Maid For Marriage

56

She left with her uncle and I felt terrible. Not because of her but because of this whole situation. "Makoti, we're having drinks inside." I was sitting out by the garden alone with my thoughts when Gogo came to get me. "I hope you're not sitting here regretting your actions. MaGumede deserves everything that's coming to her. Don't feel bad about anything. You protected your daughter's memory. That's what any good mother would do." I followed her inside and joined everyone at the bar.

"Here she is. Ma says we should ask you. I've agreed to have my daughter baptized at Ma's church. Only my parents and brother will be coming and I was hoping we'd be able to have a nice lunch at your home so it's not so far to travel. It will be this Sunday and because it's such short notice MaKhumalo has offered to have her chef cater for us." MaMlambo said excitedly.

Ma cleared her throat. "Makoti if it's not too much trouble I was actually hoping you would make us a home cooked meal. What about a traditional seven colour Sunday lunch? If it's not too much trouble." Ma asked and I agreed. It was the least I could do after the drama I just caused.

Planning started early Monday morning. Ma and I set out the meal and I went grocery shopping. I would be making beef stew, creamy spinach, traditional steamed bread, some veggies, beetroot salad, spicy corn, coleslaw, chakalaka, and grilled chicken. I decided to make cheesecake for dessert. MaMlambo said to invite my aunt as well so I was cooking for a lot of people.

By Tuesday all the babies came to the city. I loved seeing chumisa again. Everytime I see her she's grown so much but she still remembers me. It warmed my heart.

I felt that coming home and having lunch was extremely boring after your babies baptism so I decided to make it special. My aunt helped me to hire a few decorations and fancy chairs. There was a wooden board covered in fake grass that would be decorated with the babies name, gold and shades of pink balloon, and some flowers.

I started prepping all of the food the night before and I allowed absolutely nobody to help. I was in my element. I loved it. The next morning before the sun wasn't even out and I was in the kitchen preparing the dough for the steamed bread. I started cooking everything that didn't need much maintenance so I could start decorating.

They knew I was putting a table outside but that's all the knew. The decor people came once they were in church. They set up the board as well as a balloon arch. My food was coming along well. I started setting the table and made sure that it was absolutely beautiful. I cleaned up my mess and got ready. I was wearing an off the shoulder A-line dress with traditional print and a matching headwrap. My food was done and I was just keep everything warm.

"It smells amazing in here. We could smell it all the way from church." I didn't even realize they were back. "You're back. I have a surprise for you in the backyard but you have to go out and around the house. Everyone looked confused but did as I said anyway.

There were gasps and squeals all round and she couldn't stop thanking me. Everyone took photos and the elders that were present all decided they wanted to make extremely long speeches. I dished everyone's plate so it was perfectly presented. The prayer was so long that I was done dishing before they said amen. MaKhumalo and MaCele helped me serve the food and seeing everyone's expression and enjoyment made me so happy.

"Sisi, come here." MaMlambo's father called me over. "My wife says I shouldn't do this but I can't help myself. Is there anymore food? If there is can you dish me another plate please? Also, could you make it as pretty as the first one?" He asked so nicely I couldn't say no.

"My love." Senzo came up behind me and hugged me. "You outdid yourself today. After all of this I am so proud to call myself your husband. Your ability to bring people together is amazing." I turned around and kissed him. It was the first real kiss we've had since I have been back and I never wanted it to stop.