Maid For Marriage

64

The family stayed in the living room reprimanding Senzo but I wanted nothing to do with it. I went to the kitchen and got some water. "MaBhengu." MaCele joined me in the kitchen. "I'm sorry for your loss." I just nodded and sipped my water. "The day I said you should go see a doctor..." I didn't let her finish. I just nodded again.

"Why didn't you tell us? We could've helped you through it." I just sighed. "A lot happened that day." Was all I could come up with. "I understand. How are you feeling now?" I didn't know what to answer. That was a loaded question. "I'm okay." I lied. "Okay. Maybe one day all of us can go out somewhere. We could have lunch or something. You've been stuck in the house forever." She suggested. "Maybe. We'll see."

It was late when they finally stopped yelling. They said something about paying a fine to each of the families to cleanse their homes. I was annoyed. Even though it was late there was still a knock on the door. Surprisingly it was the lawyer. He tried giving me a thick envelope filled with all the money I gave him to pay the hospital bill. I refused the cash and stood there awkwardly. Eventually Senzo took it. He didn't even say anything before he left.

I took my time in the shower that night because I didn't want to speak to anyone. I made my way to the room to find Senzo there. "Why didn't you tell me?" He had zero right to question anything that I did. I opened my drawer and got my purse out. "Here." I handed him my credit card. "I don't want it." He insisted but I threw it to his side of the bed. "Don't send me anymore money either." All he could do was sigh. I didn't want anything from him anymore. I would use the money I got from the road accident fund to keep the house going.

We shared a bed that night but not once did we fall asleep. There was something in me that hated him. In the two years that we've been married there has never been peace. There has never been happiness. So much keeps on happening that I didn't even realize we were going for two years. Never have we ever celebrated an anniversary or a birthday. Or just anything that was just for us. We have gotten so much bad luck that I was starting to think this was a mistake.

Two months went by with no communication with my husband. I didn't even spend Christmas and New Years with the family. I just dropped Ma off at family events and came back home. Every month Senzo still sent me an allowance and I sent it back. I wanted nothing to do with his money.

The money from the lawsuit paid out and I was rich. I no longer needed him for anything and I was relieved about it. I used the money to get surgery on my back to remove the scars. Even though I had a lot of money and I was generally okay, I was still very bored.

That's why I got a job. I was working for a catering company. At first I just did deliveries but I got promoted to a cook and I loved every minute of it.

I kept in touch with my family. Both my mother's and father's side. We weren't extremely close but it was nice to know that they were there. I hadn't told anyone about my marital problems not even my aunt. She thought all was well.

"Here she is. How was work Makoti?" Ma asked as soon as I set foot in the house. I was surprised to see Gogo sitting there sipping tea. The last time I saw her was when I spilled the beans on the miscarriage.

"Evening Ma. Gogo." She nodded in response. "Come sit with us." I took a seat on the couch. I really just wanted to go to sleep. Today was a long day. "How are you doing?" Gogo asked in her raspy voice. "I'm fine and you Gogo." I was not in the mood for pleasantries but here we are I guess. "I'm not so good my child. I was hoping to find your husband at home. The other wives told me it is your night to have your husband at home. Where is he?" Ma bowed her head in shame. "I wouldn't know Gogo. I don't question his whereabouts."

She place her cup on the coffee table and dug in her top. She pulled out her phone. She pressed a few buttons and the phone started dialing on loudspeaker. "Hello Gogo."
"MaKhumalo. I'm here at MaBhengu's house and she doesn't know where her husband is. Is he maybe with you?"
"No he is not. When we left work he said he was going to her."
"Okay. Thanks. I'll try the others. Goodnight"

She called all four wives and all of them said they were under the impression that he was with me. I hadn't seen him in months. Not even on social media. "Does anyone want to explain to me what's going on?" I really didn't care anymore. "Baba is a man and as his wife I have no right to question him. I'm sure wherever he is, he's safe. I've had an extremely long day. I would really love to go to bed if you'll excuse me."

I woke up early the next morning to make breakfast and clean around the house. I was only working half days so I still had a lot of time to take care of Ma and look after the house. Ma and Gogo sat down for breakfast but I didn't join them. 

I needed to do laundry but I didn't have time today. I got my work clothes ready before I went to start dinner. "What are you making today?" Ma asked excitedly. "Just a stew Ma. Nothing fancy. I wanted to make steamed bread but I didn't prepare the dough early enough. I won't be home late so I'll come make pap for dinner." Her eyes lit up. "You're making us fat." We both giggled and she spent my cooking time in the kitchen with me.

Work was quick today. We didn't have a complicated menu and I was mostly just on ingredient prep. I pulled up to my driveway and my whole mood just shifted. The wives were parked in my yard.

I hadn't seen them in so long and I wasn't in the mood to smile and have conversation but I had to go inside. I heard banter and laughter coming from the kitchen so I went straight to my room to have some quiet time and to change into something more comfortable.

"I don't know where she is. She said she'll be back early. Let me call." I heard outside my door. "I'm here ma!" I guess I had to face them at some point. I put on my slippers and joined them. All of a sudden we were all besties and everyone wanted a hug. Even MaGumede. "We know you already made dinner but we added a few more things. We're about to dish up."

Any other time I would've offered to help but now I just let them do what they wanted to do. Ma was about to pray for the food when there was a knock on the door. I was closest to the door so I opened it. When I saw who it was I wished I had checked through the window.

"Mamakhe." I had to fight the urge to roll my eyes. He was standing there with a dumb smile on his face holding a bunch of roses in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.