BEGUILED

CHAPTER 14

SEMI FINALE

MOTHER-DAUGHTER APPRETIATION CHAPTER

Since I have a lot of time on my plate and some savings in the bank, I decided to take mom out on a mini vacation to Cape Town. Having no friends means I have an opportunity to explore the world with my favourite person. She is a great companion when it comes to traveling. When I told her about this mini trip, she screamed and started bragging to her WhatsApp contacts. Going on about how her one and only daughter is treating her to an all expenses paid trip. As if I would have allowed her to pay for even candy on this trip.

When we land at Cape Town International Airport, we collect the Black Chrysler 300 which I hired from Rental Cars and start navigating our way to our hotel. The moment we drive out of the airport, my phone rings. I smile when I see that it’s Hunter and then answer it.

“Hey Mr. Hunter.” I glance at mom who just rolls her eyes.
“Glad to see you still remember I exist.” Hebana. And now? What’s up with him?
“Is everything okay?” I have to ask because last time I checked, all was well between the two of us. It was all roses and sunshine. Now, what has changed? Is the honeymoon phase over yet?
“Where are you?”
“I am driving with mom from the airport to…” Ow shit. Now I realize my mistake. “Listen, I can explain, babe.”

He chuckles angrily. “Go ahead. I am dying to hear your explanation. I am dying to hear how you crossed provinces and never mentioned a single word to the man you’re supposedly dating.” I’m in trouble, aren’t I?

“Hunter, I am not used to this. Dating and all. This is actually my first real relationship. I have been independent for so long that I don’t inform anyone about what happens in my life. If mom knows, then all is well. But I realize my mistake. I am sorry for not telling you about my spontaneous vacation. I promise it won’t happen again.”

He sighs. “Fine. You’re forgiven but I haven’t forgotten. So don’t be alarmed if you see me appearing randomly while you’re there.”
I giggle. “Don’t do that. I am spending some quality time with mom since you said you want me to be with you all week next week. She is single so she…”

“Yey wena! Who said I am single?” mom interjects and I look at her.
“You are dating? Since when?”
“Eyes on the road, young lady. Anyways, I am a woman. I have needs. It should startle you that I am dating. In fact you should be worried that I have no suitors or men warming up my bed.” Hebana umama.

“Who is he? Where is he from? What does he do for a living? Does he have kids? Is he married?” I ask all this questions without breathing and she laughs.
“Chill and go back to your man. We have all weekend to discuss my love life.” She turns to stare at the view and Hunter chuckles over the phone. I even forgot he called.

“I am sorry about that, love.”
“No need. I have accepted the fact that I am sharing my woman. I am content with that. I just don’t want you disappearing on me and not communicating. That kills me.”

I nod as if he can see me. “I get that. Thank you for being understanding. We will chat later, okay. I will video call you.”
“I will be waiting.” We end the call.

“I will video call you.” Mom imitates me and then laughs. “Yoh Hhayi mtanami, you are in love. But I don’t blame you. That white candy of yours is hot like a heatoh.” Whoever that thinks my mom is a vibe, come and take her. I can’t deal with her madness.

×××

We arrive at The Commodore Hotel and I am taken aback by its beauty. Yeah, the pictures are beautiful, but they are nothing compared to the real thing. It is absolutely breath-taking. The valet takes the car after we park it in the driveway and a luggage porter puts our bags in his trailer. We head inside and check out. The interior design in the lobby blows me away. Mom is also in awe of the view. She is taking videos and pictures of the place. Probably for her Instagram. Yes, the 42 year old woman has an Instagram account. In fact she is on all socials except for Only Fans. A concierge leads us to our room, a king suite. The moment we step inside, mom goes crazy.

“This is the life. Mamela, this is the life.” She turns to the porter and concierge. “If your kid doesn’t take you on a vacation like that after he or she has secured the bag, disown them. Yuh, I am literally eating fruits of my labour. Dankie mpilo. Dankie Mali.” Shwele, this woman. I tip the porter and concierge before they leave. I turn to mom.

“Kodwa mama.”

“Hhayi wena. You will never understand what I am feeling until you have your own child taking you out and making you spend a night at a hotel for R4000. If I haven’t told you how proud I am of you, I am telling you now. You make me so happy, zinyobulala wam. I am glad I made all those sacrifices for you. Look at where you are today.” She pulls me in for a big hug. When she gets like this, I forget all about her madness and just focus on making her happy and making sure my world revolves around her.

×××

The rest of the weekend is spent with us literally touring around the Cape. From sun bathing in the Commodore pool to starting a day with hiking Table Mount. We got to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium where the Indian and Atlantic Ocean actually meet. What a cool place to see. We also went to Boulders Beach and saw thousands of penguins. It was like watching a live Penguins of Madagascar movie. Then we visited Zeitz MOCCA and couldn’t leave Cape Town without taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

On our last morning, we got up early to sit in our balcony and watch the sun rise, seeing the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, the Three Anchor Bay, Sea Point and the Cliffs of Signal Hill with fresh morning eyes. It was a very great experience and I am glad I shared it with my mom, the most important person in my life.
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My mom is my everything, so this chapter is dedicated to her, even though she doesn’t read my stories 😅