THE RISE OF TUMELO By Author’s Voice Chapter 15

THE RISE OF TUMELO
CHAPTER 15
KEKETSO
Kgomotso is still angry that Itu bought Andile cereals but bought her children morvite. Itu is wrong, but Kgomotso should also make her own money to buy whatever her children want. I’m in the verandah eating a mango when Andile comes out of the house. This child, he didn’t go to school today. “And then?” I scan him from head to toe
“My head is now better.” He says avoiding eye contact with me.
“Andile, are you even serious about life? Since when does a headache stop you from going to school?” This boy.
“It was a bad one, Ma.” He says scratching the back of his head. It’s not even 10am yet, but he’s fine already.
“Ohh, so now you’re going out to smoke those leaves you always smoke?” I’ve never seen him smoking, but I know he does. He laughs.
“No Ma.” He says.
“Sit here.” He sits next to me on the barstool.
“So you’re eating cornflakes everyday and giving your nieces and nephew nothing?” This is the best punishment for Kgomotso since she turned into a couch potato, but my grandchildren know nothing, and therefore shouldn’t suffer from their mother’s doings.
“Haww Ma, I bought those cereals by myself. Itu gave me R300 and gave Kgomotso R500. God knows what she did with the money, on top of that Itu even bought morvite for her children. She should be grateful and stop bashing at me every chance she gets because I’m eating cornflakes.” He says defensive. Well, that’s new. I didn’t know Itu gave them both money, at least now I won’t feel sorry for Kgomotso because she’s causing many problems for herself.
I take a bite of my mango, thinking about the situation. Andile’s right, Kgomotso needs to sort herself out. “You know, Andile, you did good buying your own stuff. But next time, maybe share with your nieces and nephew, hey?” I say, trying to teach him a bit of responsibility. He nods, “I’ll try, Ma.” We sit in silence for a bit, enjoying the mango and the morning breeze.
–––
ZIBUYILE
I like my mother’s plan, the sly grin spreading across her face as she thinks about how we’re going to handle Tumelo. But I can’t shake off the nagging fear that he’s going to ask for DNA tests, and that could ruin everything we’ve planned. It’s 1 pm, and the sun is beating down on the house, making the air thick and heavy, the sound of cicadas chirping in the background.
I start preparing lunch, the sizzle of meat and spices filling the air, making my stomach twist with hunger, the aroma wafting up and making my mouth water. Lebo and I haven’t spoken to each other since I came back, and the tension is killing me. I miss my brother, I miss our talks, our laughs, our everything. Now I’m making this breakfast for us, hopefully he talks to me, I’m his sister, he should be mad at me for too long. It’s been years and yet he refused to forgive me.
After preparing breakfast, I carefully dish up for him, the sound of the spoon hitting the plate making him glance up, his eyes narrowing slightly as he takes in the food. I head into the lounge, the carpet soft under my feet, the sound of the TV filling the air, a sports game bling on the screen. He’s watching, his eyes glued to the screen, his expression intense, his jaw clenched tight. I clear my throat, trying to get his attention, my heart racing with anxiety.
“I made you lunch.” I say, placing the plate and the glass of juice on the table, trying to sound casual, my hands shaking slightly as I set the plate down. The aroma of food wafts up, and I hope it entices him to talk to me. He doesn’t even spare me a glance, his expression cold and distant, his focus solely on the game, his body language screaming “leave me alone”.
“Le…” I start, my voice hesitant, my eyes pleading with him to look at me, but he cuts me off, his voice laced with venom, his words like a slap to the face.
“Haiboo, why are you persuading me to take your food? It’s poisoned?” His words sting, and I feel a lump form in my throat, my eyes sting with unshed tears. Can’t he see I’m trying to make amends? I take a deep breath, trying to calm down, my voice shaking with emotion.
“Now what makes you think I’d poison your food? Lebo, you’re my brother and I love you. I made you this lunch to show you how sorry I am.” I say, holding in my tears, my voice cracking with emotion, my heart aching with sadness.
“You know who you wronged, why not go to him and apologize?” He looks at me with a deadly stare on his face, his eyes blazing with anger, his jaw clenched tight, his fists clenched at his sides.
“Le…” I try again, but he cuts me short, his voice dripping with disdain, his words cutting deep.
“Get away from my face.” He says, waving me off, his hand dismissive, his eyes flashing with anger. I sigh, turning back with the lunch I prepared for him, my heart heavy with sadness, my eyes welling up with tears. I guess I don’t have a choice but to accept that he hates me and he’ll talk to me once he feels like.
Vuyi is standing by the door next to his room, this child, watching us with big eyes, her expression curious, her ears perked up like an antenna. I hope she wasn’t listening to our conversation, but the look on her face tells me she’s been listening, her eyes darting between me and Lebo, a hint of excitement in her eyes.
I place the plates on the table and walk towards her, my anger rising, my footsteps heavy, my face stern. “AND THEN? YOU LISTEN TO ADULT CONVERSATION WHEN THEY’RE TALKING?” I shout, my voice echoing through the house, making her jump, her eyes widening with fear, her body tensing up.
“No Ma, I was heading in the kitchen to make scrambled eggs and bread for lunch.” She says, her voice trembling, her eyes welling up with tears, her body shaking with fear. I know she’s good at lying, but not this time around.
“THIS BETTER BE THE LAST TIME YOU LISTEN WHEN ADULTS ARE TALKING. DO YOU HEAR ME!?” I half shout, pointing my finger at her, my anger boiling over, my face red with rage. She nods, tears streaming down her face, her body shaking with sobs, her eyes cast down in shame. I click my tongue and make my way out, leaving her standing there, looking scared and alone, the sound of her sniffles echoing through the hallway. My mother better not find her still sniffing.
–––
NARRATOR
Nthabi’s been trying to reach Tshepo since morning, but his phone’s off, and now she’s stressed. She can’t afford losing a man like him, she’s already imagined them both married, living in their own house with 6 children. Why is he ruining all that? The warm sunshine beats down on her, but it can’t lift her mood. She’s sitting outside, her eyes fixed on the gate, as if he’ll walk in, her fingers drumming impatiently on the armrest.
“You look sour,” Boi says, sitting on the chair next to her, a hint of amusement in her voice, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. Nthabi releases a long sigh, her shoulders slapping back in resignation, her chest heaving with the effort.
“Isn’t Tshepo,” she says, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes darting towards Boi before quickly looking away.
Boi raises an eyebrow, curiosity etched on her face, her head cocking to one side. “What about him? You said you love the guy.” Her voice is gentle, prodding Nthabi to open up, like a careful gardener coaxing a flower to bloom.
Nthabi’s eyes drop, her gaze falling on her hands as she fidgets with her fingers, her nails digging into her palms. “Yes, I do, but now his phone’s off, what if he’s married and all that stuff? He got a wedding band, I wanted to ask him about it, but I was afraid I might turn him off.” Her voice trembles, and for the first time in a very long time, Boi sees Nthabi stupidly in love, her eyes shining with a mix of worry and desperation, like a drowning person clinging to a lifeline.
Boi’s expression turns serious, her eyes narrowing slightly, her lips pursing in a thin line. “There’s no need to ask, the wedding band simply means he’s married. Don’t fall in love, just enjoy and milk him dry while it lasts. We all know no married man will leaves his wife for a side chick.” Her voice is laced with a hint of sarcasm, but Nthabi doesn’t seem to notice, her focus solely on the words, her face a mask of shock and denial.
When Nthabi lifts her head, her eyes flashing with anger, Boi knows she’s hit a nerve. Nthabi’s got a very deadly glare on her face, her eyebrows snapped together in a fierce scowl, her nostrils flaring with rage. She wants to bite her head off, her hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white with tension.
“You’re jealous already because he didn’t find you pretty?” Her voice is venomous, the words spitting out like acid, dripping with malice.
Boi remains calm, her expression unruffled, a small smile playing on her lips. “I don’t catch feelings for married men, and no, I’m not jealous. I’m just telling you as a friend that you should open your eyes.” Her voice is soothing, trying to calm Nthabi down, but it’s having the opposite effect, like pouring gasoline on a fire.
Nthabi’s face turns red with rage, her eyes blazing, her chest heaving with anger. “I can’t think in peace with you around!” She half shouts, clicking her tongue as she gets up and heads, storming back inside, the door slamming shut behind her, the sound echoing through the air. Boi shakes her head, chuckling, and sips her juice, a smirk playing on her lips, her eyes glancing towards the door, a hint of concern etched on her face.
–––
ITUMELENG
It’s 7 pm, and I’ve just finished cooking dinner. I’ve made pap and beef, which took me a solid 3 hours to get perfectly cooked. As I glance at the table, I remember he loves salads, so I’ve added a fresh tomato salad on the side. The aroma of the beef wafts through the air, making my stomach tingle with anticipation. I take a moment to appreciate the fruits of my labor, the tender beef and creamy pap looking almost too good to eat.
I carefully balance both our plates and head to the lounge, the soft hum of the TV filling the silence. As I place the plates on the table, I catch his eye, and he gives me a sulky look, clearly expecting me to join him on the couch. He’s been acting like a toddler lately, sulking over the smallest things, but I love this quirky side of him. I smile, feeling a flutter in my chest, and sit down next to him, our thighs touching as I settle in.
He takes his plate, his eyes locking onto mine for a brief moment before he murmurs a soft “Thank you.” His voice sends shivers down my spine. As he starts eating, his free hand finds its way to my exposed thigh, massaging it gently, sending sparks flying through my body. I grab my plate and join in, the flavors of the beef and pap exploding on my tongue.
I know he’s not exactly a big talker, so I take the lead, asking him about his day, trying to keep the conversation flowing. We eat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the clinking of our utensils and the TV in the background.
As we finish up, I take our plates and head to the kitchen, the cool tile floor a welcome respite from the warmth of the lounge. He follows close behind, his presence filling the space. I start loading the dishes into the sink, and he joins in, helping me wash up. Our hands touch as we work, sending electric tingles through my body.
As the water runs, he steps closer, his chest brushing against my back, his warm breath on my neck sending shivers down my spine. I feel his eyes on me, burning with a fire that’s hard to ignore. I turn to face him, our lips inches apart, the tension between us palpable.
He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me onto the counter, his eyes never leaving mine. He brushes my thighs with his hands, sending shivers down my spine, before smashing his lips onto mine. I wrap my arms around his neck, opening my thighs to let him in, our kiss deepening.
The kitchen’s on fire, and I’m not talking about the stove. His hands are everywhere, touching, caressing, igniting a flame that’s burning out of control. I feel like I’m melting into him, my body a puddle of desire.
We kiss for what feels like an eternity, the world around us melting away. When he pulls back, I’m left gasping, my body aching for more. He steps back, his eyes burning with a fire that’s hard to ignore.
I pull up my dress, taking it off in front of him, his eyes darkening with desire. “What are you doing?” he growls, his voice low and husky.
“Getting ready for you to roast me,” I say, taking off my thong as well, my heart racing with anticipation.
He looks like he’s about to lose control, his eyes burning with a fire that’s hard to ignore. “You don’t play fair,” he whispers, his voice strained.
I smile, feeling a rush of power. “I never do,” I say, pulling him closer.
He takes a deep breath, his eyes never leaving mine, and then he’s on me, his lips crashing down on mine, his body pressing me back onto the counter. The world around us melts away, and all that’s left is the fire burning between us.
I help him shed his shirt, revealing a body that’s been hiding secrets. He tugs at his pants, and I catch a glimpse of the situation unfolding in his pants. My lips are history as I bite down, excitement coursing through me. I’m on a mission, pulling down those pants, and he’s clearly ready for whatever’s next. He inches closer, I hold his hard long and thick dïck and rub it on my pus^y, just as we’re about to ignite, he bolts back, pulls up his pants, and whispers “I can’t.” Poof! He’s gone, leaving me hanging like a chicken on a spit, ready to be devoured.
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