For a very weird reason that I still don’t know, I slept at Mnqobi’s house yesterday. And before you start thinking that I’m weird because he’s my man and he’s been my man for a good six months now… Mnqobi Khuzwayo still lives with his parents! 
You read right! 
He has a back room, yes. A whole bachelor pad that has a bedroom, a bathroom, a TV/dining room and a kitchen. But still, he shares a yard with his parents. 
Today I’m waking up in his bed and he’s not even here with me. He woke up and went to I don’t know where. I’m butt naked. I get up, stretch then do the bed. 
I now head to the toilet to pee. When I wipe myself, I realise that I’m spotting. Clearly, I’m about to start my period. 
I get my bag. Thankfully, I knew that I wasn’t going back to res last night. I just thought I’d have slept in a hotel though. 
I have an overnight bag with me. I also knew that today, I’m meeting Lindiwe – Sasihle’s mother. So I packed accordingly. 

I brush my teeth. I take a shower. I lotion myself, wear black denim pants, a beige bodysuit that passes as a beige sleeveless camisole, and beige sandals that have diamantés on them. I’m toe nails are painted… nude with a white finishing that gives off a French-tip finish. 
I wear my wrist watch, no neckpiece, a chunky diamond stud. Today, I have no weave and no braids. I just comb my hair into a ponytail then clip on my Brazilian ponytail as an extension to my natural ponytail. I look nice. Now, I actually feel my slight discomfort telling me that I’m on my period. Thank God I brought my tampons. I do my make-up… very basic nje. Foundation, lip stuff and eye shadow. I cannot do my brows to save my life, so I wax and tint them every two weeks. They always look fresh even when I wake up nje next to my man ekuseni. 
I add my Tom Ford perfume. I lotion my hands. 
Mnqobi is still not back. 
I phone him.
He doesn’t answer, but he walks into the room. 
“You awake?” He asks me. 
“I’ve already bathed and everything. Where were you?” 
“In the house. My mom says you must come and have breakfast with us”, he says. 
I tense immediately! 
My eyes almost pop out their socket. 
“It was going to happen at some point”, he says. 
“You didn’t even prepare me!” 
He looks at me. 
“So you planned this thing of us sleeping here last night?” 
I’m freaking out here and he’s just so relaxed. 
“My brother and his wife and kids are here too”, he casually says. 
Modimo waka! 
“Let’s go eat. We still need to go meet up with Lindiwe”, he says. 
I just shake my head at him. 
This guy! 

He’s holding my hand as we make our way to the dining table where breakfast is set up. There are two vacant chairs. I guess it’s for Mnqobi and I. 
His dad and brother are already laughing. The mother is STARING at me. Yoh! 
“Sanibonani”, I greet them. 
“Sawubona. Kunjani?” The dad, seemingly impressed for some reason. 
“Ngiyaphila.” I say. 
The mother is still STARING at me. 
Mnqobi gets my chair for me. I sit next to the brother’s wife. He then goes to sit opposite me, next to his brother. His parents are on either side of the ends of the table. 
“You are welcome to dish up for yourself”, the mother says to me. 
“Thank you”, I say. There’s a plate in front of me so on it, I put eggs, bacon, a croissant, mushrooms and beans.
I pour myself apple juice. 
“You are welcome to have a Bellini”, the mother. 
“Ngiyabonga mah, kodwa I don’t feel like alcohol today.” 
“You don’t drink alcohol?” The dad. 
“Cha baba, I do drink it. Angithandi nje ukuphuza phambili kwabantu abadala”, I say. And I immediately wish I didn’t say anything because it’s only now that I notice that the brother’s wife is drinking champagne – not even the Bellini that was offered to me. And everyone is looking at both her and I. 
She then looks at me and says, “Asithembe ukuthi that’s the real reason as opposed to the reason being that you are pregnant”. 
I cannot help but throw her a look! I want to say ‘is that how you were introduced to the family?’ But let me be nice. I just keep quiet and eat my food. 
The dad chuckles! Respectfully, What’s funny kodwa? He’s out here looking like LL Cool J with his man-dimples and diamond earrings… looks exactly like his sons, mind you. Then he has a cap on that’s facing a side of the back of his head. Lol! His wife is just as gorgeous. Usually, two good-looking people don’t make beautiful kids. But these two have successfully proven that theory wrong. 

“Mnqobi tells us that you’ll be meeting Lindiwe today”, the mom says to me.
“Yes, I will.” I say.
“How do you feel about the whole situation? Mnqobi having a daughter that’s not yours and a mother who will no-doubt be a part of your relationship because of Sasihle being the glue that keeps them together forever.” 
Yoh! Such a loaded question? Is she trying to make me lose my appetite?
“The important person in all of this is Sasihle. It’s not about me or Lindiwe or Mnqobi. Lindiwe has every right to make the demands that she’s making and I don’t find them to be unreasonable at all. Sasihle is her daughter and any responsible parent would want to know who their child will be around. So I’m okay with it. And I trust Mnqobi. So her being around forever doesn’t faze me at all.” I say. I hope that was the Miss South Africa answer that would win me the pageant. 
She nods her head then says, “Have you ever dated people with children?” Is this even an appropriate question coming from her? And I’m not the only one who thinks so because her husband is looking at her like she needs to stop and Mnqobi is getting a bit upset. 
“Cha. I’ve never, mah.” I say.
“So why is Mnqobi your first?” These questions!
“Mah!” Mnqobi.
“Ha ke buwi le wena!” The mother. 
“Kodwa mah -“ Banathi tries.
“What exactly am I doing wrong? Surely if she’s sleeping in my house, I can ask as many questions as I want! It is my house! Or Nomawethu are you uncomfortable?” Why is she getting upset?
“Just a little bit”, I say. I’m trying to be honest but I’m not even all the way honest. I’m very uncomfortable. But she’s also shocked that I admitted that I’m uncomfortable. I think she was expecting me to lie and say I’m not uncomfortable. Hai bo!
“What exactly is making you uncomfortable?” She has a follow-up question. 
I actually use a serviette to wipe off some sweat on my forehead. I don’t know if it’s really there or if my body is just heating up all over.
The dad is just eating his food and watching all of this… AMUSED!
I clear my throat then I say, “Mah kaMnqobi, I honestly didn’t mean to disrespect you or your beautiful home in any way. To be honest with you, I had no idea that this moment that we are having right now would even happen. I didn’t plan to sleep over here and I didn’t know that I’d be here with you and your family having breakfast with all of you this morning. I profusely apologise for any disrespect that you have felt. Ngiyazi ukuthi icala elikhulu kabi ukuthi ngibe la and please hear me when I say that none of this was planned. I also apologise for making you feel uncomfortable in your own home. Ayidl’ishiyele, Mam’Khuzwayo. Yobe. Ngeke iphinde iyenzeke le nto. You have my word”.
There’s silence at the table and for the first time, the dad is not laughing or chuckling. The mom is also looking at me like I don’t disgust her anymore.
“Wahlompha. I’ll give you that”, the mom says. 
Now I’m just quiet.
Now she looks at Mnqobi and she says, “Mnqobi, this is my house. And after this girl, you will no longer be bringing girls into my house. If this part of your life is not done, do me two favours: 1 – move out and find your own place to stay, 2 – break up with Nomawethu because she doesn’t deserve games. She’s a respectful young women.” 
Thanks, I guess? 
But Mnqobi smiles at me so I assume this means something. 
“And wena Nomawethu, do me a favour…” she says.
I look at her.
“When you meet Lindiwe, don’t be this nice and respectful. She must know her place in all of this. I don’t like the fact that she believes that she has the right to interview you and I hate that Mnqobi endorses that mentality.” 
The shock at this table! 
“But wena… show her that you are not one to be messed with.” 
I just nod my head. Ke tla reng?

Mnqobi and I are now driving to meet up with Lindiwe. We are using my car. He is driving.
“So you not going to talk to me?” He says. 
“You set me up! How can you just shove me onto your family like that?”
“I’ve apologised baby. I’m sorry. But my parents like you”, he says. 
“Your mother does not like me at all. And your dad just wouldn’t stop laughing. Am I a clown perhaps?”
He giggles.
“MNQOBI!”
“Sorry baby. It’s just… lalela… my mom is not the big hug kind of woman. And my dad is just always amused by my mother because she’s always just so uptight. He’s the only one that has the ability to make her soft. You’ll get used to her. But she likes you. If she didn’t… she would’ve thrown you out of the house with a hosepipe.” 
I roll my eyes. 
“Baby, I’m sorry”, he says. But he’s busy chuckling under his breath. 
“Yaz Mnqobi, I started my period this morning. Don’t irritate me!” 
Silence. 
Good! 
“Kodwa ke… umah wakho made a good point that has had me thinking.”
He looks at me with interest.
“Why are you allowing uLindiwe to interview me? Am I not good enough for you? You need a second opinion from her?” 
“Akunjalo. And nawe you know it.” 
“How far is her influence empilweni yakho?” I ask him.
“Usho ukuthini?”
“How much of your life does she control?”
“She doesn’t control anything. She’s the mother of my child.” 
“And I’ll respect her accordingly. I just hope there won’t be any confusion between mina naye regarding who is who in your life.”
“Nomawethu –
“Lalela Mnqobi… a few months ago, you demanded to not come second to Wandile empilweni yami. I didn’t understand your insecurity because I knew there was nothing there, kodwa I respected you and your word and made the necessary changes that you asked me to make. Asithembe ukuthi you’ll show me the same respect and acknowledgement when it comes to Lindiwe.” 
He just looks at me then focuses on the road. I bet he regrets springing me on his family now! 

We arrive at Reahile restaurant just on time for our appointment. She’s not here yet, so we just pick a table for four in case she brings her man. 
I order a glass of coke – that’s my drug when I’m on my period. He just orders water. 
“Ngiyakuthanda yezwa”, he says to me.
“You sure?” 
“Of course, I’m very sure.” 
“How do you know?” I ask.
“I know what I feel. I understand my feelings very well. I’ve been around… from a very young age. And I’ve fucked around. But you are the first and only woman that I want to grow and build with. I don’t just want to have sex with you. My father and brother have always gone on and on about one woman is more than enough if she’s the right woman. I never understood it… until I met you. I also have never introduced anyone to my child before. I think Lindiwe made that suggestion to test how serious I am about you. I heard the shock in her voice when I called her bluff. I think she even knows that I love you.” 
I smile at him. 
I kiss him. 
He lets me. 
“So, I’ve been thinking”, I say. 
“About?”
“Moving into an apartment”, I say. 
He looks at me with interest. 
“Things are not working out between my roommate and I”, I say. 
“Because she slept with Wandile?”
“No. Because she’s just a cow. And you know she even plans to turn my father into her blesser”, I say. 
He starts laughing. 
“That girl is broken and she hates anyone and anything that doesn’t feed her brokenness. I need peace. And I need to see more of you without paying for it at hotels or sneaking into your parents’ house. Wouldn’t it be nice to have our little love nest?” 
“So ufuna sishaye i-vat-en-sit?”
“If I wanted that, you’d be buying the house, not my dad.”
He laughs aloud. 
“Did you speak to your parents about this?” He asks me after he’s had his good laugh.
“ I did. Ubaba didn’t even want me living in res and sharing in the first place. Mina nje I just wanted a full university experience. Kodwa uBreezy shame… ngizamile kodwa she’s really making it horrible for me”, I say. 
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t realise it was this bad”, he says. 
“It’s the fucken ghetto”, I say. 
He rubs my back. 
“Maybe when we are done here, we can go look for something nice. Would you be keen? Ubaba sent me money for a down payment. He thinks I should rather buy than rent so that I can make money out of it when I move out”, I say. 
“That’s a good idea. Your dad is a brilliant businessman”, he says.
“He is yena yaz… Kuyasho ukuthi ngithole yena la kuwe”, I say. 
He smiles. 
I’ve been to his clubs and restaurants. I don’t even know why we are not meeting at one of them today. He even has restaurants in townships that turn into groove spots at night. He’s good at this. 
“Phela wena… you are the Kgolo Daguru of Tholoana Kingdom”, I say. 
“The what?!” He asks laughing. 
“Kgolo Daguru is the king of nightlife in KZN and KZN’s unofficial mayor”, I say. 
He laughs aloud. 
Then he’s attacked by a big hug from a little person. 
He’s so happy. 
I look up and see Lindiwe – whom I’ve only ever seen on TV – and her husband, Banks Mokoena…. A soccer superstar and the captain of the NFR Legends. I feel like being a groupie, but I must just behave! This entire restaurant is staring at us though. And you know what… I completely understand. I’m staring at us too. 
I stand up, extend my hand for a handshake and introduce myself to Lindiwe first. After her, I introduce myself to Banks. Mnqobi greets them too. His daughter is in his arms, wrapped around him nje. This is more beautiful than I thought. Wow!
“I thought we were meeting without Sasi today”, Mnqobi says. I’m glad it’s him saying this because I genuinely thought maybe I heard wrong or didn’t get the update. And had I asked, I’d be accused of not loving the child already. 
“She heard that we are meeting up with her father then jumped in the car”, Lindiwe says.
“Does she know why you are meeting up with her father?” Mnqobi.
“Sasi, what did we talk about in the car?” Lindiwe. 
“That we will meet with dad and Auntie Wehweh”, Sasi says.
“And who’s Auntie Wehweh?” Lindiwe.
She points at me.
Lol! 
I’m just sitting here unsure of what to say or how to be.
“Who is she to daddy?” Lindiwe.
“His girlfriend”, Sasi.
I’m not sure if this is acceptable or just downright awkward. 
“Yes baby girl, she is my girlfriend. And she’s also going to be around us a lot”, Mnqobi says to Sasi. 
“So is she my new other mommy?” Sasi.
“Have you ever had any other mommies?” Lindiwe.
Sasi chuckles then shakes her head. 
I’m not sure what she was trying to do with that question. Ruri’s and Mnqobi’s mom don’t like her and they’ve been warning me about her. But she seems nice so far. 
“How about we be friends until you tell us if I’m nice enough to be your other mommy. How’s that?” I say.
She smiles at me and gives me a high-five. 
“So Wehweh, where are you from?” Lindiwe asks me.
“I’m from South Africa”, I say.
“Lindi is also from South Africa”, Banks says.
“Really? Well I’m from Gauteng, Pretoria.” I say. 
“I’m from Mpumalanga, Middleburg.” Lindiwe. 
“Oh nice. It’s a beautiful and peaceful small town”, I say. 
“You go there often?”
“Yeah. My mom is from there. My grandparents still live there”, I say. 
“Kuphi le ndawo?” She’s so excited. I guess she’s found umkhaya. 
“Aerorand”, I say meeting her excitement. 
“Hai bo! In the burbs even? How rich is your family?” I actually laugh. 
“I’m from eMhluzi”, she says. 
“The best place to go for kasi food nje… period!” I say and we both laugh after high-fiving each other. 
The men are impressed. Even Sasi is laughing, clearly impressed. 
“Love, you haven’t been home in so long. We should go some time”, Banks says. 
Shame, he loves her yaz. 
“Ja… it’s just that… since umah passed away – 
“Kodwa ubaba usaphila nje”, Banks. 
“I suppose you are right”, Lindi. 
“Sthandwa sami, kubalulekile ukuthi sikhumbule ikhaya… not only masixakekile, sinezinhlungu zethu futhi sesishayiwe impilo.” Thatha Banks.
After a brief silence, she says, “So how did you and Mnqobi meet?” 
“We met through my brother. Mnqobi and my brother are friends. My brother thought we’d enjoy each other’s company, so he introduced us to each other”, I say.
“Who’s your brother?” Lindiwe.
“Love, why is that important?” Banks. 
Mnqobi is just quiet here. 
“I’m just curious. She seems so decent. Mnqobi is the complete opposite of that”, Lindiwe.
“I think we can all be respectful”, I say. I just saw Mnqobi’s energy change.
“I agree. We are all adults here”, Banks says. 
“Well, it was nice meeting you, Wehweh. Please get my number from Mnqobi so when we need to discuss Sasi, it’s easier. Mnqobi, please forward me Wehweh’s number. Sasi, let’s go home, baby girl.” Lindiwe.
“Mommy, can daddy bring me back later?” Sasi says. 
“Do you mind?” Lindi asks me. 
“Not at all”, I say. 
“Okay. We have to go. I’ll see you later when you bring her home”, Lindi. 
We all say goodbye to each other then we go our separate ways. 

–

We are at our first viewing. Sasi and I are actually holding hands and I love it. Her dad loves it too.
This apartment is a ground floor three bedroom apartment with a study, TV room, dining room and kitchen. It has a patio and a garden. Sasi is also giving us her perspective. She tells us that she would like a bigger room for when she visits. We laughed but honestly, I don’t like this apartment neither. After viewing five places, we all liked a four bedroom duplex. I was trying very hard to not settle in the same complex that Mapho and Zaza stay at, but it is a Seete construction complex and it’s got the best of the best duplexes. Ruri’s boyfriend also lives in this complex.
We have three bedrooms and three bathrooms upstairs. We also have a chill area that has a balcony. I fell in love with it immediately. Each bedroom has a balcony! 
Downstairs is the fourth bedroom – that Sasi decided is her playroom – and the study. It also has a TV room, dining area, kitchen, patio, garden and swimming pool. 
The three of us agree that this is the place we want. The interior designer arrives as I’m busy with the paperwork. Sasi is the one helping me with the look and feel of the place as we chat to the interior designer… Mnqobi is doing something on his cellphone. 
We finish after about an hour and a half then we leave. Thankfully, this place has a garage space that accommodates four cars as well as a driveway. I’ll be able to move in within the next week. I’m actually excited. 

We drop Sasi off at Lindi’s house. Lindi and Banks are not here, but her nanny and other kids are. It’s Mnqobi who goes inside, accompanying Sasi into the house after she’s given me a BIG hug. Thankfully, we had an early dinner before bringing her back here. 
He comes back into the car. 
He looks at me. 
I look at him. 
We kiss. 
And then? 
“She loves you”, he says. 
I smile then say, “I love her too. I think I love her more than I love her dad, yaz.” 
“Ha!”
We both laugh. 
“Ngiyabonga though, baby. Seriously, thank you. Thank you for including her today even though we hadn’t planned to spend the day with her. Thank you for opening your heart to her. Thank you for just being for me. Ngiyakuthanda Nomawethu”. 
I smile at him… unzipping his pants. 
I thought you were on your period”, he says. 
“I am. But I’m not bleeding from my hands or my mouth”, I say. 
He starts the ignition of my car then we drive off. 
“Chicken!” I say. He just laughs. 

…

I had an awesome day today. 
After dropping Sasi off, we went to one of Mnqobi’s township establishments. He did business and I was eating and having a drink. 
After that I dropped him off at home, I came to res. 
I’m honestly dreading being with Breezy after the amazing weekend I’ve had. I’m consoled that this time next week, I’ll be moving out. I’ve even emailed the warden my notice. 

I bump into Wandile at my door. 
“Hey”, I say. 
“Hi”, he says, standing up as he was seated on the stairs. 
“You okay?” Me. 
“My father passed away”, he says. 
I hug him. 
He hates the guy, but he is still his dad. 
“I’m so sorry.” I say. 
We come out of the hug as he says, “ngiyabonga.”
I nod my head. I really don’t know how to be. 
“I’m headed home first thing ekuseni”, he says. 
“Oh okay. Ufuna ngihambe nawe?” I ask. I don’t even know how I’ll explain this to Mnqobi. 
“Cha. Sanel is going with me.” 
I nod my head saying, “okay. Nihambeni kahle.” 
“Siyabonga”, he says. 
Now there’s this awkward silence. 
“How are you? How are things with Mnqobi?”
“I’m good. Things are great. We are quite serious”, I say. 
“I’m happy for you. You look great.”
Awkward silence. 
“I miss you, Wehweh. And my mom – 
“Wandile! Ngiyakucela… you made a decision and I’m respecting it. Please don’t pull me out of my corner to only turn my life upside down then honour your girlfriend by humiliating me again. I’m really sorry about your dad. I have to go now.” 
He nods his head. 
I turn around then head into my room. 

Of course Thendo is here! 
“You know, I’ve submitted my notice to move out. Maybe you should tell the warden you’d like my bed”, I say. 
“You are moving out?” Breezy asks me concerned. 
“Yep.” Me. 
“Why?”
“I thought you’d be excited. We both know that us sharing isn’t exactly working out. And honestly, I’m tired of your shit. So I’m choosing peace”. 
She seems hurt.
“I move out end of the week. Thendo, you can be moved in by Sunday.”
Silence. Absolute silence. Breezy even looks sad. 
Why???!!!