OUR LOVE STORY

36

Nomandla Paris Mhlongo

I can not even begin to explain the pain my heart is feeling right now. My dad was my best friend so I feel like I lost a huge part of me. I really don't know how I will get through this one. I didn't get a chance to let him know of my pregnancy, he won't get to meet his grandchild nor will he walk me down the aisle. It doesn't help that during the traditional wedding, he couldn't be there for me since we were still on bad terms. Honestly, this feels like some type of punishment.

A knock comes through again, I know it's my mother-in-law. I invite her in, she walks in with a tray followed by the troublesome two.

MaMhlongo: "Maka Bandile, you haven't eaten so I bought you some food."

Me: "Thank you Mah." even my voice is gone because of all the crying I have been doing this whole week.

MaMhlongo: "We have to go home today. Your mother needs you there mntanam." Today is Thursday and according to what I have heard, the preparations are coming together. Tomorrow is the night vigil and I am so not ready for that.

MaMhlongo: "Aw sthandwa sami, don't cry so much." she says pulling me into her arms and brushing my back soothingly.

Bandile: "Khala Nono." he says pointing at me. I wipe my eyes and sit up.

MaMhlongo: "Eat up so we can leave. Your husband will find us there." I nod lightly. I can never thank Lifa enough, he has been the one running around preparing for my father's funeral since we are all taking my father's death pretty badly. I have been avoiding everyone but my husband is always here to cuddle and comfort me.

**

As soon as I walk inside the house, I crumble to the floor wailing. It just doesn't feel the same anymore. The mattress in the living room that my mom was sitting on, and the candles lit, were a confirmation that my father was really gone.

I feel someone pulling me into their arms, I recognize the scent as my brother's and I sob even harder. He lays me down before my mom's arms wrap around my body. I'm now crying on her lap, she is just brushing my head. I look into her eyes and she gives me a faint smile.

Mom: "Ngiyakuthanda yezwa?" she whispers. I nod while trying to wipe my tears.

Pearl: "Here mama." she hands her a glass of water which Mom helps me drink. It's actually glucose.

Mom: "You need to rest."

Me: "I will stay here Mah." she nods smiling weakly. I can only imagine how she feels right now, losing the love of her life.

Mom: "I'm fine mina." I sit up properly and only then do I notice that it's only us in here.

Mom: "You didn't tell me you were expecting?!"

Me: "I was still going to tell you. I didn't even tell Dad." I say as my lips quiver and tears well in my eyes.

Mom: He is looking down on you now sthandwa sami and I am sure he is happy."

Me: "How are you holding up?"

Mom: "I'll get through it. I keep telling myself that he is in a better place now, a place where he is free of all the pain this world put him through. He is in peace now. It will take time for me to adjust but eventually I will." she says smiling with tears streaming down her beautiful pale cheeks.

Me: "I honestly thought he was getting better and was coming back to us soon."

Mom: "He was battling with the pain baby, some of his organs were already beyond repair I guess. I guess he was just keeping a strong face for us and couldn't hold on anymore."

Me: "If he was in pain then why couldn't he just be transparent with us?!"

Mom: "Your father is a proud man baby, he wouldn't want to show 'weakness' to his kids. Let us just be happy that he is in peace now. Yes, it is hard but we will get through it if we can hold on to each other okay?" I nod.

Me: "I'm sorry I shut you guys out this whole week." she squeezes my hand.

Mom: "Don't worry baby, it was your way of coming to terms with everything. Just don't do that now, you have a baby on the way and we have to think of her." she says brushing my stomach.

Me: "Why do you think this one will be a girl?"

Mom: "Because we already have boys." I giggle when I feel movement in my tummy.

__________

I was now in my room, cuddling with my sister. We were both just crying, holding onto each other. I hear her sigh heavily.

Pearl: "I miss him so much Gcino."

Me: "Me too sis."

Pearl: "He didn't get a chance to meet my child Gcino. I was really looking forward to him and mom meeting my child but I guess, it's true when they say we don't always get what we want."

Me: "You are pregnant?" she nods while sniffing. She stands up and lifts her baggy shirt, she has a small bump.

Pearl: "I'm five months." she says smiling faintly.

Me: "Wow! I'm so happy for you sis." I hug her.

Pearl: "And ubaby was planning on sending Lobola next month when he comes back from his business trip."

Me: "I am so sorry sis."

Pearl: "It's life." she shrugs.

Me: "I seriously wish to get my hands on Nelihle.."

Pearl: "She isn't worth it plus she is getting her karma." she says shrugging.

Me: "You still don't want me to meet your man?!" I ask her changing the subject. She laughs.

Pearl: "No love."

Me: "I thought you were in a relationship with Lifa's cousin sister." she laughs.

Pearl: "Where did you even get that?"

Me: "Lifa." she laughs again.

Pearl: "Maybe he misunderstood her when she introduced us as her girlfriends. Nandipha is a friend qha." I Iaugh joining her.

Me: "Webhatata!"