Amile The Queen

Chapter Fifty-Three

***Amile Gumede***

I’m waking up alone today. I was unlucky to have my day yesterday and not get to wake up next to the birthday man. This is his first birthday with me and I’m planning on making it very special because that’s how he’s made me feel for the past few days. It’s also my first Christmas away from my family, my mother and my brother. I’m hoping I won’t feel the void too much because I don’t want to be down and ruin the day for everyone. But Bayede and I are finally comfortable with each other, and I know that if he’s around, it won’t be that bad.
Mandlenkosi, I don’t know. I’ve made peace with the fact that he’s not supposed to be in my life like that, and I think he has too because when he came back, he was acting normal, we spoke and it wasn’t awkward vibes, just normal conversation. I have finally exhaled.
I obviously had to wake up early, by 7 I was already dressed, ready to go start cooking up a storm. Everything was chopped and prepped last night by the catering company. That’s what MaMzobe decided upon. She said we couldn’t handle it alone and got a company on the last minute. I’m glad she did that, now we have an extra pair of hands. I’m still going to cook up a storm though, I have plans of making my favourite dish, creamy samp and lamb curry! 
It looks like I’m late to the party, they are already cooking. MaMzobe is wearing a tight bodycon dress and there is a baby bump sticking out. I take a second look at her and I feel my heart getting stuck in my throat. I try clear it away but it doesn’t happen.
“Good morning MaGumede.” She said looking at me. I swallowed hard.
“Good morning ma.” I cleared my throat.
My eyes travelled to her stomach again. I couldn’t stop myself. She’s literally pregnant. She looked down at her stomach, then back at me, realizing the awkwardness. I quickly cast my eyes away from her stomach.
“Congratulations.” I say softly. I feel tears forming in my eyes.
“Thank you. There is breakfast in the dining room; maybe you should sit down and eat first.”
“Yes Ma.” I walked out that kitchen as quickly as my feet could carry me.
I felt tears burning my eyes. All this time, I’ve been living with a pregnant woman, and not once did I not notice. Heck, how the hell was I going to notice when I couldn’t feel my own pregnancy? I failed to carry a child with my freshly opened womb but the woman closer to menopause can carry a baby to this point. She’s probably in her second trimester, that’s why she’s flaunting it, she’s out of the danger zone.
I know I’m no where close to trying to compare myself to MaMzobe, she’s older than me, she’s popped three babies before this, clearly she has a healthy womb, but I just thought I was over it, I thought I was over the miscarriage and I was healing, but I’m not. The last thing I expected to see was someone pregnant, especially so close to me, so soon.
“MaGumede.” I bumped into him in the passage and he held my arms.
“I’m sorry.” I wiped my tears and looked up.
“Are you okay?” He gave me a tight smile. I smiled back and nodded.
“I’m fine Nkosi, thank you.” He’s concerned because he can see the tears.
“Wipe those tears. Pretty, strong woman don’t cry.” That was the last thing I was expecting him to say. Did he see that back there? I don’t know what to say.
I just nodded before wiping my tears and walking past him. It wasn’t awkward, and I knew we were ‘okay’ but the last time we spoke was when he left the hospital after he told me about his vasectomy. Did it hurt when he told me? Yes, it definitely did, but now it made me realize a lot of things.
I saw Jama walking into the lounge. I have a bone to pick with him, I want to understand what it is that he has done to my friend to make her give up her virginity just like that.
“Jama.” I stop him.
He sees me and gives me a toothy smile. One thing about Jams, he will smile. When I first met him, he didn’t look like the smiling type. Heck he didn’t even look like he breathed.
“Ndlunkulu.” He did the little bow. I want to stop smiling because this is a serious matter, but he’s so amusing.
“I have a bone to pick with you.”
“What wrong have I caused you my queen?”
“What did you do to my friend?” he laughs and covers his face. If he wasn’t so dark I’d see his cheeks turn pink like with light skinned people.
Is Jama the hard body blushing because of a little girl?
“Wait, on second thought I should be asking what she did to you.” I asked amused.
“She loved me, that’s what she did.”
“And do you love her back.”
“I do, with my whole heart. I love her.” He means it.
His eyes are gleaming with excitement. It’s the same energy Nambitha was giving off. Who am I to get in between what they have. They have both proven to me that they are happy, I can’t stand in the middle of that.
“Please don’t hurt her.” He crossed his fingers.
“I promise I won’t.” I believe him.
“When is she coming?”
“I’m going to fetch her now.” I frowned.
“She’s only going to arrive in four hours time?” he laughed.
“No, she’s in town. KwaDlamini.” He was so cocky when he said that.
“Oh, did she arrive yesterday?”
“Yes, I fetched her.”
This one is obsessed with Nambitha. She hasn’t even been gone for two weeks and he’s already fetched her. I’m sure he was also visiting her back in Durban because he was in and out of Zululand.
I need to go and eat so I can get some energy to start the day. It threatened to be negative but that’s taken a whole different turn, Nkosi wiped my tears, I’m happy.


***Nambitha Makhathini***

I didn’t want to come back here, but I had no other choice but to because Amile needed me and I couldn’t arrive today. I told my mom that I’m going to sleep at the palace, but here I am, KwaDlamini yet again.
That week I spent here was agony. Nkululeko continued to want sex from me even when I didn’t want to give it to him. I did stand my ground sometimes and say no, but Nkululeko has proven to me that he is unbeatable, competing with him is a losing game.
I’m still in bed, he said he’s going to the palace to pick some things up. He left here early, and there is no way I was going to wake up and go with him. I know he’s going to scold me for not being ready, but I’m tired. I’ve been scrolling through social media the whole morning and I just saw one girl posting about her acceptance letter from Mthiyane Construction.
Now I’m tempted to check my emails, I haven’t seen my emails in a long time. I’m scared though, there’s a lot going on in my mind. When I sent in my application, I was stressed about exams, I was a late application. There is a high chance that they reject me.
I stood up and went to take Nkululeko’s laptop from the cupboard and sat down on the bed and turned it on. My heart was beating out of my chest as I stared at the circle rotating on the screen endlessly.
I heard the kitchen door opening and I know that is Nkululeko because he is the only one who has the key to the gate, and he locked it before he left. I’m still in bed, he’s going to kill me. I’m not even going to look at him. I just stared at the screen and went to log into my emails. I can’t wait to get my own laptop, I’m tired of bothering him with his things.
“Awuvukile?” he was standing at the door looking at me.
I can see him with the side view, but I’m still staring at the screen. I’m ignoring him. He stood there too, and didn’t breathe a word. My heart got stuck in my throat when I saw the email. I’m afraid to open it, but I have to, I’m anxious.
“Nana?” he knows that he’s not my favourite person right now, he annoyed the shit out of me yesterday.
But all of that faded when I saw that congratulations! I felt all my worries melt away and I got up from the bed and jumped on it, almost breaking the laptop.
“I got in!” he smiled and walked well into the room.
“Got in where sthandwa sami?” I jumped on him and wrapped my legs around his waist.
“Mthiyane Construction, the accepted my application, I start next year!”
He kissed me all over my face and squeezed me tightly in his arms.
“Congratulations nana, this is amazing.”
“Thank you Mzizi.” I’m very happy.
In fact happy is an understatement. The amount of joy in my heart is unmeasurable.
“Go take a bath while I make you some breakfast so we can leave.” I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him.
“You don’t want to celebrate with me.” He laughed.
“We need to go. We are late as is.” I sulked.
“Oh well. Next time then.” I let myself down and went to the bathroom.
That was the first and last time I was offering him sex. It’s not like I enjoy it, it was given to me unwillingly, but I love him and I want to make this work. I’m not angry at him now, I’m too happy to think about a grudge I’m holding against a man that is doing nothing but loving me.
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He made me such a lovely breakfast, it wad hard to believe that he made it himself. He’s being such a gentleman this morning, I love that for him. He even let me play my music in the car, how sweet of him.
I thought we were going to the palace, but we are driving elsewhere. He was the one saying we are late but he’s taking detours. I didn’t bother to ask questions though, I just quietly sat in the car while he parked in front of a four roomed house. It almost looks like his house, but it’s obviously smaller. They have the exact same paint colour and everything. He climbed out and disappeared inside the door.
I sat back and closed my eyes thinking about that email. I can’t wait to call my parents and tell them the news, they are going to be so ecstatic. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I get to be part of it. It’s amazing.
My heart almost stopped beating for a second when I saw the brat running out of the house carrying a pink bag with a stuffed animal on her arm. Why did I open my eyes again? Behind her follows the man I’m dating, he’s holding another bag, it’s much bigger than the one carried by his brat. Oh hell no.
He opened the back door and she got in comfortably and sat.
“Hello Nana.” Her sweet voice filled the car. I felt goosebumps on my skin. This has Nkululeko written all over it.
“Hello Azande.” I tried not to sound too cold. I have a bone to pick with her father, not her. I have to remember that all the time.
Another lady appeared. She’s also holding a bag of her own. She’s also light in complexion like me, but unlike me, she’s thick, she has a round bottom and thick legs. I can tell her legs are thick even under that maxi dress she is rocking so effortlessly. She has slick back cornrows and although I can’t see her face up close just as yet, I can tell that she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. It’s her, uMaka Azande.
I shriveled up in my seat. Why is she coming towards the car, holding an overnight bag? Why is her brat here with a bag of her own? None of this is making sense.
He came to take his place on the driver’s seat while she put her bag in the boot.
“Did you say hello to Nana?” he asks his brat.
“Aha, I did daddy and she said hi Azande.” I’m facing the front, staring straight ahead, I don’t want to speak. I actually don’t have any words to say.
It’s just getting harder to ignore the stabbing pain in my heart. He placed his hand on my thigh and without thinking twice, I threw his hand back at him. All of this without even turning my head back to look at him.
Her sweet cologne filled the whole car as she settled in the back seat.
“Sanibonani.” No one answered.
There was absolutely no reason for her to greet like that because I was the only one she didn’t see, she’s just being sus for no reason. I shut my mouth. My phone was still the one playing music, but I wasn’t listening anymore, my head was stiff from facing one direction too long. I was suffering.
We drove to the palace in complete silence. The only sound in the car with the sound of the radio and Azande playing with her stuffed animal. I guess she could also sense some tension and decided to let the adults be and step into the realm of imagination. I wish I was a child again. 
There were so many people in the palace yard. It was very busy. I couldn’t wait to get out of the car and disappear from Nkululeko sight, I didn’t want to see him, smell him or touch him. Smelling him was going to be hard because I had his cologne on, and I regretted it immediately.  I had a lump stuck in my throat and I felt the need to release it.
As soon as the car stopped moving, I opened the door and got out. He tried to shout for me but I just slammed the door closed and walked as fast as my feet could carry me. I was looking for Amile and I couldn’t even find her with my eyes. I drew in a deep breath as I entered through the lounge and saw the king and some other men sitting there chatting. The atmosphere was tense and I immediately turned around and walked out.
That was the stupidest thing I have ever done and I can’t even feel my heartbeat anymore. I felt tears clouding my vision and I covered my face in agony.
“Are you okay?” I looked up and saw Sis Melo. I shook my head.
“Where is Amile?” I wiped my tears.
“She’s in the kitchen cooking. Must I take you to her?” she asked in remorse.
“Please.”
She led me around the yard. There was a tent set up and there were people sitting there. There were even tables and chairs set up for the people. This is a great initiative for the people of the village, Amile’s husband is an amazing person.
There she is in an apron and a doek looking like a real malokazana. She looks radiant even, dishing up for people with a bright smile on her face. I wish I was as happy as she is. Even when she is going through a lot she still smiles 
“Chomie.” She came to meet me halfway.
“I’m sorry I’m late chomie.” She giggled with me.
“Its fine, I understand come with me so we can start, people are hungry.” She’s so chilled it’s crazy.
She led me to the dishing station and gave me an apron. She told me to dish the salads so we could be closer together.
“Jama was here in the morning. He was so smitten.”
“Was he?” I was so uninterested in anything that has to do with Nkululeko.
“Oh he was. He couldn’t stop smiling.” I faked a smile.
“Oh.” She’s too busy to notice this, I’m glad to.
We continue to dish in silence, just greeting the people. I saw him coming towards the table. I felt my stomach turning.
“Jama.” She greeted him enthusiastically.
“Ndlunkulu, cela ungiboleka owami kancane nje.” He looked at me with a look that I can’t fathom.
“Take her, she’s all yours.” Why couldn’t she have just said no.
He took my hand and tightened it. Am I in trouble? Should I worry?


***Amile Gumede***

The love birds aren’t too far from the dishing station, I can hear what they are talking about. I’m trying my best not to eavesdrop on their conversation, but Jama sounds very aggressive.
“You slammed my door and walked away while I was talking to you. What is your problem?”
“Do you think what you did was okay Nkululeko?” she replied in a low voice. She’s clearly tears away from crying.
“Amasimba lento ongibuza yona. Tell me, do you have a problem with my child?”
“I have a problem with you, and the way you don’t respect me. Why was she in the same car as me?”
“She’s the mother of my child. What must I do, keep her a secret?” doesn’t sound as rosy as she put it.
“I can’t do this Nkululeko. I can’t be with you if you continue to treat me like this.”
“Akukho la oyakhona. You are mine.” I dreaded turning around to see that. I’m disgusted.
He walked past me and smiled and waved before he walked away. I went to her and she was crying. Oh my friend. I held her tightly in my embrace and she just cried.
“Today is supposed to be a good day for me, but he keeps ruining it, he keeps ruining my life.” I rubbed her back.
“Is he abusing you, is he hurting you?” judging from the tone of his voice when he spoke to her. That wasn’t the smitten Jama that was here this morning.
“No, he doesn’t abuse me. Nkululeko loves me.”
I think she’s being delusional.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I know what abuse is, and Nkululeko doesn’t do that.” I definitely have to keep an eye on her.
“Okay, let’s go get some water.”
Saying I’m disappointed in Jama would be an understatement. It’s the last thing I expected from him.
We were walking towards the tap and there were a few women were sitting congregating with plates just before the tap. When we got to them, they greeted us and we greeted back. One thing I noticed is that they love me, and I don’t say that in a cocky way, but they honestly do love me. I can see it in the way they look at me, they smile at me and just stop me to talk when they see me. It’s refreshing.
We stopped in our tracks when a loud scream erupted from one of the woman. I ran back to them. She’s on the floor crying.
“Ma, whats wrong.”
“Isipoki! Uyapoka!” she’s pointing at something.
Everyone has stopped what they are doing and they are looking at her. I’m confused, what ghost is she talking about?
I looked up and I saw his tall figure standing behind the tent looking at me. He was staring directly at me and his light brown eyes were glistening in the sun. I felt my chest closing in on me and eye breath leaving my lungs.
“Langalethu?” I said breathless.
“Amile?” I blinked a couple of times trying to see clearly. He was standing there.
I felt dizzy. My knees fell weak and I collapsed right next to the woman. I heard someone calling my name a couple of times.