JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

06

Swelihle Majola

Yesterday, bhuti Fana took me to the mall and got my hair and nails done then took me shopping for some shoes. We even got ourselves matching pairs of takkies, then we got ice cream and drove home. He left late at night much to mom's disapproval.

It's the next day and I am spending the day home, I'm tired. I was watching cartoons while eating some cereal when dad walked in and took a seat next to me then grabbed my bowl and started eating my cereal.

Dad: "How are you ntombazane kababa?!" I sigh and smile, planting a kiss on his cheek.

Me: "Im great baba, how are you?"

Dad: "I'm so tired sthandwa sami but I have to work for you guys since yall always shopping." I giggle.

Me: "Hawu baba!"

Dad: "I'm telling the truth." he chuckles.

Me: "Sorry baba. Where is Mom?" she walks in right that moment with dad's bags and flask of coffee. He hands me my bowl of cereal that is almost finished.

Dad: "Thank you baby." he kisses her and stands up to leave.

Me: "Have a great day! Don't let those women talk to you." mom laughs and dad joins her before they both walk out. I go refill my cereal in the kitchen then sit back down and continue watching my cartoons. Mom walks back in and sits next to me.

Mom: "You good love?" I nod.

Me: "Im good mama wena?"

Mom: "Im okay baby. When were you planning on going back to school?"

Me: "Hawu usuyangixosha?!"

Mom: "No baby, it's just that your father has some business meeting in Cape Town and he leaves tonight or tomorrow morning so he suggested that you leave with him." I nod.

Me: "I will leave with him. So what are we doing today?"

Mom: "I don't know about you but I'm going to check on my hospital then go out with my friends."

Me: "can I join please mama?"

Mom: "Aybo for what manje?! it's going to be me and my friends so wena awuhlangani baby."

Me: "But I miss my aunties mah." she laughs lightly

Mom: "What's with the drama?! You will visit them during recess phela."

Me: "Fine!"

Mom: "Anyway, I have sent your money for your online order."

Me: "Thank you mah." I squeal and hug her.

*********

Dad: "Do you have everything? I don't want to be turning back or having to buy new things because you left them behind." I mentally roll my eyes. This man is so stingy sometimes ay.

Me: "Yes baba, everything is here." I tell him. Mom hugs me one more time and kisses my face.

Mom: "Bye sthandwa sami. Call me when you get there okay?" I nod.

Me: "I will call mama." she nods then bids goodbye to her man while I put my bags inside the car.

We finally get in the car and drive off to the airport. The whole drive is filled with laughter from me because of dad's stories and jokes.

Dad: "Are you hungry?"

Me: "Not yet."

Dad: "Are you sure?" he looks a bit shocked which makes me laugh abit.

Me: "Dad, come on. I don't eat that much!" he side eyes me and scoffs.

Dad: "Ok." He finally parks at the private parking. We take our things before he locks the car and leads me to a private hanger. I still get amazed by this jet, the bold letters of my mother's nickname. We get escorted inside by the air hostess and we take our seats. Dad buckles me up first before he sits down and buckles himself too.

Dad: "You still good?" he asks me as the jet takes off. I smile and nod.

Me: "Do you have sweets?" he chuckles and starts searching his pockets then hands me a pack of maynards.

Me: "Thank you daddy."

**********

The car parks outside my resident and I notice a familiar car down the street but i decide to ignore it. I hug my dad and kiss his cheek.

Me: "Thank you and goodnight babah." he smiles.

Dad: "Goodnight princess. Before you go to your room, go get your brother for me. I can't go to sleep without seeing my son." I chuckle and nod. I take my bags and walk inside the residential premises. I first go leabe my bags then go call Junior.

LJ: "Dad is here?!" I nod. He starts jogging down the stairs while pulling my hand.

Me: "Uzongiwisa wena!" I scold him.

Dad: "Nihlale ninomsindo nje nina." he says already pulling Junior into his arms and hugging him. Dad is never afraid to show his affection to all of us.

Junior: "It's really surprising having you here."

Dad: "I know but I had to bring your sister back."

Junior: "Did you buy me anything?! Dinner nyana?" he asks with his hands on his hips. Honestly I think Junior is being crazy for thinking he is hiding his sexuality well. In my perspective, they all see it and know it so they are just waiting for him to be comfortable enough to tell everyone, at home that is. I sometimes think dad is this protective and affectionate with him just to make him comfortable and trust him.

Dad: "No, I didn't but I will order for you guys."