I’m finally in Tholoana Kingdom. The church settled me in a stunning four-bedroom duplex in a very nice and secured neighbourhood. I have my Ferrari here as well as my Bentley and my Maserati MUV. The Maserati is actually the only four-door vehicle that I have. 

The church definitely lived up to their promise and I definitely do feel like Maphuthi Ngwenya again. I have an office job at the government offices of this country. I’m actually in a very respectable position. 

I work quite closely with Thabi and Teboho. I still think Teboho’s husband is hot, but I have Khotso and I’m actually very happy. He cares about my daughter so much and it has definitely warmed my heart dearly. 

“Are you okay, babe?” Khotso asks me. We are chilling in bed. It’s evening and we are tired. Yes, we’ve had explosive sex, but today I was unpacking and I made him help me. He said he would pay someone to unpack for me like he paid for someone to move furniture in for me. I told him he won’t die from some work in his life. 

“I’m just worried about Senzi. Wandi says that he is broken spiritually. Apparently, he even made an announcement in church that their Lady Laura is a whore and lied to him about his paternity. It’s a whole scandal.”

Khotso actually laughs. 

I look at him. What’s funny?

“How do you keep a straight face even thinking about that?” He says as he laughs. 

“Khotso, people’s lives are turned upside down because of this. Have some maturity”, I say.

He’s still laughing.

Mxm! 

“I feel so bad for Laura. The things that Senzi said to her… I know I haven’t been in Wandi’s life for long, but I’d die if she ever said any of those things to me”, I say. 

“You are a good mother, Phuthi. And you are honest with your daughter. You’d never deceive your child the way that Laura deceived her kid.” He says.

“But anyone could easily be in that position. I mean… what do you do, as a woman, when your man wants kids but can’t have them? I can see how she would do something like that out of love for Samuel”, I tell him.

“Yeah, my mom was requested to do that because our father couldn’t have kids. But my mom’s story is much more complicated that Laura’s story, so she was honest with us about our paternity from a very young age.” 

I look at him. I’m actually interested in this. 

“So Mohato is not your biological father?” I ask.

He shakes his head then says, “Our father is his late brother, Reahile. Mohato actually killed him because he and my mom fell in love and shit. And we all know that Mohato will kill an asshole for even looking at my mom. That was the love of his life.” 

Wow! 

“You know, babe…” 

He looks at me as if he’s already not interested in what I’m about to say. 

I smile at him. 

He laughs. 

“Senzi and Wandi are arriving here tomorrow. I think you should chat to Senzi. Maybe hearing from you that his mother is not a witch for what she did may land better than it coming from anyone else.” 

“Hai Hai Hai! Maphuthi!” He says, rolling out of bed naked. 

“Ngiyakucela sthandwa sami, please. That boy is so broken. He needs to realise that this is not the end of the world”, I say.

“Phuthi, I’m not a motivational speaker. That boy just needs to grow some balls and take this shit like a man the way the rest of us did. Pope will be good for him as a father. Mshimane oe tlameyile atiye marete man. He’s someone’s husband for crying out loud”, he says. He actually has a hectic toxic masculinity mentality. 

I get out of bed and walk out to him. 

I start massaging the front part of his body. 

“Ngiyakucela sthandwa sami… please.” Me. 

He wants to say no. But I kiss him. I rub his penis. I’m making him weak, I just know. 

He pushes me to the bed. I smile at him.

“Please”, me. 

“Fine”, he says begrudgingly then obviously smashes me! 

I’m waking up this morning and my entire body just hurts. I don’t even know why my body hurts like this. It’s not like I’m overdoing it at the gym or anything. I don’t even gym like that. But maybe I should start. I’m getting older. I’m not going to be Wandi’s size forever. 

Khotso walks into the bedroom already dressed in a suit. 

“And then?” I ask him. When did he even wake up? 

“I have to work, baby.” He says.

I am on leave this week. I’m spending time with my kids – Wandi and Senzi. 

“Busy day?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I’m flying to Lesotho and will be there for the day. But I’ll be back by tonight. Lefatselabarena apparently told Thabi to fuck off and I need to come back and deal with that”, he says. 

He sees the instant concern on my face.

“I don’t even know what happened. Thabi phoned me and told me that she’s not staying with my kids until they learn some manners. I know Lefatselabarena hates it at the royal house. So, I know it’s bad for her when I’m not there. She says she always feels it the most that she doesn’t have a mother when she’s there. I don’t know how to fix that”, he says.

I climb out of bed, wear a gown then make my way to him. I hug him. He needs a hug. I feel him melting in my arms. He comes out of the hug and we kiss. 

“I can fetch them today after school.” I say.

He smiles at me and says, “Really?” 

“Khotso, I love your kids. And I’m cool if they stay here when you have to leave for longer than a day. So today, I’ll fetch them. They’ll hang out with Wandi, Senzi and me. We will have so much fun. I’ll buy them some clothes and PJs and get them settled in two of the bedrooms. One will be for Rena. One will be for Moloko. Wandi will sleep with Senzi in her room because… well…” 

He laughs at how uncomfortable I am at the thought of my daughter having sex. Then he says, “Don’t worry, babe. I’ll be back home. Wandi won’t be the only one having sex in here tonight”. 

I just laugh because what the hell.

“I appreciate you, Phuthi. I really do. And thank you for this. Truly.” He says.

I smile and tiptoe to kiss him. 

“But I’m not talking to Thabi. That’s on you. She will probably banish me from the country”, I say.

He laughs. Shame man, she’s actually been very nice to me. I just don’t want the line to be blurred about me knowing my place.

“I’ll chat to Thabi and I’ll chat to the school that you’ll pick up the kids. Just bring your ID with you. They are a bit crazy about that type of shit.” 

I nod my head. 

“Call me if you need anything. For you, I’ll pause a bullet that’s about to hit me”, he says.

I laugh so hard. He smiles at me. 

We kiss. 

I walk him to the kitchen downstairs. Ona is here eating. Hawu?!

“Sawubona“, I greet him. 

“Hey. I’ve been sitting here waiting for you guys. So, I decided to eat.” 

I just laugh. 

“I’m ready to bounce. Let’s fuck off“, Khotso says to Ona. 

He finishes his food then hugs me. Now they leave. 

Ja neh…

Now… what to do with myself while I wait for Wandi and Senzi to arrive.

…

6pm

My house is full and noisy right now. Senzi and Wandi are here. They have unpacked and are settled. Wandi and Rena have more than clicked and I love to see it. Moloko is right there with them, but he’s a lot more at home with Senzi and Senzi has embraced both of these kids so beautifully. I’m so thankful! I’m so happy! 

Now, we are busy cooking and preparing dessert. The boys are in charge of dessert. But we are coaching them through the trifle. Rena is actually handy in the kitchen for someone who is a princess. She doesn’t know how to make anything, but she’s a fast learner. Wandi is extra careful with her. She helps her carry pots to rinse food and helps her put the stove on then keeps her away from the fire. She’s going to make such a beautiful mother. I’m just taking all of this in thinking, “Heh Maphuthi! Uwena wonke lo?! This is your life?!” 

I’m proud of me and I’m happy with where I am.

Rena is so happy. Moloko is happy too. Even Senzi seems loose… more relaxed. 

At 7:30pm, Ona and Khotso walk into the house. They walk into the kitchen and they are overwhelmed by the noise. They look like they had a hard day and they are cracking smiles for the first time in hours. 

“Why didn’t we get invited to the party up in here?” Ona says. 

We all laugh.

Khotso greets me with a hug and a kiss. Senzi looks at the twins like he remembers them from somewhere. He remembers them alright. They were there when he barged into my office demanding that I tell him about his father then telling his mother to go jump off a cliff. 

Rena is the one doing the introductions. She introduces Wandi as her sister and Senzi as her brother. I actually hang onto my heart. Khotso sees it. He smiles at me. I think I did good. 

Khotso hugs Wandi then gives Senzi a handshake. Ona does the same. 

“Why doesn’t everyone go take a shower or a bath. I’ll set the table. Then we can have dinner all fresh and clean”, I say. 

They all drop what they are doing and make their way upstairs. Rena, bless her soul… she holds Wandi’s hand, “helping her up the stairs” because of her injured ankle. This is so precious. 

“So, I’m obviously staying for dinner now. I’m not walking away from this smell in here”, Ona says now that it’s just the three of us in here. 

Khotso and I laugh. 

Khotso hugs me, saying, “Hello”.

“Hi.” Me.

“The house is full of beauty and laughter today. Thank you”, he says.

“Yeah Phuthi. Why do you want to go back to work? You are a homemaker”, Ona. 

I smile at them. 

“I don’t think Moloko or Lefatselabarena will want to go back to the royal house today”, Khotso says.

“Why do they have to go back? I don’t want them to leave neither”, I say.

“I thought I’d take them back… giving you, Wandi and Senzi some space”, he says.

I shake my head and say, “in case you didn’t notice, everyone is happy here. We are good”.

“You sure?” Him. I’m still in his arms. He’s even brushing my lips with his now.

“I’m sure”, I say. 

He let’s go of me. 

“Maboko and Zithulele are here. Do you mind if Ona and I step outside to chat to them then we can release them then we come back and eat?” He asks me.

“Sure.” I say.

We kiss then he and Ona walk out the door. I can hear them chatting and laughing in the driveway.

…

The table is filled with laughter and chatter. I’m focusing specifically on my kids, Lefatselabarena and Moloko. They are so happy. Rena has not been this happy since… since… since her mother passed away. I’ll probably never make peace with her death, but seeing my kids happy is doing something to my heart. Moloko has never known his mother. She passed away giving birth to him. I always thought I’d struggle to love him because I lost the love of my life so he could have life. But I find myself seeing her the most in him. Rena’s mood affects him greatly. When Rena spasms out and her anger gets the most of her, he’s the most affected. When she’s happy, he’s his most free. 

I’m surprised my kids love Phuthi so much. Of all the women I’ve brought into my life, I never thought or imagined that Phuthi would do the trick. The weirdest thing is that she won them over without even trying. I actually see my kids be kids for the first time around Phuthi. Most of the time, Rena is the one being responsible for Moloko as if she doesn’t trust anyone else with him, then Moloko is always trying his best to not disappoint her just to make her life easier. Tebza has tried the most with them. At some point, she wanted to take them. But I couldn’t separate myself from them. They are all that I have left that connects me to their mother. 

“Babe, ushup?” Phuthi asks me. I didn’t realise that I had been staring at all of them completely zoned out of the moment.

“I’m good, love”, I say as I put a spoon of beef curry in my mouth. It tastes so good! 

“You sure?” Phuthi mimes to me.

I wink at her to assure her that I’m good.

“Phuthi, this food was amazing! At this rate, I’ll have food at your house every day”, Ona says. He has even cleaned his plate.

“Isn’t there a whole rule book about cooking for the king?” Phuthi says and we all laugh.

“Hai man, I know you won’t kill me. Here, I eat as freely as ever.” He says.

We laugh. 

“Monna, I’m out”, Ona says to me. 

“Which wife are you headed to?” I ask him. 

“Sonia. The happy wife. You are not the only one getting laid tonight”, Ona says.

Senzi is so uncomfortable. Wandi actually widens her eyes. Phuthi chokes on her food.

“Excuse him. He has a way with words.” I say. 

I walk him out of the house. 

…

I wake up to an empty bed and a note on Phuthi’s pillow. I open the note and it reads, “The girls and I have gone for a walk.” 

In other words, it’s just the boys and me. Moloko wakes up when you wake him up. He could sleep for the whole year if you don’t wake him up. I guess this is Phuthi’s setup to have me talk to Senzi. I honestly would rather not get involved. Pope must come here and talk to his own kid. Now I must not only be Wandi’s stepfather, but I must also inherit a son-in-law who happens to be pope’s son. I can safely say that Phuthi and I are not having anymore kids. Our family is dramatic enough. 

I get out of bed, wear a t-shirt and some shorts, then walk to the kitchen. 

I find Senzi having coffee. 

“Sho“, me.

“Good morning, sir.” He says.

Why so formal? 

“The ladies are all gone vele?” Me.

“Yeah. I’ve just made a fresh pot of coffee. Would you like a cup?” Him.

“Please.” Me.

He gets up and pours me the coffee. 

“Sugar?” He asks me.

“Nah. Thanks.” Me.

“Apparently the whole coffee with no milk and sugar thing comes with age. I’m on one teaspoon of sugar in my coffee now. But I still have it with cream”, he says.

That’s how pope has his coffee, but I can’t exactly say that. I just laugh. 

He hands me my cup of coffee then sits next to me.

“How are you? Genuinely?” I ask.

He shrugs his shoulders. I’m not sure what this means, but I also know what it means at the same time. Then he says, “I want to marry Wandi. But this surname thing is…” 

“I hear you. Have you spoken to your father since you got here?” I ask him.

“Nah. This is such a weird position to be in. I don’t want to make him uncomfortable, you know? And I’m sure he has a family too. I don’t want to make things uncomfortable and unsettled for them too. We are all just in such an uncomfortable position because one person chose to be selfish”, he says. He’s so angry at his mother hey.

“You know, these things are not always as simple as we judge them to be. If as men, we are hurt about this, imagine how our mothers feel as the people who had to carry out the duty?” 

“Duty?” 

“Yeah. My father, the man who raised me, was infertile.” I say. 

He gives me his undivided attention. I really don’t like talking about this, but here I am… for Phuthi and Wandi.

“Worst of all, he was the king. Imagine a king without an heir. That’s unheard of. My mom was prepared to go down in history as the queen who could never give him kids, but it hurt him… it hurt his image and it hurt the throne. So, the elders were not having it. At some point, my mom was even raped by a Mohale cousin who was believed to be fertile enough to impregnate my mother for the throne. After that, my mom tried to run away from the throne with my biological father. They fell in love and my mom got pregnant. The work for the throne was done. She had to get pregnant and give birth to a Mohale son. She was carrying twins – my brother and me. My biological father was not prepared to have us be sons of duty to the throne. He also didn’t want to accept that my mother was not his wife to have. She was the queen. So, my father murdered him, brought the queen back to the kingdom and raised us as his kids. It almost killed my mother to a point where my dad was more of the parent to us than our mother. But my brother and I are here. We had to understand my mother’s position and respect it.” 

He is taking in my story.

“Look Senzi, I can’t tell you what to do or how to handle this. What I can tell you is that your parents are good people. Your mother did what she believed she had to do to honour the throne that your father sits on. I don’t think, for one second, that the decision she made to make sure that he becomes a father was an easy decision for her. But she did it… for him. For the church. For his image and his dignity. An act like this is seldom selfish or self-beneficial.” 

He really thinks about it. Then he says, “I don’t think the bishop wants me.” 

“And that’s on him. The good news for you is that your biological father is very much alive and he will never leave you fatherless. Imagine if the king never wanted my brother and me… our biological father was dead by the time we were born. What would have happened to us?” I say.

“Thank you for this, Mr Mohale. I genuinely appreciate this conversation.” 

I nod my head then say, “Your mom phoned Phuthi yesterday worried about you. She’s really going through a very difficult time. You don’t have to be her best friend right now or understand her position in all of this, but at least reassure her that she hasn’t lost you forever. She loves you. She never meant to hurt you.”

He nods his head. But I’m not convinced that he would do it. 

My cellphone rings as Phuthi and the girls walk in. They are in such high spirits. It must have been a very nice walk. 

“Ey, Reahile”, I answer my phone.

“Pops, dad tells me Wandi and Senzi are around”, he says that like he knows them. He hasn’t even met them. 

I put the call on speaker. 

“Ja, they are here.” I say. 

Now everyone is paying attention to my phone.

“Nandi and I are headed for a hike tomorrow morning. Would they like to come?” 

I look at Senzi and Wandi. 

Wandi has a big smile on her face. Senzi nods his head. 

“Yeah sure. That would be nice.” 

“Aight. Nandi and I will pick them up at 4am. Tell them to be ready. We have the water and snacks, so we are sorted. Breakfast is on them after the hike.” He says.

“4 A.M?!” Wandi yells. 

I actually laugh. 

Phuthi laughs too. 

Lefatselabarena is sitting on my lap right now. She’s too old and heavy to be doing such. But my knee takes it. 

“See you in the morning”, Reahile says then hangs up. 

Senzi and Wandi look worried. 

Phuthi and I look at them then we laugh! 

“We didn’t even bring hiking shoes”, Wandi says. 

“We can go and get them at the mall when we go get Rena’s material for her costume”, Phuthi.

“Costume?” Me.

“Aha. Wandi is going to make my costume for my play at school. We just need to get material so we will shop today. She is also making our stage furniture. I’m going to win Most Involved Family Of The Year award this year”, Lefatselabarena tells me. 

“Wandi, I hope this is not going to interfere with your time”, I say. 

“I really don’t mind, Bab’Khotso. We start making this afternoon. Senzi is helping us paint the cardboard walls of the cardboard stage house.” Wandi says.

“If you are not busy, babe, nawe you can help us”, Phuthi. 

I pull a face and they all laugh. 

“I’ll do my best. But Ona and I need to attend to a few things first. I’ll join you guys later”, I say. 

They all let me off the hook. 

“I’m going to wake Moloko up. We all need to eat and start our day”, Phuthi says.