Amile The Queen

Chapter Forty-Nine

***Amile Gumede***

They are taking me home. Mom is in the car as well because she is the one that is going to be taking care of me. Apparently there is a funeral tomorrow at dawn, I don’t see a reason for that, but I guess it’s their culture and their culture is mine.
No one else has come to see me, I think Bayede restricted that because even Nkosi, my saviour didn’t come back. I’m kinda glad he did that though, I’m afraid of seeing people. I don’t want people to look at me like I have failed the royal family. Now they will look at me and think that my womb is weak, that I can’t even carry royal blood. Maybe it’s my punishment for letting brothers hit.
From what I heard, MaMzobe and the boys aren’t home yet. I heard her and the husband fighting over the phone multiple times when he thought I was asleep. She doesn’t want to come back.
When we arrived at the palace, I could the whole staff standing outside waiting. Is this a good or bad homecoming? They weren’t around when everything happened. I don’t know if I should be glad they didn’t see, but them being here means they already know. I’m sure they had to clean up all the blood.
Mom helped me out of the car. I’m perfectly capable of walking on my own now. The stitches have healed a bit and I’m not limping anymore. But they are afraid I might collapse at any time from heartache.
Mgabadeli is carrying my bags and Bayede is following behind me with his head lowered, its like a walk of shame. They made way for me and bowed as we made our way past. It’s very sorrowful. I hate this, I hate that people are pitying me. It makes me believe for real that I have failed at my duties as a wife.
Mom took me to my room and tucked me in while the husband stood there, leaning against the wall, hands tucked inside his pockets, staring at my moms back. He seemed distant, like his mind was floating far away. He hasn’t had proper sleep in days. He’s been camping at the hospital with me, sleeping on the couch, refusing to leave my side.
We didn’t talk much. I think we were both too disturbed to, plus him fighting with MaMzobe just drained the life and soul out of him. I’ve never seen him like this. Ever.
“I’m going to go get you some water so you can drink your meds.” Mom said before she kissed my forehead.
The husband shifted his eyes when she turned to walk out. He moved out of the way as she walked out the room and he slowly descended the steps and came to sit at the foot of the bed. He needs at least an 8 hour nap. That’s what he needs because the dark circles under his eyes are not sexy.
“How are you feeling?” He rubbed my leg?
I shrugged my shoulders. One thing about me, I haven’t spoken much since everything happened. My responses are very limited.
“Are the stitches healing?” I nodded.
I love that he asks yes or no questions, that way, I can just not speak. I can see that this is frustrating for him, but the last thing he wants to do is pressure me into speaking when I don’t want to. So he’ll accept the nods and the listening ear. He can see that I’m listening, that’s all that matters.
I might leave for a few hours, and try to get MaMzobe to come home with the boys before the send-off. The whole family needs to be here and get cleansed before anything.” I look away.
I’m sure he can tell from my past reactions how I feel like about this stupid funeral he keeps going on about. I don’t want it. There is no need for it. So what, there is going to be a coffin and flowers for a child that died without meeting them? It’s not fair.
“Gog’ Malandela is going to be leading the ceremony or cleansing and will let us know how long your mourning period will be.” Who is that?
I thought the royal seer was Celemba, now who is this gog’ Malandela?
“I know this is still fresh and it hurts, but we also need to name him. We have to introduce him to the ancestors and let his spirit cross over.” Now that is what I’m not going to do.
I shifted my whole body and faced the other side before pulling the blanket up to cover my face.
“MaGumede.” I felt tears running down my face as the stabbing pain consistently throbbed in my heart.
“Ngiyaxolisa sthandwa sami kodwa usiko. Kubhlungu ngiyazi, nakumina kuyazwela, kodwa Ikona ekufanele sikwenze njengabazali.” (I’m sorry my love, but its tradition. It hurts I know, it hurts me too, but it what we have to do as parents.) Easy for him to say, he’s still a parent to three healthy boys.
What about me? Trust me, being a parent was the last thing on my list, but I wouldn’t have hated my baby when they were here, I would’ve loved them with my whole heart.
“I’m leaving now, I’ll be back soon and I’ll be there with you. I love you and you aren’t alone in this.” He squeezed my arm before he stood up from the bed.
The door opened, I’m guessing that is mom because it can’t be that he’s already at the door. I heard mom salute him before he walked out.


***Nambitha Makhathini***

Nkululeko told me he was coming to see me, but stated he wasn’t going to stay because he has to go back to Zululand. I don’t know what is keeping him there any longer, but he insists on staying there longer
I’m not at ease because I don’t know if he’s staying with his baby mama or not wherever he is.
Also, Zimkhitha is home, the parents aren’t. They have gone out for the whole week. I hope she gives me a pass to let me go see him. I won’t make the mistake of spending the night with him though because he is dangerous. The last time he almost took my virginity and I felt so guilty for almost a week. I felt guilty for not giving it to him, but I also feel guilty for almost breaking the promise I made to myself to keep it until marriage at least.
Zimkhitha still hates him. She called me stupid for still pursuing a relationship with even after I was made aware of his offspring, she would die if I told her that I already met them. She lying on her bed, we had Nandos for supper last night, her blesser decided to spoil us because we didn’t feel like cooking. Perks hey. She’s typing on her phone and smiling like an idiot. I’m guessing she’s talking to him.
“Nkululeko said he’s coming down today.” She paid me no mind.
“And what do you want to do?”
“Can I go see him?” she laughed at me mockingly.
“I didn’t say anything when your sugar daddy brought you food last night.” I said.
“Yini, useyakudla lomfana, wadelela nje manje?” I looked away.
“Zimkhitha you are being irrational.”
“You started it. I told you, this man is no good news. And I know it’s your life, but you know that I would never lead you astray little sister I know what these men do. Don’t forget that I’m a baby mama. Sabelo is married, he claims to be happy but he’s always more than happy to spread my thighs when given the opportunity.”
“ithini ke leyonto ngesidima sakho? Udlana nendoda yomunye umfazi?” She laughed mockingly again.
I will never understand the thought process of women sometimes. It’s sickening to think that my sister also has this mentality.
“This is not about isidima sami, but shows you ukuthi men are never satisfied. It’s worse in your case. Even when you lock them down, they will never be satisfied, because sex for men is not a spiritual thing. That’s why it’s easy for them to cheat. Usemncane, there is a lot you still need to learn, so phuma emuntwini omdala.” She didn’t answer my question so I’ll ask again.
“So can I go see him.”
“Do what you want babes, you are of legal age.”
“Thank you.”
I walked out the room and went to mine to get ready. I don’t knew when he’s going to arrive, when we spoke in the morning, he said he was about to leave. I really miss him and talking to him on the phone isn’t enough, I want to smell him again. Even the t-shirt that I went home with has lost his smell because I’m always wearing it. I want to feel his hand in mine again and feel his warm breath against my neck. I just miss him.
I took a long bath and listened to some music to take my mind off of things. I’m stressed about my matric results, I’m also stressed about the fact that I still need to decide between universities and hear from Mthiyane Construction about my learnership application. It’s a lot going on.
When I got out of the bath, I found missed calls on my phone and they were from Nkululeko. Don’t tell me he’s already here.
I can hear commotion outside at the gate, and Zimkhitha is talking at the top of her voice. I’m only draped in a towel, but I’ll go out anyway. I don’t want trouble with the neighbours because the next thing they will call the police and mom and dad will give us a problem.
Shes fighting with a man. She even opened the gate and is standing in front of him.
“Zimi!” I shouted from the bottom of the driveway.
She turned around and I saw his head. I know that head.
I stormed up the driveway in my towel and when I saw Nkululeko, he had veins on his forehead.
“Babe.” I said going to throw my self into his arms.
Zimkhitha quickly pulled me back.
“Are you coming with me?” He asked.
Zimkhitha is fuming.
“Are you going to let him disrespect me in front of you, in my home Nambitha?” 
“There is no need for you to be causing drama like this Zimi, told you he was coming to get me. You are causing a scene with the neighbours.”
“I’m causing drama?” She asked pretending to be shocked.
“Yes you are!” she pointed a finger at my man.
“I hate men like you, stay away from my sister otherwise me and you are going to have a problem. Pray you don’t ever run into me.” She threatened before storming back inside the house.
I’ve always known that my sister is wild, but I didn’t think she was a straatmate.
“I’m so sorry about that.” He wiped the sweat on his nose before he looked at me.
“I’ll be waiting in the car.” He said and walked up the driveway into his car.
Now the mood is foul. One thing about Nkululeko, he gets angry quickly, and right now, he’s angry.
I went back to the house and got dressed. The big sister was sulking in the lounge, she’ll be okay. If it’s meant to happen that I date Nkululeko, then who is she to stand in the way of that. Rather she let me decided what I want to do. But for now, I love him. All I feel for him is love and there is no way I’m going to break up with him. Not me, especially not now. My thing is, I’m going to prove to him that my love is true, because that’s all he wants, to be loved.
I said goodbye to her even though she ignored me before making my way outside to his car. When I opened the door, he was on the phone. He still looks morose, like the whole world is on his shoulders.
“Since when do I report my every moves to you?” his voice was a few octaves deep. Kinda scary if you ask me.
“I told you, I’ll be back later. A four hour drive is nothing.” He’s still going back to Zululand?
My heart just sank to the pit of my stomach.
He ended the call after saluting Zulu. I guess he was talking to the Prince. He leaned against the steering wheel and looked at me under his arm.
“Utshele udadewenu ayeke lento yakhe yokungujwayela kabi. Akadliwa nje imina.” The only thing missing was for him to point a finger at me while he said that.
But his voice was monotone, quite scary if you ask me. I nodded before I apologized on her behalf. I can see that he’s not okay, but I’m afraid to ask, I’ll just sit here and wait for him to start the car and take us wherever he has planned to.
“Have you seen anything on social media?” I shook my head.
“No.” I remember that he doesn’t like non-verbal responses so I fix my error very quickly.
“Okay. Good. I think it’s best you come with me to Zululand.” I frowned.
“Why?” great, I’m giving one word answers.
“Your friend needs you. She needs support.” Amile!
“What happened to her?” now I’m panicking.
“Her baby died. The funeral is tomorrow and she’s going to need a friend.” Wait a damn minute.
“What baby, Amile never said anything about pregnancy. What baby are you talking about Nkululeko?” I can feel tears threatening my eyes. I’m sensitive like that.
“I don’t know. In Zululand sthandwa sami, pregnancy is a delicate thing, and it is kept private and sacred, especially in the first few months, to prevent something like this happening. Maybe that was the case with MaGumede and that is why she didn’t tell you. But it has happened now.”
“So what are they burying if it was a miscarriage?”
“The body of the child. She gave birth to a stillborn. Because it hadn’t fully developed, it meant it wasn’t time for them to live so that’s why it died.”
My heart broke. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain she must be going through. Having seen such, being exposed to such at her age, it’s traumatic
“I’ll call my mom.” I have to support my friend, no matter what.
One thing about Amile, she always had my back, the least I can do is have hers.
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“Mama, a royal escort has been sent to come fetch me, Amile is not okay.”
“And what do you have to do with it?” she’s late. I’ve already packed my bags and Nkululeko is already waiting for me outside.
“There is a funeral tomorrow at dawn. She lost her first child.” I heard her gasp over the phone.
If it was any other parent, they would say I must stop associating myself with Amile because her and I aren’t on the same level, she’s married, already doing things I’m not doing and I am I virgin, a child.
“Haibo, oh umntana ka Makhosi.” She’s definitely going to let me go.
“She needs my support mama. She needs me to be by her side now more than ever.”
“I don’t know Namnam, is it safe for you to go. How sure are you about this man here to fetch you? Did you speak to Amile’s mother?” time to lie.
“Yes mama, I did.” She sighed again.
“Its okay, go mntanami. I will tell your father.”
She sounds very hesitant, but she needs to understand that I’m grown and I can make my own decisions now.
“Thank you ma.”
I said as I dragged my suitcase out my bedroom. Zimi stood by the door looking at me.
“Ngithini kumawakho?” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Nothing.” I walked out.
I’m not happy with what she did earlier, it wasn’t cool and so she deserves the cold shoulder for now. I’ll deal with her when I come back. For now, my main focus is making sure my friend is okay.