NOMALANGA

Let me just say for all that is worth it, I’m enjoying my vacation Mmangwane, and her family are accommodating me very well unlike Bulelwa and her makotis, but Mmangwane is the person I’m closed too we share a lot in common. Her & Bulelwa are always at each other’s throats once they cross paths kuyanyiwa it becomes better when we eat because they stay far apart even so, they still give each other nasty looks and throw indirect slurs at each other, I’m yet to find out why are they always at each other’s throats, but I won’t ask them, I’m sure Mmathabo will tell me she’s noisy after all. Today we’ve decided to go to beach, we’ve been cooped up in this hotel for the past 5 days, and I do need some fresh air I’ve even finished the books that I came with, I need more but I need a sewing machine more I will have to call Luxolo, and ask her if she can’t ship my machine I really need to keep busy or else I’ll end up knowing everyone’s news like Mmangwane. She has a file of people, and never gets tired talking sometimes she sleeps while talking. Oh, and Mmangwane is Lee’s mother well, not his biological mother, she took her in when he was still in university. Apparently Lee was staying with Tsakani’s in his house, and Bulelwa didn’t like that she was always at Tsakani’s house, and that made Lee uncomfortable. Oh, I forgot to tell you; her & Bulelwa are cousins, and they were best of friends until Bulelwa started talking bad about Lee, insulting him, saying that he’s busy enjoying his son’s money why doesn’t he go and work for his money, and all those shit. Lee told Tsakani, and Tsakani banned her mother from coming to her house, he changed locks and all, but that still didn’t stop Bulelwa from insulting Lee, it got to a point where she even went to the university, and insulted Lee claiming that he is a blood sucker he wants to finish his son’s money, and that he was homeless and stuff. One day Mmangwane received a call from Tsakani telling her to come, and reprimand her before he does something he might regret to his mother.

When Mmangwane got there, she found Bulelwa insulting Lee standing outside the yard making noise for everyone to hear. That’s how Mmangwane ended up taking Lee since she had no kids of her own, she still doesn’t have any. Okay, I think I know why they can’t stand each other. Now that I remember what Mmangwane told me, it all makes sense. I guess Bulelwa is a control freak and a pushover. What a woman she is, and this brings me to the conclusion that she hates me only because his son paid for my trip, so pathetic & stupid. It seems like she wants to control everything, and everyone around her. She needs to get a man honestly, or something that will keep her busy because I khant with her.

“Hhayi mfazi awucedi Kanti?” Mmangwane shouts from the bedroom I’m in the bathroom.

“Almost done.”

Her: “How far are you?”

Me: “I’m wearing the dress now.”

Her: “Oh, okay. You’ll find me outside I don’t to bump into that toenail of a devil on my way out because I will punch her to her grave,” I laugh. She’s dramatic this one.

Me: “Okay.” I get done dressing, and I walk out of the bathroom only to find Okuhle snooping our closet I don’t even know what she’s looking for. She takes my bag, and about to walk out when I clear my throat, she stops on her tracks, legs shaking. “What are you doing with my bag? And how dare you enter our room without knocking? In fact, what are you doing here?” I’m standing before her looking at her straight in the eyes she’s shaking. She drops her eyes to the ground, and I lift her chin with my thumb making her to look at me. “I’ve asked you a question Okuhle. What the hell are you doing with my bag? Yini, you want to bewitch me?” She shakes her head tears already streaming down her cheeks, I don’t care about her tears they don’t move me, not even one bit. “Oh, you don’t want to talk? Okay, fine, maybe you might talk in your husband presence.” I get hold of her hand attempting to pull her toward the door, but she’s not budging.

“Pl- please, not my husband. I’m sorry.”

Me: “I don’t want your sorry! I want to know what the hell were you going to do with my bag Okuhle! How dare you invade our personal space? How dare you!” I’m livid, how dare she. Haike, and she does what she studied for at the university of emotions, crying. I’m sure she got level A for it because this kid can cry effortlessly.

“Kant…,” she stops talking when she sees the hysterically crying Okuhle with my bag still in her hands. “Haibo, and then who died?” She stands beside me.

Me: “No one died, I found her busy in our closet, and as you can see in her hands she has my bag with.”

Her: “Hhey sisi awusho; what are you doing with Noma’s bag? Wait, who sent you because I know that you did not come by yourself, not unless uyathakatha sisi, habe!”

Me: “She won’t tell you, but I’m sure she will tell her husband.”

Her: “And I saw him coming in let me call him. Hlulani Hlulani, come and see, your wife have been caught red-handed. Shesha bo!” I look at Okuhle who is busy shaking her head. “Cha, uyathakathaka wena I strue,” she claps her hands.

“What is it Mmangwane?” I hear him ask from the passage. When, he gets to the door he looks at us then at his wife. “What goes here?”

Me: “Ask your wife. I caught her snopping around our closet, and as you can see she has my bag in her hands.”

Him: “Care to explain Okuhle?” His voice is low. Okuhle shakes her head. “Talk dammit! What were you doing here? And what the fuck are you doing with that bag!” He roars making us jump a little. He steps inside the room, and grabs the bag from Okuhle’s hands, and throw it on top of the bed then he pulls her by her arm. “I’ll talk to her, and she will tell me exactly what she was doing with your bag, you can go, and join the others.”

Me: “Just know that violence won’t solve anything, just talk to care politely, raise your voice if you have to, but don’t use your hands to get her to talk.”

Him: “I won’t Ma. Thank you.” They both walk out of our room.

Mmangwane: “I wonder what was she going to do with your bag, sihlala nabaloi la.” I chuckle.

Me: “I wonder too, and I have no doubt that Bulelwa is the one who sent her.”

Her: “It doesn’t need an affidavit that one,” we laugh. “Make sure that you lock the door very tight we don’t want the episode to happen again.” I lock the door, and we walk away. This is getting too much now I wonder what was she going to do with my bag, nx these people…

★»★«

VUYO

I’m leaning against the door frame watching Naledi playing with Blessing they seem to be enjoying themselves judging by the way Blessing giggles, after that incident with Cindy I left that very same night. She was busy insulting me, and calling Blessing all sorts of names, but Blessing didn’t take her nasty words to mind because he is used to being called names, his mother used to call him names, and everyone else in his hood called him names too, but why wouldn’t they when the very same woman who gave birth to him treats him like she never birthed him? I couldn’t stand her noise, so I left her shouting without taking anything, but I did go shopping the next day and bought all the necessities. Now I need to work on finding Nomcebo before it’s too late. I’d like to believe that Adele didn’t sell her to slavery because she is against it, that’s why she goes all the way out to take these girls in once she sees them roaming around with foreign internationals or when she sees them mixing themselves with the wrong crowd, guess she really took her girls to a place of safety. I need to find a private investigator who will find me information on where did Adele exactly took the girls, I must save my daughter before everything takes a different turn.

“Hey, we didn’t see you there. How long have you been standing there?” Naledi asks getting up from the floor leaving Blessing playing with the cars.

“Hi. Not long.”

Her: “You came back early, I wasn’t expecting you so soon,” I sigh.

Me: “I know, but my meeting was shorter than how I anticipated it will be.”

Her: “You may sit, I was about to dish up.” I settle down. “Ble, go and wash your hands I’m dishing up, but first things first pick up your toys, and put them in one place.”

Him: “Okay Sis’Naledi. Sawubona Bhut’Vuyo,” he comes, and hugs me.

Me: “How are you?”

Him: “I’m good thank you. Athi ngogeza izandla ke,” he takes off.

Naledi: “He’s such a happy child hey,” I shrug.

Me: “He is indeed.”

Her: “Will I be asking for much if he sleeps over just for tonight? I get bored, before you say anything. Yes, I’m used to staying alone, and getting bored, but ever since you brought Blessing, and introduced me to him. I don’t want him leaving. He reminds me of my so…” she stops talking. “Food is ready.” She gives me a bowl to wash my hands then she gives me a swab.

Me: “Thank you.” I wonder what happened to her son, but I will not push her to tell me. She will tell me once she’s ready. Blessing joins us, he says Grace, and we start eating. The food tastes good I must say. We clean out our plates, and Blessing asks for more, and Naledi is very much happy to be at his service. I look at him, and he looks happy, but he needs a hair cut, and I must start looking for a school for him nearby, I haven’t forgotten about talking to her mother. I still want to know why she hates Blessing, and how did Nomcebo ended up staying with her.

“Vuyo.” Naledi drags me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”

Me: “Yeah. I’m just thinking.”

Her: “There’s some beer in the fridge.” I chuckle.

Me: “No. Thank you. I don’t want your boyfriend to come back later, and shout at you.” She laughs.

Her: “What boyfriend? They are mine.”

Me: “I’m sure its those sweet ciders.”

Her: “No. I don’t drink ciders, I drink real beer. I drink Hansa

Castle lager/light, milk stout, and all those brands that some women find disgusting.” 

Me: “Wow. Are you sure?” She laughs.

Her: “Of course.”

Me: “You are the first woman I’ve come across who drinks raw beer.”

Her: “I know. You are so used by those city girls who drink ciders, champagne, and cocktails. So, beer?”

Me: “Hansa will do, thank you.” She’s a rare breed. I’m used to ladies drinking ciders, not raw crafted beers. Blessing gets done eating, and he goes back to playing with his toys. Naledi brings a can of Hands. I’m also not used to drinking no Hansa, and Castles hhayi they taste very bitter, at least Castle light & Savannah. She clears the table then we go to her lounge, and we watch TV I don’t even remember when was the last time I watched time.

Her: “So, about what we spoke about. Are you agreeing for him to sleepover?”

Me: “Why don’t you ask him? I might say yes, and he might say otherwise.”

Her: “He agreed. I spoke to him first, and he said I must ask you.”

Me: “Oh, okay. If he agreed then who am I to say no? It’s fine, he can sleep over.”

Her: “Thank you. Uzwile mpintshi?”

Him: “Ngizwe kahle nje.”(I heard very well) he looks at me, and smiles. “Thank you Bhut’Vuyo.”

Me: “No stress boy, I just want to see you happy,” he nods. He continues playing with his toys, I’m sure he misses Nomcebo even though he doesn’t ask about her, but he does.

I’m sure Cindy have been calling me none stop, I don’t even know where my phone is, and it’s best that she doesn’t know where I am. She has some lot of growing up to do. Spending time with Naledi is making me see things from a different perspective, she doesn’t have much, but she’s content with all that she has.

★»★«

LUXOLO

My heart is beating faster than it usually do I don’t even know why, you see the feeling I’ve been having this whole week, today is much worse even my palms are sweating I foresee a bad night ahead, but since I’m working in the office I don’t think it will affect me that much since the office is little bit far from the club. I step inside the club, and everything is normal like any other night, I get to the office, and push the door open, I find Antony looking outside the window brushing his chin. He ain’t wearing a suit tonight he is in his casual wear, but now there are 4 guards instead of 2, usually it’s one guard inside the office, and one outside.

“You are 5 minutes late diamond,” he turns his face to look at me. He is not impressed.

“Traffic. But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

Him: “Yes, you are. The ladies have been asking about you.”

Me: “Oh, is it? Why were they asking about me?”

Him: “Obvious. Because you no longer work the pole like they do, and you haven’t been coming to the change room for the past four days. They believe that something happened to you. Why don’t you go, and assure them that you are alive, and well.” I wonder why do they think that something happened to me? I mean, they will be the first ones to rejoice when something bad happens to me.

Me: “Were they worried?”

Him: “No. In fact, they were happy, they said that they wish you can disappear for good. Now, go, and show them that you are still alive &kicking, so that we get back to work. This is my last night teaching you, from tomorrow you will be handling the club on your own.” I heave out a sigh getting up from the chair.

I get to the change room, and I find them busy with their faces their mood is somber, wait, they look angry.

“Got the message. As you can see, I’m fine. Nothing happened to me, I’m still intact, and very much savage as you know me. Now, what got you all so sad? Or who died?” They just look at me, hatred fills their eyes.

“You thought we wouldn’t find out that you will be our new boss?” Aranele asks.

Me: “Oh, that. It hasn’t been finalized yet, but once it does all of you will be fired. I will hire new girls, girls who won’t misbehave once their clitoris start misbehaving, and need some attention. You better put some respek on my name.” They just stare at me blankly, while the rest don’t even care about what I said.

Tshego: “You will not find better girls than us, we are the best in this game diamond, and no one will ever take that away from us. We’ve been working here for years now, we kept this place going even though it was on a sinking ship!”

Me: “Then I came along, and change the whole thing again, and made your sinking ship a cruise. Now, tell me here; how many more girls are like me out there? Girls who take hearts just by glances, you see that there’s too many of me out there? What makes you all so special? I will fire all of you mina, aningiboni & aningazi nina. Get done, it’s rude to keep customers waiting.” I look at them, then walk out banging the door. Damn, that felt good.

I get to the office, and Antony is not around, but his guards are I wonder where did he go. I sit down and wait for him to come back. TK was so happy when I told him that there might be a possibility that I might be taking over Sol’s club, and be the owner. He told the guys, and they too were happy shame mostly because they will get free alcohol, and be treated like VIPs talk about being ambitious. My mother will be very happy once I tell her these news, I really can’t wait to tell her the good news.

While waiting for Antony to come back the office starts smelling funny, I look around to see where the smell is coming from, but I see nothing, and it seems like I’m the only one smelling the smell because the guards don’t look affected by it all. I try getting up from the chair to get some fresh air, but my vision becomes blurry, and I start getting dizzy. I sit back down, and close my eyes then shake my head, I try opening them again, but they ain’t budging. The only thing I hear is Antony’s voice from a distance…

“Take her to the car, and make sure that no one sees you.” He tells whoever he is talking to, I try lifting my hand I want to say something, but my heads drops on top of the table…

★»★«

TSAKANI

It’s been over 5 minutes now waiting for bubbles, but she ain’t coming out, and I saw all the girls coming out, I wonder what’s taking her so long. Let me add 2 more minutes if she ain’t out by then, then I’ll be forced to get inside, and fetch her myself. This Antony better not test my patience. I want my woman. The way I was so excited when she told me that there might be a possibility that she might take over Sol’s club, I even promised to buy her a car, but now I’m not so sure. Not unless she hires Batista as her bodyguard, that will put me at ease knowing very well that she’s safe. I’m disturbed by someone knocking on the window, I roll it down, and I find a nyaope boy.

“Ek’se, kuhambani?”

“Bam’ncandile u lovey wakho Bra TK, bam’phose emotweni,” (They took your girl, they threw inside a car) he is speaking in slow motion.

Me: “Askies? Uthi iqhude likhala kuphi?” (What are you saying)

Him: “Ama daman am’thethe bengicave konke skhokho.” (Those men took her, I was watching everything) I scratch my dreads, and step out of the car.

Me: “Ima la ng’yeza,” (wait here I’m coming) I head straight toward the club, and the guards grant me access even though they are about to close. I get to the office, and it’s empty, but bubbles bag is on the floor, her things are scattered all over the place, I pick them up, and walk out of the office, and out of the building. Before getting into my car, I give the nyaope boy R200, he thanks me, I get inside my car, I take my phone from the seat, and text the guys to meet me at my house immediately. Whoever took bubbles are testing me, they want me, and they will get me! They just started something they can’t finish, if is war they want then it’s war that I will give them! My hands tighten on the steering wheel, I clench my teeth then bring the engine to life, and I drive off leaving trail of dust behind me.

A new journey begins…