Shrivelled Roses 2: Iyana Kleinbooi

2

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑾𝑶

After that phone call with Uyabukwa Iyana decided she wouldn't call Clive... she needed time. She wasn't specifically sure what time she needed, or how long she would need it, but she knew she needed time. Yes, she wanted to be with him because she loved him. Her world revolved around him, as much as she recently hated admitting that, but it was the truth. He made his world go round. But she still needed time... to figure herself out. Mostly.

The following morning she woke up and just lay on her back thinking and planning her day. She dialed Siyasisanda...

Sanda: Friend?

Iyana: U right?

Sanda: I'm okay wena?

Iyana: U right nyhani? You sound... I don't know... anxious?

Siyasisanda sighed.

Iyana: What's going on?

Sanda: I lost the contract.

Iyana: You're out of a job? Why?

Sanda: Nooo, not employment contract. Something Chris drew up for our little agreement.

Iyana: Wait, he actually drew up a contract? Haibo Sanda, isn't that some sort of prostitution kengoku?

Sanda: You know what, it's too early for this... why did you call? How can I help you?

Iyana: Friend... okay I'm sorry... I didn't mean it to come out like that.

Sanda: I's fine... ufuna ntoni?

Iyana: Andifuni nto, I just called to check up on you. We haven't spoken since we got back.

Sanda: Oh okay. No I'm fine... I just need to look for that contract then I'll be okay.

Iyana: When last did you see it?

Sanda: I think last week, before I went to Bobo's house.

Iyana: Think back... did you go with it, or did you leave it in your car?

There was silence... Siyasisanda knew she went inside with it.

It was in her bag, but she was in denial. She couldn't think past Bongani seeing the contract, or even worse, stealing it from her. That would be a bummer!

Sanda: I think I left it here, I'll look for it chomi don't worry.

Iyana: Okay ke, let me prepare for work. Later?

Sanda: Later babe!

She prepared for work and made a mental note that she would stalk Buhle and maybe strategize on approaching her. She knew her information was correct, in detail, but a part of her still wanted to hear the story from the victim's lips. As she stepped out for work, she saw Zwelethu's car right next to hers and her heart smiled before she could physically express her joy. He stepped out of the car with flowers, and a small gift bag. Well, there goes her need for "time".

"Oh-kay, you either really missed me or you're bribing me for something. Which one is it Mbulazi?" she joked, giggling and he laughed, pulling her close for an embrace. A warm one. After a long minute she stepped back, smiling at him. He handed over the gifts he came bearing, and stuffed his denims with his fists.

Clive: I was hoping I would be your chauffer for the day.

Iyana: Mh, why? Aren't you going to work?

Clive: I called in sick.

Iyana: The privilege of working for a family business.

Clive: Comes with the perks... shall we?

She assessed him first and smiled at the thought that suddenly took over her mind.

"I have a busy day today, can we do this tomorrow?" she suggested and saw the somber look in his eyes and laughed, "I'm joking, but I do have some errands to run later on and I wouldn't want to waste your time ulandelelana nam oko"

"I don't mind, we'll run those errands together" he said and she nodded, and followed him as he went to open her door. He dropped her off at work and went to his brother's house. They were flying to KZN and would be back in the afternoon. As he got there, his other brother called...

Clive: Mbulazi?

Nairota: Where's your brother?

Clive: I just got to his house, I'm still outside but he should be here.

Nairota: He's not answering his phone. When you find him, tell him to call me. It's urgent.

Clive: Is everything okay? You sound agitated.

Nairota: I am pissed off. Telll Kuriyata to call me.

Clive: Oh-kay.

He hung up and walked inside.

The front door wasn't locked, so he let himself in and walked to the lounge. His brother's phone was on the coffee table next to a glass of whiskey. He left it there and went to the main bedroom, he heard the shower so he walked back out and went to make himself food. About 30 minutes later, his brother emerged from his room frowning.

Kuriyata: When did you get here?

Clive: Call your twin, he is pissed off. His words.

Kuriyata: Umuntu umfice kwakho asekutshele nokuthi wenzeni ungenzini.

Clive: Your phone is on the coffee table.

Clive was eating his breakfast in the kitchen, and he could tell from the annoyance of his big brother that something had gone wrong. They could have had an argument, or business wasn't going well. When he was done eating he called Buhle...

Buhle: Clive.

Clive: Nkosazana... kunjani?

Buhle: Clive...

Clive: Okay I know, I know. I'm sorry. I wanted to know what would you like us to bring you? We should be in Durban around 12'sh.

Buhle: Do groceries.

Clive: Anything specific?

Buhle: You have the grocery list, my taste buds haven't changed. My diet is still the same.

Clive: Right. See you later.

Buhle: I am not home. Your brother has the spare keys.

Clive: You're not home? Ukuphi?

Buhle: Ungang'casuli ke mina mf'wethu. I do not remember a time when we reported to each other. Anything. You wanted to visit your home, and I am telling you that your brother has spare keys. That's all you need to know.

Clive sighed...

Clive: I promised your father that I would take care of you Buhle. You are my wif-

Buhle: Bye.

She hung up and he just sighed.