JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

41

# Two Months Later
Xolisa 'Nosihle' Majola

I had just come out of class, exhausted. I was glad the day was over and couldn't wait to get home, snuggle up on the couch, and watch TV. The weather wasn't great; it had been raining since yesterday afternoon.

As I reached the gate, Uncle Bongani was already parked nearby. I quickly got in the back, dumped my bag at my feet, and exclaimed:

"Hi, Malu... Babah!"

I launched myself into his arms, and he laughed, holding me tight.

Dad: "I missed you, gcino wami."

Me: "Me too, Babah."

Dad: "Come sit in the front with your dad, mntanam."

I jumped over to the passenger seat.

Me: "Where's Mah?"

Dad: "You'll see her later."

I nodded.

Me: "Test week is coming up, and I'm not ready."

Dad: "You'll be fine, my baby. Just don't worry too much and put yourself under pressure."

Me: "I'll try."

Dad: "I need to go to the bank to fix a few things. Do you want to come with me or should I drop you home first?"

Me: "We can go."

After Dad finished at the bank, we took a stroll around the mall until we reached Krispy Kreme. He ordered two boxes of a dozen donuts, and we walked to Mint Restaurant and Terrace.

A waiter welcomed us, led us to a table for two, and took away the donuts to keep them for us. He came back to take our orders.

Dad: "For drinks, please bring us a glass of cranberry juice and a glass of sparkling water."

Waiter: "Okay, should I give you more time to decide on what meal you like?"

Dad: "Babygirl?"

Me: "Can I have rump steak and chips?"

Dad: "I'll have the lamb shank, please."

Waiter: "Coming right up."

As we ate, a man grabbed a chair and joined our table. I noticed Dad's face change to a more intimidating look.

Man: "Sbari."

This man looked older than Dad.

Dad: "Ya Luyolo."

Man/Luyolo: "How is my sister doing?"

He asked, grabbing Dad's plate and devouring his food. He finished within seconds and then grabbed my plate, eating my food too.

Man/Luyolo: "I didn't know you and my sister had another child."

He said in a sarcastic tone, smirking.

Dad: "You wouldn't have known; you were in jail."

He said, shrugging.

Luyolo: "I need answers from you and your wife."

Dad: "What answers?"

Luyolo: "You seem to forget what you've done to destroy my life and my entire family!"

He spat through gritted teeth, anger visible in his face and tone.

Dad: "Ungang'dakelwa mina mfana yezwa?! You and your stupid stepmother did that to yourselves! You were the ones who tried killing me!"

Luyolo: "Trust me, I will succeed this time around."

Dad: "Keep dreaming, boy!"

He stood up, took my hand, and helped me up. We walked to the counter, settled the bill, and the waiter handed us our donuts. We left.

Dad: "I'm really sorry you had to see that, babygirl."

He apologized as soon as we got in the car.

Me: "Okay."