OUR LOVE STORY

35

Nomandla Paris Mhlongo

Today is a Saturday and my mom was coming over to visit. My dad is still being healed by MaKhoza and he is getting better. My brother is said to have gone AWOL ever since his girlfriend's accident and I won't lie, I'm concerned. He is still my brother.

Me: "Baby, please tie my hair?" I ask handing him a hair tie.

Lifa: "Come sit." I sit on the ottoman and let him tie it. He does a high ponytail and brushes my hairline back.

Me: "Thanks love." he pecks my lips and continues getting dressed. When we are both done, he takes my hand and we walk downstairs. We find MaMhlongo feeding her grandsons.

Me: "Sawubona mah."

MaMhlongo: "Sawubona ngane yami. How are you feeling today?"

Me: "I'm happy."

MaMhlongo: "Your face says it all, even your feet aren't swollen." I chuckle. She tells us to sit while she fetches our food and Lifa continues with feeding the boys. She hands us our food and drinks then sits down.

Lifa: "I think it's time these two start daycare."

MaMhlongo: "Please don't start me with me Ndlalifa! They have me here at home, don't drive me crazy please!"

Lifa: "Hawu mah. I just..."

MaMhlongo: "Thula ngoba usuyabheda!" Lifa shuts up immediately. These old women don't play with their grandsons hey?!

Lifa: "Baby, don't laugh at me hawu."

***********

Mom: "Sanibonani." she greets walking in followed by my sister.

Me: "Hey mah." I hug her and also hug Pearl who is shocked by my action but I just smile at her. Lifa walks into the lounge with the boys and they immediately scream 'Gogo' running to my mom. She is also happy to see them, she is hugging them tightly while crying.

Mom:  "Oh I missed you fanoz baGogoh."

Twins: "Gogoh." we go to the lounge and sit there. I introduce my mom to my mother-in-law. They exchange greetings briefly before my mom turns to Lifa.

Mom: "Mkhwenyana. I would just like to apologize for mine and my family's behavior these past weeks. It is really horrible and embarrassing, to say the least. I'm also sorry that you once had to find your sons unattended with bruises on their bodies. I apologize. I also hope that one day you can forgive me for the role I played and displayed in all that. I know it doesn't take overnight to forgive what we put you through and we will respect that. You had to watch your wife suffer emotionally because of all this and ngiyaxolisa ndodana." Lifa smiles.

Lifa: "Thank you, Mah. Your apology really means a lot to me. I am not as mad anymore since we all know the reason why everyone was behaving the way they did. I also know how much you love your grandsons and I know you wouldn't hurt your daughter and grandsons like that. I forgive you mah." they share a hug and go back to their seats. I'm happy. Pearl clears her throat.

Pearl: "I also would like to apologize to the both of you and especially you, Mandlah. I haven't been the best sister or supporter to you and I'm sorry. I am aware that I disappointed and hurt you so much. Nawe sbali, I'm sorry for being a hypocrite. I also want to apologize to you both for disrespecting your house the other day. I seriously didn't know that my best friend was your cousin. I'm sorry."

Me: "I forgive you." I say hugging her tightly then let her hug Lifa.

Lifa: "It's okay sbali, I also forgive you."

__________

My mom and sister were about to leave when Mom received a phone call. She excuses herself and answers. I see her face fall then her eyes get filled with tears. I walk to her and hug her.

Me: "What's wrong mah?" I watch her lower lip quiver as she looks into my eyes. She clears her throat before talking.

Mom: "Let's go to the lounge." she holds me by hand and we walk to the lounge.

Pearl: "What's wrong?"

Mom: "That call was from MaKhoza. Your father..." she cries a little. My heart beats a little faster.

Me: "Ubaba wenzeni mah?"

Mom: "Usishiyile." she then cries out loud as MaMhlongo engulfs her in a hug. I look around, waiting for them to tell me they are joking.

Me: "Mah." she pulls away from MaMhlongo wiping her eyes and hugs a hysterical Pearl. She then turns to me.

Mom: "Gcino?"

Me: "I don't believe this. I don't believe you. Ubaba is okay, he was getting better and he was going to come back home soon."

Mom: "Gcino, I'm sorry." she tries pulling me into her arms but I push her off me and leave them there. I lock myself in my bedroom.