At my house
These heavy rains were messing things up for us. We're approaching end of April and by now all the sugar cane fields are supposed to be planted but the workers can't work because of them.
I zipped my raincoat and wore my gumboots and went to the cattle posts. There's a cow that will give birth anyday from now. The herdboys approached me halfway wearing raincoats and holding their lassos.
Herdboy 1: "Goodmorning Mr Khambule."
Me: "Khehla I told you to call me Sbani not Mr Khambule you're making me feel old."
Herdboy 1: "Sorry Sbani. The cow that calved yesterday won't let the calf nurse."
Me: "Go and put her in the dairy cow stalls since it raining today I'll go and get the extra set of hobbles in the storeroom."
Herdboy 2: "I'll go and fetch them."
Me: "Ummh ok."
The other herdboy laughed at him then it clicked, he thinks he'll see Sami at home. I shook my head and went to open the cattle gate and they got inside.
I moved from the gate leaving a space for the cow to pass.
They led her to the stalls and I followed them.
I felt my cellphone vibrating in my pocket and reached for it with my wet hands and placed it next to my ear tilting my head to the side picking up.
Me: "Hello."
Ntokozo: "Sbani your sister is here with her friend and they need your help."
Me: "What is she doing here? I thought she's coming back tomorrow."
Ntokozo: "I don't know about that because they're here now and they need your help."
Me: "What kind of help?"
Ntokozo: "Their car is stuck near the gorge."
Me: "Why did they use that road? Tell her to walk I'll come and fetch them. That place is too muddy my car will not be able to tow their car."
Ntokozo: "Can't you atleast try?"
Me:(sighs) "Ok I'm coming but we'll take your car."
Ntokozo: "Sharp."
I hang up and slid my phone in my pocket then zipped the raincoat up and went to the stalls.
Me: "Guys are you going to be okay? Or you need assistance?"
Herdboy 1: "No we're fine I know how to do it (to his colleague) tie her hind legs quickly before she kicks."
Me: "I'll see you later there's something I need to take care of by the gorge."
Herdboy 2: "The gorge is overflowing looks like they closed its mouth in the front and the road next to it is too muddy 3 cars are stuck already."
Me: "3?"
Herdboy 2: "The third one went there to tow the first one but ended up getting stuck too."
I sighed and rushed to Ntokozo's house I don't know how bad it is but I hope my sister will be fine.
Meanwhile near the gorge
Sami: "Simo stop spinning the wheels you're sliding deeper into mud. Why are you behaving like an amateur?"
Simo: "If you went out there and got us some help then I'll be happy."
Sami: "Where am I suppose to get help because there's no one here these houses are for the farm workers and they don't have any cars. I already talked to Ntokozo and he called my brother."
Simo: "Then shut the fuck up! I'm trying here." He spun the wheels again scattering mud all over his small car. Sami angrily banged his head on the steering wheel.
Sami: "I said stop spinning the wheels! You're going to lose more traction stop acting stupid nxx."
I arrived by the gorge and ran my eyes through the cars and I saw someone waving a hand from the small red car and looked at Ntokozo.
Ntokozo: "Go and help them out."
I sighed and walked cautiously to their car whilst looking down when I lifted my eyes I saw a familiar face and I became angry immediately.
Me: "Eita do I know you?"
Simo:(clears throat) "No you don't."
Sami: "Sbani you know Simo?"
Me: "Oh it you. Sami get out and take your bags we need to leave."
Sami: "Aibo I can't leave him here."
Me:(angry) "Fuseg Siphosami get out of this car (to Simo) and wena I don't want to see you anywhere near my sister."
Sami: "I can't.."
Me:(shouting) One more word from you I'll come that side and drag you out then dip your empty head in this mud, don't try me."
