GOLD MASK

CHAPTER 43

Finally the parading was done, and I was given the freedom to finally get out of the heavy dress. I needed help from both Fiona and Khosi to get out of it, thereafter it was packed into its bag and I was free to be in my shorts and a white tank top, as well as a pair of strappy heels. The outfit wasn't in an way a fashion show after party, neither was it something I could ever be found wearing out in public, but I had made a mistake of not bring a decent change of clothes, neither did Fiona think to bring me something, since it was her idea for us to hit the club scene of Cape Town. Don's parents had quickly left after the introduction, because they were tired, but Khosi had called their bullshit, and insinuated some hanky panky that was going to happen between the parents.

"Your phone's ringing,” Fiona announced, picking up Khosi's cellphone from the dresser.

"Answer it for me please. It's probably one of the wives,” Khosi stated, zipping up her thigh highs. Fiona's face etched in confusion, most probably at the mention of 'wives'. I chuckled, taking the phone from her only to see that it was actually Melamina calling.

"Sawbona ntombi," I giggled.
Liya's crying was the answer I got back. "Never have children Azania. I repeat. Never have children ausi"

I threw my head back laughing at the frustration in her tone. I guess Liya was giving her too much grief. But shouldn't it be easier with her, because she survived the twins. Caring for one newborn has to be better then caring for two, "Where's your husband? Shouldn't he be there helping you to tame the little prince?"

"He was fine all along, but as soon as his father went out to get a pack of cigarettes and some food for me, your little prince started wailing ngathi ngiyamhlinza or something. I swear Azania, it's like I'm not the one who pushed out his huge head all by myself. Yena nobabawakhe should just leave me and my girls alone since bathandana bodwa,” she ranted, the irritation laced in her voice couldn't even be missed.

I giggled. "Don't worry. Maybe it's because he's still a child, and his energy just likes his father more. As he grows up he'll become closer to you."

She made a sound, trying to calm him down, "He better start behaving soon or else I'll send him back to God. I swear. Anyway how was the show?"

"Can I tell you about it later since you have your hands full at the moments?"

She sulked, but we gradually said our goodbyes, and the call got dropped.

"Now that the call is over, what do you mean when you say one of the wives?" Fiona questioned, the issue still very much bothering her.

...

"How did you guys even come about? Surely one of you has to get jealous sometimes,” Fiona asked, shifting closer to Wes, as he sat, lazily sprawled next to her, with his hand rubbing her bare thigh. She was looking at Khosi, and her two wives, Mandisa and Crystal, seemingly amazed by the dynamic of their union, and to be honest I was a bit intrigued too.

"I'll be honest, when our relationship started and I found out that she was married to Mandisa, I was very jealous. Almost burned down her house too. I was jealous that someone else was receiving her love, and I was mad that she had made me her side chick. But then I found out that Mandisa knew about me all along, and that Khosi got the go ahead to come after me because Mandisa liked me too. That's how all the negative feelings kinda just disappeared and we lived in harmony,” Crystal explained with a smile.

Fiona nodded, still taking it in. "If only some of us were that lucky,” Wes remarked, and the stink eye he got from Fiona got everyone at the table laughing. "I'm joking,” he squeezed her thigh chuckling.

"You better, cause you know I'll do more than almost burning your Ferrari." My eyes narrowed towards the two. Are they dating now? Last I checked they were still testing the waters. She and I are due for a major girl talk.

I looked around the VIP section, then my eyes dropped to the dance floor beneath us, watching the individuals enjoying the club scene. Mfihlo's lips on my shoulder pulled my attention away from the dancing individuals. "Yes?"

"You good?" I nodded. "You want to go dance? I saw the way you were looking at the dance floor."

"Not really. I'm just remembering my life before you. How Fiona and I came to clubs to pick up rich men. They'd see us dancing seductively on the floor, and instantly decided that we were worth their money,” I explained, leaning into his embrace as he kissed up my neck.

"You don't miss it, do you?" I couldn't miss the worry in his tone.

I tore away from him, and faced him, putting my hand over his. "Not at all baby. I love my life as it is, with you. I didn't get into that life because I loved it. I got it because I needed to change my situation, and I did. I'm successful. My siblings are happy, and I've found love. Look at Fiona. She's so different from the woman I met on the streets all those years ago. Why would I miss those times when we've grown so much?"

He smiled, bring my hand to his lips. "I love you."
"I love you too Mr. Mthombeni."

"Look at the two of you being cute,” Mandisa commented with a large smile.

"It's disgusting,” Wes commented, making a gag sound, earning his arm a slap from Fiona. "There’s no need to be so abusive woman."

"You are doing quite good Fiona. Abuse his anti-love ass," Mfihlo hollered, laughing at his friend.

“I wanna hit the dance floor.” Crystal announced shooting up and placing her drink on the table.

“I will join you.” Fiona also stood up and before walking away, she gave Wes a very sexual kiss.

“Porn alert.” Mandisa teased and we all laughed.

“I am also joining them.” I said to Don and he nodded. I stood up and decided to head to the restroom first. “I will head to the loo first.”

“Maybe I will join you for a quickie.” He winked and I giggled before heading to the loo.

Luckily there was no line, so I went inside and did my business. When I got out, I frowned, seeing two men inside the ladies’ restroom wearing suits. They didn't seem lost. I knew that I was in trouble and tried not to panic. I washed my hands and their eyes were glued to me the whole time. One of them cleared their throat.

“You're Don's woman, right?” he questioned. Normally, I wasn't someone who denied my man to anyone, but this situation here didn't need me to boast about him. I was in deep shit.

“No, I am not.” I lied through my teeth trying to master an unfazed facial expression.

“You're lying to us. Your boyfriend killed our brother, Gio, and now he is going to pay with your life.” The other one said with a smirk.

My mouth went dry and my eyes popped out. What was I going to do? What if they cornered me and drugged me? No one was going to hear me with all the music playing so loud. I had only one shot at surviving here. Sprinting out the door the moment someone walked in. It was fortunate that none of the men were standing on the door. I didn’t know if there was backup at the door but I was willing to take the risk. Right about now, I wished I had worn court heels because it would've been easy to kick them out and run away but I had to make this work.

“OMG! Bitch, Oscar Mbo is so handsome in person!” a woman shouted before the door opened and a group of ladies entered. “As soon as he comes to the VVIP section, I am going to eat him out.” The other ladies laughed.

I didn't think twice before sprinting off and rushing straight to our table. The moment Don laid his eyes on me, he quickly stood up and withdrew his gun from the back of his waist. Half the men in the VIP also stood up and withdrew their guns. To say I was shocked by this would be an understatement.

“What's wrong?” he asked but there wasn’t an ounce of patience in his voice. Wes quickly stood up and rushed downstairs.

“Gio's brothers just ambushed me in the loo.” As soon as those words left my mouth, Don looked at some of the guys and four of them ran to the restroom.

“We need to go.” He looked at his sister who stood up with Mandisa.

“I need to go fetch Crystal.” Khosi stated and just that moment, Wes came back with both Fiona and Crystal.

“The party will continue at my place, ladies.” Don announced and grabbed my hand before gently dragging me out of the club. My mind was stuck on one thing. He killed Giovanni.