THANDI
"Please check the potatoes in the oven"
"I just checked them five minutes ago"
"No you didn't" I eye Melo and he immediately gets up to check on the potatoes
"You're going all out, this guy must mean a lot to you" He comments after shutting the oven
"He does... That's why I need you to be on your best behavior"
"When have I ever not been on my best behavior?" he asks and I honestly can't think of a time where he was
I've been blessed with a cool and calm baby brother. He doesn't bother anyone and he's about as friendly as anyone can get. Mom would be so proud of it
After we returned from Venda I saw it necessary to introduce Gundo to the first important person in my life, the one that has been my strength all these years and pushed me to do my absolute best to get us out of the situation we were in with our aunt. Now I just hope they will get along
"Melo please don't scrutinize him, he's a nice man"
"How about I decide for myself if he's nice or not, and no. I won't just play the quiet adorable baby brother, I need to be sure that he's the right man and won't leave you when you least expect it" he says and I turn to look at him
"Not everyone is like him you know"
"We don't know that sis, people are unpredictable and can break your heart in the most painful way, it doesn't matter how much you think you know them, the truth is you never really know someone until they decide to show you who and what they are"
"I know but we can't always assume that people who come into our lives are going to hurt us" I say and he nods
"I just need to know if you love him"
"I do"
"And he treats you right, you feel safe around him" he asks again keeping his eyes on me
"Yes, I'm happy, he makes me feel safe" I answer and the thought of him being a mob boss pops up at the back of my mind, obviously I can't tell Melo that
"Then him and I will be good, for as long as he continues treating you well"
"That really means a lot to me" I walk over to him and wrap my arms around him "Gundo has been treating me well and I haven't been this happy in a long time"
"No doubt he has or you wouldn't have thought of this, I just need you to promise me that you'll always put yourself first , no matter what" He has a serious look on now and I can't believe I'm having this talk with him, but then again he always tries to act like a big brother and I can tell this is one of those moments
"I hear you, I'll put me first"
"Promise me sis, no matter what, don't get lost in a relationship that'll only be killing you slowly" he says and it almost sounds like he knows what he's talking about
"Melo... Have you... You know, been hurt by someone you loved before?" I can't help but be concerned now about the way he's raving about how I should always put myself first. I know he's only twenty years old but a lot can happen in a short space if time
"We aren't talking about me today, we're talking about you and this mystery man. What time is he arriving anyway? I'm starting to get really hungry" he turns to the fridge to find a quick snack to eat and I just know right there, my baby brother has had his heart broken before
"Melokuhle, you know you can talk to me about anything right?" I ask and he fills his mouth with juice to avoid the talking, a tactic he's always used "Melo?" I say gently and he turns to look at me, he slowly swallows the liquid and clears his throat
