Not A Phase

CHAPTER 35

Seeing my father like that really messed me up but I had to push it aside for a few moments and just enjoy my baby’s victory. Asante and I took her out before she drove us home. I know people might view my actions as being selfish or self-centered because I am exposing my daughter to my partner but I can’t help myself and it doesn’t make things better that Lisa loves her.

Anyways today I am meeting up with my friend, Zonke. We have been postponing our meet up for so long and I need to update her on what has been happening in my life plus the whole drama after coming out to my family. We only have 1 hour together, my lunch break. When the clock hits 13:00, I quickly head out to meet her at a restaurant which is not far from my workplace. I find her already seated and sipping on a juice.

“Don’t worry, I have already ordered for you.” she starts off and I chuckle. She hasn’t even greeted me and already she is talking about food. I side hug her, kissing her cheek and then proceed to my seat.
“Thank you and thanks for the juice.”

“You are not glowing like you were last time and you look like you’ve aged a decade. I take it the family meeting didn’t go well.” I shake my head and take a sip of my juice. “You want to tell me all about it?” I sigh. Apart from Asante, I haven’t had someone to talk to about the separation from my parents which has left me devastated.

“It has been really bad, my dear friend. I am not saying I have a favourite but you know how my relationship with my dad is. Him not talking to me is taking a huge toll on my life and health, I think. But I wouldn’t want to tell him that. I know he will feel guilty. The only reason I am eating is Lisa. I don’t want her to notice anything. I know she has but she is choosing to ignore it.”
“Your health? Girl what are you talking about?” I look down.

“It’s nothing, just a headache that I know is because of stress. Anyways I know I am going to reconcile with them. It’s only a matter of time before that happens. Now what about you? What’s happening in your life and lastly, when are you meeting Asante?” she chuckles.

“I don’t like you changing the subject just like that as if your health and wellbeing is important but I am going to let it go because I have hope that all will be well as time goes by. Anyways, I told my husband about your sexuality. He was shocked at first but he is planning on hosting you soon. I also want us to have a play date with our cute daughters next Saturday. I know Anelisa would want something more adventurous but I will see what I can do. My daughter is excited about it though.” I smile at her.

“Thank you for the invitation, both of them. I will make sure my people and I pull through and I am touched by your concern. I know I am going to be okay. Soon.” our food comes and we start eating.

“If Asante were to ask you to marry her, would you say yes?” her question shocks me but what shocks me the most is my internal response. I would say yes. I think something is wrong with me. I have never imagined marrying someone before but with Asante I wouldn’t think twice. I am bewitched. That’s the only explanation. My Xhosa queen went to Eastern Cape and came back with the strongest love portions ever.

“I would say not yet considering the situation with my parents, but I think marrying her would be really cool. Asante is loving, caring, an ideal partner and any woman would be lucky to have her.” she smiles.

“You’re whipped.” I giggle. “Anyways, I want us to go out for karaoke night on Thursday. Don’t worry, my nanny will take care of Lisa. I just wanna get drunk and let loose on a Thursday night. I don’t know when the last time I did that was.” I smirk.
“Some of us have work love.”
“As if you’ve never went to work with a hangover before.” I laugh.

I have been problematic before but it was just for a phase. Zonke had lost her fiancé. In a way she wanted to forget things and as her friend, I was there through the good and the bad. Sometimes when she wanted to cry, I held her and she cried until she drifted to sleep. When she wanted to hit something, I took her to the gym. When she wanted to drink, I took her to a club. She went through all the stages of grief with me by her side.