Shaka didn’t come to bed last night. From what I understand, none of the men came to bed last night. I managed to sleep. I had Ruri and Khabane sleep with me just to give Maboko and Teboho some space to talk. Khabane is at that age where he records everything and spews it to the next person. So, they need to regroup and I offered to take the babies. We slept well, shame. I missed Mason so much, but I also felt very close to him by having these kids next to me.

Now, I’ve bathed both babies. Khabane is playing with Banathi and Mohale. I have Ruri on my back as I start preparing breakfast.
I received an email from work that I’m suspended without pay pending my disciplinary because of us being all over the news for crime.
I have given the three boys porridge to eat while I prepare a bigger breakfast. Their conversation is so fascinating. Khabane has his iPad and when they need TV time, they just use his iPad for TV time.
“Sawubona”, Nompumelelo says as she comes into the kitchen. I’m really not in the mood to fight with this girl.
“Hello”, I say and continue to move about the kitchen.
“Can I help you with preparing breakfast?” She asks me.
Uhm…
“Okay. You can prepare the mushrooms and the sausages.” I say.
She nods her head and says, “Okay.”

We are both busy in the kitchen when Ntuthuko comes in. Oh Modimo!
He doesn’t know how to be. I just move about and move on with my life.
“Good morning, boys.” I hear Luhle greeting them.
“Good morning, Auntie Luhle.” They all say.
“Why do your bowls look full? Must I come there and feed you?” Luhle says as she laughs. The kids are already laughing at her.
“Yey!” I say from the kitchen and they all settle down and let Luhle feed them.
“Fifi, good morning”, Luhle says to me.
“Hello baby”, I say.
“Are you well?” She yells.
“Very well. You?” Me.
“Shup shup.” She says.

Everyone is coming into the kitchen and just taking over. Teboho looks very happy this morning. I see Maboko walking to where the men are meeting. I wonder.
“Good morning”, she greets me.
“Guess who got it all this morning”, I say.
“I’ve been saying. Our men slept in an office and we are not as chirpy”, Letlali says.
We all laugh.
“The things you talk about!” Mofomahadi says and we all laugh.
We are all chatting and working in the kitchen. I don’t know where Ntuthuko left to.
“I’m thinking of going to a market today and getting some fresh veggies from the mamas who grow them in their backyards.” I say.
“That’s nice. We can all go together. Now that Lulu’s Tiguan is here, I’m sure we can move around a bit better.” Tebza says.
“Ja. Plus, we made sure that the car was checked for any trackers. We don’t want people just finding us”, Letlali says.
“Guys, I’m worried about Thabi”, Lulu says.
“Why?” Thabi says. When did she even get in here? No one even saw her.
She looks horrible! Terrible!
“Are you okay?” Lulu asks her so gently and with genuine concern.
“Don’t I look okay to you?” Thabi says with so much attitude.
“Hai wena! Tjo! Don’t come here and disrespect us unprovoked. We were worried about you because this entire house heard Ona hit you black and blue. Even though we believe you deserved that beating for the shit that was coming out of your mouth, we were still slightly bothered.” Letlali says.
Thabi looks at all of us.
“Thabi, there’s some porridge. Can I maybe dish up some for you then we can go upstairs and talk while you eat?” Lulu asks her. Lulu is so nice.
“I think I’ll join you in that conversation”, Mofomahadi says.
Thabi just rolls her eyes at us, turns around and makes her way upstairs.
Teboho throws a dish cloth at her and it hits the back of her head. She and Lulu giggle. Thabi stops walking to show us that she felt that dish cloth hit her, but she doesn’t turn around. She takes a deep breath then continues to walk.
Lol!
Even Letlali and I laugh.

Breakfast is finally served and we have called everyone to come to the table to eat, even the kids.
“But we already ate porridge. Mami-Fifi made us porridge. Must we really eat again?” Mohale. This child has a comment about EVERYTHING.
“Yes, you must eat again.” Ona says.
“But my tummy is so small. It’s going to burst if I keep eating and eating”. Mohale.
“You are not going to grow up if you don’t eat. You are going to be a small child forever and all your friends will be bigger than you then you’ll be forced to play with babies.” Ona says.
That scares him a bit.
He climbs on top of his dad’s lap and starts eating off Ona’s plate.

Kea, Lulu and Thabi make their way down the stairs. Thabi really looks bad. Yoh. She could have made an effort with a bit of makeup.
“Thabi, are you dressed up for Halloween?” Banathi says and all the kids burst into laughter.
Thabi looks like she wants to throttle them.
“Trick or treat! Give me something good to eat!” Mohale and Khabane sing and laugh. Even Banathi laughs.
“Bashimane! This is an adult. Stop what you are doing!” Mofomahadi says and there is silence at the table.
I look at Shaka and I find him staring at me.
I dish up for him then he starts eating.
Thabi is surprisingly sitting next to me. Okay. Ona is sitting on the other end of the table.
“Would you like me to get you some juice from the kitchen?” I offer.
“Just water, thanks.” She says to me.
I get up and I get her a jug of water and a glass.

“We have a plan to get out of here. We should be back in time. We have a lawyer who is helping us get our things back.” Morena says.
Thabi laughs.
We all look at her.
“Where are my kids?” She says.
“Ngwanyana, you don’t even have parents that will miss you when you are gone. You don’t have family that can at least pick up a phone and check up on you. Yet you are here begging for us to get you into contact with your ancestors?” Morena says.
We are all choking on our food here.
She starts shaking.
“They were kids, Mohato. Kids! How heartless are you to want to take kids who wanted a future for themselves and just throw them into whatever you are into? Kids!” Thabi.
“Someone put cellotape on this girl’s mouth. Her voice is beginning to annoy me.” Morena says.
“You better pray that Regodise didn’t leave a hint for me somewhere regarding exposing all of you because I’ll run with it to the police and end you.”
Okay. She must have a death wish. The eye that each and everyone of these men at this table are giving her!!!
“Onaleruna, put this girl on a truck ride to her kids first thing after breakfast.” Morena says.
Lulu has panic on her face and she looks at Khotso to ask for that decision to be unmade. Khotso doesn’t even look at Lulu.
Yoh!
“Bishop, you’ll accompany the boys?” Morena.
“Where are you taking me?” Thabi says.
“Didn’t you say you want your kids? We are taking you to them.” Shaka says.
I charge him a look.
“No! I want them to come here.” Thabi says.
“Ey wena! Does this look like your house? Now, do you want your kids or not?” Morena.
She’s quiet.
“Well?” Morena.
She shakes her head.
“Then let this be the last time I hear about these kids. I’ll put you on a prostitution truck to them if I ever hear about them again. Are we clear?” Morena.
“Gwampa! That’s an ugly word. You can’t say postichoo”. Mohale the great says.
We all look at each other.
“What’s a postichoo, Mohale?” How could Ona ask a child such a question?
“I don’t know. I just know that it’s a bad word.” He says.
We all are just quiet.
Thabi is just drinking her water.

“Ntuthuko, tell me.. do you steal from me now?” Why must Shaka do this here? Why?
“Baba?” Ntuthuko is caught off guard.
“Don’t make me repeat myself. You know I hate repeating myself because it makes me feel like I’m crazy”. He says.
“I didn’t steal from you, baba.” Ntuthuko.
“So, what do you call what you did when you broke into one of my shops and held my employees at gun point? Cleaning out my tills and stock? I’m sitting with all the camera footage and I’ve seen it all. I just need to submit it to the police now or deal with you myself.” Shaka says.
Ntuthuko is quiet.
Shaka stands up.
I stand up with him and I stand in front of him.
“Ey wena! I’m talking to you.” Shaka is trying to charge towards Ntuthuko and I’m trying to keep him at bay. Mofomahadi is helping me by getting Ntuthuko out of the dining area.
“Shaka, hlala phansi and just eat. Please.” I keep saying.
This guy pushes me out of the way, sprints towards Ntuthuko and Kea just removes herself because I’m still picking myself up from the floor. Shaka lands on Ntuthuko and punches him.
I quickly go towards them, but thankfully, Ona, Khotso, Maboko and Zithulele are removing these two from each other.
Shaka has lost his mind!
“Please take him to our bedroom”, I ask the guys.
“I’M GOING TO KILL YOU, WENA NTUTHUKO! I’M GOING TO FUCKEN MURDER YOU! YOU ARE STEALING FROM ME?! I FUCKEN FED YOU! WHAT DIDN’T I DO FOR YOU?! WHAT?!” Shaka is yelling and it is so difficult for Zithulele to push him up the stairs. Ona and Khotso are just holding Ntuthuko back and Maboko and Zithulele are standing at the edge of the staircase to make sure that Shaka doesn’t run down the stairs.
“YOU WANT ME TO THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO DO AS A FATHER?! IT WAS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SHIT FOR ME!” Ntuthuko naye.
“Just shut up nawe!” Kea.
Now Shaka has jumped over stairs nkari ke Spider-Man and his fists are all over Ntuthuko again.
“SHAKA! SHAKA, STOP IT!” My screaming hurts his ear and he actually gets off Ntuthuko.
He looks at me.
“BEDROOM!” I yell.
He looks at me, chesting!!!!
“NOW!” I yell and I pull him with me upstairs.
Ntuthuko is lying on the ground and he doesn’t look like he’s breathing.

“Just leave him. If he wants to live, he will get up from there”, I hear Mohato say.

I close the door as Shaka and I get into the bedroom. He just goes into the bathroom and starts cleaning himself up. I don’t even know how to feel. Ntuthuko was wrong for what he did. But Shaka and I agreed that this would be a conversation. How is beating up the child going to solve the problem?

He comes out of the bathroom and he looks at me pacing up and down the bedroom. I stop pacing and look at him. He looks at me.
“Shaka Maphumulo, do you actually want a relationship with Ntuthuko?” I ask him.
He is silent.
“I need to know because you behave like you don’t want a relationship with him.”
Silence.
I also stay silent as well.
“I’m tired. I need to sleep.” He says.
“But we are still talking.” I say.
“I’m done talking. I was up all night. I’m not going to stand here and talk about Ntuthuko when I could be sleeping. And yes, I will kill him.” He says.
I just look at him.
“Shaka, you might have badly hurt him. He was in really bad shape when we came upstairs.” I say.
“Fifi, please love. Can we please sleep. Ntuthuko is fine. His type doesn’t die that easily.” He says as he climbs into bed after taking off all his clothes and slipping into bed completely naked.

I just leave the bedroom and make my way downstairs. Thabi is working on Ntuthuko. He’s awake and he’s complaining that he is in pain. I’m just glad that he’s breathing and speaking.
“Is dad okay?” Luhle asks me.
“He just needs some space. He will be fine.” I say.
She nods her head.
“Does ubaba not love us vele?” Nompumelelo says.
I’m not sure who she’s asking this question to because I’m scared that if I open my mouth, she will tell me to fuck off.
“Why did uNtuthi steal from him?” Luhle enquires.
“This coming from the spoon-fed favourite? I’m sure you have no idea what it’s like to ever have to defend yourself from your own father – especially when he is Shaka Maphumulo.”
“I’ll never know because I know that he’s my father. Angisho you treat him as if –
“Guys, please. Don’t do this. Not here. Not now.”
They are both silent.
“Does he need to go to a hospital?” I ask Thabi.
“He really does. But apparently he can’t go.” Thabi says.
“Why not?” I ask.
“No one leaves, Fifi. It’s just a few punches. He will be fine.” Morena tells me.
“He has broken –
“Ey! Aren’t you the best doctor in the whole world? Heal him!” Morena says.
I’m actually really worried.
“I need him to bath so I could clearly see his injuries”. Thabi says.
“You are welcome to bath me, baby girl”. Ntuthuko says.
“Ewu!” Thabi says to him and we all laugh. His ego is a bit hurt.
We look at the guys.
“Please help bath him?” I ask them.
They don’t want to, but I’m asking nicely. They all help him up – in a very rough way.
“You get a boner, we kill you.” Ona says.

…

We left the kids with their fathers and decided to go shopping. Just us ladies. The men were sceptical to let us go, but we need food and we need to keep them fed. We had to go and stock up.
We even brought Thabi with us and just cleaned her up nicely with makeup.
We are all picking vegetables from these mamas and engaging with them about how they grow their veggies. They are such nice people.

I’ve only ever come to Lesotho with Maboko to meet his grandparents. This place is a very warm place. It has its things, but for the most part, people believe in the community way of living.
We actually buy up the stock from these mamas and they are so excited that they have the rest of the afternoon off. They pack up their stalls and start making their way to their homes while we make our way back to the house using Remi’s car.

“Thabi, you are going to be stuck with us until this entire mess is resolved. Why don’t you just blend in instead of trying so hard to be unnecessarily difficult?” Lulu says to her.
She doesn’t say anything.
“We need to hurry back to the house.” Mofomahadi says.
Please don’t tell me we have been found.
“Why?” Fifi asks.
“We are going to Miami”, Mofomahadi says.
“What about our fresh veggies?” I ask. I was really looking forward to eating them.
Everyone in the car looks at me as if veggies are no where near being a priority right now.

We get to the house and our bags are already packed into the car. We just jump into the car with the kids and just before our car takes off:
“I want Ntuthuko to drive with us”, Fifi says.
Shaka gives her a look.
“Ntuthuko, woza.” She says to him, avoiding Shaka’s eye.
“Ntuthuko can drive with us, baby.” Shaka says.
“Ntuthuko, iza.” Fifi says.
Zithulele helps him walk towards our car.
“Myeke Qwabe, he’s a man. He can walk to the car himself.” Shaka says.
I see Fifi jump out the car and meet Ntuthuko half way, helping him walk to our car. We get some pillows from the house and we lay a type of bed for him on the floor between us. We have some blankets here with us. We let him sleep on the pillows then throw a light blanket over him.
“Are you comfortable?” Fifi asks him.
“Yebo. Ngiyabonga mah.” Ntuthuko says. He’s high on medication that Thabi gave to him. But we are all shocked that he called Fifi mother. Shocked I tell you.

The car takes off.

After two hours, we get to a strip. A private plane is waiting for us. We are all getting off these cars and getting into the plane. Fifi and Nompumelelo are holding Ntuthuko and are helping him get on the plane. Luhle is holding bags for them. Once they are also on the plane, the men come in last. Maboko is very involved with what is happening. I hope he isn’t flirting with crime. I really hope!
Each man sits next to his family – no matter how messed up and imperfect it is. As we take off, we are all holding onto our kids and partners, hoping that we land safely and we land to a better situation.
I see Ona let Thabi rest her injured body on top of him. He actually even rubs her back and her arm. I see Remi pulling Mohale closer to her chest while Tholoana rests in Khotso’s arms. They look at each other with so much love. So much hope. So much passion. Letlali and Zithulele have their sons sleeping between them and they are holding hands. Then there’s Fifi and Shaka with their drama and their grown three kids. After today’s drama, Shaka’s head is resting on Fifi’s shoulder and she keeps kissing his forehead. Then, the king and queen of Tholoana Kingdom are holding hands and are looking at each other. We know that even though we are in too deep into the unexpected, we will come out alive and stronger than before. With these two – the king and queen of Tholoana Kingdom – we are led.

…

We land in Miami and we are woken up by a slight rough landing. We all wake up, look around us and we are all here and safe.
When the plane has come to a complete stop, those of us with small babies hold onto our babies and climb off the plane. The fathers come with the older kiddies. Fifi is still struggling with Ntuthuko, but they soldier on together.

“Pope”, some white man greets and acknowledges morena.
We are led into different cars. This time, we are all separated. In my car, it’s just Maboko, myself and our children.
“Mommy, where are we?” Khabane asks me.
“In Miami, baby.” I say.
“Miami? Are we back in the States forever?” He asks me.
“No, papa. Just a short period of time.” I say.
I look at Maboko.
“We all have our own houses here. We are being taken to ours.” He says to me.
“What kind of life is this, Maboko?” I ask him.
He is just defeated.
“Are you part of this church thing now? You seem very close with the meetings taking place.” I say.
“Tebza, what do you want me to do? Do you want us to be the one couple that has no fucken clue on what’s going on?” Why is he frustrated at me?
“I don’t want you to be a criminal, Maboko.” I say.
“I’ve never been one my whole life and I’m still on the fucken run”, he says.
“Daddy, stop swearing”, Khabane says.
We look at each other.
“Sorry, Bane.” He says.
We drive in silence until we get to a very beautiful house. It’s a stunning big house and I honestly love it.
“Sir, I’ll take your bags into the house.” A butler says to Maboko.
I have Ruri on my hip and Bane clinging onto my one hand. We walk into the house following Maboko and these butlers bringing our stuff in for us.
I really love this house. It’s beautiful.

It’s night time here and I’m actually feeling really tired. We make our way upstairs to really and fully see the house. We finally find the master bedroom and we all decide to sleep together in here. I’m not ready to not have my kids next to me.

…

The morning comes and here I am… in Miami… with my kids already awake and making a noise downstairs with their father. I sit on the bed for a minute then I dial Remi via FaceTime.
“Hey gorgeous”, she answers her phone with Tholoana sitting on top of her.
We look at each other.
“Don’t do that, T. Please don’t.” She says. She can see that I’m about to breakdown.
“Is this what I really got you into, my friend?” I say.
She nods her head then says, “But I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else anyway. I love my man. And I thank you for introducing him to me.” She says.
“What happens now?” I ask her.
“We wait. They’ll have their meetings and we will be cleared to go back home”, she says.
I look at her and shake my head.
“It’s going to be okay, babe. It’s going to be okay”, she keeps saying to me.
“I’m just so exhausted, Remi. I’m so exhausted.” I say.
“We all are, babe. But we need to tap into our reserve strength. We will pull through. We have to.” She says.
I nod my head.

“Thabi is finally getting over herself”, she says.
We start laughing.
“Really?” I ask.
“Yeah. She even texted me this morning to check in and see how we are all doing and how the boys are doing”, she says.
“Ona must have really put in work last night”, I say.
We both laugh.
“Maybe she’s realizing that she’s just making herself miserable with all of this drama. She needs to come down two notches and chill the fuck out”, she says.
“Yeah well. Now that she is going to be a full-time housewife, she has no choice. There’s not much that she can do as a doctor anymore.” I say.
“It must be difficult though. Imagine waking up one day and the one thing you know how to do in life is taken away from you”, she says.
“We are all in that situation. Do you think I still have a career after this?” I say.
“I hear you. Eish.”
“Anyway, let me go attend to the rascals. Let’s do dinner later?” I say.
“Sure. We will come over that side.”
“Where are you guys staying?” I ask.
“All our houses are next to each other. I’m two houses away from you. Tlali is next door to you. And we all get a Rolls Royce, honey.” She says.
I run to the window and indeed see a white Rolls Royce and a black Ferrari parked outside.
What the…???
“The last time we rolled like this, we were with ball players.” I say.
“Let’s hop in one car and go say hi to an ex!” She says.
We scream and laugh.

Maboko comes into the bedroom.
He watches Remi and I laugh and he smiles at me. Ruri is right there in his arms being a daddy’s girl as per usual.

“Hun, I gotta go. The love of my life has just walked into the bedroom.” I say and Maboko blushes.
“I hope be comes bringing breakfast in bed”, she says.
“He disappoints. He comes bringing kids though – the ones that are making us age so quickly.” I say.
Now Maboko bursts into laughter.
“Maboko! Where’s the breakfast?” Remi says. I give the phone to Maboko and now they are facetiming.
“I had to keep the kids entertained so she could sleep. I couldn’t do that and make food.” Maboko says.
“Put the baby on your back and wrap her with a towel. Give the boy that iPad of his and he keeps busy. Then stand behind a stove and cook.” Remi says as she laughs.
Actually, that’s all he had to do.
“Bye Oluremi”, Maboko says, laughing. I laugh at him.
“Bye guys.” Remi.
“Byyyyyyeeee!” Ruri says and waves.
We all have a “aaaawwwwwweeeee” moment.
“Byyyyyyeeee!” Tholoana.
Okay it’s a competition.
“I should actually ask Tholoana what you guys were saying this whole time”, Maboko says.
Remi and I laugh.
The call finally ends.

“When are we seeing Nathi and Mohale?” Bane asks us. I didn’t even see him come into the bedroom.
“Khabane, why are you behaving like kids in the township that want to start visiting people before they’ve even cleaned their houses or ate?” I say.
Maboko laughs at this.
“Come, let’s go and make some food so we can all eat.” I say.
Maboko just charges at my face and kisses me.
He gets a slap from Ruri and a “Dad!” from Mason.
I’m just surprised.
“I love you, Mrs Seete”, he says.
“I love you so much, Mr Seete.” I say.
“Guys. We are kids. And we are here.” Bane says.
We just laugh.
I mean, wow.

We all make our way downstairs and we find people busy in the kitchen.
Maboko and I look at each other.
“Hello”, I say.
“Good morning Mr and Mrs Seete. I’m chef Melanie and I’ve come with my team to prepare your breakfast.”
Maboko and I look at each other again.
“The others will be coming in soon as well to clean the house for the day. They’ve all been searched and assessed accordingly, so no one will come in here that cannot be trusted.” She says.
This is extremely uncomfortable.
“Please relax and feel at home. We are here to be at your service.”
Yoh!

Then the butler from last night walks in.
He briefly greets us then he looks at Maboko and says, “Sir, the pope has asked me to come and fetch you. We will drive you to the meeting area.”
I look at Maboko.
Please don’t tell me this guy is part of the church.
“I’ll be right there, Cedric.” Maboko says.
Cedric? He even knows the guy’s name?
Hai!
He moves me into a quiet room where we are alone.
“Maboko. I’m going to ask you this question once! You better not lie to me. Are you part of the church now?” I ask him.
He nods his head.
MY HEART.
I hold onto my chest and collapse to a chair closest to me.
He looks at me.
“So, you kill people now? You commit crimes and –
“I’m the front. I run legal businesses where they can clean their money. I’m already a renowned businessman with a massive portfolio. There is less risk if I am their front. Our house and cars haven’t been repossessed. They cannot link anything we own to the church.”
“That’s because we were not in the church. Maboko, this is our children’s inheritance. You want to tell me you gave all that to the church? Why?”
“I didn’t give anything to the church. The only parts of the business that they have is the portions where they clean their money… and those are the franchise restaurants that they bought and just put my name on it. All my actual businesses, I’ve put them under your name. They won’t touch us.”
“What happens when the day comes that you have to kill, Maboko?” I ask him.
“I don’t know, T. What I know is that I’m on the run and I need to make sure that my family comes out okay. I need to be part of the strategy that takes us back home so my family could have a normal life again. I never thought I’d be a criminal in my life before… but T, we are around these people so much that our reputation in the legal world has already been tainted. We will try to fix and do damage control, but this is how we are going to have to live. I’ve even learned that my dad is part of this thing. He’s the one finding out in Tholoana Kingdom just how deep Regodise’s exposure mission has gone”, he says.
I just hold my head because I really cannot –
“Love, I really have to go.” He says.
“Maboko, if you die, I’ll never forgive you. Do you understand me? If you are going to be in this life, you better be a beast in it. You better make sure you are not another pair of just low hanging fruit. I’m booking you shooting classes, taking you on an army bootcamp. I want you to study this thing and make sure you come home everyday to our children and me… or else I’ll never forgive you. Ever! Do you hear me, Maboko?”
He walks closer to me and hugs me. I’m crying and he just holds me and says, “Ona, Khotso and Zithulele are the ones training me. So is Shaka. I’ll learn fast and I’ll make sure that we are not the low hanging fruit.”
“Maboko, I want you home! Ruri wants you home! Khabane wants you home! Don’t you dare break our hearts. This is the decision that you are making, therefore you do what you need to do – I DONT CARE WHAT IT IS! Do what you need to do… even kill your friends sometimes as we saw them kill Uncle Qaphela. But I want you home EVERY FUCKEN DAY! Do you understand me?”
He nods his head then he aggressively holds my face and starts kissing me. He puts me on a table, lifts my dress, moves my panty aside and inserts his penis inside of me. He thrusts and thrusts and thrusts… I’m holding onto his neck, letting him have me as I have him. His body suddenly tenses and I feel him cum. He semen is all over my thighs.
“I love you”, he says.
I just hug him. I’m not proud of this at all. But I want him home EVERY FUCKEN DAY!
“Maboko, I want you home EVERY FUCKEN DAY! Do you hear me?”
“I hear you, Mrs Seete.”