Shrivelled Roses 2: Iyana Kleinbooi

13

𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑻𝑬𝑹 𝑻𝑯𝑰𝑹𝑻𝑬𝑬𝑵

-IYANA-

She didn't sleep much...

All she could think about was the lunch she had with Sanda and she had this weird feeling that Sanda knew something that she didn't know, but it felt a bit too late for her to ask or enquire now.

The following few days were just hazy, she didn't notice when Clive or what time he called if he called at all, and didn't get bothered much because she had conditioned herself that when his brothers are around he becomes a different person. Of course, he would beg to differ on that.

Sunday afternoon, he posted a very good-looking picture of himself in a black suit and matching shoes... she stared at the picture for longer than intended, he looked so happy that it hurt her seeing him like that engekho naye. She smiled at her "silliness" and commented on the picture:

"Mntungwa, Khumalo, Mbulazi... yaze yayinhle indoda yomZulu". Just as the comment sent out blue ticks, she realized that the picture was taken at night, though posted in the afternoon so it may have been the previous night... and not that exact moment.

She decided to call him... his phone rang until it got to the mailbox, but she called again, immediately, at least two more times before it was answered.

Buhle: Mbulazi's phone, hello?

Iyana felt a sharp pain in her heart at hearing a woman's voice... and Buhle smiled, watching the brothers preparing the meat on the open fire outside. It was their last day in KZN and Mzuvukile, the nicer one amongst all of them, suggested they have a braai. They were expecting a couple of friends over, some had already arrived and more were still to come.

Iyana: Uhm, hello. Ndicela umntu we phone.

Buhle: He cannot take calls right now, will you leave a message or should I ask him to call you back?

Iyana: He cannot take calls? Njani? Please tell him his girlfriend is on the line sisi.

Buhle chuckled, shaking her head... partly feeling sorry for Iyana and for Zwelethu.

Iyana: Did I say something funny?

Buhle: Yeah... I mean, you expect me to take this phone to Zwelethu while he is in deep conversations with oo bhuti? And what do I say when I get there? Uhm... Zwelethu, your girlfriend is on the line so can you please drop everything and answer her call?

Iyana shut her eyes knowing that wouldn't work on her favor... whoever the girl on the line was knew very well that the big brothers wouldn't like that. So, she folded.

Iyana: Uhm, no please, it's okay. I'll call him later on.

Buhle: Great, and I will tell him his girlfriend called, the minute he can call you.

Iyana: Thank you very much... I didn't get your name?

Buhle: I didn't get yours too... but that's alright, we'll go with the titles since you already introduced yourself as the girlfriend, I am the little sister they never talk about.

Iyana: Zwelethu has a sister?

Buhle: Repeat the last sentence I just said...

Iyana: Ah, they never talk about you. I wonder why, you sound like a nice person.

Buhle rolled her eyes... not believing how naïve the other woman was.

Buhle: Uhm, I'll pass on the message sisi. I have to go.

Iyana: Okay thank you.

Buhle hung up and deleted evidence... the plan was still on... get between Iyana and Zwelethu.