The Arrangement

Return To Your Roots

Before the plane landed...

The closer we got to Eastern cape, the more antsy I felt. I was worried, my mind was clouded with worry. Would I be able to get help? Would my children find peace? Would they accept me with warm arms? The plane finally landed and I could feel my throat closing up. My eyes burning with unshed tears. The moment my feet touched the ground, I felt an overwhelming and powerful surge and the next thing I knew, I was in a dark place.

Somewhere in the ancestral realm...

I could barely see. "Belle" I shouted but got an echo in return. I turned a full 360°, hoping to find some sort of light. I was afraid to move from my spot so I settled for kneeling down. I didn't know what to say but I knew I needed to pray. I began with the Lord's prayer. I asked for light to be shed onto me, I asked for my child to be protected, I asked for us to find our way back home.

The moment I said amen; a shallow light appeared. I stood up and started walking towards the light. I heard voices, people talking. The closer I got to the light, the louder and clearer the voices got. A blinding light shone brightly having me cover my eyes from it. I slowly removed my arm from above my eyebrows and the sight in front of me left no air in my lungs.

A big beautiful tree situated right in the middle of the field. The light was shining directly onto the tree yet the light seemed to shine through the tree, and everywhere else. I walked slowly, hoping that one of the people would help me. I felt a tug on my hand that stopped me in my tracks. I looked down and saw Belle. I quickly, without a second thought, pulled her up and into my arms. "Oko ndifuna undiphathe kanjena mama (I've always wanted you to hold me tight mom)"

She sounded different. I looked at her neck, where I knew that her beauty mark resided. I didn't find it. I tried letting go but she had wrapped her arms tightly around my neck and her legs around my waist, like a vice. "Kancinci mama. Ndiyacela. (Just a little while longer mama. Please)" I held her tight too.

I stood there for what felt like a lifetime. Unmoving while she held onto me like her life depended on it. Slowly, after a while, she began loosening her grip on me. I placed her on the floor. "Zoe-Anne?" I questioned. She nodded her head. I could see Siyabonga in her eyes.

She looked like his female version. "H-how?" She took my hand in hers and lead me to the tree. I followed behind her, flabbergasted. When we walked under the shade of the tree, the scenery changed. I could feel it inside that I had entered the ancestral grounds. We walked to the old man that sat with a bird perched on his shoulder. She knelt down in front of him and patted the space besides her.

I sat in the same position that she sat in. "Ufikile uMama Tat'Omkhulu.(Mom is here Great great grandfather)" Zoe said. "Enkosi ngokumbuyisa mntanam. Ukuphi ohamba naye? (Thank you for bringing herte here my child. Where is the one she's with?)" He said in a gruff voice. "Andikamboni Tata. (I haven't seen her Grandfather)"
"Ndiyakuva. Molo mtanawomtanam.(I hear you. Greetings great grandchild)"

I looked up at him but felt his gaze was too intimidating, "Molo Tat'Omkhulu.(Greetings great grandfather)"

"Unjani? Ungaxoki, sendiyazi. Inoba nje ndibuza ukuba undixelele inyan. (How were you? Do not lie, I already know. I'm just asking to give you a chance to tell the truth)"