Easier

Hectic

"I pushed Lerumo so hard because I wanted him to toughen up. On his graduation day I didn't go because why fly around when he could have been a doctor? I missed it but mama and Thapelo attended. I regret that, my son missed out on being with me because I was always at work, his brother's pushed him to the edge and I pushed him harder, I blame myself for his depression."
"I didn't know Lerumo had achieved so much until a colleague of mine showed me a magazine with him on the cover, I bought 30 copies and framed one." Mr Mags smiles pointing at the magazine.
"My son was the youngest pilot in the biggest airline, and he was made supervisor, he was named number 4 in the 30 over 30 Magazine. While battling depression and being victimized both at work and home, he helps his brother's and I only found out now that his paying Lewatle's house. He is carrying his siblings with nothing from me. Yet they treat him bad, while he also missed having a father."
"My sons I will hopefully have this conversation with you for the last time, Jane is my wife, I love her a lot and she loves you all even after everything you have done to her and her children, she still advocates for your children and you. I asked her to be selfish and stop babysitting, taking your kids and buying them things because you don't deserve her kindness."
"Nkanyiso, Jane didn't kill your mother, I met her years after you were born, she supported you financially way before I could work and until you respect her, I want you and your kids to stay away from my house. I heard how you spoke to her, and it was not the first time. This woman you disrespect put his sons feelings on hold and paid for that failed business, while her son worked at a farm for school, you ate her money." Mr Mags.
"My aunt told me she would turn you." Mr Mags backslaps Nkanyiso before he can finish talking. That quietens him.
"That aunt who has been lying to you because she wanted me in high school and I turned her down? you are a small boy Nkanyiso and that is why they use you. Ask her who buried your mother." Mr Mags shoots.
"Lewatle, you will also stop coming to my house and will stop milking the "bastard" who gets free passes, you will not ask for money from Lerumo, and you will not bring the kids here. Tomorrow morning you will visit your mother and ask her about your father, your ancestors must be turning you into this mad man. Maybe you will stop feeling entitled. Lerumo was damaged by me, I did unforgivable things to him, he is the mental case because I focussed on you even after finding out about your paternity, when you make fun of him you insult this man that raised you."
"Baba, that is a little harsh." Mrs Mags.
"I am done babying them; you need protecting my love, You are my wife; I should have protected you a long time ago. They are grown men right; they should stand for the truth I am tired of this nonsense. Refilwe, I am sorry for exposing you to such, my son loves you and I am taking notes from him, protecting his own. Travel safely when you leave." Mr Mags.
They leave the room, and we are left with the brothers. Lungi fetches another bottle of wine, and she pours me a glass. I open my WhatsApp; my sisters created a new group because I excited the last one. Karabo sent me a DM asking me not to leave. "At least I am the grateful stepson, come my wife let's go to bed." Thapelo.
"We are also leaving; Lungi please remind your man to bring my cooler tomorrow." Lerumo says. We walk to the Car and Lerumo buckles Lesedi up.
"Woolies babe, I hear you are getting married again." Kea.
"Congratulations sis, I am so happy for you. Lerumo is a good guy, please tell him thanks for the plug." Khoti.
"What plug?"
"Flights for the weekend." Khoti.
"He got you tickets?"
"Yeah, he said you need us. Have you seen your dress yet?" Khoti.
"I created this group to talk about our sleepover at home, you can talk dresses later. How about we go on Wednesday?" Otsile.
"I am only coming on Thursday night, Lerumo is picking me up at 6pm."Khoti.
"That means Thursday then, please bring snacks and a bottle of wine." Otsile.
"Why does your sister want the sleepover so bad?" I dm Karabo.
"I will text you later. Karabo is paying my share."
"Woolies babe, what time will you be out. Are you doing that whole Bongs wedding?" Kea.
We drive to Lerumo's house silently. We call his parents after we lock the house.

Lerato, Lesedi.