Simbongile Princess Ntabeni: The Called (S2)

Chapter Seven

-Kamva Ngqotyana-

For so many years, all I wanted was to have a relationship with my dad.
I knew he was there for me, I guess I just wanted to have him there all the time like other children. I wanted the constant reminder that he had my back, all the time. I know I would sometimes resent him when I heard how much of an available father he was to his girlfriend's children... but I could never voice my feelings out loud because no one cared much about how I felt. Well, except for my grandmother.
When he (dad) finally came around and we had the conversation, I was obviously excited to move in with him. For once I was going to have a dad, like most of my peers. Well... I had white friends so... anyway, I was excited because the move to the Mother City was very much a needed one. Not necessarily because I wanted to live with my dad and build a relationship with him, but mostly because I just wanted to breathe! I felt caged.

As I was packing my last bags, my grandmother walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. Smiling at me... I knew damn well that I was about to be lectured, but the difference with this lecture was that andizozivalela in my room after receiving it. Ndizokhwela kwi plane and leave.

Me: I'll come visit you qho ngo December, uyayazi ne?
Gran: I'll come fetch you ngokwam should you not!

We both laughed, that was the last one.
I was finally going to be a Cape Townian.

Gran: Your dad should be here any minute now, but I want to have a word with you BEFORE he gets here. I nodded, taking my seat next to her.

Gran: Ndikhe ndancokola no mama ka Masixole and I can affirm that the woman he's taken as his wife is a good woman. I am not saying that kuzoba lula for you to adjust into the new world, kodwa mntanam ndithi uze ungafiki uqale uqhushulula phakathi kwabo in pursuit of your father's love and attention.

I immediately took offense, and she saw that.
Yes, I expected a lecture but not for her to say that I was capable of causing rifts in my dad's relationship.

Gran: Siyakuthanda no tamkhulu wakho and we have always wanted you to have easiest childhood, and the best life can offer.
Me: But?
Gran: But we will not turn a blind eye sikwazi ukuba unjani Kamva.
Me: Haibo Makhulu ndinjani?
Gran: You are passionate nontombi, that much I can say. You are very passionate mntanam. In that passion ke you almost ruined your mother's marriage, don't go and do that kwa Masixole ngenxa yokuba umazi ukuba he is willing to do anything for you.
Me: Ngu tatam makhulu lo sithetha ngaye, kufanele abe willing to do anything for me anyway. I am not saying I will go there and fuel fights or something, but I will not be second best ebomini bakhe kodwa ndim ndedwa umntwana wakhe.
Gran: Nguwe wedwa umntwana wakhe ewe, but you'll be sharing him with four other kids, did you consider that?
Me: Four other kids that have their own father, ewe makhulu. I am his first priority, no sisi uyayazi lonto I don't see why it will be a problem.
Gran: With that attitude ke baby kungasa ubuya eKapa.
Me: Ha.a makhulu uyabona ke? So mna funeka ndingonwabi ngenxa yokuba kukho abanye abantwana abangengobakhe? Is that what you're saying?

She smiled.

Me: Kuzofuneka atsho ngokwakhe so that ndizazi nam ukuba ndi welcomed kangaka nani.
Gran: Do me a favour ke Noronqo, whatever you do, uyicingisise. I don't think seeing your father miserable will make you happy because that's what will happen if you go up there and ruin things for him. I know he loves you, and he will want to make up for lost time but do yourself this one favor and honor his heart, but most importantly, respect his wife. That's if you have a long term goal of living with them. Respect his wife. That's all I'm saying.

With that she got up and allowed me to finish in peace.
I sighed, sat down and called my friend who was also from Cape Town. We had exchanged number a few months back after recognizing each other. The first time we shared a seat we were both going to Durban, he was going to his grandmother and I was going to my mom. Same age group, and he was very charismatic and charming but I could tell he was either stressed or nervous. The second time we bumped onto each other at the airport, he was going to his mom in Cape Town and I was waiting for dad. We briefly hugged like old friends and exchanged numbers... since then, we had been talking on WhatsApp.

Qhamani: Miss Independent?
Me: Haha, funny. Unjani?
Qhamani: I'm okay, better than the last time we spoke. Unjani wena? You sound tired.
Me: I am actually happy, I will be leaving for Cape Town soon.
Qhamani: Your dad finally came through?
Me: Yup!
Qhamani: I'm happy for you.
Me: Uzoya nini wena ku mamakho? We should do lunch when you're that side kaloku.
Qhamani: I will be there in a week or two. I will text you xandifikile kodwa.
Me: Alright ke, bye bye!
Qhamani: Sure skeem.

We hung up, and I texted dad that I was done packing.
He sent me my flight details and said he would only pick me up from the Cape Town airport. He couldn't come and fetch me as his dad was busy with meeting after meeting. He had already communicated with my grandparents to take me to the East London airport so I was cool with that.