BAYANDA
04 .
BAYANDA
“She has had some complications since birth, the doctors weren’t even sure that she’d survive. I was in constant pain throughout my pregnancy because my baby was in an abnormal sac. They ealier said I had a miscarriege but they were mistaken, my child is 3 years old—she’s suffering so much and you’re my last hope.” The lady, Sbahle Zwane says. I nod, she came to the right place.
“I can definitely help you, what we’re going to do is take a blood test and figure out how critical her condition is. If it’s that bad then you will have to get her admitted to the pediatric ward so I can monitor her 24/7 . I can provide all the help that I can, meds included.” I say, she heaves a sigh and nods.
“As long as my baby gets better then I’m happy. Thanks for your time.” She says, I smile a bit and nod.
“We are just going to do a blood test right now, the results may be out during the course of the week so since you left your contact details. O will contact you and you will come.” I say, she nods.
“Thank you so much, what about the bills? When am I supposed to pay for everything?” She asks.
“I will notify you.” I say, she nods and picks up her daughter. She walks out and closes the door. I heave a sigh and get up, I don’t get tired of treating these kids—I just get drained thinking about the fact that they’re probably feeling some type of way whenever they see someone who doesn’t have a disability or anything.
I walk out of my office and rush to the pediatric ward. They might be disabled and unwell but they’re still kids, they can get up to no good when you’re not monitoring them.
I walk inside, yes—they’re up to no mischief. I shake my head and close the door.
I get started with my work—what I basically do is administer medications and treatment plans for these kids. I monitor any vital sign that occurs in them, the key to all of this is to prevent further damage and provide emotional support to them and their parents.
—
—
It’s my lunch break right now, I didn’t have the lunchbox Sarah had prepared for me—as expected. I shared it among my kids, rather than throwing it away.
I’m having fruits right now, I’m not a big eater. I can eat these fruits now and be full until nighttime.
“You look like you’re in a happy mood.” My co-worker, Dr Mvundla says. I sigh and shift so she can sit.
“I am in a happy mood, it’s just refreshing when you are doing the work you love and you’re actually seeing the results.” I say, she nods.
“It’s your birthday today, what are you doing?—I think I should take you out.” She says, I shake my head—she should know the answer to this already, I don’t like going out like that.
“I’m going to have dinner with my boyfriend’s family. He’s introducing me to his parents and brother.” I say, she hits my shoulder.
“You’ve reached the “getting introduced” part? girl, you are winning for real.” She says, what am I winning? I don’t understand what she’s trying to say.
“What do you mean?” I ask her.
“A lot of us never reach that stage, you are very lucky that you are getting introduced within a few months. I think this guy is the one for you.” She says, with confidence. I sigh—I’m not too sure about that, I still have a lot of years to dictate whether I want to spend my life with someone forever or I just want to focus on myself and my life.
“Uhm.. that doesn’t make any sense if you ask me.” I say, someone taps my shoulder and I turn back—it’s Palesa, the receptionist.
“These came for you, I think your man sent them.” She says, giving me two paper bags. I sigh, it’s definitely Sipho. There’s no one that would send gifts to my workplace besides him.
“Thanks.” I say, taking the paper bags and placing them besides me. I grab the card in there. His handwriting is the worst, he’s just a horrible writer but I love him like that.
“Wear this tonight, you’d look lovely wearing the dress and heels.” The card says, I thought Sipho knows that I’m not a heel person. He should know that by now, I can’t stand being in heels. It’s not like I am going to a gala dinner or something.
“Your man is such a charmer, this brand is one of the most expensive brands ever.” Dr Mvundla says, I sigh.
“Yeah, he makes me wear brands that he thinks I would look good in.” I say, turning my phone on and sending him a “thank you” text.
“I’m so nervous about the dinner, what if his family doesn’t like me? then they ask me “how much do you want so that you could leave our son alone”, trust me. I’d say a billion rand instantly!” I say, we both laugh.
“R2 billion, friend! but I think they’re going to like you, you are a naturally loveable person. They just have to love you.” She says, I hope so—I’m not praying so but I am hoping so.
“He said his brother is intimidating, I feel like that’s who I’m going to be afraid of because he’s Sipho’s elder brother and he might be overprotective of him.” I say, I’m not looking forward to tonight. I just have chills thinking about whatever will take place.
“What if the brother is hotter than Sipho, then what are you doing to do?” She asks, I glance at her like she’s crazy—does she even hear what she is saying right now?
“Why would I even look at him when I have a boyfriend who is his brother? I’m very comitted to Sipho, I know I haven’t given him my virginity but when the time is right, then I will give him my purity.” I say, I have the best self control ever—I’ve managed to keep myself pure for 26 years straight, what the heck am I even waiting for?
“You never know, these feelings might betray you my friend, I’m just checking. Be aware of those type of encounters and pray that he’s not hotter than your man, alright?” She says, I roll my eyes. She’s one stupid person, I’m not like that—hopefully.
—
The time I have not been looking forward to is finally here, I don’t know why Sipho got me this mermaid dress, it looks like I am trying to show-off which is something that I did not want. It’s too long and it’s showing my body shape, I’m going to see his family—what will they say when I’m dressed like this?
I’m definitely not wearing the heels, I have sleepers hidden under this long dress—no one will see these. I’m going as I am, without makeup or wig. I want to go as myself there, I’m not a wig person. You barely see me wearing a wig, I just love these cornrows of mine.
“Yanda! Are you ready? we have to go.” He’s here and he’s coming up the stairs, I’m applying lipgloss to my lips. He walks inside, he wanted me to wear heels, when he looks this casual? Sipho is playing with me please.
“You didn’t install the weave that I got for you? the makeup? don’t tell me you’re just getting started with the two.” He says, I sigh.
“I’m not installing a weave, I’m not wearing any makeup. I’m ready, looking like this.” I say, he stares at me. Why does he look like he’s about to throw up?
“Are you kidding me?—babe, my parents are of high status. You need to match up to their standards. You cannot go there looking, basic.” He says, I frown—so I look basic when I look like this?
“Too bad that you can’t choose what I wear and cannot wear. If you don’t want me to go then I’ll happily stay in my house for tonight.” I say, he heaves a sigh.
“You know what, it’s fine. Just finish up so we can go. It’s late already, I can’t drive at night, you know that.” He says walking out, I shake my head and take my phone. I follow him downstairs, Sarah has already left. I asked her to leave early today because I won’t be home for the night, probably.
We walk out of the house and I lock the door, I walk to the car—he has already jumped in so I jump in as well and close the door.
“My brother is coming with a guest.” He says, I nod lightly. The crowd is getting a little bigger—which is making me more nervous.
He continues driving, in silence. I don’t know why he’s mad that I didn’t do any of the things that he wanted me to do—he needs to know that he can’t control me, Grootman taught me to never let a man control me and I’m abiding by that.
—
We arrive at this big arse mansion, this is my house multiplied by 5. Why do you even see the need to build a mansion that is this big? this one looks like it has 100 rooms, it’s insane. It makes me have anxiety just by looking at it.
“Your home is big.” I say, I’m stunned—I’m not even sure I like it.
“Yeah, my dad is a billionaire. Even the president doesn’t come close to him.” He says, sounds like he’s bragging but I’m not fighting. The gate opens automatically and he drives in.
He parks the car, is this a car dealership or what? why are they so many cars here? I’m going to lose my mind.
“Let’s go.” He says, turning the engine off. We get off the car, I feel like I’m too dirty to even walk on this ground, it’s clean like no one walks on it. We approach the huge door and he presses a button, the drama? too bad.
The door opens and my knees weaken, am I that poor? I don’t get it, I’m even afraid of stepping inside.
“Babe, come in.” Sipho says holding my hand. We walk inside, my heart has suddenly started beating fast. What am I doing here?
“Oh, hello! hello! Come in, oh my God. Doris! bring refreshments!” The woman walked in heels and a long black dress says walking towards us, she has gold jewelry on.
“Hi Mom.” Sipho says, she approaches us and I get a proper look of her face—what? why does she look so familiar?
“Hey dear.” She says giving Sipho a hug, I swear I’ve seen her somewhere. She glances at me, my heart just jumped once—why though?
“And this must be the girl who is making my son not sleep at home huh? you look so beautiful.” She says, hugging me. I can’t concentrate.
“Yes, Ma. This is Bayanda, my girlfriend.” Sipho says, I feel her body tensing up. She pulls out of the hug and glances at me in shock.
“Mama, what’s wrong?” Sipho asks her, the way she’s looking at me is very creepy. Her eyes are getting teary.
“Bayanda?” She asks, I nod.
“Yes ma’am.” She looks at my legs and then at me. What’s happening with her God?
“Uhm..” She clears her throat and lets me go. She looks aside for a second wiping off the tears.
“Come sit down, your father is still getting ready. He’ll be here shortly.” She says walking off, I glance at Sipho—well that was weird.
“I told you, she’s going to like you.” He says holding my hand. We walk to the lounge and sit down. The furniture? out of this world sana.
“You seem nervous, please calm down.” He says, I nod. I’m trying to calm down, trust me.. I am trying. Someone walks down the stairs, the stamping? too much.
“Ah, here’s my dad, come babe.” Sipho says, I heave a sigh. It keeps on getting too much. We get up and this man is already walking in here. Why is he wearing a suit in the evening? is he maybe going somewhere?
“Dad..” Sipho says, he’s not hugging him. He’s just shaking his hand, weird.
“This is Bayanda, she is my girlfriend.” Sipho says, his dad looks at me—with a very straight face.
“Mhh, we will be going into the dining room.” That’s all he says before walking off, I sigh in relief—not bad hey. We walk to the dining room, this dining room is my bedroom multiplied by 2 sana. I’m telling you.
We sit down, I’m even too afraid to sit comfortably. I raise my head, trying to look a little confident.
“Bayanda, do you mind coming into the kitchen and helping me? We’d really use your help!” His mom says, standing by the dining room door. I don’t even hesitate, I nod and get up. I follow her to the kitchen, it’s massive!
“Everyone, this is Bayanda. Bayanda, please meet the staff.” She says, the staff? why do they have so many people cooking in one kitchen? gosh, I’m dying.
“Hi Bayanda!” They all say, I greet them back. I don’t even know what I’m supposed to help with here.
“How old are you sisi? Sipho tells me that it’s your birthday today.” She says.
“I’m 26 Ma.” I say, she nods. I swear I’ve seen her somewhere. I just can’t remember where, I need to get my head checked.
“You’re very beautiful.” She says, I thank her. She keeps looking at me, for a second and focusing back on the food.
“Oh! Brother is here!” That’s Sipho shouting from the dining room. It gets crowded now.
“Come, let’s go meet him. I also haven’t seen him in 2 years. He’s been staying in Germany for work.” She says taking my hand, my heart is suddenly pounding fast.
The minute we step into the lounge, I stop on my tracks. My head is starting to feel lighter.
“Germany changed you huh?! You look different! Where are you taking these muscles?” The dad suddenly has a loud voice, he sounds happy. I can’t see the brother’s face though. He’s hugging the dad.
The only person I can see is the man standing with Sipho, he looks scary with all those tattoos on his arm.
“Before I introduce you to my brother, babe. This is my brother’s mentor, he’s been mentoring him for years now. Mbuso Ngcobo is his name, he’s the biggest businessman right now.” Sipho says pulling my hand towards him.
“Hi.” I say, he nods.
“Hello.” The voice is deep too, whoever is with this guy must be swimming in orgasms.
“Is this your girlfriend? I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.” Mbuso Ngcobo says, hitting Sipho’s shoulder.
“Her name is Bayanda.” Sipho’s mother says, earning a quick turn from the brother that I haven’t seen YET. My eyes land on him, why are my eyes getting teary?
“Yanda, this is my brother—Katlego.” Sipho says, my throat is drying out. I’m trying to think but I can’t, is this… in these seconds, tears have filled my eyes. Is he standing infront of me? I..I can’t understand whether I’m dreaming, I’m not dreaming. No, it must be a dream. Is it?
“Katlego, meet Bayanda.” Sipho’s mother says. I can feel my heart pounding, faster than it should.