Simbongile Princess Ntabeni: The Called (S2)

Chapter Forty

-Siyambonga Ntabeni-

Between missing the most important information about Undiphile's apparent girlfriend and Shaniqua's newly found confidence over the Lisa issue, I was drained. The whole situation at home was draining, but I couldn't really say that to mom because I was well aware that she had no problem dropping everything and everyone for us. I didn't want that... she was happy with Ta Mas'x and he loved her dearly. Well... he had always proven that to be true until Kamva came along. Even then, I didn't want to fault him so much because he was probably trying to repay the lost years... he probably didn't know how to say "no" to her in case she took that the wrong way. I don't know. As I followed Undi down the stairs I dialed Shaniqua... and she answered her phone immediately.

Niqua: Babe?
Me: Will it be possible for you to join me for some Chilli McFries?
Niqua: Did you see the time?
Me: Yes, now answer the question.

She giggled, I smiled shaking my head.

Niqua: Yeah, sure.
Me: I'll be there in 20 minutes, the McDonalds close to your house.
Niqua: I figured. See you.

We hung up, I found mom in the lounge looking blankly at the TV screen with a tub of ice cream between her legs and Musa basing her hair with AfroBae. I bent down, kissed her cheek and she smiled, then frowned.

Mom: Uyaphi?
Me: I need some air, ningandibali kwi supper.
Mom: Uyaphi? That's the question.
Me: Haibo mama, I am taking a walk.
Mom: Kengoku why singazokubala kwi supper?
Me: I'll grab something kule walk yam... I might be back shortly after bedtime anyway so don't wait up. I took my key.

Her frown deepened, and her husband walked into the lounge. I winked at her, greeting him back and walked out requesting an Uber. I knew she would know where I went, not only does she receive our bank statements but she tracks all of our phones too. I walked up the street and met my Uber five minutes away from home, as it dropped me off at McDonalds, Qhamani called me. I knew Sim's phone was off and her calls automatically diverted to mine. I don't remember saving his number, but Truecaller exposed him so...

Me: Hello?
Qhamani: Siya, u sharp mfethu?
Me: I'm alright fam, yourself?
Qhamani: I'm kind of stressed and I am hoping you can help me out?
Me: Sup?
Qhamani: I can't get hold of your sister.
Me: She's probably sleeping... try her again in the morning?
Qhamani: I spoke to her an hour ago, apparently she had a fight with Kamva?
Me: Mh.
Qhamani: Can you please take your phone to her mfethu? Ndiyakucela?
Me: I am not even home Q mfethu, she's not really in a good space. The whole thing is probably sinking in ngoku kuye so ndiyakucela man ukhe umyeke for tonight. I'm sure if she wakes up sometime tonight eziva ukuba she can talk she will call you, if she doesn't call you then check up on her in the morning. Please mjita.

He sighed...
I knew exactly how he felt.

Qhamani: I get you.. okay, enkosi mfethu.
Me: Shap mjita.

We hung up, I looked around and saw Shaniqua in the corner overlooking her home. I chuckled, why was I surprised. She saw me, smiled and got up for the warmest of hugs I had ever received from her... well... after the one she gave me when I returned from dad's funeral. We ordered our meals, and then cozied up in that corner.

Me: Where are your folks?
Niqua: Dad's home... mom should be home in the next two hours or three. Depending on traffic.
Me: You told your dad you were meeting with a boy?
Niqua: Yup, and he was okay with that. Now mom is a totally different story... dad said he would flash lights from his Study for me as an indication to come back home before she arrives.
Me: Ah, that's why you chose this place! Sneaky-peaky!

Her giggle was so cute... and warm.
Okay, maybe not the giggle itself, but she had this warmth that I loved about her. We spent two hours eating, laughing and enjoying each other's company. For those two hours I forgot about the tension I left behind. That's why I wanted to see her. I wanted to forget everything. I walked her to the front-gate knowing that her old man could be peeping through some small whole in his study, watching us and at the same time, her mother could arrive any minute. I think we both enjoyed the risk-taking.

Me: Thank you, for coming out tonight. Besides missing you, I just needed to get out of the house for a little.
Niqua: You know where to find me anytime you need to catch a breather. Never hesitate.
Me: That means a lot... and you wonder why I love you so much.
Niqua: Argh, whatever!

I pulled her close, closing the gap between us and just stared at her eyes under the street light. She had very beautiful eyes, almost like Musa's. That moment I accepted that if she were to do anything and then give me puppy eyes... I was already defeated. She closed her eyes and drew her breath through her flared nostrils, and as she released through her lightly parted lips, I swear I heard a very soft moan.

Niqua: You smell so good... yho!

I chuckled, bringing my lips to hers because as much as the moment was beautiful, we had no time. Her mother could catch us and I didn't want her to get grounded ngenxa yam. Umntu makazifake engxakini nabazali bakhe angancediswa ndim. Her lips tasted like the caramel McFLurry she had earlier. They were softer than they looked to... She was indeed a dream.

Me: I love you.
Niqua: I love you... ngaske ungahambi.
Me: I know... but if we want your dad to have your back again then I have to leave before your mother gets here.
Niqua: True... request'a kaloku, noba ndikulindise sendingenile ke e yard'ini.

I smiled, kissed her forehead and requested as she opened her gate and walked inside. I was lucky that the ride was in the street behind hers, so I didn't have to wait for long. We waved, I got in the car and went home.