Maid For Marriage

59

After a couple of days of media speculation we had to put out a statement. I told Baba that I didn't care. Let the publicist write whatever she wants. He was extremely worried and even though I wasn't really speaking to everyone I made sure not to isolate myself. I didn't want anyone worrying more than they should.

I was drinking tea outside by the pool when Senzo joined me. "I am scared. I'm scared I'm loosing you. You're slipping away." I moved closer to him and rested my head on his chest. "I'm not slipping away. I'm just tired of always being the one everyone is worried about. I also know the trauma is not mine alone and I'm trying to be at peace so everyone isn't always in a state of concern for my well being." He sighed. "I understand but don't shut me out." I just nodded.

"I've hired security to get the press away from the house. Also, my elders are on the way. I couldn't stop them from coming. They want to make sure everything is in order. " I just nodded. I knew it was a possibility. "Your phone has been off so I've arranged for our mothers to come have lunch with us. Can I be honest with you?" I nodded. "I don't think they're taking this well."

I sat with him a little while longer and then went to go freshen up.  I didn't have the heart to watch the program but I read up on it. Apparently the journalist was there because she was going undercover at various clinics to highlight all their issues. Luckily for her and her now thriving career, she was in the right place at the right time. Legally there was nothing we could do to get the footage removed and it was already out there. So the only thing left to do was to let it go.

My aunt and mother-in-law came for lunch and they just kept on fussing. I didn't want them to feel worse so I let them. The more I told them I was fine the more they didn't believe me. They eventually left and I could breathe again. I thought ma would let us come home but she suggested we stay here because of the press.

The elders arrived at midnight. Under normal circumstances I would be showing off what a good wife I was and help settle them in but I was tired. Even though I couldn't fall asleep just laying there helped.

The next morning I was getting ready when there was a knock on the door. "We're having breakfast in a few minutes." Senzo said and took a seat on the bed. "Okay, I'm done." I got up and we both joined everyone at the table. It was awkward at first but the tension seemed to lessen towards the end of  breakfast.

That didn't last long. When the breakfast table was cleared a meeting started. "Makoti we saw the program on tv. All of us were told you went to a clinic after the accident and they were full so you walked home. Why didn't you tell us the truth?" I didn't tell them anything at the time it happened. I spoke to the police and lawyers but I never spoke to the family.

"With all due respect my elders I don't remember telling the family anything. Whatever you heard didn't come from me." Their attention moved to Senzo. "Okay, let me explain. Everyone was already going through so much. Especially since we couldn't bury the baby. So I decided to not tell the family the full truth. Also, it was not my story to tell. I've only seen parts of statements and police reports. I don't have all the details of that day."

Everyone's attention was back on me and I was in no way ready for this. I didn't even tell Senzo all the details of that day. He gathered what he could himself. "Um, I don't think we should stay focused on the past. The details of that day are not important. What happened, happened and we all know the outcome. I think we should focus in the future and more positive things. Like, MaCele's baby." There were a few hums and mostly everyone just stared at me. "Makoti, we hear you but the only way to heal is to let everything out. We're you're elders. We were put here to guide you. We can't guide you if we don't know what happened."

"I understand that Malume but I'm fine. I'm at peace with what happened. I really think we should move on as a family." The elders didn't seem very happy with my response but they let it go. "Okay, we should do a cleansing then. We've been putting it off for way too long. Let's do it before the new baby is born. We also should complete all the marital rites so that you are in completely in our fold." I just nodded. I almost forgot that we didn't go through all of the ceremonies that should be a good distraction.

I spent the rest of the day doing Makoti duties. MaKhumalo had staff for cooking and cleaning so I was mainly just serving tea. The next day the elders brought up the topic of Bab'Dlamini's illegitimate children. MaRadebe says she knew about the children. Your father just refused to accept them as his. So we need to make that right."

"Before we do anything. I insist we do a DNA test because why would my father deny a son. It doesn't make any sense. He must've had his reservations." Senzo kept on insisting on a DNA test and the elders finally gave in.

While waiting for the DNA test results, Senzo and I finally went home. Things were awkward, and the tension at home almost made me want to go back to the main house.

I was busy ironing Senzo's shirt. "Sisi, I'm going for a job interview this afternoon." Jabulani started. I tried to be nice to Jabulani and Kwezikazi because Senzo was treating them like trash. "If it isn't any trouble would you please iron my shirt?" He was so nervous to even speak to me. "Of course Bhuti. What time is your interview?" He still seemed a bit scared but we engaged in small talk while I ironed his shirt.

"What's this?!" Senzo's voice roared. "You've taken over my house now you want my wife too!" MaKhumalo was with him. And she tried calming him down. "Baba I was just ironing his shirt." I tried to explain but he was having none of it. "So you think my wife is here to be bossed around by you!?" He grabbed the shirt out of my hand and threw it on the ground. "Don't test me boy! If I ever find you even looking at my wife I will deal with you!" He stepped on the shirt and stormed out.

When will we ever find peace?