JOYS OF LIFE -2 [NOT EDITED]

43

BAFANA MESULI MAJOLA

It feels so surreal knowing that Melody is gone. She was our sister, our partner in crime since we were kids. We grew up being called the 'three musketeers' by the fmaily because of how we were always together. We grew up like that too, yes, Melody started changing but it was all recent and she was still our sister and friend so this really hurts. Sqalo was even more hurt, I think he hurt more because of seeing his father look like he was carrying the whole world on his shoulders. On top of that, aunt Portia was burnt to ashes in the Gogo and Mkhulu Mnikathi's house. The police and forensic investigators were able to find her ashes and they collected them for bab'Lwande.

Ntokozo: "Fana." she calls out tapping my back. I really don't get why she always wakes up this early even on her off-days.

Me: "Mmh? Come here." I said opening my covers for her. She quietly gets in and holds onto me. I kiss her face.

Ntokozo: "I want chocolate pudding." She is still scared of walking out of this room even though I told her that my parents aren't here.

Me: "I will go make it for you sthandwa sami, yezwa?" she nods.

Ntokozo: "I was thinking of going home next weekend."

Me: "It's okay, I will drive you there myself."

Ntokozo: "Thank you."

Me: "Do you know how much I love you?"

Ntokozo: "No."

Me: "Well, I love you so much and I'm really happy that you will be giving me the world's greatest gift. I promise to stand by you all the time. You and our baby are my heart and I promise to take care of you even if it means burning the whole world, I would do it in a blink of an eye." It is time, I man up and take care of my problems to be able to protect my family.

Ntokozo: "Fana." she cries.
*******

I was on a call with an old friend of mine. This friend is the same friend that got me in trouble back in high school and with my parents. I was the new kid in high school and I knew no one since I chose to attend a different school from Sqalo and Melody. Sboniso would always save me from bullies, I don't know how he'd know but he'd always arrive right when those bullies tried doing something to me. I couldn't tell my parents about the bullies because I didn't want to be taken to the same school as my brother and sister, I wanted them to see that I was doing well on my own.

Sboniso then made me hang out with him and his friends. They were two years older than me. When I was in grade ten, they were in matric well some of them were, that is. I had started smoking now and we would bunk school to attend house parties 'ibhadu' ,they introduced me to weed and we somehow ended up selling it inside the school premises. Dad found out when I got expelled and that is when our constant fights started.

Sboniso: "Majola, I saw your missed call earlier."

Me: "Yes man, I need help."

Sboniso: "I'm listening."

Me: "I need you and your team to help me take care of some stuff, there are some roaches that need to be removed."

Sboniso: "Unfortunately we only help with that stuff only if you are part of us."

Me: "What do you mean, I thought we were friends ."

Sboniso: "We are friends and that's where it ends. Our work doesn't have anything to do with our friendship."

Me: "Then I'd like to join your team."

Sboniso: "Are you sure about this Majola?"

Me: "I wouldn't have called you if I wasn't mfethu."

Sboniso: "Sure, let me talk to Gede and get back to you." he hangs up. I know I might regret this but as long as I have protected my family and secured my baby and her mother.

Ntokozo: "Here, baby."  she said handing me a plate of food. We had ordered some indian food because my woman here, was craving it. We sat infront of the TV watching a movie.

"Oh, hello lovebirds." I turned and it was Junior with everyone behind him. We both get up as if we're striked by lightening.

Me: "I didn't know you guys were coming back today."

Dad: "Yeah well circumstances forced us to." he said shrugging.

Me: "Oh yeah."

Mom: "Aren't you going to introduce us?" I clear my throat.

Me: "Sure. uhh babe, that is my mom and dad, you already know my siblings. Mom, dad, this is Ntokozo, my woman and my unborn baby's mother."  Junior is the first one to hug Ntokozo then the other two follow. Mom also comes closer.

Mom: "How are you sthandwa sakhe?" she asks hugging her.

Ntokozo: "I'm okay mah."

Mom: "Come, let me make you my famous chocolate cake while you tell me about how this pregnancy is treating you so far." she says already walking off to the kitchen with her.

Dad: "You really love this girl, huh?" I nod.

Me: "You know I actually used to think I hated her but I was wrong. We used to work together at Spar and I used to find her so irritating but it all changed. I really love her now dad. I don't think I would ever be able to get over her if she'd dump me." dad laughs.

Dad: "Treat her good and she won't have a reason to dump you. Look at me and your mom, Letho was very cherky when we first met but you wouldn't say now because I showed her how much I value her." I nod.

Me: "I hear you dad, thank you."