KING OF HEARTS

CHAPTER 4

Siyamthanda

I wait for her to lock the gate before we continue walking. She greets everyone we pass, each of them giving me questioning look but I ignore them. The car wash looks like it's closing up by the time we get there. "Ahh cheeseboy, I was wondering what happened to you," the guy who I spoke to says as he walks towards us. He stops when he sees Kumkani. "Kani?" he asks, they know each other. But then this is the township and everyone knows each other. "Nsika?" she say. Oh shit. "You know cheeseboy?" he asks. He needs to stop calling me that. "Shocking how someone's pictures could be all over your house and yet you can't recognize them" she says. "Oh shit! You're- you're Siyamthanda! How did I not recognize you? Ugrand?" he asks. "Yeah," I say. "Do you speak anything other than English mfana?" he asks. He realises that I'm older than him right? "Of course I do," I reply and he gives me a look that says he doesn't believe me. "I should go before it gets too late. Thank you for hosting me Kumkani. Nsikelelo," I say nodding at him before opening my car door. "Bye," they say in unison. I stop before I get in and kiss Kumkani's cheek. "Thank you for this afternoon, I really needed it," I whisper in her ear before getting in the car and driving off. I don't know why I did that, shit! I'm not sure how I feel about Kumkani, but I know I want to see more of her. Sigh. Siyanda is calling me and it connects to the car Bluetooth. He is mam' Amanda's son, we are good friends; all of us kids are but he is a bit of a party boy so we are not really close because I'm not one for the party scene. "Ntwanazzzz!" he says as a way of greeting. "Yah?" I ask. "Ah man! You're such a wet blanket wena Debby. Anyways are you still coming tomorrow?" he asks. I'm annoyed at the Debby comment they all call me that- Debby Downer- because apparently I'm always too serious. Tomorrow he is kicking off his birthday celebrations. Notice how I said celebrations? He's turning 26 so he's having a party for every year. Sigh again. "Uhuh, but I'm not coming for all 100 of your parties," I say. "It's okay you don't have to, how did it go?" he asks. "Shitty, I didn't really know what to expect but that was a floppy turn out," I reply. "Ah sorry dawg. Don't worry, you can drown your sorrows tomorrow in booze and girls with spacious butts," he says and I chuckle. "You're such an ass yazi" I say. "And that's why I love them, they remind me so much of myself," he replies. "Nxx, stupid. Bye," I say and hang up. Next my mom calls, I tell her everything but gloss over my interactions with Kumkani, I don't want her to get excited and think she has found a daughter in law or something. After I assure her a million times that I'm okay I hang up. I drive into the gate of my apartment complex and greet the security guard. I'm proud of myself for being able to achieve the many things in life I have without the label of being my parent's son. I love that no one ever accredits my success to nepotism because many people don't even know who my parents are. It's so weird seeing as I look exactly like my dad and we have the same surname but I'm glad no one has connected the dots. That would be a shit show.
×××
Kumkani

He kissed me!! He fucking kissed me! Okay it may have just been on the cheek but still!! I have been happy all day, someone at church even commented that I was radiating happiness today. I park outside the house and Nsika gets out. His tie is already loosened and his blazer his thrown across the back seat. He looks like hell, but that's what you get for partying the day before you know you have to go to church. I'm not really an overly religious girlie but I love God. I believe in the Man above because he has gotten me through things I never would have otherwise survived. I see God's hand in everything I do and it is so rewarding. I lock the door of the car after grabbing my handbag and getting out. I love my car, it's a simple Yaris but I love it, I got my first car from aunt Gloria as a 21st / graduation gift. I got it a month before she died so it will always have that sentimental value in it for me. My phone starts ringing as soon a I switch it on. I don't know this number. "Kumkani?" he says. Oh shit it's him. Where did he get my number? "Hi?" I say opening the door. "It's Siyamthanda," he says. "I know, where did you get my number?" I ask and he chuckles, not to be blasphemous but God damn! "I have my ways," he replies. "Are your ways in anyway criminal?" I say going to my room. I hear the microwave buzzing as Nsika heats up last night's dinner. "Ask no questions hear no lies," he says. Okay then. "Mhm hm?" I ask. "My brother is having a birthday party today and I wanted to know if you wanted to come?" he asked. I'm being invited to family gatherings already. "Uhmm-" I say "Don't worry it's nothing hectic, no adults just us kids," he says. Oh well at least.
"Oh uhm, I'm not really sure, when is it?"
"Tonight at Ce La Vie"
"Isn't that a club?"
"It is."
"Why would a 14 year old have a birthday party at a club?" I ask and he laughs. "Uhlekani?" I ask confused. "Oh sorry," he says as he continues laughing. "I'm sorry no not that brother, another one he's 25 going on 26" he explains. Oh that makes more sense.
"You didn't mention another brother yesterday."
"He's my mom's friend's son and we grew up together"
"Oh, okay. What time is it?"
"Uhm he says it starts at 5"
"Okay, can I bring a friend?"
"Yeah sure, how many? So I can get y'all on the list"
"There's a list?"
"Yes, it's an exclusive party"
"Okay probably just 3, but I'll confirm with them"
"Okay text me when you know"
"So do I bring him a gift or...?"
"No, it's not even his birthday. He's having 26 parties for 26 years. Today's the first party"
"Oh. Does he not have a job?"
"He's Siyanda he can party till 3 am and still show up to work 4 hours later looking perfectly fine" he replied. I laugh at this because that sounds exactly like my friend, Sino. Now he can party like there's no tomorrow and still look well put together the next day, Anelisa and I hate him for that. I confirm a few details with Siyamthanda before calling my friends on the WhatsApp group.
"Bahlali, nimamele?" I ask in greeting. "Awubulisi ngani?" Sino asks. "Hi guys, blah blah blah. Anyways your favorite friend has gotten y'all an invite to an exclusive birthday party at the Ce La Vie," I say. Screaming and incomprehensible words. "How did you manage that? Whose birthday party? Kanjani?" Niki says when she has calmed down. The other two are still screaming. "Aibo I have my ways. It's Siyanda Radebe's birthday party," I say more screaming. "Siyanda Radebe? The son of the DILF Qhawe Radebe?" Lisa asks, trust her to say something saying weird. "I guess," I reply. "You have some explaining to do," Sino says. I give them a quick run down, but don't mention who Siyamthanda's parents are, that's not my business to tell. Screaming. "Girl I- thank you Lord for Kumkani," Lisa says. "Eish I can't come. It's too short notice and I don't think I'll find anyone to take of Eyami," Niki says. She has an 8 year old son and she's a single mom, to her son and us. "Ahh chommie, can't you find anyone? Even your neighbor?" Lisa asks. "No, I already asked them yesterday to watch him when I was working late, I can't keep asking them for favors. Especially since I'd only be going out to drink. Y'all have fun though," she says. See? Very sensible and sound minded-the mother of the group. I give them more details then hang up after we agree to meet up at my house. I go shower again to start getting ready. Afterwards I start laying my edges then put a scarf over them. Niki and Eyami arrived after about 20 minutes as I looked for an outfit. Eyami stayed in the lounge with Nsika after he greeted me. She worked at a beauty studio so she knew how to do makeup and nails. She did my nails and then my makeup. After 4 hours we were done and she was helping me choose an outfit. It was already 16:45 but I had no intentions of arriving early to the party anyway. Sino and Anelisa arrived at around 5 and sheesh. Lisa had gone for a soft glam look, a weave that flowed down her back and a white bodycon dress with spaghetti straps. She was wearing slides but was going to change into stilettos and was carrying a small white clutch bag. Sino, now damn my friend has style. He was wearing boyfriend jeans, a white t shirt and an oversized cargo jacket. And is it even Sino if he isn't wearing sneakers that cost more than everyone's outfit put together. I didn't even know the brand he was wearing. "It's Balenciaga," he says noticing me looking. "Oh of course," I say. He's wearing shades, a Hugo Boss watch and smells expensive as well. Sino's a radiologist and single so his pocket is never hurting. They all help me choose an outfit and I get dressed. I decided on a corset black dress that's short even when I'm standing. God is going to forgive me this Sunday. I put on black Saint Laurent heels Sino bought for me for my birthday, see what I mean when I say he's pocket's never hurting. I go for a black hobo bag and sunglasses. "Look at how she ate that! Look at how she ate that!" Niki says when I'm done. I really just be bodying everything I do. I'm very pretty and I know it, slim waist that I get from doing hot girl walks and an ass from my momma. Niki decides to drive us to the club while Nsika stays with Eyami. I would have asked him to stay and babysit but it's Nsika, and he did say he was a bit hungover. We take Sino's car, one of those newer Polo's and I sit in the front because why not. Sino drives as we listen to his music and sing along. We take a video when Pop Ya Shit by Lady London comes on because who doesn't love dealing with a rich nigga. "Nicula ngamaphaphu ningakaze nithole ngisho nochappies lo kumfana," Sino says and we laugh. Yabo if my friend wasn't gay, he'd be charmer amongst the girls. You can't tell he's gay at first because he has very masculine like energy but once you get to know him you can tell. We drive in to Ce La Vie and park before saying our goodbyes to Niki. We watch her until she disappears before walking towards the club. There are people in a line trying to get in but I lead us to the door like Siyamthanda instructed. "Back of the line," the bouncer says without looking up. "We are on the list. Kumkani," I say he looks at me like he doesn't believe me. "I'm serious, bheka," I say. He sighs and looks through the list. He steps aside to let us in without so much as an apology. "Miss Kumkani?" a man asks. "Yes?" I say hesitantly. "I've been instructed to escort you and your friends," he says and asks us to follow him. We all look at each other but follow him into the club. He walks us past the dance floor to a section upstairs overlooking the whole club. Our escort points me to Siyamthanda and I thank him before we walk to him. It's louder here and Welcome To The Party by Pop Smoke is pumping through the speakers. "HEY!" I shout to Siyamthanda and he looks up and looks a bit surprised. "Wow," he says giving me the once over. "Hi, these are my friends: Sino and Anelisa," I say and they both wave at him, Sino's briefer. He nods at them in acknowledgement before passing us glasses of champagne. "SIYANDA!" he shouts and a man turns and starts walking towards us. "Uyena lo?" he asks looking at Anelisa. "No this is her. Kumkani this is my brother, Siyanda. Siyanda this is Kumkani and her friends Anelisa and Sino," Siyamthanda says. I'm surprised he got my friends names right the first time. Siyanda hugs Anelisa and I, giving Sino a fist bump. Anelisa looks like she's going to faint and I want to laugh. "Thank you guys for coming, I see someone I need to speak to. I'll check you guys later. Sho," he says fistbumping Siyamthanda before leaving. The DJ here must need to keep his lights on because his music? Sheesh. Being friends with Sino means knowing the lyrics of every song ever released. We are all sitting on a couch of sorts as the DJ plays banger after banger. He plays Fatela by Ami Faku and we all go crazy. Nothing beats that moment when everyone in the club is drunk and a song everyone knows comes on and we all sing along at the top of our lungs. "Drink water, Khanz. Kunini usela utshwala," Sino says. I forgot I have to show up to work looking like a normal person tomorrow. He gets up to try and find me some water and I lean against the wall trying to calm down. Anelisa ditched us a while ago and I last saw her grinding against Siyanda. As the good friends we are, we cheered for her until she flipped us off. Siyamthanda got up about 10 minutes ago and said he was coming back. "Hey you good? You're not dead or anything?" a man says sitting down. I open my eyes and look at him. He's wearing what I think is a nude hoodie, black ripped jeans and Nike's. "Unfortunately I'm still very much alive," I replied. "I'm Nathan, but everyone calls me Nate," he says shaking my hand. I frown because well... he's black! He notices and laughs. "I was adopted, my parents are white," he says and I nod. "I'm Kumkani," I say. "I know," he replies. Njani? "You're all Siyamthanda could talk about the whole day," he explains and I blush. "So you're friends with Siyamthanda?" I ask. "Yeah. I work at his aunt's gallery. I'm a photographer," he explains. "I'm a psychologist which you probably know already," I say and he laughs. "Oh shit," he says looking towards the entrance. I follow his gaze and see a woman walking in. She's tall and slender almost model like. She has an afro pulled in to a high puff, no makeup just shiny lip gloss. She's wearing black cargo pants, white crop top and black bomber jacket. "What?" I ask Nathan. "That's Siyamthanda's ex; Akhile" he explains. Wow is all I can say. I see her talking to Siyanda and then Siyamthanda reappears and they both hug each other. "Oh," I say hoping I don't sound envious. "Akhile is engaged now but they've both remained civil. She's more of Siyanda's friend than Siyamthanda's," Nate continued. The three of them; Siyanda, Siyamthanda and Akhile; all turn and look at me. Siyamthanda's stare hardens when he notices Nate's arm draped over the back of the chair, over my shoulders. Akhile says something before walking over. "You look better every time I see you Aks," Nate says standing up and hugging her. "Ah well my man treats me well," she says waving her hand to show off the huge rock on her finger. "You must be Kumkani," she says to me offering me her hand. "Yes," I say taking it but she pulls me up and engulfs me into a hug. Damn she's strong. "I'm a
Akhile. You'll have to excuse me, I'm a hugger," she explains. So I've noticed. "I hear you're my new replacement," she says still grinning. "Qala uk'yiva," I say looking pointedly at Siyamthanda who has now walked over here. Sino comes back with a water bottle. "Sorry I had to walk to the garage to get it," he explains. "K'qhubeka ntoni? Iatmosphere yatense?" he asks. Trust Sino to be blunt. I sigh. "Ndifuna ukuhamba ngoku, ndidikiwe Sino," I say resting my head on his shoulder. "Uphi uAnelisa?" he asks Siyanda who shrugs. "How do you not know?" Sino asks irritatated. Man, I hate it when Sino gets irritated because best believe he'll slam you against the wall real quick. "Myeke Sino, I'll call Anelisa," I say pulling out my phone, chiiii it's 11pm already. Siyamthanda is staring intensely at me but I ignore him because I'm annoyed. At what exactly, I'm not sure. After Anelisa assures me she's coming, Sino and I have a try to call an Uber. "You can't just leave in an an Uber," Siyamthanda says. Sino and I look at him and each other before we decide to just ignore him. "It's fine, I haven't had anything to drink, I'll take y'all home. I'm tired as well," Nate says. We relent after awhile because quite honestly no Uber was going to take us home and this time of the night, particularly to our neighborhood. Anelisa comes back after a while and exchanges numbers with Siyanda before we all leave. Siyamthanda walks us out and I sit in the front seat because I'm a passenger princess, and who doesn't love the front seat. Nate drives a Mercedes, just like Siyamthanda's except his looks a bit newer and it's white as opposed to Siyamthanda's black. "Drive safely. Bye," Siyamthanda says looking at me as he leans on the passengers door. I give him a disinterested bye and he raises his eyebrow. The tension is basically palpable in here. Nate says goodbye to him and drives away. Sino and I direct him since Lisa has passed out in the back. We drop them off first, they are neighbors so Sino walks her in to her home, locking the doors with his key before going in to his own house. We wait for him to get inside before driving in the direction of my home. "Is that the Nkosi's home?" Nate asks parked outside my gate. "Yes. Thank you for the ride Nathan. Be safe," I say. "Hey can I get your phone number?" he asks and I hesitate. "Uhm yeah sure. Give me your phone," I say and put my number in his phone before I get out. "Goodnight," he says as I closed the door and I smile at him. He waits until I've closed and locked the gate before driving off. Sedikiwe ke sana . I unlock the door and immediately go to my room after relocking it. I undress, leaving just my panties on before putting on an oversized tee. I wash my face and brush my teeth before throwing myself in to bed. I set my alarm, pray and then close my eyes to sleep.