Scarlett Ngcobo

Chapter 55

Both cars were parked in front of the garage, they must be home. I used the garage door to enter the house.
“Hello, family!”
“Khanyi?”
“In the flesh!” I wheeled in my luggage.
“So many suitcases?..”
I gave both my parents, warm tight hugs. I've missed this. My dad's hugs.
“You didn't tell us that you're coming for the holidays. But why so many bags.” Baba
“Can't a girl breathe first? I'm so hungry right now.”
“I can quickly make you something to eat. You must be exhausted my baby.”
I could get used to this. My dad helped me take the luggage to my room.
“Oh, my daddy! I've missed you so much.” I jumped on him.
“Kodwa MaKhanyis, you're old to be doing this yoh.”
“I know you missed me too. Uphi uMaZet?”
“She spends most of her time with her boyfriend.”
“Yazi Baba, I still can't believe that MaZet is dating. Amalobolo ayafika kwaNgcobo!”

I enjoyed my chicken mayo sandwich and Angelique’s delicious muffins.
Now what's up with the bags?
“I found what I was looking for in New York, I'm back for good now.”
I could see a big smile on my mom's lips.
“I'm so happy! This coming weekend, I'm hosting a family dinner. It's going to be so pretty. And..”
“Calm down mom. There's no need for all of that. I just got here, let me breathe.”
“But Khanyi, just a small dinner.”
I looked at my dad. “Small dinner, you?”
“You have been gone for a year and some months. People change.” Mom
“Yeah right. Listen, I'm exhausted I'm going to my room to take a nap.”

In my room I called Bonginkosi;
“Hello?”
“Bhuti ka Khanyi.”
“MaKhanyis? This is a local number though?”
“I'm back. Please bring the twins next week, I miss them badly.”
“You're really back?”
I laughed. “I'm back.. really back.”
“How are you?”
“I'm good.”
“Are you really okay? How's therapy?”
“I'm really okay, therapy is also going well.”
“I was so worried cupcake. I thought this time around, we were going to lose you.” he said with a breaking voice.
“I'm Angelique Ngcobo’s daughter. Nothing can keep me down. I'm strong and in control.”
“I'm so proud of you.”
“And stop calling me cupcake.” I cut the call.

I've been home for a week and the gang didn't know that I'm back until, I sent them messages to meet me at Joe's Burger Hub. I couldn't go to their office.
It was too hot. I wore shorts, a white vest crop top and sneakers.
If a year ago someone had told me that today, I would go out wearing shorts and a crop top. I would have laughed. I'm so proud of my progress.
My dad dropped me off at Joe's.
I put on my shades as I went in. I sat at the far end. I could see people going in and out.
I saw Rendani first with her cute belly. I raised my hand.
“So you're really here? I thought someone was catfishing us.” Rendani
I stood up to hug them.
“And she's wearing shorts! Chommie!”
I've missed this loudmouth.
“When did you arrive?” Rendani
“I've been here for about a week.”
They all looked at me with shock.
“A week Chommie?” Kele
“I needed to rest first before seeing everyone. My family didn't even know that I'm coming.”
Khumo was on his phone the entire time. Alex could not join us.
“How's pregnancy, mommy to be?”
“I'm always hungry and I always need the bathroom.” how she said all of that with her mouth stuffed with food.
I put my head on Kieran's shoulder. “Ek het jou so baie verlang vriendin.” (I've missed you so badly my friend.)
“Ek ook. Tell me more about Manhattan, Mrs New York.” (me too.)
“Wena Kieran, leave my friend alone. Look at your girlfriend stuffing all that junk. Next thing she will be crying about being bloated.”
Is that bling on my besties finger?
“Keletso, is that a ring on your finger?”
She started waving her hand.
“Refentse, asked me to marry him and I said yes.”
“No ways!”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
“Yoh Chommie, if I could ululate I would...”

When I decided to leave, Kele and I made a decision that she should rent out my room, until I'm back.
She's an understanding person, she managed to find another place and I'll be going back to my place.
“Do you really have to leave today? Stay another week.” Mom
“If I don't leave today, I also won't leave next week.”
“Just let the child be.” Baba