Shrivelled Roses 2: Iyana Kleinbooi

20

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 Twenty

-IYANA-

THE FOLLOWING MORNING...

Phathuxolo woke up around 6 am, and went for a jog.

His lifestyle wasn't necessary that of a chief. He was young, yes, he respected his culture but there were a lot of things that would have to change if he were to take the throne back as the rightful heir and chief. That's why he didn't even fight for it. Cultural customs needed people who were rooted in them. There was beauty yes, but there was also the dark side in which he knew he wouldn't last a day practicing. After an hour of jogging, he went back inside, called the nearest florist to Iyana's home and bought her flowers and chocolates. Even then, he prayed that she like flowers. She didn't seem like a complicated woman, but what if she had allergies? Women were really that complicated. When that was done, he freshened up and called his mother, they had a date. Every three weeks they would meet up either for coffee or lunch. She felt lonely, ever since his fathers' passing. Making time for her was the least he could do.

"Nkosana ka tatakhe" she answered the phone enthusiastically, causing him to smile.

"We're meeting at eleven Nkosikazi ka tata"

"Heee yazi ndilibele ba seyiloveki... okay khawume ndikhangele u Xolile ndizobuyela kuwe"

"Ufuna ntoni kanene kuye?"

"Ebeboleke imoto phezolo"

"Haibo mama, wamnika eyakho ikhona iBakkie?" he asked with a bit of irritation.

"Oh mntanam, ebezoleqisa umkakhe esibhedlele ebelunywa, noko ibakkie ibingazosebenza"

He sighed his "okay" and hung up.

His phone vibrated, he looked at the screen thinking it's his mother getting back to him but it was an unknown number.

"Hello?"

"Hi..." her voice trailed off, but he knew it was her.

"Iyana, unjani? How did you get my number?"

She didn't talk... So, he waited.

"You recognized my voice" she whispered.

"Uhm, yes. Are you okay?" he asked concerned.

"I'm fine... I just called to say thank you nge flowers"

"Oh okay"

"And uhm... I'm sorry about last night. I projected. You were an available target, I am sorry"

"It's okay... I understand"

She breathed.

He felt her breathe.

"What can I do to make you feel better?" he asked.

"I don't know... I don't think anyone can make me feel better. I made a fool of myself by taking him back when I had all the evidence."

"Please don't blame yourself"

"I wish I could go away you know, maybe I need to go home. Just for some fresh air, a fresh environment with warmth and love because ndiyagowa straight ngoku" she confessed truthfully.

"Where exactly is home"? he asked, ready to offer to take her home.

"Transkei"

"Start packing then, I'm on my way. I will take you home"

"Phathuxolo no... I know you mean well, but no. I need to do this on my own"

"You're not in a state to travel via public transport Iyana. Uzomane ujongwa ngabantu when you have mini breakdowns and then what?"