Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 58

Life goes on. That is what I have told myself. I love Melisizwe with all my heart and he has shown me that whatever I thought I was doing before in the dating world was just playing games. He has shown me real love in a space of a few months and I am grateful for that. That is why I chose to give my heart fully to him. But this obstacle that we are facing in our relationship is not easy. I know I should be mature about most things and face my troubles head on, but this thing with Mbulelo is difficult. It is hard not to put myself in his shoes. At one point he did love me and he did picture a future with me. Whatever reaction he shows, it is warranted. I had to leave. I had to distance myself from that situation. And I also for space from Melisizwe. At first, he thought I was dumping him but I just made him understand where I am coming from. I have never told him about my family issues and I think it is time I open up so that he can really understand things from my perspective. I am not forcing my point of view on him, but I want him to consider my feelings and validate Mbulelo's actions.
“So the whole family knows about your shenanigans?” Nqobile asks and I roll my eyes. “Okay, not shenanigans per say, but you catch my drift?”
“Nqo, just drop it. His family knows and his mother did express her dislike regarding the relationship.” She didn’t say much to me but she only told me that I am a woman, I should be able to recognize something that could potentially break a family and my actions have done just that.

“What did she say?” Mitchy asks, sitting on the chair opposite me.
“Not you also.” I groan and she laughs.
“I am not trying to be noisy but your love life is a Lokshin bioskop and we need to keep up. We need to know what your future mother in law said. Because whether she likes it or not, she is your future mother in law and in December we are submitting the scarf.”

I frown looking at her. “What?”
Nqobile laughs. “She means siyomisa iduku. And I am with her on that. I already know a group of girls who will accompany us.” Hebana. I just laugh. Somehow these people know how to take my mind off things and I love them.

“Y’all are crazy.”
“I am still surprised you aren’t trending. News like these can make people trend so fast.” Lineo comments.
“Melisizwe is too private for that. He doesn’t have a publicist or anything but I think he will protect me.” I say but a part of me is not convinced that he can control or manipulate social media in that way. People are so opinionated and they stick their noses in other people’s businesses without even a single thought.

“Let’s hope so, boss. Business is booming and we wouldn’t want bad publicity our way.” Pamela adds and I sigh. I know she is right. I don’t want anything bad to make me trend. I wanna trend for my good work and talent. Let’s just hope nobody stick their noses where it doesn't belong.

“So, besides your love life drama, business has been really progressing. We have had 3 wedding bookings for the farm for February, April and May. Hopefully we will get more bookings as the time goes by. What’s even better is that the couples have asked us to cater for these weddings. That means money will be coming in from all directions. Also, I think we should get an official content creator to do posts regularly. Someone who is good with photos, editing and captions. Someone who also has videographing skills.” Nqobile states and just like that, we go back to discussing business.

***

When I get home later on, Mndeni is not there. He just sends me a text saying he is spending the night at Mitchy’s place. Good for them. At least someone is getting some tonight. Even though it’s my brother, Like Eww. But in all honesty, he hasn’t had sex in years. He is allowed to catch up, right?

I do my evening routine of distressing and then eat dinner while scrolling through social media. Somehow, I find myself thinking about the Mzimela family. I wonder how Mbulelo is doing. If he has been discharged from the hospital. I hope he is recovering. I love Melisizwe and I want to have a future with him but I also want that future to be with his kids. Not that I am keen on having Mbulelo as a step son but I would love for us to be civil one day.

After a lot of consideration, I call my man. We are not fighting or anything. I have just limited our contact just so he can deal with his family. At first he doesn’t answer the call and that makes me frown. He has never declined my call before, even if he is on a meeting. I try again the second time and it finally goes through. I am not going to fight him or anything. Maybe he was busy.

“Ntokazi.” He answers and whatever mini anger I had vanishes.
“Mnguni unjani?”
“I am fine, my love. I am just sitting here alone like a single man when I have a woman in my life. But we don’t always get what we want, hey?” I laugh at his mocking tone.

“You do know that until my last name is Mzimela, I can’t be with you all the time? You just have to miss me.” I respond and I hear his chuckle.
“You better than to threaten me with marriage. I can marry you before you even finish spelling your last name. So relax. Unless you really want us to get married. In which case, can I have your father’s address?”

I swallow hard. “I am just kidding. I called because I was missing you and I hated the tension between us. None of it is our fault but in a way it is. I don’t want us to seem all lovey dovey when our actions led to your son being hurt both physically and emotionally.”
“I hear you, Sthandwa sam, but at some point we need to be able to move on from this. Yes he got hurt because of us but wallowing on guilt will not help. We just need to forgive ourselves and move on. Things are going to get really bad from here on but as long as we have each other and support each other through it all, we can make. And when we are done, you will get that space for your restaurant. You can choose between Ballito, Florida Road and Umhlanga.” This man knows how to charm me without saying much. He is the best and I just love him. I know a lot of 40-year-olds who are not as wise as him. “And with that being said, come to your mna. He misses you.”

I laugh. He is such a romantic. “I need to chase my brother away for a weekend and then you can come and spend it at my place. I can spoil you in different ways that you can’t possibly imagine.”
“I like the sound of that, ntokazi. Just make sure none of your exes come to the house and strangle me in my sleep.” He is so silly.

“In any case, I really want us to do something fun for a weekend and I will cover all the expenses. So, next weekend?” I ask in a hopeful tone and he chuckles.
“As if I can say no to you. I guess I will see you then. And don’t forget to video call me every chance you get. You know seeing your beauty always makes me happy.” A man who dishes out compliments every chance he gets, sign me up.
“I will do so. And don’t send any money after this call. I know you and your generosity.”
He laughs. “And for that comment only, I will send you more money than I have ever sent you.” Eyy madoda, this guy. But you don’t turn away a gift hey.