the name is Imani

chapter 37

MONDAY, 21 OCTOBER

I wake up and make breakfast for everyone. I then dish up and place the food on the dining table.

Athenkosi: hello, sisi.
Me: hello, my baby.
Armani: hello, mama.
Me: hello, princess.

Zizwe walks in with his phone in his hand.

Zizwe: good morning.
Me: good morning. where is Nyalleng?
Zizwe: she's in Joburg.
Me: why didn't you bring her along?
Zizwe: ey, you know Nyalleng. you know how she is.
Me: uhm, that's your wife.
Zizwe: can you please not?
Me: what?

He gives me a look and I decide to just let it go.

Me: okay, sorry.

Everyone else walks in and we have breakfast in pure silence. After breakfast, Ntonto helps me with the dishes.

Ntonto: that mother-in-law of yours.
Me: what about her?
Ntonto: something is off about that woman.
Me: what can I say? her son told me off yesterday, talking how he won't tolerate my attitude towards his mother and I must grow up because him can't raise me while he has a daughter.
Ntonto: you lie!
Me: I am telling you.
Ntonto: why are you doing chores anyway? aren't you supposed to be getting some rest?
Me: I am, I will get rest afterwards. I can't leave my house as a mess.

I head to my ensuite, in my room where I take a quick shower. I then just settle for a beige Nike winter set because it's raining today and it's quite cold because of that.

Zizwe comes in as soon as I'm done.

Me: what if I was not dressed?
Zizwe: I have seen every part of that body multiple times before so what's your problem?
Me: whatever.
Zizwe: let's go.
Me: where to?
Zizwe: my mother wants some things from the supermarket and your grandmother asked for some ice-cream.
Me: okay.

I wear white airforces and put my hair up in an afro puff.

Me: let's go.
Zizwe: you look good.
Me: must you always lie to me?
Zizwe: I guess so.

I punch him lightly on his shoulder and of course his dramatic self screams.

Me: do you want your mom to have me?
Zizwe: no but I would like to.
Me: Zizwe, no.

We get in the car and he drives out. We finally just decide on Woolworths so we go there to get what's needed.

We then go over to the till while he is holding my hand for some odd reason.

Cashier: oh my word, you look so good together.
Me: oh! no, he-

He rudely interrupts me by saying...

Zizwe: thank you, I chose well.
Cashier: but why doesn't she have a ring on her finger but you do.
Me: I also wonder why.
Zizwe: the ring is coming.
Cashier: oh. sis, if you don't get it soon then please leave, it's about time we know and understand what we're worth.
Me: I am already on my way to check out.

We laugh and he pays. We then walk out together, he is still holding my hand while holding the things we bought in the other.

Me: please let go of me.
Zizwe: you're tiny, I don't want you getting lost.
Me: oh, really? I am tiny? lie to me again.

We go back home and find his mother packed and ready to leave.

Me: and then?
N's mom: I booked a hotel nearby and requested a ride, I will be on my way. I booked a room for you too, Zizwe.
Me: okay?
Zizwe: okay, but ma-
Me: just let it be.
Zizwe: okay, let me go and get my things and we'll leave together. cancel the ride.

They do just that and as soon as they leave, my grandmother bursts out in laughter.

Gogo: that woman is dramatic.
Me: trust me, I know.