The Swirl

Ep. 12

Mabea's flight landed and a few hours later, she was back in her office, already writing a brief for the CEO on her trip with Arty Rockwell to the conference in Thailand. They had been gone for two weeks and it had been the best two weeks of her life. It seemed like the CEO had disciplined Arty quite well because all he did was give her a murderous look whenever he saw her but he never ever made a move on her again. Which was a surprise because if he wanted to, he could have bought the company she worked for.

A knock came on her door and she looked up only to see her-

"Mama?!" she gasped as she ran over to her mother who was grinning up to her ears.

"Surprise!" Mama laughed as she kissed her daughter then invited herself in. "Did I really surprise you?"

Mabea sat in her chair, shell shocked. "How did you know that I was back? I haven't told anyone-"

"You let it slip last week when you called me. Oratile...oh my goodness. I have made beautiful children but that one is so troublesome! When I got to your house, I found him in your bedroom with that girl that he kept saying is his friend! Do you see you are already teaching my son your dirty habits?!"

"But mama-"

"And he kept swearing that they didn't sleep together. That they just shared a bed but these teenagers...they will have sex with anything that walks." Mama shook her head with disapproval. Then she beamed. "How was your trip?"

Mabea gushed. "It was the best. I now know that I absolutely hate flying but the conference was ah-mazing!! Mama I got to meet so many people and I networked...don't be surprised when I tell you in a few years that I'll be working overseas!"

Mama clapped her hands in excitement. "So what did you bring me?"

Mabea rolled her eyes and laughed. "Couldn't you have the decency to at least wait until I got home? You came here for the gift, didn't you?!"

Mama laughed. "Child give me my stuff-"

The door opened and Hiroto came in with a smile which dissipated as soon as he saw Mabea's mother. He froze.

Mabea quickly stood up. "Mr. Kazan," she said. She was surprised that he knew she was here. She had been planning on surprising everyone but it looked like no one wanted surprises. "What...what are you doing in my office?"

Her mother looked at Hiroto with spite. But surprisingly, she greeted him with politeness. "Afternoon, Hiroto."

"Good afternoon, ma'am," he breathed. He looked at Mabea to save him but she only shrugged helplessly. "Um...Mabea...I came to...to ask you about that file? The one with our contract...?"

"Oh! That one...i left it at reception downstairs. I didn't know that someone would be coming to get it today. Um...you can get it at the reception desk." She swallowed loudly. What was happening?

Hiroto nodded and then quickly excused himself.

Mama only smirked as she turned back to her daughter. "There was no need for that."

"Huh?"

She mimicked them in a mocking tone. "You can get it at reception...ok...the contract blah blah blah. Bitch, I know you're still with that man."

Mabea paled. "I can explain-"

"You're never gonna leave him, are you? And I can't do anything about it?" Mama sighed. "Fine. You can be with him but that does not mean I approve. I want you to be careful, child. OK? A ska ba a hlafunya ntliziyo ea hau (he shouldn't play with your heart)."