True To Life

29. New grapes on old skins

I want to do something before I leave, it will definitely help me clear my mind and also know where I stand. Oluga volunteered on accompanying me, even though I did not ask. I guess he wanted to leave the house like me, and also meet with his friends.

"Hey" she greets me at the door

"Hi" I answer

"Can I help you with anything?" She asks abruptly

I think from what I have learned about her is that she is blunt about everything she says. So at least I won't take this rudely

"Yes, I need to ask you something?" I speak

She looks at my brother who is just silently observing the two of us as we speak.

"Hello sweet, you want to play with some toys?" Khuliso asks as she offers my brother a hand

He takes her hand without even hesitation, I thought he would be intimidated as I am by her straight face.

They walk inside, leaving me standing alone by the door. I feel weird being here, and even thinking of coming to see her after our previous conversation. It didn't go well, but I am hoping this one goes better.

She walks outside again giving me the glare, I have no idea why we hate each other but we can at least hold a conversation right?

"You wanted to talk?" She asks pasing me by the door

No, I wanted us to talk. Saying it like that makes it sounds worse. I follow her all the way to the lawn, where is standing with her arms folded.

"I want to apologize about yesterday." I speak

"Okay." She stares at me

"Look, I love Phindulo and the two of you are close now. She is going through a lot and me being far from her doesn't make me feel at ease. So I wanted to ask you to please be there for her, she can be tough sometimes. But I know she needs someone close to her. Is it too much to ask?" I ask

She is still looking at me, not reacting to anything I have said.

"You came all this way, to ask me that?" She asks

I nod.

"I will be there for her, not because you asked me but because I care about her." Khuliso

She likes being difficult.
"Thank you." I answer

"Okay." She says

At least I can call this a civil conversation, the first I have ever had with her.

"I will go get your brother" she announces as she walks past me

I am at ease knowing that Phindulo will have someone by her side during this difficult time. I know how it feels like losing a parent, and to be honest I feel like no child should ever have to bury their parents but that is the reality. Regardless of how painful loss is, we all must pay what is due when the time comes.

She comes back with Oluga, laughing like she was not just tommenting me with her face.

"This little guy is a good babysitter." She adds

Oluga can hardly babysit himself, so I wonder who he was babysitting, maybe Winnie the poo.

"Really, who was he babysitting?" I ask

She smiles at me. This is the first time she has ever genuinely smiled at me. And all I can say is that she must smile some more.

"Little Mashudu." She answers

What, The baby she almost killed before she's even born?

"Don't look at me like that, she is practically my baby too. And despite all that transpired between me and my sister, I will do anything for me.