The Arrangement

Hidden truths

We entered the unusually quiet house. I say unusual because the main house has it all, the children love playing in the main house. Its where we all meet up for meetings and get together. We walked into the living room where uMalume was talking to Siyabonga but when we got in he called us. Makoti was cradling Belle like a newborn.

"Usezofika uBab'Gwaza. Make sure no one disturbs us." He said sternly

"Yebo baba." Just then, Bab'Gwaza entered.

"Thokoza Gogo." Malume said clapping twice.

"Thokozani."

The couches were pushed backwards and the coffee table had been moved. Bab'Gwaza set up his goatskin mat and took out his things. (A/N I'm really not as educated when it comes to traditional healer things so I apologize if I misspell or say the wrong things). "Take your shoes off please." He said once he had sat down.

We all took our shoes off. I held Belle while Crystal took hers off. Mlu and I sat together on the floor besides uMalume no Malumekazi. They would represent the elders in this situation since uMakaSiya no Baba ka Siya had to fly back to Gauteng for whatever reason they said they had.

"Bring the child closer." He began grunting and groaning. I handed Belle back to Crystal who, was knelt down besides the couch. Siyabonga took Belle from her arms and gently lay her on her back, in front of Bab'Gwaza. He continued grunting and Belle began shaking violently as he called out to the Xhakaza ancestors.

"Vumani boh!" He clapped his hands

"Siyavuma" we responded, clapping once.

"Mmhmmm heeeyyyiiiii! This child is trapped. Vumani boh!" He grunted.

"Siyavuma"

"What do you mean she's trapped. *sniffle*?" Crystal asked.

"Her soul is trapped, she's not at ease in this homestead. Vumani boh!"

"Siyavuma"

"Where are your other children Siyabonga?"

Oh my!

It got as silent as the night of the attack on the village 10 years ago.

"Where are your other children Siyabonga?" Bab'Gwaza asked again.

From the corner of my eye I saw Crystal slip her hand out of Siyabonga's.

"I don't understand Makhosi" Siyabonga said looking visibly shook.

"You have two other kids aside from this one. One with the woman besides you and another with a different woman. So I will ask again ndodana, where are your other kids."

"Uhm..."

"Siyabonga thetha tuu. Umtwana wam akaphilanga and wena ubusy nabanye abantu. Cel'uthethe tuu.  Uyeke umosha ixesha. (Siyabonga please speak. My child is sick and you are busy with other women. Please talk and stop wasting time.)" Crystal said.

"Baby anginaye omunye umtwana ngaphandle- (Baby I don't have any other children save for-)"

"Siyabonga khetha amazwi akho ngokuqonda. Into oyishoyo abaphantsi bayezwa. (Siyabonga choose your words wisely. What you say, the ancestors hear.)"

"Thokoza. Ngicela ningxolele. (Please forgive me.)" He began. This peaked my interest. "I have a four year old son."

I, along with Crystal let out a gasp.

"And when were you planning on telling me?" Crystal asked.

"When were you planning on telling me about Zoe?" Siyabonga fired back.