FIRE AND ICE

_____________________________________
BETH MACHOBANE

Copyrights © 2023 by Beth Machobane

All rights reserved. This PDF book may not be
copied, resold or reproduced without the
consent of the writer. This book is a work of
fiction, Names, characters, places and
incidents either are the product of the
writer's imagination or are used fictitiously.
Any resemblance to actual persons, living or
dead, events, or locales is entirely
coincidental.
FIRE AND ICE
 CHAPTER 01
NALEDI MOLETSANE

We are going to be thrown out of this

restaurant if we don't keep it down, the
manager came to our table two times asking
that we tone it down because other
customers are complaining. I wish they knew
how impossible it is to be quiet when we are
together, my best friends are the craziest
people I know and the tequila shots we like so
much make us even worse.

I think it's best we pay the bill and go to a bar

around Maboneng, they won't give us the evil
eye there. I suggest to my friends and they
both agree and the waitress is called and
asked to bring the bill. Mongezi shocks us and
says he will pay the bill, he is the stingiest
man I know and thank God he doesn't have a
girlfriend. The poor girl was never going to get
a cent from this one, it's good that he dates
these rich cougars that do everything for him
in exchange for sex.
I know that sounds bad but trust me, no girl
deserves the emotionally unavailable Mongezi.
His focus is on securing the bag and seeing his
two siblings through school, both are in
university. Plus, his mother depends on him
for everything.

"Naledi?" a female voice calls out and I quickly

turn to see who it is.
"Can I help you?" she smiles, shaking her head
and before I know it I'm soaked in smelling
urine.
"What the fuck!" I push my chair back and get
up. Who is this crazy woman? Why would she
pour urine all over me like this?
"Lady, are you insane?" Katherine asks angrily.
"Tell your friend to stay away from my
husband. I gave my all in that marriage and I
won't allow some little whore to mess
everything up. You will not take what belongs
to me and children," she says, wagging a
finger at me like an errant child.
"Husband? Which husband are you talking
about?" I ask and she claps once.
"You don't even know. How many married
men are you sleeping with?" None bitch!
"Mama wee, Naledi is not sleeping with any
married man," Mongezi jumps in.
"Oh so I'm crazy? I didn't find pictures of you
naked in his phone? You aren't the one saved
as his love on the phone?" my heart starts
thumping against my chest. This cannot be
happening.
"Are you talking about Jimmy?" she nods
vigorously and my heart breaks into a million
pieces. How did I fall for yet another fuck up?
He told me he divorced years ago and it was
not hard to believe because the man is always
available for me. I have spent days and days
at his house and not even once did this
woman show up. I even met his sister and
plans to meet the rest of his family were
underway.
"You know what lady, I'm sorry. I didn't know
that Jimmy is married, he told me about an
ex wife," she laughs in my face.
"And you stupidly believed him because of his
money," I don't have time for this nonsense. I
am in a relationship with that man because I
love him, I don't need his money.
"Okay, enough. You caused a scene for
absolutely no reason at all. Jimmy lied to my
friend just as much as he lied to you,"
Katherine says, fuming. I know she wants to
lay her hands on this stupid woman, but
Mongezi is standing between her and us.
The poor manager is trying to get a word in
but everyone is talking over him.

I cannot stand another minute in this

restaurant, I grab my bag and head out to my
car in the parking lot. Mongezi will stay
behind and settle the bill.
The wife is hailing insults at me and as much
as I'm trying to ignore the stares it's hard as
some people are taking videos while saying
the most horrible things.
I know for a fact that I'm going to be trending
on all social media platforms. "Ministers
daughter is a mistress", that's tomorrow's
newspaper headline. Having a parent who is in
the spotlight is the pits, there's no privacy at
all. I was never given the opportunity to mess
up without it being splashed on gossip blogs
and written in gossip columns. My life is their
entertainment, literally.

My friends have been trying to call me, but I

don't want to talk to anyone right now. I'm
just grateful that they both came with their
cars and I didn't have to worry about dropping
them off.
I want to calm down then call Jimmy to ask
him why he would play me like this. I want to
know if it was ever real from his side or he
was just bull shitting me to continue fuckin
me all shades of Sunday. One thing I'm sure of
right now is that our relationship or whatever
it was is over.
I get home and park in the driveway then
climb out with my handbag and head to the
house. I open the door and my mother is
waiting for me, she's not on her wheelchair. I
take a deep breath and watch her gulp down
the amber drink in the glass. She knows about
the drama that happened at the restaurant
and I will not hear the last of it.

"Must you always embarrass me like this,

Naledi?" she asks vehemently and I roll my
eyes at her.
"This is not about you mama," she makes me
numb sometimes. I am the one smelling of
urine, the one embarrassed in public and
probably trending number one on Twitter and
roasted by the keyboard warriors.
"They won't say Naledi is sleeping with a
married man. They will say "minister of
presidency for woman, youth and persons
with disability, Maswabi Moletsane's daughter
was seen in public confronted by the wife of
Jimmy Khambule. Ministers daughter is said
to be having an affair with the businessman".
That's what those gossip columnists will
write Naledi. They will once again make your
nonsense about me and my work. Can I blame
them? No, because you are the opposite of
everything I speak for," tears are streaming
down my face at this point. I don't even know
what to say to my mother because I didn't
ask for this life. I didn't ask to be known by
the public and used to sell papers on days I
mess up like every other 25 year old.
"It took me years of hard work to make
people respect me and see me for more than
just a woman with no legs, the freak who
walks on her stumps, but you are pulling me
back with all these things you're caught doing
in public. The great work I do is pushed aside
and I'm known as the mother of the mistress,
alcoholic..." she takes a deep breath and
scratches her forehead.
"You are such an embarrassment," those
words don't hurt as much as they used to.
"Okay, that's enough. I don't want Basetsana
hearing this. Maswabi, let me help you back
on the wheelchair," Manana says, appearing
from the corridor. Thank God she's still in the
main house.
"Talk to her, Dzunisani," she has always made
me her helpers problem, not that I mind
because that woman has been more of a
mother to me than Maswabi will ever be. I
don't know what would have happened to me
if Manana wasn't in our lives.
"Come baby girl. I filled the tub for you,"
Manana says once my mother has left the
room on her motorized wheelchair.
"You saw what happened?" I ask with a
shaking voice and she nods with a soft
expression only she can give.
"Yes, Maswabi and I watched the video
together. Someone from work sent it to her,"
oh Jesus Christ.
"I didn't know he was married, Manana. I
swear," I know I've done a lot of things to
spite my mother in the past but this wasn't
one of them.
"I believe you," She's the one person who has
never and will never judge me. For 23 years
Manana has been there to listen to me and
wipe my tears. I appreciate that she can also
reprimand me and show me right from wrong.
"The water will get cold, come. You don't
smell very pleasant."
 CHAPTER 02
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I deleted my social media last night before

going to bed because I didn't want to log in
and see all the vile things they are saying
about me. I was going to feel far worse than
I'm already feeling and it's unfair because I
didn't know that Jimmy is still married. I was
also lied to but society never believes the
other woman's story, the wife is the only
acceptable victim and if you ask me that
needs to change. These married men remove
their rings, some don't even have them and
they don't really walk around with foreheads
branded "married".

I put on my blazer and grab the handbag on

top of the bed then walk out of my bedroom. I
missed breakfast on purpose, I didn't want to
sit at the same table with my mother while
she gave me judgemental eyes. I am about to
have a long day of that at the office, they are
going to be gossiping about me till kingdom
comes. I wish the weekend didn't end.
I greet everyone in the kitchen and grab a
pear and banana, I know the lunch box
Manana packed for me will make up for the
missed breakfast.

"Basetsana, go grab your bag baby we are

leaving," I say and she gets off the chair and
walks to her bedroom to get her backpack.
"I will be dropping Basetsana at school from
today," my mother says and I narrow my eyes
at her.
"Why? I always take her," she takes a deep
breath and pushes her plate away.
She's about to preach to me and I don't need
to hear it, whatever it is.
"Because I don't want her to be seen with you,
Naledi. Her fellow pupils will make her
uncomfortable because of your nonsense, you
know how cruel school kids are," Damn right I
do. I was always made fun of because of her,
because of how she looks. School was hell for
me and when I didn't want to go my mother
didn't sit me down to ask why. She just made
noise and reminded me of the amount of
money she pays for me to be there. Manana
would be the one calming me down and
making sure that the things those children
said didn't cement in my head.
"My daughter and I enjoy the rides to school.
We get to talk about everything that's
happening with her. You cannot take that
from us," I say with a shaking voice.
I might be many things in my mothers eyes
but being a bad mother isn't one of them. I
would die for my little girl, she's the one
perfect thing in my life.
"Naledi, don't be selfish. This is about
Basetsana and what's best for her. When this
thing of yours die down then you'll go back to
being seen with her in public," wow just wow.
Fighting my mother is futile, she will get her
way no matter what.
"Mommy, I'm ready," my little girl walks into
the kitchen all excited. She's going to be sad
about this, our mornings mean so much to
her.
"uhm, baby. Grandma is going to be taking
you to school for a couple of days. I just got a
call from work and they need me to come in
extra early from today. I'm already late so
grandma will help, okay?" her smile disappears
and my heart breaks. I promised myself to be
the best mother to my child; I was young
when I had her and she wasn't planned but I
knew I wanted to do better than my mother.
To put her before everything and everyone.
"I promise to spend time with you after school
until we get our mornings back okay?" she
nods vigorously and I kiss her forehead.
"Okay, Bassie. Let's go, Isreal is already
waiting in the car," mama says, "Dzunisani,
have a great day," she adds and Manana nods.
"Goodbye mommy, goodbye Manana," my
pretty girl says, waving her hand.
"Goodbye princess," we say in unison.
I watch them leave the kitchen and when the
front door closes Manana places both hands
on my shoulders.
"Be strong, my baby. This will definitely blow
over and they will be interested in someone
else's drama. I just need you to focus on
what's important and block the other things
out," who would I be without this woman? I
turn and give her a hug.
"Ndza ku rhandza, Manana,"
"I love you too, Nyeleti,"
.
.
.
I have been closed in my office since I got to
work, like I anticipated everyone is giving me
judgmental eyes and whispering. It's hard
trying to pretend like it doesn't bother me but
I'm going to take Manana's advise and block
everything out. They don't know the full story
so it's easy for them to judge me and make
conclusions.
Jimmy has been blowing my phone but I don't
bother answering, I'm not calm enough to
talk to him. I know myself, I would lose it on
him. A conversation between us is going to
happen in due time because I need to know
why he did this to me. If I just move on
without closure I'm afraid I'll keep going back
and that's something I don't need in my life.

A knock comes through my door and I give

the person permission to come in. He has got
to be kidding me! How dare he show up at my
workplace, people are already talking behind
my back and he came to make it worse. Does
he have any idea of what will happen if his
wife finds out about this? I'm sure there's
already a video of him here being retweeted
and shared. Fuck this man! He closes the door
and I push my chair back and get up. Those
stupid flowers better not be mine, I don't
want anything from this lying piece of shit.

"Take your flowers and get the fuck out of my

office," I say calmly, I don't want to cause a
scene at my workplace.
"Baby, please calm down," I huff out a
humorless laugh. He is testing me right now,
Jesus take the wheel.
"Jimmy, this is my job. I am a manager here.
There are people working under me who
respected me before yesterday, I'm now a
topic of discussion because you lied to me," I
might not be showing it as expected right
now but I'm hurt. I cried myself to sleep last
night, I really thought I found the one.
"I know and I'm really sorry. Naledi, I didn't
mean to lie to you. I couldn't tell you the
truth because I was afraid you'll leave me; I
was going to come clean when the divorce
was finalized. I just needed time to make sure
that the divorce is not messy," I'm shaking my
head.
"You're still lying, there's no divorce
happening,"
"I haven't filled, yes, but it's going to happen.
Please give me a chance my love please, I'll
make things right. I am sorry that Thuli
embarrassed you like that in public," he will
never be honest with me. It's clear that
Jimmy wants to have his cake and eat it.
I pick up the office phone and call security.
"Please come up to my office, I need someone
to be escorted out. Make sure he doesn't set
his foot here again," his shoulders sag.
"Naledi, please don't do this. I love you with
all my heart. I'm begging you," let's prove that
theory.
"Were you sleeping with the both of us?" he
looks down and I have my answer. "Thank God
I wasn't stupid enough to sleep with you
without a condom,"
A brief knock comes through then two
security guards walk inside.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Nhlangano, is this your father?" A tall, petite

woman with a beautiful smile asks.
"Yes, Miss Gumbi. This is my dad," she holds
out her hand to me and I link it with mine
then we shake.
"Your son is such a pleasure to teach. I
started here four months ago and he's my
best student," she says and that makes me
more proud. Nhlangano received certificates
for all 8 subjects and emerged top achiever
for the entire grade 12. As if that wasn't
enough, my boy got medals and certificate for
best striker, player of the previous season and
captain of the schools football team.
"Thank you miss," she nods.
"I'll see you in class tomorrow," she walks
away and my son is looking at me with a
wide smile.
"What?" I ask with furrowed eyebrows.
"I think she likes you," I roll my eyes.
This child thinks every woman is attracted to
me. He and his grandmother have been trying
to hook me up with every woman we cross
paths with. I told them that I'm not ready for
a relationship but they never listen. I honestly
don't need them to play cupid, my life is
perfect the way it is.
"Nhlangano, go say goodbye to your friends.
You'll find me in the car," he runs off and I
take the certificates and other things that
belong to him and walk out of the school hall.
They really need to stop hosting these events
on a Monday, we are tired from work to be
attending these long gatherings.

I climb in the car and go through the

certificates again, man I'm so proud of this
boy. If he performs like this on his finals then
I'm getting him something big before he goes
to Johannesburg for university.
We should go visit his mothers grave this
weekend and tell her how amazing he
performed; I pray Busisiwe is happy with how
I've been raising her little boy.
My sisters death still cuts deep, she was so
young and had a whole life ahead of her. God,
let me not start thinking about that day.

"Baba," I'm startled.

Nhlangano closes the door and reaches for the
safety belt.
"What's up?" we have a very cool and open
relationship. We talk about it all, I don't want
him hearing the wrong things out there
because I am strict.
"Rajesh will be home alone this weekend. His
parents agreed that he can throw a young
braai on Saturday, so can I please go?" damn!
"I wanted us to go to Mahlabathini this
weekend to visit your mothers grave and
spend time with MaZikode,"
"Ahh, baba. The village again? Dude, you're
killing me," he says and I'm thrown into a fit
of laughter.
"You're too cool for our village now?" I ask,
starting the engine.
"I'm not too cool for it, but we were there
that other week. You know grandma will be
making me feed the chickens and goats," oh
so that's the problem, but I won't cramp his
style.
"Okay, we will go some other time Durban
gent," he chuckles, taking his phone out and
texting. He must be telling Rajesh that he will
be there.
"Please remember that I'm young, I can't be a
grandfather at 48 Nhlangano," I know he's
having sex, I encourage it to be protected at
least. We cannot stop them from growing up,
it's human nature.
"I hear you," his eyes are fixed on his phone, "I
just forwarded you a picture of some dope
Nike sneakers I want baba. Can you make it
to Gateway tomorrow to buy them before
they are sold out?" this fashion killer. He
always chooses clothes as a reward for doing
good.
"Only the sneakers?" he looks at me with a
raised eyebrow.
"No! I'm still thinking about what I want," I
just nod and continue driving.
"What's for dinner?" I shrug my shoulders.
"I don't know, burgers?"
He scoffs, "This is why you need to find a
woman. We need some home cooked meals.
Miss Gumbi is perfect," oh here we go again. I
refuse to reply to that.
 CHAPTER 03
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Shoe size sir?" the sales assistant asks.

"He is a size 7," he nods then walks away to
get the sneakers from the back.
I am at Gateway mall to buy the sneakers
Nhlangano told me about yesterday. I had to
come early because I didn't want to find them
sold out and have him sulking the whole
month. My son has an obsession with clothes
and fashion, his clothes don't even fit in the
wardrobe of his bedroom so he uses the
wardrobe of the guest room too. He wanted
us to trade bedrooms because the master has
a walk in closet, can you imagine?
"You can come pay," the sales assistant is
back. I follow him to the till and take out my
card, I'm advised to buy sneaker wash and
some powders too, I agree and swipe the total
then leave the store.
It's morning but this mall is already buzzing
with people, one would wonder if they don't
have to be at work.
My son and I don't have breakfast together
during the week because it's always chaos in
the morning, you'd swear it's not just us in
the house. He makes himself a smoothie and
drinks it on his way to school, I, on the other
hand get my breakfast at the office. My
secretary always has something on my desk
when I get in, but today I told her not to
because I'll grab something here.

I get to mug and bean and the waitress takes

me to my table and leaves me to look at the
menu. I'm going to have coffee and the big
Ben, it will keep me good until lunch time.
The young lady comes back and takes my
order then disappears to the kitchen.
I take out my phone and reply to my emails
and a few minutes later my food is in front of
me. This coffee smells great, I cannot start
my day properly without caffeine, I don't care
how hot it is.
"Bhut'Shlobo," I look up and find Thalente
towering over me. My heart feels pain each
time I see this girl, she reminds me so much
of her sister.
"Hey, how are you?" I ask and she nods with a
smile.
"I'm great, how are you?" I'm good but seeing
her always leaves me in shumbles. Did she
really have to have Melamina's face like this?
"I'm well sisi. Are you here with someone?" I
ask.
"No, I just came to grab breakfast," I point to
the empty chair across from me, she pulls it
and settles down.
"I have been meaning to give you a call. How
is school?"
"Great. Thank you once again for paying my
tuition and everything else, it really means a
lot," she has said this a million times before.
"It's okay. Just work hard and make your
mother proud," There's bad blood between her
family and mine, let me rephrase. Her family
blames me for the passing of Melamina and
my family is therefore hated for being
associated with me. It hurts so much because
I loved their daughter with all my heart, that
woman was everything to me. They even
refused me coming to the funeral and that's
one of the reasons why I cannot open my
heart to another woman. I never got the
chance to say goodbye, to find closure.
"I am working myself so hard to pass my
honors with flying colors. I also volunteer at
these NPO's, I'm doing everything to make
sure that my profile is great for the masters
program. Getting into that program is hard,
only 6 to 12 applicants are taken yearly from
hundred applications per university," that's
hectic.
I wish most people made thorough research
before choosing to study psychology. Thalente
only realized later in the course that it takes
roughly 7 years to be a registered and
practicing psychologist. She graduated for her
undergraduate degree and had to stay home
for four years because there wasn't any
money at home to pay for her honors in
psychology.
NSFAS only funds one qualification.
Melamina was the breadwinner and her
passing meant they had nothing, I tried
offering a helping hand but their mother
didn't want to hear anything. I met Thalente
early last year, she was waitressing at one of
my favorite restaurants. She told me her
story and I knew I had to help, she applied at
UNISA for her honors and told her mother
that she got a bursary. I will be paying for her
until her dream is fulfilled, I'm doing this
because I know it will make Melamina rest in
peace. Family meant so much to her.
"I'm not discouraging you, but is all of this
worth it? I mean you're working hard but you
still don't know if you'll be accepted into the
masters program. You said it yourself that
some students wait 3 years to finally be
accepted," she takes a deep breath.
"This is who I am, bhut'Shlobo. This is what
South Africa needs, a lot of people are killing
themselves because they have absolutely no
one to talk to about their mental and
emotional challenges. They need someone to
help them fight and show them the light. If I
give up now it means I'm giving up on
someone who is hoping to have someone to
help them. I'm talking on behalf of all aspiring
clinical psychologists," I'm nodding my
understanding. The higher education
department needs to do something about this
hard process of becoming a psychologist in
South Africa. I mean the whole thing is insane
and depressing for these graduates.
"Then stick it out. You don't have to worry
about the funds,"
"Thank you," she hasn't ordered anything and
I'm sure my coffee is cold. I call the waitress
and ask for another cup then Thalente places
an order.
"How is Nhlangano? I'm sure he has grown" I
chuckle.
"He is a giant hey," she giggles, "But he's great.
An amazing boy to raise, he's making my job
as a father really easy. Except for when he
wants to get a woman for me," I say and she
narrows her eyes.
"Haibo, bhut'Shlobo. You still don't have a
potential wife?" I shake my head.
"I doubt I ever will. I cannot get over
Melamina," she exhales sharply.
"It has been 18 years since she passed on. She
would want you to be happy. Open your heart
and give love a chance," I smile.
"I'm happy, my son makes me happy. My
businesses make me happy," she rolls her eyes.
"You can't compare," the Thalente of
yesterday is now grown and giving me advice.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

Spending time with Basetsana and her father

after this hectic week is exactly what I
needed. We can't go out in public because my
mother said so, my daughters father
understood because he knows what would
happen if we disobey Maswabi Moletsane.
That woman is just a bully, no one can tell me
otherwise.
Vhutshilo ordered takeaways and made
popcorn so we can enjoy while watching a
movie.

We promised each other genuine friendship so

we can be able to raise our baby girl well.
Some people think there's more to our
relationship than co-parenting, but there's
really nothing going on between us. Our
priority is Basetsena, we don't want to
jeopardize the stability we have built over
lust or anything like that.
"Bassie," Vhutshilo calls out but gets no
response from his daughter.
"She's definitely out," I say laughing.
This is exactly why I don't bother watching
movies with this girl, she sleeps halfway
through.
"I'll take her to bed," he gets up from the
couch and picks Basetsana up from the rug
then takes her to the bedroom.
I take the bowls of popcorn, cans of soda and
empty packets of wine gums and head to the
kitchen. I need some adult drinks now, I open
the fridge and there are savanna's chilling.
Vhutshilo is the baby daddy he thinks he is
man, I take out one and a beer for him. We
walk back in the lounge at the same time and
I hand him the bottle.
"Only three dumpies for you. You're driving," I
roll my eyes.
"We are sleeping over," I say and he snaps an
eyebrow.
"You want your mother to come here with the
police?" I want to sleep here because I don't
want to be dealing with that woman.
"I am an adult and that's our daughter. Mama
can turn into a crazy cow for all I care but we
are sleeping here," he chuckles and sits next
to me. I reach for my phone and text her,
informing her that we will be sleeping over.
Basetsana has clothes here and I'll wear
Vhutshilo's oversized sweatpants and a t-
shirt. He's gonna be pissed because he told me
to leave a few things.
My phone chimes and it's my mother's
response. She said okay. No fight?
"What's up?" I hand him the phone and after
reading he looks at me with widened eyes.
"Are you sure you sent the message to the
right person," I laugh.
"Of course I'm sure," we click bottles.
"That was too easy but okay," he shrugs his
shoulders.
I understand why he is shocked. My mother
hates him for getting me pregnant at 15 when
he was 22 years old.
Vhutshilo didn't know that I was that young,
he thought I was 19 doing my first year at
another university. That's the lie I told him,
he believed me because I looked the age I told
him. I am a big boned girl so it wasn't hard to
sell the fake age.
"How are you?" I take a deep breath.
I know what he is asking me.
"I cannot change what happened so I won't
dwell too much on it. I am focusing on what's
important," he hugs me.
"And the guy?"
"He showed up at the office with flowers and I
called security on his ass," he smiles, proud.
"That's my girl, you did well. Naledi, you
deserve better and you'll get it,"
"Maybe I should date my age mates," he is
thrown into a fit of laughter.
"Girl please," I nudge him with an elbow.
I don't know why I'm attracted to men older
than me. I literally cringe when a guy my age
tries to ask me out, I just cannot but it looks
like I have to give them a chance. Mjolo with
the old souls is showing me flames.
"I'm serious. We should both register on a
dating site," he pouts and I know he's keeping
something from me.
"You're dating?" he nods and takes a sip of his
beer, "And you didn't tell me?"
claps once!
"You also didn't tell me about Jimmy. I found
out on social media Naledi," he has a point "I
wanted to see if there's a future with her
before introducing her to you and Bassie,"
that's our rule.
We don't introduce our child to someone we
don't see ourselves spending the rest of our
lives with. We've each met a few of our exes
but our daughter has never been introduced
to someone.
"And?" he smiles.
"We are having dinner with her next Saturday.
Be nice," oh God, Mongezi is going to be mad
at me. He asked me to accompany him to a
braai.
"Here or restaurant?"
"Here, I'm gonna need you to come and cook,"
he's playing with me.
His girlfriend will have breakfast for dinner.
"I'll find the best caterer,"
"On your budget then," what a baby daddy I
have.
 CHAPTER 04
MASWABI MOLETSANE

"I don't know how many times I've told you

this, Maswabi. You are too hard on Naledi,
you're forever making noise when she messes
up but never quick in praising her for doing
good," Dzunisani says and I roll my eyes.
"And I told you many times too that I will
never applaud a fish for swimming. She is the
daughter of a prominent government
minister, a mother to Basetsana, she has to
act right at all times," she clicks her tongue
and takes a sip of her whiskey.
Dzunisani is not just the house manager, she
is my best friend. She knows me at my best
and worst, I honestly don't know what I
would be without her in my life.
"You have to treat her as your daughter first.
She's only human, be compassionate.
I won't lie, Naledi has always wanted your
attention and she knew the only way to get it
was to do something that would embarrass
you in public. She has grown up now Maswabi,
the things that have been happening are
normal. Almost every woman has fought in
the club and dated a married man without
knowing. You can't punish her for the
mistakes she made as a child forever,"
Dzunisani has always babied Naledi, that's
why she's like this.
"I didn't get any attention from my parents
and I have never done half the things my
daughter has done," she scoffs.

I was just a few months old when my parents

gave me away to a white priest because they
didn't believe God would give them a baby
with no legs. They called me a cursed child
and went on to live their lives with the
children they believe God blessed them with,
children with all four limbs. I was raised with
other orphaned children at the mission house
and from a young age I did everything an
able-bodied person did.
Whatever people said I couldn't do I did. I
joined the ruling political party while in high
school and I was active. I was at every
meeting, rally, congress, march, you name
them. I knew the constitution and legislature,
I could answer every question waking up. The
history of those who came before us is
imprinted in my memory, I can recite
everything with understanding.
The top leaders realized how dedicated I was
and by age 19 I was working in the premiers
office. My hard work and dedication put me
there and also because I was representing the
disabled. The party wanted them to feel
included in the leadership of the country.
It was different to regional politics, cadres
there looked down on me. Woman would
gossip about me, wondering if I had a man in
my life with my "condition". They would laugh
and say which man in his right mind would
sleep with me. That made them question my
ability to have children and it made me very
mad, I had to prove myself and my abilities to
shut them up. Age 20 I was pregnant with
Naledi, a miracle baby. I had high expectations
for my daughter but she has disappointed me
at every turn.

"Naledi does as she pleases. I told her not to

go out in public with Basetsana but she did,"
she claps once.
"This whiskey is messing with your head. You
agreed for them to go and see Vhutshilo,
that's not a public place," she says briskly.
"That Venda boy caused me problems too,"
Dzunisani takes my glass and I raise an
eyebrow, what's her problem now?
"Maswabi you love to complain, Jesus! It was
Naledi, now it's Vhutshilo. That boy has done
nothing to you and you know it. He has been
nothing but an amazing father to your
granddaughter," I heave a sigh and hold out
my hand for my glass.
"You judge Naledi as if you're an angel. Can
you imagine what would happen if the
tabloids found out about..."
I quickly interject, "I'm an adult and I do
everything in private. My daughter on the
other hand is always caught out in public
humiliating me and herself," she rolls her eyes.
"You are the biggest hypocrite," Naledi and
Dzunisani don't want to hear the truth, that's
their problem. "One day Naledi will get over
trying to please you and she will leave.
Maswabi you will regret so much and I want
you to know that I will not help you beg for
her forgiveness. I have tried showing you the
mistakes you're making with this child but
you don't want to see. I love you but
sometimes you just... Urgh!"
I don't want to spend my Saturday night
talking about the embarrassment I call a
daughter.
"One day the both of you will realize that I
only wanted the best for her. That I wanted
her to walk in my footsteps and it will be too
late,"
"Which footsteps are you talking about? You
don't have legs remember?" she says and I'm
thrown into a fit of laughter. Dzunisani will
not kill me.
"Hai! votsek Dzuni man."
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm starring at the huge picture of Melamina

hanging on the wall, she has been heavy on
my mind since I saw and had breakfast with
Thalente. My heart is heavy, I miss her so
much. Seeing her little sister always leaves
me so bare, it's like I'm seeing her in person
and yet I cannot caress her beautiful face and
tell her how much I love her because it's not
her. I avoid meeting with Thalente because I
hate feeling this way, I hate feeling like I have
Melamina back only to realize that's not the
case.

MaZikode, my mother told me not to avoid

Thalente because that will help my heart
accept that she's not her sister. It's not as
simple as she makes it out to be but she's
right, I cannot always come back to this point
each time we meet. I'm gonna start calling
Thalente more and checking in because it's
the right thing to do. She has taken me as a
big brother so it's only fair that I start to act
like one.

A car drives in the yard and I quickly wipe my

tears and unmute the TV. Nhlangano is back
from Rajesh's house, yesterday was the braai
he told me about. I allowed him to take the
car, I trust him not to get behind the wheel
while drunk. As much as I hate him drinking,
it's another thing we cannot control. Teens
will lie and say they don't drink but these
children buy expensive alcohol. He once forgot
to block me from viewing his WhatsApp
statuses and he and his friends had a table
full of
Cognacs and champagnes. I couldn't even
afford a bottle of beer when I was his age.
My mother says I'm too soft with him, but
she doesn't understand. I'm not parenting
with an iron fist, that's why he is open and
honest with me. He doesn't take advantage of
me and knows for a fact that dad doesn't say
yes to everything.
I'd rather be soft and understanding than to
raise a lair because I'm too strict.

"Baba," he throws himself on the couch.

"Nhlaks number ten," that's his jersey number.
"howzit boet? Missed me?" I chortle, shaking
my head.
"Nah, I enjoyed the peace and quiet," that's a
lie, the house was too quiet without him.
No one was challenging me on Fifa just to rob
me off the money we placed as a bet.
He is the gamer and football lover so his wins
are guaranteed. I just play because that's one
of the ways we bond.
"Oh well, I had a great time. The morning
after the night before is what I hate," he says
and I tilt my head to the side, wondering
what he means by that.
"Cleaning the house when everyone else is
gone and sleeping peacefully at their houses,"
that's what they get for hosting braais in
people's homes. They made the mess so they
must clean it up, it's only fair.
"I just hope I won't be getting a call from the
Naidoo's, saying you boys trashed the place,"
he unties his shoe laces.
"No, baba. Everything is good. They inspected
the house when they got back," that's a relief.
"Great then," he hands me the car keys.
"Thanks for allowing me to use the car,"
another thing I admire about my son is that
he doesn't feel entitled to having things just
because he can. I started teaching him how to
drive at sixteen and got his license
immediately after he turned eighteen earlier
this year. He has never demanded that I get
him a car, or insist that I borrow him one. It's
always me offering it to him and he
appreciates.
"Dad, I think I have figured out what I want as
a reward for performing great at school," he
says and I sit up straight.
"I'm listening," I wonder which designer he's
going to tell me about this time.
"Yesterday while chilling the football
conversation came up. One of the girls that
were there mentioned that her father is
selling his team that's in the first division,"
oh, I wasn't expecting this at all. I was
already preparing myself for a trip to Sandton.
"Let me understand you boy, you want this
football club?" I ask and he nods vigorously. I
know he loves football and all but a whole
team?
"You know how passionate I am about
football baba. I want to play but it would also
be great to own one and build a legacy," Hai,
I'm gonna have to think about this one and
get someone in the football industry to advise
me.
"I know you don't understand much about
football baba, but I can set up a meeting with
my coach at school. He retired as a
professional league coach and he will explain
everything to you, there are also lawyers in
the football industry you can bring with so
you can see that it will be a good investment.
I mean you know many companies that we
could approach to be our sponsors," he
thought this through in one night. I'm not
sold on the idea but I'm very impressed.
"I'm not promising you anything Nhlangano,
but I'll meet with your coach and find a
lawyer and other bodies to help me make a
decision," he nods vigorously.
"Thank you baba. And not to rush you but
please move swiftly, I don't want to miss out
on the opportunity should you agree to buy it.
There are many like me wishing to own clubs,"
Hai qha! This is Shlobosenkosi's son.
"I've heard you Mr. Mavimbela," he bows his
head.
"Thank you sir," he gets up and we shake
hands.
"What's for dinner?" I roll my eyes.
It's always food and clothes with this one.
"I cooked, roasted chicken and vegetables
then I made mash potatoes," I had to learn
how to cook because of him. I wasn't going to
raise a child on takeaways.
"Sounds good,"
"You'll eat later. Sit down and tell me all you
know about this club," he smiles.
"You're still going to varsity even if I buy you
this team, yes?" he nods vigorously.
"Definitely baba. I can do it all,"
 CHAPTER 05
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I'm rushing to Katherine's house to have a

drink and a bite with her and Mongezi, we
decided to be indoors because my mother is
still uncomfortable with me being seen in
public. I last saw my friends the day Jimmy's
wife attacked and embarrassed me in that
restaurant.
I'm a bit late and I didn't inform Kat, she must
be pissed at me. But I had to start at my
gynecologists practice to get my shot. I know
I don't have a boyfriend anymore as he turned
out to be married, but I'd rather be safe than
sorry.
Maswabi would loose her mind if I came back
to her house pregnant, she made it clear that
I am only to have another child in my
husband's house.

I get to Kat's house and press the intercom,

her husband answers and I tell him that it's
me. The gate slides open and I drive inside the
yard and leave my car in the drive way.
Mongezi isn't here yet, which is a relief
because he will get all of Katherine's wrath. I
climb out of the car and take the two bottles
of wine with me. I knock on the front door
and her husband opens the door for me with a
smile.

"Hey," I greet him.

"Naledi, how are you?" we share a brief hug.
"I'm great thanks, yourself?" he heaves a sigh.
"I'm good just tired," tired from being at home
the whole day? Haibo! This guy lives a soft life
on my best friends pay check.
"Where is your wife? I'm sure she's mad at us
for being late," he chuckles, shaking his head.
"She rushed to the store to get cheese and
olives for the salad. She wasn't aware that
they ran out," he says and I settle down on
the couch.
"Can you please put these in the fridge so
long," he nods and takes the plastic then
walks to the kitchen. He comes back with a
glass of wine and beer, he hands me the wine
and settles next to me. It's Thursday so I'm
not going to drink too much.
"How are you holding up? I saw the whole
thing on social media and Kat told me how
hard it is on you," I take a sip of my wine and
shrug my shoulders.
"It's good that I found out before it went
further than it already had. I have learned my
lesson, I won't stupidly believe everything a
man says in the future," he nods his
understanding.
"But I won't lie, I understand why he had to
lie," he says and I narrow my eyes, "I mean
you're a very beautiful woman, Naledi. The
guy had to do everything to have and keep
you, I mean I've had my eye on you too. I have
never seen a big girl so damn sexy," he says
and I gasp in shock.
Is this man sick in the head? Why would he
say that to his wife's best friend.
"Thabo, that's inappropriate," he offers me a
lopsided smile and I'm left appalled.
"Kat doesn't have to know about it. I'll treat
you better than that Jimmy guy," I won't sit
here and listen to this bull shit.
"You should be trying to find a job to help
your wife not trying to sleep with her friend.
You're a disgusting piece of shit," I put the
glass on the table and stand up.
"Whoa! Naledi, you don't to leave or agree to
fuck me. I'm a big boy, I take rejection better
than most," Jesus Christ!
This man has the audacity.
"Fuck you, Thabo," I storm out of the house
and bump into Mongezi and Kat.
"Hey friend," -Mongezi.
I don't stop walking.
"I'm sorry but I have to leave. I got a call from
my mom and she said I should come home
quickly," I lie.
How do I tell my best friend that her husband
just made inappropriate moves on me?
"Is everything okay?" Kat asks with widened
eyes.
"I'm not sure, I'll call you when I get home," I
climb in the car and start the engine.
Katherine opens the gate and I drive out of
her yard. I wonder how many women he has
cheated on my friend with. This was definitely
not the first time he was trying to get into
the pants of a woman who is not Kat. Men
don't deserve anything.

I wanted to go straight to Vhutshilo and tell

him what happened but I figured Manana
would be the best person to talk to. I'll just
brief my baby daddy when we talk on the
phone and hear his opinion on the matter.
I park the car in the garage and head inside
the house, it's quiet in here but smells
amazing. Whatever Manana cooked is
mouthwatering.
I go check on Basetsana first, she's busy with
her homework. I kiss her forehead and excuse
her, she will find me when she's done. I head
to my bedroom and change into tights and a
vest then go find Manana.
"I thought you were meeting with your
friends," she's standing over the stove, stirring
a pot of stew.
"I was but something really uncomfortable
happened and I just had to leave Kat's house
immediately," she closes the pot and looks at
me with narrowed eyes.
"Did you fight with your friends?" I smile.
The only fights we have are about which
tequila is the best.
"No, we are good," I take a deep breath,
"Manana, Thabo made a pass at me," I still
cannot believe it.
"I don't understand. Pass how?"
"I got there and Mongezi was late and
Katherine rushed to the store. He poured a
glass of wine for me then asked about Jimmy.
We talked and he told me he found me sexy
and would like to have something with me
behind Kat's back," her eye balls are
threatening to fall off.
"What do I do Manana?"
She pulls out a chair and settles down.
"It's a very difficult matter my baby. This is a
marriage, if you tell Katherine about what
happened and she doesn't believe you then
you lose a friend. If you tell her and she
believes you, decides to divorce Thabo then
you're opening yourself up to being blamed by
the families. He might spin this whole thing
around and say you came on to him and use
the incident that happened to say you have a
thing for married men," that's very true.
"It's your decision to make and I'll support it
and stand by you through the outcomes,"
"This is what you'll be known for, the
mistress, even your own friends husband
wants a piece of you. You see the life you
have chosen for yourself?" my mother says
from behind me and I close my eyes.
"Can you be on her side for once, Maswabi,"
Manana sounds defeated.
"Leave her be. It's obvious that my mother
feeds on my mistakes, she gets to say I told
you so and give me speeches," I stand up.
"I understand that I'm a disappointment to
you ma. You don't have to remind me because
each time something goes wrong you're the
first person I think about and your vile words
ring in my head," I'm towering over her as
she's on her stumps.
She clears her throat, "This is the life..." I hold
out my hand to shut her up.
"I don't need to hear any of it perfect mother,"
a part of me wants to kick her like a ball and
watch her roll on this floor. I'm sick and tired
of this woman's judgements.
I walk away to check on my child and make
sure that her homework is correct.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I waited for Naledi to call and tell me what

the emergency was at home but it never
came. I decided to call her last night before
going to bed and she didn't answer, I'm
worried because I know how things can get
with her mother. I just hope that she is okay
and reaches out soon. I worry more about
Naledi than Mongezi because she has it harder
and people think her life is a bed of roses just
because her mother has money. That woman
is too tough on her child, nothing Naledi ever
does is enough for her and it's really sad.

"Your breakfast will get cold babe," my

husband says and I snap out of it.
"I'm sorry, just worried about Naledi. She
wasn't okay when she left here yesterday and
I haven't heard from her," he chokes and
starts coughing violently. I quickly get on my
feet and go get some water for him.
"Are you okay?" I ask, rubbing his back.
"I'm okay now. The food went into the wrong
pipe," he takes another sip of the water and I
go sit down.
"I should start at her office to check up on
her," Thabo shakes his head.
"I know she's your best friend but give her
space. You know it's always drama with her
mom, she will reach out once ready," I nod in
agreement of his suggestion but my heart
wants to reach out.
"I hear you babe," I check my wrist watch and
it's time for me to go to work.
"Look at the time," I quickly eat my breakfast
and gulp down the orange juice.
"I'm going to get home pretty late today, we
have a 6 pm meeting. Please cook dinner," he
narrows his eyes at me.
"Really, Kat? You're asking me to play
housewife these days, I'm still your husband,
the man of this house," I chuckle.
This is unbelievable.
"Bathong! Thabo, how is helping me cook the
food that you'll also eat making you a
housewife? I'll be at work till late, I'll be tired.
I can't worry about coming home to cook
when you could have done that since you're
at home the whole day," he clenches his jaw.
"You're insulting me now. I know you're the
one bringing in the money but please
understand that I didn't choose to be
unemployed. The economic state of South
Africa is messed up, you could also be
retrenched," when did Thabo become such a
small minded man?
He was never one to adhere to these gender
roles in the household, but recently he has
been acting like someone I don't know or like.
Could it be the stress of being unemployed
and totally depended on me?
"I can't start my day like this. I'll see you
later." I stand up and leave for work. Today is
a huge meeting, I need to push this to the
back of my mind because I can't afford to be
distracted.
I never had a problem with my husband being
unemployed because he was considerate. He
would help clean and half cook dinner so I
only spice up when I get home. Thabo knew
how to use the washing machine but now he
takes the dirty clothes to the laundromat.
All he does recently is watch TV, play video
games and complain. I understand that it's
hard for him but it's also challenging for me.
What's worse is that he has given up on
trying to find another job, he lies and says he
sent out his CV but when I check his email
there hasn't been any job applications sent
through in a while.
My phone rings, it's connected to the car. I
was hoping that it's Naledi but it's my mom.
She never calls this early, I hope everything is
okay.

"Morning ma," I answer.

"Katherine, how are you? How's your husband?
Are you at work yet?" trust the girl to ask
multiple questions all at once.
"I'm good ma, Thabo is fine. I'm driving to
work. How's everyone at home?" some driver
cuts me to beat the red light and he almost
bumped into my car. Johannesburg will be the
death of me.
"Everything and everyone is fine. I was calling
to remind you of the party your father and I
are hosting," she says and I close my eyes for
a second. I forgot about my parents
anniversary party, they've been married for 35
years. They have six kids and I'm the last born
baby.
"I remember ma. Thabo and I will get there on
Friday," I lie. I had to coz her heart would have
been broken if I admitted that I forgot such
an important day.
I need to put in leave for that coming Friday
so we can be able to drive to Rustenburg.
"Okay ngwanake, I'll see you soon,"
"Okay Ma. Kiss daddy for me, I love you,"
"I love you too," the call ends.
I need to find a tailor that can make a
beautiful dress in less than two weeks. I
cannot show up looking basic on such a big
day. I need to ask my friends if they will be
attending and look for the perfect gift online.
 CHAPTER 06
DZUNISANI MABASA

I really enjoy spending quality time with

Naledi and Basetsana, I have taken them like
my own children. They mean so much to me
and being a part of their lives has healed
parts of me that I thought would always be
broken. Especially Naledi, this girl became the
center of my world the minute I laid my eyes
on her 23 years ago. Raising her gave me a
purpose and my life was never the same from
there. They are my family, Maswabi included,
even though she makes me mad most of the
time. I understand that she wants Naledi to
live a straight life and focus on important
things, but she is too hard on her and this girl
is only human. I always tell Maswabi that she
should allow Naledi to mess up now and again
because we are imperfect people. I pray she
realizes that she's doing more harm to her
relationship with Naledi before it's too late. I
don't want her living with regrets but she's
too stubborn, it's either her way or the
highway.

We are in the lounge watching some singing

competition auditions. Some of the people are
hilarious, they cannot sing to save their lives.
I believe they just went there for their five
minutes of fame, but I guess it's okay because
we are entertained by their horrible voices.
The front door opens and Naledi heaves a sigh
then closes her eyes. Its not nice for a child's
joy to vanish when their parent gets home.
Maswabi is exhausting with her constant
complains and dissatisfactions. She enters the
lounge on her motorized wheelchair and
greets us, we all return her greeting.

"Manana, I think I'm gonna call it a night,"

Naledi says, getting up from the couch. Our
great night has come to an end just like that.
"You'll leave after this episode, Nyeleti," she
offers me a ghost smile.
"I'd love to but I've been yawning. I need to
rest, it has been a very long week," she bends
down and kisses my cheek.
"Bassie, sleep with mommy tonight," she says
to her daughter who nods excitedly.
I love the relationship they have, Naledi is
gentle with Basetsana. It's really a total bliss
to experience her as a mother, most people
thought she was going to fail at it and she
proves them wrong with each passing day.
"Goodnight Manana. I love you," those words
melt my heart each time she says them.
"Naku rhandza Nyeleti," I say and she exits
the room, leaving the three of us.
"Basetsana, please take grandma's handbag to
her bedroom then remove the decorative
pillows," Maswabi says and the little girl
quickly jumps on her feet and runs out.
"You're mad at me," she says and I lick my
lower lip but say nothing back, "You cooked
breakfast and disappeared to your room this
morning. Did I do something to offend you?"
she asks genuinely and I wonder why she
never bothers to be this soft with her child.
"No, you just defeat me. You make me feel
numb," that's the honest truth.
"Is this because of what happened yesterday?"
damn right it is.
What she said last night when Naledi was
telling me what her friends husband did pissed
me off.
"Yes, Maswabi. You basically said it's okay for
married men to see your child as a piece of
meat because she was lied to by a married
man. Do you think that's alright? Oh wait, it's
only wrong when you are looking at it from a
ministers eye not a mother," she gasps in
shock.
"Dzuni," I roll my eyes.
"Don't nyuni me. Do you know how much I
wish I had a daughter like Nyeleti? Do you
understand how blessed you are to have her?
She's your only child, your family but you
always treat her like nothing. I am tired of
this, it has happened long enough," she is
blinking rapidly. This is the first time Minister
Moletsane has nothing to say in her defense.
"I don't have a family Maswabi and you don't
have one too. This, the girls are all we have
but you're destroying it," I know this little
speech won't change anything about this
woman. She has a lot to deal with before she
can be able to mend her relationship with her
daughter. They say hurt people hurt people,
that's exactly what's happening here.
Maswabi cannot parent because her parents
didn't raise her; she's bleeding on Naledi and
she didn't cut her.
I realized a long time ago that Maswabi
wasn't ready for a child, she went out of her
way to get pregnant just to prove that she
can do everything in her condition. That's
another reason why she is like this with that
girl.
"I'm sorry for making you mad. Please be okay
with me," The only person who deserves an
apology from Maswabi is Naledi.
"It's okay. Let me go get your food," she
shakes her head.
"I ate at the conference center, but I can use
a glass of scotch. Have one with me my
friend," I have a lot to do around the house
tomorrow, I don't want alcohol.
"I'm good with alcohol but I'll bring the
decanter and a glass,"
"Thank you."
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

Nhlangano and I are clearing his mother's

resting place. We arrived in Mahlabathini less
than an hour ago and the first thing we
always do is visit my father's grave then my
sisters. My mother is with us and she's busy
telling her daughter that Nhlangano is going
to be a president one day because he got the
number one position at school. My son has a
mischievous smile on his face and I know he
finds what his grandmother is saying over the
top. He should leave my mother to day dream.

We get to the house and the first thing

Nhlangano does is boil water to take a bath. I
renovated my mothers house but the geyser is
always giving us problems, if you want to use
the bathtub then you have to boil water with
the 20 liter urn.
He takes out a fresh outfit and irons the t-
shirt, this child will put on his best clothes to
just sit in the house. He hardly goes out when
we are in the village, he says it's too dry and
there's really not much to see. He used to
have friends growing up but I guess he
outgrew them.

"How many baths does he take a day?" my

mother whispers and I laugh.
"He is a fish, I think three times a day. One
when he goes to school, the second after
soccer practice at school and sometimes
before bed," my mother claps once.
"He is washing all the melanin off his skin,"
she is horrified.
"He says it's clean boys world wide. Did I tell
you that he has his nails done? Both hands
and feet," you know ma is shocked when she
starts whistling.
"Are you sure he's not a special child Shlobo?"
she asks with concern and I'm confused.
"Special how, MaZikode?" she shifts on the
couch.
"You know, like those boys who start acting
like girls and dating other men. I'm not
judging if he is, I'll try and learn more about it
all. He is my only grandson and I love him,"
Nhlangano walks into the lounge laughing.
"I'm glad to hear that you are not homophobic
grams but nah, I'm not gay," he says with a
chuckle.
"Then why all these baths and a love for
clothes. Your father tells me you do your nails
too," he's nodding.
"I take it all from baba," he defends himself.
"I'm not as extreme as you, Nhlangano. Plus, I
need to look good always. I am a
businessman, looks matter,"
"I also need to look good. I'm signed to clean
boys world wide," haike!
"Go switch off the urn. The water is okay
now. You want to finish my electricity in one
day of being here," MaZikode doesn't misuse
anything, she doesn't care if she has it in
abundance.
"What would you like me to cook for you son?
I know you two eat take aways everyday,"
that's not true.
I cook for my son and she has seen me do it.
Nhlangano has to eat clean because he's a
soccer player. We do have takeaways but not
the way mama thinks.
"You can cook anything ma. Do you have coke
in the fridge?" I ask and she shakes her head.
"I'll go buy it at the shop," I get up from the
couch and take my car keys.
"Do you want me to bring anything else?" "No,
we have all we need. Thank you,"
she stops me as I'm about to walk out of the
kitchen.
"We have beautiful woman in this village son.
Widen your eyes as you drive to the store.
Nhlangano needs a mother and a couple of
siblings. Time is not on your side, you'll be 50
soon," oh Jesus.
I don't need a mother for my son and he is
enough for me. I don't understand why mama
keeps pressing on this matter. I'm good with
how everything is. Plus, there are grown
women who don't mind physical relationships.
"Okay, MaZikode."

I love the villagers, they will stop you on the

road and ask about Durban. Others stop you
to ask for R20 to buy coke while the women
tell me that their daughters are now ready for
marriage and they are fertile. I think my
mother went around Mahlabathini telling
people that I'm ready to take a wife. That's
the only logical explanation because why
would mothers randomly tell me about their
fertile daughters? I just went along with the
banter because I didn't want to be rude.

I finally get to the store and Mamu'Gasela is

struggling to pick up the grocery plastics,
where are her sons? Thalente said they still
live at home and they are struggling to find
jobs. They should be helping ma to carry these
plastics.
I quickly climb out of the car to assist her and
offer her a ride to her house, I'm crossing
fingers that she accepts my help.

"Unjani ma?" she stands up straight and looks

at me from head to toe. She has a disgusted
look on her face.
"I can take you home, if you don't mind," she
claps once.
"You want to kill me in a car accident the
same way you killed my Melamina?" she says
and I heave a sigh. It hurts that she is holding
me responsible for that, even though I also
lost my sister in that tragic accident. I wasn't
even in the car.
"Mamu'Gasela, I know you don't like me but
you have to remember how much your
daughter and I loved each other," she's
shaking her head with a hand held out to me.
"Melamina should have listened to me when I
told her to stay away from you. I knew her
doom was going to come from you,
Mavimbela men are all the same," what is
that supposed to mean? "Move out of my way,
I don't need your help." she picks the plastics
and leaves angrily. What can I do to make
peace with this woman? I cannot even visit
Mela's grave, the love of my life has no
tombstone. I need to make a plan with
Thalente to make sure she gets one.
 CHAPTER 07
NALEDI MOLETSANE

Tonight is the night we are meeting

Vhutshilo's new girlfriend, I've met many in
the last 5 years but it'll be the first time he is
introducing someone to our daughter. I just
hope and pray that the new madam gets
along with Basetsana because if she doesn't
then the relationship is done. Vhutshilo made
it clear that he will never be with a woman
who doesn't click with his child and I think
that's only fair. I also wouldn't mind being
single for rest of my life if I cannot find a man
who will understand and accept that I have a
child who will always be a priority to me.
The table is set and the food is in casserole
dishes, I didn't cook any of this. I found a
caterer and asked her to make a meal enough
for four people and dessert as well. Yes,
Vhutshilo made me pay for everything
because he asked me to cook and I hired
someone instead. He knows very well that I
cannot cook, Manana spoilt me rotten. She
takes care of everything Basetsana and I need
on a daily basis.

"Oh the table looks nice," he walks into the

dinning room looking fresh. This Venda guy
has never had a problem in the looks
department, most people can understand why
I gave him a baby.
"You look nicer," he chuckles, rounding the
table to kiss my cheek.
"You look gorgeous my lady," the door bell
rings, the guest oh honor has arrived.
Vhutshilo rushes to go and open and a few
seconds later they walk in hand in hand.
Damn! They look good together, at least their
kids will look as cute as their older sister.
"Naledi, this is my girlfriend Karabo. Babe, this
is Basetsana's mom Naledi," confusion flashes
across her eyes but she still manages to keep
her smile.
"It's nice to meet you Karabo, you look
beautiful," I hold my hand out for a shake and
she takes it.
"Thank you. You're also gorgeous," she looks at
her boyfriend who has the widest smile on his
face. He was never this smitten with the
previous girls, there must be something about
this one then.
"Where's everyone else?" she asks and I
narrow my eyes.
"Oh, Bassie is in the TV room," Vhutshilo
explains.
"It's just the two of them?" was she expecting
the whole of Venda?
What did they discuss about tonight's
meeting?
"Yes, babe. Am I missing something?"
Vhutshilo is confused by his confused
girlfriend.
"You said you'd like for me to meet your
family so in my head I thought your parents
and siblings will be here," makes sense
though.
"Naledi and Basetsana are also my family. It's
important that you meet them first before
going to Venda to see everyone else," she's not
understanding the dynamics of my
relationship with Vhutshilo. She will not meet
anyone from his family if she doesn't get
along with his daughter.
She heaves a sigh, "l don't mean to sound rude
or anything but babe I don't think this is
normal," she says and I think I need a drink.
"Uhm, I need to go get something from the
kitchen,"I excuse myself so they can have a
conversation.

My phone chimes as I open the fridge to take

out a bottle of wine. I unlock the screen and
it's a text from Kat, she's asking if everything
is okay. I haven't spoken to her since I left her
house in a rush after Thabo made a pass at
me. I don't know how I'll be able to look my
friend in the eye knowing that her husband
has a wondering eye and it landed on me. I
haven't even decided if I'm going to tell her
about it or let it slide; Vutshilo told me
exactly what Manana said to me so I'm
conflicted.
I text her back telling her that I'm with
Vutshilo meeting his new girlfriend and I'll call
to explain the "emergency" soon.

I walk to the lounge to get Basetsana and her

father is in there with his girlfriend making
introductions. Karabo has a wide genuine
smile on her face that makes my heart relax a
little. Basetsana is polite as always, we are
not raising a rude spoilt child. I think I did
good by explaining things to her before hand, I
didn't want her to be confused by the change
that's going to happen in our lives.
We all make our way to the dinner table and
settle down. Vutshilo prays before we can
start dishing up.

"Uhm Naledi. I'm sorry if I offended you earlier

on. It's just that I have never been in such a
situation before or even heard about it," oh I
have a thick skin. I had to deal with Maswabi
all my life.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Vhutsilo should
have explained our relationship fully," I say
and he clears his throat.
"In all honesty he laid his cards on the table
from the very beginning. I guess I'm the one
who wasn't fully accepting of what he was
telling me," that's understandable.
No woman wants to hear about her
boyfriends baby mama.
"It will take you some time to understand the
relationship we have and that's okay. It's
important for us to maintain a healthy and
happy friendship because we are raising our
daughter. I also run to him with my person
things but that's obviously going to change
because he has you now. I cannot just show
up like before," my statement makes her relax
a little.
I honestly don't want to be the reason why
this relationship doesn't work out.
Basetsana's father deserves to be happy.
"Thank you, Naledi," she says and Vhutsilo
clasps her hand. "Your daughter is so
beautiful. The pictures you showed me don't
do her any justice at all," oh look at miss
Bassie blushing. I should be taking the
compliments because my genes made all this
beauty.
"Thank you," we say in unison.
"Do you have kids? I ask and she shakes her
head.
"No, not yet. But I would love to have a few in
the near future," my phone rings, disturbing
our conversation. Its a number I don't
recognize, I push the chair back and ask to be
excused.

"Hello," I answer, settling down on the couch.

"Naledi," the woman says.
"This is she,"
"You're talking to Thuli, Jimmy's wife," oh God!
Can this woman leave me alone, I have
nothing to do with her husband.
"I ended things with Jimmy so I..."
She quickly interjects, "I know. I saw the
messages on his phone but my husband wants
to divorce me because he thinks there's still a
chance with you," that's not my fault though.
I made it clear to him that it's over, "I know I
embarrassed you in public and I'm sorry. I
realized that you had absolutely no idea that I
was still in the picture," she says and sniffs, is
she crying?
"Naledi, I love my husband with all my heart. I
don't want to loose him, so please give him
back" what?!
"I would if I had him but I don't. I want
nothing to do with Jimmy. I wouldn't have
gotten into a relationship with him if I knew
he was married. He lied to me and I ended
things soon as I found out. I'm sorry Thuli but
I cannot help you," she takes a deep breath.
"That's the thing, you have him, all of him.
Jimmy is willing to give me everything so we
can divorce and he can come to beg you for
forgiveness," this is madness. Absolute
insanity.
"I won't take him back. You don't have to
worry," she chuckles.
"I know my husband and I think you know him
too. He is very persuasive, he will beg until
you take him back," I know exactly what she
means. He chased me and did the most
romantic things until I agreed to be his
girlfriend. It wasn't long till I was head over
heels with him. I thought he was the one, I
was ready to introduce him to my people,
Basetsana, Manana and Vhutsilo but God said
hold my drink.
"How do you think I can give Jimmy back?" I
ask.
"It's not something we can discuss over the
phone. Can we meet sometime during the
week?" I can't be seen with this woman in
public. My mother would lose her mind.
"I'll text you the when and where," my life is a
movie.
"Thank you, Naledi. Enjoy the rest of your
evening." you just ruined it doll.

MASWABI MOLETSANE

"You now bring that boy into this house?"

Dzunisani startles me. I take a deep breath
and turn to look at her.
"I'm afraid that these photographers are
following me since the Naledi and Jimmy
Khambule saga," I say and she laughs.
"You're really using Naledi to justify the filth
you're doing in this house with her best
friend?" can she stop acting holier than thou.
"Mongezi and I are adults, we can do
whatever it is that we like," she laughs then
claps once.
"Then why are you hiding from your daughter
and the photographers? You're doing nothing
wrong right?" I roll my eyes.
"Society won't understand me sleeping with a
young men who happens to be my daughters
best friend. Plus, my reputation,"
She is my friend, she has to support and
understand me.
"You do know that he's using you right? He's
just in this for the money you give him?" I
raise an eyebrow.
"Am I not using him too?" her eyes widen, "I
know there's no love here and that's okay. He
takes care of my needs. Even though I don't
have legs I'm still a woman. Not everyone can
switch off their feelings and needs like you,
Dzunisani," she huffs out a humorless laugh.
"Live your hypocritical life, Maswabi," she says
in a low tone.
"Mami, what's keeping you? You left me with
a problem down there," Mongezi says
seductively but freezes by the door when he
realizes I'm with Dzunisani in the kitchen.
"You should be ashamed of yourselves, the
both of you," he looks down embarrassed.
"Do you know how hard it is keeping this from
Nyeleti?" She asks with tears glistening in her
eyes.
"You're an employee in this house, Dzunisani.
You will not go about telling my business, not
even to Naledi. Are we clear?" she nods
vigorously.
"Crystal clear minister," she says and marches
out of the kitchen.

I shouldn't have addressed the situation like

that, Dzunisani is more than just an
employee. She is my best friend and a second
mother to my children. I feel so bad that I just
spoke to her like that infront of Mongezi.
Things have been awkward between us and I
just made them worse. I shouldn't have
invited Mongezi over, I should have allowed
him to stay with his friends at the braai.
"Maybe I should go, Mami," he says and I shake
my head vigorously.
"No, the damage is already done. I will fix
things with her tomorrow. You'll leave first
thing in the morning so Naledi doesn't find
you here," he shrugs his shoulders.
"Are you sure she won't say a word about our
situation to Naledi?" he asks and I shake my
head.
"Dzunisani loves Naledi but she wouldn't tell
on me like that. Our secret is safe with her,
trust me," he smiles.
"I need a drink," he says and goes to open the
cupboard and comes back with a bottle of
alcohol.
"Bathong! How did you know there would be a
bottle in there?" he laughs.
"My best friend stays here, I know all of her
stash corners," right. "Let's go to bed, I want
body shots," body what?
He hands me the bottle then scoops me up
bridal style and walks to my bedroom.
 CHAPTER 08
MASWABI MOLETSANE

Mongezi left early in the morning, we didn't

want him to bump into Dzunisani and make
her more mad at me. I just hope she has
calmed down and is willing to sit down with
me and have a convesation. I am going to
sincerely apologize but also make her
understand that what I'm doing with Mongezi
is not causing harm to anyone.
I don't like it when there's tension between
us, I might not say it as much as I need to but
Dzunisani is the backbone of this family;
without her this family would have collapsed
a long time ago.

I walk out of my bedroom to go and find her,

the kitchen is the first place I'll check. Dzuni
loves to cook so the kitchen is her favorite
place in the whole house. She's not in the
kitchen and there are no pots on the stove,
that's strange. She's normally up and busy
preparing Sunday lunch at this time. Maybe
she's still sleeping, I'll go check her bedroom.
Dzunisani has lived with us ever since she
came into our lives, wherever me and Naledi
are you'll find her there too.

I knock on the door but a response doesn't

come, she's ignoring me on purpose. I know
she has a right to privacy but I need to make
things right with my friend. I push the door
open and walk inside, she looks down on me
with an annoyed expression on her face. She's
busy packing her clothes in a suitcase, I just
hope and pray she's not leaving us because of
what I said yesterday. I promise I didn't mean
it, she's more than just an employee.

"Dzunisani, where are you going?" I ask

panicked.
"I'm moving out. Employees don't live with
their bosses in the same house, there are
boundries minister," I close my eyes, my
words really hurt her.
"Dzuni, I'm sorry. I didn't mean any of the
things I said yesterday. Please find it in your
heart to forgive me," she nods.
"It's okay, Maswabi," oh thank God.
"Stop packing then,"
"I'm still moving out. I cannot stay here
anymore," I walk towards her and take her
hand when I'm close.
"You cannot leave your home, your family.
Please don't do this," she gently pulls her
hand.
"I raised Naledi and Basetsana, I will always
love them and be available when they need
me. But it is time I went to live my life too
Maswabi," she's breaking my heart.
"I'm sorry. I promise to change just don't go,
please. The girls and I need you. We have been
together for 23 years, don't let a comment I
said without thinking tear us apart," I cannot
contain my tears.
"I'm not going to change my mind, Maswabi. I
will call Naledi and explain the situation," she
says and I swallow hard, "Don't worry, I won't
tell her anything about you and her best
friend," I wipe my tears.
"Go away for a couple of days to clear your
head, but please come back home to your
family," she shakes her head.
"Thank you for all you have ever done for me,"
I would go on my knees if I could.
"Dzuni, you're my sister. Please don't leave me
like this," she grabs the car keys from on top
of the bed and hands them to me.
"What should I do with your car keys?"
"It's your car. You only bought it for me
because I was working here," that's not true.
"No, I bought you this car because I wanted
to. It wasn't attached to anything, please
take it," at least I'll know where she is
because of the tracker. I'll be able to show up
everyday to beg her.
"I don't want it, you can sell it or something,"
she's really done with me.
.
.
.
I cannot believe that she's gone and never
coming back. Naledi is going to hate me when
she finds out that I'm the reason why
Dzunisani left. The bond they share is
something I am envious of, my daughter and I
have never been that close. A part of me feels
guilty because I'm doing to her what my
parents did to me. They gave me to the priest
to be his problem and I left my daughter in
Dzunisani's care while working on my political
career. The only difference is I'm in Naledi's
life and they were never in mine, I don't even
know if they are alive or dead.
If they are alive I wonder how they feel when
they see me on the TV or hear my voice on
the radio. There's no way they don't know
that it's me, they gave me the name Maswabi
Moletsane.

I have been sitting in the lounge since

Dzunisani left, I've drank a couple of glasses
of scotch. I know it's early but my heart is
aching, I never though I would loose her this
way. I'm not going to give up on her though,
I'll give her some space then do everything in
my power to make sure she comes back home
where she belongs.
The door opens and I close my eyes, Naledi
and Basetsana are back and the first thing
they'll ask for is Dzuni.

"Dumela ma," Naledi greets me, going straight

to her bedroom.
"Dumala Naledi," I don't like how my
relationship with Naledi is, but at the same
time I cannot just stand back and watch her
mess up her life. I'd rather be a bad cop if it
means she will live in the straight and
narrow.
"Grandma, how are you?" I was mad when I
found out that my 15 year old was pregnant
but now I look at Basetsana and feel all the
love in the world.
"I'm great my love," she sits down next to me
and I drape an arm over her shoulder.
"Did you have fun at your dads?" I ask and she
nods vigorously.
"Yes, the four of us played monopoly. Aunty
Karabo loves it as much as me, she continued
playing with me when mommy and daddy
took a break," that's a new name.
"Who is Aunty Karabo?"
"Daddy's girlfriend," she shrugs her shoulders.
"Ma, where is Manana? I can't find her
anywhere," I heave a deep sigh.
"Dzuni left, Naledi," she narrows her eyes.
"Left?"
"Yes, she packed her things and left. She didn't
tell me where she was going," she tilts her
head to the side.
"I don't understand, what happened?"
"I said something I shouldn't have said and it
really hurt her," she scoffs, shaking her head.
"What is wrong with you?" she sounds
defeated and I cannot say anything for myself
right now, I was in the wrong.
She takes out her phone and puts it against
her ear, I'm sure she's calling Dzuni.
"Fuck," she cusses before storming out of the
room.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"You can really cook bhut'Shlobo. That was

delicious," Thalente says and I smile at her. I
invited her over for dinner because I want to
establish a brother sister relationship with
her. It's the right thing to do, I know Mela
would be proud of me.
Plus, I want to discuss something really
important with her.
"Yeah baba, you really outdid yourself on this
one. You should visit often Thalente coz he
shows off his culinary skills for you," we all
laugh.
"You're a clown, Nhlagano. I always cook good
food for you," he adds some more on his plate
and I roll my eyes.
My son would be the first to die if the whole
world ran out of food or clothes.
"I think I'm also going to have seconds," haibo!
Was it that good?
Where is my mother? She needs to hear the
compliments coming to me and stop thinking
I feed her grandson fast food only.
I'm a beast in the kitchen and board room, oh
and that other room too.

Nhlagano went to his bedroom to finish his

homework then revise for tomorrow's test.
Thalente is busy washing the dishes, I told her
to leave them but she insisted. I'm in the
lounge watching current affairs, I'm relaxing
on the recliner couch with a glass of wine in
my hand.
Thalente walks in and settles down on the
single couch, she will be sleeping over because
it's raining cats and dogs outside. We don't
want to risk driving in that condition.

"Thank you for inviting me. I had a great meal

and company. I normally just eat phuthu and
oven cooked meat because cooking just takes
time," we should do this more often.
It must get lonely at the flat.
"You're welcome here anytime. This is your
home,"
"Thank you bhut'Shlobo," I remember
something and maybe Thalente might have an
idea of what her mother meant.
"I was in the village this past weekend,"
sadness flashes across her eyes.
"I miss home so much. I need to find the time
to go see my family. How is MaZikode?" she
asks.
"She's still a drama queen that's trying to find
me a wife," she laughs.
"Don't take her to heart, every mother wants
a daughter in law. My mother even threatens
to starve my brothers if they don't bring her
wives to help cook for them," I take a sip of
my drink.
"Speaking of Mamu'Gasela, I bumped into her
at the shop on Saturday. I tried helping with
her plastics but she obviously turned me
down, then she made a comment about
telling Melamina to leave me alone because I
was going to be her doom, she said all
Mavimbela men are the same. Do you have
any idea what she meant by that?" I ask and
she shakes her head.
"No, nothing. I'm sorry," she shouldn't be.
"It's okay sisi" I clear my throat, "I'm gonna
propose something to you and you can say no
if you're not comfortable doing it okay?" she
furrows her forehead.
"Okay,"
"Thalente, I don't sleep well at night knowing
that Melamina doesn't have a tombstone. I
want to do that for her but your mother
would never agree to it," she shifts
uncomfortably on the couch.
"I know, hell would freeze over before she
accepts anything from you or your family,"
things shouldn't be this way, we both loved
Melamina.
"Even so, your sister deserves a tombstone. I
just need your help in making it happen."

CHAPTER 09
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I just arrived at the hotel to meet with Thuli,

Jimmy's wife. I texted her and told her to
book a room because I don't want to be
photographed with her in public. I'm not in
the mood to trend for all the wrong reasons
and get into a fight with my mother. The
consequences would have affected my
daughter, Maswabi just allowed me to drive
her to school again.
Thuli understood my reasons and agreed to
book a room then forwarded me the details.
I climb out of the car and head inside, I go
straight to the elevators and press the second
floor. I just hope she didn't call me here for
nonsense. Crap! What if she's planning on
attacking me? I didn't even tell anyone about
my whereabouts; I take out my phone and
text Mongezi the details. He will give the
police information if anything happens to me.

I knock and she opens almost immediately,

was she standing at the door waiting for me?
I take a deep breath and greet her, she greets
me back then moves to the side so I can walk
inside. She thanks me for showing up and I
just nod, I wanna hear how she thinks I can
give her husband back to her and her children
when I don't even talk or want him back.
Jimmy broke my heart, I'm handling it very
well in everyones eyes but I'm really having a
hard time accepting that he played me for a
fool.

"I ordered some champagne," she says and I

shake my head.
"No, thank you," she heaves a heavy sigh and
opens the bottle.
"Well, I guess it's more for me then," it's very
awkward here. This is the same woman who
poured rotten urine all over me in a
restaurant, made me a public spectacle and
Twitter topic.
"Jimmy and I met when we were very young.
That's why I always looked the other way
each time I found out he was cheating. He
was looking for excitement in the bedroom,
something that's no longer there in ours. You
know with taking care of the household, the
kids, him and my job I don't have the energy
for anything. I just lay on my back and fake
moans of pleasure, when he's done I roll over
and fall asleep," what a way to get into
things.
I was never ready.
"I wasn't enough in the bedroom but I was
still his shoulder to cry on. He came to me for
advise and discussed it all with me until last
year early," I started dating Jimmy early last
year. The story is getting to me and I'm so
uncomfortable.
"My husband changed completely. He only
touched me because I begged for it and the
one thing that made us who we were was
also lost. He no longer told me anything or
asked for my opinion on important matters.
Jimmy never traveled for business, his
associates would come to him. But he started
telling me he's traveling on weekends. I knew
there and then that it's a woman, but I kept
quiet still, hoping it will end like the others
but Jimmy was withdrawing from me and our
family." she pours another glass of champagne
and my heart really feels for her. No woman
deserves what she went through and is still
going through.
"I decided to check his phone one night after
drugging him so I can use it without fear of
being caught," I lean back on my chair. I'm not
going to leave this place anytime soon and I
wanted to go see Manana.
"I found your number stored as "my love", your
conversations showed how much he loves you
and vice versa. It hurt so much, I cried while
reading through everything. I found out
through those texts that he had another
house where he spent those weekends with
you. I realized that you weren't just another
distraction, he didn't take you to hotels. He
bought a whole house to make you
comfortable as he respects and loves you," she
wipes her tears.
"Thuli, I honestly didn't know he was still
married. I am sorry that I played a part in the
pain you're feeling," she smiles.
"It's okay, I believe you,"
I'm glad she does.
"You said I can give you your husband back.
How can I?" I just want to be out of here.
She gulps down her drink, "He loves you, I love
him and it's clear that you also love him," I
shake my head.
"I loved him," she chuckles.
"Naledi, he hurt you, yes. But you can't unlove
him that quickly, Jimmy is not the kind of
man you just get over," that's true but I'm not
about to admit that to this poor woman.
"I am Naledi, I am quick to unlove anyone who
lies to me or makes me part of his lies and
deceit without my knowledge," she leans in.
"I need you to love him again," I narrow my
eyes. Did I hear correctly?
"Excuse me?" she gets on her feet and clasps
her hands.
"I can only have my husband back if you're in
the picture. Naledi, I am asking you to come
into my family to be Jimmy's second wife,"
she says and I gasp in shock. I didn't see this
one coming, not in a million years.
"I promise not to mistreat you. I will not
make life hell for you and your little girl, we
will establish a way to make things work for
all parties involved," my jaw is on the floor.
"I know it sounds crazy, but I believe we can
make it work. We can all start counseling
with someone who is an expect in polygamy,
a person who will help us establish a way
forward," the more she explains the more
she's bursting my brain. Does she love Jimmy
so much that she would accept another
woman? I would never go this far for love.
"Thuli, what you're asking me is huge. I don't
think I can help you get your husband back by
sharing him. Polygamy has never been
something I see myself being a part of. To
begin with, I'm a very jealous lover. That
alone is a recipe for disaster," she nods.
"I understand but the situation is facing us.
Your heart beats for a married man," Jesus
show yourself please. Prove that this only
happens in movies and novels.
"I'm begging you please. The three of us win if
we get into a polygamous marriage," why am
I still sitting down and listening to this
woman?
"I wish I could help you Thuli but I can't do
this. I'm very sorry," I stand up and hurry to
the door.
"Naledi, wipe my tears and save me from the
shame of being called a return soldier," her
words go straight for heart.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I cannot believe that Thabo left me at the

dealership because he didn't want me buying
my parents the gift I know they deserve. I
hardly ever send my parents money or buy
them gifts because they can afford to pay for
everything they need. This is their 35th
wedding anniversary, it's a big deal. I cannot
just show up with flowers and a tie at such a
huge celebration.
I spoke to my elder sister and she told me
she's revamping my mothers kitchen and
buying daddy the smart TV he has been
talking about. My elder brother organized an
all expenses paid trip to Phuket, Thailand.
That will be their first international trip. The
other three aren't financially capable of doing
big things on their own so they combined
money to give our parents because they
weren't supposed to throw their own
anniversary party in the first place.

Everyone of my siblings did something that

my parents wanted so I had to dig deep and
find something they can both use and enjoy.
They've had their car for the last 10 years and
recently it started giving them problems. They
deserve a car, I don't know why Thabo doesn't
see that.
I mean I'm not taking money out of our joint
account, we aren't even touching that as a
couple. We live off my salary and I'm buying
my parents a car with my savings. I'm one
person who doesn't play with money, I have
saved all my 13th checks and perfomace
bonuses. I'm in the financial sector and I
know how to invest so my returns have been
great. I'm good for buying my parents a car. It
won't affect our daily life at all.
Mongezi stops his car infront of me and I sigh
in relief and climb in. I don't like Uber because
there are many horror stories, so I had to call
him to come pick me up and drop me off at
the house. He asks me what happened and I
give him the embarrassing story. I still cannot
believe he acted that way infront of the sales
dude.

"You didn't tell him before going to the

dealership that you're going there to buy a
car?" I shake my head.
"I didn't think that was necessary, I mean he
was coming with me to help choose it," he's
nodding.
"I understand but maybe he's mad that you
didn't discuss it with him first," haibo!
"Friend, I used my own money not ours," he
chuckles.
"I thought married couples don't have my and
I in their vocabulary," that's true.
"I thought so too Mongezi, but my husband
made me believe otherwise. After the
company paid him what's his, Thabo took that
money and went to build his mother a house,
saying that's where we will run to if life turns
on us. He bought furniture and stayed there
for a month spending money, I kept quiet. So
why is he fighting me when I'm buying my
parents a car with my money?" he narrows his
eyes at me.
"So this is pay back time?" of course not.
"No. He set precedence when he took his
money to build his mom a house without
talking to me first. I did what he showed me
is done in our marriage," he nods vigorously.
"That's very true, Kat. You're making a lot of
sense, tell him exactly what you're telling
me," I'm glad someone understands but I'm
not talking to Thabo today.
"He really didn't give you anything from the
money he recieved?" now he wants the tea.
"Nothing, he paid for his car. Went to build
the house and bought furniture. My husband
went shopping, deposited a small amount into
our joint bank account. I think he only took
me out on a few dates and that's it, honestly,"
he claps once!
"And now you're taking care of everything,"
for an entire year I've been the sole
breadwinner. "I'd rather remain the man
whore that I am and milk these older lonely
women for money because marriage is tough
shame," he is gifted in that department
shame. Mongezi lives softly by just being a
toy boy, he doesn't have relationship stress
like the rest of us.
"Continue doing you my friend coz partners
leave you at dealerships with your car," the
audacity. He should have left my car and took
a taxi that I was going to pay for.
"So, you bought the car?" hell yeah!
"Yep, my parents have a new whip," he fist
bumps me.
 CHAPTER 10
JIMMY KHAMBULE

"I'm not in the mood to fight with you, Thuli,"

I say as soon as she walks into the bedroom
I've been using since she embarrassed Naledi
in public.
"Neither am I. Jimmy, I have something
important to talk to you about," I honestly
don't know why she cannot just accept that
it's over between us. It has been for a long
time now.
I care for Thuli but I fell out of love with her a
very long time ago. I was willing to stick it
out until the end but I met Naledi and she
made my world spin.
"Nothing you say will make me stay in this
marriage. I cannot unlove Naledi and make it
work with you, I would suffocate and in turn
make you miserable. I know I'm hurting you
and I feel really guilty but please accept that
our marriage is over," I say and she settles
down on the edge of the bed.
"Staying here gives you hope, I should move
out. I will start looking for places," she shakes
her head.
"Jimmy, can you just listen to me," I blow out
a sigh and turn to look at her.
"I'm all ears," she stands up then fastens her
robe.
"I met with Naledi yesterday," she says and
my heart starts thudding in my chest.
"You did what?" the more she confronts Naledi
the further she is pushing her away from me;
It's going to be so damn hard trying to get her
back. Thulisile really needs to leave Naledi
alone, she honestly didn't know about her. I
am the one who lied because I didn't want to
loose her.
"Stop it. She did nothing wrong to you, I did,"
she nods in agreement.
"I know, I told her that as well," I fold my
arms across my chest.
"What do you mean? What did you discuss?"
she wipes her tears.
"I discussed the hardest thing ever, Jimmy.
Most people would be disgusted if they knew
the lengths I went to just to keep you as my
husband," she says and I close my eyes in
defeat.
"I love you so much, Jimmy. I cannot see
myself going on without you in my life. It
hurts that you love another woman, It breaks
my soul but it won't change anything. You
want her and I want you. You loved me dearly
once and I'm sure we can have that back," I
wish things didn't get to this point but it has
and she needs to accept that.
"We have a family, our children. Let's try
again for their sake Khambule, please. Take
Naledi as your second wife and be happy while
also trying to make things right between us,"
she says and I gasp in shock.
"T-Thuli," it comes out in a whisper, "What did
Naledi say to that?" I ask and she hides her
face in her hands and cries.
"She said she can't," that hurts, the woman I
love didn't even ask for a day or two to think
about being my wife. "We don't have to
accept that easily. I will keep asking and
pushing but I need you to try everything in
your power to make her come back to you
too. A polygamous marriage is the only way
to keep everyone happy," I honestly never
thought about having two wives, one woman
is a handful so imagine more than that. But if
I'm being honest, Thuli is right. I can try fix
our marriage because I'll be happy with the
woman who sets me on fire. But on the other
hand it's a lot.
"What do you say?" she asks and I bite my
lower lip.
"I'm gonna have to think about it," she shakes
her head.
"What's there to think about? I'm giving you
the go ahead to marry this girl and stop this
divorce talk. Jimmy, I'm literally giving you
your cake and saying it's okay to eat it too,"
What a way to start my friday morning.
"Uhm, I'll talk to you about this when I get
back from work," she wipes her face then
takes a deep breath.
"I'll see you later then."
.
.
.
I haven't been able to focus on my work
today. The convesation I had with Thulisile
this morning has been heavy on my mind. A
part of me wants to jump at it immediately
but another one is scared because it's a new
territory. These two women will know each
other as my wives and expect the same
things and treatment from me, which is
totally different from when they are complete
strangers. Plus, my kids are in the picture and
Naledi's daughter as well. There's a lot to
consider before I take a decision on the
matter.
I've always cheated on Thuli because the
wasn't excitement and spark in the marriage.
It happens when you've been married for the
longest time and your wife has other
priorities, the kids and her job.
I met Naledi and I fell head over heels, I tried
fighting my feelings but I failed.
She had cemented herself in my heart and I
knew I didn't want to loose her for any
reason.

I have tried calling her throughout the day

but her phone takes me straight to voicemail,
she blocked my number. I tried her with my
work telephone and she ignored it. I would
have gone to her place of employment but she
told the security guards not to allow me in
the building.
She and I need to have a convesation about
Thuli's suggestion. I love her and I know she
loves me too, she's just mad and hurt that I
lied to her.
She is a stubborn woman but I won't give up
on her for anything, I want her in my life
more than anything. I just have to figure out
if I'm continuing with my plans to divorce and
fight to win her back, or run with the whole
polygamy thing.

NALEDI MOLETSANE

"I'm sorry friend," I finally called Kat and lied

to her. I said the emergency was the fight
between Manana and my mother and it led to
Manana moving out of the house.
It's not a lie entirely because it did happen,
just not on the day in question.
"It's okay babe. So, you don't know why they
fought?" I shake my head as if she can see me.
"No, they both won't tell me," it's frustrating
to be kept in the dark, especially about things
that affect me and my daughter. Manana has
always been a part of our lives and her
staying somewhere else is hard on the both of
us.
"I'm sorry hun, I hope they fix things soon,"
she says sincerely.
"I hope they do too. Nothing feels right in that
house without Manana,"
"She always plays peace maker between you
and your mom. You take over that role and
put your family under one roof again," I nod
my head vigorously.
"Naledi, let me call you back. My mom is
asking for me," she says hurriedly.
"Please greet her for me and tell her I said
sorry for missing her big day,"
"I will friend," she says and hangs up the
phone.

I walk back inside and Manana is laughing

with Basetsana in the kitchen. They are busy
preparing dinner, we will be spending the
whole weekend with her. She's staying at an
air BnB for the time being, I begged her to
come home but she refused and said she
needed time away from my mother. Speaking
of Maswabi, she's having a hard time with all
of this. She asks everyday if Manana is okay,
she even begged me to give her the address
but I promised not to. I love seeing her feeling
like shit but it's stupid because I'm also sad to
be living apart from Manana.

"Bassie, it's time to call daddy," I say and she

jumps off the bar stool and takes her phone
to go call Vhutshilo.
"I heard you making my fight with Maswabi
an excuse to Katherine. I take it you're not
going to tell her about the incident with her
husband," I heave a heavy sigh.
"I don't want to be the reason why their
marriage faces problems, Manana. I will avoid
contact with Thabo at all costs," she nods.
"I understand, Nyeleti," I take a carrot and she
hits my hand.
"Ouch!"
"I taught you better," she takes the diced
carrots and puts them in the pot of stew
cooking on the stove.
I cannot wait to eat, we've been on take
aways since she left.
"Manana, when are you coming back home?
Bassie and I need you," she smiles sweetly at
me.
"I just wanted your mother to feel guilty for
what she said and realize that I can up and
leave if she doesn't treat me right. I'll be back
on Wednesday," she says and relief floods
through me.
"Thank goodness," without her I was going to
catch a murder case. She's the only reason I
haven't killed Maswabi with my own bare
hands.
"Thank you," my phone vibrates on the island
a second after I got up to get myself a drink
from the fridge. I just hope it's not Jimmy and
his wife, they have been blowing my phone
the whole day. They must be out of their
minds if they think I'm gonna agree to being
in a polygamous marriage. I peep on the
screen and it's Maswabi, I roll my eyes and
answer, putting it on speaker.
"Naledi," she says.
"Mama,"
"Where are you with the child at this time?" I
should've sent her a text.
"We are with Manana. We will be sleeping
here for the weekend," she stays silent for a
few seconds but I can still hear her breathing
on the other side of the line.
"Oh, I see. Can I please talk to her," Manana
shakes her head and I clear my throat.
"She's not ready to talk to you,"
"I understand. Tell her I said I'm sorry and I
miss her very much,"
"I will," she's not a stone cold woman after all.
"I'll call Basetsana on her phone to say
goodnight,"
"She's still on the phone with her dad, I'll tell
her to call you when she's done," she hangs up
without saying anything. It doesn't bother me
one bit.
"Pour me a glass of wine, Nyeleti."
 CHAPTER 11
THALENTE GASELA

"I love it when you're home, I get to relax.

Your brothers don't want to get married so I
can have daughters who will take care of me.
They don't understand that you'll find a
husband and belong to him and his people;
who will take care of me then?" mama
complains and I just laugh.
"You should sit them down and ask when they
are planning on getting wives. My fathers
name needs to live on," she nods in
agreement.
"I have sat them down Thalente, but they all
complain about money," That's
understandable. They are all unemployed and
it will be unfair to marry a woman, give her
children and have difficulties providing for
them. I know love is important, but financial
security is also essential in a marriage or a
relationship of any sort.
"I pray to God everyday that their CV's land in
the right hands. They are my children but it's
a lot on my shoulders, pension money and the
little you send cannot provide for all of us. I
need their assistance," somedays I wish I
studied something that didn't require so much
before I could start working.
My mother was happy and proud to have a
child in university because she though poverty
days are coming to an end, but that wasn't
the case. She was disappointed but managed
to keep it to herself. I would hear her crying
in her bedroom, asking God why he took sis
Melamina. She was the breadwinner and life
with her was much easier and happier.
"God will shine his light on this family soon," I
say and she heaves a sigh.
"Please make me a cup of tea," it's sad that a
part of her has lost hope.

It's 100 degree celsius outside and my mother

wants a hot baverage. I will never understand
this woman and her love for five roses. They
should really look into making my mother
their ambassador.
She could be broke but she will always have
money for a small packet of sugar and
teabags. I boil water and take out her favorite
cup, it's as old as me and the crack is proof.
We have many good cups but she doesn't
want to get rid of it; one day it will break and
the tea will burn her.
I once threw it out and I got a beating of my
life, after that day I learned to mind my own
business.

I hand her the cup and settle on the kitchen

stool across from her, "Mama, I'd like to talk
to you about something important," I say and
she narrows her eyes.
"Is everything okay sisi?" she worries very
quickly.
"Yes, everything is great. I just hope what I'm
about to say to you makes you feel better and
that you'll stop stressing about it," she places
her cup down after taking a sip.
"Your mother is listening sisi," I hate that I'm
about to lie to my mother, but some lies are
neccessary. My sister and bhut'Shlobo were in
love and it's not a bad thing that he wants to
pay for the tombstone. What my mother
doesn't know won't kill her. Plus, this will
remove a huge burden on her shoulders.
"Uhm, the bursary has given me some money
for important research for my paper, but it's a
lot and I honestly don't need it all for school. I
was thinking that we could use the change to
buy sis'Mela a tombstone and hold a small
unveiling ceremony for the family," I say and
she's just staring at me with her lower lip
quivering.
Tears are glistening in her eyes, "Thalente, are
you serious?" her reaction gets me all
emotional.
"Very serious mama. I want to do this for my
sister and you," she reaches for my hand and
squeezes.
"You are such a good daughter and sister,
Thalente. God and the ancestors will bless
you," Those blessings should be going to
bhut'Shlobo because he's the one paying for it
all, but I'll pray for his blessings later.
"Thank you, mama," she wipes her tears.
"The money will be in my account soon, we
should find a professional tombstone maker
and choose one that is befitting,"
"We should have this conversation with your
brothers present," we will do that at dinner
time.
"Okay, let me go start with the pots," I get up
from the chair and head outside, our kitchen
is a small rondavel.

I'm so happy that my mother is on board, I

know bhut'Shlobo will be over the moon. The
man wasn't allowed to bury his love and I
hope this gives him some closure so he can be
able to move on with his life. He is a great
person, he deserves all the happiness in the
world. I dial his number as soon as I walk into
the kitchen and he answers at second ring.

"Thale, how are you?"

"I'm very well thanks. How are you?
Nhlagano?" I ask.
"I'm good, just got home from a meeting with
the owner of the football club my son wants
me to buy for him," I want to be this kind of
parent, I want to make available every
resource that will help my child live his or her
dream. No matter how I personally feel about
it all, "Nhlagano is out with his friends," he
adds.
"I hope the meeting went well," he takes a
deep breath.
"I believe it did, but we will know who he is
selling to by Wednesday," it's going to be a
stressful couple of days for them.
"I'll pray that he chooses you,"
"Thank you. So, have you spoken to your
mother?" I peep outside to make sure no one
is eavesdropping.
"Yes, I did. She believed my story and she is
happy that it's going to happen," he heaves a
sigh of relief.
"Oh, thank God. I know it must have been
hard to lie to your mother and I'm sorry I
made you do it," that was very neccesary.
"It's okay, really,"
"THALENTE!" one of my brothers bellows.
I roll my eyes.
"I have to go, I'll see you when I'm back in
Durban," I say briskly.
"Okay, bye." I hang up the phone and walk out
of the kitchen. It's my brother, the one I come
after who called for me. He's standing at the
door of his rondavel.
"Do you need anything?" I ask and he nods.
"I need you to send an email for me," Haibo!
"To who?" my brother is now some big shot
mos.
"Some hospital in Lusikisiki," I narrow my
eyes. "I'm applying for a job there," that's
good. The department of health often wants
workers, but applications are always either
online or by mail.
"That's good. Which position?" I'm excited for
him, he never really wants formal work. He
would rather work odd jobs around here or
Port Shepstone.
"They want nurses so I'm trying my luck,"
kahleni bo! He doesn't even have matric.
"Nkosi, you need to be qualified in order to
apply for nursing jobs," he shrugs his
shoulders.
"You never know ones luck, don't undermine
the ancestors." I don't know whether to cry or
laugh.
 JIMMY KHAMBULE

"Are you insane?" my sister screams and I

close my eyes. I knew she was going to lose
her mind when we told her, this is not
surprising to me at all.
"Thuli, are you seriously okay with this
nonsense?"
"It's the only way to save my marriage,"
Khabo laughs out loud then claps once. Trust
me, she's not laughing because she finds this
funny. She's laughing because she's in
disbelief.
"I know you love my brother but don't do this
to yourself, love yourself enough to walk
away. Jimmy has been hurting and
humiliating you, don't allow it to go any
further," she says with tears streaming down
her face.
They are very close, my own sister would
choose to save Thuli's life over mine and I've
accepted that.
"Khabo, I hate that I've hurt her when she
only loved and cared for me. I wanted a
divorce so I could freely persue Naledi but
Thuli suggested polygamy," she's pacing up
and down, I hope she doesn't throw things at
me. She can be unstable at times.
"Fix things with your wife, Jimmy. Forget this
little tart!" I clench my jaw.
She cannot insult Naledi like that. She knows
absolutely nothing about her.
"Khabo, he loves her. That's not going to
change. Help us get Naledi on board with this
polygamy situation and I will be happy again.
Jimmy promised to give his all into fixing
things once everything is set," Khabo has both
hands on her head, she's horrified by what
Thulisile just said.
"I can never help Jimmy hurt you, I will not
help him destroy the family you two built," I
told Thuli that my sister was going to refuse
but she pushed, saying it will be easy to
convince Naledi if an elder family member is
on board too. She said Naledi will feel
accepted and all fear of monsters in-law will
vanish.
"Khabo, I'm begging you. Please help us, I ask
you to please help me make my marriage
work," Thuli goes on her knees and Khabo's
eyes threaten to fall off.
She looks at me, "Can't you see how much
this woman loves you? What lengths she
would go to for you and your happiness? Why
are you hurting her?" I take a deep breath.
"Khabo, this is not my idea," why can't she
understand this? I accepted it so I don't hurt
her any further.
"Please, do this one thing for me and I'll never
ask anything from you again. Khabonina, I will
forever be indebted to you if you help me save
my marriage and family. Jimmy and our life is
all I know, all I need," my sister goes on her
knees and hugs Thuli.
"I love Naledi, I'm sorry I do. I will keep my
promise and make things work with Thuli, I
won't pretend. I will give it my all and make
her and the kids happy again. Naledi will not
be a problem, she's not the type of girl to
cause drama. They won't even have to meet
or be friends."
"You know I love you Thuli and I want to see
you happy. Jimmy has failed as a man and you
deserve better, but you love him and I'll give
you what you want. I will help you with this
thing, but once it's done I'm out. I won't
attend the wedding, see their children or
accept them if they have any. I will pray
everyday and ask God to give you the
strength to leave him," Thuli hugs her tighter
and I lean back on my chair. I hope together
they can convince Naledi to give me another
shot and this time as her husband.
.
.
.
I'm driving us to the house and Thuli is in the
back seat crying, it's not nice seeing her like
this and if I could talk my heart out of loving
Naledi I would. I never wanted to find myself
in the middle of such drama but life happened
and here we are.
I decide to park the car on the side of the
road and climb out to go comfort Thuli, I'm
not the devil, I couldn't ignore her painful
sobs. I take her into my arms and cradle her
as she cries, she's clutching at my t-shirt.
After 15 minutes or so she break free from
me and wipes her face, looking out the
window. I climb out again and go back to my
driver's side and start the engine.
The silence is uncomfortable but I let it be, we
will discuss this some more when she has
calmed down.

We get to the house and she leaves me in the

car, I'm parked in the driveway. I unfasten the
seat belt then recline the chair back. I'm not
ready to walk inside and have my children
look at me like the devil. They haven't been
talking to me since they saw the video of
their mother and Naledi. I know things are
going to get worse once they find out about
the polygamy situation, but I will work hard
to get them back on my side. Making things
work with their mother will earn me points
hopefully.
 CHAPTER 12
NALEDI MOLETSANE

My daughter and I are parked on the side of

the road waiting for her father to come help
us change the tyre. We got a flat on our way
home from her school, she had a play and I
went alone because Vhutshilo couldn't get off
work early. We weren't disappointed because
we know he's always there for everything
else, and he will make it up to Basetsana over
the weekend. That guy is an amazing dad, I
want to do something big for him on Father's
day. He has to know that I appreciate the
father and friend he is to Bassie and I.

He is coming with Karabo, his girlfriend. I

called him while they were on their way to
the cinema, I immediately asked that they go
on with their plan when he mentioned it. I
said I'll call Mongezi to come help, but
Vhutshilo didn't want to hear any of that
because the place we are stuck at is not safe
and he trusted himself to get here faster than
my best friend. That's my baby daddy for you,
he will drop everything for his daughter and I.

I'm listening to miss Basetsana telling me

about the drama happening at her school. I
love it when she narrates stories to me, she's
good at mimicking voices and it's always
funny. Right now she's telling me about Miss
Swanepoel and how stressed she was about
the play that happened this evening. My nine
year old just told me that her teacher doesn't
have emotional intelligence, and that the
entertainment committee has to replace her
with someone who can work well with kids.
Basetsana will kill me with laughter, I promise
you. I wish her father was here listening to
his "sweet princess".

Vhutshilo's car parks behind mine and I heave

a sigh of relief. I ask Bassie to stay in the car
until I tell her otherwise because cars are
passing by at high speed, I don't want to take
any chances with my baby.
I climb out of the car at the same time as
Vhutshilo, he is already rolling up the sleeves
of his shirt, ready to take care of this flat
tyre. I wave hello to his girlfriend who is
sitting pretty in the front passenger seat. She
waves back and gives her phone attention, I
think she's mad because of the situation.

"I'm sorry for taking time, there was an

accident along the way," he says as we share
a hug.
"It's okay, you're here now," I say and let go.
He opens the door and talks to his daughter
for a little while.
"Let's fix this baby up so my girls can get
home," he says and rushes to the boot of his
car to get some tools. He comes back and
takes out a spare wheel from my boot.
"Your girlfriend is mad, you shouldn't have
come," he smacks his lips.
"She's being childish. I couldn't leave you and
our daughter on the side of the road for a
movie we can still watch tomorrow," I take a
deep breath. I never wanted for this to
happen, Vhutshilo shouldn't have to find
himself caught between his new love and us.
"Don't be like that," he shakes his head, this
stubborn man.
"Naledi, you're the mother of my child and you
were with our daughter. It was only fair to
call me when you encountered a problem. Yes,
it was date night but an emergency happened.
I would have personally asked you to call
someone else for help if it was nothing
important. Karabo knows that Basetsana
comes first, her problem is that..." he takes a
deep breath, "Please don't worry yourself
about her. You did nothing wrong, I'll deal
with the matter," I just nod.

Vhutshilo insisted on escorting us home, I

tried talking him out of it but I didn't win.
He is definitely not getting any action
tonight, Karabo is pissed at him. He's going to
have to do something big for her to forgive
him. But knowing my daughter's father, he is
going to sit her down and lay everything to
her until she fully understands the dynamics
of his life.
I get to our gate and drive in, he's parked at
the curb side waiting for the gate to close. My
daughter and I climb out and wave them
goodbye, he hoots then drives away.

"Manana," I hear my daughter shout excitedly

from inside the house.
I thought Manana was only coming back
tomorrow, that's Wednesday. I'm not
complaining though, I'm happy she's here. This
place will feel like home again.
I take out my handbag and Basetsana's
backpack and walk inside the house.
I bump into Maswabi on her wheelchair, she
looks like she just woke up from a very nice
nap. Why did she wake up? I mean it's almost
8pm.
"Ma," I say dryly, passing her.
"Yes, Naledi,"
I get to the kitchen and Manana is restocking
the pantry with Bassie helping.
"You're home," I kiss her cheek.
"Yes, Nyeleti. Where have you two been?" she
asks and I take a deep breath.
"She had a play and on our way back we got a
puncher. Her dad came and helped us out, he
even drove behind me till I got home," she
smiles, Manana is very fond of Basetsana's
father. I think it's a Limpopo thing.
"Why can't the two of you just start afresh?
He's a great man," she whispers and I laugh.
"Dzuni, you're home," we all turn and find
Maswabi at the door.
"Yes, I got in a few minutes before the girls,"
my mother smiles.
"Thank you for coming home, I missed you my
friend," ma says.
"I came back because of them," she points to
me and my daughter and I see sadness flash
across Maswabi's eyes.
"Basetsana, let's go freshen up and come back
to eat," I don't want my child witnessing this,
any of it.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

My son is beyond happy, this for him is a

dream come true. We thought we were only
getting a response from the owner of the club
tomorrow, but it came through today. He
chose to sell to me because he liked how I'm
not buying it to make money only, but to
build a legacy for my son who is passionate
about football.
He called in the morning and I couldn't wait
to tell my son after school. I went to pick him
up myself and broke the news, he was
ecstatic.

We had to come to our favorite restaurant to

celebrate, he asked that we host a big braai
this weekend with his friends and our family.
I agreed because we are signing the contract
this Friday, we won't be jinxing anything.
Everything else will be done next week during
the week.
I'm excited to share this with everyone but I
know my mother will just see it as me
spoiling Nhlagano. I'm going to have to sit her
down and make her understand that this is
not another useless gift. If we work hard and
smart we might become as big as the likes of
Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns.

"Baba," my son says and I look up from my

plate. His eyes are glistening with tears.
"Is everything okay?" he nods vigorously,
pressing his lips into a thin line.
"Yes, I just want to say thank you. I really
appreciate everything you do for me, you're
the best dad any kid could ever ask for," he
wants me to cry, there's no other reason for
such heart warming words
"You're the most amazing son, too. I'm so
proud to be called your dad," my sister died
but she left me with the most precious gift in
the world. Nhlangano is the reason why I
managed to pick myself up and go on with my
life, he is the reason why I fought so hard to
be successful in life.
"I hope that I live to make you proud, baba. I
love you," I fist bump him.
"I love you too, my boy," he blinks and his
tears fall.
"Ahhh man. Let me go wash my face in the
bathroom," he pushes his chair back and
stands up.
I pick up the fork and continue eating, this
food is delicious.
"Mr Mavimbela," someone says, "I'm Miss
Gumbi, Nhlangano's teacher. We met at the
prize giving ceremony," right, I remember her.
I stand up and hold my hand out for a
handshake.
"Right. How are you doing?" I ask and she
nods.
"Well thanks, how about you?"
"I'm great, awesome. I hope my son is still
behaving," her smile widens.
"He is amazing, I'm expecting a distinction
from him," that's great to hear.
"Miss Gumbi?" my son is back.
"Oh, hey. I wasn't aware that your father is
here with you," she tucks a strand of hair
behind her ear.
"I was in the bathroom. Are you here for
dinner?" Nhlagano asks.
"I was but my friend canceled on me. I'm
headed home now," she explains.
"That's bad, you can't leave without eating.
Join baba and I," he says and I mentally roll
my eyes. He is going to try and play cupid this
whole time.
"Oh no, I don't want to disturb," she says and
my forward son looks at me to insist on the
invitation. He is not smart at all.
"You're not. Please, join us," I open a chair for
her and she settles down. I call the waitress
to come take her order for a drink then food.
"You two seem very close, your wife must be
jealous," that's her fishing for my relationship
status.
"We are close but my dad is not married. He
doesn't even have a girlfriend, he's too
focused on me. I know I'm awesome but he
needs to find me a mother, I want siblings,"
He is Busisiwe's son when he's loosing it like
this. I hope my sister. Understands.
"Miss Gumbi, don't mind this clown,"
She giggles, "Please call me Khwezi," I nod.
"You also don't have to call him Mr
Mavimbela. His name is Shlobo," this child.
"You're very forward," he chuckles, "But
Khwezi, yes, you can call me Shlobo," her
drink arrives.
We are no longer eating, we will ask the
waitress to warm it up when Khwezi's food
arrives.
"Is he your only child?"
"Unfortunately, yes," he gasps in shock and I
laugh.
"Not cool dude," that's what he gets for trying
to hook me up with his teacher.
"Would you like to come to our house this
weekend? We are having a braai to celebrate,
my father bought me a football club," I'm
going to get him real good for doing this to
me.
"Oh, congratulations. I hope you're still going
to university though," she says and I smile.
"He's definitely going," that's the agreement.
"So, will you come to the braai?"
"I would love to," she answers and my son
looks at me and winks.
 CHAPTER 13
VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

My girlfriend hasn't been talking to me since I

canceled our movie date to go help my
daughter and her mother. I honestly don't
understand why she thought a movie is more
important than helping my own child. I made
it clear to her that Bassie is my first priority,
that I'd stop the world from moving if she
needed me to.

That night after I escorted Naledi and Bassie

home, Karabo demanded that I take her to her
place. I respected her wishes and decided that
we will talk once she has cooled off, but she
has been ignoring my calls and not responding
to text messages. I decided to come wait for
her outside her apartment building so we can
have a convesation. I need her to tell me
what the actual problem is then explain to
her again that Basetsana comes before
anything.
I honestly love this girl, she has amazing
qualities and I'd like to spend the rest of my
life with her. But if she doesn't understand
and accept that my daughter will always be a
priority then it's going to be a problem. I hope
and pray that we can settle this matter and
be on the same page with everything. I'd hate
to loose what we have but if it came down to
choosing, my decision is pretty obvious. I'd
rather have casual relationships than tie
myself to one person who doesn't understand
that my child is important in every aspect of
the word.

My phone rings, bringing me back from my

train of thoughts. I take it from the passenger
seat, it's my mother calling. She's going to
want to chat away and I'm honestly not in
the best of moods, I won't be as invested in
the convesation as she needs me to be. I take
a deep breath then answer the call.

"Mme anga,"
"My first born, how are you?" she's always so
jolly. My mother never let's things get to her,
I wish I took that from her.
I heave a sigh, "I'm good, how about you?"
"What's wrong baby? You sound troubled," she
knows me well, very well.
I don't like talking to my mother about my
relationships but I think her advise would help
me in dealing with the situation at hand.
"Karabo is mad at me,"
"What's wrong? What did you do?" she asks
and I shift uncomfortably on my chair.
"I canceled our date because Naledi called me,
she needed my help. She and Basetsana had a
puncher on their way home from her school
play,"
"That's why she's mad? That was an
emergency, my grand baby was in the middle
of the road, you had to go there. She wanted
you to abandon them for a date you could
have had the next day?" my mom understands
perfectly. It's not like I canceled to go have
fun with them.
"Exactly mama. I honestly don't understand
why she's not seeing things in that light," A
door closes on my mother's end, she must
have moved for some privacy.
"I think she has a problem with you and
Naledi being close to each other. Women are
very jealous beings, maybe she's just being
insecure," that's absurd.
Naledi and I are friends, great friends. We
haven't even looked at each other
inappropriately. We don't want to cross that
line and end up ruining the friendship we
have. If we mess that up it's going to
negatively affect our child. We could never do
anything that will change the healthy
environment we have established for
Basetsana, that little girl means the world to
the both of us.
"She has absolutely nothing to worry about
though, I told her Naledi and I are just
amazing friends raising their beautiful
daughter," she clears her throat.
"Reassure her, Vhutshilo. Every chance you get
make her understand that Naledi is just the
mother of your child and she's the one you're
with because you love her," so I have to live
my life babying her into trusting me? What's
the point of this relationship if there's no
trust?
"Naledi is not just the mother of my child,
she's my friend. Karabo needs to understand
that," I see her car coming down the road.
"Ma, I need to go. Let me call you back later," I
end the call.

I quickly climb out of my car and cross the

road to flag her down before she drives
through those gates. She parks on the curb
side and rolls down her window, she doesn't
look happy to see me.
I open the door and climb inside instead of
talking to her through the window. Our
relationship is not something irrelevant that
we can discuss it in the streets.

"Hey, babe," I greet her.

"Hello, Vhutshilo," just like that huh?
"You've been ignoring me, what's wrong?" she
chuckles.
"Are you serious?" I narrow my eyes at her.
"Yes, babe. I want to know why you're not
talking to me, I'm not happy with the
situation," she is giving me the death stare.
"I'm the one who's not happy about the
situation Vhutshilo," it's pretty obvious that
she's mad about something, I just don't know
what exactly.
"Karabo, what's the problem? Talk to me so I
know what's going on, I cannot fix things if I
don't know what's wrong," I'm very calm.
"You and your baby mama are what's wrong,"
she says and I heave a sigh.
It seems like my mother was right.
"What did Naledi and I do?" she scoffs.
"Come on, Vhutshilo. Do you think the
situation between the two of you is normal?"
I nod vigorously.
"Definitely. I believe the world would be a
better place if people who share a child and
aren't in a relationship become friends; for the
sake of the life they created. Drama is not
healthy, being happy and at peace improves
the quality of the child's life," I explain my
stance and she exhales sharply.
"But does she have to call you for everything?"
I snap an eyebrow.
"Naledi doesn't call me for everything. She is a
very resourceful, independent woman. She
called me to come help her with her tyre, she
wouldn't have called if she didn't need to. I
rushed there because that's what we do, we
have a child together. I need to be able to help
her out, the situation was serious, Karabo," I
close my eyes, I don't want things to get
heated. Nothing will be resolved if we are
both on a hundred.
"It was at night, the area wasn't safe. Do you
think I should have left them strunded to
watch a movie? What if something bad
happened to them? Do you understand that I
wouldn't be able to live with myself if
something happened to my daughter and her
mother?" she's blinking rapidly.
"I understand that you guys are close and
share a daughter, but it's uncomfortable how
she can just call and you jump. Vutshilo,
there's nothing we do without you
mentioning her name. Things happen around
us and before you discuss or laugh about it
with me, you call Naledi. It's like she has this
spell on you," Mama was definitely right
about the insecurities.
"It sometimes makes me feel like you're in
love with her and you're waiting for the
opportunity of a relationship to open up so
you can jump in it. It scares me that I might
just be holding the position for her," I take her
hand.
I love Naledi, she's important to me but I
don't have romantic feelings for her.
"Baby, you don't have to worry about that. I'm
not going to get it on with my daughters
mom. What we had happened 10 years ago
and it ended shortly after she fell pregnant
and some truths came to light. It wasn't
always this good, we had problems in the
beginning, but when Basetsana was born we
sat down and put our differences aside and be
good for the sake of our daughter," I pause.
"Naledi doesn't know her father and has a
difficult relationship with her mom, I watched
my mother being abused by my old man. Our
upbringing is what made us give each other a
second chance and become friends. We want
Bassie to have present parents who are in a
healthy space with each other. Our friendship
is based off on the love we have for our girl so
it's not something I can end. What I can do is
assure you that nothing is going on between
us," she's relaxing a little.
"I love you, Karabo. You're the first woman I
introduced to the most important person in
my life. That has got to show you that I am in
this and I want it to work out. Please, try and
understand the dynamics of my life where my
daughter is concerned. Naledi and I will tone
down some things to accommodate you as
my girlfriend, but babe things cannot
completely change between us, please
understand that," I have laid down my truths
to her, it's now up to her to decide on what
she wants.
"I'm sorry for acting like a child. It's just that I
love you Vhutshilo, and I'm scared of getting
hurt. I thought I should just pull myself back
to avoid a heartbreak," I nod my
understanding.
"Nothing is going on between me and Bassie's
mom. I promise you," I lean in and kiss her
lips.
"I missed you," she says and I smile.
"We should drive in so you can show me just
how much," she giggles.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

This is the first time I'm seeing my friends

since I left Kat's house in a hurry after her
husband hit on me. I feel bad for keeping the
truth from my friend, but on the other hand I
cannot imagine being the reason their
marriage faces troubles. I'm gonna have to
find a way to live my life without it affecting
me, I just hope and pray that he doesn't have
other women on the side. Katherine is an
amazing wife who deserves a faithful
husband.
I want to believe that the devil was playing
with Thabo that day and that he now regrets
his actions.

I look at my wrist watch and it's a little after

8pm. I didn't plan on being here, Mongezi
called me when I got off work and begged me
to come. He and Kat had already started
drinking when I arrived, they are in the mood
to club the night away but I just want to go
home. I want to be cuddled up with my
daughter and listen to her telling me story
after story until we fall asleep.

"You cannot be yawning at 6pm," Kat says and

I roll my eyes.
"Dude, it's past 8pm and I had a long day at
work. I just want to go home, Bassie is
waiting for me," I say and they both groan.
"You used to be so fun, geez!" Mongezi says
and I laugh.
"I'm still fun, friend. I'm just tired," I answer
and Kat clicks her tongue.
"Oh please. The Naledi who is fun would be
dancing on this table right now," and the
other people will be taking video's of me and
posting them online, then my mother will see
them and start fighting.
I don't need more of Maswabi's drama in my
life.
"Why don't you want to go home?" I ask and
she gulps down her drink.
"I don't want to face my husband. We are not
on good terms. He's mad that I bought my
parents a new car," I frown.
Why is he mad? Kat used her own money,
Thabo needs to chill out and get a job.
"Hello," we look up and find a tall buff guy
holding a glass.
"Hey, gorgeous man," Kat says and I titter. She
is tispy and naughty this one.
"You're still married Katherine," Mongezi says
and Kat throws her head back.
"This is uhm... Don Julio with lemonade, it's
for you my beautiful lady," he says and I
furrow my forehead.
"How did you know what I drink?" I ask and he
flashes me a smile that has me cringing. Is he
trying to hit on me?
"I asked the waitress," I shake my head.
He is a brave guy.
"What makes you think I will accept a drink
from a complete stranger? I mean you could
have slipped something in there,"
He bites his lower lip, he should stop trying to
look irresistible. I don't find him attractive at
all.
"Uhm, you're right. I can ask the waitress to
make you another one and bring it through,"
"Please don't bother, I'm good," Kat clears her
throat.
"You can buy me a drink, gorgeous," what's
wrong with Kat this night?
"Hai! Behave yourself," -Mongezi.
"Can I please have your number. I'd like to
take you to lunch sometime," God, remove
your creature from me please.
"I don't eat," he swallows hard then turns and
walks away. At least he can read between the
lines and doesn't throw a fit when rejected.
"I bet you would've jumped on him if he was
twice your age," I chuckle. Katherine is stupid
It's not illegal to like my man older and wiser.
"Why did you turn that man down Naledi? You
said you wanted to date guys in our age
group, he was perfect," I roll my eyes.
"I could never. I just said that because of the
whole Jimmy situation,"
"Your daddy issues just cost you a very good
looking man," everyone thinks I date older
men because I have daddy issues. My mother
was a lot to deal with, I didn't even have time
to realize I was missing a dad in my life. Like
every other child I asked Maswabi who my
father is during one of our fights and she shut
me down real quick. I let the topic go and
never thought of my father.
"I am going to have to love and leave you
guys. I will text you when I get home," I push
my chair back and get up, taking my handbag
from the table.
"I don't like you," she says, pinning open
another bottle of savanna.
"Love you too best friend."
 CHAPTER 14
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I don't know what to do with myself, I

thought I was going to spend the day with
Bassie and Vhutshilo. But he called me last
night asking to postpone our plans because he
wants to be with Bassie and Karabo. I was
disappointed obviously but not mad, I
understand that my daughter and Karabo
need to get used to each other. Vhutshilo is
planning forever with the girl so it's only fair
that I give them space; I don't want to make
Karabo insecure and ruin things for them. Like
I said, my daughters father is an amazing
person and he deserves all the happiness in
the world.

"Nyeleti, come to the lounge please," Manana

says, knocking on my door.
"I'll be right there," I climb off the bed and
grab my dress on the chair. I don't put on any
clothes when I'm in my room, you'll find me in
panties and my titties in your face. I find
clothes very uncomfortable, I only wear some
when I really need to and unfortunately that's
95% of the time.
I get to the lounge and gasp in shock, what
the hell? The whole room is filled with roses
in round boxes, bathong!
I look at Manana with questioning eyes and
she just shrugs her shoulders.
"Someone rang the intercom saying they have
a delivery for Miss Moletsane so I opened up. I
thought it was one of your clothing deliveries,
I always sign for those so I opened the door to
accept the package. The young man made me
sign and asked where to put the roses. I said
he should just hand them over to me but I
was told we'd need a big room and boom, he
was right," I place both hands on my waist
and take a deep breath.
"Any idea who sent you so many roses?"
I nod my head.
"Jimmy," it can only be him.
That man is always over the top, whatever he
does has to be big. He honestly shouldn't have
bothered because I'm done with his ass. His
grand gestures won't change my mind, I won't
be his second wife. Why would I put myself
and my daughter in a crazy situation?
"Abba father! What did you give that man?"
Manana asks and I scoff.
"Absolutely nothing. Jimmy is a wealthy and
influential man who thinks he can have
anything he wants. He won't just accept that
I'm done with him," I explain to Manana and
she claps once.
"He has no shame. Busy sending roses while he
has a whole wife," I never told her about the
hotel meeting I had with Thuli Khambule. I
didn't want to stress her out with something
I will never agree to.
"Tell me about it," I notice that there's a black
envelop between the roses in one box. I walk
in the narrow path to get it. The word
"Bubble" is written on the envelop, that is the
pet name he gave me. I used to melt each
time he called me that but now I despise the
name.
"Are you going to read it?" she asks and I
quickly shake my head no.
"I'm not interested in anything he has to say.
I'm truly done with Jimmy Khambule," I slowly
make my way to the side table and open the
drawer, I take out the lighter and head
outside to the braai area and light up the
envelop.
"You're not curious at all?" Manana asks and I
nod. Nothing good will come out of this whole
thing. I said I'm done with Jimmy and I meant
it.
"No, I don't want his words to confuse me. I
have made a decision and I'm sticking to it," I
say and she smiles.
"I'm so proud of you baby girl," she says,
coming towards me then taking me into her
warm embrace.
"Thank you," we let go of each other, "I just
need to figure out what I'm going to do with
the roses in Maswabi's lounge," she heaves a
sigh.
"They come from someone we don't like, but
we cannot let them go to waste. How about
we gift them to the women at church?" I
don't attend church so I assume she's talking
about the one she, Maswabi and Basetsana
attend.
"That's sweet, but you haven't been there in
over a month," I say and she nods.
"The perfect way to go back and shut them up
from asking questions," I giggle.
"You're gangster," she shrugs her shoulders.
At least Manana is giving them flowers so
they don't ask why she hasn't been coming.
Maswabi uses the house of the Lord to rally
for her political party.
"I have to call the leader of the women's
movement and tell her we have something
special for the Ladies in the house of the good
Lord," I hold up my hands.
"Do what needs to be done my love," I take her
hand and we walk back inside.
.
.
.
I wanted to move the flowers to another
room because I don't want problems with
Maswabi. I know how she can be, she'd turn
things around and make it seem like I told
Jimmy to send me the roses. Manana told me
to leave them there to make it easier to take
to church tomorrow; She will deal with my
mother and whatever tantrum she is going to
throw.
She said she's going to find a big vehicle to fit
everything because our normal cars won't be
able to fit all of the roses.

I'm back in my room enjoying my bottle of

Don Julio with some lemonade. I'm watching a
series while sitting on the bed in my
underwear. I thought my day was going to be
shitty, but I'm enjoying this me time. I hardly
have time alone, I'm always around people
doing this or that. I should really do this more
often and in different places.

My phone rings and I close my eyes, whoever

it is doesn't have timing, this episode is on
fire. I would have switched off my phone if I
wasn't someones mother. I know she's safe
with her father, but you'll never know what
could happen out there that will make them
need me urgently.
I reach for my cellphone on top of the book
that's on the bed side table and it's Lufuno
calling, she's Vutshilo's younger sister. Jesus, I
haven't spoken to them in a minute. Thing is
they call Bassie directly on her phone now.

I pause the TV and answer, "Khaladzi yanga,"

"Mxm, a sister you don't call?" I should have
known she's coming with violance.
"I'm sorry my babe. Things have been hectic,
I'm sure you saw a video of me trending," I say
and she heaves a sigh.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I saw that and I didn't want
to call and ask questions. I figured everyone
else was doing that already, pissing you off. I
called Vhutshilo instead and he explained the
situation," at least some people know when
not to fish for information. I was an
emotional mess and I didn't want to talk
about the pain and humiliation.
"The guy sent me roses that have filled my
mother's lounge, but I don't want them. I gave
them to Manana to gift the ladies at her
church," she bursts out laughing.
"Girl, your pussy must be fire," Real bad!
"A fire that's not going to burn for him
anymore," that's a fact, he will live on the
memory of it and the monkey styles I did on
him.
"Good for you babe. You should stay single
until you and my brother are ready to stop
playing games and get married," oh here we
go again. Every member of their family
believes that Vhutshilo and I are going to end
up together in the future.
"Quit playing ma'am and don't say such things
around his new girlfriend. I think she's having
a hard time with the co-parenting dynamics
between Vhutshilo and I," I murmur.
"How are you dealing with him being in a
serious relationship?"
"I'm genuinely happy for him. He deserves to
be happy and I'm 100% rooting for them to
work out," I'm being completely honest with
her.
"Mmhhh," The Venda drama queen. "Anyway, I
called to tell you that I'm coming to
Johannesburg next week Friday for my
birthday. We have dinner on Saturday then
after we go and turn up," she says and I'm
excited already. It's always a vibe when I link
up with Lufuno.
"Girl, I can't wait,"
"That's what I want to hear. We are getting
fucked up! I turn 25 once babe," that's very
true. My 25th birthday earlier this year was
hectic, I had the time of my life with all my
people around.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"You don't have to buy him everything he

wants Shlobo," I knew she was going to see
this as unnecessary.
I clear my throat, "This is a great investment
mama. He is passionate about football and
once he is grown enough he will lead it and
make it a legacy for his children," I say and
she heaves a heavy sigh.
"I just don't want you to hand him everything.
I'm afraid he will be an entitled adult who has
never had to fight for anything in life," I nod
my head.
"I understand what you mean, but mama
Nhlagano gets everything because he deserves
it. He is a great, respectful child that
performs exceptionally well at school. I need
to reward great behavior as I would
reprimand bad one," I explain.
"I guess I see where you're coming from,"
that's good, "So what will you call the football
club? Mavimbela FC?" I chuckle, shaking my
head.
"Unfortunately not mama, we are keeping the
current name and the technical team. We
don't want unnecessary changes, they cause
panic and poor performance as a result.
Everything will remain as it was, except that
we are new management," I say and she
seems disappointed by the news.
We will only start thinking of cuts and new
signings in the new season.
"Will you get me the soccer jerseys for the
stokvel women? I told them that we now own
a club," Oh jehova.
She wasn't happy that I bought the team but
she still went to make promises to her
friends. MaZikode is a drama Queen.
"I'll see what I can do," she pats my back.
"Baba, look who made it," Nhlangano says.
I turn and find his teacher holding two gift
bags.
"Khwezikazi, hey," I greet her and she smiles
sweetly at me.
"Hey, how are you?"
"Doing good in the mist of this chaos in my
house," she laughs, tucking a strand of hair
behind her ear.
"I can see it's a full house," Nhlangano's
friends are here, mine too and our relatives as
well.
MaZikode clears her throat, "Ma, this is
Nhlangano's teacher. Khwezikazi Gumbi.
Uhm... Khwezi this is my mother, MaZikode,"
she bows to my mother who has the widest
smile on her face.
I know she's already making wedding plans in
her head.
She's going to be disappointed because this
lady is not my type at all, I want some meat
on my woman.
"It's really nice to meet you ma," Khwezi is
not making eye contact with my mom.
"I'm happy to meet you too sisi. You are
beautiful, are you married?" she asks and I
shake my head. That's a forward question. We
don't know this lady like that.
"Not yet, ma," MaZikode winks at me.
"Children of today. Shlobo is also not married,
what are you waiting for?" oh this woman,
Kodwa yini?
"Thalente," I call out as she walks past us
with a Tupperware container that has meat.
"Bhut' Shlobo?"
"Uhm, this is Khwezi. Can you please keep her
company and show her where the drinks are,"
she nods.
"No problem,"
"Before I go, this is for you and Nhlangano,"
she hands us the gift bags.
"Ahh, thank you so much. I'll have a look a
little later," she smiles and walks away with
Thalente.
"Come on dad. Why are you fumbling this
one?" fumb what? "Miss Gumbi is a catch. She
would make an amazing step mom too,"
Busisiwe's child is at it again.
"You know Shlobo, if Melamina was never in
the picture I would have concluded that
you're the special child. What is your problem?
That young lady is nice, she can give me more
grandchildren," by special child she means
homosexual.
"The both of you need to shut it down,
honestly. Please stop trying to play match
marker, I am a grown man who is happy with
his life," they share a look that tells me
clearly that they are not going to give up.
"Put this in my bedroom," I hand Nhlagano the
gift bag.
"Okay. I'll be with my friends by the pool," he
says.
"Speaking of friends. Nhlagano, what's the
kettle you and those boys are smoking?"
mama asks and my son bursts out laughing.
"Yoh, Gogo. I wish I caught that on camera,
you were going to trend on the socials," my
mother frowns.
"What is he saying?" welcome to my world
MaZikode. I don't understand half the things
he says too.
"Gogo, I'll school you later son," I press my lips
into a thin line, suppressing my laughter. You
will never win with this generation, they do
everything differently.
"Who is your son wena? Shlobo, you call each
other son in this house?" haibo! Why am I
catching fire now?
"Hei ma. I'm going to check on the guests." I
walk away, leaving her with her grandson.
 CHAPTER 15
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I'm going through Basetsana's books, making

sure her work is complete and up to date then
sign to show I've went through everything. All
the teachers notes are positive, there's only
one complaint and it's not that bad; My
mother shouldn't see it because she'd make a
big deal out of it. Maswabi wants perfection
at every turn and that's impossible because
we are only human. I won't allow her to force
that impossibility on my daughter, she will
never do to Basetsana what she did to me.
I'm not going to raise a broken black girl, the
world is full of those already.

I pack the books back in her school bag and

go to utility room to check if her uniform is
ironed. Like always, Manana has taken care of
everything. I take the school clothes and
shoes and move them to her bedroom. I only
do house chores when we are at Vhitshilo's,
here at home is a free ride.
I'm alone in the house, Maswabi and Manana
went to church with Jimmy's flowers. I hope
they make those women happy because they
pretty much made me upset. I don't know
what Manana told Maswabi about the roses
but it must've worked because she was
excited about the whole thing this morning.
She kept saying it will work in her favor come
election time; She has absolutely no shame
using the church like that.

Last night the wife kept on calling my phone

but I didn't bother answering her, she wasn't
giving up so I blocked her number too. I want
nothing to do with the Khambule's and their
crazy idea of getting into a polygamous
marriage.

The front door opens and I know it's my

mother and Manana, I wasn't expecting them
so early though. I was still enjoying being
home alone, hearing myself think. My mother
calls out for me and I roll my eyes, why does
she want? We haven't been talking, it's just
greetings and moving on. I think it's better
this way, I prefer it this way because she
doesn't say things that hurt me and make me
question myself. I take my glass of water and
move the lounge.

Oh no! What is wrong with these people?

Can't they just take no for an answer and
accept that it will not change. Does Jimmy
and his wife know the kind of problems they
have caused me by showing up to my
mother's house? Jimmy is not here physically,
it's his wife and another woman I don't know;
I know for a fact that he is aware that Thuli
is here. They planned this whole thing; Send
Naledi roses to soften her up then show up to
her mother's house. I am so angry right now,
I'm even shaking.

"Sit down," my mother points to the single

chair across from her. I take a deep breath
and settle down, avoiding these women.
"I believe you know who this is, yes?" I nod,
avoiding eye contact. I'm just happy Manana
is here, I know she will be on my side.
"Yes, that's Thuli Khambule,"
"We found them at the gate about to press
the intercom. They say they are here to
discuss something with me and you," I scoff.
What are they playing at? They think my
mother is going to agree to me getting into a
polygamous situation? That's another scandal
and my mother hates those. I think it might
be good that they came here, she will say no
and make sure they hear and understand her.
"Before we start with anything, I would like
to apologize for the hurt and humiliation my
daughter caused you," Oh my God!
I was the one who was humiliated. What part
of I didn't know Jimmy was still married does
my mother not understand? This is honestly
insane.
"Thank you, Minister. But I came to realize
that your daughter knew nothing about me,
my husband lied to the both of us," Thuli says
and I'm grateful, hopefully my mother will
stop the narrative of me being a mistress
knowingly.
"So, what can we do for you?" -Maswabi.
"I came here today with my sister-in-law, Her
name is Khabonina. My husband and I
explained our situation to her and asked that
she helps us in the journey we are looking to
travel," I look at the woman and she's not the
sister Jimmy once introduced me to.
"It's nice to meet everyone and forgive us if
we say anything that might offend you," the
sister says, rubbing her hands together. "We
are all aware of the incident that happened
between Thuli and Naledi and it was
unfortunate because both women were lied to
by my brother. I sat him down and had a
conversation, he made it clear that it was not
the way he wanted the women to find out.
Jimmy told me that he wants polygamy and
he didn't want to tell Thuli until he was sure
about the woman he was planning on bringing
in to the picture. Naledi was kept in the dark
because he wanted to know her as a person
without any influences from third parties. My
brother fell in love with your daughter, he
needs her in his life. It was a hard pill to
swallow but Thuli has accepted this and
understands my brothers reasons for wanting
two wives," this is just bullshit.
"What are his reasons?" Manana asks and I'm
glad because I also want to know.
"I think my brother would be in the best
position to answer that question. I just came
here to apologize for how the situation
unfolded. Naledi's mother is a public figure
and I'm sure it affected her image. We also
came because we wanted to make my
brothers intentions about your daughter
known and plead with you to give him
another chance. We promise that Naledi will
be treated well and adored by the
Khambule's," my mother is nodding. She's cool,
calm and collected.
Bathong! Where is the violence? I thought
she'd be telling these people where to get off.
It's clear that my mother hates me, she sides
with everyone else but me.
"Nyeleti, is polygamy something you want?"
Manana asks.
"I think we should have that conversation in
private. I don't want Naledi feeling pressured
into answering because the Khambule's are
here with us," Maswabi quickly interjects.
"Naledi, you and I had a convesation before
today. Please take everything I said into
consideration as you think about this," Did
Thuli have to bring that up?
"We appreciate you for giving us an ear.
Please have a discussion as a family and get
back to us," the Khabo lady adds.
"Naledi has both mine and Jimmy's numbers.
Thank you so much for giving us an ear," I
would never go to the lengths Thuli is going
just to keep a cheating man. I don't
understand why she loves Jimmy more than
she loves herself. She can easily find love
again with a man that will only have eyes for
her.
"What can we offer you to drink?" Maswabi
asks and I look at Manana who has an
eyebrow raised. Why is she so friendly with
these people?
"Oh, no thank you. We have to be somewhere,"
Thuli politely declines.
"No, problem. You will hear from us soon. Let
me walk you out," the women stand up and
follow behind Maswabi who is on her
motorized wheelchair.
"Why is she being friendly with those people?"
I ask and Manana shrugs her shoulders.
"I'm shocked at how she made this meeting
feel normal. Maswabi won't stop shocking us,"
it's our fault really, we should expect
anything from this woman.
"Naledi, why didn't you tell us you met with
Jimmy's wife?" that's the first thing she asks
when she gets back in the lounge.
"Are you seriously asking me that?" she was
the one calling me names for being humiliated
by the woman; Now she feels like I should
have said something to her about the
situation that made her decide that I
shouldn't be seen in public with my own
daughter.
"What did she say to you?"
"She was begging me to accept being her
husband's second wife," she nods slowly.
"That's crazy, why is she allowing that man to
do this to her?" Manana asks, I won't even
answer. This whole thing irks me, honestly.
"There's absolutely no reason for us to discuss
this issue because I won't agree to being his
second wife," Manana smiles.
"That's my girl, don't allow his family to
manipulate you,"
My mother clears her throat, "I actually think
Naledi should agree to marrying Jimmy. It will
somehow clean her reputation in the public
eye. She won't be referred to as a mistress
but his wife; The marriage might even get her
to act like an adult," I cannot belive my ears
right now.
"Maswabi! How could you even want that for
your own daughter? Do you know the kind of
hell polygamy is? For once think about what's
best for your only child, not how the public
views her or you. The life you want for her is
what destroyed my life and you want to
subject her and Basetsana to that. I know
you're a self centered person but this one is
low, even for you," Manana says with a
broken heart.
I don't understand what she meant when she
said the life Maswabi wants for me is what
destroyed her life. She never wants to talk
about her life before us, everything that has
to do with Giyane is off the table.
"I am always the devil in your eyes, I've
accepted that but I make decisions that are
good for this family. Marrying Jimmy would
be good for Naledi, trust in me," I chuckle,
getting up from my couch.
"I'm not marrying that man, mama," I say and
walk away.
 JIMMY KHAMBULE

I am pacing up and down, waiting for Thuli

and Khabo to get home and tell me how
everything went with Naledi and her mother.
They decided that talking to her parent is the
best way to go; They believe that it will show
respect and genuineness. Thuli says Naledi
will realize that I truly love her because I
made my intentions about her clear to my
family and even sent them to do the same
with hers. I'm not sure if this will work, but
I'm crossing fingers because I really love that
girl and it hurts that we are loosing time.

I miss her so much, the conversations and

advises we gave each other. I miss cuddling
with her after making love and smelling her
soft skin. Naledi brought excitement and fire
in my life and since we have been separated I
feel like I lost a big part of me.

Yesterday I sent her roses to show her that I

still think about her and that I'm determined
to make things right. I wrote an emotionally
filled short letter expressing myself and I hope
it touched her and reminded her of what we
share.
I tried calling her with Thuli's number
yesterday but it rang unanswered until she
finally blocked it. It hurt because I'm so
desperate to talk to her and see her, I have
never felt this empty in my whole entire life. I
was ready to loose it all for Naledi, that
should show how much she means to me.

"Jimmy," I snap out of my train of thoughts

and stop pacing. She's alone, I guess she
dropped Khabo first then came home.
"You're back, how did it go?" I ask and Thuli
settles down and takes her sweet time
removing her shoes, "Thulisile, what
happened? Did you meet with them?" I snap
and she throws an evil eye at me.
"Don't rush me, Jimmy," she says in a low
voice and I heave a sigh and bury my hands in
my pockets.
"We found them and told them that you'd like
to marry Naledi as a second wife. The
minister seemed to be buying the idea for
reasons known to her, but that other woman
wasn't sold on our visit and the story we told
them," she must be talking about Manana.
She's their helper but has become more like a
mother to my love. Naledi adores that woman
very much, her opinion really matters to her.
She's the one I need to get on my side so I can
have Naledi back in my life.
"What did Bubble say?" I ask and she chuckles.
"Bubble? That's what you call her?" she says
with tears glistening in her eyes, "You really
do love this girl. I don't remember the last
time you used a pet name when referring to
me," Oh God.
She's going to make an issue out of this.
"Thuli please..."
She cuts in, "They asked to discuss this as a
family and get back to us, but by the look of
things you'll get your second wife," I really
hope so.
"Thank you," she stands up and picks her
shoes.
"It's time for you to keep to your end of the
deal, Jimmy," she says.
"I've already asked my personal assistant to
compile a list of the best marriage counselors
in Johannesburg. We will choose one
together," she nods.
"And when are we telling the kids about
Naledi coming in as your second wife? I don't
want them finding out through social media,"
that's honestly the toughest part about this
whole thing.
They aren't talking to me, they are still mad
at me for cheating on their mom. I know the
situation is going to get worse once they
know that I am marrying the same woman. I
don't want to be at odds with my children but
at the same time I cannot live life without
my star. I'll figure out a way that has us all
living in peace and harmony. It won't happen
over night obviously but we will get there.
"We will do it soon, let's just wait for a
response from Naledi's mother." she mumbles
something under her breath and walks away.
 CHAPTER 16
DZUNISANI MABASA

Maswabi has done a lot of things in the past,

but this one takes the ultimate cup. I stayed
up all night trying to understand how her
brain works, but it all comes back to her
being selfish and making everything about
her. I know she had a tough time growing up,
we all did but we deal with things and move
on. We do not go out of our way to make the
next persons life hard, in her case the person
is her own flesh and blood. Nyeleti did not cut
Maswabi so I don't understand why she is
bleeding on her. You would think she'd want
to be better than those that gave birth to
her, but she's being exactly like them, if not
worse.

I will do everything in my power to stop her

from trying to force Nyeleti into a
polygamous marriage. I know the hardships of
that set up, it's the reason I fled to Chiawelo
in Soweto. My father had five wives, my
mother was the third. I don't know why my
father decided to have many wives and
children when he couldn't afford them. Out of
all of them my mother made ends meet and
we lived more comfortably than the other
households. They thought my father was
giving us all the money he made, but the man
gave us nothing and expected things from my
mother.

The other wives started calling my mother a

witch, saying she wants them and their
children to die of hunger so she can be left as
the only wife. Rumors spread like wild fire in
our village, everyone who was facing
hardships started blaming my mother and her
supposed witchcraft. Life was beginning to be
uncomfortable and my father didn't bother
clearing the rumors started by his other
wives.

I was the oldest of three children so that

meant I had to take on more responsibilities
after my mother. She woke up sick one
morning and couldn't make it to the market,
so I had to go stand in for her. My siblings
would stay behind and take care of her until I
came back later in the evening.
The entire time I was at the market I felt
uneasy; My spirit kept telling me that
something bad is going to happen, but I
pushed it to the back of my mind and focused
on how great business was that day.

I was packing the little that was left of the

fruits and vegetables and getting ready to go
home when Ahlulani came running. He was
out of breath, scared out of his mind. I
thought people were chasing after him but it
was the other way around, the villagers were
coming my way. Ahlulani told me that I had
to leave the village immediately because they
were coming to kill me. I couldn't leave my
mother and siblings, I wanted to go back and
get them. My heart broke into a million pieces
when he told me that they burned my home
with my family inside. He said he couldn't
save them because they were surrounding the
yard, chanting that witches must die.
I died a million deaths but I couldn't cry in
that moment, a part of me didn't believe
what he was telling me. We heard loud
singing approaching and his eyes begged me
to snap out of it and save my life. The other
hawkers pleaded with me to run because they
didn't want to witness me being burned alive
over lies. They all contributed a little
something from their days profits and gave
me the money; One of the other ladies told
me to run to the neighboring village and find
her brother. She gave me directions and it
wasn't hard for me to grasp it because I had
been there selling with mama before.
She told me to explain my situation to him
and ask that he takes me to Chiawelo with
them the next day.

I got to the village at night and I was right on

time; They were loading their things in the
boot. That's how village people travel, you
cannot announce your arrival or departure
because they will work magic on you.
Everything must be done in secrecy.
Anyway, I explained to the man and his wife
everything that had happened and who sent
me to them. They were obviously shocked and
skeptical so they asked if I wouldn't mind
them driving to his sister to verify the story. I
was okay with that so I got in the back of the
car and headed back to our village which was
faster with a car, and fortunately right on our
way to Chiawelo. We didn't have to detour
and waste their patrol or time.

We got to his sisters place and she verified

my story and thanked them for being open to
helping me out. She asked them to assist me
in finding a little place to rent and show me
where to stock fruits and vegetables to sell so
I can make a living.
I personally asked that they drive past our
house so I can see for myself and they agreed.
Smoke was still coming out of what used to
be my home when we passed there, and it
broke my heart knowing that their remains
were still in there.

I won't lie, life in Chiawelo wasn't hard at all.

I had my little backroom and my business was
booming. Even so, my heart was still back
home. I thought of what I had lost everyday;
My mother and siblings, Ahlulani who I was
supposed to get married to. I wondered if the
other wives were now happy that their
rumors finally killed my mother. I wondered if
their husband was now a better provider and
head of their homes.

Maswabi was one of my biggest customers,

she bought things even when she didn't really
need them. I liked her very much, she inspired
me because she lived life fully dispite her
condition. Somedays she would just stop by to
see how I'm doing and give me clothes and
household essentials. She started coming
around with little Nyeleti, my goodness that
chubby girl stole my heart immediately. She
was 2 years old and very naughty, I loved
seeing her and each time they came around
she would run to me. It was always tears
when they had to leave; Maswabi then offered
me a job to be her nanny and house helper. I
jumped at the opportunity and my life was
never the same again. God had blessed me
with another family and I was grateful, I will
always be.

Nyeleti has been the center of my universe

since the very beginning, I love that girl more
than anything in this world. I want what's
best for her and Basetsana and I know that
polygamy isn't it. They deserve better than
what that man is offering them; The fact that
his wife is pushing for it badly so soon after
finding out about them tells me it's just a
disaster waiting to happen. I'm glad that
Naledi is not shaken by anything, not the
flowers or visits from the wife and sister. I
raised her to know her worth and I'm beyond
proud.
 JIMMY KHAMBULE

I just got back from lunch with Thulisile, we

met to discuss which marriage counselor we
are going to use and how our marriage is
going to work from here onwards. She told me
that Naledi will live in the house I bought
when I was still cheating with her, that's for
peace sake. I agreed but that will be up to
Naledi, If she wants another house I'd gladly
buy it for her.
We also agreed that once Naledi and I are
officially married and she has moved into her
house I'll share my time equally between
them. I'll spend two days with Thuli then go
to Naledi for another two days.

She personally asked that I be allowed to

celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other
important milestones with each wife
irrespective of whose day it is. Her last
request was that I don't take another wife
after Naledi; I promised I wouldn't, I didn't
want two wives to begin with.
All that's left now is to get Bubble on board
and tell my children.

My office phone rings and it's my PA, she tells

me that minister Moletsane is here to see me.
My heart starts thumping against my chest;
have they reached a decision? I quickly get up
and tidy my desk because it's always a mess, I
don't want her judging me wrongly. Naledi
told me that her mother is a perfectionist, I
need to make the right impression on her.

A knock comes through the door, I go open for

her. I want the minister to see that I'm a
gentleman and I will treat her daughter like a
Queen. She gets into my office with her
motorized wheelchair and we exchange
greetings. I remove one of the chairs that's
across from mine so she can park her
wheelchair. I round the table and settle down
on my leather chair.

"What would you like to drink?" I ask.

"A glass of ice water, please," she says and I
nod, picking up the receiver from the cradle. I
ask my PA to bring ice water to my office.
"I guess you know why I am here," I nod
vigorously.
"Yes, I have an idea. I'm just not sure if you're
here to say what I pray you'll say," she
chuckles.
"You and my daughter really made a mess of
things. Your affair affected a lot of people,
myself included," I swallow hard, causing my
Adam's apple to bob like a monkey on a stick.
"I am sincerely sorry for that but if you need
to blame anymore, please blame me. Naledi
didn't know about Thuli," I can't bare it when
people blame her for my mistake. Let them
crucify me all they want but she knew
nothing. Her only crime was falling in love
with me.
"I hear you Khambule and I accept your
apology because you want to make things
right," I lean in, placing both elbows on the
desk.
"Thank you. I really love your daughter and I
would like to make her my wife," she nods her
understanding.
"I think that's a good thing. This marriage
night help my daughter grow and be
responsible. You're a very matured man, you
can deal with her stubbornness and get her on
the right path," I wouldn't say Bubble is
stubborn, strong willed is the right word.
"Are you saying you are agreeing to me taking
her as a second wife?" she nods with a wide
smile and my heart is rejoicing. This is the
best news ever.
"Thank you so much. I promise you will not
regret it, I will give Naledi and Basetsana the
best life," she narrows her eyes.
"You don't have to worry yourself about
Basetsana. She will visit you and Naledi from
time to time but she's my responsibility," I
just nod but knowing Naledi, she will not
agree to leaving her daughter behind.
"Thank you so much, Minister,"
She heaves a sigh, "You're going to have to
work hard in making sure that Naledi is happy
and gets on board. This whole thing is
happening against her will, she doesn't want
polygamy. I'm agreeing because I can see that
this is what she needs, what's best for her.
Your actions will have to prove me right,"
that took a sudden turn.
I don't want them to force Bubble into
anything, I want her to want to be my wife.
 CHAPTER 17
KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I get to my house after a long ass day at

work. I just want to shower, have a glass of
wine and go straight to bed. Thabo will sort
himself out with something to eat, he has
been doing so since I came back from
Rustenburg. He is so mad that I bought my
parents a car for their anniversary, he didn't
even attend the celebration. I had to lie to my
family and say he wasn't feeling too good and
he hoped they enjoy the gift from us. Yes, I
said the car was from the both of us. I didn't
want my family raising eyebrows and start
asking questions. My siblings would
immediately go cold on him if they knew
what he did and the things he said.

He's sitting on the couch playing Fifa on his

Playstation, that's all he ever does all day
everyday. He doesn't help me with anything
around the house; I don't even ask him
anymore because he will tell me how I'm
insulting him by asking him to do women's
work. Our relationship is at a point I never
imagined it would be; I know marriage is not
always rosey but the issues we are facing are
stupid and can easily be resolved if my
husband could just stop acting this way.

I greet him and go straight to our bedroom,

I'm not even sure if he responded.
I throw my handbag and cellphone on the bed
and start taking off my clothes. I take them
with me to the adjoining bathroom and throw
them in the laundry basket and step into the
shower. The warm cascading water is
soothing every inch of my body, I feel like
staying in here until the geyser runs out of
hot water but I'm exhausted. I just need my
bed.
I grab a towel and wrap it around my body
then walk out of the bathroom.

Thabo is sitting on the edge of the bed, his

head buried between his thighs. What's his
problem now? I don't bother asking him
directly. I open the wardrobe and take out
fresh pyjamas and put them on, yes, I don't
moisturize my body at night. I only do my
face night routine because I had an acne
problem, so I don't want to skip a day and risk
a breakout. I am about to walk back to the
bathroom to start with my face when he
decides to say something.

"You promised that you were done, Kat," he

says and I frown.
"What are you talking about?" I ask and he
sits up straight, his eyes are blood shot red.
"Before we got married I asked several times
if you won't be going back to that life, and
you promised me it was in the past," I take a
deep breath and look at my phone, "You went
through my cell?" he chuckles, getting on his
feet.
"Yes, I did. You've been so focused on it lately
so I got suspicious, It turns out I was right to
be worried," I swallow hard.
I should have changed my fuckin password.
This is going to cause more problems between
us and I honestly need no drama in my life.
"How many of these women you've been
talking to have you met with?" I shake my
head.
"It's not even like that. I haven't met with any
of them, Thabo," he clenches his jaw.
"Not like that? Who registers on a dating site
if they are not trying to find someone?" he
shouts and I quickly step back because he's
scaring me.
"Thabo, I just needed someone to talk to," he
huffs out a humorless laugh.
"You have two close friends. Your mother and
five siblings, Kat. Couldn't you have spoken to
one of those many many people?" I shake my
head.
"No, I needed an objective person. The people
you just mentioned are my people, they will
take my side. I needed someone who was
going to give it to me straight," I explain and
he's shaking his head, not buying my story.
"You expect me to believe that bullshit?
Katherine you promised that you will never
ever do this,"
"And I didn't, read those conversations again
and tell me which one is inappropriate," I am
a bisexual woman, I've always been. Everyone
close to me knows this and they've never
judged me, not even once. My parents
included.
I cheated on Thabo with a woman in the early
stages of our relationship. I ended it and he
forgave me, I promised that it will never
happen again. I was never going to download
and register on the dating site but the
situation in my marriage pushed me to it. I
was craving some attention and someone to
tell my problems to. I was not planning on
meeting up with anyone, I made it clear to all
three women and they understood.
"Is it because I'm unemployed? I'm no longer
man enough because I don't have an income?"
What?! That's absolutely insane.
"No! I don't care about money, Thabo. I know
how to make my own. You're the one who
changed after loosing your job, it has been
hard dealing with you," he clicks his tongue.
"Fuck this! I'm out of here." he storms out of
our bedroom. That's very mature of him.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

The other school scores another goal and my

son goes insane in the field, it's a draw. He's
going to have a shitty weekend if they don't
win, Nhlangano hates loosing, that boy is very
competitive. That's one of the qualities I
admire about him, when he does something
he gives it his all. He's going to be successful
in everything he does because of that. I
cannot wait to experience him as a young
adult trying to figure things out all on his
own.

I had to cut my day short for this match, I try

to attend all his games but its not always
posibble with my work.
I couldn't go home first to change so I'm here
in formal pants, shoes and a white shirt that's
unbottoned halfway through and it's sleeves
rolled up. I have a bottle of water in my hand
but it has turned to coffee now, the sun is
scorching. I just hope Nhlangano remembered
to apply sunscreen before going out on the
field.

"I though that was you," I turn and it's

Khwezi.
"Hey, I didn't expect to see you here," I say and
she settles down next to me on the
grandstand.
"Me too hey, but your son invited me. I had to
show up and cheer him on," right.
That boy didn't hear a word I said about him
and my mother standing down. Maybe I'm
always saying it as a joke, it's time I'm more
stern with him on this matter.
"Oh okay. Are you enjoying the game?" she
giggles, shaking her head.
"All I see is a bunch of boys running after one
ball and the referree blowing his whistle now
and again for some reason," Why did she come
then? She could have simply turned my son
down and told him she doesn't understand
football.
"So you just came to burn under this hot sun
for something you don't enjoy or understand?"
she shrugs her shoulders.
"I love supporting my students, I watch soccer
and netball. Others invite me to their chess
games and debates; It's not about
understanding but being there when invited.
It gives them confidence and it turn they
perform well," I just nod and look back at the
field. The boys are still neck and neck, this
game is intense.
"Uhm...I had an amazing time at the braai,
you sure know how to throw a party," she
says but I don't look at her, I don't want to
miss a moment of this game.
"I'm glad to hear that but Nhlangano is the
one who organized everything, I just gave him
my card,"
"He's a great kid. So, did you like your gift?"
shit! I haven't opened it, I'm such a bad
person.
"Yeah, yeah. Thank you,"
She heaves a sigh, "That's a relief, I thought it
might be weird to you," I fake a laugh.
"No, it's perfect. I like it." I have to lie, I don't
want to hurt her feelings.
"Shlobo," it comes out in a whisper.
"Yes?" I look at her and she's suddenly
nervous.
"I honestly never do this but I have nothing to
lose," I narrow my eyes, "Uhm, would you like
to go out for dinner this weekend?" Oh Christ
Jesus.
"Khwezi, you're a beautiful woman but I'm
honestly not looking for a relationship right
now," she smiles, looking down.
"Me too, but we are two adults who can
explore things and each other for as long as
we desire to," I scratch my forehead.
This is super uncomfortable. It's like I've been
caught in public with my dick out.
"I'm sorry Khwezi, but I can't," she's blinking
rapidly, "I don't want to lead you on," I add
and she nods, getting up quickly.
"I'll see you around." she says and walks away
briskly.
Nhlangano needs to mind his business, he
gave this woman hope of me and her getting
together. This deserves some sort of
punishment.
 CHAPTER 18
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Dad, let's bounce," Nhlangano says, walking

in the lounge.
"Sit down first, there's something important I
want to talk to you about," I say and he
narrows his eyes, lowering himself on the
couch.
"What's good?" he asks, fixing his wrist watch.
"I have asked you to stop trying to hook me
up for a while now but you don't listen," I say
calmly, I need him to hear every word I'm
saying.
"I know pops but I just want you to be happy
you know," I nod my understanding.
"I know but I've told you countless times that
I'm okay, that I love my life the way it is," he
looks down embarrassed.
"I'm sorry," that won't cut it this time around.
"You went on to give your teacher hope and
now the poor woman is heart broken and
embarrassed because I turned her down. Do
you understand what your forwardness has
done to that woman's confidence? She will
have problems expressing her true feelings to
those that really like her because you selfishly
put her in a position of doom," I say and he is
nervously fiddling with his fingers.
"I am sincerely sorry. I just wanted you to
have a life outside me and your work. I
cannot help but think you don't have a life
because you have dedicated yourself into
raising me and making sure I have
everything," I love him for thinking about me
and my happiness but he crossed the line.
"I understand, but even when I told you I'm
good you still insisted on meddling in my
business. I have a private life, I have a woman
I'm seeing. Luckily she understands that I
don't want anything serious. Just because you
don't see her doesn't mean she's not in the
picture, we don't want to blur any lines,"
He looks at me and I can see that he is
remorseful.
"I feel like you disrespected and disregarded
me and I cannot just let that go. I award good
behavior, so it's only fair to give some kind of
punishment for what you did," it's going to
hurt him but it's necessary.
"I understand, baba," he says in a shaking
voice. I feel bad for what I'm about to do but
there has to be a line that's never crossed
between parents and their kids.
"You're not coming with me to meet the
team," I say and he gasps, closing his eyes. I
get up from the couch and grab my phone and
car keys from the coffee table.
"I'll see you when get back,"
.
.
.
Hopefully Nhlangano learns that there are
boundaries between parents and their kids, no
matter how close and open they are with
each other. I feel really shitty about my
decision because he was really looking
forward to meeting the guys and having a
great day with them. But in the same light
I'm proud of myself, a punishment has to hurt
so they can remember for the next time.

I get to the venue where the gathering is

happening, it's full of cars. The players,
technical team, the previous owner and the
press are in attendance. I park at the same
time as Nhlangano's school coach; he is one of
the people that helped me out with the sale
of this team. I offered him a position in the
next season but he turned it down, saying it
requires a lot of work and he now loves him
simple life.
We exchange greetings and he asks me where
my son is, I lie and say he's not in the best of
moods after yesterday's defeat. Yes, the other
team showed them flames.

We walk inside and it's time to get the show

on the road, the previous owner is the first to
speak then introduces me. I stand up to give
the boys a speech and assure them that their
contracts are still in place for the reminder of
the season, and if they play well they'll find
themselves here for longer. I give them a
chance to ask me questions and a hand comes
from the back; A person I thought I'd break
into pieces when I saw him again stands
before me with his hand raised.

What the hell is he doing here? I'm boiling

with anger but I can't loose my cool, at least
not in front of the press. He introduces
himself and says he is the fitness coach of my
team. God, this is not happening. Somebody
please pinch me.
The son of a bitch asks me where my son is
because he heared I bought this team for him.
He has the balls to ask about Nhlangano who
had to live life without his mother because of
him.
My day is ruined but I'm glad that I didn't
bring my son here.

The formalities are over, we are now having

drinks and waiting for our food. I wish I could
leave this place but I cannot because this day
is about me and my son and I have to
represent us. Plus, I invited the coach, I can't
just leave him here alone.
That would be plain rude and uncalled for.
He asks to be excused and I'm left alone with
a flute of champagne in my hand.

"Shlobo," he just had to come and talk to me.

I pivot to face him, "What do you want,
Mphikeleli?" he swallows hard.
"I'm not here to fight," he says, holding his
hands out in surrender.
"I never said you were. I only asked what you
wanted," it's taking everything in me to not
punch him to death right this minute.
"I know I'm not your favorite person,"
I quickly interject, "You're right. You are the
only person I hate in my life and had I known
you work for this team I wouldn't have
bought it for Nhlangano," I say through
gritted teeth.
"How is my son? I'm sure he is all grown now,"
I raise an eyebrow.
"Your what?" I take a step forward and he
takes one back, "You don't have a son. Don't
you ever talk about my child, ever! When you
happen to see him I want you to look away
and say nothing to him," his shoulders sag.
"Hate me all you want but he is my flesh and
blood Shlobo. You have kept me away it's
enough now, I need to know my son and have
a relationship with him," he is poking a
mamba and it will strike.
"Do you have a death wish?" he is still as
entitled as the last time I set my eyes on him
16years ago.
"This is not the place, can we please meet to
talk? Please Shlobo," I click my tongue and
walk away from the man that lead my sister
and the love of my life to their death.
 MASWABI MOLETSANE

"Can't we talk about this some other time?

My daughter and I have to go or we will be
late for her aunts birthday dinner," The
Muofhe's and Ramabulana's aren't as
important as what we are about to discuss
here. Naledi needs to stop putting them on
the pedestal, she will soon be someone's wife.
Her praises should be saved for Jimmy and the
Khambule's.
"No, it's important," she heaves a sigh.
"We should have done it earlier on, now you're
inconveniencing me," imagine this girl, the
same one I gave life. Naledi is disrespectful; I
was not going to cancel my afternoon with
Mongezi just so she can be on time for dinner
with the people who aren't her family.
"Maswabi, why did you call us here?"
Dzunisani asks with her head balanced by her
hand.
"I know the both of you see the devil when
you look at me but I'm not. I am just a
woman who loves her family very much and
only wants what is best for them. Can you for
once just try and see things from my
perspective, please," they exchange a look and
I heave a sigh.
"You said you're in love with Khambule,
Naledi. He wants to marry you, why are you
refusing?" I ask and she rolls her eyes in my
face. I will keep my calm because I don't want
to start drama before I have said what I need
to say.
"I thought I was the only woman in his life,
mama. I would have married him within a
blink of an eye but he has a wife, I don't want
to be a part of a polygamous marriage. I don't
want my daughter growing up thinking it's
okay to be in that kind of situation," I nod my
understanding.
I'm trying a different approach, maybe she
will see that I'm trying and actually do as I
say for once.
"I understand but polygamy is not such a bad
thing. Many people are practicing it and they
are very happy, Naledi. I truly believe that
this is the right thing for you," I say meekly
and she laughs.
"Manana, can you please tell my mother that I
don't want any part in that marriage. I
deserve much better and I will get it one day,"
Dzunisani shakes her head.
"Your mother listens to no one, my words will
just fall on deaf ears," so they are going to
talk as if I'm not in the room.
"Are you not tired of the life you're living?
Marrying Jimmy will clean your name and
image. You will be set for life, I won't have to
worry about you when I'm dead," her eyes
widen, she's shocked by something I said.
"I can make my own money, I don't need a
man taking care of me. You don't have to
worry," she stands up.
"Hei wena! sit down, I am still talking."

Naledi disregards me and leaves the room, she

comes back a minute later with Basetsana
and an overnight bag. My granddaughter
kisses both me and Dzunisani and says she
will see us tomorrow when they come back
from her father's place. I watch them leave
and as soon as the front door closes Dzunisani
laughs, belly deep laughter. What's funny
here?

"You are a sad human being, Maswabi,"

Bathong! Where does that come from now?
"How does me wanting the best for my child
make me a sad human being?" I love this
woman but I'm tired of been constantly
judged by her.
"Tell me, how are you different from your
parents?" she asks and it feels like someone
threw a dagger at my heart.
"I am nothing like those heartless creatures,"
the words manage to come out despite the
dry lump clogged in my throat.
"Oh but you are. What you have been doing to
Naledi for all these years is even worse. You
shouldn't have had a child," her words hurt,
"But I understand why you're so out of touch
when it comes to her. You didn't have Naledi
because you wanted to be a mother; Maswabi
you got pregnant because you wanted to
prove to the world that even though you
don't have legs you could still have a baby," I
never thought she would use the things I told
her in confidence against me.
"What about you huh? Why haven't you lived
life? You think Ahlulani will come find you and
you'll live happily ever after? You're 50 years
old, you don't have a cat or a dog to your
name. If it wasn't for me you'd still be
hawking at a corner in Chaiwelo," I had to
hurt her back. Let her feel how painful it is
when things are thrown back at you.
"You will not force Naledi into marrying
Jimmy," I will do as I please with my child. She
should have had kids of her own to dictate.
Nxa!
 CHAPTER 19
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I am pissed by what my mother had to say

earlier about the whole polygamy situation.
Maswabi just finds ways to make our
relationship harder, only God knows what she
actually gets from making my life a living
hell. I have taken so much from this woman
and I'm actually at a point where I just
cannot deal with her bullshit anymore.

I am an adult woman who works a pretty

great job, I can afford to live my life with just
my daughter. It's time I left my mother and
her toxicity behind, she will never change
when it comes to me. Basetsana is growing
up, I don't want her witnessing the
unpleasant drama between me and the
woman who is supposed to love me
unconditionally. I choose to protect my peace,
I choose to leave behind everything that
makes me unhappy for my child's sake. I owe
Bassie a happy mother and that's what she
will get for the rest of her life.

"You're awfully quiet and your friend is

around. What's wrong Naledi?" Vhutshilo
whispers in my ear and I quickly snap out of
it.
I heave a sigh, "Only my mother can get me
into this mood on a night I wanted to have a
great time,"
"What has dragon lady done now?" he asks
and I shrug.
"She wants me to get married to Jimmy," he
gasps in shock.
"No kidding! What the hell is wrong with your
mother?" Everything seems to be very wrong
with that woman.
"I want to move out. Bassie and I will live in a
hotel until we find the perfect place to stay,"
he raises an eyebrow.
"Moving out is good but living in a hotel? No
Naledi, that's not a good place for our
daughter," I know that but what choice do I
have?
"What else can I do?" it's days like these
where I wish we had a big family so I could
have somewhere to run to.
"My house is big. You guys have rooms, you're
very much welcome to stay until we find a
good place for you," I appreciate that but his
girlfriend won't be happy about it. Vhutsilo
hasn't said anything but I know his girlfriend
is not happy about our co-parenting
situation. I don't want to cause problems for
them.
"I don't think Karabo will be happy about
that," he tilts his head to the side and
scratches his ear.
"I will talk to her and she will understand. We
had a convesation a couple of days ago and
we are on the same page, trust me," it's good
to know that but I'm still not sure.
"Talk to her first, I don't want any drama," he
chuckles.
"What are you two whispering about?" we
move our eyes from each other to his mom
who is sitting across from us.
"Nothing, just small talk," Vhutshilo answers
and I nod in agreement. Tonight is not the
right time to talk about my problems. We are
sitting around this table to celebrate Lufuno's
birthday.
"Oh come on. Everyone knows y'all got the
best gist, now share with the rest of us,"
Avhathu, Vhutshilo and Lufuno's half brother
says.
"We were just talking about the food and how
good it is," I haven't touched my food but I
hope they don't call me out on my BS.
"Karabo, don't let these two keep you out of
their gossip club," Lufuno says and I close my
eyes. They are making things awkward here;
Talking about me and Vhutshilo infront of
Karabo will only heighten her insecurities.
"Ya'll are exaggerating, calm down," I say,
chuckling. I hope they drop this now.
"So, Karabo. When will you come visit us in
Venda?" Vhutshilo's mother diverts the
convesation and I'm thankful. They should all
be trying to engage her in conversation so she
can blend in with the rest of the group.
"Uhm... I don't know ma. Vhutsilo and I will
talk about it and he will let you know,"
Karabo answers and her boyfriend clasps her
hand.
"Good, you should see where your future
husband is from," Bassie's grandma says and
that makes the girl blush.
"I think we will come month end with
Basetsana," Vhutshilo adds and I nod
vigorously. Our daughter hasn't been to Venda
this year because Maswabi has been an
impossible person.
"Let's turn it into a road trip. The Joburgers
will hire a big car and drive up home. Are you
in Naledi?" Can someone shut Avhathu up!
"No, let it be the three of them. Karabo and
Basetsana need all the time to bond," I answer
quickly.
"That's true, Naledi. If Karabo and Vhutshilo
plan on being together forever then they have
to spend time together to get to know each
other better," - Vutshilo's mother.
"Okay everybody, finish up please. The club is
calling my name," Lufuno says, gulping down
her cocktail.
Her mother clicks her tongue, "I never thought
the sweet girl I was raising would turn into
an alcohol loving adult who has covered her
body in ink. God surely cannot recognize you,"
Not tonight please. Karabo doesn't need to see
it happening.
"Here we go again with the magical creature
that somehow lives in the sky," It's time for
this dinner to end. Lufuno is an atheist and
this particular convesation with her mother
always ends up badly.
"Mama, you'll take my car and drive yourself
and Bassie back to my house. Naledi, Lufuno
and Avathu will come back later with Naledi's
car," Vhutshilo says, cutting short the war
that was about to happen between his mom
and sister.
"What about you?" mama asks with a raised
eyebrow and I press my lips into a thin line.
Isn't it obvious?
"Karabo and I will head to her place from the
club," he says, avoiding his mother's eyes.
.
.
.
We arrive at some club in Sandton and it's
already going crazy. I just want to have a
great night and forget about the craziness
that's been happening in my life these past
couple of weeks.
We are led to our table in the VIP section,
Lufuno made sure to reserve a spot so we can
be comfortable.
Everyone settles down and a few minutes
later the bottle girls come with champagnes
and cognacs. The MC gives Lufuno a birthday
shout out and we start singing for her.

I had to order a bottle of taquila, I just cannot

party without my poison.
We are having a great time, the three of us
are dancing like tomorrow doesn't exit, we
are lost in the moment. Vhutshilo and his girl
are all loved up on the couch, they kiss every
other minute. I am not jealous but damn, why
come to the club to cuddle? They should head
home and get it on.

Someone comes to our table and goes straight

to Lufuno, the girl whispers in her ear,
pointing at me. Okay, what's going on now?
Lufuno nods at whatever the girl is saying in
her ear then the mystery girl in leather pants
comes to me with the biggest smile on her
face.

"You're very beautiful, Naledi. I see why he

was willing to risk it all for you," she says and
I frown.
"Excuse me?" she shakes her head.
"My dad, Jimmy Khambule. He wanted to
divorce my mother to be with you," oh, not
this again. I'm trying to live my life, why can't
these people just leave me alone.
"Listen, I didn't know your dad was still
married and I'm done with him so please leave
me the hell alone," she raises an eyebrow with
a smirk on her face.
"Don't lie, my aunt told me that he's taking
you as his second wife," fuck this shit!
"I don't have time for this. Excuse me," I try to
walk away but Jimmy's daughter pushes me
back and grabs two bottles of champagne
from our table and hits me on the head with
them. I fall down with my head pounding,
she's wagging a finger at me, cussing me out.
I remove my hand from my forehead and I'm
bleeding so bad. Lufuno starts fighting
Jimmy's daughter while her brother attends
to me.
"Guys, I'm rushing her to the hospital. This cut
doesn't look good," he scoops me up and heads
towards the exit.
People are watching us, wondering what's
happening. I pray no one caught the incident
on camera, I don't want to trend because of
Jimmy, AGAIN.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I haven't seen or spoken to my husband since

the day he went through my phone and
realized that I've been talking to women on
the dating site. He walked out on me angrily
and hasn't been home since; I'm super worried
about him, nothing of this kind has happened
before.
His phone is off and I cannot even track him
using his car because he left it in the garage. I
am crossing fingers that he makes his way
home by tomorrow at least, because his
mother threatened to show up here and give
me hell.

I had to call her when Thabo didn't show up

24 hours after leaving. I wasn't about to keep
his disappearance to myself and be blamed
when something tragic happens to him while
he's wherever. I didn't exactly tell her why her
son left because my mother in-law would use
it against me for the rest of my life.
My husband's family doesn't know that I'm
bisexual, he asked me to keep it a secret from
them because they wouldn't understand. The
only reason I agreed was because I didn't
want to deal with the drama, not because I'm
ashamed of who I am.

I admit that what I did was wrong, I shouldn't

have signed up and started talking to other
people. But I just wanted to vent to someone
who wouldn't be biased; I knew my family and
friends would take my side if I spoke to them
about my situation. They wouldn't have
pointed out where I'm wrong and should
improve on, because their job is to support
me in everything. One of the ladies I was
taking to gave it to me straight and that's
exactly what I needed. Her honesty is the
reason why I signed up.

I wish Thabo can come home and believe me

when I say I love him and I didn't get on the
site to cheat on him. I know it's hard to
believe me because I've cheated before, but I
swear this time it didn't even cross my mind.
I chose to be with a man and to marry him, I'd
never go back on my word or the vows I made
to him and God.
Yes, sometimes I see women and I have
fantasies but it's nothing I would act on.
He is still the love of my life, even though we
are facing a tough period in our marriage.

I slept on the couch last night waiting for him

to get home so we could have a convesation.
It looks like I'll be on it until he comes back
home; The bed is too big and cold without
him. I pick up my glass of wine and take a sip;
I'm watching some movie on Netflix but I
keep on zoning out and missing parts hence
I'm not understanding a thing. Maybe I should
just call it a night, it's clear that my husband
isn't coming back again, I mean it's already 1
am.

I get up from the couch and head to the

bathroom, I do my business then head to our
bedroom to grab a pillow and a blanket. I'm
just glad my couch is big and comfortable
enough.
I hear sounds in the kitchen and my heart
starts thudding in my chest, this cannot be
happening right now. Thabo canceled our
rapid response security and now I have to deal
with criminals myself.
I take a deep breath and go back to the
bedroom to get my gun from the safe, I have
been owning this firearm for 3 years now. I
have never used it before, I hope today won't
be the first time of pulling the trigger.

I tiptoe to the kitchen, my mouth is dry and

my hands are shaking. I need to calm down so
I can be able to shoot accurately if needs be.
Something drops on the floor in the kitchen
and a male voice complains, I recognize it to
be Thabo's. I sigh in relief and walk
confidently inside the kitchen; He can barely
stand still as he tries to pour himself a glass
of wine. My husband is drunk out of his mind
but I don't care, I'm just happy he is home.
"You've had enough, don't you think?" he looks
at me and shakes his head in disagreement.
"I need to stay drunk because I don't want to
think about my wife cheating on me once
again," he slurs his words and I exhale sharply.
"I didn't cheat, Thabo. I just needed someone
to talk to, I swear to you," he drinks from the
bottle, leaving the glass he just filled to the
brim.
"Maybe you should invite your lovers over, I'd
love to see you in action," that's an
inappropriate thing say, but I'll let it slide
because he's drunk out of his mind.
"Where have you been? I've been worried sick,"
he shrugs his shoulders.
"I've been with friends," he's lying.
I called his friends before his mother and non
of them knew where he was.
"Which friends?" he laughs.
"My new friends. I met them while drinking
yesterday and I've been with them since. I
figured why not get myself some new people
to talk to too since my wife is talking to
women she's attracted to online," I put the
safety back on the gun.
"Please don't shoot me, officer," he says,
putting his hands up.
"I thought the was an intruder in the house.
I'm gonna put it back in the safe. Let me help
you to bed," she shakes his head.
"I don't want to sleep yet. I didn't even want
to come back here, my new friends forced
me," they must be good people then.
"They did well, you need to sleep before you
blackout," he smacks his lips.
"You go sleep, Kat. I'm not a child," I should
just leave him be and talk tomorrow when
he's sober.
At least he is safe and back home now. I'll call
his mother first thing in the morning to
inform her.
 CHAPTER 20
VHUTSHILO MUOFHE

"It was nice meeting you mama," Karabo says,

hugging my mother.
"Same here, I hope to see you in Venda this
month end," my mother murmurs and my
girlfriend nods vigorously.
"I'll definitely be there,"
My mom is driving back to Venda, it's a long
trip but at least she has her jazz to get her
through the drive.
"Are you sure Naledi is okay?" she asks again
and I shrug.
"She's okay physically, but emotionally she's
hurt you know. Everyone is attacking her as if
she's the one who broke her vows, when she
didn't even know that the man was still
married.
"This situation is sad. I cannot begin to
imagine what she's going through; Try and
help out more with Basetsana so Naledi can
have time to herself," they are actually
moving in tomorrow. We are both not going
to work, I'm going to help them move and
settle in. I'm yet to talk to Karabo about it
and inform the rest of my family. I just hope
and pray that my girlfriend understands that
Naledi needs me now more than ever.
"Definitely, you know Naledi and I are a team.
We get through things together," Mama
smiles sweetly at me.
"I know, my grandbaby is blessed to have you
as her parents. A lot of young people could
learn a thing or two about co-parenting from
you guys," it's always nice hearing people
praise me and my daughters mother for doing
a great job.
"Thank you mama," she pulls me in for a hug
then climbs into the car and drive off.

Karabo and I head back to the house and I go

straight to the bathroom to shower. I woke
up early to go pick up Naledi from the
hospital; They stitched her up last night and
decided to keep her overnight because she
was complaining about a painful headache.
We started at the police station before I
dropped her off at home; I'm happy she
decided to open a case against the spoilt brat
who thought attacking her was a good idea.
Naledi has been humiliated enough by this
whole Jimmy situation, I just wish they could
all leave her alone and accept that she doesn't
want to be in a polygamous marriage.

I take a quick shower and once I'm done I go

check on my daughter. She's sleeping
peacefully on her bed, at her age Bassie still
takes afternoon naps. I take out a flee
blanket from the wardrobe and cover her
before walking out to find my girl; We need to
have a convesation about Naledi and my
daughter living here until we find them a
proper place to rent out.
Karabo is in the kitchen, washing the dishes.
She and my mother cooked Sunday lunch and
ate while I was still out with Naledi.
"Should I dish up for you babe?" she asks and I
shake my head.
"No, thank you," I open the fridge and take
out a bottle of beer.
"Will you be dropping Bassie off when she
wakes up?" I blow out a heavy sigh before
pinning open my beer.
"Can we please talk in the lounge," she
narrows her eyes and wipes her hands on the
apron she has on.
"Okay," I lead the way and she's following
behind me. I am super nervous to talk to her
about this. It might cause serious problems in
my relationship, but at the same time I
cannot just stand back and watch Naledi
suffer.
"Is everything okay?" Karabo asks as soon as
we are settled on the same couch.
"Yesterday at the dinner table Naledi and I
weren't talking about the food. She had a
fight with her mother before meeting with us.
Maswabi wants to force her into a
polygamous marriage with the man whose
daughter attacked her at the club," I say and
her eyes widen.
"That's bad babe. Why would a parent want
that for their child?" beats all of us.
"Naledi wants to move out of the house and I
think it's a good idea. Her mom will not see
her and always force her to live life how she
wants. I'm all for the idea because I don't
want my child seeing her mom unhappy for
any reason," she takes my hand and brushes
my knuckles.
"That's a great idea. She should leave the
negativity behind. I always say that a person
should cut anyone who takes peace from
them, even if it's family," that's very true.
"She wanted to go and stay at a hotel until
she finds the perfect place to stay, but I
couldn't allow that. I mean hotels aren't a
great place for kids; The change would be
more confusing for my daughter," I explain
and she raises an eyebrow.
"Let me guess, Vhutshilo. You asked Naledi to
move in here with you right?" I nod with a
straight face, but my heart is threatening to
jump out of my chest right this minute.
"It's the best thing to do for my daughter's
sake," she chuckles, shaking her head.
"If it's for Basetsana then stay with her and
let Naledi go live in a hotel," what?
"We don't know how long it will take to find
an apartment. I can't separate them for that
long," her suggestion is just crazy.
"You're not separating them. She can have
Bassie after school and bring her later, then
take her on the weekends," Wow, just wow.
"Where's the stability in that, Karabo?" I know
she doesn't have kids but damn! "There are
days when I work late at night. Naledi living
here for a while is the best solution. I'll be at
ease, Bassie will have stability and Naledi will
be away from her toxic mother," I say,
counting with my fingers.
"Where does that leave me?" why is Karabo
making this about her?
"What do you mean?"
"Our relationship, where do we stand if they
move in here?" Jesus Christ.
"Nothing changes with our relationship,
Karabo. We do things the way we are used to
doing them," she buries her face in her hands,
"We are probably going to spend more time at
your place for privacy," she sits up straight
and looks at me.
"Naledi will always be an issue in this
relationship. I don't know if I'll be able to live
like this for the rest of my life," I gasp in
shock.
"What are you saying?" is she trying to break
up with me right now?
"Uhm... I'm gonna go. I'll call you when I get to
my place," she says then gets up and walks
towards the bedroom. I'm guessing she's going
to get her things.
This is not the life I want to live. I can't be
with someone who wants to make me feel
bad for helping my daughter and her mom. I
mean I get that it's only natural for a
girlfriend to have insecurities now and again
but we had a convesation about this. Our
situation shows that love is not enough, it's
the reason why people get together but not
why they stay together.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

"I'll see you later, have a great day at school" I

say to Bassie.
"Okay, mommy. I love you," her sweet voice
says and my heart melts. This little girl makes
me so happy, she brings a smile to my face on
days I'm low.
"I love you, too. Bye." I hang up the phone.
I asked her dad to keep her with him
yesterday because I didn't want her seeing me
in the messy state I was in. I couldn't stop
crying because of what Jimmy's daughter did
to me in that club. I have stitches on my
forehead to remind me that I once fell for a
man who made my life hell because he was
dishonest.

I opened an assault case against Sihle

Khambule, I want to show the rest of them
that I'm not a ball they can kick around. If
they want someone to blame for this bullshit
they don't have to leave their home to do so
because their adulterous father is there. She
will pay dearly for wounding me and leaving
me with scars on my face. I'm not letting this
one go for any reason under the sun.

Manana cried her eyes out yesterday when

she saw me, she couldn't believe that the
daughter thought it was okay to hurt me like
this. My mother wasn't home when Vhutshilo
dropped me off and she hasn't seen me, I
locked myself in my bedroom till this
morning. She would have found a way to
blame me for being attacked; I've accepted
that Maswabi will never take my side on
anything.

I sat Manana down yesterday and told her

that I'm moving to Vhutshilo's house until I
find a good apartment for Bassie and I. She is
heart broken that I'm leaving but understands
that I cannot take Maswabi's abuse any
longer. I asked her to move in with us when I
finally find a place and she agreed on the
spot. Maswabi is going to lose her mind but I
honestly don't care, the woman doesn't rate
me so I'm done rating her too. From here
onwards she will get what she gives.

Manana offered to help Vutshilo and I with

our daughter while we are at work. She will
pick up Basetsana from school and take her
to the house, stay with her until one of us
gets home. I spoke to my daughters father
about it last night and he was on board, it
will make life easier for the both of us.
.
.
.

I've packed everything that belongs to me and

I'm sure Manana is almost done too.
Basetsana has more staff than me, she has
many people buying her things.
I'm sitting on the edge of the bed texting with
Lufuno. She was just checking up on me, she
couldn't stay longer in Johannesburg because
she was booked for a photo shoot in Cape
Town yesterday afternoon. She works as a
photographer and her staff is amazing, Lufuno
is very talented.

My phone rings in my hand and it's not a

saved number. I'm crossing fingers that it's
not these telemarketers. I don't want to talk
to them but when I've answered I can't just
hang up, it's a very rude thing to do. I exhale
sharply and take the call.

"Hello," I answer.
The person heaves a sigh, "Bubble, it's me,"
Jimmy says and I close my eyes. That name
and how softly it rolls off his tongue makes
me think of all the good times we shared. But
I cannot let that drive me back into his arms,
he lied and my life has been hell because of
that.
"What do you want?" I ask vehemently.
"I wanted to find out how you're doing. I just
heard about what Sihle did to you at the club.
I am so sorry my love. You did well by opening
a case against her," I swallow hard.
"Jimmy, I'm not going to marry you, polygamy
or not. Please, tell your family to leave me
alone. I'm trying to live my life but I am
constantly pulled back into the situation," I
am honestly tired of this whole thing.
"Bubble, I love you. Please give me a chance, I
promise to make you the happiest woman in
the world," he's not hearing me.
"If you truly love me then you'll leave me
alone to be happy. Your family will never
accept me, they will always go out of their
way to make my life miserable. I don't want
that, I have a daughter to think about. Fix
things with your wife and leave me alone, if
you really want a second wife then go look
somewhere else," I say firmly.
"I will keep you away and safe from my
family. It will only be us, Basetsana and the
kids we will have in the future. Baby, please
think about it," I'm shaking my head.
"I don't want any of that. Leave me alone,
Jimmy. I don't want to go to the lengths of
applying for protection orders against you and
your entire family," he gasps in shock.
"No! Please, you don't have to. Take some
time to think about this. I love you and you
love me, let that be the reason why we try to
make things work," I click my tongue and
hang up the call. I think I'm gonna have to
change my phone number.
A knock comes through my bedroom door and
Manana walks in.
"Nyeleti, Vhutshilo is here with the moving
truck," she says and I quickly get on my feet.
"Okay, I'll go help him carry Bassie's things
first," I say and she takes my hand.
"Are you sure about this?" she asks and I nod
vigorously with a huge smile on my face. This
move is new beginings for me.
"This is the best thing for me and my
daughter, Manana," she kisses my cheek.
"Okay, I'll tell Maswabi you've moved out and
make sure she doesn't try anything funny,"
what would I be without this woman and her
support?
I decided to leave while Maswabi is at work
because I didn't want to get into a fight with
her, I don't have the energy.
"Thank you so much, Manana."
 CHAPTER 21
DZUNISANI MABASA

The house is already too quiet and lonely

without Naledi and Basetsana. I am going to
miss being with them in the same house; Yes,
I'll be seeing them everyday but it won't be
the same. I offered to help with Bassie after
school, I'll pick her up and head to Vhutshilo's
house until one of them gets home from
work. That will happen until Nyeleti finds a
place and I can move in with them. Maswabi
is not going to be happy about this but that's
her own to deal with. The girls are the only
reason why I've stayed in this house for so
long, and now that they've left its only logical
that I follow. My home is where they are.

I spent the day in Nyeleti's bedroom, praying

that this new chapter of her life brings
happiness and peace. That girl deserves the
best of everything, she has gone through a lot
in her own mother's hands. What she
experienced would have drove many to their
graves but not Nyeleti. She is the strongest
person I know, he resilience leaves me in awe.
People just see a privileged girl but I swear
they wouldn't walk a kilometer in her shoes. I
am proud of the woman she turned out to be,
flaws and everything.

A part of me is hoping and praying that the

period they live together makes them realize
how great they are; Not only as Bassie's
parents but lovers too. Anyone with eyes can
see that they are in love and should give their
relationship another chance. They are both
adults now and they can make it work;
Maswabi cannot fight and threaten them like
she did years ago.
I don't want them to rob themselves out of a
chance at real love; living with regrets is
hard. I would know because I regret not going
back to my village in Limpopo and finding
Ahlulani. Not a day passes without me
wondering how life would have turned out if I
had just gathered streghth and went back
there.
"Dzuni," she greets dryly.
I didn't hear her come in.
"Maswabi," I give her the same energy.
Things between us have been cold since we
had an exchange that night she called a
meeting with Nyeleti. I don't regret what I
said to her and that's the reason why I won't
even apologize to her.
"We need to talk," she turns her wheelchair,
her eyes are narrowed.
"About?"
"Nyeleti," she heaves a sigh.
"I'm not in the mood, Dzuni. I don't want to
listen to you telling me the kind of evil
mother I am to my own child," I don't have to
say it again. She heard me and deep down she
knows that it's true. Her treatment of Nyeleti
is not right.
"Oh well, that's not what I want to talk to
you about," I get up from the couch and I'm
towering over her. I know how she hates it so
I take a few steps back.
"I'm listening," she has so much attitude for
such a short woman. I wonder where it's all
packed.
"What I'm about to tell you shouldn't be a
surprise. You must have known it will happen
at some point because you never know when
to stop pushing a person," she rolls her eyes,
bored by me.
"I've had a long day heading a big government
department, I don't have the energy for your
judgements," I nod my head.
"I also had a long day helping Nyeleti pack
hers and Basetsana's things. Loading them
into the moving truck strained my muscles,"
panic flashes across her eyes.
"Excuse me?"
"Nyeleti and Basetsana have finally moved out
of your house, Maswabi," she's blinking
rapidly.
"Moved out? They left?" she asks, confusion
clear on her face.
"Yes, they found a place to live and they left,"
she chuckles.
"No way, Naledi wouldn't cross me like that,"
oh well, she did.
"Basetsana! Bassie?" she starts shouting but
gets no response back.
"They left?" it comes out in a whisper.
Is she wounded?
"Yes, Naledi finally reached her breaking
point," she gasps in shock.
"Dzunisani, give me their address. I need to go
talk to Naledi, she has no right taking
Basetsana away from me,"
"Haibo! Bassie is her daughter, she has every
right over her," she clenches her jaw.
"Naledi is not fit to be a parent. Who will look
after my granddaughter when she goes out
clubbing or dating married man?" she never
let's anything rest.
"She has me and Vhusthilo," that makes her
angry, she literally turns red. Light skinned
problems.
"Dzunisani!" she shouts, "Don't test me, I am
warning you," what can she honestly do to
me? One kick from me she's flying across this
room.
I click my tongue, "I'm not giving you her
address, she asked me not to," I turn to walk
away but stop at the door, "By the way, I'll be
moving to their place soon. I'll start
interviewing people for my position, minister."
tears glisten in her eyes, she couldn't pretend
to be a tough cookie any longer.
"Dzuni, you can't leave me," I shake my head.
"Why would I stay? The girls aren't here," I
ask, folding my arms across my chest.
"You're my best friend, my sister. Please don't
leave, help me keep our family together,"
that's not happening.
"You want me to help you bring Nyeleti here
so you can continue abusing her?"
 JIMMY KHAMBULE

I gulp down the whiskey in the glass and

cringe as it burns my throat. I've been
drinking since yesterday, after talking to
Naledi and she made it clear that she wants
absolutely nothing to do with me. My heart is
broken, I have never felt so much pain. Bubble
is the love of my life and I honestly don't
know what I'm going to do without her.
Everything has become so dull, my whole
world has changed completely.

I am so mad at my daughter for what she did

to Bubble, she had absolutely no right to
attack someone she knows nothing about. If
she wanted someone to take out her anger on
then it should have been me; I'm the reason
for this chaos not Naledi. I'm going to deal
with my sister for telling Sihle about the
whole polygamy plan, she will regret stabbing
me in the back. She forgot that her whole
family depends on me financially when she
ran her mouth.
They are lucky that the incident wasn't video
taped and broadcasted on the internet like it
was when Thuli humiliated Bubble in a
restaurant. Otherwise hell would have frozen
over, they would be feeling my wrath right
this minute.

I pour myself another drink and the door

opens, Thuli walks in with Sihle and my sister,
Khabonina. They gave her bail, I had hoped
that the judge would deny her. Being locked
up in the holding cells would have taught her
valuable lessons. That is to never include
herself in grown up issues and to not go
around attacking innocent people. The only
thing I can hope for now is punishment for
what she did. I don't care if she's my child, she
has to face the consequences of her actions.

Sihle gives me a filthy look and clicks her

tounge before walking away. Imagine this
brat, she's giving me attitude in my own
home. Her mother and aunt throw themselves
on the couch and take deep breathes at the
same time. Thuli, like always bends down and
removes her shoes before leaning back on the
couch.

"You need to get Naledi to drop the charges,

Jimmy. Our daughter is charged with assault
with the intent of causing grievous bodily
harm," she says and I shake my head.
"Why would I do that?" Thuli gasps.
"She's your child. What she did was wrong but
she was driven by anger," Thuli is making
excuses for bad behavior. What if Sihle had
done worse to Naledi?
If we don't let her dance to the music she'll go
out there and commit worse crimes against
others. She will feel untouchable.
"She should have directed her anger at me,
Thulisile," I half shout and my sister quickly
gets up. Haibo! She wants to beat me now?
"If you won't get your floozy to drop the
charges then allow the lawyers to represent
her," I will do no such thing.
"You're the one who fueled her with nonsense,
Khabo. Find her a lawyer and pay for it, my
lawyers won't be representing someone who
deserves to be punished. My money will also
not be used to pay for whatever lawyer you
try to find behind my back. The legal
representative the state provided for her will
have to do," Thulisile stands up, wiping her
tears.
"Do you see what you have caused, Khabo?"
my sister is taken aback.
"What I've caused? I am not the one who
cheated on you and ruined your family. Jimmy
did," I smack my lips.
"It was not your business to tell Sihle
anything. Had you allowed us to get to it
when we were ready then she wouldn't have
attacked Naledi in that club," my sister laughs
and claps once. She is in disbelief.
"Haibo! Sihle acted just like you, aren't you
the one who poured smelling urine on the
same girl in that restaurant?" They are
turning on each other now. I don't want this.
"Khabo, please leave my house," I say, pointing
to the door. She cannot believe it.
She grabs her handbag and leaves angrily.
"Jimmy, please help her. She is facing up to 3
years imprisonment. Think about her future,
please my husband," she takes my free hand.
"Naledi told me that she wants absolutely
nothing to do with me, she threatened to
apply for restraining orders against all of us.
How do you suggest that I convince her to
drop the charges?" she swallows hard.
"Okay, that's a challenge but please allow our
lawyers to work her case," I heave a heavy
sigh.
"Good lawyers don't guarantee that she'll
walk. You assaulted Naledi first and Sihle
followed, her lawyers will use that. Plus, she's
a ministers child," I'm only stating facts here.
"You're also a powerful businessman," she
says.
"Why are you begging him ma?" we turn and
find Sihle huffing with anger.
"Go to your room, Sphesihle," Thuli says
calmly.
"No! I don't understand why we have to beg
him when we are in this mess because he
failed to keep his pinky finger in his pants,"
she sneers and I am shocked, this child just
insulted me in my face.
"Hei wena! You will not talk to your father
like that, no matter how angry and hurt you
are. Go to your room now!" Thuli is shaking
and I'm just standing here shocked.
 CHAPTER 22
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I took a couple of days off work because of

the stitches on my forehead, I am not going
back to that place until the doctor has
removed them. I don't want to be answering
questions from gossip mongers; At least this
time around my humiliation wasn't caught on
camera for the whole world to see it. I was so
stressed thinking I'd have to deal with being a
public spectacle again. I spent the night at
the hospital on social media, searching my
name, the clubs name and anything that
might have been related to the incident.

Vhutshilo and his daughter walk in the

kitchen laughing over something and my
heart melts, they are so cute. Basetsana is
thrilled that we will be staying with her dad
for a while and so is Vhusthilo.
I feel bad for him though, his girlfriend left on
Sunday and she was mad that he invited us to
live here. Well, not Basetsana of course.
Karabo is cool with her not me.
I am going to move very quickly in trying to
find a place for my baby and I because I
honestly don't want to be the reason why
their relationship fails.

They share a concerned look before they move

their eyes my way, I roll my pair and point to
the two chairs across from me. I know I
cannot cook but frying eggs, bacon and
mushrooms isn't rocket science. I wanted us
to have good breakfast on our first morning
together. Tonight they'll have something out
of the box, Woolworth saved lives with those
pop in the oven meals. I know I should take
some cooking classes and I definitely will...
Soon.

"You're cooking?" This Venda man just had to

ask me that stupid question.
"I just fried those, toasted bread and
unwrapped cheese. It's nothing much really," I
say with a shrug and he's just smirking.
"Bassie, has mommy ever did this at
grandma's house?" our daughter laughs,
shaking her head.
"No, Manana does all the cooking," little
traitor.
"The Durban trip you've been making noise
about, please forget it," I say and she gasp in
shock, "That's what you get for siding with
daddy," she's batting her eyelashes. What a
cute angel I made here.
"I was just joking mommy, of courses you can
cook," a flip flopper, just great.
"Eat your food you two," I put plates infront
of them and go get my own food. I'll clean
around after dropping my child at school.
Vhutshilo can't take her because it's not on
his way to work. I am happy to do it because
mornings are our mother daughter favorite
time; We have rituals we do every morning
and if it doesn't happen then my whole day is
a miss.
My baby daddy is the first to kill his plate and
gulp down his juice before pushing the chair
back and standing up.
"I never thought I'd say this but that was
good, Thank you," I appreciate the compliment
but everyone can make breakfast man.
"We will have this for dinner then," he is
thrown into a fit of laughter.
"Don't push it," he bends down and kisses his
daughters forehead then rounds the table to
my side and pecks my cheek.
"I gotta run. I love you guys," he says.
"We love you too," Bassie and I say in unison.
.
.
.
"I am beautiful, smart, strong and kind. I will
not let other people project their insecurities
on me. I can do and be everything I want to
be for as long as I put my mind to it. My
name is Basetsana Takalani Moletsane, I was
born to be great," I taught her affirmations
from a very young age and my baby does
them every morning. I am trying to raise a
child that knows herself and her worth in a
world that will constantly try to pull her
down.
"It's okay not to be okay; Crying doesn't mean
you are weak. Days are not the same and
never dwell much on what's going wrong.
Always try to find the silver lining behind the
dark clouds. You are love and you're loved,
never forget that mommy and daddy adore
you very much," I say and she takes my hand
and kisses the back of it. Yes, we hold hands
while I'm driving. She's my broke best friend.

I pull up outside her school and her fellow

pupils are climbing out of their parents cars
and greeting each other with smiles. Bassie
leans in and we share a peck then she opens
her door and climbs out with her school bag.
She waves goodbye and I blow her a kiss; I
don't want to imagine what life would have
been like if I didn't have my daughter. Yes, I
had her when I was very young and I was full
of regrets back then but now she's my whole
life. A world without her wouldn't make
sense, non whatsoever.
My mother stops Bassie in her tracks and I
close my eyes. What the hell is she doing
here? I need to get her off the list of people
that can come pick up Basetsana, Maswabi
might grab my daughter and refuse to give
her back. They share a hug and the school bell
goes off; I quickly climb out the car when she
doesn't allow her to go on into the school
yard.

"Baby, go on now," I say, pulling her from my

mother.
"Bye, grandma," she says and my mother is
giving me the evil eye.
"Have a good day my angel,"
Once Bassie is safe inside the yard I try and
walk away but she grabs the bottom of my
dress as she's on her stumps. This ball is not
afraid to be kicked.
"What?!" I ask, glaring down at her.
She signals me towards her car and leads the
way, I follow behind not interested in
anything she has to say to me.
"How dare you, Naledi?" she asks angrily and I
roll my eyes.
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't play stupid, Naledi. Why did you take
my granddaughter? If you felt like you needed
to leave then you should have left that girl
home. She belongs to me,"
Bathong!
"My daughter? Belongs to you? Maswabi,
Bassie is mine, mine and Vhutshilo's. You have
absolutely no claim over her, get over yourself
mme ke wena," she would have slapped me if
she could reach me.
"Naledi. I am giving you until Friday to come
back home and start behaving accordingly,"
claps once!
"I'm not coming back to your house. I am done
living with your abuse, leave me alone," She
presses her lips into a thin line.
"I am a very powerful person, Naledi. That
means I also know people in higher places,
don't make me use my influence to legally
take Basetsana from you," she says and I gasp
in shock.
"You wouldn't dare," I say with tears burning
my eyes. I know she would play dirty just to
get what she wants.
"Please try me, Naledi, try me," this woman
has done a lot to hurt me but this one?
"You are the devil Maswabi and you'll rot in
hell." I say in a shaking voice.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"They just finished erecting the tombstone,

Bhut'Shlobo. It's so beautiful, thank you so
much for doing this for my family. My mom is
so happy," this is great news.
My heart will now feel better knowing that
her eternal house is beautiful, fit for the
Queen that she was.
"Thank you Thalente for helping me out with
this, I'll sleep better at night now," they
wanted to have an intimate family unveiling
but I begged her to convince her mother
otherwise. I want the whole of Mahlabathini
to be there and celebrate Melamina. She loved
a good gathering and so I made Thalente
promise that she will give her sister a good
day because this is the last time people will
be gathered in her name.
"One day I will show my appreciation," I have
already told her countless times that she
should pass and give her mother the best life.
That's the only appreciation I want from her.
"Thale, come! Your uncle has arrived," her
mother shouts, not far.
"I'm coming mama," she shouts back,
"Bhut'Shlobo, let me call you again later. We
are going to view cow's for the ceremony,"
That's good, things are coming together
nicely. I wish I was attending but it's okay
because I have a hand in what's going to
happen. I will be there in spirit.
"Okay, but please don't be so close to your
mom when talking to me," she heaves a sigh.
"I'll be careful," she has to because everything
will definitely be canceled if her mother knew
that I'm paying for everything and not the
bursary money like she claimed.
"Okay, bye," I hang up the phone and drive
into the club ranch. It was included in the
sale of the team.

I don't want to be here for obvious reasons

but there are papers I need to sign. I want
Mphikeleli gone but the agreement with the
previous owner says I have to keep the
technical team until the season is over. I
swear next year he is the first to go and I
hope he stays gone forever; My son and I don't
need him in our lives. That man is bad news
and I want him as far away as possible from
Nhlangano, he needs to remain the stranger
he never asks about. I am the only father that
boy will ever have in this life.

Speaking of my son, he has been going out of

his way to show me how sorry he is for the
whole situation with his teacher. He also
went and apologized to Khwezi who is heart
broken by my rejection. Yes, she voiced it out
to my son who happens to be her student. I
don't appreciate how comfortable she is
discussing such matters with Nhlangano, but
he's the one who caused this so I kind of
understand where she might be coming from.
I told Nhlangano to leave her alone and only
focus on passing her subject.

I will finally bring Nhlangano here to meet the

team during the week, Mphikeleli won't be
here. He's attending a 5 day long workshop in
Johannesburg for fitness coaches. It's the
perfect opportunity because I don't want that
son of a bitch laying his eyes on my child.
Keeping Nhlango away from that man is the
best thing to do for him, Mphikeleli is a
different kind of evil.

"Shlobo," he likes sneaking up on me.

I turn with a creased forehead, "Is it work
related?" I ask and he shakes his head.
"No, but it's important," I bury my hands in
my pockets.
"I know you hate me and I accept that but
you can't keep me away from my son, Shlobo.
He needs to know me and decide if he wants
me in his life or not," I chuckle.
Mphikeleli has some balls.
"He deserved to have a mother too, but what
did you do to her while she was preganant
with him?" I ask and shame takes over him.
"Oh, cat caught your tongue now?"
He takes a deep breath, "I was young and
stupid. I will forever regret the choices I made
as a young man; Shlobo I live with the guilt of
what happened everyday but I can't change
my past. I can only focus on being the best
version of myself right now and in the future,"
story story story!
"Your type doesn't change. You will always be
the low life that cut Busisiwe's life short. The
bastard that robbed my son off a mother,
MaZikode off a daughter and me off a sister
and Melamina, the love of my life," he wipes
those crocodile tears.
"I am begging you, I have changed," he goes
down on his knees.
I raise my arm and attempt to lick my elbow.
"The day my tongue reaches my elbow is the
day I will believe that you have changed but
for now, inganekwane." I say bitterly and walk
away.
 CHAPTER 23
JIMMY KHAMBULE

"What can I do for you Khabo?" I ask, lowering

myself on the couch and crossing my legs.
"My brother, I didn't come here to fight," I
haven't seen or heard from her since the day I
asked her to leave my house.
"I'm listening," I'm still very much mad at her
for telling Sihle about my plans to marry
Bubble. She knew what that could lead to but
didn't care.
"I want to apologize to the both of you for
opening my mouth. It wasn't my place to tell
Sihle anything, the situation was still shaky
and I made it worse. Please find it in your
hearts to forgive me," this is not a genuine
apology, Khabo is only here because she hasn't
received her family's upkeep from me. I did
say I was going to make her regret going
behind my back and I've already started. They
will have to survive on her salary until I'm
ready to forgive her.
"I'm also sorry. I was just so stressed, I
shouldn't have taken it out on you," Thuli says
before getting on her feet and going to sit
next to Khabo. I'm glad they fixed things, I
didn't want my drama to drift them apart.
"Thank you sisi," They share a hug and I'm just
looking.
"Jimmy, please," she says after a minute or
two and I just shrug my shoulders.
"Thuli has spoken for the both of us," she
smiles and gets comfortable on the couch.
I'm not sorry and I don't forgive her, she will
feel it.
"I'm so relieved that we have all made up. We
shouldn't let this tear us apart. This is the
time to stand together and make sure that
Naledi comes into our family," Thulisile knows
that I need Naledi here for our marriage to
work. Without the love of my life we will go
back to how things were; I'll look for thrill
outside because I'm simply miserable with her
alone.
"Naledi is still refusing to marry me, but we
have the minister on our side. She said she
will do all she can for Naledi to realize that
our marriage has to happen," I pray she
manages to show Bubble that I'm the man for
her. I'll do my part and remind her of why she
fell in love with me in the first place.
"She's a stubborn girl but at least her mother
is all for it," that's Khabo, forcing a smile on
her face. I know she hates Naledi, she is just
accepting my decision because she wants my
money, without it she cannot afford the
comfort she's living in.
"The has to be something we all can do to
convince her, too. I want this over and done
with so we can all move on. Everyone will be
more accepting and understanding once
Naledi and her daughter are a part of our
family," Thuli mutters.
I'm nodding in agreement.

We are disturbed by Sihle walking down the

stairs, I just hope she was not eavesdropping
on an adult convesation. This whole thing has
absolutely nothing to do with her but her
mother, who came up with the polygamy
idea. Sihle should get on board or she'll be left
behind; My life will not be dictated by a
person I gave life to. I have never been the
annoying father who wants to run her life and
so I expect her to extend me the same
courtesy. I am not saying she shouldn't feel
hurt and betrayed on her mother's behalf, but
she should know that I'm still her father and
she is ought to respect me.

"You're a flip flopper aunty," Sihle says and my

wife gasps in shock.
"Sphesihle!" Thuli warns.
"No mama. Aunt Khabo doesn't love or care
about you. She was telling me to help her
fight this thing and now she's all for the
idea?" she's pointing to my sister with a
walking stick she's holding.
"Put that cane down, Sihle," I say calmly.
I can see how mad she is right now, she might
hit someone with that thing and injure them.
"Oh, wait! He has deposited your allowance
right? You are selling my mother out for
money? Aren't you grown? Don't you work?" I
am mad at Khabo right now but I won't just
sit here listening to Sihle raining insults at
her.
"Listen here little girl," she turns and shoots
me a fulminating gaze.
"Little girl? You have been sleeping with a
baby girl," oh now she's just asking for it.
I have allowed her to say and do as she
pleases but I'm done now.
I slowly get up from my chair and stride
towards her; My daughter is shaking with
anger but I'm not scared of her. Today she will
learn that I'm Jimmy Khambule, the man that
gave her life and everything she has in this
world.
"I am not your mate, Sihle, none of us are,"
she chuckles.
"The day you decided to stick it inside a girl
my age is the day we became mates, Jimmy,"
she says derisively and involuntarily I smack
her hard in the face. She screams, touching
her cheek.
Both Thuli and Khabo get up, looking at us
shocked.
"You hit me dad?" she asks and I nod
vigorously. I have never laid a hand on my
kids but Sihle deservesed to be slapped silly.
"I will do it again if you dare say another
disgusting and disrespectful thing to me," she
takes a few steps back and within a blink of
an eye this brat starts hitting me hard in the
stomach with the cane. To say I am
speechless would be an understatement, Sihle
is the devil.
"Thuli, what's wrong with this child?" Khabo is
trying to take the stick from her but Sihle is
not letting go. They are struggling with it.
Thulisile is crying hysterically and I'm just
standing here with my jaw on the ground.
I agreed for my lawyers to help this child but
I'm going to pull them and open an assault
case against her too. I want her to feel fire
from all sides.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

I am crying in Vhutshilo's arms, he's

comforting me but I know he's scared too.
Today is Friday and my mother expects to find
me home when she gets back from work, or
she will use her power to rule me and
Vhutshilo unfit to be parents and then take
our daughter from us. She's not afraid of
playing dirty, she did it once before and I don't
doubt that she'll do it again.

Maswabi didn't want Vutshilo to be a part of

our daughter's life, she threatened to have
him arrested for statutory rape but Manana
managed to get her to back off. She did but
under the condition that we do not get into a
relationship. She got what she wanted but
that didn't stop her from being a thorn on our
side. To this day she hates that Basetsana's
father and I are close friends who are doing
their best to raise their little princess. She
has nothing to fault us on, she can only
manufacture lies when it comes to our
parenting.

I went straight to Manana after meeting with

Maswabi outside Basetsana's school. I
explained everything to her and she wasn't
really shocked, she reminded me of why I
shouldn't be either. She wiped my tears and
told me not to worry because what Maswabi
threatened me with will only happen over her
dead body. But I just couldn't stop myself
from thinking about loosing my daughter and
breaking down.

We are waiting for her to bring me something

I can use against my mother. Manana said
what she has will make sure that Maswabi
doesn't bother me anymore; I've been cracking
my skull trying to figure out what it could be
but I come back empty. I know my mother to
be as clean as an operating room, but I also
know that Manana wouldn't promise me
something if she knew she couldn't deliver.
The intercom goes off and Vhutshilo gently
pushes me off him and hurries to open up. I
hug my knees and rock myself back and forth,
my heart is thumping in my chest,
threatening to jump out. I'm praying that
whatever she has can really get Maswabi off
my back forever.
She's my mother and I love her but I'm done
trying to make our relationship work. All she
does is hurt and make me feel less of a person
just because I make mistakes.

Vhutshilo walks back in with Manana and her

eyes are already warm, comforting me. I
quickly get on my feet and run to her, she
receives me in her warm embrace and I just
cry some more. She's not saying anything just
hushing me and brushing my back in circles.
We break the hug and she wipes my tears
with a reassuring smile on her face. Life
would have been nothing without Manana's
undying love and support. I owe this woman
my life, God is my witness.
"Manana, please tell me you have something,"
Vhutshilo says, desperately.
She stretches her hand out to him and he
takes it.
"I never wanted to betray Maswabi like this.
She helped me during the hardest time of my
life and opened her home to me. She is my
sister but she happens to do things I do not
agree with, she doesn't want to listen to
reason so I had no other option," Vhutshilo
and I exchange a look.
"Thank you for helping me, Manana,"
"You are my whole life, Nyeleti. I always tell
you that you gave me back my life the day
you looked at me and smiled. Your little hugs
made life worth living again and every
moment of the last 23 years together proved
to me that God loves me. I would lose myself
for you to be happy," her words warm my
heart.
"I love you so much," She kisses my forehead.
"I love you too, my brightest star," we go sit
down, ready to hear what she has to say to
us.
"How do I get my mother off my back?" she
clears her throat uncomfortably.
"I want to apologize for keeping it from you,
but please understand that it wasn't my
secret to tell," okay, I'm scared now.
"Please tell me you're my biological mother
and she's not," I try to lighten the mood.
"I'm your mother, Nyeleti, blood or not," we
join hands and squeeze.
"Uhm... Where do I even start?" she looks
nervous.
"I got your mother's phone and forwarded
everything to myself. She doesn't want
anyone finding out about this, especially the
public. You know how important her
reputation is to her," sadly, I do. I belive she
loves how the public views her more than she
loves me, her only child.
"Maswabi is seeing someone she shouldn't be
seeing," she explains vaguely and I'm shocked.
My mother, dating?
"Wow, dragon lady? I wonder how the guy
copes with your mom," me too.
"Uhm, how is that going to help us?"
She heaves a heavy sigh, "Your mother is in a
transactional relationship with Uhm..." she
swallows hard and I'm blinking rapidly,
waiting for her to say the name.
"With?" I gently coax her.
"Oh, Nyeleti... Maswabi is paying Mongezi,
your best friend for sex," say what?
I jolt up, fanning my face. How could they do
this to me?
"Are you serious?" she nods.
"Yes, take a look at this," she hands me the
phone and there are pictures of my mother
and Mongezi in bed. She's covered by a duvet
and Mongezi is bare chest. It's clear that they
had just had sex here. I scroll and there's
more photos, screenshots of their
conversations. I cannot believe my eyes.
"You can catch them red handed. They are
meeting at their hideout at 12, I'll forward the
location so you can confront her in the act
and tell her to back off." I look at Vhutshilo
and the poor guys eyes are threatening to fall
off.
 CHAPTER 24
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I am in the passenger seat of Vhutshilo's car,

he is driving me to the location my mother
and Mongezi meet to have sex behind my
back. This whole thing is unbelievable but the
evidence Manana showed me is clear as day
light, there's nothing they can say to make it
seem otherwise. Plus, I'm about to catch them
red handed.

My mother? Maswabi Moletsane, she's busy

fucking a boy young enough to be her son
then turns around to judge me. That woman
has been acting like deputy Jesus, pointing
out every wrong I do as if she's a saint. I
know her filth now and I'm not gonna feel bad
using it against her to get what I want from
the situation. No one threatens to take my
baby from me. I would have to die first before
that can happen.
The one I call my best friend has betrayed me
in the worst way possible. How does he hustle
my mother? I know exactly how he operates,
he has no mercy on the women he uses. He
takes as much as he can from them and
leaves them hanging when he is done. I will
never forgive Mongezi for this, after I
confront them we are done. No one will make
me change my mind about this decision.

Vhutshilo takes my hand and squeezes, this

guy's support means so much. He is going
through a lot with Karabo but like always he
has put his own thing on pause just to get
through this with me. I know this has
everything to do with our daughter but I feel
bad because everything would be okay in his
life if my mother didn't treat me like shit. I
wouldn't have been forced to move out of her
house and move in with Vhutshilo, a move
that clearly caused problems for his
relationship with Karabo.
I promise that when everything has died down
I'm going to help him win his girl back.
We get to the lodge and Vhutshilo tells the
security that we would like to view the place
and make a booking. He makes us sign in and
tells us to drive straight until we get to the
reception area. We both thank him then drive
inside, this place is really beautiful. I swear it
doesn't look like we are still in Gauteng, it
looks and feels like some place in
Mpumalanga.

We get to the parking lot and climb out of the

car. He holds out his hand and I take it. My
heart is thudding in my chest. I'm nervous out
of my mind but this needs to happen, I have
to see them with their filth and put my
mother in her place forever. I want to see her
face when I walk into their room, for a
change she will be the one in the wrong. I get
to tell her how disappointed and disgusted I
am with her and see how she takes it.

Bassie's father is a smooth operator, he has

charmed the poor receptionist and had her
agreeing to show us around the executive
rooms. Apparently those are for their
members only; To me that translated to rich
people who have high positions in society and
want to keep their filthy affairs a secret. I
wonder who owns this place.

We are driven to the back of the property on

a cart and the chalets this side are big and
breathtaking. They must be gorgeous inside,
I'd be looking forward to seeing the details of
the decor but I'm here to catch my mother in
bed with my best friend.
We climb off the cart and Vhutshilo
immediately makes convesation with the
receptionist, he's destructing her so I can slip
away and find my mother.

We pass the water fountain heading to the

empty room she's going to show us. Vhutshilo
is telling her that if we like the space we will
sign up for membership immediately. She's
sold and giving him more information about
the place.
I notice a board saying chalets 25 to 30 are to
my left; The message Manana forwarded
herself from my mothers phone said executive
chalet 27 at 12 noon.

I manage to slack behind and run off to find

the chalet. It's at the corner and from here I
can see the big blue swimming pool. No time
to admire the place Naledi, you have
important matters to attend to. I take a deep
breath outside their door before knocking,
foot steps approach and Mongezi says
something about food and drinks. They must
have ordered room service.

He opens the door and the shock on his face

when his eyes land on me. He is blinking
rapidly as I stare at him with fury. My mother
asks him what's wrong and he can't answer
her; I push him back inside and forcefully walk
in and close the door behind me. My mother
sits up straight, she's completely naked. Her
eyes are bulging out, she didn't expect to see
me here.
"Naledi! What are you doing here?" she asks
and I chuckle, taking out my phone to record
them. I need my own insurance policy.
"What are you doing?" she pulls up the covers
to hide her nakedness.
"World, this here is my mother, minister
Maswabi Moletsane. She is here with my so
called best friend, Mongezi. They have been
having sex behind my back, I wouldn't care
about their escapedes if my mother didn't like
judging me so much. This woman always
looks down on me, meanwhile she's sleeping
with a boy who could pass as her son. I am
making this video because I want her to feel
the pain and humiliation I always suffer when
she judges me for making mistakes that are
caught on camera," I say, moving the camera
from her to Mongezi.
They are both ashamed, her toy boy has his
hands on his head and my mother is just
sitting there like a wet chicken.
"Naledi, you cannot post that. Please think
about my reputation, think about what this
humiliation will do to you and Basetsana," I
laugh out loud, not because I'm amused,
because I'm mad as hell that she has the
audacity to mention my child.
"The same Basetsana you were planning on
taking from me if I didn't do as you wanted?" I
ask and she heaves a sigh.
"Why can't you see that all I do is for you
girls? I want you to have a good life, Naledi,"
that's bullshit.
"No, you don't Maswabi. You just want to
dictate my life, for some reason you get
pleasure from treating me like a senseless
child," she holds out her hands in surrender.
"Okay, okay. I am sorry, we can work through
this. Please come back home so we can make
our relationship better," I shake my head no.
I'm not going back to her house to endure
more emotional abuse. I've had enough of
Maswabi. "Naledi please. I know I'm not
perfect but I'll do anything to make things
right. I need you to delete that video and
come back home,"
"This video? No ma'am. This is my insurance
policy," she narrows her eyes.
"What do you mean?" I'm still recording. I
want everything on record.
"You will leave me, my daughter and her
father alone. You won't try anything funny
with us, one wrong move and I swear I will
expose you to the world. They will know
you're not a saint, just a filthy old woman
sleeping with her daughters friend and hiding
behind her government position," she gasps in
shock.
"You're blackmailing me?" she asks and I shrug
my shoulders.
"Call it whatever you want, I don't care. We
are not moving back with you, don't go
behind my back and contact my child," she
drops her tears and I roll my eyes.
"You want to keep Bassie from me?" she
sounds genuinely hurt.
"I'm not as cold hearted as you, Maswabi. You
will see my daughter on my terms,"
Relief is visible in her eyes.
"You still have time to think about this. Cool
down and make a decision later," that's not
happening.
"Mme wee! I am done with you. We have
never had a relationship, cutting ties with
you is not a loss to me, I'm winning. I'd be
dying inside if I had to do this to Manana but
you... I'm getting my freedom," she places a
hand over her chest, like her heart is aching. I
don't care if she's hurting, I've been living
with the venom that comes out of her mouth
for years. My truth is nothing compared to
what she put me through. Let her cry, I'll
drink her tears.
"Naledi, how could you say this to me? I'm
your mother," bathong!
"No, Dzunisani is my mother, you just gave
birth to me. That's all and you know this for a
fact," I feel like I'm offloading things I've been
carrying on my shoulders for years. This
woman will finally know exactly how I feel
about her.
She's sobbing on the bed, I finally get to see
her being human. I look at her boyfriend and
he is embarrassed, as he should.
"Wena Mongezi," I say and he looks up at me,
shame painted on his face.
"Naledi, I am so sorry babe. I honestly didn't
mean for this to happen..." I hold out my hand
to stop him from saying more.
"Stop right there! I know you and you knew
exactly what you were doing with her. I hope
her money is worth loosing our friendship
over," he gets up from the bed, shaking his
head.
"Naledi please. I will end it with your mother.
Please don't throw our friendship away, you're
like a sister to me," he should have thought
about that before he betrayed me like this.
"I want nothing to do with the both of you,
stay away from me. Or the will be
consequences," I stop the video and walk out
of their sex reeking room.
I don't know which room Vhutshilo and the
receptionist are in so I take my phone and call
him.
 MASWABI MOLETSANE

It has been an eventful day, my daughter

found me naked with her friend and took a
video of us. Naledi said some things that were
pretty hurtful and as if that wasn't enough,
she went on to threaten me. She wants me to
stay away from her and my granddaughter in
exchange for her to keep the video to herself.
I am backed into a corner, I don't have a
choice but to honor her wishes as much as it
hurts.

My heart is aching, I don't think I'll ever stop

hearing her tell me that I'm not her mother.
The hate and disgust I saw on her face will
haunt me for the rest of my life. How did
things get out of hand this way? My only
child hates my guts and wants nothing to do
with me. I have lost the only family I've ever
had and it's all my fault. I shouldn't have
pushed too hard, but I couldn't help myself
because I wanted her to live a flawless life
and be a good example to Basetsana and
mirror me as her mother.

Mongezi and I decided to cut ties and cease

all communication with each other. I am
going to miss him and how he makes me feel
but this is necessary. It was good while it
lasted; Right now we both have to fight to
get Naledi back. I don't know how but I'll
make things right.
I don't want to lose my family, I won't survive
being along again. My parents gave me away
like I was a nothing and I lived my life
fighting to be something because I couldn't
stand feeling worthless. I have not showed it
much but I love my daughter and her arrival
in my life didn't only prove that I'm woman
enough even without legs; Naledi being born
made me feel a love like no other, she patched
up my heart and made me feel worthy.

My driver stops the car in the driveway and

climbs out to open the door for me. I couldn't
come home after the confrontation that
happened at the lodge. I had one last meeting
for the day and it dragged longer than
expected; I won't even tell you in detail half
of what was discussed there. At least my
secretary was present and taking notes, she
will fill me in first thing tomorrow morning. I
am going through a lot right now but my
personal life cannot destruct me from doing
my job.

I walk inside the house and find Dzuni sitting

infront of the television watching some
telenovela. I wasn't gonna address this but
seeing her, God, I just want to know why she
would betray me like this. I know for a fact
that she's the one who told Naledi about
Mongezi and I. Yesterday I found her with my
phone, she must have been looking for
information to give to my child. She gave me
a silly excuse when I asked her what she was
doing with my phone and I bought the story
because I trusted her.
"Why Dzunisani?" I ask and she heaves a sigh
and places the bowl of popcorn on the coffee
table.
"I couldn't stand by and watch you torment
that girl, Maswabi. You have hurt Naledi so
much and taking Bassie from her was going to
kill her," she says and I shake my head.
"I just said that so they could move back
home and we can be a family, I wouldn't have
hurt her like that," I say and she laughs.
"Don't lie. We both know what you're capable
of, Maswabi. You've done this to them before,
remember how you threatened Vhutshilo with
a statutory rape accusation?" she says and I
swallow hard.
That was different, he gave my 16 year old
daughter a baby. I wasn't going to standby
and watch them continue their relationship,
he was way older than Naledi.
"I hope you're happy now, Dzunisani. My
daughter hates me, she says you're her
mother. You have won," she gets up with a
frown on her face.
"You think I'm happy with this? You think I
want our family separated? Maswabi you
forced my hand here, I told you countless
times that I would do anything for Naledi, I
would give my life for her to be happy. You
threatened to take the one thing that makes
her Naledi, her baby girl. As much as you hate
to admit it, Basetsana has the best mother
and you had no right to threaten to take her
away just because you can. If you want
someone to blame for the mess we find
ourselves in then look in the mirror." she
grabs the popcorn and walks out of the room.
 CHAPTER 25
JIMMY KHAMBULE

It has been a few days since the incident with

Sihle. I still cannot believe that my own
daughter would insult me that way and even
go as far as being physical with me. I did as
promised and told my lawyers to stop
working her case and went to the same police
station Bubbles went to open an assault case.
Her mother begged me not to send our child
to prison but I had to do it, Sihle needs to
learn that actions have consequences.

The police came the same day I opened a case

and she's been in the holding cell since. She
was denied bail because this is her second
offense in a short period of time; She is
definitely going to serve the three years
sentence now. I don't care if her mother hates
me for this, she will be a hypocrite if she did
because we raised our kids to know that no
bad deed that goes unpunished.
I'm also paying for cheating and hurting
Thulisile. I mean the woman I love with all my
heart is refusing to marry me, nothing has
ever hurt my heart the way my situation
with Bubble is doing. What's frustrating about
this kind of pain is that there's no medication
to heal it. I just have to continue fighting for
her and if she stays firm on her decision then
I'll one day have to accept it and watch her
loving another man. The thought of her in
another man's arms leaves a bitter taste in
my mouth.

I look at my wrist watch and a whole hour

has passed, I've been sitting in this damn
hospital emergency room waiting for my
doctor to come tell me what's wrong. I came
in here because I urinated blood this morning
and I have been experiencing sharp pain in my
pelvic area. I suspect that all this was caused
by Sihle when she was hitting me with that
stick. She better pray to her God that nothing
is injured internally. Because of her I had
another man -doctor or not- put his finger up
my butt hole all in the name of digital rectile
exam. I'm still waiting for him to come give
me a diagnosis and prognosis so I can leave
this place.

He finally walks in, he is not alone. He is with

another doctor but this one is female. For
some reason they both have worried
expressions on their faces, I just hope and
pray it's nothing serious with me. Urinating
blood can't be a good sign, I'm going to kill
Sihle if she has damaged my manhood in
anyway.

"Mr Khambule, I'm sorry for taking this long. I

had to wait for doctor Molote here, she's our
attending urologist," he explains and I nod my
head. They called a specialist for me, it must
be serious.
"Is everything okay?" I am already panicking.
"Sir, let's not panic as yet. My colleague called
me to consult because he found that your
prostate was enlarged and had some bumps.
This could possibly mean that you have
prostate cancer. It might be benign prostatic
hyperplasia, which means it might not be
cancerous. It might also be milignant, which
means you do have cancer. I'm going to ask a
few questions as I draw blood to run a test
we call the prostate specific antegen. The
level we find in your blood will tell if you have
cancer or not," she's talking but my head is
not here at all. Cancer and me in the same
sentence? How? I know I'm not the picture of
health but cancer? This cannot be happening
to me, not at a time I'm trying to win the
love of my life back.
"Am I going to die? If I have the cancer?" I ask
with a shaking voice.
"Sir, some patients have died because of
prostate cancer but there's high chances of
survival. Let's just hope and pray that it's not
in the late stages and hasn't moved to other
organs," she explains and I feel like my whole
world just came crumbling down.
"Cancer can move?" she nods.
"Unfortunately yes. It might move to the
bladder or even to the bones," I gasp in shock.
"I might have bone cancer too?" I'm close to
tears. I'm going to die, they always find
cancer late and there's nothing they can do
for you.
"No, even when prostate cancer moves to
another organ its still prostate cancer
because the cells of the tumors are the same.
We now just call it metastatic prostate
cancer. You know what, let's get this test
done before talking further. I might be scaring
you over nothing, like I said it might be
benign," that's not making me feel any better.
I'm shit scared at this point. Death is the only
thing I can think about.
She starts asking me about how frequent I go
to the toilet, if it hurts when I pee. She asks if
I have problems in the bedroom and every
answer is a no. I just haven't had sex in a
while, the last time I made love to Bubble was
a few days before Thulisile embarrassed her in
public. I don't want to get another girl, Naledi
has my heart and I won't cheat on her even
though we aren't together right now.
"How long will the test take?" I ask.
"Uhm, I'm going to take them to the lab
myself and ask that they run it as soon as
possible. We can't waste any time," oh thank
God, "We will have the results by tomorrow."
it's going to feel like eternity till then.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

Things with Thabo have gone from bad to

worse, I tried everything I could to make
things right with us but he's not giving in. My
husband seems to be over our marriage and it
hurts so much, I love that man and I
obviously want to grow old with him. I didn't
get married to get divorced but with how
things are going I think it's going to get to
that and it won't come from me. I have a
proposal for him, I think it will help us find
the real source of our problems and help us
tackle things. We were told that marriage is
not a bed of roses and this is it, we just have
to fight to get back to each other.

He's in the lounge, playing his video game,

that's all he is interested in. Oh, he now goes
out to spend time with friends I don't know. I
suspect it's the people he was with when he
left me here at home and came back the
following day drunk out of his mind. I haven't
met them and I don't even want to because
their presence is making things worse in my
house.

I place the open bottle of beer on the coaster

and bend down to pick up the empty one from
his feet. He doesn't acknowledge me and it
hurts, I wish he can meet me half way. I take
a deep breath and lower myself next to him, I
don't say anything, I just watch him murder
the terrorists on the video game. His
character is of a soldier in battle. It's too
violent and I think these days he pictures
those characters as me.

"You have to teach me how to play this thing.

I think it's a great way to blow off some
steam," I make convesation.
"I tried several time to get you to play, you
were never interested," he is cold as fuck.
I heave a sigh, "I know but I'm interested now.
It might help us bond and try to fix things
between us," I say and he shrugs his
shoulders. Wow Thabo, just wow.
He cusses loudly when he gets killed by a
bomb and throws the controller to the empty
couch.
"Fuck! I was almost there," I hope he doesn't
blame me for getting bombed. I was just
trying to make convesation.
"I'm sorry," I'm reducing myself so much
because I want to save our marriage. My mom
would be slightly disappointed. She told me
not to take all the blame when I'm not
responsible for everything because I'll always
be apologizing to this man even when I'm not
wrong.
"Thanks for the beer, he takes it from the
table and gulps it down, leaving it on it's
knees. I am not going to comment on his
recent alcohol intake, that might lead to
another fight and we don't need that right
now. We need to find balance first and then
we can solve every other issue.
"You're welcome, I'm cooking your favorite,"
he looks at me and smiles.
"I can smell it, I can't wait to kill my plate
and have seconds," oh thank God.
My plan to soften him up by cooking his
favorite meal is working. When we got
engaged his mother took me to the kitchen
and taught me how to prepare it and ever
since it helps me get through to him.
"I made enough. You will have it for breakfast
and lunch tomorrow," he is beaming and I
think this is the best time to talk to him
about my suggestion.
"Babe," I say meekly.
"Mme Molotsi," it's been a minute since he
called me like that. It's funny how food can
change his mood and make him the sweet and
loving husband I know him to be.
"I'm sorry about the part I played in how
things are between us right now," I say and he
shifts to properly face me.
"I'm sorry too, Kat. I don't like where we are
in our marriage babe. I miss you, I miss us,"
his words bring tears to my eyes.
"Then let's do something. Baby let's fight for
our marriage, maybe talk to someone," he
frowns and I cross my fingers. I don't want a
fight, God please.
"I don't want to put our business out there,
Kat. These marriage counselors are strangers
we pay to listen to our problems. I don't think
they work" he says and I nod my head,
understanding his point.
"I hear you, but what if we use someone you
trust. Your Mothers pastor," I trust him too.
We told him about my sexuality and he didn't
go telling on me.
"He does post-marital counseling?" he asks
and I nod. When we finished our premarital
counseling he told us that his door will
always be open for us during the course of
our marriage.
"Yes, he does. I can give him a call and
schedule something. The first session can be
face to face and the rest we will do them via
zoom because of the distance," he goes with
the times, I know for a fact that he's
technologically advanced.
"If it's mama's pastor then I'm all in, my love,"
thank Godness.
He's about to lean in for a kiss when my
phone rings, damn some people don't have
timing. I am horny out of my mind here and
my husband is next to me, ready to devour
me.
"Hold that thought babe," I reach for my
phone and it's Mongezi.
"What?" I answer, it's normal for us.
"Kat, I made a mistake and I think it might
have caused me Naledi," he is crying.
"What did you do?" I ask, getting on my feet.
"It's not something we can discuss on the
phone. Can I please pop by your house?" he
asks and I look at my husband, he's shaking
his head. He is able to hear the convesation,
my phones speaker is very high.
"Uhm... Mongz, I am in the middle of
something important with my husband. Can
we meet tomorrow for breakfast?" I feel bad
for brushing him off but Thabo and I just fixed
things. It's important that I stay and go all
the way with him tonight.
"That's okay, I can wait I guess," this is
serious, I want to know what he did. Curiosity
would have killed me come tomorrow.
"I'm sorry but at east tell me what happened.
I won't be able to sleep if I don't know what's
happening,"
"Please don't hate me too, Kat," Bathong!
This sounds deep mos.
"I'd never hate you, friend. Whatever it is, we
will find a way through it," I assure him.
No mountain is too high for our friendship.
He takes a deep breath, "I've been sleeping
with the minister and Naledi caught us red
handed a couple of days ago," say what? How
am I only hearing about this if it happened a
couple of days ago?
"Mongz," it comes out in an almost whisper..
"I know, Kat. I fucked up really bad. She
blocked me on social media, blocked my calls
and today I went to her work and I was told
she's on leave. Please help me talk to her, I
regret it so much," what made him decide to
hustle his own best friends mother? I'm
definitely judging him right now but he's my
friend and I love him.
"At least tell me you're done with her mom," I
am pacing up and down, Thabo's gaze is
piercing through my skin.
"Done, friend. We ended it the day she found
us, there's no going back. I promise you," he
says hurriedly.
"Uhm, let's talk things through tomorrow
morning. Okay?" what a bomb he just dropped
on me.
"Okay, thank you babe,"
"Be good, love you,"
"Love you too." I end the call and throw my
phone on the couch and clap my hands.
"What's the gossip? I couldn't hear properly
babe." I would excitedly give him the tea if it
didn't involve two of my best friends.
"Katherine, I'm dying here," I married a gossip.
I go back to my seat and clear my throat,
ready to tell him what I know.
 CHAPTER 26
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I love having my mother around, I really do

but the constant talk about getting married
is really annoying. I don't know how to make
her understand me when I say I'm pretty
content and happy with my life right now; I
have everything that I need and that's it. I
have to think of a way to get her to back off,
something that will show her how serious I
am. I have to do to her what I did to my son,
he learned his lesson and hasn't tried playing
cupid.

My mother arrived yesterday morning, she

didn't tell me she was coming but it was a
nice surprise. MaZikide is a stubborn old
woman, she came here in that van that looks
like it would die in the middle of nowhere. I
have begged her to stop using that car but
does she listen to anyone?
What annoys me more is that the driver
overcharges my mother for that death trap.
I have asked her a million times to allow me
to get her a car and a driver but she refuses,
saying it's a waste of money. I had to ask for
permission because she hates people who do
things behind her back. But now I think I have
to jump over her head and do it anyway. It's
for her own safety and definitely my peace of
mind.

I'm starring at the picture Thalente sent me

and I must say that they chose the perfect
tombstone for the love of my life. They held
the unveiling and it was absolutely beautiful,
Melamina was remembered and celebrated,
that's all I ever wanted. My heart is alright
now that this has been done, I hope she is
happy and at peace too. I don't want her soul
to be troubled by anything in the after life.

I walk back in the lounge after leaving

because of "madam I want a daughter in-law".
The TV is on some Nigerian movie channel,
God have mercy. I would drop dead right now
if the house didn't have other televisions. All
she does is watch these movies; A real waste
of money is paying for all these channels and
have her watch only one. I wonder if I can't
just pay for that channel and close the others,
these DStv people are chowing my money for
nothing because of the Mahlabathini
subscription.

My son is on the couch, headsets plugged it.

He is texting on his phone with the widest
smile on his face, is he dating now? It has to
be, only someone of the opposite gender can
make a man smile like an idiot. I settle down
on the single couch and my mother gives me
a dirty look and clicks her tongue. I just
chuckle and take out my phone too; She can
be mad all she wants but she still won't get a
daughter in-law. Nhlangano will give her
more grandkids coz I'm not playing for that
team.

I decide to check on the woman who takes

care of my needs and ask if it's clear to spend
the night with her. We haven't seen each
other much since I bought the soccer team.
Hopefully she's not pissed at me, that would
suck because she's not an easy one to get
through to. She's not softened with flowers
and chocolates and that's the reason why I
don't like being in her bad books.

The intercom goes off, both maZikode and I

look at Nhlangano. It's his job to answer the
gate and open the door for the guests, that's
how it has always been in the Mavimbela
households.
This boy is focused on his phone and the
headsets in his ears aren't helping either. I
grab the cushion behind me and throw it at
him, he snaps out of it and gives me an
annoyed look. Haibo! Not in my house, I raise
an eyebrow and he fixes his face.
Before we could say anything to him, the
intercom goes off again and he quickly gets
up.
It must be one of his friends, my people don't
just show up at my house. They know it's very
important to call before they come, I don't
like surprises, even if I like you as a person.
My personal space means so much to me and I
want to be prepared in order to welcome
someone in.

Footsteps approach after a few minutes, it's

more than just two people in my house. My
eyes are fixed on the door, I'm impatiently
waiting to see who is here. My son is the first
to walk in, followed by a man in a suit, oh
fuck no! Mphikeleli is touching the tail of a
fuckin mamba now, how dare he shows up to
my house? How did he even know where I
live? Oh, he's going to regret this.

They greet us and only then does my mother

shift her eyes from the movie. Her pair lands
on Mphikeleli and I see anger flash across
them. I feel the same right now but I'm
keeping calm for my sons sake, he can't see
me lose it. He will start asking questions I
don't want to answer.
I get up from the couch and grab the car keys
from the coffee table and toss them to
Nhlangano.

"Go get us something to eat for dinner. Mama

doesn't want to cook and I'm not in the mood
to stand over the stove either," I say and he
chuckles.
"I can cook," he jokes. This is not the time, but
I can't really blame him though because he
has no idea who this bastard in his home is.
"Boy, you want to burn my sons house?"
mama asks and my son is laughing, leaving
the room. Mphikeleli's eyes are following him
out, he's making my blood boil. He has no
right to even be this close to Nhlangano.
"You have some nerve," I say through gritted
teeth.
"Shlobo, I didn't come here to fight. Please,
hear us out," he says and I laugh in disbelief.
"Did you come here to remind us of the pain
you caused us? Is it not enough to you that
we are already feeling it?" my mothers voice
is breaking and that makes me hate this man
infront of me even more.
"Yobe, boMavimbela. We know we are the last
people you want to see but please give us a
chance. The time has come for both families
to sit and talk, if not for anything let it be
because of our grandson," an elderly man says,
I think it's his uncle or something.
I'm shaking with anger, "You have the
audacity! You people have no claim over MY
son. Let me remind you that your piece of
shit never married my sister and he is the
reason why Nhlangano has no mother," I say
vehemently and Mphikeleli closes his eyes as
if pained.
"We are here to make things right. I swear we
aren't trying to mock your pain in anyway.
Our son wants to have a relationship with his
own and they both deserve that. Nhlagano is
a male child and he has to use his father's last
name. You know he will face great challenges
in life if he doesn't, let's put him first in all of
this," where did they come from with this
uncle? Does he know the full story of what
happened between Mphikeleli and my sister?
If he really did he wouldn't be sounding so
entitled.
"Baba indini, you see Shlobo here?" mama is
pointing at me with tears glistening in her
eyes, "He is Nhlangano's father. Your nephew
or whatever he is to you is just a man who
got my daughter pregnant, then led her to
death before she could hold her little boy. I
want you people to use the door you came in
with and go back to hell," I quickly move to
my mother's side and take her hand. These
people have absolutely no idea of the kind of
pain showing up here is going to cause us.
"MaZikode, I am so sorry. I know I caused your
family great pain and for that I'll always hate
myself. I am a changed man mama, I will
jump every hoop just to prove how sorry I am.
Please ma, I just need my son," my mother
squeezes my hand and I get the message she's
telling.
"Never show up to my house again. I am
warning you, Mphikeleli, leave my son alone," I
say as calm as possible.
"Damnit Shlobo! He is my son, I made him and
not you. You don't have a right to tell me to
stay away from him, he is 18 years now and
can make his own decision. If he doesn't want
to have a relationship with me then I'll back
off," haike! I'm about to catch a murder case.
I charge towards him but his uncle gets
between us on time and my mother pulls me
back by my arm.
"We didn't come here to fight, please.
Mphikeleli, let's go son, we will try again." try
what? Where? The next time they show up
here I'll be ready to show them the thighs of a
snake. I do not joke with my boy, I never did.
The uncle is pulling Mphikeleli away and he's
crying, mumbling inaudible things. I am
following behind them, I want to make sure
that they get the hell out of my house and
yard. He's going to regret showing up here and
raising his voice.
They get into their car and start the engine, I
press the remote and the gate slides open. Let
them crawl back to where they came from.
I take a deep breath and head back inside,
now I have to explain to my mother that
Mphikeleli works for the club I just bought for
Nhlangano. In a way I brought this monster
back into our lives.
 VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

I just got home from Karabo's apartment and

I didn't see her. I tried calling her but she
didn't answer and when the security at the
gate called her intercom she answered and
instructed them to say she wasn't there. The
guy was kind enough to tell me because he
knows me and I was parked there for a while
looking like a fool.

I honestly don't know where our relationship

stands at this point. Maybe I should just leave
her be and focus on my daughter and Naledi.
They are the only constant thing in my life
and I know for a fact that they will always be
there no matter what. It's only fair that I
protect and nurture what I have with them
because that's who I'll have next to me when
all is said and done.

I'm starting to think that this love thing is

not for me, maybe I should just focus on being
a dad and my career. I'll just get into casual
relationships that won't require me to cut
ties with the mother of my child just to keep
the peace in the relationship. If God wills, one
day I'll find a woman who understands the
dynamics of my life and is willing to blend in
rather than change the situation.

I get to my house and park in the driveway,

next to Naledi's car. It was in the garage
when I left earlier on, they must have went
somewhere while I was out. I climb out and
make my way to the front door with my
broken heart. At least they are here to cheer
me up and get my mind off things.

I am really happy they are here with me,

seeing my daughter everyday means the world
to me.
It's going to be hard when they move out, but
wait, is that still necessary? I mean it's
obvious that Karabo is done with me, she is
the only reason why Naledi was rushing to
move out.
I get in the lounge and Naledi is sitting on the
couch with Basetsana on the rug, between her
legs. She is undoing her cornrows and little
Missy is wincing; My daughter has no
tolerance for pain. A simple pinch would get
her crying like you set her whole body on fire.

I throw myself on the couch and Naledi looks

at me with questioning eyes, she wants to
know how it went with Karabo. I shake my
head and her facial expression changes.
There's both guilt and sympathy in her eyes
and I quickly shake my head for the former.

"You didn't cause this, her insecurities did," I

say and she shrugs her shoulders.
"No, Vhutshilo. I did this, me and my messed
up situation caused you this relationship," she
says with a low voice.
"Mommy, can I go pee?" Bassie asks and I
want to laugh, she's running away. It's going
to take Naledi the whole day to finish
because her daughter will ask for unnecessary
bathroom breaks.
"Hurry baby. I have to finish and wash your
hair," our daughter gets on her feet and runs
to the bathroom.
"I don't want you to blame yourself. I did
everything to reassure Karabo that nothing is
happening between us. My own family did too
but she decided to camp in the middle of her
insecurities. I am not expecting her to be
okay with everything but you moving in here
with our daughter was important," I will not
apologize for being a great father and friend.
"I'm sorry, Vhutshilo,"
I heave a sigh, "It's okay, maybe this is for the
best. I wouldn't have been able to live my life
explaining myself and apologizing for things
that matter to me. And it is also not fair on
her to stay with me when she feels like she
cannot trust me. Our relationship wouldn't
have gone anywhere without trust," I love her
enough to let her go.
"Let me talk to her. I mean I'm the reason
why you guys find yourselves in this cross
road," she says and I quickly shake my head.
"No, let's not go the extra mile. I showed her
how much she means to me when I
introduced her to our daughter. Naledi, you
know that I've never done that before, you
know how big that is for me," she's nodding in
agreement.
"I know and it's because of that reason I want
to help out. Let me try, please. If I just sit
back and watch you lose her then I'll never
forgive myself," that's not a burden I want on
her shoulders.
"Give it a short, but if she is still this way
even after talking to you then I'm walking
away," I'm not even joking.
She offers me a sweet smile, "Forward me her
number. I'll call her tomorrow to meet for
dinner," if she succeeds getting through to her
then I'll be overjoyed but if she fails I'll accept
that we are over and move on.
"Bassie and I are going to make popcorn and
slush once we are done with her hair. There's
a movie she wants to watch, join us," I nod
vigorously.
"I'd love that," I say and her phone chimes.
She picks it up from the coffee table and
powers the screen on. Her smiles disappears
and she rolls her eyes.
"What's up?" I ask.
"Maswabi Moletsane. She's begging to meet
up," Naledi answers.
"Who would have thought? Your mother
begging you?" she chuckles.
I'm just so happy that we have that woman
off our backs. "Are you gonna meet up with
her?" I ask and she shakes her head.
"I don't have anything to say to her." she says
and Bassie walks in and we put the
convesation on pause.
 CHAPTER 27
JIMMY KHAMBULE

The tests came back positive, I have

metastatic prostate cancer. It has spread to
my bones, lymph nodes, liver and lungs. My
doctor was shocked that I didn't have any
symptoms seeing how much it has progressed.
She contacted all her urology friends in the
country and everyone couldn't believe their
eyes; This is by far the worst case of prostate
cancer they have ever seen in their careers.

There's no cure for metastatic prostate

cancer, the doctors can only slow down the
spread. They don't want to tell it to me
straight but I know I'm going to die sooner
rather than later, the 5 years they are talking
about is just to give me hope.
I have never been this scared in my life, for
the first time in my life I'm thinking about
the after life and where my soul will go.
I haven't told my family about the cancer,
things between all of us have been hectic. A
part of me believes that they will all rejoice
when they learn that my days on earth are
numbered, especially Sihle because she's in
the holding cell because of me. One person
who might be hurt is Thulisile, that woman
has always loved me and I hurt her so much
in this life time. I wish I had left her sooner
rather than to keep her around and make her
wet the pillow each night.

I hope Thuli experiences true love and

happiness when I leave this world because I
have. The one year I was with Bubble
completed me in every way possible, I'll
cherish the moments we shared forever. I'm
happy that she refused to be my second wife.
She was genuine with how she felt about me
too, that's why she took my betrayal so hard,
I was the last person she expected to hurt her
that bad.
If we got married and I died right after I
would have taken her soul with me and that
wouldn't have been fair on Basetsana. She's
young and she still needs her mother.

I arrive at the hospital, I'm here to see doctor

Molote. She asked me to come see her, she
stressed how important it is for me to come
immediately. I know it's not good news but
nothing will scare me now, I mean I already
have cancer and I'm going to die. What could
be more scary than death? Exactly.
I greet the nurse at the reception desk and
ask where doctor Molote is. She tells me to
sit down and she will page her for me. I thank
her and go take a seat.

"Mr. Khambule," she says, standing infront of

me in her navy blue scrubs.
"Hello doctor," we shake hands.
"Thank you for hurrying here. Please come
with me," she says and I stand up then follow
behind her as she makes small talk.
We step into a small office and she shows me
where to sit before she settles on a chair
across from me.
"Did you find anything else on the scans?" I
ask with so much calmness.
"Everything is still the same, I just wanted to
run something by you," I narrow my eyes.
"Okay, I'm listening," I lean back, acting like
I'm calm but my heart is hummering against
my chest right now.
"I don't know why but I just can't sit back and
do nothing with your case," she seems really
hurt but she shouldn't. Next week we will be
starting with therapies to stop the
progression of my cancer. That's all they can
do for me, she said it herself.
"There's nothing you can do doctor, I have
accepted my reality. Please don't let my
situation get to your head, you have other
patients you can still fully help," I say and she
shakes her head.
"I can't help you myself but I know someone
who can try and save your life. It's a risk of
course but people have survived," I narrow my
eyes, confused by what she just said.
"I don't understand," she grabs a file and
hands it to me.
"I know an oncologist in the states, Mayo
clinic, he is brilliant. He has a clinical trial for
metastatic prostate cancer, I called him and
asked him to look at your scans and he got
back to me this morning. You qualify for the
trial," she says and I lean in.
"The clinical trial will save my life?" I ask
hurriedly.
"If it works it will give you more than the 5
years you have left because of this cancer.
But it's possible that you might still die, Mr
Khambule. The file has every piece of
information you need, look at it and call me
with questions. Then decide if you want in,
we have a week to decide and fly you to
America," what's there to think about?
"I want in. Please call your friend and tell him
to expect me," she tilts her head to the side.
"This is a huge decision, Mr Khambule. You
need to sit down with your family and tell
them, the day you leave might be the last
they ever see you. Give them a chance to
know this and process it," she says and I
heave a sigh.
"I have heard you doctor." I doubt I'll tell them
though. I'll write a letter explaining myself
and make sure it gets delivered to them
should I die. But if I make it out alive they
won't have to know that I almost died
because I was infested with cancer.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

I had the longest day at work today, I was

running around asking for documents and
begging people to submit reports. I was gone
for a couple of days and it was clearly a
holiday for many. I'm going to be impossible
this week and remind them that their
performance reflects on me as their manager.
I try to be respectful and thoughtful because
I'm younger than all of them but that's
proving to be working against me. If they
respected me back as a human being and
their boss they would have done their jobs in
my absence.

I wish I didn't ask Karabo to meet up with me

for dinner because I'm tired like a dog. I got
tempted to call and cancel but that would
have pissed her off. She was definitely going
to dislike me even more and that's not what I
want. What I want is to tell her that she has
absolutely nothing to worry about when it
comes to me and Vhutshilo. I hope and pray
that she believes me and gives Bassie's daddy
another chance because the guy really loves
her. I know this because he introduced her to
our girl, the most important person in his life.

I get to the restaurant and she's already

sitting at the table, talking to the waitress.
I'm not late but I hope she hasn't been
waiting for long. I need to get through to her,
for babby daddy's sake. His happiness means
so much to me and I'll do whatever it takes to
make sure he keeps his girl and they live
happily.

I pull a chair and greet her, she smiles

genuinely at me and greets back.
Karabo is asking the waitress questions about
their menu and the darling girl answers
gracefully. This is my favorite restaurant, I
know what I'm going to eat and drink so I
don't have to look at the menu. Karabo is
finally done and the waitress looks at me and
I place my order.
"How are you?" she asks and I heave a sigh.
"I'm tired babe. I had the longest day at work
but the food is going to cheer me up," I
answer and she chuckles, "How are you?"
"I'm okay, I guess," she pulls her chair in, "So,
you wanted to meet," she gets straight to it.
I clear my throat, "I'm sorry for causing
problems between you and Vhutshilo. It
wasn't my intention," She wasn't expecting
this, it's clear on her facial expression. I just
wonder what she thought I was going to talk
about.
"I want you to know that your man is an
amazing person. He loves you and wants a
future with you, Bassie and the kids you guys
will have. I need you to know and believe that
there's nothing to our relationship but being
friends and Bassie's parents. I'm not a fight
you two should be having, I promise I'm not a
threat to your relationship," she presses her
lips into a thin line, I don't know what's going
on in her head right now. She could be cursing
me for all I know..
"Karabo, I don't mean to overstep the line and
I know this is not my business but I felt like
we needed to have this convesation. I cannot
bare to see my daughters father hurting, he
misses you and I'm sure you miss him too,"
she smiles.
"You're right, I miss him too," that's a relieve,
they still have a chance.
"Then reach out, you guys don't have to be
hurting like this," she blows out a sigh.
"I honestly don't know where these
insecurities come from, I have always been a
confident woman. I don't recognize the person
I see when I look in the mirror. Vhutshilo has
always been honest about his dynamic and I
thought I would survive it but it's hard. I just
need to stop overthinking things and try to
take everyday as it comes," oh thank you
Jesus.
"You don't have to accept everything. If
something genuinely bothers you talk to
either of us about it and we will try to
change it to accommodate you. Karabo, your
feelings matter," her shoulders sag in relief, I
wasn't aware she was tense.
"Thank you, Naledi. I feel much better now, I
guess I wanted the reassurance to come from
you," the waitress brings our drinks and tells
us the food will be brought soon.
We say thank you in unison and she leaves.
This one is getting a fat tip tonight. She
takes her job seriously.
"I'm looking at places, hopefully I will find one
soon so Bassie and I can move out," she
quickly drops her eyes.
"Don't just take anything, make sure it's safe
and comfortable for you and Bassie," that was
unexpected but it's appreciated.
"Definitely babe," I say and she picks up her
glass and takes a sip.
"I'd like to host everyone at my apartment,
like a do over. I'll have games planned and
maybe watch a movie. I want to make things
right with Vhutshilo and show him that I'm
willing to make us work; I know having a
healthy relationship with you and Bassie will
prove just that. I'm not doing this solely to
score points with him, I genuinely want to get
to know you and your daughter," that will
make him very happy.
"When would you like to have us over?" she
offers me a wide, excited smile.
"This Saturday if you don't have anything
planned," I promised Manana dinner on
Saturday but I'll call her and ask to meet on
Friday instead. We have a lot to talk about,
this dinner for one and the tension in
Maswabi's house.
"Bubble," there's only one person who calls me
that in the world.
My heart skips a bit. Please don't judge me, I
loved this man dearly and I thought we had
forever. It's only natural for my heart to react
this way when I see him.
"Hey," I say softly and he smiles sweetly at
me. This man has always been handsome and
he looked younger than his age, but right now
he looks like he aged over night with those
worry lines and bags under his eyes.
"It's good to see that you still come to our
spot," he says with twinkling eyes.
"I can't ditch a great place just because you
lied to me," the happy twinkle is replaced by
sadness.
"Bubble, I'm sorry my love. I know there's
nothing I can do or say to make you forgive
me, but I need you to know that it was all
real," his words go straight for my heart, but
he's right, I will never forgive him.
"It was never real because it started with lies,
Jimmy. We had our fun and now it's over,
move on and leave me alone," I grab my
cocktail and take a sip.
"I will always love you, Naledi Moletsane. My
heart beats only for you and it will remain so
until my dying day." with that said he walks
away and I'm left feeling some type of way.
"Pshu! That was intense," Karabo says and I
take a deep breath.
"It was babe. I just wish he would leave me
alone, stop calling me and leave the province
so we don't bump into each other. I don't
want to be reminded of what could have been
each time I see him," she's nodding her
understanding.
"You must have loved him then," she says and
I nod vigorously. Why lie?
"Very much, but it's over now and I want to
move forward, to focus on my career and
Bassie." she was about to say something when
the waitress towers over us and serves our
food. Everything looks mouthwatering. Let me
eat, we will talk about boys some other time.
 CHAPTER 28
KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"No, Kat. I'm not meeting with Mongezi,"

Naledi says and I heave a sigh. It has been a
couple of days since I met with Mongezi for
breakfast and he told me what happened. I
told him that what he did was wrong and
selfish and that I'm on Naledi's side on this
one. But because I love them both I'll try to
get them in the same room and get them to
talk. "He knew exactly what he was doing.
Maswabi didn't have a gun to his head, he
chose to go behind my back and hustle my
mother. If he can do that Kat, he can do
worse," Eish, this one is really tough. We have
had a couple of fights and tense moments in
this friendship, but this one is the hardest we
have ever faced.
"Please think about it babe. He is really sorry,"
I don't want to push her too much, but I also
can't sit back and watch my best friends fall
out this way.
"I love you, Kat. I'd do anything for you but
this one is out of the question. I don't want
Mongezi in my life, our friendship is over. He
didn't betray you, I won't ask you to cut him
off but respect my decision to cut him out of
my life," she's serious, there's no changing her
mind on this issue.
"I hope you change your mind someday but for
now I'm respecting your decision and I'll tell
Mongezi," he's going to be so heartbroken.
Yes, he fucked up but he never meant to hurt
Naledi.
"Thank you. Now, when are you back from the
in-laws?" she asks and I groan in frustration.
"We are coming back tomorrow after church
and that feels like a life time away," I say and
she laughs.
"Cooking three times a day and cleaning the
house all by yourself?" she knows my mother
in-law very well.
"I swear she cums by seeing an independent
woman like me being domesticated and
taking orders from her. Can you believe she
made me wash tripe?" Naledi is thrown into a
fit of laughter.
"Sorry babe. Next time you visit take a helper
with you," she says and I smile.
"I might just consider it. Otherwise, wena how
are things at baby daddy's?" I ask and she
heaves a sigh.
"I'm 100% percent comfortable now that I
spoke to the girlfriend and reassured her that
nothing is going on between her boo and I,"
she explains and it's my turn to laugh.
"Home girl has every right to feel some type
of way. I mean those thighs of yours are
salivating; I'd also be jealous if you lived with
my man all day everyday and I wasn't there.
Plus, you guys have done the nasty, raw even.
I mean, Bassie is proof of that," my best friend
is a very beautiful woman, big and sexy as
fuck. I don't think I've ever seen a size 40 that
insanely breathtaking.
"Don't let Karabo hear you say that, you'll
take us a thousand steps back. We made
progress, we are going to her house in a few
minutes," that's nice. Her relationship wasn't
going to work if she didn't accept that Bassie
and Naledi are a part of Vhutshilo's life.
Everyone close to the parents know how
deeply they care for each other. I wish people
who share a child and aren't together could
have a relationship close to theirs. It benefits
the child more than people think; Princess
Basetsana is proof of this.
A knock comes through the door, "Babe, we
have to go," my husband says and I look at my
wrist watch. Our appointment with the
pastor is in 30 minutes.
"Friend, I have to go. I'll call you during the
week to do lunch," I say hurriedly.
"Okay, love you, bye,"
"Love you too, bye." I hang up the phone and
quickly get up and grab my shoes, I step into
the high heels and fix my dress. I make sure
to dress up each time I'm here, my chores
outfits are also cute. No one must see me
slacking over here.

I walk out of the bedroom and there's

laughter in the lounge, they better not be
laughing at my expense. I get to the lounge
and raise an eyebrow at the sight of my
husband hugging Mabatho, his ex. The witch
sees me and tightens the hug, I keep a
straight face. I'm not intimidated by ex
girlfriends, there's a reason why they are in
the past and I'm his wife.

She doesn't like me and that's a waste of time

because I didn't owe her any loyalty. She's
directing her anger at the wrong person here,
she should be mad at Thabo. He is the one
who left her here with promises, only to meet
me in Johannesburg and fall head over heels
in love. I can imagine how hurt she must have
been to find out that the person she was
waiting for was happy with another girl. Even
so, I'm not the one who broke her heart. Hell, I
didn't even know about her until I came here
for Thabo's graduation party.

"Babe, I'm all done," my husband quickly

breaks the hug and steps back.
He clears his throat, "You look gorgeous my
love," he kisses my cheek.
"Thank you," I say softly.
We have been doing really good since we
agreed on meeting the pastor and sharing our
marital struggles with him.
"Makoti, you remember Mabatho?" I nod
vigorously with a smile on my face.
My mother in-law is a lot of things, but she
has never tried pinning me against my
husband's ex. Yes, she likes her but she
doesn't rub it in my face or make me
uncomfortable in her presence.
"Yes, I do ma. How are you ousi?" I ask and she
makes that white people smile.
"All good. What about you? What's the
occasion?" she asks, looking at me from head
to toe.
"Oh, we have a meeting," she doesn't have to
know our business.
"One we are going to be late for if we don't
leave now," Thabo says, linking our hands.
"Yes, we better get going," I add.
"Before you leave, Thabo did you hear that
Mojalefa is bringing his wife home tomorrow?"
Mabatho asks and my husband shakes his
head. "We were all so close, we thought we'd
be the two it couples of our area. Would you
like to go with me to support them?" she asks
and I raise an eyebrow. Is she really asking my
husband out infront of me?
"I wish we could but we are driving back to
Johannesburg tomorrow after church and you
know it's a long way..."
I quickly interject, "We can show face for an
hour or two babe. They were your friends and
I'm sure they'd appreciate your presence,"
Mabatho's face falls. She was hoping it would
be just them, o nyele shame!
"Makoti is right, Thabo. A few hours won't
hurt, it will make them happy," my mother
in-law backs me up.
"Okay, we will go but do you have anything to
wear mme Molotsi?" he asks, brushing my
knuckles with his thumb. I have a cute dress
in my bag. I always overpack because I want
to be ready for anything.
"I have it babe and no, I won't upstage the
bride," he chuckles.
"Good, phela I know you love."
"So, what time are we leaving Batho?" I ask
and she is trying so hard to keep that fake
smile on her face.
"1pm should be good,"
"We will see you tomorrow then," my husband
says, "Ma later," he adds and we leave to go
meet with the pastor.
 MASWABI MOLETSANE

The only thing going well in my life is my job,

that's the only area I have control over
things. My personal life is the total opposite,
everything is just a mess. I don't know where
Naledi and Basetsana live, I'm not allowed to
call or come near either of them. My daughter
made it clear that one wrong move she will
expose me to the world, and I won't say she's
bluffing. I saw the look in her eyes when she
made that threat, she is fed up with me and
one more push from me will make her
explode.

I cannot afford my dirty laundry to be aired in

public, my political career would be tainted
forever. I will be known as a sugar mommy
and all that I've worked so hard for won't be
remembered. That's how the world works,
unfortunately. People are more interested in
what makes great gossip.
Dzunisani is still staying with me but it's
obvious that she cannot wait to leave this
house. She has already started interviews to
find her replacement, she said she will choose
three people and call them back for a second
interview so I can ask them questions of my
own and choose the best for myself. There
will never be another best for me, she is it. No
one can ever take her place in this house and
my life.

I hate this whole situation, I don't want to

lose Dzuni. I have tried talking her out of this
decision, but she says she chooses Basetsana
and Naledi over everyone. She made it clear
that the only way she will stay here with me
is if the girls come back home. She knows
that's close to impossible, Naledi is very
stubborn, once her mind is made up there's no
changing it. It would take a miracle to get
them back here.

This house hasn't been the same without

them, it's quiet and cold. Sometimes I imagine
hearing Basetsana laughing while watching
her favorite movie. It's only now that I realize
how complete life was with them here, I wish
I did a lot of things differently with my
daughter. I could have been a straight parent
without alienating my child. I was a complete
monster to Naledi and because of what?

"Maswabi, you have a visitor," Dzuni says and

I snap out of my train of thoughts.
I look up and there's a gentleman with her,
he's wearing a gray suit and tie, why so
formal on a Saturday afternoon? I take the
remote and mute the TV, "Hello, can I help
you?" I ask and he is just starring at me.
I look at Dzuni and her eyebrows are
furrowed. Bathong! Did this man come to my
house to stare at me? I know I don't have legs
but I am not a freak, this is uncomfortable
and he's pissing me off.
"Abuti," I snap my fingers and he finally comes
back to the now. What nonsense.
"I'm sorry, forgive me. It's just that I cannot
believe that I am finally in front of you," he
says and I frown.
"Do I know you?" I ask and he quickly shakes
his head.
"No, I didn't know about you too until
recently," can he just get to the point already.
"Please sit down, I'll get you something to
drink," Dzuni says. She has more manners
than me, I know that.
"Thank you," the man says to Dzunisani and
she walks out to the kitchen.
"I'm sorry for just showing up here. I couldn't
stay away, I had to show my face. Even
though I was young and didn't understand
anything I still want to apologize for how
things turned out on your side; I want to
apologize on their behalf," I have never been
so confused in my life.
"I don't understand any of the things you're
saying. Who are you? Why are you here?" I ask
and Dzuni walks back in with a tray that has
a glass, a bottle of water and a box of juice.
She places everything on the side table and
the mysterious guest thanks her.
"Well, my name is Mohale Moletsane," he says
and I narrow my eyes. Dzunisani stops in her
tracks and looks back at the man with the
same surname as me.
"Moletsane?" I ask with a shaking voice.
"Yes, I am your elder brother," Jesus Christ!
A huge dry lump clogs my throat, "My... My
brother? How... What do you mean my
brother?" I ask and he shifts uncomfortably on
the couch.
"Me and you share parents, Maswabi. I
recently learned that they gave you away to a
white pastor, and he left with you and other
orphans when the mission house in our area
got destroyed by protestors back then," I can't
believe this.
I accepted that my own parents wanted
nothing to do with me because of my physical
state. Him showing up and talking about
people that gave me away just brings back
feelings I shoved far away. Feelings I don't
want to deal with.
"Why did you come here?" I ask and he heaves
a sigh.
"Because you're my sister, Maswabi. You have
lived life alone and I couldn't stay away when
I knew you existed. I wasn't going to leave
you out here like our parents did," he says and
I sniff back my tears. This is all too much.
"Are you a con artist, a scammer? You came
here to try and swindle a minister? I'm not
dumb, you won't get a cent out of me," he
nods, he doesn't seem to have taken offense.
"You're right to think that way. A lot of
people are chance takers but I'm not one of
them, Maswabi. I have my own money and I'm
open to doing a DNA test at a facility of your
choice, I'll pay the bill." he says and I look at
Dzuni, her eyes are widened with shock.
 CHAPTER 29
DZUNISANI MABASA

Things might not be good between Maswabi

and I at the moment, but she's still my friend
and I will always care about her. She's going
through a lot right now, she's taking the
whole thing with Nyeleti very hard. I think
this is the first time she's realizing the
damage she did to her relationship with her
daughter. Now she has to deal with the past,
things she never wanted to talk about. A man
arrived here yesterday claiming to be her
brother, and as much as we have to wait for
the DNA results a part of me feels like he is
telling the truth. They resemble each other so
much, I didn't see it when I opened the door
for him. But when he said it everything on his
face became clear.

He slept here last night, I couldn't allow him

to go to a hotel. The man was tired and
hungry, he drove all the way from Bethlehem
in the Free State. That's where Maswabi was
born, she hasn't been there since the pastor
brought them to Soweto after their mission
house was destroyed, she was only three
years old.

"Good morning," Mohale says, walking in the

kitchen. He is right on time, I just finished
making breakfast.
"Morning, I hope you slept well," I say and he
smiles. He is such a handsome man. I don't
remember the last time I noticed a man the
way I'm noticing him.
"I slept very well, the sheets were so soft.
Hotel standard, thank you," he says and I
chuckle.
"Maswabi must hear this. She complains that I
buy expensive bedding but they are necessary
for a goodnights sleep," I say and he nods,
pulling out a chair to sit.
"How long have you been working for her?" he
asks.
"I more than work for her. She's my family,
even though we fight sometimes. I have been
with them for 23 years," he gasps.
"That's a long time. You said them?" he asks,
leaning in.
"Yes, she has a daughter, Naledi and a
granddaughter named Basetsana. They just
moved out, Nyeleti was ready to figure out
life all on her own," I explain and he's nodding
vigorously.
"I totally understand. All my children left for
varsity at 18 and they never came back, I'm
left all alone in the house," he says with a
chuckle.
"How many do you have?" I ask and his smile
widens. I can tell that he adores his children.
"Three, it's two boys and a girl, she's my last,"
Nyeleti will be happy to know that she has
cousins. She has always wanted a big family. I
just hope Maswabi will be open to having a
relationship with him and his children. He had
nothing to do with their parents decision to
abandon her.
"How did you find out about Maswabi?" I
know I changed the convesation without
warning, but I'm really curious. I tossed and
turned last night thinking about it.
He heaves a sigh, "My daughter has been sick
for almost 5 years now. She goes in and out of
hospitals and the doctors still don't know
what the problem is. They diagnose her with
this today and that tomorrow. A woman who
works for me asked me to take her to a
sangoma, I was skeptical at first but I'm glad
I went because I got answers," he pauses and I
sit down, "My daughters sickness was caused
by my late parents, they needed to get a
massage across to me. They wanted to tell me
to find my sister and bring her home; They are
desperate for her forgiveness. Their souls are
wondering, they cannot be accepted by our
ancestors because they abandoned a child,
their own flesh and blood just because she
was different," he explains and I cannot
believe my ears. "The sangoma said once
Maswabi says she forgives them with her
mouth and means it in her heart my daughter
will be okay and our parents will rest in
peace," this is just insane. They are hurting
Mohale's daughter to get what they want,
that's manipulation. They didn't want
Maswabi, they don't deserve to rest in peace.
"Even in death they only think about
themselves, some parents they are," Maswabi
says, entering the kitchen. She's on her
motorized wheelchair, she hardly uses that
thing when she's inside the house.
"You are not forced to forgive them Maswabi,"
he says and I gasp in shock.
"But your daughter will always be sick," I say
and he heaves a sigh.
"I know but we cannot force her to let go. Our
parents hurt her a lot,"
"What are you talking about?" she asks, her
eyes darting between me and Mohale.
"Tell her and don't down play the seriousness
of the situation at hand. This is literally a
matter of life and death," he looks at Maswabi
nervously.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm in Mahlabathini, I brought back my

mother. We didn't come with Nhlangano, he
refused to come point blank. This boy hates
the village, I don't know why because there's
this tranquility that doesn't exist in Durban. I
want to build a big double storey house here
and move into it when I retire, I'll probably
find a partner then, in my old age. No one will
expect a child or marriage at that point in
time, that's why I'm even considering it.

My mother's mood has been down since

Mphikeleli came to my house unannounced.
He opened my mothers wounds and poured
salt on them with his disrespect and
entitlement. It won't be easy for her to snap
out if it, Busisiwe was her princess. 18 years
have passed but the pain is still fresh in her
heart.
MaZikode tried warning Busi about Mphikeleli
and his temper but my sister loved him and
she thought that would be enough to change
him and show him the way.

Mama and I agreed to keep the identities of

the men that came to the house from
Nhlangano. Yes, he knows how his mother
died and what led to it but he doesn't know
the face of the man that helped my sister
make him. He has never asked about him,
which makes me happy because Mphikeleli
doesn't deserve to be a part of my sons life.

I have hired a private investigator, I want to

know everything there is to Mphikeleli. All his
short comings and skeletons in the closet. I
need something dirty I can use to get him to
stay away from me and Nhlangano. I have
never been one to play dirty but I'm willing to
go to hell in order to protect my son from a
man I know to be anything but a good person.
I lost Busisiwe because of him, I am not gonna
watch him try and take Nhlangano from me. I
dedicated my whole life to raising that boy,
working hard to ensure that he has
everything he wants. A low life like Mphikeleli
won't ruin things for us now.

I'm with maZikode in the lounge, watching a

Nigerian movie we left playing in Durban. I
have never seen such a long movie, mama has
managed to figure out what happened in the
two hours we were on the road. She is even
filling me in and I'm honestly not interested;
I'd rather be taking a stroll around this place
but the sun is scorching hot.

We hear someone screaming outside and

another person is crying, we share a look and
get up from the couch. I love this place but
they never run out of drama.
We get outside and my heart drops into my
stomach, it's Thalente and her mother.
Mam'Gasela has a long cane in her hand and
Thalente looks scared out of her mind. Was
she hitting her with that thing? Thalente is
an adult, how could her mother do this?
"Haibo! Haibo! What's this noise in my yard?"
MaZikode asks with a flared nose.
"You people killed my Melamina and now you
have taught my sweet Thalente how to lie
and do your dirty job," I close my eyes.
She definitely found out that I'm responsible
for Mela's unveiling.
"What are you talking about now
Thembelihle?" my mom asks, but deep down
she knows that this woman found out about
the tombstone and everything else. What I
want to know is how.
"Don't tell me that you didn't know that your
stupid son has been paying for Thalente's
school fees, her rent and food. He even went
as far as manipulating her into taking his
money to erect a tombstone for Mela. Didn't I
tell you that I want nothing from you people?
Do you think all this will make you feel less
guilty for killing my daughter?" I have had
enough of this woman and her bullshit!
"With all due respect, ma. We don't feel guilty
because we are not responsible for Mela's
death. We also lost a loved one in that car
accident if you're not aware. Hating and
blaming us won't bring her back, you need to
let go of this anger in your heart. Mela
wouldn't want us to be at odds with each
other," I say calmly but I'm boiling inside, I've
reached my limit with her attitude.
"You taught your snob to disrespect his
elders?" she asks my mother with a raised
eyebrow.
"Mama, can we please just go. Bhut'Shlobo did
nothing wrong here, he just wanted to help.
Because of him I'm working towards my
dreams. Sis'Mela now has a tombstone and
you've been happy about it. He is a great man
and your late daughter adored him, can you
just stop this drama and accept that they had
nothing to do with my sister's death,"
Thalente begs her mother.
"Hawu! Thalente, you're also caught in their
web? I'll tell you the very same thing I told
Melamina, nothing good comes from
Mavimbela men. They are liars and users,"
there's that statement again.
"Mavimbela men? It's only me you have dealt
with, so what is that supposed to mean?" I
ask and she smacks her lips.
There's more to this woman's hate than what
meets the eye.
"Why do you hate my family ma? Please don't
say Mela's death, that only gave you a reason
to make your feelings about us vocal," she is
blinking rapidly, she never expected this
question.
"Tell them, Thembelihle. Tell the kids why you
really hate the Mavimbela's," my mom says
softly and I narrow my eyes.
"Tell them what? There's nothing to tell,"
Mam'Gasela says defensively.
"Your father and Thembelihle had an affair,
Shlobo," mama says and mam'Gasela gasps in
shock.
"Yes, I knew. I just didn't come running to you
and threatening you to leave my husband
alone. I wasn't married to you, you owed me
nothing. I spoke to the one that made a vow
to me and he listened to everything I said,"
wow, just wow.
I didn't expect to hear about my father's
infidelities on a Sunday afternoon.
"You're the reason why he stopped coming to
me and talking to me? You made him leave
me?" Thalente's mother asks with sadness
laced in her voice.
"You thought he'd leave me for you? He
whispered all the sweet nothings in your ear
to get what was under your dress," my
mother is too calm for my liking and my
father's imagine has been tainted forever. I
always thought he was a faithful man that
adored his wife, but he cheated on a woman
that gave so much to him.
"He promised to make me his second wife, he
was ready to take care of me and my children
and you took that away from us," Mam'Gasela
says and a tear escapes her eye.
"Mama, are you listening to yourself?"
Thalente is shocked out of her mind.
"Yes, I am. He loved me and was ready to give
it all up if things didn't go as planned," she
believes her words, could they be true?
My father was going to leave us to raise
another man's children?
"Oh, Thembelihle. If Mavimbela loved you as
you claim then he would have taken the
second option but he didn't," secrets are
coming out today.
"What second option?" - Mam'Gasela.
"I had his bags packed and placed by the
kitchen door. He was coming from you that
night. I told him that I'm not going to
continue living life with a man who is not
satisfied with me and what I offer him. I am
not an unreasonable woman, I wouldn't want
to keep a man that wanted to be somewhere
else. Option one was for him to stop all
communication with you and give our
marriage and family the attention it deserves.
Then option two was for him to take his bags
and leave the home we built for our children. I
promised not to keep his children from him or
influence them negatively against him or the
life he chooses to live. You know what he
did?" when did all of this happen? I don't have
a single memory of my parents being unhappy
or going through a difficult time.
"What?" Thalente and I are just quiet, listening
to these women talk. My mother is finally
coughing out and it looks like Mam'Gasela is
getting answers my father never gave her.
"He went down on his knees, tears streaming
down his face. He assured me that his heart
never left home even though his body laid
somewhere else. He told me to consider you
gone and that he will change the road he's
using if he saw you approaching," mama
explains and mam'Gasela looks broken.
"He never loved me?" she asks and my mother
nods.
"He never loved you sisi. I'm not going to ask
you to stop hating him, but stop hating us
and blaming us for Mela's death. My son loved
your daughter, he still does to this day and
that's why he cannot move on with his life.
She was a good girl, I adored her. I didn't put
your mistakes on her shoulders or hated her
because her mother had an affair with my
husband. That had nothing to do with her or
the love she shared with my son. I cannot say
the same about you though," mama hasn't
even shed a single tear but mam'Gasela has
cried a river.
"Thalente, let's go." with that said she turns
and walks away.
"I'm really sorry Bhut'Shlobo," poor girl says
and I just smile sweetly at her and watch her
run after her mother.
I look at maZikode and her eyes are still glued
to them, "Why didn't you tell me about this
mama?" I ask and she chuckles then looks at
me.
"Because it wasn't your business Shlobo."
ouch!
She kisses my cheek and heads back inside
the house. Knowing my mother, we will not
talk about this matter any further.
I wouldn't have known about all this if
mam'Gasela didn't come here making noise.
 CHAPTER 30
VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

We just arrived in Venda and the sun is

scorching hot, I love being home but the heat
is the only thing I cannot stand. I told Karabo
about it and my girlfriend packed five bottles
of sunscreen, she is dramatic like that. I'm
with her and Basetsana, I'm super excited
about the couple of days we are going to
spend here with my family. I hope and pray
that this shows Karabo that I want her and I
to work out, that there's nothing between my
daughters mother and I.

I drive into the yard and both my parents cars

are parked in; They aren't together anymore
but they have become really close friends. It
was not always rosey, my father was not a
good man when he was still married to my
mom. He did a lot of things to hurt all of us
but he grew up I guess and we all found it in
our hearts to forgive him. I'm just glad he is a
better husband to my brother, Avathu's
mother.

I stop my car behind my mom's and look at

Karabo, she's sweating profusely. I guess it's
the heat and nerves, she has nothing to worry
about though, she has already met my family.
Today she gets to meet my dad and a day or
two from now I'll go show her my paternal
side of the family, The Muofhe's. The
Ramabulana's, my moms side of the family
always stops by so I know they will see her
before the sun sets today.

I take Karabo's hand and kiss her knuckles, I

got her back and I know everyone she hasn't
met is going to love her too. I look in the back
seat and my baby girl is still out of it, she's 9
years old but long distance driving still
knocks her out. I shake her gently and her
eyes flicker open, I watch her rub sleep off her
eyes then look out the window. The corners of
her lips curl up to form a smile, she's happy to
be home, her father's home.
The three of us climb out of the car and I go
take out the bags from the boot. We make
our way to the front door and it opens even
before we can knock. My mother and Avathu
walk out with smiles on the faces, Bassie runs
to my mom and they share a warm hug. This
is her one and only granddaughter and she
took a chunk of my mother's heart when she
was born. Lufuno and I are loved but
Basetsana comes first.

"Finally, I thought you weren't coming

anymore," that's my younger brother, Avathu.
"But I called when I left Johannesburg to say
I'm on my way," I defend myself and he shakes
his head.
"You have stood us up before," it's never been
on purpose. Naledi's mother would refuse me
taking my daughter in the last minutes, that
one is spiteful. I would give my family an
excuse that protects her imagine because I
don't want any hate between the two
families.
"Karabo, welcome my dear," my mother gives
my girlfriend a hug.
"Thank you mama. This place is beautiful, I
cannot wait to devour these avocado's,"
Karabo says and we all laugh.
"We have all sorts of fruits here and you will
enjoy them all, don't worry," -Mama.
Avathu helps me with the bags and we all
walk inside. We find my father with his wife
and my mothers elder sister. We greet
everyone and settle down.
"Let me go get you some refreshments," My
mother says, leaving the lounge.
I take the moment to do the introductions.
"Papa, Mmane and Mmemuhulu, this is the
lady I'm seeing. Her name is Karabo Mofokeng.
Babe, this is my father and his wife then
that's my mother's elder sister," I say and
Karabo gets up to shake everyones hand. My
family is not too strict, they won't judge her
for not greeting like a Venda girl.
"It's really nice to meet you, I was very
surprised when my sister told me that
Vhutshilo has a girlfriend he is bringing home.
The whole family always thought that he and
Takalani's mother will get married,"
Mmemuhulu says and I close my eyes. She
shouldn't have mentioned Naledi, she's going
to make Karabo sour this entire time.
"Naledi and I already told everyone that we
are just friends. Karabo here is the one I see a
future with, she will help me give Takalani
some siblings," I try to salvage the situation.
"I see that you meant it. I hope you're ready
to be a Venda bride," Mmemuhulu says and
Karabo forces a smile.
"I'm ready ma," I hope she means that.
I know how Naledi's name and mine in the
same sentence gets her worked up.
Yes, everything has been great since the
dinner they had with Naledi, but I'm still
shaky with my lady. I'm not 100% sure that
she trusts that there's nothing but friendship
and co-parenting between us.
"We are happy to hear that. We need a bride
at the Muofhe's," that's Mmane, my father's
wife.
Mama walks back in with a tray of drinks and
a light snack.
"Refresh with this, lunch will be ready in an
hour," mama says, putting the tray on the
coffee table.
Takalani quickly gets off my father's lap and
comes to take her drink. My family and I get
to call her Takalani freely when we are here.
Naledi's mother hates the name, just like she
hates everything else about us.
"You don't like the drink Karabo?" my mother
asks and she pulls another fake smile before
answering.
"I am just so sweaty mama. Can I please
refresh quickly and come back to enjoy this?"
that's true but I know she's mad inside
because of what Mmemuhulu said.
"Let me show you to my room and the
bathroom," I say, getting up.
"No, Vhutshilo. You and Karabo aren't married,
you will sleep in your room and she will use
Lufuno's bedroom," I mentally roll my eyes. My
mom and rules, I can still sneak into Karabo's
room to take a round in the wee hours.
"Understood. Come babe," I lead her to my
sisters room and her bag is already in here,
it's not hard to miss that it belongs to her.
It's pink and has a tag with her name on it.
My mother must have told Avathu to bring it
in here.
"Definitely Lufuno's bedroom," she says,
looking around.
"Mhhh, she has always been about pissing my
mother off. You saw that the two don't agree
on religion," the room is painted in black and
has messages that gives science credit for
everything my mom believes was created by
God. She wanted to change the room when
my sister left home but I told her not to do it,
it would have caused more fights between
them. Yes, Lufuno is an atheist but she
doesn't bash peoples believes in their faces,
she only retaliates on people that call her
satanic for not believing in God.
"I tried giving it some color with the flowers
and the bedding," my mother says behind us
and we turn, "I know it's a little creepy in
here, you can swap with Vhutshilo if you are
uncomfortable," she adds and Karabo shakes
her head.
"Oh no ma, it's okay. I'll be great in here,"
Karabo says and my mother smiles and walks
away. I close the door then go snake my arms
around her waist.
"I'm gonna tiptoe in here at night to steal a
delicious round," I kiss her neck and she
wiggles out of my hold.
"In this heat? Plus, you heard your mom. We
aren't married, so we can't do anything in her
house," she says, grabbing her suitcase and
puting it on top of the bed.
"I plan to marry you," I say to lighten the
mood.
"Against your family's wish? You heard them,
they want Naledi to be your wife," I gasp in
shock. My aunt didn't say that.
"Don't lie against my aunt. She didn't say
that," she shrugs her shoulders.
"Same difference, they want Takalani's mom,"
I'm tired of this bullshit.
"Am I going to live the rest of my freaking life
assuring you that I don't want a relationship
with Naledi? Because if that's the case then
we can end this relationship right now," I say
and she's blinking rapidly, "I won't live with
your insecurities. I have shown you countless
times that it's you I want. The same Naledi
took you to dinner to tell you the same thing
but no, you're still holding on to nonsense. My
family and I will not be afraid to mention
Naledi in your presence just because you'll be
offended and start thinking that I want her to
be my woman. My daughters mother and I
had what we had and it's over, we are friends
and that's that," I say sternly but not loud
enough for my family to hear.
"Vhutshilo... I..."
I cut in, "This is the very last time I'm
discussing the Naledi situation. If you think
you're going to keep bringing it up then break
up with me now and I'll drive you back to
Johannesburg this minute. If you don't trust
me then what the fuck are we doing? I'm a
grown ass man, I can't keep doing this. I have
never given you a reason not to trust me,
Karabo," I'm honestly mad at her right now.
"I'm sorry babe," she says.
"The bathroom is right next door." with that
said I leave the bedroom. I need a strong
drink, good thing my cooler box is filled up
with alcohol. It's like I knew I'd have to deal
with this bull crap once again.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Babe," Nonku says and I open my eyes.

We are lying on the bed in her house, we just
finished having sex and it was great. I have
missed her so much.
"You want a massage?" I ask and she chuckles.
"I always do because of your magic hands but
that's not what I wanted to ask," she says
and I sit up straight and look at her.
"I'm all ears, what's up?" she takes a deep
breath and shifts uncomfortably. This must be
serious, she never finds it hard to say what
she needs to say.
"Nonkululeko, is everything okay?" I ask.
"We have a good thing going on, Shlobo. I like
your company but my family said something
that really had me thinking," she says and I
narrow my eyes.
"What did they say?" I ask but I'm not sure if I
will like the answer to that.
"I know you don't want to get married and
staff, I don't want that too but I want to be
happy and in a relationship," she mutters and
I'm confused.
"Kante what are we doing here, Nonku? Aren't
we in a relationship?" I ask and she shakes her
head.
"No, this is not a relationship. Shlobo you
never take me out on dates, we sneak around
like kids. Our relationship is basically sexual, I
feel like your sperm dish at times. We only
have sex here or the hotel, it's never your
place. Is that normal in a relationship?" I
never thought we'd have this convesation. I
made my intentions clear from day one, I
wanted an adult physical relationship and she
did too. She is divorced with kids and didn't
want anything demanding, we have always
been on the same page so this is really
confusing.
"Tell me what you want then and I'll decide if
I can be able to give it to you or not," she gets
up from the bed and grabs her gown, I watch
as she puts in on then look at me with folded
arms.
"I don't want a ring, I don't want to move in
with you. What I want is to be able to sit
down around the table with our kids and have
a meal and laugh; I want to have sleep overs
now and again. Shlobo, I want to know your
family and for you to know mine. I want
vacations and emotional support. I want all
the perks of being in a relationship without
complicating it with marriage and being in
each others space 24/7," she explains and I
heave a heavy sigh.
"Simply put you want my heart, Nonku," I say
and she nods vigorously.
I close my eyes, that's a tough one. My heart
has always belonged to one person and that's
Melamina. I cannot betray her and give
another woman my heart like that.
"She's dead, Shlobo. She won't come back and
love you again. It's time you accept this and
move on with your life," oh wow.
I should have never said anything to her
about Melamina.
I get up from the bed and start putting on my
clothes.
"I didn't mean that in a bad way, Shlobo. I just
want more and I need to know if you can give
it to me," my heart is not part of the
agreement.
"I don't know Nonku, I honestly don't," I pick
up my phone and car keys from the night
stand.
"You are going to leave in the middle on such
an important discussion?" I don't want to be
talking about this, that's why I'm leaving her
house.
"You have told me what you want from me
and I need some time to think about it," she
nods with tears glistening in her eyes.
"Please don't bother calling or showing up if
you won't give me what I need. If you are
going to give me yourself then give me every
piece of you. I'm not asking for what I know
you don't want, that should count for
something," I didn't see this day ending this
way. I genuinely missed her and I was hoping
to have a great time.
.
.
.
I get to my house and there's music bursting
through the speakers. Does Nhlangano want
to break my windows? I leave the car in the
driveway and head inside; He's on the couch in
his underwear listening to this loud music and
playing Fifa all at the same time. This is pure
insanity. I switch off the sound bar and stand
infront of the TV with arms folded across my
chest.

"Dude! You just made me miss a goal," he says,

getting on his feet.
"Are you crazy? What noise is this? Do you
have money to replace the windows if they
shattered?" I ask and he narrows his eyes.
"It wasn't that loud," he says and I chuckle.
"Don't tell me that nonsense. I heard the noise
all the way from the street," I say wagging a
finger at him.
"Uhm, I'm sorry baba," he looks scared, I have
never raised my voice at him like this.
"I'll go play in my room," he says and I sink
down on the couch and burry my head in my
hands.

I don't speak to my son like this, yes the

music was loud but I could have addressed the
issue better. It wasn't fair for me to take my
frustrations out on Nhlangano. He's not the
one who messed up my mood, Nonku and her
sudden demands did.

I get up from the couch after a few minutes, I

need to apologize to my son.
I go the kitchen first and take out ingredients
to make tortilla wraps for dinner, I didn't pick
anything to eat on my way from Nonku's
house. I stuff it up with extra cheese and
bacon, those are his favorites.
I fill two tumblers with orange juice and place
everything on the tray then make my way to
his bedroom.
I knock on his door and the game pauses
inside the room, he comes to open the door
and I offer him a smile, he returns it and
steps aside for me to walk in. I place
everything down on the chest of drawers and
settle down next to him on the studio couch,
he has a cool room. These are the kind of
things I wish I had growing up but I'm glad I
was able to give it all to my son.

"I'm sorry," I start off, "Something pissed me

off and I shouldn't have brought it home with
me, son. I don't talk to you in that manner
and I shouldn't have started today, forgive
me," I add and he looks at me.
"It's okay baba. Days don't come the same,
sometimes things happen and cause us to act
differently," that's very true.
"You're wise beyond your age," I say and he
laughs.
"Do you want to talk about what pissed you
off?" he asks and I quickly shake my head.
"Don't worry, I'll be okay. I made wraps for
dinner, there's more cheese and bacon in
there," he's already on his feet, bringing the
tray back to the couch. He hands me my plate
and glass and starts devouring the poor wrap.
His phone chimes between us, he places the
food down on the floor and picks the phone.
Nhlangano quickly turns the screen away and
starts coughing violently.
And then?
"What's wrong? Did they send you a picture of
a ghost?" he shakes his head, avoiding my
eyes.
"It's nothing baba, please excuse me, I need
water," he gets up and walks out of his
bedroom. Ya ne! Raising a teenager is
something else.
 CHAPTER 31
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I shouldn't be doing this for a million reasons

but I will just name a few, firstly she's older
than me and I have a girlfriend who is my age
and makes me really happy. Also, my father
would skin me alive if he found out about
this.
I have an option of turning this car around
and ending this thing before it even begins,
but I don't want to because of curiosity.
Something that killed the cat.

I'm not a virgin anymore, I lost it at 15 and

I've slept with a couple of girls since then. I
always use a condom, my father told me to
when we had "the talk" because he didn't
want me catching anything filthy. And yes, he
doesn't want to become a grandfather
because he's too young, 48 years young. One
person who would only be mad at me for a
second then be happy for bringing a pregnant
girl home is my grandmother. MaZikode
wants more grandchildren before she dies
because that's what she deserves, her words
not mine. But I know I'd be forced to get
married to whoever I impregnated and I'm not
ready for that commitment, I have so many
things planned for my future.

I stop the car outside an apartment building

in Musgrave and text Miss Gumbi to open the
gate for me. A few seconds later the gate
slides open and I drive in and park in the
empty spot, hopefully it belongs to no one. I
kill the engine and take a deep breath before
climbing out of the car. Her voice calls out for
me and I start looking around until my eyes
land on her standing on the balcony of an
apartment on the third floor. She waves at
me with a seductive smile and my dick
twitches with excitement.

Yes, my teacher has been talking to me in a

way that is not appropriate and last night she
sent me a nude picture of herself. She looked
fuckin' sexy and I almost choked to death
infront of my father. I excused myself
immediately to drink water and find out if
she didn't send me that picture by mistake.
She giggled and said she'll send me her
location to find out if it was a mistake or not.

I slept with an erection and woke up with one

this morning. I couldn't stop thinking about
her that I ended up dreaming about us doing
the deed. Yes, it's every boys dream to smash
an older sexy lady and trust me Miss Gumbi is
it. Not everyone gets to live their fantasy but
I think mine is about to become a reality.

I hit my knuckles on the door and she gives

me permission to enter. I turn the handle and
push the door open; My breath is taken away
immediately. She's in her birthday suit,
wearing a long weave and standing in those
high heels. Her hands are on her tiny waist,
she is perfectly sculptured. Her boobs are
medium and perky, I want to suck on them
immediately.
"It was not a mistake, I wanted you to have
that picture and now I want you to have me,"
she says in a low seductive voice.
"Oh, Nkosiyami," I cannot believe this is
happening to me.
"Are you going to just stand there?" she asks
and I quickly stride towards her and stop just
a few inches.
She licks my face and I moan as a delicious
tingle travels down my spine.
"Miss Gumbi," I am a horny mess. I just want
to slide my dick inside of her right this
minute and have the time of my life.
"Miss Gumbi? Baby, we are about to make
magic. Call me Khwezi," her tongue moves to
my earlobe and I'm vibrating with desire.
I grab her ass but she slaps my hand away.
"Whoa!" she says and her lips capture mine for
a slow sansual kiss. My erection is pressing
hard against my jeans, it's begging to be
freed. She breaks the kiss and goes down on
her knees, unbuttoning my jeans and pulling
them down along with my boxers. She grabs
my rod and starts stroking it, I throw my
head back and take in the pleasure. Without
warning, her warm, wet tounge licks the tip
of my dick and I hiss out like a little bitch. I
look down on her to see if she's really
planning on giving me a blow job. Her eyes are
on me, they are dark with desire just like
mine. She takes my length into her mouth
and goes deep, she gags and that sends fire
throughout my entire body. She comes back
to my tip and starts working magic with her
tongue, I'm on my tippy toes as she starts
massaging my balls. This is the best head I've
ever had in my life, it's not my first but it's
definitely my best.
"Khwezi, I'm... I'm cuming, please stop," I say
but to her that translates to go crazier. I put
a hand on her head to push her away but she
doesn't move, she's licking me clean. I can't
hold it in anymore, I shoot my load in her
mouth, calling her name.
She gets on her feet and wipes her lips, my
eyes threaten to fall off. She swallowed my
cum.
"You taste good, now it's time to see if you'll
feel good too," she says and swallow hard. Is
this a fuckin dream because wow.
"Get naked baby. You can't be the only one
enjoying the full view," she doesn't have to
ask me twice. I take off my clothes quickly
like my life depends on it. She bites her lower
lip, looking at me from head to toe.
She takes my hand, "Come now lover boy,"
We walk into her bedroom and she let's go of
my hand.
"Lay down for me," she's ridding me?
This day cannot get any better.
I get on the bed and adjust the pillow under
my head. She smiles and gets on top of me.
"Are you comfortable?" she asks and I nod my
head then grab her breasts, massaging them
softly.
"You can touch every where you want now
baby, it's all yours," I quickly move my other
hand to her round ass and squeeze.
She moves up a little to direct my dick inside
of her.
"Condom, I have a pack in my jeans," I say and
she shakes her head.
"I'm clean Nhlangano and I'm on the pill. No
sickness or pregnancy from me so don't
worry" she says and slides down my dick. I
close my eyes as I feel the wetness and
warmth of the pussy, I've never had raw sex
in my life and I can already tell that it's my
favorite. She presses me down on the
mattress and starts kissing me, this feels so
good but I want her to start bouncing on top
of me now. I snake my arms around her waist
and thrust from under her, she didn't expect
me to do that.
"Oh, baby... Ahhh... Yes..." I'm making an older
woman cry, what a fuckin confidence booster.

MASWABI MOLETSANE

I have been living with a complete stranger in

my house, I know he says he is my brother
but I am not believing a word he says until
the tests come back. Luckily they are coming
in a few minutes, I sent my driver to go and
fetch them from the lab. I used a company he
doesn't know and asked them to run the test
more than once because I don't want any
mistakes. We need to be sure that he's my
brother, I don't want to be taken for a ride.
There are chance takers out here, con man
who would do and say anything to get close
to a woman of my standard.

I have been avoiding him at all cost, I go to

work early and come back late. Dzuni has
been taking care of him, she's the one who
refused him going to stay at the hotel. She
has a beautiful heart that will one day get her
in trouble, I've told her this before but does
she listen to me? Dzunisani always wants to
see the good in people and that's a weakness.
Others will use that against her in this world.

I get in the lounge and find Dzunisani and

Mohale sitting on the same couch, they are
looking at something on his phone. They both
have wide smiles plastered across their faces,
whatever they are looking at must be
amusing.
I clear my throat and they move their eyes to
me, I greet and settle on the couch. They are
starring at me, probably surprised that I came
to sit with them after ignoring Mohale since
he got here.

The front door opens, he's right on time. We

can finally have answers and a way forward.
The waiting has been killing me.
My driver walks in and greets us before
handing me the envelop. I thank him and he
leaves the room. This is nerve wrecking, what
happens if he is really my brother?

"These are the DNA results," I say and they

look at each other then back at me.
"I guess this is the moment of truth," Mohale
says and I shrug my shoulders.
"I guess so," he sits up straight and cross his
legs at the ankles. Dzunisani is in the same
position but her eyes are piercing through this
envelop I have in hand.
I open the results and go through them, I
don't know how to feel about this. It's going
to complicate my life, I will be forced to deal
with things I buried long ago.
"You're my brother," I say in a low voice and
he smiles.
"I never questioned it, Maswabi. I just did the
test so you can be sure that I'm not trying to
scam you," he says and Dzunisani takes his
hand. That simple act gets me raising an
eyebrow.
"So, why did you come looking for me?" he
wanted to tell me that time I found him and
Dzunisani in the kitchen but I refused. I didn't
want to hear his story before I confirmed if he
is truly my brother.
I only overheard him telling Dzunisani that
my parents want my forgiveness because
their souls are wondering around for what
they did.
"My daughter has been sick for 5 years. She
gets these seizures no doctor can explain,
they've tried but it's not something western
medicine can fix. It's very stressful, she
cannot live her life because of the seizures. I
was advised to consult a traditional healer
and that's when I got my answers," he pauses
and takes a deep breath, "Our late parents
have been torturing my daughter because
they wanted to get a message to me. They
want me to bring you home and perfom a
ritual where you forgive them for abandoning
you so they can be accepted by the Moletsane
ancestors," he says and I chuckle, shaking my
head. This is unbelievable.
"I'm really sorry about your daughter but I will
never forgive your parents for throwing me
away like I was some old pair of shoes. They
didn't want me when they were alive, they
can't demand my forgiveness now that they
are dead. I managed to make it in life without
them, they will have to figure out a way to
get their souls accepted by their ancestors
without my forgiveness," I say and Dzunisani
gasps in shock.
"I understand and I will not hold it against
you. I would probably feel the same way if I
was in your shoes," he says and I nod.
"Maswabi, his daughters life is in danger.
Please think about her, she doesn't deserve
this. Mohale didn't even know about you, why
must they pay for the sins of your parents?"
she says and I heave a sigh.
"Dzunisani, it's okay. She's the one who felt
the pain of being abandoned. I will try to find
other ways to help my daughter," he says,
placing a hand on her knee.
"Thank you for understanding," I say and he
bows his head.
"I'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning.
Thank you for your hospitality. I would love to
get to know you, I'll leave my contact details
and once you're ready you will reach out and
we can work on being siblings." he says and
gets up from the couch, "Please excuse me."
he buries his hands in his pockets.
"Maswabi please," Dzunisani says when
Mohale is out of the room.
"You out of everyone know my pain, so be on
my side for once." I say and she closes her
eyes and place a hand over her face.
 CHAPTER 32
NALEDI MOLETSANE

"Manana, tell me you're joking," I say and she

shakes her head. Claps once!
"Your uncle left yesterday morning. I tried to
convince him to stay longer but he refused.
He didn't want to emotionally blackmail
Maswabi into agreeing to forgive their
parents," this is deep, "Nyeleti, his daughters
life depends on your mother letting go of the
pain those people caused her. I know the
damage that they caused Maswabi by
abandoning her but it's not Mohale's fault nor
his children's. He shouldn't get punished for
the sins of his parents," she says and I heave a
deep sigh.
"I'm on the fence about this one. I feel for the
man and his daughter, they truly don't
deserve what's happening to them, as a
parent I'd lose my mind if anything like this
happened to Basetsana. On the other hand, I
understand why Maswabi is refusing to
forgive those people. They messed her up and
now they are trying to manipulate her into
forgiving them by hurting innocent people. If
they were good people or ancestors they
would have found another way to ask for
Maswabi's forgiveness," she's nodding her
head. I'm not sure if she's in agreement with
what I'm saying or she's nodding to show that
she's listening to me.
"Out of everyone in Maswabi's life, I know the
pain she carries in her heart. I know the life
time scars she has; She is hurt Nyeleti and
that's why she has been bleeding on people
who didn't cut her, especially you. I want her
to forgive her parents because it will free her
from the shackles of hatred and pain. This
same thing might happen to her, she might
die and not find peace in the after life
because of how she has treated you in the
past, that's not what I want for her. I don't
want Bassie to be used to manipulate you
into forgiving her when she's dead. Forgiving
her parents now will not only make her feel
better, it will make her realize her mistakes
with you and work on your relationship,"
Manana is making sense. My mother has been
a monster to me because of what happened
to her. She wanted to be a parent who was
there for everything but she ended up being a
monster who wanted to control every aspect
of my life.
"You have always wanted a big family,
Nyeleti. You can have it now, all we need to
do is try and convince Maswabi that forgiving
her parents is what she needs to do," she says
and I nod, in agreement. I'm willing to sit
down with my mother and hopefully she hears
me and doesn't dismiss me like she always
does.

A car pulls up in the driveway and I quickly

get on my feet, running outside to welcome
my princess home. She was with her father
and Karabo in Venda for the long weekend and
I've missed her so much. Basetsana and I have
never been apart for so long, she goes
everywhere with me. This was her first trip to
Venda without me but it had to happen this
way. I didn't even call much because I was
afraid the attention will be taken from
Karabo and she was going to be mad at
Vhutshilo. I really hope and pray that this
weekend has gotten them where they need to
be.

"Mommy!" my daughter says, running to my

open arms. It has been the most beautiful
nine years of my life with this girl.
"Hey baby, did you have a good time?" I ask
and she nods vigorously.
"The best, I just wish you were there," she
says and I kiss her forehead.
"Mommy will join our next trip," Vhutshilo
says and I narrow my eyes at him.
"Bassie, whose car is that?" I ask and her eyes
twinkle.
"I saw it when daddy drove in, Manana is
here," she says and runs towards the front
door. We both love that Tsonga Queen so
much.
"Don't make such promises to our daughter, I
won't be going to Venda anytime soon. That is
what's best for you and Karabo's relationship,
she finally understands our dynamic but that
doesn't mean she needs to see me
everywhere," I say and he holds out his hands.
"You're right, I shouldn't have said that," I'm
glad we are on the same page. I'll get my ass
to Venda only when I truly need to be there.
"Thank you," we share a hug, "So, how was
your trip?" he scoffs then chuckles, shaking
his head.
"Overall, it was great. But it got off to a rocky
start, Mmemuhulu mentioned that everyone
thought we'd get married and Karabo took
that to heart. She started acting up and I had
to set her straight for the last time, Naledi. I
didn't speak to her until Saturday afternoon, I
was so pissed. She came to me and sincerely
apologized and promised to truly let this issue
go," oh modimo! Will Karabo ever stop
thinking this way? Her obsession with me and
Vhutshilo being a thing will be the end of her
relationship.
"I desperately hope she's letting it go," I don't
know what else I can do to help her overcome
that insecurity.
"Me too, Naledi. If she starts one more time
then I'm done with her. I swear to God, I
won't say a word to her. I'll just leave the
room and forget about her and what I feel for
her," Vhutshilo says and I can hear the
seriousness in his voice. Karabo is going to
lose a great man over nothing.
"Otherwise, how did your weekend go?" he
asks and I heave a sigh.
"Kat invited me for a braai at her house, she
promised that Mongezi wouldn't be there but
he showed up. He had flowers and a gift bag,
he thought he could buy my forgiveness. I
meant it when I said I'm done with him and
our friendship," he drapes an arm over my
shoulder.
"Kat was just trying to be a good friend, don't
be mad at her," he says and I roll my eyes.
"Yeah, yeah. I'll start answering her calls
sometime next week, she has to sweat a
little," I say and he is thrown into a fit of
laughter.
"That's it, your modus operandi." he knows me
too well. He has been on the ignore list
throughout the years. We have a great
relationship but it's not perfect too.
Sometimes he pisses me off and I block him
everywhere.
"Manana missed you?" he asks as we walk
towards the door.
"Yep and she brought some revelations with
her," I say and heave a sigh.
Vhutshilo stops walking and holds my hand,
there's genuine concern in his eyes,
"What's going on? Will you and Bassie be
affected by this revelation?" he asks hurriedly.
"Not directly, I'll let you know about it later."
He releases a sigh of relief.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

Nhlangano's loud laugh startles me and

Thalente, this child! We are trying to focus on
the movie we are watching, he should go to
his bedroom to laugh like a hyena. He's laying
on the couch with his legs raised up; Whoever
he is texting with has him laughing and
smiling like a fool. It can only be a girl, that's
for sure. I wonder if he's still dating that girl
he once showed me a picture of; I don't want
him to have multi-concurrent partners.
Besides unwanted pregnancies with girls he
doesn't even love, there are filthy infections
out there. I've taught him about safe sex and I
hope and pray he is practicing it with only
one partner.
I would have loved for him to abstain but we
are raising a generation of explorers.

"Baba, can I please borrow a car for a couple

of hours," he says and I narrow my eyes.
"Haibo! It's 4pm already and tomorrow you
have school," I say and he nods.
"I know dad, I'll be back before 8, I promise,"
he has a desperate look in his eyes, "There's
nothing much happening at school, we are
just revising chapters for the final exams and
you know I'm good and ready for them," he
coaxes me with the little story and I'm sold.
"Fine but tell me where you're going," I say
and he shrugs his shoulders.
"Meeting a friend in Musgrave," he answers,
getting up from the couch.
"That's all I'm getting?" he chuckles.
"Need to know rule, remember that?" I roll my
eyes. He leaves the lounge singing at the top
of his lungs, haibo! What's happening with
Busisiwe's child?
"What's the need to know rule, Bhut'Shlobo?"
Thalente asks.
She came earlier today to see Nhlangano and
I, I'll be driving her back to her apartment
later on.
I clear my throat and answer, "As you have
seen, I'm trying to have an open and honest
relationship with Nhlangano. I don't want him
keeping any secrets from me and going behind
my back, but I also realized that he is young
and deserves some privacy. I have to respect
that and he also has to respect that I'm the
parent and I worry about him. The need to
know rule simply means that he tells me
things I need to know so I don't worry about
him. Like right now, it's obvious he is going to
see a girl but he's not comfortable telling me
the whole story, so he gives me the location
of where he is going so I don't worry or go
behind his back to find out, invading his
privacy. I don't know if that makes sense to
you, MaZikode says I give him too much
freedom," she smiles then reaches for the
remote and pauses the movie.
"I understand why your mother thinks it's too
much, she's old school. A child is a child until
they move out and make their own money.
But what you're doing with Nhlangano is
amazing, you are raising an honest child, he
won't find himself in trouble because he
wanted to explore life behind your back.
Strict parents raise liars," that's very true.
Holding a child hostage will not do them any
good. When you finally let them out to the
real world they don't know how to handle it
because they were shielded from it all.
"I hope to raise my children like you one day,"
she says and I smile, I'm flattered.
"Don't rush into it. Finish school, establish
your career, have fun and then think of
settling down and having kids. It's a big
responsibility," I say and she presses her lips
into a thin line.
I smell my son before I see him.
"Okay, I'll see you guys later," Jesus!
He has a new girl, there's no way. He is all
swanked up, Nhlangano always looks good
but today he went all out.
"Is that my watch?" I ask and he makes a
funny face.
"I won't lose it, I promise," wonders shall never
end.
"I have always taught you to never
misrepresent yourself to anyone. Putting on
my expensive watch is doing exactly that," I
say and he heaves a sigh before taking it off.
"You're right, I'm sorry," he says and opens the
drawer to take out the car keys. He holds out
the BMW keys and I nod.
"Take my watch back," I order him.
He walks away in silence. I hope I didn't ruin
his good mood.
"He wanted to impress her very bad," Thalente
says and I nod.
"That's true, but he shouldn't use things that
don't belong to him to do so. Let whoever it is
like him for who he is and not what he has;
He will attract the wrong people if he uses
materialistic things to get attention. This
world is full of vultures," I say.
"I can't believe Nhlangano has a girlfriend and
we don't have partners," she says with a
chuckle.
"You should date and have fun, Thalente," she
takes a sip of her juice.
"I don't have the time, the person will feel
neglected by me," she pauses, "I still maintain
that you should find someone and be happy,"
she adds and I cross my legs and lean back on
the couch.
"I was seeing someone, we were on the same
page but now she wants more. Thalente, she
wants my heart and I don't know if I can ever
be able to give it to someone else," I say and
she looks at me with pitty, I hate that.
"You loved my sister and she loved you too.
She's not coming back, Bhut'Shlobo. I know
she would want you to be happy; There's a
reason why you chose the lady you're talking
about. Give yourself and her a real chance,
you honestly deserve it," she says and I close
my eyes. The situation with Nonku has been
heavy on my mind, I'm not even sleeping well
at night.
I feel like I'm at the cross road and I don't
know which way to go. Nonku is the first
woman to understand that I want my space
and definitely no marriage. The ones before
her wanted the whole package and I had to
end the relationships. All she wants is for us
to blend our families and for me to be
emotionally invested. We get along very well
and maybe Thalente is right, I should try
giving Nonku something more than just my
dick and expensive gifts.
"I guess you're right. I will call her tomorrow,"
she smiles sweetly at me.
"You deserve to be happy. Please don't feel like
you're betraying my sister by giving love
another chance," it truly feels like I am but
everyone is right, I need to move on with my
life or at least try to.
Thalente's phone rings, she picks it up from
the arm rest and rolls her eyes.
"She just won't give up," she says, sounding
annoyed.
"Who?" I ask.
"My mother, she has been blowing up my
phone and I'm not ready to talk to her. I still
can't believe that she wanted to destroy your
family to build ours. She hated you and
stopped you from attending my sister's
funeral because she felt betrayed by your
father," yeah! It still feels surreal to me too.
"Don't hold it against her Thalente, sometimes
life happens in ways we cannot understand," I
say and she swallows hard before breaking
eye contact.
"Do you know what she did when we got
home after the confrontation at your house?"
she asks and I shake my head.
Thalente wipes her tears and takes a deep
breath.
"My mother wanted to destroy sis'Mela's
tombstone because it was bought by you. I
couldn't allow her to do that because my
sister deserved what you did, so I told her to
consider herself dead to me if she destroyed
the tombstone. I was just bluffing to get her
to drop the pickaxe but mama didn't
Bhut'Shlobo. She allowed her anger and pain
to destroy something we both dreamed of
giving sis'Mela for years. Your father was
never hers to begin with but she decided to
destroy my sisters final resting place and be
dead to me just because bab'Mavimbela's son
loved her daughter and even paid for her to
have a beautiful final house. A part of me
feels like mama is jealous of what you and my
sister had, she hates you for being the man
she wished your father was to her," the last
part just made 100% sense to me.
"So Mela doesn't have a tombstone again?" I
ask with a heavy heart.
"Yes, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I just didn't
know how to bring it to you, Bhut'Shlobo you
were so relieved and happy that my sister
finally had her house done. You paid so much
for it and my mother didn't think twice before
destroying it," it feels like someone plunged a
knife in my heart and now they are twisting
it. How could mamu'Gasela do this to me, to
Melamina? She's cruel, she really is.
"Excuse me Thalente." I get up from the couch,
I need to be alone in my bedroom and cry. This
hurts so much.
 CHAPTER 33
THULISILE KHAMBULE

A week, 7 days, that's how long Jimmy has

been gone from our home and he hasn't said a
single word since then. He left here saying he
had an important meeting to attend outside
the country, he didn't mention where and who
he was meeting with. I reached out to his
personal assistant, hoping she would be able
to give me information about this
international trip but she was confused. My
husband told her that he will be at home for a
couple of days, which is a lie obviously
because I wouldn't be looking for him.

I think I have an idea of where he might be,

Jimmy never disappeared like this, it only
started when he met and fell in love with
Naledi. A big part of me feels like she finally
agreed to be his wife and they decided to go
away to celebrate their engagement or
whatever it is. I accepted, as painful as it is
for him to take that girl as a second wife. I
would have appreciated the heads up, to be
told that she is finally on board. If it's true
that they are together then they will feel my
wrath for not respecting me as the first wife.
Their marriage will not happen if they do
things behind my back.

I get to her office building and park the car in

the visitors parking lot. Jimmy made me
promise not to come near Naledi unless he
asks me to, but I'm desperate here. I need to
know if she's here or not, her whereabouts
will determine whether I should be fully
worried or mad as hell.

I walk inside the office and head to the

reception, everything about this place
screams professional. I clear my throat and
their receptionist looks up at me with a
smile. She greets and I greet her back then
ask to see Naledi, she asks if I have an
appointment and I shake my head and ask her
to call Naledi and let her know that Thulisile
Khambule is here to see her. She's annoyed
but tries her best to not show it, I appreciate
her professionalism. She hangs up after
talking to Miss Moletsane and directs me to
her office.

NALEDI MOLETSANE: MANAGER IN VALUATIONS

AND BUSINESS MODELLING.
That's the sign outside the door I'm about to
knock on, I didn't think she was holding a
managerial position at work. I looked down on
this girl, I thought she was some kind of gold
digger. I mean that's the only explanation to
why a young and beautiful girl can be with an
older man who is wealthy and influential as
Jimmy. It was stupid of me to think that way
because her mother is a minister, she doesn't
need the money or connections.

I hit my knuckles on the door and she gives

me permission to come inside. I take a deep
breath and turn the door handle and walk
inside. She gets up from the chair behind the
glass desk and fixes her cream white blazer
before flipping her weave back. She's surprised
to see me here and I just got scared out of my
mind to see her in this office. It means Jimmy
is not with her, if he's not with her then he's
with another woman or something serious
has happened to him.

"Mrs Khambule, to what do I owe the visit?"

she asks with a straight face and I take a
deep breath.
"I won't even try to bull shit you, Naledi. I
came to see if you'll be here or not," I say
with a little shame.
She narrows her eyes, "Excuse me?" this is
embarrassing but what choice did I have?
"Jimmy hasn't been home in a week, he hasn't
made contact and his phone is off," I explain
and she laughs, shaking her head.
"And you thought he was with me?" I
shouldn't have come here, I should have found
another way to find out about her
whereabouts.
"He only ever disappeared this long to be with
you," I say and she closes her eyes, when she
opens them I see pity starring at me.
"Mrs Khambule, I'm sorry but I don't know
where your husband is. I bumped into him at
a restaurant a while ago and it wasn't even a
moment for me. Like I told your husband, I
want nothing to do with him. I am not going
to be his mistress or second wife, please don't
ever worry about him being with me," she
says calmly and tears burn my eyes. I know I
said I'd be mad if they were together but a
part of me wanted him to be with her. She's
who I have come to accept, another woman
will cause more chaos. I don't have the energy
to get used to his new routines and behavior;
My daughter is in prison and the other one,
Senzeni has moved out of the house after
finding out that their father wanted to marry
another woman.
"If he's not with you then where is he?" I ask,
allowing my tears to fall. It hurts, it hurts so
much.
"I wish I had answers for you, Mrs Khambule,"
I was told that marriage is hard but this is
not hard, it's hell on earth. Where did the love
and respect Jimmy had for me go? What kind
of husband does this to a wife that has been
nothing but loyal and respectful to him?
"His house, the one he bought for you, can you
please take me there?" I ask and she gulps
down her saliva.
"Uhm... I... It's not my..."
I quickly interject, "I can go on my knees and
beg you Naledi. I need to know if he's with
another girl or he's truly out of the country
and there are issues of communication from
his side," I say and she shakes her head.
"No, please. There's no need to go on your
knees. I will give you the location of the
house," she says and I sigh in relief.
She grabs a pen and a sticky note then writes
the address and hands the piece of paper to
me.
"Thank you. I will call you when I have
something," I say and she holds out both her
hands.
"No, please. I honestly don't want to know.
Mrs Khambule, I'd appreciate this to be the
last time you come to me and ask about your
husband. I have nothing to do with him, I
don't want anything to do with him. I am
tired of being pulled back into the drama
that's associated with him," she says in a low
but stern voice.
"I respect that," I say and turn to leave her
office. I never made it to a chair.
"Wait..." she says and I stop in my tracks and
pivot to look at her.
She grabs her handbag and fishes inside it and
comes back with a set of keys.
"You'll need these to get in. I don't have any
use for them anymore," she says and I nod and
walk back to get them. She's really done with
Jimmy and their relationship.
.
.
.
I get to a house in Bryanston and press the
remote for the gate, it slides open and I gasp
in shock, he really bought this beautiful house
for his side chick? I drive in and there's no car
in the driveway, the front windows and door
are shut, it doesn't look like anyone is home. I
kill the engine and climb out with my heart
drumming against my chest, I'm nervous out
of my mind. What if I find him with a young
girl in bed having sex? The thought of that
alone leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

I try to open the door but it's locked so I use

the key Naledi gave me to open and then
walk inside. My heart drops into my stomach
immediately, there's a huge picture of Jimmy
and Naledi hanging above the curved stairs.
He had a whole life with this girl, this is proof
that she has always meant something to him.
Yes, he admitted this to me but seeing it with
my own two eyes just validates his words. I
am hurt beyond imagination. Will I still stay
with Jimmy even after seeing this?

I close the door with tears streaming down

my face and make my way to the first room
after punching in the security code Naledi
wrote. It's a huge lounge with exquisite
furniture and there are more pictures of
them; There's no one in here so I leave
without touching anything. I go to the
kitchen next and it looks as good as the other
room, the whole house surely is gorgeous.
I open the fridge and it doesn't have much, it's
just bottles of champagne, cider, sparkling
water and lemons. I doubt that Jimmy is here,
there would be food in the fridge but maybe
they are eating take aways. I check the trash
next and it's empty, I don't want to be
relieved just yet, I might still find something
upstairs.

I am sweating as I ascend the stairs, my heart

is threatening to jump right out of my chest.
Love shouldn't hurt this way, I don't deserve
what Jimmy is doing to me. I wish he could
just pause and realize that he is my whole life
and he has to treat me like his Queen. There's
nothing I wouldn't do for that man but he
doesn't mind hurting me like I am not his
wife, the mother of his children.
All the doors are open so I just peep through
without walking in, I'll come back later. I
finally get to the last door, it's the master
bedroom. It's bigger than the one we share in
our matrimonial home. I clutch at my chest
and draw in some air before stepping inside.
The bed is neatly laid, I notice a woman's pair
of morning slippers near the nightstand. They
must belong to Naledi, it's her house after all.
She might not want it but it's hers, Jimmy
bought it to be with her. He loved her enough
to not take her to different hotels.

My phone rings, startling me. Dammit! I

almost had a heart attack. It's in my hand so I
just turn it to look at the screen, it's my
sister-in-law Khabo calling. I'm surprised, she
has been avoiding me because I couldn't
convince Jimmy to send her allowance. That's
one thing I hate about her, she loves putting
me in the middle of her drama with her
brother.
I clear my throat and answer.
"Hello,"
"Thuli, where are you?" she asks hurriedly.
"I'm in Bryanston," I answer.
"You need to come home now," haibo! She
cannot order me around, I married her brother
not her.
"I'll be home in an hour or so," I say, walking
into the walk-in closet. There are a few suits,
shirts and shoes and other casual clothing.
The other side has a Versace gown and two
dresses, they are big sizes so I know for a fact
that they belong to "Bubble".
"Thulisile please, I'm at your house," she says
softly and I roll my eyes.
She better not be there to give me puppy eyes
so I can beg her brother again. Jimmy is
stubborn, he will send the money when he
wants and not a minute earlier than that.
"Fine, I'm coming now," I say and hang up.
I would love to go through everything in this
house with a fine tooth comb but there's no
time. I'll come back another day, I have full
access now.
.
.
.
I get to my house in Saxonwold and there are
three cars in my driveway, one belongs to
Khabo and the other two I cannot recognize. I
hope and pray that she didn't bring those
annoying relatives of theirs. They never leave
when they visit and I'm not in the mood to
host and entertain guests I wasn't prepared
for. I take my handbag and climb out the car,
I feel a heaviness on my shoulders. Jimmy is
stressing me out, I won't sleep a wink tonight
because the one person I thought he was with
swore she hasn't seen him.

I get inside and find Khabo with my husband's

lawyer and a woman I don't recognize. My
sister-in-laws eyes are puffy and bloodshot
red, that alone has my heart beating faintly.
Whatever that brings them here is not good, I
feel it in my bones. I greet and they all cannot
look at me in the eye. I settle down on the
couch and my daughter, the one that moved
out walks in the lounge with a tray of cups
and a tea pot. She serves everyone then after
comes to sit next to me. What's she doing
here? She's supposed to be at work.

"Khabo, what's going on?" I ask and she takes

a deep breath.
"I don't even know where to begin sisi," it
comes out in an almost whisper.
"Start from the beginning aunty. You pulled
me out of work and now I'm late to pick up
my car from service," Senzeni says.
"Doctor, please tell his wife what you told me.
I cannot do it," Khabo says, looking at the
woman in jeans and a white t-shirt. She's
dressed like a tomboy.
"Mrs Khambule. My name is doctor Molote, I
am an urologist. A short while ago your
husband came in and after exams and tests
we found out that he had metastatic prostate
cancer. It had spread to other parts of the
body. We were going to start therapy that
would have helped to slow down the spread
sometime this week but that was just a
temporary fix, he had about 5 years to live,"
she says and my jaw is on the ground, Jimmy
has cancer and didn't even tell me? He used to
confide in me, what changed?
"Please take me to my husband, he needs me
to hold his hand. I've read that chemotherapy
takes so much from a cancer patient," I say,
trying to stand up but Senzeni pulls me back
down and clasps my hand. Tears are
streaming down her face.
"Don't cry baby, your father is a fighter, he
will beat this. We just need to be strong for
him," I say, wiping her tears. I want to cry too
but I need to be strong for her and Sihle, even
though she's in jail.
"Doctor please go on, it won't register to my
mother unless you say it," Senzani says and I
frown. What is that supposed to mean?
"Ma'am, I presented your husband with a
treatment plan, a clinical trail in Mayo clinic,
it's in the USA. I explained that it carries a lot
of risks, some patients didn't make it but
others survived, they are now cancer free,"
see? There's hope. God will not allow anything
to happen to my husband.
"You need to help me get an emergency Visa
to the states, Jimmy needs me to be there
with him," I say to the lawyer and he quickly
peels his eyes off me.
"Mama, you're not listening," Senzeni says to
me, cupping my face.
"What are you talking about? The doctor says
your father is in America getting treatment.
How would I know that if I wasn't listening?" I
snap at my daughter and she closes her eyes.
"Sisi," Khabo kneels infront of me and takes
both my hands. When did she get up from her
seat?
"Thulisile, sis'wam. Jimmy has left us, he's
gone," she says and I smack my lips.
"Mxm, what do you know. Doctor, please tell
these people that my husband is okay.
Americans know everything, their medicine
will fix Jimmy and he will come home to me,"
"I'm so sorry, Mrs Khambule but he's gone.
Your husband died three days ago." she's also
spewing this nonsense? I don't have time for
this negativity. I have to change and head to
the embassy, I need an emergency visa, I hope
they will give me one today.
I get up from the couch.
"Mama, please." -Senzeni.
"Wherd did I put my passport?" I ask myself,
leaving these agents of death in the lounge.
They have failed in their mission, my God will
not take Jimmy from me.
 CHAPTER 34
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I cannot concentrate, my eyes keep on

landing on her round ass and I just salivate
thinking about the delicious things she does
to me in bed. I though I was having great sex
with Zekhethelo but I was just capping, it's
mediocre compared to what Khwezi and I do.
She is a woman, a matured woman who is not
afraid to express herself sexually. I don't have
to beg for anything the way I do with
Zekhethelo.

I know what we are doing is wrong and I've

promised her that no one will know about us.
We cannot afford to jeopardize her job, the
school board and the department of education
would end her immediately. Let's not mention
my father, he would make sure that she
doesn't work for the rest of her life, even if
it's at a retail store. Me? Well, Shlobo would
skin me alive and sprinkling chillie powder all
over me. Would I blame him? Absolutely not. I
mean Khwezi is old enough to be my mom
and she showed interest in my dad at first.

We haven't discussed the fact that she

initially wanted the dad but ended up with
the son. I'm not judging her, life happens and
we find ourselves doing things we never
imagined we would do. I enjoy what we
started and I don't want it to end, at least
not while I'm still in Durban. It can end in the
new year, when I leave for university.

The bells rings, indicating that the period is

now over and school is out. My classmates
are packing their bags excitedly, I'm just
sitting back stalling. I want them to all leave
so I can have a word with Khwezi, I want to
know if I should come to her house today or
not. Rajesh tells me he's rushing to the
bathroom and we will meet at the parking
lot.

It's just Khwezi and I in the class now, she's

not even aware because her eyes are on her
phone. She has a smile on her face that has
me feeling a little jealous, I hope she's not
giving anyone else my coochie.
I get up from my chair and make my way to
her, she's still not aware of us being the only
ones in here. I spank her round firm ass then
bite my lower lip. She gasps in shock and I'm
pleased with myself.

"Are you insane, Nhlangano? We are in public,"

she says and I smile.
"Don't worry babe, it's just us," she scoffs,
raising an eyebrow.
"We had this convesation, we are teacher and
learner here. Do you want to risk my job?"
she's half shouting.
"They didn't see anything but they'll hear
everything if you continue like this," I say
calmly and that seems to piss her off even
more. I'm getting turned on right now.
"You are a good fuck Nhlangano but not good
enough for me to lose my job. Don't ever try
this bullshit again," I'm shocked and hurt, just
a little.
She starts packing her teaching material and
leaves, she stops after a few steps and pivot
to look at me, "In these premises I'm Ms
Gumbi, remember that," she says and walks
out angrily. What just happened? She blew
this whole thing out of proportion. I wouldn't
have touched her if there were other people
around us or nearby. It was a spank and I
wasn't going to try anything else. I'll be
honest, her reaction just ruined my mood. I
thought she'd appreciate the stolen moment.

I walk out of the class with my backpack, I

just want to go straight home and sleep off
what just happened. My phone chimes in the
pocket of my trousers, I quickly take it out.
Maybe it's Khwezi apologizing for her
reaction. I'm instantly disappointed when the
screen shows it's a text from Ze with a heart
emoji next to it. I take a deep breath and
open her whatsapp text.
ZE: HEY BABE. QUICK ICE CREAM DATE? I MISS
YOU.

I heave a heavy sigh.

ME: HEY, THAT SOUNDS GREAT BUT I CAN'T. I

HAVE A HEADACHE, I JUST WANT TO GO HOME
AND SLEEP IT OFF.

I lie to my girlfriend, literally brushing her off

because my sugar mama hurt my feelings.
Who am I?

ZE: WE CAN SKIP ICE CREAM. I HAVE ADVILS AT

MY HOUSE AND YOU COULD SCORE A ROUND
OR TWO. MY DAD IS IN RICHARDS BAY, HE'LL BE
BACK LATER. CARE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
THE OPPORTUNITY?

I don't like hurting Zekhethelo, she has been

nothing but a good girlfriend to me. But today
I'm not in a good mood, I don't want to take
out my frustrations on her. Plus, I don't know
how I'm going to look at her after I cheated
on her and wanting to continue to do so. I'm
such a piece of shit.

ME: I'M SORRY BABE, I'M REALLY NOT WELL.

I'LL MAKE IT UP TO YOU. WEEKEND AT THE
BEACH?

ZE: COOL.

That's all she says, I know she's disappointed

and I feel bad for turning her down. I will
make it up to her this weekend, I just need
to sleep today off and leave Khwezi alone. I
have no business sleeping with her anyway,
Ze is a great girl and what we have might be
forever. I shouldn't jeopardize it for sex with
an older lady. She isn't willing to risk her job
for a good fuck so I also shouldn't jeopardize a
great relationship for her too.

ME: I LOVE YOU BABE.

She blue ticks me and I sigh before powering
my screen off and putting the phone back in
the pocket. I get to the packing lot and Rajesh
is already in the car, playing music. We have a
lift club, he picks me up every morning and
drops me off after school, I pay him on a
weekly basis, he doesn't need the money but I
wouldn't be comfortable riding for free.

I get to my house and my father's car is in the

driveway, he's home early. Something is
happening with him, he hasn't been himself in
a few days. I want to ask what's wrong but I
think he needs his space to deal with it. He
will let me know what's up if he thinks I need
to know about it.

I walk inside the house and he's not in the

lounge but the TV is playing. I hear movement
in the kitchen so I go and check in there. My
father is dressed in sweats and a vest, he has
on an apron. I know dinner is going to be
delicious, my father knows his way around
the kitchen.

"Baba, how are you?" I ask and he turns with a

smile.
"Nhlaks number 10. I'm good, how are you?"
his mood has improved.
"Not too good. I have a slight headache, I
want to nap it away," I say and he nods his
head.
"Take a painkiller and sleep it off," I don't
really have a headache so I don't need the pill.
"I will. Why are you cooking up a storm on a
weekday? Do we have a visitor?" he chuckles.
"No, we don't have a visitor. I'm just cooking
for my son," he says and I shrug my shoulders.
"Okay, I'll see you later," I say and turn to
leave the room.
"Nhlangano, wait," he stops me in my tracks.
"Wassup dad?" I ask and he takes a deep
breath, wiping his hands with a dry dish cloth.
"I need to tell you something. You'll process it
while you nap," he says and I frown.
"I'm all ears," I say and he swallows his saliva.
He is nervous, it's rear to see my dad like this.
The dude is always master of his own
universe.
"You and MaZikode have been asking me to
give love a chance and I always refused. I
didn't want to give anyone my heart because I
wanted to be with one woman forever, that's
Melamina. I realize now that she is never
coming back and it's not fair for me to live
my life this way. I deserve to be happy and I
know she would want me to move on too," I
wasn't expecting this but I'm happy to hear
that he's open to finding a woman and being
happy. That's all I've ever wanted for my dad,
he goes all out to make us happy, to give us
everything but he doesn't have that one
special person to give it all to him too. He
says I'm enough but that's not true, there are
parts I cannot complete in his heart and soul.
"What I'm trying to say is I have been seeing a
lady for a while now. She's amazing, we get
along and we are on the same page. She
knows I don't want to get married and have
children and that's what she wants too. She's
divorced and has kids from that marriage, she
just wants us to blend the families and do
staff together. I want to try that out and see
where it can go," I'm all for the idea, for as
long as he has someone in his life who is not
just there for certain needs.
"I'm happy for you pops. I can't wait to see
the lady," I say and he smiles.
"She can't wait to see you too. Her kids are
with their dad this week, so we decided to
have everyone together at her house next
weekend. A little braai for her family to mee
us; I'm taking her to Mahlabathini to meet
MaZikode this weekend," hau! This train is
moving and I'm here for it. He has wasted so
many years of his life holding on to the past.
"I'm there, I'm excited," I say, holding out my
fist for a bump.
"Go nap. We will discuss this some more
during dinner." that sounds good.
.
.
.
I'm woken up from a very nice nap by a
vibrating phone under my pillow. I groan in
frustration, some people don't have timing. I
reach for the phone and open one eye to see
who is calling me. I quickly sit up straight
when I see the caller ID, KG, that stands for
Khwezi Gumbi. I clear my throat and swipe
right.

"Hello," I answer, my voice is still a little

hoarse.
"Hey daddy, how are you?" she says and my
damn dick betrays me, it twitches freely in
my boxers.
"I'm fine Ms Gumbi," I say and she heaves a
sigh.
"Oh don't be like that babe. I said it's Ms
Gumbi in the school premises. We are both
home right now and it's just us, Khwezi and
Nhlangano," oh wow.
She can switch so easily.
"I was sleeping, Ms Gumbi. Did you call for
something?" I ask and she gasps in shock. Yes,
I'm being petty but she hurt my feelings this
afternoon. She referred to me as just a good
fuck she wasn't prepared to lose shit for.
"Nhlangano, don't be childish please. What you
did in that class is wrong, you know it. I
asked you nicely not to do anything
inappropriate when we are at school and you
said you understood. Be nasty and naughty all
you want when we are in my house but not
at school. If you don't understand this then I
think we should end this," her last sentence
has my heart thumping against my chest.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry okay. I just didn't like
how you dismissed me and treated me like an
errant child. I admit, I shouldn't have spanked
you, I just got tempted and I apologize," I say
hurriedly and my subconscious kicks me hard,
holding Zekhethelo's picture. I close my eyes,
guilt eating through me. I said I was
forgetting about Khwezi but I just stopped
her from trying to end things a second ago.
"I got attracted to you because you were
matured, please don't start acting otherwise
because that will destroy what we share. I
enjoy talking to you, making love and
spending time together. Our situation is not
acceptable, that's why we need to keep it
under wraps. Please tell me you understand
this," she says and I nod as if she can see me.
"Yeah, I understand. What happened today
won't happen again," I wish I was strong
enough to cut her off but I'm hooked, she has
me addicted to her in just two meet ups.
"I'm glad we fixed this misunderstanding. I
miss you," she says in a low voice that turns
me on immediately.
"I miss you too babe," I hate what I'm doing
right now but I can't help myself, I'm in this
and I enjoy being in it.
"Spend the whole weekend with me, daddy,"
she says and I bite my lower lip.
A whole weekend? God, that's deliciousness on
top of deliciousness.
"I can make it. My father won't be home," my
father's plan to travel to Mahlabathini
couldn't have come at the perfect time.
"I have a few things I need to model for you,
you'd appreciate them even though I know
you prefer me in nothing," she said nothing
but the truth.
"I can't wait for the wee..." fuck! Fuck!
I promised Zekhethelo that I'd make it up to
her this weekend and now I've just agreed to
being with Khwezi too. How the hell did I find
myself in this triangle?
"Go lock the door and get naked, we are about
to have phone sex daddy," I hold my breath,
blood rushing to my already hard dick. What
is this woman doing to me?
 CHAPTER 35
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I don't want to be here but I have to be, I

believe that I'm the only person who can get
through to Maswabi regarding the situation
with her brother. I know that she's hurting
but she needs to understand that this whole
thing is affecting innocent people. The time
has come for her to let go of this pain and
anger she has against the people that
abandoned her, and focus on being happy with
her sibling and his children. We have an
opportunity to be one big family, the ball is in
her court.

I also decided to come see my mother today

because my daughter has been expressing
how much she misses her. Maswabi is not my
favorite person but she's Bassie's grandmother
and I'll never forbid a relationship between
them. Unless if I really have to. My first
priority is Basetsana's happiness and well
being. I will keep her away from anyone who
threatens those two things.

I kill the engine in the driveway and we open

our doors at the same time. My daughter has
a wide smile on her face, she's really happy to
be here, I can't say the same about me. But,
I'll try to be as civil as possible with Maswabi.
I didn't come here to fight with her after all.

I opened the gate for myself but I won't just

walk inside the house without asking for
permission, this is no longer my home. I
moved out so I'm only a guest here. I press
the bell at the door and my daughter gives me
a confused look. She doesn't need to
understand this part so I simply ignore her.

The door opens and my mother gasps in shock

when she sees Basetsana and I on her door
step. We stare at each other for a few
seconds then she peels her eyes off me and
looks at my child. Maswabi's eyes glisten with
tears as she opens her arms for a hug. She's
on her wheelchair, which is unusual when
she's indoors. I hope she wasn't on her way
out.

I watch them fold each other in a warm

embrace for a minute or two and I instantly
feel bad. I shouldn't have waited this long to
bring my daughter over. She shouldn't be
caught in between my drama with her
grandmother, it's not fair on her innocent
soul.

"I missed you so much my beautiful girl," my

mother says to Basetsana, repeatedly kissing
her cheek. My daughter is giggling.
"I missed you too, granny. I have a lot to tell
you about school," Basetsana and discussing
her teachers? 5 and 6 for sure.
"I can't wait to hear all about it," -Maswabi.
"Naledi, this is a lovely surprise. Thank you,"
she says and I just nod. Things are still
awkward between us, I don't think we will
ever have a good mother and daughter
relationship. It has always been rocky from
the beginning, all we ever did was fight and
now we don't know how to do anything else
besides being at each other's throats.
"I figured that you two would love to spend
the day together," I say and she takes a deep
breath.
"I appreciate it," she moves her wheelchair to
the side and we walk in, headed to the
lounge.
"Would you like anything to drink or eat?
Dzuni made lunch before she left," she asks
and I shake my head.
"I just want a snack grandma," says my
daughter, the one that demanded a
McDonald's burger on our way here.
"You can go help yourself with anything in the
pantry my love," my mother says and
Basetsana leaves the room immediately.
Her appetite has picked up since we moved in
with her father. They are always chewing,
every minute of the day and they never gain a
single kilo.
"You both look well. How is work?" to say I'm
shocked would be an understatement.
This is the first time my mother asks about
my job. She has never been interested because
I chose to work for a private company and
not a government department of her choice.
"Work is good. My team and I work very well
together, I honestly don't have any
complaints," I answer and that's a little lie.
I do have complaints here and there but I
won't mention that to her. Knowing Maswabi,
she would try to convince me to take the Job
she once organized for me.
"That's good to know," She says and there's
uncomfortable silence between us. I want to
discuss the situation at hand but I don't know
how to start it, I'm very nervous. She might
take it the wrong way and blow up in my
face.
"Thanks for bringing her. The house hasn't
been the same since you left, Naledi. I miss
the both of you very much and I'm sorry,
sorry about everything," I hear her but her
apology is not heartfelt. My mother has done
the worst to me, I just cannot let it go
without talking about it all.
"I'll bring her around frequently," I say and her
smile slowly fades, she's disappointed that I
didn't touch on her apology.
"I hear that I have an uncle," I might as well
just go straight to it.
She heaves a sigh, "Yes, but he is really just a
stranger that I share the same blood with,"
she says and it's my turn to be disappointed.
"It doesn't have to be like that, you know.
Give him a chance, everyone deserves a
family," I say and she chuckles.
"He only came looking for me because he
needs help for his daughter. I'm sure Dzuni
told you everything," I nod.
"That's part of the reason, but I was told that
he said he wouldn't hold it against you if you
refused forgiving your parents and saving his
daughters life in the process. He wanted help
for his daughter but he also wants a
relationship with his sister," I put it to her
and she shrugs her shoulders.
"You wouldn't understand, Naledi. Those
people don't deserve my forgiveness," she says
and I chuckle.
"And you do?" I ask and she narrows her eyes.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asks,
with a hand placed on her chest.
"You say your parents don't deserve your
forgiveness so I'm asking if you deserve mine,
after all you did to me?" she cannot believe
her ears.
"I know I was hard on you, but you can't
compare that to being abandoned by the
people who were meant to love and protect
you," she says and anger consumes me whole.
How dare she downplays everything she has
done to me?
"Imagine how they would have treated you if
they kept you, it would have been hell on
earth. They would have done to you what you
have always done to me," I say and her
eyeballs threaten to fall off. "They would have
constantly reminded you that you're not the
child they hoped for. You would have been
reminded of the kind of disappointment you
are to them. They'd judge you for not being
the same as them, for not doing things the
way they do..."
She quickly interjects, "Naledi, please stop,"
she says with tears streaming down her face.
"You are no better than your parents. The
difference is that they gave you away and you
kept me only to say the words you didn't get
to hear from them. Them abandoning you is
equal to all the painful things you have done
and said to me," I say with a shaking voice.
I didn't come here for this, I wanted us to
have a civil convesation but I got triggered
when she said I cannot compare my situation
to hers. She made it seem like the pain she
caused me is nothing and I shouldn't even be
talking about it.
"Mommy, I made a milksha..." my daughter
stops talking when she notices the tears on
my mothers face.
"Why are you crying grandma?"
"It's tears of joy baby, I'm happy that you and
your mom are here," Maswabi says and Bassie
quickly places the glass on the coffee table
and rushes to hug my mother.
"I'll ask Mommy to bring me often," she says
and I take a deep breath and get up.
"I'll come pick you up later baby," I say.
I want to be gone from this house.
"Can I please sleepover?" I look at Maswabi
and she nods.
"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow. Come here," we
hug and I kiss the top of her head, "I love you."
 AT THE KHAMBULE RESIDENCE

The family came from near and far to bury

Jimmy, everyone is still in disbelieve. How
could a rich, healthy man like Jimmy get
cancer and die just like that? They are all
struggling to wrap their heads around it,
especially his sister Khabonina. Jimmy was a
bull, he never got sick, not even flu, so cancer
is impossible. She suspects that someone has
a hand in her brothers death, yes, he died at
the hands of American doctors but someone
around him must have given him muti and it
came across as cancer to the western
doctors.

She has a suspect, someone who had every

reason to want her brother dead. That's
Naledi, his sidechick. She wanted Jimmy all to
herself and when she realized she couldn't
have him she striked him dead. She knows
girls like Naledi, they want what is not theirs,
what they did not build. She decided that if
she couldn't have Jimmy then no one else
would, especially Thulisile. It makes sense in
her head and she's going to go out of her way
to make Naledi pay.

Khabonina made sure that her brother was

buried with dignity, she is the one who made
sure that his body was brought back home in
time so he can be buried. She had to step up
because everyone else was in the world of
their own. Yes, she's also hurting but she will
deal with her pain later on.

She has been walking around the yard making

sure that everyone is okay. This is the day
people are supposed to be checking on them,
and making sure they are okay but she
doesn't want anyone speaking ill of their
hospitality. Yes, we can definitely say that
Khabo's priorities are misplaced. Who cares
about what people say in a time like this?

She gets inside the house and goes straight to

the master bedroom to check on her sister-
in-law. Thulisile is having a hard time with all
of this, she doesn't want to believe that
Jimmy is gone. To this day she wants her
passport so she can go to the embassy to get
an emergency visa to go see Jimmy in the
USA. Everyone has tried talking to her but she
just doesn't want to hear it. She couldn't even
go to the cemetery today, they had to sedate
her because of how violent she was acting in
the morning. The family will take her when
she is ready to accept that her husband is no
more.

Khabo changes her shoes and heads out of the

bedroom, she is ready to eat and sit with her
relatives now. She starts in the kitchen and
dishes up for herself before heading outside.
People are sitting in groups, family, friends,
business associates. They are sharing drinks
and stories about Jimmy. Everyone has
something to say about him, whether its good
or bad.

"Ma'am," someone taps her shoulder and she

quickly turns and finds her brothers lawyer.
"Can I please have a quick word," he says and
Khabo nods.
"Is everything okay?" she asks panicked.
"Yes, everything is okay. I just need you to
help me find someone who is included in your
brothers will. He left me with contact details
but I haven't been able to get through to her,"
he says and Khabo narrows her eyes. Who
could he be talking about?
"Give me a name and I'll be able to help you,"
Khabo says and the lawyer takes a deep
breath. He is not supposed to be doing this
but what harm can it bring? He doesn't have
the time or resources to use on finding the
woman Jimmy didn't want to explain to him.
"Her name is Naledi Moletsane," he said
what?! Khabo's blood is boiling. How could
Jimmy leave anything for Naledi? She cannot
allow that gold digger to get anything from
her brother, she is the reason why he is dead.
"What did my brother leave for her?" she asks
and the lawyer shakes his head.
"I really can't say ma'am, at least not until
next week infront of everyone," over her dead
body.
"I don't know a Naledi," she says vehemently
and the lawyer heaves a sigh. He can tell that
the woman infront of him knows but doesn't
want to share for some reason.
"Listen, ma'am. I really need to locate her or I
won't be able to read the will. Everyone who
is included has to be present," he explains,
hoping it will coax Khabo into telling him
what he needs to know.
"My brothers daughter won't be present, what
are you going to do about that?" he just
wanted Naledi's details not this back and
forth.
"Arrangements have been made for Sihle to
join us virtually," the lawyer explains and that
leaves Khabo with no choice. If she wants to
know what her brother left her then she has
to give this man something about Naledi.
"I don't remember the address, I just know she
lives with her mother and daughter in
Woodmead. I know where she works though..."
the lawyer is relieved to know where she
works, he will ring the office first thing
Monday morning.
Jimmy asked him to read his will exactly five
days after his funeral. He wanted everyone to
get answers and their inheritance and move
on with their lives.
"Thank you so much. You will hear from me
with the details of where and when the
reading of the will, will take place." he walks
away, leaving the angry Khabo behind. She
still cannot believe the skank that ruined her
brother's marriage is getting something.
 CHAPTER 36
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I don't remember the last time I saw my

mother this happy and excited. She has been
smiling since we got here Friday evening; She
knew I was coming down here with a surprise
but she never thought it would be a woman.
My mother has been waiting for a "daughter-
in-law" for years now and I finally brought
one home. I know she is going to go around
Mahlabathini telling everyone who cares to
listen. The village women are going to be
disappoint because the same MaZikode gave
them hope. Yes, some of the women thought
I'd pick a wife from their daughters and take
them to Durban.

I was nervous when we arrived but it quickly

went away when I saw how easily my mother
and Nonku clicked. It was like they were old
friends reconnecting after a long time; The
pair never runs out of things to talk about. I
feel like a spare wheel most of the time, but
it doesn't matter because everything is
smooth sailing. This weekend definitely
exceeded my expectations.

Nonku and I are leaving for Durban in a few

hours. I'm outside washing the car while
listening to the radio. MaZikode and Nonku
are in the bedroom, my mother wants to give
Nonku a few of her dresses and two piece
suits. The ones she wore when she wanted
Mavimbela to be jealous. My girlfriend was
kind enough to act excited so she doesn't hurt
my mother's feelings. I won't even hold it
against her if she packs them away and
forgets about them. The clothes are obviously
outdated and Nonku is a very morden woman.

"Shlobo," a voice calls out and I quickly turn

and find Mam'Gasela. She's fiddling with her
pinafore.
"Ma, unjani?" I ask with narrowed eyes.
I'm definitely surprised to see her here.
"I'm... Mmhh I'm okay," her eyes are puffy and
blood shot red, she has been crying.
"You don't look okay, has something
happened?" I'm genuinely concerned. She
might hate me but I don't, she gave birth to
the woman who showed me true love.
"I have crossed the line Shlobo and now my..."
she stops talking, her eyes are on something
behind me.
"What have you come to fight about now,
Thembelihle?" my mother asks and Thalente's
mother takes a deep breath.
"I didn't come here to fight, Sisi," she says and
my mother scoffs then claps once.
"Sisi?" MaZikode asks then smacks her lips. No
one can blame her for the attitude, this
woman was having an affair with her
husband.
"I'm sorry for just showing up, but when I
heard that Shlobo is around I had to come ask
for his help," Mam'Gasela explains and my
mother laughs.
"You? Ask help from my son? The one you hate
so much?" I wish my mother could tone it
down. Mam'Gasela is desperate, she wouldn't
have came here if it wasn't serious.
"Maka Thalente, we can go talk inside," I say,
gesturing for her to walk towards the door.
My mother folds her arms and gives me a
deadly eye.
"MaZikode, please," I beg her and she drops her
hands and gets inside the house with the
confused Nonku behind her.
"Come ma," I lead the way and she's following
behind me. My mom is on the single couch
when we walk in the lounge. My girlfriend is
not in the room, I appreciate her for giving us
some space.
"You can sit down," I point to the vacant
couch across from my mother, there's a
coffee table between them, hopefully
MaZikode doesn't jump it.
"I'm sorry for showing up here, but you are
the only person that can help me out," she
gulps down her saliva, "I know I've mistreated
you in the past and because of that I don't
have a right to ask for your help but I'm here
begging for it," she continues and I look at my
mother who has a dangerous look on her face.
She dealt with Mam'Gasela calmly when she
came here with Thalente. I wish she could
handle this one the same way.
"It's okay, my mother taught me to never hold
grudges against anyone. How can I help you?"
I ask and she quickly wipes her tears before
they fall.
"I allowed my anger and pain to cloud my
judgemnet and now I might have lost my
daughter forever. She's not answering my
calls Shlobo. Thalente said I should consider
myself dead to her and I'm afraid that she is
sticking to her words. Please help me talk to
her," she cries, rubbing her hands together.
"I have spoken to Thalente ma, she told me
what happened. I won't lie, she's heart broken
by the whole situation," I say and she closes
her eyes, pained by my revelation.
"I didn't mean to hurt her, Shlobo. Thalente is
my whole life, she is the reason I still see
beauty in this life. I wouldn't know what to
do with myself if she cut me off, I'd be as
good as dead like she said," that's deep and I
can see she means every word. But it's not
fair to have a favorite child, imagine how the
brothers would feel if they heard her speaking
like this.
"She's just hurting ma, just give her some
space. She loves you and will never cut you
out of her life. Everything Thalente does is for
you," I say and she shakes her head.
"You don't understand Shlobo, she's hard
headed. She doesn't forgive easily, she is just
like Mav..." she quickly holds her tounge and
her eyes move nervously to my mother.
"Like who?" the question comes out in a
whisper from MaZikode.
"Nothing. Shlobo, please hel..."
My mother quickly gets up, her hands are
shaking. What's happening, did I miss
something here?
"Yei! Mahosha!" I gasp in shock.
"Ma, no," I reprimand her and she holds out
her hand to me.
"You stay out of it, Shlobosenkosi," she's not
playing with me, it's a serious warning.
"Thembelihle, Thalente is stubborn just like
who?" why is she pressing on that matter?
Mam'Gasela has a hand covering her mouth as
tears stream down her face.
"She's my husband's daughter isn't she?"
mama asks and my jaw is on the ground.
Thalente?
"I will choke the truth out of you Thembelihle,
I swear to God," my mother screams and
Mam'Gasela nods vigorously.
Oh my God!
I watch my mother slowly sink back on the
couch, I can see the pain in her eyes.
I thought my father's affair with Mam'Gasela
happened when I was still a kid. I was 20 or 21
years old when Thalente was born, I was away
from home hustling. Now I want to know
when it all started because the end of it is
clear. They ended months before Thalente was
born.
"Ma, are you serious? Thalente is my sister?" I
ask and she nods, avoiding my eyes.
"Yes, that's why I have always been against
the relationship you had with Melamina. It
was nothing personal," yoh! I was not
expecting this, I didn't see it coming at all. I
mop my face with the palm of my hand and
heave a heavy sigh.
"Get out of my house Thembelihle," my mother
says with her eyes fixed on the wedding
picture hanging on the wall.
Mam'Gasela gets up from the couch and
leaves without saying a word.
I go kneel infront of my mother and hug her,
only then does she wail, breaking my heart.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I'm so late, Mongezi is going to kill me. But he

will have to understand that I couldn't leave
my house without making sure that my
husband is okay and will be comfortable until
I come back. Things between Thabo and I have
been really amazing, signing up for post-
marital counseling has been the best decision
for our marriage. Everything feels right, we
are at the best place we have ever been in our
relationship. We have understanding, empathy
and respect. Those three things were lacking
for a long while and it's good to have them
back.

I get to the restaurant and tell the hostess at

the door that I'm meeting someone here. She
asks for the name and checks her reservation
list, Mongezi is the one who made the table
booking. She tells me that I'm the first one to
arrive and takes me to our table; I drove here
like a mad woman because I was insanely
late, only to find that Mongezi hasn't even
arrived. I am going to give him a hard time
over this. He can't invite me out and keep me
waiting.

The waitress comes to take my order and I

ask her to give me a margarita and a shot of
tequila. Yes, I am aware that margarita has
taquila but I find it too weak so I give it an
extra kick. I take out my phone and there's a
text from Mongezi, it came through 30
minutes ago. Oh he is such a fuck! How do
you cancel on someone you begged to meet
up with? This is disrespectful, I could be
cuddling with my husband watching some
action movie. Sundays are for lovers for
crying out loud!

My drink comes and I decide to enjoy it and

place an order for their seafood boil. I cooked
Sunday several colors so I will take the boil
for lunch tomorrow at work and leave some
for Thabo to eat during the day. He's going to
kiss my bum for bringing it, my husband and I
are obssed with sea food and this place offers
the best of the best.

"Kat?" I look up and gasp for air.

Oh my God.
"Karabo," it comes out in a whisper.
I can't believe I'm looking at her, she looks so
gorgeous, just like the last time I laid my eyes
on her.
"Wow, I can't believe I'm looking at you," she
says with a smile and the butterflies in my
stomach go a tad crazy.
This girl used to drive me completely insane,
no other woman had an effect on me the way
Karabo did.
"Me too. It's nice seeing you," I say and she
tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Are you here with someone?" -Karabo.
I shake my head.
"No, a friend of mine stood me up," I explain
and she scrunches her nose.
"Can I?" I nod vigorously and she pulls out a
chair and settles down.
"I was having lunch with my sister, she left a
couple of minutes ago. I stuck around for
another drink, I didn't think I'd bump into
you," she says with her head tilted to one side
then licks her lower lip. Oh no she didn't, is
she trying to turn me on?
"Are you visiting? The last time I heard you
were in Cape Town," I ask to make
convesation and she shrugs her shoulders.
"I came back about a year and a half ago. I
got a job with better benefits this side," she
explains.
"Where is your husband?" she asks and I clear
my throat. What an uncomfortable question.
Karabo is the girl I cheated on Thabo with;
She didn't know I was in a relationship with
Thabo, I lied and said he was a close friend of
mine and she had no reason to worry about
him. She was broken when I ended things
between us; I didn't mean to hurt her but I
loved Thabo more than what she and I had
going on at the time.
"I left him at home, he's doing good," I say and
pick up my glass and take a sip, "What about
you? Is the a Mr or Mrs?" I ask and she
chuckles.
"A boyfriend, I'm hoping it leads to marriage.
He is an amazing guy,"
"It will because you are equally an amazing
girl," I murmur and she leans back and starts
playing with the salt container.
"I am a pain to him most times, too insecure,
Kat. I keep thinking there's something going
on between him and his baby momma, but
there isn't. Everyone keeps reassuring me but
I can't help myself. I was once told not to
worry about someone only to be dumped for
him. I carry that with me and now it might
cost me this amazing relationship," she says
and I swallow hard. I know she's referring to
me.
"I'm sorry for what I did to you, Karabo. I hope
one day you can find it in your heart to
forgive me," I say and she shrugs.
"Let me order a drink," she says, waving for a
waitress, "Tell me about work." I pinch the
bridge of my nose. This shouldn't be
happening, Karabo is a hard limit for Thabo. If
he knew I was sitting with her over drinks we
will take a hundred steps back and we have
made so much progress. At the same time I
can't just brush off Karabo, especially after
what she said about having insecurities
because of what I did to her.
 CHAPTER 37
AT THE KHAMBULE RESIDENCE

Senzeni and Khabonina decided to bring in a

psychologist to help Thulisile accept that
Jimmy has passed on and he is not coming
back to her. They couldn't sit back and watch
her sink deeper and deeper into the darkness.
It hurts Senzeni to see her mother like this,
she's the only parent she's left with, she can't
lose her too. It would be the hardest loss
because her mother would still be alive but
not really because Thulisile would be
consumed by living as if her husband is
coming back. That's basically in a world of her
own.

This has been the hardest couple of weeks for

Senzeni. Her whole world changed within a
blink of an eye. Her father wanted to bring
another woman into their family and that
caused a huge rift between all of them. Her
sister is in prison, awaiting trial because she
beat up the woman their father wanted to
make his second wife. And now they are
dealing with the hardest of it all, loosing
Jimmy.

Senzeni is hurting to her soul, her father died

when they were not on good terms. She can't
even remember the last thing she said to him.
This experience has taught her something
important, that is to never hold grudges
against loved ones because they could die at
any minute. What her father did to their
mother was extremely painful, a huge
betreyal but now she wishes she had taken
time out to find out why her father wanted a
second wife. Maybe she could have
understood and avoided taking sides. Another
lesson she learned is to never allow yourself
to be caught in the middle of two people you
love and end up having to pick a side.

Thulisile is sitting on the bed, next to her is

Senzeni. Khabo and the psychologist are on
the chairs facing mother and daughter. All
eyes are on Thuli and hers are on her
husband's obituary. Tears are streaming down
her face, it's finally sinking in, Jimmy left her.
She drops the obituary and wipes her tears
with the back of her hands before taking a
deep breath.

"Thank you for coming," Thulisile says, looking

at the psychologist. The lady nods with a
smile. She really helped with getting through
to her, she knew how to break it down to her
and help her digest it within a few minutes.
"Uhm, Senzeni," That's Thuli, her voice is
hoarse. She has been crying since the day they
broke the news of Jimmy's passing. No, she
wasn't crying because of that, she didn't
believe that her husband is dead. She was
crying because they were refusing to give her
her passport to go see Jimmy in the USA and
support him as he fights the cancer.
Remember, denial is a stage of grief.
"Yes, mommy?" Senzeni answers.
"I need to Uhm... I need to see his grave," she
says and everyone heaves a sigh of relief. She
wants to go see her husband's final resting
place, they don't have to convince her to go.
Bringing in the psychologist was a good idea.
"We will take you tomorrow morning sisi,"
Khabonina says.
"No, I need to go today," Thulisile quickly says.
"Okay, okay. We can go," Senzeni agrees.
Thulisile gets up from the bed and disappears
in the walk in closet. She notices that most
of Jimmy's clothes aren't hanging on his side.
She's hurt by this but she understands that
tradition requires them to give the clothes
out to relatives the day after the funeral.
Thulisile also understands that she has to be
dressed in black clothes for at least a year, to
show that she's mourning her husband, the
father of her children.
She takes off her pyjamas and puts on a long
dress and wraps her head with a scarf.
"We can go," Thuli says, walking out of the
closet. It's only Senzeni in the bedroom, her
aunt walked the psychologist out.
Senzeni jumps off the bed and takes her
mother's hand.
"Did Sihle come to bury your father?" Thulisile
asks and her daughter heaves a heavy sigh.
"No mama. She was not allowed," Senzeni
explains and that hurts Thuli's heart. This is
all a mess, how did they get here as a family?
They get outside and Khabo is already waiting
in the driveway, next to Senzeni's car. They all
climb in and head to the cemetery, Thulisile
asks them to stop at the shopping center, she
wants to buy flowers at Woolworths. It will
take them a while to find a funeral wreath,
she will make calls and buy a couple then
take them when she goes to talk to her
husband alone. Today she just wants to see
his final resting place, it will help her believe
100 percent what they have been saying to
her.

MASWABI MOLETSANE
I haven't been sleeping well for a couple of
days; All I do is think of everything Naledi said
to me and it hits my heart every time. Being
compared to those people made my whole
body go cold, but I cannot blame my daughter
for feeling that way. I now realize the damage
I've done to Naledi and our relationship, and
truth be told a part of me hates myself for
hurting my daughter throughout the years. I
didn't abandon her but I did far worse, I made
Naledi wish that she was abandoned by me. I
now understand why she once said Dzunisani
was her mother and not me.

The hate I have been carrying in my heart for

my parents and my need to be perfect with
everything has cost me my family. I regret
every harsh word, every decision I forced on
Naledi and the lack of affection towards her. I
wish I did a lot of things differently but
there's no use crying over spilt milk. All I can
do now is try and show her how very sorry I
am and become the mother she deserves. It's
not going to be easy but I'm willing to try, I'm
willing to change in order to have my baby
back in my life, on good terms.

This is one of the hardest decisions I have

ever had to make, but I know it's the right
thing to do. Letting go is the first step in the
right direction; I am doing this to free myself
and most importantly to help Mohale's
daughter get her life back. They all don't
deserve the pain and confusion they have
been living with for five years.
I take a deep breath and punch in the number
Mohale gave me before he left. The line is
trilling and my heart is drumming against my
chest, I'm nervous as hell.

"Moletsane," He answers and I swallow hard.

"He-hello," I stutter and mentally slap myself
afterwards.
"Yes, hello," did I catch him at a bad time?
He doesn't sound well.
"Mohale, this is Maswabi speaking. The
woman from Johannesburg, your sis..."
He quickly interjects, "My sister. It's nice to
hear from you. How have you been?" he
sounds somewhat excited and that makes me
relax a little.
"I have been good, how are you?" I answer.
He heaves a sigh, "By God's grace we are still
standing," his tone has changed. He sounds
defeated and I think I might have an idea
why.
"And your daughter, how has she been?"
I feel a little guilty asking about her after I
refused helping them when he was here.
"It's been difficult, she's admitted as we
speak. Her seizures have gotten worse,"
Mohale says and I close my eyes.
God, I am this girl's only hope.
"What's her name?" I ask.
"Her name is Poloko," he sounds proud.
I'm sure there's a wide smile plastered across
his face right now.
"That's a beautiful name,"
"Thank you Ousi," there's some awkward
silence for a few seconds.
"I'm sorry, Mohale. I'm sorry that your child
had to suffer because of what was done to
me. I'm sorry that I refused to help her by
forgiving your parents," I mean it.
"Thank you, Maswabi. I want you to
understand that I will never hold it against
you," he is such a good person. Most people
wouldn't even want to talk to me after I
refused saving their child from the pain they
are constantly feeling.
"I would hold it against myself. I wouldn't
know how to look at myself in the mirror and
like what I see if something had to happen to
your daughter," I take a sip of my water, "Can
you please send me your location. I'd like to
drive down there today to help you with the
preparations of the rituals we have to
perform," I say and he gasps in shock.
"You mean?" he asks with a shaking voice.
"Yes, I will forgive them. I don't want to carry
this pain and hatred in my heart anymore. I
want to be free and harbour nothing but
peace, love and happiness in my heart. I'm
doing this for myself, for my family and
yours," Mohale sniffs and I know he's crying
silently. This must be such a huge relief for
him.
"Thank you so much, Maswabi. You don't
know how much this means to me, how much
it will mean to Poloko," I wipe my own tears
and gulp down my saliva.
"This is my number, please forward me the
location. I'll be in Bethlehem by tonight. I'll
book into a hotel or something and come to
your house tomorrow morning," I say.
"What? No! My sister will not be sleeping in
any hotel, I have plenty room at my house,"
he says and I chuckle.
"Okay, my driver will be the one sleeping at
the hotel then," I say with a smile on my face.
"Absolutely not, like I said, there's plenty
room. He will use one of the rooms here also.
There's no need to spend money
unnecessarily," my big brother has spoken
then.
"Okay then, I'll see you later," we say our
goodbyes and hang up.

It's Wednesday today, that means I won't be

coming to the office for 2 days. I will leave
important files with my secretary and ask her
to call me with emergencies only. I don't
want anything to disturb me while I'm in
Bathlehem, I want to give this trip all my
attention. Everything has to go smoothly, for
everyone's sake. I want to come back to
Johannesburg feeling brand new.

I call my driver and he picks up after the

second ring. I tell him to go home and pack a
bag because we are leaving for Free State
after work and coming back on Sunday. He
tells me he will rush there and be back before
my knockoff time.
He knows to expect unplanned trips, it's part
of his job description.
 CHAPTER 38
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I am packing my bag, I have to be at some

lawyers offices in 20 minutes. The man called
me and said they have something important
to discuss with me and that it's crucial to
make it to his office today at 12pm. He
refused telling me what it is in connection
with over the phone, apparently it's a
sensitive matter that needs to be discussed in
person. I am just hoping that it has absolutely
nothing to do with Sihle Khambule's case, I'm
not going to drop the assault charges.
Jimmy's daughter needs to be taught a lesson,
she cannot go around hitting people.

"Naledi," someone says and I look up to find

the receptionist with a bouquet of flowers.
"Hey," I say with narrowed eyes.
"Uhm, these just got delivered for you," she
explains and I raise an eyebrow.
They better not be from Jimmy. He might be
trying to soften me up before the meeting
with his daughters lawyer. He knows me, I am
not easily bought, I'm disappointed in him.
"Come in," I say and she walks inside briskly
and places the flowers on top of the desk. I
reach for the card and read.

I MISS YOU SO MUCH, PLEASE FORGIVE ME

NALEDI. YOU ARE NOT JUST A FRIEND TO ME,
YOU'RE MY SISTER.
X MONGEZI.

I click my tounge, "You can have the flowers,"

I say and she's taken aback.
I am shredding the card with my hands.
"Are you sure?" she asks and I nod vigorously.
"Yes," she smiles and grabs the flowers,
burying her nose in them.
"I've never received flowers, Thank you
Naledi," she's so happy, I'm glad I could make
her day.
"Send yourself flowers if someone doesn't,
babe. Spoiling yourself is a necessity," I say
and she takes a deep breath.
"I wish I could but the R200 for flowers from
Woolworth would buy something for my son. I
am a single parent, plus, everyone at home is
depended on me," she explains and my smile
fades.
Hearing such stories makes me more grateful
for my life. I have never struggled financially
in my life and my daughters father and I
would go to the ends of the world to provide
for our princess.
"I'll send you flowers for being a strong
woman who is holding her own. I can't even
begin to imagine how hard it is on you, but
I'm proud to see you waking up everyday and
hustling for you and your family," I say and
she's blinking rapidly.
"Wow, I needed to hear that. Thank you so
much. You're one of the ladies I look up to,
Naledi," ahh, I'm truly touched.
"Do you have any university qualifications?" I
ask, maybe I can hook her up with something
better.
"No, I just have Matric. I couldn't go to
varsity, I had to work immediately after high
school," that's very sad.
"Would you like to further your studies while
working?" I ask and she nods vigorously.
"If I had the financial means then absolutely,"
that's goood to know.
"I will give HR a call. They can help pay for
your studies, provided that you do something
that will see you working here. Accounting,
auditing, economics and risk management,
those kind of degrees," I say and she drops her
tears.
"You would really do that for me?" her
question comes out in a whisper and I nod
with a huge smile on my face.
"Yes, from one sister to another," she places
the flowers down.
"Can I please hug you?" how sweet.
I round the table with open arms and we
share a hug.
.
.
.
I get to the lawyers office and hurry inside, I
am 10 minutes late. I would have been on
time if I didn't have the emotional
convesation with the receptionist. I am glad
it happened though, one more black sister will
have an opportunity to make it in life. We
have to help one another to get to levels that
see us being better visions of ourselves. We
rise by lifting others, people need to
understand this.

I tell the receptionist that I'm here to see a

lawyer by the name of Mondli Kheswa. She
tells me that they are waiting for me in the
conference room. Now I'm wondering who is
"they". I get into the lift and press the fifth
floor, the receptionist was pretty clear on her
direction. I'm now a little nervous, I don't
know what to expect.
The conference door is open, I just walk in and
immediately stop and gasp for air. What the
hell is going on here? Jimmy's wife is here,
she's dressed in all black. His sister is also in
the room and there's a girl my age, she has
Thulisile's features, I guess she's their other
daughter.
A guy in a black suit sitting at the head of the
table gets up quickly, holding his hand out to
me. I guess he's the lawyer guy.

"Miss Moletsane, I'm glad you could make it,"

he says and I shake his hand.
"What's happening?" I'm genuinely confused. I
wasn't expecting the Khambule's to be here.
"Please have a seat, you will soon find out,"
my heart is thudding against my chest. I kind
of have an idea of why we are all here but I
don't want to believe it. I would have read
about it in the papers or seen it on social
media. But I haven't been active on my socials
and I don't buy newspapers.
I settle on a chair that's far from the family
and place my handbag on the table.
"Thank you for coming everyone. Jimmy
wanted his will to be read exactly five days
after his burial," The lawyer explains and I
gasp in shock, placing a hand over my mouth.
He is gone, how did I miss it? When did it
happen and how?
Yes, we weren't together anymore but it still
hurts. I loved this guy with all my heart
before everything came crushing down.
The whole family is looking at me.
"You didn't know?" his wife asks and I shake
my head.
"No, I'm only hearing about his death now. The
lawyer just asked me to come, he didn't
explain anything," I say with a hoarse voice,
fighting my tears.
"Mxm," Jimmy's sister clicks her tongue.
"He died in America. He had cancer, he went
there for a clinical trial that killed him. None
of us knew about it," Thulisile is kind enough
to tell me and I'm shocked at why she's not
mad at me for being here. Her husband
included me in his will, she has every right to
be pissed right now.
"I'm sorry for your loss," I say and she offers
me a ghost smile.
"We have his wishes on paper and he also
made a video saying exactly what's in the
document. You guys will watch it and if you
like I'll read it to you as well," the lawyer
says, his eyes darting from this person to the
next.
"If we can all look at the screen," he says and
presses play. Jimmy appears, he is wearing his
favorite Versace shirt.
I used to hate it with all my heart, I thought
it was too tacky for my liking.
"If you're watching this it means that I'm
gone. I hate thinking of what my death will
do to each and everyone of you. Please forgive
me for not telling you about the cancer, the
whole thing caught me off guard and when I
was given the chance to be a part of a clinical
trial I took it. I hoped that it will work and I'll
come back home cancer free. These last few
weeks have been chaotic, truths came to light
and caused division in our family. I would
firstly like to address my wife Thulisile. I am
sincerely sorry for hurting you, for breaking
our family. You didn't deserve it. You have
been nothing but a loyal wife to me, you
deserve better than me and I hope you find it
now that I'm gone. I don't want to say much
and hurt you more than I already have. I
promised you the world when we first got
together and I didn't really deliver but I'm
hoping to fix that now. I want you to be
happy, to travel like you have always wanted.
You don't have to worry about ever working a
day in your life, just relax and explore the
world. I have decided to leave you all the cars,
our house in Saxonwold, the one in Cape Town
and the block of flats in Braamfontein. I also
leave you a sum of R25 million rands. Do me a
favor by being happy; thank you for all the
good years and I'm sorry for all the hell I put
you through," he wipes his tears and Thuli is
sobbing.
"To my Children, Senzeni and Sihle. I'm
ashamed to even address you, I have failed
you as a father. The best thing a father can
do for his children is to love and protect their
mother and I failed dismally at that. I hope
one day you will find it in your hearts to
forgive me. Please take care of mom, love and
respect her. I am proud of the women you
have both become. Senzeni, I love how you
have turned your passion into a lucrative
business. You are a genius, your fathers
daughter. I am sorry that you had to leave
home because you couldn't stand being
around me. You might feel guilty right now
for all you said but please know that I long
forgave you my baby. I know you are an
independent child but I still want you to have
the money I worked hard for. I am leaving you
and your sister a sum of R5 million rands
each. Sihle, magcina wami, yobe sisi. I allowed
my anger to get the better of me and didn't
stop to think that you acted the way you did
because you were in pain. I'm sorry and I
promise to make things right, Mondli will see
to it that all the charges get dropped and you
are home with your mother and sister," I am
startled by a high pitched cry that comes
from the laptop facing the TV screen. I didn't
see Sihle there, Jesus!
"Khabo, sisi wami. Please look out for my
family, don't abandon them now that I'm
gone. Things happened when I was still alive,
we fought but that didn't change the fact
that you're still my sister. I am leaving you
with a sum of R1 million," his sister gasps for
air.
"Last but not least, Bubbles," he says and my
heart drops into my stomach.
I feel everyones eyes piercing the side of my
face.
"Naledi Moletsane. I have so much to say to
you and I'm sorry is one of them. I lied to you
but you were the one on the receiving end
when the truth came out. I honestly love you,
you meant everything to me. I wish life gave
us a chance to be together and happy because
what we had was genuine. Maybe I will have a
chance to meet you first in another lifetime.
You taught me so much, I was always left in
awe after our conversations. Don't change my
fire cracker, just apply more pressure and
thrive. You have the potential to be
everything, I've seen how hard you work and
your dedication. Those traits are what made
me decide to leave you my company,
Khambule holdings," I close my eyes as
comments of disapproval make their way
around the room. I can't really blame them?
How could Jimmy do this to me? "You are
already an amazing manager at work, I don't
doubt that you'll make a great CEO. I have
made arrangements with Mondli, he will
organize someone to groom you for the
position. I also leave you our house in
Bryanston, we made a lot of happy memories
there," I cannot believe this man. Who does
this? He had children, why didn't he leave the
company to them?
He just complicated my life, his family will
not accept this.
"I know everyone will be shocked by my
decision regarding the company but none of
my daughters were interested in it. They both
won't tell you exactly what I do but Naledi
can in her sleep. Plus, she's in the same
industry. My wife and children will get a share
of the company's profits on a yearly basis,
Bubbles I know you will see that this wish of
mine is fulfilled. You have never been a greedy
person. Thulisile, Senzeni and Sihle, please
don't fight Naledi. The rest of my money is
held up in investments, once they mature
Mondli will see to it that Thuli and the kids
get it. I need everyone of you to accept my
last wishes. I love you all and please live your
lives to the fullest," the tape stops and silence
falls on the room. I'm afraid to look at the
others, I know someone between them is
ready to jump me.
"Did my brother really leave me 1 million
only?" Khabo asks and the lawyer nods.
"Yes, that's all you're getting. He didn't include
you in the money that's held up in
investments," Mondli, the lawyer explains and
I can see that the sister is boiling. She
expected more.
"That's impossible. Jimmy cannot leave me R1
million and give his side piece a whole
multimillion rand company," his sister is
already giving me a tough time. I didn't ask
for any of this.
"Khabo please, this is what Jimmy wanted.
You can't fight him, we all have to accept
that he loved her. Your brother made his
decision, Jimmy always chose himself and his
happiness. Naledi was his happiness, he chose
her even when he was knocking on deaths
door. I was stupid to think I'd stay on as the
first wife and make the polygamy work. I feel
stupid right now for sitting here feeling pain
and not rage," I feel so guilty right now.
Why did my path have to cross with Jimmy?
"Thuli, I can sign the company back to you
once it's legally in my name," I say and she
shakes her head.
"That's exactly what you should do," Khabo
quickly answers.
"I'm not fighting this decision. I am tired,
Naledi. He started that company from
scratch, all of it, even the subsidiaries. He
wanted you to have it and run it, that's okay.
I will take what he wanted me to have and
move on with my life,"
There's pain in her voice.
"I'm really sorry, Thuli. I didn't mean for any of
this," she nods and wipes her tears.
"Thulisile you cannot allow this girl to take
what you helped Jimmy build," I think it's
time to get out of here.
"Can I be excused?" I ask.
"Uhm, yes. I will be in touch to get some
documents signed and to discuss things
regarding the holding company," I just nod.
I need a minute to wrap my head around this
whole thing.
"Okay." I get up and take my handbag.
 CHAPTER 39
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

It has been days since we found out about

Thanlente being my father's child, my half
sister. It has really been hard wrapping my
head around the recent truths but I can't do
anything but accept it all and move on with
my life. A part of me is happy, I have a little
sister again. No, she's not Busisiwe's
replacement. No one will take her place in my
heart. Another part of me is hurting for my
mother, she has to live the remaining days of
her life with a human reminder of her
husband's betrayal.

MaZikode is obviously heart broken by all of

this but my mother is an amazing woman.
She is the one who picked up the phone and
called me to send a car to pick them up.
"Them" being her and Mam'Gasela, she wants
Thalente to know the truth so we can move
forward with bringing her home and
introducing her to the Mavimbela ancestors.
It takes a special woman to do what my
mother did, some woman wouldn't even
acknowledge their husband's love child.

I'm sitting with the two ladies in the lounge

and the tension is so thick, I swear you'd cut
through it with a knife. I cannot begin to
imagine how awkward the drive from
Mahlabathini to Durban was. But I'm happy
that they both made it here without any
drama. I was really worried that something
might happen, a physical fight or a heated
verbal exchange.

I texted Thalente last night, asking her to

come through. I didn't tell her that my
mother and hers are coming through, she
would have refused to come. She is still very
much mad at her mother for what she did to
Melamina's tombstone. I have decided that I'm
going to fix it now that Mam'Gasela gave me
permission to come to her yard and visit
Mela. That's the first thing she told me when
they arrived here and I'm grateful. After 18
years I finally get to see where the woman I
love is resting and bring her flowers.

A car drives in and I see Mam'Gasela tensing

up on the couch. She's scared and nervous, I
understand why but we have to tell Thalente
the truth and hope that it doesn't knock her
down hard. This is obviously going to be
difficult, her mother watched her live a lie for
27 years. However she chooses to react to the
news is totally warranted.

The front door opens and Thalente's laughter

fills the house, Nhlangano must have said
something stupid. I haven't told my son that
Thalente is not just a family friend but his
aunt. I wanted my sister to be the first to
know and then tell everyone else. He walks in
first, followed by Thalente whose smile fades
when her eyes land on her mother. She heaves
a heavy sigh and greets us.

"Baba, can I please use the car? I just want to

go somewhere real quick," he asks and I nod. I
know there's going to be fire in this house in
a couple of minutes and I don't want him here
witnessing it.
"No problem," I say and he rushes out without
saying anything more. He enjoys driving these
days, he's always asking to use the car.
"Please sit down, Thalente," I say to her and
she goes to sit next to my mother, completely
avoiding hers.
"What's happening, bhut'Shlobo?" she asks
with a straight face.
I clear my throat, "Uhm, there's something
important we need to tell you," I explain and
she snaps an eyebrow and looks at her
mother who is already sobbing.
"Ma, what's going on? I know this has
something to do with you," Thale hits the nail
right on the head. We are here because of the
affair she and my father decided to have.
Betraying both MaZikode and Gasela in the
process.
"I want you to know that I'm sorry, Thalente. I
love you with all my heart," Mam'Gasela
whimpers and wipes her tears. This is already
getting emotional and we haven't even
started with the hard truths.
"B-baby girl, I kept this from you because it
was the best decision then but now you
deserve to know the truth," she shouldn't
make excuses for the lies, it will only make
Thalente more angry.
"What are you talking about?" my sister is
impatient.
"You...Thal...Uhm, you are not a Gasela," it
comes out in a whisper but it definitely
reached Thalente's ears because she gasps in
shock.
"What do you mean I'm not a Gasela?"
She asks then shifts uncomfortably on the
couch, until she's sitting on the edge.
"I mean my late husband was not your
biological father. You are Mavimbela's
daughter," she explains between hiccups.
Thalente laughs and my mother and I
exchange a look. MaZikode hasn't said a word,
I wish I knew what is going on in her head
right now.
"I know you loved the man ma but please
don't lie. My father is Gasela," denial, that's
not uncommon. She's not willing to accept
anything that changes everything about her
life.
"No, he's not Thalente," -Mam'Gasela.
"Yes, you had an affair with bab'Mavimbela
but you were still married to my father. What
makes you so sure that I'm a Mavimbela and
not Gasela?" that's a valid question. We never
got to ask it, we automatically believed
Mam'Gasela. I mean why would she lie about
this? Of course we are going to do a DNA test
to put everyone's mind to rest but a huge
part of me already believes that Thalente is
my sister. The soft spot I have for her is now
explained, she's my blood.
"Gasela and I were not doing anything when I
fell pregnant with you, Thalente," wow, just
wow!
"If that's the case why didn't he question you?
Why did he raise me until he died?" the now
crying Thalente asks.
"Mavimbela stopped coming around, he
avoided me at all costs. I would always meet
him with his family and we obviously couldn't
talk. I never had the chance to tell him I was
pregnant and time was not stopping. You
were growing inside of me and one day Gasela
realized that I'm with child. He sat me down,
grilled me with questions until I told him that
I had an affair because he was also out there
with multiple women," Mam'Gasela is an
emotional mess as she tells us the story.
Thalente is still crying and I can see a mixture
of anger and pain in her eyes.
Her life as she knows it has been nothing but
a big fat lie.
"It was clear that Mavimbela didn't want
anything to do with me anymore. So when
Gasela told me not to tell him about the baby
I agreed. He didn't want the shame out in
public, he would be a laughing stock if the
truth came out. He had multiple affairs and
none of them produced a child but mine did.
That would get people questioning his
manhood, even though we had other children
before you. He decided to raise you as his own
for his own image, Thalente," haike! This is
deep.
I didn't think it all played out like that. I just
thought she passed the baby off as her
husband's since my father had chose
MaZikode over her. It's a real shocker to find
out that Gasela knew about the affair and
came up with the idea of keeping the truth of
Thalente's paternity between them.
Thalente throws her head back, placing both
hands over her face and wails. Her cries hit
the core of my heart, I quickly get up from
the couch and rush to her. I kneel down and
give her a hug, rubbing her back in circles.
 MASWABI MOLETSANE

The sangoma that told my brother what had

to happen in order for his daughter to be
alright came and helped us. Yesterday evening
we went to the graves of my parents and the
other Moletsane elders. He burned imphepho
and said things I couldn't make out, then
asked me to tell my parents that I forgive
them and I let go of the pain they caused me.
At the other graves the sangoma just
introduced me to them and told them that
I'm finally home and I've forgiven those that
abandoned me.

It was very emotional, I never saw this

happening. I was ready to hate them until the
day I died, maybe even carry those hard
feelings to the after life. But now I'm glad
that I let go of all the anger, pain and hate in
my heart. I feel so much lighter and I can
confidently say that I'm excited to see what
the future holds. I'm obviously hoping to fix
my relationship with Naledi and Dzunisani,
they are my family, they've been with me
from day one. I also want to have a
relationship with my brother Mohale and his
children.

We are at my brother's house, the neighbors

are here eating the animal we slaughtered
and drinking umqombothi. My brother
introduced me to everyone, some knew that
my parents had me but they didn't know
where I ended up. Some were just so shocked
to learn that I existed. But all in all, I was
welcomed warmly. I will definitely be coming
back here from time to time to see my
brother and his kids.

"Rakgadi," Poloko, Mohale's daughter says,

settling next to me.
"Baby girl. How are you feeling?" I ask.
Her father went to get her from the hospital
yesterday because she had to be present for a
certain ritual we did here at home. She was a
little weak and the doctors advised against
taking her but the sangoma needed her here.
Plus, her sickness isn't something western
medicine could fix. Being present at the ritual
was more important than being at the
hospital.
"I have regained some strength. I even
managed to eat some meat," she says and I
smile. I am happy to hear this, I forgave my
parents for myself but also for her. She didn't
deserve to fall sick now and again, that was
affecting her life in every aspect. I'm relived
to know that things are looking up already.
"That's good baby girl, at least we know that
you won't fall sick because of the whole
forgiveness thing. You are good to live your
life and not worry about the unexplainable
seizures," she nods vigorously.
"Definitely. I cannot wait to travel, to do
things that get my adrenaline pumping. I
want to date again and have so much fun. For
5 years I've been living with fear, wondering
what triggers my episodes. I'm happy to have
my life back," I totally understand. She must
have felt trapped.
"So, can I please visit you in Johannesburg
soon? I want to meet my cousin and her
daughter," she says excitedly.
I know Naledi would love to meet them. My
daughter has always wanted to have a big
family, this will be a dream come true for her.
"You and your father can come at your
earliest convenience. They will all be so happy
to meet you,"
"God, I'm over the moon that we all found
each other. I can see that my dad is happy to
have his sister. The death of your brother
knocked him down hard, he felt like he was
loosing everyone left, right and center,"
Mohale told me that we had another brother,
he's between us. Mohale is the first, Maru was
the second and I'm last. Our mother died first
then 2 years later our father followed. Maru
got involved in a car accident and died shortly
before Poloko started getting sick.
"I am happy too. I feel like life will make more
sense now that I've let go and met you. I can't
wait to meet your brothers too," Mohale's
son's couldn't make it, they had to work and
it was too short notice to ask for leave at
their places of employment.
My phone chimes on top of me, I'm sitting on
my motorized wheelchair. I pick it up and
power the screen on, it's a text from
Dzunisani. She's asking me where I am. God,
she texted yesterday and I thought I answered
her. We were so busy, I must've answered in
my head.
I'll admit that it's good to know that she still
cares about me.
I respond to her message, telling her I'm safe
and will explain everything when I get home
tomorrow.
I didn't want to tell her or Naledi about this,
it would have come across as me trying to
get points with them. I needed to do this on
my own, for myself and at the end of the day
for everyone else.
 CHAPTER 40
NALEDI MOLETSANE

"Nyeleti, where are you?" Manana's soft voice

brings me back from my train of thoughts.
"Huh?" she furrows her eyebrows.
"Bassie, would you like to go eat infront of
the TV?" my daughter nods vigorously, already
getting on her feet with her plate of food in
her hands.
"What's wrong? You have been down since you
arrived," she asks once Bassie is out of sight.
The whole Jimmy situation has been really
hard to deal with. I honestly don't know how
to handle everything, his death and the
inheritance he left me.
"Jimmy died Manana. He had cancer, he died
in America where he was hoping to recieve
treatment," I respond quietly and Manana's
hands cover her mouth, her eyes widened
with shock.
"Oh, Nyeleti," she reaches for my hand and
squeezes it. I don't have anymore tears left to
cry. I soaked my pillow with everything I had
the day I found out at the laywers office.
"I know I ended things with him and didn't
want to get married, but it still hurts that he
is gone you know," I say and she nods
vigorously.
"It should baby, you once loved that man. You
might have managed to stop loving him but
you will always care," she's right.
"Uhm... I was invited to the reading of his will.
A lawyer called asking me to come through, I
only came to learn what it was all about
when I got there," I say, starring at my food,
"He left me his company, Manana," I say and
raise my eyes to find her jaw on the ground. I
understand, I was just as stunned when he
said it in the video.
"I don't know if I want it. His sister feels like I
should sign it back to the family, but his wife
wants his wishes fulfilled. I, on the other hand
don't know what I want," that's the honest
truth. I love my job, I enjoy what I do and
taking this company will change everything
for me.
"Nyeleti, it's very important to fulfill the
deads wishes. You don't want him
complicating your life. Look at what
Maswabi's parents have been doing to
Mohale's daughter just to get her forgiveness.
I don't want Jimmy angry at you from the
grave," I heave a heavy sigh.
"Hai! I hear you Manana," I grab the bottle of
wine and refill my glass.

We hear my daughter laughing from inside the

house, Manana and I exchange a look and
chuckle. I wonder what it is that she's
watching, she's going to force her father and I
to watch it with her again so we can see the
funny part. Being a parent is something else,
our kids just do with us as they please.

Bassie and my mother step out of the house. I

heave a heavy sigh, I only agreed to come eat
lunch with Manana because she said Maswabi
was away and will be back later on the day. I
don't want to see my mother, the last we
spoke was when I brought Bassie to see her
and it obviously didn't end well. That's not
shocking though, Maswabi and I always butt
heads.

"Dumelang," Maswabi greets us, stopping the

wheelchair near the garden table.
"Hello," I answer quietly and grab my glass of
wine. This is my queue to leave. I don't want
to get into a disagreement with her, I already
have a lot going on.
"I was expecting you later in the evening,
where have you been?" Manana asks with
narrowed eyes. I wasn't aware that she didn't
know where Maswabi was.
She was probably with Mongezi, doing what
they do best behind people's backs.
"Manana, Bassie and I have to go. We need to
finish her homework, it's a lot," I say, pushing
my chair back. Maswabi quickly grabs my
arm. What now?!
"Naledi, please," I look down at her and her
eyes are swimming in tears. A deep breath
then I move my eyes to Manana who nods.
I settle down on the chair and lean back,
folding my arms across my chest.
"This weekend has opened my eyes, it has
made me see the mistakes that I made and I
so badly want to fix things with everyone I
have hurt. Especially you, Naledi," her voice is
shaking. I look her way and her tears fall. Is
this really happening? I really have to ask
because it's not everyday where we see
Maswabi being human.
"I have never treated you good. I thought I did,
I thought I had your best interests at heart.
But now I realize that I was nothing but a
monster to you, I never made you feel loved. I
am sincerely sorry Naledi. I hate myself for all
the pain I've caused you, for not being the
mother you needed or deserved," she sniffs
back her tears and I press my lips into a thin
line, trying so hard not to cry myself.
It's hard not to though, this is the first
sincere apology my mother has ever given me.
"I know I don't deserve your forgiveness
Naledi, but I will prove with my actions that I
truly want us to start on a clean slate. I want
us to be a family, the four of us. I promise not
to dictate your life, I will support every
decision you make whether I agree with it or
not," I don't know how to feel about all of
this. A lot of things have happened between
my mother and I, I don't know how to move
on from all of it.
"I went to Bethlehem. I forgave my parents,
we did the rituals and Poloko will be okay. I
am okay too, I feel good now that I let go of
the anger and hatred I had towards them," she
murmurs and to say I'm shocked would be an
understatement.
This is the last thing I thought she would do,
yes, I was hoping that she would but she
made it clear that it was off the table.
"I'm so happy for you, Maswabi," Manana says
with a huge smile on her face.
"Thank you Dzuni. This was me cleansing
myself from the past and opening the door to
the next chapter. Please join me, let's all be a
proper family, a happy family this time," I'm
touched, I won't even try to lie about that.
 THULISILE KHAMBULE

Khabo's car is parked in the driveway, what is

she still doing here? The funeral is over, the
will was read, everything that concerns
Jimmy is done. She should go back to her
house and give her own family attention, I
don't need a baby sitter. This is why I left for
Richards Bay on Friday, a day after the will
was read. I just needed to be away from
everything, away from people telling me that
it will be okay with time. I didn't want to
hear my sister-in-law complaining about the
amount of money her brother left her and
how he gave Naledi the company that brings
in a lot of money. I don't care about all of
that, I just want to heal and move on with
my life.

I get inside the house and Khabo is still

talking about the inheritance. She really
needs to get over it, this is what Jimmy
wanted and my children and I will not be
contesting anything. I won't waste more of
my time on Jimmy, I did that in the past and
he was out there meeting the love of his life
and living his best life with her. That man
chose himself and Naledi when he was alive
and he did so again in death. Why must I fight
that in anyway?

"Mama!" Senzeni comes running to me.

She gives me a hug and squeezes tight.
"I'm so happy you are home," she sobs and I
kiss her forehead.
"Thulisile? Where are your mourning clothes?"
Khabonina asks horrified and I blow out a
sigh.
"I took them off," I say and gently push my
daughter from me.
"Why would you do that? The elders told you
that you'll only get cleansed in a years time,"
she mutters and I roll my eyes.
I went home to my family and begged them
to cleanse me and burn those mourning
clothes. I explained why I didn't want to
mourn my so called husband and by God's
grace they understood and cleansed me.
I am done respecting Jimmy or his memory.
The time to focus on myself and my children
is now.
"Well, I wasn't prepared to stay that long
mourning a man who was in love with
another woman. Naledi should be wearing the
mourning clothes if you ask me, she was his
everything," Khabo cannot believe her ears,
she really can't but I don't care. Her brother
broke me, she knows this.
"The two days I wore those clothes was
enough, he didn't even deserve my tears," I
say and she gasps in shock.
"Thuli, this is not you. What's going on?" I
shrug my shoulders elegantly.
"I'm still me, Khabo. I just remembered that
I'm more than what your brother reduced me
to," she shakes her head, storming out of the
room angrily.
I am not going to run after her, I'm done being
a people pleaser.
"I'm so happy you chose yourself mama, you
deserve to find your feet again," my daughter
says and I smile.
"Thank you baby, I needed to do this," she
brushes my arm.
"Your happiness and peace of mind should be a
priority. Everyone who is against that doesn't
deserve to be in your life; Aunty Khabo will
come around but if she doesn't then that's
still okay. You have your children, we will
always be supportive of you," My children are
the only good thing that came out of my
marriage to Jimmy.
"Thank you Senzeni,"
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

"Let go of my hand, Nhlangano!" Zekhethelo

says, giving me a death stare.
"Babe, please. We need to talk," I beg and she
chuckles.
"Oh now you want to talk to me? You have
been acting like we are not in a relationship,
Nhlangano. Ignoring my calls, missing our
appointments and blowing me off," she says
vehemently and guilt eats through me. She
has every right to be mad at me, I fucked up. I
had promised to spend the weekend with her
after lying about having a headache when she
wanted to meet up for ice cream after school.
I never made it to her, I went to spend the
weekend with Khwezi and ignored Ze's calls. I
resurfaced Sunday evening with a lousy
excuse, she didn't buy it and I've been blocked
and ignored since.
"I have been acting like an ass hole these past
couple of days and I sincerely apologize for
that Ze, please babe. I love you, allow me to
make things right," I say, brushing her
knuckles with my thumb.
"You've been hurting me, treating me like I
don't mean anything to you," she cries and I
close my eyes. This is not right, I have to end
whatever that's between Khwezi and I.
"I'm sorry for that babe and I promise that
things will go back to how they used to be,
no, scratch that. Things will be better," I make
a promise I tend to keep and take her in my
arms.
"If something like this happens again then I'm
done, Nhlangano. I will not be your puppet,"
She says and I nod vigorously.
"I won't baby, nasi," I make a cross with my
fingers.
"Okay then," she wipes her tears and relief
floods through me.
Sex with Khwezi is amazing but I will not lose
Ze because of it. Nothing good can come out
of the situationship with my teacher.
"McDonald's car date?" I ask and she smiles.
"I'd love that," she says and I quickly take her
school bag and lead her to the car. I open the
front passenger door for her and she climbs in.
I throw her bag in the back and run to my
side, sliding in my seat.
"Wait, when did your school come out?" she
asks and I heave a sigh.
"I didn't go to school. I wanted to be at your
school gate before you came out. I've been
coming after school and missing you by just a
few minutes," I say and she smiles.
"Your dad is going to kill you,"
If he finds out that I lied then that's true.
"I told him that I'm sick so I could stay home
and sneak out with the car and come here,"
she claps once!
"You need to get home before he gets there
and find that you aren't in bed and his car is
gone,"
"After our car date babe," I say and she nods
and reaches for her seat belt.
.
.
.
I just dropped off Ze at home and I'm really
happy that we are good now. I am going to
stop cheating on her with my teacher and
give her the best of me. She has been loyal
since we started dating in grade 10; We met
at her school grounds, our soccer team was
playing against theirs. She was the prettiest,
sitting in the group of loud girls. Ze was just
laughing and she caught my attention. I had
to have her number there and then, I didn't
want to risk not seeing her again. I was too
shy to approach her because she was in a
group. I stood on the side and asked Rajesh to
take my phone and go ask for her phone
number.

The music stops playing and my phone rings,

it's connected to the car. It's Khwezi calling. I
was hoping to deal with her later tonight but
now is still a good time. At least she didn't
call while I was with Ze, all hell would have
broken loose.
I appreciate the experience she gave me but
we are done.

"Ms Gumbi," I know she hates me calling her

like that when we are not in the schools
premises.
"Really Nhlangano? You just know how to ruin
a girl's mood," she says sounding bored.
"Wassup?" I ask and she gasps in shock.
"Haibo! What's wrong with you today?" she
asks and I roll my eyes.
"Nothing is wrong with me," I respond meekly.
"Why were you not at school? You didn't even
tell me that I'll be missing my star boy today,"
"I was sick, Ms Gumbi. I'll be in tomorrow
though," I say dryly.
"Okay, Nhlangano. What the fuck?" she asks,
really pissed.
"I can't do this anymore, Khwezi. You are old
enough to be my mom, as sexy as you are.
What we are doing is wrong..." I couldn't even
finish, she hung up the phone. At least she
heard that I want out.
The music resumes playing and I jam to Travis
Scott.
I am not feeling guilty for ending things with
Khwezi, I actually feel relieved.
I get home and park the car in the garage and
take the McDonald's paperbag with me. I got
something for Thalente, call it a bribe if you
will. I don't want her mentioning that I went
out to her brother when he gets back from
work. Yes, you heard me right, Thalente is my
aunt. It turns out that my grandfather was
smashing Thalente's mom on the side.
Anyway, I'm excited to have a young aunt, she
will help me get away with things. I pray that
her stay here isn't temporary.
 CHAPTER 41
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I have made calls to the Mavimbela elders to

tell them about Thalente. They were obviously
shocked that my father had stepped out of his
marriage and even fathered a child. I asked
them to help me with doing the right things
for my sister, that is, going to to pay the
damages and lobola for her so she can use the
Mavimbela surname. They told me to let them
know as soon as I've made the funds for
everything available. Money is not a problem,
I have decided that everything will happen the
weekend after this one.

I had a convesation with Thalente and she

agreed to change her surname, she
understands that using the wrong surname
can have dire consequences. Mam'Gasela
didn't fight it too, she said she's happy that
Thalente finally knows the truth and will be
acknowledged by her true ancestors. My
mother is on the same boat, she's hurt, yes,
but she wouldn't hold back her blessing
because at the end of the day Thalente is
innocent in all of this.

I also spoke to Mam'Gasela before the driver

took her and my mother back to Mahlabathini
this past weekend. We had to discuss what
she did to Melamina's tombstone and a way
forward. I made it clear that I'm willing to get
it fixed but before that she has to buy a goat
to apologize to Melamina for destroying it in
the first place. She agreed and said she will
raise the money to get it done ASAP. I would
have loved to help her out with this but
MaZikode said it has to come from her.

"He can definitely play," will he ever stop

sneaking up on me like this? "He definitely
took the skill from me," Mphikeleli adds,
lowering himself next to me.
I finally brought my son to meet the team. He
served his punishment and here we are now.
He is so happy, he even asked to practice with
them. The coach had absolutely no problem.
This one next to me is the only reason I'm not
comfortable with Nhlangano being here.
"My son is very talented," I had to put
emphasis on "my son". Mphikeleli needs to
know that he has absolutely no claim over
Nhlangano. He lost that right when he almost
beat him to death inside Busisiwe's womb.
"Shlobo, I took a step back like my family
advised. They did so because they believed you
just needed some time to wrap your head
around everything, but I can see you don't
have any intention of allowing me into my
son's life," he's damn right I don't.
I wish the private investigator had found
some dirt on this bastard, something that
would get him to back off forever. I'm tired of
this back and forth with Mphikeleli.
"Tell him about me, Shlobo. Let him decide if
he wants to have a relationship with me or
not," that's never going to happen.
I don't bother answering him, I just keep my
eyes on the field.
"You're forcing my hand here, Mavimbela. I'm
tired of begging you," he says and I quickly
look his way with a raised eyebrow.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I ask.
"Arrange a meeting with my son and
introduce us, I'm giving you one week," he
thinks threatening me is the way to go?
"You're very bold, chief. Threatening me?
Shlobosenkosi?" I ask, chuckling.
He has no idea who he is messing with right
now.
"Make it happen Shlobo or you will regret
this," no, he's the one who is about to regret
this. He walks away and I quickly take out my
phone and dial the guy who used to own this
club. He picks up after the third ring.
"Mavimbela, howzit bafo?" he asks casually
and I'm fumming.
"Not really okay man. I know me and you had
an agreement about keeping the staff until
the season ends, but there's one guy I cannot
continue working with," I jump straight into
it and he heaves a sigh.
"Who is the person and what did they do?" he
asks.
"Him and I have a history, a very nasty one
but I was willing to put those personal
matters on the side and respect our
agreement but he just threatened me a few
minutes ago," I pause, "His name is Mphikeleli,
the fitness coach,"
"Thank you for letting me know. I wouldn't
want anyone on my payroll to threaten me
either. Do with him as you please," thank God
he's understanding. I don't like going back on
agreements but keeping Mphikeleli around
won't work for me.
"I would appreciate this matter staying
between us until I've done what needs to be
done," I don't want him to see this coming. He
needs to learn a lesson.
"You don't even have to ask," he responds.
"Thank you, bye," I hang up the phone and
open my email. I'm writing my lawyer, I want
him to go through Mphikeleli's contract and
see what terminating it will cost us. I want
him gone as in like yesterday .
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

My father finally took me to the club runch

and I met with the players and technical
team, the coach even allowed me to train
with them. I had such a great time and I'm
excited because baba has agreed to let me
come as much as I want after the final exams
which are just a few weeks away. I can't wait
to be done with exams so I can focus on my
team. I know I'll be attending university in
Johannesburg but I'm going to fly to Durban
as much as I can. I want to be hands on, to
learn as much as I can from everyone who has
the right knowledge.

We agreed that once I'm done with university

I'll be a full time soccer player and chairman
of the club while he takes the presidency. He
bought this club for me, it's my legacy,
something I will leave for my children. I am
going to work hard to make sure that it ends
up being one of the biggest clubs in the
country. On top of the list with the likes of
Kaizer Chiefs and Sandows. I'm going to make
my father very proud, he will not regret ever
buying me this team.

I step out of the shower and dry myself with

the towel I just grabbed from the rack.
I didn't get to shower at the runch, my dad
wanted us to leave immediately after
training. I feel fresh right now, I just want a
bite and watch a little TV before going to look
at my books. There's a lot to revise, I want to
be ready for my final exams. Baba would have
my head and sell the team if i failed my
matric. Passing my Nation Senior Certificate
and obtaining a degree is all he asks for in
return for everything he does and will
continue doing for me.

I get in my bedroom to apply lotion on my

skin and find a pair of comfortable shorts and
a vest to wear. My phone chimes as I'm about
to walk out of my room, I'm sure it's
Zekhethelo. We have been talking and texting
more since we fixed things. I did promise to
treat her better and I tend to keep my word. I
walk back inside and grab my phone, I was
going to leave it charging while I went to eat.
It's not my girlfriend but Khwezi. What does
she want? She hasn't been coming to school
for two days now, I didn't bother to reach out
and ask what's wrong. We are done and I
meant it.

What the hell? She sent me a picture of my

house and the text that follow says I should
get my ass out there. Is she insane? My father
would burn this fucking planet down if he
found out that my teacher is outside his
house. Damn her! I put my phone in the
pocket, grab my keys and make it to the
kitchen undetected. They would have heard
me leave if I used the front door.
I open the small gate and indeed her car is
parked on the curb side, she has balls for
days.
I open the front passanger door and get inside
the car. She smiles and starts the engine. I
can't even ask this woman what she is doing
here dressed in a trench coat, I'm still shocked
by her balls to show up.
I sigh in relief when we are away from my
street, I didn't even want the neighbors to see
me with Khwezi. We get to a residential park
that hardly has people using it. She parks the
car under the trees and looks at me, caressing
my arm.

"What are you doing here?" I ask and she bites

her lower lip.
"I miss you, Nhlangano. I needed a dose of
this," her hand moves to my dick and I grab
her wrist, stopping her from going further.
"I told you that I don't want to do this
anymore," I say and she yanks her hand.
"You can't stop what you didn't start lover
boy. I started this whole thing, it will end
when I say so," she says calmly and I close my
eyes. She defeats me, honestly.
"I have a girlfriend that I love. I can't keep
cheating on her with you, she doesn't deserve
this," I murmur and she laughs.
"Oh come on. You can't handle two vaginas?"
this is really not a joke.
"Miss Gumbi, we can't continue doing this,"
she groans in total frustration.
"Nhlangano, I don't want a relationship with
you. This is purely sexual babe. Have whatever
you want with your girlfriend but make time
for me too," she says and pulls my face to
hers and licks my lips. My damn dick betrays
me, it has a mind of its own.
"Use me like I'm using you. I know for a fact
that your little girlfriend doesn't give it to
you like I do. You can have the both of us,
baby," her hand goes under my shorts and she
grabs my junk and starts stroking me. I hiss
at how good it feels.
"Things aren't ending between us, Nhlangano.
Find another way to deal with the guilt of
enjoying an older woman over your age mate,"
she pushes her tongue down my throat and I
moan.
"Do you understand me, Nhlangano?" she asks
and I nod my head.
My seat is reclined back in a second and
Khwezi removes her coat, she's completely
naked.
"Khwe..."
She quickly interjects, "Shhhh," she says,
pulling my shorts down.
"I'm going to fuck you back to your senses
Nhlangano and after this you will never think
of ending this," she whispers after climbing on
top of me.
 CHAPTER 42
KHWEZIKAZI GUMBI

"Mthandazo, please," I beg and the son of a

bitch laughs. He is the evil ex husband.
"She's my baby too and I miss her so much,
please allow her to visit me for the weekend. I
know she will also be happy to see her mom,"
I add with tears streaming down my face.
"Khwezi, I won't allow my daughter to be
alone with you. You aren't stable for that," he
says and I wipe my tears with the back of my
hand.
"She needs me, please. I promise that I'm now
clean, give me a chance and I swear I will not
let you down," I hate showing this man how
desperate I am but I have absolutely no
choice. It has been weeks since I last saw my
daughter, no mother deserves to go through
what I'm going through.
"I can come there with a drug test now and
we both know it will come back positive so
please stop lying to me," I close my eyes and
lower myself on the couch.
I can definitely stop using drugs, I just need
motivation and that motivation is my
daughter. The one the courts decided that is
better off with Mthandazo and not me.
"Don't go behind my back and go to her school
to see her. I'll find out like the last time and I
will not let it slide, I'll report you to the
authorities and make sure..."
I quickly interject, "Yes, threaten me, that's
all you're good at. You like making me look
like a villain and that's bullshit, I am this way
because of you Mthandazo and you have to
acknowledge that..."
"Mxm," he says and the line goes dead.
Urgh! He makes me so angry. Bloody son of a
bitch.

I didn't wake up one morning and decided

that being addicted to substances is my life's
mission. Mthandazo pushed me to the
direction of a bad group of friends whom I
thought were amazing at the time. I was a
bored housewife, my life revolved around
taking care of Mthandazo and Zekhethelo. He
didn't want me to work, he insisted that it
wasn't necessary because he could provide me
with everything I wanted and needed. That
was a lie, he only took care of me financially.
Emotionally I was lacking, he was never
home, work always took priority. When he
was home he spent his time with our
daughter, Zekhethelo. I'd be sitting there
watching them like an intruder.

I always voiced out my feelings to him but did

he listen? No, he thought I was nagging and
exaggerating. In his head I had everything, the
designer clothes, a mansion, expensive cars
and and a husband and daughter. That should
have been enough, that's according to him.
What was the point of having all of that
when I was unhappy? Mthandazo gave it all
to me just no himself, he was my husband
because I had a ring on my finger and he paid
lobola. Other than that we were just two
people sharing a house and a child. He would
occasionally get on top of me and it was just
sex, no emotion, no connection. It was out of
duty.

I couldn't take it anymore, I hired a nanny and

house helper and started living my life. I made
friends who were living it up every day of the
week, they made me really happy. For the
first time in my life I felt like a person, I felt
alive and just free. I didn't have to worry
much about the home front. It wasn't long till
I was hooked on drugs and started neglecting
my then 8 year old daughter. Fights with
Mthandazo started getting intense and I
wasn't giving any fucks for the first time in
my life.

One day I got to my house after disappearing

for the whole week, I went on a boat cruise
with my friends and had the time of my life. I
found my nanny, Mthandazo was working as
usual and Ze was still at school. I told the
nanny to leave for the day and a few hours
later I went to pick my daughter from school.
She was really happy to see me and wanted
us to do everything when we got home. I
wanted the same thing but I was starting to
get tired, the drugs were wearing off and my
body felt like shutting down. It had been days
since I slept, consequences of narcotics.

I made a stupid mistake the same day. We got

home and as beat as I was I decided to start
cooking dinner, it would be one less thing
Mthandazo would make noise about when he
got home. The pots were on the stove, Ze and
I were in the lounge watching a movie. I don't
know when I passed out, I only remember
having ice poured all over my body and the
house being on fire. Mthandazo was so livid,
he wanted to strungle me with his own bare
hands. I put our daughters life in danger and
because of that he hated me with every fiber
of his being.

He filled for a divorce and fought for sole

custody. It wasn't hard for the judge to grunt
it. Mthandazo was an upstanding citizen and
successful businessman who loved his
daughter dearly. I, on the other hand was an
unemployed drug addict who almost killed her
own child. That's how I lost my baby. I don't
even have visitation rights, I couldn't ask the
court because I would have had to go through
screening and tests. Mthandazo only allows
me to see her when she asks and that's very
rare. I think it's because she doesn't want to
hurt her father's feelings.
She's turning 18 next year, Mthandazo won't
be making decisions for her and I'm crossing
fingers that she wants to have a relationship
with me.

A knock startles me, who could it be?

Nhlangano couldn't have entered this place
without me opening for him. He is literally
the only person who comes to see me here, no
one else. I'm not even friendly with the other
tenants, maybe it's the caretaker, she's the
only other person who knocks on my door.
The person knocks again as I'm about to open
the door.
I frown at the unfamiliar face, it's a dark guy
with a disconnected beard wearing tracksuits.

"Can I help you?" he looks at me from head to

toe.
"Yes, Khwezi. I came to talk to you," what the
hell? How does he know my name?
"And you are?" I ask annoyed and he gestures
for me to step aside. Is he insane? Why would
I invite a total stranger in my house?
"I can't say what I came here for standing
outside, it might land on the wrong ears," he
explains and I roll my eyes.
I don't like this man, whoever he is.
"I honestly don't have the whole day, we need
to talk about Nhlangano," he says and I gasps
in shock, blinking rapidly.
"What about my student? Are you his father
maybe?" I play stupid and he laughs. How the
fuck does he know about my lover boy? We
play it safe, always.
"Yes, I'm his father," he answers and I click my
tongue. That's bull shit!
"Stop lying," I say and he pushes me inside and
walks in before closing the door behind him.
"Whoever you are, I'm going to call the cops.
You are not Nhlangano's father, I've met with
Shlobo," I respond briskly, my heart is
drumming in my chest.
"Shlobosenkosi Mvimbela. I know him too, he
is not Nhlangano's father, he is his uncle. He
took my son and made him his after his
sister, my love Busi died," that's Nhlangano's
moms name, but he never told me that Shlobo
is not really his dad.
"What do you want?" I ask, folding my arms
across my chest.
"Good question," he says, settling down on the
single couch and crossing his legs.
"Can you get to it already," I snap and he
heaves a sigh.
"Two weeks ago, I lost my job. Shlobo owns
the team I was working for, he recently
bought it for my son. He fired me because I
told him that I want my child," he says and I
raise an eyebrow.
"How does all of this concern me?" I ask and
he leans back.
"I want my son, Khwezi and you are going to
help me get him and teach Shlobo a lesson,"
he says the last part with so much hate laced
in his voice.
"How do you expect me to do that?"
"You're fucking my son, Khwezi. I don't think
the school and department of education
would like that," he says and I quickly look
away. How does he know all of this? Has he
been watching Nhlangano's moves?
"You're obviously threatening me. Tell me
what you want in exchange for your silence," I
won't even try to deny or beat around the
bush.
"You can fuck him all you want, you're giving
him life experience. I like that for him..." he
says and I huff.
Is he serious? "Now, here is what I want you
to do..."
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

I'm sitting nervously, waiting for my mother

to arrive. She invited me for early dinner, this
will be the first time we actually sit down
and have a meal in public. All the other times
we came to dine we were with Manana and
Bassie. I'm not sure how this is going to go
but I'm hoping that it goes well with zero
awkwardness. Things have been better
between us since the day she apologized
about 3 weeks ago. She was really sincere, she
hasn't made me feel some type of way since
then.

I see her approaching with her motorized

wheelchair and quickly get on my feet. I'm
not sure how to react, I swear it feels like I'm
meeting her for the first time in my life. We
have been around each other since things
took a turn and I was not so uneasy. I guess
it's because we always had other people with
us and we managed to just float through.
She opens her arms for a hug, smiling from
ear to ear. She doesn't look nervous at all but
Maswabi hardly is, she's a politician and that
makes her to be able to mask her true
feelings sometimes.
I bend down and hug her, this is all so new. I
don't remember the last time my own mother
embraced me like this. I feel like crying but
I'm in public so I'll hold myself.

"How are you?" she asks as I help remove the

chair so her wheelchair can be in place.
"I'm great, just having a hectic time at the
office. I'm trying to wrap up my work so I
don't leave the next person with a lot of
unfished stuff," I explain and go sit down.
"How have you been?" I ask her and she places
her bag on the table.
"I'm great, I'm the happiest Naledi," she says
and the smile on her face mirrors her words.
"I'm genuinely happy for you," I say and we are
disturbed by the waitress. We place our orders
and she leaves us.
"Are you ready to run Khambule holdings?" she
asks and I heave a sigh.
"I'm scared. I mean I'm leaving my job, one
that I love very much for something I'm not
sure will work out," I say and she nods her
understanding.
"That's understandable, Naledi. But you are a
very smart girl, you have always thrived at
everything. You can do this, Jimmy knew this
and that's why he gave you the reigns," I want
to believe that but I'm so scared. If I fail then
Jimmy's family will be after me, especially the
sister.
"We will see," the waitress is back with our
drinks, I ordered a cocktail and my mother is
having dry red wine.
"Anyway, when is Malome coming with
Poloko?" I ask and her smile widens.
I have been talking to my cousin via texts and
calls. She is such a bubbly soul, I honestly
cannot wait to meet her. I have always
longed to have a big family and now my wish
has become a reality.
"Month end, I cannot wait to see them. Poloko
cannot stop talking about you," she says and I
giggle.
"I just want her here already, I can't wait," I
say and Maswabi rolls her eyes.
"You both will be up to no good. Please
remember that you're not too old for me to
give you a whooping," Maswabi jokes, wagging
a finger at me.
"Oh Jesus," I say and her smile fades.
"Thank you, Naledi. Thank you so much for
giving me another chance. It means a lot to
me that we can now sit down like this and
have a laugh," she says, holding out a hand to
me. I don't hesitate, I link mine with hers and
she squeezes
"It feels good doesn't it?" she nods vigorously.
"Good is an understatement ngwanaka. What
my heart feels is not something I can put into
words," I wipe a tear that escapes the corner
of my eye.
"To new beginnings," I say, raising my glass.
My mother quickly raises hers and clicks it
with mine.
"New beginnings," my phone chimes in the bag
and I place down the glass and grab my
handbag, taking out my phone.
I huff out a sigh when I see who it is from.
What does she want now? I offered to give
everything back but she refused so why is she
reaching out to me now. I don't want any
drama.

THULI KHAMBULE: HI, NALEDI. PLEASE MEET

ME TOMORROW AT YOUR HOUSE IN
BRYANSTON. THERE'S SOMETHING REALLY
IMPORTANT I NEED TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT.
PLEASE SHOW UP, PLEASE.

Yoh! Yoh! Yoh! It's clear that I'm tied to these

people for the rest of my life.
"Is everything okay?" my mother asks.
"Thuli wants to meet at the house Jimmy
bought for me and him when we were
together," I explain and my mother raises an
eyebrow.
"Why?" I shrug my shoulders.
"I wish I knew, mama." I'm going to meet up
with her, hear what she wants and then
explain that this needs to stop. We don't need
to be in each other's lives; the only thing
keeping us connected is the business and we
don't even have to say anything to each
other. I will make sure that a percentage of
the profits goes to them like Jimmy wanted.
 CHAPTER 43
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I'm almost at the house in Bryanston to meet

up with Thuli, I'm not sure what this is all
about. She cannot keep pulling me in the
drama, I mean the man that lied to the both
of us is gone. We honestly don't have to be
dealing with each other, Thuli should move on
with her life and find happiness. She deserves
to discover herself and not be seen as nothing
but Jimmy's widow.

I open the gate with my remote and it slides

open. I gave the keys to Thuli when she
wanted to check if Jimmy wasn't cheating on
her in this house the time he disappeared. But
the lawyer gave them back to me when I was
signing documents for the transfere of my
inheritance. I still don't know what I'm going
to do with this house, Manana suggested that
I live with my daughter here but I'm not sure
if that's a good idea. I mean this house holds a
lot of good memories of Jimmy and I. This is
the house I thought we'd raise a family and
live happily ever after. I am not sure if I can
stay in it and not think of him and the
dreams we once shared.

Thuli's car is parked in the driveway, how did

she get in though? Did she find Jimmy's set of
keys maybe?
I park next to it and take a deep breath. I'm a
little nervous, I honestly don't know what to
expect. I mean this woman has done
something humiliating to me in public, I can
only imagine what she could do in private. At
least my mother knows that I'm here, if she
doesn't hear from me at the end of the day
then she will come with the police here.

I walk inside the house and Thuli is standing

in the middle of the lobby, looking at the
picture of me and Jimmy above the staircase.
I close my eyes and send a short prayer to the
heavens before closing the door behind me. I
walk further in the room and stand next to
Thuli, she doesn't move her eyes from the
picture. I don't say anything to her, I just look
down and wait for her to say something.

"He loved you," she says and I close my eyes

pained. I wouldn't have given him a chance
had I known he was married. I am sorry for
the part I played in hurting this woman, even
though I wasn't aware that she was still his
wife.
"He lied to me, Thuli," I respond quietly and
she heaves a sigh.
"I know that but he still loved you with all of
his heart. You were his soul mate, Naledi," she
looks at me with a smile and eyes glistening
with tears.
"I don't mind giving the house and the
company back to you," I say and she quickly
shakes her head.
"That's not what he wanted. He gave everyone
what he thought they deserved. I will not
take your inheritance from you Naledi," I
pinch the bridge of my nose.
"Then what is this about?" I ask she walks
past me, heading to the lounge. What can I
do? I follow behind her and there are bottles
of champagne chilling in the ice backet.
There's also a sweet and savory platter on the
table. What's all this?
"Please sit down," I settle down on the couch
and cross my legs.
She pops a bottle of champagne and pours
into two flutes. She hands one to me and
takes the couch opposite to mine.
"I took off my mourning clothes because I feel
like Jimmy doesn't deserve my respect. He did
not love me or respect me so why should I,
you know? Khabo is mad at me for going
home and asking my family to cleanse me,"
she explains and I nod my understanding.
Though I'm not sure why she's telling me.
"I thought I could move on from him and
unlove him after hearing how he spoke of you
at the reading of the will," this whole thing is
so uncomfortable.
"Give yourself time, Thuli. I promise you'll be
okay," she takes a sip of her drink and leans
back.
"No, I need to be reminded that he didn't love
or want me and that will only happen if I
spend time with the one he lived for. That's
you Naledi," she says and I gasp in shock. No,
honestly no. She can't expect me to be around
her so she can heal and move on from her
husband.
"I can't. I also want to put this whole thing
behind me. I can't spend time with you and be
reminded of how he lied to me. I'll be honest
with you, a part of me wishes you didn't exist
because I wouldn't have ended things with
Jimmy," I say and she's nodding imperceptibly.
"You're warranted to feel that way. You loved
him and the both of you were planning a life
together," she pauses, "You also need to spend
time with me so we can both be reminded of
how he hurt and betrayed us," she's making
absolutely no sense to me.
"I've dealt with my issues with Jimmy. I
honestly don't need to be reminded of him and
what he did to me," she starts wailing and
guilt eats through me that very second. I
quickly get on my feet, placing the
champagne flute on the coffee table.
"I'm sorry, please don't cry," I say, settling
next to her and brushing he back in circles.
"N-Naledi, I gave that man the best years of
my life. He was everything to me and I meant
so little to him, do you know how painful that
is? It's heart wrenching. I need you to do this
for me, I need to always see you and be
reminded that you were his everything, not
me. That's the only way I will be able to shake
him off and move on with my life. This sounds
crazy, I admit but we mourn and deal with
things differently. I am begging you to do this
for me, please." God! This is not happening to
me. I am battling with my heart and my head
and I'm not sure which one to listen to.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"Kat, what's wrong with you babe?" Karabo

asks and I heave a sigh.
"Nothing," I lie and she rolls her eyes.
"I know you, so please tell me the truth," she
says and joins me on the rug.
I came to see her, we decided to keep in touch
after meeting at the restaurant. It has been
really great reconnecting. Nothing
inappropriate has happened between us, we
agreed to keep things friendly. We both didn't
want to jeopardize our relationships but that
was stupid of me because my husband has
absolutely no problem jeopardizing our
marriage.
"Talk to me please," she says softly, wiping my
tears.
"I thought things were coming along fine
between us. I mean the post-marital
counseling has been going really well. I felt
like we were at the best place in our
marriage, but I was on my own in this whole
thing because he has been emotionally
cheating on me with his ex Mabatho. They
have been calling each other and texting,
expressing how much they miss each other
and still have love between them," I say with
a shaking voice and Karabo gives me a hug.
"Oh, Kat. I'm really sorry babe,"
"What hurts the most is that my husband
begged her not to give any other man a
chance to be with her. Thabo told Mabatho
to give him time to get his things in order.
That can only mean one thing, Karabo. My
husband is going to leave me for Mabatho
once he gets a job, he's only staying with me
because he cannot afford to go," I say and she
gasps in shock.
"Wow, just wow! He might not even wait to
get a job to move back to her. Protect
yourself, Kat. Hide your personal assets,
change things from your name to your
parents names. You cannot trust Thabo from
here onwards," she says, cupping my face. I
lean into her touch and close my eyes.
I woke up one night a few days ago to go to
the bathroom and Thabo was on his phone. He
said he couldn't sleep so he's just browsing
through social media. I went to the bathroom
and when I came back I noticed another
phone on the bedside table. Thabo has never
owned two phones, that's why I raised an
eyebrow. I didn't confront him, I decided to
sleep and see if he will use them both the
next day. He didn't take out the other one and
that was suspicious. He probably thought I
didn't see the other phone because I was still
drunk with sleep. I sent him to the shops and
started snooping around the house. I found
the phone stashed in one of the shoe boxes.

The phone didn't have any biometrics or

password, lucky me. I went through the call
log and the was only one number there,
incoming and outgoing calls to it. It was
saved as "Batho Waka" with a heart emoji
next to it. They call each other while I am at
work and text while I am sleeping. It hurt so
bad to see all of that because I really wanted
to make my marriage work. I believed that
my husband was on the same boat but that
wasn't the case, he is just stringing me along.

I made sure to return the phone where I found

it and when he came back from the mall I
didn't confront him about it. Thabo would
have found a way to turn the whole thing
around and blame me for everything. Plus, I
needed to wrap my head around it all and
decide on a way forward. It has been hard
sleeping next to him knowing that his heart
lies somewhere else and I'm just a meal ticket
to him.

"I wish I didn't choose him over you," I say,

running a finger along her jawline.
She licks her lower lip, "But you did. You're
only feeling this way because he hurt you,"
she says calmly and I'm embarrassed.
"I'm sorry you're going through this," Karabo
kisses my forehead and when she tries to lean
back, I place a hand on the nape of her neck
and pull her towards me. I kiss her but she
doesn't respond, I don't give up though. I want
to feel something other than pain and
betrayal, I know Karabo will be able to do
that for me.
She pushes me away and gets on her feet.
"We can't, Katherine. You're still married and
I'm with Vhutshilo," I was shocked to learn
that she's dating my best friends baby daddy.
"They are both not treating us right, Karabo.
We can do this once and not feel guilty," I
stand up and we are just inches away from
each other, her breath is fanning my face.
"My boyfriend is not perfect but he treats me
great," I chuckle.
"Oh come on, Karabo. You will always be
second best to Naledi and that's a fact," I say
nonchalantly and she gasps in shock.
"Wow, really Kat?" I close my eyes.
That was low of me, I shouldn't have.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say that," I
apologize, scratching my forehead.
She looks at her wrist watch, "You need to
leave. My boyfriend will be here soon," she
says, pointing to the door.
Her phone chimes, she takes it from the table
and reads the text before closing her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Karabo. I didn't mean to be a bitch,"
I say, grabbing my handbag and heading to
the door.
"Kat wait," she mutters and I pivot, "You're
right, I'll always be second to Naledi," she says
and turns to face me too.
"What happened?" I ask with narrowed eyes.
"He was supposed to come here but he just
texted, canceling. Naledi needs him to pick
her up because she's drunk. She won't be able
to look after their daughter so Vhutshilo has
to step in," she says with a pained expression
on her face.
I feel bad, she wouldn't be feeling this way if I
didn't spew that nonsense.
"Lock the door," she says, unbottoning her
jeans. My clitoris pulsates immediately and I
drop my handbag, turning to lock the door.
 CHAPTER 44
VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

I just got to Karabo's place, I brought flowers

and breakfast with me. I hope these helps in
softening her up, I was supposed to come
yesterday but Naledi called asking me to pick
her up. She was at the house in Bryanston,
the one her ex Jimmy bought them. She was
there with the wife, which was a shocker.
Naledi still needs to tell me why she was
getting drunk with her ex's wife, that was
weird for real. I don't think they should be
friends, I mean that woman will always
resent her for breaking her marriage. Yes,
Naledi didn't know but that won't make a
difference to the wife. My daughters mother
needs to cut ties with that woman, period.

I am now able to just drive in without calling

Karabo. That's how much we have grown in
our relationship, I really hope that what
happened yesterday didn't pull us back. I
honestly don't want to deal with the insecure
Karabo again, I wasn't enjoying our
relationship when she was questioning my
relationship with Naledi. I would seriously
hate for us to go back there, it might even
cause us to go our separate ways.

I take the lift and step out of the elevator car

on the 4th floor and head to her door. There's
music playing softly inside, I knock and a few
seconds later footsteps approach the door.
Karabo opens with the widest smile on her
face, she looks different this morning, she has
a glow.
She unlocks the security door and walk inside
after pecking her hello.

"You look beautiful this morning baby," I say

and she giggles.
"Oh well, thank you," she responds, she's in
such a great mood.
"Did you win the lotto?" I ask and she throws
her head back and laughs. Let me be honest,
I've never seen my girlfriend so light. She's
just floating, what made her so happy?
"No, I just had a good night sleep," she says
and looks at the flowers.
"Those are cute," she smells them.
"They are for you, babe," I hand them to her.
"What did little ol' me do to deserve these?"
she asks with a raised eyebrow.
"You deserve to get flowers everyday but
these are helping me say sorry for canceling
on you last night," I say and she shrugs her
shoulders.
"You didn't have to hey. Your daughter's mom
needed you and so did Bassie," she says with a
smile but her words hurt my heart. It feels
like she's saying nothing new happened. Have
I been failing my girlfriend? Damn!
"I hope you haven't had anything to eat
because I came with breakfast," she makes a
face I can't describe.
"Oh, I haven't but I'm meeting a friend for
brunch in a few minutes," she says, turning
and heading to the kitchen to get a vase for
the flowers.
"Oh, I see. I can hang around and wait for you
to come back," she bites her lower lip.
"Eish, that's tricky. I made plans for the whole
day, I'm sorry," wow, she has never brushed
me off before. Karabo would always cancel
her friends for me. Why does it feel like I'm
loosing my girlfriend?
"But I can call you when I'm done with
everything and decide on whether I come to
your place or you come back here," she says
and I just nod.
"Okay, I'll put these in the fridge," I say.
"Babe, it's okay. You can go share them with
Naledi," what? "I need to go change, I'll see
you later," she mutters.
"Okay, I'll see myself out," can someone please
tell me what's happening here.
"Bye!" she disappears to her bedroom.
.
.
.
My heart is heavy, my head is spinning. I'm
trying to figure out what happened back at
Karabo's apartment. My own girlfriend blew
me off and acted like I wasn't her man. A part
of me cannot help but think that Karabo is no
longer in this relationship, that she's in it
physically but emotionally she's tapping out.
It's a scary thought, I don't want to lose her. I
mean she's the first woman I met and could
see a future with, plus, my daughter adores
her. Maybe I need to do something to show
her that I want her in my life and I can put
her first.

Naledi throws herself on the couch and grabs

the remote, changing the channel, I don't
mind because I wasn't watching anyway. I
shift and look at Naledi, I have something I
want to run past her. She frowns and I want
to laugh, she doesn't like it when I stare at
her and not say anything. I'm just trying to
structure my words well in my head.
"You know you're being creepy," she says and I
chuckle.
"I know, I'll be a second," I respond and she
rolls her eyes.
"I feel like I'm loosing Karabo. I went to see
her today, to apologize for canceling on her
yesterday," I say and she closes her eyes.
"Fuck! Vhutshilo I'm really sorry. I keep
messing your progress, I need to stop this
shit," she feels bad I know but I am the one to
blame. I could have made an alternative plan
for her and carried on with my plans with
Karabo.
"Please don't worry about it. I think I have an
idea of how to show her that she means so
much to me, something to prove that I'm in
this relationship and I want to make it work,"
I explain and she narrows her eyes.
"What's that?"
"Uhm, I'm going to ask her to move in here. At
least we will see each other everyday and
grow our relationship," Naledi raises an
eyebrow.
"That means I need to move out ASAP," what?
No, she doesn't have to. This house is big
enough to contain the four of us.
"You don't have to move out, Karabo
understands our dynamic now," she laughs at
me, shaking her head.
"Vhutshilo, no. I wouldn't want to live with
my boyfriends ex and their baby, I'd feel like a
spare wheel. I won't do that to Karabo. I'll
talk to my mom and Manana to take Bassie
for a week or two while I go live in Bryanston.
I want to be there alone to see if I'll be
comfortable before I move our daughter
there," shit.
I didn't want it to come to this. I love having
my daughter around.
"My mom won't be a thorn on your side
anymore. You'll pop by the house any time
you want to see Bassie. We have to grow up
now, you have to treat your girlfriend right,"
she says, brushing my arm.
"I guess you're right," she gives me the "duh"
look and I laugh.
"Promise that you'll win your girl over again,"
she holds out her pinky finger and I join it
with mine.
"I promise."
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

These past few weeks I've learned how to

juggle both Zekhethelo and Khwezi. I do feel
guilty for cheating on my girl but what can I
do? I enjoy sleeping with the older lady, plus
she told me this will only be over when she
says so because she started this whole thing. I
didn't want to say anything to dispute that,
but I know our time will soon end, January
I'm off to Johannesburg and I'll stay faithful
to Ze. Khwezi will be a thing of the past,
someone who just taught me how to be great
in bed. Yes, Khwezi's influence is clear.
Zekhethelo has been complimenting my sex
game a lot recently.

"Here you go babe," Khwezi says, handing me a

glass of mixed Hennessy.
"Thank you" she sits on top of me, we are
both naked. We just had our second round of
sex a few minutes ago and now we are
catching our breath.
"Please try to get me the whole weekend next
week. I want us to go on a road trip, have sex
in the middle of nowhere and just be crazy,"
that's sounds really great but I can't. I already
have plans.
"I wish I could Khwezi but I have something
the whole weekend," she frowns.
"You blew me off for your little girlfriend
yesterday and Friday, be fair Nhlangano," I
heave a sigh.
"It's not because of my girl, Khwezi. I am
going to Cape Town with my dad, aunt, his
girlfriend and her kids. We are all trying to
get to know each other, you know a blended
family type of thing," I explain and she nods.
"Shlobo has a girlfriend? That's why he turned
me down?" she asks and that's honestly
awkward.
"He has been seeing sis'Nonku for a while,
they've only just decided to bring the kids in
the picture," she clicks her tounge and takes a
sip of her drink.
"Can I ask a question?" she nods.
"You were interested in my dad, why did you
start with me?" I honestly never asked her
why she decided to send me her nudes
unprovoked and started fucking me.
"You made me think I had a chance with
Shlobo, he turned me down and you had to
step in and do the job that should've been
done by him," that's insane, I'm horrified.
Khwezi laughs, "I'm kidding, relax," I don't
think she is.
My phone rings, I don't bother looking at it.
Khwezi hates me minding my phone when we
are together. I had to assign a different
ringtone for my dad and aunt to be able to
know when to answer. I can't miss their calls,
Shlobo would have my balls on a platter.
"Answer it," she demands and I frown.
"It's cool," I'm scared that it might be Ze.
Khwezi is unpredictable, she might do
something so Zekhethelo picks up that I'm
with another woman.
"Nhlangano, answer your phone," I love her
dominance in bed but it pisses me off in
general. I grab it and it's an unsaved number.
"Hello," I answer.
"Yes, hello. Is this Nhlangano?" bored!
It's a male voice.
"Yeah, who is this?"
"Uhm, my name is Mphikeleli. I am your
father," the man says and I laugh.
"And I'm Nelson Mandela. Get the fuck out of
here," I click my tounge.
"No, please. This is not some joke, I'm your
biological father for real. Your late mother,
Busi and I were in a long term relationship,"
he says hurriedly and I sit up straight. I don't
even know my biological fathers name. I
never cared to ask, my father, Shlobo has
been amazing from day one. I have never felt
the need to know whose sperm I am.
"How can I help you sir?" I ask and Khwezi
narrows her eyes at me, she's curious.
"Uhm, I just wanted to reach out. It has been
long," I roll my eyes.
"Dude, why now?"
He sniffs, "I have been trying to be a part of
your life but your uncle has refused every
time I asked," I furrow my forehead.
Nah, my dad is not that kind of person, he
would have told me.
"There aren't any secrets between my father
and I. He would have told me and allowed me
to decide if I want a relationship with you or
not," I mutter confidently.
He blows out some air, "I'm not lying
Nhlangano and I don't want to cause problems
between you and your father. I just want to
get to know you." what the hell.
"Dude, I need a minute," I say and hang up.
"What's wrong babe?" Khwezi asks concerned.
"Baby," she coaxes me gently.
"Some man was claiming to be my biological
father," she is looking at me like I just lost
the plot.
"What do you mean biological? Did Shlobo
adopt you?" she asks and I shake my head.
"No, he's my mothers brother. After she died
he took me as his and raised me," her eyes
widen.
"Oh, I see. So, do you believe the guy who just
called?" she asks and I shrug my shoulders.
"I don't know, Khwezi. He's saying all the right
things. He said he has been trying to be in my
life but my dad refuses him. I don't believe
him, my father and I are open. We don't keep
things from each other," she caresses my face.
"I don't mean to be insensitive but that's not
true. Everyone has their secrets, I mean look
at you and me," fuck! I hate that she's right.
"Ask him about your biological father and see
if he'll be honest. Look at him in the eye,
you'll get the truth." what a twist my life just
took.
 CHAPTER 45
NALEDI MOLETSANE

Today was my last day at work, my

colleagues organized a small farewell party
for me. It was a bitter sweet moment, I'm
going to miss that place very much. I mean
that's where my career started and shortly
after that I moved up the ranks because of
my hard work and dedication. I will forever be
grateful for all the opportunities they offered
me, I wouldn't have made it so far in my
career in such a short space of time if it
wasn't for them.

I get to my house in Bryanston and park the

car in the garage. I moved here a few days
ago, it was time. Vhutshilo's relationship has
been facing blows because of me and our set-
up, we were stupid to expect Karabo to just
accept the situation like it's normal. We can
still be able to co-parent our daughter
without him putting me before his own
girlfriend. I have to stop being depended on
him and vice versa. I'm going to teach myself
to only reach out to Vhutshilo when it has
something to do with Bassie.

This place is too big for one person but it's

not too bad. It's not as awkward as I thought
it would be, I made sure to remove all
pictures of Jimmy and I around the house.
They have no business hanging on the walls,
he was never mine to begin with. I do get
flash backs now and again, especially in the
bedroom we shared and the lounge but I know
everything will die down as soon as I'm used
to being here.

I remove my shoes at the door connecting the

garage to the main house and head to the
stairs. I need to take a shower and go prepare
a snack, my drinks are already chilled in the
fridge. I'm going to nextflix and chill all alone.
That's what I've gotten used to since we
moved to Vhutshilo's place. Bassie enjoyed
being sandwiched between us on Friday
evenings and choosing movies like a boss. I
loved it more than going out to clubs with my
friends. Speaking of which, I haven't spoken
nor seen Kat in a while. I should give her a
call and invite her out for lunch. I just pray to
God that she doesn't mention Mongezi, I want
absolutely nothing to do with him.

I'm out of the shower in about 30 minutes

and I'm feeling fresh. I just oil my body and
throw on an oversized T-shirt, it's
comfortable enough to be infront of the TV. I
should check in on my daughter before
getting drunk, I miss her so much but she's
happy to be staying with my mother and
Manana again. I made her understand that it's
only temporary and in a few weeks she will be
back with mommy and rotating between her
grandmother's and her father. I'm just
crossing fingers that it's not too much for
her.

I just made a light snack, crackers, cheese,

biltong, salami sticks, grapes and
strawberries. I'm going to wash them down
with one bottle of Champagne then move to
my absolute favorite, savanna. I take
everything with me to the lounge and I'm
startled when I walk inside, what the hell is
wrong with this woman? She needs to give
me back my key. She can't be coming and
going like she owns the place.

"Hey, I was about to come looking for you,"

Thuli says with a smile and I heave a sigh.
"No, you can't do this. You cannot just show
up here without calling me first," I say and
she nods her understanding.
"I'm sorry, I should have called but you tend to
not answer me and only get back to me
later," that's because she's doing too much. I
agreed to spend sometime with her if that
will help her get over Jimmy but I made it
clear that there has to be some boundaries.
This is not it.
"Why are you here?" I ask and she looks at her
wrist watch.
"I came to fetch you, Naledi," I furrow my
forehead. What the hell is she on about now?
"Do you want me to ask?" I'm trying with her
but God!
"I thought we could both do with a short left,
maybe me more than you but that's fine. I
just want to have a great weekend, have
some fun and remember how amazing it feels
to just live life you know," she explains and I
heave a sigh, she defeats me. Thuli has two
daughters, why couldn't she take them on the
short left? Yes, that brat Sihle is out. I decided
not to fight it because I don't have the energy
for her anymore. Hopefully she has learned her
lesson, plus, her mother promised that she
will not bother me at all.
"Thuli, I can't just up and leave. I have a
daughter that needs me," I say and her smile
disappears and tears well up in her eyes. Not
the water works, God please, no.
"I don't mean to sound insensitive but I also
need you Naledi. Your daughter will be okay,
we will be gone for the weekend. You're the
only person who can help me get through this
Naledi, the only one who isn't expecting me to
be strong. I can be vulnerable with you, please
go with me," she says, lowering herself on the
couch.
"This is manipulation, Thuli. What you're doing
to me is not fair," she buries her face in her
hands.
"I understand why you might feel that way
but I am begging you. Help me find my feet,
help me to rediscover myself. I need to be
someone other than Jimmy's widow. Yes, it's
going to take me a while but for this weekend
can I just be Thulisile in Cape Town, waking
up and sleeping with champagne in her hand,"
I hate the desperation in her voice. It makes
me feel guilty.
"I don't like forcing matters, Naledi. So I'm
going to ask you to show me a great time in
Cape Town and once we are back I will not
bother you again. I will find a way to unlove
Jimmy without you as a reminder that I
meant nothing to him," she mutters and I nod.
"This weekend together then we go our
separate ways? " that sounds fair.
"That's the deal. Go grab your ID document or
passport, we need to rush to the airport. I
managed to get us tickets on the flight that's
leaving in two hours." she says.
How the hell did she get a hold of my details?
"I need to pack," Thuli shakes her head.
"Just change, Naledi. We will shop in Cape
Town, like I said, I want to live life this
weekend." it's going to be a long weekend,
Lord have mercy.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"Can we do lunch tomorrow," I ask Karabo and

she heaves a sigh before getting up from my
chest.
"What's wrong babe?" I ask because she looks
uncomfortable. I hope she's not thinking of
ending this thing between us. I mean our
situation is the only thing that has been
keeping me sane since I found out about my
husband and his ex, Mabatho.
"Uhm... I wo... I can't do anything this
weekend. I'll be busy packing and moving my
things to Vhutshilo's house," she stummers
and I raise an eyebrow.
"What do you mean moving your things to his
house?" I ask, sitting up straight. I'm not
understanding.
"Exactly that, Kat. My boyfriend asked me to
move in with him and I agreed," she explains,
getting out of bed and grabbing her gown.
"You're kidding right? You agree to move in
with him and Naledi?" I ask and she shakes
her head.
"No, Naledi and Bassie have moved out so I
can move in. Vhutshilo is finally choosing me,
Kat. He is finally proving to me that he can
put me first in his life," she says briskly and I
huff out a humorless laugh.
"You think that's him choosing you? Naledi
was always going to move out from there.
You're just going there to play wife, to keep
him company while he waits for Naledi's
phone call asking for him. He is not over my
friend, he will never be Karabo. Save yourself
the inevitable heartbreak," I say vehemently
and Karabo is horrified by my words.
"Fuck you, Kat. You are failing to spew this
nonsense to yourself, your husband is the one
that's not over Mabatho. Please don't project
your bullshit on me," she answers, mad as hell
and I close my eyes. She's right, I'm taking out
my frustrations on her.
"Baby, I'm sorry. It's just that..." I take a deep
breath, "You've been making me happy amidst
the shit happening in my marriage. I am
scared of loosing that, of loosing you. I'm
sorry," I quickly climb off the bed and pull her
to me by her waist.
"You're married, Kat. You can't expect me to
put my life on hold for you. Remember how
you once broke my heart? You can't expect
me to fully give myself to you, I'm with
Vhutshilo now," her words are like daggers
thrown at my heart. I wish I chose her.
"Where does your move leave us?" I'm scared
of her answer but I need to know.
"I cannot continue cheating on my man with
you. He is trying, Kat. I need to be faithful to
him," she says and I close my eyes, pained.
She pecks my lips, "You need to leave,
Katherine," she whispers and gets out of my
hold. This hurts, it hurts so bad.
I am loosing both my husband and my
girlfriend and there's nothing I can't do about
it at the moment.
I grab my clothes and start putting them on.
Karabo has her back to me, she's looking
outside her bedroom window. I'm trying not
to allow my tears to fall, I can't believe that
she's not choosing me but I can't blame her
because I didn't choose her in the past. She
loves me, that I know but she's scared. Once
bitten twice shy, but I won't give up on
Karabo.
I need to find a way to move my assets so
Thabo doesn't get shit when I file for a
divorce. I want him to go back to his village
doll with nothing to his name. I'm done trying
to make it work with him. It's time I put in
the effort with Karabo. Vhutshilo will have to
forgive me, the girl is definitely mine.

I walk out of the bedroom and grab my car

keys and handbag on the coffee table. It's
dark outside, Thabo will wonder why I'm home
earlier than what I said. I called him when I
left the office and said I'm grabbing drinks
with Naledi and I'll be back before midnight.
It's only after 8pm and I'm already on my way
home, this is not how I wanted my night to
end.

I get to my house and the TV is playing in the

lounge but Thabo is not in the room. I drop
my handbag on the couch and head to the
bedroom, I need to shower Karabo's scent off
me and change into pyjamas. I'm going to
take something to knock me out through the
night, I don't want anything reminding me of
my situation with Karabo. I'll wake up
tomorrow and figure out my next move.

The bedroom door is ajar and there are sounds

coming from inside. It's Thabo, he is groaning.
Those are the sounds he makes when we are
having sex. He better not have brought his
bitch into my house, hell would freeze over
for sure. I gently push the door open and soft
moans are coming from his phone, it's on loud
speaker, placed on his chest. His eyes are shut
close, his mouth forming the perfect O and he
is busy stroking his dick. Mabatho's voice
calls his name out softly and my husband
groans deeper. He is really enjoying this phone
sex. I close the door and Thabo jolts up, his
eyes are widened, eyeballs threatening to fall
off.
I don't say anything, I just move to the
adjoining bathroom to take a shower.
 CHAPTER 45
NALEDI MOLETSANE

Today was my last day at work, my

colleagues organized a small farewell party
for me. It was a bitter sweet moment, I'm
going to miss that place very much. I mean
that's where my career started and shortly
after that I moved up the ranks because of
my hard work and dedication. I will forever be
grateful for all the opportunities they offered
me, I wouldn't have made it so far in my
career in such a short space of time if it
wasn't for them.

I get to my house in Bryanston and park the

car in the garage. I moved here a few days
ago, it was time. Vhutshilo's relationship has
been facing blows because of me and our set-
up, we were stupid to expect Karabo to just
accept the situation like it's normal. We can
still be able to co-parent our daughter
without him putting me before his own
girlfriend. I have to stop being depended on
him and vice versa. I'm going to teach myself
to only reach out to Vhutshilo when it has
something to do with Bassie.

This place is too big for one person but it's

not too bad. It's not as awkward as I thought
it would be, I made sure to remove all
pictures of Jimmy and I around the house.
They have no business hanging on the walls,
he was never mine to begin with. I do get
flash backs now and again, especially in the
bedroom we shared and the lounge but I know
everything will die down as soon as I'm used
to being here.

I remove my shoes at the door connecting the

garage to the main house and head to the
stairs. I need to take a shower and go prepare
a snack, my drinks are already chilled in the
fridge. I'm going to nextflix and chill all alone.
That's what I've gotten used to since we
moved to Vhutshilo's place. Bassie enjoyed
being sandwiched between us on Friday
evenings and choosing movies like a boss. I
loved it more than going out to clubs with my
friends. Speaking of which, I haven't spoken
nor seen Kat in a while. I should give her a
call and invite her out for lunch. I just pray to
God that she doesn't mention Mongezi, I want
absolutely nothing to do with him.

I'm out of the shower in about 30 minutes

and I'm feeling fresh. I just oil my body and
throw on an oversized T-shirt, it's
comfortable enough to be infront of the TV. I
should check in on my daughter before
getting drunk, I miss her so much but she's
happy to be staying with my mother and
Manana again. I made her understand that it's
only temporary and in a few weeks she will be
back with mommy and rotating between her
grandmother's and her father. I'm just
crossing fingers that it's not too much for
her.

I just made a light snack, crackers, cheese,

biltong, salami sticks, grapes and
strawberries. I'm going to wash them down
with one bottle of Champagne then move to
my absolute favorite, savanna. I take
everything with me to the lounge and I'm
startled when I walk inside, what the hell is
wrong with this woman? She needs to give
me back my key. She can't be coming and
going like she owns the place.

"Hey, I was about to come looking for you,"

Thuli says with a smile and I heave a sigh.
"No, you can't do this. You cannot just show
up here without calling me first," I say and
she nods her understanding.
"I'm sorry, I should have called but you tend to
not answer me and only get back to me
later," that's because she's doing too much. I
agreed to spend sometime with her if that
will help her get over Jimmy but I made it
clear that there has to be some boundaries.
This is not it.
"Why are you here?" I ask and she looks at her
wrist watch.
"I came to fetch you, Naledi," I furrow my
forehead. What the hell is she on about now?
"Do you want me to ask?" I'm trying with her
but God!
"I thought we could both do with a short left,
maybe me more than you but that's fine. I
just want to have a great weekend, have
some fun and remember how amazing it feels
to just live life you know," she explains and I
heave a sigh, she defeats me. Thuli has two
daughters, why couldn't she take them on the
short left? Yes, that brat Sihle is out. I decided
not to fight it because I don't have the energy
for her anymore. Hopefully she has learned her
lesson, plus, her mother promised that she
will not bother me at all.
"Thuli, I can't just up and leave. I have a
daughter that needs me," I say and her smile
disappears and tears well up in her eyes. Not
the water works, God please, no.
"I don't mean to sound insensitive but I also
need you Naledi. Your daughter will be okay,
we will be gone for the weekend. You're the
only person who can help me get through this
Naledi, the only one who isn't expecting me to
be strong. I can be vulnerable with you, please
go with me," she says, lowering herself on the
couch.
"This is manipulation, Thuli. What you're doing
to me is not fair," she buries her face in her
hands.
"I understand why you might feel that way
but I am begging you. Help me find my feet,
help me to rediscover myself. I need to be
someone other than Jimmy's widow. Yes, it's
going to take me a while but for this weekend
can I just be Thulisile in Cape Town, waking
up and sleeping with champagne in her hand,"
I hate the desperation in her voice. It makes
me feel guilty.
"I don't like forcing matters, Naledi. So I'm
going to ask you to show me a great time in
Cape Town and once we are back I will not
bother you again. I will find a way to unlove
Jimmy without you as a reminder that I
meant nothing to him," she mutters and I nod.
"This weekend together then we go our
separate ways? " that sounds fair.
"That's the deal. Go grab your ID document or
passport, we need to rush to the airport. I
managed to get us tickets on the flight that's
leaving in two hours." she says.
How the hell did she get a hold of my details?
"I need to pack," Thuli shakes her head.
"Just change, Naledi. We will shop in Cape
Town, like I said, I want to live life this
weekend." it's going to be a long weekend,
Lord have mercy.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"Can we do lunch tomorrow," I ask Karabo and

she heaves a sigh before getting up from my
chest.
"What's wrong babe?" I ask because she looks
uncomfortable. I hope she's not thinking of
ending this thing between us. I mean our
situation is the only thing that has been
keeping me sane since I found out about my
husband and his ex, Mabatho.
"Uhm... I wo... I can't do anything this
weekend. I'll be busy packing and moving my
things to Vhutshilo's house," she stummers
and I raise an eyebrow.
"What do you mean moving your things to his
house?" I ask, sitting up straight. I'm not
understanding.
"Exactly that, Kat. My boyfriend asked me to
move in with him and I agreed," she explains,
getting out of bed and grabbing her gown.
"You're kidding right? You agree to move in
with him and Naledi?" I ask and she shakes
her head.
"No, Naledi and Bassie have moved out so I
can move in. Vhutshilo is finally choosing me,
Kat. He is finally proving to me that he can
put me first in his life," she says briskly and I
huff out a humorless laugh.
"You think that's him choosing you? Naledi
was always going to move out from there.
You're just going there to play wife, to keep
him company while he waits for Naledi's
phone call asking for him. He is not over my
friend, he will never be Karabo. Save yourself
the inevitable heartbreak," I say vehemently
and Karabo is horrified by my words.
"Fuck you, Kat. You are failing to spew this
nonsense to yourself, your husband is the one
that's not over Mabatho. Please don't project
your bullshit on me," she answers, mad as hell
and I close my eyes. She's right, I'm taking out
my frustrations on her.
"Baby, I'm sorry. It's just that..." I take a deep
breath, "You've been making me happy amidst
the shit happening in my marriage. I am
scared of loosing that, of loosing you. I'm
sorry," I quickly climb off the bed and pull her
to me by her waist.
"You're married, Kat. You can't expect me to
put my life on hold for you. Remember how
you once broke my heart? You can't expect
me to fully give myself to you, I'm with
Vhutshilo now," her words are like daggers
thrown at my heart. I wish I chose her.
"Where does your move leave us?" I'm scared
of her answer but I need to know.
"I cannot continue cheating on my man with
you. He is trying, Kat. I need to be faithful to
him," she says and I close my eyes, pained.
She pecks my lips, "You need to leave,
Katherine," she whispers and gets out of my
hold. This hurts, it hurts so bad.
I am loosing both my husband and my
girlfriend and there's nothing I can't do about
it at the moment.
I grab my clothes and start putting them on.
Karabo has her back to me, she's looking
outside her bedroom window. I'm trying not
to allow my tears to fall, I can't believe that
she's not choosing me but I can't blame her
because I didn't choose her in the past. She
loves me, that I know but she's scared. Once
bitten twice shy, but I won't give up on
Karabo.
I need to find a way to move my assets so
Thabo doesn't get shit when I file for a
divorce. I want him to go back to his village
doll with nothing to his name. I'm done trying
to make it work with him. It's time I put in
the effort with Karabo. Vhutshilo will have to
forgive me, the girl is definitely mine.

I walk out of the bedroom and grab my car

keys and handbag on the coffee table. It's
dark outside, Thabo will wonder why I'm home
earlier than what I said. I called him when I
left the office and said I'm grabbing drinks
with Naledi and I'll be back before midnight.
It's only after 8pm and I'm already on my way
home, this is not how I wanted my night to
end.

I get to my house and the TV is playing in the

lounge but Thabo is not in the room. I drop
my handbag on the couch and head to the
bedroom, I need to shower Karabo's scent off
me and change into pyjamas. I'm going to
take something to knock me out through the
night, I don't want anything reminding me of
my situation with Karabo. I'll wake up
tomorrow and figure out my next move.

The bedroom door is ajar and there are sounds

coming from inside. It's Thabo, he is groaning.
Those are the sounds he makes when we are
having sex. He better not have brought his
bitch into my house, hell would freeze over
for sure. I gently push the door open and soft
moans are coming from his phone, it's on loud
speaker, placed on his chest. His eyes are shut
close, his mouth forming the perfect O and he
is busy stroking his dick. Mabatho's voice
calls his name out softly and my husband
groans deeper. He is really enjoying this phone
sex. I close the door and Thabo jolts up, his
eyes are widened, eyeballs threatening to fall
off.
I don't say anything, I just move to the
adjoining bathroom to take a shower.
 CHAPTER 46
KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I open my eyes and roll over to the middle of

the bed before stretching dramatically. I slept
throughout the night, it was dreamless and
peaceful. I really needed the rest after what
happened yesterday. I reach for my phone on
the bed side table and there's nothing from
Karabo. I decide to send her a message,
apologizing for what I said yesterday. She
didn't deserve the nonsense I said to her, I
just hope she will change her mind about us
after a few days. I still maintain that she's
mine, Vhutshilo will definitely hate me for
taking her from him hut I don't care. Karabo
and I share something special, I was a fool for
choosing Thabo over her.

Speaking of Thabo, the son of a bitch had left

the bedroom when I was done taking a
shower last night. I don't know when he came
to bed because I slept immediately after
taking the pill. I wasn't in the mood to
address the situation I found him in when I
walked in here; In fact I'm not going to bring
it up. I caught him having phone sex with
Mabatho and that's that, there's nothing for
me to ask and there's absolutely nothing he
needs to explain to me. What I need to do,
however, is move swiftly in getting my affairs
in order and leaving his broke ass. Yes, some
might label me a hypocrite and I don't care.
Thabo cheating with Mabatho is what drove
me into Karabo's bed.

I get up from the bed and head straight to the

bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my
face. I'm famished, I want to eat some cereal
and take myself out for brunch. I'll use the
time out to Google best divorce lawyers and
send appointment emails. I need legal advise
before I can do anything with my personal
money and assets in my name.

I get to the kitchen and Thabo is standing

over the stove with an apron on. I greet him
and open the fridge, taking out some milk.
"Good morning beautiful. I am making you
some breakfast," he says and I chuckle. He
thinks breakfast will make me forget what
happened yesterday? What a joke my darling. I
won't say shit, I want guilt to eat him up.
"I'm gonna go out for a heavy meal, I just
want something to hold me off till I get to
the restaurant," I answer him without making
eye contact.
Thabo heaves a sigh, "You can just take a
little of everything and I'll finish what's left
on your plate. Please, Kat," he begs and I
shake my head.
"I appreciate the effort really but cereal will
work for me,"
"That's okay. Do you need me to do anything
else for you?" he asks and I am tempted to
laugh in his face.
"Something like what Thabo?" I ask, this time
looking at him. He licks his lower lip
nervously.
"Anything my love. Take the laundry to the
laundromat, wash your car or maybe go run
some errands for you," he says and I shrug my
shoulders.
"No, it's okay. I'll get those done tomorrow," I
say, taking out a bowl from the cupboard.
"Kat, can we talk about last night," I frown
and look his way.
"What happened last night?" I ask and he
swallows hard, causing his adam's apple to
bob like a monkey on a stick.
"You walked in on me being inappropriate in
our matrimonial bedroom. I was just horny
and decided to masturbate to porn, I was
wrong babe. I should have waited for you to
get home and for that I'm sorry," he says,
sounding like a wounded dog. I am just
looking at him with a stoic expression. Thabo
can lie for Africa shame. That was no porn, he
was on a call with Mabatho.
"That's okay, sometimes we can't hold
ourselves." let him continue thinking I'm his
fool. Soon he will learn that the one who
laughs last, laughs the best.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

We landed in Cape Town last night and we

went to check in at the hotel. Thuli booked us
into the penthouse suite, the amount she
pays per hour is just insane. I tried stopping
her but I was asked what is the point of
having all the millions if she couldn't spend
them on what she likes. We got to our home
for the weekend and ordered room service,
champagne, shots and food. We were both
intoxicated and laughing in no time, I never
thought I'd see Thuli that way. Yes, we were
drunk the day she asked me to meet her at
my house in Bryanston but yesterday she was
lit.

As much as I was pissed by how she

manipulated me into coming with her to this
trip, I'm actually enjoying my time with her.
She's effortlessly funny, she has hilarious
stories from back in the day and the lady can
dance. She was whining her waist last night,
twerking and just being extra. I took so many
videos, I didn't want her to say I'm
exaggerating when I told her.
We honestly had a great night and not once
did we talk about Jimmy, I pray it stays like
that the entire time we are here. We came
here for her, so she can have some fun.

After breakfast we went shopping, I don't

even want to mention how much she dropped
in total. I have never had a problem with
spending money but Thuli is on another level.
She's going all out and I'm not gonna stop her,
not after what she said yesterday when we
were checking in. I'm going to let her do
whatever she wants on this trip and hope
that it makes her feel a little better.

"Help me choose a cocktail," she says, leaning

in.
"I got you," I say and she smiles.
We are at some restaurant to have lunch and
a couple of drinks before going back to the
hotel. We booked a private massage session in
our penthouse and later on we are going out
to a club. I'm ready to turn up and have an
amazing night, it's been a minute since I went
out to groove.
I promised Thuli an amazing weekend and I've
been delivering on my promise. Tonight has to
top everything we have done so far, I'm
willing to go as far as she wants to make it
memorable. After this weekend we are going
our separate ways.
"Are you ready to order ladies?" the waitress
asks and I nod.
"Can we please have two margaritas and six
shots of tequila," I say.
"Food?" - waitress.
I'm not sure what I'm going to have. I think
I'm gonna ask for more time to go through
the menu again.
"Can I please have Ramen noodles, lobster tail,
prawns with extra noodle soup and cajun
sauce," Thuli orders. That's sounds mouth
watering.
"I'm gonna have the same, thank you," I say
and hand the waitress the menus.
"You're choosing dinner before the club," Thuli
says and I chuckle.
"Not fair," her smile fades.
"Thank you for coming here with me, Naledi.
I'm having a great time," she mutters.
"It's a pleasure, Thuli..." my phone chimes, it's
an incoming text. I grab it from the table and
open the text, it's Manana. She's asking if
Thuli hasn't tried to drown me. I throw my
head back and laugh.
"What's up?" Thuli asks and I raise an
eyebrow.
"Huh?" I pretend like I didn't hear her question.
How can I tell her what the message is
saying? She will definitely take offense.
"You're laughing, I'm asking what's funny," I
swallow uncomfortably.
"It's... Uhm it's nothing really," I stummer and
she narrows her eyes.
"You're nervous, is it about me?" Aow Jehovah.
Did she have to hit the nail right on the head?
"It's just Manana asking if I'm safe," I answer,
hoping she let's it go.
"She thinks I might hurt you?" she asks and I
lick my lower lip.
"She's just joking, please don't take it
personally," I answer and she heaves a heavy
sigh.
"I won't, she is right to feel some type of way
about me. I mean I did pour urine on you in
public. I was mad at you then, I didn't know
you were also lied to. I know the truth now
and I'm not going to hurt you, Naledi. I just
need you to help me accept that he didn't
love me anymore, and I shouldn't hold on to
the good he did because that's making me
stay in my feelings and I can't live like that. I
have to move on from the good memories of
Jimmy, I need to find myself outside being his
wife and the mother of his children," she says,
sounding pained.
"Why do it with me though? You can just
remind yourself that he wanted to start a
whole new life with me, remember that he
wanted to toss you to the side to make me
his whole life. You don't physically need me to
forget him Thuli," the waitress brings our
drinks and walks away after telling us our
food will follow shortly. Thuli downs a shot
and takes a deep breath.
"You're right, Naledi. I just envy you, that's all.
You didn't find it hard moving on from Jimmy,
it was easy for you to remember your worth
and move away from the bullshit he was
offering you. I envy that, I thought spending
time with you will rub off the confidence you
have on me and help me move on. I don't
know if you understand," finally the truth.
"Now this explanation makes sense. I
understand exactly what you mean," I take a
sip of my drink.
"You can move on from this Thuli. You don't
have to rush yourself, take it a day at a time.
You shared much more with Jimmy, years and
years. Please do not compare yourself with
me, we weren't invested the same way in
him. Love? Yes we loved him but it wasn't at
the same level," I say and she drops her tears.
"Thank you, I think I needed to hear that," I
watch her wipe her tears. I feel for her, she's
really going through it. I wish I can heal her
hurt and bring her the happiness she deserves.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm going to break Mphikeleli's jaw when I see

him, he will regret ever trying to get in
between my son and I. I should have known
that he will go to Nhlangano behind my back
after I fired him. The bastard couldn't just
stay away, he wouldn't go down without a
fight. Nhlangano is mad and hurt that I kept
the truth from him when I always preach
honesty between us. He doesn't understand
that I kept the whole Mphikeleli situation to
myself because I was trying to protect him.
That guy is not a good person, allowing him
to be a part of my sons life would be the
greatest mistake of my life. Mphikeleli will
find a way to destroy Nhlangano the way he
did with Busisiwe.

After Dinner I pulled Nhlangano to the side

because he wasn't himself, Nonku and
Thalente also noticed his mood and asked me
to find out if he's okay. He has been in a funk
since we got to Cape Town and I thought he
was going to have the time of his life. He
promised Thalente that they are going to get
up to no good when the rest of us retired to
our rooms at the end of the day, but that
never happened and we are leaving later on.

He didn't want to tell me what was wrong

but I pressed until he asked me who his
biological father is and if I knew where he
was currently. Of courses I said I don't know
but that was a stupid move because
Nhlangano already knew that I know.
Apparently Mphikeleli reached out to him and
told him that he has been reaching out for
years, begging me to allow them to have a
relationship but I always refused. Nhlangano
is both mad and hurt because I lied to his face
and because I didn't allow him to make his
own decision regarding his biological father.
He left us at the restaurant and came back to
the hotel. When we got back I went to his
room but he wouldn't open, Thalente tried and
she got access. When they were done talking
my sister came to tell me that he's not okay
and he feels a little betrayed by me.
I'm stressed out, I won't even lie. I have been
tossing and turning, Nonku might even wake
up. I climb out of bed and put on my clothes
then check my phone for time, it's half past
three in the morning. Where will I go at this
hour? But I honestly need some air and
definitely a strong drink. I take my key card
and leave the hotel room.

I press the elevator button down and a few

seconds later the doors ping open. Two ladies
are inside, laughing like naughty school kids.
They are both drunk, the thick one is
gorgeous and she catches my eye
immediately. She is definitely my type of
woman, she's young but God dammit!
The other one looks at me and there's a
mischievous smile on her face, she adjusts her
gold dress, exposing her cleavage.

"Oh hey handsome," gold dress says and I press

my lips into a thin line. This is awkward.
"Haibo! Thuli, behave," the gorgeous lady says.
She's not as drunk as her friend but drunk
none the less. "I'm sorry, forgive her. We had
one too many drinks, she's just being silly,"
the doors are trying to close but golden dress
keeps swiping her hand to keep them open.
"It's okay. Which floor are you going to?" I ask
and they look at each other and laugh again.
"The last floor, we are in the penthouse,"
gorgeous answers, "We need the access card
to go up there and Thuli doesn't know where
she put it. We wanna go ask for help at the
front desk," she adds and her friend takes a
deep breath and checks her bag after handing
the bottle of Don Julio 1942 to gorgeous.
"Let me check properly," gold dress is fishing
in her handbag and I'm now on elevator door
duty.
"Yes! Gotcha bitch," gold dress exclaims,
holding up the access card. I can't help but
chuckle. They are so light and carefree, I wish
I was them right now.
"Get in, which floor are you going to?"
gorgeous asks and I heave a heavy sigh.
"I am going to the bar but I'm not sure if it's
open," I explain.
"We have plenty of alcohol in our penthouse,
join us for a night cap," gold dress slurs her
words. She's cracking me up.
"Yeah, let's go up for a drink," gorgeous adds
and I nod. It's just a drink, I'm not going to do
anything inappropriate. I step in the elevator
car and they insert their access code and the
elevator goes up. A few minutes later the
doors ping open and we step into the hallway.
They are holding hands, trying to balance each
other so they don't fall in those crazy high
heels.
My eyes involuntarily move to gorgeous'
behind, it's round and firm just the way I like
it. She's swaying those hips effortlessly and I
bite my lower lip, when was the last time I
was this attracted to a woman?
They open the door and step aside for me to
walk in first. This penthouse is huge and
beautiful, I wonder how much they are paying
a night.
"So, where are you from?" I ask, watching
them removing their shoes.
"Johannesburg, what about you?" gorgeous is
the one who answers. She has a naturally
husky voice and it's turning me on so bad.
"I'm from Durban. My name is Shlobo," I say
and gold dress walks past me and goes to
throw herself on the couch.
"I'm Naledi and that's Thuli," beautiful name
for a beautiful lady.
"What would you like to drink?" she asks and I
walk to the table where there are bottles of
alcohol.
"Hennessey will do, thank you," I answer.
"You can have a seat, I'll go get ice and clean
glasses," she heads to the kitchen and I turn
with her, my eyes on her beautiful body. God,
she's mesmerizing.
I settle down on the couch and cross my legs.
A light snore has me chuckling, gold dress is
out of it.
"Oh Thuli," Naledi says, walking back in the
room.
"She's out of it. Are you two friends? She
seems older than you," I ask and she nods and
shakes her head at the same time.
"She is older than me, I wouldn't exactly say
we are friends. Thuli and I..." she pauses,
"There's a lot happening between us," Naledi
explains ambiguously and I narrow my eyes.
"I don't mean to be forward but are you guys
like a thing? Are you dating?" I ask and she's
thrown into a fit of laughter.
"I like my partner older than me but they have
to be the opposite sex. If I were to choose in
this very room then it would have to be you,"
she says and I tilt my head to the side and
hold her stare. Her eyes are drawing me in,
her beauty is captivating. I'm insanely
attracted to her, I don't think it has ever
happened this way.
"Well, I'd choose you too," my voice comes out
hoarsely.
"Here you go," she hands me the glass of
Hennessy on the rock and settles down next
to me with her glass of tequila and lemonade.
"My feet are killing me," she takes a sip of her
drink and I place mine down on the side table.
"I have magic hands, put you feet here," I say,
patting my lap. Naledi snaps an eyebrow but
doesn't say anything. She shifts and puts her
feet on me. Her dress is pulled up a little,
exposing more of these thick thighs. I am
tempted to run my hands all over them and
feel a fire worse than the one I'm feeling right
now.
I grab her left foot and start massaging it.
Naledi throws her head back and moans. I
gasps for air and bite my lower lip. Is she
trying to make me cum in my jeans? Jesus!
"You're beautiful," I say out of nowhere and
she looks at me with eyes full of lust. Is she
feeling how I'm feeling right now?
"I don't normally invite strangers to my hotel
room, offer them a drink, allow them to
massage my feet and have my butterflies
flatter at them saying I'm beautiful," it comes
out in an almost whisper and I offer her a
lopsided smile.
"I'm glad you don't. I also don't tell strangers
they look beautiful or ask to massage their
feet but there's something about you," I throw
it back to her playfully too.
"That's good to know Shlobo," my name rolls
out perfectly from her tongue.
"What would you do if I tried to kiss you?" I
ask. I don't know why I'm failing to hold
myself with this girl.
"Uhm, I'd kiss you right back," she says and I
take her glass and place it next to mine on
the side table.
I pull her to me by her neck and kiss her soft
lips, they taste like lemonade from her drink.
She takes my lower lip and sucks on it. I'm
feeling fire all over my body, I can't help but
run my hand up her thigh. Her skin is so
smooth, I'm feeling weak. I honestly cannot
stop myself right now, if she allows me to go
all the way then I'm going all the way. I'm
shocked by my lack of self control, I normally
don't let desire drive me like this.
 CHAPTER 47
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I open my eyes and the first thing I see is

Naledi and she's still as beautiful as last
night. She's sleeping peacefully, I am tempted
to kiss her pouted lips but I'm scared of
waking her up. We wore each other out in the
early hours of this morning. The kiss led us to
doing more, it was too intense to just leave it
at that. I found myself aching to be buried
inside of her and she didn't stop me. I got up
and held out my hand, she took it and stood
up too. Naledi led us to her bedroom and
within a blink of an eye our clothes were
flying across the room and we were in the
throes of passion. Truth be told, she is the
best sex I've ever had in my entire life.
Everything about her body drove me
absolutely insane, I just couldn't get enough
of her.

My phone rings somewhere in the room and I

gently climb out of bed to go find it. It's in my
jeans, I quickly take it out and it's Nonku
calling. Fuck! Shlobo what have you done? I
completely forgot about her and my problems
the entire time I was with that gorgeous
woman sleeping on the bed.
I need to go back to my hotel room, Nonku
must be worried sick about me. The phone
stops ringing and I quickly put on my clothes.

I don't have the heart to wake Naledi up, it's

only 9am and I know she's tired. I'll just leave
her a note with my number and ask her to
call me. This cannot be the last time we are
seeing each other. I know what I'm doing is
wrong because I have a girlfriend downstairs
but there's something about Naledi. I just
cannot let her go. There's a book and pen next
to the phone on her bedside table. I rip a page
and write a note.

I DIDN'T RUN NTOMBENHLE. I JUST HAD TO

RUSH SOMEWHERE AND I COULDN'T WAKE
YOU UP ANGEL. I'M LEAVING TONIGHT, MY
FLIGHT IS AT 8. I'D LOVE TO SEE YOU BEFORE I
LEAVE. PLEASE CALL ME ON 0671234567.

SHLOBO.

I kiss her forehead and leave the bedroom. I'm

crossing fingers that she calls me, I can't go
back to Durban without seeing her again. She
has already taken over my mind, a few hours
with her and I feel like a high school boy
again. What a beautiful and passionate night I
had.
Someone clears their throat as I'm about to
open the door. I quickly pivot and it's gold
dress, she's in her night gown with a cup of
coffee in her hand.

"I see you slept here," she says with a smirk

and I nod.
"Yeah, I had too many to drink and Naledi was
kind enough to allow me sleep in her bed.
There was a pillow between us," I explain and
she is thrown into a fit of laughter.
"Aren't you staying for breakfast?" she asks
and I shake my head.
"Uhm, I would have loved to but I need to
attend to something real quick. I wrote my
number down for Naledi, she's still sleeping.
Please get her to call me," I say and she raises
an eyebrow.
"I'll tell her," she says, striding towards the
couch where her handbag is. She takes out
something, it's the keycard. "You are going to
need this for the elevator to open," she
explains and I hit my forehead.
Of course, this is the penthouse suite,
movements have to be monitored.
"Let's go, I'll open for you,"
"Thank you Thuli."

I get to the floor of our room and take a deep

breath. Now I'm nervous, I don't know what
I'm going to say to Nonku. I just cheated on
her, enjoyed it and the fucked up part is I
don't even regret it. I want to see Naledi
again and given the chance I'd do to her what
I did earlier this morning. This is not the kind
of man I am, but I can't seem to control my
attraction for the woman I only met a couple
of hours ago.

I scan my keycard and open the door, Nonku

quickly turns and when her eyes land on me
she heaves a sigh of relief.
I instantly feel bad for making her worry, I
should have left her a message when I left the
room incase she woke up before I could come
back. But I didn't know I'd run into Naledi and
forget about everything else.

"Where the hell have you been, Shlobo? I

almost called the police," she says and I hold
out my hands.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I just
couldn't sleep and I went out to have a drink,"
I say and she narrows her eyes.
"Where? I looked all over for you, from 6 in
the morning," I clear my throat.
"I think I left the room around 5. I thought the
bar would be open but when I got downstairs
it was closed so I got in the rental car and
drove around thinking I'd find a place that's
still open. The whole Nhlangano thing is
messing with my head Nonku, I just needed a
drink," I say and mop my face with the palm
of my hand.
"Oh, babe. I'm sorry. Nhlangano will come
around, you kept the truth from him for valid
reasons. He will understand once he has
calmed down," she says and opens her arms
for a hug.
Oh damn! I am smelling of Naledi.
"Don't ignore my calls. I was really worried," I
give her a hug, fingers crossed that she
misses the feminine scent on me.
"I promise I won't," I break the hug, "I need a
shower. The kids must be hungry now," I say,
heading to the bathroom.
"I called them all and said we will meet in the
lobby at ten. Thank God you made it back
before then," she says before I close the
bathroom door and take a deep breath.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

Someone is jumping on the bed, I groan in

frustration before opening my eyes. It's Thuli,
what the hell is her problem? Isn't she tired
and hangover? Jesus this woman.
Wait, where is Shlobo? Don't tell me he ran
for the hills after I dozed off. I was honestly
looking forward to some morning action. I had
a great time earlier this morning, I needed a
repeat before he left. It had been a minute
since I got laid and the man delivered. We had
one long round of sex and he made me cum
twice. I've never been that satisfied in my life.

"Look at you biting your lip. Was it that

good?" Thuli asks and I giggle, hiding my face.
"The best I've ever had," I answer and she
gasps in shock.
"Naledi, you dirty girl," she says, grabbing the
pillow and hitting me with it.
"Thank you for inviting him up," I say and she
winks at me. We laugh and high five. I can't
believe this is Thuli and I. A couple of months
ago she hated me, humiliated me in public
and now we are laughing together.
"I need your guts. I swear I have cobwebs
down there" nah, this woman won't kill me.
My ribs are aching from laughing hard.
"Please, stop. I can't please," I beg and she lies
down next to me and heaves a sigh.
"He said he left you his number. He had to
rush somewhere," I quickly sit up and look at
the bedside table, there's a note. I'm happy to
know that he wants to see me before he
leaves. I'm definitely going to text him and
ask that he comes back before leaving.
Whatever me and Thuli have planned will have
to happen after Shlobo leaves.
"You like him?" Thuli asks and I look at her
with squinted eyes.
"Don't judge me," she smiles and shakes her
head.
"I'm not, I'm jealous of you," I know it's not
that deep. "I mean how could I not? Did you
see how hot that man is?" kahle bo! Did Thuli
just say hot?
"I have never been drawn to a man like that
Thuli. My clitoris was pulsating the minute I
laid my eyes on him, I would have jumped on
him in the elevator if you weren't in there
with us," I explain and she quickly kneels and
starts twerking.
"Naledi Moletsane. You are such a naughty girl
and I love it!" would my mother be this wild
and funny if she was in Thuli's shoes? Yes,
they are in the same age group, mid forties.
"You like them old ne?" she asks and I nod
vigorously.
"Yes, 100%. I've never dated anyone my age," I
am not ashamed of that. Everyone has their
own preferences and those who judge mine
should just go jump over a bridge.
"Makes sense though. You'd be too matured
for your age mates," that's very true, "Maybe I
should start dating younger, to just get my
blood running again," that's not a bad idea.
"I think you should. We have to get you a Ben
ten when we get back to Johannesburg," I say
and her smile slowly fades.
"You still want us to meet?" there's hope in
her voice and I mentally slap myself. The deal
was I come here with her, have a great time
and then go our separate ways when we are
back home.
I take a deep breath, "Let's go with the flow,"
her eyes twinkle.
"Yeah, let's do that," she's not a bad person,
"Let's order some food. I want to go down to
the beach, I need some time alone. I hope you
don't mind," she says and I shake my head.
"No, I'll call Shlobo while you are out. He's
leaving later," she claps once, laughing.
"Don't judge me," I say, getting out of bed
completely naked.
She jumps off too and whistles.
"Now I see why Jimmy was obsessed," she
jokes, it comes out as such. No bone in my
body mistakes that sentence as shade.
"Am I catching your eye too?" she licks her lips
and I roll my eyes.
"Mxm, go order food." she walks out of my
bedroom.
.
.
.

"Ahhh, yes baby," I throw my head back and

shut my eyes. My orgasm is not too far.
"I want you to cum all over my dick," Shlobo
demands, opening my legs wider.
I'm sitting on the dining table and he is
between my legs, thrusting in and out of me.
This man is a sex God, I don't think I can ever
have enough of him.
"You feel so damn good," I cry and he nibbles
my ear, sending more delicious tingles down
my spine.
"This dick is all yours, Naledi. Do you
understand me?" he's driving me insane, I love
nothing more than having a convesation
during sex and this one is too intense because
his dick is mind-blowing.
"Yes, daddy, it's all mine," I say and he groans
and thrusts harder and deeper, hitting the
spot that needed hitting. I can't hold myself, I
moan out loud, calling his name as my
orgasm rips me apart and I'm squirting all
over his dick like he had demanded. He doesn't
stop fucking, he's going through this orgasm
and my whole body is shaking as pleasure
runs through every inch. His hands move to
my hips and he holds on tight, groaning in my
ear, I know he's almost there. I start kissing
his neck and he hisses and stops moving. The
beast is undone. He snakes his arms around
my waist and kiss my shoulder.
He pulls out of me gently and I look down as
he removes the condom that's filled with his
cum. He ties it and grabs the paper napkin to
fold it. There's a plastic with empty bottles so
Shlobo throws the condom in there.
"He's going to miss you," he says, referring to
his dick.
"I'm going to miss him too," that's the truth.
Knowing that this is the last time I'm seeing
him makes me want to cry.
"This doesn't have to be the last time, you
know," he says and I raise an eyebrow.
"I'm in Johannesburg and you're in Durban. I'm
sure you're a busy man, I know I don't have
much time on my hands," he tilts his head to
the side and licks his lower lip. He's trying to
turn me on and he's definitely winning.
"I can make time for you, Naledi. I'm sure you
can spare me a day or two," I heave a sigh and
he picks me up, I'm shocked out of my mind.
He picked up a big girl like me? God I'm
melting.
He places me down on the couch and settles
down, placing my feet on his lap.
"Let's book you a ticket for next weekend,
then the next one I'll come to Johannesburg,"
he suggests and I gasp in shock. He's not
playing games.
"Next weekend, I'm not sure. I mean I didn't
spend time with my daughter this weekend,
she needs my attention too," I say and he
smiles, making his eyes twinkle.
"You have a daughter? I also have a son, he's
18 years old. How old is your princess?" he
sounds so excited to be talking about kids.
"She's 9, the love of my life," he takes my hand
and gives it a squeeze.
"I understand, my son is everything too," not
just good in bed, seems like he's a good dad
too.
"Tell you what, let's communicate on the
phone and we will make plans to meet as
time goes on," I say and he heaves a sigh.
"Let's not take too long to meet again Naledi.
I'm already feeling some type of way leaving
you behind," I feel that way too. It's crazy coz
we literally just met today.
"What did you do to me?" I ask and he closes
his eyes.
"I can ask you the very same question. You
have brought my world to its knees, I've never
failed to control myself this way," he says and
I lean in to give him a kiss.
"I want you again before you leave," I whisper
and he quickly gets on his feet and picks me
up. I will never get used to it, I thought I was
too big to be carried.
"I want you in bed, I want to make you
remember me and not want to forget, I know
I won't." he says and sucks on my nipple.
 CHAPTER 48
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

My biological father was telling the truth

about my dad, he has been keeping things
from me and it hurts. I don't understand why
he would do that when he always tells me
that we need to be honest with each other.
He taught me that everyone has the right to
make their own decisions in life, but he took
away that option for me and it's not fair. Yes,
I never asked about my biological father in
the past because life has been great with
baba but he had to tell me when Mphikeleli
reached out.

I didn't enjoy our trip to Cape Town. It was

hard watching him play step dad to his
girlfriends kids. Those children were given a
choice to decide on whether or not they want
to be a part of the "blended family" while he
took away my choice. I wouldn't have chosen
Mphikeleli over him, not after everything we
have been through. He raised me, loved and
protected me. He will always be my dad but I
would also love to get to know my biological
father.

I've been talking to Khwezi about the

situation and she's giving me great advise.
I don't know how I'd be dealing with this
whole situation if she wasn't in my life. She
suggested that I give my biological father an
ear, to give him a chance to tell me why he
wasn't in my life all this time. The real reason
why my dad would not want him in my life. I
tried giving my dad the chance to tell me first
when we were in that restaurant in Cape
Town, but he kept on saying it's for the best. I
need better answers than that.

I didn't go to school today, Khwezi's advice.

She offered me her place to meet up with
Mphikeleli, she said it was not a good idea to
meet in public because my dad would get the
wind of it and probably act irrationally. As
angry as I am with him, I still don't want to
hurt his feelings. I have to slowly make him
understand that I want to get to know my
biological father, and for that to not affect
our relationship in any way.

I'm laying on the couch in my school uniform.

I left home this morning like it was a normal
school day, I didn't want to pretend to be sick
because it would have been hard to sneak
out. My dad didn't go to work today and it's
pretty hard slipping through that man's
watch.

My phone chimes, it's a text from Mphikeleli

telling me he's at the gate. I sent him
Khwezi's location when I arrived earlier on. I
grab the key on the coffee table and head to
the balcony and press the remote for the gate
to open. An Audi drives in and I close the gate.
I go open the door and wait for him to come
up, I gave him the block and apartment
number too. He appears after a few minutes
and I gasp in shock, I know this man. He's the
fitness coach at my soccer club. What the
fuck?
"Nhlangano," he says with tears glistening in
his eyes.
"Uhm, good morning," I hold out my hand and
we shake. This is going to be awkward, I'm
not sure how to react.
"This is a dream come true. Thank you for
agreeing to meet with me," he says and I just
nod.
"Please come in,"
"You didn't go to school? Whose apartment is
this?" he asks and I heave a sigh.
"I wouldn't have been able to meet up with
you if I didn't pretend to be going to school," I
close the door and lead him to the lounge, "A
good friend of mine lives here," I give an
answer to his second question.
"Can I offer you anything to drink?" he shakes
his head, lowering himself on the couch.
"I'm too nervous to take anything. My
stomach is in knots right now," I can relate.
"You work at the club my father bought me," I
say and he pinches the bridge of his nose.
"Not anymore. Shlobosenkosi fired me because
he didn't want me anywhere near you. Like I
said, he's not my biggest fan," wow, just wow.
How could baba put someone out of work?
What must happen to those that depend on
his salary? That was really cruel of him, I
won't lie, I'm disappointed.
"Why does he feel the need to keep me away
from you?" I ask and he looks away, wiping
his tears.
"Shlobo never liked me. He always thought I
wasn't good enough for your mother,
Busisiwe. I was from a different place and my
family was poor. He wanted better for his
sister, a man like one of his business
associates. I didn't take him to heart back
then, I understood where he was coming
from. Everyone wants stability for their
siblings and I wasn't really offering that back
then and I guess in his eyes love was not
enough. He hated me when Busi got pregnant
with you because it meant I wasn't going
anywhere," I shift uncomfortably on the
couch. This sounds nothing like the dad I
know. He taught me to never look down on
other people because they don't have what I
have. Plus, he was also not born into privilege.
He had to work hard to get to the top.
"His hatred for me escalated when your mom
died," he says with a shaking voice and I just
sit here watching uncomfortably. It's not
really easy talking about my mom, every time
she's mentioned I feel some type of way
because I never got to experience the woman
that gave me life.
"You know how your mom died right?" he asks
and I shrug my shoulders.
"I just know that she died after giving birth to
me in an emergency C-section," I never felt
the need to ask for more details.
"I'm sorry to be the one to give you the exact
details of that tragedy," I swallow hard.
"Uhm, Busi came to my house to visit me. We
had just enjoyed our dinner when your dad's
girlfriend came to pick Busi up on Shlobo's
orders. He was furious that she came to me
after he told her not to. Your mom didn't
want to leave but I begged her to go because I
didn't want more bad blood between me and
Shlobo. It was raining cats and dogs when
they left my place. They got into a horrible
accident and were rushed to the hospital. The
doctors decided to take you out of Busi before
they could start dealing with her internal
bleeding, but she died before they could work
on her..." he pauses and wails.
I bow my head and take a deep breath.
Sometimes I feel responsible for my mom's
death, l mean if the doctors didn't waste time
taking me out then they would have worked
on her sooner and saved her.
"I'm sorry...I promised myself that I won't cry
but it hurts every time I talk about it," he
says, wiping his tears.
"Uhm, Shlobo's girlfriend also died and
everything was chaotic. I was hated by your
dad and grandmother, they blamed me for
Busi and Melamina's deaths. It was said they'd
be alive and you'd have a mom if it wasn't for
me. Nhlangano, my family and I weren't
allowed to see you. We tried reaching out
when you were 2 years, hoping that Shlobo
and MaZikode have at least dealt with loosing
Busi. But that wasn't the case, the hate was
still there, they still wanted nothing to do
with me," he explains and my heart is really
bleeding.
I don't understand why my dad would blame
Mphikeleli for killing the woman he loved and
who loved him back. What happened was an
accident, no one could have saw it coming.
Now I was caught in the middle, they kept me
from my biological father and his family for
something he wasn't responsible for. His only
crime was to love my mother.
"I did not want to go behind his back and
reach out to you directly but it was the only
option. I have tried being responsible
Nhlangano but he doesn't want to hear
anything that has to do with me. Do you
remember the day I came with my family and
he sent you off to go buy takeaways for
dinner?" he asks and I squint my eyes, trying
to rember the day in ques... Oh yes, I
remember that day. My grandmother was
even at the house, when I got back from
getting food the guests had left and my
grandmother was in a mood. Now it all makes
sense.
"It's okay, I'm glad you told me," I say and he
nods.
"I'm not trying to replace him in your life, I
just want to have a relationship with you
too," and that's only fair.
"Uhm, I just need some time to wrap my head
around everything. Plus, I still have to sit
down with my dad and have a convesation
with him," I explain and he nods vigorously.
"I understand, I'll give you some time and hope
to receive your call. I've missed out on so
much, Nhlangano. I honestly cannot stay
away any longer; Busisiwe must hate me for
staying away this long, I owed it to you and
her to fight for you," my head is spinning a
little. I'm going to wait for Khwezi to get
back from work and have a conversation with
her. She's the only one who knows about this
situation and she has been super supportive
and she gives the best advises.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm laying on my bed, facing the ceiling with

my phone held up to my ear. I'm calling Naledi
and I hope she answers, I tried her number
earlier this morning and it took me straight
to voicemail. That made me sad because I was
desperate to hear her voice and find out when
she's leaving Cape Town for Johannesburg. A
part of me was hoping that she'll answer and
tell me she'll be there until Wednesday at
least. I was going to book a flight and go back
to spend some time with her. I haven't been
able to get Naledi out of my mind, she's all I
can think about, even in Nonku's presence.

"Shlobo, hey," she answers and I close my eyes.

"Unjani baby?" I ask and she chuckles.
"I'm okay, how are you?" did I mention that I
love her husky voice?
"I'm not okay, it hurts my heart that you're
okay Naledi," I say with the widest smile.
"Bathong, you'd rather I'd not be okay?" she
asks and I put my legs up.
"I was hoping you'd say you miss me because
I'm running out of my mind," I mutter with
my heart thumping against my chest. It's
really pumping custard.
"Oh, you miss me already?" she asks before
she titters. I can imagine her beautiful smile
right now.
"Too much, nkosazane. I need to see you as in
yesterday," that's my honest truth.
At this point I wish we were staying in the
same city so it could be easier to see her.
"Let's be clear, you miss me or the lady
between my thighs," her question makes me
laugh.
"Both of my ladies. Yes, this started physically
but Naledi I wanna get to enjoy the lady
between your thighs while getting to know
you as a person. I know it's too soon to be
saying this but I'm taken by you. I need more
of you," she doesn't respond immediately but I
can hear her breathing on the other end of
the line.
"No woman has ever done what you're doing
to me, Naledi. I know you might not believe
this but I haven't been this excited to talk to
a woman in 18 years. You're making me feel
things I never thought I'd feel again, things I
gave up on," I say and she gasps, "Listen, I
haven't been a monk. I've obviously been with
women in those years but it has never been
this intense," I further explain.
"Uhm, my daughter and her grandmother's are
going to Graskop this weekend. I was
excluded from their plans. That means I'm free
this weekend, I'll book a flight to Durban after
this call," she says and I jolt up. Did she just
say?
"Babe, are you serious?" I hope she's not
kidding. I really want to spend more time
with her.
"Yes, Shlobo. I'm coming to Durban, just
ensure that my stay will be comfortable," she
says and I start punching the air with my free
hand.
"I promise to make it worth while
ntombenhle. I'm going to give you the
princess treatment that you find yourself not
wanting to leave," I say and she laughs at the
top of her lungs.
"You're all of that, trust me you are. But
nothing will make me stay in Durban, away
from my baby girl," I love to hear that.
My son is my whole life and I'm happy that
she's also a mom, she won't try and get
between my boy and I. We could make a cute
family of four and maybe bring two rats of
our own into the picture.
"I'm gonna book us into a hotel because I live
with my sister and my son at my house," I
explain, crossing fingers that she doesn't see
this as some sort of disrespect.
"That's okay, hotel makes sense," she says but
her tone worries me a lot.
"Or I can organize a quick trip for them and
prepare for you here at home," I add and she
takes a deep breath.
"You don't have to do that, Shlobo. The hotel
will be the best place to spend time," a part of
me kind of feels like I'm treating her like a
side chick. Hotels sometimes give that vibe
and that's the last thing I want Naledi to feel.
"No problem babe. Please send me your details
so I can book your flight," I say and she scoffs.
"Shlobo, I can pay for my own flight," that
turns me on. An independent Queen always
scores points but I love being a provider.
"Kahle Naledi. You're coming to me, I have to
cover everything,"
"Okay, I'll text you my details," she responds
without putting up a fight. I love a woman
who knows when to just give in.
"What are you up to? Are you back in
Johannesburg?" I ask to prolong the
convesation. I don't want this call to end.
"Yeah, we landed around 12pm. I'm outside my
daughter's school now, waiting for her to
come out of practice," I wonder if her
daughter is as gorgeous as her.
"You never told me your daughter's name,"
I genuinely want to know.
"You never asked. Her name is Basetsana," I'm
not sure what that means but it sounds like a
great name.
"I can't wait to meet her," Naledi laughs.
"Hit the brakes Shlobo. I don't even know your
surname yet," okay, she's right.
"I hear you. Please send me the details for
your flight soon. I'm booking us a place to
stay immediately after this call,"
"Mommy!" a sweet voice exclaims.
"Hey my love, get in and give mommy a kiss,"
Naledi responds.
That must be her daughter.
"Shlobo, let's talk later. My daughter is here,"
she says hurriedly.
"Okay, later baby," the line goes dead.
I don't waste time, I quickly go online to
make a booking for a hotel room. I trust that
Naledi will come, she doesn't strike me as a
woman who plays games.
 CHAPTER 49
THULISILE KHAMBULE

"I can't believe you ma. That girl is the reason

why daddy wanted to divorce you, she's the
reason why I found myself in jail," Sihle says
for the millionth time and I roll my eyes.
"You are giving me a headache," I mutter,
going through my dresses. I'm trying to find
something to wear, I'm going out to meet
with Naledi. The same one my children are
making all this noise about. They are mad
that I went to Cape Town with Naledi this
past weekend. They knew I was going away
just not with who. They only found out
yesterday because I decided to put the
pictures and videos on my whatsapp status.
Sihle came running to my bedroom,
questioning me like I'm her child. Senzeni
came a few minutes ago, straight from work
and together they have been on my case.
"No, mama. This friendship with that girl is
not gonna work. Please cut her off and focus
on yourself," I take a deep breath and pivot to
face these two chihuahuas.
"What do you think my friendship with Naledi
is? Do you think we sit and cry over your dad?
No, I asked her to be my friend because I want
to live my life. She's amazing and I'm happy to
have her in my life. I am not expecting you to
accept her or our friendship but I expect you
to respect us and what's between us," I say
calmly.
Sihle scoffs, "This is wrong mama and you
know it," I just click my tongue and face my
front. I won't be late because of them.
I grab a dress I bought in Cape Town, it's nude
and has a high slit that reveals my thigh. I
remove the tag and put it on. Both my
daughters gasp in shock at the same time and
I press my lips into a thin line so I don't laugh.
"Let me guess, your new friend is the one that
advised you to buy the dress yes?" -Senzeni.
I grab the brown high heeled sandals and put
them on.
"Yes and I love it," they look at each other
then at me again, "Listen you two, I'm not a
child. I lived my life for you both and your
father. It's time I focus on myself and what
makes me happy. I need to have my own
identity and being friends with Naledi is
helping me do exactly that," I say and leave
them standing in my walk in closet.
My handbag is on top of the bed, I need to
change it because it doesn't match my outfit.
A few weeks ago I didn't even care if my bags
matched my shoes or if my wig was well
combed. I neglected myself so much, I gave all
my attention to Jimmy and all that he
wanted.
I take out everything from the handbag and
go back to the closet to get the brown Luis
Vuitton bag. Yes, my closet is filled with
expensive clothes I never cared to pair up and
look great.
"Mama, where are you going dressed like
that?" Senzeni asks and I shake my head. They
are still standing in here like statues.
"I'm meeting Naledi for a meal," I answer and
walk out before they can give their
unsolicited advice.
They follow behind me, "You have to wait for
aunt Khabo before you leave. She wants to
talk to you," what did Sihle just say? How
dare they call Khabo on me?
Is she my parent or husband?
"You both are out of line. You don't call Khabo
on me like I'm a child, don't ever go behind my
back to tell on me. This is disrespectful and I
won't tolerate your bullshit," I say, wagging a
finger at them.
Senzeni is blinking rapidly, she didn't think I'd
react this way but I feel I should have reacted
crazier than this.
"Hao! That's how you talk now? This Naledi
girl is really a bad influence on you Thulisile,"
Khabo says, walking into my bedroom. I pivot
with a snapped eyebrow.
"I don't have time for this," I say, throwing
everything in my bag.
"You are going to crush and burn. You need to
stop all this nonsense and go back to wearing
your mourning clothes. Galavanting around
with Naledi while dressed like a hoe won't
help you with anything. My brother married a
decent woman, go back to being that," claps
once!
"You have the audacity to come into my
house and insult me. I'll tell you like I told
those two idiots, this is my life and you all
must stay out of my business. Naledi is my
friend and nothing you say or do will change
that," I take my bag and walk past Khabo but
stop just before I walk out of the door.
"And Khabo, please leave my keys when you
are done discussing me with my children.
Senzeni, you won't be home when I get back
so goodnight and call me when you're ready
to stay in your lane and out of mine. Wena
Sihle, I'll talk to you when I get back." I say
and Khabo gasps in shock.
This nonsense of her coming and going like
she owns the place must come to an end.

I get to the restaurant and Naledi is already

at the table, she's talking on the phone. I pull
out a chair and settle down before grabbing
the bottle of champagne from the ice bucket
and pouring myself a glass. I asked her out so
we could celebrate her new journey. She is
starting work at Khambule holdings on
Monday and we can't do anything during the
weekend because she's flying to Durban
tomorrow to meet up with Shlobo. Their train
is moving and I'm happy for her, I just hope
the guy is genuine. We both deserve honest
man after what Jimmy did to us.

"Hey, I'm sorry. That was my daughter. She

was telling me that she is done packing for
their trip and saying goodnight," she says
with a smile, "I don't know another 9 year old
who's obsessed with shopping like Bassie. I
thought she'd be tired since we went to the
mall after school but the girl was excited,
fresh like her day had only just started," she
adds and I giggle.
"Girls will be girls. Thank you for squeezing
me in after the day that you had," I say and
she shakes her head.
"It's okay, thank you for this outing. I'd
probably be on the couch stuffing my face
with junk," she takes a sip of her champagne.
"Same here, it's nice to be out and about," I
say and Naledi holds out her glass and I
quickly grab mine and click it with hers.
"Have you packed?" I ask and she blushes.
"I packed my bag Tuesday after he sent me
the flight details. I'm so excited to be seeing
him again," Naledi says with the widest smile,
her eyes are even twinkling.
"I hope you got some sexy numbers to turn his
head," she nods vigorously with a naughty
smile.
"You bet I did. I want to rock his world this
weekend and have mine rocked in return.
Hopefully his dick doesn't make me miss my
first day at work," she says and I'm thrown
into a fit of laughter.
I'll definitely call her on Sunday to make sure
she gets on that flight.
A lot of people are against her taking over
and they will be watching her every move and
waiting for her to slip up. My children and
their aunt are a part of those people, and they
don't understand why I'm okay with Naledi
taking over. Why would I fight what Jimmy
wanted? The company was his, he started it
from the ground and he was well in his rights
to give it to who he saw fit.
Someone clears their throat and we both look
up. A very handsome guy is towering over us,
I look at Naledi and she is disgusted. Could he
be an ex or something? But no, he's about her
age. She doesn't do man her age.
"Can't you just leave me alone, Mongezi? Why
do you always show up at the same
restaurant as me, are you stalking me? "
Naledi asks. I cannot miss the annoyance in
her voice.
"Naledi, please. I am so sorry. Please give me a
chance to show you just how much," the guy
says, he sounds genuine but Naledi is not
having it. Her nose is flared, she looks like she
is ready to jump this guy.
"You're sorry? I forgive you then. Can you
leave me alone now?" ouch!
The guy heaves a sigh and walks away.
"And then?" I ask.
"He was my best friend but he decided to go
behind my back and sleep with my mother for
money," I raise an eyebrow.
"That's hectic," I wasn't expecting that, "I
understand why your mom would go there
though. He's really hot," I say and she rolls her
eyes.
"Don't tell me you want to do him too," I bite
my lower lip.
"I wouldn't mind," her jaw is on the ground,
"Don't judge me, I haven't had any action," I
add and she grabs her glass and gulps down
her drink.
"You're his type. Older, not looking for
commitment and most importantly you have
money to spoil him. Should I give you his
number?" I lean in and place both my elbows
on the table.
"Forward me his number," Naledi gasps in
shock and I throw my head back and laugh.
"Jokes aside. Are you serious?" she asks and I
shrug my shoulders.
"We had a convesation about me finding a
younger guy to play with. He seems like the
right fit but I'll back off if having anything to
do with him will affect our friendship," she
holds out her hands in surrender before she
takes her phone and goes through it and a
second later mine chimes in my handbag. I
take it out and it's Naledi, she forwarded her
friend's number.
"Should I go ahead with this?"
"It's your call Thuli. I'm not gonna judge or be
mad at you. If you do have something with
him promise that you won't talk to him about
me," she doesn't even have to ask.
"I'll never discuss anything about you with
anyone, I promise you."
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Shlobo!" I'm brought back to the now and

look up from my phone and find Nonku
standing by the door leading to her joining
bathroom. She's wearing a short, transparent
langirie and she's completely naked
underneath.
"Hey, you look nice," I say and she rolls her
eyes.
"But it took you a minute to hear me calling
your name. Who are you busy chatting with?"
she asks and I sit up straight.
"I'm texting with my sister, she's giving me
the drama that's been happening in
Mahlabathini," I lie to her face.
I was busy chatting with Naledi. She was
telling me that she just got home after her
dinner date with Thuli.
"Oh, when did Thalente leave?" she asks.
"Yesterday morning," that's the truth.
I asked my sister to go home and try and fix
her relationship with her mother. Things
between them have been awkward ever since
her mom destroyed Mela's tombstone and it
was revealed that Thalente is my father's
child. The last time she went home was when
we went to pay the damages and lobola so
she can use her rightful surname. We are yet
to perform a ritual to introduce Thalente to
the Mavimbela ancestors. My mom said she
will let me know when it's time to perfome it.
"See how we have taken a turn. I was trying
to seduce you just a second ago," she says,
walking towards me.
God no, I won't be able to sleep with Nonku
when I know I'll be sleeping with Naledi
tomorrow and throughout the weekend. A
huge part of me knows that juggling two
women won't work and I have to figure out
my shit as soon as Naledi flies back to
Johannesburg on Sunday.
Nonku grabs my face and attacks me with a
kiss. I can't do this but I don't know how to
stop what she wants to happen from
happening.
She pushes me back and gets on top of me,
I'm not getting an erection because I'm feeling
guilty.
Her hand moves to unbuckle my belt and
before she can do anything my phone rings.
What a save, I gently push Nonku off me and
quickly grab my phone on the pillow. Shit, it's
Naledi.
"Shlobo, haibo!" Nonku exclaims with widened
eyes.
"I need to get this. I've been waiting on this
call the whole day," I say, hurrying to the
bathroom and closing the door behind me.
"Hey beautiful," I answer.
"Hey, why are you whispering?" she asks.
I clear my throat, "I'm sorry, I was passed out
on the couch,"
"Oh okay. I was calling to check where you
disappeared to mid-conversation," she says
and I close my eyes. I was typing a response
when Nonku walked in.
"I'm sorry babe. What are you up to?"
"I'm about to get in the shower. Let's talk in a
few minutes, I was just checking if you're
okay because you've been typing," oh thank
God. I thought she'd want to talk and I
wouldn't have had the balls to shut her down.
Naledi has affected me so much; I've only
known her for a few days but I don't want to
hurt her in any way.
"Okay, call me back soon,"
"Don't miss me too much," I wish it was that
easy. I can't wait to see her tomorrow and
just have her in my arms.
"I'll try," I say with a smile.
"Okay, I'll call again in a jiffy." the line goes
dead and I exhale sharply. I wasn't aware that
I was holding my breath.
I decide to take a pee before walking out of
the bathroom. Nonku is sitting on the edge of
the bed with folded arms, she looks pissed.
Damn, Shlobo. This is not who I am. I cannot
continue doing this.
"Since when did we start taking calls in the
bathroom?" she asks with furrowed eyebrows.
"We don't, I went in there coz I needed to
urinate," she chuckles, shaking her head.
"Are you cheating on me Shlobosenkosi?" her
question catches me off guard. Is it that
obvious? I have never had to jaggle two
women at once, I should have known it would
show in no time.
"You're reading too much into the situation,
Nonku. I'm not that kind of man," I hate
myself for lying to her right now but I can't
just blurt out that I cheated on her in Cape
Town while she was in the hotel room we
were sharing.
"Goodnight, Shlobo. Drive safely," she says,
getting up from the bed and removing the
decorative pillows.
"I'll call you," I grab my shoes and the car keys
on the bed side table.

I get inside my car and rest my forehead on

the steering wheel. I feel like a complete
asshole right now. I shouldn't have given into
the pressure I got from my family with
regards to getting into a stable relationship. I
didn't want this with Nonku in the first place,
I just gave it a chance because everyone kept
reminding me of the fact that Mela is never
coming back.
Had I stuck to my decision of not getting into
a serious relationship with Nonku I wouldn't
be feeling bad for falling for Naledi. I wouldn't
be sneaking around and hurting others in the
process.

I need to sit down with Nonku after my

weekend with Naledi and tell her the truth.
She will hate me but at least I won't be
stringing her along. Yes, I know my
relationship with Naledi is a gamble, it might
not work out. Even so, I can't ignore the
strong pull between Naledi and I. A
relationship between us is something we need
to explore, I don't want to let it pass by then
have regret a few years down the line. I love
how I'm feeling after so many years and I'd be
a fool if I didn't give it my all.
 CHAPTER 50
NALEDI MOLETSANE

My heart is thudding against my chest, I can't

believe I'm about to see Shlobo any second
now. I mean how did my life get here? This
time last week I wasn't even interested in
being in any kind of situation with a guy. I
wanted to take my time and focus on myself
and my daughter. But now I'm here to meet a
man I met less than a week ago, a man that
makes me feel so good inside and out. I have
never in my life felt so drawn to any man, he
makes me excited and nervous all at the
same time. I love whatever that is brewing
between us and I am going to explore it
without holding back.

I'm wheeling my suitcase, walking towards

the exit door of King Shaka airport. The
butterflies in my stomach are going crazier
with every step I take. Oh God, there he
stands with the most beautiful smile. This
man is handsome, you cannot tell me
otherwise. He starts walking towards me
with about two dozen red roses in his hands; I
also pick up my pace, I want to launch myself
in his arms and take in his intoxicating smell.

Shlobo places the roses down, careful not to

ruin them. "Hey gorgeous," he says, wrapping
his arms around my waist.
"Hello," I whisper, burying my nose in his neck
and inhaling his scent. I'm weak at the knees
immediately.
"Have you any idea how happy I am right
now?" he asks and I blush.
"I think I have an idea," he gently pulls back
and comes for my lips. I love how he is not
afraid to display affection in public. One thing
about me, I love being loved loud and shown
off.
He pulls out of the kiss immediately after I
moan in his mouth and we both laugh, pulling
away from each other. I almost forgot where
we are and stripped him off his clothes. That's
how intense our sexual chemistry is.
"These are for you babe," he hands me the
roses after picking them up.
"They are beautiful, thank you," I say and lean
in to peck his lips.
"Not as beautiful as you," he says and I bite
my lower lip. Shlobo grabs my suitcase and
with his free hand he clasps mine and we
walk out.
"How was your flight?" he asks.
"No one can really complain on business
class," I say and he laughs.
"I'm glad to hear that,"
One thing about Durban and Cape Town is
that once you step out the air smells
differently.
"Welcome to my city. I'm sorry I'm not taking
you to my house," here we go again.
Shlobo is reading too much into this whole
thing of taking me to a hotel instead of his
house. It only makes sense, we just met and
his son can't be exposed to someone he's only
getting to know. Plus, I am a little loud in the
bedroom and that would traumatize his sister
and son.
"Stop over thinking, I told you it's okay," he
heaves a sigh of relief.
"This is us," he says, stopping next to a Range
Rover. He opens the door for me and I climb
in, what a gentleman. The boot opens, he puts
in my bag and rounds to climb in the driver's
seat.
"Thank you for coming," he says, his eyes
twinkling. I run a finger along his jawline and
he bites his lower lip.
"I'm glad I came," I say and we both lean in
and share a passionate kiss.
"What are you doing to me Naledi?" Shlobo
asks, rubbing his nose against mine. I shut my
eyes.
"That is the same question I have for you," my
voice comes out in a whisper. I am so turned
on. If he doesn't take me to the hotel right
now I'm going to recline my chair back and
pull up this dress. I know he won't deny me,
we both make each other weak.
"I love how this isn't one sided," I feel the
same way too.
He starts the engine and reverses out of the
parking spot then reaches for my hand and
drives off.

After a 20 minutes drive we get to a place

called Zimbali lodge and it's absolutely
gorgeous. It's under the canopy of the forest,
over looking the Indian Ocean. There are birds
and butterflies around the garden, everything
is just breathtaking.
We get to the reception and Shlobo checks us
in. Hand in hand we follow one of the staff
members who is taking us to our hotel suit.
Shlobo said he didn't want to take the self-
catering room because he wants us to just
relax and have a great weekend glued to each
other.

The room is perfect, it's spacious and the view

is to die for. There's a bottle of champagne
and two glasses on the table in the balcony.
Shlobo tips the girl and closes the door. Once
he turns I jump on him and thank God he was
also ready to grab me. We kiss, it's sloppy and
wet. We are too hungry for each other to take
our time, I doubt foreplay will ever be a need
in this relationship. Seeing him and touching
his skin makes me wet and high with need
immediately. He unzips my dress from behind
and helps it drop down my body and I'm left in
a thong. He steps back and looks at me, his
eyes are dark with desire.
I feel like the most beautiful woman with the
sexiest body each time he looks at me.

"You're perfect," he says, unbuttoning his

jeans and pulling them down along with his
boxers. His erection springs free and I bite my
lower lip.
"Missed him?" he asks and I nod imperceptibly.
"More than you can imagine," my answer
satisfies him, the proud smile on his face tells
me so.
"Well, we missed you too baby," he removes
his shoes and his t-shirt follows.
He has a great body, naturally built.
"I don't like that piece of thing hiding my
cookie," he says and I'm suddenly shy.
"Come baby," he takes my hand and leads me
to the bed. I climb on it and open my legs for
him and that makes him close his eyes and
throw his head back.
"You just opened the gates of heaven for
daddy, I love that," he gets between my legs
and grabs the thong, slowly pulling it down
my legs. He's starring at my good girl with
narrowed eyes, I'm not shy at all because my
playing field is always neat. I always get the
Brazilian wax. Shlobo starts rubbing my
throbbing clit and I moan out loud. Jesus, that
was without any warning.
He's rubbing it vigorously, in all directions and
I'm loosing my mind. The build up I'm feeling
is intense, I try to close my thighs but he
quickly separates them and puts more
pressure on my bean. The pleasure I'm feeling
makes me want to cry, tears of joy. I feel it
coming and shut my eyes.
"No, no. Look at me, I want to see you cum
for me baby," he orders with a deep voice and
I keep my eyes open, looking straight into his.
"Shlobo, ahhhhh," I cry is ecstacy and he gives
me a lascivious smile. He's proud of what he's
doing to me.
"You're beautiful Naledi, I love everything
about you," he says and I close my eyes
seconds before I explode, squirting all over the
bed. I arch my back and curl my toes as my
orgasm rips me apart. This man places his tip
at my opening and slowly slides in, he hisses
like a snake as he feels the wetness and
warmth of my cookie.
"I'm not going to last long baby, that's why I
gave you your orgasm first," he says and start
thrusting in and out of me. I haven't even
caught my breath and he's already filled me.
I'm not complaining though, I love feeling him
inside of me like this.
I trail kisses from his ear down his neck,
that's his weak spot. I found it the first time
we got intimate. He jerks my thighs up and
thrusts deeper, he sends me to seventh
heaven everytime he does that.
He starts groaning deeper and I know he's
almost there so I open my legs wider and he
moans in soprano as his body tenses up.
"Baby, baby....Naledi... Ahhhhh fuck!" he stops
moving and collapses on top of me. He's not
too heavy nor am I uncomfortable. I wrap my
arms around his waist and kiss his shoulder.
He's breathing heavily in my ear as his hands
sensually brush my hips.
"These thighs are going to be the death of
me," he whispers and I laugh.
"You should run before then," I say and he
picks his body up and looks at me with a
raised eyebrow.
"Never!" he pulls out of me and I immediately
feel something warm run down my ass.
"Shlobo?" I call out.
"Baby," he answers, laying next to me.
"We didn't use a condom?"
"Fuck!" he sits up straight, "Naledi, I am so
sorry babe. I was lost in the moment I forgot
to put one one. I'm sorry," he says panicking.
"Remind me to get the emergency pill," I say
and he nods vigorously.
"Okay," he gets off the bed, "Let me get a
towel to clean you," he mutters and
disappears to the bathroom.
My phone rings inside my handbag. I quickly
get up from the bed and go get it. I'm sure it's
Bassie telling me they have arrived in
Mpumalanga. Yes, she missed school today for
this trip. I was shocked that Maswabi allowed
this to happen. My mother is really getting
soft.
I take it out of my bag and it's Kat. Whoa! It
has been a minute since I spoke to my friend.
Jesus, how did we grow apart like this?
"Babe," I answer.
"Hey stranger. Did we fight?" she asks and I
take a deep breath.
"What? No, babe. We are okay, I've just been
so busy. A lot has been happening in my life," I
explain.
"I thought you dumped me," there's sadness
laced in her voice.
"Dump you? Kat I'd never, you're my forever," I
reassure her and Shlobo snakes an arm around
my waist from behind.
He nibbles my ear and I close my eyes.
"Can we meet up tomorrow for lunch?"
"I'm not in Johannesburg. I'll be back on
Sunday. Can I call you then?" I ask and
Shlobo's hand moves to my good girl. He
starts running a finger around my opening
and before I know it he has dipped it inside. I
bite my lower lip to muffle my moans.
"No problem. I love you,"
"I love you too, babe," I say and Shlobo inserts
a second finger and thrusts faster.
"Later then." I don't even say bye to my friend.
I just hung up.
"Who was that?" he asks, there's jealousy and
possessiveness in that question.
"A friend of mine," he bites my earlobe and I
yelp.
"Why were you talking to a friend in a voice
you talk to me in?" he asks and I want to
laugh but what he's doing with his fingers
makes me want to moan to the pleasure.
"I talk to everyone like that," he removes his
fingers and turns me to face him. He's
wearing a stoic expression. And then?
"I don't like sharing Naledi," he says with a
serious tone. He's way sexier when he means
business.
"I don't either," I answer and that earns me a
smile.
"So that means I'm alone?" I nod.
"Yes, you're alone. Am I alone?" he attacks me
with a kiss.
"Of course babe," that's good to know, I don't
want a Jimmy repeat, "I was serious, Naledi. I
don't want this to only be sexual, I want more
than that. I've never wanted a relationship
with all its pecks until I laid my eyes on you. I
know it's way too early to be saying this or
even feeling it but it's the truth," he says,
caressing my face and I lean into his touch.
"Trust me, I understand perfectly," he kisses
my forehead.
"Let's get to know each other better this
weekend," he says and I nod.
"I'd love to get to know who Shlobo is,"
He tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"Would you like for us to take a walk around
this beautiful place then sit down for a bite
and drinks?" that sounds like a plan.
"Yes, please," I say with a smile, "Let's shower
first," he looks down at my chest.
"The twins fit perfectly in my hands," he says
and cups my breasts.
"They are too small for my liking. I want to
have a boob job," he frowns.
"Will you be able to breastfeed?" he asks and
I'm taken aback by his question.
"Even if I can't, the are bottles and formula,"
he shakes his head with a grin that makes
him look younger.
"MaZikode would freak, she's old school," I
furrow my forehead.
"Who is that?"
"My mother," he murmurs.
"What does your mother have to do with
formulas and bottles for babies?" I ask
confused.
"Let's go take a shower before I'm tempted to
take you to bed again," he throws the wet
towel he was going to wipe me with over his
shoulder.
 CHAPTER 51
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

"Nhlangano, what's wrong?" Zekhethelo asks,

placing a hand on my shoulder.
"Nothing babe, I'm okay," she removes her feet
from my lap and takes my hands.
"No, you are not. Babe you've been off for days
now. Your eyes are on the TV but it's really
watching you. Please talk to me," she says
softly. I heave a sigh and bring her hands up
and kiss her knuckles.
"I've been dealing with something and I'm
caught between a rock and a hard place," I
decide to open up to my girlfriend.
"A problem shared is a problem half solved.
Please let me in," Khwezi has been giving me
advise but it won't hurt to hear what another
person has to say with regards to the whole
situation.
"My biological father reached out a while ago
and he had so much to say about my dad..."
Zekhethelo already knows that my dad is not
really my dad but my uncle.
I told her at the beginning of our relationship
when she told me the story of her mom. She
was so vulnerable with me so I decided to tell
her my story too.
"Shuu! That's a lot babe," she says after I
explain everything Mphikeleli told me that
day at Khwezi's apartment.
"I'm disappointed in my dad you know? I can't
believe he is this cruel to someone. He knows
how painful it is to be accused of something
you didn't do, but he went on to do the same
thing to my biological father," aunt Thalente's
mother blamed baba for the death of her
daughter and that hurt him because that was
the love of his life. But he thought it was
okay to blame Mphikeleli for both deaths. It
doesn't make sense to me, it's giving
hypocrisy.
"Babe, I honestly don't think it's fair for you to
come to a conclusion before hearing your
dad's side of the story. You've told me so
much about him and from that I can tell that
he cares so much about you and wouldn't do
anything if it wasn't in your best interest," Ze
says and I take a deep breath.
I wish I could believe that, but Khwezi made
me realize that Mphikeleli is telling the truth.
He has absolutely nothing to gain by lying to
me, all he wants is to have a relationship
with me. He even said it himself that he
doesn't want to replace my dad.
"It's never easy for a parent to keep their
child from another parent. I know this
because I'm living it too, Nhlangano. My dad
kept me from my mom for my own safety but
it's killing him," I shake my head.
"But you told me that your father does ask
you if you want to meet up with your mother
and you're normally the one that refuses," I
say and she closes her eyes.
"Yes, because I see why my father never
wanted me anywhere near her Nhlangano.
She's a drug addict, a bad influence on me. I
only go to see her because I feel bad for her
and also because I hate how she calls my dad
and accuses him of being the one refusing me
to see her," I guess our situations are the
same but not really the same.
"I hear you babe. Let's just say I wish my
father gave me a chance to decide on whether
I want my biological father in my life or not.
At the end of the day he really didn't do
anything to get the treatment my family is
giving him," she pinches the bridge of her
nose.
"All I'm saying is, sit down with your dad and
ask him to tell you his side of the story,"
that's the opposite of Khwezi's advise. She
said I should sit down with my father and tell
him that I'm going to have a relationship with
Mphikeleli. Khwezi said I should make it clear,
not open it for discussion because my dad will
manipulate me into seeing things the way he
does. It made sense to me and I'm honestly
going to follow it.
"I hear you babe and thank you," I say and
lean in, we share a kiss and the intercom goes
off. Ze quickly breaks the kiss.
"Oh God, is that your dad?" she asks with
widened eyes, she's such a panic mechanic.
"No babe, I told you that he's coming back
tomorrow night," I say, getting up to go
answer the intercom.
"Hello,"
"Hey babe," that's Khwezi.
What the hell is she doing here?
"What's up?" I whisper and she chuckles.
"Why do you sound scared? You said you're
home alone and I thought we'd get naughty in
your bedroom, for your memories," she says
and I close my eyes.
She can't come inside here. My girlfriend is
here, she will be with me the whole weekend.
She lied to her Dad and said she is at her best
friend's house to study because we are
starting final exams in a week. Zekhethelo's
dad trusts her so he won't be going to the
friends house. He only called this morning to
ask his daughter if she slept well and needed
anything brought to her.
"I'm coming," I say and put back the receiver
on the cradle.
I use the kitchen door to exit the house, once
I'm out I run to the gate. Khwezi's car is
parked right at the gate, ready to drive in.
She's insane because what is this? I like being
crazy with her but not at my father's house, I
can't disrespect him like that. Yes, I brought
Ze here but she's my age mate not a teacher
way older than me. If baba caught me with Ze
he will easily forgive me and move on but
Khwezi? That's escalating into something
huge.

Khwezi climbs out of the car when she sees

that I'm not going to walk out of this yard. I
can't risk getting in her car to explain why
she can't come in and have her drive off with
me. She's unpredictable and I'm not going to
take the risk.
She looks pissed but I'm honestly not worried
about her right now, I don't want Ze seeing
any of this and asking questions I'll find hard
to answer.
"Open the gate Nhlangano," she orders and I
shake my head.
"You are starting with your childish games,"
she can say what she wants but I'm not
opening this gate.
"Khwezi I told you that I'll be with my
girlfriend this weekend. What are you doing
here?" I ask, pissed.
"Get rid of baby girl, I need you," I'm not going
to do that.
"Khwezi please leave," she laughs.
"I'll jump over this gate," she threatens and I
roll my eyes.
Why is she acting like she doesn't have sense?
This is really disappointing.
"I honestly don't have time to deal with this,"
I turn to leave.
"Nhlangano I will cause a scene," Oh my God!
"I respect you when it's your time. I don't even
take my girlfriends calls. Why must I dance to
your tune on her time? If this is too much for
you then let's end it, it's really that simple," I
say and she gasps in shock.
"Who are you talking to like that?" yoh!
"Khwezi, I like sleeping with you but I will not
choose you over my girlfriend," she's shocked.
What me and her are doing can never come
close to what I share with Ze.
"I'll see you on Monday after revision classes.
Please get into your car and drive back to
Musgrave." she bites her lower lip and nods.
"Fine," oh thank God.
She climbs back into her car and the engine
starts. I exhale sharply when her car dives off.
 VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

My relationship with Karabo has been smooth

sailing since she moved in. We haven't had
one disagreement and it honestly feels great. I
know it's because Naledi hasn't been calling
me to ask for my help. As much as it's good
for our relationship it feels weird to me
because Naledi is not just the mother of my
child, she's my best friend too. I hate that we
both had to establish boundaries so my
relationship can work out. I am having a hard
time dealing with how things are between us.

Right now I don't even know what's

happening in her life. I know she moved to the
house in Bryanston, the one her married ex
bought her but I don't know how she has been
settling in. I heard from Bassie that mommy
is starting work at the company she now
owns on Monday. I am genuinely hurt that
Naledi didn't call me to tell me that she's
finally taking the ropes at Khambule holdings.
We used to share everything but now I feel
like we are strangers.

I should call Naledi and ask to hang out later

on. It won't be tricky because Karabo isn't
here, she went to visit her family for the
weekend. I know Lufuno would love to see her
too; my sister decided to land in Johannesburg
to see me before making her way up north.
She was summoned to Venda by our mom
because she hasn't been around in a while. I
am glad I won't be home with those two, they
are always at each others throats because of
religion.

"Why didn't you tell me that Naledi has a new

boyfriend?" Lufuno asks, walking in the lounge
with a glass of gin and tonic in her hand. We
have been indulging since I picked her up from
the airport.
"That's because she doesn't have a new man,"
I answer and she laughs.
"Dude, I'm telling you," I roll my eyes and grab
my glass and gulp down the content.
"Lufuno, I would know. Naledi and I tell each
other these things," I hand her my empty
glass, "Mix for me," she takes it.
"Vhutshilo, check her statuses on whatsapp.
The girl is in Durban all loved up," she says
and I grab my phone and go straight to
whatsapp. Naledi has been posting from
yesterday. She didn't go to Mpumalanga with
Bassie and her grandmothers because she
wanted to go spend time with some man,
wow.
Last weekend she was in Cape Town with her
new friend who happens to be her late ex-
boyfriends wife. What is happening with
Naledi?
The first status is her in a plane and the next
is a big bouquet of roses. The next one is a
boomerang of her manicured fingers entwined
with a man who has a Rolex cuffed on his
wrist. The caption of the last status reads,
"Gone Girl", it's a mirror picture of her in a
bikini and the guy hugging her from behind
with his face buried in her neck.
My heart is thumping against my chest and
my blood pressure has gone up for sure.
"Oh there's another one," Lufuno screams and
I quickly click on it and my heart sinks.
They are in a pool and the guy is picking
Naledi up, she has her legs wrapped around
his waist. They are busy kissing and laughing.
I power off my screen and throw my phone on
the couch cushion next to me.
"Whoa! What's up now?" she asks and I start
fanning my face with both hands.
"She didn't tell me she was in a relationship,
Lufuno," I snap and my sister narrows her
eyes.
"They probably only just met each other and
they're taking their time. She will tell you if
it's anything serious," I shake my head.
"Didn't you see? She said she's a gone girl.
Why would she say that if they are only
getting to know each other? I know my
daughters mother, Lufuno. She doesn't joke
with her words, what Naledi says is what she
means," I say and get up from the couch.
Pacing up and down.
"Calm down, she will tell you,"
"When?!" she snaps an eyebrow at my
outburst.
"Are you mad that Naledi didn't tell you that
she has a boyfriend or you're mad that she
has a boyfriend?" my sister asks and I blink
rapidly before swallowing hard.
"W-what is... Is th...that supposed to mean?" I
stummer and she laughs at me.
"Vhutshilo Muofhe, are you jealous that your
baby momma has a man?"
I roll my eyes.
"Don't be ridiculous, Lufuno," I say but my
voice didn't come out convincing enough.
"Yoh! LOL." mxm, this fool.
"Mix me a damn drink."
 CHAPTER 52
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm holding Naledi tightly in my arms, I don't

want to let go. How did time go by so
quickly? It was just a minute ago when I
came here to pick her up and now I'm
dropping her off. This is not fair, we didn't get
enough time. I wish she can stay longer but
she explained that she can't because she's
starting work tomorrow. I got tempted to
book myself a seat on the flight and go with
her to Johannesburg, but I also have
responsibilities. My son, my company and the
football team.

"I don't want to go," she whispers and I kiss

the top of her head.
"I know baby, I don't want you to go either,"
this is tough, I'm not even gonna lie.
We spend the whole day closed in our hotel
room, making love, talking and just wishing
we could melt into each other.
"When am I seeing you again?" she asks and I
gently push her off me so we are eye to eye.
"You tell me sthandwa sami and I'll be there,"
please don't judge me, I'm there already. My
heart is gone, it beats for this girl. She's
everything I have been waiting for all these
years.
"Okay," she leans in and we share another
passionate kiss in the middle of the airport.
"Thuli is picking you up from the airport yes?"
I ask and she nods.
"Yes, babe. She will be waiting when I land. I'll
call you immediately after my feet hit the
ground," I caress her cheek and she closes her
eyes.
"I miss you already," I mutter.
she rests her head on my chest and tightens
her arms around my waist.
"I'm already loosing my mind," that's what I
want to hear. Knowing that she's in this as
deep as me makes me relax and want to give
more of myself to her and what we are
starting. "Thank you for this weekend. I had
an amazing time," she adds and my heart
skips a bit.
"No, baby. Thank you for dropping everything
and coming to be with me," she pecks my lips
and it's announced that the gate is about to
close.
"Don't give him to anyone else," Naledi says,
brushing over my dick.
I chuckle, "He wants no one else but you girls.
I trust that you'll not remove the padlock on
my cookie," I locked her good girl with an
imaginary padlock after our last round of sex.
"You're the only one with the key," music to
my ears.
"I'll wait for your call then babe. Have a great
flight," I say and we let go of each other. She
grabs the suitcase and walks away. My heart
is heavy, It feel like a part of me is leaving
with her. Naledi looks back and waves
goodbye, I blow her a kiss and she catches it. I
only leave when she has disappeared.
This weekend was perfect, it exceeded all my
expectations. On Friday I was scared that I
will not be able to make her trip worthwhile,
but all doubts flew out when I saw her
laughing, smiling and unable to keep her
hands off me. God, she made me feel alive
after so many years of just existing. I don't
want to stop feeling this way, not for
anything or anyone in this world.

I get to my car and her perfume hits my

nostrils. Damn, how I wish this smell was in
my bedroom back at the house. The next time
she comes to Durban I'm definitely taking her
to my house.
I'm planning on having a convesation with
Nonku tomorrow, I'm coming clean to her
about everything. She's going to hate me for
cheating and hurting her and I'm genuinely
sorry for that, but what we had is over now.
It was over the minute I got between Naledi's
legs and made love to her in Cape Town.
I switch on the radio and it's not connected
to my iPhone anymore, Naledi has been the
one playing music. Let's say our taste in
music is the only thing that reminds the both
of us of our age gap, I am 23 years older than
her. I never in my life thought I'd fall head
over heels for a younger woman like this, but
the heart chooses its owner without taking
anything else into consideration.

Her age is not the only thing I got to know

this weekend. She told me about her daughter
and the relationship she has with the father.
I'm glad that they have a bond for the sake of
their daughter, but I'm her man and naturally
I did get a little jealous. But not as much as
when she told me that she's taking over the
company of her late ex-boyfriend. Check this,
Thuli is the wife of that ex. I was shocked to
say the least, but at the end of the day I'm
glad that both women didn't decide to hate
one another over a man who lied to them.
She also told me about her family, her mother
is a minister of the Republic. There's another
woman she considers a mom, she calls her
Manana. Naledi adores her, I could tell from
the twinkle in her eye everytime she
mantioned the lady. She has no siblings, just
cousins she is yet to meet. Her father has
never been in the picture, Naledi doesn't know
his name, neither has she asked her mom
about him. I laughed so hard when she told
me to relax and not think she's attracted to
older men because she has daddy issues. My
head wasn't even there. That woman is very
sharp, men in her age group wouldn't know
how to handle her.

I get to my house and the Mercedes-Benz is

parked outside the garage. Nhlangano was
having the time of his life, being home alone
and driving my car around. At least he didn't
go to places he wasn't supposed to go to. The
tracking company would have called me to
ask if I'm safe. I park next to the Mercedes
and climb out the car. I take out my leather
bag from the boot and head to the front door.
Nhlangano and Thalente are sitting in the
lounge, eyes fixed on the TV. They are
watching a movie and I know how they hate
being disturbed mid-action. I just greet them
and settle down on the single couch.
Nhlangano calls it the head of house chair. I
decide to take out my phone and look at the
pictures I took of Naledi and of us together
the whole weekend.
When those elevator doors pinged open I had
absolutely no idea that I'd meet someone who
would affect me so much.
How the hell did I become so lucky?

"Haibo! Nhlangano why did you pause the

movie?" I look up and find my sister starring
at her nephew pissed.
"I'm sorry but I have something important to
talk to baba about," he says and I narrow my
eyes. My son looks hostile, what was going on
here this weekend? I know Thalente has no
clue because she only got back from
Mahlabathini earlier today.
"What's happening Nhlaks number 10?" I ask
and he clenches his jaw.
Kahle bo! Are we fighting now?
"Baba, I want you to know that you'll always
be my dad. I appreciate you for raising me and
providing me with everything I need and I've
ever wanted in my life. No one will ever take
your place in my heart," hao Jesu, such kind
words. He has been cold and distant since we
had the talk about Mphikeleli in Cape Town.
I pray he's letting go of this whole thing and
staying away from that piece of shit.
"However, I'm still disappointed in you for not
telling me that my biological father has been
reaching out, asking to have a relationship
with me," he adds and I close my eyes. I did
what I did to protect him.
"Nhlangano, I'm sorry. I didn't tell you because
Mphikeleli is not a good man," I say and he
shakes his head.
"He's not a good man because you felt he
wasn't good enough for my mom just because
he was poor? Not a good man because you
blame him for my mother's death? It was an
accident baba and if you didn't send your
girlfriend to pick her up from my father's
place while it was raining then maybe they'd
still be alive," my son says and I gasp in shock.
"Nhlangano!" Thalente exclaims horrified.
"Where did you take all of this?" I ask, utterly
shocked.
"I met up with my father and he told me why
you hate him. You're using me to punish him
for something he didn't do," my head is
spinning but my heart? It's in pieces.
Nhlangano is saying all these things to me?
"You just believed all he said to you?
Nhlangano you won't even hear my side of the
story?" I ask with tears burning my eyes.
"I tried getting your side in Cape Town and
you wouldn't tell me. It doesn't matter now," I
drop my tears. I don't know what to say.
"I love you baba and I'm not trying to hurt you
in anyway. I just wanted to tell you that I'm
giving my biological father a chance to get to
know me," he murmurs and I close my eyes.
Mphikeleli has managed to get between me
and Nhlangano. My biggest fear has come to
pass, that son on a bitch has his claws into
my boy the same way he did with Busi.
"You don't want to hear my side of the story
which happens to be the truth?" my question
comes out in a whisper.
"I just want to move on baba. Everything is in
the past now and I'm begging you to
understand that I want to get to know him.
Please don't see this as me choosing him over
you," but that's exactly what it is.
He was able to sit down with a man he knows
nothing about and listen to him, but he can't
offer me an ear to tell him the real truth.
I get up from the couch and pick up the bag
on the floor, I'm numb.
"Goodnight," I make my way to my bedroom
with tears streaming down my face.

For 18 years I've done nothing but love and

protect Nhlangano. I put him above
everything, even myself. Mphikeleli is not a
good man, he never was and he never will be.
He will always be a user and an abuser and no
one can tell me otherwise. I would have never
denied Nhlangano a relationship with his
father if he was a good man. He grew up
without a mother because of the man he's
now hurting me for. If he really changed then
Mphikeleli wouldn't have lied to his son.

After matric I moved to Durban, there wasn't

much to do in Mahlabathini. I found work as a
brick layer and started saving some money to
start my own construction company. Busi
was five years younger than me and when she
finished matric I had already started my own
small company, extending people's homes in
the townships. Business was not booming,
sometimes I had no clients. I had to find other
ways to feed, help out back home and see to
it that Busi attends university.

My sister and I were living together where I

was renting and it happened that Mphikeleli
was living in the same neighborhood. He was
known as the neighborhood headache, he and
his crew were into all the bad things. House
breakings, carjackings, robberies, you name
them. I don't know how Busisiwe fell for that
bastard but she did and hard. I tried all I could
to separate them, I even threatened to send
her back to Mahlabathini. When that threat
didn't work I decided to move to another
neighborhood. For years I thought they were
done, only to find out at Busi's graduation
that they were still seeing each other.

I had a word with her but my sister told me

she's a grown woman and she can do
whatever she wanted. I had to tell my mother
about the kind of man her daughter had
chosen. MaZikode tried speaking sense into
her but Busi was in-love and she wasn't about
to listen to any of us. She moved out of my
house after getting a job as a teacher, she
rented an apartment and her thug boyfriend
moved in with her. Busi always denied it but
we knew that they were living together.

I was already in a relationship with Melamina

and she was working in Durban as a
receptionist at a local clinic. Mela and Busi
were friends, from when they were little girls.
My sister confided in her and trusted that my
girlfriend wouldn't tell me her business. Mela
did for a while, until it was hard for her to
keep the situation to herself, she was fearing
for my sister's life.
Mphikeleli turned my sister into his punching
bag because he thought she was dating my
business partner. Apparently every time Busi
was visiting my house I would leave her with
my partner to have sex, because I didn't like
him and wanted my sister to marry a
successful businessman. Yes, he was accusing
me of pimping out my little sister.
As if that wasn't enough, the son of a bitch
was taking my sisters salary and controlling
how she spent it.

I couldn't just sit back knowing that my

sister was being abused. I went home to tell
my mother and together we went to Busi's
place to try and talk her out of this
relationship. She denied everything and even
stopped talking to Melamina for telling me
what was happening in her life. We tried for
years to open Busi's eyes but my sister
wouldn't leave that son of a bitch.

One time he beat her so bad after accusing

her of sleeping with the principal of the
school she was working at. Busi ran to
Mahlabathini and my mother called me
immediately. My sister was black and blue,
Mphikeleli had dealt with her. We advised her
to leave Mphikeleli and open a case, she
refused going to the police but promised that
she was done. I believed her and saw it
happening because at least she didn't have to
go back to Durban immediately, it was the
school holidays. My mother called me crying
before Christmas, Busi was packing her things
and leaving with Mphikeleli. The bastard was
there to pick her up. MaZikode said he
managed to convince her that he will change
and work on his anger issues. He promised
that he will leave all the illegal things he was
doing for money and chase his dream of being
a professional trainer.
Busisiwe fell pregnant and my mother and I
were devastated. She was going to be tied to
Mphikeleli for the rest of her life. Mama and I
tried harder to get her to leave him, we didn't
want her to bring a life into that toxicity but
she believed that she and the baby would be
able to help Mphikeleli deal with his issues.
Like the other times throughout the years,
our efforts to save her were futile.

I was in Johannesburg on business when I

received a call from Busi one night. She was
hysterical, I had never heard my sister cry like
that. She was asking me to come pick her up
and take her to the hospital because the baby
was coming. It didn't make sense because she
still had a month to go. I forced her to tell me
what was happening and that's when she told
me that Mphikeleli came home mad as hell,
when she asked what was wrong he didn't
want to talk about it. Busi kept on asking and
that's when he lost it and started beating her
for nagging him. He did not give a shit about
his baby growing inside of her.
I called Melamina to help, luckily she was at
my house and could use the car. Mela called
when she got to my sister's place, she found
Busi alone, she was bleeding on the floor.
Mphikeleli was out with Busi's car, the
bastard left her for dead on the cold floor.
After an hour of not hearing anything from
Mela I called her number and a police officer
answered. He asked me to come to the
hospital but I told him I was out of town and
only flying back the next day. That's when he
told me that the was an accident and the
driver died on the scene, while the pregnant
woman was rushed to the hospital.

Mphikeleli might not have killed Busi and

Mela directly but it's his fault that Mela had
to drive in the dark while it was raining cats
and dogs to get my sister to the hospital.
Now he has turned the story to make it look
like he's innocent and I'm the bad guy. My
heart is bleeding that Nhlangano even used
his own mouth to say its my fault. I thought
I've felt pain in my life but this? Having my
own son turn on me like this is the worst
thing ever.
 CHAPTER 53
NALEDI MOLETSANE

Finally, the meeting is adjourned, It has been

going on and on. I know I'm supposed to be
excited seeing that this is the first day of my
new journey as a business owner and CEO, but
I want to check up on my boyfriend. He
wasn't okay when we spoke on the phone last
night, his son said somethings that really hurt
his feelings. It hurt my heart to hear how sad
he was and because of that I wished I had
stayed a little longer in Durban.

I get to my office, it doesn't feel like mine yet.

Jimmy's things are still in here, I'm going to
pack them up by the end of the day and give
them to Thuli when we meet up. I know she
won't want them either, but I thought their
kids would appreciate them.
I pull out a chair and settle down before I
grab my phone in the handbag and dial
Shlobo. He answers at third ring.
"Mrs Mavimbela," I raise an eyebrow.
"Isn't that too soon?" I ask and he chuckles.
"Not when you know what you want," he says
and I'm left melting into my seat.
God, how did we get here so quickly?
"How are you feeling this morning?" he heaves
a heavy sigh.
"My heart is still in shambles babe, but I'm
happy to hear your voice sthandwa sami," I
close my eyes. This Zulu man has me, he
doesn't need to do anything more to make me
fall for him.
"Everything is going to be okay," I try to
reassure him.
"I hope so baby. How are you? I miss you
Naledi," I love how he pronounces my name.
"I'm okay babe, I just have to go through some
files to get up to speed with the subsidiaries.
It's going to be a long day first day," I say and
he gasps.
"Oh God, I'm such a bad boyfriend. I didn't
make any plans to send you flowers for good
luck," he shouldn't beat himself up for that.
"Its okay, you have a lot on your mind," I say
and he takes a deep breath.
"I will make it up to you," I trust that he will.
"Are you at work?"
"No, sthandwa sami. I'm not going in today. I
won't be able to concentrate, my head is
spinning," my poor baby.
I would feel the same if Basetsana turned on
me and said hurtful things to me when I do
nothing but love and keep her safe.
"I'm sorry I am so far," long distance
relationships are hard, I just hope and pray
that we make it work no matter what.
"I could use your cuddles right now but I
understand," he says in a low voice, "Please
tell me I'm going to see you soon," there's
some desperation in his voice.
"I promise babe, I miss you too," I have Bassie
this Friday to Saturday. She told me that her
dad is taking her out on Sunday, he didn't call
to tell me. We haven't really been talking
since I moved out of his house. There's no bad
blood or anything like that. I gave him space
to be good with his girlfriend and now I'm
preoccupied with my new relationship too. I'll
invite him out for drinks soon so I can tell
him about my relationship. I know my thing
with Shlobo is fairly new but I swear I'm
feeling things that won't allow me not to
share our relationship with those in my life.
"Please send me a picture. I wanna see my
woman in a corporate outfit," I bite my lower
lip. I love it when he claims me.
He's lucky, I took a mirror picture this
morning and it looks really good.
"I'll send it through as soon as we end the
call," I have another one in langirie and I think
he would appreciate it. I mean he needs
something to look at when he misses these
big thighs.
"Sthandwa sami, your sister-in-law is calling
for me. Please call me again when you're free.
I don't want to call and disturb you while
working," I just want to talk to him all day
everyday, especially after the amazing
weekend we had.
"Okay, have a good day then,"
"You too beautiful." he says and I hang up the
phone and I go on whatsapp to forward the
two pictures. I notice a text from Vhutshilo,
it came through when I was in the meeting.
He is asking what time I'll be home because
he wants to come see me. I quickly fire him a
response and power off my screen before
grabbing a file to get some work done.
.
.
.

Okay, this turned out really well. Manana

would be so proud of me for trying. I didn't
cook anything special, it's just spaghetti and
mince. I went to some Instagram chefs page
to see how mince is prepared and I'm so happy
it came out great. I need to send the girl a
shout out shame, she helped out a sister. I'm
going to follow more of her recipes and ask
Manana to teach me how to cook other
things. I heard that Zulu men love women
who knows their way around the kitchen. I
never cared to learn before, I always said a
man must decide if they want a life partner
or a chef. But now things have changed, I
wanna please this man so bad.

I open the fridge and take out one of the

bottles I put in to chill. Vhutshilo will find my
train already moving. He was supposed to
come here straight from his work place, but
he texted and said he had to get something
done for Karabo and he will come through as
soon as he is done. I hope his girlfriend can
see that he's trying his best to make her a
priority and that I am not a threat to their
relationship. Hopefully my new relationship
status will put her mind at ease and she will
be completely comfortable with mine and
Vhutshilo's friendship.

The intercom buzzes and I rush to check the

monitor. My baby daddy is finally here, I press
the button next to the monitor and the gate
slides open and he drives in. I take my glass of
wine and go open the door for him. He's
climbing out when I step outside and like
always he's looking great. He approaches me
with a straight face and I narrow my eyes.
Something pissed him off and he's here to
clear it up, I know this one very well. I just
wonder what it is that I did to offend him.

"Hey," his hug is cold.

"Papa Bassie," that's one way of softening him
up, "Come in," I lead him inside the house,
headed to the kitchen. He needs a drink to
loosen him up.
"This place is different," he says and I nod.
"Yeah, I replaced some things," All pictures of
me and Jimmy are gone and everything else
that he chose for decoration when we got
this house. It's all packed up in boxes and
placed in the garage. I'm not sure yet what
I'm going to do with them.
"When are you bringing Bassie to live here? I'm
sure she's not comfortable living without
you," he says and I heave a sigh.
"I wanted to see first if I'm comfortable
staying here before bringing our child," I say
and he chuckles.
"Not because you don't want any disturbances
when your new boyfriend comes to visit?"
bathong!
I pivot with a snapped eyebrow. How did he
know about Shlobosenkosi?
"How do..."
He quickly interjects, "How did I know? Well
you were showing him off this past weekend,"
right, my whatsapp statuses.
I just post and not care to checked who
viewed them. I only become aware that
someone has viewed when they comment.
"My boyfriend is not the reason why our
daughter hasn't moved in with me. I don't
even know why you would think that
Vhutshilo," I say calmly even though I've
taken offense to what he has said.
He shrugs his shoulders, "So you have a
boyfriend and you didn't think it's fair to tell
me?" claps once!
So he came to my house to interrogate me
about my relationship?
"Shlobo and I haven't known each other for
long. We met back in Cape Town," I explain
and he tilts his head to the side.
"is it serious?" he asks and I nod without
hesitation.
"I'm invested in the relationship, he also is. If
things continue to go how they are going
right now then there's a high possibility that
he might be meeting Bassie very soon," he
gasps in shock.
"So soon Naledi? You haven't even moved on
from Jimmy and now you're in another
relationship. What do you even know about
this guy?" he half shouts and I gulp down my
wine.
"Well, I know that he makes me happy. I know
that he is kind and thoughtful and right now
that's all I need to know Vhutshilo. I would
never think of introducing our daughter to
any man if I wasn't sure about him," he huffs
out a humorless laugh.
"This has to be some kind of joke.
You've known the guy for just 2 weeks, 2
Naledi and you want him to know my child? If
this doesn't work then you would've
introduced our daughter to a useless Tom.
Take sometime to know him before you bring
him anywhere near Basetsana," Hai shame.
What the hell is going on with this one?
"You really came to my house to tell me what
I can or cannot do with my life?" I'm shocked
because what is this?
"Yes, because I care about you Naledi. Also,
whatever you do with your life affects our
daughter too,"
"Bathong wena! For 9 years I've been
Basetsana's mother and throughout the years
I've always put my daughter first. I've always
protected her and wanted what's best for her.
Why would I start doing the opposite now?"
he takes a deep breath.
"I didn't come here to fight, Naledi. I was
hoping that we could sit down and talk about
your relationship and how fast it seems to be
moving. I'm not comfortable with Bassie
meeting your boyfriend so soon, please
respect my wishes," he just came here to piss
me off. I didn't act like a mad woman when
he told me about his relationship. I was even
happy when he told me he wants Karabo and
Bassie to spend time together. I don't
understand why he's acting like this when it's
me who feels like she has found a man who
could potentially meet my daughter. Yes, I've
chosen assholes and liars before but
Shlobosenkosi feels different in my heart and
my soul.
"I had a long day at work Vutshilo and I don't
want to spend my evening fighting with you,"
I say and he hits the kitchen counter with his
fists, startling me.
"That's another thing you thought I didn't
deserve to know. You starting work at your
ex's company," oh Lord!
"Yoh! I'm not doing this with you. I grab the
bottle of wine on the kitchen counter and
head towards the lounge.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"What's happening Shlobo?" Nonku asks with a

shaking voice and I take a deep breath. I have
been sitting on the bed with my face buried in
my hands. I wish I didn't have to do this but it
needs to be done. Nonku deserves to know
the truth. She deserves to find someone who
will set her on fire the way Naledi does me. I
want her to feel her heart swelling with
happiness and a love that snatches you away
without giving notice.
"Nonkululeko, I will understand if you hate me
and never want to set your eyes on me again.
I want you to know that I didn't plan any of
this. Things just happened and I found myself
on my knees feeling things I never thought I'd
feel again," I pause and look at her, tears are
glistening in her eyes, "God is my witness, I
never meant to hurt you. I'm coming clean
because I don't want to live with the guilt or
continue stringing you along when I know
very well what my intentions are," she blinks
and her tears fall. I deserve the asshole of the
year award.
"You're scaring me," she clasps her hands.
"Remember when we were in Cape Town and
you woke up and I wasn't in bed?" I ask and
she nods.
"I lied to you about where I had been," It
comes out in a whisper.
"What are you saying Shlobo?"
"I went out to get a drink because I couldn't
sleep, that's the truth. Thing is, I met two
ladies in the elevator and they invited me for
drinks in their room. I went up with them and
one passed out and I was left with the other.
One thing led to the other and we found
ourselves making love on her bed," I say and
she gasps in shock.
"Oh Jesu!" she cries and my heart hurts.
I don't find any pleasure from hurting people.
It sickens me and I'm honestly disgusted with
myself right now.
"Everything just happened so fast Nonku, it
was like an out of body experience," I say and
she lowers herself on the edge of the bed next
to me.
"I'm really sorry," I say and watch as tears
stream down her face. Shlobo what have you
done to this woman.
We sit in uncomfortable silence for a few
minutes that feels like decades.
"Are you sorry, Shlobo?" she asks and I nod
vigorously.
"More than you will ever know," that's the
honest truth. Yes, I'm happy that my path
crossed with Naledi but I feel bad that I had
to hurt Nonku in the process.
"It was a moment of weakness, I can
understand that. It's going to be hard for me
to trust you again but I will get there
eventually. We are adults and what we share
is beautiful to just let go because of a
mistake,"
"MaSibisi, Naledi and I didn't end in Cape
Town. I was with her this weekend, she came
down here from Johannesburg," she gets up
from the bed, shaking her head.
"Are you fuckin kidding me right now? You
cheated on me twice with the same woman?
How could you Shlobo?" now she's furious.
"I honestly did not mean for any of this to
happen, but I can't really say I regret it," I add
and that makes her mad. She starts pacing up
and down, clapping her hands and laughing
like a psycho. I'm so glad that her kids aren't
here to witness any of this.
"Shlobo if you want this relationship to work
out then you must end whatever it is that
you started with that Naledi girl," she says
and I close my eyes. That's impossible.
"I can't, Nonku. I am sorry," she stops and
narrows her eyes at me.
"What is that supposed to mean?" she asks
through gritted teeth.
"I am in-love with Naledi," I admit and a
second later something breaks on my
forehead. She threw a vase at me and I have a
headache immediately. I stand so I can move
away from her before she does something
worse.
"Oh my God. Shlobo you are bleeding," she says
panicking, trying to touch me. I quickly step
back. I understand that she's mad but how
could she get physical with me like this.
"Let me get the first aid kit," she says, rushing
to the door.
"No, I'll take care of it when I get home," she
stops and pivots to face me.
"Shlobo, I didn't mean to hurt you. I just got
so angry hearing you say you love her," she
says, rubbing her hands together.
"I need to leave, Nonku," I say and move to
the door, she holds my arm when I walk past
her.
"Baby, please. Let's sit down and have a
conversation," I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"The environment is now hostile, Nonku. I
don't want to risk saying anything that will
tick you off. Let's just call it a night and talk
some other time," I say and she gives me
pleading eyes.
"Please, Shlobo." I remove her hand from my
arm and walk out of her bedroom. I'm willing
to meet up again and answer questions she
might have, she deserves that but it can't be
today because emotions are already high.
 CHAPTER 54
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm not going to the office again today. I have

a terrible headache, the pills I took last night
before sleeping didn't help at all. Nonku really
did a number on me yesterday, I knew she
was going to get mad but I didn't think she'd
get physical like that. A guilty part of me
feels like her reaction is warranted, but a
logical part of me knows that violance solves
absolutely nothing. I want to have a
convesation with her, to give her answers and
that's only if she wants them. If she doesn't
want to hear anything that has to do with
me then I'll accept it and hope she finds true
happiness in the future.

I get to the kitchen to make coffee and

Nhlangano is in here making a smoothie. He's
already dressed in his uniform and ready for
the day. Things between us have been akward
since the day he said all those things to me
with regards to his mother and Melamina's
death, as well as his biological father. I'm
really not mad at him, I'm just hurt and
disappointed that he thought so little of me
and even went as far as hearing out and
believing a total stranger over me. Yes, it's
Mongezi's sperm that made him but he's still
a stranger to Nhlangano; I am his father.

I greet him without making eye contact and

he greets me back. I open the cupboard to
take out a mug then proceeded to the pantry
to take out the ingredients. Thalente walks in
as I switch on the kettle, she greets us and
we answer her in unison. My sister darts
between Nhlangano and I before she heaves a
heavy sigh. I know that my situation with
Nhlangano is stressing her out. She doesn't
like the awkwardness that happens whenever
we are in the same room. I don't either but I
don't know how to address the situation at
hand. I feel like I've lost my son and nothing I
say or do will bring him back.
"Bhut'Shlobo, what happened to your
forehead?" she asks and I shrug my shoulders.
"I bumped my head in the dark last night, I
have a little scratch so I had to put on a
plaster," they both didn't see me when I got
back from Nonku's house. I just announced
my return as I passed them in the lounge
watching TV and went straight to bed.
Thalente came knocking with my food but I
asked her to put the plate in the fridge. I
didn't want them to see me in that state. I
won't tell them that Nonku and I are over
until she decides on whether she wants
answers or not. The matter has to be settled
between us before I can tell my family that
there's someone new in my life and I'm
looking to go all the way with her.
"Should I make you breakfast before I leave?"
she asks and I smile sweetly at her. Thalente
takes care of us very well.
"No sisi, I'll have my food from last night.
Thank you," she nods and looks at her nephew
who is focusing on his smoothie.
"Nhlangano, please finish up or you'll be late
for school," my son nods and his phone rings
from on top of the kitchen counter. He looks
at it and a second later he steals a glance at
me then grabs the phone and heads out. And
then?
"That must be his father. He has never looked
like he was caught stealing when his phone
rings," I say with a heavy heart and my sister
comes to my side.
"I'm sorry. I see how pained you have been
since the convesation with Nhlangano on
Sunday. Please don't take it to heart too
much, he will eventually see the truth for
himself and come back to you," she hugs me
and I kiss the top of her head.
"I love you, MaMavimbela," she giggles.
"I love you too bhuti," my princess. As shocked
as I was when the truth of her paternity was
revealed, I'm happy that she's my blood sister.
"When should we go change your surname at
home affairs?" I ask and she breaks the hug
and takes a deep breath.
"I'd do it even today but because I don't want
to offend my mother I think it will be best to
do it when the ritual to introduce me to the
ancestors is done," that's fair enough.
"I'll call MaZikode later to ask when we are
getting it done," I say and she nods.
"I'd really appreciate it, bhuti. I really want to
use my father's surname you know," I totally
understand.
"I hear you sisi. I was also thinking," I say and
she narrows her eyes.
"I was thinking that we renew your lease at
the apartment and bring your brothers to
Durban next year. I can organize them jobs so
they can support themselves and help your
mom. What do you think?" she places both
hands over her mouth.
"Oh my God! You'd really do that for them?"
she asks and I nod.
"Yes, I would. Thalente I don't want you to
feel bad for living comfortably now that
you're a Mavimbela. I want you to enjoy your
brothers money without worrying about
anyone else," she attacks me with a hug and
cries in my chest.
"You're the best, thank you so much. I will call
home later and ask them if they will like the
opportunity," Nhlangano walks back in.
"Uhm, I'm off to school. Have a good day," he
says, his eyes looking everywhere but me.
"Have a good day too," I mutter.
"Bye Nhlaks," Thalente says, wiping her tears.
My phone chimes in the pocket of my
sweatpants, I quickly take it out and my
heart skips a beat.

NALEDI: GOOD MORNING BABE. I HOPE YOU'RE

FEELING MUCH BETTER THIS MORNING. I
DIDN'T CALL BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOU'D STILL
BE SLEEPING. PLEASE CALL ME WHEN YOU'RE
AWAKE.
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

"Please don't tell me you're thinking about

your little girl on my time, Nhlangano. Even
yesterday you were absent minded the entire
time you were here. I let that go but today
I'm not because it's my birthday and I want
all your attention" Khwezi complains and I
heave a sigh.
"This has nothing to do with my girlfriend. I
just have a lot on my mind," I say and she
cups my chin to make me look at her.
"What's bothering you babe? Talk to me," she
say softly.
"The situation with my dad, Khwezi. Things
haven't been okay between us since I spoke to
him on Sunday. You should see the pain in his
eyes, it hurts to see him like that," I explain
with a heavy heart. I really miss the
relationship my father and I always had, this
situation hurts so bad. I want us to go back
to where we used to be but I don't know
where to begin. We are awkward because of
me, because of my choice of words.
"I understand how you feel babe but give him
time to wrap his head around everything. He
will come around and you guys will be okay, I
promise," I wish I could believe that but it's
hard. I wish I handled things differently.
"Don't feel bad for choosing to give your
biological father a chance. You deserve to at
least get to know one of the people that
brought you to this world," that's true. I
wanna know more about my mom and my
biological father has been telling me stories
about her. He even has pictures I've never
seen before and truth be told, I feel like I'm
getting to know her beyond what my
grandmother and baba were telling me.
"I hope so," she pecks my lips.
"Please get the drinks and snacks in the
kitchen, I want to slip into something nice for
you and make you feel good," she says and I
smile. She's about to rock my world when she
talks like this.

I get to the kitchen and there's a savory

platter on the kitchen counter and a bottle of
cognac. It looks really good, plus I'm famished.
I last ate lunch at school and that was a
couple of hours ago. I open the fridge and
there's a bottle of champagne in here, I'm not
gonna drink too much. I have school
tomorrow and going while hangover would be
hell. A knock startles me, I hope it's not a
visitor. Khwezi and I need to get up to no
good because I need to leave soon.

I go and open the door and find the shock of

my life. What the hell is Zekhethelo doing
here with her dad? She narrows her eyes at
me in a questioning manner and my stomach
knots immediately. This cannot be happening
to me, how did Ze know where to find me?
And to bring her father here, Jesus Christ.

"Nhlangano?" she says and I swallow hard.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" I ask with a
shaking voice.
"Baby, do you know him?" her father asks and
she looks down, fiddling with her fingers.
"Uhm...His name is Nhlangano...He is my...
friend," she explains to her father and I don't
even feel some type of way. No father would
want to hear that his 17 year old has a
boyfriend. Yes, I'm just a year older than her
but it wouldn't matter to him because Ze is
his little girl.
"Young man, why are you in my apartment?"
his apartment?
"I think you have the wrong place, sir. This is
my teachers apartment, I came to see her
because she's helping me with school things,"
this is the best excuse to give incase they
have the right place.
"No, this is my apartment. I pay rent here for
Zekhethelo's mother," he says and I gasp in
shock. Ze's what?
"Your mother is Miss Gumbi?" I ask and she
nods.
"Yes, where is she?" can the ground open and
swallow me whole. I have been sleeping with
both mother and daughter? How the fuck did I
get myself in such a sticky situation.
"She is in the bathroom,"
"Okay. I asked my dad to bring me because I
wanted to wish her a happy birthday and give
her this present,"
"Baby, are you making those things from
scratch," Khwezi shouts and I close my eyes,
"Nhlangano, hurry! I can't hold this pose much
longer." she adds, hammering the last nail to
our coffin.
"Thats my mom, why is she calling you baby?"
Ze asks, totally horrified.
"Boy, you're sleeping with your teacher?" Her
father asks with so much fury and I'm
sweating. He pushes me to the side.
"Khwezi, ye wena! You're now sleeping with
kids?" he yells and I'm looking at the crying
Zekhethelo.
"My mother, Nhlangano? Are you kidding me?"
she says with a pained voice.
"I didn't know baby, I promise you" tears are
burning my eyes. Ze is the last person I
wanted to hurt.
"And that's supposed to make it right?" there's
screaming in the bedroom, I don't even want
to go in there and catch fire. Khwezi will get
herself out of the mess.
"No, baby. Please, I can explain," I beg and she
shakes her head. I can see the pain and
disgust in her eyes.
"Ze, let's go baby," her father is back and
Khwezi is running after him in a lingerie.
"Mthandazo, please. Let's talk, I made a
mistake," she cries but Zekhethelo's father
isn't hearing it.
"I hate you, Nhlangano," Ze says before
walking away hand in hand with her father.
"You've been sleeping with me and my
daughter?" she asks, grabbing me by my shirt.
Why is she fighting me now?
"I didn't know that my long term girlfriend is
your daughter. She hardly talks about you or
mention your name. She has never showed me
a picture of you," I respond to this woman
that's pulling and pushing me.
"Do you have any idea what just happened
here?" she let's go of me and sinks to the
floor, wailing. I'm scared I won't even lie, this
whole thing is fucked up. I should have been
firm in ending things with Khwezi and
focusing solely on Zekhethelo.
 CHAPTER 55
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I close my laptop and take a deep breath. I

just came off a long zoom meeting with my
business partner on the construction side of
things. It was just our end of the month
meeting to discuss how we have been doing
financially and operationally. As always we
are on top of things. I couldn't have chosen a
better person to get into business with and
I'm happy that we've been pushing forward
together for years. Bigger companies have
tried getting us out of business but they have
failed at every turn.

I get up to go make something to eat for

Nhlangano. He didn't go to school today
because he's sick, I wanted to take him to the
doctor but he asked to sleep it off and if he's
not better tomorrow we can go. Tomorrow is
definitely tomorrow, he needs to be in good
health because he's starting his final matric
exams next week. I don't want him weak and
unable to go write his papers. Obtaining his
National senior certificate is very important
to the both of us, it's the first step to
securing his future academically.

The gate intercom goes off and I groan in

frustration, nothing annoys me like people
who show up unannounced to my house. I
grab the receiver and answer, a guy named
Mthandazo says he is here to see Nhlangano's
father. I don't ask what it is about, I just open
the gate for him and put the receiver back on
the cradle.

"Eita, I'm Shlobo," I greet after opening the

door.
"Bafo, I'm sorry for just showing up. I just
have something really important to talk to
you about. I would have came earlier but I
figured you'd be at work," he says hurriedly
and I raise an eyebrow.
"Uhm, please come in," I mutter.
"Come Ze," he says and a girl appears from the
side. Oh I didn't see her standing there.
Wait, she looks familiar. I just hope and pray
that Nhlangano didn't impregnate this mans
daughter. I emphasized safe sex.
"What can I offer you to drink?" I ask once I've
shown them where to sit.
"We are good thank you," Mthandazo says and
I nod and settle on my chair, crossing my legs
at the ankles.
"So, what can I do for you?" I ask and he
heaves a sigh.
"My name is Mthandazo Mhlongo and this is
my daughter, Zekhethelo. Your son and my
daughter have been girlfriend and boyfriend
for a while now," he explains and I close my
eyes. My son has done it, he's going to be a
father and I won't lie I'm mad at him for being
careless. I give him a hefty allowance so he
can't say that he couldn't afford condoms.
Plus, they are free in this country.
"My son hasn't mentioned having a girlfriend
to me but I won't say it's not true," he nods
his understanding.
"Yesterday my daughter and I found your son
in a situation with his teacher, my ex wife,"
Mthandazo explains and I quickly sit straight.
What does he mean by situation?
"I'm not following," he exhales sharply.
"I'm not going to bore you with the long
stories so I'll get straight to the point of what
brings me over," oh yes please, he has already
made me uneasy here. "It was my ex's
birthday yesterday so my daughter asked me
to take her there so she can give her a
present and wish her a happy birthday. Your
son opened the door for us and lied about
what he was doing there when I asked. We
didn't have to wait long till we got to know
the real reason he was there. Nhlangano is
sleeping with my ex, Khwezika Gumbi," he
says and I gasp in shock. My ears must be
failing me, this guy cannot be telling me that
my own son is sleeping with a woman who
wanted to have something to do with me not
so long ago. A woman who happens to be his
teacher.
"Uhm... I think there's some kind of
misunderstanding here," there really has to
be, Nhlangano would never sleep with his
teacher. He knows right from wrong.
"I can understand that it's hard to believe but
Zekhethelo and I saw it with our own two
eyes. Nhlangano even admitted it to my
daughter," he adds and I throw my head back.
My heart is beating slowly, I feel light headed.
"Call him so he can tell you himself," he says
and I close my eyes. Where did I go wrong? I
thought I was raising a good boy who was
morally grounded. How could he sleep with
mother and daughter at the same time?
"Nhlangano!" I bellow.
I don't have the energy to get up from this
couch to go get him myself. A door opens and
I know he heard me calling him. I take a deep
breath and mop my face with my hands.
"Baba you cal..." he freezes when his eyes land
on his girlfriend and her father.
"Sit down Nhlangano," I order and he doesn't
waste time.
"You already know why they are here don't
you?" I ask, clasping my hands together.
Nhlangano nods imperceptibly.
"Use your words,"
My son clears his throat, "Yes, I know why
they are here baba," his confirmation breaks
my heart. Why would he do something like
this? I raised him better than this.
"For how long have you been sleeping with
your teacher? The same one you were pushing
for me to date?" I ask and Mthandazo gasps in
shock.
"A couple of weeks now. Baba I didn't want
this to happen," he cries and I narrow my
eyes.
"Did she force you?" my question comes out in
a whisper.
"No, not really," he's annoying me right now.
"Nhlangano I'm not going to be a question
paper and ask you one question after the
other. Explain the bullshit you were doing
with your teacher from the beginning," I roar
and he swallows hard.
"Baba, it started with her sending me a nude
picture. The next day I drove to her house and
we got Uhm... Intimate with each other. I
tried ending it when Ze felt like I was
neglected her, but Khwezi told me I couldn't
end something I didn't start," to say I'm
shocked would be an understatement. That
bitch seduced an 18 year old.
"I'm sorry but I'm going to destroy that
harlot," I say, looking at Mthandazo.
He holds out his hands.
"Don't hold back because of us. My daughter
knows the kind of person her mother is, we
just didn't know she would stoop as low as
sleeping with her student," he takes his
daughters hand, "Please run a drug test on
your son. Khwezi is an addict, she might have
introduced your boy," my jaw is on the
ground.
"No, no. I promise I've never done drugs baba. I
didn't even know that she's addicted,"
Nhlangano says, darting between the three of
us.
"I'm not going to take your word for it.
Tomorrow I'm taking you somewhere to test
not only for drug use but STIs too," I say and
he starts blinking rapidly.
"Bafo, thank you so much for bringing this to
my attention," I say and he nods.
"I couldn't just sit back and allow this to go
on. Ze told me that he's a good boy and I
know Khwezi would have messed him up," I'm
grateful that he didn't allow the pain my son
caused his daughter to harden his heart and
allow Nhlangano to continue with that
woman.
"I'm really sorry, baby girl," I say to
Zekhethelo. She has been crying silently this
whole time.
"This is my card, please call me if you need
anything with regards to this matter," he
says, placing the card on the coffee table.
"I appreciate it,"
"Uhm, we will be on our way now," they both
get up and I stand too and walk them out.
Nhlangano is still on the couch when I get
back.
"You better cease all communication with
that woman, Nhlangano. Don't try and go
behind my back boy." I warn him and he nods
vigorously.
 VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

"Babe!" Karabo says, shaking my shoulder and I

snap out of my train of thoughts.
"Sorry what?" she rolls her eyes.
"What's wrong with you? You've been in a
mood since Monday," I get up from the bed.
"Nothing, I'm fine," I'm far from being fine.
The whole Naledi being in a relationship thing
is not sitting well with me. I honestly feel like
it's too soon for her to be with someone else.
"Please talk to me, please," she says, brushing
my arm gently.
"Naledi and I got into a fight," I explain and
she narrows her eyes.
"Hao, why?"
"She's just moving in a speed of light and I
honestly don't appreciate it," she helps me sit
on the edge of the bed and quickly takes off
the dress. She was modeling her new clothes
for me when I got lost thinking about Naledi
and her Durban boyfriend.
"Baby," she coaxes me and I take a deep
breath.
"She met a new guy and they are flying. I
don't understand why they can't start from
crawling. I mean she just got out of a messy
situation with Jimmy and she's jumping into
another one. I can just tell that this
relationship will end in tears and I'll be
expected to wipe them," I say bitterly.
"What do you mean they are flying?" Karabo
asks confused.
"She is talking about introducing our daughter
to a guy she only met two weeks ago," I
answer.
"Babe, Naledi is an amazing mom. I have seen
her with Bassie, that little girl is her whole
life. I don't think she would have thought of
introducing your daughter to a man she didn't
see a future with," she says and I smack my
lips.
"Who sees a future with someone they just
met two weeks ago Karabo?" I ask her with a
flared nose. She sounds stupid right now.
"The heart knows when it has met its owner,
Vhutshilo. They don't need to date for months
on end to know they are each other's soul
mates. You should be happy that she found
love again, she deserves to be happy.
Especially after what she went through with
her late ex boyfriend," why did I think Karabo
would understand?
"You just love what's happening because it
means Naledi will be preoccupied with
someone else. In your head she won't be a
distraction in our relationship," she gasps in
shock and I stand up.
"How could you say that to me?" she's
shocked but deep down she knows what I'm
saying is the truth.
"I need some air," I pick up my shoes and grab
my phone on the bed side table.
"Where are you going?" she asks, following
behind me.
"For a drive, I'll be back."
I drove to a bar not far from my house, I just
wanted to sit down with my thoughts. If I
poured myself a drink and went out to the
garden then Karabo would have followed
behind me and nagged. I'm not in the mood to
be told that my daughters mother has met
the love of her life. It's too soon and I wish
they could all understand why I'm saying this.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, I take it out

and it's a text from Karabo. She's asking me
when I'll be home, can't she just give me a
second to calm down. I'm starting to regret
my decision of asking her to move in with me
for two reasons. 1, no one would be asking me
when I'm coming back and 2, maybe Naledi
wouldn't have met that guy if we were still
living together.

A notification comes through as I'm about to

power my screen off. It's instgram telling me
Naledi has posted something, I quickly click
on it and it's a picture of flowers, a bottle of
champagne and a Luis Vuitton box. The
caption gets my blood boiling. It reads,
"Started a new job and my man said let me
send some spoils for my boss baby."
I grab my glass and gulp down the whiskey.
This is so infuriating. Naledi is not hitting the
brakes with this guy, she seems to be
stepping on the gas instead.
 CHAPTER 56
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

This has been the most hectic few days of my

life, I cannot believe that this is happening to
me. I wish I never walked through the door
Khwezi opened for me because it has brought
nothing but chaos. I should have known that
nothing good was going to come out of this,
that it will all come crumbling down and it
truly has. Now I've hurt Zekhethelo and she
hates me with every fiber of her being. She
blocked me on all social media platforms as
well as my number. I asked my aunt Thalente
to borrow me her phone and when Ze heard
my voice she hung up and blocked it too. I
just want to tell her how sorry I am because I
really am. She was the last person I wanted to
hurt this bad, but then again I always knew
what I was doing with Khwezi was wrong and
would hurt if she ever found out. I guess it's
true when they say one is never really sorry,
they are just sorry because they got caught.
I feel like a shitty human being for sleeping
with both mother and daughter. Yes, I didn't
know but that doesn't change the fact that I
did. This is the biggest mistake I have ever
made and it will haunt me for the rest of my
life. I won't ever forget the look of hurt and
disappointment in my father's eyes after he
walked Ze and her father out yesterday. He
must be wondering where he went wrong
with me, I mean he raised me very well; he
took his time to teach me right from wrong.
He never expected me to be perfect but he
raised me to be a good person.

We are on our way home from the doctor,

baba took me there to do a drug test. I also
gave blood, urine and a genital swab for
sexually transmitted infections screening.
Baba wanted the doctor to have every sample
to get answers. He didn't ask if I used a
condom with Khwezi or not, he just figured I
didn't. I'm glad because it would have been
embarrassing to answer that question after
he has emphasized safe sex since I got to the
age of noticing girls. We will get my results in
a few days and I'm crossing fingers that they
come back and say I'm clean.

We get home and I go straight to my

bedroom. I am too ashamed to be around my
father and Thalente if I don't have to be. I
know I disappointed them and being in their
presence makes guilt eat through me even
more. I don't want to think of what will
happen when my grandmother gets here, I
know baba has called to tell her what has
been happening. She's going to break my head
for two things now, the situation with my
biological father and sleeping with my
teacher.

My phone rings, I quickly take it out of my

pocket hoping it's Zekhethelo. To my
disappointment it's an unsaved number, who
the fuck could it be? I take a deep breath and
answer the call.

"Nhlangano," it's Khwezi.

I blocked her number from calling and texting
me. I don't want to get in trouble with my
dad, he made it clear that I should cut all
communication with Khwezi.
"Don't hung up," she adds hurriedly and I close
my eyes. I don't want to deal with this.
"Say what you need to say and don't call me
again, Khwezi. My father doesn't want me
talking to you," I say and she chuckles.
"Wow, so you're in this with your dad? You
both agreed to ruin my life?" she asks
vehemently.
"What are you talking about?" I ask.
"Your damn father reported me to the
principal and she took it to the board
Nhlagano. I got suspended pending
investigation. Why are you doing this? We are
both adults and what we had was
consensual," she says and I gasp in shock.
I didn't know that my father went to my
school.
"I...Khwezi I didn't know baba went there," she
smacks her lips.
"You have to deny everything when they call
you in during the hearing. I can't lose my job
over sex we both enjoyed," my knees are too
week to carry me, I settle on edge of the bed
and pinch the bridge of my nose. This has
gone from bad to worse.
"I'll try and talk to my father Khwezi but..."
My phone is snatched from my ear, I quickly
turn and it's my dad. Fuck!
"Don't call my son again you bitch," my father
says through gritted teeth and I swallow
hard. He's so mad, there's even a vein popping
on his forehead. I've never seen him like this.
"What did I say to you?" he asks me after
ending the call.
"She called using a different number," I
mutter, looking down. His gaze is too intense.
"Remove the password on this phone, I'm
taking it," he says and my eyes threaten to
fall off.
"Baba, you can't do that. I need it for the
internet. I'm starting exams next week,
remember?" he can do anything he likes to me
but not take my phone. What if Ze tries to
call me once she's calm?
"You have a laptop, the wifi in this house is
uncapped. You can use it for whatever
research you have to conduct,"
"Baba I'm begging you," I say, rubbing my
hands together.
"I can't trust you Nhlangano. I told you not to
talk to that woman and I found you doing
exactly that. How do I know you won't delete
the chats and pictures from her?" I close my
eyes, "We need those as evidence during her
case at school," he really laid a complaint
against her. Why didn't he talk to me about it
first?
"Baba I don't want this thing to get big. Please
let it go, I promise I'll leave her alone. I'm
almost done with matric, I'm going to
Johannesburg and I'll never see her again," he's
not buying my story, I can see it in his eyes.
"You want me to leave her so she can do this
to another child?" he half shouts and I'm
startled.
"Screenshot everything you've exchanged with
that woman and email them to me right
now," he hands me my phone and I try to
move away, "Stand right there Nhlangano!"
he's not playing with me and I won't even try
to do anything to make him lose his cool with
me.
"Everything is through," my voice comes out
in a whisper. He pulls out a chair at my desk
and settles down before he opens my laptop
and powers it on. It requires a password, he
turns and gives me a look. I quickly go to his
side and input it. He logs into his email and
goes through everything I sent him, including
the nudes. I watch him print them and I know
there's no turning back now. Khwezi is going
to be out of a job once my father is done with
her.
"You better not delete the original texts
Nhlangano or so help me God," the seriousness
in his voice and the murderous look in his
eyes sends a cold shiver down my spine.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

I kill the engine in the driveway and take a

deep breath. I'm not ready to face Vhutshilo,
I'm still pissed at him for coming to my house
earlier this week and telling me how to live
my life. I didn't appreciate the way he came
at me, I'm not his child but the mother of his
daughter. I am capable of making decisions
for my life and make sure that they don't
negatively impact our daughter.

Bassie opens the door and climbs out, she's

excited to be spending time with her dad and
Karabo. She was supposed to be coming here
tomorrow afternoon, that's Saturday, but I
had to ask Vhutshilo to take her today. I have
to catch a flight this evening, I'm going to see
Shlobo. He's not doing good, things with his
son have gone from bad to worse. He
mentioned how seeing me and holding me in
his arms would make him feel better and here
I am ready to fly down to Durban. He has no
idea that I'm coming, I'll call him once I land
and tell him to meet me at the hotel. I'll find
one once I get there, it won't be hard.

I have been sleeping over at my mother's

house just to spend some time with Bassie,
seeing I won't be here this weekend. I don't
want my relationship with Shlobo to take
time from my daughter, she's still the first
priority. I just have to find a balance between
being a mom and a girlfriend to someone who
lives kilometers away from me. I'm planning
on moving my daughter in with me so we
spend almost everyday together and I don't
feel bad when it's time for my boyfriend.

Bassie left the front door open so I just walk

in holding her bag. I find father and daughter
laughing over something and Karabo looking
at them with a smile. I made the right
decision by moving out of Vhutshilo's house;
their relationship seems to be in a better
place. I hope from here they go from strength
to strength.
"Hey guys," I greet and they all turn to look at
me.
"Naledi, hey babe. You look nice," that's
Karabo, opening her arms. We share a hug.
"Thank you doll, you look amazing too.
Sleeping next to bae every night works magic
neh," I say and she's thrown into a fit of
laughter.
"Girl, you know mos," she winks at me and I
smile.
"Thank you for taking her on a day we didn't
agree on. I just have an emergency," I say,
looking at my baby daddy. He doesn't look
very happy.
"It's no inconvenience. Are you headed to to
Durban?" oh she knows about Shlobo?
I wonder how he told his girlfriend coz he was
pretty mad when he confronted me about my
relationship.
"Yes, my flight is at 6. Shlobo is going through
something and he needs me there," I explain
and she's nodding her understanding.
"You're such an amazing girlfriend," oh that I
know hey. All my exes never want to let go
when things are over, that's excluding
Vhutsilo. Me and him never had problems
moving on from each other.
"Do we take Bassie to your mom on Sunday or
you'll pick her up?" Karabo asks, her boyfriend
is not even paying attention to me. He's busy
talking to his daughter.
"Please drop her off, I'm landing at night on
Sunday," she nods.
"Okay, let me take this to her room," Karabo
mutters and walks away.
"Bassie, mommy is leaving now," my daughter
comes to me.
"Okay, I love you," we hug and I kiss the top of
her head.
"I'll see you on Monday. You're sleeping at
mommy's house the whole week and if you
like it then we will stay together for good," I
say and her eyes twinkle.
"I can't wait,"
"Be good to daddy and aunty Karabo," I say
and she nods, walking away from me.
Haibo! Just like that?
"Bye Vhutshilo," I say and turn to walk away.
"So you're dropping plans with Bassie to run
to your boyfriend? See why I'm not in support
of this relationship?" oh fuck him.
"I'm honestly not in the mood for this,
Vhutshilo," he chuckles.
"No, Naledi. You have to see what I'm talking
about. Our baby girl used to come first in our
lives but look at what you're doing right
now," bathong! What is wrong with him.
"I've been with our daughter since Wednesday
after work Vhutshilo, because I knew I was
leaving. Please don't stand there and judge
me. You can accuse me of anything but not
being a bad mother to my child," I say and he
bites his lower lip.
"I'm not saying you're a bad mom, Naledi," I
roll my eyes. He's confused.
"Then what the hell are you saying?" I ask,
throwing my hands in the air.
"I'm saying it looks like your priorities have
shifted," that's total bullshit and he knows it.
Being a mom doesn't mean I shouldn't have a
life outside of my child.
"What? Are you listening to yourself right
now?" he's pissing me off even more.
"Mommy, is everything okay?" our daughter
asks, walking back in the lounge.
Damn, we must have been loud.
"Yes, baby. I was just saying bye to daddy.
Please walk me out." I say, holding out my
hand.
 CHAPTER 57
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I was in bed deep in thought when a text

came through from Naledi, she was telling me
to come pick her up from the airport. I
couldn't believe my eyes, I thought they were
deceiving me so I called her and she told me
she was really waiting for me at King Shaka
airport. You should have seen me jump off the
bed to change into something real quick. I
drove like a maniac and now here I am,
driving home with my lady in the passanger
seat next to me.

I am so happy she decided to fly down here. I

cried to her about missing her and wishing
she was around to take my mind off things
and she surprised me and came. It truly
means a lot that she managed to work
around her situation and fit me in. She's the
kind of girlfriend I never knew I needed until
she was a part of my life. I'm already feeling
light because she's here with me; the whole
Nhlangano drama has been heavy on me. First
it was Mphikeleli and before I could wrap my
head around the situation a bomb about him
and his teacher dropped.

We get to my house and I look at Naledi, she's

nervous out of her mind. She wanted to go
book into a hotel but I couldn't have that. I
have a house and we are not going to sneak
around like she's some sort of side chick. My
relationship with Nonku is officially over so I
don't have to worry about what my family
will say. I haven't told them yet but they will
have to understand that life happened
unexpectedly and I fell head over heels in-
love.

I give her hand a reassuring squeeze before

bringing it to my lips and kissing her
knuckles. She offers me a smile but it doesn't
reach her eyes, she'll relax once she has met
everyone and realizes that they aren't bad. I
climb out and round the car to open her door,
she climbs out lady like and I smile. I close the
door and go to the boot to take out her
suitcase.

We walk inside hand in hand and immediately

bump into Thalente. My sister is holding an
empty plate and a glass. She raises an
eyebrow and her eyes dart between Naledi
and I. She's confused but tries to keep her
face friendly. I know I have a lot to explain
but I appreciate the fact that she didn't give
off any attitude.

"Bhut'Shlobo. I wasn't aware that you went

out," she says and I nod.
"I had to rush out to get Naledi from the
airport," I say with a smile.
"Oh, I see," she answers.
"Thale, this is Naledi, my girlfriend. Baby, this
is my sister, Thalente," Naledi smiles and
holds out her hand for a shake.
"Uhm, it's nice to meet you," my baby says
and Thalente shakes her.
"Nice to meet you too,"
"Where's your nephew?" I ask.
"He's playing video games in his bedroom," my
sister answers and I nod.
"I'll just introduce Naledi to him tomorrow
morning," I mutter.
"There's Greek salad, garlic rolls and ribs for
dinner. Should I dish up for you guys?" I nod
vigorously.
"Yes, please. I'll come take them in a minute,"
I answer Thalente and she walks away.
"She's beautiful," Naledi says with a genuine
smile.
"The women in my life are beautiful," I kiss
her cheek and she giggles. She has relaxed a
little, "Come, let me show you to our love
nest," I say, leading the way to my bedroom. I
open the door and step aside for her to walk
in first. I am not worried about my room
being a mess, I am a very organized and clean
person. I take her bag to the walk in closet
and come back to her holding the frame that
sits on my bedside table. It's a picture is
Melamina, shit! I should have removed that, I
have to know that I have Naledi now. I don't
think she would appreciate seeing another
woman in the bedroom where we will be
making love. The time has come for me to
move on from the past and focus on what I
have now. I will always love and remember
Mela but she's not coming back and I owe it
to myself to love Naledi without holding on to
what was.
"That's the woman I told you about,
Melamina," I say and she nods.
"I figured," she says softly, placing the frame
where she picked it.
"I'm sorry, baby. I should have removed it," I
say and she shrugs her shoulders.
I quickly take the frame put it in the drawer.
"I'm sorry, come here," I snake my arms
around her tiny waist.
"Thank you so much for coming. You have no
idea how happy I am," I peck her lips and she
pulls me in for a passionate kiss.
"How are you feeling babe?" she asks, running
a finger along my jaw line.
"Its hectic you know. I am so hurt and
disappointed. I keep asking myself where I
went wrong for him to end up sleeping with
his teacher. A part of me wonders if he has
mommy issues or he was just being a curious
teenager," her soft eyes are looking at me,
calming me down in a way I cannot explain.
"I am here for you babe, whatever you need," I
needed to hear that.
"Thank you Sthandwa sami. I just need to lay
in bed with you in my arms after I make love
to you," I say and she hides her face in my
chest.
"I thought you weren't going to say that. I
was like dude it's been a week since we did
anything," oh God this one is insatiable and I
love it.
"Four days babe. I last made love to you on
Sunday," she pouts.
"Same difference," she argues.
"Do you want to freshen up?" I ask and she
nods.
"Yes please," I let go of her and take her hand.
"This is the bathroom," I open the door leading
to my adjoining bathroom.
"I'll get our food so long," I say and she nods.
"Okay babe, let me grab my toiletry bag and
take a quick shower,"
I pass by the lounge and Melamina's picture
hanging on the wall makes me stop in my
tracks and take a deep breath.
"It's time Shlobo," my subconscious whispers
and I close my eyes. I walk into the lounge
and the TV is playing, Thalente is not in here. I
don't know how she's going to feel about me
taking her sisters picture down after coming
home with a woman she doesn't know. I take
it down and a part of me feels pained but a
huge part of me knows it's the right thing to
do. Naledi would definitely feel some type of
way seeing this and I don't want her having
doubts about me and this relationship. I truly
love her and want this to work out.
"I never thought I'd see the day you take that
down," Thalente says and I swallow my saliva.
"Is it for the new girlfriend?" she asks and I
pivot to look at her.
"Yes, I love her sisi. I don't want her to think
I'm still stuck in the past. I wasn't looking for
love when I met Naledi but it happened and
I'm at my happiest with her in my life," I
explain and she folds her arms across her
chest.
"What about sis'Nonku?" she asks.
"I broke up with her," she gasps in shock.
"I don't understand bhut'Shlobo. We were just
in Cape Town and you guys were so happy,
what happened?" I heave a heavy sigh.
"I met Naledi during the Cape Town trip and I
fell in-love. I couldn't fight my feelings,
Thalente. She made me feel things I thought
I'd never feel again in my life. She's making
me think and believe in all sorts of
possibilities. I know I hurt Nonku but I'm in-
love and I hope and pray that my family
supports me and be genuinely happy for me,"
tears are glistening in her eyes.
"I have always wished you love and if you say
Naledi is that then I'm rooting for you," that's
a relief.
"Thank you sis wami,"
"Can I please have that picture, I'll hang it in
my bedroom," that's a great idea.
"Sure," I hand it to her.
"Thank you and your food is in the oven,"
Thalente walks away and I head to the
kitchen to get our food.
.
.
.
Naledi and I are in the kitchen washing the
dishes, we had breakfast with Thalente and
Nhlangano. My son was obviously confused by
me introducing a new girlfriend shortly after
they met Nonku and her kids. Thalente is
taking him to the mall to explain what I told
her last night and once Naledi has left I'll sit
them both down and we will have a
convesation about it.

I pack away the last cups and turn to find

Naledi wiping the counters clean. She's in a
short but not too short dress that's exposing
her thick thighs. I love that she's always
putting them on display around me, I'd love to
see her walking around my house naked but
there are kids here. Yes, she's just two years
younger that my sister and a couple of years
older than Nhlangano. But she's my woman
and that makes her their elder.

I pick her up and place her on the kitchen

island without warning, then spread her legs,
getting in between them and snaking my
hands under her dress. She bites her lower lip
and wraps her arms around my neck. She's so
beautiful and all mine; I owe Thuli a gift for
struggling to find their key card, causing
them to move up and down in the elevator so
I can meet my love.
Naledi leans in for a kiss and when I'm about
to connect my lips with hers she moves away
and laughs, what a tease. I pinch her hip and
she yelps.

"Babe, ouch!" she cries.

"Kiss me," I demand and she shakes her head.
"Say sorry first," she's such a baby.
"I can apologize with my tongue and make
you rain all over my face," I say and her eyes
darken with desire.
"I think I prefer that kind of apology," she says
in a sultry voice and I'm thrown into a fit of
laughter. Will her sex thirst ever get
quenched? We've already had 2 rounds of sex
this morning alone. One around 4:30 am and
another around 9, just before we joined
Nhlangano and Thalente for breakfast.
"I love you, Naledi," I say with so much
adoration and she gasps for air.
She pulls me to her and kisses me softly,
pouring her emotions into it.
"I love you too, babe," she whispers and
continues the kiss. No one has ever felt so
right in my entire life, this is it for me. God
knows I'm stopping here and giving it my all.
"What nonsense Shlobo!" MaZikode exclaims
and I break the kiss and step away from
Naledi.
"Ma, what are you doing here?" I ask and
move my eyes to the horrified Nonku. What's
happening here? What are they both doing
here?
"Don't ask me stupid questions. What are you
doing with that girl?" she asks, pointing a
finger at Naledi. I look at my girl and she's
frozen on the kitchen island. I quickly help her
down and hold her hand.
"That was a moment not meant for anyone's
eyes. If I knew you were coming then we
wouldn't have been that comfortable," I say
and my mother claps once.
"I wouldn't be here if MaSibisi didn't come to
me crying because you decided to walk in
your father's footsteps and cheat on a woman
that loves you," ma says and Naledi retracts
her hand from mine and looks at me with
widened eyes.
"Babe, it's not like that. I promise," I say to
Naledi.
"What is like Shlobo? Aren't you the one that
admitted to cheating on me while we were in
Cape Town?" -Nonku.
I'm so pissed at her, she had no right to go
running to my mom. Me and her aren't
married.
"Really Shlobo? Really?" Naledi's voice breaks.
"Baby, I swear I can explain,"
"Explain that uyi'sfebe se ndoda?" MaZikode is
livid.
"No, I'm not a man whore ma. I admit that I
met Naledi while I was with Nonku and I
cheated. But I've never cheated on Naledi," I
know that sounds stupid but if you think
about it it's the truth.
"Are you listening to yourself right now?
What's wrong with you? I didn't raise a fool," I
can deal with ma and Nonku later. Right now
my worry is this woman I love next to me
looking at me with eyes full of tears. We just
said I love you a few moments ago and now
we are in a situation.
 CHAPTER 58
NALEDI MOLETSANE

This cannot be happening to me again. Why

do I keep falling in love with assholes? I
should have known that Shlobo wasn't single,
I mean he is an Adonis and very successful. I
am hurt, I won't even lie. I just want to pack
what's mine and leave this house. I want
nothing to do with men, when I get back to
Johannesburg I am focusing on my daughter
and Khambule holdings. It's clear that love
wasn't meant for someone like me. I just need
to get myself a Battery Operated Boyfriend for
my sexual needs.

I've packed my things back in the suitcase, I

just need to take this dress off and put on
these sweatpants, a t-shirt and sneakers then
leave this house. I'll request an Uber in the
streets. I remove my dress and the door
opens, it's Shlobosenkosi. I quickly hide my
naked body with the dress, he doesn't deserve
to see my nakedness again. He takes a deep
breath and locks the door. What the fuck does
he think he's doing?

"I love you, Naledi," he whispers and I smack

my lips.
"Go jump off a bridge with your stupid love," I
say with a shaking voice. Fuck! Why couldn't
it come out steady, this man shouldn't see
how much he has hurt me.
I'm just happy that I'm not crying anymore.
"Baby, I am so sorry. But I swear I'm not
cheating on you. I ended things with Nonku,"
he thinks I'm stupid doesn't he? I am not
going to believe a word that comes out of his
mouth. I've dealt with a liar before and I
won't allow him to take me down the same
road I walked with Jimmy.
"I told you what my ex did to me and you just
had to do the same shit to me, Shlobo," he
closes his eyes as if in pain. Why bother
acting? He fucked me, he should be proud of
himself for playing me so good.
"Sthandwa sami, it's only you. I should have
been honest about Nonku but I was scared
that you'd run for the hills. I don't want to
lose you, baby I've come alive since I met you
and I don't want to stop feeling this way," he
deserves an oscar award, those tears are
convincing.
"Please leave the room, I want to change and
go," he gasps in shock.
"Naledi you can't leave, let's talk about this
please," he says, coming to me and I shake my
head.
"Don't touch me, Shlobo," I warn but he
doesn't take me seriously. He grabs my dress
and throws it on the floor.
"I don't want this," my voice comes out in a
whisper as his hands caress my hips.
"I love you, please believe me. What Nonku
and I had is over, it was over the minute I
made love to you for the very first time.
It can only be you my angel," he kisses my
neck and I swallow hard. Desire is running
through every inch of my body, why am I so
weak when it comes to this man? I cannot
control myself when he touches me.
"I can't go through this again, I just can't. My
little daughter needs her mom sane," I
managed to move on from Jimmy quickly but
it's going to be hard with Shlobo. He managed
to worm his way into my heart and soul in a
short space of time. But I am Naledi
Moletsane, I will pick myself up and move on
from this.
"This started with a lie. You made me the
other woman without my knowledge. I've
been there and it was a horrible experience," I
say as his finger finds its way to my pussy,
massaging my clitoris. I feel a fire like no
other and I close my eyes as I take in the
pleasure.
"I love you, baby," he says and I moan. I am
mad at him but I just can't get myself to stop
him from doing this to me. God, why am I so
weak for this man? My subconscious is
looking at me with disappointment. She
cannot believe that I'm letting Shlobo use sex
to subdue me. I don't blame her because she
knows Naledi the fierce girl who takes shit
from no one, not this weakling that I am
when Shlobo touches me.
"Do you want me to stop?" he asks, inserting
a finger inside of me and moving it in and out
slowly. A delicious tingle runs down my spine
and I throw my head back and moan in my
throat.
"Naledi, do you want me to stop?" this
bastard, he knows that my body is at his
mercy. He knows how much he affects me. I
place both my hands on his chest.
"No, I want you to make love to me," I am
judging myself too. I should be telling him
where to get off, not begging for his stupid,
delicious penis.
Shlobo withdraws his finger and puts it in his
mouth, sucking it clean of my arousal. His
eyes are dark with desire and that only makes
me more horny.
"You taste so good, sthandwa sami,"
He takes off his T-shirt and the shorts follow
along with his boxers, his erection springs
free. I gulp down my saliva and raise my eyes
to his.
"It's only you, Naledi. Do you understand?" he
asks and I just nod. Right now I will agree to
everything, I just want him inside of me. I
watch him remove my suitcase from the bed
and placing it down. He points to the bed and
I don't hesitate, I climb on it and lie on my
back. Shlobo bites his lower lip as I open my
legs for him to get in between them.
"You are gorgeous, baby. I will never get
enough of you," he climbs on the bed, running
his hands up my inner thighs.
"Please don't leave me, Naledi. You are
everything I thought I'd never have again in
my life babe,"
"Shlobo please," I need him inside of me right
now, I can't bare the ache between my legs no
more. He starts rubbing his penis at my
opening.
"Condom," I murmur but he slam into me and I
moan loudly.
"Shhhhh, we are not alone baby," I press my
lips into a thin line and he starts to move.
This man didn't put on a condom and my need
won't allow me to stop him and ask for
protection.
I wrap my legs around his waist and he grabs
my hips, pressing me down on the mattress
as he thrusts deeper. We are kissing, it's
sloppy, wet and full of need. Our chemistry is
out of this world, no man has ever made me
feel the way Shlobo makes me feel. Oh God,
I'm almost there. I feel it building up in my
belly, it's going to rip me apart. I start digging
my nails into his back, moaning in his mouth
as I cum undone.
A few more thrusts and he groans deeply and
stops moving. That was amazing, as always.
Shlobo kisses my forehead after catching his
breath and gets off from on top of me and lies
next to me.
"It took 18 years for my heart to come alive,
Naledi. I love you so much, please forgive me
for starting our relationship before I ended
the one I had with Nonku. I mean it when I
say I love you mama, I honestly want to
spend the rest of my life with you," I
desperately want to believe that he means
everything he's saying but it's hard. I've been
down this road before and because of it I was
humiliated, attacked physically and made to
look like a home wrecker. I love Shlobo but he
needs to fix his mess and lay things to rest
before I can think about moving forward with
him.
"Nonku doesn't seem to think that you guys
are over, Shlobo. She went running to your
mother for help and she's clearly on her side. I
don't stand a chance, your mom already hates
me. You need to fix the issue before we can
move forward," I lay it down to him and he
nods in agreement.
"And I will make MaZikode understand that
it's you my heart wants. She will come around
soon because she has always wanted me to
find love," a rough knock comes through the
door.
"Shlobo! I said I want to go back to my house.
I'm not spending a minute in a cheaters house
while his mistress is still here," his mother
shouts and he closes his eyes. Wow, just wow.
She's calling me names when she knows
nothing about me.
"Baby, she wants me to take her to
Mahlabathini. I'll be gone for about 4 hours,"
he explains and I sit up straight.
How did she get here in the first place?
"Do what you have to do," I say and he heaves
a sigh.
"I won't take a minute longer, I promise. I'll
call my sister and ask her and my son to
spend the rest of the weekend at her
apartment. I think we are going to need the
whole house to ourselves as we fix this," he
says and I want to tell him not to bother but I
keep my mouth shut.
"Shlobo!" bathong, this woman.
"I'll be out in a second ma," her son is
exasperated. He looks at me with pleading
eyes, "I'm sorry that I have to leave you in
this state. I'll be back ASAP. I love you,
muntomuhle," he pecks my lips and climbs off
the bed. I watch him put on his clothes and he
heads out after starring at me for a few
seconds.
I bring my knees up to my chest and hug
myself. I know what I have to do but it's hard
because I've fallen for this guy. I want to take
a leap of faith, but I'm scared that I'll get hurt
in the end. I think it's only right for us to take
things slow, we were flying at maximum
speed and it shouldn't be a surprise that we've
crushed so soon. I need to go back to
Johannesburg and keep my distance for some
time.

Shlobo is going to have to work hard to prove

that he wants me and me alone. He needs to
have a talk with the Nonku lady and make
sure they are on the same page; then sit his
mom down and make her understand the
situation. She doesn't have to like me but I
expect that she at least respect me and my
relationship with her son. I'm not about to
have a toxic relationship with my boyfriends
family, I don't need that kind of energy in my
life.
I get off the bed and head straight to the
bathroom for a quick shower, his sperm is
dripping down my thighs. I should remember
to get an emergency pill, the last thing I need
is to get pregnant while he hasn't sort out his
mess. I step out of the shower and head back
to the bedroom after drying myself with a
towel. I lotion my skin and put on the clothes
I had set out before Shlobo came in and used
sex to calm me down. I pack everything back
in the suitcase and sit down on the edge of
the bed, I need to book a flight. I hope there's
a seat on the one leaving today, if not then I'll
go book into a hotel and wait for tomorrow. I
don't want to be here when he comes back,
he will definitely use sex to get me to stay
and I need to go. He needs to see that I'm
serious, that I won't allow him to mistreat
me and stay with him all because I love him.

God is good, there's a seat on a flight that

leaves in 4 hours. When he gets here I'll be
boarding, headed back home. I quickly book it
and when everything is confirmed I take a
deep breath and get up from the bed. I wheel
my suitcase out of his bedroom, the whole
house is quiet, him and his mom have left. I
go on the app and request for an Uber, it's
only 4 minutes away. I don't have any time to
waste, I quickly press the button to open the
small gate and head out the door, locking the
security door.
 CHAPTER 59
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I have never in my life found myself in a

situation like the one that happened today. I
take full responsibility for it, but I'm so pissed
at Nonku for running to my mother with our
personal issues.
This is not how I wanted MaZikode to find out
about Naledi; I planned to sit her down and
explain my matters of the heart in a setting I
had control over. Now it's all chaotic, my
mother sees me as a cheat and Naledi as the
mistress. To her this is the repeat of my late
father and Thalente's mother.

She spoke my ear off the entire drive to

Mahlabathini. I couldn't even get a word in.
She said a lot but I didn't take any of it to
heart; mama is just hurt and disappointed in
me but as soon as she has calmed down and
I've explained she will have no choice but to
understand. If she truly cares about my
happiness and peace she will accept Naledi
and give her a chance as her future daughter
in-law.

I dropped my mother off, didn't even go inside

the house. I couldn't waste an extra minute,
the woman in my house needs to be reassured
that I'm in-love with her and no one else. I
have to make sure that she believes that
Nonku is in the past and the can never be
another woman for me, only her. She is what
my heart needs, I will choose her over and
over. I mean it when I say I love her and I fear
losing her. I know it's not been long since we
met, but the heart wants what it wants and
it will never rest till it gets it.

I get to my house and my heart starts

thudding against my chest, I'm fuckin
nervous. I am not sure how Naledi is right
now; I managed to subdue her with mind
blowing sex earlier on but now she has had
time to think about everything and get all
rilled up. She might be fuming, waiting to give
me her piece of mind then end things between
us. She managed to leave her ex because of a
similar situation. I am just hoping and praying
that what we share is not something she can
let go of easily. I'm crossing fingers that the
spell I cast on her is as strong as the one she
cast on me.

I walk into the house and it's graveyard at

midnight silent. Maybe she's in the bedroom
sleeping, all the thinking and crying must
have made her tired. I turn the handle and
push the door open, Naledi is not on the bed.
My bloods pressure surely rises, I quickly open
the adjoining bathroom door and nothing.
Calm down, Shlobo. She might be in the
garden, the breeze out there is nice and
soothing. I walk out of the bedroom with my
palms sweating, to find my girlfriend, who is
hopefully outside. Disappointment washes
over me when I don't find her in the garden.
There's a room I have to check in the house
before going to look at the camera footage in
my study for answers.
Her suitcase is not in my walk in closet, she's
gone, Naledi has left me. I feel an intense
ache in my heart, a feeling I hate so much.
This cannot be the end of us, she cannot end
our relationship because of this. Yes, it's
messed up but I love her. I swear nothing of
this kind will happen again. I will not even
look at another woman, only her. I take a
deep breath and head to my study.

I pull out a chair and settle down, powering

the monitor on. I go through the earlier
footage and I see her leaving through the
small gate with her bag, this was shortly
after MaZikode and I left. Her mind was
already made up when I was on top of her
making love. I throw my head back and close
my eyes for a second.

I take out my cellphone from the pocket of

my shorts and dial her number, it takes me
straight to voicemail. It could only mean one
of two things, she's flying back to
Johannesburg or she switched off her phone
right after checking into a hotel so I don't
reach her. What do I do now? I just cannot sit
here while I don't know what's happening
with my baby. I'm the only person she knows
in Durban and God knows I would never
forgive myself if anything happens to her.
Damn you Nonku for bringing my mother here
and ruining things for me.
 KHWEZIKAZI GUMBI

"Fuck off, Khwezi," Mthandazo says through

gritted teeth. He's livid, I've only ever seen
him this way once. I have been outside his
house for 1 hour straight, pressing the
intercom for their attention. He didn't want
to give in but my persistence pissed him off
and he finally came out.
"I'm sorry, I honestly don't know what came
over me. I have been so lonely and I sought
comfort and company from the first person
that gave me attention. I hate that it had to
be my student, I hate it more now that I
know that Nhlangano was our daughters
boyfriend. I didn't mean for any of this, please
forgive me," I get on my knees, rubbing my
hands together. This is not an act, I truly am
sorry. Zekhethelo is the last person I wanted
to hurt. I mean I've been praying that our
relationship gets better when she finally turns
18 and can make her own decisions.
" You're a venomous snake, Khwezikazi. You
destroy everything you touch. You deserve to
be miserable in your life. Stay away from my
daughter and I," he's wagging a finger at me.
"I will change, Mtha. I promise to check
myself into rehab and stay clean. I just need a
chance to turn my life around, please give it
to me," he chuckles.
"You're such a joke, leave before I call my
security people," he says and turns to leave
me crying at his gate.
.
.
.

Oh this hurts, it hurts so bad. My life is

spiraling out of cintrol. I have destroyed any
chance of mending my relationship with Ze.
On the other hand my career is going up in
smoke, there's no coming back from this. My
relationship with Nhlangano will be the
reason why no other school will want to be
associated with me. Yes, he's 18 years old and
everything was consentual but I'll still be
looked at as a pedophile. How did it all get
here? Oh, I know. If Nhlangano didn't give me
hope with his dad then I wouldn't have been
rejected after putting myself on the spot.
After Shlobo turned me down I felt humiliated
and the only way I thought I'd feel better
about myself was to seduce his son and see if
he could handle what he didn't want. I
shouldn't have taken things that far, I am a
big girl and I was suppose to handle rejection
better.

I unlock my door and step inside. What the

fuck? Mphikeleli, Nhlangano's biological father
is sitting on the couch watching TV. How the
fuck did this guy get into my apartment? I
walk into the lounge and stand infront of the
TV with arms folded across my chest. He
heaves a heavy sigh before removing his legs
from my coffee table, bloody pig.

"How did you get in?" I ask.

"Through the door," I roll my eyes.
Is he trying to be funny?
"Obviously. What I want to know is how you
opened the door because I locked it. Plus, you
don't stay in this building, how did you get
through the gate?" he chuckles.
"You are asking me too many stupid
questions," I gasp in shock. Insulting me in my
own house? "What you should be asking me is
what brings me over," he adds and I narrow
my eyes.
"I am listening," I hope he's not here to
blackmail me again. The last time he showed
up was when he wanted me to help him get
Nhlangano to believe his story over Shlobo's. I
managed to do that and he now has a
relationship with his son while Nhlangano and
the man that raised him struggle to get
along.
"I hear Shlobo found out about you and my
son and he's fucking up your life," He
obviously heard the tea from his son.
"Yeah, that means you nolonger have anything
to hold over my head," he nods.
"That's very true," if he knows then why the
hell is he here?
"I don't have the whole day. Tell me what
you're doing here or leave," he crosses his legs.
"You're in a bad mood. I have something that
will definitely make you feel good," he fishes
for something from his pocket and comes
back with a small packet of white powder.
"Do I look like a junkie to you?" I ask with an
attitude, but deep down I want to snatch it
from him and snort all of it.
"Cut the bull," he says, laughing at me. Mother
fucker knows that I use. I won't even bother
wondering how. "You don't have to worry
about your next fix, it will always be on me,"
I'd be jumping up and down but I know better.
"What's the catch?" he smiles wickedly.
"Something that will benefit us both,"
"And what's that?" I settle down on the edge
of the couch, my eyes on the cocain in his
hand.
"Shlobo fucked the both of us over. He is a
selfish son of a bitch that needs to be taught
a lesson. We need to hit him where it will
hurt the most," this is interesting.
"Tell me more," he licks his lower lip and leans
in, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Nhlangano is his whole life. We take him, we
break Shlobo..."
 CHAPTER 60
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I'm sitting on top of the bed, starring at my

phone with a broken heart. I haven't heard
anything from Shlobo. I landed in
Johannesburg yesterday evening and when I
disabled the flight mode from my phone there
were no missed calls or texts from him. In
that moment it could only mean that he had
not arrived at his house and realized that I'm
gone. Or his mother managed to talk him into
staying with the Nonku lady and he was
scared of calling and telling me.

I now regret leaving his house, I acted

irrationally, like an immature little girl. I love
Shlobo and yes he started our relationship in
a fucked up way, but I should have given him
the benefit of the doubt. It was very wrong of
me to take a decision based on what he did
and adding my previous experience with
Jimmy.
The two are similar but truths behind them
are very different. His sins were the only
thing I should have judged him on. I know I
sound stupid and maybe a little desperate but
I love him and I want to see the positive side
to this whole thing.

I couldn't sleep last night, I kept tossing and

turning, checking my phone to see if he hasn't
reached out. A lot was running through my
mind, but one that had my heart wrenching
was the thought of him in the hospital after
getting into an accident while rushing back to
his house for me. I'm scared to call his
number and find out that I'm right, also
scared because he might tell me that it's over
and he chooses Nonku.

I should call Thuli, maybe she can come over

and tell me what to do. She's the only friend I
have that knows my relationship with Shlobo.
Yes, I called her a friend, it wasn't a mistake. I
take my phone and it rings immediately, the
caller ID has relief flooding through my whole
body. It's him, it's Shlobo. I take a deep
breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

"Hello," my voice comes out in a whisper.

"Vula, Naledi," he orders and I narrow my eyes.
"Huh?" I'm confused, what does he mean when
he says "open".
"The Uber just dropped me off outside your
gate, please open for me," the butterflies in
my stomach go absolutely insane. He is here?
But how?
"You gave me your address when I wanted to
deliver the gift," he answers my unspoken
question.
Yes, he got a personal shopper to deliver a
Luis Vuitton handbag, flowers and champagne
as a gift to congratulate me for starting at
Khambule holdings a week ago. I completely
forgot that he has my residential address.
"Uhm, I...I'm..." I stutter.
"Please babe," he says softly and I jump off the
bed.
"Okay," I hung up and literally run downstairs
to open for him. I'm a mixture of happiness
and nerves. I walk to the front door after
opening the gate and wait for him there. He
appears almost immediately but stops in his
tracks after his eyes land on me. He looks
shocked, I glance at myself and quickly step
back inside. How the hell did I forget that I'm
naked. I run to the lounge and grab the flees
blanket that is always on the couch ready to
cover me when I watch TV.
"You left my house and when I get to yours to
find out why, you're trying to seduce me," he
says behind me and I close my eyes. That
wasn't my intention, I completely forgot that
I was in my birthday suit. I don't sleep in
pyjamas.
"It wasn't on purpose. And you're one to talk
about seduction. Aren't you the same person
that used sex as a weapon yesterday after
your girlfriend showed up?" I ask with an
attitude and he closes his eyes as if in pain.
"Nonku is not my girlfriend, you are and I love
you so much," my heart skips a beat. I love
you too babe, more than I should.
I say to myself.
"Why did you leave? Have you any idea the
kind of hell the last few hours have been for
me? Baby I know I lied but please don't leave
me," the sincerity in his voice has tears
burning my eyes.
"Shlobo, I have been through this. I can't, I
won't survive another heartbreak. Especially
yours because I've fallen so deeply in love
with you. I wish I could show you just how
much so you can understand why I'm so
frightened," he gasps and takes a step
forward.
"I feel the same, Naledi. I keep wondering how
I got here in such a short space of time, but I
don't want to change anything with us. I love
you, my angel. I have so much to say about
my feelings for you and a person who hasn't
felt half of what I feel for you will say I'm
being cheesy," he takes a deep breath, "I take
accountability for what happened and I won't
justify anything. I just need you to know and
believe that it's only you that I love and need
Naledi. I'm 48 years old and I probably have a
few years left to my name, baby I want to
spend my remaining days with you. I want it
all with you, the good, the bad and the ugly,"
he adds and I allow my tears to fall. Why do I
love him so much?
"Tell me what I can do to make you believe
me," he murmurs, taking my hands into his.
"I want to believe you so bad but I'm scared
I'll get hurt in the end," he nods and there's
silence between us for a minute or two.
"Marry me, sthandwa sami, right now. That's
the only way I can prove to you that I see my
future with you and no one else," he says and
I laugh. He has got to be kidding me,
marriage? We've only known each other for a
few weeks, less than a month.
"Come on Shlobo," he snaps an eyebrow.
"What? Don't you love me enough to be my
wife?" he's wounded. Bathong!
"My heart is choosing you and ignoring every
logical thing my head is saying. Of course I
see myself with you. I feel stupid and
desperate for day dreaming about big headed
Zulu kids running around and calling me
mommy," he throws his head back and laughs.
What a pleasant sound.
"Kahle bo!" he says with a smile and I cannot
believe how intensely I feel for him.
"If that's the case then what are we waiting
for sthandwa sami?" he asks and I realize that
he's not joking, he means what he's saying.
"We haven't known each other for long.
There's a lot we still need to learn about each
other," he nods in agreement.
"That's very true but we can do that while
being husband and wife," oh Jesus Christ.
"Shlobo, there's a lot that goes into getting
married. The has to be lobola negotiations,
traditional ceremonies need to be held and
then the actual wedding planning. This has
been a long year and I just don't have the
energy to take that on," I explain.
"You're stressing yourself over nothing. Lobola
is quick and we can hire people to plan the
traditional ceremonies and the wedding," he
has an answer for everything.
"Let's talk about this marriage thing in the
new year," My subconscious slaps the back of
my head. She's shocked that I'm even
considering what this man is proposing. My
inner goddess, however, is fitting wedding
gowns and thinking about those cute Zulu
traditional attires.
Shlobo shakes his head, "We can do all of
those things in the new year. But let's go and
sign at home affairs. Our families don't have
to know, at least not until I pay lobola. I want
to make you mine in every sense of the word,"
he's insane.
"You can't be serous," he raises an eyebrow.
"Let's drive to home affairs and find out,"
"It's Sunday, they are closed. Plus, I think you
have to make an appointment to be married
there," I explain jokingly and he heaves a sigh.
"That's a shame because I want to marry you
right this minute," I blame Thuli. If she wasn't
too drunk to find the key card then I wouldn't
have bumped into this man and fell head over
heels in love.
"No marriage for you abuti,"
"Says who?" he asks, looking around the
lounge.
"What are you looking for?" I ask and a smile
forms on his face. He goes to the coffee table
and takes the till slip, settling on the couch.
He starts tearing the paper and shaping it
into a ring. Oh my God, I laugh. Shlobo has
drama for days.
"Don't laugh, baby. I want to make you my
wife," This guy.
"Why are you just standing there? Make my
ring, hao kanti unjani lomfazi," I smack my
lips and grab what's left of the till slip. I just
make a simple paper ring while he's being a
Makhosini Lukhele, the famous Johannesburg
diamond dealer and jewelry maker.
"All done," he says and I grin like a fool.
A few minutes ago I was depressed on my bed
and now I'm about to get fake married.
My life is a movie.
Shlobo stands infront of me, we are just a few
inches from each other. My blood is boiling, I
want to jump on him and ride the day lights
out of him.
"You're eye fucking me and that's going to
make it hard for me to concentrate. Let's get
married first and I promise to take you to
bed. After that we will cuddle and talk about
everything," okay, that's fair.
He clears his throat, "I Shlobosenkosi
Mavimbela, take you Naledi Aluta Moletsane
to be my wife. I promise to love and cherish
you, for richer or poor, in sickness and in
health, till death do us apart," he says with
his twinkling eyes on me. he's so handsome.
Shlobo slowly slides the paper ring on my
finger, it's big so he adjusts it at the back.
I say the exact same vows as him and the
ring I made him fits like a glove. I look up at
him and we are smiling at each other.
"It's time to kiss my bride," he cups my face
and brings his lips to mine, kissing me
tenderly. I moan in his mouth and he uses his
one hand to drop the flee on the floor so I'm
naked before him. Whats with him and
removing my protective gear?
"This morning is our honeymoon," he whispers
before nibbling my ear. I bite my lower lip and
take his hand, leading him to my bedroom.
Thank God I changed the bed.
"I'm excited, husband," I say and he chuckles
behind me.
"Husband..." he tests the word, "I love the
sound of that, Mrs Mavimbela."
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"How are you?" I ask after a few minutes of

silence. Karabo shrugs her shoulders and takes
the bottle of champagne, drinking straight
from it.
"Whoa, slow down tigress," whatever that's
happening is huge. Karabo wouldn't be acting
this way. I suspect it has something to do
with Vhutshilo and Naledi, otherwise she
wouldn't have called, asking me to meet her
in a hotel room on a Monday. The last time
we saw each other she was done with me, she
wanted to focus on her boyfriend and make
their relationship work. I don't like seeing her
this sad but I'm happy he messed up because
it opened a chance for me to get my girl back.
"Babe, talk to me," I brush her arm and she
starts crying. I take her into my arms and
kiss the top of her head repeatedly.
"Shhh, whatever it is, it's going to be okay," I
say and she shakes her head.
"No, it won't, Kat. Why won't he love me?
Why is he still hung up on her?" she whimpers
and I tighten my arms around her, rubbing her
back in circles.
"Cry it out my love then tell me what
happened," I gently coax her and she starts
taking deep breaths.
"Naledi brought Bassie earlier than what was
agreed on. She wanted to go see her boyfriend
in Durban, he's going through something," she
mutters after pulling away from me. It feels
really awkward to hear about my best friend
from someone else. Naledi and I haven't met
in a long while that she's starting to feel like
a stranger.
"Let me guess, Vhutshilo wasn't happy about
that," Karabo nods.
"Yeah, but I think that's putting it lightly. He
was besides himself the whole weekend, his
daughter even asked him why he was sad and
distant. Kat, he acted like he was in mourning
. Yesterday I found him in the lounge staring
at their picture, caressing her face through
the phone screen" I feel for her but this is not
surprising to me.
"I'm sorry babe, you don't deserve this,"
She sniffs, "What does Naledi have that I
don't, Kat? Please tell me, maybe I will
understand," I shake my head.
"Hey, don't do that to yourself. You have
everything, Vhutshilo is a fool, just like I was.
He will realize when it's too late that he lost
an amazing woman," I say, hoping she believes
me.
"She's your best friend, Kat. Please tell me
what makes her so special, tell me why he
can't fully get over her even after all these
years," I close my eyes.
"They never got the chance to fully have a
relationship. It was cut short after she fell
pregnant and her mom warned Vhutshilo to
stay away from her daughter. He was
obviously in-love with her but couldn't have
her and that hurt him terribly. What I'm
trying to say is that, Vhutshilo feels robbed.
He never got to fully explore his love for
Naledi on a romantic level," she's blinking
rapidly.
"This is just my own opinion though. I wasn't
Naledi's friend back then, we only met in
university. I drew this conclusion from
watching them co-parent and become the
closest of friends along the years," she wipes
her tears.
"What about Naledi? Does she love him?"
"She will always have love for him but Naledi
doesn't hold on to anything. If things don't
work out she moves on," that's the honest
truth.
"I'm just wasting my time with him. He will
drop me if Naledi gives him another chance,"
Unfortunately that's true. Everyone knows
this, their families included.
 CHAPTER 61
THULISILE KHAMBULE

A knock comes through my window and I am

startled. It's Mongezi, he's finally here. I have
been waiting in this parking lot for over an
hour now, this is not a good way to start a
relationship of any sort. I unlock the doors
and signal him with my head to go around. I
watch him round the car until he gets to the
front passenger side and opens the door,
climbing in. He's a handsome guy, tall, not too
dark in complexion and very clean.

"I'm sorry for being late. I was stuck in traffic,

an accident on the highway," he explains.
"That's okay," it wasn't okay, at least not
until I took in his scent. God, he smells as
good as sin.
"How are you?" he asks and I take a deep
breath. I am super nervous. I've never done
this before. Jimmy is the only man I've ever
known in my whole life, this is something
new. I'm both scared and excited; I hope I
don't regret any of this.
"I'm okay, what about you?"
"Well, I'm good. I was just so shocked to hear
from you," he murmurs, looking at me. I can't
keep my eyes on him, I feel shy.
"I was shocked that I reached out too," I reply
and he chuckles.
Naledi gave me his number some time ago,
after he disturbed our dinner to apologize. I
didn't have the balls to call him until I drank
tequila on Saturday, alcohol courage is
dangerous. Please blame Naledi for corrupting
me.
I literally told Mongezi that I want him to be
my toy boy and I'm good for his services. I
invited him to meet me here, at Stone heaven
on Vaal so we can talk about the specifics
and maybe steal a moment. I'm a horny mess,
it's been a minute since I had sex. Jimmy
didn't pay attention to my needs because he
had his taken care of.
"You look beautiful," he whispers, placing a
hand on my thigh. I gasp, feeling a current
move through my veins.
I clear my throat, "Uhm, thank you," when
was the last time I got a compliment from a
men? I think I'm about to explode from
blushing so much.
"Can I ask you something?" I nod vigorously.
"Of course,"
"Naledi is the one that gave you my number
right?" oh oh! I promised Naledi that I will not
talk about her with Mongezi. But let's see
where he's going with this.
"Yes, she did," I answer truthfully.
"Shuuuu, I don't know how to feel about my
friend distributing me like that," I raise an
eyebrow.
"You can leave this minute if you don't want
anything to do with me," he takes my hand.
"Relax, Thulz. I'm here for you mami, whatever
you need," his voice is deep and seductive. His
words promise so much more than what he's
saying right now.
"I'm happy to hear that. Shall we go in and get
some drinks?" he bites his lower lip and
shakes his head.
"There's no privacy out there. I was thinking
we'd book a hotel room and order room
service. I could give you a massage, you seem
tense," a delicious tingle runs down my spine.
A mans hands on my skin? Yes, please!
"That sounds better," he takes out his phone
and makes a call.
"Hi, this is Mongezi. I wanted to find out if
you have a room available... Yes, I can be
there in 15 minutes... I'll see you shortly,
thank you," he hungs up and looks at me.
"There's a room available for us at Riverside
sun hotel. I'll lead the way, drive behind me,"
oh, okay.
He climbs out of my car and I watch him head
to the sleek BMW through the side mirror. I
start my engine and reverse out of the
parking space after him.
I've never slept in any hotel in the Vaal. I've
only been here to enjoy their beautiful river
then I'd drive back to my house. I asked
Mongezi here because I didn't want to risk
being seen with him back in Johannesburg. I
don't need word getting to my children and
Khabonina, the trio is already giving me a
headache. They are treating me like a child
and it's getting on my last nerve. One of these
days I'll tell each of them where go get off
and trust me, they won't believe it.

The bathroom door opens and Mongezi walks

out with his belt undone. He narrows his eyes
at me and I shift uncomfortably on the edge
of the bed. My heart is thudding against my
chest, what am I doing? I don't need to be
sleeping with a younger man so I can forget
about Jimmy. There are plenty of ways to
enjoy my life to the fullest.

"Why are you still dressed?" he asks and I

swallow hard.
"I need a drink first,"
"You can still have a drink while naked," oh
God. My body is not what it used to be in my
early twenties. Senzeni and Sihle left me with
stretch marks and cellulite. I don't think
Mongezi will find me attractive.
"Don't over think things, get up and take off
your clothes for me," I close my eyes. Can I do
this?
"You might think I'll find your body
unattractive because of this and that, but if
I'm being honest it's your lack of self
confidence that's making you unattractive.
You should be proud of your body Thulz," I
gasp in shock and steal a glance at him.
"Okay, I'll go first," he starts pealing off his
clothes until he is left completely naked.
"Thuli, come on," he says, after a minute of
standing before me in his God given outfit.
I slowly get on my feet and unzip my dress, it
falls down and I'm left in my matching
underwear. I look at Mongezi and he has his
head tilted to the side.
"What a gorgeous woman you are," he
mutters and I look down, fiddling my fingers.
"Okay. I get that this is the first day but relax
or I'll have to take complete control over you
so I can make sure you're relaxed and not
over thinking things," what is that supposed
to mean?
"Thuli, you're not my first rodeo. Older women
want me because they want to have the best
sex of their lives. They want to feel an intense
fire after it died down years ago in unhappy
marriages. You're over thinking things and I
don't want that for you, I need you to give me
the ropes and I'll decide for the both of us. I'll
just need you present and willing at all
times," whoa! My throat goes dry.
"You want to dominate me?" I ask and he
smirks.
"Not in a dark type of way but yes. I'll give
you instructions when we're in the bedroom
and you'll have no choice but to do as I say. It
will ensure that you don't over think but do
as you're told immediately so you can enjoy
your experience with me," that was
unexpected.
"Take off your underwear Thuli and lie on the
bed, on your stomach," he orders, and
immediately, without thinking about it I take
off my panties and unkook my bra.
"See? you didn't cause yourself unnecessary
discomfort," That's true, I didn't think of my
imperfections and how he will take them.
I lie on the bed on my stomach and a knock
comes through, it's room service. Mongezi
picks up his boxers and puts them on before
going to open. He pulls the tray in and closes
the door after thanking the hotel worker. I
watch him pop the champagne bottle and
pour into two flutes. He takes a sip of his
own then hands me a glass. I lift my head and
gulp it down in one go.
"Thank you," I say, handing the glass back to
him. He places it on the bedside table and
takes off his boxers once again, then climbs
on top of me. I'm exercising the highest form
of self-control at this point.
He starts massaging my shoulders and I moan
loudly, oh Jesus!
"I love that sound," he says and I close my
eyes, enjoying his hands on me. I swear he's
better than most massueses I know.
"I do whatever you want Thuli. I exist for your
pleasure for as long as we are together," he
says out of nowhere and my stomach turns.
"I want to feel like the only woman in the
world, but at the same time I want you to
understand that this is purely physical. I don't
want commitment from you,"
"Commitment doesn't exist in my vocabulary
baby girl. Your world is about to be blown
away," he murmurs as he gets off me. Hao,
why is he stopping? I was enjoying that.
He goes to his jeans, takes out something and
comes back. He spreads my legs and gets
between them. Desire spreads throughout my
entire body. He starts kissing my bare back,
down to my exposed, dripping of arousal
vagina. I am literally shaking, dying of
anticipation.
"Mongezi, please," I cry.
"Please what, Thulz?" he bites my butt cheek
and I yelp.
"I want you," the words manage to come
through my clogged throat.
"Oh are you sure?" he asks, in a playful but
seductive manner.
"I'm begging you," I don't care if I sound
desperate. This is the nature of our
relationship and there's no need to pretend
like I'm not here for his penis.
"Your wish is my command," he says and I
hear a foil packet tearing. It a condom,
excitement bubbles in my stomach and
without warning he slides into me, stretching
my walls. I scream, feeling a mixture of
pleasure and pain.
 SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Wake up, husband," her husky voice whispers

in my ear and a smile forms on my face. I love
how she calls me, it makes our fake marriage
feel real.
"Hey, baby. You're home," I open my eyes and
she pecks my lips. I love this girl.
"I couldn't wait to get home, I missed you so
much," she says and I sit up straight.
I've been in the house alone since 7am, I've
never watched so much TV in my life. My wife
had to go to work, I wanted to persuade her
into staying but she just took over as CEO
and I didn't want to make her miss a Monday.
Those are always important. Yes, I didn't go to
the office but I trust my employees, they are
competent enough to keep the ship sailing in
my absence.
"I missed you too, sthandwa sami," her smile
widens and she sits on top of me.
"I was afraid that I will find the house empty,"
she hides her face in my neck.
"I'm not going anywhere, Mrs. Mavimbela.
You're my everything," I reassure her and she
heaves a sigh of relief.
"But you need to go back to Durban. Your son,
sister and the company," she's right and that
has my heart aching.
"I'm sorry baby. I promise that we will make
this work," I have to think of moving to
Johannesburg. I won't have much left for me
in Durban in the new year. My son is coming
to Johannesburg for university, Thalente can
take a transfer and I can set a satellite office
here. I'll fly to KZN now and again to check on
my business interests and of course
MaZikode.
"I love you, Shlobo," she says gently, caressing
my face. I lean into her soft touch.
"It can only be you. Uthandwa yimina maka
Njabulo," I say and she narrows her eyes.
"Who's that now?" she asks with narrowed
eyes.
I chuckle, "Our son," I answer and she laughs.
"Oh not yet baby. You tricked me into
marrying you. Allow me to enjoy you before
bringing intruders who I will have to share
you with," I'm thrown into a fit of laughter.
What am I going to do with this one for the
rest of my life?
"I can wait a little. But we still need to go to
home affairs. I want this marriage to be real,
Naledi. Do you think Thuli can be your
witness? I'll get my business partner to fly up
here and be mine," I say and she blinks rapidly.
"Babe, are you serious?" I nod vigorously.
"What do you think this is Naledi?" I ask,
holding out my left hand to show my paper
ring.
"I thought..." she pauses and takes a deep
breath.
"Naledi, you and I are madly in love. We both
see a future. I waited 18 years for you and
you've had to kiss many frogs before you met
your prince, me. Baby, I don't want to wait. I
don't want you sleeping at night wondering if
this is real. Marry me, let's go sign at home
affairs and once I've done all traditional
things in the new year, I'll give you the
wedding of your dreams. I'll use my contacts
and get us an appointment at home affairs
for Thursday. What do you say?" she bites her
lower lip.
"I'm already Mrs You. What harm would it
bring to make it official with the
government," she says and I smile.
"Forever and a day?" I hold out my pinkie
finger and she joins hers with mine.
"Infinity and beyond." Ahhh!
Sounds perfect.
 CHAPTER 62
NALEDI MOLETSANE

"I miss you already," I sulk and he pecks my

lips.
"Me too baby but I promise I'll be back on
Sunday," he says and I tighten my arms
around him. He's going back to Durban to
attend Nhlangano's teachers hearing
tomorrow. On Saturday he's going to his
village to tell his mother the whole situation
of her grandson sleeping with his educator,
and also the issue with his biological father;
then he will talk to her about our
relationship. He promised that he will do
everything in his power to make his mother
understand that I am the love of his life. I
hope he succeeds now that we are husband
and wife, yes, we went to home affairs today
and got legally married. I am now Naledi Aluta
Moletsane-Mavimbela, I know it's long but I
wasn't about to drop my maiden surname.
"Naledi leave the man or they will miss their
flight," Thuli says and I let go of my husband
and look at him in the eye, they are full of
adoration and happiness. What good did I do
to bag myself this man?
"Be good for me okay? I'll call as soon as my
boots hit the ground," he caresses my face
tenderly.
"I love you," I murmur and his eyes twinkle.
"I love you more than life itself, mfazi wam,"
my butterflies go a tad crazy. Shlobo takes
my hand and kisses my diamond ring. I take
his hand too and kiss the band on his finger.
We got our rings yesterday at Lukhele
diamonds, that's how serious we are taking
this marriage.
"Go before I start crying, please," he kisses my
forehead.
"Thuli, please take care of my baby," he says
to my friend who nods with a grin on her
face.
"Bafo we can leave," he adds, looking at his
friend and business partner. He came through
this morning to be our second witness at
home affairs. After the ceremony we went to
a restaurant and shared a celebratory meal
and drink.

I watch my boyfri...uhm my husband walk

away. My heart feels heavy, I was hoping that
we would have an amazing night, to celebrate
our union. But he promised that we will go
away on a mini honeymoon soon. Thuli clasps
my hand once they have disappeared and
leads me to the parking lot. Can we skip all
other days so Sundays can be tomorrow? I
don't think I will be able to survive this long
distance. We need to talk about this as soon
as possible.

"You bitch! What did you put in your stew?"

Thuli hits my arm once we are in the car.
"Ouch! What are you talking about?" she
smacks her lips.
"You meet a man less than a month ago and
you already have his surname," she says and I
giggle.
"It feels surreal for me too but I'm so happy
Thuli, I feel like I'm about to explode. I have
never felt this way with anyone, Shlobo is my
soul mate and I'm glad we didn't wait," she
nods.
"Your crazy love story is giving me hope.
Seeing you guys today made me believe that
I'll find love again," she mutters and I frown.
"Not with Mongezi, please," she laughs,
shaking her head.
"Ugh no. Mongezi is good in bed but I won't
allow his penis to confuse me. He's just
something to have fun with," that's good to
hear, Mongezi is not the type to take
seriously. I was shocked when she told me
over the phone that she reached out to
Mongezi and they've already snacked each
other. I honestly didn't think Thuli had the
balls to do it, but I'm glad she's living life and
slowly but surely getting over Jimmy.
"Thank you, Thuli. I appreciate you coming to
stand in as our witness," she leans in and we
hug.
"It's a pleasure my friend."
.
.
.
Thuli is sleeping over, we are going to get
stupid drunk so she can't drive. She says it's
my bachelorette and bridal shower all at once
because I didn't give her enough time to
prepare for those. I don't know if there's a
difference between the two but hey I'm here
to have a good time.
She bought me some gifts and it's mostly sexy
underwear and role playing costumes. I
laughed so hard but I appreciate them so
much because my husband and I are very
sexual.
Can you believe that we have already downed
two bottles of champagne in just an hour?
And I'm already draped in toilet paper, a
makeshift wedding dress, this is silly but I'm
having a good time.

"We should take shots," I nod vigorously.

"Yes, please," I clap excitedly. Shlobo knows
that we are going to get up to no good, so he
won't be surprised when he calls and I'm
slurring my words.
The intercom goes off as Thuli pours tequila in
shot glasses. Who could it be?
I get up from the rug and go answer, my
toilet paper dress is ruined on one side. At
least she has taken as many pictures and
videos to show Shlobo and just for memories
of this beautiful and life changing day.
"Yes," I answer, crossing fingers that it's not
my mom or manana. I wouldn't know how to
explain missing work and drinking heavily on
a weekday. My marriage will not be a matter
of public knowledge, at least not until next
year after Shlobo pays lobola. Maswabi won't
be too mad then because she will be planning
a wedding and inviting her political frienemies
to see it happening.
"Hey, it's me. Can you please open," I close my
eyes. Why is Vhutshilo here? We haven't
spoken since that little fight we had last
Friday at his house when I went to drop our
daughter. I take a deep breath and open for
him. I hurry back to the lounge.
"Bassie's father is here," I inform Thuli and her
eyes widen.
"Shit! Take off your ring," I furrow my
forehead.
"No, I'm never taking this off. Everyone knows
that I love diamonds so they'll just figure that
it's one of many," she shrugs her shoulders.
"Okay. And the dress?" Thuli must relax.
Vhutshilo is smart but he won't put two and
two together. He will think we are just two
drunk women who used to sleep with the
same man.
"Ladies," he greets, walking in with his hands
burried in his pockets.
"Hey," Thuli and I say in unison.
"What are you two celebrating?" he asks,
looking at the ice bucket filled with
champagne and a bottle of taquila.
"You know, just phuza Thursday, nothing
much," he nods.
"Nice dress," he says with a confused smile. I
chuckle nervously.
"Thuli wants to become a fashion designer and
I'm her muse," I say and look at my friend who
gulps down her drink.
"Can I?" I nod and he settles on the single
couch.
"let me go to the bathroom," Thuli gets up and
leaves the room. I know it's to give us some
privacy.
"I'm sorry," he says.
"Why can't you be happy for me?" I ask and he
closes his eyes.
"I'm just worried Naledi. I don't want you to
get hurt. You just went through a lot with
Jimmy," I appreciate him for caring but he has
nothing to worry about.
"Shlobo is amazing. I have never loved any
man the way I love him," he gasps in shock,
"He loves me too and we want to spend the
rest of our lives together. Give him a chance
and I swear you'll like him. I want Bassie to
meet him next week, join us if you don't
mind," he swallows hard.
"I'll meet him, but promise that you will take
things slowly," I just nod to get him to chill.
"I will, now are we okay?" I ask and he smiles.
"Yes," he gets up from the couch and comes to
kneel infront of me on the rug. We share a
hug.
"Want a drink?" I ask and he nods.
"I have to go home but I'll have one glass," he
takes my flute and goes to the coffee table
and takes the open bottle of champagne. He's
about to walk back to me when he turns
again with narrowed eyes. He picks up the
marriage certificate on the table and after a
few minutes he turns in the speed of light.
Eyes blood shot red, there's a vein throbbing
on his forehead. Fuck!
"You married him?" he roars and I'm blinking
rapidly, my heart thudding hard against my
chest.
"Vhutshilo, you can't tell anyone," I say,
getting on my feet. He is shaking with anger,
jaws clenched. He squashes the glass in his
hand and I take a step back. Jesus, I have
never seen him so angry.
"Naledi, you married that guy?" his voice
doesn't come out matching his physical
appearance. He sounds wounded.
 CHAPTER 63
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I walk back inside the house with a huge grin

on my face. Talking to Naledi just lifts my
mood, what am I saying? Since I've met this
woman I've been at my happiest and now that
she's my wife I feel like I'm on top of the
world. I look at my silver wedding band and
smile, my heart swelling with pride and joy. I
still cannot believe that we did it, but I know
deep down in my heart that this was the
right decision. Naledi is everything and I didn't
have to wait a couple of years to confirm it.
Making her my wife was just inevitable, so
that's why we went for it.

Naledi wants to wait till later in the next

year for me to pay lobola but that's not
happening. Mid-January I'm sending a letter
to her mother and doing the right thing. I
hope and pray that she doesn't hate me after
finding out that I dragged her daughter to
home affairs before doing things the right
way. My wife told me that my mother-in-law
is a tough cookie and I didn't doubt that one
bit. I mean she is a politician after all.

The smile on my face fades when my eyes

land on my mother. She's sour, sitting on the
couch with a tray that has beans, she's
picking them out. Oh God, she's been in a foul
mood since I got here this morning. We
haven't exchanged a word, except for
greetings. I know she's still mad about the
whole Nonku and Naledi situation but I'm a
grown man and I can choose my own woman.
She needs to respect my decision and cut ties
with Nonku. I know I might sound hush but
my mother has no business staying in touch
with an ex of mine.

"So you're going to stay with that girl? Why

Shlobo? Why would you choose a forward
Johannesburg girl over MaSibisi?" she
obviously heard me answering Naledi's call
when I walked out of the lounge, leaving her
with her Nigerian movie and beans.
"Ma, I love that woman and nothing is going
to change that fact," I mutter, settling down
on the couch opposite hers.
"Aww Shlobo! Why did you bring Nonku to me
then turn around to fall for that girl?" I heave
a heavy sigh.
"I was never in-love with Nonku, ma. I just
gave the relationship a chance because of you
guys. Everyone wanted to see me moving on
from Melamina and the pressure got to me so
I ended up giving it a short. It was wrong of
me, I shouldn't have done that to Nonku and
most especially to myself. I wish I had waited
because now I know that my heart beat was
out there waiting for me. Naledi is amazing
mama, she's my everything. The minute I laid
my eyes on her in that elevator I felt my soul
move. I felt things I never thought I'd feel
again but way intense," I pause and take a
deep breath. My mother is looking at me and
her eyes have softened.
"Naledi is the reason why I want to get
married and give you a soccer team of
grandkids. Ma, please give her a chance. She's
the love of my life," she swallows hard.
"What about Nonku? How will she feel when
she learns that I've suddenly accepted that
girl?" I pinch the bridge of my nose.
"MaZikode. I am your son, my happiness
should be a priority to you not loyalty to
Nonku," that's a fact. She cannot choose
someone else over me. I know she likes Nonku
and knows personally how it feels to be
cheated on, but I'm happy and she should be
in support of that.
"Let me be the one to carry the guilt of
hurting Nonkululeko. I'm asking you, on
bended knees, to not hate Naledi because of
my mistake. She did nothing wrong, she didn't
know about me and Nonku. Her only crime
was falling in-love with me too," I've said my
truth and I'm hoping and praying that it
touches my mother so she can accept my
baby.
"I want to pay lobola mid-January and I need
your blessing for that," she gasps in shock.
"So soon?"
"I've waited 18 years for her mama. I don't
want to waste any more time," I watch her
close her eyes and when she opens them they
are glistening with tears.
"I always wanted to hear these words Shlobo.
As a mother I wanted you to find happiness
and love again. I will try to get over what
happened and give NoGoli a chance," she says
and I chuckle.
"Her name is Naledi ma, MaMoletsane," I say
and she claps once.
"You went out there and got a Sotho woman
with the biggest behind I've ever seen," I'm
thrown into a fit of laughter.
"She's sexy out of this world ma," I say and a
second later a bean hits my forehead.
"Ouch!" I yelp, looking at my mother. What
was that for?
"You're talking about sex with me? Am I your
friend? I don't need to know what you do with
her in the bedroom. Her big belly carrying my
grandchildren will let me know that your
machine works perfectly behind closed doors,"
I shouldn't have used the word sexy, I got a
little carried away. The thought of my
woman's body leaves my brain dizzy.
"I wasn't even talking about that... You know
what let's just leave that," she clicks her
tounge and I smile. I am happy and relieved
that she's going to give my wife a chance.
"Now that we've gotten that out of the way I
have something really important to tell you,
it's about Nhlangano," she puts the tray of
beans on the table and shifts until she's
sitting on the edge of the couch.
"What's wrong? Is he okay?" she asks hurriedly
and I shake my head.
"Your grandson has been sleeping with his
teacher, the one he was pushing me to date. I
think you'll remember her, she was at my
house attending the braai we had to celebrate
the soccer club," I say and her hand is on her
head, jaw on the floor.
"Shlobo no!" it comes out in a whisper.
"How can...what happened to girls his age?"
this will shock her even more.
"Nothing, he had a girlfriend and it turned out
the teacher is the girls mother," she leans
back, screaming at the top of her lungs.
"Oh Busisiwe! What is your child doing to us?
What is it that he wants and Shlobo doesn't
provide? The fridge is always full, he buys
clothes every other day. My son pays for DStv,
he also pays for that DVD he plays soccer
with. Recently he bought him a real soccer
club. With all of those things he couldn't find
one to keep busy, he thought playing in bed
with his teacher was better," my poor sister,
each time Nhlangano messes up he's her child.
I'm guilty of that too.
"I reported it to the school and a hearing was
held yesterday. She was found guilty and fired
on the spot. The matter is with the
department of education now, they will
decide if they take her certificate or not," I
explain and she wipes her tears.
"You need to take me to that harlot. One slap
from me and she will not look at another
young boy," violance solves nothing MaZikode.
"That's not where your grandsons drama
ends," I hate stressing my mom but she needs
to know.
"Call an ambulance please," she says, clutching
at her chest. "Don't tell me the teacher is
pregnant," I shake my head.
"No mama. I don't think Khwezi would be that
stupid," her shoulders relax but I'm afraid the
relief won't last long.
"Well, Mphikeleli reached out to Nhlangano
and lied to him about what happened with
Busi. He twisted the whole story and made it
look like I sent Mela there to fetch Busi while
it was raining heavily because I hated him for
being poor. He mentioned nothing about
almost beating him to death in my sisters
womb. And guess what? My son believes him
ma and things between us have been
awkward for a couple of weeks now," it's not
everyday where my mother has nothing to
say. She's starring at me with tears streaming
down her face.
"I don't know what to do ma." that's the
honest truth. I need her to tell me what to do
with Nhlangano.
 VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

I drink straight from the bottle and the

cognac burns my throat, causing me to
wrinkle my face. I've drank half of this thing
and it hasn't numb my pain. I won't lie, my
heart is broken. I don't remember ever feeling
this way, it feels like I have lost the biggest
part of my soul. I still cannot believe that
Naledi is married, I mean how can she do that
to me? After everything we have been
through together.
She only just met the guy. What if he's just
another jerk who's going to hurt her? I can't
sit back and watch her make the biggest
mistake of her life, for our daughters sake I
have to do something to put an end to this
madness.

"Vhutshilo, what the fuck is wrong with you?

I can't take this drinking and crying one more
minute. Tell me what's going on or I swear I'll
pack my shit and leave this house for good,"
Karabo bursts in the bedroom that belongs to
Naledi. I have been in here since Thursday
evening, the day all hope got destroyed. I only
leave to get more alcohol and use the
bathroom. I didn't go to work yesterday and I
didn't bother reporting because nothing
matters anymore.
"That would be the best thing you have ever
done in your life," I say and she gasps in
shock.
"What did you just say to me?" she asks,
sounding pained to the core. Right now I don't
care, she's annoying me. The sight of her
makes my stomach turn.
"I said you can pack up and fuck out of my
house, Karabo. This relationship is not gonna
work, I'm not the man for you. I thought I
could do this but truth is..."
She quickly interjects, "This has something to
do with Naledi. Only she can make you act
like someone died. What has she done this
time Vhutshilo?" there's so much hate laced in
her voice.
"Do you really want to know?" I ask, getting
off the bed.
"I wouldn't be asking if I didn't," she folds her
arms across her chest.
"I don't think your heart will handle the
truth," I take another gulp of my cognac then
groan deeply at the burning sensation. I
wonder why my taste buds and throat haven't
gotten used to it, I mean the bottle is almost
at its knees now.
"Just tell me, Vhutshilo!"
"You asked for it. My daughters mother went
on to get married to her new fling at home
affairs. She was going to keep it a secret but I
saw the marriage certificate when I went to
see her on Thursday," I say and she laughs.
"Good for them. Now, what made you think I
wouldn't handle such amazing news? You
thought I'll demand that you marry me too?"
she asks with an attitude and I scoff.
"No, Karabo. The whole thing made me realize
that I'm not over Naledi," I say and she
quickly grabs the door handle for balance.
"You don't mean that. You're just drunk, you
should sleep it off and I promise you will feel
better," I shake my head and blink, causing
my tears to fall. Karabo doesn't understand.
"You don't get it. I'm still in-love with her, it
looks like I have always been. You were right
to feel the way you've always felt where she
was concerned. I was just in denial, I didn't
want people to see me loving someone who
was living her life and loving someone else,"
she puts a hand over her mouth.
"Vhutshilo, please stop. I can't hear this,"
"Well you need to because it's the truth. This
thing between us won't work out, it's Naledi
that I want and I'm sorry for stringing you
along," she stands up straight before wiping
her tears with the back of her hand. Her eyes
darken, I can see nothing but hate in them.
She strides towards me and stops just a few
inches infront of me. Karabo takes the bottle
of cognac from my hand, not taking her eyes
off mine. She takes a sip and does something
unexpected, she pours the amber drink on my
head and I close my eyes, shocked as hell.
"You stupid fool. You will never get her back.
She doesn't see you like that, you're just her
baby daddy, one she remembers when she
needs an erand boy. A real man came into her
life and she didn't waste anytime with him.
She's his wife now and you can only cry about
it like a little bitch! I don't know what it is
that I saw in a pussy like yourself. I wish you
nothing but misery Vhutshilo." she drops the
bottle and it breaks all over the floor. Karabo
turns and walks out of the bedroom. I'm left
with her vile words ringing in my head.
 CHAPTER 64
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I park in the driveway of my mother's house

and climb out of my car, running to the front
door. Maswabi called and asked me to come
home immediately, she sounded besides
herself and that had my heart thudding
against my chest. I'm scared that something
has happened to my daughter.

I get to the lounge and my heart drops into

my stomach. Vhutshilo is passed out on the
couch and my mother is on the wheelchair,
hitting her fist on the arm rest. Manana stops
pacing up and down and gives me a chilling
look. Fuck this guy, he came running to my
mom after I asked him to keep the news of
my marriage to himself. This is not his
business, he had no right to tell. I'm super
mad at him and he's going to feel it so bad.
"What's going on?" I play dumb incase
Vhutshilo didn't say anything about Shlobo
and I.
"Don't do that Naledi, you know very well why
I called you here," I close my eyes.
"Nyeleti, how could you take such a huge step
behind our backs? That's not how things are
done," Manana says sternly and I swallow
hard. She's almost always on my side and
when she's not I know I fucked up real bad.
"I'm sorry," I say, looking down at my knotted
fingers.
"Sorry?! This is not one of your stupid drunken
mistakes Naledi. You married a total
stranger," Maswabi is livid, Jesus.
"He's not a stranger ma, he's my love. I know
how it seems to you guys but I've never loved
a man the way I love Shlobo," that's my
honest truth.
"Are you listening to yourself? Who marries
someone they've only known for 3 weeks? Do
you even know anything about this man
besides his name?" -Maswabi.
I nod vigorously. Of course I do, I know his
family history. I know his rise to success. I
know his biggest fears, his hopes and dreams.
I know enough to be comfortable as his wife.
We have the rest of our lives to learn more
about each other.
"Maswabi I think Naledi is going though
something. She never mourned Jimmy and
maybe this is how she's trying to numb her
pain and get over his death," what? No!
This has nothing to do with my ex.
"You're right Dzuni," unbelievable. Jimmy was
never mine to mourn for.
"That's not the reason mama. I love my
husband, I have never felt more alive like I do
now that he's in my life. He's everything I
never thought I needed until it was in front of
me. Please give us a chance," Manana huffs
out a humorless laugh. She's not impressed by
this at all.
"You have lost your mind, Nyeleti," oh but I
haven't. I am just in-love and following my
heart.
"He will send a letter and pay lobola in the
new year," mama clicks her tongue.
"Oh he wants to finish with what he was
supposed to start with," my mother says with
a flared nose.
The traitors eyes flickers open and he sits up
straight. He places a hand on his forehead and
groans.
"You're going to need an advil and another
strong cup of coffee," Manana mutters, "Never
drink like that again Vhutshilo. At least you
weren't stupid enough to drive in that state,"
oh he came here because of alcohol courage.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me,"
he says to Manana, then turns to look at me.
My face is hard, showing him that I'm pissed
at him.
"Naledi I..."
I quickly interject, "Don't you dare talk to me.
You had absolutely no right to come here and
tell my business," I say vehemently and he
closes his eyes as if in pain.
"Basetsana's father had every right to tell us.
You were planning on introducing that man
you married to his daughter," I mentally roll
my eyes.
"I'm going to get this marriage annulled," I
shake my head, that's not going to happen.
"No, I'm staying married to Shlobo. Mama I
love him, please give us a chance to do things
right," they all exchange a look.
"Naledi, It's too soon. Let's get this marriage
annulled. You and that man can continue your
relationship. If you're still feeling this way in
a years time then I will gladly accept his
lobola and be a witness at home affairs," my
mother says softly and I blink, allowing my
tears to fall.
"You don't understand, we are crazy about
each other. He's the love of my life, I swear no
one has ever felt so right in my life. Give him
a chance and I swear you will see just how
much we love and make each other happy," I
plead my case and they heave heavy sighs.
"We need to sit down with him and have a
convesation," my mother murmurs.
"He's landing this evening. I can bring him
through tomorrow after work," I quickly
respond.
"So he's always around now?" Vhutshilo asks
bitterly and I shoot him a nasty look.
"He is my husband! This stunt you pulled will
not change that, get it through your thick
skull," I say, pointing at my head for
emphasis.
Vhutshilo gets up from the couch.
"I think I'm gonna go. Manana please kiss
Bassie for me when she wakes up from her
nap," he says and storms out of the room.
"Do you see what you're doing to this young
man?" Manana asks and I raise an eyebrow.
"What am I doing to him? I just fell in love,
just like he did with Karabo. I never fought his
relationship, I've been rooting for it to work
out. Why is he fighting my relationship?" my
mother is about to answer when my phone
rings. I take it out of my pocket and it's my
husband. I glance at my parents nervously
before excusing myself.
"Baby," I answer.
"Sthandwa sami, are you okay?"
I take a deep breath, "Not really, I'm at my
mother's house defending our marriage," I
explain.
"What do you mean?"
"Vhutshilo came running to my mothers. He
told them that we got married at home
affairs,"
"I don't understand. How did he find out?" I
didn't tell Shlobo that my daughters father
knows because I thought he would keep his
mouth shut, but boy was I so wrong.
He went singing like a canary.
"He came to the house on Thursday to
apologize. He found me and Thuli having
drinks and I offered him one before he left.
The marriage certificate was on the coffee
table next to the ice bucket and he saw it. I
asked him not to say a word to anyone and I
thought he was on board seeing that a few
days had passed without my family coming
for me guns blazing, but now we are here,"
He exhales sharply, "Your mother must be
mad, I'm sure she wants my head on a
platter,"
"She wants to see you tomorrow after I come
back from work," he stays silent for a few
seconds.
"I'll meet her, sthandwa sami. I promise to
make this right," oh my love, I know you will.
"I don't regret marrying you," I reassure him.
"I'm happy to hear that Mrs. Mavimbela," I
blush scarlet.
"Listen sthandwa sami, I was calling to say
I'm leaving the house, I'll see you when I land,"
my butterflies go a tad crazy and my clitoris
pulsates. I know love making will be more
intense now that we are husband and wife.
"I can't wait, I love you," I say softly.
"And I love you, too, angel." we say our
goodbyes and I walk back to the lounge.
Mama and Manana are talking about me
when I walk in and they don't stop seeing
that I'm back. Wow, just wow.
"I'm gonna go check on Bassie. I have at least
two hours to spend with her before I have to
go pick up Shlobo from the airport,"
"Nyeleti, are you sure this marriage is not a
cry for help?" I shake my head.
"No, I love him dearly." I answer and walk
away to find my beautiful daughter. I wonder
if she saw her father drunk.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

"Babe, I swear I'll be there tomorrow morning

before going to work. I just need to pack
what's mine and talk to Thabo," I say to
Karabo and she heaves a sigh.
"Kat, you are not going to change your mind
right?" she asks and my heart breaks.
"I should have never chosen Thabo over you in
the first place. I am sorry that I once hurt you
that way and I promise never to do so again.
I'm just here to end my marriage and pack
what is mine," a part of me is tempted to
drive back to the air BnB where I've been with
Karabo since Saturday evening. She called me
after checking in, she was hysterical because
of what happened with Vhutshilo. It hurt
seeing her that way but I was also relieved
that their relationship ended. We spoke about
our future and decided to give our
relationship a proper chance. I have already
consulted with a lawyer and my divorce has
already been filed. Thabo will be served soon
but I want to tell him it's over this evening
then pack what's mine. This house and
everything we acquired as a married couple
will be shared 50/50. I had my personal assets
and funds moved so he doesn't try and claim
them.
"Okay, call me before you go to bed and please
don't sleep in the same bed as him," she
doesn't even have to ask.
"I love you, Karabo. Please believe this," she
takes a deep breath.
"I believe you."

I climber out of the car after ending the call

and head to the house. I open the door and
when I turn after closing it a hot slap lands
on my face, I fall down immediately. It stings
so bad I can't help but cry. I look up and
Thabo is towering over me, looking like he's
ready to murder me. I slide away from him
before he does something worse but the son
of a bitch chuckles, taking steps toward me.
"Where the fuck have you been?" he asks
through gritted teeth.
"Out, I needed to think," my voice comes out
in a whisper. I'm not even going to pretend
like I'm not I'm scared.
"It's Monday evening, Kat. You've been gone
for 2 days and your damn phone has been off.
Are you fuckin cheating on me?" he asks and I
try to get up but he kicks my chest so I stay
down. Jesus Christ.
"Thabo! You're hurting me," he squats and
pulls me by Karabo's blouse. I wore her clothes
to work because I didn't park anything when
she called crying on Saturday.
"Did you not hear me ask you a question? Are
you cheating on me?" he asks again, a vein
popping on his forehead. I am not going to
allow this man to abuse me for something
he's doing too. I bring my legs up and before
he can make sense of anything I kick him on
the chest too and he falls on his back, cussing
me out. I quickly get up on my feet and run to
the bedroom, I lock myself inside and open the
safe taking out my gun. Thabo was about to
try and get in when I open. I point the gun at
him and he blinks rapidly, stepping back with
his hands held up in surrender.
"You put your filthy hands on me you
bastard," he shakes his head.
"Babe, put the gun down and let's talk like
adults. I didn't mean to hit you, I was just so
mad. Kat you left home without saying a
word and I've been worried, I'm sorry," I smack
my lips.
"You're asking me if I'm cheating on you? You
who has been busy with Mabatho behind my
back?" he opens his mouth to say something
but words don't come out.
"Cat caught your tongue? You thought I'm
stupid right? That I didn't know you have
another phone where you talk to her and plan
your life together with my money?" he's
shocked to say the least. He can't deny
anything, I have screenshots of their
convesations. I've been checking his secret
phone each time I send him out on errands.
"Kat it means nothing. I swear to you, I'd
never choose anyone over you. You are my
wife and I love you. I will clear Mabatho and
prove to you that I want this marriage to
work," I chuckle.
"Well I don't. I'm done with this marriage. You
don't love me, Thabo. You are only with me
for survival. Once you get a job you'll leave
but I won't wait for that day. I want a
divorce," he gasps in shock.
"No, never! We said till death do us apart," I
roll my eyes.
"Death came in the form of Mabatho. I'm done
with this marriage, with you and the bullshit
you've put me through since you lost your
job." he closes his eyes, "Don't pretend to be
hurt. Be happy that you have another
opportunity to be with your love. At least
you'll leave with a little something from this
house and the savings," I add.
"Kat please," he begs, what for, I don't know.
"I'm moving out, you should also find a place.
My lawyer is going to put this house on the
market ASAP. We want you running to
Mabatho with some money in your pocket." I
say and he's looking at me like I've grown a
second head. I need to get out of here, I'll
come back tomorrow with back up to get my
things.
 CHAPTER 65
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

My wife and I are on our way to her mother's

house and I'm nervous out of my freaking
mind. I know for a fact that she's pissed at
me for taking her daughter to home affairs
behind her back. I'm just hoping and praying
that she doesn't hate me for it, I don't want
to have a hostile relationship with my mother
in-law. I genuinely love Naledi and I want to
be okay with everyone in her life.

"Uhm, did you talk to Nhlangano today? How

did he write?" Naledi asks, not taking her eyes
off the road.
"I called him immediately after his paper, he
said he wrote well," I answer.
The call was cold and quick. I never thought
in a million years my relationship with my
son would be this way. We have always been
close and open with each other. I miss him
and I'm going to try my level best to fix
things between us. I shouldn't allow
Mphikeleli to win, that would make my sister
not to rest in peace.
"That's great, I wish him all the best," I smile
at her.
"I love you," she says and my heart skips a
beat. Our relationship is the only thing that's
giving me joy right now. She came into my
life in the right time. I'm definitely God's
favorite son.
"I love you more babe," I take her hand and
bring it to my lips, kissing her knuckles.
"I'm sure your mother is waiting with a gun,
ready to blow my brains out," I joke and she's
thrown into a fit of laughter.
"No, babe. But I will tell you that she's going
to grill you until you're cooked to perfection,"
my stomach goes cold immediately.
"I'm scared baby but I will defend our
relationship with nothing but the truth,"
that's all I can do at the end of the day. I'm
not going to promise her heaven on earth but
I will promise to love, protect and provide for
Naledi all days of my life.
I'm sitting on the couch, legs crossed at the
ankle. My heart is thumping against my chest
but I'm trying my best not to show how
nervous I am. I'm alone in the lounge, looking
at the pictures hanging on one side of the
wall. Naledi went to get her mothers, I can
hear their voices from a distance. My phone
chimes in my pocket, I quickly take it out and
it's a text from Nonku, she's asking to meet
up. I don't respond, I just put my phone on
silent and return it to the pocket of my
pants.

"Dumela," I am startled by a voice behind me. I

quickly get on my feet and turn. It's Naledi's
mother, I know this because she's on the
wheelchair. Her daughter told me about her
condition. Behind her stands a tall lady whom
I assume is Manana and my beautiful wife.
Her eyes are soft and in a way sending
strength to me.
"Sanibonani," I greet, clasping my hands.
"Who are you and what brings you to my
house?" she means business.
"My name is Shlobosenkosi Mavimbela. I reside
in Durban but originally from a village called
Mahlabathini. My mother still lives there,
unfortunately my father is late," I introduce
myself in detail, just like I was taught, "I find
myself in your house today because I needed
to come kneel before you and ask for
forgiveness. I made a huge mistake of taking
your beautiful daughter to home affairs and
entering into a marriage without your
blessing. I do not regret making her my wife, I
just regret the way I went on about the
whole thing. It was pure disrespect to you as
her parents and to Naledi as well. I stand here
ready to take any kind of punishment you
give me. But I do promise to make things
right because your daughter is my whole
world," I say and steal a glance at my wife,
her eyes are glistening with tears.
"You've only known her for what? A month?"
she asks and I nod vigorously.
"We haven't known each other for long but
the heart knows. Mine knew the very minute
I laid my eyes on her. Naledi made me feel
things I never thought I'd ever feel in my life.
One look at her and my world was filled with
all sorts of possibilities. I love your princess,
she's my queen. I beg for a chance to make
things right, to apologize to you and those
before you. I would stand here and say
everything I think you want to hear but I'm
choosing to be honest. I'm not perfect and I
will make mistakes but I promise to make
your daughter happy, to make her feel loved
until the day I'm called back home by my
ancestors," I look down and wait for her
response.
"Let's sit down," she says and they all round
my couch and settle down, I lower myself
next to Naledi and she quickly reaches for my
hand, giving it a squeeze.
"Does your mother know about this?" my
mother in-law asks.
"MaZikode knows about Naledi and I. What
she doesn't know is that we are legally
married. I spoke to her on Saturday and
explained that I would like to send a letter to
you for lobola negotiations in January,"
Naledi's mothers share a look.
"I see," Manana says, "Now, you know that
Naledi has a child and she cannot possibly
move to Durban and leave her here. She also
cannot take Basetsana and move to KZN with
her because she has a very present father,"
she adds and I nod in agreement.
"Naledi and I haven't spoken about our place
of residence, but I've thought about it and I'm
prepared to uproot my life and bring it to
Johannesburg. My son is starting university
here next year and I can have a satellite office
in the city too. I'll just go to KZN now and
again to check in at HQ, my soccer club and
my family," I look at the beauty next to me
and she's looking at me with eyes full of
adoration. I don't think she expected me to do
this for us.
"Where is the mother of your son?" Manana
asks and I heave a sigh.
"Uhm well, my sister is late," both women
gasp in shock, "My sister died giving birth and
I took it upon myself to raise her son as my
own. It has been Nhlangano and I for the
longest time, his biological father only just
resurfaced," I see relief flash through their
eyes. They must have thought I committed
incest.
"So you don't have biological children of your
own?" Naledi's mother asks and I clear my
throat.
"Uhm... No, not yet,"
"I'm sorry about your sister, may her soul rest
in eternal peace. God bless you for stepping up
for her son, you're a great man for doing
that," wow, I wasn't expecting such heart
warming words from the minister.
"I am not happy with this marriage, only
because it happened too soon and behind our
backs. Naledi has been through a lot these
past couple of months, we would have loved
for her to take time and heal. But she says
she has found her soul mate in you and I
won't stand in the way of my daughters
happiness. I will be watching you like a hawk
Mavimbela and one wrong move I will come
for you," my heart swells with joy. They are
not one hundred but at least they are
allowing us to continue as husband and wife.
Naledi and I have to talk about the lobola
negotiations being earlier than January,
maybe first week December.
"I understand,"
"So, can I introduce Bassie to Shlobo?" Naledi
asks and both her mothers laugh.
"Oh now you're asking?" my wife looks down
embarrassed.
"Introduce them but take it slow, Naledi.
Don't tell Bassie that he's your husband yet," I
relax fully, the worst has passed.
I now have to put on my charm and win
princess Bassie over.
"I think she should do it over dinner, Bassie
will be more comfortable seeing that we all
know about him," Manana suggests.
"Okay, tonight?" Naledi asks.
"That's too soon," -Minister.
"Oh, Maswabi, Naledi and Shlobo have gotten
us here. There's no use delaying the inevitable,
let them do it tonight,"
My mother in-law heaves a sigh, "Fine, Naledi
go check on her. She was busy with
homework," she says, "Dzuni set the table."
they stand up and I'm left alone with the
minister.
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

"I don't feel like going back home," I throw my

head back.
"Hao why? Things still bad with Shlobo?"
Mphikeleli asks and I shrug my shoulders.
"Yeah, it's still awkward but that's not why I
don't want to go home," I explain and he
frowns.
"Talk to me, Nhlaks. I am here to listen and
help solve things. Please allow me to at least
play my role as a father, I've missed out on so
much already," he says, melancholy laced all
over his voice.
"It's MaZikode. She's around and doing too
much. She walks into my room unannounced,
questions me when I get calls and she just
won't let the whole drama go," I love my
grandmother but she's annoying me right
now. "I even had to lie and say I'm going to
study with Rajesh so I could come meet you,"
"My drama or the drama with your teacher?"
he asks and I grab my beer and gulp it down.
This is my second one, I'm glad Mphikeleli
allowed me to drink even though I'm in the
middle of exams. He understands that two
beers won't make me fail. If it was my dad, he
would have given me a sermon.
"Both, actually. I can't wait for my dad to
come back so MaZikode can go back to
Mahlabathini. At least he doesn't press my
neck every chance he gets," Mphikeleli
furrows his forehead.
"Where's Shlobo?"
"In Johannesburg. He has a new girlfriend and
she seems to be all he cares about now. I
wouldn't be surprised to hear him say he's
moving there permanently," I say bitterly. I
feel like his relationship with that Naledi girl
is the reason why he hasn't taken time out to
try and fix our relationship.
"Haibo! What happened to the girlfriend with
kids? The one you went to Cape Town with," I
wish I knew.
"I don't know. I woke up last week and I was
introduced to a Naledi. That girl is closer to
me in age, she's just a gold digger if you ask
me," he laughs.
"Shlobo is a hypocrite. He destroyed your
teacher for sleeping with you but he's sleeping
with a young girl too," I haven't thought of it
that way but come to think of it, he's right.
"It must be nice huh? Having fun and living
your life while mine is destroyed," Mphikeleli
and I look up to find Khwezi towering over us.
"Khwezi," my voice comes out in a whisper.
"I've been sending you texts, asking that we
meet up because I have something important
to discuss with you but you block every
number," I close my eyes and lean back on my
chair.
"My father warned me against talking to you.
I don't want anymore drama," I say and she
chuckles.
"Must be nice being you," she pokes my
forehead with a finger and Mphikeleli quickly
gets on his feet.
"Okay, let's not cause a scene. Please sit down
so we can talk like adults," he says and
Khwezi gives him a dirty look.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Mphikeleli, Nhlangano's biological
father. He told me what happened with you.
Please sit so you can say the important thing
to my son," he says softly and Khwezi relaxes.
She settles down on the chair Mphikeleli
pulled out for her.
"What is it?" I ask, annoyed.
"You are being an ass. My life is on its knees, I
lost my job, my pension, my reputation but
most off all I lost the most important thing,
my daughter. You still have everything
Nhlangano," she says and I feel a little guilty.
"As if that wasn't enough the damn stick
came back with two lines," she says and her
tears fall.
"What did you say?" the horror in Mphikeleli's
voice has my eyes widened.
"I took a test and it came back positive," she
explains and Mphikeleli cusses under his
breath.
"You're pregnant?" he asks and Khwezi nods.
The fuck? My heart drops into my stomach.
"What? How?" she looks at me like I'm stupid.
"Oh let's see. You slept with me without a
condom, your sperm met with my egg,
fertilization happened and boom I'm pregnant.
Does that make any sense to you?" I break a
sweat immediately.
"Khwezi...Pregnant..." Oh God!
I snap my fingers, calling the waitress that's
passing.
"Can I help you sir?"
"Six shots of tequila please," she nods and
walks away.
"Getting wasted won't get rid of this baby."
Khwezi purrs.
 CHAPTER 66
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

It has been 2 days since Khwezi told me she's

pregnant and my head has been spinning
since. How did this happen? Why did I allow
myself to fall for her seduction? My life is
ruined, what am I going to do with a child
when I'm a child myself? My dad and
grandmother are going to freak out, this is
going to make things worse between us.

I'm not ready to be a dad and Khwezi told me

to my face that she's not going to consider
abortion. I'm mad at her, mad as hell because
when we started she told me she was on birth
control. There's a little voice in the back of
my head telling me that the baby she's
carrying is not mine. I'm not sure if I was the
only one hitting it. I mean she could have
been seeing someone else besides me, there's
a lot I didn't know about her. Her drug
addiction being the one in bold capital letters.
Zekhethelo is going to hate me more when
she finds out about this pregnancy. All hope
of us ever getting back together is destroyed.
Why would she want to be with someone who
fathered her sibling? That sounds so twisted
and evil, I'm the devil for ever hurting my first
love. God, what did I do? Can't I turn back the
hands of time and avoid starting anything
with my teacher? If I get this one thing then I
promise to only love Ze and her alone for the
rest of my life.

My phone chimes and I reach for it next to

me. It's a text from Mphikeleli asking me to
come to his house so we can talk. I haven't
seen him since that day at the restaurant. I
get up from the bed and put on my sneakers
before leaving my room.
My grandmother is singing in the kitchen,
yoh, I can't wait for her to go back to
Mahlabathini. She's standing over the stove,
stirring her pot. I open the drawer and take
out the Range Rover keys.
"What are you doing with those?" she asks
and I mentally roll my eyes.
"I'm going out for a bit, I'll be back before
dinner," I answer and she chuckles.
"Drop those keys, you're not going anywhere
with my sons car," I heave a sigh.
"Gogo, I have permission from my father to
use the cars when I need to," she raises an
eyebrow.
"Oh, he's your father again? Weren't you the
one that hurt him by choosing that criminal
and woman beater over him?" her words
manage to sting my heart a little.
"I never chose anyone over him. I just want to
have a relationship with my biological father
and please stop calling him names," I say
dryly.
"You've grown balls I see," I don't have time
for this back and forth with MaZikode.
"When are you leaving? Thalente and I don't
need baby sitting," she gasps in shock.
"You see this house? It belongs to my son. No
one, not even an ungrateful brat like you will
make me uncomfortable in it. I will leave my
sons house when I want to," she is pointing at
me with the wooden spoon.
"I'm out of here," I head to the door but my
grandmother grabs me, without thinking
about it I yank my arm and she loses her
footing but manages to balance on the
kitchen counter. I blink rapidly, what the fuck
did I just do.
"Yoh! Nhlangano, you're hitting me? Oh
Busisiwe, your son has now grown big to put
his hands on me. Oh but they did say that you
feed a snake only for it to grow and bite you,"
MaZikode cries.
"Gogo, it was not on purpose," I say softly and
she's shaking her head, tears streaming down
her face.
"He has rubbed off on you in a wrong way.
Mphikeleli's violent manner is in full display
now, the apple really doesn't fall far from the
tree." wow, just wow.
I walk out of the house with my heart
thudding against my chest.
.
.
.

"Take this, it will calm you down," Mphikeleli

hands me a glass of an amber drink, whisky or
brandy, I don't know. I just gulp it down and
it burns my throat.
"Don't take her to heart, she's just an old lady.
They like making noise," he says and I chuckle.
"Stop trying to speak good for them because
they tarnish your name every chance they
get," I say and he shakes his head.
"Let's not talk about them then," thank God,
"Are you ready for your next paper?" he asks
and I shrug my shoulders.
"I hope so, this Khwezi drama has gotten to
my head," I explain and he heaves a sigh.
"That's actually why I called you here," he
leans in and places his elbows on his knees,
"How do you feel about being a father?" he
asks and I swallow hard.
"I'm scared, I'm not ready to be a father," he
offers me a smile.
"I understand and no one is ever ready for
that responsibility, but the 9 months gives
you time to wrap your head around it," he
explains calmly.
"If it was Ze, maybe, but it's her mother. I
don't see myself ever being ready to step up.
Khwezi comes with a lot," he nods vigorously.
"And yet you still decided to sleep with her
without a condom. Nhlanago, these are the
consequences of your actions. There's nothing
we can do to change the situation. I know
you're not ready but you don't have a choice.
One thing I will tell you is that you must not
turn your back on your baby. Yes, the mother
is not who you want but what she's carrying
is your flesh and blood," I close my eyes,
hating that he's making sense.
"Tell me what to do," it comes out in a
whisper and he gives my shoulder a squeeze.
"It's time to man up boy. All your dreams and
aspirations have to align with you becoming a
dad. You wanted to go to Johannesburg for
university but now you can't. You'll have to
stay in Durban and study here, while also
playing football for an income. You know
Shlobo will not be happy about this baby and
he will not be interested in supporting it. You
have to man up now, I'll help you get a
contract with the team I'm going to join next
season and make sure you're paid real good,"
he says and a million thoughts are running
through my head. My dream of going to Wits
is down the drain all because I decided to
think with my dick. Fuck Nhlangano!
"The rest we will figure out as we go,
together. This is the least I can do since I
wasn't in your life growing up," he says and
I'm grateful that he's in my life now. I'd be
dealing with this alone if he was still a
stranger to me.
"Thank you,"
"When are you going to tell Shlobo and your
grandmother?" world war 3, I'm not ready.
 THULISILE KHAMBULE

"Aahhhh!" I moan as this orgasm rips me

apart. I cannot believe that I just made myself
feel that kind of pleasure.
"I wish I there, in between your legs. I can
imagine how wet and tight you are. Fuck,
Thulz, I miss you," Mongezi says and I blush,
trying to catch my breath. I wish he was here
too, doing things unspeakable things to me.
"Why did you have to go to Mpumalanga," I
mutter and he heaves a sigh.
"It's been a while since I saw my family babe,
but don't stress, I'll be back soon," this boy
has been making me feel alive. I don't
remember the last time I felt so sexy and
desirable.
"I've seen my pussy cum for me, let me see
your face now," I giggle, reaching for the
phone between my legs. Mongezi made me
strip off my clothes, lie down on the rug and
place the phone between my legs so he could
watch as I masterbate for him. I have never
touched myself like that and it was hot, more
so because he was telling me what to do the
entire time.
"Was that nicer than my dick?" I bite my
lower lip and shake my head.
"Nothing comes close to your joy stick, you
know this," that's the honest truth.
"I would have gotten in the car and drove
there if your answer was the opposite," oh
wow.
"I can still change my answer you know," he
offers me a lopsided smile.
"Thulz, aren't you a thirsty sexy thing," he
says, totally amused.
"You've created a sex crazed animal in the few
times we've been together," he narrows his
eyes.
"Oh, I love to hear that," I was so shy when we
first started but now I'm comfortable in my
skin.
"I need to send Naledi flowers for giving me
your number, experiencing you has been
amazing,"
"So no regrets calling a young boy daddy in
the bedroom?" I shake my head.
"Absolutely not. Had I known that getting
myself young blood would make me feel so
alive I would have done it sooner,"
He raises an eyebrow.
"I'm glad you waited for me," oh me too,
Mongezi, me too.
"What nonsense, Thulisile!" Khabo bursts into
my bedroom, what the hell?
"Let me call you back," I say to Mongezi and
end the video call. I slowly get up from the
floor and grab my night gown on the bed, I
put it on, not moved by the angry Khabo.
"Didn't I tell you to stop coming and going like
this is your house?" I ask and she huffs out a
humorless laugh.
"This is Jimmy's house, a Khambule house," I
raise an eyebrow.
"Do you see Jimmy anywhere? And you're
right, this is a Khambule house and the last
time I checked you're a Mbatha," she gasps in
shock.
"Thulisile what has gotten into you?" she ask,
a hand placed on her chest. "When did you
start sleeping around with young boys? See
why I told you to cut ties with that harlot
Naledi? She's the reason why you have been
behaving like a straat mate," she really enjoys
insulting me in my own home.
"Why were you eavesdropping on my private
convesation?" I ask, totally annoyed.
"I wasn't. I came in and called for you but you
didn't answer. So I came to check you in here,
the door was ajar and I heard you doing that
filth on the phone," I'm not even ashamed. I'm
a single woman and I have the right to live
my life however I want.
"Drop my keys and leave. Next time call
before you show up here, are we clear?" she's
blinking rapidly, not believing her ears.
 CHAPTER 67
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I hate this coming and going, I just want to be

in one place with my wife but there's an
emergency I have to attend at home.
MaZikode called and told me Nhlangano has
been a pain in the arse; I know how hard my
mom can be so I called my little sister to ask
what has been happening and she told me
that Nhlangano has been a totally different
person. Thalente said he has been talking back
at them and coming home late at night from
God knows where. I'm angry but mostly
disappointed, that's not the kind of child I
raised. I know this behavior has everything to
do with Mphikeleli, Nhlangano has never even
rolled his eyes at us before that man came
into our lives. I have to do something about it
and fast, there has to be a way to get
Mphikeleli's claws out of my boy before it's
too late.
I am in the Uber headed to my house, I landed
at king Shaka not so long ago and I've spoken
to my wife on the phone. She misses me
already but at the same time excited to spend
some time alone with Basetsana. The princess
and I met that night at my mother in-laws
house and she was a little awkward. The
second time we met was a little better, we
went out for ice cream and she started telling
me about school and her friends. Naledi
assured me that she will warm up to me
eventually and I'm holding on to her words.
God knows that I want to have an amazing
relationship with my wife's daughter. I want
her to know that she has one more person she
can count on in this life.

The cab drops me off at home and I pay the

guy and thank him. I press the remote and
the gate slides open, my Range Rover is
parked in the driveway, so he has been using
my cars and coming back late with them. I
feel a little anger bubbling in my stomach,
what has gotten into this boy?
I find MaZikode and Thalente in the lounge,
watching a Nigerian movie, nothing new
there. I greet them and my sister gets on her
feet, hugging me with the biggest smile on
her face.

"Bhut'Shlobo, I'm so happy you're home," I hug

her back then kiss the top of her head.
"As happy as me, Thale? I don't think so my
baby," my mom says and I know the situation
with Nhlangano has been insane.
"Is he that bad?" I ask and they both nod.
"I've never seen him with that kind of
attitude. He snaps at us, uses inappropriate
language when we reprimand him for using
your cars and coming back at night. MaZikode
was asking him to stop galivanting and focus
on his studies as he is in the middle of exam
and he told her to focus on her business," my
sister explains and my mother laughs.
"Thats putting it nicely, Thale. Your son told
me to mind my fuckin business Shlobosenkosi.
Nhlangano has put his hands on me and
insulted me, something you have never done
in your entire life," I gasp in shock. What the
hell?
"Thale, call him now!" I order, settling down on
the couch. I'm shaking with anger, how dare
her swear at my mother like that? And he
touched her? Now he has crossed the line.
"Baba, you called," He walks into the room
with his hands buried deep in the pockets of
his sweatpants. I raise an eyebrow.
"You hit and swear at my mother?" I ask and
he rolls his eyes. I am shocked to say the
least.
"Gogo is just exaggerating," he answers me
nonchalantly and I chuckle in disbelief. This
one right here? This is not my son.
"You see? This is the attitude we told you
about," I can see it and it's taking everything
in me not to get up and slap him silly.
"What's your problem Nhlangano? Why are
you behaving this way? And who gave you
permission to use my cars?" he licks his lower
lip and takes a step back.
"Baba, I'm not in the mood, please," kahle bo!
He said what?
"Who do you think you're talking to like that?"
I ask, this time getting on my feet. My son
doesn't squirm or anything like that, rather,
he squares his shoulders and tightens his jaw.
"Hao! You're puffing out your chest for me?" I
ask.
"I'm trying to tell you that I'm not in the
mood to discuss any of this but you want to
force matters. Why can't you all just give me
space to breathe?" he shouts at me and my
mother claps once. We all cannot believe this.
"Nhlangano, what's wrong with you? When did
you start being disrespectful to us?" my voice
breaks. What demon has possessed my son?
"Because I'm going through shit that you'll
judge me for baba. Khwezi is pregnant!" he
blurts it out and my heart drops into my
stomach.
"What did you say?" it comes out in a whisper
from MaZikode.
"She's pregnant and I have to step up and help
her out," my knees are wobbly, too weak to
carry me, I settle back on the couch and a
tear escapes the corner of my eye.
"That's not your child. That drug addict harlot
is trying to pin her bastard child on you," my
mother says and I totally agree with her.
"I thought so too but I met with her this
afternoon and she is open to doing a DNA test
to prove that the baby is mine. That made me
believe her, I mean someone who is trying to
pin a pregnancy on you wouldn't be open to
that," I cannot believe my ears. This is not
happening, he's too young to be a father.
"A baby with someone old enough to be your
mother? Nhlangano what did you do?" my
mother joins me with the water works.
"I didn't plan for this to happen. I am not
ready to be a father but there's nothing we
can do," he is no longer hostile.
"Uhm, there is. Khwezi can't have this baby.
You're too young Nhlangano and you have so
much happening for you in the next year,
Attending Wits and starting life away from us
as a young adult," I mutter and he shakes his
head.
"She won't abort and I can't force her. But I
know I have to step up for her and the baby. I
got her pregnant and I have to help her out,
she has no one and nothing. You made sure of
that baba," he says and I narrow my eyes.
"What do you mean step up?" I ask and he
takes a deep breath.
"I can't go to Wits anymore. I'm going to stay
here in Durban, attend UKZN and find a job as
a soccer player and help Khwezi with
everything," my heart drops into my stomach.
Is this a dream? It has to be because it's too
painful to be my reality.
"Nhlangano, please don't do that," I beg.
"What else can I do? Will you help out? Will
you take Khwezi in and support her and the
baby while I'm Johannesburg?" oh hell no.
"Over my dead body!" MaZikode exclaims.
"Then Wits is down the drain. I have to be
man enough for my child," I try to say
something but a huge lump is clogged in my
throat.
"That woman is old enough to figure things
out on her own," my mother adds, "She is not
coming to this house to milk my son after she
seduced you, her student. I refuse to let her
ride us for a comfortable life," I'm looking at
Nhlangano with a bleeding heart.
"She will have to figure things out until she
gives birth. Once the DNA confirms that the
child is yours like she claims then I will take
the child and raise him," -MaZikode.
"You want to take a child from its mom?" he
asks horrified.
"A drug addict mother, yes," I close my eyes.
The poor baby, what if Khwezi uses while
she's pregnant and it affects the baby? Will I
be able to forgive myself? Maybe Nhlagano is
right, I can give her a home so MaZikode can
keep an eye on her.
"Ma, maybe for that reason we can take her
in. We wouldn't want our grandchild to have
complications because she was using," my
mother shakes her head.
"She's not milking us, Shlobo. We will only
take the child and care for him once it's
confirmed that he's ours," mama is mad right
now but I'll try to make her see reason once
she has calmed down. I'm not ecstatic about
the situation either but an innocent life is at
stake here and if I don't step up my son is
going to throw his future away.
"Khwezi won't be your first victim. You did
that to my father too, painted him the devil
and made sure he wasn't a part of my life. If
you think I'm going to allow you to do to my
child what you did to me then you have
another thing coming. Khwezi has her flaws
but I will help her stay clean and deliver my
baby alive and healthy," my mother gets up
and stands inches from Nhlangano.
This reminds me of Busisiwe, she protected
Mphikeleli this way too and it was to her
detriment.
"You ungrateful child. You think you know
everything huh? You think Mphikeleli is an
angel? Well he's not, he is the reason you
don't have a mother, he beat her up with you
inside of her and left her for dead. If it wasn't
for him then my daughter and Mela would
still be alive. The rubbish he fed you is not the
truth and I hope it's not too late when you
realize it," my mother says, livid.
I'm just stuck on this couch, not knowing
what to do or say. What I know, however, is
that I'm beyond hurt by Nhlangano and what
has happened in the last couple of weeks.
"I'm not doing this, I'm not staying for this
shit!" he says and storms out of the room. I
get up to follow him but my mother holds out
a finger.
"Don't you dare. Nhlangano will not dance on
our heads." she snaps and I sit back down. A
few minutes later Nhlangano walks past the
lounge with a sports bag. My eyes widen.
"Where are you going?" I ask, panicked.
"Somewhere I'm not treated like a kid," he
snaps.
"Don't touch my sons cars, let those that
don't treat you like a child buy you one, usile
wena nonsense!" oh mama, that's only going
to make things worse. We're pushing him
right into Mphikeleli and Khwezi's arms.
 VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

I'm sober today, this is the first time since I

found out about Naledi getting married. I
wasn't going to stop because it's the only
thing that numbs my pain, but my mom and
dad intervened yesterday. They told me
alcohol wasn't going to change the fact that
she has someone now and it hurt to hear
that. That guy came along and took
something I've been waiting for since Naledi
and I were forced apart 10 years ago. I know I
was planning a life with someone else but
that was only to hide the fact that I still
wanted my daughters mother.

I thought telling her mom about the whole

thing would work in my favor. I thought
minister would put an end to the nonsense
but it didn't happen that way. The guy was
invited over for a conversation and then my
daughter was introduced to him. That was
like a knife plunged into my heart then
twisted. I still wonder why it was easy for the
minister to accept that guy when she fought
tooth and nail to make sure Naledi and I
broke up when the news of her pregnancy
broke. She claimed that I was too old for her
daughter but this guy is old enough to be
Naledi's father but he gets the green light.

Johannesburg was too much for me so I got

someone to drive me home as I was too drunk
to drive myself. I needed to be away from
everything, I was avoiding more fights with
Bassie's mother and to also protect my child
from seeing me drunk again. She was shocked
and scared on Sunday when I arrived at her
grandmother's house, it was her first time
seeing me that out of control. I'm ashamed to
pick up my phone and call her, what if she
brings it up? How will I answer her? I've only
spoken to Manana since the incident and she
told me that they spoke with Naledi's
husband and they are blessing their nonsense
marriage. She assured me that Bassie will
never move away and that the guy knows and
respects that I am Basetsana's father.
"Morning," I greet as I walk in the kitchen.
My mother is busy washing the dishes.
"Morning, you look well rested," she says and I
nod.
"Yeah, I feel so much better," I'm a little
hangover but I'll give my mother a little hope.
"I'm happy to hear that. You need to snap out
of it Vhutshilo, you have responsibilities. Your
daughter has been calling, asking if you're not
yet feeling better. I hate lying to my
grandbaby and its not fair that you're
stressing her this way, she loves you and has
never went so long without seeing or talking
to you. Please don't allow your heart break to
rob Takalani off her daddy," she's right, my
daughter deserves so much better.
"I'll call her after eating, I'm famished," I say
and she smiles. I was starving myself while I
was on a binge and that worried her.
"Let me prepare something for you. I'm sure
you won't appreciate soft porridge, that's
what I made," I shake my head.
"I'd like something greasy, thanks mom," I pull
out the bar stool then settle down and watch
mama take out English breakfast ingredients
from the fridge.
"You know Vhutshilo I've been asking myself
one question since you got here on Tuesday,"
she says and I narrow my eyes.
"What's the question?"
"Why now? Why are you only being honest
about your feelings for Naledi?" she asks and I
swallow, causing my adam's apple to bob,
that was not expected.
"I don't know ma, I guess it's because we've
been friends for so long and I was scared that
I would ruin things if I told her I wanted us to
try again. I don't know how to explain it but
it has always been her, the feelings became
stronger along the years as I watched her
grow and mature," I say, hoping I'm making
sense, "Her finding someone so serious just
made me realize how intense I feel for her and
how much I want her as my wife, raising
Takalani and our other children in the future."
she nods, her understanding or what? I'm not
sure.
"I'm sorry, but you need to move on because
she's his wife now," that's the bitter truth.
"I know and I'll try."
 CHAPTER 68
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I haven't seen Nhlangano since he left the

house on Friday, I tried calling him the whole
weekend but his phone has been off. I have
been struggling with everything, sleeping,
eating and just coping in general. My wife
wanted to drop everything in Johannesburg
and come be by my side but I didn't allow her
to do so, it wouldn't have been fair on
Basetsana. I'll just deal with the drama that's
happening here and once everything has died
down I will go back to her.

I'm sitting in the staff room at Nhlangano's

school, waiting for him to finish writing. The
principal already went to the exam center to
ask him to come to his office when he's done
writing. I am relieved that he came to write, I
was worried that Nhlangano would miss his
exam because of the ongoing drama. That
would have broken the little that's left in me.
I don't want him to throw away his future.
"Mr Mavimbela, here's your son," The principal
walks in with Nhlangano who has his nose
flared, he is not happy to see me and that
hurts.
"Thank you," I offer the principal a smile and
he narrows his eyes. He tried asking if
everything is okay and I managed to brush
him off without giving much away.
"I will leave you two alone," he walks out,
closing the door behind him.
"How did you write?" I ask, trying to lighten
the mood.
"Fine. What are you doing here baba?" the
vehemence in his voice makes me close my
eyes in pain. What's happening to my sweet,
funny and fashion crazed son? I cannot
recognize this angry, disrespectful shell before
my eyes.
"You know why Nhlangano. Where have you
been? Have you any idea how worried I have
been about you?" I ask and he chuckles.
"I am old enough to take care of myself, baba.
I'm about to be a father so please don't treat
me like a child," I never saw a day like this
coming.
"Can you just calm down, I'm not here to
fight. I just wanted to know if you're okay
and bring you home," he shakes his head.
"I'm not coming back home. I told you I have
to step up for Khwezi and the baby,"
I get on my feet and take a deep breath.
"Nhlangano, you're a kid yourself. You have to
understand that and give MaZikode and I a
chance to fix all of this on your behalf," he
punches the air in frustration.
"Stop calling me a child, fuck!" he half shouts
and I'm left perplexed.
"Watch your language wena," I warn him.
"No. I won't. You need to hear me and hear me
good baba. I'm not coming back to your
house, you have refused to help my child's
mother. I won't live comfortably in your big
house while she suffers with the baby I made
with her," I have an urge to slap this fool back
to his senses.
My hurt is suddenly replaced by anger.
"Big man, where will you stay with your
pregnant girlfriend? Where will you get money
to pay rent, buy groceries and take her to the
doctor? How will you help her stay off drugs
all on your own?" I ask, folding my arms
across my chest.
"I have a father who will stand by me. A
father who knows the pain of being your
victim," he answers through gritted teeth and
my heart drop into my stomach.
"Mphikeleli?"My voice comes out in a whisper,
tears burn my eyes.
"Yes, he will help Khwezi and I through this
journey and I'm grateful that he didn't listen
to you when you told him to stay away from
me," wow, just wow.
"18 years Nhlangano and this is how you treat
me?" I'm hurting to my soul, I can't believe
this.
"You wouldn't have needed to give 18 years of
your life if you had just allowed my father to
be a part of my life and raise me," a tear
escapes my eye.
The venom that's coming out of this boys
mouth is slowly killing me.
"You're saying all of these things to me?"
He looks around the room, "I don't see anyone
else in here with us," Huh! Okay, I won't stand
for this disrespect one more minute.
MaZikode was right, we should let Nhlangano
to burn so he knows not to play with fire
next time. I wipe my tears.
"So you want to be his son?" I ask and he nods
without hesitation.
"I respect that. I give you to him for free, he
doesn't have to pay a dime to me and my
mother. Please tell him to change your
surname too, the Mavimbela's don't have a
child that can stand before their father and
hurt his heart," I grab my phone and car keys
on the table and head for the door, I stop
after turning the handle, "Please don't come
running to me once Mphikeleli has removed
his mask and shown you who he really is." he
blinks rapidly and swallows hard.
.
.
.

"Thale, thank you for rushing back home," I

say and she nods.
"It's okay, I was just at the library,"
"Shlobo, what's wrong? I have never seen you
that angry," my mother asks and I take a deep
breath, leaning back on the couch.
"Well, uhm, I went to see Nhlangano at
school. He told me that he's living with
Mphikeleli now and said some awful things to
me. So, I wanted to tell you both that from
hence forth Nhlangano is not my son, not
because I want it that way but because he
has chosen a snake over me and insulted me
because of it," Thale gasps in shock.
"I know he has hurt you but bhut'Shlobo
please don't give up on him," she begs with
tears glistening in his eyes.
"He's the one that gave up on me, Thale. I
gave that boy 18 years of my life, loved him
unconditionally, provided for everything and
supported his every dream," I explain with a
heavy heart.
"He is my grandson and I love him but he has
refused to listen to us. Let's let him walk the
thorny road bare foot so he learns to listen to
those that have walked it before," MaZikode
says, brushing Thalente's back.
"I've washed my hands off him. He says he's a
grown man and so I'll let him be one," my
sister wipes her tears.
"No one can blame you, Shlobo, not even Busi
in her grave. She has to save her son now, we
tried our best for 18 years," mama adds and I
nod.
"It's time to live my life now. I found a woman
I love with every fiber of my being and I've
decided to move to Johannesburg so I can be
closer to her," Mama and Thale exchange a
look.
"Haibo! Shlobo, what about your company?
The soccer team? Your sister and me?"
"I'll still run my company, I'll have a satellite
office in Johannesburg. Meetings can now be
held virtually. I'll only come to headquarters if
the need arises. Don't stress yourself about
the soccer team, I don't do much as it is. We
have people ensuring that it runs smoothly," I
watch MaZikode shift uncomfortably on the
couch.
"You both can move to Johannesburg with me
if you like. I'll buy you a house ma and Thale
can stay with you or rent an apartment," I
say and she shakes her head.
"I can't leave Mahlabathini. That's where your
father and Busisiwe are. Why can't your
girlfriend move to natal?" I shake my head in
return.
"I need the fresh start ma. Please be okay
with this," she pinches the bridge of her nose.
"I told you that I'm in full support of your
relationship bhuti, I've always wanted you to
be happy and in-love. But I can't leave KZN,
my mother and siblings are here," I nod my
understanding.
"It's okay, but you'll stay here until you're
married. Naledi and I will visit now and
again," she nods with a smile.
"Ma?" I am not asking for her permission just
her blessing.
"You said you want to marry her and the Bible
says a man will leave his mother and father
and be united with his wife," hao? That easy? I
thought she'd cause drama before she accepts
and blesses my decision.
"Thank you, ma. I love her so please be gentle
with her when we visit you," she frowns.
"What is that supposed to mean? Am I a
monster?" I raise an eyebrow with a smirk.
"You weren't pleasant to her when you found
her here with me," she smacks her lips.
"That's because you were being isfebe se
ndoda. You had just introduced Nonku to me
and then she comes crying to me. When I get
here to hear your side of the story I find you
kissing a girl with the biggest behind I've ever
seen," she says and Thalente is thrown into a
fit of laughter. "But now she is going to be my
daughter in law, I don't have a choice but to
open my heart and get to know her," she adds
and my heart swells with gratitude.
"Thank you,"
"Now, when are you planning on leaving for
Johannesburg?" she asks.
"Maybe next week. I have to take care of
things at the office and drive to Mahlabathini
this weekend. I need to talk to my uncles, I'm
no longer sending the letter to Naledi's family
mid-January, it's now first week December. I
can't wait longer to make her mine fully," my
sister starts ululating.
"I hear you and that's okay with me but let's
hold Thalente's ceremony before then. She
needs to use her father's surname," I nod
vigorously.
"Let's do it this weekend then, we have four
days to prepare. I'll call the Mavimbela elders
and Mamu'Gasela," ma takes a deep breath.
"We will have to drive to Mahlabathini first
thing in the morning." we don't have a choice.
I'll have to take care of things at the office
via calls and emails with my assistant.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

Thuli and her weekday dates. I'm tired out of

my mind, Mondays are the pits. I always have
so much to do at the office, Chief Executive
Officer is just a fancy term for an over
worked person. I miss my job as a manager, I
only had to worry about my department not
the whole organization. But asides the
complaints, I really enjoy the challenge and
experiences that comes with it all.

I get to the restaurant and climb out of the

car, fixing my pencil skit. I had to come here
dressed formally, I would have been late if I
started at my house to change. I walk inside
and I'm welcomed by a waiter, I tell him I'm
meeting someone and he points me to Thuli
by the corner. She already has a cocktail
infront of her, oh I need a drink. I couldn't
indulge properly this weekend because I was
with my daughter.
Speaking of Bassie, she and I spoke about
Shlobo extensively. I explained to her that
mommy loves him and would like to marry
him. I asked her how she would feel about it
and she giggled and asked if that would mean
having a sibling. I nervously answered yes,
scared that my response will make her hate
Shlobo but to my surprise she asked me to
marry him quickly because she wants to be a
big sister. My husband is going to be thrilled
when I tell him, he thinks Bassie doesn't like
him much. The first time they met at my
mother's house she was distant and when we
took her out for ice cream she relaxed a bit
and started telling him stories. Shlobo will be
ecstatic to know we have the go ahead to
marry and have kids from princess Bassie.

"Hey friend," I greet her, clasping her hand.

"Hey, gorgeous," she responds and sips her
drink. The waiter comes to take my order, I
ask for the usual poison, margarita and two
shots of taquila to give it a kick. Thuli asks
for the same and I laugh.
"Why did you start with a long Island?" she
shrugs her shoulders.
"I just ordered the first thing my eyes landed
on," she responds.
"What's been happening sis? I see the glow,"
she blushes beet red and I know the sex with
Mongezi is bomb.
"The thought of him alone makes me horny," I
throw my head back and laugh.
"Thulisile, down girl!" good dick can really
bring a woman out of her shell.
"Nope, it's only up. Mongezi is a pleasant
adventure, I've never felt so alive and naughty
in my life," I'm happy to see her this light.
There's even a spark in her eyes, one that died
when she was married to Jimmy.
"Love this for you friend," my drink arrives
and the waiter asks if we are ready to order
food. We ask for some time and he walks
away.
"You're the only one babes. My annoying sister
in-law came to my house without calling, let
herself in and overhead me and Mongezi
having phone sex," I gasp in shock.
"No!" she rolls her eyes.
"She called a meeting with my children and
told them. They ganged up on me thinking I'll
end things with Mongz but I set them
straight," good for her. Jimmy's sister should
focus on her life. Thuli is a grown woman.
"Do you need me to call a locksmith for you?"
she smiles and shakes her head.
"I've already taken care of that," good, no one
should just pop up at someone's house
without permission.
"I want to shock them sometime this week.
I'm going to invite them for dinner and show
up with Mongezi just to show them that this
is my life and I'll live it however I want," I
narrow my eyes.
"Do you think that's wise?" she nods.
"Yeah, it will put them in their place. And
don't worry, that doesn't mean I have fallen
in-love with Mongezi," phew! That's a relief.
"Good, never forget that he is just a
temporary dick," I take a sip of my drink and
my eyes wonder to the table at the corner, I
choke on my drink when I see who the touchy
touchy couple is.
"Naledi, are you okay?" Thuli asks.
"Yes... No... I mean I just saw Vhutshilo's
girlfriend and my friend, Kat kissing over
there," I say, pointing with my eyes, she turns
to see who I'm talking about.
"They are double adaptors?" Thuli asks,
shocked.
"Kat is bisexual, has always been. She just
chose to marry a man. I didn't know
Vhutshilo's girl is also playing for both teams,"
she claps once.
"Go there, they must be aware that you saw
them," I shake my head, "Naledi go, you can't
allow your baby daddy to be played like this,"
oh the same one that went running to my
mother and when his plans didn't work he ran
to Venda. I'm yet to deal with that fool, he
has been avoiding my and Bassie's calls. His
mom has been telling her granddaughter that
he is sick and will call as soon as he feels
better. I'm gonna have his balls on a platter
for ghosting our daughter. Bassie has never
went this long without talking to or seeing
her dad.
"Go!" I get on my feet and make my way to
them. They are in their own world, busy
whispering sweet nothings and giggling.
"Hey guys," I say, too loud than necessary.
"Naledi," Karabo is super embarrassed. Her
eyeballs are threatening to fall off.
"Friend, is this really you?" Kat asks, getting
on her feet and hugging me.
"Its me babe. You good?" I ask.
"Great, what about you?"
"I'm good," we break the hug, "I was just
having drinks with Thuli over there and I saw
you both, I just had to come say hi," Kat nods
with no remorse in her eyes. She's cheating on
her husband in public. What the fuck is wrong
with her? Karabo is hiding behind her glass of
wine.
"Can we please meet soon and catch up? I
miss you," I nod vigorously.
"I'll send you my address, show up tomorrow
after work for a bite and a drink," she hugs
me again.
"It's a date," she's excited.
"Alright then. Let me go back to my table, you
guys have fun,"
"Bye babe." -Kat.
"Later." it comes out in a whisper from
Karabo. Does Vhutshilo know that his girl is
busy with another woman? This is hectic.
 CHAPTER 69
KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I am excited to sit down with Naledi and

catch up. I miss her and how I can just talk to
her about anything, she's one of the most
non-judgmental people I know. I know she's
going to have a lot of questions about what
she saw at the restaurant yesterday and I'm
going to give her answers. I don't want her
thinking I broke them up because truth is,
she's the reason. Vhutshilo is in-love with
Naledi and now he's going through the most
because she secretly married her newly found
Zulu man. I wasn't shocked when Karabo told
me that my friend got married, Naledi is the
most unpredictable person. One must expect
just anything from her.

I park and take out my laptop bag and the

McDonald's paperbag, Karabo asked me to
bring it for her on my way home. Yes, that's
what this air BnB has been to us since that
day she called me crying. I won't even lie, I
have been at my happiest since I filled for a
divorce and started my relationship with
Karabo. I wish I never chose Thabo over her,
we could have been so far in life.

I find her in the kitchen wearing only her

underwear sports bra. She looks gorgeous,
tempting me to cancel my plan with Naledi
and take her to bed. I kiss her lips bymut she
pulls me in and deepens the kiss. Oh no babe, I
have to change and get going. I promised my
friend that I'll be there around six. I pull out
of the kiss and step back to catch my breath.

"How was work babe?" I ask and she shrugs

her shoulders.
"Just okay, I missed you," I narrow my eyes at
her, she's trying to get me to stay home.
I love how she wants to spend every minute
with me.
"I missed you more, love," she bites her lower
lip.
"If that's the case then don't go, let's cuddle
infront of the TV," I laugh, I knew it.
"I'd like that very much but I promised Naledi
that I'll be there. We haven't seen each other
in a while and genuinely miss her," she heaves
a sigh.
"She's everywhere," she whispers but not low
enough for me not to hear her.
"What is that supposed to mean?" I fold my
arms.
"I can't seem to escape her in my
relationships. She has this hold on my
partners," I gasp in shock. Why is she saying
all of this?
"Babe, no. Naledi is my friend, my best friend.
We haven't spoken in a while and this is just
us catching up. This won't be a Vhutshilo
repeat and I'm hurt that you're even thinking
of it like that," she blinks rapidly.
"I'm sorry, uhm... It's just that..." she stops
and pinches the bridge of her nose.
"It's okay. I understand where you're coming
from but please have faith in me. I won't hurt
you babe, I love you more than anything," she
blushes and I smile.
I'm about to grab her waist and kiss her when
a knock comes through the door.
"Stand over there, I don't want whoever to
see my food," she giggles and goes to stand
next to the fridge.
My heart drops into my stomach when I open
and find Thabo standing infront of me with
my parents behind him. This son of a bitch,
how did he find me? And how dare he
ambushes me with my parents? I know he
told them lies so he can seem like the victim.
"Move aside, Katherine," my mother orders
and I close my eyes and shift to the side. They
all walk in.
"I'd be damned. Really Kat? This same girl?"
Thabo says vehemently and I roll my eyes.
"What nonsense! You left your matrimonial
home and your husband to come play house
with your mistress? Are you trying to kill your
mother and I?" the disappointment in my
father's voice leaves guilt eating through me.
I was planning on telling my parents
everything once the divorce was over because
I didn't want to worry them. But maybe I
should have take my problems to them
earlier.
"No daddy, I'm sorry but I can explain," I say.
"Explain how you pulled a gun on Thabo so
you can leave to be with this girl?" I gasp and
look at Thabo, he didn't tell them the whole
story. This bastard has a smirk on his face.
"Did he tell you that he hit me and I ran to
get my gun to get him to stop?" I say and
both my parents turn to look at him.
"I admit to that and I'm sorry, I was just mad.
Kat left the house on Saturday and came back
Monday evening. I was stressed out and when
she came back she acted like she did nothing
wrong," my mother starts crying.
"Did you leave your house to be with her?"
daddy asks and I nod, avoiding their eyes.
"Katherine why? We didn't raise you this way,"
"It hurts ma, it hurts because this is the same
girl she cheated on me with back in school,"
okay, I'm not letting Thabo run all over me
and make me look like the devil infront of my
parents.
"Wena? Don't you know that Katherine is
married? You're a homewrecker," mama says,
wagging a finger at Karabo.
"Oh wait, she's not the reason my marriage is
over. He is, your precious son in-law has been
cheating on me with Mabatho his ex. They
were making life plans, he promised to leave
me once he got on his feet. What did you
want me to do? Stay with a man who is
clearly using me?" I mutter with tears burning
my eyes.
"Is that true Thabo?" he shakes his head and I
laugh.
"I have screenshots from your other phone,
the one you use to communicate with her," I
say and runs a thumb over his lips.
"I only have one phone, Kat. You clearly
fabricated all that so you can justify your
relationship with this... Thing," he gives
Karabo a dirty look.
I underestimated him, he planned all of this to
the T.
"We both know that you're lying, Thabo. You
can deny it all you want, play victim infront
of my family but it won't change anything. I
still want a divorce," his face falls, he can't
believe that whatever he was planning has
failed. My parents might be disappointed right
now but they will never force me to stay with
him. He wasted his time.
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

"Hey, what's on your mind?" Mphikeleli asks,

bringing me back from my train of thoughts.
"I'm just thinking about what my father said
to me yesterday," he heaves a sigh.
"Don't allow him to get to you, Nhlangano.
You did right by standing up to him," I agree
but for some reason I feel guilty for how I
spoke to him yesterday.
"Yeah, I had to do it for my unborn baby. He or
she deserves a father that fights for them.
Baba and my grandmother wanted to fuck up
an innocent life before it's even born, I mean
who wants to take a child away from their
mom?" he nods vigorously.
"That's cruel. Khwezi would have lost her
mind, I mean she already lost Zekhethelo. She
has her flaws, I agree but with the right help
she will find her feet and be an amazing mom
to your child. Shlobo and MaZikode just love
judging people and getting the final word"
exactly but it stops with me. I refuse to give
into their demands. Their negativity is what
will make me succeed because I don't want
them to say they told me so.
"I want to say thank you again for taking me
and Khwezi in. It really means a lot to me," he
smiles.
"This is your home and she's carrying my first
grandchild. I will do everything in my power
to make sure the 3 of you are comfortable
until you find your feet," I truly appreciate
him. I mean he is currently unemployed but
willing to share what he has with us. This
shows me how badly they judged him, he's
selfless and I can bet money that my mom fell
in-love with him for this reason.
 CHAPTER 70
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I'm offloading the last of Khwezi's belongings,

she has finally moved in with us. I don't know
how all of this is going to play out but I know
it's for the best. Mphikeleli and I will be able
to keep an eye on her, to make sure that she
doesn't touch drugs while pregnant with my
baby. Hopefully she will stay clean beyond
that and get her shit together. This new life
will need far better than what she gave Ze.
I'm going to do my best as a father so she
doesn't feel like all the burden is on her and
want to stay on drugs to cope.

I walk in the bedroom she will be using and

find her unpacking her clothes and hanging
them. She only came with her clothes and
things that hold sentimental value to her. Her
furniture is at a storage facility, we haven't
figured out what we are going to do with it
yet. I was thinking that she sells everything
because we won't be leaving this house
anytime soon, plus we can't be paying storage
rent monthly, we need to save money for
rainy days.

"Please leave some space for my clothes," I'm

yet to get my things from the house. I went
there during the week and the keys I had
didn't open, it was obvious that they changed
locks. I called my aunt Thalente and she said
they weren't around but in Mahlabathini for
her ceremony. It hurt to be locked out and
then left out of such an important ceremony
for my aunt. But I understand that things
have changed, I changed them when I took
what's mine and left the house. And I put a
stamp on those changes when I uttered some
words to my father. However they choose to
react to what I caused shouldn't hurt me in
anyway because I was the first to hurt them.
"We are going to share this tiny space?
Nhlangano my clothes alone won't fit in here,"
I take a deep breath.
"We have to manage, Khwezi. You'll have to
keep some clothes in suitcases, I'm going to
do the same once I get my things," she shrugs
her shoulders.
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful but your
father's place is a tin," I gasp, not believing
my ears.
"He is shifting his life around to accommodate
us, be grateful for that and don't complain,"
she pouts and I click my tongue. Yes, this
apartment isn't as big as where I grew up or
what she'd used to either but it's going to be
home for a while.
It was big enough for Mphikeleli because he
lived alone, Khwezi shouldn't judge. The both
of us should kneel and kiss his feet for doing
this for us.
"So, the sleeping arrangements?" she asks.
"You're in here. My father in the next room
and I'll take the couch, it converts to a bed,"
her face falls in disappointment.
"Oh, I thought we would be sharing," I scoff,
she's insane.
"Well you thought wrong," she drops the dress
on the bed and folds her arms.
"Haibo! Nhlangano, I am pregnant and I have
needs. Would you rather I go out there to
sleep with another man while you're here?"
she asks and I shake my head. She can't go
around sleeping with random men and
catching filthy things that will put the baby
at risk.
"I believe you've heard of vibrators. You'll have
to use those for your needs, that's until you
deliver our baby," she's thrown into a fit of
laughter.
"You have lost your mind. You want me to use
toys when you have a well functioning penis?"
she's so frustrating. First day here and she's
already making my head spin.
"Khwezi, I'm not sleeping with you ever again.
Please get that through your head," she tilts
her head to one side and offers me a lopsided
smile.
"We shall see," she says, in a challenging tone.
"Can you please go get me some blueberry
cheesecake flavored ice cream...uhm... I'd also
kill for seafood boil and some chow mein. I
have never heard of a woman getting cravings
so early. This is going to be one hell of a
pregnancy and I hope you're ready," she
caresses her flat stomach.
I sweat immediately. My father hasn't
deposited my monthly allowance, it's 2 days
late and I'm not sure if it's coming or he has
decided to cut me off. I can't pick up my
phone to ask, not after everything I've said
and done. I don't have much in my account,
immediately after I buy these things for
Khwezi I'm broke.
"Let me borrow your car," I say and she points
to the keys on the bedside table.
"Please pour some fuel in it." oh Nkosiyam. I
grab the keys and walk out of the bedroom,
I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to
make this money enough for everything. I
bump into Mphikeleli and knock down the
bottle of beer he had in his hand.
"Oh fuck! I'm sorry, sorry," I hit my forehead
and squat to pick up the broken glasses.
"Hey, what's wrong? Where was your head at
ndoda?" he asks and I heave a sigh.
"It's nothing I can't handle," I honestly cannot
ask more from him, he's already doing so
much for me and the burden I come with.
"Nhlangano, talk to me," I take a deep breath
and get on my feet, discarding the fragments
in the bin next to the door.
"Khwezi wants a few things and the money in
my account is not enough. My father hasn't
deposited my allowance and I suspect that he
has cut me off," he chuckles, shaking his head.
"He's playing dirty. I swear he's using money
to get you to come back running to him. But
don't worry, I got you," I watch him fish out
something from his pocket and when his hand
comes back I gasp in shock. That's a lot of
money to be carrying around.
"How much do you need?" he asks and I shrug
my shoulders.
"Whatever you can spare," he starts counting
the notes but stops and hands me the cash.
"That's your monthly allowance." he says and
leaves me standing here with my jaw on the
ground. How can he give me so much? I mean
he lost his job, he should be spending money
wisely.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

"I see your baby daddy is here," Kat says as we

share a hug hello. It's awkward for me to have
them both here knowing what I know. I'm still
trying to figure out how I'm going to tell
Vhutshilo that his girlfriend is cheating with
my best friend. I just cannot keep this from
him.
"Yeah, he just came to pick up Bassie. They
are upstairs getting her things ready," I
answer and she frowns.
"Princess already living with you and new
hubby?" I shake my head.
"Maswabi would freak. She's not yet fully
trusting of Shlobo. She came yesterday to
visit and her dad asked for her. They haven't
seen each other in a minute," she nods her
understanding.
"Did you tell Vhutshilo about what you saw on
Monday? I mean about me and Karabo," I
shake my head.
"Hey Kat. What about you and Karabo?"
Vhutshilo asks, startling the both of us. I dart
between my daughters father and Kat, eyes
widened.
"Oh, hey there. Uhm..." I watch Kat puff out
her chest and square her shoulders. She's
trying to gather herself and appear confident
and intimidating infront of Vhutshilo.
"What did Naledi see?" he's not gonna let this
go.
"Well, she saw me and my girlfriend kissing at
a restaurant," Vhutshilo laughs, shaking her
head.
"That's not cool, Kat. Cheating is wr..." he
stops talking and his eye balls threaten to fall
off, he has obviously put the pieces together.
"Nah, don't tell me Karabo is the girlfriend,"
His voice is shaking.
"Yes, Karabo and I are an item now," I close
my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction, but
his belly deep laughter has me shooting them
open. This is not good, laughing Vhutshilo in
such situations is not good at all.
"Wow, just wow. How long have you been
fuckin? No, let me ask it this way, was she in
your bed when she was with me?" oh shit! I
also want to know. I look at Katherine and
she swallows hard and I know the answer to
Vhutshilo's question.
"It's not like you treated her right," she
justifies them cheating.
"And she had the guts to always look at me
like I was the devil. She enjoyed playing the
victim when she was busy fuckin us both." he
cannot believe this and I don't really blame
him.
Okay, wait!
"Vhutshilo you said was. When did you and
Karabo break up?" I ask, all confused.
"He threw her out of his house like a dog
when he found out you're married. He's not
over you, he admitted it. He hurt my girl but
I'm glad he did coz I'm now with the love of
my life," what? This is insane. I look at
Basetsana's father and he's avoiding my eyes.
Oh but he's looking at Kat, shaking with
anger. Okay, I don't need this hostility, my
daughter is in the next room.
"Now I can understand why Thabo was hitting
on Naledi. He needed a real woman, not a
confused little bitch," Jesus Christ!
How could he do this to me? I told him what
happened with Thabo because I trusted him,
not for him to use it as a weapon to hurt Kat.
"Naledi?" I look at my friend and she's
horrified, "Is that true?" she asks and I nod.
"I told him off Kat. It's the reason why I once
disappeared, no showing up or calling you. He
made me uncomfortable and I didn't know
what to do," she chuckles.
"You should have told me," I nod.
"I know but it's not that easy. I was scared I'd
be blamed for breaking up a marriage. The
Jimmy drama was fresh and it would have
been easy for everyone to believe that I went
after him," Kat claps once.
"So you thought you'd keep quiet and watch
me stay married to a bloody cheat? Some
friend you are," bathong!
"Look at you calling Thabo out for the same
thing you're doing,"
"Vhutshilo please," I stop him.
"Mxm, I'm out of here," she turns and walks
away.
"Kat, please let's talk about this," she walks
out the door, closing it behind her. I turn and
look at Vhutshilo.
"You had no right," I sneer and he holds out his
hands.
"I know and I'm sorry for that," he just pissed
me off some more. I'm yet to confront him
about the shit he pulled with my mother,
then running to Venda and stressing our
daughter in the process. He only reached out
yesterday evening asking to have Bassie for a
few days.
"Daddy, I'm ready," we fake smiles for our
child.
"So excited to be leaving me," I mutter and
she giggles.
"I'll have her call before going to bed," I avoid
my annoying baby daddy and open my arms
for my princess. We hug and I kiss the top of
her head.
"Don't have too much fun," she nods in
agreement and I let her go.
"Let's go daddy," she says, running out the
door. Vhutshilo picks up her weekender.
"I'm sorry," I roll my eyes.
"Get out before I rain terror on you." I say and
he offers me a weak smile before walking out
too.

Now I'm left all alone. I had so much planned

this weekend, spending some time with my
daughter. Catching up with Kat since she
postponed on me this past Tuesday. My
husband had invited me to his sisters
ceremony but I told him I couldn't formally
meet his family in that setting. He understood
and promised that we will all meet soon and
start building a steady relationship. He
assured me that his mother is now on board
with our relationship, but I'm still on the
fence with her, at least until we meet and I
see her reception.
I get to the lounge and throw myself on the
couch, I eye the ice bucket with chilling
ciders, I guess it's more for me. I grab one and
pin it open. I should call Shlobo and find out
how everything is going, I'll also let him know
of what just happened here. His phone trills
for the longest time, I'm about to hang up
when he answers. Phew, finally!

"Shlobo's phone, Nonku speaking," my heart

stops beating.
"Hey, can you please give the phone to
Shlobosenkosi," I ask, calmly, inside I'm
anything but calm. I want to explode. Why
the hell is his ex there and most importantly,
why is she answering his phone.
"Shlobo is currently very busy, we have a
ceremony here at home. I'll have him call you
back when he is free," a chuckle escapes my
throat.
She will have my own husband call me back?
Must be nice hey.
"I see," what else can I say to this woman?
I'm not about to fight her through this call.
"Who should I say called?" oh wow, he deleted
my number or this lady is just trying to get
into my head?
"Naledi, that's my name. He knows me very
well," I answer before ending the call.
I am mad as hell but another part of me is
saying there's more to this. I remember that
Shlobo called me from his sister's phone
yesterday when his died while they were out
shopping. I am calling her, I know we aren't
friends but right now I need to talk to my
husband or I'm gonna run mad.
"Hello," a sweet voice answers.
"Uhm... Hello, Thanlente this is Naledi, your
brothers..."
She quickly interjects, "Girlfriend, I know. I
saved your number yesterday when he called.
How are you? Why didn't you come to my
ceremony? Are you looking for my brother?"
whoa! So many questions, can't we do this
one at a time.
"Uhm, I'm great, thank you. I'm sorry I
couldn't make it but I hope everything went
well. Yes, I'm looking for your brother. I called
his number and to my surprise his ex
answered. Can you please pass the phone to
him," she cusses under her breath.
"You need to understand that my brother
didn't know she was coming, none of us did.
He has been trying to avoid her, I swear," I roll
my eyes, ofcourse she will try to speak for her
brother, "Bhut'Shlobo went out to buy more
alcohol for the villagers. He left his phone
charging on the power bank with me. I left it
next to sis'Nonku for a minute, I didn't know
she'd answer," she says panicking.
"Uhm, I see. Can you please have him call me,"
I ask but a part of me already knows what I'm
going to do when I end this call.
"I definitely will, please don't be mad at him.
He loves you," I blush scarlet.
"I love him more."
 CHAPTER 71
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

"Shlobo, I said I'm sorry for the hundredth

time," MaZikode says and I scoff.
"And that's supposed to make everything
okay? You invited my ex here and she
answered Naledi's call, do you have any idea
what that has caused?" I am trying my best
not to lose my temper, this is my sisters big
day and I don't want to ruin it but my
mother, Jesus, she can test the patience of a
Saint.
"She called me one time and I mentioned that
we were busy preparing for the ceremony.
Before I knew it I had extended an invite to
her and Shlobo it would have been rude to
take it back," she mutters and I shake my
head.
"I know you, ma. You did this whole thing on
purpose. You thought Naledi was gonna come
and you wanted her to see Nonku here and
run for the hills. I told you MaZikode that
Naledi is my everything now, if you keep
trying to sabotage our relationship then
you're going to lose me as your son," she
gasps in shock.
"You don't mean that," oh but I do.
"Continue trying to get in between us and
you'll see," she clutches at her chest.
I'm not trying to come across as disrespectful
but mama needs to stay in her lane.
"It was truly not on purpose Shlobo. I said I
would give Naledi a chance and I meant it,
please believe me." I shake my head and walk
out of her bedroom.

I asked to have a word with her in private

after talking to Thalente and she told me that
Naledi called her because Nonku had
answered my cell. I wanted her to put her
visitor in place because I don't want to deal
with Nonku, at least not today. This is
Thalente's special day and nothing will ruin it
for her.
I dial Naledi's number again and it takes me
straight to voicemail. Fuck! She's mad, I know
her head is playing with her even though my
sister tried to put her at ease. I feel like
punching the wall, we've been doing so great
and Nonku just had to mess things up. I'm
scared Naledi will make a rush decision, that
is running to her mother and asking her to
get our marriage annulled. I'd die a thousand
deaths if that happened, I don't want to lose
her. I mean it took me 18 years to finally feel
this way again, even better.

"Shlobo," I close my eyes. She has the audacity

to come near me after the shit she pulled.
"Nonku, please walk away right now," I
murmur without turning to face her.
"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," I
chuckle and finally pivot to face her.
"You knew exactly what you were doing, so
please don't stand here and say otherwise,"
she looks down, embarrassed, "I know I hurt
you, Nonku, and I'm truly sorry for that. But
you cannot play with my relationship like
that. Find other ways to make me pay just
don't come between Naledi and I," she
swallows hard and nods her head.
"You really love her don't you?"
"More than you can ever imagine. I've never
loved any other woman the way I love her,"
she gasps, not believing her ears.
"Not even Melamina?"
"Yes, Naledi is the air that I breathe," she bites
her lower lip.
"Uhm, I guess I don't have a fighting chance. I
will leave you and your family alone, Shlobo. I
am sorry again and I wish you nothing but the
best," she's been sincere.
"Thank you Nonku and please find it in your
heart to forgive me. I wish you all the
happiness in the world too," I hug her and she
hugs me back.
"I'll go say bye to your mom and Thalente and
drive back to Durban," that's a great idea.
She's only hurting herself more by being here.
"Okay, be safe on the road." she turns and
walks away.
.
.
.

Everyone is having a great time, they are

drinking and dancing. MaZikode and
Mam'Gasela are sharing a drink and laughing.
This is indeed a joyous day. I hope and pray
that Mavimbela is happy now that his
daughter is home.
Now Thalente can change her surname and
apply for new documents with her rightful
surname. It's a lengthy process but my
connections and deep pockets will make sure
it is quick and hassle free.

It's thirty minutes after six now and my

wife's phone is still off, she last spoke to
Thalente at around noon, that's over 6 hours
ago. I don't have anyone to call and ask for
her, I need to have her family's number as
well as Thuli's. I'm really worried and no
longer enjoying myself. The first thing I'm
doing tomorrow morning is rushing back to
Durban to get my things and going home to
my wife.

"Shlobo?" a guy I don't recognize says and I

raise an eyebrow.
"Uhm, can I help you?" I ask and he nods.
"I drove a lady here and she's not comfortable
walking in the yard. She asked me to come in
and call you for her," I frown. A lady? Who
could it be? I stand up and follow the guy out.
He leads me to a sedan parked next to my car
and opens the passenger door. My wife
climbers out, causing my heart to drum
against my chest.
"Baby, you're here, how?" I attack her with a
hug and burry my nose in her hair. I can't
believe she's in my arms, smelling as good as
sin.
"I flew here," she answers annoyed.
"Oh sthandwa sami, I was so worried when
your phone kept taking me to voicemail. Why
didn't you at least tell Thale that you're flying
here, I would have arranged for someone to
pick you up from King Shaka and drive you
here. Someone I know and trust," she frowns.
"I didn't set foot in Durban. I landed at
Margate Airport," I furrow my eyebrows.
"You managed to get a flight from OR Tambo
to Margate today? How? Those are usually
booked days before the trip," she shrugs her
shoulders.
"Well I guess my ancestors made it possible
for me to get one so I can arrive faster and
ask you why your phone was answered by an
ex girlfriend," she says, folding her arms
across her chest. She's pissed and looks so
damn sexy. My dick twitches in agreement.
Oh I miss her so much, this is the longest
we've gone without making love, I just want
to be buried deep inside of her and be lost in
ecstasy.
"Bafo, what's your fare for bringing my wife
home?" I ask the cab guy.
Naledi quickly interjects, "He can't leave me
here. He has to drive me to the lodge where
I'm booked to sleep in town," she says and I
roll my eyes. Over my dead body will she leave
with this stranger.
"Sthandwa sami, I'll take you there," I say so
she can allow this guy to leave.
"She has already paid, I'll get her bag," he
takes out her small suitcase and hands it to
me. I quickly open my boot and put the bag
inside.
"Why is your ex here Shlobo? What are you
playing at?" I heave a sigh and take her hands
into mine.
"I had no idea that she was going to be here
baby. I swear I didn't do anything with her, I
told her that it's you that I want and she
finally heard me and left. She will never be a
problem again, I promise," she narrows her
eyes at me, trying to process my words. I
won't mention that it's MaZikode that invited
her. It will make Naledi fully believe that my
mother will never like her.
"It's only you baby and I'm sorry that she
answered my phone," I run a finger along her
jaw line.
"You said you're going to pay her lobola soon,
so I don't understand why you're standing
with her in the street like this. Won't this be
her home?" my wife and I both turn to
MaZikode's voice.
"Uhm, dumela ma," my baby greets, looking
down.
"Sawubona. Why did you come so late? Were
you avoiding to wash the dishes and serving
the guests," I sense the joke behind my
mother's words and smile. Naledi won't be
allowed in my mother's kitchen until she is
smeared with bile and recognized by the
ancestors.
"Uhm... No... I wasn't planning on coming
but..." she stops and my mother chirps in.
"But Nonku answered Shlobo's phone and you
wore your beautiful dress and came to get
your big headed man," my mother laughs and
Naledi is buried in embarrassment.
"I like that. No loving wife wants another
woman near what is hers," -MaZikode.
I'm so turned on and happy right now. This
shows me that Naledi loves me as much as I
love her. And that the thought of another
woman near me makes her lose her mind just
like I do when I think of every man that came
before me and those that still think they have
a chance with her.
"Shlobo, bring MaMoletsane in. I'll have
Thalente prepare a plate for her," Mama says
and I nod. "You're welcome sisi," MaZikode is
really trying to make it up to me right now
and I'm just hoping it's genuine. It would
mean a lot to me if they could have a healthy
mother and daughter relationship.
"Thank you mama," Naledi hasn't moved her
eyes from her feet.
"We will be in soon," I say and my mother
leaves. I think the wine has started working
her, mixing it with sprite isn't helping.
"Hey, look at me," I say, cupping her chin.
"Only you, baby. I love you," I assure her and
her eyes soften.
"I love you more, Shlobo," she says and my
heart skips a beat.
"You're gorgeous in this dress and the head
wrap. You're out here looking like a true
Mavimbela bride," she blushes.
"I didn't know what to expect so I decided to
just be a morden makoti in case I had to step
in the yard," I kiss her forehead.
"God, I'm so happy that your jealousy pushed
you into coming. I missed you," she bites her
lower lip.
"Let's get in the car and drive to some open
veld and show me how much you've missed
me," I throw my head back and laugh.
"You're so insatiable Mrs. Mavimbela and I like
it. I'm tempted to go take a quickie in the car
out there in the middle of nowhere but
MaZikode is expecting us. Let me rock your
world later," she sulks and I smile.
I'm hot and bothered too, she has an effect on
me but right now we have to control our
desire for each other.
"Orgasm after orgasm," I nod vigorously.
"Garunteed my baby." We burn for each other
in a way we both cannot understand, but
what I know for a fact is that we don't want
it to stop.
.
.
.

My wife and I had a great morning, we made

love before taking our shower then we drove
to Mahlabathini from Port Shepstone, Naledi
had booked some place there to sleep. My
mother was happy to see us when we arrived,
she and Thalente were chatty with Naledi and
I could see her relax. I won't lie, that made so
happy.
This is what they've always wanted for me, to
find love and be happy and now that I have
this woman I want it all for myself too. I am
a selfish man when it comes to Naledi and I
will never apologize for how intensely I love
her. Whoever tries to come between us will
always find me ready to burn them to ashes.
I'm not joking with what I've been blessed
with.
We are walking hand in hand at the airport,
ready to board our flight to Johannesburg. I
packed a couple of my things and arranged
with my sister to send the rest via a driver.
This week I'll be looking at finding space for
my satellite office. I have a zoom meeting
with my partner and the team to discuss how
we will work going forward. My wife and I are
super excited about this, there's no more back
and forth between Durban and Joburg. When
we go we go together or I go because there's
an emergency to attend to.

"No, no, you can't..." we are startled by a

woman falling at our feet. She's dressed in a
long dress, a white cape and white headwrap.
She definitely has some sort of spiritual gift.
"No, no... she's... Oh God, you can't..." she
continues crying, choking from her own voice.
I grab my frightened wife and stand infront of
her.
"Sisi, what are you doing?" I ask as she grabs
my feet with one hand and hitting the floor
with the other that's folded into a fist.
"Please, stop this, stop it, please," she's crying
so painfully and I'm confused, wondering what
she's talking about.
"Sthandwa sami, Londeka, baby breathe," a
guy kneels down by her side and starts
rubbing her back in circles. He's so calm, it
feels like this isn't the first time he has dealt
with this.
People have stopped to watch and it's so
embarrassing, I've never experienced anything
like this.
Airport security comes running.
"Don't touch my wife. She's not trying to
cause a scene here or harm anyone. She just
has a spiritual gift and by the look of things
she has a message for these people. I'll take
her to the car," he explains calmly to the
guards who were ready to throw out the lady.
"What message could she have for us when
she doesn't even know us?" my wife whispers
in my ear and I shrug my shoulders.
"I don't know babe," I answer and we watch
this lady continue to cry, struggling to speak.
Her husband picks her up bridal style and
looks at us.
"My name is Qophelo and this is my wife,
Londeka. I apologize for this but she has a gift
and whatever is happening you guys need to
hear it. She's having a hard time now, but can
we please exchange numbers so she can
deliver your message," I don't think so.
"Babe, can we go," Naledi is uncomfortable
and so am I.
"My guy, I'm sorry but we don't do this at my
house." we grab our bags and walk away,
causing the lady to wail more in her
husband's arms.
 CHAPTER 72
NALEDI MOLETSANE

5 MONTHS LATER

It's the eve of my daughters birthday and my

mother and Manana decided to host a family
dinner because Basetsana and Vhutshilo are
headed to Venda tomorrow for the weekend.
Her paternal grandparents begged Maswabi to
afford them the opportunity to celebrate the
big 10 with her. It was only fair, I mean Bassie
always celebrates her birthdays with us. It
has only been a joint affair once and it was
awkward as hell because of how my mother
treated the Muofhe's back then.

I've been crying now and again, I cannot

believe that my girl is 10 years old, where did
time go? I remember her being the size of a
loaf of bread and now she's as tall as me. I
cannot imagine what my life would have been
like without this angel of mine. I was so
young when I had her but God always had a
plan, he knew I'd grow and find my purpose
through her. I know for a fact that the
almighty loves me because he saw me worthy
to mother such a perfect human being.

We are all sitting around the lounge. I'm on

the same couch as my husband and we are
holding hands. Ours has been blissful, I don't
regret marrying this guy. My family and
Bassie are now team Shlobo, they realized
that he's genuine and that he loves me more
than anything in this world. My mother now
walks around bragging about her son in-law
to anyone that cares to listen. Her earlier
complaints of us moving in the speed of light
and me being attracted to older men are out
the window.
Manana? Well she's not on my camp anymore.
It's all about Shlobo now, he is called at least
twice a week to be asked if I'm taking good
care of him. I never thought this day would
come but I'm happy they all have a great
relationship with this man that's been
treating me like the only girl in the world.
Manana is sitting on the single couch and my
mother is next to her on her wheelchair.
Bassie and her father are on the rug, legs
crossed. Vhutshilo is taking a video of his
daughter as she opens her presents. He must
remember to send it to me. Him and I are at a
better place now, I don't think we will ever be
close again though. Kat was right, Vhutshilo
is still in-love with me. He admitted it to me
the day before my lobola last year December.
He came here, once again, under the influence
to beg me not to marry Shlobo. He insisted
that I was making the biggest mistake of my
life, that I was his soul mate and him mine.

Manana managed to calm him down and take

him to bed, the next morning I went into the
bedroom he was in and we spoke. I told him
I'll always love and care about him but made
it clear that we could never be. That part of
our relationship ended a long time ago and
now I'm with Shlobo till my dying day. It was
hard for him to hear me say all of that but he
had no choice but to understand. He got up
and left and I only heard from him two
months later. During that time he only
communicated with my parents and his
daughter. I was ignored like the plague.

Bassie gasps in shock, "Oh my God," Shlobo

and I are smiling like cheshire cats, happy to
see that her present shocked her.
"Really mommy?" I nod vigorously.
"Yes, my love," she comes running to us and
hugs us, we return it.
"Thank you so much mommy, thank you so
much Malome," Shlobo kisses her forehead.
"It's a pleasure princess," she goes back to
pick up her gift. It's three tickets in an
envelope, we are taking her to a classical
music concert in Cape Town. I never thought
my daughter would fall in-love with such
matured music, I mean Basetsana never paid
attention to the radio or music channels.
Everytime I played music in the car she'd ask
that I turn down the volume.
So, imagine my shock when the year began
and she started listening to classic fm
everyday and asked us to find her a cello
teacher. She's been taking lessons three times
a week since then and she is obsessed, it's all
she talks about now. I am happy that she's
found something she's so passionate about at
an early age.
"What did they get you?" my mother asks and
Bassie tells them, all excited.
"When is it happening?" Manana asks.
"September," I answer.
"We had to get them as soon as the ticket
sales opened. I heard they sell like fat cakes. I
honestly never knew that classical music was
so popular in the country," Shlobo adds.
"My baby has an ear for good music," I
compliment and Bassie blushes. It's not my
cup of tea but as a mother I need to show my
support and interest in the things she loves.
"Phew! Would you look at the time. Baby girl, I
think you should cut your cake so we can
leave. We have an early morning drive
tomorrow," Vhutshilo says and Bassie gets on
her feet and runs to the dinning table where
her cello shaped cake is. I don't think he's
happy with the gift we gave Bassie, not
because it's not thoughtful but because it
came from us and it will just be us 3 going.
Vhutshilo has to understand that there are
some things Shlobo and I will do with Bassie
alone. That doesn't mean my husband is
trying to replace him.
.
.
.

"Babe, I think we should hit the road too," I

say, walking in the lounge after washing the
dishes. I just want to get to our place and
make love, my sexual appetite is back after 3
days of disappearing. I don't know what
caused it but I'm glad my husband was
understanding and taking it easy with me.
"Sit down, Nyeleti," bathong!
Why is she serious all of a sudden, she was
just laughing with Maswabi and Shlobo a
second again.
"Is everything okay?" I ask, darting between
the three of them but the other two is as
confused as I am.
"Must you two always be in a hurry?" she
asks, sounding defeated.
"Manana it's after 10pm, it's been a long day.
I'm tired and I know Shlobo is beat too," she
rolls her eyes. She had one two many glasses
of scotch hence the little attitude.
"I didn't want to tell you but you drank three
glasses of wine this evening," yes, I didn't feel
like alcohol tonight. I haven't been feeling like
myself much these days but why was she
counting?
"That's wrong because?" Manana heaves a sigh
and steals a glance at Maswabi.
"Dzuni, what's wrong?" I'm nervous now.
"Uhm, Nyeleti. You need to stop drinking and
start taking care of yourself. Bassie's dream
of being a big sister has come true,"
She explains and I gasp in shock.
"Yoh! Naledi. Where are you two rushing to?
Will you both ever take your time?" it comes
out in a whisper from the minister.
"We... Uhm... We didn't plan for this," my
mother smacks her lips.
"Wait, Manana what are you saying? Naledi is
pregnant?" my husband asks with a grin
plastered across his face.
"Yes, clap for yourself Usian Bolt," Maswabi
answers and I press my lips into a thin line,
suppressing my laughter.
"But how, how can you tell?" Shlobo asks.
"I know her body," I mentally roll my eyes.
A walking ultrasound, this woman.
"You two will kill a person with your speed.
We've been trying to get used to having a
Zulu in our family and you just had to choke
us with another one," Shlobo fails to hold
himself, he chuckles. This one is obviously
proud of himself. I still can't believe this
whole thing.
.
.
.

I'm sitting on the bed in my oversized

pyjamas. I'm waiting for Shlobo to come back
home with the pregnancy tests. He rushed to
the pharmacy as soon as they opened. We are
both nervous but he's also excited at the
same time. Last night he kept on touching my
stomach and laughing while shaking his head.
I'll fully believe Manana once the stick comes
back with two pink lines.

If I am pregnant then I'm glad it happened

when everyone knew and supported our
marriage. Maswabi was going to freak out
had it happened before now, two kids out of
wedlock, she once made it clear that a second
child must come after marriage. Last night
she was kind of shocked and defeated but I
woke up to a text from her, she was thanking
me for growing her family. She expressed how
excited she is to welcome this new life. I got
teary because I never thought our relationship
would get to such a healthy spot.

"Babe, I'm back," my husband shouts,

approaching our bedroom. I close my eyes,
heart thumping in my chest. This is the
moment of truth.
"Here you go," he hands me the plastic from
clicks and I rush to our adjoining bathroom
and pee on the sticks. I'm crossing fingers, not
sure what result I'm hoping for.
The door opens as I pull up my pants, he just
couldn't wait. He settles on the edge of the
tub and watches his phone, I assume he is
keeping time.
"It said on the box that the results will show
in 15 minutes," there's a twinkle in his eyes
and suddenly I know for sure that I'm crossing
fingers that it comes back positive. I want to
give him this baby, Njabulo, that's the name
he always says our first born will have. He's
automatically thinking it will be a boy and I
do too, I fear another girl will be extra
dramatic.
"It's time," he says and I nod.
"You look," my stomach is in knots.
"The first room the interior designer will have
to work on at the new house is the nursery.
My son is coming soon," both my hands
involuntarily move to my mouth and tears
burn my eyes. Oh. My. God!
I'm going to be a mommy again at 26 years
old.
Shlobo kneels down infront of me and kisses
my stomach. He's crying, I can only imagine
how happy he is. This baby is the first fruit of
his loins, the blood of his blood and the flesh
of his flesh. I know he loves Bassie and
Nhlangano, even though they haven't spoken
since last year, but this is different. This baby
is from him, by him, for him and no one else.
"I knew from the day I laid my eyes on you in
that elevator that my life will never be the
same again. I love you so much, Nkanyezi
yami. God, you've brought so much happiness,
love, peace and light into my life. Believe me
when I say that everything before you didn't
make sense." what do I say to that? I just kiss
his bald head and cry more.
 CHAPTER 73
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I'm standing at some patrol station, waiting

for my aunt to pick me up. I'm finally seeing
Thalente, the last time I saw any of my family
members was a couple of months ago, it was
during my matric exams. We... No, let me
correct myself, I didn't leave home on good
terms, I hurt those that truly loved and cared
for me. Often times I wish I could turn back
the hands of time and do everything
differently; Lord knows I wouldn't have turned
my back on them. Every night I lay awake,
staring at the ceiling, wishing I had listened
to them and took their advises.

Life has been really difficult, nothing is going

as planned, absolutely nothing. I passed my
matric, but not with flying colors like I had
hoped. That meant I couldn't study what I
wanted; Mphikeleli advised me to just take
any course and be in university, but my father
always taught me to never settle. I didn't
work hard enough to qualify for what I truly
wanted and that meant I had to take a gap
year. The plan was to upgrade my marks and
get them to meet or exceed the entry
requirements, but it hasn't happened. That's
because Khwezi is a full time job, there's so
much on my shoulders. When no one is around
she uses the opportunity to use drugs. I've
found her hight as a kite a couple of times.
She doesn't care about our baby, she won't go
to the OB/GYN, she doesn't want to take her
supplements. She's just being the most
difficult person one could ever deal with. I'm
crossing fingers that the baby comes out
okay, I hope she didn't fuck it up because I'd
hate her until my dying day. That baby is now
the sole reason I'm holding on to hope.

My phone chimes and I quickly check it, it's

Mphikeleli asking me where I am. I heave a
sigh and put the phone on flight mode. I didn't
tell either of them where I was going, I just
walked out like I was going to smoke. Yeah,
my new habit, introduced by Mphikeleli. He
said it's a good stress reliever and so far it's
the only things he promised that turned out
to be true. When I first came to him with my
problems he said he will hold my hand
through it all, but that hasn't happened. He
promised to organize me a contract with the
club he joined earlier this year and that hasn't
happened either, I doubt it ever will. I'm even
tired of asking him about it because he
always has the same answer, "I'm working on
it, Nhlaks". He hasn't delivered on anything,
all he does is throw money at me and
disappear for days with his friends. I also
don't know what he's doing with guys who
look like they eat bullets for a living.

I'm brought back from my train of thoughts

by the engine of a beast, damn she's sexy, A
BMW M4. I am starring at the car,
shamelessly drooling. I'd jump at the
opportunity to get into that baby and drive
her in an open road, Godness. The car stops
next to me and a second later the heavily
tinted window is rolled down. Fuck me, no
way!
"Thalente?" I'm shocked to say the least.
The last time I checked she couldn't even
drive a car on my video games.
"Hey stranger," she says with a wide smile,
"Are you going to just stand there with your
mouth hanging or you're getting in so we can
go grab some lunch?" she asks and I swallow
hard, causing my adam's apple to dance up
and down my throat. I grab the door handle
and get inside the car, it smells brand new.
"Whose car is this?" I ask and she points at
her chest.
"You lookin at the owner chile," she sounds
different, like one of those spoilt brats.
"You're kidding," she shakes her head.
"Nope, bhut'Shlobo got her for me. My first
car, can you believe it?" her excitement has
my heart feeling a liitle jealous. I was
supposed to get a whip this year, a present
for passing matric and making it to Wits.
"This is so dope. Not everyone gets an M4 as a
first car," she nods vigorously and starts the
engine before joining the main road again.
"God, it's so good to see you. Can you please
reply my messages and take my calls from
now onwards? Nhlangano I miss you so
much," her voice shakes at the last part.
I miss her too, I miss baba, MaZikode, I miss
my life as a Mavimbela. It's not because of
the materialistic things but for the love,
support and unity we had.
"Life has been hectic but I'll try," that's not
really the reason why I have been avoiding her
texts and calls. I was afraid of how things will
be after everything that happened. I still am
scared but when she texted last night I
couldn't ignore her because I needed to escape
the nightmare that is my life.

We are eating at some fancy restaurant in

Umhlanga. I can't believe this is Thalente.
She's now this champagne drinking, oyster
eating princess. Her nails are so long I'm
wondering how she types and does research
for school. I honestly never thought I'd see the
day my simple, village aunt turn into a
baddie.
Her iPhone alerts her of a text and she sucks
her finger clean off her food and scrolls
through it. The smile on her face could light
up the whole room, it has to be a boyfriend.

"Tell him that I said if he ever breaks your

heart I'll find him and cut off his balls," I say
and she giggles.
"Oh calm down, Shaka Zulu. I don't have time
for boys who are only noticing me now that
they can smell my brothers money all over
me," she says and I'm proud of her. If they
didn't want her then they have no business
licking their lower lips now.
"Anyway, it's just Naledi, Bhut'Shlobo's wife.
She's letting me know that they'll be coming
this weekend. MaZikode is also coming from
Mahlabathini, she cannot wait to kiss her new
granbaby in Naledi's belly," Thale explains
nonchalantly and my whole body freezes.
Wow, he's having a baby, well that's... Uhm...I
don't know.
"Oh congratulations to them," I say then grab
my glass and gulp down my beer.
Baba really cut me off, he is living his best life
with his new family with no care in the world
about me. I found out from Thalente's
Instagram page that he paid lobola in
December last year. He moved to
Johannesburg and playing happy family with
his wife and her kid. What about me and his
grandbaby? If I wasn't stalking Thalente's
social media then I wouldn't know what's
happening in his life.
"I'm sure he would love to hear those words
coming from you," she says quietly and I
chuckle. She's funny.
"Huh, you got jokes," a waitress stops at our
table to check if we are still good. I ask her to
bring me double Hennessy on the rocks.
"I'm not kidding you, Nhlangano. Your dad
misses you," I want to shout at my aunt, ask
her why he hasn't tried to reach out to me if
he misses me so much. I want to know why
he left me out in the cold this way. I'm lonely,
I feel lost everyday of my freaking miserable
life. I wish he'd just wrap his arms around me
and promise that everything is going to be
okay.

I throw my head back and heave a sigh, this is

me calming myself so I don't cry. When I drop
my head my eyes land in the parking lot, a
group I know very well is laughing. My heart
starts thumping against my chest at the
sight of Zekhethelo in Rajesh's arms. Why
would my best friend be kissing the love of
my life this way? His hand moves to her ass
and he squeezes. All the air in my lungs
escapes, I start feeling a rush or emotions and
before I can make sense of anything, I'm
jumping over the gate that's separating the
restaurant and the sidewalk.

"Haibo! Nhlangano what are you doing?"

Thalente's high pitched voice makes my
friends turn and see me charging towards
Rajesh.
"You back stabbing bastard," I try to punch
Rajesh but our friend manages to grab me
from the back and pull me away.
"Dude, WTF?" someone in the group exclaims. I
don't care about any of them, I'm seeing red.
The beast in me wants to tear Rajesh apart,
into tiny fuckin pieces.
"My girl? Really? How could you do this to
me?" I'm kicking and screaming, desperate to
free myself.
"Nhlaks, I didn't plan to fall in love with her
man. We just bumped into each other in
Johannesburg, at campus and we started
hanging out. We connected in a way I can't
explain, I'm sorry..."
Ze interjects, "Babe, you don't owe this
asshole any explanations," she says, brushing
his arm lovingly.
"Wena, go fuck yourself. I'm not your girl,"
she's wagging a finger at me, "Focus on your
pregnant junkie and stay the fuck away from
us. If you ever try this shit again, I swear
you'll wish you never knew me at all," she
sneers and I'm looking at her with tears
burning my eyes.
"Okay, okay. I got him. Nhlangano let's go,"
Thalente says, grabbing my hand.
"Ze, please. I'm sorry, I swear I never meant to
hurt you. Babe, I love you so much." she clicks
her tongue and walks away. Rajesh runs
behind her, they make it to his car and he
opens the passanger door for her then runs to
his side. With a heavy heart I watch them
drive away.
"Fuck you dude, you just messed up our
plans." they all walk to their cars.
 THULISILE KHAMBULE

This is the hardest thing and yet the best

thing I've ever decided to do for myself. I
know my children are hurting over this but
like I told them, it's time I went out there to
explore the world. For many years I lived for
everyone else except myself and now it's time
to spread my wings and fly. My dream has
always been to travel the world and see its
beauty, I never got the chance to do it but
now is the perfect opportunity. My children
are grown, I have the time and money to live
on the road and experience things out there.

We are at the airport and everyone is crying.

The mother in me is telling me not to be
selfish and stick around for my daughters. But
a part of me that's desperate to be freed is
telling me to run towards the plane and chase
the sun. Something deep inside of me tells me
that something amazing awaits me on the
other side.
"I will check in frequently and come home
now and again. You guys can always fly to my
destination at the time to spend some time
with me," I say, hoping it makes it easier for
them. But if we are being honest, nothing will
make Senzeni and Sihle to understand why
their mother is choosing to leave them in
South Africa to hop from one foreign country
to the next.
"Ma, please. You can vacation now and again,
not live out there and visit us. We are your
family, we need you ma," I smile, tears
flowing down my face.
"I've been through so much, Sihle. I also need
me, please try and see things from my point
of view," she attacks her sister with a hug
and they cry together. It's been so intense
throughout the week leading to today. We
have been preparing for this since February
but I guess that wasn't enough to make it
any real, only this moment could.
I decide to hug my best friend goodbye, she's
been crying her eyeballs out on Shlobo's chest.
I think her hormones are exaggerating
everything, poor thing.
"Hey, don't cry. I promise to be in the country
when you give birth," I say and she smiles as I
wipe her tears.
"If you don't then I'll hate you forever," she
says and I hold out my pinky finger, she joins
hers with mine and the promise is sealed.
"Oh, Naledi Mavimbela. God, who would have
thought we'd be crying for each other some
day?" we both laugh.
"I know right? I would have laughed if
someone told me at the beginning that you'd
be my most valued friend," she says and I'm
glad our paths crossed. This girl before my
eyes turned out to be my pillar of strength,
my confidant and everything a best friend is.
"I wish you nothing but peace and happiness.
Love? You'll always have plenty of that from
us all. You're an amazing woman and you
deserve to live a beautiful, adventurous life
that fulfills every part of your soul. Go on and
be great, my friend. I will miss you always,"
we tighten the hug.
"Thank you so much,"
"This will always be home Thuli, never forget
that," Shlobo mutters and I nod vigorously.
"Thank you. And please take care of this one,
she means so much to me," we shake hands.
"Hey," a voice says behind me and I quickly
pivot, knowing exactly who it is.
"Uhm... He.. Hey, what are you doing here?"
Mongezi smiles nervously. That's a first, he's
always so dominant and confident in himself.
"I couldn't just let you leave without seeing
you off," he mutters and I smile, a genuine
smile.
"Thank you, it means a lot," I say and he opens
his arms for a hug. I don't hesitate, I walk
straight into his embrace. It has been such a
long time, a part of me misses him so bad but
I know my decision was the best for us both.
I broke things off a month ago when he
confessed his love for me, I couldn't belive it, I
couldn't accept it. What he felt was not really
love, we were just in each other's space so
much so that we couldn't function without
each other. My children ended up accepting
that I'm with him and that made Khabo blow
up. We haven't seen or spoken to her in a
while because of that, I hope my children get
to mend things with their aunt.
"Please miss me," he whispers and I giggle.
"I already am," that's the honest truth.
I'm going to keep in touch and propose that
he visits me while I'm in some countries, but
I'll make sure to make him understand that
we can never have a relationship like that. I
want him to enjoy the lifestyle I provide for
him and when the time comes for him to
meet his one I'll let him go because he truly
deserves to be loved and cherished.
"I'm going to email you everyday. I'm sorry in
advance." I'd love that very much,
I say to myself and we break the hug.
I turn to look at my children, they've calmed
down now.
"I love you all, please be okay for me. I will
call everyone of you when I get to my hotel in
Maldives." that's my first destination.
Two weeks in paradise to relax and get ready
for my new adventure.
 CHAPTER 74
KHWEZIKAZI GUMBI

WARNING: MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME

READERS.

"Mphiks, please. I need a fix, can't you see I'm

loosing my mind here?" I say and he shakes his
head, "Why are you doing this? You promised
that I'll have as many drugs as I want for
helping you take Nhlangano from Shlobo.
Don't go back on your word," he leans back on
the couch and spreads his legs.
"You've been on free mode for a long time,
Khwezi. Shelter, food, money, drugs. It's time
you work for your bit," he says and I gasp in
shock. Has he forgotten that the department
took my certificate to teach?
"That's not what we agreed on, Mphikeleli.
Keep to your end of the deal or I swear I'll sing
like a cannery to Nhlangano. I will tell him
that I'm not pregnant and you don't give a
rats ass about him, you're just using him to
hurt Shlobo," I threaten and he quickly gets on
his feet, shaking with anger. He's intimidating
but I won't show any sign of weakness, he has
to know that he won't play ball on top of my
head.
"Are you threatening me Khwezi?" he asks,
slowly walking towards me.
"It's a promise. You won't use me like this," a
hot slap lands on my face and I fall flat on my
ass.
"How dare you?" I ask with a shaking voice. A
hand placed over my burning cheek. No man
has ever laid a hand on me before.
"You bitch! You think you can threaten me?
Do you have any idea who the fuck I am? I'm
not Nhlangano, you can't toy with me bitch,"
he looks murderous and I regret ever
threatening him.
He kneels down and unzips his pants, I
immediately get an idea of what he wants to
do and I try to crawl away but he grabs my
ankles.
"You've been begging Nhlangano to fuck you
for months now. Let me give you a grown
man's dick," I'm shaking my head, tears
streaming down my face.
"No, no, no. Please, don't do this. I'm begging
you please," I'm kicking him off but he's so
strong. He roughly pulls my underwear down
and opens my legs wide.
"Mphikeleli, I'm begging you," I scream but it
falls on deaf ears. He enters me at one go and
I cry in agony. Why is he doing this to me? I
don't deserve this.
"Stop, please," he takes my underwear and
gags me with it.
It's painful, he's rough and enjoying every
minute of it.
"Fuck, now I can understand why my son was
so obsessed. You have a sweet cunt," Where's
Nhlangano? Can he just walk in and stop his
father from hurting me this way.
"Your days of free things have come to an end.
You have to contribute. I can't give you my
drugs to sell, you'd smoke everything. But,
you do have a pussy that makes a man
salivate and that's what you'll use to bring in
the money. From Monday you're joining my
girls at the flat, congratulations you're now a
prostitute," he says and my heart drops into
my stomach. Over my dead body, I'd rather die
than sleep with strange man for money.
He starts groaning and suddenly stops
moving, he has released his damn filthy load
inside of me. I have never felt so dirty in my
whole life. This hurts more than anything.
Mphikeleli gets up and fixes himself. I'm
crying silently, looking at this man who just
violated me in the worst way possible. He
fishes for something in his pocket then
throws it at me, it's a packet of cocain.
"You'll get two bags a day, if you want more
then you'll have to pay. My guy at the brothel
will explain the details of your new job to you
on Monday." son of a bitch. I'm not going to
be his whore.
"Get up and go get yourself cleaned up before
Nhlangano gets back," he orders but I just
remain in this position, feeling numb.
"Yei wena sfebe!" he kicks my legs until I
crawl to the bathroom. I have never hated
anyone the way I hate Mphikeleli, I'd pull the
trigger without hesitating if I had a gun
pointed at him.
 KATHERINE MOLOTSI

I'm sitting around the table with my parents,

siblings and Karabo. We are celebrating the
verdict. I'm so relieved that Thabo is going to
pay for everything he has done to me these
past few months. After filling for divorce he
started losing his mind, Thabo stalked and
threatened me. I reported him to the police,
got restraining orders but nothing stopped
him. He continued to make mine and Karabo's
life a living hell.

One night my girlfriend and I got home from

our date and found him in our house with a
gun, he was ready to kill us both. You can
imagine how scared I was for myself and
Karabo. The thought of her dying because she
loves me chocked me.
I tried reasoning with him but he didn't want
to listen, he wanted me dead. That night I
died a million deaths after he pulled the
trigger on Karabo. If she didn't move the
bullet would have went to her hear but by
God's grace it landed in her shoulder. When he
tried to shoot again his gun jammed and
that's when I took the opportunity to fight
him. We wrestled for the gun for a while until
it fell, when he tried to go for it I grabbed the
sculpture and hit him hard on the head. He
was unconscious immediately and that's
when I restrained his arms and called the
police and the ambulance. He was arrested
and bail denied.

Today our long, exhausting trial was rested.

He was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment
on two counts of attempted murder. This has
brought relief to us but it has made Thabo's
mother to hate me even more. She was
present at the sentencing with Mabatho. I
bumped into them as we left the court room
and my ex mother-in-law spit in my face. I
just laughed at her and walked away, I don't
care about her, her son deserves to do time
for trying to kill us.
"Babe, are you okay?" Karabo whispers to me
and snap out of it.
"Hey, love. I'm great. I'm just this king of how
normal we will start feeling," I say and she
nods in agreement.
"Yeah, I just want to put this whole thing
behind us and focus on the future," I smile.
"The future, that gets me excited," I watch her
blush scarlet. We have spoken of what we'd
like to have in the future, marriage and kids
are in the books. I cannot wait to live happily
with this gorgeous woman next to me.
"You and I both babe," I grab my glass and gulp
down my wine.
"You're driving, Katherine," my mother says as
I'm about to refill my glass.
"One of you will have to take the wheels of
my car. Karabo and I need to really celebrate
this. I mean it has been a long couple of
months," she shakes her head.
"Take it to your house then. We are done
eating, we can all go," mama mutters.
"Yeah, we still have to drive back to
Rustenburg," my brother adds.
"Okay, let me get the bill," the waitress passes
and I call her and ask her to bring the bill.
"Uhm, thank you everyone for supporting us
throughout this court case. It really means a
lot to us," I clasps Karabo's hand.
"We will always be there for you, Kat," my
father says and I know it's true. My parents
have always been on our side even when they
don't fully agree with our life choices.
My phone chimes and I quickly peep on my
screen. It's a text from Naledi, she says she
heard that Thabo will be locked up for a good
time and she's happy that the law didn't fail
me. I'm surprised to hear from her, especially
after how I've been ignoring her calls and
messages over the months. I didn't even
attend her lobola negotiations in December. I
was still so angry with her for not telling me
that Thabo was hitting on her, but I think I
have to let that go and apologize to Naledi for
treating her so badly. She has always been a
great friend to me and she doesn't deserve the
shit I've been doing to her.
I quickly text her "Thank you". I'll give her a
call sometime this week.
"Who is that?" Karabo asks.
"Uhm, it's Naledi. She says she's happy for us,"
I explain and she narrows her eyes.
"She's still texting?" I nod.
"Yeah, I think it's time I give her a call. She
honestly doesn't deserve how I've been
treating her," she raises an eyebrow.
Me fixing things with Naledi will definitely
cause problems in my relationship, but I'll do
my best to make my girlfriend understand
that it won't be like it was with Vhutshilo.
Naledi will never come before her.
"Uhm, okay." I take a deep breath.
We can't do this here infront of my family. I
need them to see us happy and healthy.
 CHAPTER 75
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I've been a happy man these past couple of

months but I've been the happiest these last
few days. My life took a turn and it wasn't for
the worst, I met a woman, married her
withing a blink of an eye and now she's
expecting my son or daughter. I still cannot
believe that this is my life now, but God
knows that I'll forever praise him for seeing
me worthy to live such a beautiful story. I
wish Nhlangano was still a part of my life so
he could enjoy this warmth with me, but he
has chosen his own path and I've learned to
accept that. I'll always love him though, I am
just not going to force myself on him. When
his eyes are finally opened to who Mphikele
really is and comes to me to say sorry then I'll
accept him with open arms.

I just had a lengthy conversation with my

sisters silent grave, I pray she heard every
single word and she will fight from her grave
to save her boy. This is the first time since
Nhlangano left that I gathered some courage
to talk to Busi. I felt like this is the right
time, you know, with my own baby coming. I
cannot stress and worry over him like I've
been doing, the new life Naledi and I are
expecting is all I have to focus on.

I check my phone for time, I don't want to be

late for lunch. Oh, would you look at that,
five texts from my little sister. I bet she sent
me a picture of her new pair of shoes. I hate
Vivian Reddy for bringing Platinum walk to
Durban, but at the same time I love seeing my
sister happy and living her life. Thalente had it
hard growing up and I'm glad I can afford her
all the good things life can offer.

It's not shoes or a handbag, just pictures of

the children from the shelter she volunteers
at. She hosted a little event for them, food,
jumping castles, presents and the works.
Thalente has changed, her looks, her little
attitude and things like that, but one thing
that hasn't changed is her passion for helping
people and changing their lives. I am so proud
of her and I know for a fact that she's going
to make one hell of a psychologist. I quickly
fire her a response and walk back to the
house.

"What's funny?" I ask as I step inside and find

my wife and my mother laughing at the top
of their lungs. The sight of them this way
always leaves my heart feeling warm.
"Ma is still praying that I don't gain any
weight on my bums during this pregnancy.
She says they'll push you off the bed," I throw
my head back and laugh. MaZikode needs to
let my wife's ass off the hook. I am obsessed
with it and it drives me insane when I'm
hitting it from the back.
"Oh, MaZikode," I say, pulling out the kitchen
stool and settling down. Naledi quickly gets
on her feet and head to the microwave and
my food is warming up in a second. She's
looking like a true makoti, I love seeing her in
this village look. She's wearing a brown and
white pinofor, a head wrap with the same
colors and there's a doek going across her
chest. My late father is surely bragging about
his one and only daughter-in-law in heaven.
"Thanks babe," I say as she places a small
basin with warm water and a dish cloth
infront of me. I love how she doesn't shy
away from doing things old school while we
are here.
She goes to get my plate from the microwave
then comes and places it infront of me. I hold
her hand as she's about to walk away, she
faces me again and I kiss her bearly visible
bump. Did I mention that we are only 3
months pregnant?
"Oh, Shlobo. I can only imagine how happy you
are to be welcoming your first child," my mom
comments and I gulp down my saliva and
move my eyes from her.
"I cannot wait to see this one in here," I say
and Naledi smiles down at me.
"Me too daddy. Now eat your food," I nod.
"Yes, ma'am,"
"Oh not again," Naledi mutters as she settles
down on her chair. MaZikode chuckles and I
just eat my food, sharing the same
frustrations as my wife.
"I know my love, I know," There's a church
that's being held at the homestead closest to
ours. MaZikode said it's been happening since
Thursday night. We arrived in Mahlabathini
yesterday and found a traffic of cars, coming
and going from that church. Ma says it's a
young woman leading everything, hopefully
people aren't falling for a scammer. People are
so desperate for money they aren't even
afraid to use the lords name in vain.
"We should go and see what it's all about. The
village women can't stop singing her praises,"
oh no thank you.
"Nah, I think Naledi and I will pass," I quickly
respond and my mother smacks her lips.
.
.
.
I am woken up from my peaceful, deep sleep
by someone banging on our door and crying.
What the fuck is this? I check my phone on
the pedestal and it's only 3 in the morning,
who does this shit at people's homes?
The banging gets worse and the person is
pleading with us to open, it's a woman. Could
she be in serious trouble? I quickly climb off
the bed and that wakes Naledi.

"Baby, what's going on?" she asks but I can't

really see her face because it's dark in here.
"I don't know baby but I'll go check. Stay in
bed," I say hurriedly, grabbing my pants.
"Shlobo no! You can't go out there, what if
they hurt you?" she's scared, I can't miss it in
her voice.
"I'm a big boy love, don't worry. I just need
you to stay in here until I say it's safe to
come out," I switch on the lights and find her
eyes threatening to fall off.
"Okay?" she nods imperceptibly and I head out
the door. I find my mother about to knock on
our door, she looks terrified too.
"Who could that be?" she asks and I shrug my
shoulders.
"I don't know, but I'm about to find out.
Please go to your room and I'll come get you
when it's safe," I say and she raises an
eyebrow.
"I am not MaMoletsane and I don't mean that
in a bad way. What I'm saying is she needs
protecting in her state and because she's your
wife, my daughter. I am the owner of this
house so we go open together," only then do I
see the golf stick and whip in her hands. I
grab the stick and lead the way.
I unlock the door and find a woman dressed in
white kneeling by our door, wailing so
painfully. There's a man besides her, brushing
her back. He gets up as soon as the door is
fully opened.
His face gets lighting and I narrow my eyes,
his eyebrow is arched in a second. He can
recognize me too, I just don't know where I
know him from but I do.
"It's you," he says, ignoring the woman
begging me to stop. I'm not sure what she's
on about but I'm annoyed because there are
people at the gate watching this free show.
"Who are you? Why are you people doing this?"
I ask, completely angry.
"My name is Qophelo, this is my wife,
Londeka. Something similar to this happened
a while ago at the airport," he says and it all
comes back to me. That was months ago and
I told them we weren't interested in whatever
message they had for us. How did they find
us?
"Are you stalking us?" I ask, shocked out of
my mind
"No, no. We aren't stalking you but this is not
coincidental either. My wife has a gift, like I
mentioned then. We came to this village to
help people from here and the neighboring
towns and villages. We were sleeping and she
woke up crying, I knew they had given her a
message in her dreams. She ran here and I
followed because I'm the only one who can
deal with her when the spirit has taken over,"
he explains, desperate for me to believe him.
"Shlobo, what is he talking about?" MaZikode
asks from behind me.
"I'll explain ma," I quickly answer MaZikode,
"Man, what is this? What does your wife want
from us?" I ask, anger has turned into fear
and curiosity.
He kneels down and starts brushing her back
again as she cries and hits the stoep with her
fists.
"Zulu, Mageba, calm down. He's willing to
listen, calm down and explain the message to
them," he says softly.
I can recognize the gentleness he uses with
her, he's a man in-love and would do
absolutely anything for his wife. Just like me.
"Mavimbela... you can't, she's... not your...
wife but..." she says between hiccups.
"This is absolute madness, Naledi is my wife. I
know I started things on the wrong foot but I
rectified my mistakes, I paid lobola and the
remaining traditional ceremonies are going to
take place before the year ends," I explain and
the woman grabs my legs.
"You don't understand. You need to listen and
hear me..."
"Baby," I quickly turn and find my shaking
wife standing in the middle of the kitchen, in
her gown and tears streaming down her face.
"What's wrong babe?" my heart is thumping
against my chest.
"I uhm...Shlobo...I think..." she breaks down
and my heart drops into my stomach.
"Hey, I'm here. Talk to me, please," I cup her
face and peck her lips repeatedly.
"No... No... Please stop it," The Londeka lady
whimpers.
"Talk to me," I coax Naledi and her eyes look
down at the feet and mine follow. There's
drops of blood on the floor; Where's that
coming from?
"I think I'm having a miscarriage," it comes
out in an almost whisper and I die a million
deaths in a second.
"What no, baby, no," I say, tears burning my
eyes. We can't lose this baby.
"Don't cry, it's for the best," Londeka says and
Naledi gasps in shock. I'm horrified to say the
least, how dare she says something so
insensitive.
"Get the hell away from us!" I scream.
"Shlobo, ignore her. We have to take Naledi to
the hospital now." my mother says and I snap
out of my anger and run to the bedroom to
get my keys and phone. I come back to Naledi
in the same spot and my mother comforting
her. I don't say anything, I just scoop mine in
my arms and rush out. My mother is behind
us, I hear her telling the still crying Londeka
and her husband off as she locks the door.
 CHAPTER 76
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

It feels like my heart has been ripped out of

my chest. I still cannot believe that we have
been stripped off our joy, our love in human
form. Naledi and I are good people, we are in
love and would have made amazing parents. I
have never felt so much pain in my life, being
a dad to my own blood was what made life
more exciting but now I'm left feeling empty
and useless. I don't know how to comfort my
wife in this trying time, especially because
she blames herself for losing the baby. I have
told her not to say that, it wasn't her fault
but that crazy Londeka woman that came
here. If she didn't cause a scene then my wife
wouldn't have been scared and our baby
would still be growing inside of her.

God, I have never hated a stranger like I do

that woman. She took so much from us and
then ran away. The villagers who were
watching as everything happened said
Londeka and her husband got into their car
and left the same morning. She ran like a
caward and scammer that she is and I hope
word gets around and others don't fall victim
to her nonsense.

I walk out of the bathroom after a good cry

and head to check on my wife, she hasn't had
anything to eat today. I'm gonna try and
convince her to take something, even if it's
just a fruit salad. I find her with MaZikode,
her mom and Manana. The two women
showed up a few hours after we called to
inform them about the miscarriage. They are
as heart broken as us, but I'm grateful for the
love and support they've been showing us.

"Hey," I say, setting down next to her.

She offers me a ghost smile and my heart
breaks even further. The hurt I see in her eyes
causes my throat to go dry.
"Are you okay?" she asks and I kiss her
forehead then she rests her head on my
shoulder.
"No, not right now my love," I need to be
honest about my feelings so we can both be
able to heal and move on.
"It will get better, I promise," My mother-in-
law comforts us and as I'm about to coax my
wife into eating a knock comes through the
door. That must be my sister, Thalente. She
couldn't come sooner because of her duties at
the childrens shelter.
"Let me get that," my mother says, getting on
her feet.
"Baby, I should make you something to eat
and after that we can call and check in on
Bassie," I know the princess will cheer her up.
She'll be staying with her father until we are
done with the cleansing ceremony and we all
go back to Johannesburg.
Her mother and I decided not to tell her over
the phone that she's no longer having a little
brother. We want to do it face to face and
comfort her ourselves.
"I had a banana, babe. That's a start right?"
she responds and I nod vigorously.
At least she had something, I'll push her
slowly for something heavier.

My mother starts shouting and we all

exchange a confused look. Manana and the
minister are the first to hurry to the
commotion happening in the kitchen. I try to
stand but my wife holds me in place, I want
to insist but her pleading eyes have me taking
her in my arms and kissing the top of her
head repeatedly. This must remind her of the
night we lost our baby. Manana is calming my
mother, asking her to walk away from the
situation. The noise dies down but my mother
doesn't walk back in.

I wonder who is here, okay no, I have an idea.

But would they be stupid enough to show up
here after what she did to us?
A few minutes after a hushed convesation,
footsteps approach and the first to walk in is
Manana, followed by an elderly man I don't
know then Londeka and her husband. This
crazy girl, once again, drops to her knees and
starts asking for forgiveness.
"Get the fuck out of my mother's house!" I
sneer through gritted teeth. I'm mad as hell
and I'm about to lose it on her because of the
painful sobs that are coming from Naledi.
"Yobe Mavimbela, please calm down, please. I
am here to help her explain herself and the
message that comes from your father and the
other Mavimbela elders. It's really important,"
I start chuckling, not because I'm finding this
funny.
"Shlobo, calm down. Please, let them give us
the answers. We all want to know why," -
Manana.
My mother and the minister get in the room
and settle down without saying anything. I
guess this man and Manana managed to calm
them down so we can hear out this lunatic.
"You can have a sit," Manana says and the
elderly man and Qopehlo sit down while
Londeka remains on her knees.
"I'd firstly like to apologize on behalf of
Londeka and offer my sympathy for what you
are going through as a family," I smack my
lips, brushing my wife's back in circles.
"What are you here to explain? Say what you
want and take this girl and leave my house,"
MaZikode might seem calm but deep inside
she's on fire.
"I'm Mkhize, Londeka's spiritual mentor. She
has a gift like myself but hers is much
greater. She has touched the lives of those
that have come across her, her husband even,"
I roll my eyes and that makes the old man
heave a sigh, "She has a church in Durban, it's
very big, people from near and far come
seeking help from her. But from time to time
she travels around the country to deliver
messeges to those that cannot come to her,"
can he just get straight to the point and leave
my house.
"Would a good person say it's for the best that
I was losing my child?" Naledi asks with a
shaking voice.
"I allowed myself to speak from the truth I
know. I didn't think of how those words
would hurt you. That's why I left the same
morning, I was ashamed of myself and how I
handled the situation but Mr Mavimbela's
spirit won't let me rest and that's why I'm
back here. I want to sincerely apologize for
that night and also for what I'm about to tell
you," she says with sincerity and a cold shiver
runs down my spine. Okay, this is getting
intense now.
"What message does my husband want you to
relay to us?" MaZikode is also feeling the
intensity in the room.
"I love my gift because I get to help people.
But I won't lie, it's a difficult job most times.
What I tell people change their lives forever,
either for good or bad," Naledi looks at me
and I see fear in her eyes.
"Is my daughter and her husband in danger?"
My mother in-law speaks and Londeka looks
down and starts crying.
"I'm truly sorry for doing this to you but this
marriage cannot hold. You both need to
separate and start extensive cleansing. It's
going to be a difficult journey for all of you
but I'm hoping that everyone comes out of it,"
I shift uncomfortably on the couch.
"Why? I love my wife and she loves me too.
For what reason must we divorce?" I ask,
feeling anger bubbling in my stomach.
She has absolutely no idea how much I adore
this woman, how long I've waited for her to
come into my life.
"Mama, who is Naledi's father?" Londeka asks
the minister.
"What has that got to do with anything?"
My mother in-law asks defensively.
"I'll get to my message sooner if everyone
answers honestly and without hesitation,"
That's Londeka's response.
"Uhm I... I don't know Naledi's father," it
comes out in a whisper and everyone in the
room exchanges a puzzled look, except for
Manana. I can tell for a fact that she knows
something the rest of us don't.
"Mama please, this is important," Bab'Mkhize
mutters.
"I have never met him, I don't know his name.
I used a sperm donor from a fertility clinic in
Cape Town," Naledi gasps in shock.
"What? Ma, why didn't you tell me this? I
know I never really cared to know about my
father, but the little hurt I always felt when I
thought of the possibility of him not wanting
us wouldn't have been there if I knew the
truth," I start to sweat, my heart drumming
against my chest.
"I am so sorry my baby. I just wanted to have
a baby so badly. I couldn't tell you how you
came into this world because I was scared
you'd judge me. I mean we never really had a
smooth relationship until about a year ago.
Naledi you know how we always said the
most hurtful things to each and I thought
you'd use it against me during our fights," I'm
listening to everything and I feel like my
world has been turned on its head.
"Baby, are you okay?" Naledi asks, reaching for
my hand, but I quickly get on my feet and
move away from her. I feel disgusted by
myself right now.
"Shlobo what's wrong?" she's shocked by how I
just rejected her touch.
"You now understand why you have to divorce
her right?" Londeka asks I close my eyes.
Hating every bit of what makes me... Me.
"What's going on here? Baby?" oh God!
"Shlobosenkosi Mavimbela! Explain yourself
right now," MaZikode orders, tired of being in
the dark, but I guess everyone is, except
Londeka, her husband and the old man.
"You need to tell them," Bab'Khoza gently
coaxes me but I shake my head. How the hell
do I even say it with my own mouth? How did
I go that far? How did I not push to find out
her pertanity? I'm so stupid, Jesus, I fucked up
big time!
"I can't, I just can't..." I slowly sink to the floor
as my knees become too weak to carry me. I
pull my knees to my chest and hug myself
before wailing.
"Babe, you're scaring me. What's happening?"
she's at my side, hugging me. I don't have the
energy to push her away but we shouldn't be
this close to each other.
"Many years ago a young man left home to
persue greener pastures in the city, but things
were tough for the first couple of years.
Money didn't come by easily and he had to
survive and also send money home to his
parents and sister. He came across a
newspaper advertisement, a clinic in Cape
Town was looking for black sperm donors and
the money they offered would help him out
until his business picked up," Londeka tells my
story the way it happened and I can't help but
cry harder.
"No... No... No! Stop right there, there's no
way!" Naledi begs but it can't change the
truth.
"A young woman who desperately wanted to
prove to people that she is still a woman
despite not having legs went to the same
Cape Town fertility clinic and she was given
the seed donated by the young man from
KZN," I stop breathing as Londeka puts it out
there.
"Oh Lord!" Manana exclaims.
"Yei man! Stop narrating stories and tell me
what's happening," MaZikode hasn't put the
pieces together like the rest of the people.
"Shlobo fathered Naledi, that's what I'm trying
to explain ma." My wif... I mean Naledi faints
next to me.
"No, this must be a joke. Shlobo would have
told me if he had a child out there. You're
wrong, Naledi is my daughter-in-law. Please
leave my house with this nonsense." Mama is
livid, trying to get up from the couch to
personally push them out of her house.
Londeka gives me pleading eyes as I stand
with the unconscious Naledi in my arms.
"Tell her I'm not lying," I look around the room
and my mothers eyes are threatening to fall
off. The minister has her head thrown back
with tears escaping the corners of her eyes.
Manana has both her hands on top of her
head.
 CHAPTER 77
KHWEZIKAZI GUMBI

It's been days since Mphikeleli raped me and

told me I'll be working as a prostitute at one
of his brothels. I had absolutely no idea that
he had girls at corners selling their bodies for
him in exchange for drugs. This guy is not a
good person, he is the devil himself and I
honestly feel guilty for helping him destroy
Nhlangano's life. That young man had a
promising future but now he's a nothing. He's
preparing for a baby that doesn't exist; I don't
know if I'll ever forgive myself for ever
deceiving him this way.

I get to our apartment floor and sigh in relief,

happy to be back here after spending my
whole day at the whore house down town. I
haven't been forced to go sell myself like the
rest of them but I'm not counting myself
lucky. I know my day will come soon and
there's nothing I can do to escape it.
Mphikeleli threatened to take my daughters
life if I try to run away or tell Nhlangano the
truth about everything. God knows I want to
come clean but I need to keep Zekhethelo safe
from this wolf in sheepskin.

I open the door and immediately wish I could

go back to where I come from. Mphikeleli is
home and I don't think Nhlangano is here. I'm
now afraid of being alone with this man; I
mean what's to stop him from raping me
again? He looks at me frozen by the door
then looks at the TV screen again. I say a
short prayer before closing the door behind
me and walking straight to the room I use.

I close the door and realize that the key has

been removed, son of a bitch! Locking myself
in here makes me feel a little safer and now
that he has taken the key I feel vulnerable to
the apex predator in the lounge. I take a deep
breath before stepping out of my high heels
and dragging the bed to block the door.
The handle rattles, startling me. Oh God, why
can't he just leave me the hell alone.
Mphikeleli starts banging on the door,
demanding that I open his damned door. He's
mad as hell but I'm not opening for him, in
fact let me call Nhlangano and tell him to
come home immediately. I'll say I have
abdominal pains, I know that will get him
here in a second. This "baby" means everything
to him.

"Open this door or I swear I will order my guy

in Johannesburg to snatch your precious
daughter and do to her what I did to you on
this floor a couple of days ago," he sneers and
I stop breathing.
"I'm not playing with you Khwezi," I quickly
move the bed away from the door. Mphikeleli
kicks it open, he's breathing fire. I step back
but he keeps coming, closing the space
between us. My eyes are burning with tears,
I'm scared out of my mind. What kind of evil
did I invite into my life.
"I'm sorry, Mphikeleli please, it will not
happen again. I promise to do whatever you
want, just leave my daughter alone. She has
been through so much in her life already," I
beg, rubbing my hands together.
He doesn't show me mercy, he just gives me a
slap that leaves me shivering.
"Shhh!" he places his index finger over his lips.
"Why are you crying? Do you want me to give
you something to really cry about?" he asks
and I press my lips into a thin line to muffle
my sobs.
"Strip naked right now and drop to your
knees, I want to fuck your mouth before
destroying that cunt between your legs. I
want to remind you that I own your ass now
Khwezi," he says arrogantly and I shake my
head. Not again, God please see me through
this, please.
"I won't ask twice," he snaps his slender finger
and I start unbottoning my dress and taking
it off. I remove the pregnancy sponge and
drop it to the floor then kneel on it for
comfort. With shaking hands I unbuckle his
belt and unzip his jeans before dropping them
to his knees along side his boxer briefs. His
penis is already erect and popping a vein.
Tears blind my eyes as I grab his manhood and
direct it into my mouth.
"Your touch alone makes me vibrate, damn,
Nhlangano was enjoying," he comments and it
leaves me feeling like the dirtiest thing in the
whole world.
"You can take your time baby. Nhlangano will
be back in about 2 hours," Mphikeleli planned
this, he sent Nhlangano out so he could have
his way with me.
"What the fuck!" a voice exclaims and
Mphikeleli pushes me away from him, I fall
and he steps away, trying to pull up his pants.
Oh Thank God, Thank the heavens for this
save.
"What are you doing here? I sent you to go get
my..."
His son interjects, "I forgot the card in the
bathroom but I guess that was fate. I had to
come back to witness this," he answers
angrily.
"It's not what it looks like son. She seduced
me. I was stupid to fall for her bullshit. I'm
sorry," I gasp in shock.
"Why are you lying Mphikeleli? I have never
seduced you," I defend myself and he quickly
turns and gives me a warning look.
Nhlangano chuckles, walking further into my
bedroom.
"You have got to be kidding me Khwezi,"
Nhlangano's voice is shaking.
"You have to belive me. You are her victim
too, you know how persistent she can be,"
Mphikeleli stands by his seduction story, but
the look in Nhlangano's eyes tells me that he
isn't buying his story.
"She must be one hell of a seductress that you
didn't even realize that the baby bump is
fake," my heart stops beating. Fuck! I'm naked
and kneeling on the bump that's been making
him believe that I'm pregnant.
"I... Nhlang... Son, I swear I didn't... Khwezi
what the fuck?" Mphikeleli acts like he
doesn't know but I don't care about him right
now. My heart is bleeding at the pain I see in
Nhlangano's eyes. God, what have I done?
"Nhlangano, I swear I can explain," a hot slap
lands on my face and I scream in pain.
"You bitch! You lied to us. How could you? Do
you have any idea how much my son
sacrificed to be a father?" anger bubbles in my
stomach. To hell with this son of a bitch! I
slowly get on my feet and roughly wipe my
tears with the back of my hand. I've heard
enough of this, I won't allow Mphikeleli to
walk all over me again.
"You sadistic bastard," I sneer at him and he
tightens his jaw as a warning, but I don't
care.
"Nhlangano, this man is a snake. He doesn't
care about you," Mphikeleli holds out his
finger to caution me.
"I'm warning you, Khwezi. Lie one more time
and I'll..."
I cut in, "You'll what? Tell your boy to rape
and kill my daughter like you threatened? Do
it because I'm telling him the truth," I will run
straight to Mthandazo's house and ask him to
call Ze and tell her to stay in her room until
he can get to Johannesburg and help her out.
"What truth Khwezi?" Nhlangano asks with
tears gushing down his handsome face.
"Mphikeleli doesn't give a fuck about you.
Everything Shlobo told you about this man
was true. I'm sorry that I agreed to be a part
of his plan to take you away from your dad. I
was just so mad that he reported me to the
school and I lost my job, my reputation and
most importantly my daughter. I am not
pregnant, never was, Mphikeleli planned the
whole thing and I just played along. And for
what? Revenge? To get his drugs for free? Or
maybe to be raped and told to work at his
brothel? I'm not sure anymore." I explain
shamefully in between hiccups.
"Is that true?" Nhlangano asks, the question
directed to Satan's cousin.
"Of course not. She's trying to reverse this
whole thing because we caught her in a lie,"
"Take my phone and go through our texts.
You'll see everything, even the part where he
admits that he raped me on the floor in the
lounge,"
"You're dead bitch!" Mphikeleli fails to keep up
the facade any longer.
I pick up my dress and quickly put it on while
father and son have a starring contest. I take
my bag from on top of the bed and attempt
to leave the room, but Mphikeleli grabs my
arm.
"Where the fuck do you think you're going?"
he asks and yelp as he tighten his grip.
"Leave her alone!" I have never heard
Nhlangano's voice come out so deep. The devil
let's go of my arm and I literally run out of
the apartment to my car. I need to go and
warn Mthandazo. I know this will make them
hate me even more but it's imperative that I
give him this information so that he can be
able to keep our daughter safe. Our
relationship will be dead forever after this but
maybe it's for the best. Zekhethelo deserves
more than what I can ever offer as a mother.
My absence will be the best gift I ever give
her in this life.
 NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

I'm sitting in the dark outside my fathers

gate. Tears are uncontrollably flowing down
my face, my heart is aching in a way I cannot
explain. I am feeling so many emotions right
now, but the most dominating one is guilt. All
the horrible things I've ever uttered to my
father and grandmother are re-playing in my
head. They kept warning me about Mphikeleli
but I just wouldn't listen and now I've learned
the truth the hard way. Today I fully
understand what they mean when they say, a
child will not see what an elder sees while
sitting down even if they climb on the highest
tree.

My life has no direction. I sacrificed

everything so I could be around to help
Khwezi and be in my child's life. That was all
for nothing, I wasted so much of my time on
a nonexistent baby. I practically flushed my
future down the toilet and I don't know
where to start picking up the pieces of my
life. My mother must be turning in her grave,
I'm such a disappointment.

My phone chimes, message after message. I

take it out of my pocket and power on the
screen, it's Khwezi. She's sending me
screenshots of her conversations with
Mphikeleli. Proof that she wasn't lying earlier
on. This was not needed, I believed every word
she said. A part of me feels like I have always
known, but was too scared to actually look
into things because of the damage I had
already caused with my real family.

These messages will not change the fact that

I hate this woman, I loathe everything about
her. I curse the day I met her, the day I
started anything with her. I wish I could turn
back the hands of time and focus on my
education and my relationship with
Zekhethelo. I wish I hadn't given Mphikeleli
the time of day, but wishing will not change
anything. I can only acknowledge my
mistakes and sincerely apologize to my father
and MaZikode for everything I've done to hurt
them.

Thunder roars and I look up to the sky, when

did the weather change? I was so lost in
thought I didn't even realize that it's about to
pour down hard.
Now I don't have any other choice but to
press the intercom and ask my aunt for a
place to sleep. I know I shouldn't even be here
after everything I've said and done, but I'm
desperate, I have nowhere else to go. I get up
from the grass and head to the gate, pressing
the intercom a couple of times with no
answer. I should call her and find out where
she is.

"Nhlaks, hey," she answers after forever.

She does not sound like her usual self, maybe
I woke her up.
"Auntiza. Where are you?" I get straight to the
point, my airtime is not enough.
"Mahlabathini, there's a lot happening here," I
narrow my eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"Thale!" MaZikode bellows in the background.
"I'm coming ma," she shouts back, "Nhlaks, let
me call you back." the line goes dead and I
close my eyes. She was my only hope. What
am I going to do now.
A drop of rain hits my skin, God please hold it
off. I don't have a place to sleep tonight, and
no warm clothes on me. I had a screaming
match with Mphikeleli before I left without
taking any of my belongings. I'll go back for
them in a couple of days. The flood gates of
heaven open and I don't have any other choice
but to jump over the pedestrian gate. I pull
my pants up and grab the gate bars, climbing
up. A car stops and the door opens, a male
voice I don't recognizes announces himself
and I freeze with one leg about to go over.
Fuck, this looks bad.
 CHAPTER 78
NALEDI MOLETSANE

It has been days since I found out that the

love of my life, my husband and the father of
my child is actually my father. My life is like a
perpetual night, it feels like I'm stuck in a
nightmare and no matter how much I try to
escape it, I can't find a way out. It hurts so
much, it hurts to my soul. All the happiness
I've felt since I met Shlobo has vanished
within a blink of an eye and all I'm left feeling
is intense pain.

We've been booked at this lodge in Shelly

Beach, waiting to hear the next step from the
Londeka woman. She wanted to start her
work immediately after she revealed the
truth to us, but MaZikode didn't believe a
word of what was said. She demanded a DNA
test and my mother seconded the motion; I
didn't have anything to say to the whole
thing. My world had just collapsed around me
for the second time in a short period. I was
still feeling the pain of losing my baby inside
of me then boom! The father of that same
baby I lost is also my father.

My phone has been off since we left

Mahlabathini. I haven't spoken to my
daughter and I feel like a shitty mother. I
know that she's okay with her dad, but she
still needs me and by now she has started to
ask questions. I believe Vhutshilo was told
what's happening but he won't be able to
explain to Bassie and I don't think I want my
daughter to know about this abomination. In
fact, I don't want the world to know this. I'm
already feeling disgusted by myself and the
last thing I need is walking in the streets and
having people pointing at me and whispering
behind my back. I don't want to be known as
the girl that married her own father.

A knock comes through my door, I close my

eyes. I know my mother and Manana mean
well, but I'm just not in the mood to be told
that everything will be okay. It's not,
everything is messed up and everyone needs
to accept that. I know it's rude but they are
going to knock until they walk away.

"Mommy," an angelic voice calls out and my

heart drops into my stomach.
Oh Lord, what is she doing here? I'm not in
the right frame of mind to see my baby.
Bassie doesn't deserve to see her mother so
broken and lost.
"Naledi, please open," Vhutshilo says softly
and I cover my mouth to muffle my sobs.
"Please, she misses you so much. I do too," he
adds.
I can't turn her back, I cannot hurt Basetsana
that way. I will just tell her that mommy is
no longer pregnant with her baby brother and
that's why she has been sad. Yes, that will do,
plus, it's still the truth.
I slowly get off the bed and wipe my tears. I
can do this, I have to do it for Bassie's peace
of mind. I open the door and my heart swells
with love at the sight of my perfect girl. She
attacks me with a hug and I don't hesitate
wrapping my arms around her and kissing the
top of her head.
"Mommy, I've missed you so much," she
whimpers.
"I missed you too baby. I'm sorry for not
talking to you for so long," she let's go.
"What's wrong? Why haven't you come back
home?" she asks and my heart breaks even
further.
"Uhm, I... Huuuu! A lot has happened baby and
mommy just needed some time to think," I
explain, my voice shaking.
Basetsana narrows her eyes.
"Your eyes are red, you've been crying. Please
tell me what's wrong," oh my little lady.
"Come baby," I take her hand and lead her to
the bed. We sit down and I clasp both her
hands.
"Remember mommy told you that you'll be
having a baby brother soon?" I ask and a huge
grin stretches across her gorgeous face.
"Yes, I'm so excited. I already asked daddy to
allow my brother to have a room at his
house," her excitement makes me want to
keep the news from her, but it wouldn't be
fair to allow her make plans for someone who
is gone.
"That was nice of you baby but that won't be
necessary anymore," she flares her nose,
confusion written all over her face.
"Basetsana, you're still too young to
understand me fully," I take a deep breath,
"Well mommy has been sad because she had
some complications that made her go to the
hospital. When I got there the doctors
checked me and told me that something bad
happened to your little brother and he died in
mommy's belly," she gasps in shock and a
second later tears well up in her eyes.
"I'm really sorry my princess. I know how
much you wanted to be a big sisi," she lays
her head on my lap and cries. I am stroking
her hair, my eyes glued on Vhutshilo who is
folding his arms across his chest and
watching us with warm eyes.
"It's going to be okay," I mutter.
"I love you, mommy," oh sweet Lord. My heart
skips a beat. I might have lost a lot these
past couple of days, but Bassie is a reminder
of God's love for me.
"I love you, too, my baby."
.
.
.

We are sitting on the bed, myself, Bassie and

her father. My daughter asked us to sandwich
her between us and watch a movie; My poor
baby must have missed chilling with both her
parents. It's been a minute since we had such
moments, I mean things haven't really been
great between Vhutshilo and I. Hopefully we
can move forward and let things of the past
be left in the past for our daughters sake.

A rough knock comes through my door and

even before I can answer the person pushes it
open and walks in. My heart stops beating
and my stomach knots. Why did he come
here? Does Shlobo have any idea what seeing
him will do to me? I can't look at him or talk
to him, that's why my phone has been
switched off. The wound is still fresh, I don't
trust myself around him. Yes, he's my fa...
Father, but the heart still longs for him in a
way that it shouldn't.

"Baba!" Bassie exclaims, climbing off the bed

and hurrying to Shlobo with open arms. My
hus... Uhm, he kneels down and receives her.
"Hey, angel face. I miss you," I close my eyes,
hurt by the perfect sight before me. They have
a great relationship and now it's over, this
will affect Bassie badly.
"I miss you too. When are you and mommy
coming home?" she asks and I open my eyes
and find Shlobo's pair on me. A shiver runs
down my spine.
"Soon baby, soon," Why is he giving her hope?
He knows that things will never go back to
the way they used to be.
"Okay, I have a new piece I want to play for
you and mommy," the cello, her new found
love. I miss listening to her play.
"I can't wait to hear you play it," he kisses
Bassie's forehead, "Baby, can you and your dad
please give me and mommy a moment?"
Bassie nods vigorously.
"Daddy, can we go see if they have ice cream
at the restaurant?" she asks and Vhutshilo
climbs off the bed. Shlobo's eyes are on my
daughters father, if looks could kill then
Vhutshilo would be six feet under.
"Will you be okay?" I nod vigorously and he
bends down and puts on his shoes before
leaving the room with Bassie. Soon as the
door closes, tension rises in the room.
"Hey," he says in a shaking voice and I close
my eyes.
"W-why are you here?" he's making things
harder.
"I had to see you, Naledi. I am losing my
mind," he takes a few steps forward and I hold
out my hand to stop him.
"Please don't do this, please," tears stream
down his face.
"There has to be some kind of mistake, Naledi.
You cannot be my daughter. I refuse to
believe that God and the ancestors would
allow such to happen to us," he's hurt, just as
deeply as I am. We both wanted forever with
each other and it's going to be difficult to
accept our reality because we have tasted the
happiness we brought to one another.
"I wish it wasn't true as well, but it is and
there's nothing we can do to change it," he
shakes his head.
"Baby please. The results will come back
negative and we will go on with our lives.
Naledi you're a Mavimbela because we are
married, not because you're my daughter," I'm
so desperate for that to be true but this is
too close to be just a coincident.
"I love you, mkami. Please don't push me
away," he caresses my face and his touch
sends fire all over my body.
"I feel it too, my love, that's why it is
impossible for us to be father and daughter.
The child who is a product of my sperm is
somewhere out there, it's not you," he leans
in to give me a kiss but we are disturbed.
"Stop it! Stop it!" Manana yells and we step
away from each other, "She's your daughter,
please don't do this. It was a mistake at first
but now you'll be doing it willingly," she says
and Shlobo shakes his head, he's a teary mess,
just like me.
"No! She's my wife. Can you all stop it," I've
never seen him this broken. My miscarriage
hurt him badly but we had each other at
least.
"I know it's hard and I'm so sorry, but you
can't do this. Please leave, we don't want
Bassie getting a glimpse into this whole
thing," he drops to his knees, clutching at his
chest.
"Manana please. She's the love of my life.
What am I expected to do without Naledi?
What good is life if I'm not with her?" his
words finish me off.
 CHAPTER 79
SHLOBOSENKOSI MAVIMBELA

I'm sitting at the back of my mother's house,

drinking cognac straight from the bottle. I'm
hoping it numbs the pain I'm feeling in my
heart right now. I went to see Naledi at the
lodge in Shelly Beach earlier today and I found
her sitting in bed with Vhutshilo. I died a
million deaths seeing her that close with a
man who confessed his undying love for her.
She's vulnerable right now and I'm scared he
might use the situation to his advantage. The
thought of Naledi doing something with
Vhutshilo or any other man feels like someone
plunged a knife into my heart and they are
twisting it.

I love that woman with every fiber of my

being. I know for a fact that Londeka is
wrong, there's no way I fathered her. If I did
aq%qqqqqthen I wouldn't be feeling this way
about her, I wouldn't be finding it difficult to
breathe without her by my side. She's my
whole world and I don't know how they
expect me to live without her. I cannot wait
for the results to come back and prove them
wrong. I am impatiently waiting for the day I
get to hold Naledi in my arms again and hear
her tell me how much she loves me and how
terrible she has been missing me.

"Shlobo," I turn my head to the corner of the

house and find Londeka standing there. She
looks normal today. She's wearing a nude
maxi dress and Gucci wedges, her long weave
is falling over her shoulders, this gift must be
making good money for her.
"I thought you're always dressed in your white
garments, you look too normal," she chuckles.
"No, I have regular clothes," she mutters,
walking toward me.
"What are you doing back here?" she asks and
I take a gulp of my drink.
"Drinking my heart ache away. My wife thinks
I'm her father, thanks to you. I can't wait for
the test results to come back and prove you
wrong," she heaves a sigh.
"Shlobo, the results won't come back saying
the opposite of what I told you and you know
it. You already know this, come on," I shake
my head.
"How? How can she be my daughter huh?
Show me a father that gets hard for their
daughter. A father whose blood boils at the
sight of the so called daughter. I am fire and
Naledi is ice, only she can put out my fire and
I am the only one who can melt her ice. Can
that happen between father and daughter?"
tears are flowing freely down my cheeks.
"You both didn't know Shlobo. You need to
accept this, she's your child. Your father
wants the both of you cleansed and rituals
performed to welcome his granddaughter
home," I cringe at the word granddaughter.
"She's my wife," it comes out in a whisper, "I
want her to be my wife. I don't see myself
regarding her as anything but," she gasps in
shock.
"You'd still want to remain married to her
even after the tests come back and prove
that I'm right?" she asks.
"Would it be such a bad thing?"
"Yes, it's incest," she answers quickly.
I drop the bottle of my hard liquor and wail.
This is too much, why is it happening to me?
Why couldn't they stop us from meeting in
the first place? Why did they have to wait for
us to get married, conceive and lose a child
before they made us aware.
"You know I'm telling the truth, Shlobo. You
just don't want to accept it because of what
has happened already. You're disgusted with
yourself, ashamed. But I'm telling you that
you don't have to be because you didn't know.
You're a great man and I know you'll survive
this," I shake my head.
"I won't, she's my lifeline. There's no me
without her," I don't know how I'm expected
to fall out of love with her and see her as a
daughter.
.
.
.
I'm sitting in the back seat of Thalente's car
with a hangover from hell, my mother threw
a fit when I wanted to have at least one glass
of cognac before we left.
Thale is driving MaZikode and I to the
hospital, the DNA tests are out. We are
meeting Naledi and her mothers there. I'm
having mixed emotions; Londeka was right
yesterday, A reasonable part of me already
knows what the results will say. It's just that
a part of me that's madly in love with Naledi
doesn't want to believe that there's any
chance she's my daughter.

We get to the doctors office and find Naledi,

Manana and the minister sitting on the right
side and the couch on the left is empty. My
mother and I settle down after we exchange
greetings. My eyes are glued on Naledi and
hers are fixed on her entwined fingers. Can
she just look at me, I need to at least figure
out what's going on in her head.
The door opens and the doctor walks in, he
greets us all and the tension in the room gets
so thick that one could cut through it with a
knife. He settles on his chair behind the desk
and opens the drawer, he comes back with a
white envelop and my eyes move to Naledi
once again. She's nervously tapping her foot,
Manana clasps her hand and she looks to her
and smiles. I'd give anything for her to look at
me and smile right now.

"These are your results, I'm going to open

them now," he says and tears the envelop.
"The test results says you're 99.99% the
father," Naledi drops her head between her
thighs and breaks down. I attempt to get up
to comfort her but MaZikode holds me back.
"Ma, she needs me," I mutter with tears
welling up in my eyes.
"Uhm, I'll give you the room for as long as you
need," the doctor pushes his chair back and
leaves the room.
"My love, nothing has to change," I say and my
mother and hers gasp in shock.
"Shlobosenkosi, are you out of your mind?"
-MaZikode is horrified.
"No ma, I'm not. I love her and she loves me.
We didn't know this before and we were
happy. Can we all just pretend that this never
happened and move on with our lives," my
mother starts to cry.
"That can't happen. I will never allow my
daughter to remain married to her own
father. I failed Naledi by not telling her how
she came into the world, maybe all of this
would have been avoided if I did. This is hard
on the both of you and I'm sorry but your
marriage and relationship is over," I get up
and grab the table in the middle and throw it
to the wall. They are all startled, taken aback
by my reaction.
"Why are you people doing this to us? We are
in-love, we want to stay married and start
our own family. We will move away if it will
be too hard on all of you to live with us as
husband and wife instead of father and
daughter."
The door opens, "Is everything okay in here?"
the doctor asks with a security guard peeping
behind him.
"Yes!" I shout, "I'll replace the table," I say
dismissively.
"Uhm, MaZikode. I'm taking Naledi back to the
lodge. We will wait to hear from Londeka,"
Manana says and helps Naledi up.
"Naledi. Please tell them that you love me and
want to be my wife, please," she finally looks
at me.
"Stop it, Shlobo. Please, stop. You're my father
damn it. We cannot stay married, that's just
sick. I'm disgusted with myself for sleeping
with you for so long and enjoying it. You
should be too, not trying to convince
everyone else that this could work out. It's
incest, it's an abomination, a taboo, it's every
word that says wrong!" her words break
everything inside of me.
"But I love you," it comes out in a whisper.
"You're not listening to me, we can not be, we
will never be again. Understand that." she's
spitting venom that's slowly killing me from
the inside. I watch her leave like I meant
nothing to her, how can she walk out on me
so easily.
 CHAPTER 80
NHLANGANO MAVIMBELA

“You helped him out daddy so why is he still

here?” I overhear Zekhethelo ask as I’m about
to step into the study to talk to her father.

I have been sleeping at her house since the

day her father came to help me out with the
misunderstanding that happened with the
police. They caught me trying to climb over
the gate and assumed that I was up to no
good. I tried explaining that it’s my father’s
house but they wouldn’t believe me because I
had no key and no one was home.

I called my aunt but she didn’t answer her

phone. They took me to the holding cell and
for a couple of days I tried to contact my
family but all of their phones were off. The
cops also went back to the house but they
found no one. I had no other choice but to call
one of the two people I hate with all my
heart, Khwezi. I just wanted her to track
down my family and inform them of the
situation I found myself in. That’s the least
she could do after everything she did to me,
but her phone was answered by Zekhethelo’s
father. I explained my situation to him and
later that day he came and helped me clear
everything with the cops.

When we got to his house we found Ze, I

wasn’t expecting to see her there because
schools aren’t on recess yet. Her father
explained that he had to go get her after
Khwezi came to him and told him Zekhethelo
was in some sort of danger. She told her ex-
husband the whole truth and then asked for
help. He arranged for her to go to rehab and
get her shit together for the sake of their
daughter.

After everything I’ve done to his daughter,

Ze’s father has been very understanding of my
situation. He went to Mphikeleli’s house with
me to get my things and invited me stay with
them until we can get my father on the
phone. I plan to go down to Mahlabathini next
week if I still don’t get through to them via
call. I want to fix my relationship with my
family and ask for their forgiveness. This
whole thing has taught me to never put
anyone else before them and that no one will
love me or want what is best for me as much
as they do.

I walk away from the study door and head to

the back of the house to smoke. It’s a habit I
need to quit if I still want a career as a
football player. As much as it clears my head I
know I have to stop smoking and lead a
healthy lifestyle like I did before being mixed
up with the devil that is Mphikeleli.

My phone rings in my pocket and I quickly

take it out, an unsaved number. My heart
starts thumping in my chest, I’m hoping it’s
my father or my aunt. I really need to see
them and make things between us alright. I
cannot continue living with this guilt. For
their forgiveness I am willing to jump through
every hoop they set for me.

“Hello,” I answer.
“Nhlaks, ntwana yami,” oh fuck no!
I thought I made myself clear to this guy the
day I went to get my things at his apartment.
I want absolutely nothing to do with him. “I
blocked your number for a reason, Mphikeleli,”
he heaves a sigh.
“I know I fucked up but please know that I
want to be your dad. Nhlangano, I don’t want
to lose you the same way I lost your mother. I
know Busi would want us to be together and
have a healthy father and son relationship,”
mihlola yam ke le!
“You have the nerve to talk about my mother
after everything you put her through. She
must be turning in her grave, mad at me for
hurting the two people that loved me from
the first day I came into this world.
Mphikeleli, do not call this number again. You
are dead to me.” I hung up the phone and drop
my head. He ruined my life just like he ruined
my mothers. How did I let this man turn my
once perfect life into a mess?
“Karma came knocking early,” I turn and find
Zekhethelo standing by the corner of the
house. She has a disgusted look on her face.
“You deserve all the shit you’re going through,
Nhlangano. This experience will teach you not
to hurt people who genuinely love and care
for you,” her words might hurt but she’s right,
I do deserve it all.
“Once upon a time those gorgeous eyes were
full of love when they looked at me. I am
really sorry for everything, Ze. I truly love you
and I was a fool for looking at another girl,” I
say, with the hope that she will one day find
it in her heart to forgive me.
She chuckles, “By another girl you mean my
mother?” I didn’t know that fact when I
started sleeping with Khwezi, but that won’t
earn me any points.
“I’m sorry babe.” She flares her nose.
“Babe? Fuck you dude. And please leave my
house, go back to that drug dealing pimp and
be his problem. You don’t deserve any
kindness from my dad and Mr. Mavimbela
deserves better than an ungrateful brat that
shoved his love back at him when he thought
he found better,” if words had the power to
kill a person, I swear I would have dropped
dead right this minute.
“Ze, that’s enough!” her father roars and we
both turn to look at him.
“It’s okay, I deserve to hear everything she’s
saying,” he shakes his head.
“You’re already paying for your bad decisions.
There’s no need for her to beat you when
you’re already down.” He’s a kind man.
 KHETHIWE “MAZIKODE” MAVIMBELA

Thalente comes back with the tray of food

and my heart drops into my stomach. This is
the lowest I have ever seen my son.
Shlobosenkosi always knows how to deal with
things; through every situation he has
managed to keep his head above water but
now he’s drowning and I don’t think he’s
trying to save himself. I am afraid for my only
surviving child, I’m scared that if we don’t
help him out of this deep dark pit we will lose
him forever.

It has been four days since the doctor

confirmed that Naledi is indeed his biological
daughter. Londeka came and performed all
the necessary rituals and took them to the
river for cleansing. Londeka, Naledi and her
mothers left for Durban yesterday morning
and my son hasn’t come out of his room or
touched his food. I think Naledi leaving finally
made everything real for him. In his head
things still had a chance to take another turn
while they were still around each other.

This is the hardest thing I have ever had to

deal with as a mother and I can only imagine
how hard everything is on him.
I get up and take the tray from Thalente. He
has to eat or he will die of hunger, I cannot
lose another child. He’s all that I have and I
will fight to bring him back. It’s going to be
hard for him to accept that the woman he
loves and married is his daughter, but with
time and help from those doctors that
Thalente wants to be, he will get there.

His sister left the bedroom door ajar so I just

push it with my foot and walk inside. He’s
under the covers and I can hear his sniffles. A
mother cannot stand seeing her child feeling
so much pain, even if that child is now 49
years old. I place the tray on the bedside table
before settling on the edge of the bed and
rubbing his back in circles.
“You won’t believe it now but everything will
be okay my baby,” he cries harder at the
sound of my voice.
“It hurts so much mama. It feels like someone
opened up my chest and cut out my heart.
Why did this have to happen to me? I am a
good person, I don’t deserve this,” I bite my
lower lip to quieten my sobs.
I don’t want him to hear me crying, he needs
me to be strong for him.
“You know what the fucked up part is ma? I
cannot stop wanting her to be my wife. The
DNA results didn’t change anything and
Londeka’s cleansing and rituals didn’t remove
my need for her as a woman I want to love as
a wife and give many children. I will never see
Naledi as my daughter ma, never, and that
makes me a sick fuck!” he finally uncovers
himself and looks at me. His eyes are
bloodshot red, full of pain.
“She is the love of my life MaZikode,” he
whispers.
“I will not rush your healing process, Shlobo.
Feel it all so you can heal and pick up the
pieces of your life. Once that has happened
you will be able to look at Naledi and see
what you’re supposed to see,” he shakes his
head.
“You don’t understand ma, no one does,” he
mutters and gets out of bed. He opens the
wardrobe and takes out his travel bag and
starts throwing his clothes inside of it.
“Haibo! Where are you going?” I ask, panicked.
“I need to clear my head, ma. I just want to
be alone for some time,” I quickly get up from
the bed.
“Shlobo, you cannot be alone while dealing
with this. Please allow your sister and I to see
you through this,” I beg with a shaking voice.
I need to keep an eye on him, to make sure
that he eats, takes his bath and everything
else.
“Ma, I’m a big boy and I can take care of
myself,” I know that but right now he needs
all the support he can get.
“Okay, but please leave after a week. Let me
take care of you for a few days,” he doesn’t
answer me.
I watch him change into fresh clothes, then
opens the drawer and takes out his car key
and wallet.
“Can I please have my phone,” oh Jesu.
I took the phone so he doesn’t bother Naledi.
Communication will happen between myself,
Maswabi and Dzunisani. This is what is best
for them but now that he’s leaving I need to
give it to him so I can be able to reach him
for my peace of mind.
“I cannot force you to stay, Shlobo, but please
promise me that you will take care of
yourself and give Naledi the space she needs.
This whole thing is also hard on her,” he nods
but not convincingly.
“I hear you, ma. Can I have the phone now,” I
wipe my tears and walk out of his bedroom to
get his cellphone. Thalente is standing in the
corridor, biting her nail as tears glisten in her
eyes.
“Everything will be alright Thale. God and the
ancestors will see us through,” I pat her
shoulder before walking past her.
 CHAPTER 81
NALEDI MOLETSANE

I am in the passenger seat of Londeka's G-

Wagon going back to her house, which is a
mansion by the way. She told me that
everything she owns was made possible by
her gift. She and her husband don't work a
day in their lives, they are only focused on
going around and helping people. The house,
the cars, the money, all gifts from greatful
people she has helped. She doesn't charge
people anything for helping but tells them to
thank her with anything that comes from the
goodness of their hearts. Everyone gives her
what they can afford and she accepts it no
matter how big or small it is.

"Did you enjoy the church service?" I nod

vigorously. She's powerful with words of
encouragement. I swear she was born to help
people in every way possible.
"Yes, thank you for inviting me. These past
few weeks have been hell and for the first
time since everything, I felt a little peace. I
am not saying I'm fully healed and ready to go
on with my life, but I'm ready to start
accepting my reality and finding ways to live
through it," she smiles at me.
"That's all I want for you, Naledi," that's all I
want for myself too, for my daughter.
She needs her mommy back.
My phone chimes and it's a miracle that I'm
hearing it through this loud gospel song she's
playing, it's obviously her favorite because it's
on repeat.
I power on my screen and my throat goes dry.
Why is he doing this? It was agreed that we
shouldn't communicate so we can both heal
and let go of the past.

SHLOBO: I CAN'T NALEDI, I CAN'T LIVE

WITHOUT YOU. PLEASE BABY, YOU'RE THE
ONLY ONE MY HEART BEATS FOR. LET'S ELOPE,
LET'S GO START A LIFE AWAY FROM IT ALL. I
LOVE YOU SO MUCH.
I break down and cry in the car, why is he
doing this to me? He's my father for crying
out loud. He is only making things harder for
the both of us. I know it's not easy to just
move on but he has to try, no matter how
hard it is.
Londeka stops the music and parks on the
side of the road.

"Hey, Naledi. What's wrong, please talk to

me," she says softly.
"He just... I don't know..." I hand her the phone
and once she's done reading the message she
heaves a deep sigh.
"Oh, God. I'll ask your mother to call MaZikode
and ask her to take his phone. He can't keep
saying such things, he's taking the both of
you backwards,"
She wipes my tears.
"I belive Shlobo thinks I'm doing okay. That
I've accepted that the man I love, my husband
and the father of my child is now my father.
It's killing me Londeka, I'm dead inside but I
cannot do anything to change the fact. I wish
he wasn't my father. I wish we were moving
into our new house and waiting for our baby.
I wish we were still going to Cape Town in
September as a family for the classical music
concert. I wish I was going back to
Johannesburg to be in his arms, but that's not
happening and it's not only affecting him. I
don't know where I'll start picking up the
pieces of my life. Every minute of the day I
think of how I'm going to fall out of love with
him and only see him as my father. I wonder
if the next time we meet I'll still be throbbing
with need down there, a need only he could
take care of. I'm dealing with a loss, pain and
self-loathing and he's not helping me by
sending messages that asks me to run away
with him. A big part of me that still lives for
him if vulnerable enough to take him up on
his offer. But I am a mother, my daughter
needs me." I pour my soul out to Londeka
without fear of being judged.
"I cannot say I know what you're going
through, but I understand your pain and I'm
here to help you through this dark time.
You're not alone," I appreciate her so much.
"Thank you." we share a hug.
.
.
.

We are flying back to Johannesburg this

evening. Our bags are all packed and ready. I
cannot wait to get my daughter from her dad
and spend as much time with her as possible.
She needs to feel that mommy still adores her
and hasn't forgotten about her. I don't know
what I'm going to tell her regarding Shlobo
but I'll just cross that bridge when I get to it.

We are sitting around Londeka's dinning table,

eating our last meal together. She has been
such a lovely host these last two days. I am
definitely going to come back to Durban to
attend her church, I feel it's one of the things
that will help me move past this phase in my
life.
"Mam' Dzunisani, can I please have a word
with you," Londeka says and all eyes move to
Manana who has her eyebrow raised.
"Is everything okay?" she asks.
"Yes, I just have a message for you," Londeka
responds, pushing her plate away.
"It's okay, you can say it infront of everyone.
They are my family," Oh I love this woman so
much.
"Okay, no problem," Londeka takes a sip of her
juice.
"God and the ancestors say it's enough now.
They say it's time for you to deal with the
pain you've been living with for so many
years. Your mother and siblings aren't at
peace, they were killed brutally and buried
like dogs. They ask that you come home and
lay them to rest the proper way so they can
finally be at peace. Once you do this you'll
start healing and stop feeling guilty for
surviving the tragedy," Manana starts crying
and I quickly get up from my chair to go
comfort her.
"You have played your part with this family.
My guides say it's time for you to start your
own. I am told to let you know that it's okay,
you deserve to be happy and the man who has
been asking for a chance is a good one. Break
down those walls and allow him in," Londeka
adds and I smile. Manana has a boyfriend?
That's news.
"I know he's a good man but I'm older than
him. I'm 51 and he is 48, what can I possibly
offer him?" she asks and Londeka smiles.
"He just wants your heart," this is so exciting.
Her love life will keep me entertained.
"Dzuni, who is this man?" my mother is as
curious as me.
Manana darts her eyes between me and
Maswabi before answering, "It's Mohale, your
brother," it comes out in a whisper.
Maswabi laughs, "Dzuni, why didn't you tell
me? I should have know though. He always
asks about you each time we talk on the
phone,"
"My uncle is amazing, Manana. You have to
give him a chance," she blushes.
"You deserve to be loved and taken care of
Dzuni. You have to do this, you've lived for
me, Naledi and Bassie, it's now time to live for
yourself." -Maswabi.
I agree with my mother 100%.
 CHAPTER 82
DZUNISANI MABASA

1 MONTH LATER

"Love, I'm home," Mohale shouts and I smile.

The butterflies in my stomach going
completely out of control. I missed him so
much while he was at work.
"Welcome home," I say as he enters the
lounge. He holds out his hand to help me up.
We hug and share a kiss.
"Thank you. How was your day?" he asks as
we settle down on the same couch.
"My morning was quiet but around noon your
very energetic daughter came to see me with
a bottle of wine and pizza," he laughs, there's
a twinkle in his eyes that tells me my heart is
safe with him.
He was worth waiting for all these years.
"She just couldn't wait for everyone to meet
on Saturday. Poloko is something else," I adore
his daughter, she's an amazing girl and has
welcomed me with open arms.
I've been here for 2 weeks and she has come
to see me 6 times already, and we speak on
the phone every morning.
I'm nervous about meeting his other children
this weekend, I don't know how they are
going to receive me. But I'm crossing fingers
that they accept me and support our
relationship, we don't have to be as close as
Poloko and I, but I hope we do have a healthy
relationship nonetheless.
"How was work?" I ask and he heaves a sigh.
"I had a long day at work. I couldn't wait to
come back home to you," my heart skips a
beat.
"I missed you even more," I rest my head on
his shoulder and he kisses my forehead. I am
so glad I gave Mohale and love a chance, I
have been so happy and I wouldn't trade this
for anything in the world.
"I'm glad to hear that. Eh, you didn't cook
right?"
"No, I haven't started with the pots. What I'm
cooking tonight is quick," I answer.
"Good, I am taking you out for a meal," he
says with a huge smile and I return one.
I enjoy cooking for him and getting a
compliment from him after he has killed his
plate. It feels great to take care of someone
other than Nyeleti, Bassie and Maswabi. But I
also appreciate some time out in public with
him.
"Let me go get ready," I quickly get on my feet
and he chuckles.
My phone alerts me of a new message as I'm
about to exit the lounge, I turn back and pick
it from the coffee table. It's a please call me
from my father's last daughter. I'm not even
going to bother calling her, I know she is
going to ask me for money. That's all she has
been doing since I went to Giyane to rebury
my mother and siblings.

That happened three weeks ago, I went with

the family God blessed me with and Londeka.
We found my very sick father and his
youngest wife, the other three wives died
over the years. The situation was so
heartbreaking, they are living in poverty. I
didn't want to help them but Londeka told me
not to harden my heart and carry animosity
but remember why I was there. I went there
to do right by my mother and siblings, to let
go of the pain my father and his family
caused me and to release the hate I felt for
them in my heart, not take on more.

I bought them groceries that can last them

months if they use it wise enough. I bought a
stove and a fridge for them, then sourced for
an electrician to fix their electrical problems.
My father begged me to take him to the
doctor because he couldn't take the pain
anymore, and I coughed out money for that
too.

When the reburial was done and we were

ready to leave, I was called into my father's
bedroom. Him and his wife asked me to
consider sending them money on a monthly
basis because their pension money is not
enough for them, their children and
grandchildren. I swear I haven't laughed that
much in my life. After everything they put me
through they thought I'd spend anymore of
my hard earned money on them. I said I'll
think about it and left. When I said I release
the hate from my heart I didn't mean I'll show
them love.

"That's a text from Limpopo?" Mohale asks

and I nod.
"You know that's the only thing that can sour
my mood," he heaves a sigh and stands up
from the couch. He snakes his arms around
my waist and plants a kiss on my forehead.
"Their problems shouldn't be on your
shoulders. You suffered in the hands on those
people. Don't allow them to throw off your
mood, not today, not ever," he's right, they
are a non-factor to me and I'm going to
remember that each time they try to contact
me. The only reason why I'm not going to
block their numbers is because I want to
know when my father finally dies.
"Thank you love,"
"Now go and prepare yourself and forget
about the Limpopo crew and their drama." he
let's go of me and my mind runs back to the
drama that happened between my sister from
my father's second wife and I.

She and the man I was supposed to get

married to -Ahlulani- are now married, he
said it happened about 2 years after I ran
away to save my life. Apparently my father
was the one who came up with the idea and
when he showed hesitation my father went to
his father to ask him to convince Ahlulani.
He's obviously not happy in the marriage but
because he's a good man he stayed in it for
his children.
My sister caught us hugging at the back of
the house after he told me his life story and
she freaked out and started calling me names.
The rest of the siblings didn't join forces with
her to attack me like they would have done
when we were growing up. I guess that's the
power of money.
She dragged Ahlulani back to their house and
the both of them didn't show face for the rest
of the weekend we were there.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

The whole room stands up and gives my baby

a standing ovation. I am so proud of
Basetsana, she is the smartest and most
talented little lady I know. Vhutshilo and I
created a masterpiece here. She is smiling
from ear to ear, obviously pleased with herself
for giving such a stellar performance. Her eyes
find her father and I and she waves excitedly,
oh my gorgeous girl. I blow her kisses and she
finally leaves the stage with her best friend,
the cello. Vhutshilo attacks me with a hug
and kisses my forehead, I think he will agree
with me that Bassie is the best solo act at
this year's school talent show.

We are on our way to my mother's house, she

prepared lunch for us in celebration of Bassie's
first time playing for an audience. Manana is
missing this, she's in Bethlehem visiting her
man. She has been there for two full weeks,
girl drove straight there from Giyane and by
the look of things she will move there
permanently. I am so happy for her, she
deserves to be loved and treated like the
queen that she is. My uncle and his kids are
blessed to have that woman in their lives.

We get inside the house and it smells divine, I

wonder which private chef my mother has
been using since Manana left. Yes, just like
me, Maswabi cannot cook to save her life. Girl
is a politician and has no business in the
kitchen.
We get to the lounge and find my mother on
the couch, head thrown back as tears stream
down her face. I quickly rush to her side.

"Mama, what's wrong?" I ask panicked and she

presses her lips into a thin line.
"Ma, you're scaring me. Is everything okay?
Manana?" my heart is threatening to jump
out of my chest.
She looks at me and the look in her eyes
sends cold shivers down my spine. Something
terrible has happened, my mother is not an
emotional person.
"I'm so sorry Naledi, so very sorry," she
murmurs and tears burn my eyes before she
can even tell me what's happening.
"Sorry for what mama? What's happening?"
fear is choking the life out of me.
"Bassie, please go to your room," Vhutshilo
says to his daughter and she doesn't argue.
"Mama!" my impatience has me half shouting.
"I got a call from MaZikode," I blink and my
tears fall, "She said she got a call from a
hysterical Thalente this morning asking her to
rush to Durban. When she got there she found
police vans and forensics people. Thalente
explained to her that Shlobo came home last
night after disappearing for weeks with one
text every Sunday saying he's okay. When his
sister went to knock on his bedroom door this
morning to tell him breakfast is ready, there
was no response. She walked in the room and
found... She saw her... She found Shlobo
hanging from the ceiling. He committed
suicide," I scream at the top of my lungs. My
mother takes me into her arms and comforts
me.
"I'm so sorry baby," she says in a shaking
voice.
How could Shlobo do this to me? I am barely
on my feet and he just had to give me such a
hard knock.
I love him, I love him as much as he loves me.
I also didn't want him to be my father but
that was the reality we couldn't change. I
didn't change my phone number because I
wanted to punish or because I hate him, I did
it because his endless messages hurt my soul.
I needed to heal and move past this for
Basetsana's sake. He always said he wouldn't
hurt me on purpose but he did, the minute he
decided that suicide was a way out. His death
has taken a part of my soul. I will never be
whole again.
"Shhh, I'm so sorry," Vhutshilo takes me from
my mother and puts me on his lap, cradling
me like a little baby.
 FIRE AND ICE
CHAPTER 83

Every member of his family is heart broken.

Yes, they were all aware of how hard this
whole situation was on him, but none of
them thought he'd take his own life because
of it. All they've been doing is praying for his
return after he left Mahlabathini weeks ago.
They hoped that he would come back ready to
move on from the pain of losing Naledi. Little
did they know that time wasn't healing his
wounds, but making them worse. He was
struggling, mentally and emotionally. He
tried, God knows that he tried to keep his
head above water but the pain consumed him
and he just wanted to stop it all.

The family is sitting around the house after

the private funeral they held for Shlobo. They
didn't want outsiders to ask them endless
questions and pretend that they care, when
all they want is information for their gossip.
They just released a brief statement for the
media because Shlobo was a businessman and
stakeholders had the right to know of his
passing. They decided not to include the
reason why he committed suicide. The family
thought it was best to not reveal to the
world that Shlobo and Naledi were father and
daughter. Making that information public
knowledge was going to make life difficult for
them. The secret is safe with those that
already know.

In the main bedroom, Naledi has her head on

MaZikode's lap. The both of them are the
picture of pain, there's no coming back from
this. MaZikode is shuttered, her last child
took his own life and all she wants is for God
to come back for her because life is not worth
living anymore. She doesn't understand how
their lives took such a bad turn. She was a
ball of happiness just two months ago. Her
son was finally married to a woman he adored
and they were giving her another grandchild
at 71 years.
She thought she'd die and join her husband
with peace and joy in her heart.
Naledi, poor girl. She's emotionally dead for
life. Since she heard that Shlobo died she has
been silent, not saying a word to anyone.
She's feeling all sorts of emotions, anger, hurt
and guilt. She's angry that God allowed Shlobo
to take his own life. She's hurt by the fact
that the love of her life turned out to be her
father, and right now she doesn't know who
to mourn for -her husband or her father.
Naledi feels guilty for changing her number,
she thinks Shlobo would still be alive if she
had not shut the door in his face. She thinks
communication between them would have
somehow helped them heal, but she's wrong,
it would have made things worse.

Thalente is running around the house,

organizing this and that. She's just trying to
keep busy so she can not think of her dear
brother hanging from the ceiling. She is
traumatized for life, but MaZikode has
already spoken to her mother, MamuGasela
about getting her into therapy ASAP. They
both don't want Thalente to carry this with
her for the rest of her life. Shlobo adored his
little sister and wanted only the best for her,
he wouldn't hurt her so badly on purpose. Him
hanging himself in a house where Thalente
was proves that he was not in the right frame
of mind.

Manana notices that Nhlangano has been

missing from the group since they came back
from the cemetery. She dishes a plate for him
and takes it to the bedroom he has been
using. She knocks on the door a couple of
times with no response so she decides to just
walk in. She finds Nhlangano lying on top of
the bed, facing the ceiling and tears escaping
the corners of his eyes. Oh what a heart
wrenching sight.

This has been the hardest thing to deal with.

He's feeling all the guilt in the world. His
father died before he could apologize for
hurting him and choosing Mphikeleli over him.
He wanted to kneel down at Shlobo's feet and
beg for his forgiveness, he didn't want to do it
to a silent grave. How he wishes he could turn
back the hands of time.

He has been living with Thalente at Shlobo's

house in Durban for the last couple of weeks.
That happened after he went to Mahlabathini
with Zekhethelo's father accompanying him.
MaZikode forgave him and welcomed him
home with open arms. Nhlangano patiently
waited for his father to come back so he
could earn his forgiveness. He was nervous
but happy when Shlobo showed up last week,
his chance to fix things was finally there. He
couldn't do it the same night because Shlobo
just wanted to sleep. One more sleep wouldn't
hurt, he thought to himself but that would be
the last he saw his father alive.

Manana places the plate of food on the chest

of drawers and settles on the edge of the bed.
She helps Nhlangano to sit up straight and
takes him into a warm embrace. He breaks
down in her arms, like he was in need of a
shoulder to cry on.
"He loved you Nhlangano. He always loved
you," she says and he holds on to her tighter.
"I hurt him, mama, I hurt my father so bad
and now I'll never get the chance to tell him
how sorry I am," he whimpers.
"Trust me, he forgave you long ago. You were
his baby boy, he couldn't stop loving you or
stay mad at you even if he tried. He spoke
about you all the time, he was waiting for
you to finally see the truth and come back to
him," Manana is saying nothing but the truth,
but it's hard for Nhlangano to believe her.
"Forgive yourself for what happened between
you two and I promise you'll belive that he
long forgave you."
.
.
.
It has been a week since they buried Shlobo
and this morning Shlobo's lawyer came to talk
to the family about his last will and
testament. He updated the will two weeks
after he left Mahlabathini. This means he had
already decided to take his life.

He left a chuck of money for Thalente to

complete her studies and be able to fund her
charity drives. She will also be able to live
comfortably and take care of her mother. Her
brothers are now able to make ends meet for
themselves and that's all thanks to Shlobo
because he hooked them up with jobs at his
construction company.

Nhlangano is to get the soccer team, only if

he completes a university degree he can fall
back on if things go south. He broke down
when the lawyer said that, it made him
believe Manana when she said Shlobo long
forgave him for what happened.
Nhlangano has already started making his
research about rewriting his matric. He will
work hard to make his father proud. He feels
like he owes his father success and that's
what will drive him to become the best at
everything he does.

He left the rest of his estate to Naledi and

asked that she takes care of MaZikode. Naledi
is not interested in taking over, she just
wants him to come back and tell her that this
is one cruel joke. She is so desperate for this
whole thing to not be true. Londeka has asked
everyone to let her be and not rush her. She
promised them that Naledi will come out of
this stronger. She just needs some time to
deal with her losses in her own way.
 CHAPTER 84
VHUTSHILO MOUFHE

I'm sitting with my mother and siblings

around the table at some nice restaurant in
Rosebank enjoying a meal together. They are
headed back to Venda later today after
spending the weekend with Bassie and I. I am
glad they took some time out to see us since
we couldn't make it up there in the last
couple of months.

"This is the best pasta I've ever had," Lufuno,

my sister says.
"For real?" she nods vigorously.
"I should bring Naledi here to try it out," I say
and my mother chokes on her food.
"You good ma?" my half brother asks, handing
her the glass of water.
"Yes, I'm good. This fish went into the wrong
pipe," she explains but I don't think that's
what happened; I mean the way she's looking
at me right now tells me she choked on her
food because I said I want to bring Naledi
here. What's wrong with that?
"Yeah, you do that. She needs to keep her
mind off the pain and loss. Do some fun
things with her so she doesn't think about all
the bad things that have happened in her life
of late," I heave a sigh.
Yeah she needs to do some fun, easy going
staff. Ever since they came back from KZN
three weeks ago she has been focusing on
work and Bassie. She hasn't taken time to go
get her nails done or to just dress up and go
on a solo date. Yes, her wounds are still fresh
and I understand that healing takes time. I'm
just scared that she will not be the Naledi I
know and love again.
"Uhm, I think I should take her and Bassie on
vacation during the school holidays," I say and
my mother pushes her chair back.
"Vhutshilo, can we please have a word in
private," my siblings exchange a look of
confusion. I get up from my chair wondering
what has her face like that. She leads us
outside and we find a table for two at the
corner, far from any ears.
"Is everything okay ma?" I ask and she shakes
her head. I know that look, she is not about
to joke with me.
"I know she's the mother of your daughter and
you are in-love with her, but Vhutshilo her
husband just died and she has no idea why he
took his life. Please don't take advantage of
her vulnerability. This is not the time to get
her back, she needs a friend not another
husband," I heave a deep sigh and lean back
on the chair.
My family doesn't know that Shlobo is
Naledi's biological father. This will be a secret
those who know will take to the grave. None
of us want Naledi to go through judgements
and scrutiny for something she didn't know.
"Ma, that's not my intention at all. I'm trying
to be a friend to her, she's going through so
much right now," there's some lie in that. I
want Naledi back more than ever. I obviously
won't rush her into anything, but I'm
definitely going to be in her face and loving
her the way she deserves. I won't give her a
chance to fall in-love with another guy. When
she's ready to love again it's going to be me, I
waited so many years for a real chance with
her.
"Mama," we both look up and find Karabo and
Kat towering over us. I haven't seen them in
forever.
"Karabo! Jesus, look at you," my mother
exclaims. She gets on her feet and hugs the
both of them, "I heard about what happened
to you both on the news. I tried to call the
number I had but it took me to voicemail
everytime. I am happy that you both survived
that man," mama adds.
"I changed my number ma but I appreciate
you trying to reach out. That lunatic is behind
bars and life has been amazing for my fiance
and I," -Karabo.
"Oh, congratulations girls," alright that's my
cue. I get up and the couple looks my way.
"Vhutshilo, hey," Karabo says with a smile.
"Hello, Karabo. Congrats to you two," her
smile widens.
"Thanks," I walk away but Kat stops me as I'm
about to walk inside the restaurant.
"Can I have a word? " I shrug my shoulders.
"Sure, what's up?"
"Uhm, I've been trying to call Naledi but her
number doesn't go through. Can I please have
her new number," she says and I chuckle.
"Are you for real?" I ask and she narrows her
eyes.
"What do you mean? Of course I'm for real. My
friend has been going through a lot and I just
want to reach out," wonders shall never end.
"Your friend huh?" I fold my arms across my
chest. She's taken aback by my reaction.
"Do you have something to say to me
Vhutshilo?"
"Yes, Naledi is not your friend and that's
because you cut her out of your life for the
shit Thabo pulled. Keep the same energy, she
doesn't need people like you in her life," she
blinks rapidly.
"Vhuts... I know... Uhm, I regret treating her
like that. I want to fix things between us, you
know how close we were and I miss that." I
shake my head.
"Bye Kat." I walk away.
Naledi needs to keep such people at arms
length, they don't deserve her love and
loyalty.
 NALEDI MOLETSANE

"So, you like the place?" I ask Nhlangano over

the phone, it's connected to the car.
"Yeah, the pictures are bomb. I think I'm going
to like it there," that's great.
I've been apartment hunting for him.
He's moving to Johannesburg next year to
upgrade his matric results and then apply for
Wits. He wanted to be busy with it now but
all the schools have closed admissions and
preparing for end of year exams. Right now
he's training with the soccer team Shlobo
bought him. He just wants to keep in shape
and start learning the business. I'm glad he
has something to keep him busy while he's in
Durban, none of us should be alone because
we only dwell on our pain and that doesn't
help at all. I have been burying myself in my
work and being super mom, that's helping me
keep my head above water.
"I think you should come to Johannesburg
soon to personally view the place. Pictures
can lie sometimes and I don't want you stuck
somewhere you don't feel at home," I invited
him to live with me but he asked to get his
own place for independence.
"That's a great idea. Can you book me a flight
for next Wednesday?" I've been meaning to
send him some money.
"No, Mr Independent. Forward me your
banking details so I can send you flight
money. I'll also send your monthly allowance
at the end of every month, how much did you
recieve from Shlobo?" I have no idea how
much a 19 year old needs.
He chuckles, "Baba used to send me R3000 on
a monthly basis," that little?
"What did you buy with that?" I ask shocked.
"Data for when I was not at home. I'd take Ze
out on dates and go out with my friends. It
was like entertainment money. Baba and I
would go to the mall to get groceries,
toiletries and he bought me clothing items
each month. Things don't have to be like that
with us, I understand that life is different
now," they had a great relationship before
that evil guy came in and ruined everything.
"You're going to need way more than that,
you're a big guy now. Shlobo left enough
money for all of us, you'll live comfortably
Nhlangano. I just need you to be responsible,"
I don't want to be that cousin/big sister that
acts the mom, but I'm now responsible for
him and I need to make sure he stays in line.
"Baba's death has made me grow up. I am
more determined now, I owe my life to him," I
don't want him to miss out on living though.
"You are allowed to have a life, it doesn't
always have to be serious. You just need to
know what it is you truly want out of life and
not lose sight of it. You're going to make him
proud," he sniffles and I know he's crying. I
still cry too, every chance I get I break down,
be it at work, in the car, in the shower, when
it gets overwhelming I let it all out. Days
don't come the same since his passing,
somedays I'm full of hope and energy. And
some days I just want to be in bed the whole
day and cry while looking at pictures of us.
My heart hasn't accepted the fact that made
Shlobo take his own life. I don't think I will
ever regard him as my father.
"Thank you Naledi. You and Thalente have
been my strength, I don't think I would have
made it this far without you both. I love you
and please push through the pain, we will be
okay one day," I bite my lower lip, nodding as
if he can see me.
"I love you too buddy," I say after clearing the
lump that was clogged in my throat.
"I can't wait to see you guys. Please don't tell
MaZikode I'm coming, I want it to be a
surprise,"
"My lips are sealed." we say our goodbyes and
end the call.

I'm on my way to my mother's house to fetch

MaZikode. The weekend is over and it's time
to come back home. Yes, she now lives in
Johannesburg. KZN is a lot for her, she
wouldn't have survived living in the yard with
the graves of her husband and children. She
asked one of the male relatives to move into
her house and take care of her animals. We
will be going there now and again to visit.
We moved into the house Shlobo and I bought
and I'm glad I took that step with her. We are
getting to know each other better and also
bond, plus, I like the stories she tells me of
Shlobo growing up in Mahlabathini. I think
that's her way of dealing with the pain of
losing her son, we grieve differently after all.

I get to the house and find my mother and

MaZikode in the lounge laughing with Manana
on a video call. She went back to Bethlehem a
week after Shlobo's burial, I think she has
permanently moved there but isn't fully
aware of it yet. Who can blame her though?
When mjolo is treating you well enough you
will do anything for indoda. I'm happy for her
though, she deserves this more than anyone I
know and I am in full support of everything
she decides is best for her and her relationship
with uncle Mohale.

"Mrs Moletsane. How are things in the state

of the free?" I ask and the three women laugh.
"Oh, everything is great my baby. How are you
doing?" she asks.
"Taking it a day at a time. What are you guys
doing that side?"
"We just got home a few minutes ago. We had
Sunday braai at Reatlehile's house," that's my
uncles oldest son.
"Oh that's nice," - Maswabi
"It was really nice, his wife can cook."
"Honey, the movie is starting soon," my uncle
shouts in the background. Hao it's nice kwa
love lives here.
"Ladies, I am going to have to love and leave
you. We will talk tomorrow, have a great
night,"
"Night, Dzuni," Maswabi and MaZikode say in
unison.
"Enjoy." I say and the call is ended.
"Did you enjoy your weekend?" I ask and
MaZikode nods with a smile.
"Yes my darling. Your mother treated me like
a queen the whole weekend," okay, I'm glad to
hear that.
"I'd love to have you over every other
weekend. Living alone is a nightmare, it was
nice having someone to talk to and share a
meal with. It's obvious that Dzuni's life is now
with my brother in the Free State." oh my
poor mom. Manana left her in boredom,
maybe she should also get herself a man.
"If it's no bother, I would love to. Plus, Naledi
deserves some time alone too. Bassie and I
can be a handful," I can always run to my
house in Bryanston when I need some time
out. I decided not to sell it, I love that house
and I want to turn it into a money making
property. It's big enough to turn into some
sort of short stays accommodation. I just
need to make my research and move from
there.
Speaking of properties, I have something to
tell MaZikode.
"I forgot to tell you on Friday that the realtor
in Durban made contact. The house has a
buyer and they want to move quickly with
the sale," she closes her eyes and exhales
sharply.
"Oh that's a relief," I feel the same.
That house would have only pulled us back if
we kept it. After Londeka perfomed the
necessary rituals we immediately started
selling the furniture and put it on the market.
Thalente got a place in Zimbali and Nhlangano
is living with her until he moves to his place
here in Joburg.
"At least that chapter will be closed," My
mother says and MaZikode nods in
agreement.
"That's true, none of us will have to deal with
the affairs of that place,"
I will call Thalente later on to tell her the
news, she will be glad to know that she never
has to set foot in the house she saw her
brothers lifeless body hanging from the
ceiling. Bless her heart, I hope therapy is
helping her out. My mom and Manana wanted
me to try it out but I'm not ready to share
this painful part of my life with a total
stranger.
"I wanted to talk to you both about
something," I say and my mom raises an
eyebrow.
"Is everything okay?" she asks and I shake my
head.
"My heart is still bleeding, I doubt it will ever
stop. I lost so much in a short space of time
and I've been trying to find my feet and live
with my new reality but it's hard. I am not
trying to rush my healing, it's a long process
and if we are being honest, it never ends. In
as much as I've lost so much, I still have
plenty to live for. Bassie needs her mom, my
family needs one of their own and the
company needs it's CEO. I need some time out,
time to get my head straight. Shlobo loved me
and he would want me to find myself again
and live life as beautifully as possible," they
both nod in total agreement.
"Thuli and I have been talking and she invited
me to join her in Bali, Indonesia. I feel like
that place will help me a lot, I am planning to
fly out there and stay for a month. I know it's
a lot considering the fact that I have a
child..."
My mother quickly interjects, "Don't worry
about Bassie, we will take care of her. Go
there and take some time for yourself. What
you're going through would destroyed the
next person, and yet you're still standing. It's
only fair for you to want to go out there and
find yourself again," Maswabi says and gets
off the couch and comes to sit next to me.
She clasps my hands, "I am so proud to be
your mother Naledi. I look at you and see the
strongest woman I know, nothing has ever
knocked you down and my baby I admire that
very much. Basetsana is so blessed to have
you as a mother, she does not have to look
far for a role model. I love you so much my
angel," this is honestly the first time my
mother has said such words to me. I am
touched in a way I can never explain.
"Thank you, ma. I love you too." I say and
wrap my arms around her.
The pain I feel in my heart will always remind
me of the love I had for Shlobosenkosi. I don't
believe I will ever look at another man and
feel what I felt for him. Truth is, I don't want
any other man. I'll just find joy in my
daughter, my family and my work. If I get to
live another life, I hope I meet Shlobo again
and God gives us a fair chance to love one
another.

The End!