Today is Kamva’s birthday and naturally, Neli is throwing a birthday party for her. Let me tell you… we fought! Yoh, my sisters and I FOUGHT throughout the planning of this birthday party and I’m not even sure if my girls and I should attend this damn party.

So let me catch you up on what happened…
Neli came to Noni and I and informed us that she was having a birthday party for Kamva because Kamva is turning ten. INFORMED. Then, Noni asked what she was planning as far as theme and venue were concerned. NONI ASKED – NOT FIKILE! Neli proceeded to explain that the birthday party would be at Emeralds where the kids could have a fun-filled weekend. Obviously, I started realizing here that there is an assumption that Fikile would pay for this party because Neli cannot afford to take kids on a weekend away and keep them entertained at Emeralds. Furthermore, we know that the only thing that Kamva’s father is good at is showing up, but not assisting financially.
So, I giggled at this.
“What?” Neli asked me.
“Who’s paying for this party?” I asked.
“I won’t ask you for your money. Don’t worry. Just bring Rofhiwa and Khanyisa and make sure you just pay for their stay as well as yours and Thomas’ accommodation.”
Shup.
After this comment, I never took part in any birthday party conversation again. I even told Neli that we will wait for an invitation. I then went into the house and chilled with my mother for the rest of the day.

The following week, my mom and I were on a call – our daily gossip calls. They usually start with me saying, “MaKhumalo, nivuke njani?”
She would reply by just getting into the gossip. I’d laugh and be in stitches during the call. It would last an hour then when we hang up, Thando would walk into my office and say, “How’s MaKhumalo? Yhu, I want a friend like that yaz. She always leaves you in high spirits.” When I told her that MaKhumalo is my mother, she was so shocked. And we’ve shared her ever since. Thando does nice things for my mom like take her to the mall when I’m too busy. Now she gets “MaKhumalo” phone calls too.
Anyway… so this particular phone call, she said to me, “MaFiki, nang’udadewenu enza umcimbi ongango R130 000 kungewona nomshado.”
Obviously, I laughed. Then I remembered that I was promised that my money wouldn’t be asked for. My mom then explained that Kamva and her mother are inviting thirty people to Kamva’s party – excluding adults. The kids would be staying at the chalets at Emeralds. Then day one, the kids would go see animals and day two, they’d spend the day at the water dome. Kamva and her mother hired Quantums to take people to and from Emeralds.

When I say that my mother and I were in stitches, I’m not joking. While my money was not requested to assist, my parents were asked for money and Sbo was asked for money. Sbo downright said no and my mom said that she and my dad would only be able to contribute R10 000. When asked how much she had for the birthday party, she said R5000.
Ja… read that again!
Fikile thus continued to mind her own business.

Another week later, my mom brought this birthday party up in our gossip session again and she told me that Neli asked her to ask me to pay for the birthday party. I said no. Flat! Not only did I think she was throwing a birthday party she couldn’t afford to throw in the first place, but she was being unnecessarily wasteful and I was not going to support such behaviour. When I got off that phone call, Thomas phoned me and told me that Neli and Noni had just left his office. They were there to ask him for R300 000. Yerrrr!
I immediately got into my car, drove to Soweto and the minute I walked into Neli’s room, I slapped the shit out of her. We naturally got into a heated physical altercation that not even Noni could stop. My dad had to come and pull us apart.
“Where do you get off? Asking my husband for R300 000? Uyanya wena?!” I yelled.
My parents were shocked.
“It’s not like he doesn’t have it”, THAT was her response.
“You think he’s putting it away for you?” I asked her.
She took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry, Fikile. It’s just that my man had promised he would pay for everything, then his wife didn’t allow him to pay-
“His wife?!” My mom responded in utter shock.
“So his wife says no and you think my husband is your next runner up? What level of ubufebe is this? With people’s husbands? Are you not ashamed?” I said.
“I don’t owe you any explanation about my life, Fikile!” She said.
“When you start growing balls to go to my husband for even twenty cents, you owe more than just an explanation!” I say.
“And if that married man is coming to my house to see you, you owe me an explanation too”, my mom said.
Neli just walked away and left us there. My dad had to phone Thomas and apologise for Neli’s bold gesture.

Today is the party. My mom and Sbo told me that the party is today. Quantums leave to Emeralds at 4pm. I guess her man paid after all. Rofhiwa and Khanyisa got invited via whatsapp messages directly from Kamva and they showed the messages to Thomas and I. But honestly, I’m super reluctant to go to this party.

“You haven’t packed?” Thomas walks into the walk-in closet and finds me staring at the clothes in front of me.
I shake my head.
He walks in and sits next to me on the couch I’m sitting on.
“Baby, you know Rofhi and Khanyi are excited to go to this thing right? Even your parents are here right now. They are excited for us to travel together. Sbo is here with his girlfriend as well.” He says.
I just throw my head into my hands. My parents, Sbo, his girlfriend, Thomas, Khanyi, Rofhi and I are traveling in Tom’s V300. Thomas and I booked rooms at the hotel at Emerald and we will be staying there.
“Maybe you guys should go without me”, I say.
He pulls me into a hug. Then he says, “We are all going, baby. Come on, let’s get packing. The party has already started downstairs.”
I breathe aloud.

…

Thomas and Sbo are packing all the bags into the car now. My mom and I are putting together fruit and snacks for the road. Rofhi and Khanyi are wrapping their gifts that they got for Kamva. Khanyi bought Kamva a new cellphone and Rofhi bought Kamva a new laptop.

Sbo’s girlfriend is very shy. Very shy! She just sits somewhere and disappears. We sometimes even forget that she’s around. My mom doesn’t like her. My mom complains about her a lot. Apparently, she is the reason my brother hides food and cooks for just himself in his backroom then goes to the house to steal more food. Now, my mom must hide food because this girl has kinda moved in with him and this issue is daily. Sbo says that he buys his own groceries because Noni and Neli don’t contribute anything to the house, but want everything given to them.
All I know is that I have to kinda try with this girl. For Sbo. Maybe I’ll view her differently and try to convince my mother otherwise.

…

We have arrived at the hotel and have just settled in. Thomas and I are in a family room with Rofhi and Khanyi. Our rooms have a door between them and we prefer it that way. My parents are sharing a room. Sbo is sharing a room with his girlfriend, Zizo. She and I were sitting together in the V300. My mom was with her man and Sbo was in the front passenger seat as Thomas was driving. So we spoke and I’ve learned a bit about her. She’s just a shy girl. But she knows things because she’s always observing, but never really participating. So she told me about Neli’s man. Her man is some doctor named Nkosinathi. It grabbed my attention because Thandeka Buthelezi works in my company as one of my executives. She’s quite hot when it comes to PR. I know her husband because I’ve seen him a few times at company events. It honestly embarrasses me that my sister is such a slut.

Thomas and I first enjoy each other then we showered together. My mom invited my two sisters to dinner – with their kids… not the bunch that they invited.
I dial Thandeka. Yes, the minute I found out who Neli was seeing, I phoned her and told her where she can find her man tonight if he isn’t home. She just gave away her son because the son belongs to another man. He does not get to do this.
“Hey”, she answers her phone.
“Are you here?” I ask her.
“Yeah. I just checked in.” She says.
“Cool. I’ll let you know when we are at dinner.” I tell her.
She agrees and we hang up.
I will say this until I’m blue in the face: I will never support side trash. EVER! If given the chance, I’d burn all side sluts alive. But we can’t win them all. When I heard that Regodise passed away because she decided to be stupid after she got a taste of her own medicine, man I laughed. She wants to be a cow about Ona impregnating another woman when she got pregnant while Ona was with Thato. What a fricken LAUGH!

Dinner is going well. Nkosinathi is so comfortable next to Neli. Kamva even calls him dad.
Disgusting!
I can’t even enjoy the dinner. I can barely swallow my fucken starter.
“Babe, please eat. We will discuss this in our room.” Thomas says.
I just ignore him and stare at Neli as she marinates herself with another woman’s husband. Nkosinathi starts feeling uncomfortable and he actually stops eating and laughing too. He doesn’t know how to be.
“Unjani uMam’Buthelezi?” I ask him.
Neli hits her cutlery on her plate and stares at me. Thomas is scratching his head.
“Yini wena?!” Neli says to me.
Thandeka walks into the dinner area and my fun begins.
“Hey babe”, I say as I stand up and go walk up to her.
“Hello gorgeous”, she says as she hugs me. Nkosinathi walks up to us.
“Mam’Buthelezi”, Nkosinathi starts.
“Don’t worry, I’m not here to stay.” Thandeka says.
Everyone is staring at us and I just see Neli piercing her eyes through me. I stare right back at her!
The police walk in.
My girl! Thandeka and I are going to be friends after this.
“So, which one is your slut?” Thandeka asks Nathi.
Silence. It must be the effect of having the cops here.
“Which one stole my money? R300 000 yonke?” Thandeka says a little louder.
“Stole your money?” Nathi.
“Yes. You and I are married in community of property. That kind of money does not leave our bank account without my approval. So, it left somehow… and I’ve now opened a case for theft.”
I honestly start giggling. This is too good. I wish all sluts got embarrassed like this. For real.
Neli stands up and walks up to us.
“I’m Nathi’s girlfriend”, she boldly introduces herself to Thandeka.
“Uye lo!” Thandeka says to the police. Neli leaves with the police and Nathi is looking at Thandeka as if she’s lost her mind.
“I want my money back. All of it. Or your slut got down. She will do the time.” Thandeka says this then walks out of the dining area.

AWKWARD!

…

Parents were called to come and collect their kids from Emerald. The party ended before it even started. We are driving back home and the V300 is silent. We’ve had to take Noni and all three girls with us because Quantums didn’t wait for them. They were not fully paid.

We drop everyone off at home in Soweto.
“Can you help us get Nelisile out of jail? That girl is your friend. Maybe you can talk to her?” My mom says to me.
“Hai mama, I’m not getting involved.” I say.
“Fikile –
“Mah, Nelisile is sleeping with a married man. Is that okay to you?” I say.
“She’s my daughter. That’s all I care about and I want her home.” She says.
“Then tell her to put R300 000 together with her lover and pay it back. She doesn’t just benefit off another woman’s money because she opened her legs for her husband.” I say.
“Fikile! That is your sister!” Noni says.
“She’s lucky that Thandeka is so nice. If it were my husband, you’d be preparing to bury her right now. Trust me, she got off very easily.”
Even Thomas is shocked at my reaction to this.
It is what it is.

…

“You phoned Nathi’s wife?” Thomas asks me… shouting actually as we get into our bedroom and after he has closed the door.
“Yes, I did! Thomas, I’m tired of women who recklessly and treacherously break women’s homes because of their selfishness and inability to handle themselves around a man with a ring!” I yell back.
“That is your sister!” He yells.
“So?! Is she excused because she’s my sister?”
He is silent.
“I’m going to help her get out.” He says.
“Your father asked me to.” He continues.
“The answer is no, Thomas.” I say.
“I wasn’t asking for permission”, he says.
“You help her. We are done.” I say then I make my way to the bathroom to shower.

I get into my bedroom when I’m done with my shower. I prepare to sleep and Thomas is not in here.
I start losing my mind. I start breathing heavily.
I dial his number. He doesn’t answer his phone. I dial him again. Nothing.
Fuck!
I pace up and down the room. I go downstairs. I want to drive and go look for him, but I’m too angry.
I phone our banker.
“Hi Mrs Ramaru”, she answers her phone.
“Hi. I’m so sorry to phone you so late. I have an emergency. Mine and Mr Ramaru’s purse and wallet have been stolen. Please stop all our bank cards and freeze our accounts until we are able to make our way to the bank to get new cards.” I say.
We go back and fourth a bit then she tells me all accounts are frozen.
Good.
Thomas cannot access the R300 000 from any of our accounts. He won’t get it from the company neither because that’s a process and a half.
Now, I can sleep in peace.

It’s 4am when Thomas will not stop blowing up my phone. He knows where he left me. He can come home if he wants us to talk.
I end up switching off my phone.

He walks into the bedroom at 6am. He pulls the blankets off me and when I open my eyes, he is fuming.
“WHAT THE FUCK?!” He yells.
I just look at him.
“DO YOU WANT YOUR SISTER TO END UP IN PRISON?!” Him.
I face the other way and try to sleep.
“FIKILE!”
“YEY! YOU ARE MAKING A NOISE. I’M TRYING TO SLEEP AND YOU ARE HERE ANNOYING ME ABOUT A HOMEWRECKING SLUT THAT YOU WANT TO HELP! OR WHAT?! ARE YOU SLEEPING WITH HER TOO?”
He is shocked.
“Stop annoying me. And leave this thing alone, Thomas. I’m warning you.” I say then I just go back to sleep.

…

I’m at the office at 6am today because I was avoiding Thomas. I hear that my sister has been released from prison. Nathi paid the money back in full. I haven’t spoken to anyone at home since that day. But Kamva speaks to Rofhi and Rofhiwa told me that Kamva is changing schools because she and her mother cannot deal with the humiliation brought about by the failed party. However, I am the one who is being blamed for the arrest. I don’t understand how or why because I didn’t orchestrate Nelisile and Nathi to enjoy each other behind Thandeka’s back.

“You are avoiding me now?” Thomas walks into my office and says.
I just look at him then look at my screen again and keep on working.
“Fikile, I’m talking to you”. He says.
“Hey Fiki –
Thando pauses when she notices Thomas in my office.
“Hi, Mr Ramaru.” She says.
“Hi Thando. You look well. I heard about how well you are doing here. Well done.” Thomas says to her.
“Thank you.” Thando says. Then she notices that we are not exactly having a good time here.
“I can keep the coast clear until the two of you are done speaking,” Thando says.
“Thanks Thando,” Thomas.
Thando leaves the office.

Thomas gets comfortable on one of my couches.
“We clearly don’t have the same values when it comes to faithfulness in a marriage. This situation with my sister and another woman’s husband showed us that”, I say.
He looks at me for a long time, then he says, “I thought family came first. That’s what I was trying to show.”
“I thought I was your family. And you went over my head to help someone I specifically asked you to not assist. Is this how you treat your whores? You feel sorry for them and you go behind my back to help them?”
“First of all, don’t talk to me like that. Secondly, don’t you dare insult my faithfulness and commitment to you. You know damn well that you are the only woman that I love and am committed to.”
“Just not enough to take what I have to say –
“Your parents needed my help. They were worried sick! What if it were Rofhiwa or Khanyisa who were in the situation? As their mother, would you not have reacted the way that your parents have reacted?”
“My daughters are not going to be homewreckers and I will never encourage such trash behaviour! Sies!”
He stares at me.
“This was never about me supporting infidelity. I was just trying to do right by your family. I’m sorry that I hurt you.” He says.
“It will be best if you understood that you are my husband. I don’t take it kindly that you fail to make boundaries clear. Then you wonder why Neli and Noni will go right up to your office and ask you for favours behind my back.”
He is silent.
“Fikile, I’m YOUR husband. I love only you.” He says.
I stare at him.
“Stay away from Nelisile. Do you understand me?” I say.

His cellphone rings. He looks at it then he looks at me. He shows me his screen. My dad is calling him.
“Hello?” Thomas answers his cellphone and puts the phone on speaker.
“Sawubona ndodana. Nelisile is unwell. Since she came back from the prison, she has been unwell and she keeps getting worse.” My dad says.
“Manje enze njani uThomas?” I say in an annoyed tone.
There is silence.
“Well?” Me.
“Fikile, we need to get her help.”
“Is Thomas a doctor that you should phone him instead of taking her to a doctor?”
Silence.
“Baba, don’t disrespect my marriage. Do you hear me? Don’t ever phone Thomas regarding that homewrecking slut of yours ever again.”
I hang up the call.
Thomas looks at me.
“Or what? You’ll help her behind my back?” I say.
He shakes his head and says, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Noni phones me. Thomas looks at me.
“Hello?” I answer my phone and put her on speaker.
“Hey. Are you busy?”
“I’m at work. If this is about Nelisile, I’m not interested.”
“No, it isn’t. Please accompany me kwa-dunusa.” She says.
“Kwa-dunusa?” Me.
“Yes. I need to get a few things and I know you’ve never been. Let me plug you.” She says.
I laugh.
“Ngigeze?” Her.
“Ja. Geza. I’m coming.” I say.
She laughs and says okay.
“Kwa-dunusa?” Thomas says as I hang up. He is also laughing.
“That’s Noni for you.” I say, laughing as I pack up.

Thomas walks me to my car. He is holding my laptop bag for me and I am holding my handbag. Then we are holding hands with our unoccupied hands.
“I don’t want us to fight”, I say.
“I don’t want us to fight, neither. I love you, Fikile. And by being there for you, that’s one of my ways of loving you. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
“So, please don’t take any of this in bad spirit. I was just trying to help.” He says.
We kiss.
His driver starts the engine of Thomas’ Maybach. I guess he’s telling us that he is ready to leave.
Thomas opens the car door for me and packs my bags for me in the boot.
I start my engine.
Thomas is at my window now, brushing my face and using his lips to brush my lips.
“Drive safely, my love.” He says.
“I will, babe. Let me know when you get to the office, okay?”
“I will. I love you. And take it easy on Nelisile.” He says.
“I love you, Thomas.” I say the drive off.

I find both Noni and Sbo waiting at the gate for me. Does Sibongiseni Mbatha not work anymore? I know he stopped working in Thomas’ business because he said he couldn’t be his brother-in-law and employee. Which is nonsense, because they barely bumped into each other at work. Thomas didn’t even know who he was until they met as “Thomas, my boyfriend and Sibongiseni, my brother.”
My X3 – which is now Sibongiseni’s car – is nicely parked in the shade in the yard. It’s looking beautiful, so I’m happy he’s taking care of it.
Sibongiseni bullies me out of the driver’s seat of my own car – my Wagon – so I sit on the passenger seat and Noni sits on one of the backseats.

“Sibongiseni, maybe we should go to Bruma.” Noni says.
“Good. Because we were never going drive to kwa-Dunusa with a car like this.” Sbo says.
I just laugh.
I don’t ask about Nelisile and they don’t bring it up neither. We just talk about this and that until we get to a place called Oriental Plaza.
Sibongiseni gives the car guard R100 and tells him to make sure nothing happens to our car. He promises to pay him more if we come back and the car is in good shape.

I step into this place and it’s store after store selling the nicest things at such a nice price. Noni and I are the ones going crazy. Sbo is not having fun at all. He is actually annoyed. I don’t understand why he is here. Noni and I just go from one shop to another and buy. Noni runs out of money at some point because she spent R10 000 that she had saved for months on fake LV and fake Gucci. That’s where I drew the line. I don’t believe in buying cheap designer. I’ll buy cheap clothes, but no label on them. I even bought stuff for my girls because honestly, a lot of the clothes they like are here. Just cheaper. I even buy for Noni’s daughters and Neli’s kid.
I let Noni take more stuff – as long as they are not fake designer – and I’ll pay.

We get to a rug shop. They even sell rugs here. I’ve been meaning to change the rugs in all the bedrooms in my house. As I buy for myself, I buy for my parents because Noni tells me that their rug is old and it smells now.
As we wait for the wrapping of the rugs and for someone to carry them to the car, Noni starts:
“Fikile, we need to talk about you and Nelisile.”
I roll my eyes. Sibongiseni starts laughing.
“This thing between you guys is not right, Fikile.” Noni insists.
“What exactly have I done to Neli? Please just tell me.” I say.
“I don’t want to get into what you did and didn’t do. I will tell you how she feels though. She feels that you’ve never supported her. She feels that you judge her and you think you are better than all of us. She’s upset that you couldn’t support her relationship with Nkosinathi and now Nkosinathi broke up with her. She also got fired from work because her company is one of those where you cannot have a criminal record.” Noni says.
“So, she’s not taking accountability for her role in fucking up her own life? She’s going to blame me for all of it?”
“And… Nkosinathi gave her HIV.”
I actually laugh. I’m sorry, I can’t help it. I just laugh. What a way to have the world deal with you.
When I’m done laughing, I say, “Noni, Nelisile did this to herself. I’ve done nothing to her. Vele, I didn’t support her being a side slut. Did she learn nothing from being with Kamva’s father while he was married? I don’t support nonsense and I never will. As for me thinking that I’m better than everyone… how did she reach that conclusion?”
“Fikile, you are the youngest of all of us. You think it sits well with her that you are the most successful one?”
“I’m not going to apologise for my success. It’s not happening. We were all afforded the same opportunities growing up. I took mine and looked for more. I did something about my dreams and my passion. When I made it, I never left any of you behind. I’ve never had an issue with spending money for my family. EVER! UNelisile uhlanyiswa ukuthi everything is a competition to her and she’s competing by herself. Neli could have come to us, Noni. The four of us could have sat down and planned a reasonable birthday party for Kamva. We would have all pulled through for each other and even helped each other on the day. No one knows why she went the route that she went and vele I was never going to fork out R300 000 for a ten year old’s birthday party. Angihlanyi mina.”
“I agree with you. Neli shouldn’t have done all that. She trusted Nathi and he disappointed her. She thought you’d step in because you do have the money, you know.” Noni.
“That’s another problem. She has made our relationship this weird relationship where I just come to her rescue every time she messes up. Yes, I have money, Noni. A lot of it, futhi. But that’s because ayingihlanyisi imali. I don’t spend it on useless things and I seldom spend on things that won’t bring me more money unless I’m spending on my kids. Noni, nawe you live within your means. You saved money for a year and with your R10 000, you wanted us to go buy things kwa-Dunusa. Look at where we are mara siyasebenza. Udadewenu wanted a R300 000 birthday party when she doesn’t even make that in a year. And that’s my fault? Awu kahle!”
“UNelisile usile. I’ve always said this.” Sibongiseni.
“Awukahle nawe, Sibongiseni. Sizolungisa la.” Noni says.
“Hai, Nonkululeko. You are here to speak on behalf of Neli. I’m going to speak for Fikile.”
“I’m not speaking on behalf of anyone. I’m trying to solve this. Do you enjoy it when we fight like this? Is it nice to you when we are separated like this? Khona manje uKamva is the one who’s the most hurt because it is her birthday party that ended up being cancelled. And she will still be impacted because her mother lost a job and we all know I can’t look after all the kids. I’m barely surviving with my two.”
“And because she’s Nelisile, she’s going to expect Fikile to look after Kamva. Alisebenza ikhanda likaNelisile.” Sibongiseni.
We are all quiet.
“Look, I do owe Kamva an apology. I know they are going with us to Venda for the long weekend ahead. We will start at Warm Baths with the girls and give them a fun filled day there. Then we will head out. I’ll even apologise to her.” I say.
“Thank you. And thank you for the birthday gifts. Thank you for taking my two kids with you when you took Rofhiwa and Khanyisa to get birthday gifts. Kamva loved all of her gifts from her sisters. Vele I didn’t have money and I appreciate that you just thought to take all the kids instead of waiting for me to ask you. Thank you even for today. The kids have clothes for winter nje and even mom has decent clothes.” Noni says.
I actually really appreciate that. I really do.
“You have a big heart, Fikile. And we will work on Neli. All I ask is that you please don’t give up on her. She’s even appreciative ukuthi you are taking all the kids to Venda for the long weekend. You know they love it up there.” Noni says. .
I suddenly feel emotional.
“Hai, ungakhali. No, don’t do that”, Noni says as she hugs me.
I can’t help it. I just cry.
“I really love Neli and it hurts me that I come off in any other way.” I say as I sob.
“We will fix it. Don’t worry. Askies yeva.” Noni.

We got home and dropped off carpets and clothes. My stuff with my girls is all that’s left in the boot. Then we decide to go to Baragwanath where Neli is admitted.
When we arrive, Noni leads us to where Neli is. I forget that she used to work here and she knows her away around this massive hospital.
Her ward is quite crowded. We find her and my parents sitting next to her.
We greet and find somewhere to sit. Neli and I are having a staring match. My father is looking at us and observing us.
I just look away and avoid eye contact with my dad.
“How are you feeling?” Noni asks Neli.
“I’m fine. I’ll be put on ARVs.” Neli responds.
Then she stares at me again.
“At least you don’t have to worry about school fees for the year or winter clothes. Fikile sorted that out for you”, Sibongiseni says.
“Sibongiseni!” My dad.
“Hai, baba! Nelisile must learn to say thank you when people do nice things for her. Why kanti ningafuni ukuthi abonge uFikile because Fikile does a lot for her no matter how ungrateful she is.” Sibongiseni just lashes out.
Silence.
“Bonga, Nelisile.” Sibongiseni barks.
“Ngiyabonga, Fikile.” Neli says.
“Uphukephi?” Sibongiseni.
We all look at him now.

Thomas walks into the ward. I did phone him and tell him we are coming here. He greets my parents then he wraps his arms around me and kisses my cheek.

“You know that you can live with this right? It doesn’t have to end you.” I tell Neli.
She shrugs her shoulders.
“This doesn’t have to be your life, Nelisile. Please just start loving yourself. Imagine getting something like this from a man that’s not even yours.” I say.
Thomas squeezes my waist as if telling me to go easy on her.
Neli is just looking at me.
I know she earned R12 000 from her job because I’ve seen her payslip before.
“I can offer you a job. I’m not fond of you working with me in a professional setting, but I’m prepared to help you with employment so that you can look after Kamva and yourself.” I say.
“I’d really appreciate that”, she says.
I nod my head and say, “Get better then we can talk.”
“Thank you.” She says
My dad smiles at me.
“Noni, should we go and get those pyjamas now?” I say.
“Pyjamas?” Neli.
“Yes. Pyjamas and toiletries and food for you while you stay here. Fikile and I are going to buy them for you”, Noni says.
“At Woolworths?” Neli says.
Everyone looks at me. I actually just laugh. Neli really can’t help herself. We accept the special-abled in our families.

Thomas, Sbo and I are waiting for Noni. Neli is busy giving her a list of things she wants.
“Bhuti, are you working?” I ask him.
He shakes his head and says, “I’m going to buy my first taxi. I applied for a loan at the bank. They are making me jump hoops, but I’ll get it.” He says.
I’m so impressed.
Thomas then says, he has been wanting to get rid of my apartment in Tholoana Kingdom. He hates that I still have it, but he loves the money it brings in. “We have this apartment in Tholoana Kingdom that we are renting out. It has an income of R45 000. Of that, we will pay you a salary of R30 000. You can use it as leverage when you apply at the bank. We will pay you until you are comfortable with the taxis.”
He looks away. He looks like he wants to cry.
“Hai, don’t cry. Please”, I say.
“You guys are so good to me”, he says.
Thomas is the one who hugs him. I transfer R120 000 into his bank account. Thomas and I agreed that we would transfer R120 000 into his account. We haven’t really touched the money since my company has been doing well. It took off nicely. So there is over R2 million in that account. We are opening trusts for Rofhiwa and Khanyisa with most of this money.
Sbo sees the money we’ve transferred and he is just….
“Don’t do that. Noni is coming and now you’ll put us in a position to explain to Noni why you have this money”, I say.
The three of us laugh.
“Let’s go. Here is Neli’s list of what she wants”, Noni says when she gets to us.

…