Shrivelled Roses 1 (Intro)

Chapter 38

-𝑶𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒆 𝑴𝒛𝒂𝒚𝒊-

Everyone was in high spirits, and Onele took note of how Cassandra did her utmost best to avoid her. But she didn't mind much, Milli was stuck on her like a glue, that was good enough. Aphiwe and Sandra were always best buddies, it wasn't shocking to realize that they later disappeared together without anyone noticing and when they were called, they said they were at the beach. A huge part of Onele felt the sadness that she saw in her brother's eyes, but Lionel didn't say a word.

"Are you ready to go back to Pretoria?" Siki asked and Onele tried to smile.

"More than ready sisi, yho abazali bakho are so controlling"

They shared a laugh.

"Is everything okay between you and Sandra? I have noticed how distant you two are"

"We're cool" oh that was a lie.

"Cool? What does that mean?"

"It means we have had our differences and not one of us is willing to let go. So we have made peace with the fact that we might never see eye to eye. So yes sisi, we are cool"

She nodded and didn't ask much more than that.

Onele sighed, and walked away from her.

The following morning, Onele woke up to an empty bed.

She had shared her bed with Milli, and didn't even hear his mother taking him. She lay on her back thinking, and all that while, she could hear her phone ringing but she knew it was Ginger and she didn't want to talk to him. He sent texts, and more calls but she wouldn't budge. Instead, she went to take a shower, and then responded to Ntsika's message about going shopping for the dress. She wore a dungaree with sneakers and a sports bra, walked out to the lounge and greeted everyone who was awake as she walked out.

"Haibo, uyaphi Ntombi?" Cindy asked.

"Ndiyabuya sisi"

That's all she answered.

Ntsika was already waiting for her near the shop... she got in his car and they drove to Beacon Bay, apparently, he had seen a dress in some boutique there. She didn't mind, Ntsika would be a great distraction from the pestering of Ginger. They bought the dress, matching shoes and then grabbed some lunch.

Ntsika: I didn't think you'd pull through with this invitation, especially since your boyfriend is in town as well.

Onele: Keeping tabs on me now?

Ntsika: Haha, no. I saw him in Gonubie.

Onele: Well, I am not married to him Ntsika. I can do pretty much what I want, with whoever I want to do it.

Ntsika: Mh, so you mean he wouldn't mind seeing you having lunch with another man?

Onele: He would definitely mind, but I am sure you're man enough to know how to handle another man?

Ntsika: Mh, throwing me in the deep end I see.

Onele just winked at him and finished up her lunch.

He drove her back home, and left. She walked into the yard, and Ginger bombarded her phone again. Hearing the happy sounds indoors prompted her to actually answer the call, buying herself a few minutes to herself.

Onele: Bongani? Uva xakuthethwa eyiphi language?

Ginger: Baby... can we please meet up before you leave for Pretoria? I know I messed up and I want to apologize properly.

Onele: No, thank you.

Ginger: Onele ndiyakucela ke, just five minutes.

Onele: I have five minutes now... talk!

He sighed...

Ginger: I don't love Siya, I love you. I want you.

Onele: That's all you wanted to say?

Ginger: No... I slept with Siyasisanda to get back at her for dumping me back then. It had nothing to do with you, I still love you, I still want you. Please forgive me...

Onele: Mh, so let me get this straight Bongani...

Ginger: Baby, please don't do this. Can I come to you so we can talk in person? I hate talking about important things over the phone... nawe uyayazi lonto.

Onele: At this point I don't know what I know ndikuxelele Bongani. But I want to understand you so take me through it. You're telling me that you slept with your ex-girlfriend to get back at her for dumping you. Wow Bongani, makes total sense. I mean, you went shopping with her, you went on multiple dates with her, you went to clubs with her, you gave her multiple orgasms... you went through all of that just to get back at her? Semandi tana!

He huffed.

He didn't know how she got so much information and didn't even leave a trace, anything to alert him that she was on his tail.

Onele: She must have been your first... the way you are so attached to her, she must be your first. It's either that, or there's something you're not telling me. So, this is your only chance Bongani to tell me the truth. What exactly are you doing with Siyasisanda McClaw? In actual fact, what are you doing with Mzukisi Kuriyata Khumalo's woman? Okay scratch that, what are you doing with Chris Abendeiya's sidechick?

Ginger: WHAT??!

Onele: Oh, you thought she was exclusive to you just like I was? You can be stupid when you want to yazi wena baby.

He grunted, but didn't respond to what she was saying.

Onele: So, after you enjoyed her moaning and sexy screams, did you at least think how I would feel? Or you didn't care as long as you got the cat? Did you remember to at least use protection ke? Because for someone with so many partners I wouldn't put it past her that she's not as clean as she looks. Come to think of it, uyandiqhela yazi Bongani. I think eyonanto that makes me want to strangle you more than dump you is the fact that I literally fought my family to be with you. I fought tooth and nail, ndingabahoyanga oobhuti bendixelela ngenja oyiyo and I didn't see a dog tu. I saw a man that I loved, until this trip. You have proved them right, and in that process you have made me a fool. You must be happy dawg, you won!

Then she hung up.

After a long minute, she took a deep breath and walked inside.