The Arrangement

The Kiss

Crystal

I finished clearing the bedroom and right now I'm checking my emails and I'm hoping to calm down so that I can talk about this madness of jumping straight to KZN right after jumping back to South Africa! Its round about 2pm right now and I'm starting to get hungry. I've got tons of emails. After about thirty minutes of checking my emails, I close my laptop and place it on the couch.

Once I have my slippers on, I head downstairs and I hear chatter the closer I get to the living room.

"Sanibonani" I greet walking into the living room. Sat on the longer couch in front of the TV was Siyabonga, his parents on either side of him and on his lap, Belle was fast asleep.

"Yebo makoti" Mr Xhakaza replied. I chose to sit on the single couch on the far right, approximately behind the sliding door that lead to the poolside and backyard.

It was quiet and nobody said a word. I heard whispers but forced myself not to turn and look or say anything

"Koti" I turn to look a Siya's mom

"Yebo ma" I give her my undivided attention.

"I'd like to apologize for my behaviour towards you and my grand child. She's my first and instead of appreciating both you and her, I chose to torment you. Truth is Koti, I was worried about my son when we found out you'd left. I thought he'd go back to the shell he was in when you first left. But I understand now why you had to leave and I'm sorry for not being there for you and for not being the mother in law that you need. I hope you can forgive me."

I had no words to say. "Uhm...ma. Andazi ndithini (I dont know what to say)."

"Its okay, you don't have to say anything. I just needed you to know. And I apologize for this morning. That was unreasonable and petty of me. So please forgive me for that."

I just nod my head. I see her standing and she comes to me. She pulls me into her arms and we stay like that, just hugging and somewhat letting go of the past. After a while we separate.

"Siyabonga nkosiyam. Besengiphathwa umona (Thank you God. I was beginning to get jealous)" we laugh and I wipe my fallen tears.

"Would anyone like some snacks?"

"Yes please" Siyabonga answers adjusting Belle.

"Ithi ndiyombeka embedeni acambalale kakhle (let me take her to the bed so that she can sleep properly)"

"No its okay, I'll take her up" I walk to the kitchen and begin searching for platters to put the snacks in.

"Siya tells me you don't want to go to KZN" I turn around startled

"Ma?"

"Don't confuse me with your mother ntombazane (girl)!" She whisper yells

Hiybo!

"I don't understand"

"Start understanding. Or are you just illiterate?"

I stare at her in shock

"Musa ukungi golozela amehlo (stop staring at me)!"

"Yhoo" I clap my hands and open the last cupboard that I hadn't checked. I take out 2 of the three platters and walk to the sink. I rinse them and dry them both while she's staring at me. I move to the food cabinet and take out simba chips, peanuts and raisins, sweets and all sorts biscuits.

I plate everything on the two platters. I make my way out when she stops me. "Let me get the juice." She takes the juice out while I get four glasses and rinse them.