Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 21

As we went out to put our luggage in the car. Msizi pulled me aside. “Uphumaphi MaKhanyis?”
That caught me off guard. I looked like a criminal that was caught stealing.
“I was with Indigo the entire time why?”
“Amanga lawo ngani kaGatsha. I saw you sneaking out like a ninja. Don't tell me you went to Themba.”
I can lie and pretend to everyone but not Msizi. But that didn't mean I'm not going to try and lie to him.
“Mina? Sneaking out. I have no business meeting up with Themba.”
“You've never been a good lier MaKhanyis. I know that I saw you. But if you say it's not you.” he shrugged his shoulders. “All I'm saying is, don't forget that you're in a relationship.”
He went back to his room and left me with my guilt. I really am a slut!
I said my goodbyes to the family members who were already up. Why are they even up. Aren't they tired kodwa nkosi yami.
I joined Indigo in the car as we waited for Angelique and her husband. I heard her clearing her throat. I looked at her. “What is it now?" I asked her.
“I obviously want the details.”
“You know you shouldn't be happy about me cheating.”
“I never said I'm happy about you cheating. I first want the details then I can put you in order.”
“Could've fooled me.”
When I looked out the window. I saw one of the cousin's making her way towards us. The shocking thing is that she had a huge suitcase with her. Me and Indigo looked at one another before looking at her again.
“Don't tell me she's coming with us.” Indigo said still looking our the window.
“It looks like she is coming with us.”
She opened the door and looked at us. “Guess who is coming to Johannesburg?!” she screamed.
The scream was not necessary. It's way too early for such. I looked at her with a fake smile. “What are you going to do there?”
“Hawu! To do what everyone else does egoli.”
“I see.”
It's going to be a long drive back home. I have nothing against my cousins. I just have a minor problem with her. She's the pretender amongst all of us. Right now, I wouldn't mind if Noma was the one coming instead of her. I will never forget how she used to treat me when we were younger. She would act like she has my best interest at heart when the family is around. As soon as they turn their back. She shows her true colours. She's not to be trusted! Now I have to welcome her into our home because she's family. She was always in competition with me. I don't know why but she always wanted what I had.

A few years ago...

“Mamncane. Please buy me that blue dress. I want to wear it at Gugu’s party.”
“Okay ntombi. I'll buy it. But let's first buy what we came here to buy then we'll come for it okay.”
I slowly nodded my head even though deep down I was sad. What if by the time we return for it, someone would have bought it.
“Wena Ntombizodwa awufuni lutho?”
I looked at her. She was eyeing the same dress I wanted but she pointed at at a yellow dress.
“Okay. Let's go.”
We bought everything that was needed but we couldn't buy the dresses. She promised that we can do that tomorrow. We drove back home. I excitedly ran to my parents bedroom. It had to be them. That's their car.
“Mama? Baba?” I saw my dad first. “Ntombi kaBaba. Unjani princess kaBaba?” he kept on throwing me in the air, and caught me. I was so happy to see them. He put me down and I went to my mom. “How are you princess?”
“I'm fine. Can you buy me this dress I saw in town when I was with ncane? Please. I want to wear it at Gugu’s party.”
“Fine. But only tomorrow.”
I jumped up and down with excitement. I ran out to find Zodwa.
“Zodwa. Mama said she's going to buy me that dress we saw in town. Must I ask her to buy you the yellow one as well?”
“No. My mother will buy me my own dress!”
“Okay.” I ran back to my parents room.

Gugu’s party...
Parties are always the best! On that day I woke up full of excitement. I was going to wear my beautiful blue, sparkly dress with my white sandals. My hair was also done into two puffs. I looked very beautiful. Baba kept on telling me how I looked like a princess. I couldn't wait to see Zodwa in her yellow dress as well. Actually I couldn't wait to see all my cousins and their dresses. I had shown Mama and Baba the dress Zodwa said she wanted when we went shopping.
“Umuhle kanjani Khanyisile. Shaya ijikeleza phela.” mamncane said.
When we went outside to where it was decorated. I saw all my cousins, complementing Zodwa telling her how beautiful she looked. I excitedly ran to her so I could see her and complement her as well. To my shock. We both had on the same dresses. I looked at her then looked at myself. Then I smiled. I really didn't mind that we wore the same dresses. The issue was when she told the rest of the cousins that I'm so jealous of her. She bought the dress first and when I saw it, I cried to my parents so they could buy it for me as well. She lied with a straight face. They believed her obviously and boo’d me until I ran to my parents room and locked myself in. I cried until I fell asleep. I didn't even get to give Gugu her gift.

Present Day...

Hate is a strong word but right now, it's safe to say I hate Zodwa. The mere fact that I'll be sitting next to her the entire trip, drives me mad. If I knew that she's tagging along. I would have left with Bonginkosi instead. I saw the parents making their way to the car, holding those meddium sized Tupperware. “So Khanyi how is it in Johannesburg?”
I turned and looked at Zodwa. “It's okay. Nothing fancy as they always say.”
“I can't wait.”
“I'm sure you can't.” Indigo mumbled next to me.
“Uthini umlungu?”
“My name is Indigo. Not umlungu. Do you understand?”
I could see my dad trying to hold in his laugh but he failed dissmily. Zodwa will never change. This time my parents will get to finally see her, for who she really is. They probably think I used to make things up.
“What's in the Tupperware?”
“You know how your grandmother is right? Said something like steamed bread and goat meat.” Baba chuckled. “Makoti make sure you cook traditional food, every now and then for your husband. Makoti you must learn how to make these dishes.” my mom tried mimicking Gogo.

I slept throughout the entire drive. I don't if it was exhaustion or it was me trying to ignore Zodwa. I was meant to see Jas later on but I won't make it. I'm too tired. I took out my phone to text her but I found a message from an unsaved number...
I know I hurt you in the past but I would hate for you to find out that your partner is cheating on you, from someone else. That girlfriend of yours is cheating.

Now this is weird. Who sends such messages? I tried calling the number back, but it took me straight to voicemail. I sent a message hoping the person would reply;

Who is this? Where did you get my number from? And how do you know my girlfriend?

I just stared at my phone waiting for a reply I didn't even notice that we have arrived. I felt someone poking me. It was Zodwa. “Ufunani?” I asked her.
She looked at me as if I punched her. We took our luggage into the house. I went straight to my room. My mom will show her where to sleep she's not my guest. “Hey wait for me.” Indigo said following me into the room.
I checked my phone still no reply. This is so frustrating. I might be feeling this way because I'm the one who actually cheated. “What's eating you up Scar?”
I gave her the phone as I went to the bathroom to freshen up. When I returned she was asleep. I slowly took my phone and left.
“We just got home and you're leaving.”
“I'm just going to see someone Baba. I won't be long.” I took my car keys and left. As I drove to Jasmin’s place my heart was beating so fast. What will I do if I find her with someone else? I should forgive her. I mean I cheated as well.
I took in a deep breath before I knocked. No answer. I knocked again. Still no answer. I called her but she didn't pick up. I went back to my car and drove back home.