Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 55

Waking up the following morning, I am a bit surprised to not see Melisizwe next to me. Last night, I remember him nursing my ankle and I dozed off soon after that. I could have been bitchy about the whole situation with Zamadonda but sitting on that floor for hours made me reflect on a lot of things and one painful fact stood out for me. I am dating an old divorcee with kids. I have to learn to love his kids as my own. Maybe love is farfetched for now since there is this weird situation But as time goes by, I need to create a relationship with them if I intend on being with Melisizwe forever or till death do us part. I don’t know if it is me or what, but every relationship I have been into, I have at least once imagined being married to that person. At least once, even if it wasn’t a perfect relationship. But the one I have with Mnguni, I just want it to be a forever thing.

I get up from the bed and go relieve myself, brush my teeth before going back to bed. I take my phone and video call Nqobile. I know with the type of news I am about to tell her, she will want to video call just to see if I am really telling the truth. It rings for a couple of moments before her face pops up on my screen.

“Because you called me this early in the morning, I have to put on a filter so that you won’t see how terrible I look.” She starts off as she disguises herself with a filter and I chuckle.
“If you are with someone, move away. This is serious.”
She frowns. “Owkay. Give me a sec.” She switches the screen off and I hear some movements in the background. Soon after, her face appears again and it seems like she is in a car. “Ï think this is the most soundproofed place in this house. Now shoot. What’s up?”

“So, yesterday I came back from Cape Town and went straight to Melisizwe’s place to surprise him. We bonded and one thing led to the other. Let’s just say he was eating it and his kids burst into the room. Mbulelo and Zamadonda. The shock that overcame me. Then Mbulelo ran out. Melisizwe ran after him. Somehow, he got into an accident and he was rushed into the hospital. Then Zamadonda insulted me and even called me a gold-digger but I ignored it because I understood where she came from. So, yeah. I have turned into Brooke Logan overnight.”

“To be honest you turned into Brooke the moment you went out with Melisizwe but nobody is judging.” She shrugs and I roll my eyes. “Just kidding. But Hle, all that happened in one night? Damn. Talk about having bad luck. I am pretty sure your guardian angel was standing outside the gate having tea with Melisizwe’s guardian angel because what the fuck? Is he okay though? Mbulelo, I mean?”

I sigh. “Melisizwe said his injuries weren’t bad but I know we are about to receive some backlash from the entire family and his wife. Everyone is going to blame us for this and understandably so. I also wouldn’t understand if I found my mother sleeping with my ex. God, why did I picture my mom in that scenario?” I shake my head, disgusted by the thought.

“That is the image you should have in your mind every time you think about this situation. For Mbulelo, you guys might not be dating anymore, but you betrayed him and he was very shocked and hurt when he left. Even if you would have sat him down and told him this calmly, it would have still upset him. You guys need to talk to him and make him understand. He is the only one who deserves some honesty and openness. The rest are not important, so screw their feelings and opinions.”

I take a deep breath. “I hear you. I should always talk to you in the morning. You are less crazy.”
She laughs. “It’s the good D, boss lady. I am sure you can relate. Like how else could you not have heard people in the house?”
“The man was eating me and I was screaming top of my lungs.” She laughs again. The door opens and I stare at it shocked before I relax when I see Melisizwe stepping in. “Thank you for listening. My man is back.”

“Did he go out for a jog. He looks like that type. Jogging on the streets of Durban shirt less and making the white old ladies droll through their windows.”
Melisizwe laughs and I wish the ground can open and swallow me. “Nqobile, you are embarrassing me.”
“Hhay, he is the one who went after a 90s baby. Hello there Mr. Salt and Pepper!”
Melisizwe smiles. “Sawubona Nqobile.”
She screams and fans her face. “Yuh, that voice. I get why you wanna climb that everyday even with your broken ankle.” This girl.

“Yuh, bye Nqobile.” She laughs as I end the call. Why am I friends with her again? Ohh, forgot she was a good chef. That’s why.
“Hi Ntokazi.” Melisizwe climbs into the bed and kisses me.
“Did you lock the door?” I ask and he chuckles.
“Yes I did. I wouldn’t want a repeat of yesterday. Worse, the little ones don’t care about knocking. They just come in and want to tackle me.”
“I wouldn’t that.”

“How is your ankle?” He asks.
“I think it is better now.” I responds and he smiles.
“I know you came here to spend some time with me but all this happened and that led to a lot of unfortunate incidents. But I promise that I will make it up to you. Even take you to Mozambique just to get a breather, neh?”

I smile. “I think I would like that very much. But it would have to happen before or after MasterChef. Not in between.”
He kisses me again. “Whichever time that suits you, my love. Now come. Let’s go bath and get ready to face the music.”

We bath together and get dressed before he makes me sit on the couch. He massages my ankle with ointments just like last night and then takes a pharmacy packet that he came with earlier on. He takes out an adjustable strap ankle support.

“I have never put this on anyone before. So you will tell me if it is too tight.” He starts putting it on my ankle and adjusting it accordingly before he makes sure it is in place. “All done. No complains?” He asks and I shake my heard, smiling. This man is the best. “Now let’s get you something to eat so that you can drink your pills. After that, can I drop you off at a spa or salon? You can relax and do whatever you need. My treat.”

This man is so considerate. The fact that he is putting my happiness first means a lot to me. I know the storm we are about to face but this, his behaviour right now, is the reason why I have fallen in love with him. “I will go to a spa but before that, I need to go see Mbulelo. My heart won’t be at ease until I can see that he is really fine. Not fine fine, but you know what I mean.”

He smiles. "I do.”

He takes my hand and we walk out of the bedroom. We go downstairs and I have to hit his hand to stop him from picking me up. This man is too much sometimes. What does he want these people to think?

“DADDY! DADDY!” His last born comes to us as soon as we descent the stairs. Her name is Amandla and I think she is 7 years old if I remember correctly. Melisizwe picks him up and she hugs him. “You left me earlier on. I called you and you just ignored me.”
“I am sorry, my angel. You know I never ignore you. I must have not heard you. But I will make it up to you. What do you want daddy to do?”
“Go to Kailey’s party with me. Mommy is not here.”
“So I am plan B?”
She giggles adorably and hides her face in his neck. “No, you are not. But you said if she is not there you will be there.”

Watching this interaction makes my heart flutter. No, I don’t have baby fever but I am charmed by looking at him talk to his daughter. I can actually see that they have a strong bond and I wouldn’t like to break that. I would love to be part of it one day but for now, I can like his kids from afar.

“Okay. I will come, my princess.” He turns to look at me. “This is Sis Hlengiwe. Daddy’s special friend.”
She looks at me and nods. “Hi, sis Hlengiwe. You slept well?”
That is so polite. “Yes, I slept well. Thank you for asking.”
She smiles. “Daddy, Khulu and Coco are here.”
Melisizwe frowns. “Those are my parents. I wonder who called… Wow. She was right. I am going to kill her.”

I am so confused by what he is saying but I don’t get the chance to ask as I am pulled to the lounge where we find an old man and old woman chatting with Nozizwe and Zamadonda. Melisizwe’s other son, Vezokuhle, is seated next to the old man. Fuck. Could these be Melisizwe’s parents? For once, I am glad that I am dressed in a long dress even though it is tight and can be somewhat seductive in a sense. I quickly sit on the closest couch after muttering a greeting which no one responds to.

“Mzimela. Ntombi endala. What a lovely surprise.” He puts Amandla down and goes to shake the old man’s hand and kisses the old woman’s cheek. “How are you? How was the journey?” He sits next to me with Amandla on his lap.

“We hardly slept after Zama told us about Mbulelo. We left at dawn so that we could be here before 8 am. Tell me, we Melisizwe. What is going on? I wanna hear from you. Maybe Zama was exaggerating.” His mother starts off. Well, the woman doesn’t beat around the bush.

“Zama, please take Amandla and Vezo with you to the kitchen and start preparing breakfast. We will talk later.” Melisizwe orders. The last sentence sounds like a threat. Zama doesn’t object or show any attitude. She leaves with her younger siblings and Melisizwe clears his throat. “Firstly, I want to thank you guys for coming here to hopefully support my son.”

I hope this doesn't go side ways. I wouldn't want him arguing with his parents in my presence. That would surely leave a bad taste in their mouth about my character.