Surviving High School.

chap.70

It had been over a week of school that I missed and I didn't want to miss yet another one. I was approaching my parent's room to talk to them. I knocked on the door and stepped backwards. In my head I was counted up to 10 when the door opened. "B-baba. May I come in?" I pulled my hoodie further down my body, trying to hide my stomach. "Ingane yakho MaZulu. (Your child MaZulu.)" He opens the door further, allowing me to enter. 

"Hi Ma." I hug myself, feeling exposed and embarrassed. "How can we help you Yandisokuhle?" I take a deep breath and step forward. "I was hoping to get back to school this week. I've already missed last week and I need to catch up on my work." Baba laughs out loud. "You mean to tell us that you're worried about school kodwa ulokhu ugijima nabafana! Than- uyadlala Ntombi yam. (.....but you are here running with boys! Tell me you're joking My girl.)" I shake my head. "I'm not running with boys. I just made a mistake-" 

"That's now growing in your womb!" 

"I'm sorry! I will apologize for as long as it takes for you to forgive me." MaZulu shakes her head. "What's done is done Yandisokuhle. This baby is coming and there is nothing that will change that. You cannot expect us to just accept that and move on with life. Your life is about to change forever and your future has been altered. I don't know if you understand just how much your life is going to change Yandisokuhle!" With each word her voice got louder. "Phuma Yandisokuhle. You're making my wife mad. Leave." 

I stumbled out of their room and ran to mine. My phone was ringing. "H-hello?" I answered without checking the caller ID. "Yandi! Oh my goodness you had me so worried! Where have you been? The school is going wild. Someone says they saw you in the hospital and you looked seriously sick and that's why you didn't come to school all week. Is it true? Are you okay? Where are you?" 

"Allow me to answer you Nelisiwe. I....I can't answer you yet. I'm fine, I just have so much going on right now, I'll get back to you in a few." I let out a sigh. "Okay, I'll send you last week's work so you catch up when you find the time." I shake my head, "N, thanks. Jayden took the liberty to collect it for me. He's ben giving it to Nathi who brings it to me." 

"Oh."

"Yeah. Listen, I have to go. Bye." I ended the call right before she could respond. I spent most of my evening laying on my bed thinking. I hadn't yet told Ntando about my knew discovery. Honestly, I didn't know  how to approach this situation. I still don't but the longer I pro long this, the harder it will be to tell him. "Come down for dinner Yandi." Simphiwe knocked on my door. "Coming." I got up and wore my slippers. Dinner was very awkward and tense, nothing like I'd ever known. 

"We are having dinner with the Majola family tomorrow night. I want you to be on your best behavior. Sandile, nawe Nkosinathi, you will stay home and watch over the younger siblings." They nodded. "Why can't I come support my twin?" I wanted to smile at Nathi's question but Baba's response stopped my smile even before I began. "Unless you were supporting her in her disgusting acts, I suggest you remain in your lane." 

"Babakhe!" MaZulu was shocked. I hadn't even tried to raise my head because I know, whatever he will say with just cause the tears to come out faster. "May I please be excused?" I didn't wait for a respond, I took my plate of food and went to the patio to catch some fresh air. I don't know how long it had been since I'd left everyone else inside. I only heard the sliding door open and even then, I didn't want to turn to see who it could be. 

"Come inside, you can't get sick while pregnant. It will take longer for you to heal." I slowly turned in my chair, "MaZulu-" She shook her head. "Just come inside Pearly." I nodded and grabbed my plate. "You should warm your food up an eat it so you can take your vitamins. You need all the strength you can muster up for this journey."  

"Will you...will you help me?" 

"I don't have a choice my dear. You don't know what you're doing and I can't expect you to know it all. You are still a child after all." I looked away at that. "Mama I'm so s-" 

"You must go warm your food up. I'll go check your father. And make sure to sleep early today, you can't develop an abnormal sleeping schedule, it's better to start the baby on a bed time schedule early." I nod and rush to the kitchen. After eating, I made sure to drink my pre natals. "Good night everyone." I jumped in bed, feeling nervous for the following day. 

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The day seemed to pass by in a blur. Soon enough, it was time to go to Ntando's home. I had chosen a black body suit and a peach umbrella skirt with black pumps. I had my hair tied in a high bun and minimal jewelry. I sat in the back with my brothers on either side while Baba drove us up the Majola Estate. I so wished to turn back or stop the car and just throw up. When we arrived, I felt dizzy but I knew that me saying anything would just anger my father further. 

We knocked on the door and were ushered into the house. Coming back after the night of the party made me feel so weird. This house just seemed colder, much more scary if I may say that. "Oh how lovely it is to see you again Mr. and Mrs. Mthethwa. Although I thought you' be bringing your bunch in today again. I had my chefs prepare more food." I wanted to roll my eyes at that insult. 

"Unfortunately, we are not here on a friendly basis. It is an emergency." Baba said swiftly. "Let me call on my husband then. Please, help yourselves to the living room." 

"Is there anywhere more private that we could go to? It is a private matter after all." She smiled faintly. "Follow me then." We walked up a spiral of stairs before getting to an awfully quiet place. "Right." She opened a room and we walked in. "I'll call on my husband now." 

"Your son too." She looked at us suspiciously. "What for?" Baba just looked at her until she actually walked out with her head held high. We waited for 20 minutes before they walked in. "Mr. Mthethwa, Mrs. Mthethwa. How can we be of help this evening? My wife tells me it is urgent." Ntando's father comes to sit on the other side of the long mahogany table from where my family and I were seated. I didn't make eye contact with Ntando at all. I could feel his eyes on me but I refused to look up. 

"Your son and our daughter had a...wild night. Which lead to the reason why we are sitting here today." 

"How do you mean Mthethwa?" Mr Majola leaned into the table while Mrs. Majola began fanning herself with her hand. "Let me be frank. Your son took my daughter's pride and joy, her virginity. And now she is ruined and pregnant. All because of your reckless son." Baba banged on the table angrily. It was silent. No one dared to make a move. "Prince Ntando Anande Majola." He sat upright when his father called on him. 

"Is. This. True." I looked up and met his eyes. "Ewe Tata. (Yes Father.)" 

"Well. That's a shame. Ntando will not take responsibility until this baby is born and we have proof that he is indeed our blood. And another thing." Mrs. Majola looked directly at me. "Ntando is engaged to be married to Princess Zamambo of the  Zulu kingdom. Now if you don't mind. Get out of my house."

 We were 'escorted' out.

Fuck!