His Helper

7

A month later, all was still smooth sailing. Anele remained in constant contact, eagerly checking in on the kids. Even though he spoke to them regularly, our evening homework sessions became a bonding ritual. Initially, Liyema was a bit standoffish, preferring to eat in solitude and retreat to his room, resisting my attempts to assist with his homework. His sister, ever observant, remarked on his quiet nature, though he'd sneak in a smile while watching me chase Nelisa around the house.

When we visited their grandparents, a noticeable transformation occurred. The children seemed more at ease, particularly in the company of their grandfather. Liyema, usually reserved, revealed a more relaxed side. It was as if the familiar surroundings of their grandparents' home worked magic, bringing out the warmth that lingered beneath his reserved demeanor.

With exams looming a few weeks away, I called the grandparents to explain that the kids were eager to focus on studying, meaning we couldn't visit. Surprisingly, they were fine with it, suggesting I could work on weekends if needed. Fortunately, I didn't mind - spending time with the children it was something I cherished. Nelisa and I had formed a close bond; he clung to me as if I were his mother, a connection that I understood, given his early loss.

The pang in my chest was evident each time I left him with his grandparents. Sandra, always keeping tabs on us, eventually shared her own news - she was pregnant. Excitement filled the air as she revealed plans for lobola negotiations with her boyfriend, a joyous occasion welcomed by her family.

During Nelisa's naptime, my attention shifted to cooking while the house was spotless, but the majority of my day was spent immersed in writing. With a backlog of unfinished stories, I discovered Wattpad, an app with promising readership potential. Using it to share my stories, I delved into the world of Canva, crafting cover pages for each tale. Before hitting the download button, I'd seek the kids' opinions, ensuring everything looked appealing.

Amid this creative journey, Liyema, echoing Akhanani's earlier request, sought my assistance for his exam preparations. We dedicated our time to studying together, and everything continued to progress smoothly.

As Liyema grew more comfortable with my presence, a sense of ease enveloped me, knowing they all welcomed me into their lives. Bedtime became a cherished ritual, where I shared stories from my old collection. Our movie outings turned into book-buying adventures, with Nelisa and Akhanani each choosing their favorite reads, and even Liyema, who initially leaned towards games, would quietly join us in the room, captivated by the stories I read.

Akhanani's budding interest in reading brought forth a flood of questions about storytelling, creating a delightful atmosphere of curiosity and shared narratives.

Each day brought a surge of new readers on Wattpad, and the growing following left me pleasantly surprised. Excitement led me to share the link not only on my personal Facebook but also on the university's Facebook page. Feedback started pouring in, especially from fellow students in the faculty of education and language. Recognizable faces from my class and even those who arrived a year before my departure left encouraging comments, forming a supportive community around my writing.

The weekend post-exams was a joyous occasion as the grandparents decided to visit. We spent quality time together, forging plans for upcoming gatherings. The kids, excited about their impending holiday break, added to the cheerful atmosphere. A notable highlight was Mr. Makinana's recovering leg, bringing relief and happiness to our extended family. Despite a slight limp, the healing from his operation was evident - a stark contrast to the time when he had the cast on after the cement was removed.

The grandparents planned to spend a week in Johannesburg with the kids, so I headed home, grateful that my nephews had someone to stay with. The week was a bit dull, wishing I had a car to take them out for some fun despite the perpetually bad weather. Staying at home became monotonous, especially with the TV endlessly replaying movies. The desire for a smart TV crossed my mind, but the awareness of the need to focus on my writing prevailed.

During the kids' daytime naps, I dedicated time to research, exploring publishing houses and submission opportunities opening around July and September. Canva became a creative escape during breaks from writing. As time passed, Akhanani and Nelisa called regularly, the Nelisa playfully interacting through the screen. Liyema greeted me with a smile but remained reserved.

About two weeks after their departure, Anele messaged, noting the kids' boredom and homesickness. Suspecting they missed being around me, I suggested he take them out, especially on Saturdays. Sandra, already informed, shared that Anele even considered asking me to fly there. In jest, I suggested he send my "babies" home, not realizing she'd relay the message.

Embarrassed when Anele called, he mentioned the kids missing me. In our evolving communication, I confessed I couldn't fly. He, in his authoritative tone, suggested booking a ticket, leaving little room for argument. The unexpected proposition left me speechless, and I found myself reluctantly considering the idea.

Initially, I believed Anele's suggestion was mere words, but my heart raced with anxiety. That night, I confided in my sisters, fearing they might be upset as I had been caring for their children. Surprisingly, Somila, with available leave days, didn't mind taking over. It turned out she had planned to take them. Our family's supportive nature shone through.

Our responsibilities were shared, and even though Unathi had been away at a school vacation camp, she was set to return a week before schools reopened. The prospect of the upcoming trip mixed with family support eased my apprehensions.

After my night prayer, I noticed a persistent feeling of anticipation whenever it came to Anele. I realized I had always eagerly awaited his calls, and when they didn't come, an odd sensation settled on my chest. In my prayers, I sought guidance for these emotions, and as if my spiritual eyes were opened, I revisited his texts. Surprisingly, they were soft, nothing like the ruthless businessman others spoke about. We were friendly, and I questioned if it was wrong that we were growing closer, considering him a friend. Lacking answers, I drifted to sleep, my thoughts consumed by him.

The next morning, the kids called early, sharing their excitement about going to their father's office. After saying our goodbyes, I called Anele in a rush. He answered hurriedly, and I blurted out my question about him taking the kids to work. Emotions surged unexpectedly, and he sensed something was amiss. He explained his plans to take them to the Mall of Africa after work, seeking my input. Unable to articulate, I mumbled a brief response.

Then, he mentioned, "If you weren't afraid of flying, we'd be going together." Without thinking, I blurted, "I thought you were going to book a ticket for me." Realizing my mistake, I covered my mouth, and he chuckled. In my self-pity, I dropped the call, expecting him to call back. Instead, a confirmation of the ticket from Computicket arrived, leaving me both surprised and anxious.

A strange sensation hit my lower abdomen, a surge of emotion making me feel on the verge of tears. A tear may have escaped as I experienced a childlike need for attention. Checking the departure time, I was surprised to see a late flight around six o'clock. Relief washed over me as I did not prefer daytime.

Happy but with a few hours to prepare, I messaged my sisters, sharing the news and coordinating plans. Belinda, still at home, screamed when she saw the ticket. Playfully, I assured her it wasn't a permanent departure, but her dramatic reaction continued. Amidst laughter, I reminded her not to wake the kids, and as she continued with her tasks in the kitchen, I casually mentioned my craving for porridge – a comfort food I often prepared for Anele's kids when not making oatmeal.

Eager to share the news with Sandra, I planned to talk to her around lunchtime, curious if Anele would be the first to inform her. My focus shifted to packing, choosing mostly track pants, sweaters, jackets, and a few dresses, uncertain about the weather at the destination. After finishing, I prepared food for the kids, and we enjoyed watching cartoons. Though they were sad about my departure, I promised to bring back gifts.

Later, on the phone with Sandra, she revealed her due date in November. Jokingly, I suggested she play the role of the new Mama and stay home while we had fun in December. She laughed and retorted that she had her fun but didn't plan on stopping anytime soon. Happy for her, I celebrated her newfound joy and teased her about being a new Makoti, consistently sharing her beautiful pictures on social media.