Chapter 1
“It’s been a year Thami, and every night you still having the same dream about the night of the accident. I will have to prescribe something for you now.” Says the therapist. “… but wait! Will it make the dreams go away?! I’m not sure if I’m ready to let go yet! Maybe he died because of me! I forgot to tuck Lwandle’s seatbelt on so he had to leave the driver’s seat to make sure our son is safe! It’s my fault right? If I tucked him in, then he could have driven us to safety! He probably blames me for his death!” I say with tears rolling down my eyes. “The pills won’t make the dreams go away, but they will help you sleep. You need to let go and find joy in your life again. The file given to me by the forensic department states that there is no way that accident could have been avoided! Either way, Even if he stayed in his seat, the car was going to hit that truck! So you are not to blame for your fiancé’s death! It was a terrible accident Thami!” Says the Therapist.
I guess this is what I needed to hear, I am now starring at my engagement ring. “Do you think it’s now time to remove it?” The Therapist asked. I got up the chair and made my way to the door, before I exit the room i stopped, I give her a smile, “thank you!” I said. I leave, making my way home
I go straight to my parents house in Soweto, “mommy!” I say. My mother is just too excited to see me. I placed my engagement ring on her hand. suddenly a tear falls from her eye, “you took it off!” She says. “Please keep this safe for me.” I said. My mother gives me a huge hug and tells me how proud she is of me. Lwandle’s father will never be forgotten, he was a good man and I know he would want me to move on with my life, and in order for me to do so, I have to let go.
It’s been four months since my last appointment with the therapist. I’ve started hanging around with friends again, going out a lot, basically doing exactly what twenty seven year olds do!
…After making what I call a mini grocery for the school holidays, I have three full plastic bags as I am walking back home from a local supermarket. I’m looking kinda fly with sunglasses in the middle of June. I’m waiting at the stop sign for this Audi S8 to pass, but instead it drives pass just so it can pack at the side of the road. Okay a lift after all, my hands are full and I’m going to walk a couple of miles before I get home. I probably need a lift rightnow. Hell did I know, my life is about to change.
“Hello ma lady” he says, and all I’m thinking is damn you look so good in that white Audi, or is the white Audi looking good with you in it?
Okay I try to come across as shy as possible so he can quickly drop me off at home so I can avoid feeling so awkward. “My name is Nkosana. And you are?” . “I’m Thami, nice to meet you Nkosana.” that’s me. I direct him to where I stay and we exchanged numbers. From the moment i got off the car I am in cloud nine. I can’t stop thinking about him.
I waited for his call until I fell asleep.
It’s Morning now. I check my phone, Nothing from this Nkosana guy.
I prepare for work now, I’m always late, ugh! not again. I take a quick shower and get dressed everything is working against me now. I take a taxi and I get to work, I’m two minuets late. I kind of forgive myself after all the trouble it took for me to get here.
It’s lunch time now, I check my phone and there is a WhatsApp message from a number I don’t know, it reads ‘hey darling I made it home safe’. Okay it’s him. What do I say? He didn’t even attempt to call as there is no miss call from the same number. I think long and hard as to how I should respond to this. ‘That’s nice’ I reply to his WhatsApp message. he tries to make conversation but by then my lunch had already finished.
Back to work. At this time I completely forgot that this guy exists. He would text me and I would return the text ten hours later. You can say I’m doing exactly what he does.
I’m back from work and tomorrow it’s my off day. It’s movie time! What I like about these kind of nights is that I can stay up until whatever time I want. I pour a glass of wine as my movie is about to start then I get a WhatsApp message from who I now consider a random idiot that I got a lift from. ‘Hey, how are you?’ He texts, and I reply ‘good thanks,’ . He texted me back ‘can I call you? I miss your voice.’ Now I’m thinking, if he wants to waste his airtime let him do so.
I take a sip of my dry red wine, then suddenly my phone starts ringing. “Hi beautiful,” He says. “Hello” i greet him back. I like the sound of his voice, its one of the things you just cannot get enough of. We spoke for hours. My bottle of wine is almost empty and I’m getting wasted. As we were about to end our prolonged conversation he asks when am I seeing him again. “I’m off tomorrow.” I say. “Great I will see u tomorrow then,” he replied.
It’s Morning, I get out of bed. I just have this permanent smile on my face that won’t fade. I check my phone it’s a WhatsApp message from Nkosana. ‘Hi beautiful, will see you around 11!” Ok I jump out of bed to check the time it’s 9am, I calculate how much time I have to do the chores and get ready for him. “We want eggs!” “I want Kellogg’s!” That’s the rascals who are visiting me for the school holidays.
There is Lwandle, that is my son, Simphiwe and Thanyan those are My sisters kids. My kitchen is invaded in no time. I quickly run the bath water for Simphiwe as I prepare breakfast for all of them. Lwandle is playing games with my phone and Thanyan is the eldest who is smarter than people his age, he is busy downloading something in his Xbox. Thanyan is 11 years, Lwandle and Simphiwe are both 7 After breakfast it’s bath time for these little ones. Thanyan and Lwandle always share a bath, atleast these will make things easier as I’m managing my time with perfect caution. “Granny is here!” I say as my mother packs her car at my packing slot. “Everybody out!” They are more than happy to leave my flat they find it small and boring. My mother is going to spoil them rotten as usual. They probably going to the mall.
Time is 11:05, I hear a sound of a car packing outside, then my phone starts ringing. I’m done bathing just trying to quickly get dressed. I grab something to wear that doesn’t need ironing but I’m not that worried, I got that body that doesn’t need a lot of effort. I make him wait 7 minutes and I’m out!
“Hello” I said. He looks at me as if I’m the best thing he has ever layed his eyes on. “you are so beautiful” He says. I’m flattered for real because I didn’t do much with myself. “I got you a little gift” he says. Wow it’s my favorite, Merlot. “Thank you” I say as he hands me a bottle of wine wrapped in a red ribbon. Now I’m wondering where we gonna have this wine. Then he starts his car and asks me if I’m ready to go. I said yes, not even sure where we going.
He drives to another location but not so far from home. Packs his car at a Chisa Nyama/car wash at ekasi. A young man walks in and says “I know it’s you when I see a nice car outside!” Nkosana smiles and gives him the keys “Hi Ntwana, you know me. A full wash please Ntwana.” That’s Nkosana. He bought pap, meat, chicken and vors, he didn’t even ask if I want to eat that, just like he did with the wine. The food is so delicious and the wine is amazing. “So tell me about yourself?” I say as I sip my wine. “I’m the son of the late Nkosazana and Victor Mabaso, My parents had me after 10 years of marriage. Two years after I was born, they were blessed with another son, Sakhile. I was only 3 years old when my father’s private jet crashed in Dubai. It claimed the lives of 6 people including my parents and Sakhile who was only a year old. So I was raised by my uncles, do you think they did a good job?” He says that with a smile on his face as if it’s supposed to be funny. At this moment I can’t hold back the tears. I feel for him so much. I couldn’t imagine growing up without both my parents.
“Please, do tell me about yourself?” He says.
“I am born and raised by my wonderful parents that I adore, I am one of the fortunate people who still have their parents around, but however I had witnessed a terrible loss last year when I lost my fiancé to a terrible car accident! I suffered head injuries that led me in to a coma for three weeks. After the operation I had, I under went physiotherapy for a month, that includes lots and lots of counseling. and through the grace of God, I am well again”
“Don’t worry about cooking tonight Ses Brenda, we brought back take aways from the Chesa Nyama ekasi” Lwazi says. By the rate this kid is going he probably makes all the decisions in this house. I wouldn’t blame him because his mother is always traveling and his Dad is always out and about doing his own things. I go to the kitchen to prepare dinner, we have meat and pap that we bought, I open the fridge and it is a whole Supermarket in here. I’m not a great cook so I google fast. I make Salsa and Chinese sweet and sour salad. I don’t even attempt making sauce I’m not in that lane of cooking. As I’m busy in the kitchen Nkosana comes in. He is wearing shorts and his muscular body is driving me crazy right now. He hands me a glass of champagne and says “we will have dinner at the Jacuzzi, please join us?.” I quickly reply ”I don’t have any swimwear!” and he says “Help yourself with Pam’s. you are part of the family now. feel at home!.”
I waited for his call until I fell asleep.
It’s Morning now. I check my phone, Nothing from this Nkosana guy.
I prepare for work now, I’m always late, ugh! not again. I take a quick shower and get dressed everything is working against me now. I take a taxi and I get to work, I’m two minuets late. I kind of forgive myself after all the trouble it took for me to get here.
It’s lunch time now, I check my phone and there is a WhatsApp message from a number I don’t know, it reads ‘hey darling I made it home safe’. Okay it’s him. What do I say? He didn’t even attempt to call as there is no miss call from the same number. I think long and hard as to how I should respond to this. ‘That’s nice’ I reply to his WhatsApp message. he tries to make conversation but by then my lunch had already finished.
Back to work. At this time I completely forgot that this guy exists. He would text me and I would return the text ten hours later. You can say I’m doing exactly what he does.
I’m back from work and tomorrow it’s my off day. It’s movie time! What I like about these kind of nights is that I can stay up until whatever time I want. I pour a glass of wine as my movie is about to start then I get a WhatsApp message from who I now consider a random idiot that I got a lift from. ‘Hey, how are you?’ He texts, and I reply ‘good thanks,’ . He texted me back ‘can I call you? I miss your voice.’ Now I’m thinking, if he wants to waste his airtime let him do so.
I take a sip of my dry red wine, then suddenly my phone starts ringing. “Hi beautiful,” He says. “Hello” i greet him back. I like the sound of his voice, its one of the things you just cannot get enough of. We spoke for hours. My bottle of wine is almost empty and I’m getting wasted. As we were about to end our prolonged conversation he asks when am I seeing him again. “I’m off tomorrow.” I say. “Great I will see u tomorrow then,” he replied.
It’s Morning, I get out of bed. I just have this permanent smile on my face that won’t fade. I check my phone it’s a WhatsApp message from Nkosana. ‘Hi beautiful, will see you around 11!” Ok I jump out of bed to check the time it’s 9am, I calculate how much time I have to do the chores and get ready for him. “We want eggs!” “I want Kellogg’s!” That’s the rascals who are visiting me for the school holidays.
There is Lwandle, that is my son, Simphiwe and Thanyan those are My sisters kids. My kitchen is invaded in no time. I quickly run the bath water for Simphiwe as I prepare breakfast for all of them. Lwandle is playing games with my phone and Thanyan is the eldest who is smarter than people his age, he is busy downloading something in his Xbox. Thanyan is 11 years, Lwandle and Simphiwe are both 7 After breakfast it’s bath time for these little ones. Thanyan and Lwandle always share a bath, atleast these will make things easier as I’m managing my time with perfect caution. “Granny is here!” I say as my mother packs her car at my packing slot. “Everybody out!” They are more than happy to leave my flat they find it small and boring. My mother is going to spoil them rotten as usual. They probably going to the mall.
Time is 11:05, I hear a sound of a car packing outside, then my phone starts ringing. I’m done bathing just trying to quickly get dressed. I grab something to wear that doesn’t need ironing but I’m not that worried, I got that body that doesn’t need a lot of effort. I make him wait 7 minutes and I’m out!
“Hello” I said. He looks at me as if I’m the best thing he has ever layed his eyes on. “you are so beautiful” He says. I’m flattered for real because I didn’t do much with myself. “I got you a little gift” he says. Wow it’s my favorite, Merlot. “Thank you” I say as he hands me a bottle of wine wrapped in a red ribbon. Now I’m wondering where we gonna have this wine. Then he starts his car and asks me if I’m ready to go. I said yes, not even sure where we going.
He drives to another location but not so far from home. Packs his car at a Chisa Nyama/car wash at ekasi. A young man walks in and says “I know it’s you when I see a nice car outside!” Nkosana smiles and gives him the keys “Hi Ntwana, you know me. A full wash please Ntwana.” That’s Nkosana. He bought pap, meat, chicken and vors, he didn’t even ask if I want to eat that, just like he did with the wine. The food is so delicious and the wine is amazing. “So tell me about yourself?” I say as I sip my wine. “I’m the son of the late Nkosazana and Victor Mabaso, My parents had me after 10 years of marriage. Two years after I was born, they were blessed with another son, Sakhile. I was only 3 years old when my father’s private jet crashed in Dubai. It claimed the lives of 6 people including my parents and Sakhile who was only a year old. So I was raised by my uncles, do you think they did a good job?” He says that with a smile on his face as if it’s supposed to be funny. At this moment I can’t hold back the tears. I feel for him so much. I couldn’t imagine growing up without both my parents.
“Please, do tell me about yourself?” He says.
“I am born and raised by my wonderful parents that I adore, I am one of the fortunate people who still have their parents around, but however I had witnessed a terrible loss last year when I lost my fiancé to a terrible car accident! I suffered head injuries that led me in to a coma for three weeks. After the operation I had, I under went physiotherapy for a month, that includes lots and lots of counseling. and through the grace of God, I am well again”
Nkosana is looking straight in my eyes with great relief “I am glad the operation went well.” I started crying, he holds my hand and asks if everything is okay?. “If it wasn’t for the operation I could have also died, my medical aid couldn’t pay for such a big operation but however some stranger was taking care of all my medical expenses! I was at the best hospital in South Africa and being treated by the best surgeons in the country, even today I haven’t got a chance to thank them for saving my life! He or She wanted to remain anonymous.” I say trying so hard not to spoil my mascara. After all that sobbing, we had such lovely conversations. I got to know his intellectual and witty self. He receives a call and excuses himself from the table, He comes back a few minutes later and tells me we should quickly rush off to Maponya mall, he needs to go do something fast at Standard Bank.
As we drove to Standard Bank he reached for my hand “I’m loving this moment you know” he says and I completely agree with him. “So, do you have a girlfriend?” I ask. “I am married.” He replies. Suddenly I feel sick to my stomach! At this moment I can’t breathe, I am trembling. I feel like I’ve just been strike by lightning. He holds on to my hand so tight. “And you? are you seeing someone?” He asks. If he is married then I guess it makes it okay for me to have a boyfriend. I will just lie to him. I don’t want to come across as the poor lonely victim who is dating a married man. “Yes, I am.” I lied. “His name is Gift.” Then there is this moment where I feel pathetic because i lied, forgetting that he just dropped a bomb on me, and I chose Gift of all people!
Gift is my childhood friend. He also became my crush before I realized what a womanizer he is, and I don’t consider him to be very smart. He is into BEE, has small companies and does small tenders that his peers don’t want and act all big. I mean he drives a Mercedes AMG, wears expensive clothes and colognes but is renting a bachelor’s flat in New town.
As we drove to Standard Bank he reached for my hand “I’m loving this moment you know” he says and I completely agree with him. “So, do you have a girlfriend?” I ask. “I am married.” He replies. Suddenly I feel sick to my stomach! At this moment I can’t breathe, I am trembling. I feel like I’ve just been strike by lightning. He holds on to my hand so tight. “And you? are you seeing someone?” He asks. If he is married then I guess it makes it okay for me to have a boyfriend. I will just lie to him. I don’t want to come across as the poor lonely victim who is dating a married man. “Yes, I am.” I lied. “His name is Gift.” Then there is this moment where I feel pathetic because i lied, forgetting that he just dropped a bomb on me, and I chose Gift of all people!
Gift is my childhood friend. He also became my crush before I realized what a womanizer he is, and I don’t consider him to be very smart. He is into BEE, has small companies and does small tenders that his peers don’t want and act all big. I mean he drives a Mercedes AMG, wears expensive clothes and colognes but is renting a bachelor’s flat in New town.
He doesn’t know that this is what I think of him because he can be very generous when we go out with my friends and the AMG always makes a statement. This is why I keep him around
Finally we arrive at Maponya Mall. He is still holding my hand. I realize that I need to buy morning sleepers so I tell him I will rush off to Woolworths while he goes to the bank. He tells me it’s fine he won’t take long, he will catch up with me very soon. As I was trying on sleepers trying to decide wether to buy the comfortable ones or the nice ones suddenly I feel his hand touching me. I feel complete.
“I told you I won’t be long” he says as he gives me a hug and a kiss on my forehead. He offers to make the payment and we leave. He drives me back home “So what will you be busy with?” He asks. “I must cook for the kids,” I reply. He knows I have a kid. I told him the first day we met when I was making groceries for them. “Ok then, let me not keep you.” It’s
So hard to keep our hands apart although I have to let go so I can open the door and get out of the car. I get to my flat and I start chopping veggies as I prepare supper for the three rascals. I can’t say I’m excited about dating a married man. I’m just in one of the most complicated situations ritenow.
Atleast he texted me goodnight. I wonder if the wife is not sleeping right beside him.
The schools are about to open now. Thanyan and Simphiwe go back home to my sister in Botswana. My sister’s name is Zama, she relocated to Botswana after finding her soulmate there. That is Simphiwe and Thanyan’s father. They have been holding it down for years now. Their story is a true fairytale. My son Lwandle goes home to Bridget. The two are inseparable. Bridget is his grandmother from the father’s side. When Lwandle’s father died in a car accident we had a year ago she grew very fond of Lwandle.I was certain I had found my soulmate with Lwandle’s father. He might be on the other side but he will always be my first love.
It’s Friday after work and I’m weekend off. I am just tired ritenow. I get a call from Nkosana “I’m coming to pick you up, get ready” he says. Ooh no! Not when I’m this tired. Atleast I’m off tomorrow so an outing won’t hurt. I’m too lazy to do anything ritenow I quickly go in and out of the shower wear one of my nice dresses and pumps, put on some makeup. Damn! I’m hot even if I have to say so myself!
He opens the door for me. As soon as I step in the car he grabs my hand as usual. “You are so beautiful” He says. He starts his car and drives. I’m getting used to not being asked where I want to go or what I want to eat. He hits the freeway to Sandton and ouch!, this is out of my comfort zone.
He leads me to a restaurant in Sandton, San-deck, i have only been in this restaurant once so atleast i know what to expect but im not familiar with it, so im a bit anxious. The waiter brings menus for us, I Oder grilled prawns with fresh chopped salad. Nkosana Oders a platter with all sorts of meat., Nkosanas loves his meat! he then orders cognac for himself, then he asks what I would be drinking? I go through the beverage’s menu and I order Scottish whiskey.
It is such a beautiful evening he can’t keep his eyes off me. He looks so fine, he goes to gym every chance he gets, he is a huge sports fan. He is tall dark and handsome. He dresses so elegant and when he is out of the office he’ll be in one of his Under Armour sports wear showing off all his muscles and driving me crazy with a scent that doesnt fade. I told my wife about you!” he says. Wow I’m so puzzled because he never said anything about them having problems in their marriage. I’m wondering why he would do that. “She wants to meet you.” He said. “I don’t understand you right now, why would she want to meet me? Are things okay at home?” I ask. “No we are not having any trouble at all, we just have an open marriage.” He says.
Then there is silence. I ask myself what this means. I am really confused right now, I keep sipping my whiskey. We driving back home and his holding my hand as reassurance that everything will be okay and that I should just trust him.
It’s Saturday Morning, my head feels heavy. It must have been the Whiskey from last night. I prepare food for myself then I take a bath. I usually go home on my off days. I take a taxi and go see my parents In Soweto. Some of my old friends still stay around and when I’m by my hometown I always bump into Gift with his AMG playing music by the corner. “Hey girl? Ssup?” He asks. He has always been a charmer and if you are from my neighborhood you know that you are very lucky to be even greeted by Gift, but me and him are friends. “I’m good man, what you up to?” I ask. “Jus chill vibes for now but later planning to go to a gig, ogernize ur friends and will hook up girl, call me!” He says. That’s all we talk about, booze and clubbing. Atleast I know when he is around he pays for everything. I go see my family, I have a big meal and then I go to my old bedroom and fall asleep. I hear a knock at the door, my mom comes to the bedroom and wakes me up. “Gift is looking for you!” She says. You see Gift is a catch. Even my mother would be happy if he marries me. So he thinks he can come in and out of my parents house as he please. “Okay I’m coming!” I check the time it’s 9pm, eish the gig. quickly touch of make up, I put on my leather jacket and I’m good to go. I tell two of my friends we coming to get them and we off.
The night is lit, got a bottle of Heineken on my hand and we dancing to every beat. My phone rings and I go outside to answer it. It’s Nkosana. I ask myself If I should answer it in this noise. I thought to myself I don’t remember telling him I’m a good girl who doesn’t party!, and since when am I scared of him I mean even my parents know that I am clubbing right now. So I answer his call we talk and he could tell that I’m a bit tipsy. He asks where I’m at and I tell him. He says he is coming for a hug. Within minutes Nkosana is here, this time he is driving a Mercedes-Maybach GLS. He calls it his Benz truck. He is not bothered by the fact that I’m drunk, instead he buys one for himself. He is not the type for clubbing so we chill outside for a bit, after all, he said he is coming for a hug. I see Gift starring at us from a distance as Nkosana pulls me closer to him. Nkosana leaves and made me reassure him that I will be safe. Then I go back to the girls. We intoxicated right now, so we all decide to call it a night. Gift drops off the girls and then drives to my parents house to drop me off. He packs the car outside the gate. “So, who is that I saw you with?” He asks. At this moment, I think about how to answer him. if Gift knows Nkosana and he knows that he is married, He would obviously judge me for dating a married man, he would think I’m a home wrecker. “He is jus a friend” I say. He looks at me with this stunned look and says “really, you guys seemed cozy. He was really touching you”. “Gift please drop it, I don’t have to explain myself to you!” I say getting off the car, he gets off aswell and follows me. He grabs me by the neck and when he was about to kiss me I pulled out. I thought of Nkosana. I quickly ran in the house. I’m confused. Why now?! How could I reject a single man over a married man. Am I stupid? I fell asleep just thinking about this.
It’s Sunday, my Mother is playing loud gospel music as she is preparing for church. “Clean that room and get ready for church! I spoke to Bridget she is bringing Lwandle.” She said. I jumped off the bed, cleaned and got in the shower. I hear my boy’s voice, he is here! two minuets is fine to get excited over him after that he just knows how to really make you mad. We all go to church. After church as we prepare Sunday lunch Nkosana calls me. I tell him I’m home with my kid and then he says “good, I want us to go somewhere. I hope you guys are ready when I get there.” Really! With Lwandle I’m not even sure I want him to meet Lwandle yet. I’m shaking in my boots right now. What would Lwandle think of all this. He is seven but these kids are very smart.
Finally he arrives, there is a boy at the back seat of his car. He is about Thanyan’s age, charming little man he would just steal your heart away. “Hello everyone” I greet. They all greet back. Nkosana says “This is Lwazi, my son.” And I introduce Lwandle. He takes us to the Chisa Nyama. He buys everyone cool drinks and we braai some meat. We all settled right now. Lwazi comes and whispers in my ear “I hear you are going to be my other mom.” At this moment I’m speechless, I’m shocked at what this boy has just said, As I turn around Nkosana is down on one knee holding a beautiful ring in his hand. “Please be my second wife?” He said. I looked at him he looks so perfect and so cute on one knee, I just thought of how little I know this guy, but then again life is too short. Aag man “yes!” I said. There’s only a few people at the Chesa Nyama so it wasn’t even a show, some lady asks the waiter if she heard correctly “did he say second wife?.” and I couldn’t care less.
I had no worry as to what my parents would make out of this or how the first wife will feel about this. All I am sure about at this very moment is that I love this man who is holding my hand and this moment is mine. They start playing amapiano and Lwazi starts dancing, you won’t get tired of watching Lwazi dance. I’m impressed! this boy can really move, from zekethe moves to the voshos. I don’t know where he gets these dances from because he was born and raised in the suburbs of Waterfall. Even Lwandle joins in, then Nkosana but I sit and admire my ring. We decide to call it a day, we all get in the car and he drives to his place at Waterfall. We get there, There’s a lady in the house “Hi Brenda, finally she is here. this is Thami.” Nkosana said. “Hi nice meeting you Brenda.” That’s me, Thinking that is Lwazi’s mom. I’m thinking wow this is going to be way too easy. “It’s nice meeting you Thami, I will go prepare the rooms for the little ones” Brenda says as she walks up the stairs. I am thinking this lady is so submissive. She has a very rural Zulu accent. I’m thinking that this whole second wife thing shouldn’t be so difficult after all. “That is our helper” Nkosana said. I’m laughing at myself right now “I thought that is Lwazi’s mom!.” I say. Nkosana bursts into laughter and says “Lwazi’s mom is in New York on a business trip, Her name is Pamela, but everybody calls her Pam.” Okay a little relieved that she is not around, but I also wish the moment of meeting her could just come and pass.
Finally we arrive at Maponya Mall. He is still holding my hand. I realize that I need to buy morning sleepers so I tell him I will rush off to Woolworths while he goes to the bank. He tells me it’s fine he won’t take long, he will catch up with me very soon. As I was trying on sleepers trying to decide wether to buy the comfortable ones or the nice ones suddenly I feel his hand touching me. I feel complete.
“I told you I won’t be long” he says as he gives me a hug and a kiss on my forehead. He offers to make the payment and we leave. He drives me back home “So what will you be busy with?” He asks. “I must cook for the kids,” I reply. He knows I have a kid. I told him the first day we met when I was making groceries for them. “Ok then, let me not keep you.” It’s
So hard to keep our hands apart although I have to let go so I can open the door and get out of the car. I get to my flat and I start chopping veggies as I prepare supper for the three rascals. I can’t say I’m excited about dating a married man. I’m just in one of the most complicated situations ritenow.
Atleast he texted me goodnight. I wonder if the wife is not sleeping right beside him.
The schools are about to open now. Thanyan and Simphiwe go back home to my sister in Botswana. My sister’s name is Zama, she relocated to Botswana after finding her soulmate there. That is Simphiwe and Thanyan’s father. They have been holding it down for years now. Their story is a true fairytale. My son Lwandle goes home to Bridget. The two are inseparable. Bridget is his grandmother from the father’s side. When Lwandle’s father died in a car accident we had a year ago she grew very fond of Lwandle.I was certain I had found my soulmate with Lwandle’s father. He might be on the other side but he will always be my first love.
It’s Friday after work and I’m weekend off. I am just tired ritenow. I get a call from Nkosana “I’m coming to pick you up, get ready” he says. Ooh no! Not when I’m this tired. Atleast I’m off tomorrow so an outing won’t hurt. I’m too lazy to do anything ritenow I quickly go in and out of the shower wear one of my nice dresses and pumps, put on some makeup. Damn! I’m hot even if I have to say so myself!
He opens the door for me. As soon as I step in the car he grabs my hand as usual. “You are so beautiful” He says. He starts his car and drives. I’m getting used to not being asked where I want to go or what I want to eat. He hits the freeway to Sandton and ouch!, this is out of my comfort zone.
He leads me to a restaurant in Sandton, San-deck, i have only been in this restaurant once so atleast i know what to expect but im not familiar with it, so im a bit anxious. The waiter brings menus for us, I Oder grilled prawns with fresh chopped salad. Nkosana Oders a platter with all sorts of meat., Nkosanas loves his meat! he then orders cognac for himself, then he asks what I would be drinking? I go through the beverage’s menu and I order Scottish whiskey.
It is such a beautiful evening he can’t keep his eyes off me. He looks so fine, he goes to gym every chance he gets, he is a huge sports fan. He is tall dark and handsome. He dresses so elegant and when he is out of the office he’ll be in one of his Under Armour sports wear showing off all his muscles and driving me crazy with a scent that doesnt fade. I told my wife about you!” he says. Wow I’m so puzzled because he never said anything about them having problems in their marriage. I’m wondering why he would do that. “She wants to meet you.” He said. “I don’t understand you right now, why would she want to meet me? Are things okay at home?” I ask. “No we are not having any trouble at all, we just have an open marriage.” He says.
Then there is silence. I ask myself what this means. I am really confused right now, I keep sipping my whiskey. We driving back home and his holding my hand as reassurance that everything will be okay and that I should just trust him.
It’s Saturday Morning, my head feels heavy. It must have been the Whiskey from last night. I prepare food for myself then I take a bath. I usually go home on my off days. I take a taxi and go see my parents In Soweto. Some of my old friends still stay around and when I’m by my hometown I always bump into Gift with his AMG playing music by the corner. “Hey girl? Ssup?” He asks. He has always been a charmer and if you are from my neighborhood you know that you are very lucky to be even greeted by Gift, but me and him are friends. “I’m good man, what you up to?” I ask. “Jus chill vibes for now but later planning to go to a gig, ogernize ur friends and will hook up girl, call me!” He says. That’s all we talk about, booze and clubbing. Atleast I know when he is around he pays for everything. I go see my family, I have a big meal and then I go to my old bedroom and fall asleep. I hear a knock at the door, my mom comes to the bedroom and wakes me up. “Gift is looking for you!” She says. You see Gift is a catch. Even my mother would be happy if he marries me. So he thinks he can come in and out of my parents house as he please. “Okay I’m coming!” I check the time it’s 9pm, eish the gig. quickly touch of make up, I put on my leather jacket and I’m good to go. I tell two of my friends we coming to get them and we off.
The night is lit, got a bottle of Heineken on my hand and we dancing to every beat. My phone rings and I go outside to answer it. It’s Nkosana. I ask myself If I should answer it in this noise. I thought to myself I don’t remember telling him I’m a good girl who doesn’t party!, and since when am I scared of him I mean even my parents know that I am clubbing right now. So I answer his call we talk and he could tell that I’m a bit tipsy. He asks where I’m at and I tell him. He says he is coming for a hug. Within minutes Nkosana is here, this time he is driving a Mercedes-Maybach GLS. He calls it his Benz truck. He is not bothered by the fact that I’m drunk, instead he buys one for himself. He is not the type for clubbing so we chill outside for a bit, after all, he said he is coming for a hug. I see Gift starring at us from a distance as Nkosana pulls me closer to him. Nkosana leaves and made me reassure him that I will be safe. Then I go back to the girls. We intoxicated right now, so we all decide to call it a night. Gift drops off the girls and then drives to my parents house to drop me off. He packs the car outside the gate. “So, who is that I saw you with?” He asks. At this moment, I think about how to answer him. if Gift knows Nkosana and he knows that he is married, He would obviously judge me for dating a married man, he would think I’m a home wrecker. “He is jus a friend” I say. He looks at me with this stunned look and says “really, you guys seemed cozy. He was really touching you”. “Gift please drop it, I don’t have to explain myself to you!” I say getting off the car, he gets off aswell and follows me. He grabs me by the neck and when he was about to kiss me I pulled out. I thought of Nkosana. I quickly ran in the house. I’m confused. Why now?! How could I reject a single man over a married man. Am I stupid? I fell asleep just thinking about this.
It’s Sunday, my Mother is playing loud gospel music as she is preparing for church. “Clean that room and get ready for church! I spoke to Bridget she is bringing Lwandle.” She said. I jumped off the bed, cleaned and got in the shower. I hear my boy’s voice, he is here! two minuets is fine to get excited over him after that he just knows how to really make you mad. We all go to church. After church as we prepare Sunday lunch Nkosana calls me. I tell him I’m home with my kid and then he says “good, I want us to go somewhere. I hope you guys are ready when I get there.” Really! With Lwandle I’m not even sure I want him to meet Lwandle yet. I’m shaking in my boots right now. What would Lwandle think of all this. He is seven but these kids are very smart.
Finally he arrives, there is a boy at the back seat of his car. He is about Thanyan’s age, charming little man he would just steal your heart away. “Hello everyone” I greet. They all greet back. Nkosana says “This is Lwazi, my son.” And I introduce Lwandle. He takes us to the Chisa Nyama. He buys everyone cool drinks and we braai some meat. We all settled right now. Lwazi comes and whispers in my ear “I hear you are going to be my other mom.” At this moment I’m speechless, I’m shocked at what this boy has just said, As I turn around Nkosana is down on one knee holding a beautiful ring in his hand. “Please be my second wife?” He said. I looked at him he looks so perfect and so cute on one knee, I just thought of how little I know this guy, but then again life is too short. Aag man “yes!” I said. There’s only a few people at the Chesa Nyama so it wasn’t even a show, some lady asks the waiter if she heard correctly “did he say second wife?.” and I couldn’t care less.
I had no worry as to what my parents would make out of this or how the first wife will feel about this. All I am sure about at this very moment is that I love this man who is holding my hand and this moment is mine. They start playing amapiano and Lwazi starts dancing, you won’t get tired of watching Lwazi dance. I’m impressed! this boy can really move, from zekethe moves to the voshos. I don’t know where he gets these dances from because he was born and raised in the suburbs of Waterfall. Even Lwandle joins in, then Nkosana but I sit and admire my ring. We decide to call it a day, we all get in the car and he drives to his place at Waterfall. We get there, There’s a lady in the house “Hi Brenda, finally she is here. this is Thami.” Nkosana said. “Hi nice meeting you Brenda.” That’s me, Thinking that is Lwazi’s mom. I’m thinking wow this is going to be way too easy. “It’s nice meeting you Thami, I will go prepare the rooms for the little ones” Brenda says as she walks up the stairs. I am thinking this lady is so submissive. She has a very rural Zulu accent. I’m thinking that this whole second wife thing shouldn’t be so difficult after all. “That is our helper” Nkosana said. I’m laughing at myself right now “I thought that is Lwazi’s mom!.” I say. Nkosana bursts into laughter and says “Lwazi’s mom is in New York on a business trip, Her name is Pamela, but everybody calls her Pam.” Okay a little relieved that she is not around, but I also wish the moment of meeting her could just come and pass.
“Don’t worry about cooking tonight Ses Brenda, we brought back take aways from the Chesa Nyama ekasi” Lwazi says. By the rate this kid is going he probably makes all the decisions in this house. I wouldn’t blame him because his mother is always traveling and his Dad is always out and about doing his own things. I go to the kitchen to prepare dinner, we have meat and pap that we bought, I open the fridge and it is a whole Supermarket in here. I’m not a great cook so I google fast. I make Salsa and Chinese sweet and sour salad. I don’t even attempt making sauce I’m not in that lane of cooking. As I’m busy in the kitchen Nkosana comes in. He is wearing shorts and his muscular body is driving me crazy right now. He hands me a glass of champagne and says “we will have dinner at the Jacuzzi, please join us?.” I quickly reply ”I don’t have any swimwear!” and he says “Help yourself with Pam’s. you are part of the family now. feel at home!.”
He rushes back to the Jacuzzi I could hear them all having a good time.
I decide to take the food first so I can see what I’m getting myself into. Okay at least there is some patio furniture here. I leave a tray of meat and one bowl of Salad on the table then I go back to kitchen to get the other tray. There is a bar just on the other room and a pool table, I see a piano and some deejaying equipment aswell I could tell those belongs to Lwazi judging from the moves I saw earlier. The house is huge. There is a swimming pool, basketball court and a nice garden outside. Brenda takes me to where I can find swimwear. Wow this walk in closet is huge, now I realize just how big I am, I don’t fit in any of these clothes. I try on a very long t-shirt it probably belongs to Nkosana. I look in the mirror, eish the scars of the accident I had a year ago are showing. I guess they will always be a reminder of how Lwandles’s father died. I’m really sexy with clothes on but being naked it’s a different story now. I decide to throw in a sarong on top of the long t-shirt I found. I must say this house is pretty awesome. I’m sure there was some interior design involved here. I go join the boys in the Jacuzzi and they are on FaceTime. They are video chatting with Pam! She is asking Lwandle how old he is and what grade he is doing?. Nkosana jumps out of the water when I enter the room, gives me a kiss on my forehead and says “you look beautiful, the kids are having a chat with Pam. Do you wanna say hi?” I quickly think about how I look, I saw her taste in clothes and I know her size and I’m at a Jacuzzi with a long t-shirt there is no way I’m letting this be her first impression of me. “Can we not do this now, please.? I feel so overwhelmed with everything that has happened today.” I said. And he completely understands.
We move to the entertainment room and leave the kids to continue with the video chat. He starts playing the piano. He plays ‘thinking out loud‘ by Ed Sheeran. Im completely blown away. I go and sit on the floor right next to him I put my head on his lap as he continues to play.
“The kids are getting tired and is school tomorrow, I also have to go to work.” I said. “We are all calling in sick tomorrow!” says Nkosana. He always makes the decisions, Wether their good or bad. I guess what we really like about each other is that we are just human and we dont have to put up a front when we are together. Brenda helps me get the kids to bed. All separate big rooms.
Nkosana has passed out on the leather couch in the entertainment room, it must be the cognac he was drinking. I make sure Lwazi is tucked in and I go to Lwandle and make sure he is rested, then I go check on Nkosana he is snoring now, gosh, I try waking him up, I manage to take him to the first bedroom I could find. He is fast asleep. Right after midnight he finally sober up and I hear him asking “where the hell am I!?” I’m thinking he probably had amnesia, and he cannot remember me and everything that happened yesterday. He looks me in the eyes and says “Thami! Why are we here?!” Okay I’m relieved he remembers me, I try to explain that he passed out and I had to get him to sleep. “Why are we sleeping in Brenda’s bedroom!?” he whisperers in my ear with his eyes wide open. Now I’m thinking, Oops I chose the wrong bedroom. Out of all 6 bedrooms in this house I chose the only one that is taken. You could have seen us sneaking out of that bedroom like teenagers making our way to the right bedroom. That was really funny. The minute we entered the right bedroom we couldn’t get our hands off each other. He kissed every bit of my skin and I did the same. We don’t even get to the bed because the room is so big that when we finally did, all we wanted to do was sleep. He held me until the morning, and I held him too.
I decide to take the food first so I can see what I’m getting myself into. Okay at least there is some patio furniture here. I leave a tray of meat and one bowl of Salad on the table then I go back to kitchen to get the other tray. There is a bar just on the other room and a pool table, I see a piano and some deejaying equipment aswell I could tell those belongs to Lwazi judging from the moves I saw earlier. The house is huge. There is a swimming pool, basketball court and a nice garden outside. Brenda takes me to where I can find swimwear. Wow this walk in closet is huge, now I realize just how big I am, I don’t fit in any of these clothes. I try on a very long t-shirt it probably belongs to Nkosana. I look in the mirror, eish the scars of the accident I had a year ago are showing. I guess they will always be a reminder of how Lwandles’s father died. I’m really sexy with clothes on but being naked it’s a different story now. I decide to throw in a sarong on top of the long t-shirt I found. I must say this house is pretty awesome. I’m sure there was some interior design involved here. I go join the boys in the Jacuzzi and they are on FaceTime. They are video chatting with Pam! She is asking Lwandle how old he is and what grade he is doing?. Nkosana jumps out of the water when I enter the room, gives me a kiss on my forehead and says “you look beautiful, the kids are having a chat with Pam. Do you wanna say hi?” I quickly think about how I look, I saw her taste in clothes and I know her size and I’m at a Jacuzzi with a long t-shirt there is no way I’m letting this be her first impression of me. “Can we not do this now, please.? I feel so overwhelmed with everything that has happened today.” I said. And he completely understands.
We move to the entertainment room and leave the kids to continue with the video chat. He starts playing the piano. He plays ‘thinking out loud‘ by Ed Sheeran. Im completely blown away. I go and sit on the floor right next to him I put my head on his lap as he continues to play.
“The kids are getting tired and is school tomorrow, I also have to go to work.” I said. “We are all calling in sick tomorrow!” says Nkosana. He always makes the decisions, Wether their good or bad. I guess what we really like about each other is that we are just human and we dont have to put up a front when we are together. Brenda helps me get the kids to bed. All separate big rooms.
Nkosana has passed out on the leather couch in the entertainment room, it must be the cognac he was drinking. I make sure Lwazi is tucked in and I go to Lwandle and make sure he is rested, then I go check on Nkosana he is snoring now, gosh, I try waking him up, I manage to take him to the first bedroom I could find. He is fast asleep. Right after midnight he finally sober up and I hear him asking “where the hell am I!?” I’m thinking he probably had amnesia, and he cannot remember me and everything that happened yesterday. He looks me in the eyes and says “Thami! Why are we here?!” Okay I’m relieved he remembers me, I try to explain that he passed out and I had to get him to sleep. “Why are we sleeping in Brenda’s bedroom!?” he whisperers in my ear with his eyes wide open. Now I’m thinking, Oops I chose the wrong bedroom. Out of all 6 bedrooms in this house I chose the only one that is taken. You could have seen us sneaking out of that bedroom like teenagers making our way to the right bedroom. That was really funny. The minute we entered the right bedroom we couldn’t get our hands off each other. He kissed every bit of my skin and I did the same. We don’t even get to the bed because the room is so big that when we finally did, all we wanted to do was sleep. He held me until the morning, and I held him too.
It’s morning, and I feel his arms around me. “Morning Sthandwa sam” Nkosana says. I turn and he is looking right in my face. “How long have you been up?” I ask. “I couldnt bring myself to leave the bedroom and you waking up without me by your side” he said. We wake up and take a shower together. I’m a little worried about Lwandle, he is probably wondering where I am right now. Nkosana tells me to look outside the window. All I see is just a beautiful view. He points to the other direction. I see Lwandle and Lwazi shooting some hoops in the basketball court. Okay atleast he is not crying for me. “Please call Lwandle’s school.” Nkosana says as he hands me my phone. “Okay, but what about Lwazi?” I ask. “He does home schooling! I’ll call his tutor not to come!” Now because of all the traveling that happens in this family Pam decided to put Lwazi in home school in that way he travels with his tutor and he doesn’t miss out on any school work. I first call my job and then call Lwandle school. I’m not going to worry Nkosana about sick notes right now. I’ll deal with it tomorrow at work with my boss. There is so much we can do in this big house but Nkosana is planning we go watch a live cricket game. This family is big on sports. Lwazi is a professional polo player, He adopted the sport through his love of horse riding. He is only 11 years old but already has his eye on making it into the under 16 national team. There’s so much activities that goes on in this house, Nkosana’s hobbies include sky diving, car racing and lots and lots of sports. Nkosana and Lwazi are also hunters. They both have hunting license which includes the use of rifles. There are photos of them holding rifles with dead wild animals framed at the entertainment room. There is even a head of a buffalo hanged on the wall at the bar, Nkosana says Lwazi hunted it down all by himself. Today we intend to have a nice family time watching cricket, Brenda helps me prepare a nice picnic basket with all the goodies inside. Nkosana’s takes out His Benz truck from his garage and we are off.
