BEING A WIFE OF A PRISONER

Chapter 74

BUSISIWE

I’m sitting in between my mom’s legs as she helps me untie the braids in my head.

Me: Who do you think will be the top 8?

Mama: I didn’t like both Lungelo’s so I say the other one must go to.

I giggle blowing off the dandruff from my lips. We are watching the repeat of SA Idols.

Me: The first one didn’t move at all.

Mama: I don’t care which theme it is but I don’t like them.

I laugh.

Me: Haibo mama.

Mama: What? For me there are people who deserved to be there more than they do. They can sing but the are people who can sing more than they do. For example Mother was suppose to be on the top 16.

Me: It’s 12 mama.
Mama: Yona leyo. {That one}.

She waves her hand dismissively.

Mama: Your need to try using starch water and see if it won’t work for you.

Me: Starch water?

Mama: Yes, people are recipe creators our there. Apparently when you wash your rice you don’t discard that water but pour it in a container then leave it for days. I’m not sure if it’s two or three to let is soak then wash your hair.

Me: That’s creepy. Does it work?

Mama: Those who have tried it say it work wonders.

Me: Doesn’t the water change colour and start smelling?

Mama: Haike ubuza umntu orongo ngoba nam andiyazi. Ndiva ngondiva nam. {You’re asking the wrong person because I also don’t know. I also hear rumours}.

Me: I will try it and see where it takes me. I better not lose my hair mama because it will be your fault.

I threatened causing her to laugh.

Mama: Nobody forced you to do so.

Me: I need to call Junior.

She stops cutting the fibre off and allows me to jump to my feet. I pick up my phone dialling Kagiso’s number. He answers on the second ring.

Me: Hey, I hope I’m nt disturbing.

Kagiso: Not at all.

Me: Can you please pass the phone. I need to speak to him.

Kagiso: Sure.

I hear him yelling his name. His apology still lingers over my head. I thought it would be awkward after that but not once has he brought it up and I appreciate him for that.

Kagiso: Your mother needs to speak to you.

He groans on the background.

Junior: What now? Didn’t she call hours ago?

I giggle as Kagiso chuckles.

Junior: Mama.

Me: I worry about you when you’re not next to me. I wanted to say goodnight baby.

Junior: But you call all the time. Couldn’t you say it earlier?

Me: It was noon then not night.

Junior: Good night mama.

Me: I…

Tu.tu.tu. I frown turning to my mother.

Me: He hanged up on me.