Sydney Mdlalose's Ever After

Chapter Seven.

This day was always coming and I'd rather not waste any time. I might not even get them together like this again. Without further ado, I turn to my mother and ask her one question.

"Mama, why did you hide Keith from me? She doesn't say anything, clearly taken aback by my question. You had no right to. I add. Sydney, don't- No, Keith." I cut him off. "If she hadn't kept us away from each other for so long I wouldn't have had to find you again the way I did. We would have probably found ways to work around your love for me, together." I turn back to my mother.

My mother looks down as she takes her seat. Mama. Engathini nje ubaba maye engezwa ukuthi ungfihlele ubhuti wami impilo yami yonke(what would dad say if he heard that you hid my brother from me my whole life)? My eyes begin to water.

I am disappointed in my mother. Had she let us be around in Keith's life, he would know more about ubaba(dad). He wouldn't have had to ask me about him in the jet.

I gulp down my tears. Ngilimele(I'm hurt) mama. Ngilinyazwa iylento oyyenzile(I'm hurt by what you've done). And I'm sure if I never came to this household, you still wouldn't have told me about him.

My mother slowly shakes her head. Bengzoktshela(I was going to tell you) Sydney. Nini(when) mama?" I ask, raising my voice. Tears trickling down my cheeks. "The day you're in your death bed? Mama stands up and leaves the room.

I cry out. Keith gets up from his seat and comes to me, placing a hand on my back. Why are you here Keith? After everything you said to me in Seattle, why are you here?

Keith slowly pulls his hand away from my back. I can't not be around you anymore, Sydney. I turn my gaze to him. And I'm sorry for what I said to you. I really am. I wasn't thinking. I was afraid, of, of-"

I stand up and press my lips against his. Keith cups the side of my cheek with his hand. I quickly pull away, a hand against my mouth. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have done that.

I leave the dining area and rush upstairs. One moment I'm fighting with my mother because of him and I'm kissing him the next. He's my brother for goodness sake.

I enter Andre's room and close the door. I lean against Andre's door. I remove myself from the door and walk into the bathroom.

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Andre's P.O.V.
I've checked the wedding venue and it's so close to ready. Everything looks beautiful and white. I sent Sydney photos because I know she has a busy schedule today.

My phone rings. It's Keith. I answer. It's about damn time. He sighs. Yeah, I was on a plane so my phone had to be off. Where are you?

I tell him the location of my hotel. An hour later he arrives. I was starting to think you were ignoring me. I say as I let him into the room. He shrugs. I was.

I chuckle. What changed your mind? He looks at me. I don't think I really have to answer that. Of course he's here for Sydney. And it annoys me that he isn't even going to try and hide it.

You're seriously going to ruin a good friendship over a woman? I ask him. Keith scoffs. Don't start with me Andre. I pour us both glasses of whiskey. Is Evelyn coming? I ask him, handing him a glass. He nods. Thank you. He sips the whiskey.

She's already here. She booked a room at some hotel nearby. Aren't you going to spend the night with her? Keith shakes his head. No. We're not exactly seeing eye to eye anymore.

I furrow my eyebrows. Then why is she here? Keith takes a seat. Because Andre, she's going to be my armpiece.

Is that what you said to her when you asked her to come to Cape Town? Keith glares at me. No, I told her you're getting married. So she wanted to come. I didn't have to invite her. I take a mouthful of my drink.

How's Sydney? I know you stopped by the house. Could you please stop with the questions man? I just got here. Keith stands up and sits outside on the balcony.

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Sydney's P.O.V.
Karen and my mother decided to have their own detour, so the girls and I are in this really boujee salon. Literally every woman in here is sitting with their legs crossed or on the edge of the chair with her stomach obviously tucked in.

Jordyn gets us a steam room for after our manicures and pedicures. Okay ladies. I know that this probably isn't your type of environment. But this place has crazy bridal discounts.

I chuckle. Who doesn't like a discount? Plus, why not go fancy right? Nthabi readjusts her handbag on her shoulder, letting it hang on her arm. This is perfect. So what do we start with? Jordyn turns to me at Nthabis question. I was thinking, hair? I nod.

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When you're having fun, time passes by so quickly. The girls and I leave the salon. Hawu, it's already getting dark? Nthabi chuckles.

Jordyn faces the three of us. It was great spending time with you guys and I hope your day tomorrow is magical. I smile. Thank you Jordyn. But why does it sound like you're saying goodbye?

She shrugs. Well, I strongly believe I've done my part here. I nod. And I'm grateful that I had your help but I'd also appreciate it if you could come to my wedding as well.

Jordyn smiles. Wow, thank you. I'll definitely be there. We all hug Jordyn as she goes her separate way. Nthabi, Thando and I decide to call an Uber. Friend. It's your last night as a bachelorette, don't you want to have fun?

I laugh. Nthabi, you know I have to rest. We all have to. If we go anywhere now, we won't be going back home anytime soon. She sighs. Well, your big mansion barely has anything to do. Thando laughs at Nthabis statement.

I side hug her. Relax friend. Just because I'm getting married doesn't mean I'll stop being fun." "Sydney, you don't know what fun is."