JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

16

***XOLISA MUTHOMBENI***

So, I ended up never opening up a case against that man because I got scared. I was scared that what if he got arrested and my mom still stood by him? or he kicked me out then I'd have nowhere to go. Just yesterday, I received another hiding and it was worse than the first one. I really hate my mom's late shifts right now.

I would've been glad if recess was almost over now because then I would be able to escape this house with a more valid excuse but I guess not. I was currently alone again so I locked all the doors around the house because I wanted to snoop. I know snooping isn't a good thing but I had no choice because my mom didn't seem interested in letting me know my father.

There's this huge treasury box, my mom usually hides underneath their bed so that's where I'm about to start. Luckily for me, it wasn't those complicated boxes that have locks. I opened it and there were some pictures, the first one was of a beautiful pregnant lady that resembles her so much; at the back, it has a date and a name. I keep looking and come across another picture of a young boy, somehow this boy's features resemble someone I know but I'm just not sure who. I decide to keep that photo. I come across a small envelope and just as I'm about to open it, the bedroom door opens

Mom: "Wenzani?" I jump a little due to shock then turn slowly.

Me: "Mama."

Mom: "So you coop yourself up in your room, not wanting to come out only so you can snoop through my stuff?"

Me: "I'm sorry but I was just hoping to find something that will give me a clue or an idea of who my father is mah." she sighs.

Mom: "Put those things back where you found them then come join me in the lounge so I can tell you." I put everything where I found it and then go to the kitchen.

Mom: "Grab a cup." I take my cup of coffee and then follow her to the lounge. We both sit quietly for a few minutes before she starts.

Mom: "Where did you get those bruises?" she asks looking at me straight in the eye. I look at the bruises on my arms and legs then shake my head. I'm so young and I deserve better, better parents and a better loving home really.

Me: "Your husband hits me when you were working late. He says I have no respect."

Mom: "Why didn't you tell me?"

Me: "What difference would it have made mah because you always watch him mistreat me then continue to stand by him." she sighs.

Mom: "Baby girl. I may seem like a bad mother right now but me being with this man is also some kind of protection for us."

Me: "Protection from what?"

Mom: "From your father and his family."

Me: "Mom come on, so now you will make the guy seem like a horrible person just so I can stop asking questions? It's okay if you don't want to tell me about him, I will do my own research."

Mom: "I just don't want you to see me anymore evil than you already do."

Me: "Mah, come on." she sighs placing her cup of coffee on the table then leans back on the couch.

Mom: "Your father is actually my sister's husband."

Me: "So you slept with your sister's husband?"

Mom: "No. Yes. Just know that you weren't made out of love or anything like that, I'm sorry baby. I was a really horrible person back then. My mother and I were trying to destroy my sister's marriage because of jealousy and greed. My sister though didn't really know that we were sisters. I warmed my way into their home by acting like a concerned aunt of their son well my sister's husband's son."

Me: "What?"

Mom: "The husband's son was actually my late sister's son. Kahle kahle, Letho was abandoned by our mother when she was still young so that's why she didn't know about us nor did we know about her until my mom went broke. Mandisa had a child with this man and they were so in love but unfortunately she died through childbirth and so her man had to raise the child alone. Still then my family didn't care to think of checking on the child or anything. Years later I met the child's father at some business networking event and he had moved on. He introduced me to his wife and I was jealous so I acted like it."

Me: "Why were you jealous?"

Mom: "I liked him a lot but he never noticed me. Even when we had bumped into each other earlier before that event, I tried a couple of times making my move but he ignored me. Anyway, I tried making my move on him but it didn't work. He started fighting with his wife about me and I thought that was my time but nope! My stepsister who was also Letho's sister from her father also joined me and my mom's scheme of destroying their marriage. The three of us worked together until we had to take measures into our own hands." she sniffs.

Me: "How?"

Mom: "We drugged your father and I had to rape him. I only did it once and 'luckily' for me I fell pregnant."

Me: "You raped a man?! Mama!" I say covered in shock.

Mom: "I know baby, I know. It haunts me every time."

Me: "What happened then?"

Mom: "Our mission failed. My mom got arrested and Amahle unfortunately died and I ran away."

Me: "Excuse me please." I say then go to my room. I lock the door then get in bed. I can't believe this, my mom is a rapist! Here I thought I am some love child from an old lover of hers or something but no, I'm a product of rape. Even thinking about that breaks my heart even more because then it changes everything.