the name is Imani

chapter 33

18:00

Apparently, my daughter can't leave so I'm not leaving either. That evil woman will kill her. I can't allow that to happen, Armani is my only child.

Zizwe is currently leading my baby and I to our room which is inside the main house. The main house is big and then Zizwe's room is right down the corridor, by the bathroom.

Zizwe: I will be right back with your bags.
Me: oh no, you don't have to do that.
Zizwe: I insist. I will be right back.

He brings the bags in and the pregnant young lady comes to call us for dinner. We follow her and sit with everyone at the dining table. The food has already been dished up and the plates are already on the table so a short prayer is said and we dig in. Armani is sitting on her father's lap, right across from me. Nyalleng is sitting next to Zizwe, rolling her eyes at me every two seconds.

Londi: Imani, your creamed spinach tastes so good.
The uncle: it really does so can I please have more?
Londi: of course.
The uncle: so Imani, what do you do?
Me: oh, I am a film producer and scriptwriter. I also do a bit of photography here and there.
The uncle: oh, that's nice.
Me: thank you. Nyalleng, what do you do?
Nyalleng: I stay at home and take care of my husband.
Me: oh, you're a house wife?
Nyalleng: with a very loving husband, how about you? do you have a man in your life?
Zizwe: Nyalleng, please stop.

Silence spreads throughout the entire dinner table and all we can here is the sounds of cutlery on plates.

20:00

I'm in my room folding Armani's clothes from today. Miss girl changed and went to her dad after I changed her. I change into my silk pajama set and make the bed.

Right after I get in bed, Zizwe walks in with a sleeping Armani in his hands.

Me: who is that in your arms?
Zizwe: your daughter.
Me: the one that turned on me? no, sir. that person is yours.
Zizwe: leave the poor baby alone.

After putting her down, he stands up straight and looks at me.

Zizwe: please come with me.
Me: where are we going?
Zizwe: just follow me.

I wear my slippers and he holds my hand and pulls me outside with him. He then leads me to kraal while still holding my hand.

Zizwe: these are going to my baby.
Me: and they are and she will love them so much. we want Busi though.
Zizwe: no, Busi stays with me.
Me: can we at least go and see her tomorrow?
Zizwe: of course, be up really early.
Me: you'll wake me up then.

Lately, I haven't been a morning person.

Zizwe: you won't bite my head off?
Me: me? I would never.
Zizwe: I called you in the morning to check on my daughter and you nearly devoured me.
Me: because you woke me up.
Zizwe: but you are asking me to wake you up tomorrow?
Me: Zizwe!
Zizwe: I'm sorry but I'm just saying.
Me: don't say.

We laugh and stand there for a little while longer before he accompanies me to my room. I call Neo and Neo and I chat for a while before I hang up and go to sleep.

03:00

I'm woken up by a masculine hand being placed on my arm. I get startled and he pats me before saying...

Zizwe: calm down, it's just me.
Me: oh, Zizwe.
Zizwe: yes, go bath quickly and we'll head out with our baby girl.
Me: okay.

I am honestly not happy about waking up now but let's do this.

I quickly bathe my baby, dress her and then I also bath and get dressed. By 04:00, we are done so we head to his white Range Rover. He has Armani's diaper bag.

Zizwe: are you ready?
Me: yes.
Zizwe: she's really tired.

He says looking at Armani who is sleeping in her carseat, which is in the backseat.

He drives out and we head to his house. The one where his witch of a mother resides. That woman is evil, I can't stress this enough. The music that he plays on our way there is just too good.

Me: I really plugged you hey.
Zizwe: whatever.

He turns the staring wheel with his right hand. His left arm is rested on the arm rest and keeps brushing up against mine. My eyes go to his ring which just throws my vibe off as I feel my heart sting.

Me: who told you to get married while I was away?
Zizwe: pardon?
Me: nothing.
Zizwe: you wanted me to ask for your permission?

I keep quiet and look outside the window.

Zizwe: Imani, you can do that when I'm talking to you. we are both grown-ups. when I speak to you or ask you anything, you respond, am I clear?
Me: whatever.

He squeezes my thigh and I look at him. He looks at me with that "I won't ask again" look.

Me: I just think you could have stayed single until your baby mama returned.
Zizwe: I didn't know I had a baby and I didn't know where my baby mama was.
Me: but you could have looked for me, we were best friends.
Zizwe: you could have also reached out.
Me: yeah, you still moved on though and got married to a gold digger.
Zizwe: no, don't say that about my wife. I am still married to her.
Me: sorry, I just think you made a horrible choice.
Zizwe: I know. trust me, I do.