The Arrangement

Milicent

Milicent

The car ride home was a silent one. No radio played, no sound was emitted from anyone. It was as dead as night. You probably have questions and I will answer them...soon enough you will understand. We arrived at the homestead and the gate was opened. A lot had changed from when Crystal was last here. We drove into the compound and headed straight fro Makhulu's hut. That was the instruction we were given.

She was waiting outside with Asithandile. I was the first to get out and I greeted them booth. She instructed oJomo to carry Crystal into the hut and onto the mat besides the candles and second mat. Baby Belle was also carried in and placed -besides her mother- on the second mat. Makhulu ushered us out and I sent oJomo home because it was already late and we'd have a busy day the next day.

I walked to my hut; on the other side of the compound. I preferred peace and quiet, away from the main house. Makhulu was very supportive of my decision; against my parents 'better judgement'. I pulled out my mint root and bit a piece off said what I had to say and spat it out, I walked around my hut doing the same and then took my shoes  off and walked into my hut. Its a routine I've become accustomed to. I took a short shower and wore my sweat pants, sports bra, socks and tied my doek on my head.

I got down on my knees and pulled out impepha yam and lit it up. I pulled my mat and prayer cloth out and began praying, thanking god and my ancestors for protecting me and guiding me throughout the day. I drank water and let impepha burn out. I put it on the bedside table and sat on my bed. I took my laptop out and logged in. I barely checked or used my phone because I had it connected to my laptop so I just pulled my WhatsApp out on my laptop. I had a few messages from some friends from college and some from the family.

I checked my emails and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I hacked into the dark website and checked all trades that were active. Some rhino horns and elephant tusks were on sale for R50 million. It seemed a bit too sketch but I paid it no mind. I encrypted my laptop and built two more firewalls and logged out. I opened Netflix and chose Never Have I Ever, it seemed interesting and I wanted to check it out. My stomach grumbled, indicating my hunger.

I wore my shoes and walked out, heading to the main house. I knocked on the door and moments later Alwande opened the door. "Molo sisi."

"Molo boy. Vula ndingene ke. (Hi boy. Open up and let me enter)"  he opened up and I entered. I closed the door and went to the fridge I took out some cheese and pickles. As lactose intolerant as I am, I will forever eat toasted bread with cheese and pickles.  I got the bread and quickly prepared my meal. I made a steaming cup of rooibos tea. "Cel'undenzele nam sisi? (Please make some for me too sis?)"

"Already thought of that." I hadn't noticed just how quiet the house was, "where is everyone?"

"Balele sisi. (They are sleeping)"

"So why are you awake?"

"Its the festive season and I want to spend everyday like its my last because once I get back to school I'll he no time for TV or socialising." I nodded, we got our food and went to the living room. " You're watching this too?" I asked astonished at the show playing on Netflix, Never Have I Ever. "Yeah, its interesting."

"What season are you on?"

"Season 3, episode 2"

"Wow." We watched TV while eating. It was around 12 am when he fell asleep. I decided to finish watching this show. I woke him up when I felt myself getting sleepy. I didn't even check the time. I sent him to him and his brother's room. Once I made sure that all is okay, I left after locking the door. My walk was peaceful; the cold breeze brought a comforting blanket over me, the night sky clear without a single star yet the moon shined bright. I opened the door of my hut and entered, I changed into my sleep wear, said a prayer and went to lala land.