
fwith
mythumbandpeckedhisli
ps,
theyweresosalt
y.
"
Ilov
eyou."Isai
d.
"Justhol dmepl ease. "Hesai dwithaqui veri
ngvoi ce
andIpul ledhi mi nf orahug, hegavein.Ifeltmyt op
getti
ngwet .Myhear tsanktot hepitofmyst omach
andIf oundmy selfcr yi
ngwi thhim.Hehel dmet ight
andwhi mper ed.Ir ockedhi m backandf orthwhile
brushinghisbackgent ly.Hekeptcryingandi twasa
heartwr enchi ngsightt owat ch.What everthat
happenedcl earlytouchedhi mi nthedepthofhi s
soulbecauseI '
venev erseenhi m cr
ylikethisbefore.
Notev enwhenhi sf atherdied.Heact edalltouch
andst rongf orhisbr othersthathedidn'tful
lygri
ev e.
May bei t
'sonl ysinkingi nnow.Shameman, mypoor
husband.
Hepull
edawayf
rom myembr
aceandki
ssedmy
f
orehead.
"ThankyoumaKhumalo.Idon'
tknowwhatI '
dbe
withouty
ou.
"Helookedreal
lydr
ained.Iki
ssedhi
s
cheeck.
"I
t'
sokaybaby.I
'
m her
efory
ouandI'
m notgoi
ng
anywher
e."Hegavemeaweaksmil
e.
"
Aren'
tyouhungry
?"Iasked.Heshookhishead.I
f
rownedbecauseheneversaynotofood.Hemust
r
eall
ybehurt
ing.
"
Okayl
et'
sgoi
nsi
det
hen.
"
"Okay.
"Wegotoutandwal
kedi
n.Hewal
kedst
rai
ght
upstai
rs.
"I
'l
lmakey ouhotchocol ateandasandwi cht hen? "I
saidbuthedi ssapear edwi thoutsay ingawor d.I
madet wocupsofhotchocol ateandasandwi chand
tookitupst ai
rs.Ipushedt hedoorandwal kedi n.I
foundhi mi nsidethecov er sal ready.Hiscl ot hes
wer eont hefloorandcur tainswer estill
open.I
l
ookedatt hewal lclockandi twasj ustafter6Pm.I
closedt hecur tai
nsandswi t chedont helight s.Isat
downandat ethent ookt hedi sheswi thhis
untouchedhotchocol at
edownst ai
rs.Iclosed
curtai
nsandl ockedt hehouset henwentupst airs
again.Ikickedmyf li
pf l
opsof fandgoti nt hecov er
s.
Hewasal readysnor ing,looki ngl i
keani nnocent
vulnerablesoul .Ikissedhi scheeckandwat ched
him sl
eepi ngwhi leIbr ushedhi sdarkey ebr ows.
I
nser
t52
(
Unedi
ted)

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o.

There'
snothingthati
rri
tatesmel i
kesomeonewho
cal
lsmemor ethanoncelikeIowet hem money.IfI
don'
tanswert hesecondt i
me, youshouldj
uststop
cal
li
ng.There'sabsol
utelynoneedt oblowmyphone
up.Theregoesmybeaut ysleepnow, ur
g!
Iwasaboutt oreachoutt oitwhenitstoppedri
nging.
Goodr i
dance!Isankbacki nsi
dethecov er
sandhe
turnedtofacemydi recti
on.Hewr appedhishand
aroundmeandi nter
twinedhislegwithmine.My
phoner angagainandIshi ft
edtoreachouttoitbut
hepulledmecl oser.
"
Hhmm.
"Hemumbl
ed.
"
Myphonei
sri
ngi
ng,
lov
e"Isai
d.
"Leaveit
."Hesai
dwithahorsev
oiceandhi
seyes
sti
llcl
osedbutIr
eachedouttoi
tandanswer
ed.
"
Hel
l
o."
"
HiSnenhl
anhl
a."
Iremovedthephoneawayfr
om myearandchecked
thecal
l
erID.Iputi
tbackonmyearagai
n.
"
Amanda.
"Isai
d.
"Pl
easedon'
thangup.
"Shesai
dandIr
emai
ned
qui
et.
"Sneplease.Gi
vemeanot
herchance.
"Sheadded
andIletoutasigh.
"
I'
m st
il
lsl
eepi
ngAmanda.Youhav
enor
ightt
obl
ow
myphoneupli
kethatsoear
ly.
"
"IknowandI'
m sor
rybutIwantedtotal
ktoy
ou.I
can'tdot
hisany
moreSnenhlanhl
a."
"
I'
ll
cal
lyouwhenIwakeup,
please."
"
Okay
."
"
Bye.
"
"Bye."Ihungupandletoutasign.Shemustreal
l
y
haveani mperat
iver
easont ocal
lmet hi
searl
yand
rui
ningmybeaut ysl
eep.Itwasgreatheari
ngher
voi
cet hough.AndIcan' tsayIdon'tmissher
becauseIdo.Thel it
tl
et imeIspendwi thherr eal
ly
gavemeasenseofbel onging.Iwaslookingf orward
toourunionbuti tgotdestroyedbefor
ei tcouldev en
establ
ish.Mydr eam bubbleofhavingasi stergot
bustedrealquickandithur t
s.Iheavedagain.
"
Arey
ougood?
"
It
urnedswiftyt
olookathim,
hehadhissl
eepyeyes
sl
i
ghtlyopenedandlooki
ngatme.Idi
dn'
tnoti
cehe
wasalreadyup.
"Morni
ng.Di
dIwakey
ou?"Henar
rowedhi
ssl
eepy
gazeandIshi
edmyeyesaway
.
"
Noyoudidn'
tanddon'
tchanget
hesubj
ect
."Hesai
d
wi
thast
ernvoice.
"I
'
m notchangi
ngthesubjectl
ove.AndyesI
'm okay
.
Howdidyousleep?"Isai
d,get
ti
ngoutofbed.He
pull
edmeandmademegetont opofhim.
"
Tal
ktomebaby
."Hesai
d.
"I
t'
snot
hinghect
icl
ove.Idon'
twantt
obot
hery
ou.
"I
sai
d.
"Well,Iwantt obebother
ed.Icannevergetenough
ofbei ngbotheredbyyou.Now, t
alktome.What '
s
goty ouupsetsoear l
y?"HesaidandIsmi l
ed.Idon't
knowwher ehedr awshisstr
engthfr
om honestly.
Justy ester
dayhewasanemot ionalmess,whichI
sti
lldon'tknowwhy .Buttodayhereheis,r
eadyto
taket hebullbyit
shorns.
"You'
vegotenoughony ourplat
easiti
sloveand
honestl
yIdon'twanttobombardyouwithmyown
probl
ems."Isaid.Hebroughthi
sdar
key ebr
ows
toget
herandfrowned.
"Yourprobl
emsaremi netoo.Andnomatterhow
bombar dedIam,Ist
il
lhaveroom t
oaccommodat e
yours.
"HesaidandInarrowedmyey esandlooked
athim.
"Okayl
et'
sgoabouti
tthi
swaythen..
"hegotupand
satonhisbut
t.Hel
eanedbackontheheadboar
d.
"Bombar dmewi thyourprobl
emsandI '
llbombar
d
youwi t
hmi ne.Thatwaywecanbot hoff
loadour
burdens."HecontinuedandIlaughedli
ghtl
y.
"
Ohwow.Andwhatdoy
oucal
lthat
,some
t
her
apeut
icsessi
on?
"Hechuckl
ed.
"
Whateveryouwantt
ocal
li
t,sweethear
t.Youcango
f
ir
st.
"HesaidandIli
ft
edmyeyebrow,hewasbeing
f
orreal
.Ooohkay
!
"Well,
it'
sAmanda. "Isaidandhisfacechanged
i
nstant l
y.Hewasnowl ookingatmewi t
hast r
aight
face.Ifonlyheknewhowi nti
midat
inghelookswhen
hewear sast r
aightface,he'
dstopdoingitper
iod!
"Idon'
tknowwhatt odowi t
hmysi tuat
ionwit
hher.I
meanshe' smysi sterandIloveherbutIdon'
tknow
i
fwe' l
leversubduet hi
spredicamentandhavethe
kindofrelat
ionshipIalwaysdreamttohavewithher
asmysi ster
."Iadded.
"
Whatki
ndofar
elat
ionshi
pist
hat
?"Heasked.
"Youknowbabe,theki
ndwhereIcanbeabl egoto
heraboutany
thi
ngandv i
seversa.
"Istoppedand
i
nhaleddeepl
ythenexhal
ed."
WhenIf oundout
abouther,
Iwantedtohaveaneverendingheal
thy
rel
ati
onshi
pwithher.
"
"Notanymore?"Heasked.Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
andlookedathim.Hetookmyhandi nt
ohi
sand
squeezedi
t.
"Youhav etostopshutti
ngoutyourfeeli
ngsbaby.
Youar ehumanandy ouneedtoall
owy oursel
fto
feelsomet hi
ng.I
t'sokaytoberel
uctantabouthow
youf eelconcer
ningherandthewholesituat
ionbut
howar eyouevergonnafindcl
osureifyoudon't
openupabouti t?"HesaidandIlookedathim
confused.
"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"Iasked.
"Giveherandy ourrelationshipaf r
eshst art.As
muchasy ou'r
ehurting, she'st heonlyper sonwho
cant akeawayt hi
spar ticularpaint hatyouar e
feeli
ngconcerningthissi tuation...
byopeni ngupt o
her.Setyourselff
reef rom t hisbondage. "Hewas
stil
ll
ookingatmebutwi t
hconcer nplasteredacr oss
hisfacethisti
me.Iwasget ti
ngt ouchedatt hedepth
ofmysoul t
hatIlookedr i
ghti ntohisey es.Hewas
playi
ngwi t
hmyf i
nger s.
"Gi
veitat
rysweet heart
.Andhonest
lyyou'
rebot
h
j
ustvi
cti
msoft hesameci rcumst
ance.Youcan'
t
puni
shherfor
ev erforsomethi
ngshedidn'
tdoor
shutheroutforeverforthatmat
ter
.She'
syoursist
er
andy ouneedheri nyourlif
easmuchassheneeds
you."Hecontinued.Icur
v edmymouthtotheconer
tr
yingtodigest.
"
Doyoureal
l
ythi
nkso?
"Iaskedandhenodded
l
i
ght
ly.
"Wouldn'ti
tbenicethoughtohav eherinourchild'
s
l
ife?ImeanIonl yhavebrothersandAmandai s
practi
call
yourson'sonlyaunt.Wecan'tdenyhim of
thatpriv
il
edge.I
t'
shisbirt
hr i
ghtanditjustwouldn't
bef ai
ronhim.Andany waybabe, Ij
ustdon'twant
youl i
vi
nglif
ewonder i
nghowt hi
ngscouldhave
turnedoutifyouhadfixedthingswit
hy oursi
ster."
Hesai d.
"ButIal
way
str
iedt
oreachoutt
oherbabe.She'
sthe
onewhoshutmeout.
"Isai
dwit
hpoutedli
ps.
"Yesbutshe'
sal
sor eachi
ngoutnow.Doesn'
tthat
countforsomet
hing?"Ikeptqui
et.
"Shecal
ledyoul
it
eral
l
yaf ewmi
nutesago,di
dn't
she?"HeaddedandIli
ft
edmyshoulderdi
smissi
vel
y.
"
Nowt
hati
tsui
tsher
."Ispi
tout
.
"Comeonbaby .Don'tbel i
ket hat.Justbegr ateful
thatshe'
sf inall
yreadyt otalk.Don' tshootherf or
tryi
ngnow.Comeher e."Hepul ledmecl oserand
curvedmei nhisembr ace, Irestedmyheadonhi s
chest.Hebr ushedmyshoul derandwer emai ned
sil
ent.Iwasdi gestingev er
thingt hathej ustsai d.
AndasmuchasIhat et oadmi tit
,heismaki nga
wholelotofsense.I twoul dr eallybeni cehav i
ng
Amandai nourl i
ves.Imeanshe' sli
terall
ytheonl y
bloodrelativeIhave.Il etitallsinkandmadepeace
withthef actthatI'
m goi ngt ogi veitat ry.
Oziwasnowawful
lyqui
etandI
trosemyconcer
ns.I
cl
earedmythr
oat
.
"So,what
'sbotheringyou.
"Iwi
ggl
edmywayoutof
hisembraceandl ookedathi
m.Hegav
emeaf ai
nt
smileandchuckled.
"Wouldyouf
orgetabouti
tifIaskedyouto?"He
askedandIshookmyhead, no.Hechuckledagai
n
andshookhishead.
"
Uyahl
uphakodwast
handwasam'
.
"Ichuckl
ed.
"
Iknow.So.
..
"hel
ookedatmebr
ief
lyt
henmov
edhi
s
gazeawayandheav
ed.
"
Alothashappenedy ester
dayandIdon'tev
enknow
wheretostart.
"Hisfacesuddenl
ysaddenedagai
n.
Hestil
lhasn'tr
ecoveredfr
om whatev
erthat
t
ranspir
edy est
erday.
"
Wellst
artatt
hebegi
nni
ng.
"Isai
dandhel
ookedat
me.
*
***
**

Wedeci dedtostayindoor swithhim wor kingf rom

homet oday.Hecal l
edtheof fi
ceandasked
I
nat hi
nkosi tocancelallhismeet i
ngsf ortoday .He
reall
ywasn' tupforacr owd.Whathappened
yesterdayreall
ydidhi m anumberandIhonest ly
wishIcoul dcarrysomeofhi sloadf orhim.Hei s
doingev eryt
hinghecant okeephi sfamilyi ntactand
makesur ethateveryonei sokayandi t'
st akingat ol
l
onhi m.Hehast oomanyr esponsibil
it
iest hatIf eel
i
t'sjusttoomuchr eal
ly.Itcan'
tbeeasyj uggl ing
betweenbei ngaCEOofamul tibi
ll
ioncompanyand
beingheadofaf ami l
y.He'salsohumanandneedsa
br
eakaswel
l
,hencet
hei
ndoormodet
oday
.

Wewer ecur ledupi nt oasmal l ballandcuddl edon

thecouch.Hewast aki ngabr eakawayf rom wor k
andhi smi ni offi
ce.Not hingmakesmyhear tswel l
l
ikeseinghi mt akingt imef r
om hi sbusyschedul eto
bondwi thhischi ld.It'sr eall
ynicehav inghi m brush
myt ummy ,
ascol dashi shandsar eandasmuchas
Ihatedi tatf i
rst,Icamet olearnt olivewi thandl ove
i
t.Hehasast oryt el
lingandsongsessi onwi thhis
sondai ly.Thegy necol ogistoncet oldust hatbabi es
cansensev oices, soundsandev entouches.Now
Ozi hasmadei tpar tofhi sdailyr outi
net odoal l
thoset hingsdur inghi sbondi ngsessi ons.He' sso
adamantt hatI '
m car ryingaboy .Heal sodoesn' t
stopgoi ngonabouthi scr azyst ori
est hatall Langa
mengi v ebirtht of i
rstbor nsonsbecauset hey '
vegot
strongsper ms.I magi ne!Psm?WhenIsuggest edt o
himt hatweshoul dgof orsonart oconf i
rmt he
baby '
sgender ,her ef used. .
.saidhewant edtopr ove
himselfr i
ght .SoIl ethi m be.He' ssonat uraland
exciti
ngt hathe' sal readyst art
edpr actici
ngt hebaby
l
anguage.Ican'
twaitt
ogivebi
rt
handwatchhi
m
becomeani ncr
edi
blefat
hert
oourbundl
eofj
oy.
Theint
ercom buzzed,st
eal
i
ngourcompel
li
ng
moment .Heremov edhi
shandf
rom mybel
lyand
l
ookedatme.
"
Arey
ouexpect
ingany
one?
"Ishookmyhead.
"
You?
"Heal
soshookhi
shead.
"I
'
m noti
nthemoodt
oseeany
body
.Goat
tendt
oit
pl
ease.
"Hesai
d.
"
Haubaby,kanj
alonje.Whatiftheyst
eal
mewhen
y
ou'r
euphereandy oucan'tevensaveme?"Hebust
i
ntol
aught
er.
"Thatpersonwoul dhavesignedadeathwish
contractwiththedevi
l.Notwithmywifeand
cert
ainlynotinmyownt er
rit
ory.Now,
gophela.
"I
l
ookedathi m ashepul l
edthethrowandsnuggl
ed
comf ort
ablyonthecouch.Ishookmyheadandgot
up.
"
Besthusbandawar
dgoestoy
oushame. "Isai
d,
wal
kingoutandl
eavi
nghi
minsti
tches.
"
Iloveyoutoomamakastil
lcoming.
"Hesaid.I
walkeddownst
air
sandansweredthei
nter
com.
"
Yes?
"
"
Heyst
ranger
.Si
zweher
e."
What
?Si
zwe?Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?
"Okaycomeoni n."Ipunchedthecodeandwai ted.A
knockcamet hrought othedoorandi wenttoatt
end
toit
.Iopenedandwi denedmyey esi nshock.I
couldn'
tfat
hom howIf eltseei
ngthem bothhere.
ButImostdef i
nitelyreal
isedhowmuchImi ssed
them.Amandacl earedherthroat
,bri
ngingmeback
toli
feandIlookedather .She'sevenmor ebeauti
ful
thanIcanremember .Ohmygosh, howlonghasi t
been?
"
Wel
l
,ar
eyougonnai
nvi
teusi
n?"Shesai
d.
"Af
cause."Ismil
edandopenedmyarms,weshar
ed
abonecrashinghugandr
emainedl
i
kethatf
ora
whi
le.
"
I'
m sosor
ry.
"Shesai
dandIhuggedherev
ent
ight
.
"
Met
oo.
"Isai
d.Ihear
dhersni
ffandIwasasl
o
cry
ing.Sizwej
ustst
oodthereandletusbe.We
fi
nall
yletgoandIwipedof
fhertears.
"Imissedyousomuch.Ohmygosh, lookhow
beautif
ulyouar
e."Isai
dandshechuckledbet
ween
hertears.
"Sayssomeonewhor i
dicul
ousl
ylooksl
i
keme.
"She
saidandlookeddownonmyt ummy
"I
'
lltakethatasacompl imenteventhoughIfeel
anythingbutprett
y."Il
ookedatSizweandhehada
stupidgri
nonhi sface.Iwentovertohim and
punchedhi schest.
"
Ouch.What
'st
hatf
or?
"
"That
'sf
ordi
tchi
ngme.
"Isai
dandhepul
l
edmef
ora
hug.
"Imissedy
ountwana.
"Hesai
dandIchuckl
ed.He
pull
edawayandtookafewst
epsback.
"
Imissedyouguy
s.Wow, l
ookatyou.Bonnyand
Gl
ide.
"Isai
dandwelaughinuni
son.
"
Pleasecomei
n."
"
Uhm,
thanksbutI
'
m notst
ayi
ng.Ij
ustcamet
odr
op
Amandaof
f.
"Si
zwesai
dandIl
ookedathi
m amused.
"Youdoknowt haty
ou'l
lof
fi
cial
lybecomebrot
her
s
i
n-lawonceyoumar r
ymysisterhereandy
ouwon't
avoidhimfor
everri
ght?
"Isai
dandhechuckled
nervousl
y.
"I
'
m notav oi
di nghim.Ij
usthavetodash
somewher e."Wi t
hthatsai
d,hebrief
lykissed
Amanda' scheeckandbi dusgoodby e.Wewal kedi
n
andIclosedt hedoorbehind.Hereyeswer e
wanderingar ound.If
orgotshehasn'tbeenhere
befor
e.Shewascl earl
ysweptoff.Il
ookedather
andchuckled.
"Wouldy
ouli
keanyt
hingtodri
nk?"Iaskedandshe
j
ustnodded,
sti
l
ladmiri
ngthehouseandnot
acknowl
edgi
ngmeonebi t
.
"Thishousel
ooksev
enbett
erinsi
de.I
t'
satot
al
dream."Shesai
dandIcont
inuedt
ochuckl
ed.
"
Iknow.Iwasj
ustassweptof
fthef
ir
stt
ime
mysel
f.
"
"
Howbi
gisi
t?"
"Idon'
tknow.It'
stoobig,
Ifel
tdrowsytocount.But
i
thas5bedr ooms, t
hatIcantel
lyou.
"Ihandedhera
glassoforangejui
ce.
"Ohmygosh.I t'
samansi on.Dot akemeonat our
onceev er
ythi
ngissett
led."Shesippedherj uiceand
webot hsatdownont hehi ghkickenstools.She
placedtheglassdowncar eful
lyandrubbedher
fi
ngersonitsbream wit
houtl ookinganinchatme.
"
LookAmanda.Iknowalothashappenedsincewe
f
oundoutabouteachot
herbutcanwemov eon
f
rom t
hat?
"Isai
d.Shebroughthergazeupand
l
ookedatme.Herfacel
i
tupcompl etel
y.
"Iwouldn'
tl
ikeany
thi
ngmoret
hanhavi
ngaf r
esh
star
t.ImissyouSne.I
'
mlongi
ngfory
ou."Shesai
d.
"
Howhav eyoubeen?
"Iaskedoutofconcern.Ir
eal
l
y
wanttoknowhowshe'shol
dingupwit
h..
.youknow
what!
"I
'
m goodactual
l
y.Ididn'
tthi
nkI
'
dhandleitt
hewayI
dobutI'
m gl
adthatIdo."
shesai
dconf
identl
y.
"
Arey
oucer
tai
nthatyou'
renotbot
tl
ingi
tup?Becaue
y
oudoknowthati
t'
sgonnacatchupwit
hyoulateri
f
y
oudon'
tdeal
wit
hit
,.
ri
ght
?
Shewav
edherhanddi
smi
ssi
vel
y.
"Idon'
tcar
eany mor e.Ijustwanttomov eonandli
ve
myl i
fewit
houtallthistoxicdrama."Sheli
ft
edher
glassanddrankfrom it.Ilookedatherandkept
quiet
.Iwaswor r
iedaboutherbutnotmor ethanI
washappyt ohaveherher ewithme.
Ozicamedownthestai
rsandAmandashi
ft
ed
uncomfor
tabl
yonherseat
.
"
HiAmanda.
"Hegr
eet
ed.
"
Hey
..
.hi
Ozi
.Howar
eyou?
"Shesai
d.
"
I'
m good,t
hanksf
oraski
ng.Howar
eyoudoi
ng
y
oursel
f?"
"
I'
m okay
,thanks.
"Shesai
dandhenodded.
Hewentov ertothef
ri
dgeandt
ookoutawater
bott
le.Heturnedonhi
sheel
sandheadedt
othe
stai
rcases.
"Ni
cetoseeyouagainAmanda.Pl easedon'tbea
str
anger
."Hesai
danddi ssapear
edupst ai
rs.Il
ooked
atAmandaandsmiled.Iknowhej ustrubbediti
n
del
i
ber
atel
y.Sneakyass!
"Di
dhejusthi
ntt
hatIshoul
dvi
sitof
ten?
"Sheasked
andInodded.
"Yup.Don'
ttellhi
mt hatIt
oldy
oubutIthi
nky
ou'
re
hisfavour
it
e."Isai
ddr i
nki
ngmyjui
ce.
"
Yout
hink?
"Sheasked,
amused.
"
Hel
i
ter
all
yadv
ocat
edf
ory
out
hismor
ning.
"
"
Youdon'
tsay
!"
Webot hbustintolaught erandIshookmyhead.I
l
ov ehav i
ngherbackal ready.We'regonnat akei
tone
dayatat imeobv i
ouslybutI '
m will
ingtotry.Wesat
thereandcat chedup.Weendedupcooki ngastorm
andi twasallgoodv ibes.Ihav etosayt hough,
Amandal ookssomuchl ikemet hatIsomet i
mes
feelli
keI'
ml ookingatmyownr efl
ecti
ononami rror
.
It
'screepybutIl oveit.Ihav emysi st
erbackand
that'
sallthatmat t
ers.Ri ght?
I
nser
t53
(
Unedi
ted)

I'
venev erexper i
ncedal i
f easdr amat i
cast heone
I'
vebeenl ivingthesepastf ewmont hs.Knowi ngt he
Langabr other sandbecomi ngoneoft hem, gaveme
anewper spect i
veaboutl ife.We' vehadourupsand
downs, ourhi ghsandl owsbuti nt hemi dstof
everthing, we'vealsohadourcr azyandcompel li
ng
moment s.Theyar egr eatpeopl eandI '
m mor ethan
greatful tobeapar toft hei rcrazyandr oll
ercoast er
ri
de; especi all
ythatofOzi 's.Thesepastf ewmont hs
haver eal l
ybeendr amat icanddr ai
ning.We' v e
exper i
encedsomeser iesofev ent sthatI '
veev enl ost
count .It'
ssaf etopr oclaimt hatGodi saliveaf t
erhe
projectedhi spr esencei nt hemi dstofshi tt
y
si
tuat i
onst hatwegotour sel v
escaughtupi n.He
hasr eal l
ybeenwi thus.Hehel dourhandsand
guidedust hr ought hest orm andl at
elyt hedusthas
settl
edwi thLwazi beingawayandst il
lonhi sheal i
ng
j
our ney .Whi leMikeandDl omoar esti
llbehindbar s.I
haven' thear dfrom auntNosi sincewecameback
from homeandKhosi wast aki
nghert reatmentand
recov eri
ngj ustf i
ne.Myr elati
onshipwi t
hAmandai s
full
yBl ossomed.Shei smyhappyspaceandescape
place.It'
sr eallynicet ohav esomebodyot hert han
myhusbandt ov entonwhent hegoi ngget stough.
Especi al
lyabouti ssuesr elati
ngtowomen.She' s
reall
ybeent her ef ormeandIcoul dn'taskf ormor e.
Thankst oOzi formaki ngmeseer eason.Asf or
Amo, she'slivingherownbusyl ifei nJoburg.She
hasnot imef orany bodyorany t
hing.Wet alkf r
om
ti
met otimebutourf riendshipisnol ongerthesame.
Ithinkwe' redr ift
ingapar tduet ogr owt handnot
havingcommont ast eoft hings,Idon' tknow.WhatI
doknowt houghi sthat ,youshoul dsetpeopl ef r
ee
tobewhatt heyar emeantt obewi thpeopl et heyare
meantt obewi th.I t
'sokayt ooutgr owncer tain
peopl eort hingsasy ougr owol dandbet terinlife.
Asl ongaswe' real lgoodandsur vi
v i
ng.Istilll
ove
hert hough.She' l
l al
way sbemyf riend.
Phew!I
'
vebecomeabubbl
ermout
hlat
ely
.
Any
way,OziandIdeci
dedt
hatIwasgonnahav
ea
wat
erbi
rt
hinourownhome.Hewasv er
yadamant
aboutnothav inghischil
dbedel i
ver edatapubl i
c
space.Hesai dhe'saLangahei randdeser vestobe
wel comedassuch.Wehav eat eam r eadyonst and
by.I '
mt alki
ngaboutnur ses,mi dwi v esandcamer a
crewst ocapt urethemoment .Al lthosear eOzi '
s
suggest ions,notmine.Ididn'tknowhecanbeso
dramat icandIhadnoener gyt opr ot estit
.Ijustwant
topopt hisbabyoutonceandf oral l.Ihav en'tbeen
ablet odomuchf ormy selflately.Ozi woul deither
wor khal fdaysandcomebackear l
yorhewoul djust
wor kf r
om homecompl etelybecausehewoul dn't
l
eav emebehi ndalldaybymy sel f.Iaskedt hathe
hiressomeonet ohelpme, her eject edt heideaand
saidt hathe'l
ltakecareofhi swi fe, soIl ethim be.
I'
m expectedtogivebi r
thsomet i
medur i
ngt hi
sweek
andhonest yIwishi twast hi
sverymoment .I'
m
heavi
lypregnantandt i
red.MyfeetareswollenandI
walkli
keapengui n.Ozi saiditwassexybutIknow
he'
sjusttryi
ngtof latt
ermebecauseIl ooklikeapig.
Mynosei sallpuffedandpal ewhi l
emylipsanddar k.
Ievengaveupdoi ngmyhai r
.Idon'
tevencombi t
anymore.
Iwalkeddownthestai
rcasegoi
ngdowntothe
ki
tchenandhelif
tedhi
sheadandlookedatme.He
sprangonhisf
eetandcamer unni
ngtome.
"
Whatthehellbaby
.Doy ouwantt
ogivebir
thon
t
hesestai
rs?
"Hepi ckedmeupcaref
ull
y.
"PutmedownOzi
.I'
m notabagofpot
atoes.
"Isai
d
punchi
nghi
sbi
ceps,hechuckl
ed.
"
Cal
m downnow.I
'
mj ustt
ryi
ngtohel
pmypengui
n
f
rom r
oll
i
ngdownt
hesestair
s."
"Mxm.Putmedown.Iwannawal k.I'
mt i
redof
seati
ng."Isaidandheputmedownnextt ot
he
ki
tchencount er.Heheav
edandheldhiswaist
.Iey
ed
him andher aisedhi
shandsi
nsurrenderand
chuckled.
"
CanImakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?"Heasked.
"
No.I
'
lldoi
tmy
sel
f.
"Ii
nsi
sted.
"KodwaSt
handwasam,
I'
m her
etohel
pyou.
"He
said.
"
Helpmet akedownthepot
sthen.
"Isai
dandhe
r
aisedhi
sey ebr
ow.
"
Arey
oucooki
ng?
"
"
Hmm.
"
"There'snot hingIcandoorsayt ostopy oufrom
doingt his,ri
ght?"Heaskedwhi l
el eaningont he
kit
chencount er
.Hewaswear i
ngabeggywhi tevest
withsweat pantsandsocksonl y.Hel ookedlikea
snack.Lat elyIhav ebeent heonet oini
ti
atesex.
YeahIsai dit.Nowdon' tl
ookatmel ikethatguuurl.
Whowoul dn'tli
kesexwhi letheygetshaggedbya
manl ikemyhusbandhuh?ICoul dn'tgetenoughof
him.Al lIdoi seat ,havesex,bathandr epeat.Idon't
knowwhat '
sgot teni nt
omebutIj ustfi
ndhi m
extremel yirr
esistible.Mustbepr egnancyhor msorI
j
ustf l
atenj oy shav i
ngsex.
Heclear
edhist
hroatandIl
ookedathi
m.Hehada
goof
ysmi l
eonhisface.
"Ar
ey ouact
ual
lydaydreaminganddrool
ingoverme
ri
ghtnow?"Hesmirked.Ipr
essedmylipstoget
her
andnoddedli
kealit
tl
ekid.Hechuckl
ed.
"Doyouwantme?
"Inoddedagai
nwhi
l
ebi
tt
ingmy
nai
l.
"Soyoudon'twanttocookanymore?
"Headdedand
Ishookmyheadno.Whydoeshekeepaski ngme
thesest
upidquesti
ons.Ij
ustwanthi
mthi
sinst
ant,
ontopofthi
skit
chencounter.
"Youwannashag?"Heconti
nuedtoaskwit
hone
eyebr
owraised.Ur
g!Igav
ehim anot
hernod,
annoyedt
histime.
"Shameman.Kubi mos."Hesaidthenturnedand
tookthepot sdown.Hepl acedthem ont hestov
e
andstar t
edt owhistl
e,complet
elydismissi
ngmy
heavil
ypr egnantsel
fandmyneeds.Ij uststood
thereandl ookedathim.Iwantedtocr ybecausehe
knowsj usthowmuchIwanthi mr i
ghtnowbuthe' s
j
ustenj oyingtor
turi
ngme.Hepeekedhi sheadinthe
carpetsandst art
edraidi
ngthem.
"
Sowhatdoy ouwanttocook,madam? "Hesai d
wit
houtl
ookingatme.Iremainedsilentandf elta
t
eardropfr
om myl eftey
e.Heturnedandl ookedat
me.Hebroughthisdarkeyebr
owst oget herand
f
rownedforawhilethenbusti
ntolaught er.
"
Arey
oucr
ying?
"Inoddedandwi
pedmyt
ear
saway
.
"
Oohbaby
?Doesi
thur
t?"Het
eased.Mxm ar
rogant
f
ool
.
"Tel
lmewher ei
thur
tssoIcanki
ssi
tbet
ter
sweethear
t.
"
"
Ini
?"Iaskedwhi
l
est
il
lcr
ying.He'
sjustaf
ool
.
"
Idon'
tknowphel
a.Wher
edoesi
thur
t?"Hesmi
rked.
"
Whywoul
dyout
hinkI
'
m hur
ti
ngsomewher
e?"
"
Becausey
ouar
ecr
yingsweet
hear
t.
"Hemot
ioned
t
owardsme.
"Whyareyoucr
yingt
hen?"Headded,whi
lestandi
ng
i
nfr
ontofmenow.Hiscolognehitmynostr
il
sandI
hadtokeepmykneesincheck.
"Becauseyoudon'twantt
omakel ov
etome."Isai
d
betweenmysobs.Hesear chedi
nmyey esand
sti
fl
edal aught
er.
"Idon'
twantt
omakel
ovet
oyou?
"Hesai
dandI
nodded.
"
Soi
tdoesn'
thur
t?"
"
Ini
kant
iOzi
thobi
l
e?"Il
ashedout
.Ur
g!Hechuckl
ed
andpul
l
edmecl
oser
.
"WhatdidIsayaboutmyf ul
lname, Nhlanhl
a?"He
wassli
dinghishandsunderneathmyshor tdress.I
hadnopentieson.Ist
oppedwear ingthoseonmy
2ndtri
mesterbecausetheyjustbecameso
uncomfort
able.
"
Nhl
anhla."Hesai
dsof
tl
ywhi
l
ebur
yinghi
sheadon
myshoulder.
"
Hmmm.
"Imur
mur
ed.
"
Whatdi
dIsayaboutmyf
ull
namesweet
hear
t?"
"
Yousai
ditmakesyouweakonyourknees.
"Isai
d,
whi
l
esuppressi
ngt
heedgetocr
y.
"
Soy
ouwantt
oknockmeof
f?"
Hewasf i
ngeri
ngmeandbr eat
hingdownmyneck.I
j
ustshookmyheadnoandhepul l
edhisf
ingerout
andl
ickeditcl
ean.Imoanedandwhined.
"
Ooozi
!"
"I
ttastesdif
ferent
."HesaidandIlookedathim.He
wasr eall
yenjoyi
ngthi
sandI ,ont
heot herhand,
couldn'thol
ditanymore.Ibusti
ntotearsandcri
ed.
Helookedatmeandl aughed,throwinghishead
back.Ipushedhim awayandat tempt edtowalk
awaybuthepul l
edmegent l
yandIt urned.He
smashedhi ssoftl
i
psonmi neandweshar edasalty
ki
ss.Icouldfeelhi
sli
pscur veintoasmi l
eagainst
mineandIpul l
edback.Hel ookedatmeandki ssed
myt ear
yeyes.
"
Youarejustsoper
fectf
orme,
Snenhl
anhla.
"He
l
ookeddownonme, whil
ehi
shandscuppedmyface.
"
Babypl
eeease.
"Iwhi
nedandhechuckl
edagai
n.
"
Whatdoy
ouwantkant
i?"
"
Iwanty
ourcock.
"
"I
sitevensaf
et ohav
esexwhiley
oucangi
vebi
rt
h
anyti
mef r
om nowNhlanhl
a?"
"
Yesbaby
.Peopl
edoi
tal
lthet
ime.
"
"Reall
y?Letmegogoggl ethatreal
qui
ck,I'
l
lbe
back."Heat t
emptedtowalkawayputitpul
ledhim
andgr appedhisbul
ge.Hewasashar dasar od,
bloodyidiot
.Hewantsmej ustasmuchasIwant
him.Hej ustenj
oyswatchi
ngmebeghi mt oshag
me.Hechuckl
edandbroughthisheadclosert
o
mineandwesharedaverysensualki
ss.Heswept
hi
stonguei
nandmybr eathi
ngescalat
ed.Hepicked
meupandIsmi l
l
edagainsthi
slips.
"Holdont omyneck. "Hesai dbet weenourl ipsandI
j
ustnodded.Wewentupst airsandhepl acedme
gent l
yont hebedandt ookhi sclothesof f
.Hecame
backandsl eptont hesi debecausewow, mybel l
y
wassuperbi g, there'
snowayhecoul dgetont op.
DidIment i
onhowl ov el
yandsensul oursexi slat
ely?
Thef actthathet akesmeni ceandsl owbecause
he'safraidhe' l
lhurtthebaby ,justturnsmeon.Not
toment ional lthenewl yfoundposi t
ionswedol atel
y.
Heav enonear thIt el
l you.Hemanagest ogeti tall
andal sogiv eitt omef rom allangles.Hecuppedmy
faceandsav our edonmyl i
ps.Isl i
dmyhanddown
andcamei ncont actwi thhishar dcock.Ist rokedit
whileheci rcledhi sfingersonmycage.Hewas
groaningsof tlyandIwasmoani ngseduct i
vely.He
pull
edawayf rom theki ssandhunghi sheadback.I
i
ncr easedmypaceandheal sodi dthesame.If elt
mybodyt enseup, hemusthav efeltittoobecause
hestoppedplay
ingwi
thmycage.Heopenedhi
slazy
eyesandlookedatme.
"Howdoy ouwanti t? "Hesai dwi t
hat hick, husky
voice.If eltmycl itt
hr ob.It urnedandsl eptonmy
side, givinghim mybackandl i
ftedmyl egup.He
helpedt ohol ditup.Heshi f
tedandmov edcl oserto
myent r
ance.Hi swar mt hi
ghscamei ncont actwi th
myass.Hei nsertedhi msel ffrom behi ndandi guspe
.Ir eal l
ycan'tgetov erhowbi gher eal
lyi s.Howa
womancagei sablet oaccomadesuchar od, will
alway sleavemebaf fled.Ozi i
sgi ft
edandagr eat
perfor mer .IknowIdon' thaveany t
hingorany oneto
compar ehi m wi t
h,whi chI'
dl i
kef orittost ayt hat
way , butIknowhei sgood.Hi spassi onat esex
alway sleavesmewant i
ngmor e.Hest artedt o
mov edi nandoutsl owl yandIpr essedmyl ips
toget herandst art
edt omoansof tl
y.
"
Baby
..
."hesai
d.
"
Hmmm.
"
"
Kant
iwhyumnandi
kanj
est
handwasam?
"
Ichuckl
edsof
tl
yandcont
inuedt
omoan.Hewoul
d
i
ncreasehi
spaceabi
tandt
hrustaf
ewt
imest
hen
sl
owdownagain.
"I
st hisev ensaf e?Becausedamn, I'
m enj oyingi tand
Idon' twantt ost op."Hisv oicewasal readyt hick.We
mov edourbodi espassi onat el
yli
kewewer edanci ng
toacer tainl ovesong.Heknowsmybodyandneeds
sowel l
,itdr ivesmecr azy .Hei sgoodshame.And
thef actt hathei sgift
eddownt here.
..
hmm.Ipul led
forwar dandi tsl i
dout .Irolledoverandgotup.I
pushedhi mt olayonhi sbackandIcl i
mbedont op.
Hesmi ledweakl yandpl acedhi shandi nmywi de
hips.Myasshadbecomebi ggersincepr egnancy
andt heyar eenoughf orhi mt ouseashandl es,and
boywasheusi ngt hem!Idi dthereversecowgi r
l and
gavehi m myasst owat ch.Islidhismanhoodi nand
Ihear dhi m cur sesof tl
y.Ibouncedgent lyinandout
cont i
nousl yandhewasal readyspeaki ngi nt ongues.
Thisposi tioni shi snewl yf avouri
te.Hesay si tturns
him onwhenheseesmyassbounceonhi sabsl ike
that.Ididmydi d, you'
dswearIwasn' theav i
ly
pregnant .Iwasmoani ngandhewasgr oaningsof tly
.
"
Ohshi
tbaby
."Hesai
dsof
tl
y.
"y
ourasskeepsswallowingmydi cki
nandoutand
i
t'
sagr eatsi
ghttowatch."Ii
ncr
easedmypaceand
gri
ndedhim deepandhard.
"Makemecum love.Shit.
..
Iwantyoutomakeme
cum."Wit
hthatsai
d, Ii
ncreasedmypaceandgav
e
himreal
goodbounces.Hewasgr aoni
ngand
cursi
ngwhil
espankingmyass.
"Shi
t..
.shi
tbabyf
ast
er.
"Ibouncedunt
ill
Icoul
dn'
t
anymor e.Hehel
dmedownt i
ghtandletoutal
oud
groan.
"Uurhfuckwoman, doyouwannaki l
lme?"Hesaid
softl
y.Iturnedtosi tontopofhi
m, wi
thhisjui
ces
fol
lowingshor tl
y.Ilookedathim,hesqueezedhis
eyesshut .Ichuckledandheopenedoneey eand
l
ookedatme.
"
I'
mfi
nished.
"Hesai
dandIbusti
ntol
aught
er.
"Wel
lIsti
llwantmore.
"Isai
d,heopenedhi
sey
es
andwidenedhisgaze.
"Nhl
anhlat
hebabyi sdueanyt
ime.I
tcan'
tbeheal
thy
shaggingl
i
kethis.HaibomaKhumalo.
"Iwasst
il
l
seati
ngontopofhim andgi
ggli
ng.
"OkaybutIdi
dn'tcum,
canyouhel
pme? "Isai
d.He
gotupandpickedmeup.Weheadedt otheshower
andheputmedown.Her anthewaterandtur
ned
meov er
.
"
Rel
ax,
I'
ll
bat
hyou.
"
"
Evendownt
her
e?"
"
Evendownt
her
ebaby
."
Il
aughedandhel dont otheclasswal
l,
bendingand
giv
inghim enoughroom towashmycage.He
squatt
eddownandt ookhistimewashingitshort
ly
aft
erwashingmybody .If
elthisf
aceonmybut t
cheecksandIjumped.Hehel dmet ostandstil
l.
"
Hai
maanOzi
.That
'
sgr
oss.
"Isai
dlaughi
ng.
"I
'
mt heonewhosef acecamei ncont actwiththis
cage, nowshushandenj oyt hemoment ."Hesai d
andbeganeat ingmef r
om behi nd.Ikeptwiggling
myassandhewoul dchuckle.Ifeltthewav ebuil
d
upandshor tl
yIr eachedmycl imax.Her oseupand
helpedmecat chmybr eath.Wef inishedtakingthe
showerandwal kedout.
"
Doy
oust
il
lwantt
ocook?
"Heasked.
"
Yesbaby
.If
eel
li
kemacar
oni
andcheese.
"Isai
d.
"
Tel
lyouwhat
.Whydon'
tyour
elaxandl
etmecook
f
oryou.
"
"
You'
dcookf
orme?
"
"Afcausesweethear
t.Nowlet'
sgo."Hetookmy
handandwewal keddownstai
rs.Hewenttoli
ftupa
singlecouchandcamet opl
acei ni
nthekit
chen.
"
Hau,
manj
e?"Iasked,
puzzl
ed.
"
Ineedy
out
okeepmecompanyphel
a."
"Haubutthel
iv
ingr
oom i
sjustnextdoorandt
he
houseisanopenpl
an.
"
"Yesbutuzolal
aphel
awena.Idon'
ttr
ustyou.Now
snugglehereandwatchyourmandothetr
icks.
"He
pattedonthecouchwithasmir
kandIsatdown
comf or
tabl
yandwatchedhimrai
dthecar
petsand
fri
dge.
"Hmm,thi
sissuchacompelli
ngvi
ew.I
'
m denied
onet
hingthough.
"Isai
d,bi
tt
ingmybot
tom l
i
p.
"Whatist
hat?
"Hehadhi
sheadpeekedi
nthef
ri
dge
anddidn'
tl
ookatme.
"
Wat
chi
ngy
oucooki
ngwhi
l
ehal
fnaked.
"
Heturnedswif
tl
ytolookatme.Hehadashocked
yetamusedlookpl
aster
edonhisface.
"
What
?"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owandIchuckl
ed.
"
Arey
ousay
ingIshoul
dcooknaked?
"Heasked.
"Yup.Inyourunder
wearandanapr
ononl
y?"Isai
d
giggl
ing.
"
Real
l
y?"Inoddedr
api
dly
.
"Oohy eah."Hest art
edt ostripandthrowingthe
clot
hesatmeandIj ustcouldn'
tstopgiggli
ng.He
l
ookedv erysil
lybutIlovedit.Hef i
shedshortl
yand
wasl eftinhisboy l
egsonl y
.Heunhangedt heapron
behindt hedoorandwor eit.Het ur
nedaroundand
openedhi sar mswi de.
"
Aaandv
oul
a!"Hesai
d,Ibusti
ntol
aught
er.
"Ungahl
eki
phela.Bet
ter
?"Igav
ehi m anaf
fi
rmi
ng
nodandat humbsup.Hechuckledandshookhi
s
head.
"Thethingsyoumakemedoorbehi ndthesewall
s
though.Myi nt
eri
orsshoul
dnevereverf
indout
."He
said,goingbacktohi
spotsandcookingastor
m.
"OkayMrCEO? "Ismi l
ed.Iwat chedhim cookwhil
e
weconver sedoverali
ghtconv er
sati
on.Soonhe
wasdonecooki nganddi shingupandIwentt odine
withhi
m.Hehel pedmesi tdownonmychai rthen
satdownopposi t
eme.Thef oodsmelledver
ydelish.
Iwasalreadydrooli
ng.Hesai dgracet
henwedi gged
i
n.
"So,whatbabynamesdoyouhav ei
nmi nd?"Iasked,
withmymout hstuf
fedwi
thfood.Helookedatme
bri
efl
ythenfocusedonhi
sfood.
"Well
,wedon'tevenknowthegender.Isuggestwe
j
ustwaitunti
lthebabyisbor
nt henwe'l
ldecide
basedonhowwef eelatt
hatmoment .Besi
de,Idon'
t
thi
nksuchthingsneedtobeplaned.
"Heshr ugged.
"Okaybutnofunnynamesf
ormychi
l
dpl
ease.
"I
saidandhechuckled.
"Act
ual
lyy
ouknowwhat,
I'
vegotj
ustaboutt
her
ight
nameinmyhead.
"Hesai
dandeyedme.Igavehim
t
hegoaheadl
ookathel
aughedl
i
ght
ly.
"HowaboutuSphenge?"Hesaidandbustint
o
l
aughter.Il
ookedathi
m conf
usedandtotall
y
astoni
shed.
"What?Isn'
tthataNdebel
ename?"Iaskedandhe
cont
inuedtolaugh.Hewasinst
it
ches.
"
Doy
ouev
enknowwhati
tmeans?
"
Heshookhi sheadwit
ht earsrol
l
ingdownhi
s
cheecks.He'
sreal
lyanidiotshame.
"Thenwhywouldy-
..
.ur
gbabyt
hat
'snotf
unnyman.
"
Ithrewaser
vantonhim.
"Youshoul
dhav eseenyourf
ace,absol
utely
pri
cel
ess.Youreyeslookedl
i
ketheywant edtopop
out.
"Hewipedhistearsandgotup.
"
That
'snotf
unnyOz
i."
"Haubuti t
'sanamenje.IknowsomanySphenges
outt here.What'
swrongwi thi
t?"Ipoutedmyli
ps
withf oodinmymout h.Her ai
sedhishandsin
surrenderandwentt oputhisplateinthesi
nkand
camebackt ol
eanonthet abl
enextt ome.Hewiped
t
hesaucefrom mymout
hwi t
hhi
sthumbandl
i
cked
i
tthenl
ookedatmesoft
ly.
"Di
dItel
lyoul
atel
ythatIl
ovey
ou?
"Hesai
dandI
shookmyhead.
"WellBaby
,youaremyheartinahumanform.You
arethepuzzl
ethat
'sbeenmissi
nginmyl
ife.Il
ove
yousomuch, i
tgivesmechestpai
ns.
"Headdedand
Igiggl
ed.
"
Lier
."
"
Oho.Youcouldne-
"hepaused,
lookedatmeand
f
rowned.Il
ookedundert
hetabl
eandIwassoaki
ng
wet
.
"
Baby
."Iwhi
sper
ed.
"
What
'swr
ong?
"
"
Mywat erj
ustbr
oke.
"Isai
dandhewi
denedhi
sgaze
i
nshock.
"
What ?Whatdoesthatmean?"Hesaid,
tot
all
y
f
reakedout.Ipl
acedthef
orkonthetabl
eand
t
ouchedmybel l
y.
"
Uur
h.Ohmygosh.
"
"
What
'swr
ongbaby
.Ar
eyougi
vi
ngbi
rt
h?"
"
Noi
diot
.Ur
gnotn-uuuuuur
h!"
"
Wel
lIdon'
tknowwhatt
odo.Whatdoy
ouneedme
t
odo?"
"
Cal
lthef
li
ppi
nnur
ser
yteam manOzi
."
"
Okay,
okay
."Heranupst
air
s,madeaswi
ftU-
tur
n
t
hencamerunni
ngbackagai
n.
"
Isi
tfi
nei
fIl
eav
eyouher
e?CanIl
eav
ey-
"
"
OZI
THOBI
LEMAAN!
"Iscr
eamed.
"
I'
m sorrymyl ov
e."Her
anupstai
rsandIgotupand
wenttokneeldownnextthecouchandremember ed
whatmydoct ortol
dme.Ii
ii
i
ii
inandouuuuuuut.I
i
nhaledandexhaledasmuchasIcant henrepeat
ed
t
hepr ocess.
I
nser
t54
(
Unedi
ted)

Nar
rat
ive.

Theaf fl
uentt ycoon, Ozithobi leLanga, ranar ound
thehousel i
keaheadl esschi ckenhel pinghi s
belovedwi fegetr eadyf ort hedel iveryoft heirfi
rst
everchild.Ifthere'sany thingl i
ke" nowor dscan
explainhowIf eel.
"waspr ecislyhowOzi thobilefelt
.
Hewasf eelingabsol utelyf oreignaboutev er
y t
hing
thatwashappeni ng.Seei nghi swi fegot hroughso
muchpai nreallypiercedhi shear t.Hewi shedt here
wasany t
hinghecoul ddot ohel phert akeawayt he
pain.Buthehopedandbel ievedt hathi spresence
andmor alsuppor tmeantsomet hingt othef rantic
andi nlabourpai nswi fe.Thenur ser yteam had
alr
eadyar r
ived,alongwi t
ht hecamer acrew.Apool
ofwat erwasal r
eadypr epar edf orSnenhl anhla's
wat er
birth.Shespendt heent ire8hour spacing
aroundt hehouse, taki
nganapandget ti
ngup,
screamingandshout i
ng,breathingandwincing,
whileherhusbandwast here,holdingherhand,
massaging, r
ubbingandbreathingwi t
hher.Passion,
l
ove, pat
ienceandcompassi ondi dn'
tshowenough
sentimentsforhowpresenther eallywasforhis
wife.
Timewasj ust5mi nut esafterseveni ntheev ening.
Thewi ndowswer eopenedt oletthesummerbr eeze
helpwi thcool ingof ftheheav i
lypregnantSne.I twas
predictedbyt hedoct orthatshewoul dgi vebi r
th
aroundt heev ening.Sot heyhel pedhergeti nsi
det he
pool andr elax, buttnaked.Ozi di
dn'tl
iket heideaof
hiswi f
ebei ngcompl etelynakedi nthepr esenceof
allthesest ranger s.I tmadehi sbodycr i
ngebuthe
ratherfocusedont hemat terathand.Snegoti nside
thepool andkneel eddown, l
eaningwi thherhands
ont hepool ,wi thherheadr estedandt heyl ookedat
eachot herf acet of acewi thherhusband.He
brushedt hest ernsofherhai rbackgent l
ywhi l
e
l
ooki ngatherwi thsomuchcompassi on.
"I
'
m sorr
ythatyouhav
etogot
hroughsomuchpain,
honey
.Iwishther
ewassomet
hingIcoul
ddotohelp
you.
"Ozi
saidandshejustgavehi
m av
eryf
aint
smil
eandsqueezedhereyesshut
.
"Hanginther
eal
ri
ght
.Itwill
beoversoon."Hekissed
herhead.Themi
dwif
easkedt ocheckedherbri
efly
andsoonshewasdonet hengavethem botha
smiled.
"OkayMr sLanga,thebabyisreadytomeett he
parentsnow.We' r
egonnaneedy outol eanonthe
poolwithyourbackandspr eadyourlegsapart.
Remembery ourbreat
hingpatt
ernsandpl ease
breathinandoutonmycountt henpushashar das
youcan, al
ri
ght?"Oneofthemi dwi
vessai d.
"
CanIgetinsi
dethepoolaswell
?Iwanttobecl
ose
t
omywi fewhenshedeliv
ers.
"Oziaskedandt
he
midwi
vessmiledwidel
y.
"
Afcausey
oucanMrLanga.Thepool
isbi
genough
f
orthebot
hofyou.
"
Ozinoddedandsprangonhisfeet
.Hechargedto
thei
rmasterbedr
oom andchangedintoshort
sanda
vest.Hehur
ri
edbackt ot
henextroom whereall
the
processwastaki
ngplaceandgotin.Hegotinsi
de
thepoolandsatdownbehi ndhiswife.Sheleaned
herheadonhi schest,whithherlegswideopenand
hewasr ubbingthebottom ofthebellygent
lywith
hisheadonhershoul der.Thecamer afl
ashlights
werecomi ngfrom al
langlesintheroom.
"
Isn'
tther
eawaywecandot hi
s?Li
keyouleavi
ng
t
hecamer asandst
eppi
ngout?
"Ozisai
d,annoy
ed.
"Nosi
r,i
fyouneedpropercapt
uredmoment
sthen
weneedtobeinthi
sr oom t
omakesureoft
hat.
"
Sai
donecameradude.
"Okaybutcanyounott
akeadirectvideoand
pict
uresofmywife'
spr
ivat
epartsandofmyson
poppingoutpl
ease?
"Hesaidandt hecameragav
e
him anod.
"Okay,i
t'
stimenow.I'
m gonnaneedy outotakea
deepbreath..
.i
nthenoutonmycountt henpush
okay?"Sai
dt hemidwif
eandSnenodded.Ozi heldon
toherhandt i
ghtandpeckedhercheekfrom behi
nd.
"
I'
m herewi
thy
ou,
honey
.Wecandot
hist
oget
her
."
Hesaid.
"
OkayMr
sLanga.Ready
?"Sheasked,
Snenodded.
"On3,2,
1andpush."Snepushedwithall
herbeing
andwithever
yfi
berinherbodyunti
lshecouldn'
t
anymore.Shest
oppedandbreathedheavi
ly
.
"Youaredoinggreatsweetheart.I
t'
sonlyamatterof
ti
met il
lwemeetourson.Keepupt hegoodjob.You
areamazing."Oziencour
agedher ,wit
htear
s
treat
eti
nghiseyes.Hewi pedthem fr
anti
cal
lyand
focusedonhisnumbwi f
e.
"Onemoret r
yandhopel yt helast
, y
ouy oupush
harder
,MrsLanga.Br eathinandoutonmycount
thenpushagain.3,2,1andpush. "Sneheldont oher
husbandanddughernai l
si nthebackhi shandsand
pushedwithherall
,screami ngherl ungsout.The
babypoppedoutandr esurfacedont hewater.It
s
cri
esfi
ll
edther oom andt hemi dwifeheldit
.Ozi'
s
facehadturnedpalewi t
hshockandexci tementall
atonce.
"
It
'saboy
."Sai
dthemi
dwi
fe.
"
Oht hankyousweetJesus.
"Whi
speredSnebefore
t
hrowingherheadbackonherhusband'
schestand
r
eti
red.Oziwrappedhi
shandsaround
her,
under neaththewaterandki ssedherneck.He
burri
edhi sheadoni tandsobbedgent l
y.Thi swas
theulti
mat emomentofbot hfearandexci tement
theywer eallwaiti
ngfor.Theywer ereli
evedt hatal
l
wentwel lwithoutcomplicationsbecausehonest ly
,
nothav i
ngpar entstoguidet hem t hr
oughandbe
thereforthem washar dasi tis.Thewor stt hingt
hat
couldhav ehappeneddur i
ngt hislabourwasi fSne
l
oosesherl i
fedeli
veri
ngt hebabyorsomet hing
unforeseenhappenst ot hebel ovedandl ong
awaitedOzi Langaheir.
"Welldonemyl ove.I
'
m sopr oudofy ou.
"Hest i
ll
had
hisheadbur ri
edonherneck.Shebr ushedtheback
ofhisheadgent l
yandtheyembr acedeachot her.
Theumbi li
cal cor
dgotcutandt heyhandedt hebaby
toit
spar ents.Theyheldittogetherandl ookeddown
onit.Itwassucki ngonit
slittl
efragilepalefi
ngers
andt heparentschuckledinunison.
"He'
ssobeaut
iful
."Sai
dOzi
,br
ushi
ngi
tsf
luf
fyhai
r
backandsmil
i
ngdownonhi m.
"Iknowright
.Helooksl
i
kehi
sfather.Lookatt
he
darkbrowsandthenarr
owednose."SaidSne.
"I
'm sorr
ytodisturbyourcompel l
i
ngmomenpar ents
butwehav etogett hemommyoutoft hewaterand
alsocheckont hebaby."Saidthemidwif
e.They
noddedwi t
hsmi lesandgav eherthei
rbudl
eofjoy.
Ther oom wasfil
ledwithcamer ali
ght
softhecrew
taki
ngpictur
esandcampur ingthemoments.Joyous
wast hemoodf ortheev eni
ng.
*
***
***
**

Ozi
thobi
l
eLanga'
sPOV

Iclosedthedoorandl ockedi tsoonafterbidingthe

camer acrewandnur ser yteam goodby e.Il
etouta
sighandsmi l
ledt omy self.Icouldn'
tbemor e
happierandfeel bl
essedt hatmywi f
e'sdeli
v erywas
smoot hwithnonecompl icati
ons.Wecanonl ythank
themanabov ebecausehe' strul
lybeenwi t
hus
everystepoftheway .Imademywayt othef ri
dge
andopenedi t
.Icoul dreallydowi thacoldbeeraf t
er
suchahect i
cdayofpaci ngupanddown.It ookout
thebeerandcl osedthef ridge.Iwasaboutt oopeni t
whenIsuddenl yregr ettedthei dea.Itpr obabl yisn'
t
suchagoodi deat hatIdr i
nkwhi l
emywi feand
newl ybor nsonar ej ustupst airs.Itooki tbackand
wal kedupst air
s.Ipushedt hedoorgent l
yand
wal kedi n.Ifoundmypoorwi fedr ift
edt osl eep.She
mustr eall
ybet ir
edaf tersuchanev ent ful day,
shame.Ist i
lldon'tknowhowshedi dthat .Idon't
thinkIwoul dhav esur viveditifthet abl eswer e
turned.She' sast r
ongwomanandIj ustt hinkIl ove
herev enmor eaftert oday .Iwal kedt ot hebedand
l
eanedov ert oherearandwhi sper ed" Ilov ey ou."
thenpeckedherf orehead.Shedi dn'tev enmov ean
i
nch.She' sr eall
youtofi t
.Ipulledt hesheet sand
cov eredhert henwal kedov ert omyson' scor tand
pickedhi m up.Hehadhi slit
tl
eey esshutandwas
fastasl eep.Ir eall
yj ustwantt ohol dhi mi nmyar ms.
Iwantt of eelhispr esenceonme.Il ookeddownon
him wi thasmi leandj oyov erfl
owi ngi nmyhear t.
"Hell
otherechamp."Isai
dsoft
ly."I
t'
ssuchagreat
pleasur
etofinal
ymeetandholdy ouinmyarms.
AndIwantt othankyouforbei
ngsogoodt o
mommy .Sheneverhadanycompi l
ati
onsdur
ing
bir
thandt hroughoutherpr egnancy .Thanky oufor
beingagent leandgoodboy .Youknow, t
heLangas
areverygent l
epeopl ewheni tcomest owomen,
champ.Wel ovethem wi thallourbeingsandget
verygentl
ewi ththem.I t
'sgoodt oseet hatyou'v
e
alr
eadyest abli
shedwhatwear eaboutev enthough
youmadeagr andent r
ance."Isaidandhi sli
ps
curvedint
oasmi le.Ifr
ownedandl ookedathi m,
puzzled.
"Di
dy oujustsmi l
eatme? "Isaidandchuckl ed.He
l
ookssobeaut i
fulman.Ican' treal
l
yt el
li
fhel ooks
l
ikemeduet othef actthathe'ssti
llver
yy oungbut
hedoesf orsureandwi t
hnodoubtl ookli
ket he
hott
estversionofthef ami l
y,sohesay s,Banzi.I
won'theartheendofi tassoonasheseeshi m.
"Ihopeyouknow, j
udgingfrom howy ourmot herand
Ishagged,thatwemadey ouwithnothingbutl ove
andaffecti
on.Thatwomani smyl ife,
champ.She
doesthingstome.WhenIf i
rstsawher ,IknewI
wantedt ohaveyouwi t
hher.Andwhenshet oldme
we'reexpecti
ng,If
eltbrandnew, l
i
keI '
vejustbeen
givenanewl if
e.Mylif
ewasn' tper
fectandal lgli
tt
ers.
Itsti
lli
sn'tbutIneedy outoknowt haty oubrought
l
ightinbot hy ourmot herandI '
slives.Il oveyoumy
boyandI '
llprotectyouwi t
hev ery
thi ngIhav e
becausey ouar etheonl ygoodt hingt hathappendi n
ourlivesaf terashitt
yandr oll
ercoast ery earwehad.
You'vegotcr azyunclesandabeaut if
ul auntthat
l
ooksr i
diculouslyli
kemommy .You' dsweart heyar e
twins.Butbet weeny ouandI ,
Ithinky ourmot heris
thehot t
estandI '
dchooseherov erandov eragain.
Wor rynott houghbecausey ou'l
lgett omeett hem
soonandIknowy ou'llal
sounder st andwhyI '
dl i
keto
namey ouThandoi fy ourmot herap- "
"
Ilov
eit
."
Iturnedt
ol ookather
.Shewaslooki
ngatuswit
h
sleepyeyes.Il
ookedatherwi
thastupi
dgri
nonmy
facethenlookeddownonThandoagainandnodded
tohim.
"Mommy '
sbeeneavesdroppingonourpr i
vate
conver
sat
ionbutwe'l
lforgi
veherbecauseshe' sthe
queenoft
hehouseandsher ei
gnssupr eme."He
smil
edonhissleepagain.Sneakyass.Ichuckled
andshookmyhead.Ipeckedhi sforeheadand
placedhim car
eful
lyonhi
scortagain.Iwal
kedover
tothebedandsatdownnextt omywi f
e.Il
eaned
overandweshar edasensual
kiss.Ibroketheki
ss
andl ookedather
.
"
Hi.
"Isai
dsof
tl
y.
"
Hel
l
odaddy
."Shesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.
"
HowlongwasIsleepi
ngfor
?"Sheasked.Il
ookedat
t
hewall
clockanditwasj
ustaf
ter10.
"I
thasn'
tbeenl
ong.It
houghty
ouwer
egonnasleep
unti
l
ltomorr
owli
kemostwomandoafterbi
rt
h."
"
Wher
edi
dyouheart
hat
."Sheasked.
"Idi
dmyr esear
chsweetheart.Howlonghaveyou
beenli
steni
ngtoourconversati
on?"Iasked.
"Longenoughtoknowthatyou'
ret
alki
ngtoourfew
hoursol
dsonaboutsex.SiesmaanLanga."Shesai
d
andIbustint
olaught
er.
"Iwasjustexpl
aini
ngtohi
mthereasonwhyhekept
meetingmycock.It'
snott
hatdeep.
"Isai
dandshe
chuckled.
"
Hmm.I
fyousayso.
"
"Idon'
tseeanyt
hingwr
ongi
fIt
alkedt
omyson
aboutsex.Imeanhene-
"
"
Ozi
thi
bil
e."Shepi
nchedmyar
m andIl
aughed.
"OkayI'
m kidding.Butdi
dy oumeanitwhenyousai
d
youlovethename? "Shenoddedandwokeupt osi
t
upstr
iaght.Ihelpedherandsheleanedonthe
headboard.
"
Arey
ougood?
"Iasked.
"
Yesl
ove,
I'
m goodandyes,
Ilovethenamesomuch.
I
t'
ssy
mboli
zesthel
ovewehav eforeachot
her
."
"Sowe'l
lnamehi
m Thando?
"Shenodded.Ismi
l
ed
andleanedov
ert
okissherl
ips.
"Thankyousomuchf orthepreci
ousgif
tyoujust
blessedmewi t
ht odaysthandwasami.Youarea
veryincr
edi
bleandst r
ongwoman.I '
veseenthat
todayandI'
l
lliv
et herestofmyl i
fel
ovi
ngyout ot
he
bestofmyabi l
it
y."
"
Arey
ouhappy
?"Sheasked.
"I
'
m moret
hanthat
.Nowordcanpossi
blydescr
ibe
howIf
eel.
"Il
ookedovert
hecor
tandsmi l
ed.
"Canyoubeli
evewecreat
edt
hatbeauti
ful
human
being.
"Imovedmygazeandlookedather
,shehad
av er
ysoftl
ookpl
ast
eredonherface.
"
Wedi
dlov
e.Justy
ouandI
."Shesai
d.
"
Ilov
eyouMakhumal
o.Youar
esoamazi
ng.
"
"AndIl ovey out ooOzithobi
l
eBr andenLanga.Thank
youf orbeingher ethr
oughoutt hebir
thprocess.I
appreciateitsomuch.Youar eawonderfulmanand
Iknowy ourf at
herwoul dhavebeensuperpr oudof
you.
"Shesai dandImov edmygazeandf aceddown.
Isuddenl yfelttheneedt ocrybutIswall
oweddown
thelumpi nmyt hroat
.Shetil
tedmyheadupand
searcheddeepi nmyey es.
"Iknowy ouarestil
lhurti
ngabouthi spassingand
thatyouwi shhewasher e,buthe'slooki
ngdownon
youandI '
m surehe'snoddi ngpr odl
ywi t
hasmi l
e,
andgi vingy ouathumpsup, togetherwithy our
mot her."Shesaid,wipingt hetearthatdroppedf r
om
myey e.Ihadnotr eal
isedt hatIwasal r
eady
emot i
onal .Igaveheraf aintsmi l
eandgazedi nher
eyebal l
s.
"Justasy ourparentsare.Ihopet heyareproudof
theincrediblewomant haty ouare.Iwishtheywere
heresoI '
dt hankthem my selfforgi
vingbir
thtoyou
andbleesingmewi thawi fe.I'
vegotaf amil
yofmy
ownt odayt hroughthei
rgener ati
on."
"
Didy
oucal
lyourbr
other
s."Sheasked.Ohsnap!
"It
otal
l
yfor
gotaboutt
hat.I
'
llgogiv
ethem acall
just
now.Doyouneedanyt
hingbefor
eIdisappear
?"
"Iwantedustotal
kaboutturni
ngoneoft her ooms
i
ntoanur ser
ybutwe'l
ldi
scussitlater
."Shesaidand
Inoddedwi t
hagoofysmileandgotup.Ipl aceda
softpeckonhercheeckandwal kedout.
*
***

Snenhl
anhl
aKhumal
o'
sPOV

Icaref
ull
yroll
edoutofbedandmoti
onedtowar
ds
Thando'sbed.Igott
herej
usti
nti
mebecauseIf
ound
him al
readyawake.
"
Heyt
her
ecut
iepi
e."Ipi
ckedhi
m upandwentt
osi
t
ont hebed.Ibal ancedhi sheadcar efullyand
breast f
eededhi m.Hesuckedonmybr eastf ordear
l
ife.Shame, mypr eci
ousboymusthav ebeen
starving.Il
ookeddownonhi m ashei ndul gedonhi s
meal .Ican'tbel i
eveI'm amot herandt hatI '
m
holdingt hi
spr eciousl ittl
ehumanbei ngt hatI
createdwi thlov etoget herwi thmyhusband.Hi s
scentgi vesmeaf eelingoff ul
f i
l
lment .Ican' tbeliev
e
Icarriedhimf ort heent ir
e9mont h.Iwi shmom was
sti
llalivetogui demet hroughpar enthood.I t'severy
girl
'swi shtohav etheirmot hergui dethem t hrough
thisphase.Idon' tknowany thingaboutbabi esor
howt heyshoul dbenat uredapar tfrom r eading
abouti tonbooksandr esearchingont hei nternet.
ButI '
m blessedt ohav eahusbandl i
keOzi .IknowI
canf acewhat ev erchal legeandsubdueev ery t
hing
thatcomesmyway ,longasIhav ehim bymysi de.
Ifi
nishedbreasf
eedingThandoandheldhim upon
myshoul derandrubbedhisbackgentl
ysoshe'd
burp.Ifel
tOzi'
spresenceheavyonmeandIt urned
tolookathim.Hewasl eaningagai
nstthedoor
fr
amewi t
hhishandsburri
eddeepinhispocketand
ankl
escrossed.Hewaswear
ingav
eryf
ulf
il
ledsmi
l
e
onhisf
ace.
"
Hey
."Isai
dsmi
l
ingback.
"Youguy
slooksobeaut
if
ul.ICan'
tbel
i
evey
ouar
e
allmi
ne.
"
"Wel
l,t
hisi
syouMrLanga.Al
lyourswi
thnodoubt
."I
sai
d.Thandofi
nal
l
yburpedandIremovedhi
mfrom
myshouder.
"Thereyougomyboy.Wel
ldone.
"Iwr
appedthe
blanketar
oundhi
m andhi
sdadcametostandnex
t
tous.
"
Letmechangehisnappyandputhi
m backt
osleep
whi
leyougetsomerest
."Hesai
dandtookhi
m away
f
rom megentl
y.
"Thankyoul
ove.Ir
eal
l
yam t
ir
edandIdon'
tev
enf
eel
hungry.
"
"Okay.Getsomerestthenanddon'
twor r
yaboutus.
Rightchamp?Daddyisgonnatakecareofy ouwhil
e
mommyget ssomemuchneededr est.Beniceon
daddysohe'dalsogetsomesleepalr
ight?"Thando
madebabysoundsandOzi
chuckl
ed.
"I
sitjustmeorher eal
l
yenjoyshavingchatswithhi
s
oldman? "Hel ookedatmeandIj ustshrugged.I
watchedhi m changehisnappyandwentt ositdown
onther ockychairandputhiminhist-shir
t.
..
the
kangarookindofbond.
"Ther
eyougo, mfanam.Getsomesl eepnow.Ihear
d
champslikeyoulovestheseki
ndofbonds.Ihope
I'
m doi
ngitri
ght.
"Hesai dandIjustsatt
hereand
gotsmit
tenbythesi ght
.He'sj
ustsonaturaland
passi
onate.
"Youar
edoi
ngagr
eatj
obl
ove.Theydol
ovesuch
bonds.
"
Hesmi l
edandf
ocusedonhi sson.Igoti
nsi
dethe
cover
sandwatchedthem havethei
rqual
it
yti
me
wit
houtmebotheri
ngthem..
Ozi
start
edsingingt
ohim andIal
sobenef
it
edfrom
t
helul
labybecausesoonIzonedoutt
omysleep.
I
nser
t55
(
Unedi
ted)

*
*8mont
hsl
ater
**
Nar
rat
ive.

Lift
ingthebeaut ifull
yf r
amedpi ctureofhismi ni
,yet
perfectfami l
y ,upf rom t hedesk, heleanedbackon
hischairandr ubbedonhi schinl i
ghtlywiththet i
pof
histhumbandadashi ngsmi l
eoff ulfi
ll
ment
plaster
edacr osshi sf ace.Itsti
llfeelli
key esterday
whenhehel dhi ssoni nhi shandsf ort hev eryfi
rst
ti
me.Andev enwi ththebal lofener gythathe' s
become, andal lthesl eeplessni ghtshe'sgi v
ing
them, Ozithobilest i
llthinkshissoni sthebestt hing
that'
sev erhappenedt ohi m andhi swi fe.
Hepl aceditback,car
eful
lyonthedesksoitwoul
d
facehisdirect
ionandpickedhi
sphoneupt omakea
phonecal l
.Hedi l
l
edtherecept
ionandbeforehe
couldblinktwice,I
nat
hihadalr
eadyasunanswered.
I
mpr
essi
vewor
ket
hics,
het
houghtt
ohi
msel
f.
"
Hel
l
oBoss.
"
"HiI
nathi
.I'
m gonnasenty
oudet
ail
sofparcel
sI
needyoutobuyandsenttomywife,pl
ease.
"
"
Nopr
obl
em,
sir
."Thel
i
nedi
ed.
Hesentherabr i
efmessagebef oreplaci ngitback
onthedeskandspunhi schai raroundt ogetup.He
mot i
onedacr osst hewi ndowt ost areout side.It
seemst hesunpeekedt hrought heski esbeaut i
ful
ly
today.Itwasdef initelyoutt opl ayandwasshi ni
ng
sobright .Hegotl ostinhi st hought s,wi thhis
i
magi nat i
onr unningwi ld.Itstillr
ubbedhi mr awt o
admit,whataper fectl i
fehe' scomet olive..
eveni n
themi dstofev er
thy ing, i
tallmadeper fectsenseas
towhyhemethi ssi gnificantot herwhenhedi d.A
smilecreepedoutf r
om bot hcor nersofhi smout has
heimagi nedt hef irsttimeshebumpedi ntohim,
l
eav i
nghi m withacof feest ainedT- shirt.Howcoul d
onemeett heloveoft heirlivesi nthatmanner ?He
thought ohi mselfandchuckl edindi sbel i
efwhi l
e
shakinghi shead.
Hewi shedhespenthisentiredayreminiscingonhis
pleasantt
houghtsbutreali
tywast hat,hehadback
tobackmeet i
ngthatheneededt opreparefor.
Hencehewal kedbacktohi sdeskandswi v
eled
downonhi schair
,engagingont helaptopscreen.
*
***
***

Onewoul dwonderhowcomeoneper sonwoul d

i
nter actwithsomanypeopl eandget ti
ngtheirheart
s
brokenanumberoft i
mesbef oref i
ndingtheir
soulmat e.Whileal
littakesforothersi st
ogetoutof
thehouse, makeawr ecklesturnatthecor nerand
bumpi ntothei
rsoulmat e.
..
andjustlikethat,t
hey
hav efoundt heone.Wi t
houthav i
ngt ospendf ew
pil
lorwet ti
ngnight
sov erheartbreaksandsel fdoubt.
Truthis,l
ove,justli
kelif
e, doesn'
tcomewi tha
formula.Youjustneedt ot akeal eapoffai
thi
nhope
thatyourfi
rstonewi l
ll
ov eyour i
ghtandmov e
mount ai
nsf oryou,somucht haty ou'
dwantfor
them tobey ourlast..
.j
ustasOzi thobi
ledoesto
Snenhlanhla.Theirrel
ationshipwasati t
sbestphase.
Itwasbl ossomi ngsobeaut ifulandcol our fulli
ke
treesandf lower s, somucht hati fi
twast obegi ven
anameofoneseason, itwoul ddef i
nitelybecal l
ed
Spr i
ng.I twasassol i
dasar ock.NoMeaganorbr a
Patf ormedagai nsti twoul dhav eprosper ed.
What ev ersecr ett heywer eusi ng, i
twascl early
wor ki ngf orthem.Ozi t
hobi leLangawascl ear l
y
settingt hebar sext remel yhi ghf orot hermenashe
suddenl ybecomear eferencef orotherwoment o
theirment oj otdownsomenot esf rom.Accor ding
tot hesoci ety'sst andar ds, aman' sweal this
project edt hroughhi swomanandSnewasj usta
l
iv i
ngt estimony .Theenv yshe' dr eceivef rom
women' sey esandhowshe' dturnheadsatmal ls
waspl ainridicul
ous.Shei sadr opdeadgor geous
youngmot herwhosebeaut ywassl appi ngdi ff
rent.
Sheandheraf fl
uenthusbandbecamet heenv yand
talkoft het ownwi thpapar azzi captur i
ngt heirev er
y
mov ei npubl icpl aces.Ev eryMagazi neandgossi p
columnwant edt ocov erast oryconcer ningt he
gor geous, offthemar kett ycoon, Ozithobi l
eLanga
hav inghi sfir
stev erchi ldat33wi thagor geous
womanl ikeSne.Apar tfrom t hef actthatt heyr eall
y
l
ookedgoodt oget
herandwoul dmakeagr eatcov
er
pageofsomemagazi ne,itj
ustcomeswi t
hthe
ter
ri
toryofbei
ngawel lknownpersonathat
every
bodywant sascoopabouty ourl
i
fe.
*
***
***
*
Att
heLangaCont
ract
ions.

Hewal kedoutoftheboar droom tohisoffi

ceand
swiveleddownonhi schair.Het ookoffhisgl
asses
andtookouthi sphone.Hecal ledhiswifeandIt
rangforawhi l
eunti
lshepi ckedup.Adashi ngsmil
e
from eartoearwasplasteredacr ossherfaceas
soonasi tappear
edont hescr een.
"
Ifi
tisn'
tthemanwhokeepssweepi
ngmeof
fmy
f
eet.
"
Wi
thast
upi
dgr
inonhi
sface,
her
epl
i
ed.
"
Heyt
her
ebeaut
if
ul.Howar
eyou?"
"Reci
evingr
andom bouquetoffl
owerswith
extr
avagantsmell
ingperfumet
hatIalwayswanted,
onar andom Monday,Icoul
dn'
tgetbett
er.Howdid
y
ouknow?
"
Ozimightbemist
akenforatoughbusinessguyand
abadboyatt i
mesbuthe'sdef
inatel
yaloverwho
paysatt
enti
oneventothesmallestdet
ail
s
concer
ninghiswi
fe'
sdesir
esandneeds.
"I
'm agoodli
stener
,mydear .Evenwhenyou
becomeabubbl ermout hatti
mesandtheonlyt
hing
Iwanttodoisjustsleep,Ist
il
ll
ist
entoyou.
"Hesaid
withaverywarm smileandshecouldn'
thel
pbut
ret
urnit
.
"
Youar
ethebest
.Thanky
ou,
lov
e."
Shesai
dandhenodded.
"
You'
rewel
come,
beaut
if
ul.
"
Theyspendthenextfewsecondsquiet
,wi
thSne'
s
eyesnarr
owedcloselyandobser
vinghi
sfaceont
he
othersi
deofthescreen.
"
Youl
ookdr
ained.
"
"Iam.Ijusthadahect
icmeeti
ngandther
eisn'
t
anythi
ngt hatI
'dl
i
kemorethandi
tchi
ngever
ythi
ng
elseandcomi nghometot
akeashowerandspend
t
imewi
thy
ouguy
sri
ghtnow.
"
"
Howmanymor
elef
t?"
"Justone,andv
eryimper
ati
ve.That
'swhyIcan'
t
evenpostponeit
."
"
Dowhaty
ougott
odo.You'
l
lfi
ndusher
ewai
ti
ng.
"
"
You'
ret
hebestandIcan'
twai
t.Wher
eismyson?
"
"
Oursony
oumean.
"
Hebusti
ntol
aught
erandt
hrewhi
sheadback.
"Lookatme,cl
aiminghim al
ltomy
sel
f.Mybad.
"He
said,
chuckl
i
nglightl
y.
"
Wel
lsweet
hear
t,wher
eisourson?
"
"
He'st
aki
nghisnap.Idon'
tknowwhatgothi
m so
t
ir
edbecausehe'
sbeenoutfor3hour
snow.Doyou
wantt
oseehim."Henodded.
"Justamoment.
"Shewal
kedt
othecotand
switchedt
hescr
een.
"
Cany
ouseehi
m?"
BabyThandowassl
eepi
ngonhi
sback,
wit
hbot
hhi
s
handsandlegswidespl
ayedanddri
ft
edofft
olal
a
l
and.Thissomehowwasv eryamusi
vetoOzi
.So
muchthathebustint
olaughter
.
"Whythehell
ishesl
eepi
nglikethat
,looki
ngli
ke
JesusChri
stonthecr
oss?Wakehi sassup"Hesai
d
andSnemov edawayandlaughedhumor l
essl
y.
"
Hai
bobaby
,thi
sishowki
dssl
eep.
"
"Sayswho?Whotaughthi
m howt
osl
eepl
i
ket
hat
becauseIdi
dn'
t?
"
"
May
behet
akesaf
tery
ou.
"Shewi
nked.
"Hell
no.Idonotsl
eepli
kethat
.Thatl
i
ttl
emani
s
crazy.Mvuse(
wakehim)"
"HaiunedramaLanga.Howwouldyouknowhow
yousleepwhenI'
mt heonewhoseeyouwhenyou'
re
sleepi
ng?"
"IknowbecauseLangamendon'
tsl
eepl
iket
hat.I
'
ve
seenmybr ot
herssl
eepandt
heydon'
tsl
eepl
ike
that"
"Haiphel
aasoncanonl
yt akeaf
terhi
sfather
.We
shouldn'
tl
ookf
ar,
uyazi
."Theybothchor
tl
ed.
"Idon'
twhatyouar einsi
nuatingwit
ht hatst
atement
butI'
m notf
all
ingintothattrap.I
'm aLangamanand
Langamensleepsexact lyli
kethat,men.Stop
teachi
ngmysonf unnysleepingposit
ionswhenI'
m
notther
eduri
ngt heday .
"
"Leavemysonaloneplease.
"Theylaughi
toffunt
il
l
heglancedathi
swristwatchandlookedatt
he
phonescreenagai
n.
"
Gott
orun?
"Sheasked.
"Yessthandwasam'.I
'm sorr
ytocutyoushortbut
l
etmel oveyouandleavey ouMrsLangawam'
omuhle.Mymeet i
ngisduei nfi
veminut
es."
"
Okayl
ove.Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ou.
"
"
Ican'
twaittoseeyoutoo.Gi
veJesusjunioraki
ss
f
ormelaphoandwakehi sassupalreday.I'
l
lsee
y
ouguyslater.Il
oveya'
l
l.
"
"
Ilov
eyout
oobaby
.Nowgosecur
ethedeal
."
Hechuckledandhungup.Hetookhisfi
l
esand
stormedout.Hehasanimpor
tantmeeti
ngwith
potent
ial
overboar
dcli
ent
sandthere'
snothi
nghe
wantsmor ethantosealthi
sdealandsecuret
he
bag.Ever
ybodyintheconstruct
ioncooper
ateknows
Ozit
hobil
eLangadoesn'tplaygamesinthe
boardr
oom, he'
sthegril
l
.
Hewalkedint
heboardroom andfoundthem al
ready
seat
ed.Theyr
oseinafluidmotionfrom t
hei
rseats
andext
endedthei
rhandsf orashake.
"
Gent
lemen?
"
"
MrLanga.
"
Theyexchangedgr
eet
ingsandshor
tl
yev
ery
onegot
seat
ing.
"Shallwebegin?"AskedOzi,l
ookingasinti
madingi
n
hiscrispwhit
eshirtthatwastuggedinhisfawn
trousersandgreyti
e, asev
er.
"YesMrLanga.Thel astt imewespoke, wewer every
i
mpr essedbyy ourworket hicsandser v
ices.Andas
wepr omisedthatwe'llgodoourr esear
chandcome
backt oyou,welookedy ourcompanyupandt here
wasnot hingbutimpressi ver ev
iewsabouti tonthe
netfrom previ
ouscli
ent s.Thi slef
tuscompl et
ely
sweptof f
.Therefor
e,Wear egladt osaythatwewi l
l
bemorethanwil
li
ngtodobusi
nesswit
hyou,
under
onecondit
iont
hough.
"MrSurgesai
dandOzit
hobi
l
e
l
eanedbackonhisseatandgavehi
mthegoahead
si
gnal
.
"Asmuchasweacknowledgethatyourcompany
comesattopoft
herange,wehowev er
,feel
it'
s
ri
dicul
oushowmuchyou'r
echargi
ngus."
Ozit
hibil
elookedathim andchuckl
ed.Hepushed
hi
msel ffor
wardtoleanont hetabl
e.Hepushedhis
gl
assesatt hebri
dgeofhi snoseandlookeddi
rect
ly
athi
m.
"
Doy
ouknowwhaty
ouwantMrSur
ge?
"
"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"
"ImeanI fyouknowwhati ti
sthatyoupr eciselywant
theny ou'dcomprehendwhywe' rechar gi
ngatt hat
rate.Wear enotplayinggamesher eMrSur ge.We' r
e
runningamul t
ybil
li
oncompanyt hat'
sbeencr eati
ng
excellentworkformor et
han10y earsnow.If eelvery
i
nsul t
edbyy ourstatementtosaythel east.Because
1.Ther e'
snothingrobustaboutwastingy ourener gy
i
nsay i
ngallthatyoujustsai
daboutmycompanyi f
you'r
estill
gonnaaskf ordiscounts.Thi sisnota
tuckshopwher ewesel lcandy.2.I fyouwantt o
negotiat
e,gof i
ndot herpotentialser v
icerswho
wouldadher etoy ourdemands.Wedonotr ol
l l
ike
thathereandl astly,Ifyou'
vedoney ourresearchas
muchasy oucl aimy ouhav e,theny ou'dunder stand
whywe' resti
llstandi ngatthet op."Hisv oice
contai
nedsomuchpowerbehi ndit,much
i
ntimidati
ngt ot hesemen.
Theyal l
lookedateachot hert
henathi m.Obvi
ously
gett
ingt hetasteofOzithobil
eLang' s"
notsoeasi
ly
i
mpr essed"char ect
orintheboar droom.Thi
swas
j
ustpr ovingthewor donthest reet
sabouthim,ri
ght.
Theywer en'
tly
ing.Hesur eisthebaddestandwasn't
shakingi nhi
sgr ound.
Therewassil
enceforawhi
le.
..
onet
hatl
eav
esy
ou
ver
yunsett
ledonyourchai
r.
"
MrLanga,
west
il
lthi
nki
t'
sabi
tst
eep.
"
"
Iam notnegot
iati
nganythi
ng.Myofferfr
om last
t
imesti
llst
ands.Iwil
lnotsett
lef
oranythi
ngless
t
hanwhatIknowmycompanydeser ves.I
fyouf eel
we'renotgoodenoughthengentl
emen,
feelf
reet
o
takeyourbusi
nesselsewher
e.Thi
smeetingi
s
adjour
ned."
Tallandi
nti
midat
ing,heroseupfrom hi
schai
rand
grabbedt
hef i
l
esfrom t
het abl
eandheadedtothe
door.
"
MrLanga,
wai
t.
"
Ver
yannoyedandwit
hnotsomuchpat
iencel
efti
n
hi
m,hestoppedandt
urned.
"Ihav
eaverybeauti
fulwi
feandasonwai
ti
ngf
orme
athomegents.Idon'
thav
eallday
."
"
We'
l
ltakei
t.
"
"
Ibegy
ourpar
don?
"Hepl
ayeddumb.
"
We' l
lsignt hi
sdeal.Ther
e'snoanyothercompany
thatwil
l deli
verwhatwewantot hert
hanLanga
Contructions.Sowehav eadeal."
Hewant
edt
ohi
tther
oofandcont
ainedhi
msel
f.
"
Arey
ousur
e?"
"
Onehundr
edper
cent
."
Hemai ntai
nedhisstr
aightf
aceandwalkedback
towardsthem.Theyroseupf r
om t
hei
rchair
sand
extendedhandshakes.
"Youareav erytoughnuttocr ackOzi t
hobil
eLanga.I
underestimatedy ouandev ent houghIwaswar ned,I
sti
llhadmydoubt s.You'v
egotapr ettyfacefora
hardcorebusi nessmanbusni essmen
concrati
lati
ons."MrSur gesaidwhi lehisteam were
givi
nghim nods.Hechuckl edlightl
yandshookhi s
head.Youcl earlyhavenoideawhot hefuckIam.He
thoughttohi mself.
"Thankyou.It
'sapleasur
edoingbusinesswithyou
gentl
emen.Now, Let'
sbuil
dthose50mal ls.
"Hesaid
andtheybidfarewellt
ooneanotherbeforetheyall
l
eft.Hedidthev i
ctor
ymov eassoonast hedoor
wasshutandgav ehi
mselfapatontheshoul der
.
"YouaretherealdealOzi
thobi
leLanga.Yourfat
her
wouldhavebeenpr oud"hesaidtohimsel
fthen
pull
edmy sel
ftogether
.Self
-pr
oclai
medmuch!He
walkedoutoftheboardroom ver
ybold.
Hekickedhi sof f
icedoorandwal kedin.Het hr
ew
thefi
lesonhi sdeskandunbut tonedhi schestcoat .
Heloosenedhi stieandr oll
edhi ssleevesup.He
pouredagl assofwhi skeyanddownedi t.Heglanced
athiswr istwat ch,itwasj ustaf t
er4.Gr abbinghis
l
aptopbagandcarkey s,hewal kedout .Hegot
i
nsidet heel evatorandi twentdown.Hegotoutand
sawI nathi.Shewasal r
eadyl eavingbutst opped
whenshesawhi m.Shegav ehim anaf fir
mingsmi le
andher eturnedhi sgoof yone, accompani edbya
rapi
dnod.
"Theywalkedoutallsmil
essi
r.AndIcouldn'
thel
p
butover
hearhowt heycommandedy ou.Ican'
t
beli
eveyouattendedthatmeeti
ngal
oneandst i
ll
managedt osecurethebag.
"Shesaid,
ecstati
cal
ly.
"
Iwasbor
nfort
hisI
nat
hi.
"
"
Yousurewer
e.Theyevengav
emeati
p."Shesai
d,
l
aughi
ngandhewidenedhi
sgaze.
"
Theydi
dwhat
?No,
youki
ddi
ng!
"
Shej
ustkeptnoddi
ngandsmi
l
ing.
"
Mustbeni
cemos.Keepuponwhat
evert
haty
oudo.
You'
l
lgopl
aces.
"Webot
hchuckl
ed.
"
Doy
ouwantal
i
ft?
"
Shewasaboutt
osaysomet
hingwhenher
aisedhi
s
hand.
"Act
uall
yyouknowwhat
,enj
oyyourlastt
axiday
s
becauseyou'
l
lmisst
hem.Haveagreateveni
ngMs
I
nathi.
"
Hesai
d,wal
ki
ngout
.
"
Sirwai
t,whatdoy
oumean.
"
"
GohomeI
nat
hinkosi
."
Hel eftherdumbst ruckandheadedt ohi scar.He
decidedonhi sfav orit
eartistandplayedhisal bum
onanav aragev olume.Her emembershowhe
alwayshadt hisalbum i nhiscarbutnev erli
kedi t
.
Theni thappenedt hathewokeuponemy st
erious
mor ni
nganddeci dedt obuycof feeatthiscafeteri
a
thatBanzi alwaysbr aggedaboutandbumpedi nt
o
thelov eofhislife.Ifdestinydoesbr i
ngpeopl e
together,thenitsur edi dbringhi
m andSnet ogether
thatpar t
icul
armor ning.Hecoul dnott hankhimself
enoughfordeci
dingontaki
ngBanzi onhisof
ferand
wentther
ethatmor ni
ngbecausethenhewouldn't
havegott
enthechancetomeett heloveofhi
slif
e
whenhedid.
Itseemedjustsor i
dicul
oushowev ery
thi
ngmade
senseforhimtopl aythi
salbum aft
erbumpingint
o
herandhef eeli
tlovewithi
tsince.I
tmustt r
uewhat
theysay,heguessed.Musicisabletobringcer
tai
n
aspectsofourli
vesintoaform ofreal
it
y.
Hecouldn'
tbemoregl
adshebumpedint
ohim when
shedidbecauset
henhewoul
dn'
tbethi
shappy,
today
.
Hefel
tasmil
ecreepoutfrom bot
hcornersofhi
s
mouthandhechuckl
ed,shaki
nghishead.Lovehuh?
!
Hebr
oughthi
scarengi
net
oli
feanddr
ovehome.
*
***
**

Hedrov
einandparkedattheparki
ngbay.He
gr
appedhist
uffandheadedtothedoor.Thando
wasscr
eamingatthetopofhi
slungsthathisdad
coul
dhearhi
m al
lthewayf
rom out
side.
Hepushedthedooropenandwaswelcomedbya
devi
nesmel
l ofahomecookedmealhit
ti
nghi
s
nost
ri
ls,
assoonashest eppedi
n.
"
Honey
,I'
m home.
"
Hemov edhi sgazet ot hemostappeal i
ngsi ghta
mancoul dev eraskf or,f
rom suchahect i
cday .
Ont opofat able, stoodagl assofcranberryjuice
withanopenedl ooki ngli
keanov elbesideit.Af ew
feetaway ,avarageandi mpossi bl
yelegant,she
stoodi nfrontoft hest oveinherbodyhuggi ngdr ess
thatrev ealedherf i
r m assetsfrom behind.Hest ared
atitbackj ustasi twasst arri
ngathi m.Het ilt
edhi s
headf orabet terv iewandcur sedunderhi sbr eath.
Thisi sboneofmybones.Lov eofmyl i
fe.The
womanwhobl essedmewi thherpurit
yandgav eme
ason.Andev enaf tersol ong,shest i
llt
urnsmeon
effortlessly .Thisi stheAppl eofmyey e.Het hought
tohi msel fashedr oppedt helaptopbagont hef loor
andmot i
onedt owar dsher .Hecur vedhishands
aroundherf r
om t hebackandshet i
lt
edherheadt o
thesi deandgav ehi m enoughr oom.
"
Wel
comehome.
"
"Yousmellsodamngood."Hei
nhal
edonthe
seducti
vescentt
hatf
il
ledhi
snost
ri
lsandgr
oaned
soft
ly.
"
It
'st
heper
fumey
ouhaddel
i
ver
ed.I
'
m gl
ady
oul
ove
i
t.
"
"
Ilov
eyoumor
e."
Shepl acedt hel i
tontopoft hepotandassoonas
shet urned, t
heirlipsf
oundoneanot herandt hey
explored.Hepul ledhercloserandgrabbedherass
thatshef el
thishar dbuldgeonherst omach.She
moaned, mucht ohisarousal,hedeepenedthekiss
andanot hersof tmoanescapedhermout h.He
chuckledagai nstherli
psandpul l
edback.He
pressedhi sforeheadonher sandtheylookedat
eachot heri ntheey esforamoment .
"
Let
'ssav
ethebestf
orl
ast
,sweet
hear
t.
"
Hepeckedherl
ipsandpull
edawayf r
om each
ot
her'
sembrace.Hemadehert wi
rlandt
ookaf ew
st
epsbackthenstoppedandadmir
edher.
"
Youl
ookst
unni
ngi
nthatdr
ess.
"
"Thanky
ou.Ifi
gureditwoul
dbewhatyou'
dwantt
o
comehomet o,af
tersuchalongday
."
"I
tsur
eisandI'
m absol
utelyi
mpressed.I
'
vegot
goodnewsalsobutwe'
llshar
eitduri
ngdinner
."
"Okaybaby.Youhaveenoughti
met orefr
eshand
bondwithThandobeforedi
nnercouldbeready
.I
couldgety
ouagl assofcol
dbeveragejustt
o
unwindsolong.
"
"Thankyousweet
hear
t.Butl
etmeseehi
mfi
rstt
hen
shower.
"
Hewentoverandplacedasoftsensual
peckonher
l
ipsthenwentt
opickhisl
aptopbackandheaded
out.
"
Itsmel
lssodivi
neandhomel yi
nherebytheway
."
Heshoutedashedissapear
edtothel
iv
ingroom,
l
eavi
nghiswifef
lut
teredbythecomment.

HefoundThandogawkingont
heTVscreenand
gi
ggli
ngonthecar
toons.Hest
oppedandwatched
hi
mforawhi
le.Thandowasn'
tnot
ici
nghi
m onebit
.
Hewascl
ear
lylosti
ntheworl
dofthecar
toons.
"Heychamp."Hetur
nedhi
sheadandassoonashe
sawhisdad,herai
sedhi
shandstotheai
rin
exci
tementandspokei
nhisbabyl
anguage.
"
Da-da.
..
da-
da.
."hej
umpedupanddowni
nsi
dehi
s
wheel
,cl
ear
lydel
i
ght
edtoseehi
sdad.
"Yesmyboy .Dadai shome. "Hepickedhim upfrom
hiswheelandr oughedhishairup,play
full
y.Thando
kissedhi
m alloverhisfaceandear swithhis
drooli
ngmouthandOzi justchuckl
ed.
"Howarey ou,
champ?Yougood?Yeah?Whatar e
youwatchingher
e?Car
toons?Youli
kethem,don't
you?Imissedyouman.Didn'
tyoumissme?
Yeah.
..
.yeahKnowyoudid.Iknowy
oudidright
!"
Thandoj
ustcont
inuedbeingabubblermouthwit
h
hi
sbabytal
ksandhisdadwaspl ayi
ngalong.Helai
d
hi
m onthefl
oorandti
ckledhim,gi
vi
nghim good
l
aughsandgiggl
esforawhile.
"Ther
eyougo.Goodboy.Youknowwhattheysay
aboutgoodl
aughsri
ght
?Youdodon'tyou?Smart
boy
."
Heplayedwithhi
mforawhil
eandhadthei
rbond.
Thishasbecomeadail
yrout
inewhenhecomes
backhomef r
om wor
k.
"Daddyhastogoshowernow.Mommycookedusa
verydel
ici
ousdi
nner
.Soletmedashsowe'
deat,
alr
ight
.Now,ki
ssDada.
"
Thandol
eanedf
orwar
dandki
ssedhi
m.
"Oohitfeel
sgood,man.INev
ert
houghki
ssi
ng
anothermanfeel
sthi
sgood."
"
Da-
da.
"
"Youagr
ee,i
tfeel
sgoodr
ight
?Okaychamp.Letme
goshowernow.Beagoodboy.Il
oveyou.
"
"AahLoooUuu"hemumbl ed,
causi
nghi
sdadto
l
augh.Heplacedhi
m backonhiswheel
andheaded
upstai
rs.

Hewal
keddowninaJeanandawhi teT-
shi
rtonand
f
oundhi
swifeandsonal
readyseat
edonthedinner
t
abl
e.
"
Wai
ti
ngf
orme?
"
"
Uh-
huh.
"
Hekissedherwi
fe'
scheekandhi
sson'
sfor
ehead
bef
oreseati
ngdownandjoini
ngt
hem.
"Thi
ssmell
ssogood.Thanky
ouf
ort
aki
nggood
careofussweet
hear
t.
"
Hehel
dhishandoutacr
ossthetabl
etotakehis
wi
fe'
s.Heki
sseditt
hengaveitali
ghtsqueeze.
"
Let
'ssaygr
aceandeat
."
Snesai
dgr
aceandt
heydi
ggedi
n.
"
Sohowwasy
ourday
?"
"
Itwasgr
eathun,
can'
tcompl
ain.
"
"
Didy
oumanaget
ofi
ndababysi
tt
er?
"
"
No.Imangedtoint
erv
iewalloft
hem butnoneof
t
hecandi
dateswassuit
abl
e."
Hechuckl
edandl
ookedatherwi
thoneey
ebr
ow
r
aised.
"
Why
?Ar
etheyt
hatbad?
"
"
No.Theyjustsoundedsoi
nexper
ienced.Idi
dn'
t
wantt
otakemychances."
"
Sowhat
'sy
ourpl
annow?
"
"
Ithi
nkhe'l
lcont
inuegoi
ngtot
hatday
car
eunt
il
lI
f
indther
ightsui
tabl
ecandi
dat
e."
"
Okay
."
Theyat
einsi
l
ence.
AfterThandowasbor n,theydeci dedtoplacehim on
aday car ebecausehi smot herwassupposedt o
cont i
nuewi t
hherst udies.Shewant edtostayat
homeunt i
llshewasatl eastay earoldbutOzi didn'
t
wantt ohearanyoft hat.Hesai dshemustpur sue
andf inishherstudiesandsoshedi d.Ever
ybody
managedt oconv i
nceheragai nstherthoughtswhen
theyhadcamet oseeThando, fewday safterhewas
born.Ev enLwazi madeapl easantsur pr
isewhen
theydi dn'texpecttoseehi m aftersuchalongt i
me
sincehewasgone.I twasav erybeautif
ulday,as
fami l
yandf ri
endshadf l
ockedt ot heLanga
recidenceandspentt heent i
redayshower i
ngbaby
Thandowi t
hgifts.EvenAmoshowedupt hatday .
Amongstt hem wasMam' Gumedeandbot hher
sons,AmandaandSi zwe, Mandl
aandSma( Ozi'
s
brothercousinfrom backhome)andBanzi .Eventhe
nurseryroom thatwasi nt
eri
ordesignedspecifi
cal
ly
forThandocameasasur pri
sewhent heylaunched
i
t.Snewast otal
l
ysweptof fherfeetbyhersneaky
husbandbutwhowoul dcomplai
natsuchagr eat
gesture?!
"Sohowdidyourmeetinggo?"AskedSneandOz i
smil
ed.Shewidenedhereyesandsprangexci
tedly
onherfeet
.Sherantoherhusbandashealsost ood
uptocatchher
.Helif
tedherupandspanherar ound.
"
Congr
atul
ati
onsbaby
.I'
m sopr
oudofy
ou.
"
Heputherdownandt
heyki
ssed.
"Thankyousweetheart
.Forst
ayi
ngupwithmeand
helpmepr epar
eforthemeeti
ng.Youar
ethebest
partneramancouldeveraskfor
."
"
Idi
dn'
tdomuch.Buty
ou'
rewel
come.
"
Hecuppedherfaceandkissedhersensual
ly.
Thandowasbusyfighti
ngtofi
nishherdrum st
ickt
o
evennot
icehi
sparents.
Theypul
l
edawayfr
om t
heki
ssandhel
ookedather
wit
hsomuchpassi
on.
"
We'
reinv
itedatagal
adi
nnert
omor
row.Ican'
twai
t
t
ofl
auntyou."
"What?Tomorr
ow?ButIdon'
thaveadressfort
hat
,
baby.
"Shepani
cked.Hebr
oughthisdar
kbrows
toget
herandf
rowned.
"
Butyouhaveawhol
ecl
osetf
ull
ofcl
osedNhl
anhl
a.
Whatdoyoumean?"
"Nobaby.Awomanhast ohaveadresst
hatgoes
withapairofheelsf
orever
yevent
.Thisi
sagala
dinnerwe'
retal
kingabout
.Ihavet
olook
extrav
agant.
"
"
Okayy
ou'
l
lgoshoppi
ngt
omor
rowt
hen.
"
Shesmi
l
edandt
ipt
oedt
ogi
vehi
m aki
ss.
"
Youar
ethebest
.I'
l
lbuysomef
ory
out
oo.
"
Helookedatherpuzzl
edbef
orer
aisi
nghi
shandsi
n
sur
render
.
"IknowIwon'twi
nthisonesoI'
m notev
engonna
protest
.Doyourt
hingwifey
."
"
Nowwe'
ret
alki
ng.
"Shesmi
l
ed.
"
Okayokay
.Canwegobackandeatnow?
"
Shepull
edhi
m bythehandandtheywentbackt
o
thei
rseat
sandbeganeati
ngagain.
"
Ishegonnafi
nisht
hismeat,baby?
"Heasked,
l
ooki
ngatThandowhosti
llbattl
edwit
hhi
smeat .
"
Idon'
tthi
nkso.
"
Oziat
temptedtot akei
tawayfrom hi
m buthe
whi
mper ed.Theybothbusti
ntolaught
erandhe
gav
eitbackt ohim.
"Onewouldevenforgethi
m whenhehasmeati nhi
s
handsthi
sone.It'
sli
kethat'
sallheevercar
esabout.
Lookathim,hedoesn'tevennoti
ceusonebi t
."He
said,
shaki
nghisheadandi ndeed,Thandobecomes
veryqui
etandfocusedwhenheeat shi
smeat.
"Canwegoforaquicklywhil
ehe'sbusysal
i
vat
ing
onhismeat
."HewiggledhiseyebrowsandSne
giggl
ed.
"
Hai
baby
.Lethi
m sl
eepf
ir
st.
"
"
He'
l
lwakeupanddi
stur
busl
i
kehedi
dlastni
ght
.
I
t'
sti
mehesl epti
nhisnur
seryroom.Phel
auyabona
l
omuntu.Fut
hihe'
sjustacockblocknj
e.Hemust
j
ustgo.
"
Snegi ggledatthisandtheycontinuedtoenjoytheir
deli
ciousdi nnerwhil
emaintai
ningey econtactand
conversingwhi l
epayingatt
entiont ot
heelectr
ifyi
ng
wavet hatwasgoi ngonbet weent hem f
rom across
thetable.