Tee-le and I arrive in Sebokeng at 20H30. His mom is not happy at all about us travelling at night, but we explain that we had to stop at a friend’s place because the friend had lost a child. Tee-le’s mother shouted at us for traveling at night then went on and on about me being careful regarding where I eat. She also said I cannot go to the funeral. I am pregnant and pregnant women do not go to graveyards. So, we decided that Tee-le and I will just attend the service. When people go to the cemetery, we will go back home. 

Tee-le was shocked when I offered to make mama tea after that tongue lash, but his mom was impressed. I am a child in this house. When you are a child in the house of an elder, you ensure that you are disciplinable. That’s all this is. Tee-le and I should have communicated that we would be arriving later than expected. We didn’t, and regardless of the circumstances, we were wrong. Mama was worried, especially because we are carrying her first grandchild. 

The three of us chat into midnight then I start feeling tired. I make my way to bed and Tee-le is right behind me. He had passed out on the couch mid-conversation with his mother. She was bringing us up to speed on the real reason we have come here. Tee-le’s sister has a blesser. She had basically moved out of the house and is now disrespectful towards her mother. Tee-le’s sister has always been a problem child – since the times when I was with Yaya. I didn’t tell Renay, Lando and Paula about what we were coming here to do. It is private and some things are not really stuff I want my friends involved in. 

Tee-le has spoken to his sister to arrive tomorrow morning. She has no idea that this is an intervention. The elders will also be arriving in the morning. But first, Tee-le and I have mind blowing sex. We try not to make a noise because this is his mother’s house and her bedroom is pretty much next to Tee-le’s room. But, Tee-le is putting it on me so good and I am enjoying it! My baby bump has started showing, but it isn’t huge. It isn’t in the way as yet. The plan was for us to have the lobola negotiations done by now, but my family told Tee-le’s family to come in the next month – three months from when Tee-le sent his letter of intent. And just so you know, he hasn’t formally proposed to me yet. I’m still waiting for it and he knows. 

My thighs are now shaking. Tee-le has ejaculated and we are both feeling good. As we catch our breaths, we cuddle into each other’s arms. 

“I love you so much, T”, he says.

“I love you so much, Remoletile.” I say. 

“I don’t ever want to lose you. I’ve waited for the longest time to have you in my life like this. Now you are going to be my wife and the mother of my child.” He says. 

“I don’t want to lose you neither. I want you in my life forever, hubby and baby daddy”, I say. 

We both laugh.

“So, how long have you been eyeing me?” I ask him. 

He chuckles and says, “That first day you came to training to bring Uyanda his kit. I think Uyanda had forgotten his kit or something at home and he asked you to bring it for him. I had never seen a more beautiful and graceful woman in my life. You wore the most flattering white short dress with white all-stars. You had braids. The way you moved, the way you smiled, your manners… the team noticed that day that I had a crush on you. It was a running joke for the longest time. Even Uyanda knew, but it was harmless. I dated Khosi so that I could see more of you as I knew you guys were friends”. 

“WHAT?!” I yell and I burst into laughter. 

“Sshhh… you’ll wake mama up.” He says, putting his hand over my mouth. 

I laugh a little softer, apologising for the noise.

“I’m serious. I just loved seeing you. I loved sharing space with you. When I heard that you and Uyanda broke up, I was happy. Uyanda had been fucking around behind your back for a long time. On two occasions, I fucked him up.”

I am a little hurt to hear this, but whatever, Yaya and I are done. 

“Then that day you called me to ask me to help you and your mom out, I was happy. That day, I knew that it was time for you to become my wife.” He says. 

I smile. 

We love each other in conversation and kisses and a few more rounds of sex until 4am. 

The painful sun of 5:30am has us forcefully awake. It is the kind of heat we cannot sleep through. The sun is harsh. 

Tee-le and I bath together. 

I get breakfast started while Tee-le is in the living room with the elders talking about this issue regarding his sister. I have already served them tea. 

As soon as breakfast is ready, I text Tee-le. The elders open the door of the dining room and I serve it in serving dishes so they can serve themselves whatever they wish to eat. Everyone is complementing my food and I am just blushing. I am so used to cooking according to Tee-le’s diet and they seem to be enjoying the food I have made. I made Tee-le his own breakfast because he is in training still. The Spain trip has been cancelled due to some financial mishaps, so they are training in the country. 

Tee-le’s sister should be here by now. Instead, I receive a call from an unknown number. I step outside to take the call. 

Me: “Hello?” 

Caller: “Thuli, it’s Kamo.” 

Kamo is Tee-le’s sister. 

Me: “Hey babe. Ushup? Where are you?” 

Kamo: “I’ve been arrested. Thuli, please don’t tell my mom. I know you’ll tell Tee-le, but please don’t say anything to my mom. I’m at a Johannesburg holding cell. Please come get me out. I’m begging you”. 

She hangs up before I can even respond. 

I turn around. My eyes catch Tee-le’s eyes. I signal with my head that we need to meet outside. He gets up and comes outside to meet me. 

“Kamo called. Uthi she’s in prison. She says she is at a Johannesburg holding cell.” I tell him. 

“What the fuck for?” Him. 

“Angazi. We didn’t talk long. She asked that we go get her out and not tell your mom”, I say. 

Tee-le goes into the house, grabs his car keys, we get into the car and he drives us to Johannesburg.

…

A Week Later…

“Hey girl”, Fifi greets me. 

“Hello darling. You good?” Me. 

Thuli walks up to us and hugs us. 

We are all feeling a bit down. 

We are all dressed in black and we are here – in fricken Bethlehem – for Bethlehem girl’s daughter’s funeral. Thuli was sick all night, I didn’t think she’d make it to the funeral. But she’s here. She’s drinking some drink that’s apparently recommended by her doctor. She told us she won’t be making it to the cemetery, so Rofhiwa and I decided that we’d hang out with her when everyone else goes to the cemetery. 

“Le shup?” Mohato asks us. Reahile and Tee-le are next to him. 

Thuli nods her head. 

“You sure?” Tee-le is so obsessed with Thuli it’s actually funny. 

We all laugh. Reahile laughs and says, “Will you get her a wheelchair when she gets tired of standing?” 

We giggle. 

“Anything for my beautiful lady and my baby growing inside of her.” Tee-le says. 

That explains it. 

Reahile and Mohato know. They don’t seem surprised. Rofhiwa and I are surprised. Thuli just smiles. Now that I look at her closely, she is wearing clothes that are loose on her body. She is putting on a bit of weight. 

“Congratulations!” Rofhiwa says. 

“Thank you.” Thuli. 

I smile at her too. I’m actually happy for them. Tee-le deserves the happiness. 

“My mom says we must get you Rehidrat. So, the three of us will go find it quickly for you in this dead-ass town. Three of our bodyguards will stay with you and make sure you are okay.” Reahile says. Their mom is mofomahadi. 

Mohato’s phone rings.

“It’s mah.” Mohato says, talking about mofomahadi. 

Mohato answers his phone and puts mofomahadi on speaker. 

“Mah”, Mohato. 

“Hey nana. How’s Thuli?” The royal family loves Tee-le, so they love Thuli too.

“She says she’s feeling better, but she looks a bit – 

“I’m fine, mofomahadi.” Thuli takes the phone from Mo and says.

We giggle. 

“Are you feeling any dizziness?” Mofomahadi asks. 

“Slightly.” Thuli. 

“I need you to sleep, Thuli. I know you mean well, but Tee-le will represent you there. I’ve sent some staff to bring you a few things that will help you with energy and carry you until you guys get back this side. Don’t fly. Drive.” She says. 

Thuli looks sad. 

“Thuli, I’ll stay with you at the hotel.” Rofhiwa. 

“Me too. The guys will go.” I say. 

Tee-le looks at Thuli, begging her to agree. 

“Okay.” Thuli says. 

“Good. Eat fruit. It will give you nutrients and water. Stay away from anything greasy, it will make you throw up and you shouldn’t be throwing up anymore. Your vitamin kit is on its way. I’m going to phone you guys later again and check up on you.” Mofomahadi says.

“Thank you, mofomahadi”, Thuli says then she gives me Mohato’s phone. She’s respectful like that. I like her. 

Mohato concludes the call then the guys take us back to the hotel. 

…

Rofhiwa and I are chatting about in Thuli’s and Tee-le’s room. Thuli is fast asleep. Mofomahadi might have sent sleeping stuff in that package for her. She literally had a shake, ate fruit and has been passed out.

“I feel so bad for her. Her pregnancy is already difficult and she seems to be in her early stages.” Fifi says. 

“She’ll be good. Plus, Tee-le is super supportive. I heard that he might not even see his training through because the doctor told them to stay close to each other for the next few weeks… Something about Thuli having a high possibility of a miscarriage.” I say. 

“That’s beautiful for Thuli, but it’s career suicide for Tee-le.” 

“He’s retiring, so –

She shrugs her shoulders. 

“Are you going to Ruri’s birthday party?” I ask her. 

“I was invited, so I’ll go. I’m bringing Khanyisa and Thingo with me. My parents actually agreed.” 

We laugh. 

“You are a good in-law. You bring the boyfriend too.” I say and she laughs aloud. 

“He’s our brother. Plus, Khanyisa told me he has a girlfriend. Them dating would be weird for our families.” 

“Good. Because there’s a running joke that Khabane likes her and he’s obviously going to be at his sister’s birthday.” 

“My poor sister. Everybody likes her.” 

We laugh.

“She’s hot.” I say. 

“That she is. Thank goodness she’s no Khosi Thabethe.” 

We laugh. 

“I don’t even know what to get Ruri as a gift. Her party is so extravagant. What do you get a ten-year-old who has everything? I mean, her party theme is Camp Ruri. We are flying to DisneyWorld. I mean…”

I’m just laughing here because she’s rich herself. When I see rich people being traumatized by other rich people, it’s funny! I should be feeling how she’s feeling. 

“We are getting her a voucher for Apple. She will buy whatever Apple gadget she wants.” I say. 

Obviously, I used Mo’s money. He gave me money and told me to buy the gift from both of us. 

“That’s a very good idea. Maybe I’ll sponsor a spa night. So the night before we fly out, Ruri and her friends can go to a Spa and treat themselves. My Aunt Koena owns a franchise of beauty bars. I’ll ask her to send a mobile one out for us. I’ll speak to Ruri’s parents and ask if we can host at their house. I’ll babysit.” She says. 

“That’s so cool. I’ll help you babysit and facilitate”, Thuli says. She’s up?

We look at her. 

“We were also invited. But with my situation, I might not be able to go. So, whatever is happening in Tholoana Kingdom and on land, I can do that and involve myself.” She says. 

“I’d really love that.” Rofhiwa says.

“Tee-le says we should gift her something that will make her realise that life is not a bed of roses. She already has everything, so we might as well get her something that will teach her the value of working hard. So we got her a voucher for junior entrepreneurial classes. Upon graduating, Tee-le is helping her start a business… a kiddies jewellery line or a kiddies hairline.” Thuli says. 

“Oh, my goodness! I love it! Can I please jump in on your idea?! Plus, my Aunt Koena is in the beauty industry. She started it all from scratch. She’s such a good person to help and a good mentor for Ruri.” Rofhiwa says. 

“I think that’s great. Tee-le will still help in starting the business, but having someone in the industry will also do a lot for her. So, I jump in on your spa and you can jump in on our business.” Thuli. 

Rofhi excitedly agrees. I’m just here… chilling… listening to the rich people plan to become richer and make the next generation even more rich.

“Zari, are you in with us?” Shame, Thuli includes me. 

Rofhiwa grew up rich; she would have never imagined that I’m feeling left out right now. Thuli seems to get it more. 

I smile and nod.

“Hai phela, we are not doing this without you!” Thuli. 

Fifi just smiles at me with that awkward smile that white people display when they are not sure how to be around black people.

There’s a knock on the door. Rofhiwa gets the door and the top-shayela squad walks in: Paula, Lando, Renay and Carmen.

They greet us then walk to Thuli. She’s still in the bed, but she’s sitting up. 

“How are you feeling?” Lando asks her. 

“Like I’m probably not going to do this again. If Tee-le wants baby number two, we are getting a surrogate.” Thuli says. 

We all laugh. 

We are obviously about to chill now, so I suggest, “let’s go to the pool area. We can chill in there maybe?” It’s a bit weird that we are all cramped in one room. 

Everyone actually agrees, so we make our way there. 

…

Papa and I are on our way to our daughter-father breakfast date. He takes me on one once every month. It’s our time to talk and grow closer. I know that he is not my biological father, but I love him and I appreciate him more than I’ll probably ever appreciate a man in life. Just like my kazi – no woman will ever mean more to me than what she does. They loved me, took me in and raised me with love. 

Papa also takes me to business conferences. I love attending them and I think he loves attending them with me. This weekend, we are in Paris for a business conference. It’s the first one we are going to outside of South Africa. We came with Kazi and my three obnoxious brothers – Ranwedzi, Gundo and Rendani. Kazi will be joining Papa and I at the conference. My brothers will be at the kiddies’ section of the conference. Uncle Mthunzi is attending a similar conference in New York. He went with Aunt Koena, Thingo, Zothile, Bhut’Mfundo and Sis’Nene. 

Papa decided that we can do our breakfast date before we go to the conference. 

This place is cold. But a selfie with him is never to be missed. He even knows. 

I have more selfies with him than I do with baba. I don’t like Latifah – his wife. She doesn’t like me neither. I don’t consider her children to be my siblings even though they are of my baba’s semen. Baba and I never really had a close relationship, but we had a relationship at least. He wouldn’t do dates with me like Papa does, but he made sure that he saw me everyday and we’d always catch up with each other. Now, he married Latifah and became distant. Even when I see him and we chat about, it’s not like how it used to be. 

“Papa, can you read French?” I ask him. He’s so focused on this menu, you’d swear he knows what’s on here. 

He laughs instead.

“I have this app that’s translating this for me. Here, put my screen over your menu and pick something to eat.” I say.

“Who needs to learn another language when the phone does all the heavy lifting huh?” He says as he takes my phone and checks this menu out. 

I just shake my head. He says the weirdest things. 

A waiter comes and takes our order. I don’t know how to “wee-wee” so I just point at what I want. Papa does the same and the waiter leaves. Now it’s just Papa and me. 

“You seemed a bit down this week. Is everything okay?” He asks me. He’s always attentive with me. 

“I’m fine. It’s just…” 

“Yes? It’s just what?”

“I miss Fifi. It’s weird not having her live with us anymore. I’m excited that I’ll be visiting her in Tholoana Kingdom for my school holidays. But something happened at school and I just wanted to tell her all about it. But she was busy and she couldn’t take my calls.” I say. 

“You have kazi and I though. You know you can talk to us about anything.” He says. 

“But you guys are too old to understand.” I say.

He tells me I’m disrespecting him in tshiVenda and I respond in tshiVenda too, telling him that it’s a fact. He laughs. I think he’s always appreciated how seriously I take learning tshiVenda and he’s impressed that I’m very fluent in the language. 

Our drinks arrive – cups of coffee to be exact because this place is kak cold.

“So Papa…” 

He looks at me. 

“I’ve been talking to Sam.” I say. 

“Sam? Who’s Sam?” He asks me. 

I look away. 

“Khanyi?” 

“Samuel Mudau.” Yep, it’s the guy that was arranged to marry Rofhiwa. 

“Why are you talking to Samuel Mudau? He’s way too old for you.” He says. 

“He’s only six years older than me”, I say.

He’s eleven years older than Kazi, so me must stop it. 

“What are you guys talking about?” He asks me. He’s calming down. Kazi is the one who actually forced me to tell him. Else, I would’ve done this ngesiZulu – ngafela phakathi. 

“I think he’s nice. He thinks I’m nice. He’s in the UK, but he’s going to Venda for his sister’s wedding and he’s hoping we could meet.” 

He drinks his coffee. Is he honestly pulling a green frog on me?!

“I’m sixteen, papa.” I say.

“I see you’ve been sharing notes with Rofhiwa”, he says. 

That’s not fair. 

“So, you’ll meet him and then what will happen?” He asks me. 

“We won’t date. I told him that I’m saving myself for marriage. I told him we should just be friends for now. And when I graduate and he’s still feeling me and I’m feeling him, I’ll ask you to arrange a wedding for us.” I say, smiling at him. 

We both laugh. 

“Look baby girl, you are my baby girl. I love you very much and I want you to just enjoy being a child. You’ve got the rest of your life to be an adult and be committed to people like the Mudaus of the world. So, allow yourself to be a child. You have the rest of your life to be with Sam or whoever you want to be with. But for now, be you and let us baby you some more.” He says. 

“Can we have a reality check moment?” Me. 

Reality check moment can only be had at our dates and when we have them, the one receiving the reality check cannot be defensive. They must accept it and ask how they can do better. Yes, we trust each other enough to have these moments. 

He nods his head. 

“You need to allow yourself to get to know Rea. Open your energy towards him and receive him.” I say. 

He wants to fight, but he won’t. He’s not allowed to in this moment. So, he restrains himself. 

“Papa, i-energy engaka?! To be angry for so long?! Awukhathali?! Tshifhinga tsho fhela, papa. It’s time to get over it.” I say. 

He looks at me. 

Then he says, “Okay.” 

I didn’t expect that. 

“Okay?” Me. 

“Yep. You and kazi won’t get off my back about this. So, it’s fine, I’ll open myself to this boy and see what I find.” 

I smile then say, “For my birthday. I want to have a family braai. I’ll invite a few friends and Rea.”

He gets a bit uneasy, then I distract him and say, “But Latifah and her kids are not invited.” 

He looks at me in shock. 

“Papa, I don’t want them there.” 

“Reality check moment”, he says. 

“Oh no!” 

“Reality check moment activated. Khanyi, you are disrespecting your father because you are disregarding the woman that he loves and it’s unacceptable. Imagine if Rofhiwa treated you and your brothers the way that you treat Latifah and your siblings?” 

“I don’t interfere with your relationship with Fifi – 

“You are getting defensive, Khanyi.”

I take a deep breath. 

“Latifah is coming. I have to stomach that boy. You stomach Latifah.” 

This man! 

“And you must speak to your father and tell him how you feel. He needs to know so that he can fix it. You need to give him that chance.” He says. 

“I’ve tried to talk to him. He gets defensive about it and just tells me that I’m the one who doesn’t want to give Latifah a chance. I even tried to visit them for a weekend, remember? You and kazi had to fetch me at 10pm because Latifah and I fought. Baba didn’t even give me a chance to explain. He just kicked me out. Latifah is using muthi on baba. Gogo saw it from day one.” 

He’s speechless. 

“I don’t like Latifah. And she says very nasty things about kazi then pretends to like her when kazi is around. That’s what started the fight. She said something very unforgivable. I can’t even tell kazi because if I tell her, her relationship with baba will change and I don’t want that for them. I admire that relationship. It’s my goal for my relationship with Fifi and I want Fifi and I to be that close with Ranwedzi, Gundo and Rendani.”

I get emotional. I’ll never forgive that witch! 

“What did she say?” He asks me. 

“No Papa, you’ll hate her if I tell you. I’ll sort her out. Don’t worry. I’ve been learning how to mix a few chemicals in physics. She must never trust drinks that come from me.” 

The look on his face! 

I laugh. He laughs and shakes his head. 

After breakfast, we take a light walk ukubona indawo. We take pictures and talk about nonsense. Whoever I marry must be like Papa. I’m not compromising. We finally make our way back to our hotel and we find kazi almost ready for the conference. She greets us and asks us how our date was. 

“It was good, my love”, papa says and kisses her. The lovebirds. 

“Eeeeeuuuuuuuwwwww!” Rendani and Gundo say. 

Rendani just has a crush on kazi and he’s jealous that kazi chooses Papa all the time. 

“Yo” Thingo texts me. 

I’m already in a suit that Papa bought me, a coat and block-heel boots. I’m ready for the conference, so I find a seat and chill so I can chat to Thingo. 

“Hey.” I reply. 

He FaceTimes me. I answer. 

“Yo” him. 

He’s still in pyjamas. Paris is six hours ahead of New York. But why isn’t he sleeping? It’s 6am for him. And Thingo loves his sleep. He doesn’t wake up at 6am for anything unless he’s forced to.

“Why are you not sleeping?” I ask him. 

“Zot is struggling with adjusting to the time difference. So we are all suffering.” He says. Zot is his brother, Zothile. 

“So, how are you making it to the conference with no sleep?” I ask.

“I’m going to sleep-nyana. I already know that I want to open a weed business.” 

I laugh. 

“It’s going to be awesome. Watch this space.”

“But everyone is doing it now. You need to be creative as to how you’ll be adding your irresistible difference. That’s what we are attending the conference for.” I say. 

“I hear you.” 

“Kazi says she can help us with our sneaker line”, I say.

“For real?” He says. 

We’ve been wanting to start a sneaker line since grade seven. No one took us seriously because we were kids. Bhut’Mfundo helped us put a business plan together and I gave my copy to kazi and papa. I’m not sure if Thingo gave his copy to his parents. But my parents are coming around. 

“She wants us to meet at your dad’s office when we are back in South Africa then we will talk.” I say.

“I’ll tell my dad about it today. I’m in.” 

Thought as much. 

“Okay cool. Get some sleep. We are about to head out now.” 

“Sure. Peace!” 

…

“Are you okay?” I ask him again. 

We’ve been invited to Khanyi’s birthday braai. Rea has been shit nervous since Khanyi invited us and kazi told us that we are staying at my home. Mfundo even phoned us and offered Rea to stay at his place. But kazi insisted. 

Now, we’ve just arrived at home. We are walking towards our door and he’s still SPOOKED! 

“I’m good, baby.” He says.

“HEEEYYYY!!!!” Khanyisa runs to us and greets us, greeting Rea with a hug and me with a crazy hug and jump. 

Rea is loosening up a bit. Khanyi is making this easier. Bless her soul. 

“Come”, she says and pulls Rea into the house. 

I’m behind him. 

He’s nervous again. He’s GRIPPING Khanyi’s hand! 

We are in the house now. 

Kazi and papa are in love as usual. Papa is sitting on a kitchen stool and kazi is standing between his legs. My little brothers sprint to Rea and greet him. He picks Rendani up then pats Gundo on the head and handshakes Ranwedzi. He finally puts Rendani down and my brothers greet me. 

Now, we greet the parents.

“Ah”, I greet my parents. 

They greet me back. I hug kazi and papa is staring at Reahile. Whose idea was this, mara? 

“Reahile, you are most welcome in our home. Please feel free”, kazi says, hugging him. 

Then she looks at papa. 

Papa stands up from where he is sitting and says to Reahile, “Can I offer you something to drink?” 

Rea clears his throat then says, “Just water, thanks.” 

My dad nods his head, gets a bottle of sealed water from the fridge then gives it to Reahile saying, “Let’s go get the meat on the grill.” 

They leave. I try to follow them, but kazi says, “we need you in here, dali.” 

“Whose idea was this?” I ask. It’s just kazi, Khanyi and I. The guys are outside. 

“Everyone’s. Papa is coming around. It’s at his own pace. But he’s getting there.” Khanyi. 

“He’s not going to do anything to him, is he?” I ask. 

“This is Thomas we are talking about. What is he going to do?” Kazi protects her man. 

I’m so nervous. 

“Can I take them drinks or something?” I ask. 

“Khanyisa will. Wena just relax. Reahile is fine.” Kazi. 

Yoh…

I can’t even hold anything in my hands. I’m SHAKING! 

Kazi keeps looking at me then looking away, carrying on with preparing food. Khanyisa is busy fetching meat from outside, taking stuff outside… she’d tell me if Papa were hurting Reahile, right?

I step out the kitchen…

“Rofhiwa!” Kazi. 

“I’m going to the toilet!” I say and just charge to the guest restroom. The window opens to the patio where Papa and Rea are braaing and talking. I lock the door and sit on the toilet. I listen to their conversation.

They are talking about the economy… 

And business…

Opening a business in this economy…

Best place to make investments… 

What the fuck?! They are actually both very boring. But at least they are not killing each other. 

Papa starts asking him about his plans after football. 

He replies and says, “Well, I’ve already submitted my masters thesis. I’ve also gone into an expansion project for two of my businesses – one I own with Tee-le Serame and the other one I own with my brother, Mohato. Fifi wants to put some focus and acceleration on her career as well, look into consulting as well – especially during the off-season. It’s a lot more calm. I want to support her with that and she offered to consult for our businesses.” 

“I see. What business are you in?” My dad. 

“I own a real estate business with Tee-le and an insurance business with Mohato.” 

“Okay. What about government? I know your family practically leads the Tholoana Kingdom government.” 

“Yeah. But I want my own things. I want Fifi to know that anything we accumulate is ours and does not belong to the throne. If it were up to me, we’d leave Tholoana Kingdom all together and start over where it’s just me and her and we must just make what we want out of our own lives… start our own things and create our own legacy.” 

“So why don’t you?” 

“Fifi seems happy in Tholoana Kingdom and she’s doing well with the NFR Legends. I don’t want to put her in a position where she feels as if her life is to follow me around.”

I hang onto my heart. How did I get so lucky? 

“You are a good man. Rofhiwa is lucky to have you. But don’t let her bully you. She easily does that when you give her too much room to push you around.” 

I giggle to myself. I hear Rea giggling too. I love my dad. This is EVERYTHING. 

“Has Rofhiwa ever taken you to our family home in Venda?” My dad.

“Just once. We were going to her mother’s grave and she showed me the family house. I helped her clean it. There was dust everywhere, indicating that no one had been there in a while.” 

My dad is silent. 

Rea is silent. 

“If you were me, what would you do with that land and house? Sell it?” 

No! Papa can’t sell that house! 

“No sir. If you want to make money out of it, turn it into a holiday home. There’s a lot that you can do on that land to make it attractive. But it seems to hold a lot of memories and it’s a sacred place for your family. It could be your second home.” 

“Ja. Tell me about the holiday home bit.” My dad. 

I’ve heard enough. They are boring, but they are at least bonding. I leave the toilet. I can breathe now. 

I get back into the living room and I see that Uncle Kenneth is here with his wife and children. I used to love this man. But the way he’s treated my father is unforgivable. I don’t even know why my dad insists on having a relationship with him. He’s not worth it. 

“Hello to you too, Rofhiwa”, his wife, the agent of chaos. 

“Hi”, I say. 

Kazi already looks upset. 

“We’ve come for Khanyi’s birthday braai”, Uncle Kenneth says. 

“It’s tomorrow”, I say. 

My dad steps inside with Rea next to him and the three rascals behind them. My dad pauses. Rea is a bit confused. 

My dad puts down the plate of meat and greets his brother. It’s so awkward. 

Khanyi walks up the stairs, grabbing me with her… where is she taking me? 

She starts locking offices. 

“And then?” I ask. 

“They are probably here to steal business documents and business ideas. We lock offices and lock documents away when they are here. Help me search the rooms for any critical documents. Sheshisa.”

Heh Banna! Khanyi definitely took kazi’s brains. Hands down! 

We spend about an hour searching rooms for documents and what we find, we put in either my office, kazi’s office, Khanyi’s office or papa’s office. We lock each office as well. 

“What are you doing?” 

Khanyi and I both scream in fright! Why the hell would she creep up on us like this? What is she even doing on this side of the house? 

My parents, Rea and uncle Kenneth are now here. Khanyi and I are still catching our breaths. 

“Why are you locking doors? What are you doing?” The wife asks. 

“They don’t have to answer to you”, kazi. 

“I’m not talking to you”. Aunt Penny says.

“This is my house. These kids are mine and this is their home. They don’t owe anyone an explanation about their freedom of movement in this house.” Kazi. 

“Are you locking these doors for us?” Aunt Penny insists.

“Don’t answer that”, Kazi says, standing in front of Khanyi and I. 

“What are you doing on this side of my house?” Kazi asks Aunt Penny. 

“I’m not answerable to you”, she says.

“In my house, you are!” Kazi says. 

Penny chuckles. 

“It’s fine, I’ll just check the CCTV footage.” Kazi says. 

“I didn’t know I’d become a stranger in my brother’s house.” Uncle Kenneth. 

“HEY WENA! VOETSEK!” Gundo’s voice yells from downstairs. 

Aunt Penny and Uncle Kenneth run down first. I follow them, Rea is behind me. 

“Papa, the door was locked. I couldn’t get anything.” One of my little cousins say. 

“NOBODY IS ALLOWED IN PAPA’S BOARDROOM!” Rendani. 

My parents are here now. 

“Why were you in the boardroom?” Rea asks. 

“I had to put this-

The child tries to show us, but Uncle Kenneth grabs his hand. 

“Is that a listening device?” Papa enquires. He saw it. 

Silence.

“Kenneth?” Papa. 

One day, I’m going to kill this man in his sleep.

“I’m calling the police”, Kazi says.

Penny takes Rendani and puts a pocket knife against his throat. 

Ah! 

“Don’t you dare!” Penny says. 

Kazi switches INSTANTLY! 

“Thomas, my child!” Kazi. 

Rendani also looks spooked. 

Uncle Kenneth steps up to us. 

“I want NIR. 75%”. Uncle Kenneth says. 

“Uyanya!” Kazi says. 

Rendani is bleeding. He screams. 

“I can go all night!” Penny says. 

Rea grabs Uncle Kenneth and puts a gun against his head. 

We are all now screaming. He brought that thing in here?!

“Put him down!” He demands to Penny.

She’s not putting him down. 

Reahile’s gun makes a sound. 

A gang of people walk into the house with guns. Reahile knees Uncle Kenneth in his spine. Apparently, this makes a person temporarily paralyzed. Uncle Kenneth drops to the floor. 

“Grabs your brothers and – 

More men come into the house. Thank God! His bodyguards called for back-up. One of the men on the Mohale side of life taser Penny and she drops Rendani. Rendani runs to kazi and Rea demands that we leave the room. He instructs three of the bodyguards to get us out safely and take us to a safe house. We don’t ask questions, we move. 

Before we know it, we are in a V250 and we are being taken somewhere. 

“Is he going to kill my brother?” My dad asks me. 

“I wish he does. Phone him and tell him to kill him.” Kazi. 

“Fikile!” 

“Thomas! They almost killed my child! My child! Actually, driver, turn this car around. I’ll kill him my damn self!” Kazi is – 

“Fikile!” 

“If they ever set foot back in my house EVER AGAIN, THOMAS! I’ll divorce you!” 

We are all so taken aback we don’t know what to say or to do. 

The car stops. The door opens. Rea jumps in. 

“Are you okay?” He asks me. 

I hug him.