Amahle's Diary 1

Chapter 20

Sis'May worked her culinary magic, conjuring up a feast of lasagna, creamy spinach, stir-fry, and carrots. We gathered around the table, Mom offering her blessing before we delved into the delectable spread. However, as we sat down, Mom's gaze lingered on me, and panic seized my chest – she was fully aware of this morning's incident; there was no escaping it.

"Mum, what's going on?" I inquired.

"Oh, nothing," she replied casually.

"You sure?"

She evaded with a cryptic smile, "Guilty of something." It was evident – she knew. I wished the ground would swallow me whole.

"I'm not aware of anything," I insisted, feigning innocence.

"If you say so," she said, her tone betraying a hint of amusement.

We continued to munch in a strained atmosphere. Once the plates were empty, I cleared the table while Sis took care of the dishes. Sis'May subtly made her exit for the night, leaving only Bomi and me – ndafa bawo.

"Still keeping secrets?" Mom questioned.

"About?" I feigned ignorance.

"Your brother and Karen – phew, thank God!"

"What do you mean, ma?" I asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Why didn't you clue me in?"

"It wasn't my place," I defended.

"Karen is too young for Aluncedo, Amahle!"

"I tried telling them, but as you said with Lihle, they need to make their own mistakes and learn."

"Aluncedo is going to hurt your friend."

"He loves her, Mom. How did you find out, anyway?"

"Your father. Is there anything else you might be hiding from me?" she inquired, scrutinizing my expression.

I shook my head, denying any further secrets.

"Amahle," Mom called, her tone demanding.

"Ma?" I responded hesitantly.

"Speak."

"Well, last night I didn't sleep over at Karen's house. I actually slept over at Sandiso's home," I confessed.

"Ubutakile, basically," she remarked knowingly.

"You could say that, but Mom, I swear we didn't do anything. We kissed, and he went down on me, but that's as far as it went. He said he doesn't want to do something I might regret in the future and that I wasn't ready and was in a bad space," I explained, feeling the weight of her gaze on me. She eyed me for a while before she gave me a lecture.

Her voice, warm and filled with maternal concern, reached my ears, "Listen, baby. You're still a spring chicken. I don't want you rushing into things you're not ready for. Sex is like a rollercoaster, addictive and all, but it brings babies and infections if you're not careful. I'm not saying don't have fun, but just promise me you'll be careful, okay? I'm too young to be a granny with a smiley face. This boy you're dating, I'd love to meet him. He seems like a gentleman who knows how to treat a lady. So, baby, just wait until you're ready, alright?"

I nodded, my response shy but obedient, "Yes, mommy."

Curiosity tinged her voice, "So, what else happened?"

I proceeded to spill the details of the evening, sharing snippets of our dinner and everything else.

"He sounds like he's really into you," she remarked.

"He is, Mom. He's great."

"I'm glad he makes you happy, baby. But if he hurts you, he'll have your father to deal with," she added, a playful note in her tone.

I chuckled, "Dad would really deal with him. Speaking of Dad, are you two like a thing now?"

A cascade of emojis accompanied her response, "I've been waiting for this question. Your sister and brother asked it already. Your father and I love each other, yes, but what went down between us was a moment of weakness. We just missed each other, that's all."

"Ouch," I couldn't help but comment.

"What?" she asked.

"Dad is in love with you, but for some reason, you're too blind to see that. He was so hurt by what you said the other day when he was here. You shouldn't have put it bluntly like that, Mom."

"He was? I didn't notice. Your father has a girlfriend, and I'm seeing Daniel."

"He doesn't love her, Mom," I insisted.

"Did he say that?"

"Dad wants you back, but he's scared to suggest you two get back together because of what you said."

"Seriously? You and your father actually spoke about this?"

"It was that day when you found out about Granddad."

"Why didn't he say anything?"

"Because he was hoping you would see it."

"I'm not psychic, aloku. Besides, he seems happy without me."

"Now that you know, what are you going to do about it, ma?"

"Baby, I can't just dump Daniel."

"I didn't say that."

"I don't know."

"Do you even like Daniel?"

"Of course I do, baby."

"And Dad?"

"I'll always love your father."

"But?"

"It wouldn't work, baby."

"You'll never know unless you try, Mom."

"I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you!"

"Better believe it. Why not give them both a shot and then choose later who you want to be with."

"You mean cheat on Daniel?!"

"Well, technically, it's not cheating because you were Dad's before you dated Daniel. Besides, you and Dad have kids together, and you loved Dad before you fell for Daniel."

"I can't believe you."

"There's nothing wrong with having your bread buttered on both sides; you have needs after all."

"Heh, I really can't believe you. You need to stop spending time with Anathi."

"This is all me, Mom. So, what do you say?"

"I don't know, baby. I'll see, wethu."

"I'm sure Dad won't mind sharing you with Daniel."

"You are so corrupt! What has this boy done to my daughter?"

"Nothing, mummy. I'm still here."

We continued chatting, and for a minute, things were normal. She was close to being the Bomi I know and love. That night, we slept in her room, talking and laughing about random stuff.