When You're Bound To Love

Chapter 121

SPHO**

I opened my sore eyes unable to make out my surroundings. It felt like there was sand in them. My entire chest was on fire. My hands in stiff freezing cold. Was I dead? I couldn't move, talk or blink now. "You're awake." I heard a dizzy voice in my head. "Thank God." No, that was not in my head. A face finally accompanied the voice. Siyanda. Siya: "Hi." Me: "h...i" Siya: "I'm glad you're alive. Try and swallow a bit of water to clear your throat." he helped with the straw and I swallowed what felt like crushed glass and gravel. Siya: "It will get better." Me: "What..happened." Siya: "Well.....let's just say, you pushed them too far. Its a miracle you're even alive. When I found you in the woods, you were barely breathing." a slow tear escaped my eye. My dads actually tried to kill me. Actually, they weren't even my dads anymore. They were animals that I wanted nothing to do with. Siya: "No. This is part of your training. Survival is your only hope." Me: "I... almost... died Siyanda!! What.... about... my kids!" I coughed. Siya: "I promise it will get better. Just rest." Me: "I can't do this anymore.." Siya: "Yes you can and you will. You've only got a week and a few days left to finish. After that, you'll be done. You'll never have to do it again." Me: "What if I don't make it? What if I die? Its not worth it." Siya: "I won't let you Sphosenkosi. You will make it." Me: "How can I when they let wolves chase after me? Look at me!! My chest is ablaze, I am barely audible and what the fuck is wrong with my hands!!!" Siya: "You were lying in the cold for a while." Me: "They left me there to die." I sobbed. Siya: "They left you there to survive and you did Spho. Leave all this negative energy and rest your body. You have a lot to work through in little time." Me: "My aunt. She's coming from East London. Take her to Lakhe to fetch the kids then the hotel." Siya: "I already found your aunt. She's downstairs with the kids. Like I've said, rest." I forced my eyes to close. My life had taken a very dramatic turn and it was spiraling out of control that I didn't know what to hold on to. Siya: "I know its hard. I'm going to be here though. To make sure you survive this. To make sure you stay alive for Lam and Chris." Me: "Siyanda, its not easy. I already feel my grip loosening. How could my life just swift into a different gear like this? Just a year ago, I was in a relationship with Simphiwe and his son Buhle. Next thing I leave him because he cheats, then I date and marry Lakhe, fall pregnant and boom divorce. On top of that, Komander and his ridiculous requests and never ending death threats." Siya: "Its a lot to take in. I really don't know what to tell you other than its going to be better. I promise you that." Me: "Won't he look for you?" Siya: "He can try. Don't worry about me. I'm going to hire a second car for you, Kompany will drive you anywhere you want. I'd say take my car but I wouldn't want your father to know you're with me here." Me: "Thank you Siyanda." Siya: "Its the least I can do, my queen." Me: "Stop that." he smiled. Siya: "Sleep. I'll wake you later." ....

1 Week Later.

I only had two more nights left of training. I looked nothing short of shit to be honest. I had battled sleeping this past week because of the pain. Every time I closed my eyes, my dreams were riddled with nightmares and spirits, fighting and harassing me. I couldn't sleep without suffocating, dodging and diving in my dreams and in my wake. I wake up with the pillows torn daily. I was beginning to understand Lakhe's refusal more and more. This wasn't normal, it wasn't right! No human being should have to live like this. My lawyer and I were meeting with Tata Rob today for the signing of our contracts. I'd be given an entire section in his building to work with my team. I'd already drawn up employment contracts. Once I signed with Robert, I could start recruiting my team. The meeting was in two hours and the venue only 15 minutes away. So I could sleep for one hour and 30 minutes. I set my alarm and dozed off. It felt like two minutes in, when it rang again. Me: "What the fuck!" I sat up and stared at the phone. Are you trying to tell me that I slept that quickly? A light knock disturbed me in my thinking process. Me: "Come in." Dubs walked in. Dubs: "Hi ntombi. Uziva njani?" (Hi girl. How do you feel?) Me: "I'm fine Dabawo, unjani wena." (How are you?) Dubs: "Ndiphilile babes. Ndiphekile. Phakama uzotya."(I'm fine babes. I cooked. Get up and come eat.) Me: "I have a meeting dubs, but it will be a quick one. I just need to take a quick shower. I'll eat when I'm back." Dubs: "Okay." I got out of bed. Dubs: "Spho." I looked through the wardrobe. Siyanda had packed my things neatly in there, a week ago. I haven't even seen him that much. He only comes to say hi and ask if I ate that's all. I didn't want to get comfortable here plus I didn't tell Lakhe that I live with Siya. I know he would freak out. Me: "Yes Dubs." I took out a white skirt and a blue silk blouse with long sleeves. Dubs: "Tonight, mna ne babies siya kwi visit kwa Lakhe. Sizolala khona."(we'll be sleeping over at Lakhe's.) I had a lump in my throat. My kids were the only thing I looked forward to seeing when I came back in the morning after training. Although they hadn't seen their dad in a while, I guess I had to suck it up. Me: "Okay dubs." Dubs: "uzohamba nathi?"(Are you coming with us.) Me: "Dabawo, I don't think that's a good idea." And he can't see me like this. Dubs: "Oh." I went to shower and I came back to dress. I quickly brushed my hair and dabbed a bit of make up on. Kompany drove me to Rob's new office. The setting was glass, white and light blue. Absolutely gorgeous. It felt like an ice castle. I got off the car and stared at the tall building, proceeding toward the glass doors. As I reached the handle, a hand clutched it first. He pushed it open. Me: "Thank you." I stepped in the building with the stranger behind me. I turned to look at him and he had a stupid smile on his face. Me: "Do I know you?" Him: "No. I'm....Lwando." Me: "Oh, hi. I'm Spho." Lwando: "You work here?" Me: "Kind of. Partnering in a new project. I'm here for a meeting." Lwando: "I think we're here for the same meeting." we signed in and headed for the boardroom. Tata Rob was waiting for us there. Rob: "Lwando, how are you?" Lwando: "Superb tata. Yourself?" Rob: "I'm Great. Have you met my daughter in law? Spho Sobekwa." I sighed. Lwando: "In law? Sandile is married?" Why Sandile? Rob: "No. She's married to Masilakhe." Me: "Was, tata." I whispered. The divorce wasn't finalized yet but still. Lwando: "I didn't notice a ring." This was so awkward. Me: "We're going through a divorce." Lwando: "Oh." Rob: "Anyway, I guess I should just call you my grandson's mom then." Why is he fighting his son's battles? Lwando is here to work. Lwando: "Nice." thankfully my lawyer and two other men came in and we were seated. Rob: "Alright, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you all. As you all know, I'm Robert Sobekwa. On my left seated here is Sphosenkosi Sobekwa, the founder of this project, on my right seated is Lwando Jamane, my new investment banker. On his right, it is Reynold Sentico, my lawyer, opposite him, Anele, Spho's Lawyer and last but not least, Quinton, my business manager. We may begin." he sat down. We went through the contract thoroughly. No concerns were raised, both our lawyers were pleased so we signed. A bottle of Dom P was ushered in the boardroom with glasses. Rob: "I'd like to propose a toast." we each got a glass. Rob: "To the succession of this project, and many more to come. Congratulations Spho." we all clapped. Rob popped the champagne and poured for them. I opted for juice. It was a relaxed atmosphere talking about the vision of this project and other business factors. Eventually Lwando sat next to me. Lwando: "So...tell me. What drove you to start a project like this?" Me: "Unfortunately I don't have a sob story that propels this kind of dream. I kinda grew up comfortable financially and emotionally." Despite the mess I'm in right now. My parents kicked me out. Lwando: "I'm still interested." Me: "I've always wanted to help people. Its my thing. One day, I was driving with my husb...ex, and we saw this young man carrying a cardboard with his qualifications written on it. After that my mind was reeling. Not all graduates get jobs. Others start businesses and later fail because of either lack of knowledge or lack of clients and support. We can't keep making the rich richer and opening opportunities for only the people we know. There's something so fulfilling in positively helping another human being." he just stared at me. Me: "Am I boring you?" Lwando: "No! Actually the opposite. I've never met someone who was this passionate about building another person's dream. Its incredible." Me: "Thank you." Lwando: "So what's the first step of your project?" Me: "Well, I've gotten in contact with three trainer specialists. They test applicants on their competency whether they are likely to be entrepreneurs and in which sector. The second step is to divide the applicants and put them in groups for tasks to complete together. The third step is then leadership testing and decision making. This is where we short list our first batch of entrepreneurs." Lwando: "This is the first I'm hearing of this. I am literally in awe." Me: "Stop it." I smiled gratefully. Lwando: "Do you realize how many lives this will change? Families will be fed and kids schooled because of this program. Its brilliant." Me: "Thank you." Rob: "Lwando." he stood near us. Rob: "I thought you had a meeting with the bank." Lwando: "Uhm..yes. Goodness, I almost forgot." we stood up. Lwando: "It was lovely meeting you Spho. I wish you the best of luck with this project." Me: "Thank you Lwando." we shook hands. The awkward part was that Tata Rob was still standing here and I'm not sure why. Lwando: "I will update you by the end of the day sir." Rob: "Thank you Lwando." Lwando took his bag and walked out. Rob: "He's such a scatter brain. Incredibly smart too." Me: "Sir, I should get back to Dabawo and Lam." Rob: "Dabawo? Nomonde is here?" Me: "She arrived last week tata." Rob: "Oh. She didn't say." Me: "I'm sure it slipped her mind." I gathered my stuff. Me: "Thank you tata. With everything." Rob: "You're welcome my child. Drive safe." I took my bag and left the building. Perhaps, I could create a website for applicants instead of applying straight to Rob's company. The website will make things so much easier. All I had to do was hire people from IT, Marketing, Finance and someone for office admin work. I got in the car and Kompany drove me back to Siyanda's house. At least by next week I'd move out, I got a place I liked, affordable too. I walked into the house where Dubs was feeding a screaming Lam. Me: "Let me, Dubs." I took him and pulled out a breast. The immediate silence was almost deafening. He sucked on the breast quietly, his eyes still glistening with tears. He really hated that formula. Me: "He hates it Dabawo. I'm gonna give it away. I'll pump a bit more." Dubs: "Good idea mntanam. My head is spinning ngulomntanakho." (With your child.) I held in a laugh. Me: "I'll pump enough milk for overnight." I burped Lam and handed him over to Dubs. I did a quick pop in at Spar for Baby Lam's essentials and came back. Dabawo packed them in the bag. I packed for Chris. Lakhe would fetch him from school that day. After pumping for Lam and finishing up packing. Siyanda walked in. I hadn't seen him in two days. Me: "Hi." Siya: "Hey. How are you?" Me: "Uya awta ngoku Siyanda." (You sleep out now?) he laughed. Siya: "Spho, I'm a doctor. Chief of surgery at that. There's a lot happening at work so I slept there. I'm sorry. I should have called." Me: "I was joking with you. You don't owe me any explanation." Siya: "Still." Me: "Don't worry about it." Dubs: "Okay. Time for goings. Bye bye mama ka Lam." Me: "Goodbye Dabawo. Goodbye my angel. I love you sooooo much." I kissed my baby. My heart tore a bit every time I had to spend time away from him. Me: "Safe drive Dabawo. Call me." Dubs: "Okay mntanam. Goodbye bhut Siyanda." Siya: "Bye mama." she walked out to Kompany with Lam and their bags. Siya: "You haven't slept." Me: "I did sleep and are you spying on me?" Siya: "You're spying on yourself. You're dressed up like you're going somewhere." Me: "I was attending a meeting. I just came back." I looked at the door. Siya: "Its just one night. Lam will be fine." Me: "I know. Dabawo is so good with him. She prays while she feeds him, bathes him. She's wonderful. I just miss him already." Siya: "Its not even 2 minutes they're gone. The car is still in the driveway. Come on Spho." he chuckled. Me: "You're right. I need to stay strong." Siya: "Or you could go with them." I haven't been able to face Masilakhe and I know he will run out of patience soon. He is giving me my space, for now. Me: "I can't." Me: "What do you want for dinner?" Siya: "Nothing really. I'll order pizza. You need to sleep, you have two more nights of training to go. All the strength you have, you'll need." Me: "Not until I tell you about my meeting today." I pulled him to the couch. Me: "We signed the contracts. Now, my next step is developing a website. Do you know of anyone who can do it for me?" Siya: "I'm a doctor." he laughed. Me: "Yeah, but you know people right?" Siya: "I know patients and other doctors, Spho." Me: "I've got training specialists ready but I want to change the application process. The sooner the website is launched, the sooner the youth apply." Siya: "I'll see what I can find." Me: "You're the best!" Siya: "What else happened at the meeting?" Me: "Nothing much other than meeting the banker and lawyers. He was weirdly interested in the project." Siya: "Who?" Me: "The investment banker." Siya: "He probably likes you." Me: "But you know what's even weirder?" Siya: "I cannot imagine." Me: "Rob IS an investment banker why would he hire another investment banker to handle his finances when he can do it himself?" Siya: "Rob owns an investment company, he can hire people to do the job he doesn't have time for or possibly can't do at all." Me: "What are you saying?" Siya: "I'm saying, most billionaires don't have time for their own money. Spho you need to eat and go rest, please. You're stressing me out." Me: "I'm not sleepy." Siya: "Its not about being sleepy, its about resting your body. If you don't rest and eat, you'll hurt yourself on the field." Me: "Fine Siyanda." Siya: "I care about you, I don't want to see you hurt. You're almost done, I just need you to focus and complete this once and for all." Me: "I hear you." he sighed. Me: "I'll eat something and go sleep." I got up from the couch to walk to the kitchen. He held my hand, halting my movement, himself standing up. I looked up at him and quickly away. Siya: "I'm not trying to punish you. I just need you to be strong. We can't lose focus when we're almost at the finish line. Look at me." he pulled up my chin with his index finger. Siya: "I want you to succeed. You already make me proud. Being a great mom and great businesswoman." Me: "Thank you Siya." I looked down. Siya: "What is it ...." Me: "I know this is weird to ask but ever since I got here, you haven't even tried to get close to me let alone talk to me. Do I also disgust you?" Siya: "What? No! Absolutely not. I'm just respecting your boundaries that's all. Besides that, I can't interfere with your training. You do not disgust me at all. I......you want me to hit on you?" Me: "No. I don't. I just...never mind." Siya: "Tell me." Me: "I don't know if I'll find a guy that would accept me for everything I am. I have revolting DNA and a demonic family. No man will want to stay for that." Siya: "You worry about the most insignificant things. I'll make you a sandwich." I watched him shuffle around the kitchen making the sandwich, my mind drifted off to a place where I wish I could be.....

Dabawo arrived at Masilakhe's house and carried Lam in. Lakhe: "Hello dub-" Dubs: "Nyello Dubs. Nyello Dubs. Into yaziyo Ku dabulula oko." (What you knows is talking always.) Lakhe: "haibo. Ndenzenton ngoku Dabawo?" (What have I done now?) Dubs: "Uzazi wedwa noThixo wakho." (Only you and your God know.) she put the baby on the couch. Lakhe picked Lam up and kissed his baby boy. Lakhe: "I missed you so much." Dubs: "Masilakhe'ikhaya." Lakhe: "Oh hayi Dabawo. Ude ulibize lonke." (Oh no aunty. You're calling my full name.) Dubs: "Uzimisele ntweni mhlawmbi?" (What are you passionate about actually?" Lakhe: "What do you mean Dabawo?" Dubs: "Wohlukene no Spho. Ngoba kuthen? Nithini ngabantwana benu?" (You broke up with Spho. Why is that? What about the kids?) Lakhe: "Dabawo its a long story-" Dubs: "Long story neh? I hope ubude bayo bucothisa njengo Siyanda xa ezokushiya ke sana." (I hope it's length is as slow as Siyanda when he takes over from you.) Lakhe: "Andiva Dabawo?" (Excuse me aunty?) Dubs: "Andithintithi Masilakhe." (I'm not stuttering Masilakhe.) Lakhe: "What do you mean Siyanda will take over? Akamfuni mos uSiyanda uSpho." (Spho doesn't want Siyanda.) Dubs: "Ingaske ndibe nale yakho ingqondo ingathi ikwi vacation eNgqushwa. Uwoaah. OoMasilakhe bethuna." (I wish I had your brain that takes vacations in Peddie. Wow. Masilakhe.) Lakhe: "Dabawo. What's going on? Is Spho dating Siyanda? She can't do that." Dubs: "Ungakulinge undikhumshele mna. Andazi Nto." (Don't speak English on me. I know nothing.) Lakhe: "Dabawo." Dubs: "Masilakhe njebe ulibele udlala umphumphuthela, abanye abantwana bathe poropop. Spho uhlala noSiyanda. Faka aircon ke wena kwelakho ikhwapha uphole, uyawzibona." (Masilakhe while you're playing blind, other kids are sharp. Spho lives with Siyanda. Put an aircon under your armpit and relax, you'll see for yourself.) Lakhe: "W-what do you mean, living together. What...what does that mean?" Dubs: "Yuh ha.a andidibani nomntu ongamameliyo ke mna. Tshin thiza." (I don't like people don't listen. Goodness!) Lakhe: "She can't do that. Spho can't do that to me, she said she needed ti..." he held his chest. Lakhe: "Living together how dabawo? Same house and same room? Or maybe he visits daily? I need water. She can't do that to me." Dubs: "Silent night, holy night. All is calm, all is bright." Lakhe: "Dabawo, when you prank people you must say Sike not sing lullabies." Dubs: "Yintoni kengoku i plank?" (What is a prank?) Lakhe: "Oh my God." he grabbed his keys storming out.