Sunny Side Up♡

Chapter 39: I'll accept it?

Narrator's Pov

The sun had begun to set over the rolling hills of KZN, casting a warm orange glow over the family gathering. It was just a few hours after Melo's arrival and since she was jet lagged after the 2 hour 30 min flight from Camps bay to Umlazi , she decided to take rest in Aunt Zinhle's room as usual.

Inside the house, the atmosphere was more subdued. Melo's family, had gathered in the lounge, their faces serious as they discussed Melo's fate.

"I don't want my child to accept this gift just yet," Mandla (Melo's dad) said, his voice firm but worried. "It's too much for her to handle, too dangerous."

Thandi(Melo's mother), shook her head. "If she wants to accept it, then she will,remember it's her choice. The calling is hers, and we can't make the decision for her."

Maria (remember her? The toxic aunt), snorted. "Why would we assume this calling is even hers? What if it was delivered to her by mistake?" Her eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with malice.

Xolani (uncle), frowned. "This is a special calling, one that only comes to certain people. We can't just ignore it."

Maria scoffed. "How is Melo special? What makes her so unique that she deserves this calling?" Her tone was venomous, and the room fell silent.

Mandla's face darkened. "Say another bad thing about my child, Maria, and you'll see where it leads you."

Nombulelo (Melo's bestie aunt), intervened, placing a calming hand on Maria's arm. "Let's not fight, Maria. We're all just trying to do what's best for Melo."

Mzwandile (uncle)spoke up, his voice calm and authoritative. "Gogo Nokwanda is coming tomorrow. We'll let her guide us. If Melo is ready, we'll support her. If not, we'll find a way to stop this calling."

Mandla shook his head. "No, Melo is not ready. I know she's my daughter, and we'll keep this calling on hold till she's ready and that's final."

Thandi stood up, her eyes flashing with determination, "If my child wants to accept it, then she will accept it. Nobody - and when I say nobody, I mean nobody - will stop her from accepting the calling that specially belongs to her."

Maria sneered. "Specially?"

Thandi turned to Maria, her voice firm. "Yes, specially belongs to her because she is special.

Thandi's words hung in the air, a challenge to anyone who would dare oppose Melo's decision. With a final glance at her family,

"I'm going to check on my daughter," she said. Thandi turned and left the room.

Inside, Melo was tossing and turning, her eyes closed, her face contorted in distress. She was crying, her body shaking, her sheets soaked with sweat. Thandi rushed to her side, concern etched on her face.

"Nana?My baby no, Nanayemhle hayi mahn...Mandla! Nana please don't leave mommy...Mandla mahn!"

Mandla's name echoed through the living room as Thandi's frantic voice called out to him. The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Thandi's distraught form. Then, in an instant, the room erupted into chaos.

Everyone rushed to Melo's room, with Mandla leading the charge. They burst through the door, and Mandla's eyes widened as he took in the scene before him. Melo lay on the bed, shaking uncontrollably, her eyes closed, and her face contorted in anguish. Thandi stood beside her, tears streaming down her face as she cried out for her daughter.