I fell asleep on Thabang’s chest. It was the only way he could calm me down. I couldn’t even breathe last night. Mmaletuka has honestly lost me as a sister, and I will NOT drop the charges. She will rot in jail! And I’m not taking any of her kids to raise them. My mother is upset with me. She says I cannot get married with my sister behind bars. But my sister attacked me in front of everyone and she said nothing. 

She’s still upset that I refuse to live with her kids. And I will not apologise, nor will I change my mind. 

She then started telling me that I lied about Bryan abusing me and that I treated his family like shit just so I could use my vagina to get out of poverty. First of all, and I told her, my life was fine without Thabang. What I did do is run out of poverty. That I did do. I left my mother’s, went to South Africa, lived in a back room… but that back room was better than what I was exposed to when I was at home. Bryan met me then moved into a back room that I was paying rent for – not the other way around. Secondly, and I told her, I don’t care if she believes me or not. It’s not for her to believe anyway. This is my story and my situation. Oksalayo – and I told her – I know who my baby daddy is. My kids know their father. Even though we are now where we are with Thabang, they are not confused about their paternity regardless of the circumstances we are now surrounded by. 

Yerrr… the fight took off. She started throwing things around, calling me names and telling me how selfish I am. She told me how Thabang was making me think I’m better than everyone when actually, just like her, I’m a daughter of a prostitute and I have no idea who my father is neither… just like her kids. I told her that I at least didn’t carry the curse over to my kids. And she wants to tell me about sleeping my way out of poverty? What does she call what she does for a living? Worse, she’s not even sleeping with expensive dick. At least I slept myself into a marriage with a prince. Yena she’s doing it with people who just leave R100 on her sideboard? She must just fuck off! 

That’s when she decided to ruin my wedding day. She set my dresses and my bridesmaids’ dresses alight… in my bedroom… on my bed… after hitting me. I phoned the police to deal with her crazy ass.

But now it’s 6am. I’m supposed to be doing glam and preparing for my wedding, but I’m here without even one dress to wear for my wedding day. 

I remove my head off Thabang’s chest and switch on my cellphone. While my cellphone starts up, Wandi, Bassie, Tamia and Meme are knocking on the door and yelling for me. Thabang also wakes up. They are quite loud.

“Guys, I’m coming”, I say before they wake everyone else up. 

Thabang kisses me then goes to the toilet to release his morning pee.

I get the door. 

“You need to change. My mom brought us new bridesmaids’ dresses and a new dress for you.” Wandi says.

Now I’m going to faint.

“And apparently the queen also just arrived with one hell of a traditional wedding dress for you. One you’ll wear when you get handed over to the Mothipas and one for the lobola negotiations happening at 8am. Wandi’s mom got you a new reception dress. You need to get ready. Glam is already waiting for us”, Bassie. 

Now I’m crying. 

Meme hugs me. 

“Banyana, let’s go! Morafe’s mother is waiting for you. Let’s go!” Wandi’s mom says.

“Can I say goodbye to Thabang first?” Me.

“Thabang is here? It’s the morning of your wedding. You guys will see each other later. Let’s go!” She says. 

I can’t even say goodbye to my man, but I’m so happy for my squad. I’m so so so happy. I chose the best squad ever! Tamia has even inserted herself now, leaving with us. She included herself in the bridesmaid dresses, so I guess she’s now a bridesmaid. I’m not mad though. She got Thabang and I and all expenses honeymoon in the Maldives. Thabang is so excited and I’m very happy to see her! 

By 6:30am, we are done bathing. We all got a dish from my mom and we all just bathed together in one room. Like no one was weird or argued about privacy. We are a whole hour behind schedule and shit needs to happen. We wear our gowns and go throw our water out outside. We quickly brush our teeth then head back into the house, my room. 

We wear our underwear then put gowns over our underwear. I still cannot believe that Mmaletuka did what she did. We are all very silent as we get ready because honestly, we are all in shock. The burned bed is right behind us and we are all just probably having flashbacks of what happened in here yesterday. 

The makeup people start working on our faces. We hear conversations taking place in the dining area. It’s the Mothipa family and they are negotiating my lobola. 

“Rafe, Thabang is looking for you”, Wandi tells me.

I look at her. 

She hands me her phone.

“Hello”, me. 

I have to clear my throat because now I just feel a bit…

“Baby, I’m going to marry you today. No matter what. Please just smile, baby. Please be happy. Today is for us.” He says.

“Thabang… I just…” I start sobbing.

“Baby”.

“Yes?”

“What’s wrong?”

“I just feel so… down.”

“Do you love me?” Him.

“I do.”

“Do you believe me when I tell you that I love you?”

“I do, baby.” Me.

“Then what more do we need?” Him.

“I didn’t realise that the day before our wedding would be this chaotic. I’m just coming to terms with the fact that a few hours ago, I didn’t think this wedding would still happen. Now it’s happening and I’m scared that something else might go wrong”, me.

“It won’t, baby. Trust me. We will be married in a few hours. I can’t wait for you to be my wife.” He says.

“You promise?”

“I promise.”

“Okay.” Me.

“I have your phone, baby. You left it at the lodge. You’ll get it later, okay?” He tells me.

“Thanks babe. I didn’t even realise that I didn’t have it.” I say.

“I’ll see you later, baby. Relax okay… I saw the kids this morning with Wandi’s mom. They look so beautiful – just like you.” He says.

I giggle. 

“Everything is going to be perfect… as perfect as they are. You’ll see.” He says.

He’s reviving my heart now. 

“See you soon, okay?” Him.

“Shup.” Me.

We hang up. 

I quickly wear my lobola dress to go and appear before my in-laws. My friends get ready too in their dresses. We are called to appear before them and they identify me correctly. Then we are released. 

We head back into the bedroom and glam continues so that we can be ready for the wedding once the negotiations are done. My mom is getting ready in her bedroom with her siblings and Mmaletuka’s children.

“So, ladies…. Especially wena Wandi…” Tamia starts. 

I guess she’s trying to revive the mood.

“Tell me about Ntuthuko.” Tamia.

We are all already laughing.

“I’m not saying anything about him. You must learn him all on your own and have your own experience of him.” Wandi says.

“And we know you spent the night in his room”, Bassie.

“Ja, I did. But nothing happened, babe. We literally just talked hey. Like really talked.” Tamia. 

“About?” Me. 

I don’t know how to explain Tamia in our friendship. She was Wandi’s friend. Wandi brought her into our group, but she was always rich and focused on the next big thing. She never considered us friends – in my view – unless she was going through something. Then she left to study overseas. She’d chat to us and all. But not like the three of us chat. Then she came back. And we chill from time to time, but not all the time. She’s always at work or with some man. She’s not the “friend” type of girl. She’s more all about the man and her money. And there’s nothing wrong with that. At all. I just personally don’t know how to connect with her.

“He told me about his kids and baby mamas. He told me about his family, the passing of his mother… the passing of his sister and the passing of his favourite stepmother. He told me about his current stepmother, his relationship with his father and all of that.” She says as we continue with our makeup. 

“And what do you think about that?” Wandi.

“I don’t mind all of that. It’s got nothing to do with who and how he and I will treat each other. But we spoke about what he wants in a relationship as well as what I want, you know…” Tamia. 

“So, you guys want to be serious?” I ask her. 

“I don’t know. But I do enjoy him as a person.” Tamia says.

“When last did you have sex, T?” Bassie asks her.

“A whole year ago. Eish. It’s dry. But when Wandi told me that she’s hooking me up with a date for the wedding, I waxed EVERYTHING! So, I hope he’ll get to see a show nyana that will have him coming to Johannesburg for a visit or two.” Tamia.

We all actually just laugh. 

When our makeup is done, our hair is sorted out. It is 9am when we hear ululating in the house. Now singing starts again. I’m not even enjoying it the way that I should be enjoying it. I’m nervous. I just want to see myself next to Thabang. Only then I’ll know that everything will go well. We are so behind schedule it’s not even funny. 

We are helped into our dresses and I think we are ready. There are cars upon cars outside… busses even. There’s singing and dancing as well. 

“Rafe, you’ll drive with me. Bab’Khotso brought his Rolls Royce. I’ll drive you. Bassie will sit in front with me. Tamia and Meme will sit at the back with you. That’s good?” Wandi.

“Hell yes!” Tamia says. 

I just want to get out of here. 

“Your mom will be driven by my mom in another Rolls Royce. She will be in there with Tshenolo and Mosetsana.” Wandi.

“Cool. Let’s go.” I say and lead the way out. 

As to what will happen to Mmaletuka’s kids is neither here nor there for me.

As I step out of the bedroom, everyone is ululating. I cannot even smile. 

I just rush into the car. Wandi takes off. Her mother follows her. I thought I’d be so happy. But now, I just want this entire day over! 

–

We are here. And it’s soooooo full. There are hooters all around. We chill in the car until people start entering the yard. Now my bridesmaids and I are coming out of the car. My wedding planner is the one who is pretty much choreographing everything that’s happening here. He tells me to smile. The wedding is happening and I’m looking amazing. 

My kids find me and now, I’m happy. I hold their hands, one on each side. My dress and Mosetsana’s dress match. Tshenolo’s outfit matches Thabang’s outfit. My wedding planner coordinated everything so well – even with the designer. 

My bridesmaids walk ahead of me, doing the step. I do the step with my kids. We are led by BaSotho traditional dancers. I’m actually smiling and laughing for the first time. 

I finally see my man in sight. My heart now performs cartwheels. Our eyes connect and he smiles at me. Oh man, I’m so happy. 

I am finally standing in front of him. He picks Tshenolo up and holds Mosetsana’s hand. We sit at a couch provided for us, Tshenolo and Mosetsana sitting with us. The gifting ceremony starts. Wandi, Bassie and Meme take care of my gifting to Thabang’s family – including his two wives, Mmakabelo and Mahali. Mahali didn’t even want to stand up and accept her gift. Mmakabelo and Thabang’s mother had to bully her into standing up and not causing a scene. She gave me skank looks as she was being gifted. 

After that, my family was gifted and Thabang’s gifting was led by his siblings, Tumelo and Pebetsi. 

When it’s done, we are taken to some place for the conclusion of the sacred part of the wedding… the part where the ancestors conclude our union. 

Now we go to change for the reception. A glass tent is set up. People are seated and over 500 people are here. The traditional part was also so so beautiful. I know the reception will be better. 

My bridesmaids are dressed in gold dresses. My daughter – the flower girl – is in her white flower girl dress. My son – the ring bearer – is in a suit. I’m dressed in an all-white dress. It has a fishtail finishing. The top of my dress is in bling diamanté. I look stunning! It’s a forced white wedding. I technically cannot have one because this is a polygamous marriage. But we will be exchanging vows. And I don’t care nje.

We are now making our way to the tent. Rain is threatening now, so we must hurry up. 

I see my kids walking down together and everyone taking pictures of them and cheering them on. Now my bridesmaids walk down the aisle to Brenden Praise’s Easy To Love. 

Now I have to walk down the aisle. I look stunning shame. And I see it in Thabang’s eyes that I’m a hit. Everyone is ululating. The chief – his father – sits ahead of us. 

Now we hold hands and look at each other. We smile at each other. 

“You look stunning!” He tells me.

He looks amazing too. 

Apparently, Mahali left. She didn’t make it to the reception.

I say my vows first. I begin: “Thabang Mothipa, motho waka… apparently, you loved me since we were kids, but I didn’t recognise you for reasons I’ve shared with you in private.”

He laughs. 

I’m not going to repeat that in front of all these people. 

“But despite all of that, I’m so happy that we are here today. I’m so happy that you never gave up on me… on what could be between you and me – even though we went our separate ways over the years, we are here today, and we are celebrating what is and what will be… with us together as husband and wife. Motho waka… I will thank you every day for choosing me – choosing us – by honouring you as my husband… loving you and being the wife that you have prayed and hoped for me to be to you and to the Mothipa family. I love you so much, Thabang. You are my person. And I will do my part to make sure that we are forever, happily so. Only death will do us part.”

I hear ululating. 

He kisses my hands. 

Now he says his vows to me: 

“The first time I laid my eyes on you, I was about eighteen years old. I knew right there and then that one day, I’d make you my wife. Look at us now, Mrs Thabang Mothipa waka.”

People ululate. 

I smile at him.

“Your happiness will always come first to me… your happiness, your safety… as well as the happiness and the safety of our children. I love you, Morafe. I always have and I always will. Today is day one of the rest of our journey together, navigating this difficult life that will always be thrown our way – but we will conquer it all, together… simply because we are together and driven by the right things. May it always stay that way. The Mothipa family and ancestors will always be with us.” 

People ululate. 

After we’ve exchanged our rings, we finally kiss each other, and it poetically starts raining as this happens. 

People are eating now. The bridal party is taking pictures. We ended up doing a studio shoot because the rain wouldn’t let us be great outdoors. When we are done, we head back to the reception. Instead of eating, Thabang and I open the dance floor with our first dance. He made us dance to Mbongeni Ngema’s Stimela Sase Zola. These dance moves, guys! He’s such a rural guy. I can’t! Lol! But we are happy. And we dance the night away… together… as husband and wife. 

…

I’m waking up alone in bed this morning. I’m not sure where my wife is. I just relax before I go out and do anything. Yesterday felt like I was getting married for the first time. Someone was forever telling me what to do and where to stand. Morafe says it was a wedding planner and a wedding choreographer. There was a whole team of them, and they became annoying at some point. 

But my favourite parts were our vows (I had never done that before), the first dance (I had never done that before) and definitely, without a doubt, making the love of my life my wife. It honestly felt like I was getting married for the first time yesterday. I’m such a happy man. 

I make my way downstairs to the kitchen to see if my wife is perhaps in there. All three of my wives are here and they seem to be arguing about something. I hide behind a wall and listen in.

“Morafe, I’m the first and senior wife here. And we believe in living in peace in this family. With you being here and marrying our husband, we hope that you will also bring with you peace within the family as well as growth for the family.” Mmakabelo.

Morafe mustn’t take that to heart. She told me she doesn’t want any more kids and I’ve respected it. I’m not going to put the pressure on her, therefore no one has the right to do it.

“I’m the second wife. And I’m more senior than you. I’ll be very honest with you and tell you already that you will have problems around here if you will continue to behave as if you are the only wife to Thabang.” Mahali. 

Yerrr! 

“How have I done that, Mahali?” Morafe enquires.

“Let’s start off by talking about that wedding you had yesterday. Our weddings were not even half of that size. Let’s talk about how you insulted us by practically having a white wedding with our husband when we all know that we don’t do that. Do you really think that you are the most important wife or that you are the last wife that he will marry?” What’s wrong with Mahali?!

“With all due respect, Mahali… I don’t need your permission to host my events the way that I see fit. I had a conversation with my husband about the kind of wedding that I wanted, and he had no problem giving me that wedding. I’m not going to turn away friends and family for wanting to celebrate with us and I’m certainly not going to use your wedding as a benchmark of the kind of wedding that I wanted to have. I’m not going to apologise for celebrating the love that my husband and I share the way that I saw fit just because you didn’t think to have it yourself. I’m sure if you asked for it when it was your turn, Thabang would have given you that wedding.” Morafe says. I’m very glad that she’s standing up for herself. And while she raises very valid points, I want to be clear that I would have never done what I did yesterday with anyone else. 

“You think you are better than us wena, neh? Bona mo ausi nyana, we have a system that works around here that ensures that all the wives are equal. You are not going to just get here and change it. You are not special! Now, each wife has specific days allocated to her to spend time with our husband. Each wife further has specific weekends that are allocated to her spending time with our husband. This thing of yours of pulling Thabang to holidays and events and whatever else you pull him too on OUR weekends is not going to fly. When you want to have plans with him, make sure that it’s on your weekends with him, not ours. You don’t sacrifice your weekends for us, so I don’t understand why it is expected of us to sacrifice our weekends for you. Le rona we have plans with our husband and I’m getting tired of having to cancel my plans to accommodate you! And ausi weh, when he is with us on our days or weekends, you don’t phone him a million times a day. He’s spending time with us and his kids. You are not his only wife.” Yerrr! Mahali is a problem. And Mmakabelo is just quiet. I wonder if she also feels the same way that Mahali does. 

“And one more thing…” Mahali ha qedi nah?!

“No one had a honeymoon here. That voucher to the Maldives that you got for a honeymoon ausi nyana… we are all going together!” 

Yeses! 

I walk into the kitchen now. I can just see that Morafe is angry. 

“Dumelang”, I greet them.

“Dumela papa”, Mahali greets me first.

“Dumela Mothipa”, Mmakabelo.

Morafe just gives me a look. 

“Is everything okay in here?” I ask, looking at Morafe. 

She looks like she has tears ready to stream down her face.

“Everything is fine”, Mahali.

Mmakabelo looks away.

Morafe just stares at me. I don’t even know what her look means.

“Babe, we are all leaving here today. You’ll be with mom. She will take good care of you. And I’ll be here every weekend with you.” I say to Morafe.

Mahali almost loses her mind. Mmakabelo chuckles. 

“You didn’t come see me at all when I had to serve my month with your mother!” Mahali points out.

I just look at her then look at Morafe again. Then I say, “then after that, it’s just you and me at the Maldives. I can’t wait. We will be gone for two weeks, right?”

Morafe is just…

“We were actually talking about that, papa. Morafe insists that all of us go.” Mahali.

“That won’t be possible. It’s a voucher for two people”, me.

“Well, you’ll have to amend it. Mmakabelo and I didn’t have a honeymoon. If one wife has a honeymoon, we all go. Akere we are all equal, papa?” Mahali.

“To me, yes. And if I were paying for the honeymoon, I’d definitely take all three of you. It would be the right thing to do. But this voucher is a gift from Morafe’s friend and unfortunately, you are not all equal before Morafe’s friends… just as she isn’t equal to you in the eyes of your friends. This gift is for Morafe and me. Ke tsamaya leMorafe fela.” I say.

“Papa –

“Are you really going to argue with me about a gift that is not gifted to you, Mahali?” Me.

She gives a piercing stare at Morafe. 

“Are we all ready for breakfast?” I ask.

“Mahali…” Morafe says. But her tone is very… frightening.

We all look at her.

“I will not be bullied by you, do you understand me?! Thabang is my husband too and I don’t need your permission to do anything with him. I certainly will not be reporting to you when I want to do things with my husband. Nna, I go to my husband. He will decide what he does after that.” 

“Morafe –

“Shut up! I’m not done!” Morafe’s voice is now raised. Mahali is also a bit shaky… she didn’t expect this from Morafe.

“Don’t involve me in your marriage, just like I don’t involve you in mine. I’m prepared to bring the peace that Mmakabelo has asked of us in this family. But don’t ever get too familiar with me. I’ll show you flames! I’m confident that we can co-exist in the same space considering that we have our husband in common, but ung’thuse! Uskang’tlwayela masepa!”

With this, she walks off. 

I try to follow her, but Mmakabelo calls me to the side.

I walk with Mmakabelo and we step outside, leaving Mahali alone and angry in the kitchen.

“Mothipa, it’s very obvious that you love Morafe and I’m very happy for you to have found love in your situation. But you are going to put her life in danger if you carry on this way.” She says.

“If I carry on how?” I ask her.

“Really? Ruri, Mothipa?! Was that wedding yesterday necessary? Is you coming here every weekend while she does her duties necessary? The honeymoon thing I can forgive, but even that I just feel nje that you are highlighting your favouritism very brightly. And I warned you about Mahali. I told you that lunatic is not stable. You thought I was being jealous and you fought me for her. But msadi oe otsamaya dingaka, Thabang, and if you don’t stop this thing of yours of blatantly putting Morafe first and shamelessly flaunting the fact that she is your choice and not the Mothipa circumstance, Mahali will kill her and the kids. Mahali is capable of ANYTHING, Thabang. ANYTHING!”

I ponder on what she’s saying. 

“For Morafe’s sake, Mothipa, reduce the volume on the favouritism. I know that you love her and that you cannot help yourself, but for her, try. Surely, you don’t want to lose her.” She says.

I nod my head.

“Do we have proof? That otsamaya dingaka?” I ask her.

“I’ve seen her. Many people have seen her. The places she goes to are very scary.” She says. 

I shake my head. 

“I need to catch her red-handed.” I say.

“Well, akere you said that you are spending the weekend here this week? Keep to that story. When she thinks you are away, her guard will be down. Then you follow her and see what she does when you are not looking. You’ll see for yourself the kind of animal that you brought into our lives. This cat and mouse shit between these two women will not end well. Mark my words.” She says then heads back into the house. 

…

9pm 

I’ve just arrived at my apartment. I left Mosetsana, Tshenolo and Meme at Morafe’s house with Morafe’s mother. I also left Morafe’s car with them so that the mother that can do school runs and other chores. Morafe gave her hectic rules about men in the house and all of that. I know I’ll have to go patrol to ensure that all is well. Fortunately, Morafe’s mother can drive, so mine really is to just check in on them. She drove back with Morafe’s car, so she will be using that car for the next month.

Everyone who grew up in the Maja-Perre area knows that Morafe’s mother got by and supported her kids through prostitution. Then we all knew when Mmaletuka got into it as well. When Morafe ran away from home, I was very happy that she wouldn’t be in that life because no one was sure if Mmaletuka was bullied into that life or if she chose it. The fact that Morafe’s mother is still selling bums and that men are still buying… yoh, that’s wild to me. She is a beautiful woman and she gave birth to stunning daughters. The most stunning of them all is my wife today, but no man… she must retire. Morafe is already taking care of her. 

I wanted to stay an extra night with Morafe. This weekend has been wild for us. Her sister is in prison and Morafe is not even talking about getting her out. The mother will not stop crying and she keeps begging me to talk to Morafe to drop the charges. The mother argues that at the end of the day, Morafe had her perfect wedding. Why is Mmaletuka still behind bars? Surely, it’s water under the bridge now. I don’t agree with this argument. The woman must take accountability for her actions. Just because she loses her temper and doesn’t know how to control herself, inconveniencing everyone else in the mix, she doesn’t get excused for that. Those dresses that had to be replaced… I paid for them. I reimbursed Wandi’s mother and I paid the queen for the dresses she brought. And it was a lot of money. We all know that Mmaletuka doesn’t have the money to pay us back, so even if we drop the assault and arson charges, we cannot sue for the damage. I see why Morafe prefers that she pays for it with trauma. 

I’m also worried about Morafe because of the shit with Mahali. I really just want to hold her, hug her and tell her that I’d never let anything happen to her. But my mom told me that I need to go. She will more than teach Morafe how to be strong in this marriage. My mom told me to trust her and not baby Morafe so much, otherwise Mahali will slice her into pieces for breakfast. I trust my mother. I really do. 

I decide to drive to Mahali’s house. I need to talk to this woman and put her in her place. 

As I drive there, tired as I am, Morafe phones me.

“Hey baby”, me.

“Hey. Did you get home safely?” She asks me.

“I did, love. I’m just on the road now. I need to talk to Mahali.” 

“Okay. Look baby, I don’t want issues. And I know I’m supposed to respect Mahali because she is a more senior wife to me. So, I’m sorry that I lost my cool with her this morning.”

“I’m not going to be mad at you for standing up for yourself, Morafe. I’m actually proud of you. Had you not put your foot down, she would’ve walked all over you. You did very well.” I tell her. 

“If you say so.”

She sounds sad.

“Baby, is everything okay?” I ask her.

“I just miss you. I miss the kids. And I’m just having an emotional meltdown here because of everything that just happened this weekend. Your mom is so nice to me and she’s trying to just tell me that these things happen, you know… but I just feel so down… depressed almost.” She says.

I really should’ve stayed another night.

“Do you want me to come over there and just sleep next to you tonight?” I ask her.

“No. Mahali will put juju on me and you’ll never enjoy sex with me again”, she says.

We both actually laugh at this.

“Look my angel, we have been through a lot. But we are standing at the end of it all now. It’s gone. It’s done. And the result is that you are my wife and I’m your husband. One day, we will look over this and laugh. We made it, baby. And the kingdom has celebrated us and our love with us.” 

“Yeah, you are right. Anyway love, I’m going to bed. You’ll call me in the morning? I wouldn’t want to call you while you are with Mahali. She gave me a whole rule book about that.” 

“Don’t worry baby, I’ll phone you. Goodnight, okay?”

“Goodnight, T. I love you.” She says. My heart….

“I love you, pelo yaka.” I say.

We hang up. 

I arrive at Mahali’s place and park my car in the garage. I make my way into the house. I find her watching some reality show. She looks at me then stares at her show again.

“Mahali”, I begin.

She looks at me.

“Would you like us to get a divorce?” I ask her.

She is now on her feet. She even switches off the TV.

“What did you just say to me?” She says.

“I asked you a question. I asked you if you’d like to get a divorce”, I say.

“Thabang, keng ka wena? Ke Morafe?” Her.

“Tswa koMorafe. Tswa daar! Ke wena motho otsamayang dingaka akere? You just do as you please and say as you please regardless of the mess that you leave behind!” I’m shouting now.

“What gives you the right to say the things that you said to Morafe this morning?! Waphapha wena! The guide into our family and marriage is Mmakabelo’s job. She is my first wife. I don’t know on what authority you were even opening your mouth this morning to my wife!” 

She starts crying. I knew she’d do this.

“I spoke to my father.” I say.

Now she’s shit scared. 

“Le tona?” Her.

“That’s the only father I have! He will be contacting your family and there will be a meeting about your behaviour. I’ve had enough of your shit now. You have two days to decide if you want a divorce or not. I’ll give you one. I don’t mind. But if you stay in this family, you’ll clean up your act and get your shit together… or else I’ll be the one taking the drastic measures! I should’ve listened to Mmakabelo when she warned me about you. You are exactly what she said you’d be! Nx!”

With this, I leave her house. I know she’s going to cry into the night. I don’t give a shit! I’m actually tempted to drive to Dithabeng and go hug my wife. But I decide against it. It’s eight hours away and my mom did ask me for space. My apartment it is. I’ll have a good glass of whiskey, watch football highlights then pass out.