Oyama: Her Story

CHAPTER 16

I thought because they were rich, they would be boujee and all that, but they were raised by parents who had a lot of money, but still had an old school approach to parenting. For example, they had maids, but the maids only cleaned the empty rooms and house, their mom did their laundry until they turned 11 then they had to do it themselves. Apparently Lebohang is actually in Grade 11 and is going to Matric next year, he was voted to be Headboy, which brought a huge smile on all their faces. He also plays rugby, which explains why he’s so big. He’s also captain of the Rugby team, he said he played, ‘Number 8’ Mxolisi played rugby at Grey High School. He got in on a School Bursary, he never wanted to go Pro, though. He just wanted to be less of a burden, even though we had enough to take him to Grey. He even invited me to his games. I didn’t think I needed to be invited, but its good to know, that I’m allowed to come. The other boys didn’t play Rugby though, they did Martial Arts with their Grandfather and Father. Qhawe was always the top achiever, then came Lwandle and then Mogale. The way their dad put it was that, ‘Qhawe was born to fight, the others were born to Protect’, whatever that means. I don’t know why he would, think I could piece that together, but OK. Their mom actually knows how to cook, Qhawe isn’t really a big fan of it, but she gave him one look and he just ate to finish eating, not to feel fulfilled which is how he eats majority of the time.
“Lwandle take your father’s plate” their mom says. See what I mean, I mean in movies and series they would have someone do that but even in their big ages she sends them around. We were having dinner outside near the pool, with this cool atmosphere its all we needed to ease the tensions.

They have 2 dinner tables too, the one inside sits about 18 people.
They are really a large family, “Mama do you want dessert?” asks Lebohang. It didn’t register he was talking to me, until Mogale also called me, ‘Mama’ then Qhawe asked if I wanted dessert.
“Yes please, sorry” I say looking at them. I should really bring this ‘Mama’ thing up. I mean why are they calling me ‘Mama’ first it was Mogale, when he started living Chelsea with us, then Lwandle earlier and now its Lebohang. I mean what’s up with that?
They all stood up, even their father, “Don’t worry about the Mama thing, you’ll get used to it” she says smiling at me.
“Why do they call me that though?” I ask.
She shrugs her shoulders, “I can count on my one hand his brothers, have called me by my name” she says then looks back at their father, then smiles.
She really loves him, “Are you sure this is what you want Oyama, you know now, you not with one man, but 14 men” she says staring into my eyes.
I take a deep breath, “Qhawe, took me and my scars, this is the least I can do” I say.
“We’ll see. We’ll see” they walk back in with huge bowls filled with Red Velvet cake, and Vanilla Ice Cream. Lebohang, Lwandle and Mogale are inside, its just me, him and his parents. The air is thick, I haven’t been able to look his father in the eyes ever since we got here.
“Oyama” he calls and I immediately tense up, I look up and he has his arm wrapped around his wife.
“Where does your brother work?”
“Ezulweni Gold mine” I say.
“Do we own that one?” their mom asks.

Their father shakes his head, “No, but that’s Pienaars Mine” he sits. I just sit there with a dumb look on my face.
“Do they pay him well?” he asks.
“Papa” Qhawe says.
“No I’m just asking, maybe he’s not happy there we offer him a position at one of ours” he says. they OWN MINES TOO. DAMMIT. What don’t they own?
“He’s never complained” I say. He nods then kisses his wife cheek. They are very touchy touchy couple, even in their tender age of near the late 50s.
I accidently yawn, “You guys should spend the night” his mom says leaning into their father’s chest. ‘It’s your choice, whatever you say I’ll support’ I remember him telling me earlier. I keep quiet, and glance at him, he looks at me with a look that says, ‘Its your choice’.
I give the slightest nod to him, “Good” his mom says, “Qhawe knows where his room is” she says smiling.