THE RISE OF TUMELO
CHAPTER 12
ITUMELENG
It’s almost 6 pm, and Tumelo hasn’t left the apartment, a peculiar sense of unease settling in the pit of my stomach as I watch him. I don’t understand why he’s being so clingy, his behavior a stark contrast to his usual aloof nature. He’s been touching me for a few seconds, then removing his hand, a hesitant gesture that leaves me feeling completely puzzled.
“I’m freeing them,” he says, his voice low and mysterious, as we sit on the cramped two-seater couch, the tension between us palpable.
“Who?” I’m confused, my mind racing with possibilities, as he gets up and offers me his hand, his eyes locking onto mine, searching for something. I reach for it, and he helps me stand up, his touch sending a shiver down my spine, as we head to the basement, the air thick with anticipation.
Is he planning on locking me in here? My heart skips a beat as he opens the door and switches on the light, revealing a room filled with people, some hurt and bruised, others untouched, their eyes wide with fear. And why are there many females than males? My gaze sweeps the room, taking in the scene, as Tumelo starts uncuffing them, one by one, his movements deliberate and calm.
Isn’t he afraid that one of them might do something? My heart is racing, a mix of fear and anxiety coursing through my veins, as I watch him work, his confidence and control a stark contrast to the vulnerability I saw earlier.
After uncuffing them all, he steps back, his eyes scanning the room, a sense of satisfaction etched on his face. “Leave, all of you!” he commands, his voice firm, and they scurry out of the room, squishing one another in their haste to escape.
As the last one disappears, I turn to him, my heart still racing, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I’m confused and relieved that he’s freed those people, a sense of gratitude washing over me. I know being in here is not nice, the memory of the cramped, dark space still fresh in my mind.
“I freed them all, do you forgive me now?” he asks, his voice laced with a hint of vulnerability, as he searches my face, his eyes pleading for understanding.
Haiboo. I don’t know what this man is talking about, my mind a jumble of questions and emotions. “For what?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, as he takes a step closer, his eyes never leaving mine.
“Itumeleng, you were running away from me the whole day, obviously there must be something I did which you don’t like,” he says, his voice tinged with hurt, and I realize, he’s genuinely confused.
“I wasn’t running away from you, and I wasn’t mad at you, I just needed some space,” I explain, trying to placate him, as he takes another step closer, his eyes searching mine. I know he’s someone who always values his alone time.
He looks away, his face falling, as he processes my words, his shoulders slowering slightly, making him appear vulnerable. He holds my hand, his touch gentle, as we head back into the lounge, the silence between us thick with unspoken emotions.
“What do you want for dinner?” he asks, his focus on his phone, a welcome distraction from the tension, as I sink onto the couch, feeling a little more at ease.
“Pork ribs with some chilly tomato salad,” I say, my stomach growling with anticipation, as he nods his head, a small smile playing on his lips.
–––
ZIBUYILE
Kgotso’s words still linger in my mind like a bad omen, and I know I’ve made the right decision. I can’t be with someone who sees my daughter that way, it’s just not right. The thought of it sends a shiver down my spine, making me feel like I’ve dodged a bullet.
I managed to scape some cash from an old guy who wanted to be with me, and now I’m feeling a bit more at ease, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I even splurged on some food, and the smell of cooking Pap is wafting through the air, making my stomach growl with anticipation. The aroma is like a warm hug, filling the small kitchen with a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Vuyi’s in a better mood, and we’re actually getting some decent food for once, a rare treat in our chaotic household. She’s helping me out, chopping up some tomatoes, onions, and peppers, her hands moving with a quiet efficiency that’s almost endearing.
“Guess what,” I say, trying to sound casual, but my voice betrays a hint of excitement.
“What?” she asks, her eyes lighting up with curiosity, like a flower blooming in the sun. I chuckle, teasing her, enjoying the moment. “I just said guess.”
She looks at me, a hint of a smile on her face, and for a moment, I see a glimmer of the carefree kid she used to be, before life got tough. “I’m going to school?” My heart sinks, and for a moment, I’m taken aback. She hasn’t been to school in years, and I know I’m to blame. But I’m trying to protect her, to keep her safe from the harsh realities of the world.
“No, baby, we’re going back to South Africa in 3 days,” I say, trying to sound upbeat, like I’m offering her a ticket to a dream vacation. A small smile creeps onto her face, and she looks up at me with hope, like she’s daring to believe it’s true.
“Really?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper, and I give her a nod, trying to reassure her. She jumps on me, wrapping her long legs around my waist, and for a moment, I forget about everything. I forget about Tumelo, about the danger, about the uncertainty. All I feel is her warmth, her excitement, and I know I’ll do anything to make this work.
I hold her tight, feeling a mix of emotions swirling inside me. Joy, fear, hope, and anxiety, all tangled up together like a knot. I just hope Mom has a plan, because I know wherever Tumelo is, he’s waiting for me, ready to have my head on the table, like a predator waiting for its prey.
–––
The morning sun casts a golden glow over the apartment as Nthabi prepares to head out to the mall with Boi. They’re feeling more at ease now that Tumelo has freed all the people he kidnapped, a weight lifted off their shoulders. One of the captives even mentioned a young woman, light-skinned and in her early 20s, who was with Tumelo, and Nthabi’s convinced that means Itu is back. But despite the relief, Nthabi’s not thrilled about Itu’s return – she’s decided she doesn’t want her in her apartment anymore.
“Nthabi,” Boi calls out, standing by the door, looking sharp and ready to go. “Coming,” she replies, carefully applying her fake eyelashes, making sure they’re perfect. “The Uber’s already outside,” Boi adds, and Nthabi gives herself a once-over, sprying on some perfume and grabbing her mini handbag.
“You look pretty,” Boi says, complimenting her as they head out. Nthabi smiles, accustomed to the attention. “Thank you, but I know I’m always pretty,” she says with a wink, stepping into the Uber.
The driver can’t help but sneak glitches at Nthabi – she’s stunning, her makeup flawless, her confidence radiating. “Itumeleng is back in Nelspruit, and Tumelo set free all those people he kidnapped,” Nthabi says, taking out her little mirror to check her reflection, can’t get enough of her own face.
“Really? When?” Boi asks, unfazed by Nthabi’s over-the-top outfit, even for a grocery run. Nthabi’s always overdressed, and today she’s rocking high heels.
“Yesterday,” she replies, shaking her head, still puzzled. “Yhoo, I don’t understand what calms him down when Itu’s around. It’s not like she’s the prettiest female in Nelspruit, and she doesn’t fit in the top 20 of the prettiest females here. But Tumelo chose her, for what?” Nthabi clicks her tongue, shaking her head in disbelief.
Boi’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise, her eyes widening in a mixture of shock and disapproval. “You’re saying it like she’s ugly,” she says, her voice laced with a hint of reprimand.
Nthabi’s face remains unapologetic, her features set in a determined mask. “She is ugly for Tumelo if he likes her, Boi – Tumelo is handsome despite his bad ways and always angry. That man is handsome and deserves someone better, Itu is childish. He’ll piss him off then we’re doomed.” Nthabi’s voice is livened with a hint of possessiveness, her tone implying that Tumelo’s taste in women is questionable. She doesn’t like the idea of Tumelo having a soft spot for Itu, it’s a scenario she’d rather not imagine.
Imagine if he chooses her, the whole world would know and bow down for her. But that breast less creature took her scary crush, and now Nthabi’s stuck dealing with the consequences.
Finally, they arrive at the mall, and Nthabi steps out of the Uber, her heels clicking on the pavement. The Uber driver calls out to her, and she turns, her expression unimpressed. “What?” she says, her tone rude, her voice like a cold breeze.
The driver, undeterred, asks, “Can I take you out on a date some other time?” Nthabi clicks her tongue, her eyes rolling in disdain, and walks away, swaying her hips as she approaches a Mercedes Benz driver who’s watching her with interest. The driver looks like he’s got money, and Nthabi’s not about to let this opportunity slip away.
“That was rude,” Boi says, shaking her head, but Nthabi’s not listening. She’s got her sights set on the Mercedes Benz driver, and he’s looking like a winner. He’s buff, handsome, and got an attractive smile on his face, Nthabi’s intrigued.
He calls out to her, and Nthabi walks towards him, a smile spreading across her face. “Hello,” he says, his eyes locked on hers, his voice low and smooth.
“Hi,” Nthabi replies, her fingers wrapping around her wig as she talks to him, her voice husky and confident. “Name is Tshepo, and you are?” he asks, already charmed, his eyes drinking in the sight of her.
Nthabi’s smile widens, and she introduces herself, already knowing she’s got him hooked.
–––
Itu stands in Tumelo’s bathroom, the warm mist from the shower still lingering in the air, clinging to her skin like a gentle caress. She’s wearing only a lace panty, her small breasts exposed, her nipples puckering in the cool air, her hair dripping wet and clinging to her shoulders like a dark, soggy cloak. The clock on the wall reads 7pm, and she’s planning to call it an early night, exhausted from the day’s events. When she arrived, she intended to stay for 5 days, but if Tumelo doesn’t approve of her leaving soon, she’ll have to go to Nthabi and Boi’s apartment to collect her luggage.
As she riffs through her bag, searching for comfortable PJs, she’s met with disappointment – all her clothes are dirty, and she’s left with nothing but the lace panty and her dignity. She sighs, frustrated, her fingers running through her damp hair, and turns around, only to find Tumelo standing by the door, his eyes fixed on her like he’s been there for a while, drinking in the sight of her.
Her heart skips a beat as she realizes she’s half-naked, and she quickly covers her breasts with her hands, trying to shield herself from his view. Her face heats up with embarrassment, a flush creeping up her cheeks, and she can feel her pulse pounding in her ears.
“Hey,” he says, his voice low and husky, his gaze lingering on her body, making her skin prickle with awareness. Itu’s eyes dart to the door, willing him to leave, to give her some privacy.
“Tumelo, you’re making me uncomfortable, please get out,” she says, trying to sound firm, but her voice comes out shaky, betraying her unease.
But Tumelo doesn’t move, his eyes still fixed on her, making her feel like she’s trapped, like she’s prey caught in his sights. “I was…” he starts, but Itu cuts him off, her patience wearing thin.
“Tumelo, I said get out!” Her voice is louder now, a mix of embarrassment and unease, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.
Instead of leaving, Tumelo steps into the bathroom, his movement making Itu’s heart race. She takes a step back, her eyes fixed on him, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. “So the rumours are true, you are a ràpist?” The words fly out of her mouth, a defensive mechanism to push him away, to make him leave her alone.
Tumelo stops on his steps, his expression darkening, like a storm cloud gathering. He looks at Itu, his eyes narrowing, and for a moment, she thinks she’s gone too far. His jaw clitches, and he turns and walks out, slamming the bathroom door behind him, the sound echoing through the room like a crack of thunder.
The silence in the bathroom is palpable, and Itu regrets her words the moment they’re out, worried she’s hurt Tumelo’s feelings, or worse. She stands there, frozen, her heart racing with anxiety, wondering what just transpired between them, her mind racing with doubts and fears.
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