Episode 7

Thomas, Khanyisa, the boys and I have just got home from Tholoana Kingdom. We were helping Rofhiwa settle in and move out of that house with her boyfriend. She’s too young to be shacked up with a boy. She needs her freedom, and she needs to be her own woman with her own life before she dedicates herself and her life to a boy. The biggest issue for me was Rofhiwa moving out and moving in with a boyfriend because she had a fallout with her father. There is no way that boy or his family would respect her knowing that about her. We saw a preview of that when that Thabi woman thought she could judge us as parents in front of everyone. They needed to know that we love our daughter. And asidlali nabo. Those Mohales are full of it. Rofhiwa needs to go into that family knowing that they are not the be all and end all of her life. She has a home and a family that loves her. She doesn’t need them, and our door will always be open to receive her should she ever want to come back home.
Things between her and Thomas are still fragile, but they talked and fought less. They even hugged when we had to leave. I’m taking it as progress. I’ll work on Thomas. They will be okay.

“I’m going to take a shower then get into bed.” I say. We’ve just tucked our boys into bed and Khanyi has retired to her bedroom. It is 2am.
“Can I join you in the shower?” He says.
We are not okay. We are far from it. He told me that I’m not Rofhiwa’s mother and I haven’t forgot nor forgiven that. Being Rofhiwa’s mother and loving her will always take preference over anything that Thomas and I go through. But he and I are not fine.
“No thanks. I’ll be fine.” I say.
He drops his face.
“Can you at least sleep with me in our bed tonight and not sleep in the guest bedroom?” He says.
I just go into the shower. I’m not doing this with Thomas today. I’m too tired.

The shower is nice, hot and soothing. I’m done in a few minutes, then I step out and lotion myself. I use these products that Koena and I developed and own together. I love how they feel on my skin and I love how much my skin glows when I use them. I’m so proud of myself. Clearly, breaking up with Khotso and coming back to South Africa was the best decision I’ve ever made. I really hope that Rofhiwa doesn’t become so consumed by her relationship with that boy and the Mohales that she loses herself completely. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned, it’s that relationships can either kill you or bring out the best in you. Fikile Mbatha died when she was with Khotso Mohale. I became Fikile, Khotso Mohale’s long-term girlfriend. I became a fraction of myself and I was satisfied with the bare minimum because being with Khotso was all the gold that I needed.
With Thomas… he is flawed in his own way, but I’m at my best when I’m with him. I’m at my best as a mother and as a professional. I’m on a constant high when I’m with him and I just wouldn’t want to be with anyone else – even when he drives me crazy.

I wear some cute pyjamas – no lingerie because I’m not sleeping in the same bed as Thomas tonight. I’m going to get into the blankets, read a nice book… Last Wife Standing by Ketso Madonsela to be exact… then sleep.
I head to the bedroom that I’m sleeping in – the guest bedroom and I slip into the bed. I pull the book out of the drawer and I start reading. I’m two chapters into the read when Thomas walks in dressed in pyjamas and gets into the bed.
And then?
I look at him. Then I continue to read.
My eyes feel tired five chapters later, so I decided to put the book away and sleep.
“Baby?” Thomas.
I really don’t want to. So, I’m quiet.
“Fikile please. Talk to me, my love.”
I’m quiet.
“Fikile?”
“Please phone Kenneth and leave me alone. Angisho you and him are Rofhiwa’s parents.” I say.
He’s taken aback. Why? He knows I’m not over that statement.
“Fikile, I’m sorry I said that. I really didn’t mean it. I was consumed by anger at and about the situation.”
“So you go to Kenneth instead of talking to me? Then you make it abundantly clear that I’m not Rofhiwa’s mother? You know Thomas, I’ve always thought that one day, those words would come out of Rofhiwa’s mouth after we’ve had a fight because we disagreed about something we genuinely didn’t see eye to eye on. I never thought that it would be you who would look me in the eye and say those words to me.”
He’s quiet.
“How do I fix this?” He says after a deep sigh.
“Just give me space. I’m learning how to accept the manner in which you view me.”
“You are Rofhiwa’s mother. I was wrong and stupid for saying otherwise and I’m sorry, my love. I’m so sorry. I don’t want you believing anything else. I don’t want you thinking anything else. Baby please –
I just face the other way and pull the blanket over my head because now I’m getting emotional.
“Fikile”, he says, putting his arms around me.
I don’t want to cry.
I don’t want to cry.
I DO NOT WANT TO CRY!
“Papa”, I hear a little voice say. It sounds like Rendani.
I’m staying under the blankets.
“Yes son?” Thomas.
“Why are you and mommy sleeping in here?” That’s Gundo.
Why are they not sleeping?
“What do you guys need? Why aren’t you sleeping?” Thomas.
“We can’t sleep.” Gundo.
“Why not?” Thomas.
“We want to sleep with you and mommy. Please.” Rendani.
“Guys, you know the rules. You are big boys now. You can’t sleep with your mom and I forever.” Thomas.
“It’s not forever, papa. Only today.” Rendani. He has an answer for everything. Gundo is the partner in crime who just speaks from his neck unprovoked.
“Fine. Come.” Thomas.
I feel my kids climbing into the bed, between Thomas and me. Their hands and feet are COLD!

I wake up as the sun comes up. The boys and Thomas are asleep. I get out of bed and make my way to the kitchen. I find Khanyisa and Ranwedzi video-calling Rofhiwa. The three of them are gossiping and laughing about. The video-call is connected to the TV in the living room.
“Hey”, I greet her.
“Hey Kazi”, she says.
She looks well. She looks happy. She is all dressed up for work even.
We chat about random things and how she’s finding Tholoana Kingdom. Then, Thomas and the other two boys walk in. Rendani is in Thomas’ arms. Gundo has sprinted in here.
Thomas and I lock eyes. I get emotional so my eyes are teary. He sees them.
He greets Rofhiwa and joins the conversation. I decide to go to and make the bed because I know for a fact that Thomas and his sons did not make the bed.
As I finish making the bed, I hear the door close. I just know that it’s Thomas.
And this is the guest bedroom. There’s nothing to keep me busy in this room. I guess I have to listen to him and participate in a conversation now.
I turn around, fold my arms and look at him. He’s leaning against the door.
We look at each other.
“I’m sorry”, he starts.
“Thomas, why would you say that to me? Is that how you feel?”
“I was upset, baby.”
“That’s beside the point. If it came out because you were upset, it’s clear that’s how you were feeling and thinking and it came out in a way that you didn’t have control over.”
“No baby…”
He sighs.
“When all of this happened, I started thinking about Lydia again.”
I actually don’t know what to say.
“Sometimes, I wonder if I’m raising Rofhiwa how she would want me to. When Rofhiwa did what she did… you know… when I made the decision that she should marry the Mudau boy… I thought that’s something she would’ve agreed to because we would talk about what we wanted for Rofhiwa when Lydia was around.”
Ai, I don’t have a comment. At all.
“But love, how you handled all of this has shown me that Lydia passed away when Rofhiwa was a baby. I can’t keep parenting Rofhiwa against what I think she would’ve wanted. She’s not here and she’s not dealing with being Rofhiwa’s parent. I have to deal with it. Rofhiwa grew up and she’s become her own person. I’ve had to deal with the cards that are at my disposal and you’ve carried me as a parent when I’ve failed because I was stuck on what Lydia would have said if she were still around. You are Rofhiwa’s mother, Fikile. You came into her life – our lives – when she was a teenager, growing into the woman she’s becoming. And you pulled the bull by its horns. You parent her past our disappointment and anger and you still find a way to be her mother without giving yourself a chance to get over your disappointment and anger in her decisions. I’m sorry I said what I said. My anger and disappointment short-sighted me and –
I’m already kissing him.
I just kiss him.
This is my man. This is my Thomas. I respect Lydia’s memory in his and Rofhiwa’s life and I don’t want them to feel bad about missing her.
Now we hug.
I pull him by his hand and we sit on the bed.
“Thomas, it’s important to me that you know that I love Rofhiwa. As far as I’m concerned, she’s my first-born child. When you told me that I’m not her mother, it made me feel as if you don’t see how much I love her and that maybe there’s something that I said or did that made you feel as if you cannot trust me with her.”
“No baby, that’s not the case. And I’m sorry that I made you feel that way.”
“I felt terrible, Thomas. I see how you are Khanyi’s papa with no questions asked. You are her father and you don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You should hear how Sibongiseni praises the job that you’ve done as her father and how thankful and grateful he is to you for being Khanyi’s dad. If Lydia were around, I’d want her to say the same thing about how I love Rofhiwa. When you make statements like that, I feel like you are telling me that Lydia wouldn’t approve of me as Rofhiwa’s mother.”
He hugs me instantly, pulling me towards his chest and holding me close to his chest. He kisses my head and holds me.
“You are doing amazing, Fikile Ramaru. Thank you for convincing me that we should go to Tholoana Kingdom and get our daughter out of that vat-en-set situation. Thank you for fixing what could have been terribly broken between Rofhiwa and I. Things could have been extremely bad and I still hate that she’s with that boy, but thank you for making the situation manageable. I couldn’t do this without you, Mrs R. You are the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I love you and from the bottom of my heart… and on behalf of Lydia and I, thank you.”
I put my arms around him and hold him tightly too.

I am chilling in the TV room and reading Mrs Him – a novel written by Ketso Madonsela. I enjoy peaceful moments in my house. Zothile is a lot and Thingo lives in his own world. Trying to keep up with my kids is an extreme sport these days. I just miss Mfundo. He was so much easier and I’m struggling to cut the cord with him. He is such a grown man now, living in his own house and having a family of his own. He even wants to get married now and my heart just cannot take it. While I feel happy that Mthunzi and I clearly did okay with him, as his mom, I’m struggling to let him go.
Zothile and Thingolwethu make me feel so old. I’ve even stopped teasing Mthunzi about his age because as far as Thingolwethu and Zothile are concerned, him and I are old. PERIOD!

I’m reading for over an hour when I hear Mthunzi coming down the stairs. I know it’s him because he keeps saying “Baby” as he searches for me. Can he not make a noise. We need those two kids to be asleep for as long as possible.
He finds me.
“Why urasa?” I say to him.
“But I’m not making a noise.”
“You are. You know your sons are a full-time job. Once they wake up, our peace is gone.”
He laughs then says, “And I was about to ask you for one more.”
“Aowa! Zothile was the last one. We are grandparents already. We can’t be making more kids.”
He laughs aloud then says, “Damn Mfundo!”
We both laugh.
He sits next to me. My beautiful and handsome man with the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen a man wear. Imagine such a hot man being your grandfather? Some people are God’s favourite children watsiba. My memory of my grandfather is him being a really old man with no teeth.
“Anyway, baby, we need to talk about this thing kaMfundo yokuyolobola.” He says.
“Angikho ready yaz”, I say.
He looks at me like I’m being weird.
“He’s my baby boy. It’s bad enough that I had to accept that he’s having sex. Now I must accept that he’s a father and he’s about to be a husband. He’s growing up too fast for me, Mthunzi. Can we just press the pause button tu… just for a year?”
He holds my hand. I’m glad he’s not laughing at me because he’d generally find this reaction to be very funny.
“You did a good job with him. You know that right? Look at him now… he’s a responsible family man who respects his wife-to-be, manages a crazy baby-mama and is a decent stepfather. It’s all you, baby. A young man like him doing so well in a blended family?”
“You know you are also an amazing father, right? You did very well too.” I say.
We kiss.
“I was thinking that we do things here. This is Mfundo’s home. I know that we always go to KZN for such things, but KZN is my home. This is Mfundo’s home, you know?” He says.
“I agree with you, baby.”
“Thanks, babe. I’ve phoned my brothers. People should be arriving on Friday. Mfundo gave me R120000 for the lobola.”
“R120000?! Hai bo!” I say.
“Do you know how much your family charged me?” He says.
I’m suddenly embarrassed.
“I’m joking baby”, he says, laughing.
“R120000 is too much, Mthunzi.” I say.
“Well, he said we should put aside R80000 for Nene, then the R40000 is for him to take on Saneliso as well. He is going through with adopting him legally and wants to also buy the surname.” He explains.
“That’s so beautiful. My son? Such a sincere and –
Now I start getting emotional.
“Don’t be sad, Mam’Msomi.”
“I’m not sad. I’m just so proud.”
He smiles at me and kisses me.
“Do you think we will get the same responsible men out of Thingolwethu and Zothile?” I ask him.
He looks at me and we burst into laughter.
“You know what… I’m going to take them with me when I go and shop for blankets and grass mats for Mfundo’s weekend. I want them to see that –
“Baby! They are kids. Come on now.”
“I know. But Thingo speaks a whole new different language from us. Ngapha he’s busy with Khanyisa. After this Rofhiwa saga, Thomas is not going to be generous with this other daughter.”
He laughs aloud and says, “Daughters… yoh! I’m so happy I have boys.” He continues to laugh.
“So uyabona ke… Thingo has to take amalobola to Venda for Thomas then to Soweto to Sibongiseni… ngapha shame umntwana wami uma ekhuluma uthi “ah moms” or “ah pops!” Let him go to Thomas and Sibongiseni and speak like that when he has to talk about marrying Khanyisa, we will all see flames! Kuyophela ngisho nama-friendship between the Msomis and the Ramarus.”
We hysterically laugh aloud. Yoh! Just imagine! My body shivers at the thought.
“Let me take them with me on Friday to get the animals that we will need for umsebenzi. I’ll even have them slaughter with us and they’ll go into the hut masiphahla.” He says.
We bought a bigger house with a bigger yard. Then we built a hut in our yard so we can respect our ancestors in there.
“Wena you go easy on these boys. You better make sure that they have real responsibilities this weekend otherwise I’m on top of them.” I say.
He kisses me, smiling heavily.
“We are doing well neh… at this parenting thing.” I say.
“We really are. I couldn’t have prayed for a better life partner.” He says.
“Me too”, I say.
We kiss.
“So love, angisho you know that you must speak to Kholeka’s family? They have to be part of this. Kholeka is Mfundo’s biological mother.” I say.
He looks disinterested.
“For Mfundo, sthandwa sami. We put it all aside for Mfundo. I’ll drive down with you. We don’t have to disrespect them by phoning them. We can go there, with Mfundo, and tell them… then invite them to be part of this.” I say.
“Koena –
“Please, love. We can do this. Come on.”
“I love you, you know that, right? Ngiyakuthanda kakhulu.”
“Ngiyakuthanda nami, Bab’Msomi. Kakhulu futhi.”
“Good. I’m going to start packing our things. Wena, phone Mfundo and get him here. We will all drive down together today.”
“Thingo and Zothile?”
“Bahamba nathi”, I say.
“They’ll protest”, he says.
“Good thing I don’t negotiate with kids. Bayahamba. I don’t trust those two and Thingo is not responsible enough to look after himself and Zothile.” I say.
He nods his head.
Then he starts running his hand up my thighs.
I smile at him.
Yes, I want him too.
“Shouldn’t sex have an age restriction?” Thingo.
“Ungazosijwayela kabi, wena”, Mthunzi responds, climbing off me and both of us fixing ourselves up. These ones are up and our full-time job starts.
“Good morning, Thingolwethu.” I say.
“Hi moms”, he says.
“Uph’ uZothile?” Mthunzi asks him.
“Morning”, Zothile walks into where we are and greets.
“Hello boy. How are you?” Me.
“Fine. Mommy, can we go and play with Gundo and Rendani today?” Zothile.
“Nope. We are all going to KwaMashu today”, I say.
“KwaMashu? As in KZN or is there another KwaMashu close by?” Thingo.
“We are going to KZN”, me.
“Why?” Zothile.
“Daddy and I have to go sort a few things out with Bhut’Mfundo.” I say.
“So where are we going?” Thingo.
“Nihamba nathi. You’ll stay with gogo when we go do our things.” I say.
“But moms –
“Thingolwethu, umah wakho usekhulumile. Akucace bafana.” Mthunzi.

We arrive in KZN just after 10pm and find my mother-in-love waiting you for us. She’s so excited to have us here. Thingo is annoyed. Zothile is sleepy. Mfundo and his dad took turns driving us here. I sat at the back with the boys.

The boys and Mthunzi are bringing our bags in while I make tea for my mommy-in-love and me. She’s such a chatterbox shame. She’s chatting away as I make the tea. I know her man is here. They live together now. Surprisingly, he and Mthunzi get along very well. He actually gets along very well with all of Mthunzi’s siblings as well.
“Are you sure about this thing of going to Kholeka’s family, ngane yami?” Mommy asks me.
“It’s the right to do, mama. And it’s not about me, it’s about Mfundo.”
“That’s very nice, ngane yami. But, you don’t mind that Mthunzi and Kholeka did get into a bed and make Mfundo together?”
This woman!
“They did… but I’m in bed making babies with Mthunzi now.” I say.
She smiles at me and says, “And she’s in the grave posing no threat. I suppose you are right. She can’t take your man from the grave.”
Hai!
I’m not sure if I should even giggle or laugh or just ignore that comment.
But I say, “Do you think she’d be a threat if she were alive, mama?”
“Yena shame uKholeka she was beautiful. I’m sure you are familiar with Mthunzi’s type by now – very beautiful women. But wena, you take the cup! If Kholeka couldn’t keep him when Sindiswa was still around, la kuwe, she didn’t stand a chance.”
I’m happy, but I’m also feeling awkward.
“But wherever she is, ngane yami… and if ngempela people who are no longer with us in this world can see all that we do and can give us luck as rewarding us for the good that we do, then she is smiling upon you and giving you luck in abundance. What you’ve done for Mfundo… and who you’ve been to Mfundo… it’s more than what she ever was. Any mother would be grateful to another who has been to their child what you have been to Mfundo.”
I smile at her.
“Hi gogo”, Thingo.
“Sawubona mntan’nomntanam’. You are growing so much”. Mama says.
“Mama, tell him to stop wearing tight pants”, Mthunzi and Thingo’s pants bakithi!
“Dad, you need to –
They argue about the pants. Mfundo and Zothile are sitting on the kitchen island and I’m just laughing at this, leaning against the sink and drinking my tea.
This is nice. My family is happy.
Mfundo’s phone rings. He smiles at his screen.
“Umakoti njalo?” Mama asks him.
“Eish gogo, uye. Next time sizofika naye. She’s so beautiful. I took after dad with picking beautiful women.” Mfundo says this then jumps off the island and goes into another room to answer his phone. Mthunzi is so proud!
“Awusho Mthunzi, we are taking wives and children we did not birth now?” Mama.
“Awukahle mama. I think what Mfundo is doing is nice.”
“And what happens when the father of this child wants his child back? With the Msomi surname as well?”
“He’s dead.”
“Weh!” She says and claps once.
“Koena, what do you have to say about this?” Mama asks me.
“I support Mfundo, mama. And Nene is a lovely girl. She really is. You will love her. Saneliso is also a lovely boy. Uzobathanda.” I say.
“Hai cha… to go is to see.” Mama says.
“Don’t be like that, mama. Have an open mind. They are good people and they make such a beautiful family. Uzobona.” I say.
“Ja neh”, mama is not convinced. But the thing with her is that she loves her kids. She would never behave in a way that will hurt or embarrass them. I want to be a mother like her to all my kids and that’s why I’m invested in my relationship with Nene. She needs to feel love from me above everyone else.
“Where’s Skhakha?” Mthunzi asks.
Skhakha is mama’s man.
“He’s sleeping. You’ll see him tomorrow morning.” Mama says.
“Okay. I know you guys are not married, but you must come with him to lomsebenzi kaMfundo.” Mthunzi.
I’m so happy they get along yaz.
“Ngiyabonga mfana wami. He will really appreciate that.” Mama.
“Should I send a car for you?” Mfundo.
“No, we will drive down with that nice car you bought for me.” Mama says. Mthunzi bought her a beautiful Lexus.
We all smile.
“Anyway, goodnight. We have a long day ahead of us, tomorrow.” I say.
“Okay, goodnight. I’m staying up with gogo and we are watching action movies”, Thingo.
“Yeeee!!!” Zothile.
It’s this weird thing that they share with their gogo… watching action movies super late in the night until the sun rises. We have all got used to it. Mfundo joins them, but always passes out on the couch.
Mthunzi and I say goodnight, then we retire to the bedroom we always use when we are here – Mthunzi’s old bedroom.

I woke up this morning completely inspired by the air in Knysna. However, I am concerned that Yaya has not called. I am not even sure if he arrived safely with Phendu. I do not even know where they went.

I went shopping for new pyjamas and a new gown. It feels incredible. I get out of bed and wrap myself in my gown. I wear my new slippers and go sit on the balcony. I try to call him, but his phone is off.
Should I be worried?
 …

Yaya and I ended up in Royal Mohale City. He booked us into the palace. Last night, we had dinner at a restaurant here at the palace and it was nice. We are booked into separate rooms so relax, nothing has happened. Today, we are headed to a game drive.
I finish bathing and as I get dressed, my phone rings. It is Phathu.
“Hey”, I answer.
“Hey. I was hoping we would video call”, him.
“Ah babe, I don’t have data”, I lie.
“I’ll send you some money to get some data, then the next time I come by, I’ll get you a router so that you can have wifi everywhere you go”, he says.
“Thanks babe, that’s really sweet. I will get the router when I get paid. There is no need to stress. Ibile, there is a special running. I think I’ll even get one for my mom’s house so that Phatsi can also use the wifi – especially for school stuff”, me. I really want this call to end.
“I said I’d buy it. Please stop being forward”, he snaps at me.
“It’s just a router, Phathudi”, I say.
“What are you up to?” he asks me, ignoring me actually.
“Just working. It gets very busy here unlike Bethlehem. But I am not complaining”, I say.
“I wish you could come home. There is no need for you to work. I will take care of you and Phatsi”, he says. Tjo! Like I am taking that chance. This is the same guy who complains about spending money on anything and everything. No thanks.
“I love my job, Phathudi. I need you to respect that”, me.
“So you enjoy waking up when you don’t feel like it and going to bed beyond exhausted instead of living a life of leisure? Most women would be grateful for this option”, he says.
I am quiet. I have nothing nice to say to him right now, so I am quiet.
“Are you listening to me, Retshepile?” him.
“Bye Phathudi, I have to go”, me.
I hang up before giving him an opportunity to say anything else to me.

“How are you, baby?” he asks me.
“I miss you. I wish I were on the trip with you and Phendu. Yaz baby, I tried to call you this morning, but your phone was off”, I say.
“Yeah love, my battery was dead so I could only return your call after charging it”, he says.
“Okay baby, I understand. Where did you guys decide to go?” I ask him.
“Royal Mohalr City, baby”, him.
“That’s very nice. Are you guys staying at the palace?” I ask him.
“Yeah. I needed the bathtub to bath Phendulile. He is still too small for a shower”, he says. That makes sense.
“Okay baby. Well, you guys have fun okay?” me.
“Thanks baby. Where did you ladies decide to go?” he asks me.
“We are in Knysna, baby. But the other WAGs are joining us this afternoon so it will be really nice”, I tell him.
“I don’t even want to be a fly on that wall… I can already imagine the gossip topics and the noise that will be happening there”, he says as he giggles.
“Well, it’s a well-needed girls’ trip. Thanks very much for making it happen, baby”, me.
“Enjoy, my love. I am fetching you on Sunday after dropping Phendulile off. You had better be back and ready for me. My body misses your fine ass tremendously”, he says.
I laugh aloud.
“You are such an idiot”, I say as I continue to laugh. I hear him laughing too.
“Bye, my baby”, him.
“Bye, my love”, me.
I hang up.
“Yaya and Thuli sitting in the tree…” that would be Khosi singing. She was listening to my conversation vele?
“When is Tee-le phoning you?” I ask her.
“Hai wena! Stop being forward”, Khosi.
I just chuckle.
“Where did your man go again?” Khosi enquires as I try to walk to the kitchen.
“Royal Mohale City. Why?” me.
“You need to call and make sure that he is just with his son”, she says.
“Why would I do that? I trust Yaya”, me.
“That’s too bad. I don’t trust any of these men in the league”, Khosi says as she starts dialling on her phone.
“Well then keep that between you and your man. That’s not how I run my relationship”, I tell her.
She shooshes me as someone answers her call. She puts the call on speaker.
“Hi there. I am Mrs Mbatha. I am on my way to your hotel to meet up with my husband, but I seem to have lost my booking information. Please double check for me if my husband booked us into the Palace or the Cubanas, please”, Khosi.
This is so wrong.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We do not discuss our guest’s information. You will have to wait to double—check that information with your husband yourself”, the woman responds.
“Please help me, ma’am. My husband is in back-to-back meetings throughout the day. He will probably only be available quite late and I am literally five minutes away”, Khosi.
“I cannot help you, ma’am. I am sorry”, the woman.
“Sisi, this is important. I am prepared to reward you handsomely for this information. Please”, Khosi.
“I am hanging up now. Goodbye”, the woman.
The phone line goes dead.
“Bitch!” Khosi exclaims.
“Is this what you do Khosi? Seriously? It is disgusting. Please stop planting nonsense in my head about my relationship. Yaya is not Tee-le, nor is he a child. You need to stop behaving like you have shares in our relationship. This is probably why Tee-le will never marry you”, I tell her.
I walk off and get into my room, indulging in a very fulfilling nap.

Yaya and I head out for our game drive. I miss my daughter so much. We stop by reception as Yaya double-checks a few things regarding what has been charged to the rooms. Yaya and the receptionist chat and my attention is grabbed when she says:
“Mrs Mbatha, you found your husband. Apologies once again about earlier today. I am genuinely not allowed to give out information about our guests under any circumstances”.
“I didn’t call you. I’m confused”, I say. I am genuinely confused.
“And I don’t have a wife”, Yaya says.
“That’s odd. A woman called earlier today saying that she is Mrs Mbatha and she is on her way to Royal Mohale City. She needed confirmation on whether you, Mr Mbatha, had booked the stay for the palace or the cubanas”, the receptionist.
“And what did you tell her?” Yaya.
“I didn’t disclose any information, sir”, the receptionist.
I turn around and sprint to my room, leaving Yaya there by himself.
I get into my room and start packing my things.

Yaya knocks on my door and begs me to open up for him. I open up and get back to packing.
“She’s not coming. She says her friend, Khosi, was being nosy and wanted to know who I was here with”, he explains.
“What kind of an insecure woman are you engaged to? I do not even know what it is that I am doing. I shouldn’t even be here with you”, me.
“Can we please just finish the weekend?” him.
“No, I am going home. Please take me home”, I say.
He is so heart-broken. Just like that, our weekend ends.

Yaya told me to fly back to GP immediately. The quickest flight I could get was at 6pm. I know he is upset about what Khosi did and I know I am not here for sex. I am here for an argument; I just know it.
I arrived at 9pm and found find him eating, but very silent. All he has said to me is “hi”.
It is midnight now. I do not think he made me come back early from a trip that I sponsored just to give me the silent treatment.

“Are you going to talk to me?” I say to him.
“Do you hate my son that much?” he says. What the fuck?!
“I don’t hate Phendu”, I firmly say.
“I take my son on a holiday away and you behave like an insecure housewife calling hotels to find me. Have you lost your mind?!” He is yelling now.
“Have you lost your mind?! Don’t you ever talk to me like that again! And I told you that it was Khosi, not me”, me.
“And you just sat there and let her make that call?”
“I didn’t. I reprimanded her”.
He is silent.
I see him nodding his head.
Then he gets busy. He is packing. Why is he being so dramatic?
Hang on…
He is packing my stuff.
“Are you kicking me out?” I am honestly in utter shock. What the hell is wrong with Yaya?”
“I need a break”, he says.
“A break from what? From me? All this because Khosi was being silly?” me.
“My life is not soccer and image. I am a father first. That is the aspect of me that irritates you. Therefore, I believe that we should break-up because we will never be on common ground. There will never be a day where I will choose you over my son”, he says.
“It’s Ndalo, isn’t it? You are getting back together with her?” me. It has to be. This is not about Phendulile.
“No, it’s you. Please leave”, he says.

I have never been more confused in my life.

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