OUR LOVE STORY

28

{Something short. I apologize for my inconsistency, I just don't get much time to type. Enjoy!}

Nomandla Paris Khumalo- Mhlongo

I wake up to Ndlalifa playing with his kids on the floor. They are making noise, playing cars. I sigh as I sit up and lean on the headboard watching them.

Me: "You guys are making noise." they just look at ke and continue with their playing. I sigh and get out of bed. I make the bed and then grab my things and go take a shower. After my shower, I settle for a tracksuit as I will be running a few errands. Ndlalifa and his sons aren't here anymore.

Lifa: "Baby, come here." he says after walking in and taking a seat on the bed.

Me: "Mmh?" I go closer to him. He pulls me to his lap and kisses my forehead before gazing into my eyes.

Lifa: "I'm sorry."

Me: "For what?"

Lifa: "I apologize for not being the best husband and for neglecting you. I apologize that I keep failing you and our kids. I promise you that from now on, that will never happen. You and our kids will always come first and I will show it, baby. I'm sorry baby." I kiss his lips and wipe them as I have stained him with my lipstick.

Me: "Baby, thank you. I forgive you."

Lifa: "So where are you off to? With who?"

Me: "I'm going home, alone."

Lifa: "Forget it!"

Me: "Lifa, I need to get some very important things laphana plus the babies' documents and clothes."

Lifa: "I am not letting you go alone. I'm coming with you."

Me: "Okay." 

***********
He parks the car a house away from home.  He turns off the ignition and looks at me. I smile at him as tears cloud my eyes.

Him: "You will be okay?"

Me: "Yes, let me go pack."

Lifa: "Don't think too much about it baby."

Me: "I just... I never thought this was how I'd leave home. I honestly thought I'd leave after we get married." I wipe my tears. He smiles sympathetically and kisses my forehead before pulling me in his arms. He gets out of the car and comes to get my door. He helps me out of the car and locks it then we walk to my parents' house. I open the gate and we walk to the front door. I knock then let myself in, we find everyone in the lounge watching TV including Nelihle.

Lifa: "Sanibona." he greets. Mom gasps and rushes to hug me but I step back she even does.

Mom: "Gcino. Where have you been? We have been worried about you! Mkhwenyana, where did you find her?!"

Lifa: "She was arrested." he says with a straight face.

Mom: "Arrested?! Angizwanga?! What did you do Gcino?!" she genuinely looks freaked out. She sure can act shame.

Lifa: "You might want to ask your son and husband mah."

Me: "Please excuse us, I'm just here to get my stuff."

Mom: "Aybo!" I take Lifa's hand and lead him to my room. I lock the door behind us and start taking out my suitcases.

Lifa: "Tell me where certain things are so I can pack them while you sort out the other." I nod and let him pack for his kids. We both pack quietly.

Me: "I'm done. Let me get my work uniform." I go to the laundry room to get my work uniform as it usually stays there but I don't find it.

Hle: "If you are looking for your work uniform then don't bother. I wear it now, it's mine." I do some breathing exercises to calm myself. I just walk out leaving her standing by the door.

Me: "We can go, baby." I tell Lifa as soon as I get into my room.

Lifa: "Did you find it?"

Me: "No, I will get another one." We get the bags and leave. Mom stands up when we come into view

Mom: "Gcino, please forgive me. I really didn't know anything about this." she says in a brittle voice. I hear Nelihle scoff.

Mom: "Ngiyakucela mntanam. Can I at least see my boys?"

Me: "So y'all can hit them again?" I ask looking at Bhuti.

Mom: "I wouldn't do that Paris, you know that. I love you and my grandsons so much..."

Me: "Yeah? But you let them get hurt like that?! And let your son make me stay in jail for something I didn't do intentionally?! Yeah right. Asambe Lifa." we walk out leaving them looking at us.