Broken Clocks

The Girlfriend

It's Friday today and it's my mom's 57th birthday tomorrow. I was driving down to Mpumalanga this afternoon. Alwande and the kids drove in the morning as Lethabo wanted to make sure that everything was in place for tomorrow. She was really eager on making sure that mom had the best birthday ever. I spent the entire week with Mnqobi and he was very reluctant about me leaving for the weekend . He even suggested that he'd book into a BnB closer to my parent's house so that he can see him. I told him to get rid of that stupid idea. I'm still not sure what's going on between us , i mean he's always at my place , we cuddle , have sex and the question on what we are is still burning in my mind. I made a mental note to ask him as soon as i got back on Sunday.

Fortunately on Fridays we knocked off an hour early so at 16h00 we were out. My bags were already in my car. Mnqobi helped me pack . The drive to Mpumalanga , Dennilton wasn't that long and luckily there wasn't much traffic. After two hours i drove into my house. Alwande's car was outside as well as Ntando's ! Yessssss my brother was home! I missed him so much! I hooted as i drove in and little Kea and Ora ran out screaming jumping around. I parked on the driveway and climbed out of the car as Ora and Kea ran into my arms . I crouched down to their size.

Ora:Mani ! (Aunt)

Me : hey my babies niRight

Kea: aphila , ksasa yi happy birthday ka Gogo

Me : huh is it ? What did you get for Gogo ?

Ora : It's a secret we can't tell you

Me : Even me your favourite Mani

Ora : you are our only mani

Me: what about Lethabo?

Ora shrugged as I laughed softly , Oratile was definetly getting smart . I got up and my eyes fell on my mom who was on the doorway of the living room with a wide smile on her face. I walked towards her.

Me: mama!

Ma: oh mndranami ! (My child)

She embraced me in a hug. I missed her hugs they were always filled with love and warmth. They always felt like everything is going to be alright. I pulled away when i heard dad's voice . "Dombolo wami " Growing up my dad gave all of us nicknames

Me : Oh kodwa baba sengimdala for igamelo ( but dad I'm old for that name)

Dad : Hai suka umdala hlan kwani (there's no such)

He embraced me in a hug

Dad: awusho keh liphi isokana lakho ngoba uNtando loya uzenentrombi(so tell me where's your boyfriend because Ntando brought home a girl)

Me : What ? uNtando sekane ntrombi haii ubaba uyadlala (Ntando has a girlfriend you must be joking)

Mom : khamboz bonela mdranami(go see for yourself)

I walked into the house laughing lightly. This has to be a joke Ntando has a girlfriend? Don't get me wrong my brother is fine looking even Nelisa crushed on him but the dude is scared of girls ! I heard some laughter coming from the kitchen i walked in and found Alwande cooking, Lethabo was trying to make a quick buck out of Ntando.

Me : Family !

They all turned

Ntando : Look who finally showed up

Me : no no no wena ungumuntru wokgcina wok'khuluma keh !(you the last person to talk)

He laughed and came to give me a hug

Ntando : urege mrakama(you good my sister) i missed you man

Me : aowa ngirege uthe anyeke uze moc (I'm good you , i thought said you not going to make it)