Give Me A Reason

Chapter 34

NARRATED

Mayenziwe has always been a smart man but sometimes he lacked common knowledge. For instance, he didn't inform Veronica, his wife, that he'd be bringing a baby back to the house with him. The first thing a person would do when faced with such a huge change, you would think that their spouses would be the first to know. But not Mayenziwe.

He just got back home from the funeral, and unlike when he left alone this morning, this time he brought another human being along with him. The little human being is sound asleep as the father carries her inside the house in her car seat. Sizakele had really prepared for this baby, every essential item has been bought and Mayenziwe was forced to come back with those items.

It's a struggle opening the door with the baby's car seat in his other hand and the other carrying the bag of important items. He manages to get the door open and walks in, closing the door behind him. There's noise coming from the living room and he's anxious of what his family will have to say about this entire situation. A part of him hopes that all goes well but hoping won't do him any good right now.

"Baba!", Ndumiso beems in joy as he sees his father walking in but a frown soon replaces the smile as his eyes land on the baby.

Azi, Londi and Veronica weren't facing the direction of the doorway so when they turn to look, they are surprised by what they see. Their game of 30 seconds is long abandoned as Azi and Londi get up from the couch to help Mayenziwe with the baby. The girls are soon gushing over how adorable Busisiwe is and have even forgotten about the other people in the room.

"Baba what is the meaning of this?", Ndumiso asks his father like the young man he now is...or at least, the young man he thinks he is.

"Ndumiso what kind of question is that? I told you that you are going to be a big brother and this is your sister, Busisiwe."

"Wow that's her name? It suits her Baba.", Londi continues gushing over the baby.

A scowl sits on Ndu's face and his nose is pinched, "I told you I didn't want another sister, Londi is just fine. Why don't you listen baba? Do you want Aunt Veronica to leave us like mum did?"

"Aunt Veronica is not leaving my boy, I don't know why you'd think that. But I promise you, she won't leave because she already knows about the baby.', her brushes his shoulder.

He huffs, "I'll be in my room."

And just like that, Ndu has left and awkward silence lingers in the living room between the couple. The girls are oblivious to the tension in the room because their focus is on the little girl in pink. Mayenziwe fails to look Veronica in the eyes as his eyes sweep across the room. He is nervous about her reaction, and seeing that she's just quiet right now adds on to his anxiety.

"Bhut' Mayenziwe can we take her with to Londi's room? I promise we won't hurt or disturb her from her sleep.", Azi asks after taking notice of the mood in the room.

Mayenziwe looks at her and smiles, "Yes of course you can. Please call me when she wakes up so I can feed her or change her diaper."

"Cool! She looks a lot like me, don't you think baba?", Londi asks the obvious.

Mayenziwe chuckles nervously glancing at Veronica, "She does look a lot like you, a mini version of you perhaps."

Londi nods happily, "Yes she is a mini version of me. I can't wait for her to grow up so I can dress her up in cute outfits."

"Uhm Londi, let's go.", Azi jumps in to save the day.

The two girls leave with Azi carrying the car seat baby Busi is in. Once they are out of sight, Mayenziwe turns his attention to his wife who has been quiet since he walked in. She's still packing up the things they were using for the games they were playing. He walks towards her slowly as if calculating his steps.