SIMPHIWE: HER LAST

Chapter 22

LEBONE

29 DECEMBER

Mmabatho's lobola celebration two weeks ago was nothing short of beautiful. I've never seen MaTshego so proud to see her daughter get married. And that left me wondering how my mother would react if I were to get married to Lebo.
I think she has accepted it, but she doesn't speak to me as much anymore. She only speaks to me when it's concerning Modiegi.

I wonder how both my parents would feel to day about seeing me again after a long time.
I haven't seen them physically for three years since I packed my bags and left with Lebo that day. I never looked back.
Today we're on our way to home. It was actually Lebo's suggestion since we were already in Potch and we could travel to Ganyesa. As if the distance from Potch to Ganyesa isn't long and dreading.
I don't know how to feel about seeing them again after such a long time. Mo thinks they're okay now, but knowing how my father is, I don't think he'll want to see Lebo in his house.

Sigh.

If it were up to me, I would actually spend the rest of my December in Potchefstroom before we go to Japan next year.
That place feels like home and MaTshego made sure I was comfortable. I don't know why I never liked her in the first place. Shem, the poor woman.
But my man has gotten his happy ending now and it makes me even happier.

__________

We've finally arrived.
Gosh, I just hope my parents won't be dramatic.
Modiegi leaves the car to open the gate.
Him and I are both nervous. But I'm more nervous.

My mother appears. She looks happy to see Modiegi.
When we leave the car, we find them hugging each other very tightly.
She looks at me, let's Modiegi go and hugs me.
I've missed her.

Mama: "Oh, Lebone laka! You've finally returned home!"

I close my eyes to feel her embrace.
I'm at home and I've just realised that.

MODIEGI

I see him casually walking on the street.
He stops when he sees me and carries on walking as he shakes his head.
Why do I feel so bad though?
I mean, it was going to end at some point.
Andile is just... better. He loves me better than he did.
I shouldn't be feeling bad about this.

"Nana!" I turn around.

I run and I hug my old man.

Modiegi: "Papa!"

Papa: "Oh, my nanatjie!"

Modiegi: "Yoh, o godile, daddy (you're old, daddy)!" I tease.

Papa: "Argh man! I'm still young at heart." We share a laugh. "Where is your sister? Did you come with her?"

Modiegi: "Yes, she's outside le mama."

Papa: "Okay."

He makes his way outside while I settle into my home.
I've missed this place, but I miss Andile too. He said he's in KZN for the holidays. In La Lucia to visit his grandparents.
I googled the place and damn! This guy is rich.
He was born into generational wealth!

"I finally made it home babe" I text Andile.

LEBONE

He stands by the doorway.
After a beat long, he opens his arms for me with a smile and in no time I find myself in my father's arms.
This, I did not expect.

"Manana."

He hasn't called me that name in a long time!

Lebone: "Papa."