Bab’Shaka advised Senzi to go and close the loop with Bab’Twala – the father who raised him. Bab’Shaka said that despite everyone’s latest revelation about Senzi’s paternity, Bab’Twala is still just as affected by this, if not more affected. He expressed that he could really be hurting. He had thirty-two years of being Senzi’s father and that all changed overnight for him. Even if Senzi is angry and wants to do away with him, he need to go and at least say thank you for raising him and being a father to him all these years. If Bab’Twala receives it, fine. And if he doesn’t, it’s also okay. At least Senzi was the bigger person, and he has character that can be applauded. 

So here we are, parking the car in the Twala yard… a mansion that was once Senzi’s home for many years. I can just see him become tense… nervous… scared… not knowing how to approach this.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m here”, I say to him.

We hold hands.

He rubs my tummy. Yes, a doctor confirmed that I am eleven weeks pregnant. Senzi is so happy. But we’ve decided to still keep it between the people that already know until we are ready to be overwhelmed with congratulations messages. 

We are now walking to the door, hand-in-hand. Senzi is actually shaking. I hold his hand tighter. He has an envelope of money with him that he will use to thank Bab’Twala for being his dad all these years.

The butlers at the door welcome us in as we approach the door. We are led to a chill area where Lady Laura is the first person to welcome Senzi with a hug, calling him her baby. I just remind myself why we are here, keeping my temper intact. 

Oh! Julia is also here with her darn family. She also hugs Senzi and tells him that she misses him. Senzi doesn’t even hug her back. She hangs onto the hug for a while. I end up clearing my throat and she gives me a look. Senzi has to push her away from him. She side-eyes both of us. 

Now there is silence. No one greeted me, so I don’t greet anyone. Senzi and I hold hands again, finding comfort in each other as we have now become strangers in this house. 

We are directed to the table now where dinner will be served. We haven’t seen Bab’Twala yet, and this is a big ass table. I thought it would just be us, Lady Laura and Bab’Twala. But Julia and her family are here. And there are four more vacant seats at this table… all places are set so four more people will definitely be joining us. Julia tries to sit next to Senzi, pushing me out of the way. I actually physically PUSH her out of the way and she falls to the ground, a couple of meters away from everyone. 

“Are you okay?” Everyone asks her. 

I just sit down and pretend like I saw nothing… and thus know nothing. 

Julia says she’s fine, then she gets up from the floor and finds a seat at the table… opposite Senzi and I. She and I now keep staring at each other. Senzi just feels uncomfortable. 

Finally, the bishop and some women come down the stairs and occupy the vacant seats at the table. I’m told that these women are his sisters. Apparently, they’ve hated Lady Laura since the bishop started dating her. 

Starters are served by the staff around here. I see that nothing has changed in this house. But this food makes me feel nauseous. The smell nje itself has me feeling like I’m going to faint if I don’t throw up.

“Something wrong with the food?” Lady Laura asks me. 

I’m about to be sick. I can’t even answer her. Senzi stands up with me and takes me to a guest toilet closest to us. I immediately throw up. 

This is going to be one hell of a long night! 

“You okay?” Senzi asks me as I fix myself now that everything I’ve ever eaten today is flushing away in the toilet. 

“I just… just tell everyone that I have a bad stomach bug. The only thing I can hold down is bread and water. Please.” I tell him.

“Okay. I got you. Don’t worry.” He says. 

We kiss, then we leave the toilet, heading back to the table.

“Feeling better?” Lady Laura asks me as we take our seats again.

“Yes, thank you, Lady Laura.” I say.

She just looks at me. Everyone at the table just looks at me.

“Senzangakhona, how have you been?” The bishop. 

Thank God! Eyes off me now!

“I’ve been okay, thank you. I’ve been trying to sort out the issues that I had due to the dishonesty surrounding my paternity. I had to give that my undivided attention so that I could be in a better position.  So, it’s better now.” Senzi.

“How lucky are you who had the option to go and sort yourself out after your mother’s atrocious lies. My poor brother is stuck with this woman and has no way out.” One of the bishop’s sisters says.

“Stuck?” Lady Laura.

“Yes stuck! Your baby daddy put everything in your name… this house, everything in it, all the cars and bank accounts… you should be the one who leaves here with nothing, but no… not only are we help hostage by ubufebe bakho, but my brother cannot make a move without you. As to why you don’t sell everything then split the money 50-50, as it should be…” 

Lady Laura eats her food. 

Senzi and I look at each other.

This is very uncomfortable.

“Look, I just wanted to come and apologise to the bishop for everything. I know that this hasn’t been easy for you neither. While I have found my biological father and we are building a relationship, making up for lost time… I wanted to thank you for the thirty-two years that you have been my father… doing nothing but love me and support me my whole life. I don’t want you to ever feel like you mean nothing to me. You can never mean nothing to me. Ever.” Senzi.

The bishop is very moved. 

“Laura, do you see what you’ve done? Are you proud of yourself?” One of the bishop’s sisters. 

Lady Laura is silent.

Senzi stands up and takes the envelope of money to the bishop. As he hands it over to him, he thanks him once again. I smile at them. 

The bishop actually gets emotional. He stands up and hugs Senzi. 

As soon as Senzi sits down…

“Do I get a thanks for being your mother? I mean, I did push you out of my vagina and almost died while doing that. Then, I raised you and dealt with your shit every time you forgot to be grateful for all that I did for you as your mother.” Lady Laura.

“Laura, what’s your problem, wena? Why and how are you a victim? You lied to everyone and you almost had your son and my brother killed because of your lies. Why do you have an issue with Senzi doing what he’s doing?” 

Ja, these sisters are here for their brother shame. 

“You shut up! SHUT UP!” Lady Laura has snapped. The whole table is in shock. 

“Senzangakhona is my son. And you know what? I did what I did because Samuel couldn’t have children. The entire Twala family was on my case about giving him an heir, even suggesting that he takes another wife because I was barren. You never, for one second, thought that maybe your brother had the issue. Instead, you swore at me every chance, leaving out the swear words that you had forgot. You even convinced your brother to leave me. And he left. I did what I had to do to save my marriage. I asked Shaka for help. And I did that because no one in the Twala family came to ask me what was happening or even offer whatever aid a family normally does in such situations. I didn’t love Shaka. I don’t love Shaka. I never have and I never will. The minute I got pregnant, my husband came back home. I was able to build my family again. So yes, I lied. But I did everything that I did for the man that I’ve always loved. And I’m tired of being treated like a bad person for that.” 

Now she sobs. 

The table is quiet. 

“And wena Senzangakhona!” Yoh, she’s not done.

“Turning your backs on us because everything is about Shaka Maphumulo! Do you know who that man is? That man that you’ve now put above the family and parents that have raised you. Go ask your dad why dangerous and illegal people call him pope. Go ask that man why we were all arrested and what they really wanted… and how he’d be on death penalty by now in several countries across the world had I opened my mouth to the police that night you begged me not to.” 

“You know what… I’ve done what I came here to do. I’m not going to sit here and listen to you talk about my dad like some bitter ex who wasn’t chosen.” Senzi says, making me stand up as he also stands up. 

“You will sit down and listen – 

“No, I won’t. Because no matter how much of a bad person he is, you are just as bad for knowing him or being so familiar with him that you could even ask him for a child.” 

Silence. 

“You are probably worse than him because you found him good enough to be my dad. So mah, you don’t get to point fingers. And whether you like it or not, you chose that father for me… with all his flaws. Just like you chose to put the bishop and I in this situation. The cards have always been in your hands and you’ve always played them to your benefit. You don’t get to shame other people and make it seem like you are innocent in all of this.” 

He holds my hand and pulls me out of the house. We use the Maserati to head back to our place. 

We are driving back to our place now. Senzi is so angry. He’s driving this Maserati like he’s trying to catch a case.

“Baby”, me.

“Hm?” 

“I love you.” I say.

I see him calming down a bit. He holds my hands.

“This baby and I love you. We are your family. And no matter how messed up our families are, we have each other. We have our chance to make family what we want it to be. And that Julia… I’m close to catching a case because of her.” 

He laughs.

At least we won’t die today. 

He rubs my tummy. 

I smile at him.

“I’m thinking about what my mom said about my dad and him being a pope. Remember Rena told us that there’s some criminal syndicate that is referred to as the church? What if my dad is the head of it? I mean, what’s higher than a pope in the holy sense? And he pulled a gun out on Luhle. What person keeps a gun in his or her house? So much so that it’s close by when they have to discipline their kids? What if my dad is a dangerous man?” He says.

“We’d have to ask our parents, Senzi… afford them an opportunity to tell us what’s going on.” I say.

“Maybe your mom. Shaka Maphumulo is not exactly the open parent”, he says.

“Ja, but my mom had this whole thing about giving Bab’Khotso an opportunity to tell Rena and Moloko himself, so they wanted to do a whole family meeting to have the conversation. She’ll probably talk to your dad about it in case your dad wants to keep it away from you guys.”

He’s quiet.

“Baby.” Me.

“Yes love?”

“Even if he is a criminal, what he’s been to you is safe… love… accepting… family. We’ve never seen him in the light that your mom portrayed. He has been nothing but loving, supportive, warm… strict, yes, but he’s been the father you’ve come to love and grow close to. How would that change for you?” 

He’s quiet. 

“If crime really is what he does, would you really make it who he is?” I ask him.

“I know I shouldn’t… it’s just… I mean I’m a pastor. A senior pastor at that.” He says.

“And as a pastor, you should know better than to judge people. We don’t know what led him to that place. We don’t know what circumstances put him in this place. We don’t know his reasons for doing what he does. So, you don’t know enough for you to have a strong judgement or opinion on how he chooses to look after himself and his children, ensuring that his family lacks for nothing. All I know is that uBab’Shaka unothando for anyone that he regards as family or a friend. That’s all I need to know.” I say.

He’s quiet. The rest of our drive is quiet, just characterised by jams from Hillsong. 

…

I’ve just served breakfast to Senzi: a full English breakfast with black coffee (one teaspoon of sugar and cream – no milk). Apparently, this is how Bab’Shaka drinks his coffee too. The gate has also notified us that Bishop Twala is here. I don’t know why he’s here or what he’s here to do. I mean, it is 7am. 

He’s knocking on the door now. I go get it as Senzi chills in the kitchen. He also has no idea how to be. 

“Yeeeeeeeeeesssss Wandisa”, he says as I let him in.

Lol! I actually missed this guy yaz.

“Kunjani baba?” Me.

“Good good good. Ukhona uSenzangakhona?” He asks me. 

“Ukhona baba. I’ll go and get him. Can I get you something to drink? Or eat? Breakfast just came off the stove.” 

“Breakfast will be great. If there’s one thing that I miss, it’s your cooking… oh and your coffee”, he says.

I laugh and say, “they are coming right up, baba. Extra hot coffee with extra cream just for you.”

He laughs and says, “God bless you, MaButhelezi.” 

I head into the kitchen. 

I signal to Senzi that he must go into the living room to entertain his dad. He gets up, kisses me, then heads into the living room. 

I listen in on their conversation as I prepare coffee and breakfast for Bishop Twala. 

Bishop: “If there’s one thing you got right in life, it’s choosing a wife. You could even give me a lesson or two.” 

Senzi: “Wandi is a good woman – one in a billion. If you are not happy anymore with mom, why don’t you divorce her?”

Bishop: “Divorce? No, my son. I love Laura. I love her very much. You know, I understand Laura. I believe her when she says she loves me and that she did what she did because she loves me. I just don’t know why my heart refuses to accept and understand what she is saying. I even had to ask my sisters to leave because they were making things worse between Laura and me. I want to fix my marriage. God would have never given me this wife if she wasn’t for me. And I truly believe that Laura is for me. I cannot give up on her. God is going to lead me on this one.” 

That’s so beautiful.

There is silence now… Senzi doesn’t say anything. 

Bishop: “Senzangakhona, I have come here to discuss two things with you. Please lend me an ear.”

Senzi: “Okay.” 

Bishop: “Thank you for the money that you gifted me with. I’m using it to start a new church.”

Senzi: “Oh? Baba, I can speak to my – … to Shaka, and ask him to give you the church back.”

Bishop: “No. Please. You know, I’m a priest, yes, but I do have my pride. That man… I’ve been living in his space for far too long. I’ve been raising his son all these years, and now I’ve also built my legacy and my most intimate relationship with God on his property. Right now, things must change. That money that you gave me, I paid rent for two years on new property. I’m going to build a church from a rock! It won’t be glamorous and it won’t have bonke lobukhazikhazi that we are all used to, kodwa it will be a place of God… built on Godly principles.”

Senzi: “Congratulations baba. I hope you’ll allow me to be a silent investor.”

The bishop laughs then says, “I’d be grateful. I want you to think about not leaving the ministry. You have a way of bringing people closer to God. When you talk, people listen. They respect you. And you don’t have to worry about Julia anymore. Her family thinks we are too dysfunctional for their daughter. They’ll be looking into more functional families to find her suitors.” 

They both laugh. Then Senzi says, “I’ll think about it, baba. You said you had two things. What is the second thing?”

Bishop: “I want you to forgive Laura.” 

Senzi clears his throat. 

Bishop: “You know, now that I’ve met your father, I realise just how like him you are. Kuyasho ukuthi okunye okwegazi, not ufuzo kuphela. Your way of doing things. Your way of thinking. You are very stubborn like him. And you have a rude streak in you – just like him. Kodwa yena, hai cha… iyadelela leya ndoda. Please, ungamfuzi kakhulu… please.”

They both laugh. 

Bishop: “There’s also a part of me that remembers that I raised you. And I raised you with a bible. I know that you know that we are expected to forgive not only seven times, but seventy times seven times and more. No sin is greater than any other. Please forgive your mother. She loves you. You are her reason for existing. She is shattered without you. I know that I’m not your biological father, but I’m asking you for this favour… so that she can forgive herself and so that she can also invest herself in fixing our marriage.” 

Senzi: “I’ll talk to her, baba. For you, baba who raised me, I’ll talk to her.”

Bishop: “Ngiyabonga, ndodana that I raised.”

Now I can take them the breakfast.

…

Wandi and I are being lazy in the bed right now. We decided to just stay in today. She’s been feeling a bit sick. I know it’s the pregnancy and I’m very excited to have a little one that’s a beautiful version of me and her combined. But shame man, this pregnancy is really doing a number on her. Sometimes, I’m even too scared to leave her alone while I fly. If anything happens, she’s here alone. 

“Ucabangani?” Wandi asks me. 

She’s been lying on my chest. Still is. I’m rubbing her sexy ass in this mini dress that she’s wearing. Now that I think about it, this is how we ended up pregnant. She’s a stunner.

“I’m thinking about how happy you’ve made me since the day that I met you. And now, you are about to make me a father. You honestly make me a complete man.” I say.

She looks at me. 

She kisses me.

Then she says, “You must remember that when I’m all fat and covered in stretch marks.”

We both laugh. 

“I hope I’m feeling okay for Tamia’s and bhuti’s wedding hey.” She says.

“Me too. But at least Middleburg is not too far. It’s Tholoana Kingdom that I’m worried about.” I tell her. 

“Mam’Fifi was talking about us taking a private plane so I’m not travelling for too long.” She tells me.

“What did you say?” 

“I said I’d chat to you then I’d get back to her.”

“So, what do you think?” 

“I think we must check with our gynaecologist to see if it’s okay. He said I could travel until 33 weeks. So we should be okay, but I want to be sure. Also, with my morning sickness, won’t I be sick the whole time in the air?” 

I laugh. 

She’s really overthinking this.

I kiss her forehead then I tell her that we will check with the doctor. 

“Baby”, her.

“Yes love?”

“I found three buyers for my business. My mom got a lawyer to deal with it. But all three are offering above my asking price.”

“That’s good, baby.”

“Yeah. At least with that money, we can keep this house as our South Africa home, then buy a house in Tholoana Kingdom. That way we can live between countries, you know?” 

“You know I’m not going to allow you to buy a house for us, right?”

“Why not? Senzi, come on! It’s 2023. I’m going to be a housewife from now on. You’ll be looking after the baby and me for quite a while, then give me start-up money when I’m ready to get back into business.”

We both laugh. 

“I’m serious. I’m not going to be an employee. Ever! That’s never going to happen. So when baby is in school, I can pick up my professional life again.”

“Unless I put more babies in you? Sishaye ngabo three or four”.

“Three or four kids?! Senzangakhona, I’m a thick girl. You do realise that people like Tamia get pregnant and the worst that could happen to them is that they get thick. I get pregnant three or four times and I’ll be shopping at Donna Claire for the rest of my life.”

“Who’s Donna Claire?”

“I don’t want to be fat.”

“You won’t get fat. We will work out together.”

She’s silent. 

I laugh.

I wonder if that’s a yes or no.

“So babe”, me.

“Yes baby?” 

“I’ve been talking to my dad about starting my own airline.” I tell her.

She sits up and looks at me. I’m still lying down. But she’s smiling.

“He says I’d be in a good position to do that if we are in the kingdom. The opportunities there are apparently designed for the black child to win. If there’s any debt I’d have to take, it would be doable that side. Then he’d also be a partner.”

“Baby, that’s great!” She says then she hugs me.

I’m glad she’s happy for me. For us. This is for us.

“So, if you can cover the house by yourself, it would be great. Then we’d still have to sell this place, use my payout money and some loan money to get the airline started.” 

“I’m so proud of you, baby. You’ve been wanting to do this for years. You are finally doing it!”

I smile at her. 

“Don’t dump me when you are a billionaire and women are throwing themselves at you… especially those flight attendants.” 

I laugh. 

I’d never cheat on Wandi. I don’t even think about it. 

“WE will be billionaires. This one is for us. You know I’m going to put your name down as a part owner. That way, if I do any of the things that you are afraid I’d do, you can push me out of the company.”

She starts jumping on the bed with excitement.

“We are going to be RICH!” She yells as she jumps on the bed.

I honestly cannot help but just laugh at her. 

…

Today, we are headed to Bassie’s and Keith’s place. We just want to check in on them. Tamia’s mother is babysitting Ntuthuko’s kids today, so the four of us are travelling together in our Maserati. I love this car. No joke. Wandi drives my Golf 7 now full time because I’ve just taken over the Maserati. Wandi’s car is parked in our garage. We use it when we feel like being fuel efficient.

Wandi and Tamia got gifts and food. Us guys only come bringing drinks. 

“How were they the last time you guys saw them?” Tamia asks us.

Ntuthuko and I honestly don’t want to go there. It’s so tense. I don’t even think it’s good for their kid. 

“Bassie says she’s done with him because he put their son’s life in danger. But she loves him. And he loves her. And with the baby back, I don’t understand why they are still fighting. She says they have no guarantee that they are safe for sure. They don’t know Noria’s reach. I mean Keith can’t even get a job or business anywhere in SA unless his connections give him one. So, she’s scared to even leave the house with the baby.” Wandi explains.

“And now with the church undergoing transition, they are both unemployed.” Ntuthuko. 

“Well, I could ask my dad to be a bit of an angel investor or employer.” Tamia.

“How so?” Wandi.

“I know he’s starting up two new offices next month… one in Tholoana Kingdom and one in Mpumalanga. With Keith’s experience, he could be a good director at one of those companies. I’ll ask my dad to give him one of the jobs and phrase it as “he’s been headhunted for the role”. Maybe it might help financially.” Tamia.

“Not just financially… maybe a whole new environment would also do them good. I’d say they go to the kingdom. It looks like we are all headed there now anyway… plus, we can put that Noria bitch on that Tholoana Kingdom blacklist where she won’t even be allowed beyond the border. It would do wonders for them, T.”

“Let me call dad now. Maybe if he talks to Keith now, we will get there and find them both in a better mood.” Tamia says as she dials her father.

This squad of friends is honestly amazing. They really show up for each other all the time. None of them suffer if one of them can do something about it. I’m so happy that they have each other. 

“Nonkanyiso kababa” that’s how her dad answers his phone. Also, I tend to forget that her name is Nonkanyiso. Also, they just made me want a daughter.

“Baba, are you busy?” 

“For you, my world stops. What’s up, baby girl? And when are you coming home? Your mom said I must phone you and tell you to be here by Thursday.” 

“I’m coming tomorrow, baba. Don’t worry. And mah is at my place. Why didn’t she just tell me that?” 

“Ey, I don’t know. Uyamazi nawe umama wakho ukuthi unjani. Should I fetch you?” 

“Ntuthuko will bring me, baba.” 

“Unjani yena umkhwenyana?” I see Ntuthuko blushing a bit.

“He’s fine, baba.”

“Bona bazofika nini ngapha?” 

“Uthe bazofika Friday.” Tamia.

“Okay. Your mom has already booked out the lodge for the white wedding. She booked out all the rooms as well so that umkhwenyana and everyone he’s coming with can stay there from when they arrive. Your mom booked for them from Thursday, so they can arrive anytime from Thursday. She booked out rooms to accommodate 150 people”, the dad. 

I’m obviously staying there with him. I’m one of his people.

“Ngiyabonga baba. I’ll let him know.” Tamia.

“I’m glad you are coming tomorrow. Your mom is going to Swaziland to buy stuff for the weekend. Sizohamba sonke ke. I miss hanging out with my girls.”

Tamia laughs then says, “don’t worry, baba. I’ll be home tomorrow.” 

“Good. Banjani abazukulu?” 

“They are fine. They are with mom right now. We’ve gone out to see a friend of mine. Ntuthuko will bring mom and I back kusasa bese naye uyadlula nabo to head back home.”

“You must send me a list of their favourite toys. Kumele kubonakale phela ukuthi baza kumkhulu.” 

Ntuthuko is so moved. He even looks like he wants to cry. Wandi and I are smiling at them. 

“I will, baba. Lalela baba, I need a favour please.” Tamia.

“Okay.”

“Do you have a director yet for the office you’ve set up in Tholoana Kingdom?” Tamia.

“I appointed one yesterday. I’m just looking for a CEO now. I’m not happy with the applications that came through. Yini? Do you know someone?”

“Actually, I do. Keith Nkuna.”

“Keith Nkuna? The one who was married to the minister’s daughter? Didn’t his career crash with his marriage?”

“Well, his ex-wife and her family black-balled him because of the divorce. But he’s good, baba. I mean, he did great for his previous company. Was it because of his marriage?”

“He’s pissed off some important people, though.” 

“In South Africa. In Tholoana Kingdom, he rubs shoulders with us and everyone close to us – including the royal family. Please baba… he needs this. His family needs this.” 

“Can I think about it?”

“Cha. Baba, I need you to phone him today… like after this call… and tell him you’ve headhunted him for the role.”

“Nonkanyiso, I didn’t get to where I am by doing business like that.”

“I know. Kodwa baba I’ve never asked you for this kind of favour. And I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think that he could do this. Please, baba.”

“Fine. Sms me his number after this call.”

“You are the best.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, baby girl.”

“Bye”.

Just like that?! Ja neh.

We arrive at Keith’s and Bassie’s house. They are at least both sitting with their kid and watching something together. I’m taking this as progress. Mzala is the one who opened for us. I didn’t realise she was still here. 

“Hey guys”, Wandi greets them. 

They pause their movie, stand up and greet us. There are hugs and handshakes exchanged between the six of us.

Wandi is already playing with Risuna. I can’t wait for our kid to arrive. I’m so ready. 

“How are you guys?” Keith asks us.

“We are good. We can’t complain. How are you guys doing? How’s the little man?” Me.

“We are okay. He sleeps better during the day. We are actually trying to get him to nap now. He still struggles to sleep at night.” Bassie. 

Kuvele kube-tense. I guess I asked the wrong question. 

“Well, we brought food. This is the last time I can eat anything that will be going to my hips or ass. So, let’s please enjoy!” Tamia says. 

We all laugh. 

“Mara baby upakile yaz. Why would I have any issue with that?” Ntuthuko.

We giggle a bit then Tamia says, “because I have to fit in my wedding dress. It will be sewed on me. If I gain even a hint of fat, you’ll have to pay for a new one. Mina I’m not paying for a new dress.” Tamia. 

Hectic!

“Baby, with what we are paying for this dress and this wedding, anything that is being made should be designed to fit your body… not the other way around.” Ntuthuko.

“Men!” Tamia.

“They’ll just never get it.” Bassie.

I’m so glad Wandi and I are done with this wedding shit. 

Risuna is stuck on his mother. It’s as if he feels his safest on her. He still has his cast on. Mzala tries to take him, but he’s not having it. Bassie tells mzala she can take the rest of the week off. She must just be back for them to leave for Tamia’s wedding. Mzala is more than happy. She actually puts food in a takeaway cart, grabs a bag then leaves. Ja neh…

Keith extends his arms to Risuna to pick him up so his mom can eat. He actually dives right to his father. 

“Please feed him? I pumped this morning.” Bassie.

“Sure.” Keith says, accepting the bottle from Bassie. 

I’m glad they are at least civil with each other. 

Wandi told me that Keith went to meet up with Noria. She is in prison now, so Bassie feels like that’s the first thing that Keith has done in a while to put her and the kid above Noria. Maybe that’s why their tension is less thick. 

“So Tamia… your dad called.” Bassie says, smiling.

Tamia acts like she doesn’t know what they are talking about. She says, “Really? What did he want?” She’s not even looking at them. 

Keith starts laughing then he says, “He says I came highly recommended for a CEO position in his company that’s about to open in Tholoana Kingdom. He asked me if we could have five minutes at his daughter’s wedding this weekend. The director reporting into me will be there and I’ll meet him.”

“At my wedding? Y’all will be having a business meeting? Basetsana, khuza indoda yakho tu.”

We all laugh. Even Bassie. 

“Well, we know you are the one that recommended him. And we want to say thank you. Thank you, friend. Even on behalf of Risuna, thank you.” Bassie. 

This is so nice.

Keith hugs Tamia. Bassie hugs Tamia too.

“Soooooo guys… we are all moving to the kingdom?” Bassie.

Then they all scream.

OUR EARS! YERRR! 

Now even Risuna screams too. 

We laugh at him screaming, but yerrrr!

“We must tell Morafe!” Tamia.

“Not now, please. Yoh! Zafa izindlebe zethu!” Ntuthuko.

I’m so glad he said something. 

They give us looks. Oksalayo bayarasa! 

Us guys are chilling by their pool now. Risuna chose his mom: so they are somewhere in the house. 

“It’s good to see you guys in a good place.” I say to Keith.

“Baby steps hey. When Risuna battles to sleep at night, she reminds me that it’s all my fault. But it’s getting better hey. The job thing was also going to take a toll on us. She had actually even suggested that she would go back home, I go back home, and we figure it out on our own. Yoh, I was shattered.” Keith says.

“Yerrr ndoda”, Ntuthuko.

“I know it might not mean much to you, kodwa what you and Tamia have done is everything for our family. Ngiyabonga, Mashimane. Thank you so so much. God will bless you and your family for what you have done for our family.” Keith says to Ntuthuko.

They shake hands. 

“I’m thinking of actually paying lobola for her before we head out to the kingdom permanently. I don’t know… I know I want to be with her forever. She is my life. I wasn’t ready for marriage yet, but her mother told me to return her child if I don’t marry her. She also thinks I’m not over Noria because I’m not giving her marriage. She says that everything that happened, happened because I’m not sure about her. And that’s not it at all. But ja, paying lobola won’t be the worst thing that I could do.” Keith tells us.

“It’s not a bad thing to honour your woman and her family. Risuna will also learn from you how these things are done. And with her moving to another country with you, probably will be a housewife until she finds new work… you don’t want her to feel as if she has nothing or as if she has no security by being with you. Show her that the two of you are partners in this, despite everything that has taken place.” I say.

“I agree with Senzi on this one. These women take on a lot when taking us on. And let’s be real, we are full of shit. Marriage, in the bigger scheme of things, is a small way to tell them that we see them, we appreciate them and their roles in our lives are as big as they think they are.” Ntuthuko.

“Yeah. She doesn’t want the car back… the one that we had the accident in. She doesn’t want it back. Fortunately, insurance paid out. So, I guess we will get something when we get that side. For now, we will use her A1 to get around and to drive permanently to the kingdom. Most of our things will move with couriers and shit. Looking for a house is exciting her. I told her she can pick whatever she wants. Your pops-in-law is giving me a fat pay cheque.” 

I’m happy for him. I’m happy for them. Truly. 

We all fist-pump.

“Pops is giving me the V300 to travel to Mpumalanga. Y’all should bring your families and let’s travel together”, Ntuthuko.

“I’m in. It’s just Wandi and me.” I say.

“I’m in. It’s me, Bassie, Risuna and mzala.” Keith.

“Sesigcwele ke. We will probably take Akwande too. My parents are travelling with my kids.” Ntuthuko.

“That’s good with me. Then Keith… maybe you and Bassie can view a few places while we are that side. We are private-planing to the kingdom from Mpumalanga”. I say.

He nods his head.