I'm Gonna Be Ready

Always show up

Vuyo

I made the most impulsive decision ever and, now that I am here outside the hotel room waiting to meet Ore and her siblings, I am rethinking everything. Hearing Ore cry made me feel helpless. I booked flights for Jr and I without asking him, I am grateful that he agreed to my madness. We had to book for Bubu and they called work for emergency leave.  I don’t know what my plan was, all I wanted was to be close to her.
“You really like her neh.” Jr laughs.
“Man, you not helping.”
“If the brother hits you, don’t fight back.”Jr laughs. I ignore him. I text Matshepo that we are safe. Ore calls saying they are in the parking, Jr, Bubu and I walk to the door passing the reception. Her brother looks so much like her, I jog to Ore who gets out of the passenger seat.
“Hey nana, I’m here now. Everything is going to be okay.” I hug her and she cries in my arms. We stay for a minute and she pulls out, I wipe her face with my shirt.
“You feeling better?” I ask and give her my water to drink. She nods and drinks.
“Ngwana ko gae, ke mang ke mo hlabang? Gepe ke tswa Jukulyn,pitori mahlanyweng (Little sister, who am I stabbing? I’m from Jukulyn, Pretoria me.)” Bubu pulls out her hair pin, pretending to stab with it  before she pulls Ore into a hug and we all laugh.
“Hey Bubu, what are you doing here?” Ore.
“Your person called reinforcement, booked flights and accommodation, a re mai cherry ga shap. And I’ve never been on a plane, plus I like you. I said why not.( He said his girl is not okay.)” Bubu.
“Wow, since I’m not being introduced. I’m the deputy dad, Oratile and I’m assuming you know Lewatle.” He brother.
“Sorry Abuti, this is Vuyo, his brother Jr and his wife Nombuso. Fam this is my brother.”
“Too late, Vuyo are you the red car driver?” Oratile.
“Abuti.” Ore groans.
“I am the driver Abuti.” I answer humbly rubbing my hands together.
“I am trusting you with my heart, this is my baby and if you ever get tired of her please leave her alone.” Oratile.
“I promise to take care of her.” Mawe calls me and asks to speak to Ore. I hand her the phone.
“I am okay Mah, you know Vuyo is dramatic. Yes my brother and sister are here.” Ore.
“She met your family?” Oratile.
“Yes Abuti.”
“Okay Mah, I won’t forget your sweets. We didn’t bake but I can bake on Friday, Thank you, bye.” Ore greets and gives me my phone then she goes to her sister and Bubu.
“We should have drinks together before you leave.” Oratile.
“We are leaving on Friday. How is tomorrow Abuti?” I ask and he agrees. They greet Ore and give me her bags. She holds my hand as we walk up to the room.
“Are you sharing with me or with Bubu?” I ask looking at her.
“You.” She answers not skipping a beat.
“Guys, we are having dinner in 2 hours is that fine?” I ask, everyone agrees. We enter our room. I take off my shoes and leave on my socks, Ore sits on the bed, I help her with her shoes. We cuddle on the bed, she falls asleep. I take pictures of her and send to her sister.
I submit the codes that I was working on before my departure, my work is done for the week. I pack away my laptop. I get on the bed and rest my eyes.
“Vuyo, your phone.” Ore wakes me up.
“JuJu.” I answer.
“You are still sleeping? Wake up I’m starving.”
“We are up give us 15min.” I hang up and pull Ore to my chest.
“Are you rested?” I ask her.
“Yes, did you rest? Thank you for coming for me.” Ore.
“I told you that I will always come when you need me.” I kiss her forehead.
“I appreciate it, you freak me out however I appreciate it.”
“You will get used to it, come get ready Jr will knock on the door soon.”  We both get up and I brush my hair, I see my bald patch. I hate that I am losing my hair.

Kganya.