I’m so happy that Mfundo, Nene, Liso and Phiwa are still here. I like having them around. I love looking at our family – our beautiful family – and be reminded of mine and Mthunzi’s journey. To think about how far Mthunzi and I have come… it honestly humbles me. I’ve never loved a man the way that I love my husband. And our children, as they grow, represent how much we have grown as a couple, as parents and in life. 

I look at our kids and I feel that me having an affair with my boss’ husband all those years ago was worth it. I don’t care what Mthunzi says, I do blame for myself for coming between them and ruining their marriage. But when I look at what Mthunzi and I have created, I definitely feel that it was worth it. The most beautiful part of my life came out of that relationship. And we were not sneaking around just to sneak around; we were and still are soulmates and the love of each other’s lives. I’m happy. He’s happy. Our children are happy. When your children are happy, as a parent, you’ve done very well. That’s the ultimate goal as a parent – to have happy children. 

Mfundo and Mthunzi have taken the kids to school and have gone to work. Nene, Phiwa and I are going out a bit. Nene said she needed some air and to get out the house a bit – and not only go to a hospital. So, we will spend some time at one of my beauty bars today. I have a few things that I have to do there. Even Fikile is meeting us there because there are hair and skin products that Fikile and I own together that are arriving and we will be selling from my beauty bar. I also want to go see this girl who tried to make my son a father to a child that’s not his. 

I know that I have to accept that one of these days, Thingo will be someone’s husband and father. I struggled to accept this with Mfundo. I’m happy he has Nene. She’s perfect for him. I didn’t like Bontle. And their relationship was too chaotic. I always had to intervene and be le pantsula to deal with that girl. But Mfundo landed perfectly with Nene. 

Thingo’s taste in women is still questionable and I’m worried that unlike Mfundo, Thingo landed on money too quickly in his life and without understanding struggle. He’s a twenty-year-old business owner and employee for one of the biggest corporate giants. I’m happy for him and I’m proud of him. Which parent doesn’t want to have successful children? But Mfundo has to make him manage his money properly. Thingo is very wasteful. And I guess for now, it’s okay because he eats at home and lives at home. So vele what is he doing with a R35 000 salary per month and another R55 000 salary per month from his business? 

Mthunzi wants to make Thingo live in our cottage outside and pay rent. The rent must be inclusive of grocery contribution. I just cannot bring myself to making my son do that. Thingo is my baby, man. 

So Mthunzi told him that he has move out. It broke my heart. But I get it. He needs to be responsible. R90 000 a month is dangerous for a person who has no responsibilities at all. 

Thingo took it well though. Mfundo called him into a talk. He didn’t just speak rough with him about it. He made him understand why it’s time for him to be a man now and start looking after himself. He’s young. He’s wealthy. And we are happy for him. But now, he really has to step up for himself. We will always be here as his parents for him, but he needs to branch out.

Thingo bought a car for himself that he pays a heavy instalment for. He drives a black BMW M2. Him and Mfundo share a love for BMW. 

Mfundo helped Thingo get a three-bedroom simplex house. He pays a bond now every month. Next weekend, Nene and I are furniture shopping with Thingo. But he will move out when Nene and Mfundo head back to their house with their kids. Then it will just be Mthunzi, Zothile and I. 

My Zozo bathung. 

He reminds me the most of Mohavi. I have a special relationship with him. I have unique relationships with all my boys, but my Zozo is secretly my heartbeat.

He’s as naughty as Mohavi used to be. He’s extremely inquisitive. And he’s a hectic soccer player. He always tells me that he’s going to play in the Premier League, and I believe him. He’s already playing club soccer and is part of the NFR Legends. He’s part of the “Redemption” team of the NFR Legends. 

Mfundo holds Zozo very close too. He thinks I don’t notice, but I also see that Mfundo sees that there’s something very special about Zozo. He’s twelve now. Mfundo always says that Zozo will run into millions by eighteen. And Zozo is focused. Very focused. The other day I heard him talk to Fikile about developing his own soccer boots. Fikile, being the marketing guru that she is, told him that he must have a whole line. So, he said it’s fine, but Mfundo must manage it all for him because he’s the money and brains around us. 

I’ve always wanted girls. But God blessed me with three boys, one of them are giving me girls through grandbabies. The way I keep hoping that even Thingo and Zozo will also have daughters. Lol. But Nene is my daughter now. And I’ll definitely make sure that she’s honoured and respected in this family.

Nene and I are now at my workplace. We are in my office. I’m busy with work a bit. Nene is busy playing with Phiwa. She’s such an amazing mother. 

“You are amazing with these kids”, I tell her. 

“I had Liso so early in my life that I didn’t have an opportunity to be like this with him. I love my son with all my heart. I probably have the softest spot for him because of all my kids, I’ve been through the most with him. I always feel like I’ll always owe him in life. Phiwa is my second chance at this. I’m out of shape. I’m taking longer than expected to recover from labour. But none of it is going to take this away from me.” She says. 

I smile at her. 

“I know what you mean. I also had a baby very early in my life.” I tell her. 

“Mfundo told me. Mohavi.” Me. 

“Yeah. Mfundo never got to meet him. Not even Mthunzi. He stayed in Mafikeng with my parents while I was building a life for us in Gauteng. By the time Mthunzi and I got serious, he passed.” I’ve always prayed for the day that I’d talk about Mohavi and not fall apart. Because I don’t want to not talk about him. That was my baby. He’s still part of me. That day has finally arrived and I’m so happy. 

“He’d be twenty-three now if he were still alive. Zozo reminds me of him the most.” I say. 

Nene smiles at me. Then she says, “Yoh mama, four boys?” 

Now that I think about it… I burst into laughter. 

“Clearly you are having the girls for me”, I say. We just laugh. 

“Mfundo also tells me about his late sister… the one Mbali is named after”, she says. 

I nod my head. I smile at her.

“I knew her. She was… DIFFERENT.” I say.

She zones in, settling to listen to me talk about Mbali. I guess I might as well tell her where Mthunzi and I started.

…a brief throwback to The Workplace & Its Employees…

The beginning of Koena and Mthunzi…

It is 6am. Mr Msomi will be back soon from his morning jog and Mrs Msomi will be done with her yoga session. Their daughter, Mbali, is in the gym upstairs working out. 

I have prepared all three of their smoothies and their lunch boxes for the day. Fruit, biltong to snack, freshly squeezed orange juice and salad for Mrs Msomi and Mbali. Chicken stir-fry, dried fruits, pretzels and sparkling water for Mr Msomi. 

Now, I head upstairs to wake the son up. His name is Siya and he is 8. While he baths himself, I have to go into the study and pack Mr and Mrs Msomi’s bags in accordance with their day and update their iPads accordingly. I usually align with their PAs on this one. 

“Zelda, I need your help in the cottage”, Sis’Sonto says to me. She is the other domestic worker who works here with me. 

“I need you, Sonto, to start cleaning this house. I pay you a lot of money for you to be pulling Zelda to the cottage during the time I pay you to work.” Mrs Msomi walks in and stops us in our tracks. 

“Yes ma’am”, Sis’Sonto. 

“And Sonto, why are you in my study? You know very well that only Zelda comes in here.” 

“I was looking for Zelda”, Sis’Sonto replies. 

“Not in my study. I’m not going to tell you this again. Siyezwana?” 

Sis’Sonto and I are silent. 

“Out!” Mrs Msomi screams.

Sis’Sonto and I rush out and make our way to the kitchen. 

“Sawubona bab’Msomi”, Sis’Sonto greets Mr Msomi as I get breakfast ready. 

“Sanibonani”, he replies. 

Sis’Sonto is teary and I am just upset about how Mrs Msomi treats us. I cannot wait to finish school and have my own business in the beauty and wellness industry. I will specialize in skincare, nails and hair. I already do nails and hair in the township where I stay. I will get bigger, and Mrs Msomi will be my client. 

“Zelda, please do my hair today before you go home? My hair lady is disappointing me, and I have a thing tomorrow with some friends,” Mbali says to me as she walks into the kitchen and settles at the breakfast table with her mother. 

“Mbaliyekhaya, Zelda works in this house. She is not your personal stylist. There are more than enough salons in this beautiful province of ours. I don’t pay Zelda to be making you pretty every time you feel like it”, Mrs Msomi says. 

“Zelda doesn’t mind, mom”, Mbali.

“Did she tell you that?” Mrs Msomi. 

Absolute silence. 

Mbali looks at me. Mrs Msomi eats her breakfast. Mr Msomi looks at me too. 

“Do you mind doing my sister’s hair, Zelda?” Siya breaks the awkward silence. 

“I don’t have a problem with it at all, Mbali. Maybe in future, just make sure that you discuss it with your parents first.” I say. 

“Thanks Zelda. I’ll make sure that I come home early so that you can still get home early today.” Mbali. 

“And make sure that you don’t miss the corners of this house when cleaning while prioritizing Mbali’s hair. Will there be taxis for you to get home after you do Mbali’s hair? I am not available to be driving you back to that dangerous RDP populated place of yours late at night.” Mrs Msomi says. 

Mbali gives her mother a concerning look that not even I approve of. 

“Baba, will you be cool to take Zelda back home after she does my hair?” Mbali asks Mr Msomi. 

“Of course, baby girl. How long will you take?” Mr Msomi. 

“I want to do block braids.” Mbali. 

“It should take no more than two hours, Bab’Msomi”, I say. 

“Okay. Thank you, Zelda”, Mr Msomi. 

I excuse myself to start cleaning upstairs, starting with the main bedroom. As usual, I start with changing the linen and doing the bed. 

After I have done the bed, I go tidy up the walk-in closet that has both Mr and Mrs Msomi’s clothes and shoes. It is always a mess in the mornings, reflecting all the considered outfits the couple wanted to wear but decided against. I now have to tidy it all up and make sure that the closet is flawless. 

I clean the walk-in toilet when I am done then shut the door of the main bedroom as I make my way to cleaning three other bedrooms in the house. 

I find a positive pregnancy test in Mbali’s room. My stomach feels super unsettled. Mbali and Mrs Msomi do not have the kind of relationship that normal mothers and daughters have. I worry about what she may be going through on her own. 

“Why are you so stupid?! Why Sonto?! Why?! Are you begging me to fire you?! Do you think domestic work is a scarce skill and you are an irreplaceable employee in the history of all employees?!” Mrs Msomi is yelling at the top of her lungs. 

I take the pregnancy test and put it in my pocket. I pull my bucket full of now dirty water and make my way down the stairs. My bit is done. The rest of the house is cleaned by Sis’Sonto and Sis’Puseletso. I am a nanny to the kids, then I clean the bedrooms. There are three domestic workers in this house, two chefs and an entire garden service. The house is massive. 

“Madam, I am so sorry. I thought that you were hosting your friends next week.” Sis’Sonto says, terrified. Mrs Msomi is terrifying. 

“Okay Sonto… while you think that my luncheon is next week and forgot to book catering and decor for tomorrow, what do you propose I do?” Mrs Msomi. 

Sis’Sonto is quiet. 

“Useless! Absolutely and completely useless! You just want to embarrass me wena Sonto ngiyakubona. Every time I give you a project, you find a way to sabotage me. I wasn’t asking you to cook or decorate my place. I was asking you to make sure that there will be food and that the place will be decorated. Pick up the damn phone and make sure it’s done. That was difficult for you? Who the hell hired you?! I must fire both you and my assistant. I was very particular about not wanting a useless domestic worker.” She rants on at the top of her voice. 

“Mam’Msomi”, I try to intervene.

“What Zelda?!” Mrs Msomi barks at me. 

“Maybe I can help.” I say. 

She looks at me. 

“With what Zelda? And at what time between you being a domestic worker, Siya’s nanny and Mbali’s stylist do you think you can help me?” She says to me. 

“Mrs Msomi, the chefs can organize a good meal and finger foods. They can be in charge of the food and drinks. I will take care of the decor and entertainment.” I say.

She looks at me. I seem to be winning her over. 

“We can treat the ladies to a spa day. I will bring my friends from school and we will organize massages and nail care throughout the day.” I say. 

“Your friends? Your friends, Zelda?” She is starting to shout again. 

“Mrs Msomi, I am studying somatology.” I say. She is acting like she does not know this. 

She thinks about it for a minute. 

Sis’Sonto and I look at each other. I am hoping she will say yes and give us a break. Sis’Sonto looks pissed at me. I’m saving her ass. Why is she mad at me? 

“Don’t mess this up, Zelda! I am not joking. You mess it up and I will end you.” Mrs Msomi says to me. 

“Yes ma’am”, me.

“And wena Sonto, you better make sure that you and Puseletso support Zelda with whatever she needs. If she tells you to eat shit, you better eat it with a smile. If I turn my head for three seconds and find you arguing with Zelda, I will fire you. She is saving your job right now. You better be grateful”. Mrs Msomi says then walks away, rocking her heels like a real boss.

Sis’Sonto on the other hand, she is ready to end me. 

…

I am halfway through doing Mbali’s hair when she needs to get up to go throw up. We have been chatting about and connecting like we always do. However, I always remember that I am just the help around here, not her sister. 

I have called my classmates regarding the luncheon and they have agreed to come through and make some extra coins. Hopefully Mrs Msomi will pay well. We have not even discussed payment yet. But I trust her when it comes to payments. She really is fair when it comes to that. 

Mrs Msomi told me to write her a list of everything that I will need. I gave it to her, and she has had her assistant order everything and make sure that it is at the house by 6am tomorrow. 

Mbali comes back and I proceed to do her hair.

“What are you going to do about that baby, Mbali?” I ask her.

She almost jumps off her chair. 

“Who else knows?” She asks me. That is her concern. She is pregnant and her concern is who knows about the pregnancy. 

“No one. Just me. I found your pregnancy test. Don’t worry, I got rid of it.” I say. 

She sighs. 

“Honestly, I don’t know what to do.” She says. 

“Have you told the father?” I ask her. 

“Yeah. He wants me to have an abortion. I actually think that’s a good idea. I’m in no position to have a baby right now.” She says. 

“Is that what you want, Mbali?” I ask her. 

“I want a lot of things, Zelda. And I am not going to get any of them if I keep this child. Besides, I have a steady boyfriend and my baby daddy has a wife. This child will do more damage than good in my life.” She says. 

I am a little thrown off by that statement, but I will not show it. I don’t want her feeling as if I am judging her.

“You think I’m a bad person?” She asks me. 

“Not at all. I just want you to be okay, that’s all.” Me. 

“Zelda, I need you here tomorrow morning no later than 5am.” Mrs Msomi walks into the room we are in and says. 

“Yes ma’am”, I say. 

“Good. I’ve arranged ukuthi ubaba kaMbali akulande. Please, be ready and don’t disappoint me.” She says. 

I nod my head. 

“I’ll make sure that you have all the help you need. Sonto and Puseletso will also help you.” She says. 

I just look at her. 

“Will that be a problem?” She asks me. 

“Mama, Sonto and Puseletso do not like Zelda. You are making it awkward for Zelda”, Mbali says. 

“Is that true, Zelda?” Mrs Msomi asks me. 

“Our relationship is just awkward, Mam’Msomi”, I say. 

“Okay. I’ll keep them away tomorrow. Finish up lapho with Mbali so you can go home and get some rest. Tomorrow is a big day for me, but an even bigger day for you. Ubaba kaMbali is already waiting for you downstairs”, Mrs Msomi says. 

She leaves and closes the door behind her. 

Mbali and I finish up. 

…

The car ride. 

Mr Msomi is playing African jazz music as he drives me home. 

“Do you stay alone, Zelda?” He asks me. 

“Yes, I do.” Me. 

“No boyfriend getting upset with you working late?” Him. 

I shake my head. 

He giggles.

“Why not? Nobody is good enough for you?” He asks me. 

I guess he is trying to make conversation, so let me participate. 

“I don’t have time. My job is quite demanding, and I am juggling it with school. The little bit of time that I do have over long weekends or December holidays, I go home to Mafikeng to spend time with my son.” I say. 

He looks at me as if I have said something so profound. 

“That explains it. I’ve been wondering how or why you are so good with Mbali and Siya. I see it now. You are a mother.” He says. 

“Yes, I am.” Me. 

“How old is your son?” He asks me. 

“He is eight years old.” I say. 

He looks at me in a weird way. I know why. 

“How old are you?” He asks me. 

“I am 24 years old.” I say. 

He nods his head. I am feeling judged. I feel as if I need to explain myself. But I won’t. 

“Who does he stay with? Your son, who does he stay with?”

“My parents. They help me out a lot.” 

“And his father?” 

“What about him?” 

“Where is he?” 

“I don’t know and I don’t care. He is a ghost in my son’s life. When I had my son, I was in school and he was in university. He wanted nothing to do with me or the pregnancy. That was the last time I heard from him. Then when my son was headed to grade one, he went to my parents and insisted on paying his school fees and buying him food and clothes. So, he communicates with my parents and does all that, but he does not spend time with his son at all. Like I said, he is a ghost.” Me. 

He is silent. 

I am silent. 

“What’s your son’s name?” He asks me. 

“Mohavi”, I say with a smile. 

“What does that mean?” He asks me. 

“Victor”, I say. 

“Powerful. I love it.” Him. 

“He is my little victor”, I say. 

My phone rings. It is my mom. 

“Can I take this? It is my mom.” 

“Sure.” 

“It will be on speaker. My phone is having issues”, me. 

He nods his head and turns down the volume of the radio. 

I answer.

“Mama”, me. 

“Koena, are you alright?” My mom. 

“Yes mom, I am fine. Is everything okay with you?”

“Everything is fine, nana. Listen, Thabiso is here. He says he wants to take Mohavi on holiday.” My mom says.

“Excuse me?” Me. I see Mr Msomi looking at me. 

“I said no. I told him that he needs to wait for you to come home and the two of you need to talk about how you will co-parent Mohavi. This thing of his only speaking to me when you are Mohavi’s mother is not on. Even your dad gave him a good piece of his mind because that boy is becoming arrogant now. He has not even paid for damages and he now wants to take Mohavi on holiday. He made me so angry.” My mom is ranting now. 

“Mama, please give Mohavi the phone.” I interrupt her. 

“Mohavi! Your mother is on the phone and wants to talk to you”, I hear my mom calling for him. 

“Mama, when are you coming home?” Mohavi says, out of breath. Where was he running from? 

“Hello Mohavi, how are you?” I remind him to be polite and greet.

He giggles. 

“I’m fine, mommy. I just miss you. When are you coming to see me?” Mohavi.

“I’m coming next week, my boy. I will be there Friday when you come home from school.” I say. 

“Will you fetch me from school like all my other friends who get fetched by their moms?” Him. 

“Do you want me to?” Me. 

“Yes.” Him. 

“Okay my boy, then I will.” 

He laughs aloud.

My sweet boy. 

“Be good for your grandparents, my boy. I love you.” Me. 

“I love you too, mommy. And you promise that when I go to grade eight, I will live with you?” He says.

“Cross my heart”, me. 

“Okay. Bye mommy.” 

He hands the phone back to my mom. 

“Koena”. 

“Mama. Keep Thabiso away from Mohavi. I will be home next week. We will sort this out.” Me. 

“Okay nana. And I will tell him to come with his parents like he should have all those years ago. He must not come here and disrespect us. We are not his friends.” My mom. 

“Okay mama. Bye.”

“Bye nana”. 

Mr Msomi parks outside my four room RDP house.

“Goodnight Koena”, he says smiling. 

I laugh. 

“Goodnight, Mr Msomi.” I say. 

“When it’s just us two, please feel free to call me Mthunzi.” He says. 

“Okay. Goodnight Mthunzi”, me. 

I close the door and head to my house as he drives off. 

…

It is 2am and there is a loud bang on my door. I feel slightly unsettled and disorientated. 

“Koena, it’s me. Please open for me.” The voice says. What is Mr Msomi doing here at this time? He is scheduled to fetch me at 4H30am. 

I make my way to the door and open for him. 

He walks in and smells of alcohol. 

I look at him, waiting for an explanation. 

“I thought I’d come straight here after my night out. If you don’t mind, can I just get an hour of sleep and I’ll shower up in the morning.” He says. 

I just let him in and close the door. I let him sleep in the second bedroom. Mohavi usually sleeps in here when he visits me.

He is out within ten minutes. 

I go back to sleep and wait for my alarm to go off at 4am. 

I make my bed and head to shower. 

My house may be an RDP house, but I made sure that it is a proper home and looks nice inside. My money has gone towards putting in a shower in the bathroom and a stylish basin and toilet. My main bedroom has a queen-size bed and a stylish bedroom suite. Mohavi’s room has a double bed, a cupboard and a little TV in there that he watches his cartoons on because we always fight over the TV channels. The house did not come with wardrobes, so I bought them and had them built-in in both bedrooms. 

My TV room has a 55inch plasma screen, a soundbar and speaker, a TV stand and two couches: one three-seater and a one seater. My kitchen is very small, but it is warm. 

I finish showering and get dressed in my spa outfit. I tidy up a bit around the house and open the curtains. I realize that Mr Msomi has parked his Benz behind the house so people walking on the street do not see that there is a car parked outside of my house. 

Mr Msomi wakes up and I let him shower in my bathroom. 

I make breakfast: eggs, bacon, tomatoes and toast. I then make strong coffee using my espresso machine. He comes into the kitchen dressed in jeans, topless and no shoes. This man is way too comfortable. We sit on the kitchen stools together and he eats the breakfast, seeming to enjoy the coffee. 

“Are you going to explain yourself?” I ask him. 

“I went out with some friends and things got wild.” He says. 

“And instead of going back to your house and to your wife, you came here?” I ask him. 

“I knew I had to wake up early to come pick you up, so it made sense for me to come here.” He says. 

“Mr Msomi –

“Mthunzi, please.”

“Mthunzi, I don’t want trouble. I don’t want people getting the wrong end of the stick. Sonto and Puseletso hate me. If you and I get too close, they’ll think we are having an affair and tell Mrs Msomi. Mrs Msomi is quite terrifying. I’m not trying to mess with her.” I say. 

“I hear you. I’m sorry for putting you in that position. It won’t happen again.” He says. 

I nod my head. 

“Do you need a t-shirt?” I ask him. 

“I have one in my boot, thanks.” He says. 

This is clearly an unfaithful man. Why does he keep clothes in his boot? 

“Okay. Let me grab my stuff then we can go. I need to make sure that today is perfect or else Mrs Msomi will end me.” I say. 

He chuckles. 

When I walk out of my room with my stuff, I find Mr Msomi looking at the A2 portrait photos of Mohavi and me. 

I clear my throat and he sees me waiting behind him.

We leave. 

…

All these ladies are complimenting Mrs Msomi on how much of an incredible host she is. We all had tip jars next at our stations and these ladies have tipped us very well. I am top of my class now for this hook up and Mrs Msomi is very happy. 

It is now 4pm and the day has come to an end. The ladies receive their goody bags then we start packing up and tidying up. The people who brought in these hired decor and beds come in and take their stuff. Mrs Msomi calls me to her office. 

“Zelda, you have skill. I am removing you from the domestic service job band. I will be drafting your contract soon and you will be reading it on Monday. Thank you for today.” She says, handing me an envelope. 

I accept the envelope. 

“There is R80 000 in there. Each of the girls who helped out today can get R8000. Here is your envelope. I am paying you R12 000 for a job well done and for going above and beyond your call of duty.” 

I smile at her. Like I said, she has her issues, but she is fair. 

“Thank you, Mam’Msomi”, I say. I take my envelope and leave.

…

The girls and I hit the club to spend our well-earned money. The music is great and the vibe is lit. We are dancing away when one of the girls tells us that she knows someone in VIP who has called us to chill with him and his friends. Free drinks for the rest of the night? I’m there! 

We make our way to the VIP section and we find that all these men are gorgeous. I am very willing to have a one-night stand tonight. 

Then… I see Mr Msomi walking in my direction. This man though. When does he spend time with his wife? Also, my friends do not know that I am a domestic worker. He cannot expose me tonight. Please.

“Mr Msom-

“Mthunzi”, he interrupts me. 

“Mthunzi. Hi.” 

“You good?” Him. 

“Yeah. You?” Me. 

“I’m good.” He says.

“Look… my friends don’t know that I am a domestic worker. I’d appreciate if it stayed that way.” I say. 

“You have nothing to worry about with me. And we don’t have to talk about work.” He says. I nod my head. 

“Zee, come join us here. We are having champagne, babe.” One of the girls calls me. 

Mthunzi leads me to the table where he and his friends are sitting. They are all here with girls that do not seem to be their wives. There is one lady with a ring on her marriage finger and I am going out on a limb to say that she is out here clubbing with her husband. The man who kisses her has a ring too, so my theory has an 80% chance of being fact. 

We are drinking and dancing about. Mr Msomi is checking me out and I see him. He is a good-looking man, but I cannot do that to Mbali and Siya. Mrs Msomi is a cow, but not even she deserves what this man wants to do. I move my mind away from those thoughts and have a good time dancing and drinking with my friends. 

Now it is 2am and the club has decided to bring a DJ who is playing old skool hip hop. The kind of music that has you thinking about life. My girls are being chatted up by these men we have come to chill with, and I am here engaging in deep conversations with Mr Msomi. 

“Why don’t you ever go out with Mrs Msomi?” I ask him. 

“Why are you bringing her up?” He asks me. 

“She’s your wife. She’s part of you.” I say.

He sighs. 

“Sindi and I have not been in a good place in the past two years. She has also moved on with someone else. We are still married because of the things that we have accumulated together and the businesses that we have. If it weren’t for that, we would be over.” He says. 

“Oh… I had no idea. I’m sorry.” 

“You wouldn’t have known. I have also been in a relationship with someone else, but unedrama nje that I cannot handle so I have decided to walk away.” He says. 

I laugh. 

He smiles at me.

“I have a son, you know. A seventeen-year-old son. I had him when I was eighteen. I was a very forward kid back in the day.” He says. 

I chuckle, but lean in to listen more. 

“When Sindiswa and I met, I was very open about him and his mother. Sindi at first, seemed like she was okay with being his mother. After we got married, she made sure that he never set foot in our house or even have a relationship with Siya and Mbali. Mbali is a lot older now and my son has told me that he and Mbali talk a lot. I know Mbali lies to her mom about going away with friends then she ends up going to KZN to visit my parents and spends time with her brother. She’s a cool girl and has been there for him when I couldn’t be. I’m thankful to her for that. His mom passed away seven years ago, and I begged Sindiswa to let him live with us. I went down on my knees and begged her. She said no. She doesn’t even want us to put him through school. I do it from a trust that she has no access to or else she would stop it.” He says. 

“Why does she hate him so much?” I ask him.

“I don’t even care to know. He is a child in all of this. Sindiswa should know better.” He says.

I nod my head. 

I agree with him actually. 

“She started having an affair with some man from her workplace two years ago and our marriage has never been the same since. It became further strained.” He says. 

“I see. I’m sorry about that, Mthunzi. I really am. I think you should encourage a relationship between your kids regardless of how Mrs Msomi feels about it. They are siblings and uMbali wenza kahle by being there for him.” I say. 

“My superstar. I love that girl.” He says, smiling to himself. 

I smile at him. 

“Let me call myself an uber. I need to get going.” I say. 

“Let me take you home. I don’t mind. We will drop off one of my friends and his wife at their place then I’ll take you home.” He says. 

I do not argue with him. 

We say goodbye and leave with the friend and wife. 

The car ride is just the guys talking. Us women do not say much. We get to their place and drop them off. I am a bit scared because Mr Msomi is still drinking and he is driving. 

“Can I take us to a hotel?” He asks me. 

I know what this means, but I nod my head anyway. 

He holds my hand and says, “Are you sure? You don’t have to do this if you are not comfortable”.

I look at him and say, “I am sure.” 

…

We first showered together. He was drunk and starting to doze off. I think the shower was to wake him up. After the shower, we go into the bedroom. He is naked. I have a towel around my body. 

“Are you sure about this?” He asks me again. 

This time, I pull down my towel. He pulls out a condom from his wallet and gives it to me. I unwrap it as I give him a blow job. He is moaning and holding onto my head. When I am done unwrapping the condom, I slide it onto his penis. He picks me up and puts me on the bed. He puts his penis inside of me and I cross the line. I have sex with my boss’ husband. It is so good. It is absolute pleasure. We keep going round after round until we run out of condoms. I do not even know where he was getting these condoms from. 

The sun comes up as we are chatting away about anything and everything. He is such a nice man, and he is a beast in bed. 

“I’ve got such a bad headache”, I tell him. 

“It’s all that champagne you were downing last night. That shit is bad for people. I don’t know why people blow money on that crap.” He says. 

I chuckle. 

“I need to get going. I need to get airtime and call my mom. I need to also go to the mall and get a cellphone for Mohavi. He has been putting pressure on me for it. He says his school asked them to have tablets and laptops. I have been saving so his Christmas gift will be great and he will be ready for grade four,” I tell him. 

“I can come with you if you don’t mind”, he says. 

“No, it’s okay. Maybe Mrs Msomi probably needs you at home.” I say. 

“She left for Dubai after her book club luncheon. She went with her boyfriend.” He says. 

“Okay. Siya and Mbali bona?” I ask. 

“They are with Sindiswa’s parents in Diepkloof. Come on, let’s shower and get going”, he says. 

…

We are having breakfast at the hotel now.

“What’s your son’s name?” I ask him.

“Mfundo”, he says. 

“What does he like?” I ask. 

“Football. And he is very good at it. I have put him in a school that will develop him in that. I want him to go play in England.” He says. 

“Wow. That’s so cool. He is lucky to have you.” I say. 

“He’s a great kid. He reminds me of myself when I was his age. I don’t want him making babies, so I need to keep him busy”, he says. I laugh. 

“So, what are you going to do about Mohavi’s dad? He seems to be wanting to come into his life.” He says. 

“Honestly, I don’t know. I will have to take my parents’ advice on this one. Mohavi already believes his father never wanted him. It hurt him a lot. Now that he wants to come back, I don’t want Mohavi thinking I kept his dad away. At the same time, I don’t want Thabiso to come into Mohavi’s life and disappoint him at a later stage.” I express. 

“Let Mohavi decide for himself. Expose him to his dad and see what Thabiso does with it. Remember, we don’t know why he stayed away. You might not be interested in his reasons anymore, but he owes those reasons to Mohavi.” He says. 

I look at him as I let his advice simmer on me. 

We made our way to the mall and he bought me a new cellphone, an iPhone 12 then bought Mohavi an iPhone 11. He bought Mohavi an iPad and MacBook as well as an HP laptop. I am very thankful to him and I made sure he knows. I made him buy a few things for Mfundo as well. 

We went back to my house. I cooked for him. He says he was helping me cook, but he just sat on the kitchen bar stool and drank beer. He at least kept me company. 

After we had dinner, we settled for a movie on Netflix. We logged into his account and watched away. We had popcorn even. The night ended with us in bed together again.

…

I’m in my office just going through some patient files. I’m experiencing brixton hicks and they started this morning. I asked my gynae to just check me out before I head home. I told her I’ll pass by office before I head home. 

I stand up from my chair to go to the toilet. A pile of water just hits the ground. 

I’m scheduled for a c-section for the end of the week. I need to admit myself right now before I’m forced to go into natural birth. I need an emergency c-section. 

“Khosi!” I yell for her. 

She runs into my office. 

“Please phone Dr Clayton and tell him I need an emergency c-section right now. I’m in labour.” I tell her. 

She rushes out immediately. 

I phone Leruo. 

“Zamo.”

“Leruo. I’m in labour. I’ve booked myself in for an emergency c-section before I’m forced to do natural birth”, I say.

“I’m ten minutes away from the hospital. I’ll see you now. I’ll phone my dad and ask him to get the boys”, he says.

“Okay. When you get here, speak to Khosi. She’ll take you to where I am.” I say. 

By the time I hang up, nurses are here with a bed on wheels, ready to take me into surgery. 

They give me a gown and shaving cream. 

I can’t even reach my cookie. 

I ask Busisiwe to shave me. 

It’s embarrassing, but I can’t go into theatre with the pubes. 

I leave my clothes here and wear this gown that I have to wear for theatre. 

By the time I get on this bed and get wheeled to theatre, Leruo is here. He’s next to me. He leaves his things in my office, locks my office and keeps the key with him. 

“Yoh, it’s getting painful”, I say. 

“We are almost there, Dr Tloung”, the nurse says. 

I get to theatre. 

I’m pushed in before all these people here. 

Leruo is next to me as my baby is being taken out of me. We are actually having a conversation as the baby is being taken out of me. 

It reminds me of when we were doing this with Fenya. We still don’t know what we are expecting by the way.

“This is the last one, neh“, I say to him. 

He laughs and says, “why?” 

“I mean we have four kids now. Paula’s two are with us full time now. My plate is very full, thank you very much”, I say. 

He laughs then says, “Thanks for agreeing to stay with my children”. 

“They are mine too. And they’ve definitely made it easy. Abahluphi bona at all, as kids. I’m just worried about Paula’s family. I feel like we haven’t heard the last of them”, I say.

“I’ll deal with them. Don’t worry”, he says. 

“You sure?” 

He nods his head then kisses me. 

“We are going to need a bigger house.” He says. 

I smile at him. 

Then we hear a baby scream its lungs out. 

“It’s a girl. Congratulations!” I’m so happy, my goodness.

She’s brought to me and put on my chest. She’s perfect. 

“Sawubona, ntokazi.” I greet her. 

Leruo is also so happy. 

Then, he is told to take off his shirt. Him and his fine body! Sheesh!

Our baby girl is put on top of him. 

He won’t stop kissing her. 

I love it. 

Ey, but she’s crying hey. 

She’s given to me, so I feed her from my boob.

With Fenya, it was difficult. I was a first-time mom and I had never breastfed before. But this time, it’s a bit easier. And Leruo – I’m sure experience taught him well – he helps the baby latch onto my boob. 

I’m in a private room now. Leruo is sleeping over here with us. I’m all stitched up and just in recovery. With the epidural waring off, I’m feeling the pain of the surgery now.

“She’s beautiful. Ngiyabonga“, he says.

I smile at him. 

“You give me beautiful babies all the time. Ngiyabonga, baby.” I say. 

His dad, Sis Mandisa and Sis Neo walk in. I never know where I stand with the first wife. She’s just never involved in anything and she just removes herself from everyone. I don’t know what to make of that.

They have balloons and flowers and gifts.

“Congratulations!” 

“You’ve done so well!” 

“How are you feeling?”

These are all the questions thrown my way. Leruo and his dad are talking to each other. 

The moment is made more perfect when my baby girl is brought in with her little cot. She’s wrapped in a white blanket. We have white things in her baby bag because we didn’t know what we were having. 

Everyone’s heart is so warm. 

Dikwe even cries. 

I can’t help but laugh aloud. And everyone laughs at me laughing. Dikwe? Cry? Hai bo!

Uncle KB and his wife, Molutsi, walk in. 

They also have gifts and balloons and flowers. They also ask the frequently asked questions, then gush over my baby girl. She’s perfect. She’s bringing this family close in a real way. 

I feel Leruo holding my hand.

We kiss. 

“Ntsoaki”, Dikwe says.

We all look at her. 

“The girl amongst boys. She is our girl amongst all our boys. Ke Ntsoaki”. Dikwe explains. 

I love that. And she really is the girl amongst boys. 

“And she’s also a queen… in this family, she will be the route of it all. I think the first name that should be written first on her birth certificate is Kgosikgadi.” KB says. 

Woooh, my baby is loved. I love it. 

“Mama ngwana, what do you think?” Leruo asks me.

“I love it. Kgosikgadi Ntsoaki Tloung it is.” I say. 

Leruo and I kiss. 

Dikwe picks her up from the cot and bonds with her – with tears guys! I cannot get over this. I cannot!

…

The next morning, I am woken up by a nurse bringing Kgadi to her personal vending machine – my boob – for her morning feed. 

“How are you feeling, Dr T?” The nurse asks me. 

Leruo is still asleep. 

“The stitches are painful, but I’ll be okay.” I say as my girl latches onto my boob. 

“We have to get you walking today. Yesterday, we made you stand, but today you have to walk.” She says. 

“I’ll do my best. Don’t worry.” I say. 

I am a doctor. I know how this works. 

The nurse leaves. 

I chat to my baby girl as she eats. 

Leruo wakes up.

He stretches while in bed.

“Good morning”, he says. 

“Say hello daddy. Good morning, daddy.” I say to my baby. 

She’s just sucking her boob. She doesn’t care. But her eyes are wide open and beautiful – just like her father.

Leruo goes to the toilet to pee. 

When he gets back, he takes Kgadi from me and makes her burp. 

“Ulale njani?” I ask him.

“I slept good. The bed is actually comfortable. How did you sleep?” 

“I slept okay. But yoh, I’m just bleeding a lot. It’s uncomfortable. The pain also got a bit crazy at night.” 

“I’m sorry, baby. You’ve done an incredible thing – bringing a life into this world. Your body is going through a lot. But I want you to know that I appreciate you. I’m thankful for you. I love you. I don’t regret the night I first saw you in Italy… and I definitely know that you are gorgeous.” He says. 

I smile at him. 

“For you, I’d do this over and over again. You are such a phenomenal father. I can’t imagine doing this with anyone else.” I say. 

He smiles at me. 

He kisses me. 

When Kgadi is taken by the nurse again, we go and shower. He helps me with my wound as well. Then, he dresses up in shorts and a t-shirt. I dress up in loose pyjamas, so the stitches could breathe a bit. 

At the 10am visiting hours, Dikwe and Sis Neo come in with our three boys. Kgadi is here too. 

They all greet me with hugs and kisses. They look so nice. They even look happy. I worry the most about Paula’s boys. They tend to be a bit on and off. But I got them in therapy, and it seems to be working. 

“Mama, why is she so small? Why did you and dad buy a small baby? And she’s a girl. How are we going to play with her?” Fenya starts. 

Leruo laughs. Then he says, “You were also this small when we bought you.” 

“But mommy’s tummy was so big. I thought the baby would be big.”

Fenya is genuinely not okay, yaz. 

We are all laughing, but Fenya feels his concern is genuine.

“So, you don’t want a sister?” Sis Neo asks him. 

He just takes a deep breath.

The big brother picks her up from the cot. He actually even rocks her. He’s really great with her. I smile at them. The other two boys stand on either side of him. They look at her. Stare at her. Leruo takes a picture of them. 

“She’s perfect”, the big brother says. 

“She is, isn’t she?” Dikwe says. 

“Yeah. We are going to make sure that no one and nothing hurts her.” The big brother. 

“So, we are going to fight with people for her?” Fenya. 

“Yes. For her, the world will stand still.” The big brother. 

I smile at this. 

“You do know that life will always happen, right? You won’t be able to protect her from everything. But when you are in a position to protect her, do it with all your heart”, Sis Neo says. 

They are all quiet. 

“What do you think, Bashi?” Dikwe asks Paula’s last born, my now second born. They call him Bashi as a nickname. 

“I like her. I think our family is complete now.” He says.

“You are not buying more children, mama?” Fenya. 

“We’ll see, boy.” Leruo says.

“Dumelang“, some woman says at the door. I’ve never met her before. Leruo is instantly angry. Dikwe seems angry, but shocked. 

What’s going on?

And she looks like such a nice person. She’s an oldish woman. She’s wearing a dress – those ones that only our mothers with big bums can find because I’ve personally never seen these anywhere. She has a doek on and she has a massive bag with her. 

“What are you doing here?” Leruo. 

“Leruo, ngwana waka hle. You are such a grown man. And all of these people are your children? Yoh weh!” She says. 

Yoh! 

I instantly look at Leruo. 

He’s angry.

“And this is your wife? Dumela makoti o mo pila! Yoh! You are so beautiful!” She says to me as she walks towards me. 

“Mmamello, what are you doing here?” Dikwe. 

“Hai wena! Ha ka tla ko wena!” She snaps. 

Weh mah!

“Mmamello, what are you doing here?” Leruo. 

Now it’s awkward.

“Should I take the kids?” Sis Neo asks me. 

“Please.” I say. 

“And who are you? The nanny?” This Mmamelo woman is a problem! How can she say that to Dikwe’s wife? And I’m very sure that she knows that Sis Neo is Dikwe’s wife.

“I’ll just take the kids. Because if I stay here for this, I’m going to regret my actions”, Sis Neo says. 

“Let me come with you. I have to walk a bit as well.” I say. 

She helps me out of the bed. 

Sis Neo takes Kgadi. The boys find their way out. We go find a place to sit in one of the hospital common rooms. I take a minute because I’m walking a lot slower.

“Have you met her before?” I ask Sis Neo.

She shakes her head and says, “Dikwe never even talks about her. All I know is that she was his first wife’s friend.”

Hai no! The Tloungs need a reality show. 

“And then?” Me.

“Then she left when Thandiwe got pregnant with Dikwe’s child. That’s how she found out that Dikwe was busy with her friend. That’s why I don’t take Thandi seriously as Dikwe’s first wife. She came into this marriage through questionable backdoors, and she has the audacity to judge everyone else? Please!”

I’m silent.

“Has Leruo said anything to you?” She asks me.

“He just told me about how abusive her boyfriend was and how he was even abusive towards Leruo. It informed a lot of the husband that Leruo was to Paula. So, I know he’s not happy right now. I just don’t want him to go back into a dark place.” 

She looks at me. 

Then I say, “But whatever this does to these men, they have us. They’ll be okay.” 

She just nods her head.

…

“Mommy, can Motshabi come and visit us this weekend?” Nosipho tells me as I drive my kids to school. 

“Why?” I ask. 

“Because she’s my friend.” 

“So, you guys don’t get enough time to be friends at school?” I enquire. 

Honestly, I don’t want outsiders in my house. I have a lot to protect – especially energies that come in and out of my house.

“Mah, it’s just a sleep over”, she says.

“Mom doesn’t like us sleeping over at people’s houses and she doesn’t like people sleeping over at our house”, Phendu tells her. 

“Why?” Nosipho. 

“I don’t know. She’s always felt that way.” Phendu. 

“My dad let me sleep over at my friends’ houses”, Nosipho says. 

“Well, I’m not your dad. And if you want to apply your dad’s rules, you can go back and live with him.” I tell her.

“Mom, it’s just a sleep over! Why are you being so difficult?!” This thing is even raising her voice at me. 

“Ey wena Nosipho, do you want to fly out of the window of this moving car?! Who are you raising your voice at? Uyahlanya?!” I yell at her. 

Nosipho and her township tendencies are going to rub me up the wrong way. Mark my words!

She breaths heavily and rolls her eyes. 

“So that attitude of yours… did you learn it in other houses when you were sleeping in other people’s houses?!” I yell at her again.

“That sleepover is not happening. You and Motshabi can hang out at school, at the mall over weekends or at Tholoana World whenever you decide to go. No sleepovers.” I conclude. 

The rest of the drive is silent. We are using the BMW X7. They love it better than the Tiguan.

We get to the school and I park my car. While these two older ones insist on walking themselves to class, I have to take Hlangi to class. My nunu bear. 

“There’s Motshabi. Her mom is there dropping her off.” Nosipho tells me. 

I’m taking Hlangi out of his car-seat and grabbing his school bag. I put him on my hip and throw his bag over my shoulder. 

I lock the car. 

As I turn around, I see Bethlehem girl and a girl she came with to Yaya’s funeral.

“Hi”, I greet them. 

“Hey”, Bethlehem girl says to me. 

“This is Motshabi, my friend”, Nosi says.

“Hi Motshabi”, I say. 

“Hi Nosi’s mom.” Motshabi says.

“Are you good?” Me. 

She smiles at me and nods her head. I still don’t want her in my house. 

“Ndalo”, Bethlehem girl says. Kana what’s her name? 

“Kunjani?” Me. I really forgot her name. 

“I’m good. It’s good to see you”, she says. 

“Interesting how our daughters are close now”, I say. 

“Very”, she says. 

The moment is very tense.

“See mommy? You even know Motshabi’s mom. Please let her come over for a sleep over.” Nosipho is going to annoy me. And does she think I’m scared of her friend? Her friend’s mother was my husband’s brief side piece. Please! 

“I said no, Nosipho. And I’m not having this conversation again. Motshabi, it’s nothing against you. Nosipho knows the rules of our house and I’m sorry she put you in this position.” I say.

There’s an awkward silence. 

“We understand”, Bethlehem girl says. 

“Thank you. It was great seeing you again. I need to take Hlangi to class. Phendu, give mommy a kiss.” 

Phendu kisses my cheek. 

“See you later, mommy.” He says.

“See you later, baby.” Me. 

“Ndalo, a kiss please.” Me. 

She just pecks my cheek angrily.

“Get in a better mood, baby girl. See you later.” I say. 

I now walk off to drop my kiddo in class. 

I arrive at Hlangi’s class. He sees his friends and he sprints from me. 

“Excuse me?” Me.

He pauses. He runs back to me. He kisses my cheek then says, “Bye mommy.” 

“Bye baby”, I say. 

Then he’s gone.

I put his bag down at his locker. 

His teacher finds me.

“Mrs Mbatha, Hlangi is doing so much better”, she says. 

Turns out my son was struggling – in his quiet way – with his dad’s passing and the adjustment it came with. He is in child therapy and I’m happy to hear that he’s doing better. But even at home… he’s happier now. He’s less clingy now. I’m even having a conversation with him about him moving out of my bed and into his own bedroom now. He cries about it. But I’m hopeful that he will get there eventually. 

“Thank you”, I reply to his teacher.

“The school is also giving him therapy. He has even joined the soccer team”, she tells me. 

“He told me.” I say, laughing.

“Yeah. Maybe it’s his way of connecting to his father. He likes to say that he’s the captain like his father.” The teacher tells me. 

“Thank you for really keeping an eye on him. I really appreciate you.” I say. 

“No problem. We appreciate involved mothers. And Mrs Mbatha, you are doing so great with your kids. I was in the staffroom with Phendu’s and Nosi’s teachers. We all take our hats off to you. Mr Mbatha’s death was so hard on the country and soccer lovers – so we can only imagine what that’s been like for you. But your kids are so much happier lately and you are so present for each and every one of them. The school takes its hat off to you, Mrs Mbatha. I don’t know if people tell you this often enough, but you are doing amazing.” 

I actually get emotional. She sees it. This is everything to me. I need to hear this. I need my children to be happy. It’s important to me that they understand and know that I’ve got them. And I love them. 

She brushes my hand. 

I smile at her. 

As I make my way back to my car to leave for work, Khotso phones me. Eish, by the way, my man. 

“Hey baby”, I answer my phone as I get into the car. 

“Hey beautiful. You good?” 

“I’m good. What’s up?” 

“I’m taking you out today. I’m going to send you a location. Please meet me there”, he says.

“Okay. And work?” 

“Ona found a replacement. Relax.” 

“Your brother knows about us?” 

“He’s my brother. He’s very much a part of me. He knows when I fart. Of course, he knows.” 

I laugh at that. I mean…

“Okay. Ngiyeza.” I say. 

We hang up. 

I drive for about twenty minutes and the location leads me to some secluded house. There’s a security guard at the gate.

“Hello”, I greet him. 

“Miss Ndalo. Please drive to the main driveway. Mr Khotso is there waiting for you.” The guard says. 

Heh banna!

I drive in. The security then closes the gate and locks it. Like this is the only house here. The next house is quite far from here. 

I drive to the main driveway and I see a circle even. In the centre of the circle, there’s a waterfall. It’s so beautiful. 

I park my car next to Khotso’s car. 

I climb out of my car.

The garden is out of this world. 

Instead of going inside the house, I walk out here. The pool is insanely big. I hope Khotso has not bought me a house. Because this is just a dead giveaway that I have a rich man. 

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” I hear a voice. It’s his.

I turn around and look at him. 

“It’s incredible. What’s all this?” I ask him. 

“Our house. You and I can use this as our love nest. It’s just a place for you and me. It’s far. It’s private. It’s big enough to still accommodate us if we fight and don’t want to share a bed.”

I laugh. 

“I don’t want us to go to hotels just to spend time together. You are not my prostitute and I don’t want to treat you like one. So, we come here to be together.” He says.

I just kiss him. 

He kisses me back, feeling my body as he does so. I feel him getting hard. 

“Which bedroom are we baptizing first?” I ask him. 

He smiles at me. 

I run into the house to explore it some more.

Before we know it, it’s 4pm. We didn’t even talk much today. We ate and had sex throughout the day. This old man is a stallion! So much libido? Hai! But it was nice. It was a good day. I’m happy. I’m sexified. I’m in a good mood for days!

I’ve just finished showering and getting dressed in the clothes I had on this morning. 

He gives me a bank card. 

“And this?” I ask him. 

“Fill the cupboards in this house with clothes and whatever you want.” He says.

I raise my eyebrow at him. 

“It’s your house. Remember?” He says. 

I laugh.

“We will talk later, okay? I need to fetch the babies.” I say.

“Yeah. I’m also going to prison to see Mohato. Remo is fetching Moloko and Rena.” He says. 

“Okay. We will chat later”, I say. 

We kiss. 

This is nice! I love it!