A MAFIA STORY: MY FATHER'S DEBT

Barron

Flashback

Pretoria, South Africa.

Zola.

“ Zola, is everything okay?” Martha asked as she walked into my room.

“Yeah, sure.” I broke my gaze away from the mirror and grabbed my purse, throwing it over my shoulder.

This is the first time in months that I have tasted freedom, I thought as the cold breeze hit Martha and me. I had mixed feelings, happiness, anger, all in one.

“Zola, something is bothering you, talk to me.” Martha asked.

Martha has been the only friend I could talk to since forever, in fact since the very first day I stepped into South Africa.

“I think Boss is going to send me away,” I sighed heavily, remembering my conversation with Tobias.

“If I had even the slightest chance to be sent on a mission by Tobias, I'd run away and never return.” She said, “ I'm jealous, Zola”

I have thought of that but that's going to be nothing but a mistake.

“Martha, no matter where I go, Tobias will find me,” I huffed.

“At least, let him try,” she said sharply before stopping a cab.

We entered the car together and made our way to a grocery store. Martha was at some other Booth and I was checking out a few dresses as well.

“Do you like it?” A strange man asked, his eyes trailed the dress I was holding.

“Ohh, I'm just admiring it. I can't afford it.” I smiled politely and attempted to walk away.

He pulled me back with a sweet smile across his face. He was just like me, a black American.

“Take the dress and any other thing you want in the store, I'd pay for it.” He said, taking out his wallet.

What?! What does a stranger want from me?

“Ohh no, thank you.” I said, refraining from him.

“It's okay, Isabella, I'm not going to hurt you.” He smiled even harder.

“ How do you know my name?” I gritted. I tried to exude dominance but I was freaking scared.

“My name is Barron,” he stretched his hand out to me but I hesitated.

“Baby girl, I'm not going to hurt you.” he assured me and I took his hands.

“Look if you want a casual hookup or someone to talk to you only have to pay me in cash and not spend so much money on expensive clothes,” I said.

A Lot of men around here just want to have one-night stands, some of them come back but most of them just need someone to talk to and Barron here looks like one. Rich, sophisticated and educated young man.

“As much as I'd love to engage in a forbidden romance with a drop dead gorgeous lady like you, I can't. My aunty didn't tell me you are so beautiful.” He said before picking up my hand and placing a kiss on it.

I was so confused and lost, a random man walking to me and saying a bunch of words that complicated matters.

“What do you mean by forbidden romance?” I scrunched my brows.

“This might come to you as a shock but we are siblings, in fact, I'm your twin brother.” He said.

The further he explains the farther things get complicated.

“I'm confused, young man, you don't just go around dropping bombs on people and complicating their lives further.” I scoffed, angrily walking away.

He pulled me back again and this time I was very close to his rock hard chest and his cologne filled my nostrils.

“ I was at Abel’s burial and you can asked Midge if you think I'm lying,” 

My parents name flew freely out of his mouth but that doesn't guarantee that he is telling the truth. Anyone can find out your parents name right?

“Can you proof your thesis?” I asked him.

“Come home with me and I will explain everything,” he said.

“Go home with a complete gulie I have never met before?” I freaked out.

“When we were born, for safety our aunt Eliza brought me with her back to South Africa, well after staying in America for a while,” 

It hurts to know that he might be right.

“And you just want a relationship with me after twenty one years?” Water swelled up in my eyes.

“I'm sorry, Babygirl. Our parents had a huge fight with aunty Eliza and they severed ties, there was no way to get to you,” he said.

If he is truly my brother then I shouldn't feel the way I'm feeling right now.

“Zola,” Martha made her way towards me.

“Martha,”

“ I thought I lost you for a second.” She smiled, grabbing my arm.

“Martha you might have to return home alone, I have unfinished business.” I said to Martha and urged her to go home without me then followed Barron home.

We drove in his fancy car, late at night to a familiar Mansion. I'm afraid he is right. He held my hand and led me into the Mansion.

“Zola,” Eliza called as tears rolled down her cheeks. He must have informed her prior to my arrival.

“Aunt Eliza,” I sank into her hug and we both sobbed.

She made me coffee and also confirmed Barron's story to be true but suggested that I talk to my mother if I wanted to be very clear.

“I will, I will talk to her,” I nodded.

“By the way how is she?” She hurried her head in her palms probably trying to hide the hurt she felt having to ask of her own sister almost fifteen years later.

“Probably riding Tobias’ father's dick in whatever expensive hotels exist in South Africa,” I huffed bitterly, emptying my coffee mug.

Barron placed his hand on the small of my back trying to comfort me. Eliza simply nodded and took the cups to the kitchen.

“I'd clean those,” I offered, standing.

“Don't worry, dear. How about you let Barron show you round the house?” She suggested before disappearing into the kitchen.

“ Yeah sure,” I muttered and followed Barron wherever.

“I went to college in America,” he said, pouring me liquor into a cup and one for himself as well.

“That's why we missed paths a lot,” I said, tasting the sweet liquid. It burned my throat but it felt good to have a taste of those expensive liquors Tobais and his work buddies drink.

We were standing in the large courtyard, adorned with beautiful flowers. The wind was so cold and I loved it that way.

“I'm sorry I didn't come to find you,” he whispered into my face, closing the distance between us.

“It's okay,” I whispered in return, staring up at his face.

“You are so beautiful, just like Midge.” He said, I wondered why he calls our parents by their first name.

There was sexual tension, something that shouldn't be.

“We shouldn't do this,” I whispered again as his lips brushed against mine.

“I know, Baby girl, I know.” he whispered the most silently before crashing his lips into mine.