Amile The Queen

Chapter Seven

***Mandlenkosi Zulu***

“Jama pack your things; we are going to Zululand.” Jama was surprised when he barged in the lounge in a haste.
“Why?” he asked standing up.
“I don’t know, your king summons me.” he picked up his beer bottle from the table and walked around the couch to go to the kitchen.
“Do you think it has anything to do with Jabulile?” the mention of that name sent chills down his spine.
“It better not be because that would be a waste of my time and energy. Listen dude, I just made a promise to Amile’s mom not to break her heart, I intend to keep that promise.” 
“You were talking to her mom?” he asked walking closer to where he was.
“She caught me off guard, I wasn’t expecting her, and she said if I love her I must break up with her.”
“Wena wase umthanda kangaka nje ngo3 days.”
“Times means nothing Jama, that’s what you don’t understand. I fell in love with her that moment my eyes met with hers. That’s when she had me.”
“If I didn’t know you, I’d say it’s one of your flings. I hope you didn’t smash her though in the therapy room. She’s young Zulu.” Jama see’s a little sister in Amile more than anything and the thought of his friend being acquainted with her gives him the chills.
“Come on Jama, I know better than that. I only gave her a massage, it almost escalated but I know how to control myself, I’m not a monster.”
“Good.” Jama said and disappeared into his room downstairs.
He appreciates Jama being here but sometimes he acts like a saint when he isn’t. He’s the last one to judge him. He was about to call Amile, but his phone rang, who else than king Banzi.
“Bhuti.”
“Ngikhuluma nawe uvala ucingo, awungihlonipi umthetho wakho.” He heaved a sigh and rolled his eyes, a habit he picked up from Amile.
“I had something to attend to. Yobe Ndabezitha.”
“Come home and fix your mess, I’m not going to do it for you.”
“What mess are you talking about bhuti?”
“UJabulile, buya la uzobukana nezinkinga zakho.” He wanted to throw his phone across the room in frustration.
“Ngizobuya Ndabezitha.”
“Namhlanje.” He said before he hung up.
He doesn’t have the closest relationship with him, even though he’s the only brother from his mother and father, the age gap between them is ridiculous. He’s closer to Dumisani, from his father’s third wife, then he found a brother in Jama, who’s father worked as the late King’s personal escort.
In total, he has eleven siblings, only two have departed. First born was Langalethu, who died just a few months after his father died. He was next in line to the throne and his death was suspicious. Many speculated that Banzi killed him, but there was no evidence to that. Langalethu’s death really put a strain on him, because they had a close relationship, and he didn’t treat him like a child the way Banzi did, and the way he continues to do.
Next in line is Zwelibanzi, then twins Balungile and Nomalungelo from the third wife KaMalinga, Khanyisile and Ntombizodwa. She only had girls, that is why her last born was named Ntombizodwa. His father married another wife, MaJili, and she had Khethukuthula, Mfanafuthi, and Dumisani. His mother, MaNdlela only had two sons, Zwelibanzi and himself. Langalethu had his own mother. Nkosi is the last born of the family. He has a younger sister he didn’t get to meet, she died a infant.
His mother also died when he was young, he was only eleven when she abruptly passed away, leaving him in the care of his brother and father who was barely around.
His phone rang disturbed him from his train of thought, but he was more than happy to answer the call, it’s the love of his life.
“Hawu Zulu, you promised to call when you get home.” She didn’t even greet. His heart melted.
“I’m sorry MaGumede, I just arrived now, but I have bad news.” She sighed.
“What now Nkosi.” That was quick. “Was it something my mother said?”
“No, your mother and I are good, or I think we are. I just have to go back home for a while. The king summons me.”
“What do you mean you think you and her are good?” Did she just ignore the real bad news for this? He chuckled.
“She wanted me to break-up with you, but I couldn’t let that happen so I reassured her that I wouldn’t do anything to hurt or distract you. And I mean all of those things Amile, I didn’t just say them to soften up your mom. I love you.” She heaved a sigh.
“I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I thought my mom understood.”
“I understand her, at the end of the day, she’s a parent. No matter what, she won’t be fully comfortable with you dating, especially an older man who comes with so much baggage.” That’s what he calls his title, baggage.
“I’ll talk to her and tell her to apologize.”
“No, don’t. I know what she said to me, she knows what we agreed upon. I don’t want you in the middle of it.”
“Okaay. So when are you going to come back?” she whined. He laughed.
“I don’t know sweetheart, but I won’t be gone for long. I’m hoping I’ll be back before you get your report, I want to be the first one to see it.”
“Okay I love you Nkosi.”
“I love you too nkosazane. I have to go now, I have a long drive ahead of me.”
“You are driving at night?” her voice was laced with concern.
“Yes, I have to, but I’ll be with Jama. Don’t worry about me, I’m a big boy.” She giggled.
“Okay big boy. Bye.”
“Bye MaGumede.”
^
^
^
Nkosi only goes home when he misses his mother, and he goes to visit her grave and depending on his mood, he will pass by the palace. You will never see him going to sleep there when it wasn’t a good reason that sent him to her grave, no matter how late it is, he will turn back. Only when he was sent by good reasons to her grave will he pass by the palace, and that too is not guaranteed that he will spend the night. Talk about someone who hates his own home.
Many may envy his life, he is rich, comes from a family that is worshiped by thousands of people and, as he has heard several times, has a golden seat in heaven. People seem to forget that earthly things are just that, earthly. Your title here on earth doesn’t secure you a seat in heaven, maybe it won’t even get you a stool. You could be the king of Zululand but still have a first-class ticket to hell.
The last time he was here, the rain had damaged the gravel roads so badly, only big cars could drive here. He’s surprised to find that it has now been upgraded to tar roads. At least Zwelibanzi is good for something. He felt uneasy as soon as the car parked in front of the palace, and he needed a minute or two to compose himself. Jama has never understood why he doesn’t like this place, or why he just doesn’t like being associated with the royal family, but he’s obligated to, it’s who he is.
“What do you think Jabulile did?” Jama asked leaning on the steering wheel.
“I don’t know.” He rubbed his forehead feeling frustrated. It’s little things like this that could mess up his newly found relationship and he doesn’t need that.
“You said she was the one who left you, right?” Jama asked, sounding doubtful.
“Obviously. You know this.” He was over her, no doubt about that, but it hasn’t been that long, and for so long, she was the woman of his dreams.
“But you weren’t faithful to her, on multiple occasions.”
“I know Jama, you don’t have to remind. Don’t act like you are perfect. Jabulile knew what she was doing, she better not come back here and start causing drama because I didn’t fight her about her decision. I gave her what she wanted.”
“You are only assuming that this is about her, we don’t know, this could be about anything.” He certainly doesn’t have any other loose ends in Zululand. He’s one hundred percent certain this is Jabulile.
He opened the door and climbed out, slamming the door roughly behind him. Nkosi is a sweet person by nature, he’s kind, caring, gentle, and that side is often witnessed by the people he loves. He’s not a violent person, even in his boyhood. But the emotional strain he endured after his mother passed away turned him into an unstable person with crazy mood changes. It’s not who he is, it’s the circumstances. Jama has been subject to all angles of him.
He headed straight for the door and before he could open it, someone on the other side beat him to it. He didn’t want to show her how he felt on the inside, he’s always been a taciturn person, he won’t act out now. Although he had burning rage inside of him from now finding out that he’s been summoned here for nonsense, he decided to keep a straight face. A straight, unwelcoming face that dared her not to breath a single word. But this is Jabulile, she doesn’t scare easily, especially by Mandlenkosi.
“Mageba.” She breathed.
He scanned her up and down and felt disgust upsurge from the pit of his stomach and when his eyes inspect her rather large front.
“Move out of my way.” He warned. Her face softened.
“Mandlenkosi please…” he grabbed her shoulder and gently pushed her aside, making space for him to pass.
“Move out of my way Jabulile.” He put emphasis on her name before he successfully got through and left her there trying to force her tears to come out.
No matter how hard she tried to scrunch her face, the tears were protesting. She’s still that heartless woman, he can see right through her. It was late, he wanted nothing but a warm bed and a good nights rest. He had an amazing day with Amile, he won’t let anyone ruin that for him, especially not Jabulile.
Jama was surprised to find Jabulile standing by the door looking ever so pregnant.
“Jabulile.” He exhaled in displeasure.
He knew everything about Nkosi, so he felt terrible having to think that he was doubting his word. Her standing here pregnant is proof enough that the break up was on her terms, and not his.
“Jama please, just please talk to Mandla for me.” he shrugged.
“Angizingeni, angikaze ngizingene, ngeke futhi ngiqale manje.” He walked right past her and clicked his tongue in disgust.
She slammed the door in frustration and waddled back to where she came from. She was comforted by the thought of the king being on her side, that’s all that matters. She has Nkosi right where she wants him.


***Amile Gumede***

I don’t know when I fell asleep, I spent almost three hours waiting for Nkosi to call and nothing. I tried his phone a few times, but it wasn’t going through. I’m worried, I don’t even know what to think, there are a thousand things going through my mind.
“You will be late, stop looking at that phone and get ready for school.” Mom was already dressed. today is supposed to be her day off, where is she going.
“Where are you going?” I jumped out of bed and started making it. She walked well into the room and leaned against the chest of drawers.
“Siviwe’s dad and I are going out for the rest of the week.” Hhayi.
“What?” she giggled like a little girl. Hhayi.
“Hhayi mama. What do you mean?”
“I mean we are going out, for some fresh air. Just us.”
“And what about me? what about your son.” She laughed.
“Your brother will stay here with you. School closes on Friday anyways, we will probably be back on Sunday.” I clapped once in shock.
“No way mom. So are you guys back together or something?” she shook her head.
“We are going as friends.”
“Are you sure about that? we don’t need another Siviwe.” She laughed.
“Go get ready for school and stop being cheeky.” She pushed me out.
I’m late, even Siviwe is already dressed. I took a quick shower and went back to my room to get dressed. I wonder why mom didn’t tell me she was leaving all this time, why during the week!
My phone rang as we were walking out to the car. That was the quickest I’ve ever gotten ready. I took it out of my pocket in a haste, it almost fell out of my hand. It was a number I don’t recognize. I answered anyway.
“Hello.” Mom turned and looked at me.
“Ntombi ka Zulu.” Jama, the answer to all of Zulu’s problems.
“Jama, hi.” I said more relaxed.
“Yah Nkosazane kaZulu. Nkosi told me to tell you not to worry about him, he’s okay. He will call you later, he’s busy right now. There was no network last night.” I sighed.
“Thank you for letting me know Jama, I appreciate it. I’m off to school now though so I’ll only be able to talk to him when I come out.”
“I’ll be there to fetch you, don’t worry.” He said.
“Are you guys coming back today?” excitement filled my voice.
“I don’t know, but I’ll fetch you.” I got too excited too soon.
“Oh.” My tone dropped.
“Don’t sound so disappointed. Uzobuya, he’s just taking care of somethings here.”
“Okay Jama. Thank you.” I said my goodbye and ended the call. Moms eyes were piercing through my skin.
“Nkosi’s escort.” Her gaze softened.
“Where is he?” she started the car.
“Zululand. He’s going to deal with something and then he’ll come back.” She nodded.
“So why is the escort calling you?”
“To tell me his phone is not working.” She nodded again and kept quiet.
Since Nkosi advised me against confronting her about speaking to him and threatening him to break up with me, I didn’t. I didn’t go through with it because she didn’t bring it up when she came back to the house anyway. I don’t know how I feel about it though.
“He told me you asked him to tutor you in science and biology. What does he know about science?”
“After lunch yesterday, he helped me with physics homework mom and he’s so good. I know, it’s unbelievable, I also didn’t believe Jama when he told me, but that man is a human calculator. He can work out big number in his head as quicker than I can count to ten.” She raised her eyebrow. “I oath mama.”
“I hope this is not a trick for you to start spending time with him.” I shook my head vigorously.
“Not at all, I promise. He’s probably more serious than I am.” She shot me a hard look.
“If you want to get into medicine, you have to get that A for both maths and physics. I don’t want those 40’s and 50’s from term one.” Do I not get lectured about that every hour of the day? It’s the story of my life.
“Yes mom.” I was glad we were at school now, I can’t wait to get through this conversation.
“I’ll fetch Siviwe and drop him off at Lisa’s before we go. You’ll take an Uber.” Nothing I’m not used to.
“Okay, bye. Enjoy your trip, I love you.” I said kissing her cheek.
“I love you too.” I climbed out the car.
“Bye Siviwe.” He was sleeping at the back.
He always sleeps on his way to school, I don’t know how he gets through the day after sleeping so early in the day. He lifted his hand and waved without even opening his eyes. I laughed and closed the door.
The first person I ran into when I walked into the school gates was Yonela, a very unhappy looking Yonela.
“Chomie?” I tried to hug her but she pushed me off.
“What is your problem, is this friendship not enough for you now?” I frowned.
“What is this about now?”
“It’s about you. It’s only been three days but you’ve changed. Siya tells me you are ignoring his calls and his messages, yesterday you left us by the lockers, you didn’t wait for us, and now you are being fetched by fancy Golf 7 cars with tinted windows, you don’t even have time for us.” I shook my head in disbelief.
“Come on Yonela, you can’t possibly be serious right now. You are giving me best friend drama. Come on, sibadala mesibangaka.”
“You see what I mean.”
“No Yonela. You were the one that made this awkward, you were the one who told me in the face that you would choose your brother over any circumstance as if I wasn’t in pain when he did what he did. So no matter how wrong he is you were just going to choose him? you were the one who put the cracks in this relationship. If you were a true friend that knew exactly how I feel about Siya, you would be in my corner.”
“You didn’t listen to me when I told you that you don’t love Siya. If you loved him, you wouldn’t be gallivanting with this boy like you are doing now, because he gives you all you need.” Yonela and I fight all the time, but this; it feels different.
“Well I’m sorry for stringing your brother along, it wasn’t my intention, but I never agreed to get back together with him and I’m allowed to speak to anyone I want. Another thing, you should stop meddling in our business, what Siya and I do, that’s our story. I only confided in you because you are my sister, I trusted you to be there for me.” shock and hurt covered her face.
“I can’t believe you.” That’s all she said.
“I’ll clarify things with Siya today, maybe you were right, I don’t love him the way I thought I did. I’m sorry that it didn’t work out Yonela but you can’t crucify me for that, I put in my all into that relationship and your brother damaged it, he damaged me. It wasn’t bound to function like before.”
“So you are choosing a stranger over him?”
“I love that stranger, for real this time.” She shook her head and walked away.
I know most of the things I said were harsh, but sometimes standing up for yourself is necessary, because no one will do it for you. I don’t know what this means for her and I, but it would suck having to let her go. I love her, we’ve been friends since pre-primary, she’s my ride or die.