JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

20

SWELIHLE MAJOLA

Junior was finally discharged yesterday, the older siblings flew back home leaving us behind. Mom decided that we stay a few more days because she wanted to sort out some things. Dad had a meeting in Durban so he left yesterday with his sons but he will be coming back today or tomorrow because he can't live without his wife {roll eyes}.

Mom asked me to invite my friend over for lunch today, just to also thank her for her help that day. I did as told and Xoli agreed. I was now waiting for her to get here.

I immediately rush outside and hug her tightly when I see her getting out of her Uber. We both holding on tightly to each other and she is already crying. Yeah she is that dramatic!

Xoli: "I missed you dude!" we last saw each other like two days ago.

Me: "I missed you too babe."

Xoli: "I have a lot to tell you." she said after we broke the hug and were now walking inside the house. I lead her to the lounge to greet Mom.

Xoli: "Sawubona Ma." Mom looks up from her phone and smiles at us. She stands up to hug Xoli then sits back down. She pats the seat next to her for Xoli to sit.

Mom: "How are you sthandwa?"

Xoli: "I'm very happy to officially meet you."

Mom: "Kujabula mina sthandwa sami. Thank you so much for your help that day." they both giggle.

Xoli: "I'd do it again with no hesitations."

Me: "Okay Mah, we will come back later for lunch." I know she won't stop conversing with my friend if i don't stop her now.

Mom: "Okay." we walk to my room so she can leave her bag and then go sit in my balcony. Junior joins us shortly with a snack platter. Xoli immediately jumps on him, hugging him tightly.

Xoli: "I'm so happy you okay now."

Junior: "Me too babe. Thank you for everything." Xoli lightly slaps his shoulder before sitting back down.

Xoli: "So... my mom finally told me about my father." she says and pops two grapes in her mouth.

Me: "Really?! What made her change her mind?"

Xoli: "She found me snooping around her things."

Me: "So should i ask my brothers for help?!"

Xoli: "No. Considering how I was conceived, I wouldn't want to bother the man. My mom was in the wrong so I don't want to force myself upon him and my mom mentioned that he is happily married man with kids. Imagine the embarrassment and shame when I explain who my mom is?!"

Me: "Kanti, is it that bad?"

Xoli: "Awazi wena. There is a picture I found while snooping in her things and I kept it but she doesn't know that I kept it."

Me: "Let me see?"

Xoli: "I left it at home but ..." Mom knocks on my door and shouts lunch is ready. We walk together downstairs and take our seats. Mom serves us our food, we say grace then start eating.

Mom: "So Xoli, how old are you?" she asks after a while staring at her.

Xoli: "I'm 18 years old."

Mom: "And you already doing your second year? Wow!"

Junior: "She is a smart a*$."

Mom: "You look very familiar, I'm just not sure who you look like..."

Xoli: "People often say I look like my mom but she thinks I took after my grandma." Mom chuckles still staring at her.

Mom: "Who is your mom?"

Xoli: "Thulile Muthombeni." Mom frowns. Her frown screams anger and confusion which only confuses me.

Mom: "Thulile? Muthombeni?!"

Xoli: "Yes, do you know her?!"

Mom: "Her names sound very familiar..." Xoli gasps looking at mom, her lower lip starts quivering. Junior and I share looks when Mom also gasps with her eyes popping out in shock.

Xoli: "Oh my god! I'm sorry, I have to leave." she doesn't wait for anyone but runs up to my room, to get her bag I guess. Mom also walks out. A few minutes later, Xoli runs down the stairs, bids us goodbye, and runs out, ignoring my screams.

Junior: "What just happened?!" I shrug my shoulders and walk out hoping to find her still outside but she is nowhere near the gate or our yard. I try calling her but her phone takes me straight to voicemail. I leave her messages to get back to me. WHAT THE HECK!?!

***

It was now late in the evening and I was worried about Xoli because her phone was still off and she hasn't replied to any of my calls or messages.

Junior: "Still nothing?" I shake my head. He sighs and throws himself on the couch.

Junior: "Mom also doesn't want to be bothered." we stare at each other for a while. I don't want to think what i'm already thinking amd there's a very high chance that Junior is also thinking the same thing.

Me: "What could possibly make the both of them so upset and sad?!" he shrugs. The door opens and dad walks in, he smiles when his eyes land on us.

Dad: "My babies." he opens his arms. We both hug him, he kisses our foreheads before asking about his wife.

Junior: "In your room, she has been there for hours!"

Dad: "Let me go check on her." he kisses our heads again and rushes upstairs.

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