Unhinged Love

CHAPTER 69

NQOBILE MSIBI

Phelo’s siblings are in town and he thought it would be a great idea for me to meet them. I am black, not white. I know meeting family members is not a big deal. Abafana will leave you even after introducing you to their ancestors. But since he is making an effort to make our relationship work, I figured I had to show up.

There will be lunch at his house and he asked someone to do the catering. I offered to cook since your girl is a certified chef but u guy was not having it. He legit brought this lady who has a company called KwaMathandozi to cater for the evening. I have seen her work on social media. She is really great and I admire her a lot but there was no need for Phelo to waste money and fetch someone from Nondweni just for a mere lunch. But ke, I guess he is giving me time to rest.

I decided that I won’t spend the night at his house so that his siblings don’t think we are living together. He said they will arrive by 13:00 but I decide to arrive at 13:15 just for control. I am using the company car and that actually makes me realize that I need to buy my own car. My payslip is pleasant and my credit score is great. A small TSI would do. But that’s something for another day. I am dressed respectfully but not too much. I am just wearing a red fit and flare dress I bought from Jet and white sandals. I get to the door and I knock. A few moments later, he opens the door and smiles when he sees me.

“I hope I am not late.” I start off and he chuckles.
“I don’t mind and I am sure my siblings don’t mind. They got here early because we had to discuss some family issues but we are going to eat now. Thando is done setting up in the backyard.” He says all this as he hugs me and leads me inside the house.

We walk to the backyard and I find four people there. Two ladies and two gentlemen. I greet everyone and sit on the vacant chair while Phelo sits next to me. The food is already set out and it looks very delicious. I can’t wait to dive in. if it was only Phelo and I, I would have taken photos but I don’t want to be too forward and have people calling me childish.

“Guys, this is my girlfriend, Nqobile Msibi and babe, these are my brothers, Nhlakanipho and Somusa; and my baby sisters, Nikiwe and Sukoluhle.” He introduces them and Nikiwe exclaims.
“Hhaybo wena Phelo. I am only a year younger than you and I am a wife with children. You can’t call me your baby sister.” She responds and everyone laughs.
“Even when you are old and grey, you will always be our baby sister.” Somusa pulls her cheeks and they all laugh at her again because she is pouting. I guess they are used to teasing her in this manner.

“Not you acting childish in front of a guest. Yoh, I am embarrassed.” Sukoluhle says, covering her face and I just laugh.
“Compared to her, you guys are just beginners when it comes to craziness.” Phelo says and I frown at him. He just laughs and starts dishing up for me. Hebana. This man. You know what? Let me just be cool and calm and collected. Let me act demure.

“So, what do you do for a living, Nqobile?” Nhlakanipho asks. I am sure Phelo told them but I answer nonetheless.
“I am a chef and I work at my friend’s restaurant as the head chef there.” I respond and he nods.
“And how old are you again?” he probes.
“I am 23 years old.”

“And do you have any kids?” Sukoluhle asks.
“No, I don’t.”
“How about your family? Are you close to them?” Nikiwe asks.

“Guys, let my girlfriend eat in peace. You sound like you are interrogating her right now.” Phelo speaks up before I can respond. I open my mouth to say something but he shakes his head. “Eat.” He orders and for once, I am glad for his interruption. Today is the only time I don’t get to call him out and remind him of my craziness.

The conversation moves to something else and I get a chance to breathe. They talk about some of their childhood memories and I am glad they try to include me in some topics so that I don’t fell left out. It turns out, Nikiwe got married at age 23 and she has 2 kids with her husband. She said she is a year younger than Phelelani, that means she is 29 years and has been married for 6 years. Good for her.

Phelo tells them the story of how we met and they all laugh but I can see that his older brother is faking his laughter. Sometimes you can tell. It is not rocket science.

“Social anxiety is afraid of you, Nqobile.” Sukoluhle says and I giggle.
“He is painting me out to be the bad guy. I swear, I am the sweetest.” I respond and they laugh.
“Anyone who says they are the sweetest are usually the opposite of that. So, excuse us for being sceptical about your forwardness.” Nhlakanipho replies and that just confirms my reservations about him. He is not happy about me being with his brother.

“But she is perfect for Phelo. He wasn’t this happy and carefree when he was engaged to Naomi Campbell.” Nikiwe remarks and I snort.
“That’s what I called her when I first saw her.” I mutter.
“You have met her? How?” she asks.

“She found me here at the house and she first called me the help. Then she called me a child and basically a trespasser. Fortunately, her ex was able to put her in her place or we would be singing a different tune today. More specifically iqhawe ebesihamba nalo.” I unintentionally blurt out the last part and Phelo laughs. His siblings also laugh, thinking that I am joking and I don’t correct them.

“But she was mature and she knew what she wanted.” Nhlakanipho’s comment has me pausing and looking at him. He continues. “Phelelani is at the age where he needs to start a family of his own and you seem like a very nice girl, Nqobile. But I don’t think you are ready to be shackled or tied down to one man for the rest of your life.”

“Did you question Nikiwe when she decided to get married around my age?” I can’t stop the question from coming out of my mouth.
He chuckles. “You and her are completely different people. The way you approached my brother says a lot about your character. I am not trying to look down on you or anything, but his fiancé was right. You are a child. A good one and you still have years to mature and grow up. You are just not the right woman for my brother. You still have a lot to figure out in life. Maybe soon you might realize that cooking is not your passion and you might want to venture into something else. Or maybe you might decide to go teach English overseas like most of your generation. Where would that leave my brother? Save him the heartache and act like a grown up for once.”

I smile. “Duly noted, Njinji. Thank you for your honest feedback.”

I carry on eating like the man did not just disrespect me in front of his siblings. I can see that Phelo is angry but I just hold his hand and give him a reassuring smile. I am not going to entertain his brother. If it was another person, their blood would have been a perfect substitute for the wine in the table, but I am not about that life. At least not today. I really want to say I wanna prove him wrong and become the woman that Phelo needs in his life but I am already what he needs because he is still with me. He loves me unconditionally. He cares for me and he tolerates my craziness. If I don’t fit Nhlakanipho’s ‘perfect wife material’ criteria, that’s his baby to shush. Not mine.
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