UNCONDITIONAL

TWENTY-SEVEN

I can't help but stare at Khanyi play around the pool with the kids. We are currently all at my parents house having a braai. I watch her walk over to my mother who is seated with her mother chatting away. The kids spent the week here because my mother insisted that she wanted to spend time with her grandkids. I really never thought my mother would be so accepting of Khanyi and the kids but she proved me wrong. My father has never really liked to get involved in my love life or with any of his children's love life. He is happy if we are happy.

'It's a wonder how Khanyi can't feel your eyes burn a hole in her the way you are starting at her'

I laugh at Naledi's comment as he sits down next to me. Naledi is Khanyi best
gay friend. My mom said she could invite her friends so she brought Kele and Naledi because two of her other friends had plans.

'Just admiring my family hey'

Naledi meaning star

Kele or Kelebogile meaning I give thanks

KHANYI

I watch my kids play in the Richardson's pool with the other grandkids and my nieces and nephews who came with my mom and siblings and can't help but smile at how happy they look. I love my kids and would do anything to make them happy and Percy doesn't make only me happy but she adds to their happiness too.

I have never let a partner spend time with my kids as I have Percy. I always wanted to protect from getting hurt,getting used to someone only to wake up tomorrow and they are gone. I can handle that because I have had to deal with people leaving from my first boyfriend to my last girlfriend.

'Penny for your thoughts beautiful'

I feel her arms wrap around me as her warm body comes into contact with my cold back. I get wet everytime she holds me or hugs me from the back.

'Just watching the kids play. They love it here. They were asking me if they really must leave today'

'You know you can let them stay. My nieces and nephews leave at the end of the week. I could just take them home then'

'Nah I don't want to impose on your mother'

'My mother is the one who wanted them over. I am sure she won't mind'

'I..'

Percy drags me over to her mother before I can protest any further. I really like to take care of my kids,I feel like I am imposing. Percy thinks I am selfish but I beg to differ. I believe I made these kids,now I must raise them and take care of them.

'Mom Khanyi won't let the kids spend another week here'

'Why is that now?'

Percy answers before I can get a word out. She's so irritating at times.

'Apparently she doesn't want to impose on you'

'That's my daughter,always worrying about other people'

My mom says.. She is my hero she raises nine kids on her own and all of us turned out well. There were hard times but she always made sure we never went to bed hungry.

'Khanyi your kids are now my kids too,so if they want to stay let them and when they want to come over let them. Mr. Richardson and I would love to have them anytime'

'Yes mama Yvonne,I'll let them know that can stay'

This is really too good to be true. I have never experienced so much love from people I am not biologically related too in my 34 years of life. I am really trying to enjoy all this but me being me I can't help but think tomorrow I'll wake up and it is all gone.