Maid For Marriage

41

On my way back from collecting wood a car stopped next to me. I was carrying a bunch of wood on my head so I didn't turn all the way to see who it was. MaMlambo stuck her head out the window. She looked at me and started laughing loudly before the car drove off again. Their car stood at the entrance of the family homestead.

They stood there waiting to be lead in when I walked past. "Sisi, go and tell the elders the Mlambo family is here with two goats to cleanse the home." The older gentleman said and I went inside. I took the wood to the ladies at the fire pit. They looked older than me but just stood there dumfounded. They were dressed impeccably but I could tell they had no idea what to do.

"What are we meant to do with this?" One of them asked and I was shocked. Were these the Dlamini wives? You'd think by the way the aunt's and Gogo have been acting this week they'd have everyone "trained" and in check. "Um, I don't know. I was just told to go gather it. I'll be back. I have a message to deliver.

I went to find Senzo. "Here you are. We need to talk." I really didn't want to. "Not now. The Mlambo family is at the gate." He rolled his eyes. "Luckily the elders are already gathered preparing for the weekend." We went to the big hut that was literally the size of a hall.

"The Mlambo's are at the gate. They say they've brought two goats." I explained and they looked pleased. "Good, go let them in and tell your sister wife to come take a seat." I nodded and told MaKhumalo she was needed in the hut before going to the gate and leading the guests to the hut.

I didn't see any goats. I guess they were giving goats in monetary value. MaMlambo had her baby on her back while her father started speaking. I blocked most of it out. "MaBhengu, count the money." I did as Baba's uncle said.

"It's all there." The man said nervously. "I appreciate that you made an effort to bring this here but I must say you've disrespected us." I was just as shocked and MaMlambo's father looked. The amount was right. They brought the monetary value of two goats. That was a lot of money.

"When we came to your house we agreed on livestock. For all the attrocities your daughter has committed we should've asked for way more than this and she should've been in a prison cell."

Her father cleared his throat awkwardly. "I know you've been generous with your stipulations and I appologize for not meeting the requirements but we've gone through a lot of effort to get this money." The man was on the verge of crying and MaMlambo was rocking back and forth nervously. 

"The Dlamini family owns everything your eye can see and more. What makes you think we would want this money?" Her father looked defeated. "I'm a goat farmer but things have not been going well. I only have two goats left and I was hoping it would keep my family going for the next two months. Especially now since my daughter is back home. We haven't been doing so good this year. The money I just gave you I borrowed. This is all we have. Please accept it."

I felt sorry for them. Then they still had to deal with a daughter like this. "Umkwenyana, you have been nothing but good to us. I promise to get my daughter back in line all I'm asking is to be good to us one more time."

"Bab'Mlambo we are not unreasonable people. I hope your daughter can see what is at stake here. MaMlambo, this is completely your fault." She was in tears but not once making a sound. Her reality finally hit her. "But I will accept the two goats in monetary value." Her father burst out in tears. "Oh thank you! Thank you so much!"

"There is a condition." Her father listened eagerly. "MaMlambo will attend the ceremony on Saturday with my child. I will accept no disrespect of any kind. Your actions will determine the fate if your family."

A young child walked in and whispered something to one of the uncles. "MaBhengu, Gogo has summoned you." He said and I left them there. Gogo was at the fire pit. "Start the fire. It's getting late. We need to serve dinner and pap has to be made."