I'm Gonna Be Ready

Don't cry.

Ore

I know I promised God I would come home often, if he saved me and he did but I can’t with Anele. I took an Uber to the cemetery this morning and I didn’t tell anyone that I am leaving, the tombstone people called last night saying they will come and install today. They needed someone from the family to show them the grave.
I cleaned the dead flowers while they install, the men worked very fast. I take pictures of the complete installation and I request a ride to the mall, I sit in the coffee shop and order my breakfast, chatting with Vuyo on the app. He video calls me.
“What is wrong?”
“My brother’s girlfriend is getting on my nerves. I am trying to be a good person but yho even the Jesus in me is done with her.”
“What did she do?”Vuyo.
“We had a lunch where her family met mine and I am over them, she’s pregnant but that can’t be hormones. Anyway, I have been avoiding her since she accused me of forcing her to take my dead child’s things. She sees her parents and switches up on me, she tells her mother that I don’t want her child, I let it slide, her sister says I’m a true Rakgadi, to hate my brother’s wife.”
“Wait why are they saying that?” Vuyo.
“Anele wanted to get in my room and I refused, she cried. She claims she wanted to see my gift, the DP.”
“Why didn’t you allow her?” Vuyo frowns.
“She sold pictures of me when I was found in the burning flat to the newspaper. What does she want in my room?”
“My size, how do you know this?” Vuyo.
“The journalist is friends with Nelly’s aunt, she asked Nelly to confirm the funeral date. I didn’t tell anyone but now she is testing me.”
“I am sorry nana.” Vuyo.
“Then she wants my attention by telling Lereko and mama that I pushed her out. She cried, Lereko said we already have a dead child in the family because of violence and he sure as hell isn’t burying his child because of me.” I cry.
“Dont cry, I am on my way. Then you can cry in my arms.” Vuyo. I frown, wiping my tears.
“I am at home Vuyo, I’ll be okay. Tell me how is my bestie?” he shuffles and clicks on his laptop.
“She is good, let me call you back in minute.”Vuyo. I hang up and order more tea. Mama calls me, I don’t pick up but I text her that I am safe and will be back later.
“Ore, I know you won’t answer. Send me a picture showing me you are okay.” Lewatle.
*Picture* “I am having coffee alone.”
“I love you and I’m sorry.”Lewatle. Vuyo calls me saying that something came up and we will talk in about 3 hours. I pay my bill and then I buy myself snacks and request a ride home.
“Morning.” I greet my parents and Oratile who are sitting outside in the porch. I quickly walk in the house and meet Lereko and Anele. I walk to my bedroom and close the door.
“Hey, the final product looks so good.” Lewatle says from the door.
“It is, thank you.” She lays with me on the bed and we listen to the sound of Adele.
“Ore, Oresiametse.” Mama knocks on the door. Lewatle opens the door and lets her in, I remain on the bed with my eyes closed.
“Oresiametse, I am not happy. You leave the house and tell no one, you are fighting with your brother and his wife. What is wrong with you?” mama. I open my eyes and side eye her then close them again.
“Come to the lounge papa is calling you, I am tired.” She walks out. I get off the bed and take my phone then follow her, Lewatle with me. The love birds are sitting next to mama. I pull a chair and sit next to Oratile.
“Now that you are all here, this is the last time I am calling a meeting to resolve petty issues. Ore why are you fighting with your brother?”Mama.
“I’m not.”
“You pushed Anele and she’s pregnant.” Lereko shouts.
“Okay.”
“You see the attitude, you see her mama.”  Lereko.
“You are not like this Ore, what is wrong?” Mama. I remain silent.
“Has anyone asked Ore what happened yesterday? Like has she ever been a fighting person? If it was Lewatle, I would understand.” Oratile.
“She pushed Anele, he attitude towards her is horrible. I would say she is jealous if I didn't know better.” Lereko. My eyes pop out from this revelation. Oratile gasps, I close my eyes and blink away my tears, my lips quiver.
“Dont cry nana.”Oratile rubs my hand.
“Anele I am sorry for pushing you. Lereko I am sorry for trying to kill your child, I know you don’t want to bury your child. I am sorry, I will keep away from you guys.”
“That is not what we want.” Lereko.
“I have nothing else to say. I am sorry. Can I go to my room?” I can’t keep my tears in anymore. I lock the door.
“Ore open up it’s me.” Oratile
“I'm okay, please give me a few.”
“Nana, please pick up the phone. We are at the airport. I want to request a ride for you.” Vuyo texts.
“Airport? Where are you going?” I text back and Vuyo immediately calls.
“You are crying, nana send me your location so we can pick you up.”Vuyo.
“We? You and who?”I blow my nose.
“Me, Bubu and Jr. Send your location please. Is Lewatle around? Please call her.” Vuyo hangs up and I text Lewatle, she comes to my room and speaks to Vuyo while I look for my shoes and pack a toiletry bag.
“I am taking you to the hotel. They will meet us there. Wipe your face.” Lewatle says fixing my hair.
“Where will you sleep?”
“Don’t worry.” Lewatle dismisses and packs my sleepwear. She leaves me and comes back to get my bag. Oratile knocks on my door and enters. He gives me a hug and apologizes.
“Let is go.” I frown. Lewatle laughs, my parents are in the kitchen. Oratile greets them.
“She is running away as usual.” Lewatle. I take water from the fridge and walk out. We get insidw Oratile’s car.

Lerato, lesedi le Kganya.