L_O_V_E...

25

' You guys are nasty!'

Owethu exclaimed when he walked into the kitchen to make Nkuli and his baby girl breakfast. Her brothers seconded her with a head nod. It was Saturday morning and he was just seeing them since yesterday he had to leave earlier for business. Minnie was back and she did not know that he was back from his trip or even back home. He walked past them and took out ingredients for his meal. He was making waffles which was both their favorite.

' Your mother and I are married and this is our house. You guys barged into our bedroom not the other way round.'

' You should have locked your door still.'

Lwandile added and he scoffed in reply.

' You three need to mind your business. Out here acting like you don't know what sex is. I know for a fact y'all are fucking.'

' I'm still a virgin dad!'

' Yeah right! No virgin stays out till ten especially on a Thursday night. You may try to fool your mother Owethu but I'm not the one and this disrespectful shit you guys have been doing with your mother ends today.'

They gazed back and forth at each other, communicating with each other silently. He explained that he was back home. The twins dabbed him up and Owethu just rolled her eyes still mad that he dismissed her virgin claims.

' Waffles and strawberries. You know a girl can get used to this.'

' You should. You know I blamed you for neglecting me but I also neglected you. I used to take you out on dates almost every week and used to check on you at work atleast twice daily and the house was always filled with flowers I sent you. I talked to you about everything, took you to events and shopping. I stopped complimenting you on your hair or looks or your outfit of the day and I realised this after we separated but my pride got in the way. I did that for other women and neglected you. I should have come to you to talk about our problems but I just continued to watch us drift away then I went and shared my problems with other woman and I would like to say I am sorry for neglecting you.'

' I also changed especially after Minnie. I in a way cheated by getting carried away with the compliments Joe gave me. My attention was supposed to be on my husband. You know it takes two to make a relationship work and we made it a mess by adding a third party.'

' It's true what they say about three being a crowd but I am really sorry for my contribution to problems in our relationship.'

' I am sorry too.'

Nkuli lay back on the bed as they made out before being interrupted by their youngest daughter excitedly screaming and running into their bedroom. She jumped onto her father's lap and held him in an embrace. They were surprised by her crying into his shoulder.

' Baby girl, what's wrong?'

' I'm just so happy to have you back home. Thank you mommy.'

Nkuli always knew that her oldest children blamed her for the separation but not Minnie. Kenneth squeezed her hand reassuringly when he noticed the tears in her eyes.