#Your

sTr
uly

Chapt
er1

"Iseey ourdeat hnearingandci rcli

ngar oundy ou.It
l
ooksaty ouanddel ays.Yeti t'
sonl ybuilding
strengtht oat tackyou."Het ookasmal lbl
adeand
madecut sonmyr ightpal m.Bl oodoozedout
i
nst antly."Byt henameoft heFat her,theSonandt he
Hol ySpirit.Irebukeal lev
il!Mayt hi
soi lanointy ou
andchaseoutt hespiri
tofdeat h!Youwi ll
livelong!
Youwi ll
pr osper.Godi sy ourSav i
or."Andmypast or
startedpr ay i
ng.Istaredatmybl eedinghandashe
smear edt heoi l
soni t
,sti
ll prayi
ng.Ibecamedi zzy.
Probabl ybecauseofmyi rondef ici
encyandI '
dr un
outofsuppl ement st woweeksago.Imayal sohav e
l
owbl ood.Nowondert hepast orsawdeat h
knocki ngatmydoor .Thebl eedingst oppedaf terthe
oilbutmyhandached.Oncechur chwasdone, the
prophetcal l
edmeasi deagai nandpr ayedf orme.I
l
ov edchur ch.Iwasher eev eryweekbecauset hat'
s
whatkeptmesane.Fr om myshi f
t satt her est aurant
,
Ialway smadei tapoi ntt obeof fonSunday s, orat
l
easti nt hemor ning.Imademywayoutt omy
fri
ends.Wesatout sideandchat t
edl ight l
y.Reason
forthiswasbecausewel ivedf arapar tandt ook
diff
erentr out es.Al so,wedi dn'thav emoneyt ogosi t
atar est aur antanddr i
nkv irgincockt ails.Isowi shed
though.Soweoptt obuyi cecr eam conesandsi t
outsidet ocat chup.Myf av or i
tetimeoft heweek.
"Oohh.Ther ecomesy ourman, Noma. "Lindi
exclaims.She' sf orwar dandl ovest oexagger ate
thi
ngs.Themancomi ngt owar duswasnotmyman.
Ididn'tev enknowhi m.Ionl yseehi m atchur chand
sayhel lo.That '
sit."Don' tbesi l
ly,Lindi.Idon' tev en
knowhi sname. "Itrytodi smi ssthis.Tr ut hwas, Igot
reall
yner vouswhenIhadt ospeakt ohim.Hewas
sohandsomeandl ookedr eallysmar t
." Good
mor ningl adi es."Ev enhi sv oicewassexy .Thegi r
ls
andIgr eet edhi m.Donnadi dn'tbothert olookathi m.
Shedi dn' tlikehi m atal l.Ev ery t
imeshesawhi m, she
getsdi sgust edf orsomer eason.Hi sey eswer eset
onme." Ihopey oudon' tmi ndi fIst eal yourf ri
endf or
theday ?Iwantt ot akehersomewher especi al i
f
she'll l
etme. "Ilookedatmyf eet ,blushing." Whi ch
fri
end? "Donnasnar led."Noma. "Hest at edcl ear ly,
hisey esnev erremov ingfrom myf ace." Yesy ou
may !!GoNoma! "Li ndi i
spushi ngmet ohi m.Isai d
goodby etomyf riendsandwal kedwi t
ht hisman.
"Soy ouknowmyname, butIdon' tknowy our s."Isay
tohi m." Youcancal lmeThi erry.That '
st henamemy
parent spref erandsi ncewe' llbear oundt hem, it'l
l
onlymaket hem happyy ouchooset ocal l met hat
too."Il ookedathi m, surpri
sed." I'
m notmeet ingy our
parent s!
"Ipr otest ."Wher edoy out hi
nkwe' regoi ng?"
Hel aughsandent er saFi vest arhot elthati slocat ed
toourr i
ght.Thear eawe' rei nismor erichcl ass.I
don' tknowhowwef oundourchur chher ebutwe' ve
nev erexpl or edthear eabecauset hepr iceswer et oo
high.RememberIwi shIcoul dhav ev i
rgincockt ail
s
afterchur ch?Theycostanar m andal egher esowe
can'taf f
ord.Ist andatt heent ranceoft hehot el.I'm
notaboutt obeseenbymypast orandhi s
congr egant sent er i
ngahot elwi thamanIdon' t
know.Hei satt her ecept i
ondesk, andsi gns
somet hi
nghandi ngi tbackt othel adybehi ndt he
desk.Hecamebackoutt omeandwecont i
nuedt o
walk."Soy ou'
rescaredt obeseeni nsideahot elwit
h
me? "Heseemsamused." Itwoul dsendt hewr ong
message.Idon' tknowy ou.I'm amemberoft he
church.Ican'tbeseeni nsi tuationsliket hat."Ifold
myar ms." I
'm al
soamemberoft hechur ch."Hesay s.
"Yesbuty ou'r
eaman.Youwon' tbejudgedas
harshlyasIwoul dbe."Weent erar estaur antthat
seemst obecl osed."Iwon' tev erlety oubej udged.
Notf oranythi
ng."Hewhi spers." Whyar eweher e?"I
ask,confused."MyEngagementpar t
y ."Hesmi les.
"Yoursandwho? "Istopdeadi nmyt racks." Meand
mywi f
e.Come, I'
lli
ntroducey ou."..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er2

Itwasembar rassing.Ireallyt houghthel i

kedmebut
Ireadt hesignal swr ong.Thewomanont hecouch
hadababyonherl ap,feedi nghi m.Ev enasIwas
i
ntroducedt hroughsmi lesandl aughsbet weent hem,
Iwasst unned.Act uallyno, Ihadt ogo.Anot herman
walkedupt ousandki ssedt helady '
scheek.Idon' t
knowwhatwasgoi ngonher e."Ihavet ogo.It'
s
l
ate."Ist oodup." Al r
eady ?"Thewi fesaid.Iwonder
howshe' dfeel i
fsheknewIhadacr ushonher
hubby ."Yes.Ihav eanear lymor ning,soIwantt o
spendt hisaf ternoonf i
xingmyt hings.Itwasl ovel
y
meet ingy ou."ImademywayoutasThi err
ywas
busyt alkingtosomeot herper son.Imadei tout
safely.Ispentmydayget tingr eadyandnappi ngfor
wor k.Iwaswor ki
ngadoubl et omor r
ow.

Thenextmor
ningIwasal
readyonat
axi
towor
kby
7am.Weopenedat9andIdi dn'tlivetoof arbutI
l
ikedget ti
ngt hereear lyt oclean.Iknowt heydi dn't
doitwhent heycl osedl astni ght.AsIant icipated,
mymanagerwassi t
t i
ngont hecoucht ypingonhi s
phonewhi lepl ayingmusi cthr ought hespeaker s.
"Larr
y .
"Igr eet ed."Ahh.Myl ittl
ebaby .
"Hej umpedup
tohugme. "Igotst ar t
edwi tht het ablesandchai rs
whilehet ol dmeabouthi sdr unkenweekend.The
restoft hewai tersarrived.Thechef swer eal readyi n
thekitchenpr epar i
ng.Iwentupt oSyandhugged
him kissinghi schin."Imi ssedy ou."Sywasmybest
fri
endbutev eryonet houghtwewer edat ingwhi ch
wassi ll
y ."Real l
y?Youcan' tev engi vemeapr oper
tongueki ss."Hechuf fed.Igiggl ed."Lastweeky ou
want edt oseeboobi es."Islappedhi sshoul der ."I
sti
lldo."Heki ssedmyf oreheadandwal kedaway .Sy
wasgay .Hej okesal otlikethi sandwhenIdi dshow
him boobi es, hesai dhewi shedhi swasal sol iket hat.
Ifel
tv erycomf or
tablewi t
hhi m andhehasn' tfor
oncet ri
edt omakemef eelother wise.Hi sboy friend
comesbyof tenandhe' salsoaf riendofmi ne.The
onewhoal way sbuysusl unch.Not hereisnot
anotherone .Wel l
,Iwoul dn' tknowany way .Our
mor ningwasv er ybusy .TheMondaybr eakfastshi ft
wasal way sabusyonebecauseofourwaf f
le
special.Ev er yonel ovedi t.Byl uncht i
me, Iwasabi t
ti
redandIneededt ogoeatt or egai nener gy ."Why
don'ty oul eav eat5t oday ?Youcamei near l
y ,got
thisplaceupandr unning.Youdeser vear est .
"Lar r
y
saidasIcashedupt hebi llformypr ev i
ous
customer s." Ar ey ousur e?"Isepar at edmyt ips." I
can'thav ey ouy awni ngal lov ermycust omer sf ood
Noma.Youl eav eat5.Nodi scussi ons.Fi nishy our
othert ablessoy oucangoeat .
"Iwentt ot hef l
oor
again.Myl astt abl ewasr eadyf ort hebi ll
.Ibr oughti t
tothem andt heypai d.AsIwal kedaway ,Syst oodi n
frontofme.Ist eppedt othesi deandsodi dhe,
blockingme." Wher ear ey ougoi ng, sis?"Hef olded
hisarms." Lunch, ifyoudon' tmi nd. "It r
iedt opush
him play f
ul l
y ."Whatt i
medoy ouknockof f?Ithought
you'releav ing. "Hecont inued." Ileav eat5.I '
m
supposedt obedoi ngdoubl et odaybutLar r
yhas
sentmehome. "If oldmyar mst oo." Good.Yout end
toov erwor ky our self.Youhav en'thadanof ft his
whol emont h."Hest i
lldidn'tmov eoutmyway ."Sy,I
hav etogo.Wecan' tbest andi ngher echat ti
ngi n
fr
ontofcust
omers.I
'l
ltakemyoffthisFr
iday.
"He
smil
esandmov esoutmyway .Iwalktot
heback
andtakemylunchout,
makingmywayout si
de.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er3
It
'sThur sdayaf ternoonandt odayIknockof fat6.
Larryhasgi venmet heweekendof fandpr omi sed
met hepl acewoul dn'tfallapar ti
fI'm gone.Ir eall
y
l
ov edmycol leagues.Theywer esuchf un, cari
ng
i
ndi v
iduals.Itwasmyf ami l
yawayf rom home.I '
ma
fewhour sawayf rom knocki ngof fandIdeci de
todayIneedat reat.Itwasmont hendandIgetpai d
tomor r
ow.I '
vebeensav i
ngmyt i
psont hesideas
wellsoIdeser vedonesmal ltr
eat.At akeaway .
May beBur gerKi ngandasl iceofcakef r
om her e.
Wemaket hebestcakeher e.Nol ie."Aren'tyouon
l
unch, lady?"Syasksme." Deci dedt oskipi t
.I'
mt oo
excitedformydi nner ."Isaywi t
hasi l
l
ysmi l
e."Hm?
Dinner?Youmeanadat e?"Hi seyesspar kl
e."NoI '
m
getti
ngmy selfaBur gerKi ngmeal .
"Ibl ush."Nxa.For
fuckssake.Ineedt ogety ouadat e.Bur gerKing,
Noma?Ofal lplaces?Damn. "Her ol l
shi seyes."They
makedecentbur gers."Ilaughed." Notev en
Roccomamas? "Hepl eads." Noti nt hemoodt owr i
te
anexam. "Webot hl aughed." Arey out wol adi es
done? ?Wehav ear est aurantt orunher e!"Lar ry
shouted.Iwentbackt of loorst i
ll
gi ggling.Ihada
newcust omeri noneofmyt ables.Icoul donl ysee
thebackofhi m." Gooddaysi r.Howar ey out oday ?
CanIgety ouamenu? "Ist oodi nf rontofhi m.I
cannotbel iev et his.Hel ookedupatme.Thi erry .He
waswear ingspect aclesandanav yf i
ttedsui t.He
tookof fthegl asses." Hel l
o,Noma. "Hesmi l
es." Hi.
CanIgety ouamenu? "Heshowsmei tsinhi shand.
"Soyoual readyhav esomeonehel pingy ou.Gr eat .
Enjoy."Itur ntowal k." Noact ually.Iwasonl ygi vena
menu.I st hishowt heser vi
ceoft hi splacei s?Iwas
tol
dgr eatr eviewsabouti tbutnow. ..
"hesi ghed.I
l
ookedathi m." I'm sor ry.I'm notusual lyli
ket hi s.I
j
ust..
.gi v
emeami nut e.Doy ouwantadr ink? "Iput
awaymynot epad." Or angej uicepl ease.Thanky ou.
"
Igot otheki t
chenf ort hej ui
ceandbr ingitback,
beforeIcoul dt akehi sor dermyr egul arkiddi e
customerscr eamedoutmyname." NOMA! !"He
shoutedhy ster i
cal l
y .Ev eryoneknewhi m bynow.He
needsmet ocuthi ssausage.That 'sall.Ihada7
yearoldcust omert hatl ikedcutsausage.Iexcused
my selfandwentov ert oKat l
ego." Hello,Tlego.How
arey ouangel ?"Iasked." I'
mf i
net hanks.Pl easecut
mysausage, Noma. "Isatnextt ohi m andt ookt he
forkandkni fe."Nopr oblem, Tlego.Wher e'sGar yt he
Giraffet oday ? "Iasked." Iforgothi m athomesoI
hav etobr inghi m at akeaway ."Heexpl ains.
"Absol utely !Shoul dIgethi m asausaget oo? "He
giggled." Yespl ease. "Hesmi l
essweet ly."Wi th
pleasur e, angel cakes.Enj oyy ourf ood. "Ileav ehim
witht hecutsausagepi eces.Idi dn'tmi ndt hisatal l
buthi spar entsmadesur et oleav eagener oust ip
everytimet heywer eher e.Kat legowassuchal ovely
kid.Icoul ddot hi
sal l dayf orhi m, f
orf ree.IfIwasas
i
ndependentandsecur ei nacar eer ,I
'dwantababy .
Thierrypl acedhi sor derandIwentt opunchi tin.
ThenIwentt ol ookf ormor ecust omer sbut
everyonewascat eredf or .Katlegowasdonewi thhis
foodandopt edt opl aywi thme.Ir egularlychecked
ont heot hert ablesandev ery
oneseemedokay .
Tlego'spar ent swer edoneandr eadyt oleav enow,
soIsai dmygoodby est ot hem andt heyl eft."That
l
ittl
eboyi sobsessedwi thy ou."Thi err
ysay s."He's
mygoodf riend."Wel aughed." Whatar ey oudoi ng
tonight?Iwantt ot akey out odi nner .
"Hecont inues
tosay ."Youhav eawi fe.I'm notgoi ngt ogo
any wher ewi thy ou. "Icanf eel ahushofsi l
ence
aroundus." Cany ouatl eastgi vemeachancet o
explain?"Hewhi sper s."Explai nwhat ?Thaty ou're
mar ri
ed?Orsoont obe?Ort haty oudr aggedmet o
gomeety ourwi fewhenIt houghtIl i
key ou? "I
gasped.Idi dn'tmeant osayi toutl oud.Whatt hehell?
"Soy oul i
keme? "Hesmi les."Thi sisnotaj oke. "I
foldmyar msandl ett hem goagai n."Noma, I'
m not
mar ri
ed.That 'smybr ot her'
swi fe.Ithoughty ou'd
catcht hatIwaski dding.Howst upidandsel fish
woul dIbet obr inganot herwomant oaf ami l
yev ent?
Comeon. "Nowt hatIt houghtofi t
..
.Thatot herguy
whoki ssedher .If eltal it
tlesillynow.Ther ewasn' t
evenaweddi ngr ingonhi sfingerbutt hatdi dn't
meanany thing." Letmet akey out odinner .We' l
ltal
k
abouti tbutIswearI 'm notmar ried.Wecanev engo
tohomeaf fairst odoubl echeck. "Heseemed
sincere.Igi ggled." Fine.Iknockof fat6.Andy es, I
wantconcr etepr ooft haty ou'renotmar ried."Il ef
tto
fetchhi sbill.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er4

6ocl ockar r
iv edqui ckert hanusual .If r
eshenedup
andleftther est aur ant.Tomysur prise,Thierr
ywas
waiti
ngout sidel eani ngonhi sPor sche." Hi."I
approachhi m." Hey ."Heopenedt hedoorf orme.We
gotinthecarandhedr ov eoff
."Iwi shIcoul d
changet osomet hingel se.Youdi dn'tgivememuch
ti
met her e."Iwonderi fhecant ell I
'
m ner v
ous." You
l
ookper f
ect ,Noma. "Hesmi l
es.Wewer ebackatt he
samer est aur antasl asttimebef oreIl efthim
hanging." Pleasepr omi sey ouwon' tdi sappearonme
thi
stime? "Hel ookedatme, Iblushed." Iwasr unni ng
awayf rom amar riedmant hen.Any way ,
whyt his
rest
aur ant?"Wegotoutt hecar." Myf ami l
yownsi t."
Hehol dst hedooropenandwewal kin.Itwasopen
tothepubl i
ct oday ,wegotapr i
v ateseatandset t
led.
"Sopleaset ell mewhaty ouhav eagai nstmar ried
men? "Hepl acedanor derforabot tleofr edwine." I
onceal mostf ellforone.Hewasv er ymani pul ative
andhi dt hev eryfactt hathe' smar riedunt il
hi swi f
e
foundoutandcameaf terme.Swor eatmeand
threat enedme. "Ishakemyheadi ndi sgust ." Ishoul d
hav el ookedf orthesi gns.Thesi gnswer ether e.I
wasj ustbl indtot hem. "Henodded." Youcan' tbl ame
your sel fforhisst upidity.Youwer eal sot hev ict i
m. "
Ourwi necameandhepour edmeagl ass." Soar e
youseei ngany one? "Isi ppedmywi ne.I tfeltso
smoot h." No, butIhopebyt heendoft heni ghtI
mi ghtbe. "Hesi ppedhi s.Ibl ushedagai n.Hewas
suchasweet hear t."Iwantt odat ey ouNoma.Then
oncewe' recomf ortablewi t
heachot her ,Iwantt obe
i
nar el ationshipwi thy ou. "Heconf essed.Ihi dwi th
thewi nei nmymout h."Youwantt omakemebeg? "
Hesmi led.Ishookmyhead.May beIwasget ting
ti
psybutmycheekswer eget t
inghot .Icoul dn'tst op
blushi ng.Heseemedt oenj oyt his."Wel l,
canwegi ve
i
tat ry? "Igavei tsomet hought .Deepdown, Iknewi t
wasn' tgoi ngtowor kout .Abi gpar tofmewant edto
explor ei tthoughbutIwassoscar ed.Iwasscar ed
I'
df allinl ovewi thhi m andwheni tdoesn' twor kout ,
I'
llbecr ushedbey ondr epai r.Icoul dn'tdoi t."Lookat
me.Tel l mewhaty ou' r
et hinking. "Het ouchedmy
hand." YouandIar ef rom di fferentwor lds, Thierry.
Ver ydi fferentwor lds.You' ref rom anal readywel loff
backgr oundanddoi ngwel l.Notsomuchf r
om my
side.I '
m wor ki
ngatt her est aur antt opaymysi sters
feesatschool andbuygr ocer iesathome.Ican' t
ev engot oschool my self.Idon' twanty out of eel
youhav et otakecar eofme.Idon' twanty out o."He
kissedmyhand." Idon' tmi ndt aki ngcar eofy ou.
Justbecausewe' ref rom di fferentwor l
dsdoesn' t
meanwecan' tbet oget her .
"Hesay s."Yourf ami ly
will mind.They '
llthinkI '
m usi ngy ouf ory ourmoney .
Andwhathappensi fwedon' twor kout?I 'l
lhav eto
star tov eraf t
erI'v
egot tensousedt oy ou?So
despi tebei ngdanger ouslyi nlov ewi thy ou,I'
dal so
hav et obei ndebt ?Absol utelynot .
"Igul peddown
mywi ne." I
fwedon' twor kout , andwewi ll
,I'
l
lst i
lldo
ri
ghtbyy ou.Ialway skeepmypr omi ses.I fIsay ,
goi ngt oschool won' tbef undeddi rectl
ybyme,
woul ditmakey ouf eel better? "Her efil
ledmygl ass
ashespoke." Noi twon' t
.Itmaynotbedi rectl
yf rom
youbuti t'
llhaveal inkt oy ou. "Idr ankagai n."Doy ou
wantt obei nar elationshi pwi thme? "Inodded,
get
ti
ngabi tdrunknow." Great,becausesodoI .
We'l
lfi
gur ethingsoutont heway .AndNoma, I'
l
l
al
way spayf ort hi
ngsr egardi
ngy ou.Oncey ou'r
emy
woman.I 'm goingtot akecar eofy ou."I
gi
ggled."You'r
esoper sist
ent.Icant akecareof
myself.Thanks. "Ifel
tsocomf ortablewit
hhim butI
won'
tletmy selfsli
p."Okay.It'
st i
met oeatnowand
maybesomewat er.
"Hesi gnaledf orthewait
er.

_
___

"Someonel ef
ty ouaft ertheypr omi sedyou
comfor t
?"Heasked.Ourf oodar ri
ved."Yes.Mydad.
Hesaidhe' dalwayst akecar eofmebuthel eftthe
fi
rstmomenthecoul d."Idranksomewat erhoping
toavoidtheconv ersat i
on."I'
m sorryt ohearthat."He
empat hi
zed.Wehadourdi nnerwithmuchl i
ghter
conversati
onaf t
er."Ar eyouwor ki
ngt omorrow? "I
givei
tsomet hought." No.I'm offthisweekend."I
gavehi m myglass."Oh, andwhatwi lly
oubedoi ng?"
Hef i
l
leditagain."Justr unninger r
andsandr el
axingI
guess."Isi ghed." Whatwoul dy our atherdo? "He
asks.It ookasmal lsip."Iwoul dn'tmi ndbeingont he
beachi nabi kini withendl essmi mosasandav ery
goodbook. "Agi rlcanonl ydr eam." Thendoi t."He
says."We' reinJohannesbur g.Ther e'snobeach
here."Ilaughed." I
fIcanmaket hishappenf ory ou,
willyoul etme?Iknowy ourf i
rsti nstinctistosayno,
butwi l
l youpl easel etme? "Heki ssedmyhand.
"Okayf ine.Yes, I'
dlety ou. "Itwasi mpossi bl
ebut
him suggest ingi twasv erysweet .Wher ewil
l heget
abeach?" Idon' twantt hi snightt oendbuty ouneed
torest, you'vebeenwor kingal lday .Idon' twanty ou
topassouther e."Igiggl e.Wemakeourwayoutt o
thecar .Hehashi sarmsar oundmeandIf eel so
comf ortablei nt hem.Heopenst hebackseatandwe
getint ogether .Amani nasui tgoti nt hedri
verand
greetedust hendr ov eof f.Iwasnowpassi ngouti n
Thierry'
sar ms.May beitwoul dbewor thit
.May be
beingwi t
hhi m woul dn'tbesobad.Li feisaboutr i
sks.
IfIdie,Idie.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er5

Wast hatmyr i
ngt one?Iopenedmyey esi nmy
bedroom.Myphonewasr inging.Iwasst i
lldressed
i
nmyuni form.Ican' trememberhowIgothomeand
thatwasqui tener vi
ng.Idr ankanent i
rebot tl
eof
wine.Wow.Ianswermyphone." Goodmor ning.Are
youst il
l sleeping?"Thi swasThi err
y."Yes.Good
mor ning. "Iyawn." We'regonnabel atef orourf li
ght
sweet hear t
.Getup.I 'm outside."Ihungupandwent
tobr ushmyt eeth.WhenIwashedmyf ace, my
phoner angagai n.Iwor emygownandmademy
wayout .Hewasl eaningonhi scar ,waiting."You're
notdr essed?Okay ,we'llmakeapl anf ori tduringthe
day-"Ihadt ostophi mt here."Wai t
.Wher ear ewe
going? "Ir ubmyey es." CapeTown.Wespokeabout
thi
sl astni ght?Yousai dy ou'dletmemakey our
fantasycomet r
ue.Can' tbackoutonmenowbaby ."
Hepul l
edmet ohi sarmsandki ssedmycheek.I
wasst i
l
l sleepywi thamaj orhangov er."Puton
somecl othes.Ourf li
ghtt akesof finanhour ."He
whisper s.Igobackt omyr oom andI 'm stuck.SoI 'm
l
et t
ingthi smandot hingsf ormenow.Thi swon' t
endwel l
.It akeaqui ckshower ,findmyov erni
ght
bagandIst uffmyt oi
letriesin, someunder wear ,my
biki
ni,af ewdr essesandonepai rofjeansandshi rt
.
Justincase.Iwearmydeni m shor tsandawhi te
cropshi rtwi t
hsneaker s.Imakemywayout ."You
l
ookbeaut if
ul."He'ssmi l
ingasIappr oachhi m.
"Thanky ou."Heopenst hedoorf ormeandwel eave.
"Arey ouner vous?"Heasks.Icanheart he
amusementi nhisv oice.Tr uthis, Iwasner vous.I
reall
ynev erletmendoany thingf ormebecauseof
myt rusti ssuest hankst omydad.Yougetusedt o
suchandy ouspendy earschasi ngi tev enfrom
diff
erentmen, orstay i
ngwher ey ou'reunhappyj ust
tomai ntai nyourl i
festyle.AndIl iket obehappyso
thatwon' twor kforme." Yes."Il ookatmyhands.
Risks.Lifei saboutr i
sks.Icl osemyey esandr eali
ze
I'
m still
abi tsleepy.May bet hatwi l
ldistractme.
_
__

Wear rivedatt heai rpor tandt ookadi ffer

entr out e,
parkingnextt oapl ane.I st hishowi tgoes?I '
v e
nevert akenapl anebef oreso. .
.Iwasconf used.He
gotmybagoutandwal kedmet othesmal lstai rs.
"I
t'
spr iv ate.Us, mybody guar d,t heattendantand
pil
otar et heonl yonesboar ding.Come. "He
explained.If ollowedhi mi n.Imar veledatt hepl ane,
notment ioningi t'smyv eryf irstt i
me.Hehel pedme
buckl eupandhel dmyhand.Pr etendingIwasused
totakeof f,
wasv er ydi ffi
cultbutImanaged.If el l
asleepwhi l
ei nt heai r,cuddl edi nhi sar ms.Iwokeup
alittl
el atert hanIi nt ended.Wewer eaboutt oland.
"Wel comet oCapeTown. "Hesay s.Ismi l
ed." Ican' t
believey oudi dt his.Thi sisnotaf l
i
ght ,i
t'
sapr ivat e
j
et."Iwhi sper edasi ft here'sany oneel sewhocan
hearme.Ev ent heat tendantwasn' tnearus." But
baby ,ifit'spr i
vat e,itdoesn' tmeani twon' tfly.The
factiswewer ei nf light .
"Hel aughs.Wegetof fand
there'st wocar sout sidewai ti
ng.Wecl imbont he
fi
rst,himi nt hedr i
v erseatandmei nthepassenger .
Hisphoner ings, connect edtothecar .Ashedr ives,
he'sspeaki ngal anguageI '
venev erhear dbef or e.
Personal l
yIknow4Sout hAf ri
canl anguagesbutI
wasv erysuret hiswasn' tSouthAf rican.Al lthr ough
outthedr ive,hewasont hephonesoIl ookedatt he
scener y.I
tonl yhi tmewhenIsawt heboar dst hatI
wasi nCapeTown.It hinkI'doffi
ciallywokenupnow.
Istartedtopani c.If l
ewal lt
hewayt oCapeTown
withamanIdon' tknow?Whatt hehel l!Itookmy
phoneandqui cklyt extedSy .Iknowhewoul dn't
j
udgemebuthe' dbev erywor ri
edandhel pme." Sy,I
gotmy sel
finabi tofaj am.Idi dsomet hi
ngv er y
stupid."Send.Thi errywasnowqui etandIr ealizehi s
callhadended.Wedr ov eintothisbeaut i
fular eaand
Istaredatt hebeaut i
fulhouses.Mypani c
tempor ari
lyputasi de." We'reinCl i
fton.Hav ey ou
beent oCapeTownbef ore?"Heasks." Once.Ihada
netballtournamenti nhighschool .
"Thepani cr eturns.
Hest opsi nf r
ontofagi gant i
chouse." You'renot
sureaboutt hi
s.Wecangobackt oJobur g.It'
sokay .
Justsayt hewor d."Ifeel badnow.I '
m notachi l
d.I
cameher eknowi ngsoIneededt oputonbi ggi rl
panties.Ishakemyhead." Timef ort hebeach. "Isay .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er6

InanhourI '
mi nmybi kini,
layingonabeachst ool on
thebeach.Ihav eabot tl
eofchampagnei ni ceanda
sizzli
nggl assinmyhandwhi leIwat cht hewav esof
theocean.Thi errybri
ngsapl att
eroff i
ngerf oods
andabook." Itookthepl ungeandwentf ora
fi
ctionalbook. "Hegivesittome.Il aughed." I
t'
s
perfect.Thanky ouThi err
y."Hesit sonhi schai r.
"Whatl anguagesdoy ouspeak? "Iaskhi m." English,
Tswana, Afri
kaans,Ger man,Mandar in,It
al i
anand
Spanish."Het akesasi pofhi sdrink." Whi ch
l
anguagewer eyouspeaki ngear l
ier?"Iaskagai n.
"German.Iwasspeaki ngtomydad. "Heconf i
rms.
"Yourdadi sGerman? "Henods." AndMom i s
Tswana. "Nowonderhel ookedl i
ket his.Hewas
quitetall
,hisskinal i
ghtsubt l
ebr own, hi
sl i
pspi nk
andey esadar kgreen.Yes.Hehaddar kgr eeney es.
Ithoughthewor econt actlensesatf i
rstbutnope
thosewer ehi snat ural colorey es."Sowhydi dy ou
l
ear nt heot herf ourl anguages? "Isippedmy
champer s."Forbusi ness.Igr ewupi nGer manyand
myf athert aughtmehi sbusi ness.SoImadei ta
pointt ol ear nt hel anguagesofourmosti mpor tant
all
iances. "Ilistenedi ntently." Whatbusi nessdoy ou
hav eher ei nSA? "Iasked." Iownaf ewhot els.Li ke
theoney our efusedt obeseeni nwi thme. "Ilaughed.
"I
'mi nt hepr ocessofopeni ngar esortinKi mber ly
.I
wantt opushabi tmor etraf f
ict here.I'
m spr eadi ng
asmucht our ism aspossi blei nourgemsoft he
count r
y."Hecont i
nued." Wow.That 'simpr essive. "
Myphoner ang." It'
sSy mon.Ihav et otaket his."Igot
upandanswer edt hecal l
wal kingaway ."Heyy ou. "I
smi ledatnot hing." Firstofal l,don't'heyy ou' me.I
waswor riedaf terIr eady ourt ext.Theny ouhav et he
nerv enott or espond.Sur elyy oumustwantmedead!
Wai t..I'
m hear inganocean.Ar eyouatt heocean?
Wher edi dy ougetanocean! !
"Il aughed." Symon.
Calm down.YesI '
m att hebeach.It ookashor tt ri
p."
Iexpl ained." Thecl osestbeachIcant hi
nkofi s
Dur banandt hati snoshor ttripma' am!Youhav ea
secr etman! !"Hegasps.Il aughedout ."Ther eisno
secretman.Can' tagi r
lenjoyher sel
f?I'l
l t
alkt oy ou
whenI 'm backbaby .Don'tmi ssmet oomuch. "I
giggle."Fi
ne.Keepmyboobi essafe.Ilov eyou. "He
sighed."I'
l
l keept heboobi essafe.Ilovey out oo."I
hungupwhenIt urnedaroundIbumpedi ntoThi err
y.
Igotsuchaf r
ightmybodyf r
ozef orquiteal ong
ti
me.Myhear traced.Hedi dnotlookpl eased." Why
didyousneakonmel i
ket hat?Arey oulisteningt o
myconv ersati
on? "Iyell
ed." I
stheresomet hingy ou'd
l
iketot ellme? "Heasks." No! "Isnapped.Hewal ked
away .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er7

Ididn'tseehi mt her estoft hemor ningandIwas

terri
fied.Iwasi nadi f
ferentcityandknewnoone
here.Imademywaybackt othehouse.I '
dbeeni n
thesunf orawhileandIneededt ocool off
.Thi erry
wasi nthehousewi thanot hermant alkingin
Ger man.Theyl ookedqui t
eal i
ke.Samef eat ur
es,
height ,skintone,eyecol or.IfIdidn'tknowanybet t
er,
I'
dsayt heywer et wins.Theyl ookedl i
kei t.Buthe
woul d'vesaidsomet hingr i
ght?Hewast heguyt hat
kissedt hatwoman, atther estaurantwhenIducked
outonThi er
rythef i
rsttime.Theybot hst aredatme.
"Hello."Isaidtot hesecondone.Henodded.Rude.
"I
'mf eel ingabitli
ghtheadedsoIneedsomewat er
andabi tofanap. "IsayasIheadt ot hef ri
dge.Iget
abot tleofcol dwat erandmakemywayt ot he
bedr oom Iwast ouse.Ir eal l
ywasf eelingweak.My
i
ronwasact ingsideaway sagai n.Ilaydownaf ter
gulpingt hewat erandIf eltmy selfdr i
ftoff.I twas
hour sbef or eThi er r
ywokemeupagai n.Thesun
wasset ting.Myt hr oatwasdr yagai n." Howar eyou
feeling?"Heasks." Ithoughty ouwer emadatme. "I
yawn." Howar eyouf eeli
ngNoma?Ipr omi sedI '
d
takecar eofy ou.Andy ousai dy ouwer en'
twel l
befor eyousl ept .
"Hesay s."I'
m Bet ternow.Justabi t
thir
st y.
"Hegav emeabot tl
eofwat er.Idrankt he
wat erslowl y."Idon' tli
kewhatIhear dwheny ou
wer eont hephone.Ar eyoudat ingthatguy ?Whyar e
youher et hen?It houghty ouwer esingle."He
couldn'tev enwai t."I'
m notdat i
ngSy mon.He' smy
bestf ri
end.I '
veknownhi mf ory ears.Andhe' svery
gay."Hedi dn'tseem shocked." Yousai dtohi m
there'snosecr etman.Andcal ledhi m baby ."He
stated."You' renotasecr etThi erry
.Ofcour sehe's
goingt oknowabouty ouassoonasI 'm back, not
overt hephone.Li keIsai d,we' r
ebestf ri
ends. ""And
yourboobi esbei ngkeptsaf e?Idon' twantmy
womanshowi nghert itstosomeman.That '
snot
okay ."Ilaughed.TheGer mani nhimj umpedout .
"OnceIt ell hi
m abouty ou, he'
llknow.Youdon' thave
towor r
yaboutSy mon.Ipr omi sey ou.So, please
tr
ustme."Isi
tup."I
'
m sorryNoma.Idon'
tknowwhat
happened.Ij
ustl
ostit
.Idon'
twanttoshar
ey ouwit
h
anotherman.
"Heconfessed."Andyouneverwi
ll
.".
..

_
__

Weenj oy edadi nneront heout sidedi ningt ableas

wewat chedt hesunsetmagi cal ly."Wast haty our
twinear l
ier?"Iasked.Hel aughedhy steri
cally.I
l
ookedathi m." I'm sorrybaby .No.Moonwal kismy
brother.He'sf iveyear solderthanme. "Hewi pedhi s
tears."
Ist hathisname? "Imadeaf ace." His
nickname.Hi snamei sMol efi orMi ke."Hepul lsme
i
nt ohisar ms." Hescar esme. "Iconf ess." Iknow.He
scaresev eryonebuthe' shar ml ess.Hei sther eal
husbandofmywi f
e."Hel aughed." St opi t
!"Islaphi s
shoulder.Hedoesn' tstopchuckl ing." Sov eryv i
olent
wi t
hthesel ittl
ehands. "Heki ssesmycheek.Il ook
upathi m.Ourl ipstouchandIcant ast ethewi ne
from hisv el
v etskin.I'
mi mmedi atelyt aken.He
sucksonmyl owerl i
pandIl osemybr eath.He
pull
edbackandl ookedatme." Youokay ?"Inod.I
can'ttel
lhi
m Iwasbusyf all
i
ngf orhim.Event hough
Itr
iedsohar dtoholdback,itj
ustwasn'twor king.I
t
wasl i
keaslipper
yslopeofany t
hingamazi ngt hat
bli
ndedmesoIcan' tseei mpendingdanger .Andhe
wasdanger .I'
veneverf
ellsoquicklyforanyoneev er
before,t
hatwasdangerous.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er8

Twoweeksl ater ,
IwasatmySundaychur chser vi
ce
asusual .Af tertheserv i
ce, myf r
iendsandIdi dour
i
cecr eam r out i
ne.Thierryhadi nsistedthatIgot o
therestaur antwi ththem f oracompl imentarylunch
butIchi ckenedout .Ihadn' tyetbr okenittot hem
thatwewer eani tem."SoIhav en'tseeny ourman
fortwoser vi
cesi nar ow.Di dyouchasehi m away ?"
Lindiasks.Il aughedner vousl y
."No, he'
sinGer many ,
visi
ti
nghi sdad. "Ismile."Somet hinghappened.Why
arey oubl ushing?Omg!Ar ey oudat inghi m? "She
screamed.IguessIshoul df inall
ycomecl ean.I
nodded." OMG! !"Shesqueal edexci tedly."
You
fi
iii
i
nallyhav eaboy fri
end!!"Shesi ghedhappi l
y.
"Havey ousl eptwi thhim?Thatwoul dbepr obably
whyhe' snol ongeri nt
erest ed.Menl ikehim don'tli
ke
l
oosewomen. "Donnast ates."Awukahl ewena!Ev en
i
fshedi dsleepwi thhim, ungenaphi ?Wazi ni
ngamadodaaf ananay engobaawunay o?Ar ey ou
speakingfrom exper ience?Isthatwhathedi dt oyou?
Seeingthatyoudon' tli
kehimf ornor eason. "Lindi
snaps."Idon'tevenknowhi m nordoIcar eto.Noma
i
sy oungandgul l
i
ble.She' l
lfal
lforany thingaman
l
ikethatgivesbecauseshecomesf r
om apoor
background.I'v
espental lmylifewi t
hmenl iket hat
i
nmyf amily,
IknowwhatI '
mt alkingabout .He' l
l
sleepwithherandt ossheraside. "Lindislapped
Donnabl i
ndr i
ghtthen.Icoul dn'tstandt hisany mor e.
Iwasal r
eadyhear tbr okenandIhadal ateshi ftsoI
j
ustleftforwor k.

_
__

Sywasof ft
hisshiftsoIwaskeepi ngt omy selfandI
wasgl adforitbecauseIdidn'
tfeel l
iketal
king.My
heartachedatDonna' swords.Weal lknowshe
comesf rom moneybutt hi
swast hef i
rstt
imeshe
rubbeditinourfaces.Oractuall
ymyf ace.Ihadl ess
thananhourt oknockof f
.Larrypulledmeasi de.
"Someonei swai ti
ngf oryouint heback.I'
ll
seey ou
onWednesday .Byehoney .
"Hepushedmeaway .I
cashedupandsepar atedmyt ipsthenwentt othe
back.Ipackedmybagandsatdownr equestingan
Uber ."
Notev enahi ?"Hesaid.Igotsuchaf rightand
turnedaround." Thier
ry!!
"Ihuggedhi mt i
ght.The
smel lofhim sendingmeweakt otheknees.Iqui ckl
y
pulledaway ."You'r
enotsupposedt obeher e, my
bosswi llf
reakout !
"Ipanic."IspoketoLar r
y .He's
fi
ne.Let '
sgo."Het ookmybagandl edmeoutt othe
car.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er9

Hegotust akeaway satanot herpl aceIwant edt o

tr
youtanddr ov etoSt eynCi t y.Ididn'tknowt his
pl
acebutI '
dst oppedquest ioni nghi mi nmyhead.
Everywherehet ookme, Iwant edt ogo.Wef i
nally
parkedinabeaut ifulhouset hatr emi ndedmeoft he
oneinCapeTown.Myhear tt henachedagai n
becauseofear li
er.WhatDonnahadsai dreall
ycut
me.Heshowedmear oundt hehouseandIcoul dn' t
eventakeinitsbeaut y ."Okay .Soy ou'r
enot
i
nterest
ed.Ar eyout ired? "Hegav emeabot tl
eof
sti
llwater
."Whydoy oul i
keme?Whatmadey oul ike
meofal lpeople?Ther e'
smanyl adiesatt hechur ch.
Whyme? "Iask.He' sconf used." Wher edoest his
comef rom?Andpl easedon' tst artwi t
hthedi ff
er ent
worldschat,I
'm noti nt hemood.Whycan' tIl
ikey ou?
Whatwoul dbewr ongwi thy ou? "Heseemedi rr
itated
now.Iwashol dingbackt ear s.Idon' tknowwhyal l
ofasuddenIwasacr ybaby .Icoul dn'tlethi m know
thatIwasf alli
ngf orhi m.Unt il het ouchedmyhand,
hepul ledmecl oset ohi m andgav emeahug." I
'm
sorry.Ihat ei twheny oul ookdownony oursel f.You
haveahear tnoamountofmoneycanbuy .The
goodnessi ny our adiatesf rom y oursmi leandt he
wayy out reatot hersar oundy ou.Pl easedon' t
quest i
oni tagai n.I t
'sy ouIwantandnobodyel se. "I
heldont ohi ml isteningt ohisv oi ceandhear tbeat
soot hingmyachi ngsoul ."Myf ri
endDonnasay sy ou
onlywantt osl eepwi thmeandt ossmeasi de
becausey oudon' tl i
kel oosewomen.Menl ikey ou
dot hatt oy oung, gul l
iblegi r
lslikeme.Appar ent lyI'
l
l
fal
lforany thingy ougi vemebecauseIcomef rom a
poorbackgr ound. "Thet earsst ungmycheeksas
theyr oll
eddown, I'
vebeenhol dingt hem inal l day .
"Youcal l
thi sy ourf riend?Thi sper sondoesn' tcar e
abouty ou, clear l
y .Nof ri
endwi llev erspeakl iket his
toyouorabouty ou.Andshewon' tstop.I t
'l
l beupt o
youwhaty ouchooset odoabouty ourf ri
endshi p.As
formenl ikeme, wher edi dsheev er ?Ordoessheput
mei naboxofmenshet hi
nksIl ookl i
ke?She
doesn' tev enknowme.YOUknowme, Noma.Woul d
Idosomet hi ngl iket hat?We' vespentt hi st i
me
gettingt oknowoneanot her .IfIwant edt osl eep
withy ou, I
'dhav esai dso.Ir especty ou, Irespectour
rel
at i
onshi p.Whent hetimecomesIwi ll makel ove
toyou, i
fyoul etme. "Igiggl ed." Don' tcr ysweet heart.
You'rehur tingmei fyoucr y.Iev enhadsome
excitingnewsf ory outocel ebr ate. "Hewi pedmy
cheekwi thhi st humb." Whati sit? "Hel edmet othe
l
oungeandwesatdown." I'
v ef oundaf ewbur sari
es
thatcanai dy ouf inanciallywhi ley oust udy .Al lyou
havet odoi sappl yatschool , andt hent hebur sari
es.
Theyal li
ncl udeast i
pendf ory out out i
lizeasdayt o
dayexpenses. "Icoul dseehewasqui teexci ted."But
whataboutwor k?Ican' tst udyf ul ltimeandwor kfull
ti
me.May bedi stancel ear ningwi l
l wor k."Isi ppedmy
water ."NoNoma.I twon' t
.Youcan' tspendy ourl i
fe
i
nt hatr estaur ant .Youneedt oel ev at e.Thi sisa
chancef ory out odoi t.Yes, itseemsscar ybuti tis
anoppor tuni tyt hatwi l
lbenef ity oui nt hef uture."He
argues." Whataboutmyf ami lyThi erry ?Theydepend
onmysal ary .Mysi stersschool fees, home
mai ntenance.Ican' tjustdr opt hem. "Ipani c." There
willbeast ipendapar tfrom y ourt uitionandbook
feesoffer edbyt hebur sar -""Thierry,Stipendsdon' t
goabov eR6000andImakeal mostdoubl et hatat
therestaur antev erymont h.Ialsohav er entt opay ,
foodtobuy ,t
oi l
etri
es.Itcan' twor k. "Hesi ghed.
"Noma, doy ouwantt ospendt her estofy ourl ife
workingatt hatr estaurant ?"If r
own." Yousayi tlike
i
t'sabadt hing.I t'
sagoodsal ary,andIl ov emy
coll
eaguesandr egulars.Iwoul dn'tmi nd."Ishr ugged.
"I
fthatpl acewast obur nt ot hegr oundt omor row
morning, whatwoul dy oudo? "Myhear tstopped.
"GodFor bi d!!
"Ishout .Hel aughed." Okay ,whatdo
youwantt ost udy,forgett hecur r
entci rcumst ances.
Whatwoul dy oust udy ?"Hel ooksatme." Financi al
Account i
ng. "Isaywi thoutmi ssingahear tbeat ."You
knowy oucoul dstar twithasal aryofR20kamont h
oncey ougett hatqual i
ficat i
on?Andy oucanbui ldit
uptoR60ki nj ustaf ewy ears.Possi blyevenR90k. "
Hesay swi thast r
aightf ace." Nott rue.Icoul d
possiblyst artasani nternear ningR5000f oraf ew
years.That '
sIFIgetaj ob.Thenst ept oprobabl y
R12kaf terdeduct ionsandwor kmywayupt oR1000
rai
sesev er yy ear.That '
showi tis.Thecor por at e
worldfav or sconnect i
ons, whi chIdon' thav e."Idr i
nk
mywat eragai n." Whatam It hen?Noma, ifyou
woul dj ustl etme. "Hepl eads.Ishakemyhead." No."
Ireallywon' tlethi m dot his.Ican' tbedependi ngmy
whol ef utur eonaman." Atleastpr omi semey ou'l
l
l
ookatt hem? "Idon' tknowwhatt ot ellhim." Ican'
t
promi sebutI '
llsee. "Hegotupandwentt of etchour
food.Iwashav ingseaf ood, hehadopt edf orasalad.
Ireallycoul dn'tpr omi sehi m becausemymi ndwas
madeup.Iwoul dnotl etmy sel fdependonhi m.It
woul dmakemef eelot herwiseaboutour
rel
at i
onshi p.WhathappenswhenIr unoutoft he
sti
pend?Ihav et oaskhi mf ormoney ?Tobuybasi c
surviv al things?Absol utel
ynot .Wehav en'teven
beendat ingamont h.Ifhechangeshi smi nd, 2
mont hsf rom now, I'
llbet heonel ef thighanddr yon
debt .Wesatatt helar gestdi ni
ngt ableI '
veev erseen
andat esi l
ent ly.Thef ooddi dn'tt asteokayatal l
.I
j
ustwasn' tr eadyt oof fendhi m asecondt ime
tonight .I '
dbar elyeat enquar terofmyf oodandmy
stomachached.Ist oppedi mmedi at ely.Hel ookedat
me." I
ssomet hingwr ong? "Inodded." Thef ood.
Somet hingi swr ongwi ththef ood. "Het ookmyf ood
andt ast edi t."Thenwhydi dy oucont i
nueeat i
ng
Noma?Jesus. "Hedi aledanumberonhi sphone.
"Biso,Ineedy oui nt hedi ningr oom. "Hehungup.
"Arey ouf eel i
ngokay ?"Ishookmyhead." My
stomachi sj ustt urning. "Hegotupandwentt othe
kit
chen.WhoIassumemusthav ebeenBi so, came
i
nandl ookedatme.Att hispoi nt,Icoul dbar ely
speak." Ithinkt hef oodi spoi soned. "Imanagedt o
sayandt hr ewupont hef loor.Her ushedt ome
i
nst antly,hol dingmeupbecauseIwasl osingmy
balancewhi l
esi tti
ngdown." It'sokay ,you' l
l bef i
ne.
Keepv omi ting. "Hi sv oi cewascal m." Thet il
es- "
"They '
llbet akencar eof .Justr el
ax. "Icoul dn' tbreath.
Thierrywasbackwi thuswi t
hagl assofmi l
k."Shut
downt hatr est aur ant .NOW.Someonewi llpayf or
thi
s."Heor der edashet ookov erfrom Bi so." I
'l
lcall
thedoct orandcl eanerf ir
st.Whati sthi spl ace's
name? "Thi erryt oldhi m.I twasn' thisf ami ly
restaurant .Itwasj ustsomer andom pl aceIchose
andnowt heyt riedt oki llme.Thi er rypickedmeup
andwal keddownt hev er ylongandt i
ringpassage,
upt hest airsanddownanot herpassagebef orewe
gott oabedr oom.Hel aymedownont hebed." Do
youst il
l f
eel l
iket hr owi ngup? "Inodded.Hewentt o
fetchabucketandadampwhi tecloth.Heputt he
clothonmyf orehead, i
twaswar m andsoot hedme
abi tunti
lawav eattackedmeagai nandIt hrewup
i
nt hebucket .Thiswassoembar rassing.Our
seconddat eandI '
mt hrowingup.Wow.Someone
camei ntheroom andt ookhi splace.Icouldbar el
y
seehi m."Hertonguei sswelling.Whatwasshe
eating?"Themanasks." Seafood.Shehadpr awns. "
Thierrysaidinadi stance.I'
m sweat i
ngl i
keacowi n
thesummer .Not hingiscute." Foodpoi soningison
thet opofmyl istbutal soshemaybeal l
ergic.She's
runningahi ghf everandherpul seisget t
ingweaker .
Sheneedst ogot ohospi tal
."Heconf ir
med.Thi er r
y
sighed."I
'll
gett hecarr eady."Hewal kedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er10

I'
dspentt heni ghti nhospitalforthef irstt i
mei nmy
l
ife.Idi dn'tknowmuchabouthospi talsbutIknew
thiswaspr iv
ate.Ihadar oom bi ggert hanmy
backr oom f l
atwher eIwasr enti
ng.Ther ewasaTV
ont hewal landacouch.Ri ghtonmyl eftIsawa
doort hatl ookedl ikeabat hroom.Wi ld.Thi er rywal ks
i
nandl ooksatme.I '
mt ooweakt osmi le." You
almostdi ed."Heannounced.Iki ndofknowt hat
from t hewayIwasf eeli
ngmybodyl osel i
f e."Why
didn'ty out ellmet hef oodwasbad, Noma?Doy ou
knowhowhor ri
bleIf eel
?Am Igonnahav et ot aste
allyourf oodbef oreweeatnow?Whydi dn' ty ousay
any t
hing? "Hel ookedr eall
yfrustrated." Ididn' twant
toof fendy ouagai n.Iknowy ouwantmet ot aket he
bursar yandI '
m disappoi nti
ngy ou."Ibr eat hed." No,
you'renotdi sappoi nti
ngmeNoma.Nobodyi s
forcingy ou.Thebur sarywillal
way sbet here.I f
somet hi
ngi swr ongpl easet ellme.Nomat t
erwhat
i
tis, nomat t
erwhaty out hinkmayof fendme.
Ratherof fendmet handi e.Please."Thedoct orcame
i
nandcheckedme.Her anaf ewtestsbef orehel ef
t
again.Thi err
ywasonhi sphone." I
si tcl
osed? .
..Ifhe
refuses, t
hengoaheadwi t
ht helawsui t
.Take
every t
hing.Fr om thebusi nesst ohishouset ohi s
dogs.Cl earhi m out .Idon' twanthi m owni ngasi ngl
e
sockwheny ou' redone. "Hehungup." Thierry."I
started."Don' tyoudar eNoma.No.I '
m notl ettingit
go.Thei rnegl igenceal mostcostmey ou.Noone
tri
est okillmypar tnerandget sawaywi t
hi t
.He' ll
l
ear n."Hef umed." Itcoul dn'
thav ebeenhi sf aul t
.It
waspr obablyami st ake."Itri
edsi t
tingup." Noma,
I'
m notbacki ngdown.Theywi ll
allpaywi ththei r
l
ives, sweethear t.Thi sist heonl yt
hingy ou'l
l nev er
beabl et oaskmef or .
"Hemadehi swayout .

I'
dfal
lenasl
eepcryi
ng.Icouldn'
tbarethet
houghtof
someone'sfamil
ybeinghomelessbecauseofa
smallmist
ake.Thosepeopledon'tknowme,why
wouldtheytryt
okil
lme?Itwasj ustamist
ake.
Thierrywoul dn'thearofi t.Myhear tcoul dn' ttakei t.I
wokeupbef oreIopenedmyey esormov ed.Icoul d
hearv oicesbutv eryl ightly,mor el ikewhi sper s.
"Whathappened? "Oneasked." Foodpoi soni ng.She
hadseaf oodl astni ghtandgotsi ck."Thi er r
ysai d.
"Hm. .andwhathappenedher e?"Theot herv oice
continued." Bl oodpr essur e.I tdr oppeddanger ousl y
l
owwhi l
eshewasasl eep, soshe' sbeenputon
obser vati
on.Hencet henur se, whosi t
sr i
ghtout side
herdoor ."Thi er r
ysi ghed." Thi sisbad.Thi erry,y ou
havet opr otecther .Dadt oldmet ot el
lyout hi
s.You
havet opr otecty ourwoman.She' squi t
eweakas
youcansee.Sheneedsy ou. "Themansay s.Thi erry:
"Iwantt o, Ireal l
ydo.I fitwer eupt ome, I'
dhav eher
l
ivi
ngwi thmebutt hat 'sgonnaseem wei r d.Ijust
onlywanthert akencar eofandokaybutshewon' t
l
etme.Shef ightsmeatev er ytur n.Shewon' tev en
l
etmepayf orherschool ing.Shemakesev er ything
dif
ficult.
"Themanl aughed." Thebestonesusual ly
do.She' l
l comear oundev ent ually .Ihav et ogo.Be
easyonher .Iknowy oul oveher .Showher .
"Ihear d
thedoorcl osed.Thi er rysighed.Ist ayedi nt hesame
positionnotbecauseIwant edt obutIwasst i
ll
groggy .Ifeltl
ikeacor pset hatj ustwokeupf rom the
dead.Ist irr
edandf inal l
yopenedmyey es."Takei t
easybaby .Youwantwat er? "Inodded.Hehel pedme
drinkf r
om acup." Ev eryonei swor ri
edabouty ou.
Thedoct ors,mypar ent s,y ourf r
iend. "Ist areathi m.
"Whywoul dyoutell yourpar ent s?"" Ipani cked.Iwas
10mi nutesawayf rom adeadbodyi nmyhouse.I
neededt obecal meddown. "Ichuckl ed." Chicken."
Hest ar
edatme." Ican' tbel iev ey ouf indt hisf unny."
Ishookmyhead." Takemehome. "Isai d."Iwi shI
couldbuty ouneedt obekepther eanot herday .Your
bloodpr essur edropped.Iwasont hechoppi ng
boar dher e.Whydi dy oucr y? "Hepeel edabanana." I
don'twantaf amilyhomel essbecauseofone
mi stake."Iwhisper ed." Noma, youal mostdi ed.Do
youunder standthat ?Youdon' thav ei ron, youdon' t
hav eblood.Youwer et i
redf rom ov erwor king
yourselfiny ourfri
end' slittl
er estaur ant .Youwer e
aboutt odr opdead.Ofcour seIhav et or etaliate.
"I
couldseehi sangerf laringupagai n." PleaseThi er
ry.
Iwon' tbeokayknowi ngsomeonei ssl eepingont he
streets.Please.Iknowt her e'spl ent yhomel ess
peopl ebutIwoul dn'twi sht hatonsomeone. "He
sighedagai n."
Fine.I'
lll
ett hem go.Wi t
hawar ning.
Andy ou' r
enevereatingf rom t hatplaceev eragain.
Thedoct orhasgiveny ouast rictdi
et,especial
ly
becauseofy ourotherdef iciencies.Youhav e
vi
t aminsandsuppl ement sy ouhav etot akedaily
now.Pr omiseme."Hel ookedmei ntheey e."I
promi se.CanIcallSy ?Hemustbebesi dehi mself
wit hwor r
y."Hegotup." He' srightoutside."Hewent
tocall Syin.

Iwasdi schargedt henextdaywi t

hmyt rol
leyof
medi cine.Thierryaskedmet ostaywi thhim unt i
lI
couldbeal oneagai n.ForonceIdi dn'
tf i
ghthim.Bi so
broughti nabag." Howar ey oufeel i
ng? "Heasked
me.Iwassi t
tingont hecouch." Muchbet t
er.Thank
you, Fortheot hernight."Isay."Don'tment i
onit.As
l
ongasy ou'r
edoi ngf i
ne,I'
m glad."Hewal kedout .
Thierrycamei nwi thaladydr essedi nawhi t
e
uniform." Baby ,
thisisPr i
ya.She'sgoi ngt obe
preparingy ourf oodfrom nowandmaki ngsur eyou
takey ourmeds. "OhmyGod." Thierry,Ithi
nkIcan
makemy selffoodandr emembert ot akepi l
l
s."Isay.
"Wel l
,whileyou'r
eher e,Priy
awillhelpy ou.She's
alsoanut riti
oni
st."Ishookmyheadi ndi sbeli
ef.
"Fine.
"Ifinishedmypor r
idgeandt ookmyf ir
stsetof
pill
s.WhileIwaswat chingTVIf ellasl
eep.Thi er
ry
wassi tt
ingont heot hercouchwi t
hhi slaptopand
dozensofpaper s.Hebet ternotbet r
yingt osue
someone.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er11

Insomehour sIheardaf ewv oicesasIst artedt o

wakewi thoutmov ing.Thesamev oiceIhear dint he
hospi tal ."Iseey ouconv incedher ."Thev oicesai d.
"Didn' ttakemucht o.She' ssti
llal i
tt
leweak. "Thi err
y
replies." DidBi soclosedownt hathel l hole? "The
my st eryper sonasks." Sher efusesi t.Doesn' twant
tober esponsi bleforaf amilybei nghomel ess.
That 'swhyherbl oodpr essur edropped.Shewas
stressed. "Thi errysays." Thosepeopl eneedt obe
taughtal esson.Onewayoranot her."Ihearpaci ng
around." Andt heywillbe.Imaynotcl oset hem down,
buti t'
ll behel lfort
hem. "Thi errysay s." Good.How' s
ther esor tcomi ngalong? "Theper sonasks." Slowl y
.
It'
l
l ber unni ngi namont h.They 'v
ef inishedwi th
ever ythi ng.I '
mi nthepr ocessofmar ketingi tfort he
l
aunch. "Iwasn' tsurpri
sedbyt hisbutIwascur ious
toseet hepl ace."Andt hehot el?"Per sonasks." Biso
willemai lmet her epor tbyt onightsot hatIhav ea
l
ook.Heseemst obei mpr essed. "Thierrysi ghs."I
'
m
pleased.Fat herwi llbepr oud. "Af ewf lipsofpaper .
"How' sy ourcompany ? "Thi erryagain." Somet hi
ngis
l
eaki ngt here.Every thingj ustseemst obegoi ng
wr ong.Deal sfalli
ngt hrough.I '
ml osingmor emoney
every day."Personsay s."Youwantmet ot akea
l
ook? "Ashor tsilencet akesov erbutper sonf i
nal
ly
speaksup." Please.Ihav et obei nCapeTown
tonight.I'm spreadt oot hin.I '
llaskmyassi stantto
signy oui n.
"Hesay s." Nopr oblem.I'l
l havei tupand
runningi nnot ime. "Thi erryassur eshim." Thanks
brother .Ihavet ogo.Gi v
et hisoneaki ssforme. "..
.

_
__

I
t'
sbeent woday soutofhospit
alandIwasdoi ng
perf
ectl
yfine.Icoul
dnowgobackt omyf l
atandgo
backtowor k.Ihadanamazingtimei nThi
err
y'
sbig
housebutImi ssedmyspace.Idon'tknowhowhe
gotmysizesbutheboughtcl ot
hesf ormetowear
whi l
eIam her e.Al thoughI 'm gl adt heydi dn'
tgo
rummaget hroughmyshoeboxsi zef l
at,Ididn'twant
himt obespendi ngunnecessar ymoney .Ichoset o
wearawhi t
esummerdr essandsandal s,maki ngmy
waydownt ot heki tchen.Maki ngbr eakf astwasmy
mor ningr outineher e,ev ent hought herewasal i
v e-i
n
chef.Iwasi nt hemoodf orabi gspr eadt oday .My
appet it
ewascomi ngback, t
hankgoodness.Isett he
tableasIwasf inishi ngcooki ng.Bi sonev erat ewi th
usbutIal way smadehi m apl atehewoul ddi sappear
with.An18seat erdi ni
ngt ableonl yusedbyt wo
peopl e.Ishakemyheadandr ealizedI '
v ecookeda
bittoomuchf orj ustt wopeopl e.I '
dpackagei tfor
l
at er
." Thi
sl ooksbeaut iful.
"Thi er
r yhugsme, kissing
myf or ehead." Icangetusedt ot his."Hewhi sper s.
"Youal readyar e."Ichuckl ed." Baby ,Iwant edt ot ell
yout hatI'l
lbegoi ng- ""FOOD! "Af ami li
arv oi
ce
shout ed,wal kingi n.Thi erry '
sbr otherwasher e.So
thiswaswhot hemy st
er yv oicebel ongst o.
"Mor ning."Isai d.Henoddedandsatdown.Real ly?I
l
ookedatThi err y."So. .
.don' tfreakout ."Hest ar t
ed.
"I
'm notf reakingout ."Isay ."Great .
..because. .
"he
hesitated."Becausewhat ?"Anol derwomancame
downt
hestai
rsfoll
owedbyanol
derman."
My
par
ent
sar
eher e.
"..
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er12

Iwaspani cki ng.Iact uall

yhi dbehi ndhi m.Whaton
earth!!Howcoul dhedot his?Nowar ning?Not hi
ng?
Father :"
Ahh.Thi ssmel lsgood.I '
mf ami shed."They
satdown.Thi er r
ypul ledmef rom behi ndhi m.
"Fami l
y ,
I'dlikef ory ouall t
omeetNoma.She' smy
girl
fri
end. "Ist oodnextt ohi m, i
nshock." Shelooks
l
ikeshe' saboutt opassout ."Hisbr othersay sashe
digsin." Babe. "Thi errynudgesme." IUhm. .I.
..I'
m
sorry.I'mj ustsoshocked.Iwasnotexpect i
ngy ou.
It'
slov el
yt omeety oual l
."Thier rypulledmeachai r
andIsatdown." Don' tworry,dar li
ng.We' reonly
aroundmostoft het ime."Hisf athersai d.Hiswife
dishedupf orhi m.Iwasst uck." Tellusabouty ou,
Noma.Whatdoy oudo? "Thierry'smom asked.Il ook
atmyempt ypl ate."I'
m awai t
ress, ma' am."Isay.
"Reall
y ?Whatar ey oust udy i
ng? "Shecont i
nued."I'
m
notst udy i
ngma' am. "IwishIwasbutIdon' tsaythat.
"Oh."Shesai d.Myhear tsank." Doy oual r eadyhav e
adegr ee? "Thier ry'sfat herasks." Nosi r."Il ookedat
myhands." Willy oubest udy ingt owar dsadegr ee
anytimesoon? "Hi sbr ot herl ookedatme.I 'venev er
fel
tsosmal linmyl if
e.Ev eryonei nthi stabl e
probablyhaddoubl e,ev ent ri
pl equalifi
cat ionseach.
Ican'texpl aint ot hem t hatIcan' taffordt odot hat
andI '
m nott akingt heirsonsmoneyei ther .Thent hat
makesmel ookl ikeIdon' thav eambi tion." YesIwi ll
be.I'
mi nt erestedi nFinanci al Account ing."Thi erry
heldmyhand." Howwasy ourt ri
pMom? "Heasked.
"Don'ttryandchanget hesubj ect.Whenl astdi dI
havesomeonet ot alkt oi nthishouse?Noma, wher e
arey oufr om? "Shecont inued." Easter nCapema' am.
Asmal ltowncal ledKi ngWi ll
iamsTown. "Isay
proudly."Lov ely.Di dy ourf ami lymov eher eorj ust
you?"Sheasks." Justmema' am.Myf ami lyisst il
l at
home. "Isay ."Buty oucamef rom sof arj ustt obea
waitress? "Thef atherasks." YesIdi dsi r.I'ma
waitressnowbecauseIneedt opayr entandsend
moneyhome.I 'mt heonl yper sont heydependon.
Whichi swhyi t'sbeendi ffi
cultt ogot ouni versity
andgetadegr ee."Iexpl ain."Hmm. ..Isee.Nowwi ll
youcope?Seeingthatr
estaurantshav el
ongshi f
ts
andyouwantt ogotoschool aswell ast
akecar eof
home."Hesaysashebi tesintohistoast
."I'
llf
inda
waytomakei tworksir
.Af ewadjustment shereand
ther
ewill
holdmeov eruntilIf
ini
sh."Isay."Thi
ngsI
l
iketohear.
"Wecont i
nuedeat i
ng..
.

_
__

Breakfastwentsmoot hlyafterwards.Theyhad
meet i
ngst ogot osot heyleftrightafter.The
conversationaboutmyschool i
ngwasqui t
e
uncomf ortableformebecauseIr eali
zedIonl ymade
excusesbecauseIf oundcomf ortinthej obIhadbut
Thierr
ywasr ight
.Ift herestaurantbur ntdown
tomor r
owwhatwoul dIdo?Ineededt ogetoutofmy
l
itt
lebubbl eandl iv
e.Si nceI'dstartedwor king,I
makesur etosav eR1000f rom mysal aryev ery
mont h.Ipaymyr entont i
me, Ibuyf oodIneedandI
don'tsplurgewhi chi swhyat akeawayi sal uxuryt
o
me.It hri
ftalotofmycl othesaswel l
.Icanmanage
this.I '
mi nt hebedr oom, packingmyst uffwhen
Thi erryent er s." I'
m sor ry."Hesay s." Whatar ey ou
sor ryf or? "Il ookupathi m." IguessIcoul dhav e
stoodupf ory ouwhenmypar entsi nt errogat edy ou
l
iket hat .Noma, youdon' thavet ot aket hebur saryif
youdon' twanti t.Pl easedon' tfor cey oursel f,babe."
Hepl eads." I'
mt akingi tbecauseIwantt o.Iwantt o
elev at emyl ife.Il ov ewor kingatt her est aur ant,butI
can' tdoi tf orev er."Thiswast r
ue." Thenwhyy ouar e
packi ng? "Hel ooksatmybag." Ihav et ogobackt o
mypl aceThi er ry.Ican' tliv
eher ef or ev er."Ilaughed.
"Whynot ?"Heki ssesme, holdingmywai st.And
really ,Iaskmy selfwhynot ?"Don' tbeabad
i
nf luence.Let 'sgi veeachot hersomespacet ogr ow
ourr elationshi p.Idon' twantust ogot oof astand
crash. "Ican' tseem t opushhi m away .Hi sscent
wassomesmer i
zing." Okay .Don'twor ryaboutmy
par ent s.Theyl i
key ou."Hesmi l
espr oudl y ."You
don' thav et ol iet ome. "Ishakemyhead." I'm not.I
f
theydi dn't ,mot herwoul dn'thav et riedt oev entalkto
you.They '
dpr etendy ou'renott her e.They '
v edonei t
bef or e."Igasped." Really?Whatdi dt hegi r
l do?"I
woul d'vef ai nted." Shehadt ogo. "If r own." Whati f
theydi dt hatt ome?Woul dy oul etmego? "He
smi lesagai n."Absol utelynot .You' retheoneper son
I'
llnev ercompr omi seon.Si ncey ou'rel eavingt oday,
canwespendsomequal i
tyt imet oget her?Wecan
wat chamov ie,takeanap, any thing. "Igi vehima
hug, tryingt osni ffhim mor e." Amov iewoul dbeni ce.
Isther eamal lnear by?"Hel aughed." We' l
lwat chit
ri
ghther e."Hesay s."Butatt hemal l
, t
her e'sa
cinema, somepopcor n,cocacol a."Ihungonhi sarm
l
ooki ngupathi ml ikeapuppy ."Ial sohav eaci nema,
somepopcor nandcocacol a.Come. "He' sobv i
ously
play i
ng.Hedoesn' thav eaci nemai nthehouse.I
followedhi m downt hepassage.Heopenedadoor
andt herei twas.Ami ni ci
nema." Thi sent ireti
meI '
m
her e,youdi dn' ttellmet his? ?"Ilookar oundt her oom.
It
'sl i
keanexactci nema." Youseemedv ery
ent ertainedwi ththosedumbr eal ityshowsy ou
wat chonTV. "Her ollshisey es." They 're
ent ertaining! "Ipr otest."Toy ou."Igasp." Taket hat
back. "Isai d." Okay ,t
ellmewhyy ouwat ch
Waggi ngs. "Ican' thelpbutl augh." WAGS?They 'r
e
i
nt erest i
ng.Notev eryoneget st omar r
yaspor tsstar.
Wewantt oseet hel i
fe."Iexpl ain." Under standable.
AndExont hebeach? ""Thatonei sf unny .
"Heshook
hishead.Noma: "Thefactt haty ouknowt heir
names. "Il augh." Onlybecausey ouf orcemet o
wat chit."Hesi ghs."Wel l
, nowwegett owat cha
cutemov ie.""No.You' v
ebeenchoosi ngallweek.I
gett opi ck.Si tback.I '
m goi ngt ogetpopcor n."He
l
eftmet her ef oraf ewmi nut escomi ngbackwi th
tonsofsnacksandt wowi nebot tles.Sohe' st ry
ing
togetmedr unk.Ineededt obeabl et okeepmy
pant i
eson.I '
dal r
eadysoakedmyt hongj ustby
smel li
nghi m.Hel ookedsosexy .Isatdownand
wat chedhi m pi ckedamov i
e." Ithinkar easonabl e
actionmov i
eshoul dbef ine? "Heasked.Inodded
andpour edagl assofwi ne, gul pingi tdown.That
calmedmyt hirst.Themov i
est artedandheset tl
ed
nextt omewi thapacketofLay s." Thisseems
boring."Hesay s."It
'sbarel ytwomi nutesin."I
l
aughed." AndI '
m bor ed."Hesi ghed.Iwat chedt he
mov i
equi etly.Hewasr i
ght ,itwasbor i
ng.Iwas
alr
eadyonmysecondgl assf eelingwoozy .I
snuggl edonhi schestandt ookawhi ffofhis
cologne.Iwasdr enched.Ineededhi m.Woul dthat
meanI '
ml oosel i
keDonnasai d?
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er13

HowwasIgoi ngtodot hi s?Ir eallyli

kedThi erry.I
wasst artingt ofal
lforhi m andIdi dn'twantt ol ose
him.I nt heof fchanceher eal l
ywasl ikewhatDonna
say s,givingmy sel
ftohi m pr emat ur
elymi ghtchase
him away .Howwi llIlookathi m atchur ch?Whati f
het ellsev eryoneatchur cht hatIaskedhi mt osl eep
withme?Howembar rassi ng." Ineedt hebat hroom. "
Hehuggedmeandki ssedmycheek." You' rebor ed
too, aren'ty ou?"heasks.Igi ggl eli
keaschool girl
.
"No, Ijustneedt hebat hr oom. "Iblush."Okay .CanI
getaki ss? "Myl i
pst ouchedhi s, movingsl owl y.He
gent lysuckedonmyl owerl ipandIcoul df eel my sel
f
socl ose, Imoaned.Shi t.Ipul l
edawayandj umped,
runni ngt ot hebathroom.Il ockedmy sel finandsat
ont heseat .Mypussywast hrobbingv iolent l
y.Ican't
believ eIal mostcamer i
ghtt her ejustfrom hi m
kissingme.It ouchedmycl i
tandr ubbedherabi t.
Whatt hehel l am Idoi ng?Ij ustcoul dn'tst op.Itwas
eit
hert hisorsacr if
icingmybodyt ohi m andI
coul dn'ttaket hatgambl e.Mybodyf elthotal ready.
Mypussydr i
ppedi nar ousal .Ispr eadmyj uiceall
overmyl abi aandcl itor i
s.Iwasal mostaboutt o
cli
max.Ihel dont hewal l
,myl egsspr eadwi deapar t.
Irubbedsof t
lyandsl owl y." Baby ?Ev ery thingokay ?"
Thier ryknockedont hedoor .Icoul dn'tspeak, drool
waspool ingi nmymout h, myl egsnumbi ngt r
y i
ngt o
spreadwi der .Iwant edt ocr yhi snamesobadl y.
"Baabbby ?Tal kt ome. "Mybodycont ract edand
ti
ght enedasIcame, Isqui rtedhar dal lov erthef loor.
"Yes. .I'
m Fi ne. "Ibr eat hed.Mybodyshi ver i
ngi n
postcl i
max." YouSur e?Yousoundabi toutof
breat ht her e.
"Isi ghed." I'm okay .Ijustneededt opee.
I'
llbeouti nami nut e."Iwi pedmy sel fandpul l
edup
myt hongt henwi pedt hef loorwi t
ht issue.Iwashed
myhandst hor oughl y,flushedt het oi letandwal ked
out .Feel i
ngmuchbet ter.Iwal kedi nt ot heci nema
andsatnextt ohi m agai n.Hel ookedatmeand
smi led." Mi ssedy ou."Ichuckl ed." Iwasonl ygone
fort womi nutes. "Ipour edanot hergl assofwi ne.I '
d
got tenqui t esoberaf termyor gasm andIwasl ess
thirsty .Iwat chedt hemov i
ecuddl edupagai nsthim,
sippi ngsomewi ne.Heal sohasagl assnowhewas
drinki ngf r
om.Themov iestillboredmebutIcoul d
star eatt hescr eenandt hinkofst uf fIneededt odo.
ErrandsIneededt or un.Mymi ndwander edof fto
him.Isawhi m getoutt heshoweroncewi that owel
aroundhi swai st.Hi sbodyt ookmybr eathaway .I
coul di magi nel i
ckinghi sabsandsucki ngmyway
downt ohi scock.Andagai n,Imanagedt oar ouse
my sel f.Woul ditbesobad?I fIsleptwi thhim?He
saidhel ov esmewel l
,hisbr othersai ditandt hey
didn'tknowIwasl isteni
ng.I fhewant st oleav eme
theni tdoesn' tmat terwhenIl ethi m sleepwi t
hme
becausehe' l
lsti
llleav eafterget tingi t
.Mi ghtaswel l
fi
ndoutnowbef oreIf alli
nl ov e.Sosexi tis.Wai t!
!
Whyam Il etti
ngt hedev i
l t
akeov er ?Whoknows
whatsl eepi ngwi thhi m coul dunr av el?Hegr oaned
ashest retchedoutandmadehi msel fmor e
comf or tabl e.Thegr oant ouchedat winkl
edowni n
myl owerr egions.Icannotbel ievet hi
s.Heki ssed
myshoul derupt omyneck.Myey esf l
utteredshut .
Fucki t,hecant akeme.Idon' tcar e.Hel ower edour
seat sandcamecl osert ome, kissi ngmyneckand
chest."CanIpl easet ouchy ou? "Heaskedi nalmost
awhi sper ."Yes. "Ibr eathed." Wher e? "Heasked
again."Ev ery wher e."Heki ssedmyl ips, hishand
sl
owl ymov ingupmyt high.Iopenedmyl egslikethe
l
itt
leslutt hatIam.Hi sf ingert ouchedt hef abricof
myt hong." You' resowet ."Hewhi sper ed.I
swallowed." Forsol ong. "Isay ."Ist hatwhaty ou
weredoi ngi nt hebat hr oom? "Heki ssedmei n
betweenhi swor ds.Idi dn' trespond." Answerme. "
Hedemanded, lookingmecl osel yint heey e."Yes."I
sai
d.Agr incr eptonhi sf ace." Whydi dn'ty out ell
me? "Heki ssedmyl i
psagai n." Ichi ckenedout ."I
confessed." Doy ouwantmet odoany t
hingabouti t
now? "Inoddedv eryqui ckl y.Hekneel edinf rontof
me, takingof fmyt hong.Heopenedmyl egsand
ki
ssedmypussy ,sucki ngt hebr eat hingoutofme.
Thist i
me, Iwasr eallyont heedgeandr eadyt obur st
.
Histonguesl i
theredi nsidemypussyandIl ostmy
mind.I twasgoi ngi nandout ,hi st humbr ubbing
softl
yonmycl it
."I'
m cummi ng.Oh. .
..fuccckk. ..I
'm
cumm. ..
.ing..."Hist onguer eachedaspott hatmade
mywhol ebodysnapandIconv ulsedi ntoaspi ralof
cl
imaxandwonder .Myl egswr appedar oundhi s
head.Hest opped,gi
vingmyclitapeckandi t
vi
bratedbackathim." Nextt
ime,tellme.I
'l
lalways
wanttofeel youti
ghtenonmyt ongue."Hekissed
mylips.Inodded.Thatwast hemosti ncr
edibl
e,
mostamazi ng,outofthisworl
dor gasm I
'v
eev er
had.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er14

Idozedof fv eryshortlyaf terthatandwokeuphour s

l
ateri nmyr oom.Hewaspl acingmypi llsandwat er
ont hetablenextt ome." Hey .
"Iwasqui teshynow.
"Eveningmyl ove.It'
salmostt i
mef ordinner."Hesat
ont hebed." Iwassupposedt obegoi nghomet oday.
Ineedt ogot ogowor kt omor r
ow. "Isitup."Larry
saidy oumustbebackonMondayandy ourdoct or
too.Soy oucanr elaxabi t
.Pl ease? "Hehel dmyhand.
Ifhecoul dgi v
ehi stongueagai n,Iwoul dn'thesitate
mov ingin.Itwast het ypeofpl easur ethatcoul d
makey ouabandony ourwhol elifeandel ope.
Danger oust ongue, t
hat ."Fine.I'l
lleaveonSat urday."
Hesmi l
edatt his."I'
l
l gi
v ey oupl entyofback
massagest il
lthen.You' llbegoodandr eadyt ogo
backt owor k."Hesay s."Onl ybackmassages? "I
sulk."Anyot heryouwantt oo.Yourwi shi smy
command. "Hesai d.Iwant edtopl acehi mi nmy
mout hr ightnow." You' remaki ngi tv erydi ffi
cultfor
met ol eav e."Ikissedhi sshoul der ."That '
st heplan.I
wanty ouher ewi thme. "Hepul ledmeup." Why ?"I
asked." I'
m happi estwhenI '
m wi thy ou.Iknowi nmy
hear tIwantt obewi thy ouandnobodyel se.Iknow
oneday ,Iwantt omakey oumywi fe.Thi st i
mewe' re
spendi ngt oget herIwantt ogett oknowy ouandas
wel lasl ety oubui l
dy our selftoy ourdr eamssot hat
younev erhav etol ookbackandr egr etany thing.I
wantt omakey ousohappy ."Hel ookedmei nthe
eye, nott witchingorhesi tating.Howwashesosur e?
"Youseem r eallydetermi ned.We' veknowneach
otheral lof3weeks. "If oldmyar ms." Howl ongdoes
i
tt aket oknowf orsur e?If ellinl ov ewi thy ou
mont hsbef or eIev enspoket oy ou.Iwoul dhav e
keptqui etf ort herestofmyl i
feunt ilthatSunday .
Mybr ot herencour agedmet ogoaf tery ou.Hewoul d
teasemeev eryday .Whent hepast orpr ayedf ory ou,
Iknewi twasmyt i
met ocomeup. "Ihel dhi shands.
Het ur nedmear oundandhuggedme." Hesai dIwas
goingt odi e, doy out hinki tcoul d'vebeent he
poisoni ngt hathappenedt hi
sweek? "Iasked." That
orami l
lionot herthingsbaby .It houghtaboutt his
alot .IfIhadn' tcomet oy out hatday ,
wewoul dn't
hav ebeenonadat e, youwoul dn'thaveat et hatfood.
May besomet hingwor secoul dhav ehappenedt o
you.Idon' tthinkt hatf oodwaswhatt hepr ophecy
meant .Ithinki twasapassov ert hatnot hingel se
wor sehappens.I tmayseem bad, butit '
sbet terthan
thewor st."Hehel dmet i
ghter." Thanky ouf or
comi ngt ome. "Isighed." Thanky ouf oraccept i
ng
me. "Hechuckl ed." Doy out hinkweshoul dt ell
Past orZondot hatwe' reseei ngeachot her? "Iasked.
"Youknowhowpast orsar e."Hewasr i
ghtbut
Past orZondowasn' tthatol d." YesbutPast orZondo
i
sn' tliket hat.Heunder standsdat i
ngandget tingto
knoweachot her .He' l
l onlyinsi stonpr ay i
ngf orour
relat i
onshi pt osucceed, that'
sal l.
"Hemadeagr owl
sound." Babe?Ipr omi sei t'
snott hatbad.I fy oudon' t
feel comf ortabl ethent hat '
sokaybuti tr eallyisn'ta
bigdeal ."Itur nedt ol ookathi m." Okay .Wecant ell
himt hisSundayaf terchur ch."Hesmi led." You' re
sur e? "Iasked.Henodded." Yes, mylov e. "Ihugged
him.Myhear twascont ent.
Ther estoft heweekendwast r
uebl i
ss.Iwas
off
iciallyinl ov ewi thThi erry.Ispentmyday si
nhi s
arms.Wet rav eledt ogov i
ewhi snewr esortin
Kimber lyandi tl ookedst unning.You' dsweary ou
werei nanexot ici sland.Ther esor twassi tuat
eda
l
itt
leout sideoft hesmal ltown.Icoul dseeal otof
peopl ecomi ngher ejustt orelaxf oraweekendaway .
OnSat urdayni ght ,het ookmebackt omypl ace.I
wassul kingt heent iretimebutIwast heonewho
want edt ol eav e.Hedi dn'tev ent r
yt ost opme.
May behewant edspacet oo.Oncehe' dpar ked
outsidemypl acewesati nsi lence.Ireal l
yhatedi t
,I
al
mostcr ied." I'llseey oui nchur chbaby ,we'll
hav e
l
unchaf ter war ds.Whydoy oul ooksad? "Heasked,
holdingmyhand." I'm notsad.I '
ll
seey outomor row,
Iguess. "Igotoutt hecarwi thmybagandwenti n
myl i
ttlepl ace.Ial readymi ssedhi m somuchmy
heartached.It ookmypi l
lsandi mmedi at
elywentt o
bed..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er15

Sundaymor ningIal mostdi dn'tev enfeel li

kegoing
tochur ch.Howev er, Iremember edt hatIwasgoi ng
toseehi m andwe' dspeakt othepast oraboutus.
Myspi ritsliftedabi tandIswi t
chedonsomegospel
whileIshower edanddr essed.Imademywayt othe
taxirankshor t
lyaf terIwasdoneandgotonmyway .
WhenIar ri
v edatchur ch,Itookmyseat .Lindiwas
runningl ate.Idon' tknowwher eDonnawasandI
didn'tcar e.Aschur chst artedwewer esinging,Isaw
Thierrywal kin.Hi sf ami lyrightbehi ndhim.Myhear t
skippedabeat .Ihadt ocalm my selfdownandj ust
wav ed.Hi smot herwal kedov ert omeandhel dmy
hand.Shet ookmeov ertot hei
rseat sandwesang
together .Myhear twasi nheav en.Today 'ssermon
wasI saiah12: 1-3." I
nthatdayy ouwi l
lsay:Iwil
l
praisey ou, Lor d.Al thoughy ouwer eangr ywithme.
SurelyGodi smysal v ati
on;Iwi ll
trustandnotbe
afraid.TheLor d, theLor dhi msel f,ismyst rengt hand
defense; hehasbecomemysal vat i
on.Wi thj oyy ou
willdr awwat erf rom t hewel lsofsal vation."Past or
Zondopr eached.Imademynot eswhi leIl i
stened.
Today 'sser vi
cewasmuchmor el ighthear ted.He
l
ookedi nmydi r
ect ionof tenandsmi led.Pr ettysure
hewashappyIwasal ive.Ican'twai ttogi vemy
testimonybutonl yt ohi m.Idon' tl i
kebei ngi nt he
spot li
ghther eatchur ch.Af t
ertheser vice, Iwentup
tohi m byt hepodi um asev eryonesai dt heir
goodby es, wal kingout .Heexcusedhi msel fand
pulledmet ot hesi de."Noma.Howar ey ou? "He
smi led." I
'
m gr eatpast orZondo, Ihav esomet hi
ngt o
tel
l you. "Isai d.Wesatdownont hechai rs.Hehel d
myhand." Talk,y ou'rewor ryingme. "Hewhi spered."I
hadf oodpoi soni ngaboutaweekago.Iendedupi n
hospi tal t
oo.Mybl oodpr essureal sodr oppedv ery
l
ow.I twasamess.Ir ecov eredt hough, her eIam. "
Heki ssedmyhand." ByGod' sgr ace.I'm sohappy
youmadei tNoma.You' reachi ldofGod, y our
strengt hr esidesi nhi m.Hewi l
l nev erlety oudown.
WhenIsawy out oday ,Ifeltalightofhappi ness.The
darknesshaspassed.Nowy ouneedt ocommi t.
"He
smi led." Commi t
?"Iasked." Yes.You' reinagood
spacet ohav eapar tnerNoma.Someonewhocan
l
ov eandpr otecty ou.Someonet hatcanhel py oube
abet terser v
antofGod. "Thi errystoodi nf rontofus
andst aredatourhands." Wel l
,Iwant edt ot alkto
youaboutt hat .Ihav emetsomeonepast or .
"The
smi leonhi sf aceev apor ated." Wher-Uhm. ..i
st hat
so?Whoi she? "Past orasked.Heseemed
uncomf ort
abl e."Her ehei s.Hi snamei sThi erry.
"I
saywi thabi gsmi l
eonmyf ace."Mogot si
."Past or
say s." Themba. "Thi errysai d.Theykneweachot her?
"So...y outwoar edat ing? "Past orasked." Yes."
Thier ryconf ir
ms.Theyst aredateachot her .Idon't
under st andwhatwashappeni ngher e." I
si tserious?"
Past orasked." Very."Thi erryr espondsbef or eIcould
openmymout h."See, I
'm notj ustdat ingNoma.
We' rei nar elationshi pandmyhopesar et hat ,
weget
totiet heknot ."Thier rysay s." Tyi
ngt heknotv ery
earlyi sn'tthatgoodani dea.It hi
nkit'sbet terif
Nomagott oknowmor eabouty oubef oreshe
makesanydeci sionst hatmi ghtbindhert oy ou
forev er .
"Past orsai d.I'venev erheardhi m speakl i
ke
thi
s.Thi errylaughed." NomaknowswhoIam.She
cangett oknowmeasmuchasshepl easesf oras
l
ongassheneeds.I '
m noti nar ush.Il ov eher
enought olethermakeherowndeci sions. "The
past orlookedatmewi thpleadingey es." Ist hiswhat
youwant ?"Heasked." Yes.What '
swr ong? "He
l
ookedatThi errythenatme." Nothingi swr ong
Noma.Thi er rycant akecar eofy ou.Ij ustf i
gur ed..
.
may bether ewoul dbesomeoneel sey ou' r
e
i
nt erestedin.Someonemor e..
.suitabl ef ory ou."
Past orsay s.Thi errychuckl ed."Noma, mymot heris
wai ti
ngf ory ou.Shewant st odrivewi thy out ot he
restaurantf orl unch.TakeLi ndi wit
hy ou. "Hesai d.I
saidmygoodby etoPast orZondo.Imadeanot et o
givehi m acal l
latert hatev eningthough.Whatbeef
didhehav ewi thThi erry?Ididn'tthinkt heyev en
kneweachot her.Whydi dn'tThierrysayany thing?
AndMogot si?Whyi sheMogot siall ofasudden? ?I
wal kedoutl eav i
ngt hem t here.Thier rylookedat
Themba." St ayawayf r
om mywoman.St opput ti
ng
i
deasi nherheadaboutwhoi ssui t
abl eandnot .Let
hermakeherowndeci si
on.Andsi nceshei swi th
me, you'
llbehappyabouti t
.Infact, Ineedy out o
singabouti t.ThesamewayIbui l
ty out hischur ch,I
cant urnitt odust .Doy ouunder stand? "Thierr
y
asked." Thier ry
, Nomai sawonder ful woman.Ther e
aremanywomenoutt her efory ou. "Past orsaid."
I
don'twantot herwomen.Iwanther .Iknowhow
wonder ful shei s.Whydoy out hinkIwantt omar r
y
her,Themba?Doy ouknowwho' sgoi ngt omakei t
happen? "Thi er rysaysashesmi led." Thierry
please..
"t hepast orbegged." Iaskedy out osing.So
sing.YouknowIcancausewal l
st obr eakapar tand
fallanymi nut eIchoose.Ther eisnot hi ngthatis
i
mpossi blef orme.West andher e,toget her,because
Ichoose.Andnow, i
t'
sy ourt urnt omakemehappy .
Affordmet hel oveofmyl i
fe, PastorZondo. "Thierry
l
ookedar oundt heemptychur chi ni t
sgi gantic
beaut y
." Wedi dwel l
.Youdi dwel l,Past or.
"He
walkedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er16

Iwaswor riedaboutPast orZondoev enaf t

erI '
dleft
him withThi erry/Mogot si.Imetwi thThier ry'
smom
andcal l
edLi ndi overt oi ntroducethem toeachot her.
Wegoti naMer cedesBenzandwer edr i
v ent othe
restaur
antaf ewmet ersaway s.Ikeptlooki ngback.
"Whyar ey ousor estless? "Hismom asked." Ij
ust.
..
i
t'snothingma. "Isai d,br ushingmyf eelingsasi de.
"TalktomeNoma. "Shehel dmyhand." Past or
ZondoandThi er r
yknoweachot her.Iwasn' t
expectingt hat."Isaid.That 'snotwhatwor riesme
butIcoul dn'ttellher."Wel l,
they'
vebeenf ri
endsf ora
l
ongt imenow. "Sheassur edme.Oh?Idi dn' tknow
that.Wegott ot herest aur antandwenti n.The
fatherandbr otherplushi swi fewerealreadyher e.I
spottedBi soi naf arcor nerpl ayi
ngwi tht hebaby .I
i
ntroducedLi ndi t
ot hef ami l
yandwesatdown.
Whi l
stev eryonewascat chingup.Ifinall
yl ookedt o
Lindi.Shewasbubbl ingi nexci tement ."Wher ei s
Donna? "Iasked." Shedi dn'tcome. "Shesi ghed.
"Why ?I sev erythingokay ?"Itwasn' tlikeDonnat o
mi sschur ch." Shedi dn'tsaymuch.It houghti twas
becauseofmesl appi nghert hatdaywhenshe
spokesomeshi ttoy ou.SoIapol ogi zed.We' reokay
nowbutshej ustsai dshe' llprobabl yseeusnext
week. "Wel l,Iwasabi tgladIdi dn'tseeherbecauseI
wasn' tr eady .Thi errywal kedi n, allsmi les.Hesat
nextt ome, kissingmycheek." Youwer er i
ght.
Past orZondoi sn' tbei ngat ypical past or ,
hej ust
want st opr ayf orusandgui deusi naheal thy
relati
onshi p."Hesai d.Iknewhewoul dbutnowIwas
par anoid." Ididn' tknowy out wokneweachot her."I
said." I
'veknownhi mf ory ears.Idi dn'tt hi
nki twas
i
mpor tant .
"Hedr ankwat er.Ilookedathi m
suspi ciousl y."Howdoy ouknowhi m?Yourmot her
say sy ou'vebeenf r
iendsf ory ear s."Isai d.Hel ooked
athi smot her ."Yes, he' sbeenaf ri
endf ory ears.I
methi m ononeofmyv isitstoSout hAf ri
ca.Idon' t
thinkweshoul dbespeaki ngaboutt his.It'
snot
i
mpor tant .
"Hesay sandmakesouror ders."Itis
i
mpor tantt ome.Iwantt oknow. "Ineededt oknow
whatt hehel l i
sgoi ngon?Andwhydoeshecal lhi m
Mogot si?"Noma, ImetThembawhenhecameout
ofprison.I 'dbumpedi ntohi m somewher eandhe
askedf oraj ob.Ihi redhi m asmydr iver,buthewas
horri
bl eati t.Idi dn'twantt oj ustf ir
ehi m soIasked
whathewant edt odoandhesai dhewant stoheal
peopl espi ritually.SoIbui lthim achur ch.Endof
story."Hesoundedqui teirri
tat ed.Asheusual l
ydoes.
PastorZondo?Pr ison?Nev er!Ir efusei t
.Thi err
ywas
l
yingt omyf ace.Notmypast or ."Youdon' tbel i
ev e
me, doy ou? "Heasked.Isi ppedmyj uice."Wow. "He
said.Ichat t edt oLi ndi whohadt akenal i
kingt oBi so.
Shewasst ar ingst raightathi m wi t
houtbl inkingand
hadt hehugestsmi l
eonherf ace." Ma' am. "Isaid.
Shel aughed." He'sj ustsohot .Lookathi m, Noma.
He'sjust. ..ahhh.Whatabeaut ifulman. "She
blushed.Il ookedatBi so.Hel ookedatusandsmi l
ed.
Iwonderi fheknewwhatwasgoi ngonher eashe
continuedpl ayingwi tht helit
tleboy .Andwhydi dhe
al
way si nsistonsi ttingsof arf rom t hefami lywhen
heiscl ear l
ypar toft hef ami l
y?Ori she?Thebody
guardswer et woandt heyst oodbyt heent rance.So
hedef initelywasn' tone." Whyi sBi soal way ssitting
byhi msel f?"IaskedThi erry ."Ohy ou'retalkingt ome
now? "Hesnapped." Youcan' texpectmet obel ieve
whaty ousai daboutPast orZondo.Whatwoul dhe
bedoi ngi npr i
son? "Isai d." Ican' ttellyout hat.You'd
havet oaskhi m.Soy ou'dr atherIwasl ying?I sthat
whaty ou' resay i
ng?BecauseI 'm notapast or
?"Now
hewaspi ssed.Idon' tunder st andwhy ."Excuseme,
butpr i
soni swher ecr iminal sgo.Unl esshewas
fal
selyaccused.Whi chi smor elikelywhathappened
i
fit'
st rue."Ist ated." WHYDOYOUTHI NKTHESUN
SHINESOUTOFTHI SGUY' SASS? ??"Hef umed.
"Alr
ight.Ti met ocool off."Hi sbr otherpul l
edhi m up
andBi soescor tedhi m out .Moonwal ksatnextt ome.
"Youokay ?"Heasked.If ol dedmyar ms." Idon'tget
i
t.Whyi sheangr yifI '
mt ryingt ounder stand.If eel
l
ikehe' shi dingsomet hingabouthi sinvolv ement
withmypast or.Thembai snotal i
aroracr i
minal."I
huffed."Andnei therisThi erry .Theydohowev er
havepastl ivesbef oret hechur ch.Bef orey ou
i
nterrogat eThi erry
, whydon' ty ouasky ourpast or
fi
rst?Mybr otherhasashor tt emper .Any thingt hat
aggrav ateshi m, hesor tsi timmedi ately.
"Het ooka
sipofwi ne." Idon' tfeel comf ortablebei ngwi th
someonewhocannotcont rol histemper ."Iwasal so
angrynow.Imeanwhatt hehel l?"
Hecancont r olhis
temper .Hedoesn' ttouchwomen.Iwoul dnev er
all
owi t.AndI '
m notsay ingt hi sbecausehe' smy
brother, I
'm say i
ngi tbecauseI '
dpunchhi mi nt he
throatifhesomuchaspoi ntsatawoman.Look,
ThembaandThi er ryhav ear ockyr elati
onshi p.It'
s
bestt oaskThembabecausey ouwon' tgetmuchout
ofmybr other.Hehat esconf lictandav oidsi tifhe
must .Hencet heout burst."Heexpl ai
ned.Isi ghed.
"Wer ey ouseei ngt hepast or? "Heasked." NoIwas
not.He' sonl ybeenagoodf riendandadv isesme
wel l
.Sowhenheaskedmet owai tandi fIwassur e
aboutThi erry,Ijustgotal arm bel l
s."Ourf oodar ri
ved.
Iwasnotev enhungr yany mor e."I
t'snotlikey ou're
mar ryi
ngThi erryt omor row.Youhav eallthet i
mei n
thewor ldtogett oknowhi m.Yes, hei sabi tclingy
buthe' sbeeni nl ov ewithy ouf ormont hs.Idon' t
thi
nkheev enbel i
ev est haty ou'redat i
nghi mr ight
now. "Heat ehi sf ood."That 'snott rue."Igi ggled.
"Mom, whendi dThi erryst artdaydr eami ngabout
Noma. "Heaskedhi smom." About6mont hsago.
I'
venev erseenhi m soeagert ogot ochur cheach
andev erySunday .
"Sher espondedandwentbackt o
chat t
ingwi thherhusband." See?We' vegotar eall
y
closef ami l
yher e, Noma.AndIwanty outost ay.
Thierrywi llneverhur ty ou.Takey ourtimeandgett o
knowhi m.I '
m alsoar ound, youcancal lmeorBi soif
youwantt oaskany thing."Thierrywal kedinand
wentt ositont heot hersi dewher eMoonwal kwas
sitt
ingbef or e."WhydoesBi soinsi stonsitti
ngal one?
He'spar toft hefami lyi sn'the?Ishey ourcousi n?"I
askedMoon." No, Bisoi sourbr other.Heisbet ween
ThierryandI .Hej ustpr efersbeingbyhi mself.Don't
takeitper sonal l
y ,hedoesn' tspeakt oanyone. "He
said."Oh, hespeakst ome.Ij usthav en'
taskedhi m
whyhel i
kesbei ngal one."Moonwal kstaredatme.
"Bisospeakst oy ou? "Inodded.Whywast hi
s
surprising?" Int
er esti
ng.Bi sousual lydoesn'ttalkto
peopl e.Youmustbehi sf avorit
e."Hel ookedov erat
Bisowhowast ypingonhi sphone." Favorit
ewhat ?"I
asked." Fav orit
ef ami lymember ."Hesmi led
sweet ly..
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er17

Afterlunch, Iwal kedLi ndi out .Shei nsistedshehad

toleavebutIknowwhy ."Friend, Ihadt ogi vey ou
spacewi t
hy ourmansf ami ly.Don' ttakeitt hewr ong
way .Iwoul dn' tmi ndst aringatt hatBi soal ldaybut
i
t'srude."Sheexpl ai
ned.Il aughedoutl oud.Li ndi
wasf unny ."You' r ecrazy .Di dy out rytalki
ngt ohi m?"
West oodbyt hebusst op." Icoul dn't.Itri
edbutmy
tonguecaughti nmyt hroat .I'
lltryagai nnextweek.
Isheal way satchur ch?I '
v enev erseenhi m. ""Idon't
knowf r
iend.I t'smyf i
rstt imeseei nghim atchur ch."
Acarst oppedi nf rontofus.Thewi ndowr oll
eddown.
"Supposedl yt aki ngaLi ndi home? "ItwasBi so.I
l
ookedatLi ndi .Shewasmel ti
ngl ikeicecr eam.I
huggedher ." Yohf ri
end.Pl easedon' tj
udgemei fIlet
him hit.
"Shewhi speredi nmyear .Iburstout
l
aughi ng.Shegoti nthecarbutBi sodi dn'tdriveoff.
Thierrywal kedt ome, thecart hendr oveof f
.Isighed
withabi gsmi leonmyf ace, wat chingt hecardr ive
off."Wantt oshar et hej oke? "Thi erryasked.If olded
youar msandst ar edathi m." Youy ell
edatme. "I
stated." IdidandI 'm sor ry.Idi dn'tmeant o.Ij ust
don'tunder standhowy oucant rusthi m and
disregardany thingIhav et osay .Iwi l
lnev erliet o
youNoma.Idon' thav eapr obl em wi t
hThemba.I t
's
j
ustnotcomf or tabl ewat chinghi m smi l
eaty ouand
holdy ourhand, kissingi t.Hebl atant l
ytol dy out obe
withsomeonemor esui tabl e.Askedy oui fyou' re
i
nt erestedi nany oneel se.HeI St heany oneel se.I
wasr i
ghtt her eandhedi dthatdel i
ber ately.Of
cour seitmademeangr y .Andy oudef endi nghi m
makesi twor se. "Hesi ghed.If eltbadnow.Iam
alway sr eadyf orThi erryt omakeami stakesot hatI
canpr ovemy sel fr ightt hatIshoul dn'thav et rusthi m
butnowIwasbei ngr idicul ous.I fI'
m goi ngt ogi ve
him achancet henIshoul dbef airandt rusthi mf ul
ly.
"I
'm sor ry.Past orZondoi smyadv isorwheni t
comest ol ife.He' sal way sbeent heref ormesi nceI
startedat tendi nghi schur ch.Iconsi derhi m af ri
end.
Iapol ogizef ormaki ngy ouf eel badThi er r
y."I
huggedhi m." Iaccepty ourapol ogyandIacceptt hat
hei sy ourfri
end.Idon' thav eapr oblem wi t
ht hatbut
hedoesl ikey ou.I '
m sur pr i
sedy oudi dn'tnot i
ce."He
heldmyhandandwewal kedt oget her."Hedoesn' t
l
ikeme.He' sjustpr otect ive.Whydoeshecal lyou
Mogot si?"Il
ookedathi m wai ti
ngf orananswer .
"That'smyAf ricanname, baby ."Hepul ledmet ohi m
andki ssedmyl i
ps." AndBi so? "Ismi l
ed." Hisname
i
sKagi so.Whenwewer eki dsIcoul dn'tpronouncei t
soIcal l
edhi m Bi soinst ead.He' sbeencal ledBi so
since."Hesai d."Awww.That '
ssocut e."Igi ggled.
"Whatwer eyoul aughi ngatbef oreIgott oy ou? "He
stil
lremember s."Lindi hasacr ushonBi so."I
giggled."Whyi st hisfunny ?"Hechuckl ed."Because
shesai dIshoul dn'tJudgeheri fshel et'shim hi t
tonight .
"Hel aughed." Shel i
kesBi so?"Heseems
surprised.Inodded." That 'sgonnabedi ffi
cult
becauseBi soi ski ndofgay ."Heshr ugs.That
catchesmeof fguar d.Ir eallydon' tknowwhyI
assumej ustbecausehel ookshet erosexual ,
hei s.
"I
nterest i
ng.Isheseei ngsomeone? "Sy monwoul d
dieifhef oundt hisout .He' smadl yobsessedwi th
Thierryandsi nceBi soi ssi mi l
ar ,hewoul dn'thesitate.
I'
m def ini
telygoi ngt ot ellhim." Sy monwi l
lbe
excitedf ort hesenews.Hej ustbr okeupwi thhi s
boyfr i
end. "Ismi le."Youcan' tpi mpouty ourf r
iend
whilet hey '
regoi ngt hroughabr eakup.Gi veBi sohi s
number ."Ilaughedl oudly."Iwoul dnev er .Bi soi snot
evenmyf riend.I magi nendiy omdel elanj eoutoft he
blue."Ishakemyhead." It'
snotumdel ela.You' re
suggest i
ngaf ri
endf orhimt ot akeout ."We
appr oachedt her estaurant.Ionl ycamet opi ckup
mybagt henwe' dgoov ert ohi spl ace." I
sheseei ng
someone? "Iaskagai n."Yeah.Hi sgi r
lf
riendl ivesi n
Germany .
"NowI 'm conf used." Babe.Yousai dhe' s
gay."Ist ate." Justbecausehe' sgaydoesn' tmeanhe
i
sn'tst raight."Heki ssedmycheekandpi cksupmy
handbag.NowI 'm conf usedev enmor e." Whatdoes
thatmean, Thi erry?He' sbisex ual ?"I'mr acki ngmy
braint r
y i
ngt of i
gur et hi
sout ."Nohe' snot .WhenI
saidhe' sgay , Imeanthe' shappy .Hepr et tymuch
fuckswhoev erhewant s.Gay ,st raight,lesbi an.
Any onewhogi v
eshi m permi ssionr eall
y .Babe, don't
puthi mi nabox.I fyouwantt oint roducehi mt oa
fri
end, doi t.Doesn' tmat terwho.I t'
sreal lynott hat
bigadeal ."Iwasst unned.Act ual lyno, Iwasshook.
"He'sanopenguy .Lindijusthast oaskhi m, I'
m sur e
hewon' tsayno. "Hesay swal kingmet ot hecar ."No.
He'scheat i
ngonhi sgirl
fri
end.NO. "Ifoldmyar ms.
"Openr elationship.It'
snotcheat ingi fsheknows. "I
shookmyheadandgoti nt hecar .Honest lyBi so?
Really?Hedr ov eoff."
Thierr y,didy ouhav ea
rel
at i
onshi pwit hThemba? "Iasked.Idon' tknow
wher ethiscamef r
om butIneededt oask." Yes. "My
breathingst ucki nmyt hroat ." Doy ouhav eapr oblem
withthat ?"Heasked.Iswal lowedsal iva."Act ual l
yno.
Iwasj ustnotr eady.Thet ensi onmakessensenow. "
Isayandl ookoutt hewindow." Itwasanemot i
onal
rel
at i
onshi p.Lastedonl yaf ewmont hs.I fy ouwant
ust otalkabouti t
,letmeknow. "Ther estofourdr ive
wassi lental lt
hewayt ohi shouse.Imademywayt o
thekitchenandgotabot tleofwat ert odr inkmypi ll
s.
Thierrysatont hechai rl
ooki ngatme.Di dIwantt o
tal
kabouti t?Ifit'
ll
help,Iguess." Whathappened? "I
asked." Afterknowi ngeachot herawhi le,spendi nga
l
otoft imet ogether,weki ndofgotcomf ortableso
wedeci dedt otryoutar elat i
onshi p.Itjustgot
stressfulbecauseIwasn' tsexual lyat t
ract edt ohi m.
Hewasnothappyaboutt hat .Hef eltli
keIwasusi ng
him.Tobef air
, It
houghtt hatt oo.Si nceatt het ime
hewaswor kingf ormeandIdeci dedt obuildhi mt he
chur ch, Idi dn' twanthi mt of eel li
kehehadt or epay
me.It hi nk.Besi des, hisimageneededt ost ay
unt aintedf ort hechur cht osucceed.Soweended
things. "Hel ookedatmeunbl inking." Soy ou're
bisexual ?"Iasked." I
'm notsur e.He' st heonl yguyI
everf el tat tachedt o.Ican' tbasemysexual ident i
ty
tooneemot ional encount er.Li keIsai d,Iwasn' t
attract edt ohi m sex ual l
y.SoIdon' tknowwhati t
was.Butar el ati
onshi pwast her e.Weki ssedonce
andcuddl edmor e.Ify ouhav eapr obl em wi th-
"" I
don' thav eapr obl em wi thi t.Just ..
.wi llyoube
faithful?Toourr el at
ionshi p?Idon' twantanopen
relationshi p."Hesmi led."I'llbef aithful t
oy ou.
Alway s.Idon' twantanopenr elati
onshi pei t
her .I'
m
commi ttedt ousl ongt erm.Ihopey ouar et oo."He
said.Ihuggedhi mt i
ght ."Thanky ouf orbeinghonest
withmeThi er ry.Iknowi tcoul dn'thav ebeeneasy
especi al lyaboutsomet hingl iket his."Ipulledbackt o
l
ookathi m." I'
m notembar rassedabouti t
.Iseeno
reasont ohi dei t.You' dal sot ellmei fIneededt o
knowany thi ng, right?Nosur prises."Inodded.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er18

Ididn'tmi ndhi spast .Ij

ustnev erwoul d'vet hought
PastorZondowoul dhav ear elat
ionshipwi t
hanot her
man.I t
'snotmybusi nesswhathedoesany way .I
fel
tmor ecomf ortablewithThi er
rynow.Il ov edt hat
hewasopenandhonestabouthi msel f.Seei ngt hat
I'
veal soki ssedagi rlinmyhi ghschool y ears, Ididn't
seet hisasapr oblem.Ir emembert hegi rl
.Chant ell
.
Wewer en'treallyfriends.SeeChant el
lwast he
popul argirlthathadacl i
queoff riendswhower el i
ke
theMeangi rls.Shewast her ingleader.Iwasn' t
popul arbutIwasn' taner dei ther
.Idi dr eall
ywel lat
school andmanagedt ohav eabal ancedsoci allife.
Theref oreIwasnev ersubj ectedtobul lying.Wewer e
i
nGr ade10.Ournet ballt
ourt oCapeTownwas
comi ngup.Shewasourcapt ainandmadesur e
everyoneknewi t.Wepl ay edt hesamespor ts.
Netbal l
, hockeyandt ennis.Iwascapt ai ninhockey .
Ittookal otforhert oaccepti tbutt her ewer ehi nts
ofsabot agei nthebegi nni ng.Thent heyst arted
maki ngf unofmyf ri
end, Nel ly.They '
dpushher
aroundandt alkabouther .Thent hegossi psst art
ed
abouthowshewasdat ingasugardaddyonl y
becauseheruncl ecamet opi ckherupi na
Mer cedesBenz.Il osti t
.Iscr eamedatChant ellto
stopi tandifshehadapr oblem, shemustcomeat
mequi ckbecauseIwasIr eady .Iwassoangr y,I
wasv ibr
ati
ng.Herl it
tl
ecl ownf riendskeptqui etand
l
ookedathert orespond.Shedi dn't.Whenwel eft
forthet our,thebuswast enseashel lal lt
hewayt o
CapeTown.Fastf orwar dt ot hatni ght ,sheaskedt o
seemebehi ndthebui l
di ngsowecoul dt alkabout
whathappened.It houghti twasanot herambush
andIcamet hereready .Funnyenough, shewas
alone.WhenIappr oachedher ,sheki ssedme.A
deepsensual ki
ss,holdingmybr east s.Iwas
stunnedbutdi dn'
tstopher .Aftert hat ,shejustr an
awayandav oidedme.Onourf inal nighti nCape
Town, ourcoachesmadeabonf ireforus, weal lsat
aroundwi t
hourbl anket sandpi l
lows.Chant ell
cuddledupnextt ome.Undert hebl anketIwas
holdingherbr east sandnobodyknewi t.Evenwhen
wewentbackhome, wespentt imet oget herbehi nd
closeddoor s,bunkedaf ewcl assest ogomakeout
i
nt hehal lbasement ,
t ouchingandal l.I
twasf un
ti
mesunt il shest art
eddat i
ngRal ph, awhi t
er ugby
playert hatwasabi gracistandIhat edhi m wi tha
passi on.Ist oppedent ert
aininghernonsense.Inev er
want edt obepubl i
cwi thherbuti twasdamn
disrespect ful ofhert oj uststar tseeingsomeone.
Any way ,
she' smar ri
ednowandl ivingi n
Bloemf ont ein.Hav en'tseenhersi nceourmat ricy ear.
Ionlyknowshe' smar riedbecauseofFacebook.
Sincewe' v eal readyeat en,het akessomewi neand
snacks." Onl yonegl assbecausey ouhav ewor k
tomor row. "Hesay s.Iwantt wobutIwon' tsayt his
yet.Ir emembert hatwi nemakesmehor nyand
Thier r
yhasn' tini
t i
atedsexy et.Heonl ydoesf or eplay
andaf terIcl i
max, i
t'
sdone.Washenotat t
ract edto
me?Idon' tgeti t.Hewon' tev enl etmet ouchhi m.In
Kimber ly
, It ri
edt obutheonl ychuckl edandki ssed
myf oreheadt henl eftmei nmyr oom.Ohy eah, we
sleepi nsepar ater ooms.Atf irstIdi dn'tmi ndbut
nowIwasj ustannoy ed." Yourt hinkingf aceissuper
cut e.What '
sony ourmi ndbaby ?"Heaskedgi ving
memywi negl ass.Il ovedt ot opmygl asswi thwi ne
butheonl yput si nl ikequar tergl ass, Ihav et opour
ther estmy self." I
'm nott hinkingofany thing."Isay .
"Icant ell somet hingi sony ourmi nd.Shoul dIwai t
ti
lly oufinishy ourgl asst heny ou'll tellme? "I'
d
alreadyst art
eddr inki ng.Ist opped." Ist hatwhyy ou
alway spourmewi ne? "Isnapped.Okaaay .Slow
down, sis."Uhm.We' r
ebot hdr inki ngwi ne.Idon' t
under standwhat '
sgoi ngon. "Hesay s."Ar ey ounot
attractedt ome? "Iask." Whatar ey out alking
about ?"Hel ooksconf used.Howcanhebeconf used?
Thi sisasi mpl equest i
on!" Younev erwantmet o
touchy ou.Notonl yar ey oudeny ingmesex, wehav e
tosl eepi nsepar atebedr ooms.Thi erry, what '
sgoi ng
on? "Ifoldmyar ms." IthoughtIwasr espect i
ngy ou?
Ididn'tthi nky ou'd- "Idi dn'tlethi mf i
nish." THATi sa
l
ie.Andy ouknowi t.Iknowy our espectmebuti fmy
pussyi sony ourf aceev eryday , whywoul dn'ty ou
thinkIwantt ohav esexwi thy ou? ? "Ishout ed.
"Noma, cal m down. "Hesai dsof tly ."No, Thi err
y .Iwi l
l
notcal m down! !Tel l mewhati sgoi ngon.CanIat
l
eastseey ourdi ck? ?Si nceI 'm notal lowedt ot ouch
i
t?"Hewasst unned." I.
..ohmyGod. "Hehel dhis
forehead."Thierry.I
fyou'renotat tr
act edt ome
pleaseletmeknow.Iwon' thol
di tagai nsty oubut
theleasty oucoul ddoist ellmewhyI '
m notal l
owed
totouchy ou.It'snotfair!
"Someonecl earedt heir
throatbehindme.If r
oze.OhGod.Iwast oo
embar rassedtot urnaround.Pl easeGodl etitnotbe
hisparents.Please."Interesti
ngconv ersation.
Howev er,canIspeakt omybr otherf orami nute?"
Moonwal ksai
d.Iwasst i
l
l embarrassedbutnot
nearlyasmuchasIwoul d'vebeeni fitwashi s
parents.Iwoul d'v
efainted.Itookmyf ullglassand
disappeared.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er19

Inaf ewhour s,Ihear dfootstepscomi ngbehi ndme.

I'
dfoundaspoti nthegar den.Oneoft he
housekeeper sbr oughtmet hebot tl
eofwi ne,
anotherofwat erandsomesnackssoIdi dn' thaveto
gobacki nt hathouse.Thi errysatnextt ome.
"Noma. "Hesai d.Isippedmywi ne,ignoringhi m." I
am at tr
act edtoy ou.Iwanty oubadl y.Wheny outold
mewhaty ourfri
endsai dtoy ou, Isawhowi thur t
you.Idi dn'twantt obet heguywhodoesn' tconsi der
yourf eelings.Ineedy outot r
ustmef irstandbe
okay.Ri ghtnow, yout hi
nky ouar ebutIknowy ou'r
e
not.It'
lltakesomet imef ory outof inal
lytrustme.
Youcamei nt
ot hisrelat
ionshipwi thtrustissues
alr
eadybecauseoft hement hatdi sappoint edy ouin
thepast .Weneedt owor kont hat.Iwanty out o
unlearni tandl etgo.Sexwi l
lalway sbet her e.Ican't
waittomakel ov etoy ouNoma.Ther e'
snodoubt
aboutt hat ."Hehel dmyhandi nhi s.Ilookedathi m.
"Whydoy ouhav et obesosweet ?"Iasked.
"Probabl ybecauseIl oveyou, Noma. "Heconf essed.
Iwasst uck.Nowt hathesai dit,Ial mostcr i
ed.I
don'tknowwhatwasgoi ngonwi thmebutmy
emot ionswer erunni ngwi ii
il
d.Ihuggedhi m." Don' t
youneedanap? "Ishakemyhead.Iwantt ost ay
awakewi thhi m al ldaybef oreIgohome." Okay , but
weneedt ogetoutoft hesun.You' vebeensi tting
heret ool ong.Hav ey outakeny ourpi l
l
s? "Wegotup.
"Yes,whenIar ri
ved.Pl easer elax.I 'mf i
nenow. "He
walkedmet ot hehouse.Iwasembar r
assedt osee
Moonwal k.Af terwhathehear d,Idon' tthi nkhe' d
l
ookatmet hesame." He'snother e.
"Thi er rysai d.
"Who? "Ipr etendedt obenor mal butdeepdownI
wasv er yr eli
ev ed." Moonwal k.Hewentoutwi thhi s
wife.
"Hesmi led." Iwasn'tner vous. "Isay ."Yeahr i
ght.
Youl ookedl ikeal i
ttl
emouseaboutt ost eal cheese.
Youwer er eal l
yner vous."Hel aughed.If oldedmy
arms, sul ki ng." I
'
m ki ddingbaby .Comeon. "Wesati n
thelounget owat cht el
ev i
sion.Bi sowal kedi nbut
wentst raightupt ohi sroom.I twasaf ter5pm y etI
wasy awni ng." Already ?"Thierryasked." No.I 'm
j
ust .
."Iy awnedagai n." Tired.Let'swat chTVi nthe
bedroom, we'llcuddl eandy ou'l
lnap. "Heki ssedmy
cheek." NoIhav et ogohome. "Iwhi ned." Andy ou
will
.I'
llwakey oui nanhour ."Wegot ot hebedr oom
andcl imbi nbed.Wecuddl eandIdr iftof ftosleep.
Foronce, hedoesn' tmov e.JustasIt houghtIwas
sleeping, I
'm ar oused.Gr eat.Myhandr ubshi schest
slowly.Hel ooksatme." I
st hi
sat est ?"Heasksi na
l
owt one." No. "Iqui cklysay .Het akesmyhandand
placesi tonhi sbul ge.Hewasr ockhar d.Sohewas
attr
act edt ome.Icl imbedont opofhi m." Youdon' t
l
isten."Hel aughed." Buthe' sawake. "Ipoi ntathi s
dick."He' salway sawakewheny ou'rear oundbut
we'redoi ngt hatt hingwespokeaboutear li
er.
"I'
m
goingt odi eoft hi
rsther e.Igobackt omyposi tion,
cuddl i
nghi m." Atleastt ellmesomet hingImi ght
enjoy."Isai d." Ij
erkof fev erymor ningi nt heshower
whenIt hinkofy ou.That '
showbadl yIwanty ou.And
whenIf ucky ou, you'llunder stand."Hehel dmyf ace
andki ssedme.Thatj ustmademewor se."CanI
touchy ou?"Iasked." Yes. "Hesmi l
ed.Iunbuckl ed
hisbel tandzi ppeddownhi spant s.Ipul l
edouthi s
dick,itwast hick,longwi thasl i
ghtcur vet othel eft
.I
strokedi tsl owl ywi thmyhand.Hehel dmyhand.
"You' r
ehol di nghi mt ootightbaby .Letl oose. "He
saidi naheav ytone.Il oosenedmyhand." Per fect.
."
hewhi sper ed.Iwant edtoputhi mi nmymout h.Hi s
eyeshadf lutt eredcl osed, hismout hsl i
ght l
yopen
givingslowgasps.It ookt hischanceandl ickedt he
ti
p.Hegr oaned.Si ncehehasn' tst oppedmeor
openedhi sey esIsuckedal i
ttl
eont het iplikeI
woul dal ol l
ipop." Nomaaa. "Hebr eat hed.Ipushed
furtherdownandcoul donl yf i
taquar t
erofhi mi n
mymout h.Isuckedmor eent husiast i
cal l
y,enjoy ing
ever ybitofi t .Hi sgr oanswer eget ti
ngmor eaudi bl
e.
Hehel dmyheadandpushedi nfur t
her ,deepi ntomy
throatandf ast er." FUCK. .
."hebr eathed.Ihel dhi s
ballsi nmyot herhandandmassagedt hem sl owl y.
Hegr oanedoutl oud, asaltyliquidshoot i
ngi nmy
mout hbutIdi dn'tst op.Hi sgr iptight enedandI
slurped, andgobbl edoni t.Anot herl oadofl iqui d
pour edout ,hepul l
edmeof fhim." Spi t
."Hesai d,out
ofbr eath.Iwasn' tplanningonswal lowi ngitany way.
Ispi toutt hel oadsi nacl oth.Hef inallycaughthi s
breat h,l
ooki ngatme." Thatwasqui teincredi ble."He
smi led.Ibl ushed, gladIcoul dfinallysat isf
yhi m.We
l
ayi nbedwat chi
ngTVagai n.Wit
hin3mi nutes,he'
d
fall
enasleep.I'
veneverseenhim sl
eepingbef ore.I
wasbegi nningtothi
nkhewasav ampirebuther ehe
was, snori
ng.Mybabywassobeaut i
ful.Igav ehima
kissandhedi dn'
tevenwakesoIl ethim sleep.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er20

In2hour she'supagai nandI '

m wat chingTV." You
didn'twakemebaby ."Hesai d,rubbinghi sey es.
"Youseemedt ired.Idi dn'twantt odi sturby ou."He
kissedmyl ips."Didy oueat ?"Heasked." Yep.Imade
my selfapi zza."Ismi led." Good.Giv emeami nute,
I'
lldri
vey ouhomej ustnow. "Hegotupandwentt o
thebat hroom.Myhear tachedagai n.Ihat edi t
.I
hatedt hatIgotsadev eryti
mehehadt otakeme
home.IknowI 'mt heonewhowant edt oleavebut
wow, whycan' thebegmet ostay?Igotmyst uff
readyandoutt hebedr oom t othelounge.Moonwal k
l
ookedatmeandsmi led.Igotaf ri
ghtbecauseI
wasn' texpect i
nghi m.Iqui cklylookeddown." Don't
beembar rassed.Comesi twi t
hme. "Hesai d.My
heartbangedsohar d, you'dsweari tj ustwant edout .
Iwentt osi tdown." Howar ey ou?"Heasked." I'
m
okay .
"Isaidl ookingdownst i
ll
.Hisf ingert ouched
mychi n, li
ftingmyf aceupt olookathi m.Hi sey es
seemedl i
ght ert hanusual ."I'
dliket oseemy selfas
yourbi gbr ot her.Okay ?Imeanti tear li
er, i
fy ouhav e
apr oblem, cal lmeorBi so.Ial way spr otectmyown. "
Hel ookedbehi ndme.Il ookedt oo, noonewast her e.
"What '
st hisabout ?"Iasked." Justassur ance.I fy ou
needi t.
"Hesai d." Thanks. "Isai d.Iwonderwhatwas
keepingThi er ry.Lucki l
yf orme, hewal kedi nt he
l
ounge." Myf av orit
epeopl e."Hesmi led.Ij umpedup
andgr abbedmybag." Itwasl ovelyt alkingt oy ou. ..
Uhm. "Ir ealizedIdi dn'tknowwhatt ocal l hisbr other .
"CallmeMol efi
.OrMoonwal k.Brot herwor ksf i
ne
too."Moonwal ksai d.Ismi l
edi nr esponse.Thi er ry
tookmybagf rom myhandandl edmeoutt ot hecar .
Ourdr ivet omypl acewasqui etunt ilwer eachedi t.
"What '
swr ong? "Heasked." Yourbr othersay sifI
ev erhaveapr obl em, Ishoul dcal l him."Isai d.That '
s
notwhatIr eal l
ywant edt osaybutIcan' tbeweak
andt ellhim Idon' twanthi mt ogo." And? "Heasked.
"AndThatheal way spr ot ectshi sown. "Iwhi sper ed.
"Istil
ldon'tseet hepr oblem her eNoma.Mol efi
viewsy ouashi sl it
tlesister ,unlesst hatmakesy ou
uncomf ortabl e?"Heexpl ai ned."Itdoesn' t."Idon' t
knowwhatt ot hinkatthispoint.Noneofmy
prev i
ousboy f
riend'ssi
bl i
ngsev ercaredtoknowme.
"Itoldyoubef ore,he'
shar mless.Butifyouwantme
tot al
ktohi m,letmeknow. "Hesai d."No.It
'snota
problem.Don' twor r
yabouti t.Ij
ustwant edy outo
know.Thanky ouforbringingmehome. "Ismi led
andki ssedhischeek." You'rewelcome.Hav eagood
nightbaby .I
'l
lcallyouwhenI '
m home. "Heki ssed
meagai nandIgotoutwi thmybag.Al lthewayt o
mybackr oom.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er21

Oncei nmyr oom, Ideci dedt odoabi tofcl eaning

andIcameacr ossacar dPast orZondogav emeon
mybi rthdayear li
ert hisy ear.Isatdownandr eadi t
again."Happybi rthdayt ot hemostwonder fullady.I
prayf oryout ocol lectmor el ov e,mor ej oyandmor e
peacet hisy ear.You' relovedbymany .Godbl ess. "I
pickedupmyphoneanddi al edhi snumber .He
answeral mosti mmedi ately ."Beaut iful l
ady .
"Hesai d.
"HelloPast orZondo. "Isaid." Howar ey ouNoma?I s
ev er
ythingokay ? "Heasked." Ev ery
thingi sf i
ne.
Except ,Ihaveaf ewquest ionsabouty our
relati
onshipwi thThi er r
y .
"Thel i
newassi lent.
"PastorZondo? "Il i
stened." Ar ey ouhome? "He
asked." YesIam. "Isai d.Past orwast heonl yper son
whocamet othisr oom.Wel l,onl ytwicebef ore.Hi s
visit
swer eal way st opr ayf ormyl i
vingspace.I
decidedt ocont inuemycl eani ngwhi lewai t
ingf or
him.Imadesomet hingsomechi ckenandmay o
wr apsi nt hemeanwhi le.Ther ewasashopj ustdown
thest r
eetandImademywayt her equi cklytobuy
cool dri
nk.Onmywal kback, Isawhi sBMW par king
i
nt hef ronty ard.If inallyr eachhi m andgr eeted.He
gotoutt hecarwi thabi gsmi leonhi sf ace.Past or
Zondowasanat tract i
v ey oungman.Hi sskinwasa
smoot hdar kchocol ate, dar kbr owney esanda
slenderbody ."Hey ."Hesai d.I twasmyf ir
sttime
seei nghi m notwear i
ngt hecol lar.He' sal ways
wear i
ngt hecol l
arbutt oday , hisnav ybl ueshi r
twas
unbut t
onedatt het op, tuckedi nt odar kbl uejeans.
Hel ookedsodi fferent ."Hel loPast orZondo.Come
i
n. "Wewenti ntomyr oom." Imadechi ckenwr aps.
Sitdown, I'
l
l dishy ouaf ew. "Isai d.Hesatdownon
thechai rwhi leIdi shedf orhi m andpour edthedr i
nk.
"Thanky ou,Noma. "Isatonmybedandwat ched
him eat .Hechuckl edmi d-chew." Whydoy oual ways
star eatmeeat i
ng? "Heasksaf terheswal l
ows." It'
s
ent ertaining.Ikeept ell
ingy out ocomet othe
rest aurantf ordi nnerbuty our ef use.I'dor ganizey ou
dinner ."Isay .Hesmi les." That 'ssweetofy ouNoma
butIpr efery ourf ood.Notr estaur antfood.Besi des,
I'
mt oobusyt ositinf ancypl acest oeat ."Hedr ank
hiscool drink.Iwai tunt ilhe'sdonef inallyandwe
j
ustst aredateachot her ."Whyhi m? "Heasks.
"Noma, Igett hatThi erryi schar mi ngbut ..
.y oudon' t
knowhi m.Whywoul dy ou. ..
"hesi ghed, l
ooki ngat
thecei l
ing." Whatdoy ouhav eagai nstThi err
y?"I
asked." Ihav enothi ngagai nsthi m.He' sjust ..
.not
someoney ouwantt obei nv olv
edwi th."He
whisper ed." Het oldmeabouty ou.Youwer ein
pri
son. "Isay .Hedoesn' tf l
inch."YesIwas.For
housebr eaki ng.Iwasy oungandst upidt hen.That '
s
whyIhav emyFr i
day satt het ownshi pcommuni ty
Centre, roundupt heki dsandkeept hem occupi ed.I
don'twantt hem maki ngmymi stakes.Thi siswhy
theext rapr ogr ams, afterschool act i
v i
ti
es, Saturday
soccer .
"Heexpl ained.Inodded." Andhi m? "Iask.
"Whatabouthi m?"Heaskedback." Hesay syouhad
arelationshi p.Anemot ional relati
onshi p. "Isay
calml y
.Hel ookssur prised." Uhm. .."heswal l
ows.
"I
t'
sokay .It'snoneofmybusi nesswhaty oudo.I
j
ust...i
st hatwhyy oudon' twantmewi thhi m?Do
youhav ef eel i
ngsf orhi m? "Iasked." NO!Idon' thav e
anyf eeli
ngsf orhim, Noma.I 'mj ustwar ningy ou.
Thierryisav erydanger ousman.That '
sit!"He
snapped." Danger oushow? ?Whatdi dhedo? "I
asked." I.
..itdoesn' tmat ter.Hi sf ami l
yi sv ery
i
nf l
uent i
al and...theyownev er yt
hi ng.Oncey ou'rei n,
there'
snoget t
ingout .
"Hebr eathed." Ifell fort he
trapNoma.Thi er ry'
schar mi ngt rap.The' Icanhel p
youmakey ourdr eamscomet r
ue' t rap.Andhedi d,
youknow.Her eal l
ydid.Ij ustwi sh, Inev ersai dy es.
NowIhav et ogi veupmycur rentDr eam.Al lbecause
heownsme.Ihav etogiv eupYou. "Hesai d,
standingup." Noma, Iwant edt obewi t
hy ou.Ij ust
couldn'trushy ou.Andmyposi ti
oni nt hechur ch
woul dhav emadet hi
ngsmor edi fficult, youknow
howt hebi shophasbeenpushi ngmet of i
ndawi f e.
SoIwant edt ost epdownatt heendoft hisy ear.The
bishopandIhav ebeeni nt erv i
ewi ngnewy oung
pastorsandt heonewei nv i
tedaweekagowasone
ofthem.I fwehav etwomor epast or st hent he
spotli
ghtwon' tbef ocusedt oomuchonme.That
way ,I
'dbeabl et odat eyou. "Hesai d.Iwas
speechl ess."Pl easesaysomet hing. "Heasked." I
can'tThemba.I '
mi nlovewi t
hThi err y.I'
m sor ry."I
alsost ood.Myr oom wasn' tthatbi gsoy es, Iwas
direct l
yi nf rontofhim.Thespacebet weenusa
mer ebr eat haway .Hesi ghed."Iknowy outhink
you'r einl ov ewi t
hhim, now..butI'
llwait
.I'
mr eadyto
ri
skev er ything.I'
llwait.
"Hewhi spered."Withalldue
respect , Ithinky oushoul dmov eon.I'
m notl eaving
him.What ev erbadthingshe'sdone, i
fyoucan' t
namet hem t heydon'texisttome.AndI 'm notgoi ng
togol ooki ngbecauseIt rusthim.May beyoushoul d
l
eav e,Past or."If
oldmyar msonmychest .Hebent
downandki ssedmyl ips.Ipushedhi m away .
"Pleasel eav e."Isaidfir
ml y
."I'
m sorr
y."Hesai dashe
wal kedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er22

PastorZondost eppedonhi saccel erator,

speedi ng
toSt eynCity.Ittookawhi leforhi mt ogeti nbut
aftercall
ingThi erry,hewasgr ant edandhesped
againt othehouse.Thi err ywassi tti
ngonhi sdini ng
tablewi t
hhi slaptop, wor king.Thembabar gedi nt he
house." WHY, MOGOTSI .WHYYY! !!
"Hescr eamed.
"Lowery ourv oice,Themba.Thi si sn'tyourchurch. "
Hisey esfixedont hel apt opscr een."Youwi ll
lookat
mewhenIspeakt oy ou! "Thembabangedaf iston
thetable.Thi err
ylookedathi m." Fine.Whatdoy ou
want ?IthoughtIsenty ourchequef orthemont h
andt hatofy ourpr ograms.That 'sahundr edgr and
alt
oget her.Youcannotpossi blyneedmor e-"
Thembadi dn'tlethimf inish." Thisi sNOTabout
money !
!YouknewhowIf eltaboutNoma!You
KNEW!Andy ouwentaf terhert opuni shme! !
"
Thembashout ed."Uhm. .no, Ididn't.Whywoul dI
needt opuni shy ou?You' renotachi ld."Thi err ysai d.
"Mogot si stopt hisbul lshit!
!Icannotbel i
ev ey ou!You
thi
nkt hisi sal ljustagame!Whywoul dy out ellher
aboutmypast ?Aboutourr elationship?What
fuckingr elationshi p!!!"Hequaked." Past or,y our
l
anguage.Ionl ytoldNomat het ruth.Andnot hingbut
thet ruth.Sheaskedme.WasIsupposedt ol ie?Ar e
youembar rassedofourpastThemba? "Thier ry
askedcal ml y."St opt alkingabouti t
!!Itist hepast
Thier r
y !Ijus- "Hesi ghedandpacedt hef loor .Thi erry
stoodup." Look, Igeti t
.OnceI '
dst artedt ohel py ou,
yout houghtIhadexpect ati
ons, andt houghty ouhad
tor epayme.Wheny oudi dappr oach, Ididn' twantt o
hurty ourf eelings.Howev er,youcan' tdenyt hatt he
attachmentwast her e.I'
m sor ryIhur ty ou.I
shoul d'vej ustsai dno.ButThemba, don' tthinky ou
hav et hepl at formt ocomet omyhouseandscr eam
atme.I 'm st il
l youri nv estorandBoss.Respectme. "
Thier r
ysai d." IhopeNomaseesy ouf orwhoy ouar e.
Ihopeshef i
gur esitoutbef oreit'
st ool ate."Themba
spat ."Goodby eThemba. "Thierrysai d.Themba
wal kedout ."
Doy ouwantmet osor tthisoneoutf or
you? "Moonasked." No, it'
sf i
ne.He' sj ustbl owi ng
offsteam.Bei ngrejectedishi sweakness.Hecan' t
handleit.He'l
lactoutf oraf ewweekst henHe' l
lget
overit.
"Thierrysaidashesatbackdowni nf rontof
hislaptop."Whatifhegoest oNomaandt ellsher
abouty ou?"Moonwal ksatdownt oo."He'sal ready
been.Thembai snotst upid,hot-headedbutnot
stupid.
"Thierrysaid."Sti
ll
,Thierry.Hel ovesher .He
willdoany thi
ngtosabot agey ou."Moonsai d."Idon't
thi
nkt here'
sasi nglemanonear thwho' dl etgoof
100kamont hnotev enforlov e.Besides, Themba
willbefine.Lethim be."Thierrysai d."Youl ett his
boygetawaywi tht oomuch, Thierry."Moonst ood
upandwal kedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er23

Myf irsttwoday sbackatwor kwer et hemostt i

ri
ng.
Ihadt ogetusedt other outineagai nandi twashar d.
Nott oment i
on,Iat eal it
tlemor et hanbef ore
becauseofmypi l
lssoIgotdr owsyaf terever ymeal.
Itwassof rustr
at i
ng.Ist oppedt aki ngt hepill
si nthe
mor ning, I'
dtaket hem laterint heday .TodayIwas
comi ngoutat6pm.Sy monwasher ewi thme,
singinganddanci ng." Whati swi thy ou?Whyar eyou
sohappy ? "Isaid." Gii
i
irrr
rrll
l.Igotmesomegood
dzzzick."Hewhi spered.Ial mostf el ldownl aughing.
"Symon! !
"Iwasatt her egisteraft ercol lecti
ngabi ll
,
him nextt ome." Girl
.Iwantt obuyhi m somet hi
ng.
Tot hankhi m."Hesai d."Thankhi m?Forpeni s?"I
asked." Ma' am.Goodpeni s.Gol dpl at edpenis.
Crystal glasspeni s.Ticklemyov ar i
espeni s."He
sighed." Sy mon, youdon' thav eov ari
es. "Il
aughed.
"Sayswho?Any way ,
whatdoy out hinkIshoul dget
him? "Heasked.Idon' tknowmuchaboutgi fti
ng
menbutmyl astboy friendwasv eryexci t
edov ert he
bot tl
eofwhi skeyIonceboughthi m." Doeshe
drink? "Iasked." No.Oooh, Icouldgethi m weed. "He
said." No, don' tdot hat .May becookf orhi m?Men
l
ikef ood. "Ishr ugged.Heki ssedmynose." Thisi s
whyIl ov ey ou.I '
mt aki nghi m out .
"Hewal kedaway .
Ilaughedandt urnedar ound.Thi er r
yandMoonwal k
wer est aringatme.Igotaf r
ightal mostl ikeapani c.
Thier rysmi ledatme.Av erywei rdsmi le.Iwentov er
tot hem." Goodev eni nggent l
emen. "Ismi le."Ev ening
l
ady ,canIgetagl assofwi newi thy ourbestr i
bs.I'm
crav i
ngr i
bssobad, Ithi nkmywi feispr egnant
agai n."Moonsai dast heysatdown." I'l
l j
usthav e
wat er."Thi errysai d.Sy moncamet omequi ckly.
"Past orbae, door ."Hewhi speredi nmyear .
"Gent lemen! !Ihav ejustwhaty ouneed.Ihearr ibs,
howaboutar oast edl amb, wi t
hsuccul entj uices,
creamymashpot atoandf riedv eges."Sysai d."No.I
wantr ibs."Moonsai d.Imademywayt othedoor
pushi ngThembaoutashewal kedi nbef or eany one
sawhi m." Whatar ey oudoi ngher e?"Iasked." Icame
toapol ogize.I 'm sor ryNoma.I '
m sor r
yf orsay ingt he
thingsIsai d.I '
m sor ryf orev erything.I '
m sor ry
kissingy ou. "Hel ookedbehi ndme, hisey eswi dened
withf ear .Icoul dsmel lthesmokeofaci garet te.I
l
ookedbehi ndme.Moonst oodt her est aringat
Themba.Fuck." Themba. "Hesai d." Bhut 'Mol ef i
."
Thembasai d."Leav e,Themba. "Moonsai d.Themba
l
ookedatmet henwal kedt ohi scar ."What '
st hat
about ? "Moonaskedme." Theot herday .Hej ustsaid
somest uff."Ihuggedmy sel f,scaredt oshi t
s." Stuff
l
ikewhat ?"Heasked." Hesai dhewant edt obewi t
h
me.It oldhi m no, thatI '
mi nl ovewi thThier r
yandI 'm
notgoi ngt ol eav ehi mf oranyr eason.Ir eallylov e
yourbr other ,Moon. "Hesmi l
ed." Ilov ehowy oucal l
me.Look, I'
llfor gett hisbutst ayawayf r
om t hatguy .
Yeah? "Iqui cklynoddedandwenti nside.Ibusi ed
my selfwi t
hmyot hert abl es.Ibr oughtMoon' sr i
bs
forhim andheat ewhi l
eThi er ryfollowedmewi t
hhis
eyes." Timet ogoma' am. "Lar rysaid." Almost .
"He
wasal readybyThi erry,chat tingt ohi m.Lar r
ywas
suchanoppor tunist.Heknewexact lywhoThi erry
wasandnev ermi ssedachancet oi nteractwi thhim.
Iwonder edwhy ."Noma, pleasehey ?You' redone.
Seey ouonSunday ."Hesay s." Ij
ustcameback.
Larry ,I
'm notof ft il
l nextweek. "Iexpl ained."IsaidI'
ll
seey ouonSunday .Goodby eNoma. "Ifinishedmy
tablesandwentt ohi soffice." What '
sgoi ngon? "I
asked." Ineedy ourhusbandt ohel pmepur chasea
franchi se.Ican' tbeamanageratsomeone' s
busi nessf orever .I'vesav edupenough, Ijustneed
hisconnect i
on.Noma, pl
easet reatt hatmangood.
I'
llnev erf orgivey oui fyoul osehi m. "Lar rysaid.
WOW." Lar ry!!Whywoul dy ouj ust!!
"Ir anoutof
wor ds." Ar ey ouser i
ous?He' saEur opeanbi l
li
onaire
Noma, andt hi sisascl oseI '
m get ti
ngt ohi m.I'
ll
nev erhav eanoppor tunit
yl iket hi
sagai n.Idon't
knowabouty oubutI '
m notf uckingi tup.Don' t
disappoi ntme. "It ookmybagandst or medout .
Thier ryandMoonwal kwer eout sidewai ti
ng."OhOh.
IthinkI 'l
l dri
ve."Moongoti nt hedr i
v erseat ,Thier
ry
andIi nt heback.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er24

Moonhaddr ivent omypl aceandf oronceIwasn' t

madabouti t
.Howmanypeopl eItr
ustar eleeching
offmyboy f
ri
end? ?AEur opeanbi l
li
onair
e?Thatcan' t
bet rue.Henev erment ionedt his!!Whywoul dn'
the
ment i
onthis!!Whatt hehel lhaveIgot t
enmy self
i
nto!?" Baby?"Thi errysai d.Moonwal kgotoutt hecar .
"Thierry.
"Isay .Hel ookedqui tenervousf oronce.
"Uhm. .canwegot oDur banf orasecond?Iwantt o
spendsomet imewi thy ou. "Hesai dquietly."I
sthis
whyy oucompr omi semyj ob? "Iasked."Larrysaidi t
wasokayandt haty ouneededmor erest."Hest ated.
"Didhet ellyout hisbef or eoraf teryouhadchat s
abouthi snewf ranchi seheneeds? "Isnapped." Ohhh.
That '
swhyy ou'remad. "Henoddedsl owl y."Of
cour seI'
m mad! !You' renotSant aClausThi erry!
!"I
shout ed."Iknowbabybut , Iwast heonewhoof fered.
LarryandIhadachatt hef irsttimeIcamet hereand
het oldmet her estaurantwasn' thisbuthe' dli
ket o
ownsomet hingofhi sown.It oldhi mt odr awupa
businesspl ansohedi d."Heexpl ained." Thierr
yy ou
can'tkeepdoi ngt his.Youcan' thel pt hewhol e
wor l
d!"Isai d."Whynot ?What '
st hepoi ntofhav ing
somuchmoneyi fIcan' thel pot hers?I t
'snotabi g
deal Noma. "Heki ssedmycheek.Il ookedathi m,
stil
lmad.Heki ssedmyl i
ps.Iwast ryingsohar dnot
tobl ush."Wheny ouwantmet obuyy ouSout hAf rica,
l
etmeknow.I '
lldoi t.
"Igi ggled." Stopi t
."Ipushed
him." Canwegot oDur ban?Thepl anei swai t
ingf or
usbaby ."Hepl antedsof tkissesonmyf ace."Ineed
topackf ir
st."Igotoutt hecarandwentt omyr oom.
Itookoutabagandpackedaf ewdr esses, pairof
j
eans, shir
ts,shor tsandsandal s.Itookmyt oiletries.
ThenIst opped.Il ookedatt hebag, taki ngof fmy
clothes.Ial way sov erthinkt hi
ngsandt heyhappen
exact l
yasnegat iveasIt hink.Whycan' tIbef reef or
onceandacceptt hingsasar e.Iwor emyshor tdr ess,
tookanext raonei nmyhandbagandt ookmy
toil
et r
iesthenwal kedout .Thier rystar edatme.
"We'lldomyshoppi ngwhenwegett her e."I
explained.Hesmi led.
Oncewear r
iv edont hejet,champagnewasser ved.I
mademy selfcomf ortableandst ar
teddr inking.Thi s
willmakegoodmemor iesoneday .Moon' swi f
e
cameaboar d.Idon' tknowmuchaboutherbecause
she'snev erar ound.Shesatont heot hersi deoft he
plane."Helloagai n.
"Isai d.Shel ookedatmeand
smi l
edt henwentbackt oheri Pad.Ouch.Thi err
y
camei nandsatwi thme.Moonwentt osi twi t
hhi s
wife.Icuddledmyper sonast hebubbl esst art
edt o
stirmeup.Thepl anet ookoffaf terwe'dbuckl edin
andi ntheai r,Icont i
nuedmydr inking.Iwant edto
l
istentomusi cbutt hewi feseemedbusydi scussing
somet hingwi t hherhusband.SoIsangf orThi erry.
Heseemedt oenj oymydr unkenspr ee."Come.You
canshowmet hisside."Hepul ledmeupanddown
thelit
tl
epassagewayi ntoadoor .Ijumpedont he
bedandsi ghed.Thi erryclimbedont opofme,
kissi
ngmyneck." Iwantust ot alkaboutmy
schooling."Isai d."Listening.
"Hecont i
nuedt okiss
myf ace." I
fy ou'regoi ngt ofi
nancemyeducat i
on,
you'l
lhav etodoi tonce.Iwantt hef ull
amountofmy
degr eeupf ront.Iwantacont r
actst i
pul atingt hatt his
i
soutofy ourgoodwi llandI'm notl iabl eforany t
hi ng
else.I'l
lputt hemoneyi naneducat ionf undandi t
'll
payoutt omyschool everyyear."Ist at ed.Hel ooked
atme." Sohowmuchar ewet al
ki ng? "Heasked.
"Halfami l
li
on. "Isaidconf i
dently."Done.Geta
l
awy ertodr awupy ourcont r
act.I '
llpayhi m his
fees."Hesai dandr eturnedtoki ssingme." And
you'resomuchsexi erwheny oudemandt hingsf rom
me. "Hewhi speredashegoesdown, pul l
ingmy
pant i
esof f.Someoneknockedont hedoor ."Thier ry.
"
Moonsai d.Iscr eamedi nt
ernall
y .Imeanwt f
!!
Thier r
ygotupandwentoutt ohim.I naf ewmi nut es
hecamebackwi t
ht hebot t
leofchampagneandhi s
i
Pad, gi
v i
ngt hem tome." Youcanwat chsomet hing
fornowbaby ,
Ihav etof i
xsomewor ki ssuesqui ckly.
I'
m sosor ry."Hekissedmesadl y."Can' ti
twai t
?"I
whined." Iwi shitcouldsi t
handwasami .I
'l
lmakei t
upt oy ou."Heki ssedmeagai nandl eft .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er25

Wear ri
vedi nDur banandev ent henhewasst i
llbusy.
Wegott oZi mbal ijustbef ore8pm.Iwant edt ogo
outbutIhav en'
tbroughtany thingt oputonsoI 'd
j
usthav et ocont i
nuedr inkingher einthismonst rit
y
ofahouse.Ispenthour salonei nt helounge
becauset he3wer ewor ki
ng.Iev entuall
ygott ir
ed
andwentt obed.It ookashowerandsl ept.Thenext
mor ning,Thi err
yhadst il
lnotcomet obed.I twas
after7am.Ihadar aginghangov erthatremindedme
whyIhat edchampagne.It ookashowerandwor e
myseconddr esswhi chwasat ightf i
twhitemi ni.I
sli
ppedont hewhi teslideonsandal sIwaswear ing
yesterday .Af t
ermaki ngt hebedImademyway
downst airsandf oundt hebr other ssitt
ingont he
diningtabl einthesamecl othesasl astnightstil
l
wor ki
ng." Mor ning."Isaidandwentt othekitchen.
Thierryhadagui l
tylookonhi sf acewhenhe
followedme." Baby ."Hest ar t
ed.It ookoutapan.
"Arey ouhungr y?Ineedpai nkill
er s.Ihav ea
hangov erfr
om hel l
."Isai dasIt ookoutsomeeggs,
bacon, mushrooms, ham andt omat of rom t hef r
idge.
Hehandedmeabot tleoft abl ets." Thanks. "Idrank
twoandmadebr eakf ast."
I'm sor ryaboutl astni ght.I
didn'tknowi twoul dt akeal lnight ."Heexpl ai ned.
"Fine.Ineedami nutef orthesepi llst okicki n.So. .
.
youcangobackandf i
nishwor king.I '
llbri
ng
breakf astsoon."Hewal kedoutwi thoutanot her
wor d.Imadet hem ham, spi nachandcheese
omel etswi t
hf ri
edcher r
ytomat oesont hesi de,
somet oast,mushr oomsl at heredi nbut teranda
pinchofsal t.Itookt heirbreakf astt ot hem andt he
wifecameoutt osi taswel l, I
'dal readymadeher s
too.Weal lsatdownandst artedt oeat ."Ithought
youwer eawai tress? "Thewi fesai d."Iam. "Il ooked
ather .Iwasal readymoodysoi fshewant edago,
I'
m game.Shej ustnodded." Noma, thisist hebest
breakf astI'
vehadi ny ears.Ar ey ousur ey ou' renota
secr etchef ?"Moonsai d."Ionl yl ear nonmyl unch
breaks.Chef ferteachesmehi sbestr ecipesbutnot
thesi gnat ureones.Hedoesn' twantmet or eplace
him. "Isay .Moonl aughed." Iunder st andhi spoi nt."
Hesai d." Who' sChef fer ?You' venev ertalkedabout
him. "Thi errysai d." He' sourheadchef .He'snot
reall
ymyf riend.Hej ustt rainst hej uniorchef st o
i
mpr ov et hei rski l
lsandsomet imesmei fIaskhi m
nicelyandhe' snotbusy .
"Isai d." Doeshet each
outsideofy ourwor kpl ace?I '
dl iket oenr olltwoof
myownchef s.Thi sisr eal l
ygoodandi fit'
s
teachabl e,ev enbet ter."Hesai d." Idon' tknow.I '
llask
him whenIseehi m agai n.You' ret ryingtoputmy
wor koutofbusi ness. "Isai d.Hel aughed." I
'm
expandi ngourempi rebaby .I twi ll benef i
tusi nt he
l
ongr un. "Hesmi led.Weenj oyedourbr eakf astand
myhangov erwasabi tbet t
er .Imademywayt ot he
bedr oom agai n."Baby .Shoul dn'ty ougoshoppi ng
now?We' regoi ngoutt oni ghtf ordi nner."Thi errysaid
asheputabi gbagont hebed." Ar ey oucomi ngwi th
me? "Iasked." Unfor tunat el
ynot .You' r
egoi ngwi t
h
Ria."Het ookouthi swal let."Idon' tthinkshel ikes
me. "Isi ghed." Riai sabi tcol dbutshewi ll
getused
toy ou.You' renotgoi ngany wher e."Heki ssedme
handi ngmeabl ackcar d." Whati smybudget ?"I
asked.Hel aughed." Wi pemecl ean, myl ady ."I
shookmyhead." Thisdr essismaki ngmewantt odo
thi
ngst oyou."Hewhi speredinmyear ."Doy ouwant
toknowasecr et?"Iasked." Pl
ease. "Hebegged.I
tookhishandandpl acedi tinbet weenmyl egs.He
gasped."Naught ygirl."Hepushedmeont hebed,
cli
mbingont op.Ipushedhi m andcl i
mbedont opof
him."Later.Rightnow, I'
m goingt obuymy self
Durban."Icli
mbedof fhim.Hel aughedoutl oud.I
tookmybagandwal kedout .Downst air
s,Moonwal k
wassi t
ti
ngont hecouchst ari
ngatt heTV.Hel ooked
atme." MrsThi er ry
."Hesmi l
ed."HeyMoon.Wher e
i
sy ourMr s?"Iasked." Behindy ou."Hesaid.Ilooked
behindmeandt hereshewasi namaxi dressand
sandals."Cany oudr ive?"Sheasked." Yes.
"Shegav e
met hekey sandIwal kedoutt ot hecar.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er26

I'
dgonet oWool wor t
hst obuysomef ooditemsf ir
st.
Reasonf orthiswasbecausewe' dst ayinDur banfor
af ewday sandIneededmor efoodi nt hatf ridge.I
wentt ogetmy sel fmakeupandagor geoushand
bag.Iwentt otheshoesdepar tmentandt ookt wo
pairsofheel sandoneofsneaker s.NowIneededa
dressf rom YDEandaf ewcl othesf rom Cot tonOn
may be.OnmywayoutIbumpedi ntoRi a.Shehada
troll
eyf ul
lofZar aandH&M." Hey .Iwast ryingt ocall
you.Hav eyouboughtanewphoney et?"Sheasked.
"Uhm.Iwasn' tgoi ngt o.
"Ir epli
ed." Buty ourphonei s
broken. "Shest ated."It'
sjustacr ackedscr een. "I
said."Pleasebuyaphone. "Shebegged." Ican' tbe
spendi ngThi er
ry'smoneysor ecklessl y
."Ihi ssed.
Shel aughed." I
fhedi dn'twanty out ospendi t
recklessly,hewoul dn'thavegi veny ouhi sspendi ng
card.Buyanewphone, andf orheav enssakemake
i
twor thwhi le,you' l
lf i
ndmeatt hatbout i
quef orour
dresses, thenwe' llgobackt oZar afory ourr elaxing
clothes. "Shesai dasshewal kedaway .Iwasst uck.
Myhear twaspoundi ng.Idi dn'twantt ogo
ov erboar d.Iwentt ot heiSt oreandgotmy selfan
i
Phone, nonott hel atest .Af terthey '
dhel pedmewi th
i
t,Imademywayt othebout ique.Ri awassi ppi nga
champagnewai tingf orme." IPhonei sagoodchoi ce.
Doy ouhav eanyi deawher ewe' regoi ngt oday ?"She
asked.Ishookmyhead." We' r
emeet ingwi t
ht he
Presi dent '
sf ami l
y .Ther e'st hreeopt ionsofdr esses
there, fi
tt hem onandt akey ourt opt wo. "She
cont inuedonheri Pad.Iwasshaki ng.Pr esident ?Of
thecount r y
?Iwasaboutt ohav eapani cat t
ack.I
wentt of i
tont hedr essesandchosemyt wo.The
shopassi stantbr oughtmeshoeopt i
onsandIchose
one.Myhandswer eshaki ng.Af terpay ingwemade
ourwayoutt ot heot hershopsf ormycl othes.
Thr oughoutt hewhol ethi ng, Iwassost ressed.Ver y
stressed.Ihadn' tbeenabl et out terawor dunt il we
arrivedhome.Ri aseemednonchal antaboutt hi s.
Moonwasst il
lint hesamespotI 'dlefthi mi nt he
mor ning.It ookt hegr ocer i
est otheki tchenandmy
bagsupst airst omyr oom.Thi errywassl eeping.SoI
mademywayoutagai nt onotdi sturbhi m.Iwant ed
tokeepmymi ndofft oni ghtsoIdeci dedI '
dpackt he
foodint hef ridgeandcupboar ds, per hapsmake
somel unchaf ter
war ds.I nt heki t
chen, Moonwas
standingbyt hei sl
and, wi thay ogur tinhi shand.
"Uhm...it'
snotwhati tl ooksl i
ke. "Hesay s.Ilaughed.
"I
'm maki ngl unchi naf ewmi nut es."Ipackedt he
food."ThankGod.Ineedt ot akeanapbutI '
m
hungry .
"Hecompl ained.If riedt hebr eadi nthepan
withbut t
er ."I'
llmakey ouasandwi ch.I sthatokay ?"I
asked."Yespl ease."If riedchi ckenst ri
psona
secondpl at e." HasThi er rybeensl eepingl ong? "I
tookoutpl ates."About2hour snow. "Her esponded.
Icuttheav oandputi tasi de, cutt hel ettucef i
nel y
andmadehi m asandwi ch.Imade4mor eforRi a
andThi erry.Icoul dn'teat .Mynewphoner angont he
counterasIhandedMoonhi spl at e."You'reast ar.
"
Het ookhi sj uiceandwentupt ohi sr oom.I
answer edmyphone." HeyNoma. "ItwasPast or
Zondo." Hi Themba. "Iwhi sper ed." Howar eyou? "He
asked."I'
m gr eat.You? "If ixedt hepl atef orRia." I
'
m
fi
ne.Ijustwant edtoknowy ou' reokay .Andagai n,
I'
m sor ry.Iwasact i
ngl i
keaj erkbef ore.CanIsee
yout hisweekend?Wecanmeetatt hecent rewi th
thekids. "Hesai d.Ithinkt hi swaswhyIwasnev er
attr
act edt oPast orZondo.Ev erythinghedi d, wasf or
thebenef i
tofot hers.Ev enhi sleisur et i
me.Our
dateswoul dconsi stofot her sandnev erany t
hi ngon
ourown.Hewast oodedi cat edt ot hechur chand
thatwasamazi ngbutnotsomet hingIwant ed." I
'm
outoft own.I '
m sor r
y.Nextt ime? "Iasked." No
problem.Enj oyt hen.By eNoma. "Ihungup.Ri a
walkedi n,Igav eherherpl ate." Thanky ou."Shesai d.
Itookabot tl
eofwat erupt ot hebedr oom andgoti n
bednextt oThi erry.Hewr appedmei nhi sar ms, sti
ll
asleep.Heal way shast osmel lsodamngood.I
closedmyey esandst oppedt hinki ngofhi speni sfor
onceanddr i
ftedof ftosl eep.Het ur nedmeov erand
cli
mbedonme." Thoughty ou'resl eeping. "Iyawned.
"How?Wheny oupoket hi ssexyassoutonme. "He
saidinahuskyv oice.Het ookof fmydr ess,kissing
mybr east s.Itookof fhi
sv est .Hi smuscl esshowi ng
out,maki ngmewet t
erthanbef or e.Iki ssedhi sl i
ps.
Hisdi ckpokedatmedownbel ow.Iwasmel ti
ng,
mesmer izedandt aken.If elthim sl idei n,Igrabbed
ont ohim andgasped.Idi dnotexpectt hat.He
l
ookedmei nt heey ewi thav eryser iouslook.He
pull
edoutabi tandst r
okebacki n.Hi shandr eached
overtot hedr awer ,
pullingoutaboxofcondoms.
"Almostgotcar ri
edaway .
"Hewhi sper ed.Iwat ched
him sl
owl ypul loutbutpushedbacki nagai n." You
feelsodamngood, Noma. "Hecont inuedt ost roke
gently
, butmybodyst artedbet ray ingme.Ist artedto
shake, Iwascl osi nginonacl imax.Heki ssedmy
l
ips,sucki ngonmybot tom l ip,notl etti
ngmego.He
fuckedf asterhol dingt heedgeoft hebed.Ihel don
tohisbody ,mynai l
sdi ggingi nhi sback." THI ERRY!!"
Iscreamed, myl egsshi veredopeni ngwi derf orhim,
mybackal mostsnappedandbr okeal lt
hewayi nhis
gri
pasIr eachedmyor gasm, crying.Hequi ckl y
pull
edout ,kissi ngmyf ace.Mybodycont r
act edwi t
h
everytouch." Thi erry.
"Ipant ed." Baby .
"Hi shands
caressingmybodyandki ssingev er ycor ner ."That
wassocar eless.Wehav et o...usecondoms. "Itri
ed
catchingmybr eath.Iwasal soscar edmyut er us
openedv erywi def orhimt odeposi t6chi l
dr en." I
haven'tyetcum buty ou' r
er ight."Hewhi sper ed,
putti
ngonacondom.Mybodywasonl yst art i
ngt o
recov er .Het urnedmeonmyst omach, mybr east s
ont hebed, myassupi nt heai r.Hepushedhi sor gan
i
nsideandgr oaned.Onehandwasar oundme,
rubbingonmycl it
or iswhi lehest rokedsl owly.Iwas
soweak.Al lIdidwasl i
stent ot her hythm mybody
fel
tashehumpedi nandout .Soonf eeli
ngmy
cli
maxbui lding.Imov edmywai sttohispace.He
groanedagai n,mov edf aster .Hi shandshel dmy
waist, tight eninghi sgr i
p, fucki nghar derandf aster
thanbef ore.Ihel dont hepi llowf eeli
ngmybody
crushi ngi ntoanot hershat teringcl imax.Hedr ove
deepi nsi de, moani ngandf l
oppedonmyback.He
heldmet ighteri nar ms." I'
m sosor ry.
"Hesai d.
"Why ?"Ibr eathed." Iwant edust owai t.AndIj ust...I
couldn' t."Het urnedmet ol ookathi m."Idon'twant
youf eel inganyt ypeofway .Ilov ey ou.It'
snotgonna
change. "Heassur edme.Ihuggedhi m.Hegotup
andt ookof fthef ullcondom, Ty i
ngi tupandput ting
i
tasi de.Hebentdownki ssedmypussy ."You're
i
ncredi bl e."Hewhi sper ed.Il aughed." Wi l
l y
oust op? "
Wecuddl edabi t.Idi dn'tthinkI '
df allharderforhi m
butwow, hi ssexwoul dhav emeabandonmyf uture.
"Thinki ngofski ppingt hisdi nner .I'
veonl yslepttwo
hoursint woday s.Besi des,Iwantt ospendt onight
maki nglovet oyou."Hesmi l
ed.Iblushed."Buty ou'
re
seeingthepr esident.Youcan' tnotgo. "Isaid."My
familyiscloset ohisinbusi nesssoweseet hem
mostt imest hannecessar y.Thisisonlyjustasoci al
dinner.Notent i
relyi
mpor tant.
"Heki ssedmyhead.
"Yesbuty oucan' tnotpi t
chup.That '
srude."Ilooked
athim.Hesmi l
ed."Fine.Let '
ssleep,we'llwakeupt o
bathandgo. "Thener vesr eturned.Icouldn'
tsl eepa
wink.Hesnor edawaywi thoutawor ry
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er27

Thierr
yhel pedmei ntomydr essaf terwe' dtakena
bath.Thedr esswasofsi lkandwasn' tti
ghtbuti t
shapedmybody ,
wi thabi tofmov i
ngspace.The
necklinedesi gnedqui telowt hatmybr east slooked
l
iketheywoul djumpout ."Idon'tknowThi erry.This
i
sabi tt oomuch. "Hehel pedmewi t
ht hef urcoat,
standingbehi ndmehuggi ngmybody .Ilookedat
himint hemi r
rorinfrontofus." Youl ookt ooper f
ect
.
Imightj ustfucky oui nthePr esi
dent '
shouse. "He
whisper ed.Iblushed.Riahadof feredmehermake
upar t
istandIwant edav erysubtlenat ural l
ook.She
deli
vered.Asmoot hskinl i
kel ay
eroff oundat ion,
l
ashest hatmakemel ookl i
keadol l
,shar pcar v
ed
outey ebrowsandl ipgloss.Done.Wemadeourway
tothel oungewher etheboy swer ewai t
ing.Ri awas
wearingabl acksequencedr esst hathadasl itthat
l
ookedl i
ketheAv enuet ohell.Shehadgor geous
l
egs.Herbr east spackagedni cel yint hedr ess.Ifel
t
l
essi nsecur enowbecauseIr eal l
yf el
tIwasj ust
doingal ot."Champagne? "Sheasked.Icr i
ngedatt he
thoughtbutIdi dn'twantt ober ude." Uhm. "Ist
arted.
"Don'twor ry,Idespisei ttoo.I'l
lor dergi nandpi nk
tonic."Shewal kedaway .Wer eachedl oungeand
she'dgonet ot hekitchen.Mooncoul dn' tf
ocuson
anythi ngbuthi swi f
e.Theywer ejustdr essedin
blackshi rt
st uckedi nblackpant s.How
disappoi nt i
ng.Iwasr eadyt oseet uxedos.Ri acame
backf oll
owedbyay oungguycar ryingdr i
nks.Igot
mygl ass( champagnegl asscar ryi
nggi n)shet ook
hers." Thecar sarer eady .I'
mt akingNoma, youtwo
aret oget her."Riasai d."Woah.Why ? ?
"Thi erry
protest ed."Thi sisforherownpr otection.Besides,
yout wohav eabusi nessconv ersationt ohav e.
Noma, l
et'sgo. "Riawal kedaway .Ikissedav erysad
l
ooki ngThi erryandl eftwi thher.

Inthecar,
wesatinthebacktoget
herandsi
ppedour
dri
nks.Idon'
tknowwhyshewasni cetomenowbut
Itr
ustedli
quortogi
vemet hecour
agetoask."
Why
didn'ty ouwantt ot rav el withy ourhusband? "Iasked.
"Icanhandl emyhusband.Thi errylookedl ikehewas
aboutt ot eary ouapar t.You' dnev ermakei ttothat
dinnerwi tht hatdr essi nonepi ece."Shel aughed.I
l
aughedwi thher .Int hiscar ,wehadmor eginand
tonic.Shepour edusmor edrinks." AtfirstIthought
youdi dn' tli
keme. "Iconf essed.Yeah, li
quidcour age
i
sher e." Idol i
key ou.You' regr eat .That'swhyIdon' t
wanty ouher e.I '
dr atherar ude, entit
ledf l
oozywas
herebuti thadt obet hegoodi nnocentgi rl
."She
shrugged.I twashar dnott obeof fendedbutatt he
samet ime, wast hisacompl iment ?"Why ?"Iasked.
"Noma, you'ret oosweetf orwhaty ou'r
eaboutt o
exper ience.Iknowy oul ov eThi erryandi t
'l
lmakei t
somuchhar derf ory ou.Don' tgetmewr ong, i
fwe
l
ivedi nadi f f
erentwor ld, you'dbeper fectforhim.
Butwedon' tli
v einadi fferentwor ld,wel i
veon
survival modeandmostofusdon' tmakei toutal i
ve.
Drinky ourgi n."Thecarst oppedatabi ggat ewaiti
ng
ont hesecur i
ty.Iempt iedmygl asscont entsdown
myt hr oatandswal lowed.I '
venev erbeenso
conf used.Oncewewer egr antedaccess, t
hecar
drovei ntot hedr ivewayandpar ked.Wegotoutt he
carandwer eescor tedi nt hehouse." Mr sSt öltzer.
Wel come. "Thebut lersai d." Hi James, thisi sthe
secondMr sStöltzer .Issheont hel i
st? "Riaasked.
"Miket ookanewwi fe? "Thebut l
erj oked." He'dbe
deadbymor ning. "Theyl aughed." Thi sisThi erry'
s
madam. "Shesai d.Thebut lershookmyhand.
"You'rewel come, Mr sSt öltzer.Letmeshowy ou
around. "Hesai d." Thanky ou. "IlookedatRi aand
shenodded.Jamest ookmei nhi sar m andshowed
mear ound.Soi twasn' tjustus, ther ewer eaf ew
otherpeopl eher ebesi det hePr esident 'sf ami l
y .
Mor el ikeadi nnerpar t
y.Iwasbegi nningt or el
ax.
"James! "Adeepv oicecal l
edout .Webot hl ooked.A
tal
lbul kymanwasst ari
ngatusbot h."Whodowe
haveher e?"Jamesdi dn'tmov e." Thi sisMr s
Stöltzer ."Hest atedcl ear l
y." Miket ookasecond
wife? "Themanasked." No, shei sMr sThi erry
Stöltzer ."saidJames.Themansuckedhi st eeth.
"MrsThi err
yStöl tzer ."Her epeat ed.Hi sey es
l
inger ingonmybr east s."Ify ou'l
l excuseus, si
r."
Jamesasked." Intr oducey our selfMr s.Youhav eto
bemor et hanThi er ry '
swi fe, r
ight ?"Theman
extendedhi shand.Ist artedt opani c.Thi smanhad
aseedyl ooki nhi seyes.Iswal l
owedspi tandf i
nall
y
smel taf ami l
i
arfragrance, hisar m scoopedme
awayf r
om James." Stanley."Moonsai d."Ahh.Mi ke.
Iwasgr eet i
ngMr sThier-""Leav e,Stanley ."Moon
stated.St anbackedawayandwal ked." Youokay ?
"
Heaskedme." I
'mf i
ne.He' sjustscar y.
"Iconf essed.
"Iknow.Yourhusbandi switht hepr esident ,soIget
tokeepy ousaf e.Arey ouokaywi ththat? "Heasked.
Inodded.NowIdr i
nklikeaf ishbutIdon' tspeakout
ofor derandIsur eashel lwasn' tgoi ngtoaskMoon
orThi erryf orthatmat teraboutwhatRi asai dtome.
Ialsoadmi tmay beIwasscar edt hatImi ghtputher
i
nt rouble.Nowt hatshewasmor eopenwi t
hme, I
didn'twantt oloseher .Webui l
dal l
iancesnow.
Shoul dany thi
nghappen, Ineededpeepsonmysi de.
Moont ookmear oundgr eetingpeopl eunt il
wewer e
aloneagai n.Istoodwi thmybackt ot hebar .He
stoodi nf rontofme." Youl ookbuzzed. "Hechuckl ed.
"Icanassur eyouI '
m not .
"Igi ggled."Fine, moregin
orwat er? "Heasked.Igasped." Howdi dy ouknow? "I
asked." Sweet heart,
youneedt opopt hisi nyour
mout handbequi et.
"Hepoppedami ntinmymout h
andwel aughed." Yeah, you'r
edef i
nitelybuzzed. "He
l
aughedandhuggedme.Ri acamet ous." Whatdi d
yougi veher ?"Moonasked." Gin.Sheneededt ocalm
down.Shel iterallyfrozei nner vesal lday ."She
l
aughed." You' l
lbot hhav et odeal wit
hThi erry.Leave
meoutofi t
."Moonsai d.Ri aspr ayedt wopumpsof
per fumeonmyneck." Mi chael,Hol dher ."She
scol ded." I
'mt r
y i
ngbutI '
m notaboutt osmel lli
kea
fl
ower .
"Hewhi sper ed.Ilaughed." Seewhaty ou've
done?OhmyGod, her ecomesThi erry.Actcool .
"He
whi spered.Thi erryor deredadr ink."Andt hen?
Alreadydr unk? "Thi errysai d.Igiggled." Hesawme. "
Ilaughed.Thi errylookedatMoon." Ifoundherl i
ke
this."Moonsai d.Thi errylookedatRi a." Sheneeded
tor elax."Sheexpl ained." You' l
lbothl ookaf t
erher ,
shebet ternotdi sappearMoonwal k.St anleyis
alreadyl ingeringar oundl ikeawol f.
"Hesai d." Ar
e
youmadatme? "Iasked." I
'm notmadaty ou
sthandwasami .Iwanty out oenj oyy oursel f
,okay ?
Moonwal kwi lltakecar eofy ou.Ihav et owor k."He
kissedmyl i
ps." Wat er.
"Hewar nedMoonand
wal kedaway .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er28

Ifinallysober edupaf t
er45mi nut esofwat erand
goingt othebat hroom.Moonwal kescor tedmeand
wai tedbyt hedoorev er yt
ime.I twast imef ort he
dinnernowandweal lsatintheassi gnedt abl es.Our
fami lywaswi thtwoot hermanIdi dn'tknow.Each
tablehadsi xchairs.Isatbet weenThi er r
yandRi a.
Onherot hersi dewasMoon." Imi ssy ou. "Thier ry
whi sper ed."I'
v ebeenher eallthist imebaby .You
hav emeal ltoy ourselfafterthis."Isai d."Icannot
wai ttobr eaky ourbackandhav ey ouscr eami ngmy
name. "Hesmi l
ed.Mycheeksbur ned.Whycan' the
beor dinary?Thepr esidentmadehi sshor twel come
speechandt hedi nnercommenced.Abandwasi n
thef rontcor nerpl ayingsof tj
azzmusi c.Ourst arter
s
wer eser v
ed.AsIl ookedup, oneoft hem menwas
staringatmeagai n,smi li
ng.Thi swas
uncomf ort
abl e.Hel ookedawayandpr et
endedt o
eat.Somet hingwei r
dwasgoi ngonher e.Theot her
manl ookedatThi erry."I
'vebeenmeani ngt ocont act
youabouty ouroi l,Thierry.
"Hesai d." I
'
m not
handl i
ngt hatpar tofmycompani es, Enoch.I '
v e
explainedt hisbef ore.You' dhav et omakean
appoi nt ment ,we' lltalkofawayf or war d."Thierry
said." CanImakeonenow? "AskedEnoch." No.I '
m
havingdi nnernow. "Say sThi err
y .Moonchokedon
hisf ood, anddr ankagl assofwat er ."I
'llcallyour
offi
ceonMonday , Enoch."Thi erryconcl uded.The
MCcameont hest ageandannouncedal lwoment o
maket heirwayt ot heconf erencer oom.Ourdi nner
woul dbeser vedt here.RiaandIst oodupand
walkedt oget her .Ourconf erencer oom wasal i
ttl
e
smal lerbutal l ofusf itt
edi nandsatdown.Our
dinnerwasser vedwi thchampagne.Ial mostcr i
ed.A
womanwhol ookedt obei nher50swassi tti
ngwi t h
us.Shel ookedl iket hecr uellaoft hepack." You're
thesecondMr sSt öl t
zer?I'm Bridget .Whatdoy ou
do? "Sheasked.Theyal ll
istened." She' si nthe
account sdepar tmentf orourDubai company ."Ria
said.Il ookedather .Ican'tbel i
ev ehowcal m she
l
ooked.HowwasIgoi ngt oexpl ainmyi magi naryj ob
tothesewomen?" Oh.That '
sbi g.Ithoughty ouwer e
ahousewi feliket hef ir
stone.Ishoul di ntroducey ou
tomyhusband, hewant edadv iceont hemar ket .He
want st ogeti ntot heDubai infrastructur eandsi nce
yourf ami l
yhast heconnect ions, Nomaher ecan
helpus, r
ight?"Br idgetsay s."I'm noti nt hebusi ness
toadv ise,Bridget .Icanhowev ermakean
arrangementf ory ourhusbandt omeetsomeone
thatcanhel phi m. "Isaid.Wher edidt hatcomef rom?
"Thanky ouNoma!Icanseewe' r
egoi ngt ober eal ly
goodf r
iends."Shebeamed." Ladies,whati sonour
agendaf orthechar itybal l
thisy ear?"Anot herl ady
asked." Howaboutt heempower mentofy oung
women? "Riasuggest ed." Howso?Idon' twantl i
ttle
whor eswhoal readyl eechof fmyhusbandt oal so
benef i
tonmychar i
tycampai gn.I'drat herwef ocus
ont hingswecancont rol.
"Bridgetsai d." Themost
reasont heyl eechof fy ourhusbandsi sbecauset hey
donothav eincomeorencour agementt of ollow
adv antageouscar eers.Ifthere'sapr ogr am t hat
focusesonbet t
er ingt heirli
vest heywon' tbe
i
nter estedinbei ngi nv olvedwi tholdmen.Whydo
yout hinkmenonl yf ocusonbuy ingt hem l uxur y
i
temsandi ntr
oduci ngt hem t oal ifet hey'l
lal way s
wantt ochaseandi mpr esst heirpeer swi thi nstead
ofgiv i
ngt hem jobsandbui l
dingt hem l ucrative
businessest osust ai nthem i nt hef uture?"Isai d.Ria
sippedherchampagne." Iagr eewi thNoma. "Anot her
l
adysai d."Bethatasi tmaybutmyhusbandbought
hisfloozyahouse.Nowwhat ?"Bridgetsai d." That
soundsl i
keapr oblem y oumayhav ewi thy our
husband. "Isippedmychampagne.Br i
dgetst ared
dagger satme." Bri
dge, canIcal lyouBr i
dge?Look.
Yourhusbandi sl oose.Nobodyf orcedhi mt obuy
thehouse.Theonl ywayf orwar dnowi st or estrict
himf rom cr i
ppli
ngy ourf i
nanci alstatus.It hi nky ou
shouldi nvolveyourl awy er s.Ifthere'sonet hing
husbandsf ear,i
t'slosingt heirwives.Nomat t
erhow
goodpussyi sout side.Heneedsst abil
ityandhi s
stabil
ityisYOU. "...
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er29

Afterourdi nner ,Bridgetcamet osi twi t hmeandour

host, Eve.Ev ewast ellingmeaboutherki dswho
wer ecur rentlyinhi ghschool .Twi ngi rl
swhohav e
startedtobecomer ebel li
ous.If oundi thar dnott o
l
aughbutImanagedmyst raightf ace.Shewasr eall
y
i
nt rouble." Eve, don' ty out hinktheki dsar eact i
ng
outbecauset hei rdadi st heonewhol ay sthel aw
andhe' shar dlyar ound? "Iasked." It houghtabout
thatbutt hemai di sal soconspi ringagai nstme! !
Theyonl ylistent oherandwhenshe' sgonet heyact
l
ikebr atsanddi srespectme! "Shesai d." Ev e,let'
s
fi
rstst artwi ththet i
tle.She' snotamai d.Thatwor d
i
sassoci atedwi thsl av ery.Shei sy ourhel per.She
helpst akecar eofy ourhouseandf ami ly.Ifyoust ar
t
torespecther ,shewi llrecipr ocateandt hatwayt he
kidswi lltakeherexampl e.It'sbet tert ohav eheri n
yourcor ner ."Iexpl ained." Noma, Iwantt ost eal you
foramoment .
"Br idgetsai d.Iexcusedmy sel ffrom
Ev eandf ollowedBr idget .Weent eredal ar ger oom,
thatl ookedl ikeal ounge.Iwasabi tner voust hatwe
wer epr anci ngar oundaPr esident '
shomel ikei twas
our s."Noma, Ireal lyl i
key ou.Ihopewecanbe
fri
ends.Al thoughy our emi ndmeoft hewhor et hat
myhusbandi ssl eepi ngwi th.It r
ustt haty ou'remor e
classyt hant hatandsi ncey ou'realreadymar riedt o
abi lli
onai re, there'snot hingmysor ryexcuseofa
spousecandot ol ur ey ou.Besi des, you'reasmar t
l
ady .Youseem l ikey ouhav eani deaonhowt okeep
myhomeaf fairsi nt act.Weshoul dhav elunch. "She
said.Inodded.HowwasIgoi ngt okeepupt hisf ront?
ThedooropenedandSt anl eywal kedi n.It ensed
i
mmedi ately ."Ahh.Manoft hemoment .Thi si smy
husband, St an. "Br idgetsai d." We' v
emet ."Hesai d.
"Mr sThi erry.Howar ey ouf indingy ourev eni ng? "
Stanasked." I'
vehadawonder ful t
ime, thanky ou."I
said, empt yingmygl assdownmyt hroat.Ist oodup
toleav e."Honey ,Nomai si nchar geofaccount swi th
theSt öltzercompanyi nDubai .Youdi dsayy ou
neededaconnectt her e,r i
ght ?She' swi ll
ingt ohel p
you. "Br idgetsai d.Iwant edt ostrangl eher ."Oh?
Interest ing.Cany ougi veusamoment , l
ov e? "Stan
asked.Br idgetl ookedathi mt henatme." Oh.Okay .
I'
llber ightout side."Shewal kedoutr eluct ant ly,
closingt hedoorbehi ndher ."Interestingt hingsI '
ve
l
ear nedi nj ustt het wohour sI '
vemety ou. "He
mov edcl osert ome.If oldedmyar msi ndef ense.
"Andt hati s? "Iasked." Forone, you'renotmar ri
ed."
Hesmi led, hisey esrest edonmybr east s." AndI '
m
quitesur e, you' renoti nchar geofany thingi nv olvi
ng
Stöltzerbecausey ouandThi errymetaboutamont h
ago. "Hemov edcl oser .Ist eppedbackandbumped
i
nt oawal l.Iwast r
apped." Now, i
magi nei fIdug
deeper ?Butoutofpur eint erest ..
."Hisf i
nger
touchedt heski nonmycol larbone, slidingdownt o
mycl eav age." Iwon' t.Andi nr eturn,youwi llgetme
thatconnect i
ony ouspokeabout .Thatway ,Ican
l
eav ey oual one. "Hebr eat hed." Letmego. "Iwar ned.
"Sweet hear t,don' tbest upi d.Theoppor tuni tyisnow.
You'r eint hebi gleagues.You' reinaPr esident 's
house, wi thsomeoft hemosti nfluential peopl ei n
thecount ry.Makeacquai nt ances, notenemi es.Do
your eal lyt hinkThi errywi l
l mar ryawai t r
ess?Wi t
h
hisst atusi nsoci ety?You' r ecut eandal lbutbe
reali
sti
c.Icanandwi l
l putupi nanyi ndustry.And
may be..
.youcanshowmehowmuchy ou
appreciat
eit..
"Hishandsqueezedmybr east .I
slappedandki ckedhi m.Hest umbl edbackandhel d
hischeek.Hi sli
pwasbl eeding."Fuckinghel l
.Thatis
adamnt urnon."Hechuckl ed.Thedoorswungopen.
Thierr
yandMoonwal k.Irant ohiml i
kemyl ife
dependedoni t
."Arey ouhur t?"Thierryasked.I
shookmyhead.Ij ustwant edtogohome." Please
takemehome. "Ibreat hed.Hel edmeoutt hehouse.
Alotwasgoi ngthroughmymi nd.From Bridgetto
Stan.Therewassomet hingshe' dsaidthatcaught
myat tenti
onbutI '
dleti tgo."Ithoughty ouwer ea
housewi f
elikethefir
stone"Shehadsai d.Whowas
thefir
stone?
#Your
sTr
uly
Chapt
er30

Athome, Ididn'
twantt otal ktoany one.Moonand
Riatri
edt heirbestbutThi errywasf umi ng." DidInot
specifi
callytel
lyoubot htol ookaf t
erher ??Howt he
fuckdidsheendupi nar oom wi t hSt anl ey!?"He
quaked." Ionlyrememberherspeaki ngt oBr idget .
Shemayhav etakenheroutt her oom.ThesecondI
couldn'tseeher ,Icamet oy ou."Ri aexpl ained." Ria
didnot hi
ngwr ong.Ij ustwantabat handsl eep. "I
said."Didhehur ty ou? "Moonasked." No. "Iwal ked
awayt omyr oom.Thankf ul l
y,Thierrydi dn'tfol l
ow.
Hewasf urious.Igoti nt hebat hf ul
l ofwar m wat er
andbat hsal t
s,relaxingmybody .Af teraboutanhour
Igotoutt hebat h,driedmybodyandwentt ot he
bedroom wi thmyl oti
on.Thi errywassi ttingont he
bed.Hel ookedv erywor r
ied." Noma, pleaset ellme
whathappened. "Hebegged." Firstl
y ,Iwas
i
ntroducedasMr sSt öltzer .Whyi st hat ? "Iasked." I'
d
preferthoseol dmenkeept heirdirtycl awsof fyou.
Theyknowt obackof fify ou'remywi fe.They 'dhav e
tor especty ou."Heexpl ained." Int erest i
ng.Howdi d
Stanl eyt henf i
ndoutI '
m noty ourwi fe, wemeta
mont hagoandt hatI'm awai tress? "Iasked." Stanley
ownsani nv est i
gat i
oncompanyt hathi respeopl et o
fi
ndal lki ndsofi nformat ion."Heexpl ai
ned."Intwo
hour sThi erry ?
? "Myv oicer aised." Yesi ntwohour s.
Ist hatal l hesai d? "Heasked.It houghtf orami nut e.
"Hewant saconnectwi thsomeonei ny ourDubai
company ."Isai d."Ov ermydeadbody .
"Hest oodup
andpacedt hef loor."Thier ry
, wer ey oumar ri
ed
bef ore? "Hef roze." No.Whydoy ouask? "Helooked
sur prised." Wast hereawoman? "Iasked." Yes."Thi s
clear l
ymadehi m uncomf or t
abl e." Whathappenedt o
her ?"If oldmyar ms." Shedi ed, Noma.Whyar ewe
talkingaboutt his?"Hi susual i
rritation." Whendi d
shedi e? "Idi dn'tknowwhatIwasaski ngorifI
want edt oknowbutIaskedi tany way .Het ooka
whi let oanswer ."Shedi ed9mont hsago. "Heputhi s
handsi nhi spocket s,closi nghi msel foff."Howdi d
shedi e? "Iasked." Sheki l
ledher self.Look, Ihave
somewher etobe.Idon' tknowwhenI '
l
l beback.
Goodni ght .
"Hewal kedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er31

Ispentt hatni ghtal one.Ireall

ydi dmisshi m.Wasi t
possibl ethathewasn' tov erher ?Thenwhy
approachme?Whydat eme?Whyt ellmehewant s
tomar ryme?Washej ustpassi ngt i
me?Was
Stanleyr i
ght ?Ihadsomanyquest i
ons.I nthe
mor ning, Imademywaydownst air
sandmade
breakf ast.Neit herRi aorMooncameout .Iwaited
unti
l Igothungr ywhi chwasal mostmi ddaybyt hen.
Imademy selfasmoot hie,wor emybi kini,tooka
towel andphonet henl ef
tf orthepool .Ineededt o
seehumans.It ookaf ewpi ct
uresanddi ppedint he
pool forawhi le.It ookashor tswimt henwentback
tosit.WhenI 'dar r
ivedinJobur gImadesur etotake
swimmi ngl essonsbecauseasmuchasIl oved
water ,Ididn'tlear ni nmyy oungerl i
fe.Soasmuch
asIcoul dswi m, Icouldn'tdoi tforl
ongot herwiseI'
d
gettiredandpr obabl ydrown.Oneoft heguy scame
overt osi twit
hme.Iwashonest lynoti nthemood
butIdi dn'thavet ober ude." So, doy oulivear ound
here?"Heasked." No.I 'm her ewi thmyhusband. "I
stated." Oh?Youl ooksoy oung.Wher e'sther ing?"
Whyi st histurningt hisi ntoaconv ersation?" DoI
needi t?"Inadi stance, IsawMoonwal kt owar dsus.
"Well,no.Buti fy ou'r
enotwear ingi tthenwecan' t
know.Sowher ei sy ourhusband. "Goodgr ief.
"Goodby ebuddy ."Moonsai dashesatdown." Oh.
Hello.I'
m- ""
Ididsaygoodby e."Moonwar ned.He
hadat onewhenev erhesai di t,thatwoul dmakey ou
pissy ourpant s.Theguygotupwi thhast eandl eft
us."Yourhusbandi sl ooki ngf ory ou."Moonsai d.
"Oh."Idr inkmysmoot hie."Wannat alkabouti t
?"He
asked." No, i
nf actIdonot .I'
m gonnat akeaswi m-"
Hehel dmyar m." Sit
."Isatdown." Ididt ellyou
before, I'
llpr
otecty ou.What everi tis,youcant alkto
me."Ij ustnodded." Idon' twantt otalkrightnow.I
j
ustr eallyneedt obeal one."Isai d."Alr
ight.Shoul dI
l
etThi er r
yknowwher ey ouar e? "Heasked." Youwi l
l
anyway .He'syourbr other .
"Ishr ugged." Noti fyou
don'twantmet o.Yourcal l.
"Ist oodup." Youcant el
l
him wher eIam. "Iwal kedbackt ot hepool andwent
i
n.Idon' tknowwhatI 'dgot t
enmy sel fint obutt his
actingr i
chwor l
dwasnotf orme.Af t
eral l
,I'
llbeback
atther estaurantonSundayev eningdoi ngmyr eal
j
ob.Li keCi nderell
ahav ingt oleavebef oremi dni ght,
myt i
mewoul dcomet oo.Exceptt hi swasn' ta
fai
ry t
aleandThi errymaybeaPr incebuti t'
scl ear
he'shidingsomet hingabouthi spr evious
rel
at i
onship.Af terafewhour sbymy self,Imademy
waybackt othehouset ot akeanap.Thef ami lywas
i
nt hel ounge, watchingTV.Theyal l l
ookedatme
whenIcl osedt hedoor ." Goodaf t
er noon. "Isaidand
wentupt omyr oom.Thi erryenteredt her oom
behindme." I'
m noti nt hemoodThi er r
y .Please. "I
tookmypi ll
sandabot tleofwat er, gulpi ngdown.He
keptqui et.Itookof fmywetbi ki
ni andhoppedi nt he
showerf ortwomi nutest henwentt obed." Baby ."He
said."Thierry.
"Heopenedhi smout handcl osedi t
again.Icov eredmy selfandsl ept.

Iwokeupintheeveni
ng,Thier
rywasnexttomein
bedstar
ingatme.Igotafri
ght."
Whatareyou
doi
ng?"Iasked."
Wait
ingforyoutowake.You'
ve
beenasl eepf orhour s."Heki ssedmycheek." Idon't
l
ikei twheny ou'remadatme. "Hesucked." I'
m not
madaty ou.I'm nott heonewhosl eptoutofour
bedr oom l astnight."May beIwasal it
tlemad." I
neededt imeoutt ot hink."Hesi ghed." Idi dn'tmean
tojustwal koutony ou.Justt hat,Ihav en'tthought
aboutKhany i
sai nmont hs.Whenshe. ...died,ittook
aknockonmebutIhadt ogetov erit.She' sgone.I
hadt omov eonwi thmyl if
e."Heexpl ained." Whydi d
i
tt akey ou3mont hst oj ustfallinlov ewi t hsomeone
else, Thierry?
"Iasked." BecauseIwasn' tinlov ewi t
h
hert obegi nwi th.Myr elati
onshi pwi thherwasn' t
wor kingout .Sheusedmywor kagai nstme.
Thr eatenedmesev er altimest hatshewasgoi ngt o
kil
l herselfbecauseIdon' tgiveherat tent i
on.I
thoughtshewaski ddi ng.Onedayshej ustcalled,
andsai dshe'st aki
ngpi ll
sandwoul dki llherselfifI
don' tcomehomeat6.Iwast oobusy .It oldherIcan
onlycompr omisef or8.Icamehomet hatday ,and
foundherdeadi nthebedr oom.Ibl amedmy selffor
mont hsbuthonest ly,howwasi tmyf aul tNoma?
Whyshoul dn'tIwor k?Ir eali
zedhowsel fishitwasof
hert of orcemet obewhoI '
m notandabandonmy
l
ife.Ihat ehowi tmakesmef eel l
ikeanasshol ebut
shechosehowshewant edi ttoend.Sowhen
peopl ebr ingt hisshitup, Ijusthat eit."Hesai d.What
amout hful.Ididn'tevenknowwhatI '
ddo." What
madeherdot his?Sur elyt her ewasar eason. "I
asked.Whatadumbquest i
on.Iwant edt opunch
my sel f
."She' dhadami scar ri
aget womont hspr i
or
hersui cide.Bl amedmef ornev erbei ngt heref orher
sinceshef oundoutshewaspr egnantet c."He
sighed." I'
m sor r
yIbr oughtt hisupThi erry."Isai d
feeli
ngabi tsill
y."Ishoul d'
v ebeenhonestf rom the
start.Ihadnoi ntenti
onofmar ryi
ngKhany isa.She
knewt his.Par toft her easonwhyIst al l
ed
appr oachi ngy ouwasbecauseIf eltli
kei twast oo
ear l
yf ormet ojustmov eon.Whi chi swhyIwai ted6
mont hsbef orecomi ngt oy ou.Iwasn' tjokingwhenI
saidIwantt omar ryyou.I '
m noti nar ushbutIwant
yout oknowmyi ntentionsasear lyasnow. "I
consi deredt hisandf ort hef irsttime, lookingathi mI
feltIcoul dt rusthim.Ihuggedhi m."Ilov ey ou,
Thierry .
"Hel ookedatme." Thi sisthesecondt ime
you'ret ell
ingme. "Hesmi l
ed." Whenwast hef i
rst?"I
ti
ppedmyheadt othesi de." Wheny ouf ellasleepf or
thefirstt i
mei nmyar ms. "Ilaughed.Whatal i
e." I
don'ttalki nmysl eep."Isai d."Oh?I '
l
l r
ecor dy ounext
ti
me. "Heki ssedmyl ips.Ihel dont ohi m." Baby ..
l
et '
srest .Iwantt ospendt i
mewi thy ouapar tf rom
sex."Hepi ckedmeup." Iwast ryingt ohav esex. "I
defendedmy sel f."Riii
ght .
"Igi ggl ed." Nowt hatt his
dinneri sdone.I t '
sj ustmeandy oui nbedwi thf ood
andwi ne."Wecl imbedi nbedt oget her ,cuddl i
ng.
"Cany out ellmemor eabouty our self,y ourli
f e? "I
asked." Wel l,
asy ouknowIgr ewupi nGer many .I
wentt oav erypr iv ateboar dingschool .Mor el ikea
mi l
it
aryschool ."Hest arted." Wasi tfun? "Igiggl ed.
"Notatal l
.I twasv eryst ri
ct.Puni shmentwascr azy .
AndIcoul dn' tdi sappoi ntmypar ent saswel l
, si nce
Moonwal kandBi soal readygotki ckedoutofi t.SoI
hadt ost ayst rong. "Hesmi l
ed." Whydi dt heyget
kickedout ?"Iasked." They 'redi srupt i
v e.Brokeal l
therulesev erytime.Si nceIwast hey oungest ,Iwas
scaredmostoft het i
meandt heypr otect edme.
That'swhyIwasl efttost ayt her ewhent heywer e
expelled."Hesai d." Sodi dyoupl ayanyspor ts? "I
asked." Ipl ayedt enni s, athleti
csandsoccer .Tel l me
abouty ou."Heki ssedme." Iwentt oapubl icschool .
ItwasokayIsuppose.Ihadaf ewf ri
ends.Ipl ayed
Netbal landHockey .Iwasal soi nt hechoi r.
"I
beamed." Real ly?Soy oucansi ng? "Hesmi led.
"Somewhat ."Ilaughed." Any onet hatsay ssomewhat
toanact ivitymeanst heycan' tdoi t."Webot h
l
aughed.Hi sphonebeepedandhecheckedi t ."
Sor r
y
baby .It'
sawor kemai l.
"Heex plained.Ipeepedabi t
becausewhynot ?OnceIst artedr eadi ng,Icoul dn't
stop.I treallywasawor kemai l
."GooddayMr
Stöltzer.Iapol ogi zethishast ohappenbutt he
headquar tersar ehav ingacr isis.Ihav etr
iedt o
managet hebul kofi tbutsomepar t
shav est artedto
fal
lapar t
.You' vet oldmet olety ouknowi fthi ngs
getwor se.I ti
snow. ."Istoppedr eadi ngbecausei t
thenwenti ntodet ailaboutt hecr isis.Hesi ghed.
"Baby ."Hesai d.Ilookedathi m." Canwegot o
Germany ?"Heaskedsweet l
y ."No.Ihav eaj ob.
What '
sgoi ngon? "Iask." Ihav et obet her
eassoon
aspossi ble.Idon' tknowhowl ongI 'l
l bebecause
there'sal otIneedt of i
xthere.I tcoul dtakemont hs.
Idon' twantt obeawayf rom y ou."Hepl eaded." I
knowbutIcan' tjustleav emyf ami lyandgot o
Germany ,
Thi erry.I'
m sor ry
."Isatup." Whatdoest hi
s
meanf orust hen?LikeIsai d,Idon'tknowhowl ong
I'
llbe.It'
snotsomet hingt hatcanbef i
xedint wo
weeks. "Hesatupt oo." We' l
lhavet otryalong
distancer elat
ionshipThi erry.Il
ovey ou,Iwantt obe
withy oubutI '
m notgoi ngt oGer many ."Helooked
sad." Willyouatleastv isitme? "Inodded."Iwi l
ldo
that."Themoodwasspoi lt
.Thef oodinmyt ummy
turned.Ihat edev er
ything.WhywhenIf i
ndmy
happi ness,somet hi
nghast osnat cheditaway ?.
..
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er32

Thenextf ewday swer equi t

esad.Wemadeourway
backtoJohannesbur gandhehadt ol eav e
i
mmedi ately.Itwasst i
llSaturday."Idr opped
somet hingi ny ouraccountt okeepy oubusy .Got o
themov i
esorshoppi ng.Pleaseusei t.Don'tf eel bad
abouti t
.Iwantt ospoi lyou."Hewhi sper ed.Ijust
nodded." Thanky ou.It hi
nkI '
l
l j
usthav edinnerat
homeandwat chmov ies."Isaid."Didy ouget
yourselfal aptopwheny ouwentshoppi ngi n
Durban? "Heasked.Ishookmyhead." Whynot ?
Sweet hear t
,whenIsai dwi pemecl ean.Imeanti t
."I
pull
edawayf rom him." IknowThi errybutI '
m not
herefory ourmoney .Itdoesn'tmeanany t
hing.
Besides, Idon'tneedal aptop."Hepul l
smei nhis
armsagai n."Yesy oudo.You' reaboutt ogot o
school.You' l
l needit."Hisphoner ang." Youhav eto
go.We' l
l speakont hephone. "Heki ssedmyl ips."I
l
oveyouNoma.
"Hewhi
sper
ed."
Ilov
eyout
oo
Thi
err
y.".
..

Thef irstweekwi t
houtThi errywashel l.Iknowhe' s
traveledint hebegi nningofourr elationshi pandI
wasf inewi thitbutt histimewasv erydi ff
erent.It
feltli
kehel eftwi t
hmyact ual heart.Iwasn' tcoping
atwor keither.Lar r
yhadst art
edt onot icet oo.
"Noma. "Hef oldedhi sar ms." YesLar ry? "Isighed.
"What '
sgoi ngon?Youl ooksi ck."Hesai d."I
'm
phy sicall
yf i
ne.Justmi ssi
nghi m."Icar riedonwi t
h
cashi ngint hebi l
l."Whydon' ty outakel eavet hen?"
Hesuggest s."Youcan' ttreatmespeci al j
ust
becausemyboy fr
iendi sgoi ngt ofundy ourproject.
"
Iwhi spered." Ohheal readydi d.I '
mj ustwor ri
ed
abouty oubecausey ou' r
emyf r
iend.Ify ouneeda
mi nute,I'
llunder stand."Ishookmyhead." Thanky ou
butI '
llbefine."Icont inuedwi thmywor k.

Inthesecondweek,Iwasgett
ingbet
teratl
east
.I
spoketoThier
ryeverymor
ningbefor
eIstar
tedwork
rel
igiousl y.AfterIhungupourcal l,Imademywayt o
thef l
oor .OurBosswasher e."Gi rl,t
hankGod.Go
aski fheneedsadr i
nk. "Sysai d." Absol utelynot .You
knowhowmeanhei s."Iwhi sper ed." Oneofy ouwi ll
hav et ogo! "Larryhi ssed.Oneoft heot hergi rls
appr oachedhi m.Isi ghedi nr eli
efunt i
l hey elled.
"Wher ethef uckdoy oucomef rom?Idi dn'
thi rey ou!"
Yohhay ikesana." Uhm, si
r.Wewer eshor ton
wai t
er ssoIhi r
edher .Shest arted2weeksago. "
Larryexpl ai
ned." Getmeabeer , Larry!!Andt he
books!Youbet t
erhav edonet heshi tcor r
ect lythis
ti
me!Ory ou'refired!!"Thebossr oar ed.Ibusi ed
my sel fcleaningcl eant ables."HEY! !You! !Khosagi r
l!
Wher e'smybeer ?? "Thatwasme.IwasXhosagi r
l.I
rant ot heki t
chenandpour edhi m adr af t
,justt he
wayheoncey el
ledatmehel ikedi t
.Itooki ttohi m
i
mmedi ately."What '
st hespeci al?!"Hesnapped.
"TheRoy al Lunch, sir."Ir at
tledof fthei ngredi ents.
"Getmet hat.Now. "Ispr i
ntedt ot heki tchenand
beggedt hecheft odoi t.Hewasal r
eadyhal fway
throughonef oracust omerbutIwasgoi ngt obr i
be
himf ori t.Noway sI 'm get ti
ngscr eamedatbyt he
dragon.That 'swhatwecal l
edhi m.Nochat ti
ngor
evengl anceswer eal l
owedwhenhewasher e.Itwas
horri
ble.It ookthel uncht ohi m wheni twasdone.
Larrysatwi thhim andst artedt hemeet ing.
Somet imesIpi t
yLar ryhav ingtodeal wi ththis
personev erydayont hephoneandsomet imes
physicallyonamont hlybasi s.Iunder standwhyhe
want shisownpl acenow.Iwentbackt omywor k
untilIwassummonedf oranot herbeer .Thiswoul d
behi slastone.Heonl yev erdr ankt wobutasi fon
cue,hiswi fecamei n.Shewasev enwor se.She
wouldl i
ter all
ybumpy ououtoft hewaywhenshe
seesy ou.Shecal lsusdi rtnamessomet imes.Thi s
i
sahor ribletimet rulybutshe' sonl yev erhereonce
i
nawhi lef oraboutanhour ."Khosagi rl!!Getmywi f
e
thi
sRoy allunch."Thebossy ell
ed.WhywasIXhosa
gir
l,youmi ghtask?Ihav eabsol utel
ynoi dea.WhatI
didknowt houghi st hathi swi fehaaaat edme.Iwent
totheki tchent oor derandl uckilyagai n,anotherwas
beingmade.Don' twor r
y,theot hercust omergot
their
s.Thi swasanot herone.Ihadt obr i
beagai n.
Smh.Ibr oughtt hel unchoutt oherandshesneer ed
atthef oodl ikeacockr oachwasdanci ngoni t
.
"Whatwoul dyoul i
ket odr inkma' am? "Iasked
sweet ly ."
Ihopey oudi dn'tt oucht hisf oodwi thyour
bar ehands. "Shesai d."Idi dn' tma' am. "Honest l
yat
thispoi ntIdon' tknowwhyIst i
llhav et hisjob
becausewow, Ihat edt heowner swi thasi ncere
passi on." Getmebot tl
edwat er.Agi nandt onicon
thesi depl usi ce.Andmakei tquickt histime.They
don' tkeept hegi niny ourv il
lage. "Iwentawayt o
fetcht hei temsbr ingingt hem t oher ."Noma. "I
l
ookedup.Thi er r
y'smot her .Ohmy .Il ookedso
crust y!"Ma.Hel lo!Letmegety ouat able."Shegav e
meahug." Ohnosweet hear t.I'
m nother et ostay.
Thier r
yaskedmet ocomecheckony ou.I'
llbegoing
backi n2day s.Iwashopi ngy ou'dcomest aywi t
h
mef ort hatt i
mebei ng.Wecangett oknoweach
otherabi t,withouthi ml urki ngar ound. "Shesmi l
ed.
Uhm.Okay .Thiswas. .
.Okay ." I
'
dl ov et ocome, ma.
I'
llbet heret omor rowaf ternoon. "Whatel sewasI
supposet osayt ot hewoman?Myboss' wi f
ecame
upt ous." Mr sSt öltzer?OhmyGod, whatanhonort o
meety ou-"thebodyguar dst eppedi nf rontofher .
"Slowdown. "Hest at ed."And, y
ouar e? "Mr sSasked.
"Oh, I'
m EmmaCoet zee.Myhusbandownst hi
s
place.Her ehei s.He' sal way sr eadi ngabouty our
fami l
yempi re.He' ssoi nspi r
edbyt her estaur anti n
thehi l
ls.It'
shi sdr eam. "Shebeamed.Hest ood
ner v
ousl ynextt oher ."Isee.SoNoma, whatt ime
shoul dIbeexpect ingy ou? "Mr sSasked." Wai t,
wher edoy ouknowherf rom? ?"Emmaasked.Wi tha
pinchofsal tmi ghtIadd." She' smydaught er.Ify ou'l
l
excusemepl ease, We' reint hemi ddleof
somet hing.
"Shel ookedbackatme." Igetof fwor k
at3pm t omor row.I 'l
lbehomeat4ma. "Ismi l
ed.
"Perfect.I'l
lmakedi nner .
"Shewal kedoutwi thher
guar d.Icont inuedwi thmywor kwhi leEmmast ared
dagger satmeunabl et ofinishherl unch." Howar e
youherdaught er !
!Sheonl yhassons.Youcome
from apoorf ami l
yi ntheEast ernCape!Howdi dy ou
gett hatwomant ospeakt oy ou? "Emmaspat .Thi s
ti
meIdi dn'trespondt oher ."She'sget ti
ngmar riedto
oneoft hesons. "Lar ryexpl ained.Iwi shhedi dn't.
"OhmyGod!Yougoty oursel fpregnantbyhi m, didn't
you?Youwant edt ot raphi m? "Shel aughedl oudl y.
"You'remor epat het i
ct hanIt hought !Imagi ne!You
thinkawhol ebi ll
ionai reisi nterestedi nmar ryinga
poorgi rl?"Shel aughedagai n."Theonl yt hinghe
want si sthatl i
tt
let hingoutofy ou.Af t
ert hat, you'll
beusedgoods.You' resocheap. "Shecont i
nued
eating.Herwor dsr eallydidst i
ngbutIknowIdi dn'
t
trapany one.IknowI '
m alsonotpr egnant .Ihadmy
per i
odont imeasusual .Whywoul dshej ustassume
thataboutme?" Imagi nemaki ngy our selfpr egnant
j
ustt okeepaman- ""ENOUGH! !
!"herhusbandr oared.
"Youei thereaty ourf oodandshuty ourmout horget
thef uckout !"Hespat .Shei mmedi atelyst arted
crying.Wow.Shewasgood.Iwentaboutmy
busi nessasshesobbedf orhi sat tention." You
okay ?"Syasked." I
'mf i
ne.Iknowhowshei s."I
shrugged." So,di nnert onight ?Sayy espl ease?
You' reof fat7.Ichecked. "Hesai d.Ilaughed.
"Symon!Okayf i
ne.Iguessi twoul dn'thur tt ogoeat
outsomewher e."Isai d."Ohmygosh, youdi dn'tsay
af astf oodr estaurant !Youmeansomewher e
fancy !!"Hesai dexci tedly."Ineedt ocheckmy
balancef irstthengetbackt oy ou."Iremember
seeingt henot i
ficationoft hemoneyThi errysentme
butIdi dn'topeni tbecauseIwasst i
llsad.I fit'
sl i
ke
1k, thenaf ancydi nnerwi ll behad.Ar ound6pm I
wast idyingupmyt abl esandwai tingf orthel ast
cust omerandt henI 'dleav e.Iwant edt ogoshower
andchangef i
rstthem I'
dUbert owher everwe
chooset ogo." Gir
l,I
'm done.Seey ouintheback.
Hav ey oucheckedf oranyrestaurant?"Syasked.
"NelsonMandel asquareshouldhav edecentplaces
toeat."Isaid."Oooooohhhhhh!YoumeantFANCY
fancy."Syexclaimed."Yes.AndI '
m goi nghomet o
changei ntoafancyshmancyout fit.
"Ibragged.He
squealed."FINALLY.Youl ivealit
tle.
"Hebr eat
hed.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er33

Imademywayhomeaf terworkandst artedi nt he

shower .Ideci dedt onightont hisf ancydat ewi thSy
becausehonest l
yIneededabi tofr elaxat i
onand
comf or t.I
'vehadat oughweek.Ohno.I t
'sst arted.I
spentsomucht i
mewi thThierr
y ,nowI '
m st artingto
explorehi sl i
festyle?Igotoutt heshowerandl ooked
forsomet hingt oweart hentookmyphonet ocheck
mybankbal ance.Cur rentAv ail
abl e:R101270.At
fi
rstIt houghtIsaw10onl ybutIdi dadoubl et ake.
No, thatwasR100k.It hr ewmyphoneont hebed,
freakedout .What .The.Fuck.Thi er r
y.Whywoul dhe
sendmeR100000? ??Igr abbedt hephoneagai n
anddi aledf orhi m.Iwasaboutt oshoutathi m.The
phoner angt ov oice-mai l
.Amessagecamei n
i
mmedi ately"Inameet ingbaby .Cally oul ater."It
said.No, callmeNOW! !Iwantedt oscr eam.How
darehe! !Ger manywasonl y1hourbehi ndf r
om
SouthAf r
icasot ohimi twasabout6pm.Iwasl iv
id.
Myphoner ang.Sy mon."Hey .
"Ianswered."Sweet
stuff.I
'
mr eady .Whatt i
medowemeet ?"Heasked.I
couldn'tcancel onhi m."Uhm.Gi v
eme30mi nut es.
I'
m gettingdr essed. "Isaidandwehungup.Idi dn't
needt obet hatf ancybutIdi dwantt olookgoodsoI
wor eapai rofdeni m shorts,awhi tebodysuitanda
whitelongbl azerIboughtf rom Zara.Iworemy
blackst i
lett
oheel sandmadeupmyf ace.Ipicked
upmynewbl ackt otebagIgotf rom SteveMadden,
putti
ngi nmyt issues, smallerperfume, wall
et
maki ngsur emycar dwasi n, chargeret
c.Thenmade
mywayt oSandt onCi t
y.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er34

Wechoset omeeti nthemal lbecauset her estaurant

hewant edwasatMi chelangel oTower s."Biii
ii
ii
ii
tch.
Youl ookhotashel l
!!Satani sshaki ng!!
!!"Sy
screamed.Il aughed." Stopi tSy .Youlookhotashel l
!
Wher ear ewegoi ngt oeat ?"Ibl ushed."AtPi gall
ebut
Ididwantust owal kar oundabi t
.Ihaven'tgonet o
theDi amondWal kinweeks.Ineedey ecandy .
"He
said.Sy monl ov edFashi onandheownedaf ew
l
uxur yshoesbet weenGucci andVer sace.Sy mon
doesn' tmindsav ingf ormont hsandl i
vinglikeme
j
ustt obuyhi msel fluxur y.Heoncehada
boy f
riend/blesserwhospoi ledhi m everymont hwi t
h
aluxur yshoppi ngspr ee.Theguypassedawayabout
2y earsagobutl eftsomet hingi nhiswi l
l f
orSy mon.
Hei nvestedi tandcont i
nuest osav ehisownmoney
tobuyhi sstuff.Ir especthi m al otforit
.Wemade
ourwayt othel uxur yf l
oorandheal mostf l
ewt o
Loui sVui tt
on.I '
veaccompani edhi m onceonl yand
nev eragai nbecauset heshopassi stantgav emea
crustl ookov er.Iwasi nmyuni for m okay ?Justl ike
shei s.I nt hest ore,Syl ookedar oundandf ounda
pairofbl ackl eathershoes." Ohhel l.I
'm get ti
ng
this!!
"Hesai d.Isawapai rofl adi esboot sand
checkedt heirpr i
ce.R22k.Icr i
nged.Absol utel
yt he
fucknot .Sy monwasnot i
ngonapapert hepr iceand
tookapi c."Ijustneedt womont hs.I t'
snotev ent hat
expensi ve.Onl yR15k. "Thi spl acei nti
mi dat edme.
"Hi ma' am, canIshowy ouoursel ect ionofhandbags.
Ihav eonet hatwi l
ltakey ourbr eathaway .Follow
me. "Theassi stantsai dtome.Shewasal ready
wal ki
ngsoIdi df oll
ow.I 'm notaboutt obuyaLoui s
Vui t
tonbagpl s.Pr obl em is, howdoIgetoutoft his
conv er sationt hatIdi dn'tinitiate?Idi dn'twantt obe
rude.Sheshowedmeagor geousskybl uecol orbag.
"Wecal lthistheCapuci nesBB.I t'
smadei npreci ous
all
igat orski nandi sadar ingpi ecet oaddt oy our
collection.Doy ouwantt ohol di t?"Shegav eittome.
Ilookedi nt hemi rr
or .Mybr eat hwasi ndeedt aken
away .Shewasr eallygoodatherj ob.Ican' tafford
thisbag.Al itt
lev oicei nsidemyheadsai d" Ohbut
youcan" .Ihat edmy selfatt hi
spoi ntbecauseIr eal
ly
wouldl ov et oowni t
.Justt hisonel it
tlesmol smol
expense.Icheckedt hepr iceandswal l
owed." Ohmy .
Arey oubuy i
ngt hi
s? "Syasked." Idon'tknowSy .I
don'twantt obet hatper son.Lookatt hepr i
ce."I
whisper ed." Noma, doy ouhav ethisamountof
money ?Pr eferablymor e. "Inodded." Hav ey oupai d
yourbills? "Heasked." All ofthem.I '
m aheadt wo
mont hs."Iconf ir
med." Thenbuyi t.Youdeser ve
somet hingt hatwi l
lmakey ousmi lewheny oul ookat
i
t.Besides, you'respendi ngt i
mewi t
hy ourmom i n
l
awt omor row.Don' tt hi
nky ou'll
comet herewi tha
cheapbag. "Hef oldedhi sar ms." She'llknowi t
'shi s
money .Idon' taffordt hisonmysal ary."Iwhi sper ed.
"Oncet hemoneyent eredy ouraccounti twasno
l
ongerhi s.I t
'sYOOUUURRRSSSSSS.Buyi t.I'l
lhat e
youf or
ev erify oudon' t."Idi dlovei t
.SoIgav eitt o
theassi stant ."Arewet aki ngherhome? "Sheasked.
"Yes.Iwantt onamei tEmma. "..
.

Wehadourdi
nneratPigal
l
easpl
anned.Whil
e
wai
ti
ngf
orourfood,Sy
monkeptgl
ancingatme.
"Am Igonnahav et odr agoutofy ou? ?"Heasked.
"What ?"Isippedmywi ne." Thierrygav ey ou
staaaacks!Gi rl,spillthebeans. "Hesi ppedhi sdr i
nk.
"Hedi dbutI '
m madathi m.Hesentanent ireR100
000.I 'venev erseent hatmuchmoneyi nmyaccount
bef ore.Idon' twanti t."Isul ked." Thensendi tt ome.
Idon' tknowwhyy ou'react ingchi ldish.Thi smani s
crazyabouty ou.Gi vesy oumadmoney .Hasev en
mor eofi t
.Whati sy ouri ssue? "Hesnapped." Idon't
wanthi mt ot hinkI 'm wi thhi mforhi smoney .
"I
expl ai
ned." HeKNOWSt hat.You' reasweet hear t
NomabutIpr omi sey ou, somet i
mesj ustgowi th
things.LetThi erryspoi ly oumadl y ."Ourf oodar ri
ved.
"WhathappenswhenIl osehi -
""Thatwon' thappen.
Wet hinkposi tivev ibesher e.We' repl anninga
weddi ng.Ifyou' r
er eal lyf i
nickyaboutt hemoney ,
i
nv esti t.I
t'
llputy ourmi ndateaseatl eastit'snoti n
yourf aceal lthet i
me. "Hesai d."You' r
er i
ght .Ishould
stopov erthinking.Doy ouhav eanysuggest ionsf or
i
nv est ment ?"Ist artedeat ing."I'l
lgi vey oumy
banker '
snumber .She' llgui dey ou."Heat e." So...I
'm
thinkingofbuy i
ngahouse. "Hesay s."Oh?That 'sa
goodt hing."Isai d."Yeah, Isupposei t
'stime.The
moneyIgotf rom Chr isandi nvestedhasgr ownal ot
.
Iwantt otakesomeofi tforahouse.I 'mj ustnot
sureifIwantt oliv
eint hehouseorr entitout ."He
explained."Whydoy ouwantt obuyahouset obegi n
with?"Iasked." Ineedanasset .Somet hingt hatcan
bringinmoney .
"Hesai d."Thenr entitoutSy ."Isay .
"YeahbutIal sowantt omov eoutmyapar tment .
"He
sighed."Landl ordsti
llgivi
ngy oupr oblems? "It ooka
sipofwi ne."Likey ouwoul dn'tfuckingbel ieve.I fyou
wer ethoughtEmmawasawi tch.Girl,I'
vemett he
Mot herofwi tches."Ilaughed.Ourdi nnerendedat
about22: 30pm.Webot hgotanUbert hatwoul d
dropmef ir
standhi ml ast.Iwasqui tesl eepyont he
wayhomebutIr emember edThi err
yandmyhear t
ached.God, whycan' tIjustbewi t
hmyl ov e..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er35

Thenextdayaf terabaddayatwor k,(yes, Emma

andherhusbandwer est i
llhere).Sheev enr ef
used
toletmel eaveat3l i
keI 'm supposedt o, clai
mingt he
restaurantwast oobusyandt heyneededme.Noi t
wasn' tbusyatal l.Iknowwhatshewast ryi
ngtodo
butLar rysnuckmeoutat3: 15pm.Iwenthomef i
rst
toshowerandchangei ntoawhi teshi r
tdr essand
whitest i
lettos.Iwasr eal l
yget ti
ngi ntothi sheel
businessandi twasn' tfun.Idi dn'tli
keheel satall
.I
packedasmal lbagwi thmyuni form, someext ra
clothesandt oil
etri
es.I '
dt akeanUbert ot hehouse
becauseIdon' tthinkt axiswentt here.I
ft heydid,I
wasdef i
nitelynotgoi ngt ogot oat axirankwear i
ng
adr essandheel s.Ient eredt headdr essandwai ted
i
mpat i
ently.Itwasal most4pm now.Thecarar ri
ved
andImademywayt her e.
Onar rival att hesecur i
tygat e, Iwascol l
ect edbya
guardwhodr ovemei nt ot hehouse.Mr sSt ölt
zer
washomebutIhadaf eel i
ngshewasn' talone.I
walkedi nt hemansi onandshecamet ohugme.
"Noma!Youl ookamazi ng.Come.Wehav eguest s.
Tim, pleaset akeherbagt oThi erry'sbedr oom.She' l
l
beusi ngt hatwhi lsther e. "Shet ookmyar m andwe
madeourwayt ot helounge." Af anofLoui sVui tton?
Beaut i
ful col ory ouchose. "Shesai d."It'
smyf i
rst.I
sti
llcan'tbel i
ev eIowni t.Thanky ou."Ianswer ed
nervousl y." Don' tbener vous.Al though, Iwoul d
prefery ouchooset hemor el i
mi tededi ti
onpi eces.
Sincey ou' repar tofourf ami ly,you' l
lhav eaccesst o
that.Youcan' tbeal way sseenwi thcommer cialgarb
l
ikeev ery oneel se.Butt hisone, Iappr ov e.
"I fthis
expensi veassLoui spur seIboughtwascommer ci
al,
howmuchwoul dt hel i
mi t
ededi tionbe?Bal l
s.I'
m
notaboutt odot hatt hinghey .No.I nthel oungea
groupofl adi eshadgat her edandwe' redr inking
champagne.Ii mmedi at elyt houghtofEmma.I
wonderi fshewoul dfither e, shewasmor eofagi n
andt onicl ady .Qui teloudt oo.Imean, shewasa
snobandal lbutt hesewomen?Topt ier,ri
chwi fe
snob." Ladies, meetmydaught er,Noma. "They
smiledsweet l
yt hen.Iwonder .Igr eetedt hem
i
ndividual l
yt hensatdown.Iwasof fer
edchamper s
tooandIcr ingedatt het houghtbutaccept ed
nonet heless.Whatchoi cedi dIhav e?Inur sedmy
onegl assf oral mostanhourbef oredi nnerwas
ready.WhatIl i
kedaboutt hesel adi esist hedi dn't
botheraski ngwhatIdi d, orwher eIcomef r om etc.
Theywer ej usthappyt ospeakaboutt hemsel ves
andIwashappyt olist
en.Wehaddi nnerwi tht hem
andt heyl eftshor tl
yaft eranot herr oundof
champagne.Iwasf i
nal l
yal onewi thMr sSand
becauseoft hechampagne, Iwasl essner vous.We
satint heTVr oom wi t
hcupsofchamomi let ea.
"Noma, Imustsay .Wheny ousai dy ouwer ea
waitress, Ihadani deawhatwai tressesdobutIdon' t
l
ikeit."Shesai d.Ididn'tknowhowt orespondt ot hi
s.
"Idon'twanty ouwor kingt here.AndIknowy oudon' t
wantt odependonThi er ryeither.So, howabouty ou
managemyhot el?Youwor ky ourownhour s, getto
studyandear nadeser v edsal aryev er
ymont h."She
concluded." Idon'tknowma. "Isai dner vousl y."You
doknow.Youdon' twantt odependonany one.
That'swhyy ouwor ksohar dbuthonest l
y
sweet heart,i
t'
snotagoodl ookf orourf amily.Also,
thi
shasnot hingt odowi thThi err
y.Youcandr aft
yourowncont ract.Whet hery ouandhi m workout ,
you'
llbest il
lfine.I'm doi
ngt hisbecauseIr eallythink
you'
resweetandanamazi ngdaught erfortaking
careofy ourf ami l
y, put
ti
ngasi dey ourdreams.Now,
I'
mt ell
ingy ou, youdon'thav eto."Shesai d."I
'l
l t
hink
abouti tMrsS.Thi si sav erygener ousof f
erandI '
m
grat
ef ulforit.
"Isai d.Shesmi led..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er36

ThenextdayIwaswor kingfrom 12pm t i

l
l8pm.Mr s
SandIhadabr eakfastandspadat eear l
yint he
mor ning.SoIpackedmywor kcl othesandwemade
ourwayoutat6am.West artedwi thourmani pedi .
Thenwaxi ng.I
twasmyf ir
stt i
meandI '
vehear ditis
painful.Howev er,Iwasnotaboutt olookl i
keawi mp.
Ihav eahi ghpai ntolerancesoI '
dbef i
ne.Thel ady
start
edwi thmyar m pi tsandboooy yyy.Thinkhappy
thought s.Byt het i
meshegott omyl egs, I
'
dpr obably
diedandwentt ot hepai nsect ioninhel l.Aftershe'd
fi
nishedmybody ,
Ilayt hereandcont empl atedmy
l
ife.Allt hi
st oimpr essmymot herinlaw.Shel ooked
l
ikeshewasenj oyingher self.Imeant heyev en
shav emybum.Thatwasv er
yuncomf ortable.Who
wasgoi ngt oseemyanuspl s?Iwentf ormyf acial
andf inallywehadbr eakfast.Fort hef i
rsttimeI
appreci atedagl assofchampagne.Lookatme,
adapti
ngt oar i
chbit
chl i
festyl
e.Aft
erbreakfast,i
t
wasmassaget ime.Itwasar ound10am andIcoul d
naptil
l11:30am.SoIdi d.Iwokeupj ustafter11am.
MrsSwasr eadingabookhav i
ngjuice."Ma,I'
m on
mywayout .I
'l
lbeknockingof fat8tonight.
"Isaid.
"Okaylove.I'
l
lsendadr iv
er .
"Shesaid.Ialr
eady
changedandaf tergoodby e,Il
eftf
orwor k.

Iwasr i
ghtont i
mef ormyshi f
t.Sywasknocki ngof f
at1pm.I twasgoi ngt obebor ingforme." Dragon
stil
l here? "Iwhi
sper ed." Yeshei s.Idon'tunderstand
whyhe' sher efor3day sinar ow.He'snev erstayed
thisl ong."Syhissed." Whati fhest ays? "Iask."Then
I'
m gone.Iwon' thav et hattypeofpat i
ence.No
ma' am.Noma' am. "Hewal kedaway .Iwenttof l
oor
andst artedwor ki
ng.Today ,
timef l
ewbysoqui ckly.I
managedt ogetbywi thoutst r
angli
ngt hatwoman.
Bef oreIknewi t
, i
twasal most8pm.Emmawasnow
l
ur kingagai npr
obabl yt hinki
ngofawayt odelayme
from goi nghomeont ime.Shehadasmi r
konher
facet hatIhated.Imi ndedmybusi nessanddi dmy
j
ob.Lar ryhadal sol eftbynowandIwasmanagi ng
thepl acebecauset hismadam wassi t
tingatat able
dri
nki nggi nandchat ti
ngt oherf r
iendTasha.Tasha
wasasmeanasshewasandIguesst hat '
swhyt hey
gotal ong.If ocusedandj ustt houghtaboutchur ch
tomor row.At8pm wasmyknockof ft i
me.Si nce
therewasnomanagerandt her estaur antopenedf or
3mor ehour s,Ihadt oletEmmaknowshewasi n
char ge.Iwonderi fshewasev enl isteningt ome
whenIwasshowi ngherhowt ocashupy ester day.
"Mr sCoet zee,it'
st i
mef ormet ogonow.Myshi fti
s
over .
"Isai dtoher ."Didy ouatl eastcl eant he
registerandt hepassagewayt ot heki tchen? ?"She
asked." Thecl eanersdot hat .
"Isai d."Wel l, doy ou
seeanycl eaner s?"Iwasl i
vid.It urnedt ogocl ean
andmadesur ei twasspot less." I
'm done.Ihav et o
gonow. "Iannounced." Oh, bef or ey oul eav e.Pl ease
besur et oleav etheuni form behi nd.You' ref i
red. "
Shesmi led."What ??Whatdi dIdo? ?"Ishr ieked." You
don'tr emembersneaki ngoutofwor ky est erday
afterI'dt oldyounott ogoany wher e? "Sheasked.
"Myshi ftendedat3! !Ihadanappoi nt ment !Incase
youdi dn' tknow, i
nthisst orei fy ouneedext r
ahel p
yougi v et hewai teradaynot i
ce! !"Ishout ed." Wel l,
I'
mi nchar
genow.AndIsay,goodbye."Iwantedto
strangl
ehersobadlymyhandwer eshaking.Ihad
tearsinmyeyes.It
ookthedr
inkonhert ableand
threwiti
nherfacebef
oreIwalkedout.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er37

Iwassoangr yIwant edt ogoi nthereandf ighther !I

remember edIst i
llhav etheuni form on, whichi sonly
theshi rt.Itookitof fandwentbacki nsidet ot hrowit
i
nherf ace.Thecarwaswai ti
ngf ormeout side.The
customer sint her estaurantwer equi teshocked
honest l
ybutIdi dn'tcar e.Iwant edt ohi therbut
thankGodmybr ainwasst il
lwor kingbecauseI
woul d'velandedi njail
.Mr sSwashav ingt eai nt he
l
oungewhenIwal kedi n."Uhm. .Wher e'sy ourshi r
t.
"
Sheasked." Igotf i
red."Isobbeduncont roll
abl y.I
l
ov et hatjobsomuch.Shecamet ohug." I
'm so
sorrydear .Whathappened? "Sheaskedgent ly
rubbingmyback." Thatwomani ssohor rible,ma.
Shemademewor ktheent ir
edayandmademe
cleanatt heendofmyshi ftthent oldmeI '
mf iredin
frontofev eryone.Shesay sIl eftwor kear l
y
yester daywi thoutherper missionbutmyshi ftended
at3!Ionlyl
eftatquarterpast3!"Icri
ed.Itwasareal
wonderhowIwasst il
laudibl
ebecauset hewayI
wascr y
ingwasr eal
lybad.You'dswearmypuppy
died."
Okayangel.I'
veputasi deyourdinner
.How
aboutyoutakeapai ntabletandnibbleabitsoyou
cansleep?We'll
talkmor eaboutthisinthemorning.
"
Inodded.

Inthemor ni
ngIf el
tmuchwor se.Ihadt hewor st
headacheandmyey eswer eswol len.Afterabat h,I
wentdownt ot heliv
ingroom wher eMr sSwas
setti
ngt hetabl e."Heyangel .Howar eyouf eeling? "
Sheasked." IguessI '
m okay ."Ilied."Whaty ourboss
didwasi ll
egal .Youcant akehert ocour tforit.Do
youwantmet ocal l
alawy er?"Isatdown.Iwasj ust
sotired, Ididn'thav eanymor ef ightleftinme.Ihad
accept edt hatI '
mf ir
edandIwon' tbegoi ngback
there.Ev eni ftheybeggedme.Thatwomanwast he
devilandIdi dn'twantt owor kf orherbecauseI
knowI 'dcat chacase." Noma.Idon' twantt ogo
backt her eorev erseeheragai n."Rightthen, my
phoner ang.I twasLar ry.Iignor edi t
.I'
dspeakt ohim
anot hertime."Sonow, whatareyougoi ngtodo? "
Shegav ememypl ateofbreakfast."
Ihavesome
savingsf orthetimebei ng.I
'l
ljusthavetof i
nd
anot herjobsoon.Atl eastI'
vegotexper i
ence."I
sighed."Anot herwai tressi
ngjob?"Sheasked." Yes
ma. "Isaidsadl y."
ButIgav eyouaj obNoma.I sthi
s
aboutThi er
ry?"Shel ookedatme.Icoul dn'
tlookat
her."Noma, sweet heart,st
oplookingdownon
yourself.Youneedt otakeoppor t
uniti
esast hey
come. "Shesai d."You' reri
ght,ma.I'mtakingit.
"I
sighed."Goodgi rl
.So. .
.howaboutwegocel ebrate
i
nGer many ?"..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er38

Iagreed.Whatwoul dIdoher ef eeli

ngsor r
yf or
my self
?Mr sSor ganizedmeav isasuspi ciously
quick.Alit
tletooqui ckf ormycomf ort.Sheonl y
madeONEcal l.JustONE.Iwassuddenl yner v ous.I
meanobv i
ousl ytheSt öl
tzerfami lyhasal otof
i
nfluenceandconnect i
onsbutwow, Iwasnot
expectingthis.Shecoul dseeIwasner v ousandshe
chuckled."Don'twor ry,i
t'snotil
legal .
"Shesai d.I
burstoutlaughi ng.Ner v
ousl y
."It r
usty ouma. "Isaid.
NoIdi dn'
t.Ijustneededt oletev eryoneIknow
wher eIwasandgoi ng.Imadesur et ot ellSy mon
everydetail
.Hewasmybestf ri
endaf teral l
.Hewas
shockedaboutget tingfiredsincet hismor ninghe
hadal ateshiftsohewoul dn'
tbei nt il
l12pm.I fI
wasgoi ngtoGer manyIwant edt oseehi m andLi ndi
forthelasttime.Ishoul dbegoi ngt ochur cht oday
butmyhear twasn' tinit
." Ma,arey ougoi ngt o
church?"Iasked." Nobaby .Iwantt ogety ourtravel
document sr eady .Wewi l
l l
eavei nthemor ni
ng.You
maygoi fyouwi sht o.May beseeaf ri
end, Thenpack
yourstufffrom y ourpl aceandcomeher einthe
evening.Butf i
nishy ourbr eakf ast.Youdidn'teatlast
night.
"Shesai d.Iappr eci
at ethatshenev er
overwhelmedme.Sheal way sgav emet hef reedom
ofdoingwhatIwantt odo." Thanky ouma. "After
breakfast,
Iwentt ogetdr essedi nay el
lowmaxi
dressandheel s.Icov eredmy selfshoulderswi t
ha
cardi
ganandl eftf orchurch.

"Ephesians4: 31-32; "Letallbi

tter
nessandwr athand
angerandcl amorandsl anderbeputawayf rom y ou,
alongwi t
hal lmal ice.Beki ndtooneanot her,
tenderhearted,forgi vi
ngoneanot her,
asGodi n
Christforgav eyou. "Ther ewasanewpast oront he
podium.Thembawassi ttingonthesi dewi t
hthe
bishop.Theyobser vedhi m cl
oselyandkeptgi vinga
nod.Sot hismustbeoneoft henewpast orswhowi l
l
preach.Hewasqui teolderbutwi thenoughener gy
tokeept hecongr egat i
oni nt
erested.Afterchurch, I
thoughtI '
dmakeacl eanexi tbutbef oreIr eached
thedoor ,If eltahandonmyar m.It urnedt olook.
"Past orZondo. "Ismi led." Noma.Come, thebi shop
want st osayhi ."Whywoul d-If ollowedhi mt othe
alter."BishopNgozi .Thisi sNoma.Noma, t
hisisour
Bishop. "Thembasai d."Goodmor ningbi shop.I tis
l
ov elyt omeety ou."Isai d."Sot hisi st heNomay ou
keept al
kingabout , Zondo? "Heasked.Themba
blushed." Nomai sagoodf riend."Thembasai d
l
ooki ngar ound." Agoodf ri
end?Yougav eupy ourj ob
fory ourgoodf ri
end? "Bi shopasks." Ionl ystepped
asidet ogi v eothersachance.Idi dn'tgiv eitup,
Bishop. "Thembal aughed." Isee.Apl easur et omeet
youNoma.Manybl essi ngs. "Hewal kedaway .Iwas
l
ef tstandi ngwi t
hThemba." He'snother e."Isaid." I
know.I '
ml ookingf ory ourbody guar d."Hesai d.
"Body guar d?Idon' thav eone.I '
m notaSt öltzer,and
besidest heywoul dn'tint r
udemypr i
v atelifewi t
hout
myconsent ."Idefended." Andt her ehei s.Lightbl ue
shirt,denimj eans."Thembasai d." Howwoul dyou
knowt hat ?That 'sar andom guyr eadi ngabi ble."I
said." Youbel ongt oaSt öltzernow.Yourpr ivatelife
belongst ot hem.Thef reedom t heygi v ey ou,means
younev ercandoany t
hingwi thouttheirknowl edge.
Everyt
hingt hathappensi nyourl i
feiseither
manipulatedbyt hem orknownbyt hem.Iaskedy ou,
Noma.Ar ey ousur eyouwantThi erry
?Thi sisnot
onlyaboutmeandmyf eeli
ngsbut- "myphoner ang.
ItwasThi erry."IhavetogoThemba. "Isaid."Fine.
Justbecar eful.
"Hest eppedback.Iwal kedoutt he
churchwher eLindiwaswai t
ing."Baby ?"Ianswer ed
myphone." Heyl ove.Mom say syouhav easur pri
se
forme?Whati sit?Idon'tli
kesur pri
ses."Hesai d.I
l
aughed." Itwon' tbelongt i
l
ly ousee."Hegr oaned.
"Fi
ne.Ar ey ouatchur ch?"Heasked." Yep,I'
ml eav i
ng
now.Ihav eadat ewi t
hSy monandLi ndi.
"Isaid."Are
youtakingt hem t oourrestaurant?"Iknewt hiswas
comingandy esIwas." Yesbabe. "Isaid."Good.I '
ll
havethem pr epareforyou.Ilov eyou, myangel ."
..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er39

Ihadashor tbr unchwi thLi ndi becauseshehadan

appoi ntment ."Tshomi , whati sy ourappoi ntmentf or?
Arey ousi ck? "Iasked." Nobabes.I '
m goi ngt oget
somepeni s."Shesai d.Iwassoshocked.Ona
Sunday ?"Random peni s? "Iwhi spered." Tinderpenis.
Itwoul dbepeni l
ebuthewant edanot hergi rli
nstead
ofguy .Soi t
'sa3some. "Shesai dnonchal antly.Thi
s
l
adycameoutofchur chj ustnowandi sgoi ngf ora
3some.Ihadt ol augh.Abot t
leofchampagnewas
broughtt ot het abl e.ForonceIdi dn'taskorf i
ght.
"You'renast y ,ma' am.So, whataboutBi so? "Iasked,
openi ngt hebot tle."Weact uallydidn'tdoany t
hing.
Whi chwaswei rd.Hedi dn'tev enwantt ocomei nthe
house, sowehadachati nhi scart henhi sphone
rangandhehadt ogo. "Shesul ked."Didy ouaskhi m
for.
.."Imot i
onedt ot henet herr egions." Uhh, yeah.I
did.Hesai di t
'snotagoodi dea."Wesi ppedour
champagne.Sy monar r
ivedl ooki ngdi sheveled.
"Gir
ls."Hegr eet ed.He' smetLi ndi befor eandwe' v
e
hadani ghtoutt oget hermanymont hsagobut
becauseI '
m al way st i
redt heyusual lygot oget her
somet imesandt hei rchat sar ei nsy ncbecause
penis." Arey ouokay ?"Iaskedhi m." Yes.Spl endid.I
j
usthadsomeone' shusbandt earmyboot yapar t.
"
Hewhi speredandt ookmygl ass.Li ndi jumpedup
anddowni nherseat ."Youpeopl edisgustme. "I
l
aughed.Il ett hem cont i
nuewi tht heirchatf ora
while."Girl,how' si tgoi ngwi t
hMrBi l
lionair
e? "Sy
asked." He'sabi l
li
onai re?"Li ndi gasped." Yeah.He' s
okay .I
'm supposedt obegoi ngt oGer many
tomor rowt ov i
si thim. "Isai d."WHAT! "Theybot h
yell
ed." Igotf i
r ed, remember ?So, hismom asked
mei fwecoul dsur prisehi mi nGer many .
"Iexpl ai
ned.
"Butit'
st omor row! !Hav ey oupacked?OhmyGod,
youdi dn'tev enshopf orthings! "Lindi panicked." I
alr
eadydi dshoppi ngi nDur ban. "Isai d."Yes, butit'
s
Fallthatside, goi ngi nt owi nter .Youneedt obe
warm. "Sysai d.Isi ghed." Fine, Idon' tknowwher eI'l
l
fi
ndwi nterclot hesatt hist ime.Who' scomi ngwi th
me? "Iasked." Iwi shIcoul dsi s, butIhav etogot o
wor k."Syshr ugged."Icancancel myappoi nt
ment .
"
Lindi suggest ed."No.Don'tdothat.Iwon'teventake
l
ong, Isti
l
l needt opackandr est.
"Ithinki
twasnow
starti
ngt osi nkin."Sowhenwi llyoubeback? "Li
ndi
asked." Idon' tknowy etbutI'
m notplanni
ngt ostay
l
ong.May be2weeks, thenanother2weeksIcan
visi
tmyf ami ly.
"Syhuggedme." I
'm gonnami ss
you."Hesul ked.Iknowi twouldbehar deronme
thani tisonhi m.Idependedonseei ngSymon' sface
dail
y .Itcrushedmet hatIwon'tseehimf orweeks.

Aft
ermywi ntershoppingwhi chl astedalloftwo
hours,Igotboot s,twocoatsandaf ewmor ejeans.I
wentt omypl aceandpai dt hel andlady3mont hsin
advancef orrent.Ipackedal lthef oodint hefridge
andgav eittoheraswel l
.Noneedf orittowast e
away .Ipackedmysui t
casef orGer manyand
decidedtot akeanap.Iwokeupt omyphoner i
nging,
i
twasdar kinmyr oom."Hello? "Ianswer ed."Noma,
wher eareyou?I t'
slat
e."ItwasThi erry'
smom.Isat
up."Icameov ertomypl acet opackma.I 'm done
now, I'
m getti
nganUber .
"Iexpl ained."No, I
'l
lsenda
driv
er.Sendmey ouraddr ess."Iaccept edandhung
updoi ngasI '
mt old.Ican'tbel i
eveit.I'
m goingto
Germany .Injust15mi nutes, t
hecarar rivedandI
tookmybagsoutt oi t,l
ockingmypl ace.Isi ghed
andmademywayout .WhenIr eachedt hecar,t
he
driv
erlookedf ami l
iar.Hehel pedputt hebagsi nthe
bootandwegoti nt hecar.Mei ntheback." DoI
knowy oufrom somewher e? "Iasked."No. "Hesaid.
ButIlookedathi m cl osely.Thenitclicked.Theguy
from church.Thiswashi m.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er40

Idon'tknowbutIwasannoy ed.Annoy edt hat ,

Thierr
yandhi sfami l
yreal l
ymayhav egot ten
someonet of oll
owmear oundormay behej ustgoes
tothesamechur ch?Idi dn'tnot icehi m any wher e
else.May beal lt
heirempl oy eeswentt othesame
churchast hem?Ihopeso.Ir eallyhopet hati sthe
explanati
on.Ial socoul dn'taskThi erry'
smom
becausei twoul dbedi srespect fulofmeIt hi
nk.I n
thehouse, Mr sSwasdr essedcomf ortabl yint he
l
ounge, readingabook." Hi angel .Iwaswor r
ied
abouty ou."Shesai d."I
'm sor ryma, Ishoul dhav e
call
ed."Isatdown." Alr
ight .We' llbel eav i
ngi n5
hours.Youmi ghtwantt oeatabi tory ou' l
l eatont he
plane?"5hour sfrom nowwas2am i nt hemor ning.
Whyar ewel eavingat2am?" IthinkI '
lleatnow.I 'm
gonnacooksomet hi
ng."Iwentt ot heki tchen.I twas
happening.Iwasgoi ngt oGer manyi n5hour s.I
call
edmygr annyandknewi mmedi at elythatI
couldn' tletherknow.Noty et.Shewoul df reakout
compl etelyandIdi dn'tneedt hest ress.Icookedt o
takemymi ndof ft hetri
p.Isweari tf eltli
keIwasa
drugmul e.That '
snotwhatIwasr i
ght ?TheSt ölt
z er
fami l
ywoul dnev erbei nvolvedi nsomet hingl i
ket hat
ri
ght ?Iqui cklywentont oGoogl ethem.Idon' tknow
whyt hehel lInev ert houghtoft hist hef irsttime.
Not hingscandal ouscameup.Thef ami lynet worth
wasunconf irmedbutest i
mat edt obeov er80bi l
lion
euro.Mypani ccreptup.Eachmemberoft hef ami l
y
wasl istedwi ththei rassetsandagai n, i
tcan' tbe
saidhowmucheachper sonr eallyhasbecauset hey
didn'tmaket heirnet worthpubl ic.Itwasj ust
estimat edof fknownasset satt hispoi nt.Al lofthem
wer ebi l
lionaires.ALL.Mot her ,father ,Moon, Ria,
Biso, Thierry!!Alloft hem!!Myhandswer eshaki ng.I
wassuddenl ymor enervoust hanev erbef ore.Ihada
l
umpi nmyt hroat .Howwi l
l Iexpl aint hist omy
granny ?Iwentbackt ocooki ngwi t
hmyhead
spinning.Mybl adderwasf ul ltoo.Whati ft heysol d
drugs?Ihopet oGodnot .Itdoesn' tseem l ikei t
though.Sowher edoest hemoneycomef rom?I
wentbackt oGoogl eandputmyear phonesi n,
wat chi ngadocument ar yont hem.Thei rinformat i
on
wasi nconcl usiv ebuti tisspecul at ed,thatt he
Stöltzerf amilyissust ainedbyol dmoney .That
gener at ional weal tht y peofmoney .Wher egr eat,
great ,gr eat,great ,gr eatgr andfatheri nvent s
somet hi ngandi tbl owsup.Mybr eat hgotst ucki n
myt hroat .Okay , nomor eGoogl ebutIwasspooked.
Itook3hour st of i
ni shcooki ngandanot herhourt o
eatmyf ood.Icoul dn' tseeMr sSar oundsoaf ter
washi ngmydi sh, Iwentt owat chTV.I nabout30
minut es, sheappear ed." Letsgo, sweet heart."She
said, l
ooki ngref r
eshedi nabl uetwopi eceout fi
tand
coatofherar m.If ollowedhert othecar .Wewer e
drivent ot heairpor tandent eredt hepr ivateent rance.
Iguesst hat'swhywecanl eav eat2am.Wewer e
tr
av elingpr i
vate.Idon' tknowwhatmysi llymi nd
wasexpect i
ng.Thi sj etwasmuchbi ggert hant he
onesweusedf orCapeTownandDur ban.Af t er
gettingcheckedandi nside, Mr sSpul l
edoutasmal l
bottle, takingoutapi ll."Woul dy oul ikeone?I t
knocksmeoutf ort he11hour soft ravel.Ther e'snot
mucht odo.Whenwet akeof f,
we' reinourseat s,
withthebeltson.There'
stworooms, sowheny ou'r
e
readytosleep,youcangot ooneaf tert akeoff
."She
said."
Thanky ouMr sS.Ithi
nkI'mfinef orthepill
."I
said."
Okay .I
'l
ll
eavethebottl
eherei fy ouchange
yourmi nd.There'
sWiFi,
food,ther
e'st heTV, soyou
don'tgetbored."Webuckledupandgotr eadyfor
takeoff..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er41

Ittook11hour stogett oGer many ,Ifell

asleepi n
oneoft her oomsf orabout6hour s.Theot hert ime,I
wat chedTVshowsandhadsomesnacks.Igot
reallyboredandwi shedIcoul dgetsomef reshai r
.I
optedt ot akeashowerandgotdr essedi ntheex t
ra
l
eggi ngsandshi rtIhadbr oughti n.Mr sSwashav ing
brunchandIj oi
nedher ."Sohowdi dy ousleep? "She
asked." Isleptokay .About6hour s,thenwat ched
someTV.Howabouty ouma? "Iaskedher ."Really
wel l
.I'v
eal otofwor ktodowhenwel andsot herest
wasneeded.Hav ey oudraftedacont r
actyet? "She
asked." Noty etma.Iwi ll
doso, thisweek.Iwas
thi
nki ngofspendi ngt woweeksi nGer manyt hen
goingt oseemyf ami l
y."Iexplained." That'
s
wonder f
ul sweethear t
.TheJet swi l
l bereadyf oryou
tousewheny ou'
rer eadytogo. "...
Wef i
nall
yl andedi nGer many .Ev ent houghwef lew
pri
v ate,west il
lhadt ogot hroughi mmi grati
onbuti t
wasast hought heywer ewai ti
ngf orus.Thepr i
vat e
terminal andexi tswer ecl earandonl ymeni nsui ts
wer earound.Wepr ocessedmydocument sand
fi
nal l
ymadei tinsideEur ope.Iwassuddenl yexci ted.
Ihadenoughener gydespi t
emy6hour sofsl eep.I '
d
fi
nal l
yseemyman.Wewer el edoutt ot hecar s
whichwassur roundedbyaguar dofmeni nsui ts
andguns.Ther ewer e3ot heri dent i
cal carstoour s.
Soy ouwoul dn'tknowwhoi strav elingi nwhi ch." Isit
alway sli
ket his?"IaskedMr sSi nt hecar ."
Int her est
ofthewor ld, yes.InSout hAf r
icanott hatmuch.
Reasonf ort hatisbecausewe' veonl yjustst arted
beingmor epr esentt here.Itwi llgett ot hispoi ntby
thet i
mewe' reback. "Sheexpl ained.Sonopr ivacy .
Myhear tsank." It
'snott hatbad, Noma.Ver ysoon,
you'llbeusedt oit."Shet ouchedmyhand.It rust ed
whatshewassay i
ngbutmyhear twasn' tashappy
anymor e.Ir eal l
ylov edmyf reel ife,goi ngt othemal l
withoutanar medguar dwal kingnearmescar i
ng
everyone.Wewer edr i
venf orsuchal ongt ime, butI
wasi nmyt hought sandonl yreal i
zedi twhenwe
enter edanest atewhi chwasi nt hecount ry.Thev eld
stretchedf orki lomet ersandki lomet ers.Idon' t
rememberseei nganybui l
dingsf oratl east45
minut es.Itwasl i
keagr eendeser t
.Thedr i
v ewayt o
thehousei tselfwasal soanot herj our ney .IfI
thoughtt hei rhousesi nSAwer ebi g, thisonewas
10x.I twasanact ual pal ace.Itlookedl ikeMal lof
Africa.Iwoul ddef initelygetl osther e.Wef i
nal l
y
madei ttot hedoor way .Igotoutt hecar .Ithadbeen
atwohourdr i
vef r
om t heai rport.Iwasj ustt i
redofit
all
.Iwasi rri
tabl eandj ustf ussy .If oll
owedMr sS
i
nsi det hehousewhi chhadal obbyl ikeahot el
woul d.Shespokei nGer mant ot hemanwhocame
forwar dtous.Hewast hebut l
er ."Hel l
o, myname
Paul .Lov elymeet ingy ou, Mr sSt öltzer .
"Heshook
myhand.Iwashav i
ngapr oblem wi thbei ngMr s
StöltzerbecauseIwasn' texactlymar ri
edt oThi erry.
"Hi Paul .Please, cal l
meNoma. "Henodded.My
bagswer et akenupt ot hebedr oom.Mybodywas
ti
red." Ma, canIhav ehal fthatpi l
l?Imayneedt orest.
Mybodyi sf eeli
ngweak. "Isaid.Shel ookedwor r
ied.
"Weak?You' rejetlaggedsweet hear t.Her e."Shegav e
mehal fthepi ll
.Idr anki tandwasescor tedt othe
bedroom byPaul .Icoul dsmel lThierr
yar ound.He' d
beenhererecent ly."IsThi erryhome? "IaskedPaul .
"MrStölt
zerl eavef ormeet i
ngnotl ongago.Shoul dI
callhi
m home? "Heasked." Youcandot hat ?"I
asked."Yes.Any thingf ory ou, MrsSt öltz-Noma. "
Thismademyhear tfuzzy ."
It'
sokay ,don' tcallhim
becauseIwantt osl eepnow.Lethi m wor k.I'
llsee
him whenhe' sback. "Iassur edhi m.Henodded.
"CanIgety ouany thingf ory ourwake?I '
ll hav ethem
prepareyoubat hwi thcal mingsal ts,anyf oodof
yourchoiceandanyi tem ofy ourcomf ortt hemi nute
youopeney es."Het ookoutsi lkpil
lowsi npl asti
c
coversanduncov eredt hem." Uhm, I
'dliker oom
temperatur
ewat erandgi ngerbi scuit
spl ease. "He
noddedandwal kedout .Igoti ntobedf eel i
ngwoozy
enoughandf inallyfell asleep.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er42

Irant hrought hev eldwi t

hsomuchf or
cei tfeltlikeI
wasf ightingt hewi nd.Thewol fchasedmei nt oa
forestandi tsuddenl ywentdar k.Ist ruggl edt o
breat hy etcont i
nuedr unni
ng.Itwasst i
ll chasi ngme,
owl sst artingal laroundmeandmyhear twasabout
tojumpoutmychest .Somet hinggr abbedmeandI
screamedmyl ungsout ,ki
ckingv iol
ently.I t
env elopedmei nitsar mst i
ghtlyal mostsi lencingmy
mov ement s."Youhav etosur v
iv esweet hear t.You
hav et odoi t,f
orme. "Hewhi sper ed.Iwokeupwi t
ha
j
olt.Thedoorswungopen.Paul r
ani nwi thaweapon
i
nhi shand." Ihear dy ouscr eami ng!Whati sit? "He
asked.It ri
edt obr eat h."Justawei r
ddr eam, Paul .
I'
m okay ."Isai d."Doy ouwantt ot el
l meabouti t
? "
Hesetdownt heweapon, openi ngt hebot tl
eofwat er
nextt ome.It oldhi m whathappenedi nt hedr eam.
"I
'm sor ryNoma.Per haps, you'
rej ustt i
redf r
om y our
tri
p.Nowt hatyou'verested,youneedt oeat.The
chefhaspr eparedaspeci almeal.Youmayt akeyour
bath.Thier
rywillbehomei n45mi nutes.Icanget
youasnacksol ong."Heexpl ai
ned.Idrankthewat er
.
"Thatwouldbegr eat."Isaidafterswall
owingalmost
halfthebottl
e."Thethemet oni
ghtiselegantdini
ng
sobr i
ngouty ourbestgown.I 'l
lhavethestyli
st
comegety oureadyaf t
erthebat h.
"Hesai dand
walkedout.

Indeedaftermybat hthest yli

stgotmer eady.Iwore
oneofmydr essesIboughtbacki nSAadmademy
waydownt hel ongstaircase.Thef r
ontdooropened.
Thierr
ywal kedi nwithabr iefcaseinhishand
speakingtohi sbody guardwhowasr i
ghtbehindhi
m.
Heev enturnedt ohim andspoket ohimi nGerman
buttheguar dlookedatme, hidi
ngasmi le."
Whatare
yousmi l
ingat ?Cany ouev enhearme?Ross?Fi ne.
Justtell
mewheny ou' r
ebackf r
om thi
szoneout .
"
Thierr
ysaid, t
urningtome.Hegotaf r
ight."
BABY!!
"
Heshout ed."Hi .
"Her ushedt ome, huggingmeand
kissi
ngmyf ace."Whendi dyougether e?"Heasked.
"Thisaf ternoon.Icamei nwi thy ourmom. "Isaid.He
smi ledbr i
ghtly."Imi ssedy ou. "Het ur nedt olookat
hisbody guard."You' resneaky .Ist hiswhyy outook
thel ongerr oute?Iwoul dbemadbutI 'm happywi th
ther esul t."Hesai dt ohim." Ar en' ty out ired,love? "
Heki ssedmyhead." No, Itookav er yl ongnap.
You' ret heonewhomustbet i
r ed. "Isai d.Wemade
ourwayt othedi ninghal l
."I'mf i
ne.Wor kishect ic
butI 'm managi ng.Ican' tbel i
ev ey ou' reher e."He
kissedmycheek." Thanky oust handwasam.Thank
youf orbei ngher ebutWhatabouty ourj ob? "He
asked.Isi ghed."Igotf ir
ed. "Isai d.Hest opped
wal kingandIl ookedathi m.Hehadaf rownonhi s
facet hatsentshi versdownmyspi ne." Whydi dLar ry
fi
rey ou? "Heaskedcal mlybutIcoul dt elli
nhi st one
hewasnowher enearcal m." I
twasn' tLar ry.Itwas
theowner swi fe.Lar rywasn' tev ent her e."Iexpl ained.
"Larr yisr esponsi blefory oursaf et yi nt hatpl ace!
Whywasn' thet here!?"Hisv oicer aised." Babe.
Pleasecal m down.Lar ry'
sshi ftendedandasan
assi stantmanager ,Itakeov erf rom hi m. "Isaid,
tryi
ngt ohol dhi mt ocal m." Thenwhathappened
Noma? "Heasked.Hi smot hercamet ous." She's
j
ustahor ribleperson.ShegotmadbecauseIdi dn't
payherenoughat t
ent ionandspoket oNoma
i
nst ead.Nomal ef
t15mi nutesaf terhershi ftended
andappar entlythatwomandi dn'twanthert oleav e.
Thenextday ,madeNomawor ktil
l 8int heev eni ng
andmadehercl eant henf iredher .
"Sheexpl ained.
ThankGodbecauseIdon' tknowwhatwasgoi ngon
withhi m."Fine.Sonowwhatwi l
ly oudo? "Heasked
me." Yourmom of feredmeaj ob."Ismi led.He
l
ookedathi smot her ."Why ?"Heasked." Idon'twant
herwor ki
ngasawai t ressasmuchasy oudo.She' ll
haveherownwor kinghour saswel lasar eputabl e
careerandbeabl et ogot oschool ."Mr sSsai d.
Thierrydidn'tanswerherbuthewasn' tpleased.The
restoft hef amilyjoinedusi nthedi ningr oom.A
similartablet othe18seat erwasi nt hemi ddl
eof
thest unningr oom.Wet ookourseat s." Ihavea
quickcal ltomake.Pl easecont inue. "Thi err
ysai d
andl eftthet abl
e.Whywoul dhe. .
..Isi ghed.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er43

Iwai tedt il
l Thierr
ycamebackandwehadour
starters.Il ookedathi m."What '
swr ong? "Heasked
l
ooki ngatmypl ate." Didyoucal lLarry?"Iwhispered.
"No.Idi dn' t.
"Hesi ghed." I
'm nothappywi thyour
termi nationbutI '
m gl ady ounol ongerwor kthere."
Hesai d.Iat equi etly."Howwasy ourf i
rst
i
nt ernational journeyNoma? "Ri aasked.Ismi led."I
sleptf orlike6hour st henwat chedTV.Ther ewasa
mi nuteIst artedtogetsuf f
ocatedandneededf r
esh
air.
"Isai d." You'llgetusedt oit.Iusuallyjustsleepit
offordosomewor k."Ithenremember ed, nayeshe's
alsoabi ll
ionai r
e.Iwonderwhatshedoes." Wil
l y
ou
copewhenwet r
av el 21hour sint heair?"Asked
Moon.Igasped.I 'm notspendi nganent i
redayof f
thegr ound.No." Don' tscareher .We' r
enotdoi ng
that.We' lltaker est sinbet ween, baby."Thierry
assur edme.Iwant edt oaskaboutt hebody guard
backi nSAbuti twashar dlyt het ime.Theyspoke
aboutt heirbusi nesses.Thef at herf i
nal l
yar ri
v edand
tookhi sseat ."Ahh, Noma.Howar ey oumyangel ?"
Heasked." I
'
m wel lthanky ousi r.Howar ey ou? "I
asked." I
'm har dlysi rtoy ou.You' refami ly,no
formal iti
esneededathome. "Hesai d."Fat her,Noma
andIhav edeci dedt ot aket hingssl ow.Wewantt o
gett oknoweachot herbet ter.Sowecancal m down
ont heMr sforawhi le."Thi err ysai d."Isee.Howev er,
youwer etheonewhot oldmet haty ouwantt omake
hery ouwi fe.Yousai dy ouknewshewast heone.
Hast hatchanged? "Hi sf atherasked." No, father .I
t
hasn' t.
"Thi errysai d." Noma, doy ouseey oursel f
mar riedt oThi er ryint hef utur e? "Iswal lowed." Yes
father .
"Thi swasnotal ie.Il ov et hisguy ."I
'm gl ad
that'
sset tled.Iper sonal l
yam happyy ouf inall
y
foundsomeoney ouador e,Thi erry."Thef ami l
y
agreed.Il ookedatThi erry."I'm notar elationshi p
person. "Heexpl ained." Notar elationshi pper soni s
puttingi tlightl
y .Forasecond, Ithoughty ouwer en't
aper sonatal l
."Moonsai d.Wel aughed." I'
m nott hat
bad."Thi errysai d."Thi errypl ease.You' rewor se. "
Moonsai d." Okayf i
ne.ButnowIhav eNomakhwezi
andI '
m happy .Cl ear l
yt hat'swhomysoul was
searchi ngf or.
"Thi er r
ysai d.Il ookedathi m." Howdi d
youknowmyf ullname? "Iaskedqui etly.Ther estof
thefami l
ylookedathi m." Iment ionedi twhenwe
wereont hephonel astni ght.Ijustdi dn'ttellhim our
tri
par rangement s."Hi smom sai d." Oh."Igi ggled.
Dinnerwasqui tel i
ght hear tedandr elaxed.Mom and
dadl eftforbed, MoonandThi erryhadsome
businesst odiscuss.Ri asuggest edamov i
ef orme
andherbutThi err ywoul dn'tletmeoutofhi ssi ght."
I
promi seshe' snotgoi ngt odi sappear ,Mi chael tell
him."Ri abegged." I
'm notaboutt obei nthemi ddl
e
ofThi erryandt hel ov eofhi sl i
fe.You' veseenhi m
thepastf ewday s."Moonsai d."Baby ,youhav et o
work.I '
llbei nthel ounge- "Heshookhi shead." Nope.
I'
drat hery ou'r
eher e.Si twi thme.Weonl yhav eone
reportt ogoov erandwe' l
lbedone. "Hesai d.SoIsat
downont hecouch.Hel i
ftedmyf eetonhi slap
taki
ngof fmyshoes.Theycont i
nuedwi tht heir
meet ingwhi l
eIt ext edSy mononmyphone.Hi s
message" Igotf i
redt oo.Lol ."Igasped." What !?
Whatdi dy oudo? "Ir esponded." Wel l.
..remember
themar ri
edguyt hatt oremyboot yapar t?"Her epli
es.
Iscratchmyheadi nt hought.Ohy es, hement ioned
i
twhenhear ri
vedatt herestaurant."Yes, yes!!Di d
hecomet ot herestaurant?Isheof feringbet ter?
What ?"Iresponded." No.Thathusbandi sDr agon. "
Her epli
ed.Igasped." NO!"Isaidoutl oudj umpi ngon
myf eet."What '
swr ong?"Thierryasked." Ineedt o
callSy.Hedi dsomet hing."Iexplai
nedt akingmy
shoes."Isheokay ? "Heasked." Ihopeso. "Iwentup
tothebedr oom whi chtakesl ongerthanany t
hingt o
behonest .Thehousewasunnecessar il
ygi gantic.In
thebedr oom, Ical
ledSy mon.

Heanswer edont hef i

rstring."Whatisgoi ngonov er
there?"Iasked.Hel aughedoutl oud."Ican'tbeli
eve
i
t!!"Hecont inuedlaughing.Iputhi m onspeakerand
startedtotakeof fmydr ess."SYMONDUMI SANI
JACOBS. "Hekeptl aughing."Mr sThierr
y."Hesai d.I
l
ookedf ormysui tcasebuti twasempt y.Mycl othes
wer einthecl osetshelves.Itookoutasi l
kpinktwo
piecepaj amawhi chwasshor t
sandav est."What
happened. "Iaskedhi m again."Dragonaskedmeout
foradr i
nkt hatnightyouwer estuckwi t
hDr agon
l
ady .Wewentt oHar ti
es, f
ewdr inksandaboatr oad.
Thenhebookedapl aceandwedi dt het hings.He
maybeol dbutbi ii
ii
iiii
tch, ol
' mangotSKI LLZ.He
knowshowt owor kokay ?"Hesai dent husiast i
call
y .
"Ewww.Keepgoi ng. "Ilaughed." Wecamebackt o
theci tyandhel ef tmesomebucksbef orehe
droppedmeof f
.NowIt houghti twasj ustonceof f
ri
ght ?Any waaay .Si nceIhadal ateshi f
t,hecameby
andsawt hatLar rywasn' taround.Heaskedi fIcan
cashupandIsai dno. "Hel aughed." You'resucha
slut.Andt henwhathappened? "Il aughed." Wel l
,he
stayedandIcont inuedwor kingunt i
l closingt ime.
Ev eryonelef tandIwasst i
lltry
ingt ocashupandhe
camebehi ndmeandaskedwhyIdi dn' tlear nbefore.
Hewast ouchi ngal l onmeatt hi spoi ntIwasgone
girl.
"Hesi ghed." Howcany oubegonegi rl soquick
ov ersomepeni s?"Iasked." Girl,itain'tsomer egular
degul arokay ?Sohet ookof fmypant sandwenti n.
Hiswi fewal kedin. "Igasped." Ohmy !!
!!Didy ou
not i
ceher ? "Iasked." Nope.Iwasbusyscr eami ng
myl ittl
ehear toutandhewasenj oyinghi msel f
,she
j
ustst art
edshout i
ngandt hrowi ngt ables, girl
.She
crazy."Hesay s."Sy mon! !That'sherhusband!She' s
supposedt obecr azy !Whyt hendi dt heyf i
r ey ou?
That '
snotf air
.Youcoul dsuef orsexual
har assment .
"Isai d.Obv i
ousl yitwasconsensual but
notal lowedi nt hepr emises.That 'swhatt her ules
wer eandt heownershoul dknowsi nceheMADEt he
rule!" Oohgi r
l,I'
m notdoi ngt hat .Hedi dpayme
though.Asev erancepackageofsomet hingov er
150k. "Thi sguy !"Sy mon! "Ishout ed."What ?I '
m
cur rent lydoingr esear chf orabusi nessnow.Gi rl
,
how' sGer many ?"Heasked.I magi ne!"Ger manyi sa
bitwi ndybutokay .Thi err
yi sexci tedt oseeme. "I
said." Asheshoul d.Whenar ey oul ockingt hi sman
down? "Heasked." Sy mon.I t'stooear l
y.Ev ent uall
y ,
yesIwantt omar ryhi m.Ij ustcan' thelpf eelingl i
ke
i
t'st oosoon.Thi er r
yi samazi ng.Ev enwi t
hoursmal l
fi
ght s,he'spat ientwi t
hmeandcommuni cat es.Ijust
needt oknowmor e.I sheki nd, i
shecar ingt oot her s.
Thatt y peofst uffi swhatIwanti nahusband.Sof ar,
Idon' tthinkhei st hatki ndorcar i
ngt oot her s.He
doesn' tseem empat heti
ct ot hings.Heal way swant s
tosol ve."Isighed." Seemsl i
key ou'relooki ngf ora
Past orBaei nThi erry,Noma.Ki ndnessandCar i
ngi s
Past or'sthing."Sysai d."Idon' twantThemba.Idon' t
seehi m asmor et hanaf riendandnev erwi l
lbutI
won'tdenyt hatt hosequal iti
esar egood.Howev er,
event hatwi llnev ermakemeat tr
act edt ohimt he
wayIam t oThi erry."Isaid."Iknowy oul oveThi erry.
There'smor et hanenought i
met oknowhi m.Idon' t
thi
nkmar ry i
nghi m woul dbeabadt hing.Ev en
thoughi t'
ssoon, what '
sthewor sethatcoul dhappen?
Divorcehi m andbecomeamul timi l
lionaire?"He
chuckled." It'
snotabouthi smoneySy mon.Fr ankly,
i
t'sther easonImaynotwantt omar ryhi m.I
googledhi ml astni ghtandi t'
s...alot."Isighed." Let
megett hisst raight .Youdon' twantt omar rythe
many oul ovebecausehe' sabi ll
ionai re?"Heasked.
"Symon, i
fhewasn' tabi l
lionai r
e,woul ditmakea
diff
erence?Sayhewasn' t.Woul dImar r
yhi m?I'd
waital i
ttlewhi l
e.Ay earatl east."Isai d."Thent hat's
i
t.Wai tay earandr ev i
ewy ourrelationshi pwi t
hhi m
then.Ifit'
swher ey ouwanti ttobeandy ou'r
est ill
in
l
ov e,Isaygof orit."Hesai d.Igav eitsomet hought ,
hewasr ight .Ay eari squitel ong.I'dgett oknowa
l
otmor eabouthi m byt hen.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er44

Idecidedt owearat racksui tinsteadbecauseIst il

l
want edt ogodownst air
sandIwasn' tsur ethe
procedur eoft hehouse.Theyal readyl i
v edlike
royaltymay bewal kingi nt hehousei nyour
sleepwearwasn' tper mitted.If oundThi erryi nthe
samecouchst i
lltalkingbusi ness.Hehel dhi sar m
outtome.Isatnextt ohim, cuddl inghissi de.He
fi
nishedhi smeet i
ngi n20mi nut es."So, mov i
e? "He
asked." No.Wecancuddl ei nt hebedr oom. "I
whisper ed."Thatsoundsamazi ng.Ijustneeda
showerf i
rst.
"Hesai d.Wemadeourwayupt oour
room.It ookmypant sofft ogetr eadyf orbedt hen
wentt ot hebat hroom t obr ushmyt eeth.Af ter
ri
nsingmymout h.Thi er
ryst oodbehi ndme, kissing
myneck.Het ur nedmear oundandki ssedmyl ips
urgent l
y."Thierry."Ibr eathed.Ohhesmel lssogood.
Ialmostmel tintohi sar ms.Hegr absme, pickingme
up, Iwr apmyl egsar oundhi swai st .Hisl ipsl ocked
i
nt omi neandt hecol dwal lfinallyr eachesmyback.I
canf eel him pokingandIwantt oswal lowhi mi n.
Finally ,heslidesi tin."Ohf uck. ..
"hebr eat hed.He
ownedmybodyatt hispoi nt.Hef ocusedonki ssing
meandnotmov i
ng.Iwassl owl yl osingmymi nd.
"Please. .
"Imoanedagai nsthi sl i
ps.Hepul led
himsel foutandst r
okebacki ngent ly.Ihel dont o
him, thighsshaki ngonhi swai st .Hi spacequi ckened,
Icoul dn' tbreath.Hi sbr eathecol donmyneckasmy
hipsmov edtohi sr hythm.Hi shandsf i
r ml yhel dmy
assashemov edinandoutmypussy ,
dr ippingwet
andr ubbi ngmyi nnerg- spot .Icoul df eel my self
aboutt ocl imax.Hepul l
edout ,br eat hingheav ilyand
putmet ostandonmyown.Mykneeswer ebuckl ing.
"Turnar ound. "Heor dered.Iqui ckl ytur nedar ound
andIwasf acedwi thami rror.Hi shandsnaked
aroundmyt hroatandhel df i
rml y .Iplacedmyhands
ont hemi rr
or,readyt osubmi t.Hi sl efthandt ouched
mycl itandpul ledmecl osert ohi sbody .Hi shar d
dickf oundt heent ranceandsqueezedhi msel fin
agai n." Fuuucki nghel l
."Hewhi sper ed.Ashewas
stroki ngf rom behi nd, hi
sf i
ngersof tl
yt ickledmycl it
andt hereIwas.Gone.Icoul dbar elyev enscr eam, I
wassoweakandi ngreatpl easur eal lIdidwas
breathandt hrobf rom under neath."Youf eel so
damngood, Noma.You' reamazi ng."Hewhi spered
i
nmyear .Itrembl edli
keaweakl it
tl
esl ut .Wow.Thi s
mancoul dwor khisorganmor ethant her equired
dosage." Icanf eel youtightenbaby .You' refucking
strangli
ngmydi ck.Noma, cum f ormesweet heart
.
I'
mr ightbehi ndy ou."Mybodyf eltli
kei tcaughton
fi
rebuti ndiamonds.If inallyfrozeandt umbl ed
downf r
om t hecl imaxlikerocksof famount ain.
"THIERRY! !THI ERRY! !
"Iscr eamed." Shit."Hehel d
met ighter,pushi ngdeepi nsideandl etoutagasp. .
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er45

Thenextmor ning, Iwokeupwi thasor ebodyand

throat.Mychestwaswheezi ng.Icoughedand
slowlywal kedt othebat hroom.Thi errywasn' tinbed.
IthinkIwascomi ngdownwi ththef lu.Thequi ck
changei ncl imat ewaspr obabl ythecause.Whi l
eI
satont het oiletcont empl ati
nghowt onotl ookl ike
I'
m dy i
ng, Ifeltmy selfheav ingandIr ushedt ot he
sinktot hrowup.Gr eat.Addv ert
igot omyl ist.I
washedmyf aceandmout h,wentt oputonmygown
andmademywayoutt her oom.Idi dn'tcareabout
thepr otocol todayIj ustneededPaul .Notsur e
wher eI'dfindhi m butIf i
nal l
yr eachedt hebot tom of
thestairshuf fingandpuf fingasi fI'
m aboutt ot hr ow
upagai n.Godpl easenother e.Notagai n,
this
embar r
assment ."Noma. "Il ookedupandsawMoon.
"Youlookl i
kehel l.What '
swr ong?"Heasked." Thi nk
I'
m sinck."Icoughed." Yout hink?"Heasked
sarcast icall
y ."Ineedt ofindPaul .
"Icoughedagai n.
"No,whaty ouneedi st ogetbacki nbedandI 'l
lcall
Thierryandy ourdoct or.Whydi dn'ty ouj ustcal l
him? "Ilookedupatt hest airsandcoul df eelmy self
readyt of aint ."Okay.Igeti t.Let '
sgot ot heloungeat
l
east .
"Hehel dmyar m al lthewayt ot hel ounge.Isat
downandl ookedupatt hecei li
ng.I tlookedl i
keit
wasf al l
ingf rom t hesky ,that '
showhi ghi twas.
"What '
sgoi ngon? "Mom' sv oice." She' s...
.sick."
Moonsai d." Ohdear .Wher e'sThi er r
y ?"Sheasked." I
woul dt hinki nhi sbedroom butcl ear lynot .She
wander edouther ealone."Moonsai d."AndPaul ?
He'sherassi stant.He'ssupposedt omakesur eshe
doesn' tdie."Shewhi sper ed." Nomaj usthasf lu
mama.That 'shar dl
ygonnaki l
l her."Moonsai d
calmly ."Unl essi tescalatest opneumoni a.Fixit
,
Michael ."Shesai dsternl
y .Paul hur r
iedt ousasI
wassl owl ylosi ngconsci ousness." Pleaser i
ngthe
doctori mmedi ately
.Wher e'sThi err y?"Moonasked
him." He' sint heki t
chen, sir."Paul sai dasher ushed
off.Ther oom wasnowspi nningsoIcl osedmyey es
abi t
,rest ingmybackont hesof a.Fi nallyev eryt
hing
wasqui et.Icoul dfeelmyener gyupatl east1%.I
neededwat erandGod.I t'sl i
keIcoul df eel t
hebl ood
traveli
ngi nsidemybody ."Iam secur ei ny ourl ove..
"I
breathed." Whol ov eslikey ou, Lor d?Bey ondmy
fl
aws.You' rest i
lltrue...
"It riedt ocat chmybr eath
andopenmyey es." Feelssogoodt obel ov edby
You, Lor d."Iopenedmyey esf inal l
y."Whati sshe
saying? "Maasked." She's...pray ing."Thier r
ysai d
l
ooki ngather ."Ndi yabongangot hand' olungaka,
Msindi si wam.Jesuwami .Ndi yabonga. "Ibr eat hed.
Thierryst oodupandst eppedback.Thedoct or
stoodasi de." Ijustneedwat er."Isai d."You' vegota
highf ev er,Noma.Lett hedoct orwor kf i
rst."Masai d.
Thedoct orinser tedadr ipinmyar m." It
'sjustf lu."I
chuckl ed." Yesbuti t
'sstilldanger ous, sweet hear t.I
shoul d'vewai tedaf ewmor eweeksandl ety ousee
thedoct orf ory ourshot sbef orewel eft.
"Masai d
panicki ng."It'
sf inema.I 'mf ine."Iassur edher .
Thierryl ookedv er yst r
essedal mostangr y .Icoul dn'
t
readhi sexpr essi onpr oper ly.Icl osedmyey esagai n,
feel
ingmybodyr est.

What
evert
hedoct
orgav
emet
hrought
hedr
ipwas
wor kingwonder s.Icoul df eel mybodywasatl east
upby20%now.YeahI 'm char gingl ikeanel ectr
oni c
dev i
cei nGer many .Lol .okay ,notf unny .Icouldhear
strainedv oicesint her oom.I tsoundedl i
kean
argumentbuti nhushedt ones." Whywoul dshedo
thi
swi thoutconsul t
ingme?WHY. "Thi erryhissed.
"Comeon, Thierry.Yourmot herwasj ustt ryingto
surpr i
sey ouwi thsomeoney oul ov eandmi ssed
dear l
y .
"Moonexpl ained." Yeahandher eshei s,SI CK.
InmyCar e,AGAI N.Cany oui magi newhatpeopl ewi l
l
thi
nkofme?They '
ll thi
nkI '
m doi ngt hisonf ucking
purpose! "Thierryspat ."Whatpeopl e? "Moonasked
calml y."Herfami ly!Fr i
ends!I ft heyt hinkIcan' tt ake
careofher ,doy our eallyt hinkt hey '
dl ethermar ry
me?Whycan' tyouguy sj ustl eav eNomaal one?Why
can'ty ousi mplyletmedot hisonmyown? ?Am I
thaati ncapableofl ov et haty oual lthinky oumust
chipi n??"Thierrysai d.Hewashur t.Icoul dheari tin
histone." Thierry,don' tdot hat .Youknowweonl y
wantt ohelp.Look, ther e'snof or mul at othis.Noma
i
smuchmor esensi tiveandnowt hatwe' ve
establ i
shedt his,we' regoi ngt obemor ecar eful
.
We' renotj ustgoingt ol etherdi e.Comeonnow.You
needtocalm down. "Moonassur edhi m." WhatcanI
do?WhatdoIdonow? "Thier
ryasked." Areyousur e
she'
snotpr egnant?"Moonasked." Thedoct orsaid
no.She'
snegat iv
e."Thierr
yswal l
owed." Good
becausewecan' taffordanotherbaby .Hav eyou
spokentoTshi amo? "Moonasked.Thi err
ysighed.
"No.Notthisweek.I '
ll
callhimtonight."Hesai d.
"HaveyoutoldNoma? "Aheav ysil
enceswepti nt
he
room."No."..
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er46

Ilayther ethinki
ng.Iwassoconf used.Can' taf f
ord
anotherbaby ?Hej ustsplashed100knott ool ong
agoandhe' sacceptedtof inancehal fami ll
iont omy
educat i
on.Whatdoescan' taffordev enmean?
May behedoesn' thavet hemoneybuthe' st ryi
ngt o
i
mpr essme?Whywoul dheneedt odot hat ?Kant i
howar emen?I fhedoesn' thavemoney , howt hehel l
i
she-Youknowwhat ?I'
m notgoi ngt ost ressmy sel
f.
Ihav etogi vehim backhi smoney .Andwhot hehel l
i
sTshi amo?Whyi she/ shebei nghi ddenf rom me?
Ohhel l,coulditbeanot herwomani nhisl ife?Nobut
hesai dHi m soanot herman.Okay ,sothist imeI
can'tpretendIwasasl eep.Ihav et oknow.It r
iedt o
situp.Thi errycamet ohelpme, fl
uf fi
ngupt he
pill
owsbehi ndmyback." Heyl i
tt
leangel .Howar e
youf eeli
ng? "Moonaskedme." Muchbet ter.Thank
you."Isai d."Good.Restasmuchasy oucan. "He
wal kedout .IlookedatThi errywhowasst aringat
mewi t
habl ankf ace." Don' tbeangr yaty ourmot her
Thier ry.Honest ly,noonecoul dpredi ctI'dgetsi ck."I
said.Hedi dn' trespond." Please?Iwant edt oseey ou.
Iprobabl ywoul d'
v ecomeonmyownev en. "I
pleadedwi thhi m." Ihat eitwheny ou'resi ck.I t
'snot
fair
.I t'
snotf un.It '
sahur tful experience
Nomakhwezi ."Hest at ed."Iknow.I '
m sor ry."I
reachedoutt ohim." Ther e'snor easont obesor ry.
"
Hesatdown." Iov er hear dy ourconv ersat i
onwi th
Moon. "Iconf essed." Whatexact lydi dy ouhear ? "He
asked, fr
owni ng." Ev er yt
hing.Thi erryi fyoucan' t
affor dababy ,whyar ey ouspendi ngt hismuchon
me?Il ov ey ouf ory ou.Idon' tcareabouty ourmoney .
Ishoul dgetoncont r acept i
v esalso- "Hecutmeof f
.
"Whatar ey out alkingabout ? "Imean? ?" I
ny our
conv ersat i
onwi t
hMoon, y oucan' taf fordanot her
baby .Ify oudon' thav et hemoney ,it'
sr eallyokay
baby .That 'swhyIneedcont racept i
v es."Isai d."I
don' thav emoney ?"Heasked, veryamused.NowI
wasconf used." Wel l..that '
swhatnotaf fording
usual lymeans. "Ishr ugged." Noma, moneyi snott he
probl em.I tnev erwi ll be.Notf orgener ati
onst o
come.That '
snotwhatMoonmeant .Hemeans
emot i
onall
y,mental
l
y.I'
mt oobusytot akecareofa
chil
d."Helookedathishands."Oh.I
'm sorry
."Isaid
quietl
y.I
twasawkwar dthen."I
'
llgetthedoctorto
prepareyourcont
racepti
vesimmedi atel
y.
"Hesai d.I
noddedashest oodupt owalkout."Who's
Tshiamo?"Iasked.Helookedatmef oralongtime
thenwalkedout.

Honest l
y,hisli
tt
lestorm out swerequi teannoy i
ng.I
gotup.Paul wal
kedi n."Noma, howar eyou? "He
asked."I'
mf inePaul.Cany ougetmesomewi neand
snacks?Iwantt otakeabat h.
"Iwentt ot he
bathroom." Uhm. .
.Ithoughty ouwer esick.Shouldn't
youeatsomet hi
ngf i
rst?"Heasked." Yes.I'
lleat
wine."Hecamei nthebat hroom andi nsistedont he
bath,putti
ngi nthecalmi ngsal tsandoi lsthenleft.I
undressedandent er
edt het ub.Thierrywalkedin
aft
er10mi nutesofset t
lingi nmybat h."Wine?
You'r
enotdr i
nkingwhi l
ey ou'r
esick.Youhav en'
t
eveneat enany t
hing."Hesai d.Ipretendednott o
hearhim asIwasl yi
ngonmybackl etti
ngt hewater
soot hmybody ."Noma? "Hecal l
edout .Iwonder
wher ePaul waswi t
hmysnacks." Wow. "Thi erry
wal kedout .Inaf ewmi nut es,Paul pushedi natray
withf ruitsandy ogur t
.Undert hecl oth,hehi da
chocol at ebar .Igiggled."Thanky ou."Isai d."I'
m
sor r
yIcoul dn'tgety out hewi ne. "Hesai d.He
remi ndedmeofSy ."I
t'
sf ine.I'
llbeokaynow. "He
madehi swayout .Iatemyf ruitsal adint hebat h.I
t
tookmeanhourt ogetoutoft hebat handdr essina
simpl el oungeappr opriatet wopi eceout fi
t.Iwasstil
l
abi tweakandmychestst il
lfeltlikef i
re.Mynose
blockedbutIwasal i
veandwant edt ogoout .I
saunt eredoutt othest air
sandmademywaydown.
Thehousewasv erysil
entasi fnoonewashome.
Paul camet ome." Noma.Whatar ey oudoi ngoutof
bed? "Heasked." Ineededf r
eshai randf ood."Isai
d
l
ooki ngar ound.Wher ewasev ery one?" Fine.Iwas
prepar ingy oursoup, soy ou'llsitint hel oungeand
wai t.I'l
l bringy ouabl anket .
"Hemadesur eIsaton
thesof aandputmyf eetup, i
nnot imer eturnedwith
at hickf leece, wrappingi taroundme." Wher e's
Thier ry?Thef ami l
y?"Iasked." They '
reatwor k.
Thier ryi sint hest udythough.He' swor kingf rom
home.
"Heexpl
ained.Ij
ustnodded.

Af t
ermyl unch, Paul hadbr oughtmeamasseuset o
rubmyf eetwhi leIwat chedTV.Hemadesur eIt ook
mypi ll
sont i
meandIwasaboutt opassoutbut
remember edwher eIwas.Absol utelynotkal oku.I
gotup." Wher et onow? "Paul asked." Bed.Ineeda
nap. "Iyawned." Don'tbesi ll
y,napr i
ghther e.You
can'tbedoi ngt heupanddowni ny ourcondi ti
on."
Hesatmedownagai n." Ican'tbesl eepi ngi nthe
l
ounge.I t'
sr ude.Whati fThierry'spar entsseeme? "I
whi spered." ThisisThi erry'
spr i
v at
el ounge.They
won' tseey ouunl esstheyaskme.Rel ax,mi ss.St op
wor ryingaboutev erything.You' refami l
y.Youcanbe
comf ort
abl e."Heassur edme.Thi errywal kedi n.The
masseusewal kedout ."Howar ey ouf eel i
ng? "He
asked." Paul ,istherest i
llbuttercream bi scuits?I'm
crav i
ngt hem wi thhotmi lk.
"Isai d."Comi ngr ightup
becausey ouat eallyoursoupandy ou' r
ef eeling
muchbet terthanbef ore.Yourt emper aturehasgone
downsi gni f
icantly.I
'
mi mpr essed.Youdeser vea
treat."Hewal kedout .Whatasmar tman.Howhe
managedt oanswermeandThi erryknowi ngI '
m
i
gnor ingThi errybutal sonotwant ingtoof fendme
andseem l i
kehe' sinterferi
ngt oThi erryi si ncredi bl
e.
Sosmoot h." Soy ou'reignor i
ngme? "Thi er ryasked.I
didn'trespond." Thisischi l
dish, Noma.Idon' texpect
thisfrom y ou. "Hecont i
nued.Funny ,becausewhenI
askedhi m whoTshi amowashebl atantlyi gnor ed
me.Paul broughti nat r
aywi tht hebi scui tsand
war m mi lk.Myhear tleapedi njoy .Hav ey ouev er
want edsomet hingt henwheni twasi nfr ontofy ou,
youcan' thel pbutbehappy ?"Thanky ousomuch.
Thisi sthebest .You' r
east ar.
"Ibeamed." You
wel come, Noma.Pl easebuzzmewheny ouneed
me. "Het urnedt owal kout .Idi ppedmybi scui ti n
mi l
khappi l
y ."Nomakhwezi ."Il ookedatThi er r
y ."Why
arey ousost ubbor n?I sther eawhol eneedf ort hi
s?"
Heasked.Ibi tmydampbi scui tandmoanedi n
pleasur e."Gr eat estthingI '
vet astedi nf or ev er."I
whi spered.Thi er r
ypuf fedandst ormedout
dramat ically.Paul poppedbacki n,lookingner v ous.
"I
'dadv isey out onotdot hat.Notev er."Hesai d
quietlylooki ngar ound." Whatdoy oumean? "Iasked.
"Thierryist heoneper sonwhocanmakel ife
unbear
able.Pleasedonotagi
tat
ehim."Hebegged.
"Thi
err
ywillnotevenat
tempttomakemyl i
fe
unbear
able."Iwasseet
hingal
ready
."Ohnotforyou.
Anyonebuty ou.
"Hesaid.
..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er47

Iwasn' tsurewhatPaul meant .Iwasabi tconcerned.

Whosel i
fedi dThi err
ymakeunbear able?Iwai t
edf or
himt ocomebackbuthedi dn' t.Dinnerwasr eady
andthef ami l
ysatdownont hedi ningtable."Wher e'
s
Mogot si?"Hi sfatherasked.Idi dn'tknowhi sdad
couldpr onouncehi sAf ricanname.Thatwasqui te
heartwar ming." Helef tearlier,father.
"Isaid."Did
somet hinghappen? "Heasked.Iwasst uck.Howdi d
heknow?" Thierryusual l
ymi ssesdi nnerwhenhe' s
gotacr i
sis.Didhesaywher ehewasgoi ng?"Moon
asked.Thanksf orthesav e." No.Hedi dn't.Wear en't
exactlytalking."Isaidt ruthfully.Nobodyasked
furt
her.Wej ustcont inuedwi thdi nnerpeacef ul
ly.
Thenannybr oughtt hebabyt oRi a.Hewassucha
cuteboy .Hel ookedexact lylike....
.ohno.Ichoked
onmywat er."Arey ouokay ? "Moonasked.Icoul dn't
breathpr operly.Ijustkeptoncoughi ngandchoki ng.
Thei rfathercameupt omeandhel dmychest ,
pressi ngi ntoi twit hhispal m.Igaspedf orai r,and
myl ungscl eared." Thanky ousomuch, father .Ithi nk
i
tmi ghtbet i
mef orar est."Isaid." You'rer i
ght .Paul
willbringy ourdesser ttothebedr oom.Come. "Moon
tookmyhandandwewentupt omyr oom.He
closedt hedoorbehi ndusandhest aredatme.I fI
didn'tment ionbef ore,Moonwal khadadi fferentl ight
i
nhi seyes.Somet hingthatgr abbedy ourat tent i
on
butal sot er ri
fying." What'
sgoi ngon? "Heasked.
"Thierryisbei ngunr easonabl e."Isighed." Why ?"He
i
nsi sted." Iaskedhi m somet hingandher efusest o
answermesoIst oppedt alkingt ohi m."Isai d." Ask
me. "Moonsai d."Whoi sTshi amo? "Iaskedhi m.He
closedhi sey es." Noty ourpl acer ight?"Isai dand
turnedt owal kt obed.Hehel dmyar m."Ihav en't
saidany thing.I t'
sacompl i
cat edsi tuati
onandIcan' t
expl ai
nitt oy oubecauseI '
m noty ourman.Onl yhe
canexpl ain.Tshi amoi shi sson. "Hesai d.Itf eltlike
someonepunchedmei nt hest omach, har d."Oh. "I s
allImanagedt osay .Moonpul l
edmecl osert ohi m
andgav emeahug." Justlist
ent ohi m.Iknowi t's
alotandy ou'reupsethedi dn'tsayany thingbuthe' s
quitesensi tivet oTshi amo.Ver ysensi tiv
e.Justgi ve
him ami nut et ogat herhi msel f."Heki ssedmyhead
andpul l
edaway .Thi errywasst andi ngnextt ous.I
gotsuchaf ri
ghtbecauseIhadn' thear dhim comei n.
Moondi dn'tev enf l
inch.Canheev enseehi m?" Now,
bothofy oucansi tdownl ikeadul tsandt alkabout
thi
s. "Hesai dbef orewal kingout .Sohedi dseehi m.
Thier r
ysatdownont hebedandpat tedt othespace
nextt ohim.Isatdown." Ther ewasat imey ouwer e
terri
fiedofMi chael ."Hechuckl ed." He' snotsobad. "
Iadmi t
ted." Itoldy ouhe' shar ml ess."Hehel dmy
hand.Iwoul dn'tsayhar ml essbutokay ."Whydi dn'
t
yout ellmey ouhadachi ld? "Iasked." Ididn'tknow
how.Iknowt hat'sf uckedup.Tshi amoandIhav ea
strainedr elationship.Hef eel slikehedoesn' tfitin
mywor l
dandt hinksIdon' twanthi m. "Heexpl ained.
"I
si ttrue?"Iasked." No.Notatal l
.Ij ustwantt o
protecthi m.Iwanthi m saf e.Hedoesn' twantt he
body guar ds, t
heexpensi vet reatment .Not hi
ng.I
hav en'ttr
iedt oaccommodat ehi m becauseIdon' t
knowhowt o.I '
m notcomf or tablewi thwhathe' s
comf ort
ablewi thandi thur tsusbot h. "Hesi ghed.
"Howof tendoy ouseehi m? "Hel ookeddownathi s
hands." Notof tenenough.I '
mt ryingtobeabet t
er
father.Idon' thaveexcusesany mor e.Ijusthav et o
bravei tout ."Hel ookedl ikesuchadi fferentper son
now.Hewasawhol efather."Howol di sTshi amo? "
Hesmi ledabi t."12."Hesai d.Anot herwav eof
shockedat t
ackedme.Wow." AndKgosi ?"Iasked.
ThiswasRi a'sson." WhataboutKhosi ?"Hel ooked
atme." Hel ooksl i
key ou."Isaid."So? "Idi dn'twant
tohav et osayi t."I
shey ours?"Iasked." Youdo
reali
zey ouaskedmei fMoonwasmyt win?Of
cour sehi ssonwi lll
ookl ikeme, Iam t hey ounger
brotherofhi sdadaf terall.
"Hel aughed.Atl easthe
wasn' tangr y ."Justmaki ngsur e."Isay ."Tshi amoi s
myonl ychi ldandofcour seyoubecausey ou' re
alway sact ingup. "Heki ssedmycheek." Idonot !"I
l
aughed." Yes, youdo.Iwantt ocal lhim.Cany ou
givemeami nute?"Istoodupt ol eave." No, don' tgo
any wher e."Hesai d,taki
ngouthi sphonedi alinga
numbersav edasT.St öltzer1.Thephoner angt hree
beat sandwasanswer ed.

"
Dumel
apapa"Thi
err
ysi
ghed,
feel
i
nggui
l
ty."
dumel
a
mor wa, goj wang? "(Hel l
oson, howar ey ou)He
asked." gosi amel ekae? "(I'
mf ineandy ou? )Theboy
asked." Gol okilemosi manewaka.Kego
tl
hoaf aletse. "(I
'm okaymyboy .Imi ssy ou)Thi erry
said." bj
wal egobanengosanket elepapa? "(Then
whydon' ty ouev erv isit,dad?)Hi ssonasked." wai t
si
agobonol omor wa.KemoGer manygonabj wale
empaket lakgut laSout hAf r
icakat l
obonawena
pele, Keat shepi sa. "(Youknowi t'snott hatsi mple,
son.I '
mi nGer manynowbutI '
llbebacki nSout h
Africaandwi llcomet oy ouf i
rst.Ipr omi se.)Thierr
y
said." gonabj wal egokaseswanel ekgal e."(This
ti
mewi l
lbedi fferent)Thi er
ryassur ed." Or abjwang
papa? Oragor eot l
akgonagodul alennadi awara?
Ot l
al ekagot shamekal enna?Kei tsigot shameka,
keit sigobua, wasei t
si seoaker ?"(Differ enthow,
dad?Youmeany ou'l
l beabl etost ayaf ewmor e
hour swi thme?You' lltryandpl aywi thme?Ican
play.Icant alkt oo.Youknowt hatr ight? )Theboy
asked." Keai t
si, kemaswabi , ket lalekagoi ra
bokaone. "( Iknowt hat .I'
m sorr y
.Iwi lldobet t
er.)
Thier r
ysighed." Goi rabokaonegonnagobago
wena?Gobaneakel ekanel efasengl agago, ake
tshepenkal ekana,gobanengr et swelapel er eirase
papa? keobudi t
sehor egosi ame, Keat lhalogany a.."
(Dobet terfory ouorf orme?BecauseIdon' tfitin
yourwor l
d.IdoubtIev erwi ll
.Whydowekeepdoi ng
this,dad?It oldyoui t'
sokay .Iunder stand.)Theboy
wasr eadyt oupnow.Thi swasusual l
yhi sgoodby e.
"Keirel arena, ketlobant ateemokaonegowena,
Keai tsi goret shel
et eaei r iselo, enobagor e..Ket la
i
rasenkasekgonanggobal ewena. "(I'm doi ngi tfor
us.I'
m goi ngt obeabet terf athert oy ou.Iknowt he
moneymeansnot hing.Ij ust ..
.I'm goi ngt odot he
bestIcant obet her ewi thy ou. )Thi errysai d.Theboy
asked"Rr e,aonal edi tl
hongkagame? "(Dad, are
youashamedofme? )Thi errysi ghed" Nny a,
Mosi manewame.Gagoannaj alo.Osekawabewa
tl
holaoakany aseo. "(No, myboy .I'
m not .Don' tev er
thinkt hat.)Heassur edhi m." Gosi ame.Ket lago
l
et el
a.Nakoe.Nakoekesol ofel agor eot l
eka
boammar uri.Keagor ata, papa. "( Okay .I'
llwai tfor
you.Thi stime.Thi st i
meI 'm hopi ngy our eallycome.
Ilovey ou,dad. )Thierryletoutaheav ysilentsi gh" l
e
nnaKeagor ata,mosi manewaka. "(Ilov ey out oo,
myboy .)Hehungupt hephone.Hi sey eswer e
gl
ossybynow.Thisr
eal
lyhur
thim.Icoul
d
under
standmostoft
hei
rconver
sati
on.Igavehim
hug."
Letssl
eep.
"Hefi
nall
ysai
dandgotr eadyf
or
bed.
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er48

6mont
hsl
ater
.

Ithasbeen8mont hssinceI'
vebeendat i
ngThi er
ry
andourr elati
onshi pwasamazi ng.Hewasf i
nally
comi ngbackt oSout hAfri
cathisweekendal t
houghI
wentt oGer manyof t
ent ogoseehi m.Thiswasabi g
weekendf orbot hofusbecausehewoul dintr
oduce
met oTshi amo.I '
denr oll
edatschool andwas
wor kingpar ttimeasahot elassist
antmanagerf or
Thierry'smom.I '
v etakenleaveforaweekt ov i
sitmy
fami l
yi ntheEast ernCapeandThi err
ywouldar ri
ve
i
nSAonFr iday.Itwasmyt hi
rddayhomeandIwas
gettingpani cky.Ithappenedof tenwhenIwasaway
from Thi errytool ong.Ihaven'
tseenhi minawhol e
mont h."Noma! "Mygr anknocksonmybedr oom
door .I'
m sur eit'
sbef ore7am.Whysheneedsme
awakei sbey ondme." Ma."Ianswered,wakingup.
"Ndisay aeTownkeuy eva."(I'
m goi ngt otown, you
hear ?)Shesai d." Okay ."Iagr eed.Obv iouslyIcoul dn'
t
gobackt osl eepnowsoIwentt obat ht hencl eaned
thehouse.Mysi sterwasatschool asi twasa
Thur sdaysoIdeci dedt ot akeawal k.Thi swasmy
oldnei ghbor hoodaf teral l andev enthoughIdi dn't
hav emuchf riendsher e,Ienj oyedt hewal ks.Two
girl
sst oodi nt hecor nerst ari
ngatme.They 'dbeen
gossi pingobv iouslybutt heydi dn'tknowmesur el
y
soImi ndedmybusi ness.Unt i
loneoft hem cal led
myname.Il ookedather ."Yeah?"Shewav edf orme
tocomecl oserandIdi d."You'reNasi '
ssi sterne? "
Thegi rlasked.Shel ookedt obei nhermi dt went i
es,
whatIdi dn' tunder standi swhyt heywer ewear ing
sleepwearst illatthist imeandout si
de." YesIam. "I
conf i
rmed." Yoh.Sowher eisshe? "Shecont inues.
Theot hergi rl nudgesherasi ftot ell
hert oshutup.
"She'satschool .Whydoy ouask? "Isaidconf i
dent ly
.
Thegi rllaughed." Ist hereany t
hingy ouwantt osay ?"
Isnapped." Justsoy ouknow, yourpr ecioussi st eris
notev enatschool .She' satManono' shouse.She
bunksschool andgoest ohi m. "Shesai d.Whata
pathet icl i
ar.Ij ustnoddedandkeptwal king.Iknew
myl i
tt
lesister
.Shelovedschool
.Manonowasano
goodmani nhisl
atetwenti
esthatIwoul
dn'
tev
en
touchwitha10met erpole.

Nasicamehomef r
om school l
at etoday .Almost
around6pm.Mygr anhadn' tev ensai dany t
hing.
"Okay?Sowher ehav ey oubeen? "Iaskedmysi ster.
"School.Ihaddebat e."Shesai d."Unt i
l t
histi
me? "I
l
ookedatmywat cht obesur e." Yes."Sheshr ugged.
"Ma,y i
nyanile?"(Ma, i
st hist rue? )Iaskedmygr anny.
"Ewe.Benzaezi ntoz aboze- compet i
ti
onkal oku."My
gransay s.Iwasn' tconv inced.May beIwaspar anoid
becauseofwhatt hosegi r
lssai d.If i
nishedcooki ng
andsett hetabl e.Nasi hadbeenonherphonet he
wholet i
me, giggling.Hel pwoul d'vebeenf antastic.
Aswesatdownf ordi nner,Isai dashor tprayerand
west art
edeat ing."Heee.Joy ceebet hekesana
uyeza.Inobauf ikangomsokubaebef unaukubona
beforeuhambengomgqi belo. "(Joy cesai dshe's
coming.May beshe' l
l arri
vet omor r
owbecauseshe
wantedt oseey oubef orey oul eav eSat urday.
)My
gransay s.ForonceIdi dn'tmi ndbecausenowIhad
somet hinggoodgoi ng.Joy cewasmyauntandshe
wascompet it
ivebuti nasubt leway .Herki dsar ei n
univer
sityandonei si nprimar yboar dingschool .She
alwaysaskedmewhyIwasn' tinschool etc.NowI
wasi nschool andIhadanassi gnmentt of i
nish
beforeIgetbackt oJobur gbecauseonSunday ,I
hadchur chandl unchwi thThi err
yandmeet inghi s
son.ThenMondaywoul dbeahect i
cst artatwor k
sinceIhadn' tbeent her ef oraweek." Okayma.
Banjaniabant wana? "( Howar eherki ds)Iasked.
"Yuuh.Rebaf ailedagai nlamodul ey akhe.Ebesi thi
ufunauy iyekaqhauy amazi uJoy ceunj ani.
Ndingay azikutheni engaf uni umnt anaay ekel a
nonsensey emodul eakheaphuml e.Qhake
awunot sho, ngobai yobangat hiurongo. "( Rebaf ail
ed
hermodul eagai n.Shewant edtodr opoutbuty ou
knowhowJoy cei s.Idon' tknowwhyshewon' tlet
thechildleav et hatnonsensemodul eandgetar est.
Howev ery oucan' tsayt hat,you'l
lbei nthewr ongt o
her.)Mygr ansay s."ShamemanuReba.I sitthe
Engineeringt hingst ill
? "Iasked.Mygr annodded.
"WenaNasi whatdoy ouwantt ost udy ?Whatdoy ou
wantt obe? "Iasked." Iwantt odof ashi ondesi gn."
Nasi sayswithoutev enl ooki
ngatme.She' sbeenon
herphonet hewhol et imeandi twasgetti
ngonmy
nervesnow." Why ?"Iasked.Sheshr uggeda
shoulder."Whichuniv ersit
ywereyoulookingat?"I
continued."I
'
lljustgot oacol l
egeintown."Shesaid.
BeforeIlostmycool ,Idroppedtheconversati
onand
focusedonmygr anny .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er49

Fr i
daymor ningIwasupv eryearlyandqui t
eirri
table.
Itwasj ustaf ter7,mygr anhadgonet ot heclini
cas
shesai dshewoul dlastnight.Nasi wasst i
l
lsleeping,
Iknowt hisbecauseI '
dbeenupsi nce6am andshe
hadn' tmadeanexi tf r
om herr oom.Iknockedonher
door ."I
t'stimef orschool Nasiphi."Isaidandwentt o
makeherl unch.Itwas30mi nutesbef oreshe
dr aggedher selfoutofherr oom togobat h.I'
dev en
finishedmaki ngherlunch.Iwentt oherr oom t of i
nd
heruni form.Iknowshewor eawhi t
eshi rtandbl ue
ski r
t.Ialsoknowmygr andoest hel aundryon
Sat urdaysandy ouirony ourstufffort heweekon
Sunday .Iopenedherwar drobeandi ndeedt here
wast helasti r
onedshi rthangingf ortheday .Itooki t
outwi t
haski r
t.Il
ookedf orhershoes.Herphone
rangonherbed.Ipeeped.Thecal l
erIDwas" baby ".
Nasi phi was15hav i
nguBaby ?
??Iwascur i
oust o
knowwhohewas.May bei nherschool ?Whati f
they'
v est artedhav i
ngsex?Wasshepr actici
ngsaf e
sex?Iwai tedi nherr oom unt i
lshecamei n."What
areyoudoi ngher e? "Shesnapped." Whydoy out hink
youcanspeakt omel iket hat,Nasi phi?Icameher e
tohelpy oubecausey ou'real r
eadyl ate!Andwhoi s
baby?Doy ouhav eaboy friend?"Iasked." That '
s
noneofy ourbusi ness, Noma!Whycan' tyour espect
mypr i
v acy?"Shespat .Shewasr i
ght .Itreall
ywasn' t
mybusi ness.Iwal kedoutherr oom andwentt omy
own.Ihadmyownmant ospeakt omna.It exted
himi mmedi ately."Hey .Hect icmor ning.Yoursi ster
i
nl awhasaboyi nherl i
fe.Shewon' tletmei nso
thatIcanadv iseher .Appar entlyit'
snotmy
business. "Isentt het ext."Thatsucks.I '
dwantt o
knowi fmysi sterwasseei ngsomeone.Wr it
ehera
l
etter."Her eplied.Thatwoul dbet oomuchadmi n
shame." Wor that r y,Iguess.Whenam Iseei ngy ou? "
Iask." Soonbaby .Il ov ey ou."Her esponded.Ihear d
thefrontdoorcl ose.Iwentt ocheckandr ealizedi t
's
thi
sr ebel who' dlef tforschool .Iwant edt opr ysoI
wentbackt oherr oom andl ookedt hrought he
drawer s.Not hingoutoft heor dinaryf orat eenager .
Herbedwasunmadeandi tirkedmeal ot .Ichanged
hersheet sandmadet hebed.Isweptt hef l
oorand
arrangedhershoespr oper l
y.ThenIsawi t.Apaper
ont hef loor.Itooki tandsawi twasal etterr eading
asf ol l
ows: "Myl ove.Ican' twai ttoseey ou.You' reall
Iev ert hinkabout .Iwantt omakey ouv eryhappy ,my
beaut i
ful wife.Iwentt othecl inicandI '
m negat iveso
wecancont i
nueanddoi t.Iknowy ousai dy ou
wer en'tsur eyetaboutus.That '
swhyIwai ted.When
you'rer eadybaby ,I'
llbeher ef oryou.Manono
wakho. "Iwant edt oscr eam andpunchsomeonei n
thef ace.Howdar ehe! !!!
!!Ial mostf l
ewt omyr oom
andgotdr essedi nat racksui tandsneaker s.My
phoner ang.Iwassonoti nt hemood.Ineededt ogo
conf rontt hatl owl if
ebagofmust ybal l
s!!Igr abbed
myphoneandanswer ed." What ."Isaid." Uhm. .Okay .
Notsur eifthisi sabadt imebutIwant edt osur pri
se
you. "Thi errysay s.Myhear ttempor aril
ymel ted."I'
m
sosor rybaby .I'm dealingwi thsomet hi
ngher ethat
hast hepot entialofmaki ngmeamur der er.
"Iwas
seet hing." Cani twai tabi t?I '
m att heai rportandI
reallywoul d'vewant edt oshowupbutI
unfor tunat elydon' thav ey ouraddr ess.Pl easesend
i
tt ome. "Hesai d.Ismi l
edhappi ly."What ?!You're
here! !
"Iexcl aimed." Yesbaby .Sendy ouraddr ess. "
Her epeated." Okay .I'
l
lsendi t.
"Ihungupandsent
himt headdr ess.Manonol ivedt wost r
eetsawayand
Ineededt ogi vehim api eceofmymi ndbef oreI
forget .Imar chedt ohi shouse.Thecl oserIgot , the
angr ierIwas.Iwal kedi nt hegat eandknockedon
thef rontdoor .Hismot her ,y eshel i
vedwi thhismom,
openedt hedoor ."Nomakhwezi .Hel l
osweet i
e."She
said." Hellomama.I '
m sor ryt odi sturby ou.MayI
pleaseur gent l
yspeakt oManono? "Isai dtryi
ngt o
disgui semyanger .Shel ookedsur prised.Possi bly
becauseI 'venev erbeenf riendswi thManono.Ij ust
knewhewasaf ewy earsol dert hanmeandIwas
nev erinaci rclewher ehe'dbepar tof."He'sinthe
backi nhisr oom. "Shesai d.Imademywayt othe
backr oom af t
erthankingher .Iknockedont her usty
door .HowcanNasi phi t
hi nkofdat i
ngt hisperson?
"Ja? "Heanswer edf r
om i nsi dewi t
houtopeni ng.I
knockedagai nandagai nandagai n.Hegott ir
edand
camet oopenupst ari
ngatmei nshock." Noma. "He
said.Ihear dmov ementi nt her oom andIl ostit.I
pouncedi nsi deandhet riedt ogr abmebutIwas
alreadyi nside.Nasi phiwasnakedont hebed." HOW
DAREYOU! !
!!!"Iscreamedathi m." Noma, what 's
yourpr oblem?Whyuf unauv usawonkeumnt u? "He
whi sper edclosi ngt hedoor .Cany oubel iev et hathe
closedt hedoor ?"Manono, I'
m goi ngt of ucki ngki l
l
you! !
!She' s15! !!
!Achi ld!!You' r
et wi ceherage! !!
You' refuckingsi ck!!
!"Icont inueshout i
ng.Att his
pointhe' snotsur ewhatt odowi thmebecauseI 'm
maki nganoi se."You.Gety ourassdr essed.NOW.
We' regoi nghome. "Isayt oNasi phi andy ankopen
thedoor ."SIESManono! !!"Iscr eamedout side." Hee
khat huleNoma! "Heshout ed."Ndi thulemna?For
what !!!You'redi sgust i
ng!!Awhol epedophi l
e! !!"I
screamed." Hey !!
!Kwenzekani apha! !
"Hi smot her
comesoutcar r
yingabr oom." Nomakhwezi
khaf okof ebra. "Manonosay stome.Ohhel lno.I
j
umpedf orhisneck, punchi nghi sf ace.Hi smot her
hitmewi ththebr oom, togetmeof fhi m.Idi dn' t
stophi t
tinghi m unt i
lsomeonepul ledmeof f .Itwas
anot hernei ghbor ."I'
m goi ngt of ucki ngki l
ly ou! !!!I
'm
goingt okillyouManono! !!!!
"Iscr eamed.Thi s
neighborhadt oescor tmeof fthey ar dandback
home.Iwasst i
llboili
ngi ndi sgustandwher et hehel l
wasNasi phi!I '
m att hepoi ntwher eI
'm notint he
moodt obet ested.Mygr annycamei nthehouse.
"Andt hen? "SheaskedasIpacedt hekitchenf loor
.
SoNasi phi wasnotgoi ngt o-Ist ormedoutt he
houseandmar chedbackt ot hathouse.Manono
wasnur singabl eedingl i
pout sidewhenImar ched
backi nt hey ard.Hest oodupandst eppedback.
"Tell
hert ogetoutoft hereandgohome! "Isayt o
him."Uy azbonawenzeni Nomakhwezi ?
Uyandi bona? "(Doy ouseewhaty ou'
vedone?Can
youseeme? )Ikickedhi slegonce." TELLHER.TO
GETOUT.ANDGOHOME. "Iwar ned.Hedi dn'tmov e.
Iwentathi m agai n, smacki nghi sface.Agai n,Iwas
grabbedbutt histimei twasmuchst r
ongerhands.I t
wasapol iceof ficer.Hecal ledt hecops?Thi s
fucki
ngf ool !Asmyr i
ghtswer ereadoutl oudt ome
andt hewhol enei ghbor hoodwasnowwat ching,I
couldseemygr annyhur ryingt othescene, l
ooki ng
verywor ri
ed.Yazi ,Manonot hinkshe'sslick.I'
m so
goingt oki llhim.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er50

Evenaf terIwasbookedandIwai tedi nthehol di

ng
cell
s, Iwaspi ssed.Iwant edt ojustf ight.Howdar e
Manonocal lthecopsonme?Hewast herapisthere,
Notme!Howcoul dNasi phinotev enbot hertocome
outoft hatf eetstinking, ballstenchr oom?Myanger
eventuallycal meddownhour slatert henIstartedt o
panic.Iwasi njail
.Whataboutmyj ob?Whatabout
Thierry?Howcoul dIhav ebeent hatst upid?Ineeded
togetoutofher e."Guar d! !
"Ishout edf rom thecel l
s.
"Detective!!Someone! !Hel p!!
"Ishout ed.Oneoft he
copscamet ome." Ineedt omakeaphonecal l
?"I
say.Hel ookedi r
ritated." You'l
lgety ourphonecal l
wheny oul earnhowt oact .Arey ounotashamed?
Fightingy ourmanov ersomegi rlhesl eptwith?No
wonderhecheat edony ou, youactl i
keaani mal .
Sies."Hewal kedaway .OhmyGod.I st hatwhat
peopl ethought ?ThatIwasdat ingManonoandI
caughthi m cheat ing?Iwant edt oscr eam.I t'
sagood
thingt hey'vel ockedmeupbecauseI fIwasn' tangr y
bef or e,Iwasdef initelyr eadyt obl udgeonhi mto
deat hnow.Twohour sl ater,
anot herof ficer,not
wear inguni f
or m, camet omef ollowedbyt woot her
unifor medof ficers." Ma' am,f ollowme. "Hesai d.I
wentaf terhimt oanof f
ice."I
'm Capt ainBenGal ela.
"
Hei ntroducedhi msel f."Nomakhwezi .
"Ist ated.He
knewmynamemos, i
twasonhi sdesk." CanIask
onet hing?Whydi dy oubeathi ml ikethat ?Wasi t
necessar y?Cl ear l
ywhenamandoesn' twanty ou,
youl ov eyour sel fenought oletgo. "Hesai d."I
wasn' tdat ingManono.He' ssl eepi ngwi thmyl i
ttle
sister .He' sol d.I t'
sdi sgust i
ng. "Isai d."Andhi t
ting
him wast heonl ysol ution?Howaboutcal lingthe
police? "Thecapt ainasked." Myemot i
onsgott he
bet terofme. "Isai dl ooki ngdown." You'remaki ng
myj obdi f
ficultNomakhwezi .Manonoi sbei ng
treat edatt hehospi t
al rightnowbecauseofwhat
youdi dandIknowy oudi dn'
tmeant o."Heexpl ained.
"Ididn' tev enhi thimt hathar d, he'sdoi ngt hison
pur pose. "Iar gued." Cal m downNomakhwezi .
Whet heri t'
sonpur poseornot ,y ou'r
enowt heonei n
trouble.Ican' tdot hi sagai n, youneedt opr omi seme,
youwon' tdoi tagai n. "Hepl eaded." Iwon'tdoi t
agai n."Isai dt rut hfully." Good.You' r
ef r
eet ogo. "He
said.Iwasshocked.How? ?Justl i
kethat?"Why ? "I
asked." Ify ouwantt ost ayher e,Nomakhwezi ,go
fetchy oursl eepi ngcl ot hesandsnackskebecauseI
don' tknowwhaty ouwantf r
om meatt hispoi nt."He
snapped.Iwal kedouthi sof fice, Fi
ndingawayout
thebui l
ding.Thr eebl ackRangeRov erswer epar ked
sidebysi de.Thef ir
stone' sbackdoorwasopened
andIassumedi twasf ormesoIpeepedi nside.
Thier r
ywassi tti
ngt her e, typingonhi siPad.Igoti n
thecar ,feel i
ngsuperembar rassed." Heybabe. "I
saidsof tly.Hedi dn' tr espond.Wow.Hur tf
ul.Ev en
me, Iwoul dn'thav er espondedbutwow.Wewer e
drivenandIsatqui etlyunt ilIreal i
zedwewer en't
goingt omyhome." Uhm. ..wher earewegoi ng?I
needt ogetchanged. "Isai daf tercleari
ngmyt hroat.
Thier r
yl ookedupatmet henbackathi siPad.Ouch.
Ihadn' tev enbat hed, soIwasf eeli
ngev enwor se.I
probabl ysmel l wor set hanManono' sroom.That
thoughtmademeboi l withr age.Icannotbel iev ehe
calledt hecopsonme!Iwant edt ohithim sobad
butnowIcan' tbecauseIwaswar nedandThi er r
y
didn'tseem pl easedwi thme.Wedr ov eal lt
hewayt o
EastLondonandIhat edmy selfev enmor ethanIdi d
whenwepar kedatt hehot el.Thedoor swer eopened
forusandwegotout .Ei ghtmeni nt otal wearingal l
blacksur r
oundedusl i
keshi eldsandwest arted
walki ng.Notsur ewhyweneed8body guar dsbutI
wasnotaboutt oannoyhi m mor e.Thef i
rsttwo
guar dsst ayedbehi ndi nt hehot el lobby .Wemade
ourwayupt oapr i
vatepent houseandt henextt wo
guar dsgotoutt heel evat orf i
rst,wal keddownt he
passageandbackt ousandnodded.Wegotof fthe
l
iftandwentt ot hedooroft hepent house.Bef orewe
enter edthesamet wo, wenti nandsear chedt he
placet henwewenti nfinal l
y.JesusChr ist.Isthis
whatmyl if
ewoul dbel i
ke?Thepent housewas
gorgeousi nGr eyandWhi t
edesi gn.Idi dn'twai tto
bet old,Iwentst rai
ghtt ot hebat hr oom, tookof fmy
clothesandshower ed.Itt ookmehal fanhourt of eel
full
ysat isfi
edt hatIwascl ean.Idi dn' tevencar e
whatI '
dwearasl ongasIwascl ean.It ookt he
cottonr obet hatwasof f eredandputi ton.Ipi cked
upmycl othest henwenti nsear chf orawashi ng
machi ne.If oundonei nt heki tchenandpoppedmy
clothesi nforawash.Nowt oeat ."Why ."Thi erry
asked.Iwasnotr eadyf orthisconv er sat i
on." Baby ,
Manonoi st akingadv ant ageofmysi st er.Itisill
egal
tosleepwi t
ha15y earol d.Hehadt hener v etobe
cockyandt oldmet ofuckof f.Howdar ehe? "My
handswer eshaki ngalready ."Di dhef or ceher
there? "Heasked." Hemani pul atedher !!Manonoi s
doubl eherage!Nott oment ioni t'
sst at utoryr ape!"I
said.Hesi ghed." Igett hat.I'
m nothappyabouti t
eitherbutdamni tyoucoul d'
v eatl eastwai tedunt i
lI
gott her e!Noma, Icanusemynamef orany thing
andt ogetoutofshi tbutI '
dr at hernotusei tfor
assaul tchar gesorany thingi llegal.Whati fthisgot
outt ot hepubl i
c?Al lt
hesemont hsy ousawt heton
ofcr apI 'vehadt ofixandf i
resIhadt oputoutwi th
mycompani es, nowt his?NoNomakhwezi .Cont r
ol
your selfandf uckingactl ikeaSt öltzer .Wedon' t
fi
ghti nmyf ami l
y.Don'tdot hathool iganshi tever
again. "Hesnapped.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er51

Ican'tsayIwasn' tdisappoi nt ed.Iwasqui tehur t.I

didn'tknowf ightingfory ourl ov edonewashool i
gan
shit.Nasi phiwasmybabysi ster ,Icouldn'
tjustl eti
t
gobutcl earl
yev enshedi dn' tcar e.Ilostmyappet i
te
forther estoft heday .Thi errywasbusyonhi s
l
apt opt heentiret i
meandIwant edtol eavenow.I t
wasaf ter5pm andmycl ot heswer edr yfi
nally.Igot
dressed." Ihav etogobackhome.I t
'smyl astnight
i
nt heEast er
nCapesoI '
dl iket ospendi twithmy
fami l
y."Iannounced." Telltheguar ds.He'lltakey ou
home. "Hesai d.IfIwasn' thur tbef ore.NowIwas.I
walkedoutt ot heguar dandt oldhi m.Iwasdr i
ven
backhome.WhenIar riv
ed, Joy ceandmygr anwer e
i
nt heki tchen."Yuuh!Khwezi !!!"Mygr anhuggedme.
"Wewer eworriedabouty ou!Whathappened
Nomakhwezi ?Idi dn'
tev ent hi nkManonoofal l
peopl ewoul dbey ourtype. "Joy cesai dwhi l
e
l
aughi ng." I'
m notdat ingManono.Inev erhavedat ed
him andI '
venev ersleptwi t
hhi m."Isaidascal m asI
coul d.Nasi phi camei nt hehouse.Shewasst il
l i
n
heruni form, carryi
ngherbag.Soshe' sonl ycomi ng
homenow?Shewasshockedt oseeme, probabl y
thoughtIwasst il
llockedup.I treal
lypai nedmet hat
she' dr at herbewi ththatt hingalldayandl etmer ot
i
nj ail i
nst ead.Ij ustshookmyheadandi gnor edher .
Ifshewant edt oruinherl ife,shecangor ightahead.
Iwoul dspeakt oherbutaf tershedisrespect edme
i
nt hemor ningandIf oundouti twasf orhi m,Iwas
notgoi ngt obot her."Thenwhywer ey ouf ightinghi m,
sthandwa?Ev eryonesay sy oucaughthi m cheat i
ng."
Joy cei nsist ed."Youcan' tpossiblythinkIgoar ound
fight ingf ormen, sisJoy ce.Especi all
y, alowl if
el i
ke
that .Il ov emy self.Ineedt odomyassi gnment .
Pl easemayInotbedi sturbed."Ileftformyr oom. .
.

OnSat ur
daymorni
ng,Iwokeupandcl eanedt he
house.Mygrannylef
tqui
teearl
yforaf uneralbut
saidshewouldbebackbymidday.Af t
ercleaning,
I
tookabathanddressedi
nat i
ghtbikershortsanda
tankt op.Imademy sel ff oodt hensatdownt oeat .
Nasi phi cameoutherr oom.Idi dn' tthi
nkshewoul d
buther eshei s.Iignor edherst i
ll
." Noma, Ilov ehim."
Shesai d."Youmayl ov ehi m asy out hinkbuthe
doesn' tlovey ouNasi phi .You'rehal fhisage.Hei s
mani pul ati
ngy ou,t
ellingy oust upidt hingsl ikey ou'
re
mat ureandal l butit
'snott r
ue, i
t'
snotr i
ght .He's
maki ngy oulieanddi srespecty ourf amily.Ist hat
someonet hatl ovesy ou? "Iasked." Ididn't
disrespectany oneandhowcomei t'sokayf oryout o
datesomeonedoubl ey ourageandIcan' t?Igoogl ed
Thierry, he'
s39, you'
re23.That '
sal mosthal fhisage
too."Shesai d.Ican'tbel ieveshe-" Howdoy ouknow
aboutThi erry?"Iasked." Isawhi smessagesony our
phone.Di dy out ell
uMat hat '
swher eyougetso
muchmoney ?Thaty ou' resl eepingwi thanol dwhi te
man? "Shef oldedherar ms.Thi sl i
ttlebitch." You
knowwhat .It houghty ou'dacty ourmansageand
bemat ur ebutcl earl
y ,Manonoknowsexact l
ywhat
he'sdoi ng.You' r
eachi ld.Ihopey ou'reusi nga
condom Nasi phi.Ireal l
yhopey ouar e.
"Isai d."Don't
wor rybi gsis.Iknownott ogetpr egnantbutt hen
again, abortioni salway sanopt ion. "Shesai d.I
shookmyheadather .Ireallyfeltsorryforher .I
wentt ot hebedr oom anddoubl echeckedmy
clothes.Myphoner ang.Thi erry.Ihadn'thear df rom
him sinceIl ef thimy esterday ."Hello.
"Ianswer ed.
"I
'm out side. "Hesai d.Ihungandwentoutt hehouse.
Agai n,thr eecar s.OnedooropenedandIwentt oit.I
wasget tingannoy edbyt hewhol et hi
ngof
body guar dsnow.Igoti nthebackseatandcl osed
thedoor ." Hi."Isaid." Someone' sinabadmood.
Yourpunchi ngbagwasn' tav ailabl
et oday?"Hesai d.
Ilookedathi m.Hechuckl ed." You'relooki
ngcut e.
Wher ear ey ougoi ng? "Hehel dmyhand." You
dismi ssedmej usty esterdaynowy ou'reactingl ike
not hi
ngi swr ong? "Isai d." Ididn'tdismissyou.You
aret heonet hatwant edt ogohome.WasInot
supposedt ot el
lyouy ou'rewr ongf orbeatingpeopl e
upi nt hest r
eet ?"Heasked." It'
snotaboutbeat i
ng
peopl eup, it'
sabouty ourpr eciousi mage!"Ispat .
"Cor r
ect .Itreal l
yis.Ihonest l
ydon' tcarewhaty oudo
i
ny ourspar et imebuti fy ou'r
egoi ngt oputy our self
i
ndangerandmynamei nt hesamepi ctur
e, whatdo
youexpectmet odo? "Heasked." Youknowwhat ?
I'
llseey oui nJobur g.I '
m alreadydeal ingwith
enough.Goodby
e."Igotof
fthecarandwenthome.

Igotmy selfaflightt oJobur gbuti twasf orl ate

aft
ernoon.Mygr ancamehomeatmi ddayand
hel
pedmewi t
hmysui tcase.Ihadt oleavei nanhour
andshewoul dgowi thmet ot heai rport."Sthandwa,
kwenzekent oni ngoManono? "(Lov e, whathappened
wit
hManono? )Sheasked." Manonoi sdat ing
Nasiphi,mama.Ut hiuNasi phi uyamt handake. "I
knowIwasabi tchf orsni tchingbutwhatwasIt odo?
Waituntilheruinedherl i
fe?"Ut hini ngoku
Nomakhwezi ?
"( Whatar eyousay ingnow,
Nomakhwezi ?
)Mygr anasked." Ma, t
hat'swhyI
wentov erthereandhi thim.Cl earlykeshedoesn' t
wanttol etgoofhi m soI '
m backi ngof f.
"Mygr an
washur tbythisandIcoul dtell.Shewoul dhav et o
dealwithNasiphi becauseI '
df ail
edandhonest lyI
wasn'treadytot ryagai n.Wemadeourwayt ot he
ai
rportandIwasj ustint ime.Myphoner ang.I
checkedi nandhuggedmygr an." Phendul akal oku
phone."Shesai d.Ial readyknewi twasThi erry
becauseI '
dspot tedt woofhi sguar dsal readyandI
wasnotaboutt oi ntroducehi mt omygr anatt he
airportwher ehe' sf ollowedbyanar my .Besi des, I
wasnoti nt hemoodf orhim." I'
l
l answeronmyway .
Ilovey ouv ha.You' llarr
ivehomewhenIl and
probabl y.I'
llcal lyou. "Isaid."Ilov ey oumnt anam.
Uhambekakuhl e."Imademywayi ntot hegat esand
boar dedmypl ane.WhenIf i
nal l
ysatdownand
buckl edmyseat ,Iclosedmyey es.Thepl anewas
aboutt ot akeof fbutst opped.Ihat edel ay s.My
previoust ri
pher eal sohadagood1hourdel ay .The
attendantcamedownt heaisleandbentov ertome.
"Mr sSt öltzer ?"Shewhi spered.Ir ol l
edmyey es,
sucki ngmyt eet h." Hecan' tpossi bl ystopt hepl ane
from l eav i
ng.Hecan' tdot hat."Ihi ssed." Hecanand
hedi d.I '
m sor ry, y
ou' regonnahav et ogot ohi m."
Shesai dsof tl
y ."Ijustwantt ogohome. "Isai d."And
sodot her estoft hepassenger sont hi
spl ane."She
saidwi that i
ghtsmi le.Shewasannoy ed, Icoul dt ell
.
Any onewoul dbei fy ouhadt obegt hem t ogot o
theirboy fr
iendwhowasbul ly
ingt heai rpor t.Thi s
can'tbel egal .Igotupandt ookmysmal lerbagf r
om
theov erheadandIwasescor tedof fthepl ane.Att he
bot t
om oft hest airs,twobody guar dswer ewai ting.
Whyy
y.Onetookmybagandwewal kedbacki nsi
de
t
heair
port
.I'
m pr
ett
ysurethepassengersthoughtI
wasacri
minalwhi
lest
ari
ngattheirwindows..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er52

Thierrywassi ttinginar est aurantdr i

nki ngt ea.Ican' t
beli
ev et heper sonwhost oppedapl anef r
om t aki ng
off,wassi tt
ingdowndr inki ngt eawhi ledoi ngi t.I
can'tev enbemad, i
twasi mpr essi
v e." Thier ry."Isai d.
"Youhav eapr i
v atejetwai ti
ngf oryou.Whywoul d
yout akeacommer cialplane? "Heaskedwi thout
l
ooki ngatme." Idon' twantt hepri
vat ej et,Ij ust
want edsomepeacebef or eIgotbackhome. "Isai d
asIsatdown." Peacey oucanachi ev eonapr ivate
j
et.Thi si sthesecondt imey oudot hisNoma.What
am Idoi ngwr ong? "Heasked, thi
st i
mel ooki ngmei n
theey e." Idon'twantt ot rav elinapr ivatej etThi erry.
Especi all
yi fI'
m comi ngher e, t
hisairpor tissmal l
enough, it'
snotf ai
r.
"Isai d." Didtheycompl ai nto
you?"Heasked.Isi ghed." Fine.Butmyl uggagei son
thedepar tedflightthaty out ookmeof fof .When
canwel eav e?"Iaskedhi m." Wheny oudeci de.Li keI
sai
d,it
'swait
ingfory
ou."Hesippedhistea.Isi
ghed.
Iwasjustdefeat
edatthi
spointandjustwantedbed.
"Fi
ne.Wecango. "

Wef i
nallyboar dedt hej etandIhav et oadmi teven
tomy selfdeepi nmysoul Iwasmuchmor ehappier
i
nt hisset ."Champagne? "Thehost essasked.I
shookmyhead." Justpeaceandqui et .Iwantt o
nap."Shenoddedandl ef tmeal one.Thi errywas
sit
tingopposi teme, st ari
ngatme.Thehost ess
broughtaf leeceandgav ei tt
ome.It hankedherand
gotr eadyf oranap.I twasatl eastanhourbef oreI
reali
zedwe' restil
li
nt hesameai rportandhav en'
t
mov ed.Thi errywasst illstari
ngatme." I
t'
sbeenan
hour .What 'sgoingon? "Isatup." Idon' ttravel wi
th
peopl ewhoar en'ttalkingt ome. "Hesai d.WHAT.
"Thierry!
!Ar ey ouser i
ous? ?Fir
sty oust opapl ane
withot herpassenger s, nowy ouwon' tl etmego
homei ny ourjet.
"Isai dangr i
ly."I
'm notManono.
Speakpr operlywheny ouaddr essme. "Hesai d
calml y.Iinhaleddeepl yandexhal ed.Youknowwhat ?
He'snotgonnakeepupwi ththis.Event ual l
ywehav e
togo.Icuddl edmy selfbackt osl eep." Nope, she
refusest oleav e.Iwoul dn'tknow. "Hesai dont he
phone." Maybeshemi ghtbutt hisplanewon' tmov e
untilsheapol ogi zes.What 'snotgoi ngt ohappeni s
heract ingoutandt henget ti
ngmadwhenIt ellher
i
t'swr ong.She' sanadul t.Shemustaccount .
"He
said.Iknewhewasr i
ghtbutmypr i
dewoul dn' tlet
me.Idon' tli
kebei ngy ell
edat .Isatupandl ookedat
him.Hegav emet hephone.Il ookedatt hescr een.I t
wasMoon.It ookt hephone." Hello?"Isai dwi tha
mousyt one.Thi er rychuckl ed,shaki nghi shead.
"Noma, what '
swr ong? "Moonasked." Thierryy elled
atme.Hesai dmef ightingf ormysi sterishool i
gan
shit.Hebasi cal l
ycal ledmeanani mal .
"Icompl ained.
"Okay .Iunder standy ourf r
ust r
at i
onbuty ou
under standwhyhe' smadt oo? "Hesay s."Yeah. "I
admi t."Okay, nowt ellhimy oudon' twantt obe
yell
edatandt henal soapol ogize.Gi vehi mt he
phone. "Hesai d.Igav eThi er r
yt hephone." Alright .
We' l
lsee. "Thierrysai dandhungup, l
ooki ngatme." I
didn'tmeany ouwer ethehool i
gan.I 'm sor r
y."He
started."Youdon' tev enunder standwhyI '
m so
upset ,youjustassumeIgoar oundbeat ingpeopl e."I
said."You' rer ight.Whyar ey ouupset ?Whydi dy ou
beatManono? "Heasked." Ther ewasaguywho
usedt ot el
lmeal l t
hebeaut i
ful thingswhenIwasa
teenager .Ialmostf el
l forhi m butf ort
unat ely ,hegot
arrestedbef or ei sleptwi thhi m.He' dclaimt hathe
want st owai tunt ilI'
mr eadyandwant edt oshowme
howmuchhel ov edme.I magi nei fI '
dlethi m?I '
d
hav egot tenpr egnantmay be, orcont r
act eda
disease.Hegotar rest edforr api ngagi rlinmy
school .Thatcoul d'veeasi l
ybeenme.I tcoul dbe
Nasi phi butshe' ssobl indedbyManono' sbul l
."I
sighed." I'm sor ry.Idi dn'tthinki twoul dbet his
reason.Nowwhatwi llyoudo?Aboutt hissi tuation
withNasi phi? "Heasked." Not hing.Shecl ear lycares
mor eabouthi m mor et hanme.Shecamehome
after5pm onFr idayst i
llafterI'dt oldhert ogohome.
Shet houghtIwasst i
llinjailanddi dn'tbot hert o
apologi ze."Ilookoutt hewi ndow, i
tst i
llhur t."Maybe
youshoul dgethi m ar rested..."hesmi l
ed." Ithought
abouti tbecausei tisst atutoryr apebutIknowshe' d
takehi ssi de.Shemi ghtev enr unawayf rom home.I
don'twantt hat .
"Isi ghedagai n." Notf orr apef or
somet hi ngmor e...hor ri
fyi
ng. "Hesuggest ed.
"Not hingi smor ehor r
ifyingthanr ape."Isaid."You're
ri
ght .Mur derthen.Ifhehasal i
fesentence, hewon' t
ev erseey oursisteragai n.
"Hel ookedcal m about
frami ngsomeonef ormur der.AsmuchasIhat ed
ManonoIdon' tthinkI '
dbeokaywi thruini
nghi sl i
fe
l
iket hat ."No.Iwantt ol etitgo.Iwanthert or eali
ze
hermi stakeher selfwi thoutany oneinterf
ering.
Ther e'snot hingIcandoandt hat'
sokay .Shecan
takecar eofher self."Icoul dn'tdoit.Ihatedt heirso
cal l
edr elati
onshi pbutIneededt ofocusonmy self
.
"Fine.Let 'sgohome. ".
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er53

Wel andedi nJohannesbur gandwentt hr

ought he
pri
v atear ri
valsandwewer eawai tedbyabl ack
PorschePanamer a.Thi err
ygoti nt hedr i
verandIi n
thepassenger .Ther ewasst i
llt
wocar sguar dingus.
"Yourl uggagewi llbebr oughthome.Don' twor ry."He
assur edme." I'
m notwor ri
edaboutt hatbutIdon' t
haveany thingt owear .SoIhav etogot omypl ace. "I
said." You'venev eri nvitedmei nsideyourpl ace. "He
l
ooksatme.YeahandInev erwill
."Oh?I t'
ssount i
dy
andsmal l
."Ilookoutt hewi ndowhopi nghedr ops
thet opic."So?Il ov ey ou.May beweshoul dsl eep
theret onight.It'sonl yfair.
"Thi siswhenmypani c
bubbl ed."Idon' tt hinkt hat'sagoodi dea.Ithinkt he
l
andl or dfumi gatedy esterday.Shecal led."I
swal lowedspi t."Okay .Thatmeansy oucan' tst ay
theref oraf ewweeks? "Heasked." Justt woday s
willbef ine."Ismi led."Nope.Nott aki
ngt hatchance.
Yougetv i
ol entlysickatt hedr opofahat
Nomakhwezi .I'
m notl eav i
ngy ouar oundpoi son.
Besides,wehav en'tseeneachot herawhi le.
Tshiamowi l
lspendt heschool holidaywi thus. "He
l
ookedexci tedbyt hesenews.Ismi l
ed.We
approachedmypl aceandIwenti n.Lucki l
ymykey s
hadbeeni nmyhandbag.Forsomer eason, thef loor
waswet .Iunl ockedandwenti n.I treall
ywaswet .I
tri
edthel ightandi tdidn'
tcomeon.SoIwal kedt o
themai nhouseandknocked.Oneoft heki dsoft he
houseopened." Ya? "He'salway sbeena
disr
espect ful 7y earoldbr at."Wher e'sy ourmom? "I
asked."Akekho. "Hesai d.Itwasqui telateandI
knewhewasl yingpr obablyonherper mi ssion.I
wentbackt omyr oom, put t
ingonmyphonef l
ash
l
ight.Theent irefloorwasf l
oodankl edeepandIwas
sof r
ustrated.Al l mysneaker swer ewetsi ncet hey
wereont hef loor.Thecupboar dlookedl i
kei twas
abouttogi vein.Iopenedi tandl ookedf orwhatI
couldsav e.Justaf ewitemsandIcoul dn'tfindmy
LouisVui ttonbag.I twasr ecklessl eav i
ngi tbehi nd
butIcoul dn'triskmygr anaski ngabouti tandf indi ng
outthepr ice.Nowi twasst olen.Tear sthreatened
myey esandIj ustt urnedt ol eave.Icoul dn' tbeher e.
IgrabbedwhatIcoul dandwentbackt ot hecar .
"Thatwasqui ck.Whyar ey ouwet ?"Thi erryasked.
"Letsjustgo. "Isai dwi thahur tvoice."No, Noma.
Whathappenedt her e? "Heasked." Thewhol epl ace
i
sf l
oodedandmypl ugsdon' twork.Al lmyshoes,
areruined.Myf urnituret oo.AndmyLoui sbagi s
gone."Isi ghed." YournewLoui sVui t
tonbagy ou
bought6mont hsago? "Heasked.Inoddedsadl y.
"I
'm notsur eifit'
sj ustbecauset her oom i sdar kbut
Ican'tf i
ndi t.
"Iwashol dingbackt ear s."Okay .
Tomor rowmor ningwe' r
ecomi ngbackher eand
speaki ngt othel andl ady .I
fthebagi sn'
tt her e,she's
goingt opayf orit.AndNoma, don'thol dmeback.
Youcan' tkeepl ettingpeopl ewalkal lov ery ouand
expectmet osi tbackanddonot hing."Hesai dashe
start
edt hecar .Ijustnodded.Hedr ovet ohi shouse
andf ort hef i
rsttimeIdi dn'twantt obear ound
people.Myphoner ang.I twasgr an." Ma, Ij ust
l
anded. "Ianswer ed." Hewet huNoma.Wenzant oni
kanyekany ekul oJobur g?"(Whatar ey oudoi ng
reall
ydoi ngi nJobur g? )Sheasked." Haikemama.
I'
m wor ki
ngandst udy ingpar tti
me. "Isai d." Ndiva
ukubaunendodaendal aapho.Yi yoleikuphai mal
i.
Whyar ey outryingt okillmeNomakhwezi ?Whatar e
youdoi ngwi thol dmen? "( Iheardy ou'r
ewithanol d
man.He' stheonegi v
ingy oumoney .)Shecried.I
can'tbelieveNasi phi toldher ."Mama, Thi
erryisn'
t
old."Iassuredher ."Sundixoki selaNomakhwezi !
Umnt uona40? "(Don' tl
iet ome.Someonewhoi s
40? )Sheasked." Ma, we' l
l tal
klater."Isai
dreadyt o
hangup.Iwasnoti nthemood." Mamel aaphake.
Uy abuyakul oJobur g!I'
m booki ngy ouabus!You' r
e
comi nghome.Uzof unda, usebenzeapha!Don' tdare
makemecomef etchy ou.Ndi kfunaaphaendl i
niby
Monday !!
"(Listenher e.You' r
ecomi ngbackf rom
Jobur g.I'
m booki ngy ouabus!You' recomi nghome.
You' l
lstudyandwor kher e.Don' tdar emakeme
comef etchy ou.)Shehungup.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er54

Isighed." Ev erythi
ngokay ?"Thierryaskedashe
pulledi ntothedr i
veway ."Yoursi sterinlawt oldmy
mot herI '
m dat inganol dwhiteman.Shegoogl ed
youandf oundouty ouwer e39. "Isaidwi t
ha
defeat edspi rit
."YouknewIwas39, r
ight?
"Heasked
andpar kedt hecar ."Yes, youtoldme3mont hsinto
ourr elati
onshi p.Idon' tcareifyouwer e59,itwasn't
herpl acet ot el
l herany thi
ng."Isnapped." Sowhat
didy ourgr ansay ?"Heasked." Shewant smet o
mov ebackhome.I '
m notdoi ngt hat-""Baby .
"He
started."NoThi erry!I'
m notgoi ngbackt ot hat
place. "Isaid."Hearmeout ,perhapsy oushoul dgo
homef orawhi l
e.Youonl yseet hem onceev erysix
mont hs.Yourgr aniswor r
iedabouty ouasshe
shoul d.Ithinki t'
sonl ybestthaty ourespecther
wishes.Atl eastunt ilshecalmsdown. "Hesai d."I
'm
notgoi ngtogol ivethereagai n.Thi sisnotabout
you.I t'
saboutme.Il ef ttheEast ernCapebecauseI
want edaf reshst ar tawayf rom all t
hatI '
veknown.
Myl ifeisi nJohannesbur gnow.I '
m notgoi ngback
there."If oldedmyar ms." Noma.Iknowy oudon' t
wantt obutI '
m wor riedabouty ourpar ent.Whati f
sheget si l
lbecauseoft hest r
ess? "Heaskedl ooking
concer ned." Pl
easedon' tguilttri
pmeThi er ry.I'
m not
goingandt hat'sfinal."Il ookedoutt hewi ndow.
"Whati sthisabout ?"Hehel dmyhand." Thi sisabout
herwant ingmet opar entNasi phi.Ther easonofme
goingbacki sbecauseImustbet heonet oput
Nasiphi i
nl ineandI '
m notgoi ngt odot hat .What
wast heneedt ocal lmehome?Shecoul dj ustt ell
met ol eav eol dmenal onebutnoImustgol iveat
home?I '
m anadul tandIgett omakemyown
decisionsnow. "Ibr eat hed."Alri
ght ,l
et'sthi nkabout
thi
st omor row.Iwanty out orestt onight."Wegot
outt hecarandhehel pedmewi t
ht hesmal lbagI
tookf rom mypl ace." Whatwi llyoudowi t
ht he
l
andl ady ?"Iaskedasweent ered."Myl awy erwi ll
deal wi t
hherf i
rstt hingMondaymor ning.I fthere's
nowayoff indi
ngorr eplacingy ourbag, he'lltake
somet hingi nherhomet hatamount stoi t.He' l
lsue
herf ordamagesaswel l.Ist hatokaywi t
hy ou? "He
pul l
edmei ntohisar ms." Yes.That '
sokay .It'snot
drast icbuti tisfir
m. "Ismi l
ed." Good.Iknowy ou
hat eitwhenI '
m drastic."Ikissedhi slips.Hewas
smel lingsogoodasusual andIdi dn'treali
zehow
muchmi ssedhi m.Ineededhi mr ightnow.
"Sthandwasam. "Hegr oaned." Hmm? "Ismi led."We
shoul dgety ousomet hingt oeat ."Hesuggest ed."I
hav ey ou. "Iki ssedhi m agai n." Baby ,you'
regoi ng
throughal otr i
ghtnow.Ineedy out obecomf or t
able
Andwel lfed.I 'l
lalwaysbeher ef ory out oeatbut
ri
ghtnow, youcan' terasey ourwor ri
eswi thsex. "He
kissedmyf or ehead.Ihat ewhenhewasbei ngan
adul t."Fine.Whatar ey oumaki ngme? "Iasked." I
'm
hopel essi nt hekitchen.Idohowev erhav echef s
av ai
labl e24/ 7soI 'l
lcall one-"It ookhi sphone." No.
Whatdoy oumeany oucan' tcook? "Iasked.Hecan' t
possi bl ynotknowhowt ocook." Icanmakeeggs
andt oast .Iownar estaur antbabe, Igr ewupwi t
h
chef s, butlers, l
ovelyol dladiest hatdomyl aundr y.
Don' ttel lmey ouexpect edmet oknowhowt ocook. "
Hesai d.Iopenedt hef ridgeandt ookoutaf ew
i
tems." I'
l
l cook, you'l
lhel p.It hinkI 'l
lmakej ust
simpl eMacandCheese. "Ideci ded.Hesatont he
kitchenhi ghst ool l
eani ngont hei slandwi thhi s
elbows." WhatdoIhel pwi t
h? "Heasked." Cany ou
chopanoni on? "Il ookedathi m.HenoddedandI
gav ehi mt hechoppi ngboar d, oni onandkni f
e." I
wantourki dst obeabl et ocookf orthemsel v es,we
can' thonest lydependonchef sandcl eaner s.They
needt ol ear nr esponsi bil
it
yl ikecl eaningupaf ter
themsel ves. "It ookoutt hemacar oni t
ost artboi l
ing.
"Icancl eanupaf termy self.You' venev erseena
sockont hef loori nmyr oom andIcanmakemybed.
Iwasi nboar dingschool r
emember ?Iagr ee, they
shoul dl ear nhowt ocookandcl eanf ort hemsel ves."
Hechoppedt heoni onsi deway s.Notsur ewhy ."I
knowy ou'reacl eanper son, thankgoodness.Idon' t
knowi fI '
dsur v i
v eify ouwer en' t.Wher e'sMoonand
Ria? "Iaddedoi ltot heboili
ngpast a."Inthei rown
house.Why ?"Il ookedathi m." Ithoughtt heyal l l
ived
her e."Isai d." No.Theyhav et hei rown.Mypar ents
onl yv i
situssi ncet hey'
rebasedi nGer many ,sot hey
comet omyhousewhent hey '
reher e,sincei t's
bigger ."Heexpl ai ned.If i
gur edher eallycoul dn' t
chopt heoni onwhenheal mostcuthi sfingersoI
cont i
nuedcooki ngwhi lehesatandt alkedaboutt he
resor tinKi mber ly.I
twasdoi ngwel lappar entl
yandI
want edt ogoonmyof fweekend.If i
nishedcooki ng
andwehadourdi nnertoget heri nthel ounge." Mom
woul ddi ei fshef oundoutwewer eeat ingdi nneri n
theloungewat chingTV. "Hesai dbef oreamout hful
ofpast a.Iwat chedhim chewandmoansof t
ly."This
i
ssowor thi tthough."Hesai df i
nally.Ilaughed.He
kissedmyf oot."Baby,whydon' tyouwanty ourown
restaur ant ? "Heasked." Ili
kecooki ngasahobbynot
asaj ob.Idon' twantittot ireme.Somay beIcando
speci al dinner satt herest aur antwi t
hourf ami ly
i
nst ead. "Isai d."Thatwoul dbef antastic.How
often? "Igav eitsomet hought ."
Per hapsoncea
mont h.I'llpr obablyneedsomeonet ohel paswel l
."
Henoddedi nagr eement ."I
'm happywi ththat.I '
m
alsohappyt hatyouf i
nallyhav esomet hingy ouwant
todot haty ouenj oy.
"Heki ssedme." Whatt i
mear e
wemeet ingTshi amot omor row? "Iasked." After
chur ch.Iwon' tbeatt heser vice,Ihav et ogopi ck
him upi nPr etoriathenbr i
nghi mt other estaur ant
foracat chup.Il astsawhi mt womont hsagowhenI
camef oraweekend.You' l
l meetusatt he
restaurant.
"Hesai d.Iwasabi tnervousabout
meet inghissonf ort hefir
stt i
me.Thi swasapr e-
teenandf rom myexper i
encewi thNasi phi,i
twasn't
funbutIhav ehope, he'spr obablyagoodchi l
d.
Thierry'
sphoner ang." Notnowpl ease. "Hei gnoredi
t
andf ini
shedhi sfood.I tr
angagai n."Answeri tbabe.
Tellthem I'
m asleep. "Heset tl
edont hecouchand
reall
yclosedhi sey es.Wow.It ookhi sphoneand
answer ed."Thier
ry '
sphone, hell
o?"Itwast he
securityguardatt hegat e."Mr sStöltzer,there'
sa
l
adyher eforThierry.Shesay sshe'shisaunt .
"I
l
ookedatThi erry
." Babe,youraunti satt hegate."He
openedhi sey es,lookinglikedanger ."It'
sokay .Let
herin."Isaidtotheguar dandhungup." Whydi dyou
l
etheri n?"Thierryaskedme." She'syouraunt ,
baby.
It'
slate.Shecameal lt
hisway .
"Hej ustshookhi s
head.Andt hen?Whatwast hi
sabout ?
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er55

Theaunti nquest i
onar r
ived30mi nutesl aterpul l
ing
asuitcasewi t
hher .Iopenedt hedoor .Thi erryhadn' t
bother edt omov efrom hisspotorev enexpl ainwhy
hedidn' twantherher e."Helloma. "Igr eetedasshe
walkedi n." Andwhoar ey ou? "Sheasked." I'
m
Noma. "Isai d.Ment i
oningIwasThi erry'sgi r
lfri
end
seemedat adbi tdisrespectful."Takemybagt omy
room.Wher e'smynephew?Thi erry!
!"Shey elled.
"He'
si nt hel ounge, ma."Isaidt oher .Shewal kedt o
thelounge.It ookt hebagupt oaspar ebedr oom
andchangedt hesheets,put ti
ngi nfreshones.I
madesur ether ewascl eant owel sint hebat hr oom
andt hesnackbarwasst ocked.Ev erythingi nher
room wassor tednowandIwentdownst airsagain.
Shewaschat ti
ngtoThi erryaboutsomet hinghe
wasn' tinterestedinbecausehewast ext i
ngonhi s
phone." CanIdi shupf ory ou,ma? "Iaskedher .She
l
ookedatmef r
om headt ot oeandnodded.Iwentt o
thekitchenanddi shedupf orher ,putt
ingherf oodin
themi crowav e,thenonat ray .Ipour edsomej ui
ce
andt ooki tt oher .Shet ookt hefoodandst ar ted
eating.At hanky ouwoul d'vebeenni ce.Isatnextt o
Thierry."Sot hemai dsi t
si nt hel oungedur ingf amily
meet ingsnow? "Theauntasked.Il ookedar ound.
Shecan' tbet alki
ngaboutme?" Nomai smy
gir
lfri
end, tobemywi fe.Notamai d.Idon' thav e
mai ds,Ihav ehel pers."Thi erryst atedwi thoutl ooking
ather ."Wel l..
.thisi sstil
laf ami l
ymeet ing."She
cont i
nued." Shest ays.Whyar ey ouher eAunt y ?"
Thierryfinal l
yputdownhi sphoneandl ookedather .
"Wel l
,Ihear dy ouwer ebacki ntownandsi ncenone
ofy oubot hert ell
ingmet hi ngsIt houghtIshoul d
comev isit."Shesai dwhi leeat i
ng." Howmuchdo
youneed? "Thi erryaskedher ."I'
m nother ef ory our
money ,Thi erry!I'
my ourf ami l
y.
"Shesai d.Iexcused
my selfandwentt ot hebedr oom.What ev erbeef
theyhad, Idi dn'twantnopar tofi t.

Thenextmor
ning,
Igotr
eadyf
orchur
ch.Ist
il
lhad
onedr essandheel sher esoIwassor t
ed.AsIputon
myear rings,Thierrycamei nt hebedr oom, handing
mekey s."What '
sthis?"Iaskedst aringathi s
gorgeousbody ."Carkey s.Ifyoudon' tmind.Iknow
youhat ehav i
ngabody guardsoIf iguredy ou'
djust
driveyourselfinstead."Icouldn'tgetmyey esoffhis
tonedchest ."Babe? "Hewav ed.Ilookedupathi m.
"Yes.Thanky ou.I'
llseey ouatlunch. "Iquickl
y
kissedhi m anddashedout .Ididn'tneedt hesesinful
thought sbeforechur ch.

"Isaiah41:10Sodonotf ear ,f
orIam wi t
hy ou;do
notbedi smay ed,forIam y ourGod.Iwi l
lstr
engt hen
youandhel py ou; Iwi
lluphol dy ouwithmyr ighteous
ri
ghthand."Thepast orreadof fhisbibl
e.Hel ooked
atthecongr egation."Didy ouhearwhatt heLor di s
tell
i
ngy ou?Youask, wher ewi llyoufi
ndt hestrength
andhesay sDONOTFEAR, FORIAM WI THYOU! !"
Hepr eached."Andher eIassur ey oumybel oved,
i
ndeedHewi l
lbe."Hewi pedhi sforeheadwi t
ha
clothandcont inued.Myt hought swenttomygr an
andNasi phi.Iknowshemeantwhatshesai dandI
don' tknowwhatI '
ddoi fshewer et oappear .
Per hapsIshoul dintroducehert oThi erry?May be
she'llseet henhe' snotanol dwhi teman.Okay ,
may benotf ullwhi t
eandol d.He' sador able.Ican't
thinkofsomeonewhodoesn' tli
kehi my et
.Wel l,
exceptThemba.Theendofser vicecameandwe
startedl eaving.IsawThembaandhewasst ar
ingat
me.I '
dexpecthi mt ocomeov erandsayhi butnohe
satst il
l.Iwentov ertowher ehewassi t
t i
ng."Pastor
Zondo.Hel l
o."Isaid."Noma.Howar eyou? "Ishook
hishand.I nchur chwedi dn'thug, onlyshookhands.
"I
'm okay .You?"Iasked." Muchbet ter.Youl ook
fantastic."Heki ssedmyhand.Ipul l
editaway .
"Thanky ou.Ihav et ogo."Isaidandwal kedaway .
WhenIr eachedt hedoor ,somet hingt ol
dmet olook
backandIdi d.Hewasst ill
stari
ngatme.Hesmi l
ed
sweet ly.Ishookmyheadandwal kedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er56

AfterIpar kedatt her estaurantmyhear tstar ted

beatingf ast .Iwasaboutt omeett hisman' ski d.
Whati fhedi dn'tlikeme?Iaccept edt hatIhadmy
biggi rlpant i
esonandgotoutt hecar .The
restaur antwascl osedasi tusuallyisonSunday s
andi tlookedempt yuntilIspottedThi erryinsi de
carryingKgosi .Myhear tmel ted.Iwal kedi nand
wentupt ohi m, smi l
i
ngatt helitt
leboy .Hisaunt
camef rom t het abletot akeKgosi .Wow." Sthandwa
sam. "Thi errysai dasheki ssedmyl ips." Hey .So...
"I
saideager ly."Youl ookexci ted.
"Hesmi l
ed." I
've
beenwai tingf ormont hs.Comeon! "Ipul l
edhi sshir
t.
Hechuckl ed." Moonwant st osayhi ."Het ur nedme
around." Thi erry
!"IhissedbutMoonr eallywas
l
ooki ngexci tedtoseeme.Iwentov ert ogr eethi m
andhegav emeahug." Isawy ouatchur chl ooking
allgracef ul.
"Hesai dlooki ngmedeadi nt heey e.I
froze." Oh?Idi dn'tknowy ouwer et here. "Isaid
sweet ly."Ifigur ed."Sti
llstaringatmeasi fhe's
wai ti
ngf ormet oconf ess.Iwon' t.Ihav en'tdone
any thingwr ong." Areyoui nl ovewi thmybr other,
Nomakhwezi ?Thi nkabouty ouranswer ,carefully.
Ar ey oui nl ov ewi thThierry?Becausehe' sdeepl yin
l
ov ewi thy ouandhe' saboutt oi ntr
oducey out ohi s
son.Nooneev erget sthatf arwi thhi m.I fy ou'renot
sur e,it'
sbestt ospeakupnow.Af tert hismoment ,
I
won' thel py ou."Hewhi sper ed.Ishi veredathi stone.
"Don' tbeaf raidNoma.Justbehonest ."He
cont inued.Iwasaboutt owetmy self."I'
mi nlov e
wi t
hhi m.Mor et hanany oneI '
veev erknown. "Isai d
sof tl
y.Hesmi led."GoodbecauseI '
m goi ngt ospeak
toThemba.Idon' twanthi m neary ou.I 'm nott rying
tocont rol youandy ourlifebuti fThi errywast ohear
howheact swhenwi thy ou,hewi llnotbeki nd.I '
m
tryingt oav oidt hat."Hewar ned." ButThembai smy
fri
end.He' sal way sbeencar ef reenearme. "Iwhi ned.
"Honest ly,youwantt otel lmehedoesn' twantt obe
wi t
hy ou? "Heasked.Iswal lowed." Noma, please
don' tangerThi erry.Forthegoodofot her s,don't."He
wal kedaway .Thi swast hesecondper sont obegme
aboutmaki ngThi er r
ymad.Washet haaatbad?
Surely .Ifixedmy selfandwentbackt oThi erry .He
huggedmewi t
honear m, kissingmyf orehead.
"Whatdi dhesay ?Youl ookspooked. "Hel ooked
concer ned." I'
m okay .Ijustr eal i
zeIhav en'teat enal l
day."Ismi led." DidMi chael saysomet hingt oy ou? "
Hist onewast ightandIcoul dsensehi sangerst art.
"Mooni shisusual sweetsel f.Not hingel se.I'
mj ust
hungr yandeagert omeetTshi amo.Wher eishe? "
Hel ookedatmef orawhi l
et henl ookedatMoon.
"Heaskedt ogochangehi sshi r
t.He' spr obabl yon
hiswayback. "Hel ookedar oundt hensmi ledpr oudly.
Iknewt hen, hej ustspot tedhi m.If ollowedhi sey es
andsawhi m.Anact ual phot ocopyofhi sf ather.He
operat edhi swheel chairt ous.Idi dn' tknowhewas
i
nawheel chai r."Babe, thisi sTshi amo.Bi gboy ,
this
i
sNoma.Mygi rl
fri
end. "Thi er rysaid.Ihel doutmy
handandshookTshi amo' s."Hi .
"Hesai d." Hello.I'
ve
heardsomuchabouty ouf rom y ourdad. "Isai d."He
didn'tt ell
y ouIwasi nawheel chai r.Iknow.Het ends
tofor get .
"Tshi amosay s.Wow, brut al."Idi dn'tthink
i
twasi mpor tant."Thi errysay s."I
sn' tit?Si ncei t'
smy
dail
yl ifeI'dt hinkIwantt opr epar et henextper son
sot heydon' tfeel l
iket heydon' tknowwhatt osayt o
mewhent heymeetme. "Tshiamosay s."Iwasabi t
surpr isedTshi amobuthonest l
y,Idon' tthinkit
mat ters.I'
mj ustexci tedt ofinallymeety ou."Isaid.
"Atl easty ou' rehonest .
"Hesai dandl ookedaway .I
l
ookedatThi er r
y, unsur ewhatt osaynextbuthe' d
wal kedof fal readyandIwasl eftwithTshi amo."You
don' thav et ost andher ewi thmeNoma.Ican
enter tainmy sel f.
"Ipul l
edachai randsatdown." Well,
teachmebecauseIcan' t.
"Isaid.Hel ookedatme.
"Fi
ne.Doy ouhav eany thingy ouwantt ot alkabout?"
Heasked." Act ual l
yy es.Ido.Mysi sterisgi vi
ngmea
veryhar dt i
me.Idon' tknowhowt ogett hroughto
her .She' s15andgoi ngt hroughqui t
eadi srespectful
phase. "Isighed." Triedgi vi
ngherspace?Adul ts
forgett odot hat .Ki dsar eindi v
idualsaswel l
andt he
onlywayf ort hem t ol ear ni
si fthey'r
egi v enachance
to."Hesai d.Thi sboywasqui tesmar t."I'l
lconsider
that .
"Inodded." Don' tconsi der,try.
"Hel ookedatme.
"Fi
ne.I '
lltry.Doy ouwantany t
hingt odr i
nk? "Iasked.
"Please.Mybackpacki sundert hischai r.Ihav emy
drinki nt here.I fy oudon' tmi nd."Heshowedme.I
tookoutt hebackpackandgav eittohi m.He
searchedf orhi
scooldri
nkandpull
edoutabot tl
e."
I
don'tdri
nksodaorany t
hingwit
haddedsugar .
Everythi
ngIeatneedstobenatural.
"Heexpl ai
ned.
"I
sitbychoi ceori
sitbecauseofyourdisabil
it
y?"I
asked.Hel ookedatmeandsmi l
ed."Both."Hehada
verycharmi ngsmi
le.Li
ter
all
yali
ttl
eThierry.My
heartsmiledatthi
s.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er57

Getti
ngt oknowTshi amowasi ncr edible.Hewasso
smar tandchat t
y.Heseemedsocomf or t
ableandhe
wasqui t
efunny.Thi errycameov ertous." Yout wo
seem t obebestf ri
endsal ready ."Hesai d."Possibl
y.
Wemi ghthav etodemot ey ou."Tshi amosai d.
Thierrysmi l
ed."
Boy , youwi sh.I'
m al mostdoneon
mysi de.I'l
lcomeandj oiny ouinami nute."Hesai d.I
watchedhi m walkaway ."Mydadi sluckyt ohav e
foundsomeonel ikey ou.You' reagoodper son,
Noma. "Tshiamosai d." Thanky ou.You' reagr eat
persont ooTshiamo. "Isai d.Hel ookedathi sdad.
"Soyou' l
lbespendi ngt hehol i
day swi thus.Ar ey ou
excit
ed? "Iasked."Idon' tknow.Idon' tthinki t
'l
lbea
goodi dea."Hesay s." Whyi sthat ?"Iaskhi m.
"There'salotthatIneedt akencar eof .Idon'twant
tobeabur denonot her sandIdon' twanthi redhelp.
Ialr
eadyt urnedbackf ournur ses, I'
m speci fi
cwi t
h
whatIwantandJessgi vesmej ustt hat .
"Hesay s.
"Thenwhydoesn' tJesscomewi th? "Iasked.
"Woul dn'ty oumi nd?"Heaskedpol itely." Jesshel ps
youandIwanty ouwi t
hus.Whywoul dy out hinkI
woul dmi nd? "Ichuckl ed.Hej ustshr ugged." May be
I'
m usi ngJessasanexcuse.Idon' tt hinkmydad
hast hepat iencef orme. "Hesai dsadl y ."Yourdad
doeswanty ouar oundTshi amo.He' lltalkt oy ou.
Av aily oursel ftohi m withoutj udgement .Thef i
rst
ti
mehet oldmeabouty ou, hefeltsor elievedand
wasemot ional .Hel ovesy ou.Bel i
ev ehi m. "Isai d
touchi nghi shand." Yout r ul
yar eawonder fulper son.
Ineedt hebat hroom, I'
llbebacki nami nute."Hesai d.
"Doy ouneedhel p?"Iasked." No, thanky ou."He
smi ledandwheel edhimsel faway .Myhear twasso
war m.I tdawnedonmet hatImi ghtbecomet his
kid'sst epmom.Iwasal readyst r
uggl i
ngwi th
Nasi phi ,Iwonderi fIcoul ddoi t.Iwascomf ortable
thathe' smor esmar tthough.Idon' tthinkhe' l
l give
mepr oblems.Thi err
y'sauntcamet omewi tha
sneeronherf ace.IwonderwhatIdi dt oher ."Thi er
ry
won' tmar ryy ou.Youhav eabsol utelynot hingt o
offerhi m.Iseey ou'vealr eadywor medy our selfinto
gett
ingajobbutevent
hatwon'
tlast
.St
opf
ool
i
ng
yoursel
f.
"Shesai
dandwalkedaway.

Myhear tachedatherwor ds.Wemadeourway

homeandIwascompl et
el ysilentt hr oughout .
Thi erryandTshi amower echat tingt oeachot herand
Ijustst aredoutt hewi ndow.Wear rivedathome, the
carbehi nduswascar r
y i
ngJessi caandAunt y.Moon
andRi awer eint het hirdcar .Jessr ushedt oust o
helpTshi amooutoft hecar .Ist oodasi deand
wat chedt ol earnofcour sewhenmay beoneday
she' sunav ai l
ableIcanhel p.Thi errywasal sodoi ng
thesame.Wewenti ntot hehouseandf ort hef i
rst
ti
meInot icedt hatt hehousewasact ual l
y
wheel chairf ri
endl y
, Inevernot icedbef ore.Tshi amo
andJess' roomswer edownst ai rstoo." IfI
'dknown
noSundaydi nnerwoul dbecooked, Iwoul d'v e
stay edbehi nd."Theauntsai d."Youat eatt he
rest aurant."Thi errysaid." Rest aur antf ood, Mogot si?
Youhav etobej oki ng."Shesai d." I'
llcookdi nner.
"I
said." No, wehav echef sf orar eason. "Thier rysaid.
"Iinsist."Imademywayt otheki tchenwi t
hout
l
ookinghisdirecti
on.Befor
eThierr
ycouldf
ollow,
the
auntspokeup." Mogotsi
,Tshi
amoneedst obe
shownar oundthehouseandset tl
edinaspacewith
Jess.Youcan'tjustl
eavethem heret
oli
nger."He
sighed."
You'r
er i
ght,comethi
sway ,myboy."Heled
theway .
#Your
sTr
uly
Chapt
er58

Icookeddi nnerqui etl

ybymy self.Riawasbusywi th
thebabyandt heauntwasi nt hel oungewat chi ngTV.
Moonwal kedi nt heki t
chen." Hmm. .I'
m exci tedt o
tast
ewhaty ou'vepr eparedf orust oday ."Hesai d
l
eaningbyt hest ove." Careful.Don' tbur ny our sel f
.
Arey ouhungr y?
"Iaskedhi m." Yep.Most l
ybecauseI
knowi t'
sgoi ngt obeamazi ng.Thi er r
yt oldmeabout
youridea.Theonceamont hcooki ngdi nneratt he
rest
aur antthing.Iper sonallyl ovei tandIt hinki twi l
l
work."Hesai d."Thanky ouMoon, I'm cur r
ent ly
drawingapl anfori t,betweenwor kandschool ,I
don'thav emucht i
mebutI '
m maki ngitwor k."I
checkedt hegar licandher bbabypot atoes." You
knowy oudon' tneedt odoal l ofitNoma.I t'
sr eal l
y
nopr essure.Gi vey ourselftime.Whynotj ustf ocus
onschool anddot her estaurantdi nnersoncea
mont ht oear nyoumoney ?"Hesuggest ed." Idon' t
wantt oletmadown.Shewentoutherwayt omake
sureIhav eempl oyment .
"Isai d."Sher eall
ydi dn't.
Shej ustdi dn'twanty out owor kasawai tressagai n.
It
'snotagoodl ookf ort hef ami l
y.Shewasonl y
protect i
ngt hei mage.Sher eallywon' tmi ndi fy ou'r
e
doingsomet hingt hatmakesy ouhappyandi sin
ali
gnmentwi thus."Heexpl ained.Ijustnodded.
"Noma, ifthisi sallt
oomuchf ory ou,y oucansayso.
Idon'twanty out ofeel cont rol
ledorobl igat edt ous.
Itoldy oubef ore,I'
m her ef ory ouandi fy ouwantt o
dosomet hingel se,justt ellmeandI '
llsor tt heot hers
out.Iwanty out obeashappyandcomf or tabl eas
possibl e.
"Hesai d.Il ookedathi m andsmi l
ed.He
reall
ywasasweet hear t."Okay .Thanky ouMoon.I '
m
goingt osett het abl
e. "Iski ppedt othel ivingr oom
feeli
ngbet terandmyhear tlighter.Iwasqui t elucky
tohav eMoonasabr otheri nl aw, andTshi amowas
anangel .Af t
erset ti
ngt het ableIbr oughtt hedi shes
outandpl acet hefoodont het ableaswel l.Ri acame
tositandMoonf oll
owed.Iwentt olookf orThi erry
andTshi amo.WhenIwal kint other oom, Thi er r
y
wast y i
ngupTshi amo' sshoe.Jesswaskneel i
ng
nextt ohi m, laughing." You' redoi ngitwr ong!You' re
hopel ess."Shesai dcackl i
ngl i
keawi tch." It oldy ouI
can'ttieanot herperson' sshoe.Onl ymyown. "
Thierr
ychuckl ed."Byanychance, howl ongwi ll
t hi
s
take?I'm hungry."Tshi amocompl ained." Almost
done.Ther e.See? "Thi er rysmi ledatJess.She
l
aughedoutl oud." Wel l
, atleastIwon' ttripandf all,I
guess."Tshiamosai d." Comeon, guy s.I t
'snott hat
bad."Thierrystoodupt henhel dhi sar m outt ohel p
Jessicaup.Shedel i
ber at elyfellintohi schest .Wow.
"Thefoodi sget ti
ngcol d."Isaidi cilybyt hedoor .
Theyal ll
ookedatmei nsur pri
se.It urnedand
walkedbackt othedi ningr oom.Theauntwassi tt
ing
withRiaandMoon.It ookmyseatqui et ly.Moon
staredatme.Ipour edmy selfagl assofwat erto
calm down.Ican' tbel iev eIwasj ealous.Ofcour seI
was.Whydi dhehav et ol aughwi thher ?Andhe' s
beeni nthatroom f orhour s.Idr ankmor ewater.
Moonhel dmyhand.Il ookedathi m.Heshookhi s
head.Thi er
ryandTshi amocamei nt ot her oom wi th
Jessr i
ghtbehi ndt hem.Theyt ookt hei rplaceson
thetable.Duringdi nner ,Ionl ymanagedt oeatone
potatoandhal fapi eceofchi cken.Iexcusedmy self
whenInot i
cedt hatev er yonewasdone.Iwentt ot he
bedroom andt ookoutmyl aptop.Ihadsomewor k
tofini
shandsubmi tlateri nt heweekbutI '
drather
fi
nishi tnow.OnceI '
ddonet hat ,Iwentont o
compl etet hepl anf ort her estaur antdi nner .Ihada
fewnamesi nmi nd; TheLastSupper ,Fir
stSunday ,
SevenCol our s,Pr epSunday s.Idi aledanumberon
myphone." Hel lo?"Thembaanswer ed."Hey .IhopeI
didn'twakey ou."Isai d." Youdi dbutIdon' tmi nd.
What 'swr ong? "Icoul dhearhi m st retching.It old
him aboutmyi dea." Soundsamazi ng.Iknowy ou'r
e
agr eatcookbuty ou' l
lneedhel p."Hesai d." Yes.I'l
l
fi
ndt wopeopl ewhocanhel pout .NowI 'mj ust
drafti
ngar at e.IfIi mpl ementt hei dea,am Ibuy i
ng
myowni ngr edient sorar et heyi ncl udedbyt he
restaurant, wi l
ltheycutaf ee, howmuchwi llthecost
ofthedaybet ocust omer s, howwi llt
her est aurant
andIspl itit.Busi nessi shar d."Icompl ained.Icoul d
feelapr esencei nt her oom andwhenIl ookedup,
Thierrywasl ooki ngatme.He' dj ustwal kedi n."Yeah
andt hat'sonl yt hebegi nning, lov e, youneedt omake
surei t
'sasuccess.Soy ou'llhav et omar keti ttothe
moon.Icanhel p.Seei ngt haty ou'v ehelpedmewi t
h
myownchar itywor kmul ti
pl et imes. "Ibeamed.
"Really?You' ddot hatf orme?Thanky ousomuch. "I
giggled."NowIcanwor r
yaboutt hename. "It oldhim
mysuggest i
ons."Ir eal l
yli
keTheLastSupper .Likein
thebi ble."Hesai d, chuckl i
ng.Il aughedwi thhi m.
"That'swhatIhadi nmi nd.
"Isai d."Okay .Letmego
backt osl eep.You' l
l callmewheny ouneedmor e
help."Thembasai d." Thanky ousomuch.
Goodni ght."Ihungup.Thi errywasst il
lst andi ngat
thesamespot ,staring.Icont inuedwi thmywor k
quietlyandsav edi t.Thi stookabout30mi nut es.
NowIwaspani ckingbecausehest il
l hadn' tmov ed.I
l
ookedathi m agai n.Uhm? ??"Whati sy ouri ssue? "I
askedhi m." Arey ouangr y?"Heaskedsof tl
y ."Why
woul dIbe? "Iasked." Idon'tknow.Youj ustseem a
bitoff."Hesai d, l
ooki ngunsur e."Andy out hink
standi ngt hereandst ari
ngmedownwi ll helpy ou
fi
gur ei tout?"Iwentbackt omyl aptopandl ooked
foraff ordableapar t
ment s."Soy ou'reangr y.What
didIdo? "Hef i
nallyst eppedf orwar dandmyhear t
relaxed.Imean, youcan' tj
ustst andst i
llf or30
mi nutesst aringatsomeone.That '
sj ustcr eepy ."Di
d
youdosomet hingt omakemeangr y?"Iasked,
cli
ckingonani ceonebedr oom f l
at."Wecan' tplay
thisgameagai n.Noma?What 'swr ong? "Heasked.
"What 'swr ongi sy oucackl i
ngi nsecr etwi thJessi ca.
Imeany ouwer ei nt heref orhour s.Youdi dn'tev en
comet ocheckonmei ntheki tchen."Isai d."Firstof
all
,Iwasn' tcackl ingwi t
hher .Weshar edaj oke.I
havet ospeakt oJessbecauseshet akescar eofmy
chil
dandIwant edt ocat chuponhi slif
e."He
explained.I tmadesensebutIwasn' thav ingi t.I
hatedi t.Iwant edi ttost op.Ibookedav iewingf or
theflatIsaw." Whatar eyoudoi ng?"Heasked.
"Lookingf orapl acet ol i
ve.Af terawhi l
eI '
llhav et o
got omyownpl ace.Idon' twantt ocont i
nuel i
v i
ngi n
thatot herpl ace."Hepul l
edmeupt ohi m." Please
mov ei nwi thme.Iknowy ouwantt odot hingsr ight
andIdon' twantt or ushy oui ntomar ri
agebutcan
west ayt oget her ?Ihav epl ent yofspace. "Hesmi l
ed.
Itookawhi ffofhi sCol ogneandmel ted.Ofcour seI
want edt omov ei nbutIdi dn' twantt obet ooeager .
"Idon'tknowaboutt hatThi erry.I'l
lhav etot hink
abouti t.Ihonest lypr eferbei ngi nmyownpl ace."I
said.Heki ssedmyl ips." That '
sf i
ne.Wheny ou' ve
thoughtabouti tandy ou'rer eady ,I'
llbehappy ."He
said."Ineedt of inisht hispr oposal tonightbabe.
You'llhav etowai tformei nbed. "Isaid.Hegr oaned.
"ThisiswhyIdi dn' twanty ouwor kingf ormymot her.
Iknowy ou' l
lwantt opr ioritizeherandIwanty out o
pri
oriti
zey our sel fther efor ey ou' l
lwantt opleaseus
both.It'
snotf air."Hecompl ai ned." Ifitmakesy ou
feelanybet ter ,Imi ghtqui tandf ocusonl yonmy
businessandschool ."Isai d." That '
sgood.I '
m gl ad.
Yourbusi nesswi llbesuccessf ul.I '
ll makesur eofi t.
Don'tstresst oomuchaboutf inancesatt hispoi nt."
Heassur edme." ButThi erry ,Idon' twantt o-"He
i
nterruptedmebef oreIcoul df ini
sh" dependonme, I
know.Andy ouwon' t.I'm onl yhel pingy ouest ablish
afoundat i
on, acl ientbase.Oncey ouhav ethat ,
and
thehangoft hi ngs, y ouwon' tneedme.You' lldoy our
proposal sf orot herpl acesandbookt hegigsony our
own.Ij ustwantmyr est aur antt obet heprimar y
venue.I '
l
l givey oua12mont hcont ract.Isthat
okay ?
"It houghtabouti tawhi le." Okay .Solast
Sundayoft hemont h, for12mont hs.Goti t.
"Ismi l
ed.
"Alr
ightst handwasam.I 'l
lneedy ourf ir
stdraft
proposal byt heendoft heweek, wi thpl ansofwhat
youwi l
l becooki ngf ort he12mont hs, eachmont h
specifi
cal l
y .
"Heundr essedandgoti nt obed." Oni t.
"
Isatdownandcont inuedwor king.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er59

Mondaymor ning, Ihadal ott odo.Fi rstl

y,Ineeded
toreplaceaf ewofmycl othesandmost l
yshoes.I
alsoneededt obeatt hehot el mostoft heday .I
neededt ov isitmyl andladysomewher einbet ween
too.Imademywayt owor kfirst.Thehot el was
quietthisweek, ther ewer en'tmanybooki ngsbutI
neededt ocheckl astweek' sandal sodoubl echeck
thebooks.Thi smi ghttakeawhi l
e.Ienteredmy
offi
ceandst ar t
edwor king.Af ewhour sofnonst op
wor ki
ngbef or emycel lphonest artedt ori
ng.Il ooked
atthecal ler
.Gr an.Iwasnoti nt hemoodsoIdi dn't
answer .Shewoul dn'tstopcal lingandIknowwhat
shewant ed.Soon, she'dj ustgiv eup.I '
ll
wai titout .
OnceIwasdone, Iemai ledmyr eportsthenmade
mywayoutt othemal l.Ijustneededaf ewi tems.
Threepai rsofj eans, af ewt opsandshoes.Zar a
helpedwi thmostofwhatIwant edbutIwentt o
Edgar 'stof inishof faswel l.OnceIwasdonewi th
that.Ineededt ogot othel andl ady '
shouse.I twas
alr
eadyaf ter noonandIwant edt obehomei nt ime
tost artdinner .Knowi ngt hathor ri
bleauntwi ll hav ea
commenti fIdon' t.Idrov et omyol dpl aceand
parkedout side.Iwenti n, thist i
mest raightt omy
l
andl ady '
shousei nsteadofmyr oom.Iknockedand
waitedout sidef orawhi le.Shef i
nall
yappear ed.
"Hellosi si.Howar ey ou? "Iaskedher ."Ngi y
aphi la."
Shesai d.Okay ,I
'l
lcalm down." SowhenIcameback
Satur dayni ght ,Ifoundmyr oom f l
oodedwi thwat er-"
Shedi dn'tev enl etmef inish." Hawu?Soy oul eav e
yourt apsopenf orweeksandy oucomebackt ot ell
met her oom i sflooded?Whatdoy ouexpectmet o
do? "Sheasked." Ididn'tleav eanyt apopen.
What everhappenedt her ewasnotmyf aultandy ou
knowt hat .Mywar drobei sr uined.Myf ur niture, my
shoes. "Iexpl ained."That '
snotmypr obl em si si.
"She
said.Iwentt ot her oom onceagai nt olookf ormy
Loui sVui ttonbag.Isear chedt hatroom, i
nchbyi nch
untilmyhear tached.Iwentbackt oher ."Ial sohav e
ani tem mi ssi ng.Myhandbagwast herewhenIl eft.
"
Isaidcal ml y." Iknownot hingabouty ourhandbag.I
didn' tgoi ny ourr oom. "Shesai dandshutt hedoori n
myf ace.Okay ,soshewant smet obeanasshol e.
Cool .Iwal kedoutt hey ard,goti nt hecaranddr ove
off.Myphoner angwhi l
eIwasspeedi ngt hr ought he
freeway ,fuckingf uri
ousashel l."Thi erry."Ianswer ed.
"Oh- oh.Whatdi dIdo? "Heasked." Cany oubel iev e
thatwomanbl amesmef orthatr oom? ?Andont op
oft hat ,shesay ssheknowsnot hingaboutmybag
whenshe' st heonl yonewi thadamnspar ekey !!
"I
yelled." CanIi mpl ementphase1? "Heasked." What
i
st hat? "Whatt hehel lisphase1? ?" Wel l
, Ididsay
she' llhav etopay .Thedamaget oy ourt hingsand
thet heft.Hesai dcalml y."Yes.I mpl ementPhase1. "
Isai dandhungup.Igothomeandst artedi nt he
kitchent ocheckwhatIneededt ocook.I twas
turni ngt obeacol ddayIdeci dedonaoxt ail st
ew.I
star tedpr epar i
ng.Thechefcamei n."Ahh.Mr s
Stöl tzer,you'ret akingawaymyj ob. "Hecompl ained.
Ilaughed." I
'
m sor rySteven.Ir eallyam not .Iwi l
l step
awayi mmedi ately.Pleasecont i
nuet hi soxt ailfor
me. "Igav ehi mi nst r
uctionsonhowIwant edi tdone.
Aunt ycamei nt heki tchenandcl ickedhert ongue.
Sher eal l
ywast ryingt ofindawayofi nsul t
ingme.
"CanImakey out eama? "Iaskedher ."I
'm noty our
ma.Youshoul dcooki ngher eandy ou'regivingt his
many ourdut i
es.NowonderThi errywi l
lnev ermar ry
you.You' reonl ygoodf orl yingony ourback. "She
spat.Iwal kedouti mmedi at elywi tht earsstinging
myey es.It ookmyphoneandr equest edanUber
quickly.Oncei tar ri
ved, Ileftt hephoneont het able
andwal kedoutwi thawal l
et .Thedr ivewast o
nowher er eal l
y.Ijustwant edt ogetaway .ThenI
reali
zedmyphonei st racki ngt hisUbersoI '
llhav eto
getof fbefor et heyf ol
lowme.Ist oppedi nt ownand
paidmyf ar ethengotof fwal kingar ound.Itwasl ate
afternoonandv endorswer est ar t
ingt opackup.I
gottoanI nt ernetCaf eandcheckedf oranai r
bnb,
onceIgott heirnumber sIusedt hel andlineher et o
callandmakeabooki ng.Theyaccept edandIt ooka
taxitothear eawhi chwasi nMaboneng.Thehouse
l
ookedaspr ettyasi tspi ctur esandsocozybutI
wasnother ef oraest het i
cs.Ij ustneededt obe
alone.Iwasn' tev enhungr ybutIknowl aterinthe
nightImi ghtgethungr ysoi t'sbestt ogooutnow
andgetat akeawaysi ncei twasst il
lli
ghtout side.I
mademywayt ot henear estf astf oodpl aceand
boughtf oodt henwentbackt omyhi deout .WhatI
wasdoi ngwasv erychildi
shconsi der
ingIhav en'
t
eventoldThi er ryhowt hatwomanspeakst omebut
wow, Ican'tt akei tanymor e.Yena, Hecan'tsee?No
ways.Ijustst aredatt heTVf orhoursbeforeI
star
tedt or eallymi sshi m.Imademywayt obed,
undressedandgoti n.IfIhadt odealwiththat
horr
iblewoman, itwouldhav et obeanotherday .I
coul
dn'tt akeanymor est ress.
#Your
sTr
uly
Chapt
er60

Thi
err
y'
sPOV
Thierrywal kedar oundt hel i
vingroom, withNoma' s
phonei nhi shand.Hewasl i
vid.Mooncamei nthe
houseandswal l
owed." Wher ei sshe. "Thierryasked.
Hisv oicef el
tlikesilentt hunder ."Ican'tfi
ndher .
"
Moonsai d.Bisocamei naswel l,shakinghi shead.
"You'retry i
ngt otellme.Youcan' tf i
ndonel i
ttl
e
womanwhohasnosour ceofcommuni cationwi t
h
her?Whocoul dshehav egonet o?Whocoul dhave
helpedher ?Shecan' tjustdisappearof fthef aceof
theear th."Thierrysai d.Thembawal kedint hehouse,
hisey eswi deasgol fbal ls."What '
sgoi ngon?I s
Nomaokay ?"Heasked.Thi errystar eddagger sat
him." Wher edi dy out akeher ?"Thi erryasked." What
arey out alki
ngaboutThi erry?"Thembaasked.
Thierrymov edcl osert ohi m.Thembat ookast ep
back, bumpi ngi ntoMoon." Wher e.Is.She. "Thierr
y
hissed." IDON' TKNOW! !Doy out hinkI'd
successfull
yhi deNomaawayf rom y ou?Idon' t
knowwher eshei s!IfIdi d, I
'dbr i
nghert oy ou.
Thierr
yplease. "Thembabegged." Whywoul dNoma
j
ustleavet hishouse! !!!
!"Hescr eamed." WHY
WOULDSHELEAVEME! !!
"Hesnapped.Hi swhol e
bodywasshaki ng." Doesshenotl oveme?I st hat
whatshesai d?Shedoesn' tlov eme.Okay .ThenI
acceptit
.Whycan' tshebehonestandt ell me? "
Thierr
yaskedcal ml y."Igeti t.Igeti t.I'm noteasy .
Shedeser vesbet ter.I'
llgi v
eherspace.Ij ustwantt o
knowshe' sokay .Shehast obeokay .That 'sal l
."
Thierr
ypani cked." She' llbef ine,I'l
lfindher .
"Moon
assuredhim." No.Leav eherbe.Shewal kedoutof
hereherself.Shecancomebackher sel f
."Thi erry
walkedupt ohi sroom.Moongr abbedThemba' s
shir
tandt hrewhi m agai nstt hewal l
." Startt alking.
Wher ecouldshebe? "Heasked." Idon' tknow. "
Thembasai d."You' ret ryingt opl ayher o?Yousee
howmybr ot heris?I t'sonl yamat teroft i
mehe
start
slosingi tsospi titout !"Moonshout ed." Idon't
knowadamnt hingMi chael !!Agai n, Doy out hinkI'
d
successfull
yhi deany t
hingf rom y ou?You' dhav e
foundherbynow.Idon' tknowany thing. "Themba
said.Moonl etgoofhi m andwal kedout .Bi so
l
ookedatThembawear i
ly.Aunt ycamebyt hel ounge.
"Andt hen?Whati sit?Hel loPast orZondo, howar e
you?"Sheaskedhi m." EveningAunt yMimi .I '
m well
andy our sel
f?"Hesai d."I'
mf i
ne.Wear ebl essedt o
havey oucomet oourhomet hisev ening.Hav eyou
beenseenbyThi err
y ?"Sheasked." Uhm.Yes.He' s
j
ustf rustrat
edhe' slookingf orNoma.Doy ouknow
wher eshemi ghthav egone? "Heasked." Mxi m.Oho.
Thatonewhowasf etchedher ebysomemani na
sil
vercar ?Sies.Mor uti,youhav et oprayf ormyson.
Lookatt hatloosewomanhebr oughther enowhe' s
upsetbecauseshedi dwhatshedoesbest .Women
l
ikethatnev erhaveenough.He' sal way sbusy .He
needsawomanwhowi l
lobeyhi m andst ayi nthe
house.Someonewhowi llprepar ehismeal sand
keephi m happy .Nott hatt hi
ngt hatsleepsout
whenev ershewant sandi sal way sathot els.
Imaginewhatshedoest her e.Si es."Shecl appedher
hands." Ma, Nomai snott hatki ndofl ady .Shei s
Godf ear i
ngandl ovesThi err
ydear l
y.Shepr obably
j
ustwentsomewher eforagoodr eason.She
probablyhasagoodexpl anat i
onwhyshel ef t
."
Thembasai
d.Thi
err
ywal
kedoutt
hepassageand
outt
hehouse.

Thi errypar kedout sidet hey ardwher eNomausedt o

rentabackr oom of .Hegotouthi scarandwal kedt o
thehouse, knocki ngont hef r
ontdoor .Thedoorwas
openedbyt helandl ady ."GoodEv ening, i
s
Nomakhwezi here? "Heaskedi nat hickGer man
accentt hatseemedt oshowupwhenev erhewas
upset ."Whoar eyou? "Thel adyaskedsur prised." I
am herboy fri
end.Ij ustcan' tgetahol dofher .Isshe
her e? "Heaskedagai n.Thewomanl ookedbehi nd
hert heni nv i
tedhi mi nside.Hest eppedi nt hehouse,
standi ngt allthenf ol l
owedhert ot hel ounge." Good
eveni ngma' am. "Hesai dt ot heotherol dladysi tti
ng
ont hecouch.Hesatdown." So,whoar ey ouagai n?"
Thel andl adyasked." Oh, excuseme.Mynamei s
Thi errySt öl t
zer.Idon' tmeant ober udebuti sNoma
her eornot ?Shel ef tourhouseear li
erandIwantt o
makesur eshe' sokay .
"Ay oungteenageboyst ood
byt hel oungewi thhi smout hwideopen." Mama! !
Uy amazi l
obhut i
?"( Mum, doy ouknowt hisman? ")
Theboyasked." Hay i
.Ngubani ?"(Nowhoi sit
? )The
l
andl adyasked." Stöltzer .Theyownhot els.
Rest aurants.Banks.They '
refriendswi ththe
President'sfami ly.Theyar ebill
ionairesmama.Oh
myGod. "Hehel dhi smout h."Helloy oungman.Isee
youdoy ourr esear ch. "Thierrysai d."Y-yessi
r."The
boysai d."Whatdoy ouwantt obewheny ou'r
edone
withschool ?"Thi erryasked." Iwantt obeap- pilot
sir
."Theboysai dshy ly."Good.Imi ghtneedanot her
pil
otsooni nt hefut ure.Sost ayi nschool anddowel l.
Thencomet omeaf ter."Theboyhadt ear si
nhi s
eyesandnoddedwi t
houtsay ingany thing."What
doesamanl i
key ouwantf rom mydaught er
?"The
otherwomanf i
nallyspoke.Noma' sgrannyhadbeen
sit
tingtherewat chi nghi m al l
al ong.

Thier
rywasnotpr eparedtoseethewomanwho
rai
sedhislove.Hewasner vous."Ohmy .Idi
dn'
t
knowy ouwereher eMa.Ididn'
treali
zeyouwere..
."
Shedidn'
tlethimfini
sh."ThatIwasNoma' smother?
Whatwer eyouexpect i
ng?Notanol dwoman?
Nomakhwezi isachild.Youaretwiceherage.What
doy ouwantf rom her ?"Shecont i
nued." Ma, Il
ove
andr especty ourdaught er.Iwantt omakehermy
wife."Thierrysai d."Wi thall t
hemoneyy ouhav e?No.
Whatdoy ouwantf r
om her ?Wher ecoul dshehav e
metsomeonel i
key ou? "Theol dwomanwasnot
budgi ngandcl earlyNomawasn' there."Mymoney
meansnot hingma.ImetNomai nchur ch,she'smet
mymot herandt heylov eeachot herdear ly
.My
brotherandhi swi feal solov ehav i
ngNomaar ound.
Myf at heriscur rentl
yi nGer manybuti sv eryfondof
her.I'
v ewai tedav erylongt imet ofindsomeoneI
tr
ulyconnectwi thandi twasi nstantwi thNoma.I
didofcour sewantt ocomet oy ou,butNoma
i
nsistedwewai t.
"Hef i
nished.Looki ngatherhe
couldt ellshewasnotokay ."Mama, Ihav eenough
spacei nmyhome.Ther eyoucanmeetmyf amilyas
well.I'
m sur eNomawoul dbehappyt of indyouthere
aswel l
."Thierrycont inued." No.I'mf i
neher e.Tell
Nomakhwezi tocomet omei mmedi ately.Icannot
beli
ev eshei sl ivi
ngi nsi nwi t
hamant wiceherage.
Shet rulywantmedead. "Shesai d.Thierrysighed.
"I
'
lltellhert ocomet oy ou.Goodni ghtma' am."He
gotupandl eft.
#Your
sTr
uly
Chapt
er61

Thenextmor ni ng, IknewIneededt ogett owor k.

Hidi ngwasnotanopt ionandIr eallymi ssedThi err
y
butev enhi snamemademyhear tache.Thet hi
ngs
thatwomansai dt omewer ehor ri
blebutIneededt o
best rongernow.Imademywayoutandf oundBi so
byt hedoor .Igotsuchaf ri
ght,Ist oppedbr eathing
andal mosthadapani cattack.Hedi dn'tmov ean
i
nchorr espondt omyl osi
ngl i
fe.If i
nallyregai ned
myoxy gen." Howdi dy ou...howl onghav ey oubeen
her e? "Iasked." Allnight .
"Heanswer ed.HOW." Biso,
howdi dy ouf indme? "Iasked, drinkingwat er."Reall
y
easy .Ididn'tt ell yourhusbandbecauseIf igur edyou
mi ghtber unni ngf rom hi m. "Hecamei nandsat
down." Notr eal ly.Whywoul dn'tyout ellhim?He' s
yourbr other ."Thi ssur pri
sedme." Hei smybr other
buty ourpeaceofmi ndi simpor tantt oo.Iknowhe
cangetony ourl astner veanddangl eitli
kehe' s
skippi ngr opesoIj ustunder st
andt i
meout ."Hesai d.
Ilaughed.Bi sowasf unny ."Idi
dn' trunf r
om y our
brot her.Ir anf rom t heenv i
ronment .Ijustneededa
break.Yourauntsay sthemosthor riblethingst ome
i
npr ivate.Idon' twantt ocomebet weeny ourf amil
y
soIchooset obequi etabouti t.Yest erdaywast oo
much.Ont opofmyl andladygi vingmepr oblems, I
coul dn'ttakei t."Iex plained." Finebutdon' tjustr un
awaywi thoutl ettingmeknow.Thewor l
disa
danger ouspl ace.Ican' tpr otecty oui fIdon' tknow
wher ey ouar e.Al so, youcan' tjustendur ebad
treat mentnomat terwhoi t
'sf r
om.I '
llhaveawor d
wi th-"Iinter r
upt edhi m." Pleasedon' t.Iwantt ofix
thismy sel f.Ican' tgocr yingt oy ou, MoonorThi erry
forev erything.I 'll
f i
ndawayt ogett hrought oAunt y.
Ijustneededami nute."Isai d."Fine.I '
lll
ety oudo
thatbuti fy ouneedme, shout .
"Inodded.Wewal ked
tohi scar .Iwal kedi ntoourbedr oom andf ound
Thi errysittingont heedgeoft hebed.Hej umpedup
andhuggedme." Baby , I
'm sor ryf orleav-"He
stoppedme." It'
sf ine.It'
sokay .I'm sogl ady ou'r
e
saf eNomakhwezi .Don' tev erdot hatagai n.Doy ou
ev enknowhowmuchIl ov ey ou?Pl easedon' tl
eave
me. "Hekneel edbef oreme." PleaseNoma.Iswear
I'
llnev erhur tyou.Pl ease. "Hel ookedsoscar ed.I'v
e
neverseenhim scaredbef ore."IpromiseIwon' t
l
eav eyoumyl ove.Ineverwi l
l.
"Ipul l
edhim up.He
huggedmet i
ght."
Wow, Ihavenev erfeltsomuch
paininmyhear t
.Icouldn'tsleep.Iwassowor ried.I
regrettel
l
ingyourbody guardtocomeback
tomor r
ow.Ifel
tsogui l
ty."Hesai d.Igiggl
ed."Ican't
breathsir
.Letmego. "Hel aughedandl ookedatme
buthissmi l
eevaporated."SoImety ourmot her."He
said.

Iwasshockedanddi dn'tbel i
evehi m.Wher ewoul d
theyhav emet ?
?Het oldmet hef ull story."Soshe' s
here??I nJohannesbur g? "Iaskedhopi nghewoul d
sayhe' sjoki
ng."Yes.Shedoesn' tlikeme. "Hel ooked
sad."Oncesheget stoknowy ou, she'll l
ov eyou.I
j
usthav etogot owor kt oday ."Isai d."No.Youcan' t
dot hat.Yougav etogot oy ourmot herNoma.You' r
e
offtoday .
"Hesai d.Ican' tfaceher .Especi all
y
becauseshej ustmett he" oldman"I '
m dat ing.
Thierryisnotevent hatol d." Okay, I'
llpopi nt he
offi
cef oranhourt henI '
ll got oher .Wher ei sshe
now? "Iasked,lookingf orcl othest owear ."Aty our
l
andl ady '
shouse.Shedi dn' twantt ocomeher e
appar entlywe' r
eliv
inginsi n."Heshr ugged.Ir olled
myey esandwentaboutmybusi ness, gettingready
forwor k.Myphoner ang.I twasher ."Answerher
Noma. "Thierrypleaded."Mama. "Ianswer ed.
"Nomakhwezi .Ndil
aphaeJobur g.Uzi miseleent weni ?
Ndiyay aziuhlalanendodaendal aapho
engakul obolangakephof .Yhi niundi phathisa
ngent l
iziyoNomakhwezi ? ?Ndi kukhul i
sekanj e?
Awusay ihambi necawe.I nkonzoay i
nozei kufundi se
l
ento! "(Nomakhwezi .I'
m her einJobur g.Whati s
yourpl an?Iknowy ou'relivingwi thanol dmanher e
thathasn' tpaidlobola.Whyar ey ougivingmesuch
heartache?I sthishowIr aisedy ou?Youdon' tev en
got ochur chany more.Thechur chwoul dn'tteach
yout his!)Ihungupt hephone.Myphoner angagai n
i
naf ewmi nutes.Themba." Hel l
o."Ianswer ed."Hi .
SoIdon' tknowwhat 'sgoingon.Yourmom cal led
meandaskedmet opickherupl astnight.Ididt hat,
soshe' sher einmyhome.She' snowcr yi
ngsay ing
thedev i
lhasconsumedy ouandy oudon'twantt o
speakt oher."Hesai d.Isighed.Whatdr ama." What
shoul dIdoNoma? "Heasked." I
'm comi ngj ustnow. "
Isayandhangup.Thi errywast akingashower .Igot
dressedi nay ellowmaxi dressandwhi t
esandal s.
Thi err
ycameoutt odr essaswel l
."Goi ngt owor k?"
Heasked." No, I'm goi ngt opi ckupmymot her.She's
withThemba.Shecal ledhi mt ogof etchherl ast
night .
"Isaid,def eat ed."Oh. "Hesai d." Wher ey ou
goi ng?"Iaskedhi m." I'
mt akingTshi amoout .He
saidwant edtohav eapi cnic."Hesmi led." Wi th
Jess? "Iaskedwi thicyt one." She' sther ef orhim onl y
,
Noma. "Heexpl ained." Fine.I'llgopr epar ey our
picnicbasket ."Imademywaydownst ai
rst ot he
ki
t chen.Jesswast herepacki ngi nt oal unchbox.I
suckedmyt eeth." HeyNoma. "Shesmi l
ed." Hey
Jess.Whati st his? "Iasked." Oh, we' r
egoi ngona
picnic.You'regoi ngt owor k,right?Lov elydr ess."
Shewal kedoutt heki tchen.Icont roll
edmy
emot i
onsandmademy selftea.Aunt ycamei ntot he
ki
t chen."You'rest i
llhere? "Shesneer ed.It ookmy
cupandwal kedoutt othel ounge.Thi errycamet o
saygoodby eandgav emehi scarkey s, wal kingout .
Hewassoi nahur ry.Af termyt eaandt hinking, Igot
upandl eftforThemba' shouse.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er62

Ipar kedt heBenzonThemba' sdr iv

eway .Hehada
beaut iful house.Acozydoubl est orey
, withGr eyand
Whi tewal ls.Iknockedont hef rontdoorandhe
opened.Thebi gsmi l
eonhi sf acemademysmi le
too." Hey .Youseem st r
essed. "Hepul l
edmyar m
i
nsi deandgav emeahug.If eltmyst ressr elieve
i
mmedi at ely.Ahugwasal l Ineeded." Wher eismy
mom? "Iaskedpul li
ngaway ."Inthegar den, hav i
ng
tea.Tal kt ome. "Hesaid."SoTshi amoi shome. "I
said.Hel ookedatme, f
right ened."Why ? "Heasked.
"Uhm. .
.he' sThi err
y'
sson.Youknewt hatr i
ght?"I
asked." YesIknowbutIt houghtt heywer en't
talking."Hesai d."Well
,theyar enow.Hehasahel per
.
She' sjustal l overThi
erry.Al lt
het ime.It hinkshe
plottedwi thhi sAunttogetmeawayf rom hi m."I
said." I
'm sor rytohearthat .Di dyouspeakt ohim
abouti t? "Wesatdown." Idid.Heassur edmei t
's
nothing."Isighed." Wel l
,nowy ou'reher e.Wewon' t
bef ocusedont hem.Youcanf ocusony ourmom
andmaki ngpeaceandhav ingpeace.I 'llstepoutf or
awhi lesoy out wocanhav espace. "Hesmi led
holdingmyhand." It'
sy ourhouse, youshoul dn' thave
togoany where.Besi des,Ineedsomeonet o
conv i
ncemymom Thi erryi
snotabadper son. "I
whined." Thatsomeonei sme?ComeonNoma.You
knowIdon' twanty ouwi thhi m. "Hesai d."Butt hat's
becauseofy ourf eelings.Doesi tmakehi m abad
person? "Iasked." Youdon' tknowhi ml ikeIdo. "He
l
ookedup, Isawmygr anappr oach.Il etgoof
Themba' shandandst oodup." Uhm, I'
l
l begoi ngt o
theol dagehomef oranhour .Noma, youknow
wher eev eryt
hingi s.I'l
lbebacksoon. "Hebr ushed
mybackandwal kedout .Iwasl eftinthehouse
l
ooki ngatmygr an." Nomakhwezi ,whyar ey oudoi ng
thi
st ome?Uf unaundi bulalamnt anam? "(Doy ou
wantt oki l
lmemychi l
d?)Shesai d."Mama, please.I
don'twantt hat.I'
m happywi thThi erry.Hemakes
mehappy .
"Isaid." He'smaki ngy oul osey ourv alue!
You'resleepingwi thhim, li
vingi nhishouse, cooki ng
andcl eaninglikeawi febuty ou'renothi swi fe.He
won' tmar ryy ouify oul etthiscont i
nue.Hewi l
luse
you. "Shesai d.Nowshewassoundi nglikeapol ite
versionofhi saunt ."Nant simnt anam indoda
enesdi ma.I nay onemal ii
ft hat'
swhaty ouwant .He
i
sapast or.Youcl ear l
yl i
kehi m andheador esy ou.
Thi smanwi ll t
reaty oubet ter.
"( Here'
samanwi th
digni t
y.Hehasmoneyt ooi fthat'
swhaty ouwant .
)
Shear gued." Idon' twantThemba, Mama.Whydon' t
youwantmet obehappy ?Youdi dn'tevengi ve
Thi err
yachancebecausey ouknowwhoy ouwant
forme.Icannotbel ieveitmama.You' v
eev enleft
Nasi phibyher selft hereathomet ocomer ulemeon
whoIshoul ddat ewhenI 'm wel lover21.She' s15
sleepingwi t
haman5y ear solderthanme, hersister
.
Manonoi salmost30.Twi ceherageandy ou'veleft
hert herewi thhi m becausey ouwantmet obe
mi serable.Idoev er y t
hingt otakecar eofy oual land
makesur eyouhav ewhaty ouneedbuty oucan' t
evengi v
emepeaceandj oy?"Icr i
ed.Icouldn'thelpit.
Ijustsatdownandsobbed.Shewal kedaway .

Ideci
dedt
omakel
unchwhi
l
emom wasl
ockedi
n
herroom.Lemonandher bchi cken, sweet cor n,
buttergl azedbabypot atoeswi thspr inkl esofpar sl
ey
andspi cedf riedr icei npepper s,mushr ooms,
broccol iandcaul i
flower .AsIf inished, Themba
walkedi n."Hmm. ..thatsmel lsamazi ng. "Il ookedat
him andsmi led." Thanky ou.Hopef ullyi tt astesgood
too."Icl osedt hepot ."Itrusti tdoes.I 'm st arving.
Wher e'smom? "Heasked." Inherr oom.I t'
scl earshe
won' tacceptThi erry .I'
m hur tt hatIcan' tev enbe
happyf oroncei nmyl i
fe."Isighed." She' llcome
around.Gi vehersomet i
me.Hav ey ouhada
momentt oj ustr elax?You' r
eal way sbusy .Sitdown.
Come. "Hewal kedmet ot hel oungeandwesat
down." Tellmehowt hepl ansar egoi ngf ory our
Sundayl uncheons. "Heasked." I
t'
scomi ngt oget her.
I'
vef i
nishedmyf irstdr af tproposal ."Ibeamed.
"Good.Ihav eameet ingwi t
ht hemay ort hi sweek,
don'ty ouwantt ocomewi thme? "Hesmi l
ed.My
granwal kedi nt hel ounge." Ican' tPast orZondo- "He
chuckl ed."No, cont i
nuecal l
ingmeThemba.I t'sfor
charity,Noma.I '
dr eal l
ylikey out here. "Hesai d.
"You'resuchagoodmanPast orZondo.You' re
dedicat edt ohel pingev eryoneal l t
het ime.Notf or
yourbenefi
tbutthatofothers.Al
lyourtimey ou
spenditonotherpeoplewhoneedy ou.AtrueMan
ofGod."Mygransai d."It
rymybestmama.Ir eall
y
l
ov edoi
ngit.
"Hesmi l
edatme." I
'
lldi
shupl unch."I
gotupandwentt otheki t
chencheckingmyphone.I
call
edThier
ryandhisphonewasonv oice-
mai l
.Oh?
Sincewhen?Ilef
tamessageandcont i
nuedwi th
l
unch.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er63

Afterourlunch, Ineededt ogot owor k."Ihav etogo

towor k,Ihaven'tbeeni nallmor ningandIneedt o
checkt hefeedbackf r
om Mr sS. "Isaidget t
ingready.
"Willy
oubebackf ordi nnermnt anam?I 'l
l cook
somet hingspeci al.Ireal l
ywantt ohav edi nnerwi t
h
you."Mygr ansai d." Yesmama.I '
llbebackf or
dinner.
"Iknewsheonl ywant edmeher enear
ThembaandIdi dn' twantt of ightwi thherany more.
She'l
lhav etoleav eandgobackhomeev entually
.I
mademywayt ot hehot elandi ntomyof fi
ce
checkingmyemai l
s.Ii ndeedhadf eedbackf r
om Mr s
Sbuti twasshor t."ThanksNoma.Goodwor k."Was
alli
tsaid.Somuchf ort hat.Itri
edt ocall Thierryand
hisphonewasst il
l off.Iwentoutt ot her estaurant
areaofourhot el andspoket othemanager .Hewas
alovelygentandneededabar manasofy esterday.
"Garywhydi dn'ty out ellme?Idi dn'tknowt his.
"I
said." Wel l,Ishmael justuppedandl ef t,
Ithought
he'dbebackbuti t'sbeen3day sandhedoesn' t
answerourcal lssoIf i
gur eit'
st i
met of indsomeone
else."Hesai dashe' smaki ngacockt ail
.Iwentback
totheof ficeandl ookedt hrought heempl oyeesf i
les.
IfoundI shmael 'sandl ookedf orhi snumbert hen
call
ed.Voi ce-mai l.Iwasget ti
ngannoy edbyv oice-
mai l now.Icheckedf oranextofki nanddi aledt hat
too.I trangandwasanswer edinf ourr i
ngs."Yebo? "
Thev oicesai d."Hi .Ar eyoubyanywayr el
atedt o
Ishmael ?"Iasked.Rude, IknowbutIwasannoy ed.
"Yes.He' smybr ot her."Theper sonsai d."I
'm his
managerandI 'dliket oknowwher ehei s.Hehasn' t
shownupf orwor ki nt hreeday s."Icont inued."I
don' tknowwher ehei s."Theper sonsai d.Ar eyou
serious?" Youmeanhe' smi ssing? "Iasked." Idon' t
know.Ihav en'tspokent ohimi naweek. "Hesai d.
WOW." Alright ,pleasehav ehim cal l mei fyouhear
from hi m. "Ihangup.Ineededanewbar manei t her
way .Ical ledSy mon.Heknewpl ent yofpeopl eand
he'l
l findmesomeonei naday ."Sy mon' sphone
hello."Heanswer ed." Girl,Iknowi t'
sy ou.It
'sNoma
here. "Isai d.Hel aughedoutl oud." BitchIt hought
youwasoneoft hem debtcol l
ect orswi thy ourf unky
l
andl i
nenumber !Howy oudoi ng? "Heasked.I
l
aughed." I'm gr eat.Howar ey ouSy ?"Il ooked
thr
oughmyemai l
si nt hemeant ime." I'mf i
ne
sweet hear t.Thel i
feofunempl oy menti smaki ngme
adr unkar d."Hechuckl ed." Ihav eapostf ory ou
actually.Thehot el I'
m wor kingatneedsabar man.
Arey oukeen? "Iasked." Fucky es!!!WHEN. "He
shout ed." Youcanst arttomor row.I 'l
l hav et odr aft
yourcont ractnow, wi l
l y
oubeabl et ocomei nfora
for
mal i
nter vi
ew? "Iaskedl ookingt hrought hef ol
der
ofcont r
act s."Gi rlyes.I '
llbet her einonehour !!Send
mel ocat ion!"Hey elled.Ilaughedandhungup.So
MrsSgav emeaut hor itytohi r
eandf i
r ewhoIwant
aslongasi tbenef itst hehot el
, whichi swhyI 'm able
todot his.IknowSy mont alksal otofCr apbuthe' s
rel
iable, andgoodwi thcust omer s.It ookt he
cont r
actt empl ate, skimmi ngt hr oughi tandpr intedit
.
Itr
iedt ocal lThi erryagai n.St i
l
l voice-mai l
.Iwentout
toGar yi nt herest aur ant ."Ihav eani nter viewwi tha
potent i
al l
at ertoday .It r
usthe' l
lbeagoodf i
tbuty ou
havet hel astsaysi ncehe' llwor kcl osel ywi thy ou.
Willyoubeabl et ot hrowi naf ewquest i
onswhenI
showhi m ar ound? "IaskedGar y."You'reanabsol ute
blessing.Yes, y oucanbr inghi m ar oundher ewhen
you'redone.Yout rusthi m? "Heasked." Yes.I'
ve
wor kedwi thhi m bef oreasawai terthough.Ihav eno
doubthe' ll
nai lthisrol etooaf t
erashor ttrai
ning."I
saidandhenoddedgoi ngt oacust omer .Icleareda
near byt able,takingi ttot heki tchen.Ihel pedwi th
collectingt hel asttwobi ll
sast her estaurantwas
nowdr awi ngt oaev eni ngdi nnertheme.Thel ast
l
unchor derswer eleav ing.Iadj ustedt hel i
ghti
ngand
wentupt ot hef rontdeski nr eception.Ev eryt
hing
wasi nor derandt idy.Sy monf inall
yar ri
veddr essed
i
nbl ackpant s,af ormal l
eatherboot ,whi t
eshirtand
abl ackbl azer .Ismi ledandwal kedhi mt omyof fice.
WhenIcl osedt hedoorhescr eamedsi l
ent l
yand
gav emeahug." Lookaty ou, Mr sManagerofa
prest i
gioushot el!!
"Hesai d.Il aughedandsatdown.
"Howar eyouSy mon? "Iasked." I'
m wel l
.I '
m surey ou
canseehowI '
m get tingt hi
n.I '
m dippingi ntomy
i
nv est ment sandget ti
ngsessi onsdone. "Hesmi l
ed.
Ilaughed." Youdon' tev erchange.Look, whatIneed
i
sy ourr estaurantex per i
ence, yourst r
engt hs,
weaknessesandwheny oucanbegi n.Ther estof
thequest i
onswi llbeaskedbyt her estaur ant
managerupst air
s.Hehast hef i
nal saysoputy our
charmf aceon. "Isaid.Wechat tedabi tasIwr ot e
hiscredent i
alsandcol lectedhi sdocument s.Af ter
30mi nuteswemadeourwayupst airs.Iwal kedi n
fi
rstwhi l
ehef oll
owedmei n.Gar ywasbehi ndt he
barpour i
ngabeer ."HeyGar y.Ihav esomeonef or
yout omeet ."Isai d."Justasecond, myangel ."He
fi
nishedupandt ookt het rayt ot hecust omer .He
camebackt omeandsmi l
ed.Il ookedatSy mon.He
l
ookedatSy monandt hesmi leev apor at ed.Oh- oh.
Whati sthisaboutnow.Sy monsmi led." No. "Gar y
saidandwal kedaway .IlookedatSy mon." And
then?"Iasked." I
t'
sal ongst ory."Hesai d, f
oldinghi s
arms.Iwentt oGar y."NoNoma. "Hesai dbef oreI
evenopenedmymout h." Gar y,Sy moni sav ail
abl eto
wor kandy ou'llfi
ndawayar oundwhat ev erper sonal
vendet t
ay ouhav ewi thhi m.I 'mr unni nganent ire
hotelhere.Idon' thav et i
met onur sewhat everel se
i
sgoi ngon.Youneededhel p.Youhav ei t.Ifyou
don'twanti t,don'tcompl ainaboutdoubl eshi fts
again."Ihissed.Gar ylookedatSy mon.Sy mon
smi l
edagai n." Doy ouev enknowhowt omi x
drinks? "Gar yasked." NobutIcanl ear n."Sysai d."Be
her eat6am t omor row.Ionl yteachy out henand
aftert haty oubet terknowwhaty ou' r
edoi ng.And
stayoutofmyf ace."Gar ysnapped.Sy monsmi led
andwewal kedout ."I'
venev erseenGar yangr y.
Whatdi dy oudot ohi m? "Iaskedi nt heel ev ator."I
kindofsl eptwi thhi m andt ookal l hismoneyandt he
pairofshoeshewaswear ingt hatni ght.I twasl i
ke7
year sago.Heshoul d'vef orgot t
enbynow. "He
shrugged.Il aughed." You' reaspeci al child.Goget
somer estandbeher eont i
me.Thatmanwi l
lnot
maket hingseasyf ory ou. "Wesai dourgoodby es
andIgotr eadyt ol eav e.Idr ovet oThemba' shouse.
Thiswasent irelybecauset hatv oice- mai lkaThi er
ry
pissedmeof f
.Iwal kedt ot hedoorandknocked.
Thedooropened.Thembawasst andingwai t
ingf or
me.Iwal kedi nt hedi mlyl i
thouse." What 'sgoi ng
on? "Iasked." Wel l
, yourmot hersai dshe' snotwel l
andsuggest eddi mmedl ight s,shej ustwentt ol ay
down. "Hesai d.Seemst ooconv eni enti fy ouaskme.
Inthedi ningr oom, t
het abl ewassetwi thcandl es."I
smel l myf avor i
temeal .
"Ismi l
ed, feeli
ngmyhear t
fl
oat ing." Also, shewasshowi ngmet hisal bum of
yourchi ldhood.Wecandi shupandl ookthr oughi t?
"
Itookt heal bum.Ichuckl edatt hememor ies." Yeah.
IthinkIneedt histoday .
"Wesatdownandhad
dumpl ingsandul usu(tri
pe) .WhenIsayi t
'smy
favorite,Imeani tliter
all
ymakessohappy .Ihav en' t
hadi tinal mostay ear ."
Whatar eyougoi ngt odr ink?
Yourmom madegi ngerbeerbutIal sohav ewi ne.
Youchoose. "Thembasai d.Il aughed.Yeahi fIdr i
nk
thatginger ,Imi ghtgi vemy selffull
yi nthis
househol d."Wi newi ll
bef ine."Isaid." Oooh.Fi ne
diningandwi ne."Hesai d.Il aughed.Hepour edmea
glassofwi neandweat e."Sowher ewast hi s?"He
asked." Mygr ansol dhouse.Thesear emycousi ns.
Itwassuchal ovelyt i
mei nourl i
ves.Bef ore
ever y
onegr ewapar tandhadt heirownl i
ves. "Isai d.
"Youmi sst hem? "Heasked." IdobutIdon' tknowi f
we'ret hesamepeopl ewewer ebef ore."Isighed.
"Wel l
,tobef airnobodyi st hesameast heywer e
before.Weal lgrowupandchangebutmemor ies
remai n.Lov er emai ns.Happyt i
mesr emain.Per haps
i
tonl yt akesoneper sontor eviveitallagain. "He
turnedt hepagesandwel aughed.Iwascr yingmy
eyesouti nt hisphot oanddr i
ppingwetf r
om my
freshhai rdo." Thi swasmybi rthday .Myf r
iends
pour edwat eronmeandI '
dj ustcomef rom t hehair
salon.Api eceofmewi llnev erf orgivet hem. "I
l
aughed.Wepagedt hr ought hewhol ebookwhi ch
tookov eranhourandt hebot tl
eofwi newas
fi
nished." Thi swasl ov ely."Hesmi l
ed."Yeahand
embar rassi ng."Igi ggled.Het ouchedmychi nwith
hisi ndexf ingerandki ssedmyl ips.Hi shandhel d
thesi deofmyf ace.Ipul l
edaway ."Themba. "I
whi sper ed, getti
ngup." I'
m sor r y."Hesai d." Ishoul
d
go-"" I'
m notl ett
ingy oudr ivedr unk.Look, I
'm sorry.
I'
llgety ousomecof fee. "Hegotupt oo."No, I'
m not
drunkI 'mj ustf ine.LetmegoThemba. "Hel etgoof
me." Thisnev erhappened. "Isai d." I
fitdi dn'thappen,
theni tdi dn'thappen.Iunder stand.Butpl easedon' t
pushmeaway .Ithur ts,Noma.I fIhav et obet he
sidet hensur ebutdon' tt reatmel ikedirt."He
pleaded." Ihav et ogo.I '
llcal lmom whenI '
m home. "I
wal kedoutt othecarandgoti n.Forqui tesomet i
me
Ijustsatt her etryingt ot hi nk.AndIhat et hatIcan
stil
l smel lhi m.It ookper f
umef rom mypur seand
spray edonmyneck.Ther e.Bet ter .I'
m notgoi ngto
cheatonThi erry.Istar tedt hecaranddr oveof f.I
can'teverdoi t
.IloveThi err
y.Thi sotheronewas
j
ustt ry
inghisluck.Imeanwhowoul dwantt obea
sidepieceknowi ngly.He'sst upid.Andst upidashe
was, wasasst upidIwasatt hatmomentmymi nd
j
ustwentbackt ot hatdiningr oom.Howhecame
closerandkissedmyl i
pssof tly
.Ahar df orcedbl ow
hitmef rom theleftsideoft hecarandi tf lewinto
theair,befor
ehi tt
ingther oadagai nandr oll
i
ng
mul t
ipl
et i
mes.Itf el
tlikeitwashappeni ngi nslow
mot i
on.Mycarl andedoni t
sr oofwi t
htheai rbags
puffedout.Myhear twasr acing." Thi
err
y ."I
whispered.Myey esfinall
yclosed. ..
..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er64

Thierrysatdownf ordi nnerwitht hef ami ly."

Wher e'
s
yourgi r
li
e?"Hi sauntasked." May best i
l
l atthehotel.
I'
m sur eshe'llbelat e.
"Thi er
rysai d."Howwasy our
picnicday ?"Sheasked." I
twasgr eat, dadt ri
edto
playsoccerbutf aileddi smally.
"Tshi amol aughed." I
didn'thaveanypr act i
ce."Thierrydef ended." Reall
y ?
Becausey ourcompet i
torwasJessandIwasa
goalkeepersowhatexact l
ywast hei ssueher e?"
Tshiamosai d.Ever yonel aughed.Moonst aredathis
phone." Wher e'syourphone? "Heasked." I
'm not
sure.Ithinkit'
schar ging."Thierrysaid." Wher e'
sy our
Mer cedesBenz? "Moonsai dstandi ngup." Which
one? "Thierryasked." Doy ouhav eaBenzt hat'
snot
i
nt hey ardThi err
y!!!"Moonshout ed." Nomai s
drivi
ngone.Why ?"Moonbol t
edoutoft hehouse.
"Andt hen?"Aunt yasks.Thi errygotupandr antohis
phone.I twasof f
.Heswi t
chedi tbackon, waiti
ng
i
mpat i
entl
y.Messagesf l
oodedi n,amongt hem
Noma' sv
oice-mai l
sfr
om throughoutt heday.How
didhemissi t
.Thenhisinsurancecompany .He
checkedhismessages.Thecr ashalerthadsenta
messaget ohisphone."No..no.."hecall
edNoma' s
phoneandi thi
tv oi
ce-
mail."What '
sgoingon? "
Tshiamoasked.Thi er
rytr
iedtocal lagai
nandst i
l
l
voice-
mail
,her anoutthehouse.

Ont
hescene.
TheBenzwasst illl
ayingoni tsroof .Noma
unconsci ousinsi deit.Thepar amedi csarrived,but
unabl et ogetherout .Thej awsofl i
fear ri
vedand
attempt edt ot earintot hecaropeni ngi t
.Moon
arri
v edont hesceneast heypul ledherout ." Excuse
me, sir ."Theof fi
certriedt orestrai
nhi m."That '
smy
sister!!Letmego! "Hepushedhi swayandwentt o
theambul ance."Noma! !"Hesai d."St aystrong
sweet hear t,I
'mr ighther e."Moonsai d."Sir
.Howar e
your el atedt ot hev i
ctim? "Themedi casked." She's
mysi ster .I'
llf
ol l
owt ot hehospi tal
."Thel oadedher
i
nt heambul anceandhef oll
owedwi thhiscart ot he
hospital.Uponar ri
v al,shewast akeni nandr ushed
toresusci tati
on.Moonf il
ledint hef or msand
handedt hem ov er.Thi err
yar r
ived." Wher eisshe?
Whathappened? "Heasked." They 'r
ebusywi thher
now.Caracci dent.Someonecr ashedi nt
oher -"" I'
m
goingt of uckingki l
l Them! !
!!
!!
"Thi err
yscr eamed.
"HEY!!Gety ourselft oget her!Sheneedsy ouher e.
What everhappenedi sn'timpor tantr ightnow! "Moon
said.Bisoar r
ivedr i
ghtt henwi tht hebody guar d.
Thierryst aredatt hebody guard.I flookscoul dki ll.
"Thisisnothi sfault.Hel it
erall
yj ustl anded.Thi erry,
youneedt ofocusy ourener gyonNomakhwezi right
now.Bei ngangr ywon' twork."Moonwar ned.Thi erry
breathedandsatdown.Thedoct orcamet ot hem.
"Anyonef oraNomakhwe- ?"Thier ryjumpedbef or e
shecoul df i
nish."She' smygi rl
friend.Howi sshe? "
Heasked." She'swel l andawake.Shedi dn'tsuf f er
muchi mpactbutshedoeshav eaconcussi onanda
fewbr okenr i
bs.Shewi l
lbef i
ne.I 'mt akingherf orx-
raysnowt obesur eandofcour seabr ai
nCTscan. "
Thedoct orexpl ai
ned." CanIseeher ?"Thi erryasked.
"Sure.Fol lowme. "MoonandThi erryf oll
owedt he
doctort oNoma' sbedsi de."Heybaby .
"Thi errysai d.
"Hey.
"Ismi l
ed.Myheadf el
tli
keexploding."You' r
e
goingtobef i
ne,okay?I'
mr ighthere,
wai ti
ngf oryou.
I'
m sorr
yy ou'
rei
npai n,butwe'llmakeitbet t
er.I'
m
sosorrysthandwasam. "Hekissedmyhand." I'm
fi
ne.Iwantt ogohome.Tel lthedoctorplease. "I
complained.Thi
errylookedatt hedoctor."Ineedt o
checkherheadf i
rst.I
'l
lmaket hedecisiononceI '
m
happy.Let'
sgo."..
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er65

Itwast woday slaterwhenIwasdi scharged.My

mot herwasher et ot akemehomeandIknewwher e
"home"was." Ma. "Isai d."Yesmnt anam? "She
packedmybag." I
'm notgoi ngbackt otheEast ern
Cape.I '
m st ayingher eandI 'm st ayingwi thThi er ry.
"I
stated.Shest aredatmeshocked." Healmostki l
led
you!"Sheshout ed."MamaIwasi nacaracci dent !
!I
wasdr i
vingt hecar !!Iwast i
psy !!Iwasi nt hewr ong!!
Thierrydidnot hingwr ong!!AndI '
v er ui
nedhi sR2
mi l
l
ioncar !
!Soy oudon' tgettobl amehi m atal l!
!
Youei thercomewi t
hme, orgohome. "Istoodupi n
painandwal kedt ot hesmal lbat hroom.Thi erry
walkedi nt her oom." Goodmor ningmot her .
"Hesai d.
Shel ookedathi m." Ihopey ou' r
ewel l
.I'
m sogl ad
Nomai sl eavingt hispl acewi thoutanybadi njuries.
Ourf amilydoct orwi l
l belookingaf t erherathome.
From nowon, herbody guardwi ll driveher
anywher e."Heexpl ained." Ihopey ou'recomi ng
homewi thus.I 'dlov et ohav ey ouinourhouse. "He
said."Asi fIhav eachoi ce.Andi t'
sYOURhousenot
Noma' s.Wheny ou'redonewi thhery ou'l
lki ckher
out.Sodon' tpr etendf ormeher e."Shef oldedher
arms.Iwal kedoutt hebat hr oom toanawkwar d
sil
ence.Idon' tknowwhathappenedher e." Ready .
"I
said.Wewal kedoutt hehospi t
altoapr ivat esect i
on
wher ether ewasagr oupofguar dsand3Range
Rov er'
swai ting.Mygr anl ookedconf used.Wewer e
l
edt ot hemi ddl eoneandcl imbedi n."I'
llber ight
behindy ou, okay ?"Thi err
ysai d."Okay .Seey ouat
home. "Ismi led.Wemadeourwayhome.Ont he
way ,wewer est i
llnotspeaki ngt oeachot her .Ihated
i
tandIdon' tlikespeaki ngt oherl i
ket hatsoI
swal l
owedmypr i
de." Mama, I'
m sorryforl osingmy
patienceandwayofspeaki ng.Idon'twantt of i
ght
withy ou.Ther easonwhyI '
mi nthisposi t
ioni smy
faultonly.Pl easest opshov ingThembai nmyl i
fe
whenIspeci ficall
ysai dIdon' twanthi m.Pl easegi v e
Thierryachance.Ial mostdi edma, t
hel easty oucan
doi sletmebehappy .
"Isai d.Sheonl ylookedout
thewi ndow.
Oncewear ri
vedathome, Thierrycamet ohel pme
offt hecarandcar riedmei nsidet ohi sprivate
l
ounge.Mygr ansatont hecouch." I'l
laskt hechef
whenbr unchwi llber eady .Doy ouneedany t
hi ngto
drinkmama? "Thier ryasked." Justt ea."Shesai d.
WOW.Fi nal
lyshespeakst ohi m.Thi err
ywal ked
away ."Nomakhwezi ,y i
ndl ukabani le?"(Who' shouse
i
st hi s?)Sheasked." I
t'sThi erry'
shousemama. "I
said." Asoze.Engaka? ?Hay i.Wenzant oni?"She
whi sper ed."He'sabusi nessman.Heownshot els,
restaur ants,shar esi nv ariousbi gcompani esal lover
thewor ld."Iexplai ned.Shewasi nshock." Ut he
umnt anakaPol inay i
-bil
lionairelenaut shomenene-
presi dent .
"(Poli
na' ssonsai dthisisabi l
li
onai re,
who' sf ri
endswi tht hePr esident .)Shesai d.Iwas
scar edofconf ir
mi ngi tbuti twast ruesoInodded.
"Yoh.Ni namany al aNomakhwezi .Wher edidy ou
meett hisman? "( You' ref ullofnonsense,
Nomakhwezi .
)Sheasked." InPast orZondo' schur ch.
That 'swher eheat tendsaswel l
."Isai d."Oh."She
said.Betshewasn' texpect ingthat .Thierrybr ought
thet rayandIal mostgott heshockofmyl ife.Why
woul dhebr ingi thi msel f ?Thedr ama.Icoul dn'thelp
giggling." Thanky ou. "Mygr ansai d."Yourr oom i s
readymama.Ther e'sal i
ftr i
ghtnextt ot hest aircase.
Upt her ey ou' l
l bemetbyRose, she'l
lguidey out o
yourr oom.Shoul dy ourl uggagewai therewi t
hy ou
orcanIhav ei tputt here? "Heasked." I
'l
ltakei twi th
me.Thanky ou. "Shesai d.Hesmi l
edandwal ked
away ."Rosei sahel perher e? "Maasked." Yes, wi t
h6
mor e.I t'
sRose, Dhal i
a, Lill
y, Susan, Mase, Wi nterand
Farah.They '
r et hehousekeeper s.Thent here'st wo
chef s, twogar dener s,adoct orand22body guar ds."I
explai ned." Butwhy ?"Sheasked." Hi
sf amilyneeds
allt
hepr otect i
oni tcanget .They 'r
einfluentialwi tha
l
otofconnect i
ons. "Isai d." Zangenday ivamnai ndlu
ene-l iftphakat hi."(I'
v enev erhear dofahousewi t
ha
l
iftinsi de)Shesi ppedhert ea." Hissoni sina
wheel chair,that 'swhyt hel iftisneededbuthi sroom
i
sdownst airs."Iexpl ained." Ohokay .Thatmakes
sense. "

I
twasawei
rdweek.Mygr
anwasst
il
lher
eandIwas
abouthadenough.Ihadt osl eepi nasepar at eroom
from Thi er
rybecausei twasbadenought hatwe
l
ivedt oget herbutev enwor set hatwewer ehav i
ng
premar italsex.Iwasbul liedi nt oget t
ingan
apar tmentandI '
dbemov ingi nt omor r
ow.Af t
ermy
ev eningbat h,Isneakedt ot hegar denwoul dmeet
wi thThi err
y .Thi swasourt hingnow.Sneaki ng
out sideatni ghtt ospendt imet oget her."Babe,
pleasedon' tt aket histhewr ongway .
"Hesai d."I
alsodon' tknowwhenshe' sleav ing."Isaid.Webot h
l
aughedqui etly."Iaskedhery est erdayandshedi dn'
t
respond.Ienj oyhercompanybutshe' sgot tent ot he
poi ntofgr indingmyt it
snow.WhataboutNasi phi?
Shel i
ter all
yhasal lthefreedom Ineedr i
ghtnow.
Thef reedom Ideser veasa24y earol dwoman!
She' sonl y15.I t
'snotf air
."Isul ked." Well.
.hopef ull
y
oncey oumov ei ntoy ourpl acet omor rowshe' lll
et
yoube. "Heki ssedmycheek.Ihadani dea." She
needsahobby .Somet hi
ngt okeepherbusy ."I
suggest ed." I'
vet ri
edev ery t
hing.She' sbeent othe
soci alcl ubt wi ceandhat esi tt her e.Biblest udy
groupt oo. "Hesai d.Igav eitsomet hought ."Ithink
weshoul dgetmar r
ied,Noma.Iwantt omar ryy ou.
Doy ouwantt omar ryme? "Heasked." Ist hisa
proposal ?"Iasked." No.It'sadi scussi on.Idon' t
wantt oputy oui nacor nerbyj ustpr oposi ngoutof
thebl ue.Iwantt oknowt haty ouwanti tsot hatIcan
planitandmakei tspecial.Ify ou' renotr eadyf orit
then, Icanwai t.That '
sall.Ijustwantust obesur e
andont hesamepage. "Heexpl ained.Ofcour sehe
does.Thi errywasr eall
ythought ful.Heal way smade
suret oi ncludemei nevery t
hi nghedoesandaskf or
myopi nion." Iwantt omar ryy ou.Ev ent omor row."I
smiled.Heki ssedmesl owl y.Imi ssedhi m somuch.
Especi allybecausewewer ebei ngst alkedbymy
granwecoul dn'tevenkiss.Hi sphoner ang.Real l
y ??
"Leav eit.Don' tansweri t."Iwhi sper edonhi slips.He
obey edbutt hephonekeptr ingi ngandal ight
switchedoni nt hehouse.Cr ap!Hepul ledoutt he
phoneandst aredatt hecal lert henpr essedsi lent.
"Whati st hatabout ?"Iasked.Hesi ghed." I
'l
l t
el l
you
abitl ater.Baby ?Youshoul dgoi nsi de.Ineedt ot alk
toMoon. "Heki ssedmeagai nandl edmei nsidet he
house.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er66

Thenextmor ning,Igotreadywi thmysui tcases.

Oneoft hehel pers,putthem byt hesi t
tingr oom.
Aunt ycameoutandsmi led."FINALLY! !Hef inall
y
sawt hel i
ght."Shecackl ed.Ist aredather ."Itol
dy ou
hewoul ddisper seofy ousoon.You' r
enotwi fe
mat eri
al f
orThi erry.Heneedsawomant hatcan
takecar eofhi m andobey shim. "Bisowal kedi nand
staredather ."Whatar ey oulooki ngat, Mut eboy ?"
Shel aughedandwal kedaway .Bisostar edaf t
erher,
withanev i
llooki nhisey es."Hey .Letitgo.Leav e
herbe. "Isaidt ohim."Arey our eady ?
"Heasked.I
nodded.Mooncamedownt ous." Morni ng!I '
m not
happyabouty oumov i
ngt oyourownpl aceNoma
butIcanst i
llcomebot heryouaty ourhouse. "Moon
said.Ilaughed.Suddenl ythef rontdooropenedand
weal llooked." Shit
."Moonsai d.Ashor ty oung
womanwi t
ht hel ongestweav eI '
v eeverseen.Okay
that'
sal i
e.Itwaspr obably34inchesandIseei tal
ot
ofthatorsi milarinthiscit
y.IjustneverthoughtI '
d
seeit/them comei ntomyhome.Sowhowasshe?
Shehadv erylightskinandgr eeney es.Hel eftarm
hadtat t
oos.Shewasdr essedi ntheshortestdeni m
shorts,awhi tecroppedshi rt
,whiteblazerwi th
sleevespul l
edupandcombatboot s.Yes.Boot s.It
wasanant icli
maxofashoebecauset heout fi
twas
gorgeous, butnotasgor geousshewas.Agai nwho
i
st hi
s?" Shit
."Moonsai dagain.Thist i
meIl ookedat
him.Hewal kedst rai
ghttoherandhuggedher .
"Wher e'
smyson? "Sheasked." SothisisTshi amo's
mom? "Iaskedqui et
lytonoonei npar ti
cular."Thi
sis
Thierry'
ssister.Andal soTshiamo' smom butnoti n
thatway ."Bisosaid.

Whatway !!Howmanysecr etshasThierrykeptfr

om
me?Firsthehi dthefactthathewasaEur opean
bi
ll
i
onaire.Secondl y
,thathisenti
refamilyi
smadeof
bi
ll
i
onairessincet hebeginningofti
me, t
hirdl
ythat
hehadason, andnowhehasasi st
er/babymama?
Whatthehel l
doest hatevenmean? ?Aunt ycame
backi ntheloungewher eIwasst i
llstandi ngi n
shockandev er yoneel seexchangedgr eet i
ng." Oh.
You'rehome- "Auntasked." Andy ou' renot .Whatt he
fuckar eyoudoi ngher e?Mooni e, whati st hisol d
hagdoi ngher e?Ohwai t.
..the20mi l
li
onhasf i
nished
alr
eadynowy ou' r
ehopi ngt obechasedawaywi th
another ?Pathet i
c."Thissi ster/babymamasai d.As
muchasIhat et hisAunt y,Icringedatt hatst atement.
Ithoughtshewasdone, butnope." You' rest i
ll
peckingof fyoursi ster'
sf ami l
yal l t
hesey ear sand
havef ail
edtobui l
dsomet hingofy ourownwi t
h
R100mi ll
i
onov erthel ast20y ear s?Ev erysi ngle
ti
mey ou'r
eher e, Mom hast ochasey ouawaywi th
20mi lli
onbuty oucomebackev enpoor erthan
before.Whatdoy oudowi thmoney ?Tr ulyand
honest l
y.Howar eyoust il
l poor?Di sgust i
ng."Thi s
girl
said.BynowI 'dstartedt of i
ddl ewi thmybags
becauseIneededanexi t
." Andwho' st hisMooni e?
Wher e'sRia?Youbet ternothav egot tenmar ri
ed
againt oanothersecondwi fewhor e, Ipr omi set o
GodI '
llchaseheroutwi thmyshot gunl i
keIdi dthe
otherone! !
"Sheshout ed.Igotsuchaf right."Thisis
Thierry'
sgirl
friend.Hi sfutur ewi fe."Moonexpl ained
withachuckl e."NOWAYS! !Thigh-Thighi sget t
ing
mar ried! ????HOW?It houghthedi dn'thav eahear t
orapeni s!"Shescr eamed.Att hispoint,ifIwasl ight
Iwoul dber edf aced." Ishoul d'
v eknowny ou'dr ock
upher e."Thi errysai dashewal kedi n."Youdi dn't
answermycal llastni ght !You'dhav eknownIwas
ont heway ."Shear gued.Sot hat '
swhot hecal lwas.
"You'v edi sappear edf oray earandahal f.Idi dn't
knowy ouwer estillal i
v e.Ar eyoudonet err ori
zing
peopl e?Ihav et obewi thmywi fe."Thierrysai d
smiling.Hecamet omeandhel dmyhand." Babe,
thi
si sMar ti
na.Mar s, thisisNoma, mywoman. "
Mar tinacamet ohugme." Apl easur etomeety ou
butWher e'smyson, Thi err
y ?"Sheasked." Inhis
bedr oom get tingdr essed, pleaset rynott o- "Mar tina
hadal r
eadyr unof f.Iti sunt i
lnowI '
vereal izedt hat
theauntwasdeadqui etsi ncet hedr agshegotf rom
Mar tina.Thi er ryandBi sot ookmybagsoutt ot he
car.Moonwentupt of indRi a.Iwasl eftwi thAunt y
dearest ."Whatar ey oul ookingat ,whor e? "Shespat .
Iwasn' tev enupsetbecauseaf terwhatI 'vehear dI
actual l
yf eltsor ryf orher .Ishookmyheadandwent
upt of indmygr an.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er67

AfterI '
dar ri
v edatmynewapar tmentandset tl
edi n.
Mygr anwasqui t
ehappyt hatIwasf inall
yliving
aloneawayf rom Thierrybutdoessher eali
zeonce
shel eav es,I'm stil
lgoingt ov i
sithishouseandsl eep
withhi m?Il etherbe." Don' tyouwantt obewi thy our
sister?NomaandIhav eal unchr eservation
together ."Mygr ansai d.Thiswoman." Oh, ofcour se.
Uhm. .Okay .Cal lmei fyouneedany thing."Thi erry
saidandawkwar dl
yhuggedmebef orewal kingout .I
wentt ounpackmysui tcases, upset.Act uall
y ,Iwas
angr y.Angr yt hatmygr anwon' tl
etmel ivemyl i
fe.
"Ha.amnt anam, l
et'
sgonowsot hatwe' r
enotl ate."
Shesai d.Iwant edtot ell
herI '
m notgoi ngany wher e
butbecauseoft her espectIhav eforher ,Ikeptqui et
.
Thierryhadl ef tmewi thadr i
vert otakeme
anywher eIwant ed.Mygr angav ehimt headdr ess
andwedr oveaway .Howcoul dIt ellt
hisl adyt ogo
homewi t
houtsoundi nghor ri
ble?I t'
snotasi fwe' r
e
enjoy i
ngt hisv i
si tbecauseshe' seithersilentor
chasi ngThi erryaway .West oppedatar estaur ant
andmadeourwayi n.Shel ookedqui teexci tedwi th
hersel f.Inot i
cedt hatther estaurantwasempt y.
Wei rd." Ithinkt hey 'reclosedma.Let '
sgo.I 'l
l getusa
tableatt hehot el."Isai d."No.They '
renotcl osed.
Thisi sf ory ou."Thembacameoutf rom theback
carryingabunchofr oses.Hebookedoutt he
restaur ant ?Forwhatr eason?" What 'sgoingon? "I
asked, myangerbubbl ingf r
om t hepi t
sofmyhear t.I
waitedf orar esponse.Thembaputdownt her oses,
andst eppedcl oser ."Iaskedaquest i
on."Isai d.
"Mnt anam, Thembahasspokent omeand
request edf ory ourhand.Hewant st opayLobol a.
"
Mygr ansai d.Ij ustst aredather ."You'vedeci dedon
yourownt hatwhet herIlikeitornotI '
m goi ngt o
mar ryhi m? "Iasked." It'
swhati sbestf ory ou. "She
saidst er nly."Icannotbel i
evey ou.Ican' tbel i
ev e
you'vedonesuchahor ri
blethingt ome.Icannotf or
thelifeofmebel ievey ouhat emel i
kethis!!Towant
tocont rol myl i
f eandwhoIl ove? ?Mama.I 'm aski ng
your ightnow, wheny ougetbackt omyf lat,pack
yourbagsandLEAVE.Don'tcontactmeunti
lyou'
ve
l
eft.AndwenaThembawi l
lmakesureshedoes.
Don'tevercal
lmeagain.St
aythehellawayf
rom me.
Youwantt oknowwhoIwi llmar
ry?Assoonas
tomorrow.THIERRYSTÖLTZER."Isai
dandstomped
outofthere.

Imadei tbackt oThi err

y '
shousewi thmysui tcases
l
essi nt hananhour .Itseemedast houghnoone
washome.It ookmyheav ybagsupt hest ai
rs."You
shoul dn'tbedoi ngt hat."Bisosai dandt ookmybags
from me." Thoughtnoonewashome. "Isaidand
foll
owedhi m up." What 'swr ong?Don' ty oulikethe
place? "Heasked." No.Iwantt ost ayher e.Idon'tsee
whyIshoul dn'tseei ngt hatI'
m get t
ingmar ri
edt o
Thierry."Isaid.Hest oppedatt hetopoft hest ai
rs
andl ookedatme." You' regoingt omar r
yhi m? "He
asked." Yes.I '
mr eadyt omar ryhim. "Iconf i
rmed.He
smi l
ed." Finall
y .He' l
lbet hehappi estmanonear t
h.
Trustme. "Heputmybagsi nThi er
ry '
sroom." Well
,
I'
m of f.Getsomer est,watchamov ie,eat.Thi er
ry
tookTshi amoout .MoonandRi awentt ot hedoct or
withKgosi .
"Hesai d." ThanksBi so.It hi
nkI 'l
lcookt o
keepmymi ndof fst uff."Wewal kedoutt her oom
andwentoursepar ateway s.Ipour edmy selfa
glassofwhi tewi neandst artedcooki ng.Iwas
maki ngal ambshankst ewwi t
hr ussetpot ato.
QuietlyIdr ankandcookedbymy sel funt i
l Ifelt
someonest aringatme.Il ookedbehi ndme.I twas
Mar t
ina.Iev enf or gotshewasher e." Alri
ght .SoI
thoughtwehadpai dchef sinthishousey ether ey ou
arecooki ng.Omg, ar ewebr oke? "Sheasked.I
chuckled." No.Icookt ot akemymi ndof ft hings.I t
i
rrit
atest hechef ssoIdoi twhent hey 'r
enot
l
ooking. "Iexpl ained." Sowhat '
sbot heringy ou? "She
pouredher sel fagl assofwi ne."Not hing, I'
mf ine."I
smi l
ed." Bitch, don' ttryit.Youj ustsai dy oucook
wheny ou'ret ry i
ngt ot akey ourmi ndof ft hingsand
voil
a, yourcooki nganddaydr i
nking.Notheal thyor
safe."Sheswal l
owedt hewi ne."Eww.Ineed
somet hingst rongert hant his.Whyar ey oudr i
nking
whitewomanbev erage?Wher e'sthepoi son? "She
searchedt hecupboar ds.Ilaughed.Mar tinadi dnot
haveaf i
lteratal l.Onceshef oundt hebev erage
cupboar d, shet ookoutacognac." So?What '
st he
probl em. "Sheasked.May bei twast heal cohol orit
wasj ustnothav ingsomeonet ot alktoaboutmy
probl ems.Ist art
edspi ll
ingoutaboutmygr anand
herr idicul ouspl ant omar rymeof ft oThembaand
thatI '
v ebasi cal l
yr unawayf r
om her .Mar tinawasa
goodl istener .Shej ustsatt hereandnodded,
drinkingherr awcognac." Soy eah.That '
swhyI '
m
back. "If inished." Yeah, It hinkImi ghtneedt equila.
Let'sdoshot s!"Shej umpedof fherseatandwentt o
fetchanot herbot tle.Thi sgi rl
."Youwantmyadv i
ce?
Takeoneshot ."Shesmi l
ed.Ir oll
edmyey esand
l
aughed." Comeon!I '
m al icensedpsy chiatrist.I
'm
theeDoct orSt öl
tzer .Theonl yonet hat '
snota
bil
lionai re."Shel aughed.Ishookmyheadand
downedt heshot .Thel iqui dbur nedi tselfdownmy
throatt omyst omach.Mywhol ebodycr i
nged.
"Woah. "Igasped." Okay , Noma, you' reanadul t.You
shoul dn' thav et orunawayf r
om y ourgr annyj ust
becausey ouhadadi sagreement .She' snotusedt o
thei deaofy ounotl isteningt oher .You' vebeena
goodgi r
l allyourl i
fe, li
steni ngt oher .Youhav en't
disappoi nt edheronce.She' sobv iousl ynotgoi ngt o
under standi tnow.Al so,ify ouwantt omar ryThi err
y
youneed- "Shest oppedandpour edanot hershot .
"Yourcredithasr unout ,takeanot hershot."Shesai d
withast rai
ghtf ace."Mar t
ina!!
"Ilaughed.She
crossedherar msov erherchest ."Fine!!Thisisthe
l
astone. "Idownedt heshotandshookmyshoul ders
offthetaste."Youneedt odoi tbecausei t
'swhati s
i
ny ourhear t.Youshoul dn'tdoittogetawayf r
om
anyone,notev enyourgr andma' sridi
culousmat ch
maki ngskill
s.ImeanPast orZondo?Real l
y?She
mustnotl i
key ouatall.Thatmani si nsuff
erable.
Hav eyouhear dhi svoice?Pr ett
ysur eGodhi msel f
roll
shisey eswi theverypr ayer.
"Ilaughedoutl oud.
"See?Imakepeopl ehappy .Bottomsup. "Shepour ed
anothershot ..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er68

Imanagedt ofinishcooki ngandswi tchedof fal lthe

platesbecauseIwasnowt i
psy,near ingdr unkand
didn'twantt obur ndownt hehouse.Mar t
ina
conv i
ncedmet oeatasandwi chwi thherqui ckl yand
Idid.Thenshegav emeabot tleofwat ert ofinish.I
feltal i
ttlebetter .I
twast imef ordinner ,the
sandwi chweat ewassupposedt osoakupt he
alcohol inourbel l
i
esandt hesmel linourmout hs.It
wasf unnyt obehonest .Wesatdownatt het able
andst aredateachot herthenbur sti ntolaught er .
Thisi sapr oblem chi l
d.MoonandRi acamei nf i
rst.
"Ahhh.Iknewt hissmel lwast hehandsofanangel .I
knewi t!"Moonsai dashesatdown.Ismi l
edl ikea
l
oonbecauseIf elttheywoul dnot i
ceI 'm drunk.Aunt
Mi mi,JessandTshi amocamet othet able."I
thoughty ou'
dl eftwithyourmot her."Aunt ysai dt o
me." It houghty ou'dlef
ttheci ty
.Pr ettybal l
syofy ou
tost ay ,
Ihav et osay ."Mar t
inasai dt oher .Aunty
keptqui etimmedi at ely
.Tal kaboutput t
ingsomeone
i
nt hei rplacebutwhywasAunt yscar edofMar tina?
Thierrywal kedi n."Hey ."Hesmi ledbr ight l
yand
kissedmyl i
pst henl ookedatme." Wer ey oudr in-"
Hel ookedatMar t
ina."Youhav en'tev enbeenher e
24hour sandy ou' recor rupt i
ngmywi fe.
"Hesai d,
sitt
ingdown." Loosent het i
eony ourneckThi erry,
honest l
y, you'llhav eahear tattackanddi e."Mar ti
na
said.Igi ggl ed." Uh- oh."Moonchuckl ed.Wehadour
dinnerasMar tinat ol dusabouthert ravel s.Shewas
l
ivingi nNewYor kf orthepasty ear ."Howi swor k?"
AskedRi a."Tiring.I tisr ewar dingi not herway s
though. "Mar tinawi nked." Idon' tev enknowwhat
thatcoul dmean.Ar en'ty ouapsy chi atri
st ?"Moon
asks." YesI '
m apsy chiat ri
st.Yes, Ispeci ali
zei n
subst anceusedi sor ders.SoIgett omeetal otof
dealer sandaddi ctswi thl ongdi cks. "Shedr ankher
wine.Igi ggled.Ev enThi errycoul dn' thol di tin.This
wast hebestdi nnerwe' v ehad.Par tofi tbei ngAunt y
Mi mi wasqui ett hewhol etime.Af terdi nner ,wehad
somedr inks, sheex cusedher selfandwentt oher
room.Iwi shIwasl ikenor mal peopl e.Ihat et hatI
gotupandf ol
lowedhert here.Afteraf ewknocks,
sheopened." Ifyou'reheret ogloat,getonwi thit
quickly!
"Shesnapped." I'
m nother etogl oat.You
don'tdeservetof eelnotwant edbypeopl ewhoar e
yourf amil
y.Sortofl i
kewhaty oudot ome.Those
wor dsdon'tgounwar rantedma.You' l
lalway spay.
I'
m nother etogloatbutt osayI 'm Sorryf orhow
you'refeel
ing.Iforoneknowshowhur tf
ul i
tis.I'
l
l
speakt oMar ti
nat ocal mitdown.You' r
ef ami l
y.You
havet obecomf ort
ableher enomat terwhat ."I
tur
nedar oundandl eftwithoutherr esponse.

Backi nthel ounge, theywer esti

llt
alking."Hey!So
we'regoi ngoutt onight .Putonyoursluttyclothes."
Mar t
inasai d."Idon'thav eslutt
yclothes."Ichuckled.
"Ihadaf eel
ing.Okay ,
let'sseewhaty ougot .Ria,you
knowwhatt odo. "Shesai d,
gett
ingupandmar chi
ng
upstairs.Riafollowedher .Iwentupt omyr oom and
checkedmysui tcaseswhi chwerepackedsobadl y
becauseIwasi nar usht ogetoutoft hatapar tment.
Ilookedt hroughmycl othesandMar tinacamei n
carryi
ngashor tdr essmadeofsnakeski n."Thiswi l
l
l
ooksi ckeni ngony ourbody .Tr yi ton. "Shet ossed
met hedr ess." I
st hisreal ..."Iasked." Noma, Idon' t
buyf akemat er i
al,clothes, shoes, bagsandany thing
else.It'
sabadl ookf orme.Yes, that '
sr eal snake
skin.Don' twor ryi twon' thur ty ourski n.Ther e'sa
reasonTheSer pentchoseEv e.It'sGucci ."She
smi l
edsweet ly.Ihel dupt hedr ess.I tfeltsof tinmy
handsbutqui test rong." Thi si sr eal."Isai d, Almost
shocked.I tst il
lhadapr icet agon.Mar t
inaqui ckl y
toreitof f.SheknowsI '
dnev erputi toni fIsawi t.I
tri
edont hedr essandi thuggedmysnug." Damn.I
meanIknewy ouhadagr eatbod, butDAMN.That '
s
yoursnow.Ican' thav emypotbel lyr emi ndmeof
youev erytimeIputi ton. "Shebouncedoutt her oom.
Thierrywal kedi n." Baby ,I'm goi ngt o-"Hest aredat
me." Wow. "Hest opped." Thi smayhav emysi ster
wr i
tt
enal lov eri tandIhat et osayIl ovei t."Hesai d.
"I
t'snott oomuch? "Iasked." It'
sper fect .
"Hehugged
mef rom behi nd." Youknowwe' v enev ergone
partyingt oget her ?Thi sist hef irst."Isai d." I'
m not
goingwi t
hy ou.I t'syouandt hegi rl
s."Hesai d."Why
not?"Iasked." Ilov emy sel fenoughnott ogo
partyingwi thMar t
inaany wher enearme. "He
l
aughed." Whatdoest hatmean? "Iturnedt ol ookat
him."You' llfindoutsoon.It houghty ou'dhav elearnt
yourlessonf rom t hisaf ternoonbutcl earlyy ouhav e
ahardhead.Sogoodl uck. "Hechuckl ed.Ir oll
edmy
eyes.Mar ti
nawasn' tthatbad.Hehel pedmechoose
shoes, whi chwer ebl ackst r
apheel st hattiedt he
l
acesupmycal f.Idi dmymakeup, simpleand
natural."I
t stimef orSodom andGomor r
ah, bitches!
TheRol l
sRoy cei swai ting."Mar t
inay ell
eddownt he
passage.Thi errywal kedmeoutandwewai tedi n
thesitti
ngr oom." Soy ourmom?Whathappened? "
Heasked." She' stry i
ngt opar tnermewi thThemba.
SoIt oldt hem bot h, it'
snothappeni nginaki ndof
fedupway .ThenIt ookal lmyt hi
ngsandl ef t
.The
'
lunch' wast hei ntroduct ionofapr oposal from
Themba. "Isai d."Oh. "Henodded." Pleasel eti tbe.
Theygott hemessage.Ichoosey ou.Al way sand
forever."Ikissedhi sl i
ps." Ilovey ou,Noma.I
promi seI'llalway stakecar eofy ou."Hesai d.
Mar t
inaandRi acameoutandi twast imet ol eave
forouradv ent ure." Letmechecki fLindi i
sar ound.
She'soneofmybestf ri
ends. "Imadet hecal landwe
agreedt omeetatmyhot elsot hatwecansee
Symonaswel l.Wemadeourwayoutt hehouseand
twoRollsRoyceWrait
h'swerewaiti
ng.TwoRange
Rover'
swereescort
ingusassecur i
ty.Oneinfront
,
theotheri
ntheback."Braveofyoutowantt opart
y
withdemons."Mart
inasaidasshegoti nthefi
rstRR.
IcouldNOTtakeherseriousl
y,sur
ely
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er69

IntheRR, wer et hreebot tlesoft equila,ginand

vodkai nt hator der .Marspour edust woshot sof
tequilabef oret hecarev enmov ed.Ri ami xedt hegin
ont hesideandgav ememygl ass.Wef i
nallylef tt
he
proper t
yonourwayt othehot el
.Uponar r
ival,I
noticeditwasqui t
ebusy .Mywor kmodewas
tappingi ntomybr ainsoIwentt other ecept iondesk
tocheckouradmi n."I
'l
lhav eyourbody guardcar ry
yououtoft hatdesk, Noma.Don' tev ent ryme! !
"
Mar sy el
led.Il eftinstantly, l
aughingl i
keachi ld.Up
i
nt her estaur ant,wegotat abl
eandSy monser ved
us."Youbi tchesl ookgoooood.Noma, getmeoutof
thi
sshi ft!"Syhi ssed." You' veonlytwoandahal f
hour sleft."Ilaughed.Li ndi madeherwayi nwhenSy
broughtusourdr inksandwest arteddr inking.Li ndi
andRi awer eal readydanci ngandaski ngf ort he
volume.For tunat ely,t
hedi nerswer enotbot her ed
andsuppor t
edt hecause.It ookt hisoppor tuni tyto
chatt oMar ti
na." Mar s,Iwantt oasksomet hi ngof
you."Isai d."Iknowwhati tis.Youwantmet ol ayoff
theol dhag.Iseehowy ouf eel sorryf orher .
Honest l
yNoma, y ouneedt obest rongert hant his."
Shesai d."Iknowbutt hewayIwasr aisedj ust
doesn' tsuppor tt his."Isai d."Shet reat sy oul ike
crap."Shest ates." Andt hat'swhyIdon' twanthert o
exper i
encei tbecauseIknowhowi tf eels."It ooka
sipofmydr inkt ol ubr i
cat emyt hroatandt he
stupiditycomi ngf rom i t."Fine.I'm notpr omi si ngt o
beni cet oherbutIwon' tbehor ri
bleei ther.Now
please, canwedr ink? "Sheasked.Igav ehermy
glassandsher ef ill
edi twi thgi n.Lindi andRi acame
backf rom t hebat hroom." Ithinkweshoul df inda
club,they '
llbecl osi ngher esoon. "Riasai d." Yeah,
I'
m wai tingf ort hatonet of i
nishhi sshi ft.
"Justt hen
Sy moncamewi thhi sbag." Timet ogol adies. "He
said."Youst il
lhav eanhourofy ourshi ftma' am. "I
said."Thej oy sofpar t yi
ngwi t
ht heboss.Youcan' t
stil
lbeupt i
ghtNoma. "Hewhi ned." WhataboutGar y?
He'sy ourmanager ."Isai d."Isuckedhi sdickand
afterhecamet wi cehet oldmeIcanl eav eear ly .
Nowcanwego?Damn."Hestompedhisfoot
.
"
HAHAHAA!Ilovehi
m.Let
'sgo,
li
tt
lesl
uts.
"Mart
ina
l
edthewayout.

Wemadei ttot hecl ubandwer eescor tedinbyour

bodyguar dstoaVVI Pt able.Icoul dn'thelpbut
not i
cemostofev er yonei nthecl ubwasst ari
ngand
point i
ng, otherskeptl ookingatt heirphonesand
backatus.I twasqui t
euncomf ortable."What 's
wr ong? "Mar saskedme." I
sitjustmeorev eryonei s
staringatus? "Iasked." Oht hey '
rest aringal r
ight.
Youdof orgetI '
m aSt öltzer?Riai saSt öltzerand
you'resoont obe.Doy ouwantmet ocloseof fthe
club? "Sheaskedcasual ly."No!!Iwasj ust
wonder ing."Isaid." Noonei sal l
owedt ot ake
pictures.Any thi
ngpubl i
shedwi thoutourper mi ssion
meansal awsui tthesi zeofpeopl e'sgener ational
l
ives.I '
l
l startwi t
ht heirgr eatgrandpar entsbef oreI
getdownt othecul pr i
t.Iwillr
uinf ami li
esf ory ou
Noma.Let 'sdr i
nk."Shegav emeadr ink.Itookasi p
andr eal i
zedt hehy pewasdy i
ngoutandIf inallyfelt
relaxed.Peopl ecar ri
edonwi tht heirli
vesandI
carriedonwi t
hmi ne.Dr inkingshot soft equilal ike
crazy .Wepl ayedagame, singingt hesongspl ay ed
byt heDJ, dancingont het able,spr ayingchampagne
i
nt heai r.Mar scal l
edt hemanagerov er.Shecl osed
thebarandboughti tout .Thecl ubdoor swer e
closedf orent ryandev eryonei nsidedr ankt heir
l
iversaway .Alltheal cohol wasdi stributedt oal l the
tables.Thepar t
ycar riedonal l t
hewayi ntomor ning.
Thecl ubfinallyranoutofst ockat9am.Byt henI
washangi ngonat hread.Sy monhadpassedouton
thecouchwi thLi ndi.Ri aandMar swer estil
l danci ng
andscr eami ng." Thel iquorst orei sopen, I
'
llcal lfora
deli
v ery."Mar ssai d."NO! !
!"Iscr eamed.Ical ledqui t
s.
Nof ucki ngway s.Shel aughedoutl oud.Iwasso
ti
red.MyGod.Wewer eescor tedoutt oourcar s.The
body guar dshadt ofi
r stcar r
yLi ndi andSyout .We
fi
nal l
ymadeourwayhome.Icannotbel ieveRi aand
Mar swer est i
lldrinking.Iwas5t opassi ngoutt oo
l
iket hoset woi nt hesecondRR.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er70

Athome, asIwal kedi n,ThierryandMoonwer e

sit
tingatt hedi ningt abl ehav i
ngbr eakf ast ."Haha!!
Shemadei toutal ive!!"Moonsai d." Barely."I
whisper ed.Myv oicewasbur nt ."
Ican' tsayIdi dn'
t
war ny ou."Thier rylaughed.Ir eallywasoutofi t.
"Mor ninggoodpeopl e! "Mar schi rpedi n.She' s
offi
ciallymyenemy ." Ineedt ohy dr atethi sone
quick."Shesai d." I
'm notdr inki ngany thingel sey ou
givemeMar ti
na."Isai dsternl y.Shesatmedown
andgav emeabot tleofwat erandaheadache
tablets."You'llneedt oeat ,dr inkt his,fi
ni sht hewater
andsl eep. "Sheor der ed.Idon' tevenknowwhatshe
meantbutIat eabi toff oodanddr ankt hepi ll
,
gulpingdownt her estoft hewat er.Thedoct orcame
i
nwi t
hacaseandsetupI Vdr ips.Iwast oot iredto
object.Hest artedwi thRi aandMar s."What 'sthat
for?"Iasked." Hangov er,l
ov e.OhIcan' taf fordto
l
oseadayofmyl if
etopainandsuf f
eri
ng."Mars
sai
d.I'vehadaf ewhangov ersi
nmyl i
feandwhatI
cantellyouisthememor ymakesmesi tdownand
waitformyI VdripbecauseIdidn'
tevendrinkthat
mucht hosetimessoIknowt odaywillmakeme
wantt odieoverandov er
."Gosleepfir
st,y
ou'l
ltake
yourI
Vwheny ouwakeup. "Thi
err
ykissedmyhead
andIwobbl edofftobedt opassout.

Iwokeupl atert hatdayf eeli

ngl ikedeat h.Iwentt o
thebathr oom andt hrewupi nt het oi
let.Ididn'tfeel
anybet ter.It ookabat h,washedmymout handwent
downst airs.Anyki ndofsoundf elt100t imesl ouder
i
nmyheadandIwasshaki ngf rom headt otoe.
Alcohol isnoty ourf r
iend."Ahh!Sl eepingBeaut y
awakes!Let '
sgoshoppi ng."Mar ssai d."Nott ool oud
Mar s.
"Iwhi sper ed.Li ndiandSy monwer eont heir
dri
psnow, andmi newasget tingr eady.Isatdown
andwat chedt hedoct or."If
eel li
keI '
m dy ing.Ican't
beli
eveIl ety out akemedr i
nkingmysoul away .
"I
saidtoMar s."Awww.It oldy ouy ou'r
ebr avefor
want i
ngt opar tywi t
hdemonsbuty ouhel dupwel l
.
I'
m proudofy ou."Shesmi led.Thedoct ortookmy
vit
alsandaskedmeheal thquestions.Ast heIV
dri
pped, wecaughtuponl astni
ght'sfesti
vit
ies.My
headachewasgoi ngawayandIcoul dfeelmybody
comi ngbackt oli
fe.IttookaboutanhourandIf elt
muchbet t
er.Ij
ustneededt oeatnow.Li ndiwant ed
togohomeandchange.Sy monwasaboutt ogoi n
forhiswor kshif
t."Meandy ouneedt ogoshoppi ng.
Showmet hehotspot s.Comeon! "Mar ssaid."I
barelygoshoppi ng,butIdohowev erwantt odo
somet hingtoday.Let'sgo."Isai
dcompl et
ely
forgett
ingabouty esterdayandhowi tstar
ted.Inev er
l
ear n.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er71

WesatatDol ce&Gabannawi thgl assesofgi nand

toni
c.Idi dn'
tev enknowwewer eal l
owedt odr i
nk
ginher ebuther ewear e."So. .
.yousai dy ou'reready
tomar rymybr other.
"Mar ssai d."Yes."Ismi led
l
eaningbackont hechai r."CanIasky ou
somet hing?"Iasked." Sure.Wassup. "Shet urnedt o
me." Wher eisTshi amo' smom? "Iasked." Shedi ed.
Yearsbacki nt hesameacci dentt hatdi sabl edhi m."
Shesi ghed.Ikeptqui et.Idi dn'tknowwhatel set o
say."Shewasal ovel
yl ady.I twasunf ortunat ewhat
happened.Hey ,Thierr
yt ell
smey ouhadanacci dent
too.Hewasr eal l
yscaredNoma.Don' tdot hatt ohi m
again."Shecal l
edf orar efillwhiletheshopassi stant
broughtmemynewsneaker s,newl ycust omswi th
mynameont hem.Iwat chedherpackagei tneat l
y
withabr ightsmi l
eonherf ace."Ipr omiseIwon' t.He
won'tgi vemet hechanceany way ,hehir edmea
dri
verandabodyguard.
"Itookasip."Good."She
smil
ed.Riawalkedi
ntheshopandsatwi thus.We
gotreadytomov et
oGuccinextbecausethatwas
Mars'favor
it
eshop.

Ididn'treall
yunder standt hest yl
eofGucci soIj ust
browsed.Mar sandRi awer esi tt
ingdown, fi
tt
ingon
shoes.Imademywayt othesmal l
erpiecesof
j
ewel rybutnot hingr eallycaughtmyey e.Myphone
rangandi twasThi erry.Ianswer ed." Babe? ""Mr s
Stölt
zer .Wherear ey ou? "Heasked.Me: "AtGucci ."I
said."Hmm.Seei ngany thi
ngy oul i
ke?"Ilookedata
purse." Notreall
y."Isi ghed.Idi dn'tev enneed
anythingher esowhywasIt rying?" Okay .Iwantus
togot odinnertoget her .Justmeandy ou.Imi ssy ou
myl ov e.Sotonightwegett obet oget heronl y."My
heartmel t
ed."I
'dl ovet hat.What 'st heoccasi on? "I
smi l
edl ikeasill
yl ovest ruckt eenager ."Justlook
sexyashel l
."Hesai d."IguessI '
l
l seey out onight .""I
l
ov ey oubaby .
"Hehungup.Myhear twasf loating.I
didn'
tr eali
zehowmuchImi ssedhi m unt ilnow.I
want edt ogetawax, mani ,pedi ,
af acial,everyt hing.
Thismanmustenj oyhi msel ftonight .Iwentov ert o
thegi rl
s.Li ndi hadar ri
vedaswel lwhi chIf oundqui te
odd.Shedi dn'tt ellmeshewascomi ngnei t
herdi dI
tel
l herwher eIwas.SheandMar swer efit
ti
ngon
shoes." Taket hem.Theyl ookgoodony ou."Riasai d.
"OhIcan' taffor dt heseRi .Thanky out hough. "Li ndi
said."Taket hem, I
'l
lpay ."Isai d.Theyal ll
ookedat
me.Li ndi wasmybestf ri
endandIknowshenev er
expect edmuchf r
om mebutIwant edt ospoi lher
once." NO! !"Shepr otested." Lindi,they 'reyour s.
Comeon.Wehav eal ottodot oday ."Icompl ained.
Shedi dn' twantt oheari t.Ialsodi dn'twantt of or ce
hersoIl etitbe.IknowI 'l
l j
ustgett hem f orher
birt
hday .Thatwayshecan' tfightme.Af terMar s
andRi apai df ort heirthings, Isuggest edaspa.It old
them whatIi ntendedandt heyal lagr eedt ojoinme.
SinceMar sandIdr ov eher et ogether ,wel eftfirst
andLi ndi followedwi thRi a.ThespaRi asuggest ed
wasnot hingshor tofl uxur i
ous.Iwassuddenl y
scar ed." I'
m st ar ti
ngwi thmywax, togett hepai n
overwi th."Isai d." Met oo.Let 'sgo.Yout wogoi ng
forfaci als? "Mar saskedLi ndi andRi awhoseemed
tonowbebest ies.Idi dn'tlikei t."
Ar en'ty oucomi ng
withusf orthewaxi ng? "Iasked." Uhh.No, Iwantto
startwithaf acial."Lindisaidlaughi ng."Why ? "I
asked."Noma!Jeal ousydoesn' tsuityou.LetLi ndi
gettoknowmor ef ri
ends.Whydoy ouwantt okeep
hertoy ourself?"Ri asaid.Iwal kedawaywi thMar s
whowasf i
xedonherphonesuddenl y."
Ev erythi
ng
okay ?
"Iaskedher ."Yes.Justsor t i
ngawor kemai l
.
Oneofmypat ientsr elapsed."Shesai d,
looki ng
genuinelywor ri
ed." I'
m sor r
yt oheart hat."Iwai t
ed
forhertof i
nish."Noneed.Iki ndaexpect edi t.
Anyway ,let
'sdot his."Iwentinf irst.

Oncewewer edone, wewentf orourmani andpedi .I

chosemedi um lengt hwhi tefi
ngernai lsandshor t
neatwhi tetoenai l
s.Wecont i
nuedt oourf acial
.All
thi
st i
me, Ihadn'tseenRi aandLi ndi
.Byt hetimewe
fi
nished,theyappear ed."Ididn'tseey ouguy sonce.
Wher edidy oudi sappeart o?"Iasked." Noma, I
'
m
goingtoneedy out ocalm downsi s.Hav eyouseen
howbi gt hi
splacei s?"Lindisaid.Isuppose.I treal
l
y
wasbi g.Mar shadst arteddrinkingforr ealnow.I
couldn'tgodownt histrainwithher ,
Ihadadat e.We
madeourwaybackt ot hemal l becauseshet hought
Ineededasexydr essf ortheni ght.If oundabody
huggi ngboobt ubedr essi nmyski ncol or.Ihad
whi t
esandal heel sI '
dpai ri
twi th.Ar g,Iwasso
excited.Wemadeourwayhome.I twasal readymi d
afternoonandI '
dst ar tget t
ingreadyi nanhour .Lindi
andMar swer ereal lygoi ngati t.Riahadgoneof fto
bewi thherbaby .Theset wower er eallyonl ygoi ngt o
sither eanddr ink?Iact uall
ywasgl adLi ndi washer e
becauseMar swoul dbebyher selft onightsi nceRi a
andIwoul dbewi thourmen.Ri ahador gani zedher
makeupar t
istt odomyf aceaf termyshower .Isat
witht heset wodr unkar dsast hear ti
stdi dmyf ace.
"Whatdoy out hi
nkt heoccasi oni s? "Mar sasked." I
don'tknow.May behej ustmi ssesme.Thi erryis
quiter omant ic.Iwoul dn'tbesur prisedi fhef l
ewme
toPar isjustt ospendt imewi thme. "Iblushed.
"You'reonel uckygi rl.I'
m sohappyf ory oumy
fri
end. "Lindi said, emot ionalandr eadyt ocr y.I
l
aughed." Thef ir
stt imeIspentwi thhi m, hef l
ewus
toCapeTown.Af terourf ir
stdat e.I magi ne.Iwasso
scaredt hinkinghe' dki dnappedme. "Theyl aughed." I
thinkhe' sgoi ngt opr opose.Ihopehedoes. "Lindi
says."Areyoureadytobemar r
iedNoma? "Asked
Mars.Ithoughtaboutitf
orami nut
e.Thiswas
somethingthoughtaboutformonths.IfThierr
ywere
toaskme.It houghtaboutever
yscenar i
o.Ithought
aboutwhatIwant edinahusband.Hewas
everyt
hing.Iwasready."
Yes.Iam."..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er72

Iwasdr essedandmadeupl i
keadol l
.Thecarwas
waitingout sideandImademywayoutt oi t
.Oneof
thebodyguar dswer est andingnextt otheopendoor
oftheRol lsRoy ce.Isl idinandhecl osedi tbehind
me.Icoul dn' twai tt oseemypar tner .Ialsocoul dn'
t
waitt obesoon- to- beMr sStöltzer.Thi swoul d
probablymakemygr annyhappysi nceherwhol e
problem wast hef actt hatThier r
ywoul dn'twantt o
mar ryme.Ideci dedt ogi veheracal l
.Sheanswer ed
almosti mmedi atel y."Hello?"Shesai df r
ant i
cally."Hi
ma.Unj ani? "Iasked." Oh.NguweNomakhwezi .Ar e
youwi thThemba? "Sheasked.Iaut omat icall
y
drained."No.I 'm notmama.I '
m onmywayt omeet
Thierryfordi nner.He' sgoi ngtopr opose. "Isai d,
hopingshesof tensup." Isee.Hav ey ouseen
Themba? "Sheasked." Mama, whati supwi thy ou
andThemba! !"Isnapped." Hayi Noma, awuzot het ha
nam kanj alo."(NoNoma, y ou'renotgoi ngt ospeak
tomel i
ket hat .
)"Mama, I'
m sor r
ybutI '
m aboutt obe
Thierry'
swi fe.Ihav enoi nt erestinThemba. "Isi ghed.
"Soy ousai d.I'm onl ywor riedaboutThemba
becausesi nceIl eft,hisphonehasbeenof f.Ilast
sawhi m whenhedr oppedmeatt hebusst ation.I
can'tgethol dofhi m andt hati sv eryodd.Themba
neverhashi sphoneof f
."Whenshesai dthat ,my
spinegr ewcol d.Shewasr ightaboutonet hing.
ThembaNEVERhashi sphoneof f.It
'salway son
ri
ngerandheanswer sitev eryt i
meexcepti fhe' s
preaching.Ev en3am, Icancal lhim andhe' l
l answer
andhav eaconv er sationwi thme.Sot hisobv i
ously
scaredme." I'
lltryandseei fIcanf i
ndhi m."Isai di n
defeat.AsmuchasIdi dn'twanthi m, Istill
want ed
himt obesaf e.Hewasmyf r
iend." Thanky ou
mnt anam.Ihav eav erybadf eel
ing.Pl easef indhi m.
Eveni fyoudon' twantt omar ryhim, i
t'sfine.Asl ong
ashe' sokay ."Thi swomandi dn'
tneedt ost ressme
anyf urt
herbutshedi d.Ihungupwhenwepul ledup
tother estaur ant,thedr ivercameoutt oopenmy
doorandIgotout .Thi errymetmeatt hedoorand
wewenti n.Ther est aurantwasempt yandassoon
aswegoti n,hecl osedt hedoor .I'm convincedt his
placedoesn' tmakeanypr of it.Ev erysecondday ,
it's
closedf orfami ly.Ithast obeamoneyl aunder i
ng
oper at i
on.I 'm obv iousl ykiddi ng, theSt ölt
zerf ami l
y
i
sf arf rom t hatty peofnonsense.Myboy f r
iend
pulledoutt hechai randIsatdown." Youl ook
gorgeousst handwasam. "Hesmi l
ed."Thanky ou
baby ."Ibl ushed." Ihadt hechef spr eparea3cour se
meal .Ourst artersi sfriedl iver sandoni on.Ical li
t
Trust .Whi chi swhatwebot hgav eeachot heri nt he
begi nni ngofourr elationshi p, thati showwe' ve
madei ther e."Imel ted.Thewai terbroughtt hedi sh
andal sogar licbreadont hesi de.It hankedhi m as
hepour edagl assofMer l
otf orme." Howwasy our
day? "Thi erryaskedme.It ookal ongsipofmywi ne.
"Fant ast ic,shoppi ngwasr elaxedandf un."Isai dlike
i
twasnor mal togol uxur yshoppi ng."You'llgetused
toit.You' remywi fe, y
oudeser veonl ythebest .
"He
said.Ist ar t
edeat i
ngandsmi lingi nbetween." And?
Howi si t?"Heasked." Amazi ng.I t'
ssosof tand
tasty ."Isai d."Thisi smyf avor itechef .Iwanty out o
meethi m.He' ll
wor kwi thy ouont hedinner sy ou
wantt opl an."InoddedasIl istenedcar efull
y ."What
elsehappenedt oday ?"Hedi ppedhi sbr eadi nt
he
gravyandtooki ttohi smout h."SoLi ndi appeared.I
don'tknowhowsheknewwher ewewer ebutshe's
suddenlybestfriendswi thRia."Ifrowned." Andyou
hatethisbecause...
."Ist aredathi m." Idon'thateit.
It
'sjustweir
d.""Youhav enot hingtowor ryabout,
l
ov e.Weallhavedi fferentf r
iendsf ordi f
ferent
reasons.Li
ndi i
sst i
llyourf ri
end, butal soRi a'
sand
Mar s.
"Heassur edme." Youdon' thav ef ri
ends..
"I
said."You'
retheonl yfriendIneed. "
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er73

Ournextmeal wast hemai n,asuccul entst eak

drippedi nsourcr eam.Iwasn' tabi gf anofi tbutour
tastebudsar edi ffer
ent ."Thi sisourmai n.Ical li
t
Lov e.Itwascar v edouti nt heshapeofahear t,see?"
Hebeamed.Igi ggl ed.Whywashesosweet .I
startedeating."SoIcal l
edmaear l
ierandshesai d,
Thembai smi ssing. "Iwat chedhi m eat ingwi t
hout
evenasl i
ghtshock." Missi ng?"Her epeat edand
l
ookedupatmewi thhi sbeaut i
fulgr eeney es."Yes,
mi ssing.Shesay shi sphonei soffev ersi ncehe
droppedheratt hebusst ation."Itookasi pofwi ne.
"Ormay behe'snotmi ssi
ng. "Hesai dcal ml y."But
whyi shi sphoneof f
? "Iasked." Could'vel ostit.
Coul d'vedecidedt owantper sonal spacef oronce. "
Heshr ugged.Hi scal mnessst artedt ost ressme
mor e."Hewoul d'vet oldsomeone. "Ist ated.Thi err
y
stoppedeat ingandl ookedupatmewi than
expressionlessface.Suddenlythatcoldfeeli
ng
cameback.Hebr okeintoasmi le."
Babe,people
aren'talwaysgoingtoasky ouforpermissi
onf ora
break.Thembai sgrown.Lethim be.Canweenj oy
ourmeal ?
"Iwasnotbacki ngdown.Notev enifhe
getsmad." I
'm goi
ngtor eporthim missi
ng."Isai
d
sternly."
Thatwoul dbeagr eatidea.Fornow, we
eat.
"Iat emyv egetablesanddr ankmywi ne.

Itwast i
mef ordesser tandmyhear twasbeat ing
real l
yf ast.Itwast i
me.Iwonder edhowhewoul ddo
i
t .Woul ditbei nthedesser t?Thewine?Woul dhe
kneel ?Iwassogi ddy.Ourdesser tcameandi twasa
chocol atemoussecakewi t
hascoopofv ani
llaice
cr eam ont heside.Ist art
edeat ingti
nybi tsandv ery
slowl ywhileThi erryspokeaboutwor k.Ieventually
finishedmypl atewi thnosi gnofar ing.Butt hen
agai n, t
hisisaEur opeanbi l
li
onair
e,whyonear th
woul dheputadi amondr ingincake?Al lhehast o
doi swhi pitout .I
thonest l
ycan'tgetmor e
i
mpr essivet hanthat.Att hispointIwasconsol ing
my selffordi sappointment .Hel edmet othe
couchesandwesatdown, cuddl ing.Al adyst arted
tosingont hest age, whenIl ookedcl osely,itwas
Zonke.Myhear tmel ted.Thi shadt obei t."Ilov eyou
somuchNoma. "Thierrywhi spered." Ilovey out oo
Thierry.Mor ethanany thing."Isi ghed.Thi swasi t.
Themomentwe' veallbeenwai ti
ngf or
."Ithinkwe
shouldf l
youtt oDur bant omor row.Af ewday st o
restourheads.I '
v ebeenwor kingl i
keamaddog. "He
said."Okaybaby ."Ismi l
edt hinkingt omor rowI 'l
lbe
walkingar oundashi sf i
ancei nDur ban."Letme
knowwheny ou'rereadyt ol eav e.I'
m beat ."He
yawned.Isatupandl ookedathi m." Whatdoy ou
mean? "Iasked." Wheny ouwantt ogohomebaby .
Unlessy oust il
lwantt olist
ent ot hemusi c.Thi s
l
ady '
sv oiceissoot hi
ng, Iwi l
l fallasleep."Hesai d.
Myhear tfellfl
atoni tsfacei fithadone.Idi dn' t
wantt ol eav e,Ithoughthe' dpr opose." I
'mr eadyt o
l
eav e."Ist oodupt oleav et hinkinghe' l
lstopmeand
kneel buthegotupandwal kedbehi ndmet ot hecar.
Whatt hehel l?
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er74

Wear ri
vedathomeandIwasl ivid.Hedidn'tev en
notice.Hej ustwal kedupt ot hebedr oom and
j
umpedont hebed, snoringalmosti mmedi ately .I
stormedoutt hebedr oom tothebardownst airs.
Mar swassi tt
ingont hecouchnur si
ngagi nbot t l
e.I
tooki tandpour edi tdownmyt hroat,r
egretti
ngi t
i
nstant ly.Li
kemyt hroatwassetonf ir
e."And
then?? "Sheasked." Hedidn'tpropose!"Ispat ."I
see...
"Shesatup." Howcoul dhenot ?Ithoughthe
want edt omar ryme. "Iwhined." Whydon' tyou
proposet ohimi nstead?"Shesuggest ed."Whati fhe
saysnoMar ti
na?Noway s.
"If oldedmyar ms." Fi ne.I
heary ou, l
et'
sgoout ."If
oll
owedheroutoft he
housebecauseI '
m st upi
d.

Wemadei tt
othecl
ubandsatdowni
ntheVVIP
sect
ionsi
ppi
ngonginandt
onic."
Sowhatar
eyou
gonnado? "Mar saskedmet akingashotoft equil
a.
"Idon' tknow.May beImi ghtt alkt ohi m abouti t
.
Per hapshenol ongerwant st omar ryme. "I
shr ugged.Myphoner ang."Ohhedef i
ni t
elywant sto
mar r
yy ou."Istar edathi snameonmyscr eenunt i
l i
t
stopped." Thenwhydi dn'thepr opose? "Iasked.
"Becausehedi dn' tknowy ouwantt hat.Thi erry
doesn' tforcemat tersorambushesany onei nto
doingsomet hingunl essheknowsf ullywel lthat'
s
whatt heywant .
"Mar sexpl ained." Soy ou'resay ingI
hav en'tlethim knowI '
mr eadyt omar ryhim? "I
asked." I'm saying, you'vebeent oof ocusedonmany
thingsandhedoesn' twantt odi sturby ou.Ther ewas
Themba, yourgr an, yoursist er,yournewj ob.I t
'salot.
Hedi dn'twantt oaddt othepr essur e."Myphone
rangagai n."Arey ougoi ngtoanswerhi m? "She
asked." No. "Ifoldedmyar ms." Hey .Don' tbe
stubbor n.Answert hephoneandgobackt oy our
man.I '
llbef i
ne.Sy monwi l
l bej oiningmesoon. "
Mar ssaidwhi ledanci ng."Fine.Af tertwodr inks,I'
m
goinghome. "
Twobot tlesandSy monl ater,Istartedseei ngdoubl e.
Mar sandSywer esmoki nghubbl yandIwasl ostin
thesmoke, l
aughi ngmyassof fli
keI '
m hi gh.I
openedmyey esandr ighti nfrontofmest ood
ThierrySt ölt
zer .Iblinkedt hreetimest obesur eand
yep, i
twashi m.Ist oppedl aughing.I '
mi nt rouble
now.Hedi dn'tlookpl easedatal l
.Icoul dn'tevensee
wher eMar sandSywer e."Takey ourbag, we're
l
eav ing.
"Hepr obabl ysai d, butIcouldn'thearat hi
ng.
Itsoundedl i
kebubbl esi nmyear ssoIkeptl aughing.
Nextt hingmyey esar espi nningandI '
m suddenl yhi t
withdi r
ecthar shlight .Ireal i
zeI'm outside.Thecar
drivesof fwithmei nsi deit.Themot ionsmakeme
sick.Agai n,thebubbl esound.Thecarst opsanda
doornearmeopens.It hrowupout sideont he
pav ement .Lor dsav eme.Wegett omov i
ngagai n
soonandt hi
st i
mesl owerandIf al
l asleepi nthe
seat .

Thenextti
meIwakeupI '
minadar kroom,myhead
i
spoundingli
kesomeoneranan18wheel ert
ruckon
i
t.Mywholebodyisshaki
ng.Iwanttocrysobadbut
I'
m afraidi twi l
lhurt.Thi errywal ksi nandst aresat
me.Ican' tlookathi m.I '
m embar r assed." Well?"He
asks."Hel lo."Isaywi thacr i
spbur ntv oi ce.Het akes
adeepbr eat hintopr epar esay ingsomet hingbut
exhalesi nstead, wal kingout .Itseemsl ikehour s
l
ater,probabl ywasn' t, buti tfeltl i
kei t
.Hecomes
backi nwi tht hedoct or.I '
m sogr at eful Icoul dki ss
hisfeet.Hechecksmyv italsandhooksupmyar m
totheI V.Thi erryleav est her oom agai n.Thedoct or
want stosaysomet hi ngbuthe' sscar ed.Heck, I
'm
scared." Youri ronisv eryl ow. "Hewhi sper s,asif
Thierrywi llhearhimf rom wher ev erhe' sgonet o.I
don'trespondt ot his." I'
llgiv ey ouasuppl ementf orit
.
Takei tev erydaypl ease. "Hecont inues." Whyar ey ou
scared? "Iasked.Honest l
y ,Ididn' tunder standhow
myheal thwashi sf aul t."I'
my ourdoct or.Youcan' t
fal
lsicknearme.Hewi llpun- "Thi er rywal kedi n."Is
i
tdone? "Heasked." YesMrSt öltzer ."Hepackedhi s
thi
ngs, strategicallyIopenedt hedr awer , hepopped
i
nabot tlewhi l
eItidiedt hel ittl
edesk.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er75

Icoul dhearshout ingint hepassage.I 'dfallenasleep

aftermyI V."NoMar ti
na!!You'renotallowedt osee
her!!Youwi l
lNOTcor ruptmywi f
ewi thy our
dri
nki ng!"Thierryshout ed."She'
snoty ourwi f
e!!
Nomai sSINGLE.Shecandowhat everthehel lshe
want s!Youdi dn'tmar ryher !
!"Marsshout edback.
Thati st hefi
rsttimeI '
vehear dany onebesi desMoon
shout ingatThi erry.Iaut omat i
call
yshiv eredinfear.
"GETTHEFUCKOUTOFMYHOUSE! !
!!"Thierry
quaked.Iwasf rozeni nbed.Fr ozenandscar ed.I
want edt ogetupbutIcoul dn't
."NOOWW! !!
"He
roared.Ihear dst ompi ngandadoorsl am.Iwast oo
afraidt ositupal thoughi twasqui t
elightout
meani ngitwasdayt ime.Mydooropenedbutt he
footstepswer elight.Itwast hechef,he'dbr ought
mef oodt oeat.If eltmuchbet terandr eadyt o
i
ndul get obehonest ."Thanky ou."Myv oi
cewasst il
l
crisp.Hemadehi swayoutandIst art
edt oeat .
Thi err
ymar chedi n.Ishiv ered.Hewentov ert ohis
sideoft hebedandf i
ddledwi thhisiPad.Iateas
slowaspossi blebecauseIknowhewoul dn'tt al
kto
me, whileI'm eating.Iev entuallygotful
l."Weneedt o
l
eav esoon.Thepl aneiswai t
ing."Myheadspun.
"Plane?Why ?"Heshotmeadeadl yglare."Whatdi dI
sayt oy oubef orey oudeci dedt osneakoutwhi l
eI
wassl eepingandgodr inkwi thMar ti
naSt öltzer?"I
thoughtcar efull
y.Hewassopi ssedhecal ledherby
herf ullname." Wewer egoi ngt oDurban?"Iguessed.
"Arey ouaski ngme? ?"Heasked." No."Isaidwi t
ha
smal l
v oice."
I'll
meety oui nthecar .
"Hewal kedout .

TheplanelandedinDurban,andcamet oast i
ll
.We
madeourwayof fandthr
eeblackedoutMer cedes
Benzdrovei nt
opickusup.Allthewayher ehe
hadn'
tevenspokent omeonce.Notev enapeep.I
washurtshame.Isatinthebackseatoft hefir
stcar
knowi
ngi twouldannoyhim butinst
ead, hegotin
thedr
iverseatanddroveoff
.Thesecondandt hir
d
carwasfollowi
ngwi t
hthebodyguar ds.Byhi s
phonecal l,Iest ablishedwe' r
egoi ngt oStLuci a.I
didn'thav emuchi nmybagexceptadr ess, pants
andt shirt
.Ineededt ogoshoppi ng."Pleaset akeme
tot hemal l
.Ineedt ogetmor eclothes."Isai d.He
didn'tr espond, justdr ov equi et
ly.Thecardr oveinto
Gat ewayMal landst oppedatanent rance.Hepul l
ed
outhi scardandhandedi ttomest aringatmei nthe
rearv iew."Soy oucangi vemey ourmoneybutwon' t
speakt ome? "Iasked." Itol
dy ouI '
ll
alway st akecare
ofy ou.Regar dlessofouri ssues."Hesai dst i
ll
glaringatme." Idon' twanty ourmoney .
"Ist ated.
"Toobadbecausey ou'regoi ngtot akei tunl essyou
wantmybody guar dst of oll
owy oual ldayl ong
buy ingany thingy out ouchandanyst or ey ouwal kin
to."Iknewhewasn' tbl uffi
ng.Hehadt hatf acehe
alway shasofdet ermi nation.Itookt hecar dandgot
outt hecarsay i
ngt hanky ou."Andy oubet terspend
i
t!"Heshout edaf terme.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er76

I'
dtakenoutmyangeronhi sbankaccount .Iknow
hedidn'tfeel athing.I'dboughtabr andnew
MacBookandev eryaccessor yIlikedf ori t.Ibought
anAppl eWat chtoo.Iwentt oChecker sandbought
20GBofdat aformysi ster.Shemayannoy
somet i
mesbutshewasst il
lmysi st
er .Ibought
mom R500wor t
hofai rt
ime.ThenIsentt hem R5000.
OnceIwasdonewi t hmyf ami l
y,Iwi thdr ewan
addit
ional R5000, deposi ti
ngi tinmysecr etsav i
ngs
bankaccount .Iwonderwhatt hewi thdr awal l
i
mi t
wasf orThi erry
'scar d?I '
m sur eitwasmay beR20k
ormor e.Iwentt obuyshoes.Sev ensneaker sand
sevenpair sofheel st obeexact .Iwentt oZar afor
cl
othes, t
henhoppedt oWool worthsf ormor e
cl
othes.Byt hetimeI '
dfill
ed3t r
olleys, Ist i
llwasn't
ti
red.Thebody guar dspr obablywer e.Onet ookthe
i
temst ot hecar .Iwonderi fIcanbuyacarwi ththi
s
card."Takemet oUmhl anga. "Isai d."Yesma' am."
Thebody guar dsai d.Il
ikedt hisonebecausehe
didn'tquest ionmeorl ookatmef unny .Wehadt o
travelint wocar sbecauseI '
ddeci dedt obeext ra.At
Umhl anga, Iwal kedi nacardeal ershipandwas
greetedbyasal esman." Doy ouhav eanywomen
sell
ingcar s? "Iasked." Yes,Por ti
aov ert herej ust
startedt womont hsago."Themansai d."Good.
She'llhelpme.Ial r
eadyknowwhatIwant ."My
phoner ang.FI NALLY." MrThi errySt öltzer ?"I
answer ed.Thesal esmanst aredatmet henr ealiz
ed
thebody guar ds." Whatt hefuckar ey oudoi ng? "
Thierryasked." Yougav emey ourcar d.Yout oldme
tospend.NowI '
m spendi ng."Ist ated." You' r
eata
cardeal er shi p."Hesai d."Cor rect.Iwantt obuya
car."Isaidl ooki ngatPor ti
a,asshest oodi nf rontof
mesmi ling." You' refi
ghting.You' renotgoi ngt obuy
acar .Getoutoft hereandcomehome. "Thi errysaid.
"I
'm def i
nit elybuy ingacar .Didn'ty out ellmet odo
what everIwantwi thyourmoney ?You' rer estr i
cti
ng
meThi erry ?You' retryi
ngt odepr ivemeofwhatI
want ?"Ishout ed.Hekeptqui et."Goodby ethen. "I
said."Fine.Buyt hedamnt hingandcomehome.I '
l
l
contactthedealershipmy sel
fbecauset heywon' t
authori
zepay mentf r
om thatcardwi thoutme
present.Wheny ougett hatcar,you'r
ecoming
strai
ghthere.Doy ouunder standme? "Hebr eathed.
"No.I'
m alsogoingt obuyahouse- ""
Youcan' tbuya
houseinanhour !!Getint hi
shousei mmedi atel
y !
"He
hungup.Good.He' spissed.IsmiledatPortia."Show
met helatestPorsche."Isaidsweet l
y.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er77

I'
dgot tenmycar .Itwasabeaut iful wor kofar t.It
wasabr andnewPor scheMacanTur bo, j
etblacki n
colorwi thr edleat herseat s.Iwasl uckyt ogeti t
becauset heyusual l
yor dercarsandbui ldt hem to
thespeci f
icationoft hebuy er.Ididn'twantaddon' s
anyway .R1,8mi lli
onl aterIdrovet ot hehouse.The
body guar dsf ollowedwi ththeot hercar s.Onebehi nd
andonei nfront .IknowThi errywasf ur i
ousandt o
behonestIdi dn' tev enwantaPor sche.Hewasr i
ght,
Iwasl iterallyfighting.Thecari nfrontofme, tur
ned
i
ntoadr i
vewayandev enthoughi twasmyf ir
sttime
here,Iexpect edi tt ol ooklikethis.Not hingshocked
meany mor e.Iknowt heSt öl
tzerfami lywel l,t
hey
don'tski mponsecur ityandaccommodat ion.I
parkedmynewbabyandwal kedt ot hef rontdoor .I
openedandwenti n.Thi errywassi t
tingi nt helounge
withagl assofwhi skeyi nhishand.Hewasshaki ng.
Suddenl ymyhear tst opped.Idi dn'tr ealizehow
angryhewoul dbe." Howdar ey ou."Hehi ssed." You
weret heonewhot hr eat enedmet ospendy our
money ."Istatedbol dl yev ent houghmykneeswer e
buckling." Thisi snotaboutt hef ucki ngmoney !
!!
"He
screamedt hrowi ngt hegl assagai nstt hewal l.Igota
fr
ight, backingawaysl owl y."Thisi sabouty ougi v
ing
MEanul t
imat um.Thr eat eningt oleav emewheny ou
KNOW y ou'vedonewr ong!You' retheonet hatsnuck
outtogogetpi ssdr unkatt hecl ub.Showi ngof f
yourf ucki ngtits!!
!Get tinghi ghasshi t!
!!AndI '
mt he
onet hat 'swrong? ?"Hequaked." Inev ershowedof f
myt i
t-"" Iwasst andi ngr ightt herei nf rontofy ou
wheny oupul l
eddowny ourf uckingdr essand
fl
ashedy ourtits!!
!Ist hatwhaty oudoi nthecl ub? "
OhGod.Ial mostgi ggl ed, wasIt hatdr unk?" I
'
m sor r
y
Thierry.I '
m sor ryforsneaki ngout ,f orget ti
ngdr unk
andact ingaf ool .Itwon' thappenagai n."Sincer el
y,I
meanti t."Youbeti twon' t.IthoughtIcoul dt r
usty ou
Noma, nowIcan' tlety ougoany wher ewi thoutan
armedbodyofguar dsanddon' tev ent ryget t
ingout
ofthat .Onef oolishactandt hey '
llcar ryy ouar ound
l
ikeasackofpot atoes, tryme. "Hest ormedoutt he
l
i
vingr
oom.

Iaskedt heguar dstobr i

ngmyshoppi ngbagsi nand
placet hem i nt hel i
vingr oom.Iwant edt osor t
ever ythingoutt here.Itwasqui temessybutwewer e
aloneher eany wayandI '
dcl eani tuponceI '
m done.I
foldedmycl othesni celyandt ookt hem upt othe
bedr oom.OnceI 'dcleanedt hel i
vingr oom, Iwentt o
takeabat h.I twaswar m andsoot hingsi ncemyl egs
wer et iredf rom al ltheshoppi ng.Imademywayout
tot hebedr oom.Thi errywast her e,standingi nthe
mi ddleoft her oom.Hest aredatmybody ."Dinneris
almostr eady .Wehav eguest s."Hesai d."I
'llget
dressedandbedownshor t
ly.
"It ookoutar edt hong
andsl i
ppedi ton." Any thingel se?"Iasked.Het ur
ned
aroundandwal kedout .Iwor eabl ackof fthe
shoul derdr esst hatcutof faftermykneepai ringit
withbl acksl iponheel s.If i
xedmyhai randwent
downt ot hedi ni ngroom.Ourguest swer eMoon,
Bisoandanot herguywhol ookedscar yashel l
.I'
ve
nev erseenahi tmanbef orebuthel ooksl ikeone.I
greet edev eryone." Wher e'sRi a?"IaskedMoonaf t
er
settli
ngdown." Shest ayedbehi ndt hist i
me.
Appar entlyIbor ehernow. "Ichuckl ed." Youboughta
newPor scheThi er r
y? "Heasked." No. "Thi errysaid,
standi ngbyt hebarpour i
nghi msel fadr ink."Ther e'
s
aPor schei ny ourdr i
v eway .
"Moonst ated." Iknow. "
Thierr ysaidempt y
inghi sgl assdownhi st hroat.
"Whodoesi tbel ongt othen? "Moonasked.
"Nomakhwezi ,doy oumi ndanswer ingMi chael his
veryst r
aightf orwar dquest i
ons? "Thi erryasked." I
t'
s
mi ne."Isai d.Moonl ookedsur pr i
sed." Youboughta
Por sche?That '
sf ant astic..
.It hink.Isenset ension."
Thehousewentqui et ."I
'llneedsomeonet oexpl ain
whyt here'st ensi on."Moonsai dmor eser iously.
"Ther e'stensi onbecauseIusedhi scar daf t
erhe
toldmet o."Istat ed." Real l
y??REALLY
NOMAKHWEZI !!"Thier ryexpl oded." Okay !!Hol don!!
Thierr y,whathappened? "Moonst oodi nf rontof
Thierr y."Yourl i
ttleangel wentdr inkingwi thMar t
ina
Stöltzeragai nandwentwi ldati t.If oundheri nthe
clubhi ghasshi t,notev enknowi ngwhoshewas.
Thenshehast heaudaci tytobemadatmewhenI '
m
theonef uri
ousather .Sheasksmet odr opherat
themal ltogobuyher selfclot heswhenwegether e
andwhatdoesshedo?Buy sher selfaf ucking2
mill
ionRandPor sche.DoesshewantaPor sche?
Askher ."Hef umed.Bi sogi ggl ed." Noma, doy ou
wantt hePor sche? "Ishr ugged, trulyIdidn'twanti t
butnowt hati t'
sher ewhatwi ll Ido?Ican' tadmi t
thattohi m.I 'dr atherdi ethanadmi tIwast edal most
R2mi l
li
ononsomet hingIdon' tev enwant ."Okay .
Noma, didy ouapol ogizet oThi erry?"Inodded.
"Thierr
ydi dy ouacceptherapol ogy ?"Moonasked.
"No.I'm stillangr y .Honest ly.Sheshout edatmeon
thephonel ikeI 'm achi ld,givingmeul t
imat ums! !
That '
swhyI 'm angr y.Howcanshedot hat!
"Hespat .
"Alr
ight,Nomawhyar ey ouangr yatThi erry?
BecauseI 'v egonet hrought hi spl ent yt
imesbef ore.
Thatisar ev engepur chase.Youdon' twantt hatcar .
Itgothisat t
ent ionasy ouknewi twoul dsoWhat '
s
wrong? "If oldedmyar msr ef usi ngt osayany t
hing.It
waschi ldishIknowbutIwasn' taboutt ogetof fthis
veryhighhor seIwason." Thi si swhyIcan' tget
mar ri
ed.Nof ucki ngway sI'dl etsomeoneswi peR2
mill
ionof fmycar d.We' dhav et of ight,
f i
stsandal l
."
Themy ster ymansai dasi fany oneaskedhi m." See,
youdon' thav eR2mi l
li
ont of i
ghtov erGlensoy ou
cansi tthisoneout .
"Moonsnapped.Bi sol aughed
outl oudt hist i
me." Stil
l,i
fIhadi t.
"Glenar gued."But
youdon' t.That '
st hepoint.Thepoi ntisthaty oudon' t
.
Agai n,sitthisoneoutGl en."Moonsai d." Idohav e
moneyi nmyaccountev eni fIwasabi l
lionai r
e,I'
d
nev erletsomechi ckhav eherwaywi t
hmymoney ."
Moont urnedt olookathi m." Sayonemor et hing.
"
Sil
ence." You.You.Bedr oom.Now. "Moonsai d
point i
ngt omeandThi erry.Iwentupt omyr oom
i
nst antly,foll
owedbyThi er r
y .Nomat t
erhowni ce
Moonwas, hewasv eryscar ywhenangr yandnowI
didn'thav emuchofachoi cebutt ot al
kt oThi er
ry.
"Youdi dn'tpr opose. "Isaid.Itwasj ustt het woofus
nowi nourr oom.Nor easont oactout ."Whatdoy ou
mean? "Heasked." Ithoughty ouwer egoi ngt o
propose.Dur i
ngourdi nner .
"NowIsoundedst upid.
"Youwantt omar ryme? "Whatast upidman.Of
cour seIwantt omar ryhim buthewasnotaboutt o
heari tfr
om me." Noma, whydi dn'
tyouj ustsayso?
Isthiswhat 'sgoi ngtohappeni nourmar riage?You
refuset ot alkanddeci det ogodr i
nk?AndwhenI 'm
mady oupur chaser i
diculoust hings?"Heasked." My
cari snotr idiculous."Idef ended." I
tis,seei ngI
alreadyhav e4Por sche'sandt hey '
requi tebi g.So
yeah, yoursl ooksal i
ttl
eridiculous, Iexpect edmor e
from y ou."Didhej ustdissme?" Ithi nki t'
scut e."I
said, f
oldingmyar ms.Hewal kedt ome, pulli
ngopen
myar ms." Whatshoul dIexpectnext ?Ay acht? "He
asked." May be. "Iwasmel ting."Ial readyhav et wo
butt henextt i
mey ouwantmyat tent ion,wal k
aroundl iket his."Heunzi ppedmydr essandi t
descendedt ot hef l
oor."MayIpl easehav ey ou? "He
asked.Il ookeddownathi sgr owi ngdi ck."Begme. "I
said.Hekneel eddownbef or emeki ssi ngmyt highs.
"Please? "Hiski ssesni bbli
ngont hef abr i
cofmy
under wear .I'
m buckl ing.Hishotbr eat ht ouchingmy
skin."Yes. "Iwhi sper.Her ipst het hongi ntwoand
bef oreIpr otest, hi
slipsdev ourmypussy .I
'm weak
att heknees.Hi sskil
ledtonguet wi rlingonmycl it
l
ikeabut tont hatcont r
olsmywhol ebody .Amoan
escapesmyl i
ps." Youdr i
vemef ucki ngcr azy .
"He
mumbl edi nbet weenmyf oldsandr ightt her e..
.I
l
osemymi nd.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er78

Wel ayineachot hersar ms,nakedonbed, under

cov ers.I'
m beami ngthatIhav emyboy fri
endback.
"I
'm sor rybaby.Ishoul dn'thav eact edout .
"Isayt o
him." You'reforgiven.Imustsay ,Iwasheav i
ly
surpr i
sedwhenIhear dy ouar eatPor sche.Idi dn't
thi
nky ouhadi tiny ou.I 'm proud. "Hesmi l
ed."Idon't
knowi fIwanti t
."Iconf essed." Iknowy oudon' t
sthandwasam buti t
'sher enow, nothingwecando
abouti t
.You'l
ljustusei twheny ouf eellikeit.We
canev enleaveither e."Heki ssedmyf orehead." Do
youknowwhywe' reher e?"Heasked." Ami ni
vacat i
onf orus.You' vebeenwor kingal ot."Isaid.
"AndIwantt omakey out hehappi estwoman.Il ove
i
twheny ousmi le."Heki ssedmyl i
ps.Il ookedi nto
hisgr eeney esandsmi led."Ilov ey ou."Myhear twas
genui nelyfl
oating.Besi destheamazi ngst r
okeshe
gives, Itr
ulydidn'tseemy selfwi thany oneel sebut
hi
m.Ifel
lasl
eepaftert
hat.Iwasn'
tthathungr
yreal
ly,
most
lyti
redbecauseofthewholedayofshopping.

Thenextmor ningIwokeupt oThi erryst ar

ingatme.
Heseemedv erydeepi nthought .Notl ooki nggood
l
ikelov e, orjoy .Justdeepser ioust hinki ng.Whenhe
real
izedIwasawake, hisfacial featur essof tened
i
ntoasmi l
e.Thatwar medmyhear t
." Goodmor ni ng
myl ove.Ior gani zedapi cnicat12. "Hesai d." Oh?
Goodmor ning.Whatt imei sit?"Ist ret ched." 10: 45.
Youpassedoutl astnight.Ididn' twantt odi stur b
you."Hi sv oicewasdeepr usty, sendi ngchi llsdown
mybody ."Thanky ou.Fort akingcar eofme.Ev en
whenIgetony ourner ves."Igiggl ed." Takeabat h,I
needt osendaf ewemai l
s."Heki ssedmycheekand
gotup.That 'swhenIr eali
zedhewasal ready
dressed.Iwentt oshoweri nsteadanddr essedi na
whitebar biedol l dress.Iwor eapai rofnudest r ap
heels.Asmuchasi tsapi cnic, not hingThi er r
yev er
doesr equi resy out odr esscasual .Il ear ntt hatf rom
hismot her .Hewasn' treadyt omar rymeandt hat 's
fi
nebutIst il
l neededt oconductmy sel fasaSt öltzer
i
npubl icandt hatst artswi thl ooki nggood.TodayI
deci dedonashor tcur l
ywi gandv eryminimal make
up.Packedaf ewessent ialsi nmynewt otebagIgot
from St eveMaddeny ester dayandIwentdownst airs
tomeethi m.Bi sowasi nt hel ounge." HeyPr incess. "
Hegr eetedmewi t
hahug." HeyBi so.Howar ey ou?"
Iaskedhi m." Fant astic.Lov et hePor sche.Itsuits
you.I 'l
lneedt obor r
owi tf ort heday .
"Hesmi led.
"Sure, youcanusei t."Itrust edBi so,evenmor e
becausehehadmybackal lthet i
me.OnceIhanded
himt hekey s,Iwentt ol ookf orThi erryinthest udy .
Hewasont hephone, t
hedoorsl i
ghtlyopen.Idi dn't
wantt odi st
urbhi m andIal sodi dn'twantt o
eav esdr op.Hewasspeaki ngGer mansoIdef initely
coul dn'teavesdr op.Theconv ersationseemedqui te
i
nt ense, Ioptedt ogowai tint hel ounge.Bisohad
j
ustl ef
t.Iwasal onewat chi ngTV." Howdoesi t
feel?"Someonewal kedi n.Il ookedupandsawt he
scar ymanf rom y est erday .Gl en." Howdoeswhat
feel?"Iaskedback." Youknow.Hav i
ngapussyt hat
bagsy ouasi ngl ebi ll
ionai re."Ir olledmyey esand
l
ookedbackatt heTV, ignor i
nghi m." I
'm notjudgi ng.
I'
m act uallyimpr essed.Nowomanget sthiscloset o
Thierry.Notev enunderhi sski nli
kethis.Mustbe
somepr emi um pussy .
"Hecont i
nued.Ihat edhim
withpassi on.Whodoeshet hinkhei stot alktome
l
iket his?" Cany oufuckof f?AndI 'mt el
li
ngThi err
y
everythi ngy ou'vesaid."Isnapped." Idon'tcarewhat
youdobuty ou'llbeli
ket heot hersonceheget swhat
hewant s.Thier r
ydoesn' tl
ov eany t
hing.Notev en
money .Hedoeshowev erbeli
ev einpower .That '
s
clearlywhaty ourl i
ttl
ehol ehas.Any way ,goodl uck.
"
Hewal kedout .Ishiveredindi sgust.Howcanwor ds
makey ouf eel sodirt
y?Thi errywalkedi n."Ready?
Let'sgobaby .Youl ookst unning."Washer eall
y
usingme?I st hatwhyhewon' tpropose?Andwhat
others?If oll
owedhi m outt othecar .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er79

Wear ri
vedatapr ivatebeachset ti
ng,walkedont he
pathwayhav i
ngtot akeof fourshoesbecausewe' d
begoi ngont othesand." You' vebeenqui etallthe
wayher e."Hesai d, holdi
ngmyhand.WhatGl ensai d
reall
yhur tmehonest ly.Wast hatal lIwast oThi err
y?
Justsomepussyhecant ossasi deoncehe' shad
hisfil
l?Sohewasn' tgoingt omar r
yme.Ihat ehow
mygr anwasr i
ghtaboutt hisandI '
dhur therand
disrespect edher.Whenwegobackt oJoburg, I'
d
hav etomov eoutt omyownpl ace."I'
mf i
ne."Ther e
wasabl anketl ai
dont hesandandaf ewpl ump
pil
lows.Abasketwi thgoodi esandwi ne.Ay oung
guywassi tt
inginasmal lchairpl ayingthehar p.It
wassuchahugei nstrument ,thatgav eouta
beaut i
fulmel ody.Wesatdown." Youmustbehungr y,
youhav en'teatent hismor ning."Heopenedt he
baskett odi shupf orme.Ij ustsatt herequietly."You
surey ou'refine?Youdon' tseem f ine.What '
swr ong
Noma? "Heasked." I'
mr eallyj ustf i
ne.Justt hinking
aboutmygr annyandsi ster .Isenthersomemoney
tobuygr oceriesandwhat ev ert heyneed.Ial sowant
tosendt henewMacBookt omysi ster.Ial
ready
haveoneany way ."Isaid, andst ar
tedeat i
ng.He
l
ookedatmecl osel y."Whenl asthav ey ouspokent o
Themba? "Heasked." Notsi nceIl efthim withmy
granatt hatr est aurant ,tr
y i
ngt opr opose."Imaynot
l
ov eThembabutIcar edal otabouthi m.Ifwewer e
tobemar ri
ed, Iknowhe' dtreatmewel l.I
'
dal sobe
j
ustcomf ort
abl e.I'dhav emyr egularjob,orbe
studying.Hewasasuccessf ul pri
est.Itwouldwor k.
Theonl ypr oblem i sthatIwasheav il
yinlovewi t
h
ThierrySt ölt
zer ."Oh.It houghty ousaidhewas
missingandy ou' dr eportit.
"Hesai d."Idon'twantt o
tal
kaboutThembar i
ghtnow. "Isighed.Henodded.I
fi
nishedmyf ood, surprisinglybecauseIwasr eall
y
notfeelingi t
.Ihadasi pofwi ne."Noma, canwet ake
awal k?"Thi erryasked.Ist oodupwi t
houtanswer ing
andhehel dmyhanddownt hebeach." Doyoul ov e
me?Yousai dy ou'dnev erl i
et ome. "Iasked." Ido
l
ov eyou.Iwanty oui nmyl ife.Ij ust..
.neededy outo
ber eady .You' r
eanamazi ngwoman.AwomanI
don'tdeser v e.Yetyou'remi ne."Heki ssedmyhand.
Ourf eetst eppedont hewetsand, smal lwaterwav es
washedt hem of f,si
nkingusdeeperi nt hesand.He' d
l
etgoofmyhandbynow.Ist aredatt heocean
quietlyfol dingmyar msonmychest .Hesai dhe
l
ov edme.Tr ulynothi
nghe' sdonehassai d
otherwi se.It r
ustedthathel ov edme.WhatGl ensai d
shoul dn'thav eevenbot heredmebecausenowi t'
s
rui
ningt hisper fectpicnicthatmyboy fri
end
organi zedf ormeonourv acat i
ont ogether.It ur
ned
aroundt ol ookathi m andf oundhi m kneel i
ngont he
sand.Hehadasmal lboxi nhishand." Thierr
y ,what
arey oudoi ng? "Iwhispered, myhear tattackingmy
chest ."Nomakhwezi ,willyoupl easemar ryme? "He
asked.

Iwasov erexcit
edIcouldn'
tevenspeakbutnodded
yeswithtearsinmyey es.Hefi
tt
edtheringi
nmy
fi
ngerandIal mostj
umpedonhi mt ohughim.He
wantedmet obehi swife!ThemanIlovewantsme
tobehiswi f
e!"Well
..
.IguessIcancall
ourfri
ends
out?"Heasked." Theyknewaboutt his?"Igl eamed
atmyr i
ng." OnlyRi a.Shedr aggedt hem all her et
his
mor ning.Idi dn'twanty out ofeelambushedby
proposingi nf rontofev eryone.SoIhadherf i
lm us
secretly.Ifyousai dno, shewoul ddel eteitandwe' d
carr
yonwi thourl i
v es.Ireal
lygambl edont hatbutI
wasconf i
dentabouti twheny outoldmey ouwantt o
mar rymel astni ght .
"Heki ssedmyl i
ps."Cal lthem."I
smiled.Hedi aledf orRi aandshecameoutf r
om her
hidi
ngpl ace,laughi ng.Ihuggedher ."NowIcan
announcey ourengagementpar t
y?Ev eryonej ust
assumedIwasbei nganer veagai nthrowingan
extr
av agantpar ty."Shel aughed."Lets."Wemade
ourwayt othev enue.

Everyonewasher e.Ev enSymonandLi ndi.Iwastoo

happyt oquest i
onhowandj ustacceptedthatmy
fr
iendswer enowRi a'sfri
endst oo.Ri
af i
nally
announced." Welcomi ngthesoont obeMr s
Stölt
zer."Ourfri
endsandf ami l
yclapped.Bisostood
i
nt hecor nerquietl
ylookingatus.Thatwaswei rd.
Moonwasi nadi f
ferentcorner,poppingcrispsi
nhis
mout h, unf azed.Wel l,menar emenIguess.Gl en
wasal soher eandi tannoy edme.Hewasst aring
strai
ghtatme, smi li
ngcr eepi ly."Idon' twanthi m
here."Isai dt oThi er r
y."Who? "Hel ookedatme.
"Glen,bef or ewel ef tthehousehesai dv ery
i
nappr opriatethingsabouthowy ou' reusingmet o
getwhaty ouwantandwheny ou' redonewi thme,
you'l
ldi sposemel i
ket heot he-"Idi dn'tgett ofinish,
Thierrywasal r
eadymaki nghi swayt oGl en.He
grabbedhi m byhi scol laranddr aggedhi m outt he
room.MoonandBi socal ml yfollowed.Nooneel se
budged.Iwassoshaken.Whatt hehel l?Whyi sno
oneel seshocked?Wher e'sRi a?Di dtheynotseet his
potent ialbeatdown?Iwentov ert oSywhowas
chattingt oanot herguyIdi dn' tknow." Sy ,wher e'
s
Ria?"Iaskedf rantically."Ithinkshewentt ot he
bathroom.Youl ookwor r
ied.Thel astthingy ou
shouldbei swor riedaboutbei ngaSt ölt
zerbr i
de.Si s.
Tot hatgor geousmanofy our s?"Ir antot he
bathroom.I fanyonecoul dhel pmest opt hatv iolent
actandqui ck,it'
sRi a.Imaynotl ikeGl enbutI '
m pi ss
scaredofMoonwhenhe' sangr y.Onl yGodknows
whathe' l
ldo.Iwenti nt hebat hroom andst opped
deadi nmyt racks.Shewassi tti
ngont hecount erof
thesi nk, Linda' sheadi nbet weenherl egs, hungr i
ly
muf fi
ngonherv agina." Ria.
"Thebot hst oppedand
star edatme." Shit.Noma- "Li ndi started." Don' tyou
fucki ngdar e."Ist ormedoutoft hebat hr oom r unning
toThi erry.Ican' tbeli
ev ewhatmyey eshav eshown
me.If ol
lowedt hedoort heyt ook, andwentdown
thest air
s.Icoul dhearpai nful groaningandGer man
shout i
ngdownt hepassage, Iranqui cker .Itwasan
openr oom.Gl enl ayont hef loorofi t
.Moonst ood
ononeend, Bisoont heot her.Bot hhadbl oodon
thei rhands." Getup. "Thi err
yhi ssed, st andi ngi n
frontofGl en.Hedi dn' thav ebl oodonhi shandsbut
agun.Hepoi ntedi tatGl en'
shead." Thier ry!!"I
scr eamed.Hedi dn'tev enf l
inch." Stopi t!!Pl ease
don' tki l
lhim! !"Icr i
ed." Youwantt owat chhi m dieor
gobackupt oy ourpar ty?"Heasked.Mywhol ebody
shi vered." Iwi l
l notmar ryintoaf ami lyofmur derers.
Dr opt hatgun. "Ibr eat hed.Hedr oppedt hegun.
"Thankmywi fe, Glen.Shesav edy ourl i
fe. "Thi err
y
sai d."Tha. ..
nky ou."Gl enwhi sper ed.MoonandBi so
wal kedoutt ot hepar ty.Thierryt urnedt ol ookatme.
"Youwon' tev er ,dot hatshi tagai n.Under stood? "He
hissed.Ij
ustl ookedathi m.Icoul dn'tevenr ecognize
him anymor e.Hewal kedpassedme." Youshoul d'
ve
j
ustl ethi
m ki l
lme. "Glensaid."What ?"Ilookedat
him.Hesmi led."Youshoul d'v
elethi m kil
lme. "He
cl
osedhi sey esbr eathingslowly."Whyar ey ouso
scaredofhi m? "Iasked." Youaren't?Lookl ady .
..
get
awayf rom me.Pl easel eavemeal one.Idon' tknow
whatawai tsmenext ."...
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er80

Ther estoft hedaywentonwi thaal otoft ensi on.

Thierrywasi gnoringme.Iwasi gnori
nghi m, Riaand
Lindi.OhandBi soandMoon.Ionl yspoket oSy mon
andhi snewboo.HewasRi a'ssecondst ylistand
l
ivedher einDur bansot hat'
swhyhegotani nv it
e.
"Pri
ncess. "Onl yoneper soncal ledmet hat,Biso.He
wasst andingbehi ndme.Ii gnor edhim." Pleasel ook
atme. "Hepl eaded.Syandhi sdat ewer enowqui et
andl ookingatme.It urnedt ol ookatBi so." Wal k
withme, please."Hesai d.Iwal kedoutwi thhi m.
Every thi
nghadgonesout honmyengagementpar t
y.
Icoul dn'
ttell anyoneaboutRi aandLi ndi.Iwas
scaredofMoon.Nowt histhingwi thGlen?Ij ust
neededabr eak."I'
m sor ryyouhadt oseet hat .Glen
hasnor ighttospeakf oul toy ou.Notany oneasa
mat teroff act."Hesai d."Youwoul d'vekill
edhi m."I
stated."Yes. "Hesi ghed." Biso, we'
retalkingabouta
l
ife.Nomat t
erwhathe' sdone, kill
inghi mi sabi t
extreme. "Ist oodandst aredathi m.Hewasascal m
asheal way sis."Idon' tknowBi so.Idon' tknowi fI'
m
comf ortabl ebei ngwi thsomeonewhocant ake
someone' sl if
eliket hat .He' spr obablydonei tbef ore
seeinghe' ssocal m.Idon' tknowBi so."Ifoldedmy
armst ocomf ortmy self ."Wel l
,Iwoul dn'twanty out o
beuncomf ort
abl e.That 'swhyIopt edf orthat
soluti
on.Iunder standy ou'r eangr ybutpl easedon' t
takeitoutonThi erry .
"Hewhi spered.Ishookmy
headt ryingt ogr aspev er ything.Hehuggedme, tight
.
"I
'm sor r
y .Itwon' thappenagai n."Iheldont ohi sshi r
t,
tryi
ngnott ocr y
." Ipr omi se,Pr i
ncess.Youdon' thav e
tobescar ed.Okay ?Iwon' tletithappenagai n."Ifelt
alit
tlebet t erevent houghmyhear tsti
l
l raced.I
woul dbef ine."IsThi errysomet ypeoft hug? "Iasked.
Bisolaughed.Hel ov edt ol aughev enthoughhewas
soqui et." Hellno.Theguni smi ne.Nooneher ei sa
thug."Heexpl ai
ned." Idon' twantagunnearme. "I
protest."Thebody guar dsar ear med.Ther e'salway s
agunneary oubutI 'llmakesur ei tgoesaway .
"I
noddedandpul ledawayf rom hi sarms.
"Congr atulationsony ourengagement ."Hegr i
nned.
Hisemer
aldey
esboreint
ominesoint
ensel
yI
shi
ver
edinmygut
."Thankyou.
"..
.

Onemont
hlat
er.
..
Theweddi ngpr epar ati
onswer eunderway .Iwasso
busywi t
hwor kandschool ,Ihadapl annerwhoI 'd
hiredfortheweddi ng.Idon' tknowi ftherewasgoi ng
tobeaweddi ngbecauseThi erryandIbar elyspoke
sincet heengagementpar ty.Hewasoutoft he
count r
yhal fthet i
mesot hatwaseasy .Evenwhen
hewasher e,
hewasatwor korinanot herci ty.Iwas
i
nmyof fi
ce,af t
ersubmi t
tingmyl astassignment
andchecki ngmyemai lswhenBi sowal kedi n.I
hav en'
tseenhi mi nweeks." Hey!"Igotupand
huggedhi m."Hey .I'
m her et otakey ououtt odinner.
Imi ssedy ou."Hesmi l
ed.Igiggled."Letmej ustpack
upher e.I'
m donewi thschool wor kforthenextf ew
weeks.Let 'sgo. "Itookmybagandwemadeour
wayout .Hegoti nhisMaser atiLevanteSUVandI
goti nthepassenger ."Whydon' tyouev ert ravelwit
h
body guards?"Hest artedthebeastanddr ov eoff
,
smi li
ngatme." I'
mt hel eastinterestingStöl tzer
.No
oner eall
ycar esaboutmypr esence. "Hechuckl ed."I
care."Isai d,fit
tingmyseatbel ton." Iknow
Princess."Wedr ov etoHar tees.Asmal l t
own
outsideofJohannesbur g.Iwassur prisedt oknow
thatBisoenj oyedl isteningt oBey oncé.Il aughedas
het ri
edt osi ngt hel yrics.Ourdr i
v ewasf ant ast
ic.I
l
aughedmor et hanIhadi nthepastweeks.He
parkedout sideofSi est aTapasandBi stro." My
favorit
er est aurant.Let '
sgoi n, youneedt ot ast
e
theirfood."Hehel dmyhandi nsi de." Bestpar tabout
i
tist hatnooneknowsusher e.Asi mpl eli
fe.Oneof
l
ife'ssecrett r
easur es. "Hesai d."That 'st r
ue. "Wesat
downatat ableandheor deredf orus." So. ..how' s
theweddi ngpr epar ationsgoi ng? "Heasked." FineI
guess.Justnotsur ei fI'
llhav eagr oom. "Isi ghed.
"Whyi sthat ?"Hel ookedsur pr ised." Thi er
ryandI
aren'ttal
king.He' sbeenoutt hecount ryandwor king
whenheget sher e.Idon' tknow. "Thewai tress
broughtourdr i
nks.Iwashav i
ngaMangoj uice,he
hadabeer ."Doy ouwantt omar ryhi m? "Heasked,
takingasi pofhi sHei neken." Yes. "Isai d." Thent alk
tohi m andhearhi ssi de.Thef actt hatt he
preparationi sst il
longoi ng, that'sasi gn, you're
gett
ingmar r
ied.
"Hesaid,r
elaxedonthechair
."What
i
fhel eav
esmeatt healter
?"Ipani
cked.Helooked
toocalm."Thenwe'l
lfi
ndyouanothergroom."He
smil
ed.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er81

Af t
erourl atelunchanddr inks,Idrov eusbackt o
Johannesbur g.Bi sowasont hepassenger ,witht he
seatl aiddown.Hehad4beer sandneededt orest
now.I maginei fIbroughthi m homedr unk?Thi erry
woul dsayI '
m passi ngonMar s't
eachi ngst ohi s
brother .Iparkedatourdr i
vewayandshookhi m
awake." We'rehome. "Isai
d.Hewokeup, str
etching.
Thesunwasbegi nningtosetbuti twasst i
lll
ightout .
"Youdon' tseem t oopleasedt obeher e."Hesai d.
"I
'mj ustt i
red."Wegotoutoft hecar .Hepul l
edmy
arm bef orewer eachedt hedoor ."Letmeknowi fy ou
needany thing."Hesmi l
ed."Thanky ouf ortoday ."Ria
parkedhercarandcameout ,walkingt owar dsus.
"Hi Biso."Henoddedandwal kedint hehouse.
"I
nterest i
ng.Hel loNoma.Canwet alk?"Oh. ..I
hav en'tseenRi asi ncethatday .Shet oo, hadt o
travel f
orwor k.Basi call
yI'
vebeenal onert hisent ir
e
time,wi t
ht heexcept i
onofThi erry'
smom and
Tshiamowhower enowmynewf ri
ends." Sure."We
walkedt ot hegar denandsatdownont hebenches.
Theyhadsof tcushi onsev ent houghnobodyev er
camet osi ther e." I'
m sor ryaboutwhaty ousaw.I t
reall
ywasn' tmyi ntentiont ocausear i
ftbet ween
youandy ourf riend. "Good, straighttot hepoi nt ."I
l
ikeher .That '
sal l.Shel ikesme.We' r ehav ingf un.I
would'vet oldy oubutwedi dn'
twantt ol ety ouknow
yet.Notbef or ewef i
gur edoutwhatwewer edoi ng. "
Shesai d." Sot hi swoul d' vegoneon, ri
ghtundermy
nose.Howl onghadi tbeen? "Iasked, f
ol di
ngmy
arms." Sincewewentoutt oget hertot hecl ub."I
gasped." Soy ouj ustdeci dedt obonki nacl ubaf t er
meet i
ngf ort hef irsttime? "Ofcour seIknowabout
oneni ghtst andsbutIdi dn' texpecti tfrom t hem." No.
Ithappenedi nt hemor ni ng.Whenwewer eher eat
home.Toor iskyi npubl ic."Sheexpl ainedseemi ngl y
annoy edwi t
hmyquest ions." Ria,youar emar r
ied! "I
whisper ed." So? "Sheaskedsocomf ortably ."
What
doy out hinkMoonwi lldowhenhef indsouty ou' re
cheatingonhi m wi t
hMyf r
iend? "Ihissed." It'
scut e
thatyou' r
el oy al t
oMi chael butheknowsal ready .We
fuckhert oget her.That '
showi tst artedthatday .
Usual ly
,ourt hreesomesdon' tlastt hislongsowe' re
stil
l figuri
ngoutt henextst ep.Youwer eouronl y
wor ry .Wedi dn'twantt oi ntroducet hissetupt oy ou
withoutknowi ngwher ei t'
sgoi ng. "Myj awwas
hangi ngabov et hef l
oor." Youandy ourhusbandar e
sleepi ngwi t
hawomant oget her ?"Iwhi sper ed.Then
i
tal l madesense." I
st hiswhyMar st houghtIwashi s
secondwi f
et hedayshear rivedandt hr
eat enedt o
shootme? "Iasked." Yep.Thatoneendedbadl y.
Any way ,nowt hatt hat'
soutt her e, canweatl eastbe
mat ureaboutt his?Lindi wi l
l j
oi nusatmostf ami l
y
funct ionsandev ents.Idon' twantwei rdener gy.
Look, we'readi fferentfami l
yNoma.Ourper sonal
l
ives?Thatr emai nspr ivate.Wei ndul geour selvesin
thingsweenj oyasmuchaswecan.May bey ouand
Thier rywi llhav ey ourownt hingandi twon' tbewei rd
tous.We' llaccepti tandsuppor ty ou.SoIexpectt he
samef rom y ou. "Istaredather .Shehadt obe
kiddi ngr i
ght ?" I
t'l
lbeacol ddayi nhel l
,befor eIlet
anot herwomani nbedwi thmyhusbandbuti fyou're
comf ortablewi thitthenIguessIcanaccepti t
."I
shr ugged." I
t'sdi ff
erentf orev er yoneIguess.You
maynotwanttoshar
ehim wit
hanotherwomanbut
hemaynotmindshari
ngyouwithanotherman.
Evenhi
sbr
other.
"Shewalkedaway.

Aftermyconv er sati
onwi thRi a,Iwasf eelingi cky
andmoody .Most lybecausesheassumedIwant ed
tobewi thBi sol etalonecheatonThi errywi thhim.I
tookal ongbat ht ryi
ngt oj ustf orgetaboutt hat
nonsense.Ihadt ogodownf ordi nnersoonbutnot
beforeIcalledmygr an.Sheanswer edont hesecond
ri
ng." Ni
njani mama? "(Howar ey ou, ma? )Iasked.
"We'refinemnt anam. "Shesi ghed.Noshewasn' t
.
"Howi sNasi phi ?Doesshel i
ket hel aptop? "I'
dsent
thelaptop,thr eeweeksago.Shehadn' tyetcal l
edt o
saythanky oubutIwast oobusyt owor ryandj ust
fi
guredshemi ghtst illbel earningherwayar ound
thatcompl icat edgadget ."Itkeepsherbusyatl east .
"
Mom sai d."Andschool ?Hopef ullyitdoesn' taffect
hernegat i
vely ,mama. "Il ookedf oranev eni ngdr ess.
Yes,theSt öltzerf ami l
yhadadr essupdi nnerev er y
night.Oncet heyal ll
eav e, I'
m abol ishingt hat .Imi ss
comi nghomeandwear ingsweat pantsmna.
"Mnt anam, tellmeaboutt heweddi ng.Ir eceiveda
l
etterf rom f ami l
yy akloMogot si.Baf unaubhat ala
Lobol a,kuzof unekandi thethenomzal iwakheke
mnt anam. "Ev ersi nceshel ear nthewashal fblack,
shesof tenedbutonl ycal lshi m byhi sAf ri
canname.
Whydi dsheav oidt heschool topic?" Mama, what's
goingon?Whatdi dNasi do? "Iasked.Shesi ghed.
"Uyeki l
eeskol weni .UNasi phi umi t
hi .
"( Shedr opped
outofschool .Nasi phi i
spr egnant .)Iexpect edt hi
s
butitdi dn'tmakemel essangr y.Myear sheated
withr age.Howcoul dshedot his?" Uy ekelent oni
mama?Howf arisshe? "( Whydi dshedr opout ?)
"Shesay sshecan' tfocus.Ut hi uyagul aand
uyadi nwaangev akuf undiswant oni."(Shesay sshe
getssi ck.She' st i
redanddoesn' theart heteacher .
)
Sheexpl ained.Ican' tbel i
ev e-"NguManonone?
That'st hef ather? "Iasked." Ewesi si.""Mama, t
ake
thatlapt op.Idon' tcar enobay oubr eaki tapartor
giveitawaybutt akei t.I'm notgoi ngt oawar dbad
behav i
orandbadat t
itude.Iwaswi l
lingt oletitgo,
ndamt hengel alont ot omakeherhappy .Xaef una
ukubay intombi endal a, shemustgof i
ndaj obora
wayt osuppor ther self."Isai d."Ohy hini mnt anam.
Khamxol ele."(Pl easemychi l
d, f
orgiv eher .)"No
mama, takeawayt hatl apt oporI 'l
lflydownt here
anddest r oyitmy sel f.I
fIhav et ocomet her e,Iwill
commi tacr ime.Sanundenzaumnt uombi ."(Don't
makemeabadper son. )"Okaymychi ld.Iheary ou.
We' llspeaksoon.Gi v emynamet oy ourhusband' s
parent s.I'llneedt ospeakt ot hem. "Shesai d." Okay
mama.Il ov ey ou. "Ihungup.That 'st hef irsttimeour
conv er sat iondi dn'tendwi thaski ngaboutThemba.I
don' tknowwher ehewas.I 'drepor tedhi m mi ssing
weeksagobutnot hi ngcameup.Hi scarwaspar ked
attheLanser i
aai rpor tandhadsuccessf ullyav oided
camer as.Ij ustdon' tknowany mor e." Every thing
okay ? "Ial mostj umped.Idi dn'trealizeThi erryhad
wal kedi n.Idi dn' tev enknowhewasi nt heci ty.
"Nasi phi i
spr egnant .Af terI'
dt ol
dhert obedamn
caref ul!!Howt hef uckcoul dshedot hist ome?Our
mot her ??"Iwasseet hing." Wel l,atleastwecan
affor dababy ."Hesai dcal mly."NoThi erry, we'renot
takingcar eofherbaby !Shemadeherbed.She' l
l
l
ookaf terherownchi l
d."Igotdr essed." YouandI
bothknowshe' llabandont hatchi l
dwi t
hy ourgr anny.
Thel eastwecoul ddoi spayanannyandbuybaby
thi
ngs.Idon' twanty ourmot herst ressed."Ican't
evenlookathi mr i
ghtnow." We' reget ti
ngmar ri
ed,
don'texpectmenott otakecar eofy ourmot herl
ikeI
wouldmyown. "Hest ated."Itakecar eofmyf amily.
AndI '
llcontinuet odosowi t
houty ourhelp.Ican
handlei t.
"Ifinishedwear i
ngmyheel s."I
'
mt obe
yourhusband.That '
sOURf ami ly.Wedot hings
togetherher e."Hisv oicesoundedal it
tl
eraised."Of
course.Ial mostf orgotaboutt hat.Weshar e
everythingint hisfami l
y."Istormedout .
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er82

Downatdi nner ,
thef ami l
ywashav i
ngchampagne
andchat t
ingcasual ly
."Ahh.Noma.Comedear .Have
aglass. "Mr sSsai d.Igotaf l
ute,whichwashal f
fi
ll
ed." Whatar ewecel ebratingma? "Isi pped."My
whol efami lyunderoner oof.It
'sbeenmont hssince
wewer eal ltogether .
"Shesmi led.Ilovedseei ngher
happy .Ilookedacr osst her oom andsawBi so
stari
ngatme.Hesmi l
edt hensi ppedonhi sbeer.
Whydi dIwantt ogov entt ohim?Ideci dedt olook
awayandf indsomet hingt odo." Iwould'velovedt o
tastey ourhandt oday .
"Il ookedatMoonnextt ome,
shockedathi swor ds."Whatdi dy oujustsay ?"Iwas
readynow." Ihaven'thadgoodf oodi nweeks.Imi ss
yourcooki ng. "Oht hat'swhathemeant .Ibreathed.
Hesmi ledandwal kedaway .Myheadwasspi nning.
Ineededai r.Iwal kedoutt hebackandt ookawal k
downt hegar den.Idon' tknowwhatwasgoi ngon
withNasi phi butIhat edi t.Iwant edhert obethe
l
ittl
egi rlsheusedt obe.Iwant edhert ocal lme
everyweekandnagmet ocomehome.Wasi tmy
faultshehadbecomer ebel li
ous?Wasi tbecauseI
didn'tgi veherenoughat t
ent ionany mor e?Tear s
stungmycheeksasIt houghtabouthowl i
fewi ll
change.I fIr elaxandt akecar eoft hebaby ,whati f
Nasi phi goesoutt hereandmakesanot herone?And
anot her ?Andanot her?Whenwi llitstop?Cl ear l
yif
shecan' tl i
stent omenoworr espectouronl ypar ent,
whatwi l
l change?Isni ffedmyt ear sawayand
huggedmy selflooki ngatt hef arl akeahead.If elt
handsonmywai st ,
turningmear oundandhugged
me." We' llfi
gur ei tout .
"Il ookedupathi m."I'
ve
struggl edmywhol el i
fe.Theonet hi ngIpr omised
my sel fwast hatIwi l
lalway st akecar eofmyf ami l
y.
Sincehi ghschool ,Ididsmal ljobsaf t
erschool , t
o
helpoutf inanci al
lyathome.Idon' twantt oshar e
thatr esponsi bilit
ybecausepeopl el eave,Thierry.
Theyl eav eandI '
l
l belef tst uckt opi ckupt hepi eces
alone. "Isobbed." Iunder stand.WhatcanIdot o
makei teasi er?I '
m notgoi ngt ol eav eNoma.Ij ust
wantt omakei tbet ter.
"Hesai d." Idon' tknowhowt o
makei tbet ter.Myi ssuei st rust."Idabbedmyt ear
s
offmycheekswi t
hmyf inger s."Okay .Thenmay be
wecant rysmal ltasks.Togai nyourt rust.Icanst art
withy ourdr ycleani ng. "Heki ssedmyf orehead.I
giggled." You' rejustgonnagi veitt oyourassi stant."I
smackedhi sar m." You' rer ight.Fi ne.Givemeany
tasksel set haty out hinkIcanhandl e.
"Igav eitsome
thought ."Okay .I'
llthi nkabouti t
."Thedi nneri nside
wasst arting, every onest artingt ot aketheirseat s.
"SoBi soandIwentt oHar tebeespoor tear l
ierfora
l
at elunch. "Iknewhe' dbet ol dandIdi dn'
twanti tto
seem l ikeIwashi di ngi t."Luckyy ou.Someofus
barelygetabi r
thdaygi f
tcar dandwe' veknownhi m
allourl iv
es. "Hechuckl ed." Idon' tknowaboutt hat.I
j
ustwant edy out oknow. "Isi ghed, reli
evedhedi dn't
fi
ndi twei r
d." Why ?Yougot olunchwi thpeopl eall
thetime.Whyi st hisonei mpor t
ant ?"Hel ookedat
mecl osely ."Wel l
...somet hinghappened.Onour
engagementpar ty."Ihadt ot ell
thet ruth.
"Somet hingl i
kewhat ?"Heasked." IsawLi ndi and
Ria.Theywer e..
.inasexual position.Shesay sit'
s
beenawhi l
eandt heydoi twi thMoont oo.
Appar ent lyit'
snott hef ir
stt imet hey 'vehada
throupleexper i
ence.Shet hensai dt hatitwor ksfor
herandmay besomet hingelsemi ghtwor kf orustoo.
Likeaddi ngamant oourmar ri
age.Speci fi
callyBi
so.
Itmademeuncomf ortabl
et othinkabout .I
'm not
i
nt erest
edi nany onebuty ou."Il
ookedathi m.He
wasst i
l
llookingatme.Hi sfacer emai nedwi t
hout
expressionwhi chwasmor enervingt hanI '
dl i
keto
admi t."
Isee.Let '
shav edinner.Don' tthi
nkabout
thingsthatar efarfrom yourhealthandpeace, my
l
ov e."

Thedi nnertur nedi ntoapar t

y.Celebratingmy
engagementwi tht hefamilythatwasn' tpresenti n
thefir
stpar ty.Lindi washer eandt hereshewas
talki
ngt oMoon.Mybodycr i
nged.Ihadt or emind
my selfthatitwasn' twei
rd.Ibusiedmy selfwith
l
isteningt oMr sSspeakaboutherownweddi ngday
withanot herlady .Someonet ouchedmyar m.Lindi
again.Shewasev erywhere."CanIt al
kt oy ou."I
excusedmy sel fandwewal kedoutt othegar den.
"I'
m sor r
y.Ishoul d'vesaidsomet hing."Shest arted.
"Iwoul d'
vest oppedy ouandThatwoul d'vebeen
futil
ebecausey ou'dgoaheadany way .Lindi ,they're
mar ried.Isai dt hiswheny oudat edt hatmar riedman,
Phi l
l
ip.Whathappenedt her e?Hi swi f
eat tackedy ou,
chasedy oui nt hest r
eet snaked. "Isai d." Thist i
me,
thewi feappr ovesNoma.We' rehav ingf unt ogether.
We' readul ts.
"Sheexpl ained." Idi dn'tev enknowy ou
wer ei ntowomen. "Truly, Ididn't."Nei therdi dIunt i
lI
mether .
"Shesi ghed." Doy oul ovet hem? "Iasked.
"NoNoma!Jeez.I t'
sonl yj ustsexandor gasmsand
expensi vechampagne.Notev ery thi
nghast odowi th
l
ov e."Shel aughed." Okay .Ar ey out akencar eof ?"It'
s
theleastshecoul ddo." Mi chael boughtmea
pent houseandaRangeRov er.Igetanal lowance
from Ri a.Soy es.Ver ywel ltakencar eof .
"She
smi l
ed." Imeantsex ually.Doy ouusecondoms?One
thingt hatcanputt hi
souti sababy .
"Ihi ssed." I
'm on
cont racept ivesandwedi dourbl oodt ests.We' reall
good.Noma, I'
m okay .St opwor rying."Isi ghedand
nodded.Bi sowal kedt owar dus." I'
llseey oui nside.
Hi Biso. "Shesai d, walkingaway .Heonl ynoddedat
hert henl ookedatme." Whydon' ty out alkt oot her
peopl e."Il ookedathi m, foldingmyar ms." Idon't
hav eany thingt osay ."Hehadhi shandsi nhi s
pocket s.Dr essedi nblackf or mal pant sandaneat ly
tuckedi nbl ackshi rt
."Ev enasi mpl ehel lo?"It ried
nott osmel lhi scol ogne, keepi ngasaf edi stance." I
acknowl edget hei rpresence.That 'senough.Whyar e
youav oidingme? "Heasked." Idon' twantt ogi v e
peopl ethewr ongi dea."Isi ghed." Idon' tunder stand
Noma.Di dIdosomet hingwr ongbybei ngy our
fri
end? "Hel ookedgenui nel yof fended." Ria
ment ionedt haty ouandImi ghtgett oget herandi t'
s
notsomet hingIwantpeopl et ot hink.Ilov eThi err
y."
Isaid.I t
'sonl yRi a'sactivitiest hatar eput ti
ngmei n
weirdsi tuations." Didy oubot heraski ngwhatI
thi
nk? "Heasked." Biso-"" NoNomakhwezi .It'
sokay .
Ididn'tknowy ou'dbeuncomf or tablebei ngmyf r
iend.
Andhonest ly?Thi siswhyIdon' ttalkt opeopl e."He
walkedaway .If eltsogui lt
ymyhear tached.Asi fI
don'thav eenoughonmypl ate.I'llhav etol ethi m
calm downf irstt henapol ogi ze.Asf orot herpeopl e'
s
business.I '
m nol ongercompl i
cat ingmyl i
fewi th
that.Iftheyenj oywhatt heyenj oy ,Ilookt heot her
wayandkeepi tmov i
ng...
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er83

It
'sbeent woweekssi nceBi sostoppedt al
kingagai n,
event ome.Moont easedmeabouti teverychance
hegot .Itlowkeyhur t.Thi erryhadl eftaf ewday s
agof orEur ope.Iof feredt ogowi thhi m buthe
decli
ned.Wewer efine, nof ightsorar gument ssoI
foundi tweirdt hathedi dn'twantmet ocomewi th.I
wentdownst airsafterget ti
ngdr essed, itwasa
Saturdaymor ningandIhadnowor kt odo.It hought
oftakingSy monoutf orl uncht henf lyi
ngdownt o
EasternCapel ateri
nt heev ening.MoonandRi a
weresi tt
ingdownhav ingbr eakfast.Tshi amohad
gonebackhomewhi chwaspr obablywhyIwas
goingt hrought hemost .Thatki dknowshowt o
makesomeonel augh.Mr sSwasbacki nGer many
toosoIwasbasi call
yal oneragai n."Mor ning."I
greeted,dishingupf rui tsal adandy ogurtthensi tti
ng
down." Hey ."Moonsai d." Hi Noma. "Riar esponded.I
focusedonmyphoneandf oodaf ter.Iwasn' tmadat
them, i
twasj usthowi twasnow.Ev eryonesatand
atetheirfoodmi ndi ngt hei rbusi ness." Ahh.He
fi
nall
ycomesoutofhi ding! "Moonshout s.Bi sohas
walkedi nandsi tsdown." Mor ning."Hedi sheduphi s
breakfast."Noma?Bi sosai dgoodmor ni ng."Ri a
says.Ilookupathi m andnodt henwentbackonmy
phone." I
nteresting.Ther oleshav ebeenr ev ersed. "
Moongi ggled.Ifini shmyf oodandt akemybowl to
thekitchen.WhenIcomeback, IletMoonknow
whereI '
m goi ng." Imi ghtf lydownt omom l at er.I'
m
sti
llt
hinking."Ifinish." I'
llgett hej etreadyj usti n
case."Hesay s.Inodandt akemybag, wal kingout
thehouse." Sov er yst range.She' ssuddenl ybecome
ami niBiso.Ador bs. "Moonchuckl ed."Whyi sshe
madaty ou? "RiaaskedBi so.Heshr uggedandt ook
hisplatetot heki tchen." Howv eryst range. "Ri asay s.
"Str
ange?Youbasi cal l
yshamedheroutoft hat
fri
endship."Moonsay sshaki nghi shead." Idi dn't
shameher .Andi fshewassoi nnocent , shewoul dn't
j
ustabandonshi p. "Shet ossedagr apei nhermout h.
"YouknowNomai ssensi tiv e.Justl etherbenow.
Thelastt hi
ngweneedi st oscar eheraway .So
behav
e.".
..
.

Mybr unchwi thSy monwasqui telongsi ncehet oo

hadadayof f.Wedr anksweetwhi tewi nethrough
outtheday .Ideci dedI 'dflydownl ater.Iwant edt o
seemom andhav eachatwi thNasi phi."What 'sup
withLindi?Shegotanewman?She' shost i
nga
housewar mingpar tyinaf ewday sandshehasa
newcar .Didy oui ntroducehert ooneofy our
bil
l
ionairefri
ends? "Syasked." Firstofal l
,Idon'thav e
bil
l
ionairefri
ends.Idi dn'tintr
oducehert oany one
youhav en'tbeeni nt r
oducedt o."Ilaughed.We' ve
fi
nishedt hethirdbot t
leofwi neandhav eor dered
another."Comeon, spill
."Hepr obed.Iwasnotabout
todot hat."May beshegotani nher i
tance?Orher
i
nvestment sdi shedout .Idon'tknow. "Thewai ter
pouredt hecrispwi neinacl eangl assf orme, Itook
asipandnodded.Hewal kedaway ."Iknowy ou
knowsomet hing.Buty ou' r
easecr etiveli
ttl
ehoe
nowaday ssoI'll
lety oube.Any way ,whatdoy ou
thi
nkaboutRosh? "Roshwast heguyhewaswi that
myengagementpar ty
.Ria'sst yli
st."He'scut e.
"Isaid.
Her eal l
ywas." Well,thatsl utghost edme.It hought
weenj oyedour selvest hatweekendbuthecl early
didn't .I'
m sopi ssed.Imean, whycoul dn'thebean
adul tandt ellmei t'
sj ustaonet i
met hing."Hesai d.
"May behel osthi sphone. "Iwat chedBi sowal kin
ther est aurantIwasi nandsi tatat abl eont he
balcony .Thewai t
ersf ussedt ogett hemenut ohi m
fi
rst.Het ooki tandf li
ppedt hr ough, maki nghi sor der
i
mmedi ately.Hi seyesl andedonme." Soy ou' r
e
distract ed.Si ncewegother ey ou'vebeenact i
ng
strange.I sitThi err
y ?"Syasked.Agor geouswoman
wal kedt othet abl
eandsatopposi tehi m.He
i
mmedi atelyf ocusedonher , hav i
ngacomf or t
abl e
conv ersation.Iwoul d'vethoughthewasst alki
ngme
butnope, he'smeet inghi s...fri
endIguess.She
l
aughedal ittl
et oohar dathi sj oke.Sy monl ooked.
"Ohhh.Isee.What '
st hatabout ?"Heasked." Nothing.
Ithoughthewasbei ngwei rdandst alkingme. "I
shrugged." Hasheev erdonet hat?"Syasked." No.
Any way ,doy ouwantt ocall Roshonmyphone? "I
sippedmywi ne."Absol ut
elynot .IknowwhenI 'm not
want edandIbackof f.Enoughaboutboy s.Ineeded
youradv i
ceonabusi nessv ent ure.Iwantt ost arta
busi ness.Ist i
llhavemysav ingsandi nvest ment .I
thinki mt i
redofwor kingf orGar yI'
m gr at eful yougot
met hatj obbuthe' sanassNoma.Nomat terhow
manyt imesIpl easehi m. "Hesay s.Ineedar efil
l
agai n, t
hewai tercomesal ong." We'v ebeent hrough
thisSy mon.Youhat edi t."Isi ppedagai n." You' re
goingt hrought hatwi nel i
kewat er.Yousur ey ou're
okay ?"Anot hercackl ef rom Mi ssThi ngov ert here.
"I
'mf lyi
nghomet oday .Ihav et of aceNasi phi and
herl itt
lesi tuat i
ononewayort heot her .I
'dpr eferit
bef oremyweddi ng."Igul pdownt hegl assand
pret endt osl owdown." Backt obusi ness, whatwer e
yout hinkingofst arti
ng? "IfocusedonSy mon." Anail
bar .
"Hesmi led."Nai l bar sar eev erywher eSy mon.
Whatwoul dmaket hisonespeci al?"Iey edt hebot tl
e
ofwi ne."Justdoi t.
"Hesnapped.It ookt hebot tl
e
andpour edmy selfwi ne." Wel l,it
'll
speci alizei nnail
car eandsel l beverages.I facarwashcansel lbooze,
whycan' tanai lbar? "Hesai d." Yeahbutanai l
busi nessr equi reschemi cals.Acet one, r
ubbi ng
alcohol etc.Youcan' thav et hati nt hesamespotas
drinkabl eal cohol .Youwon' tgetanal cohol li
cense
andnocompanywi llgi vey oui nsur ance. "Isi pped
mywi neagai n."Sal onsgi v ecompl i
ment ary
champagneal lthet ime.Chemi calsar eal cohol .
Whatwoul dbet hepr oblem? "Hecompl ained." I
ts
diff
erenttypesofal cohol .Ifsomeoft hechemi cal
spil
lsinyourbusi nessandy ouf orgett owi peup.
Thenabot t
leofal cohol fall
sandbr eaks, thewhol e
placecatchesf ir
e.I t'
st oodanger ous. "Itwoul dbea
horri
bleaccident ."Noma, nailchemi calsar en'
tt hat
deep.I'
m goingf ori t.Ithinki t
'sagr eatconcept ."He
shrugged.Nai lchemi cals,forapai rofhandssur e.
Howev er,chemi cal sst ockedupf oranent i
r e
businessforamont hort wo, that'sadanger ous
amountofchemi cal ." Alr
ightf ri
end.I 'l
lsuppor tyou.
Justdoal lofitthel egal waysot haty ou'renoti n
tr
ouble.Idon'tthi nki t'ssaf ebutImi ghtbewr ong.
Letmeknowhowi tgoes. ". .
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er84

Aftert wohour soft alki

ngnonsenseandgossi pwi t
h
Sy,Iwenthome.Noonewasher e.It ookoffmy
heelsi nt heloungeandsatdownont hecouch,
switchi ngont heTV.It hinkI'
df al
lenasl eepont he
couchbecauseIwokeupi nt hedar k.Isatup,
noticingIwasi nbed.Howdi dIgett obed?I
checkedt hetimeonmyphoneandi twasj ustaf ter
6int heev ening.Wi newaswi ld.Mymout hwasdr y
andIwashungr y.Iwasst i
lldressedi nmyr ipped
skinnyj eansandabaggydust yor anget shirt.My
nudeheel swer eneat l
yputasi deont hefloor .NowI
knowt hatwoul dnev erbeme.Iwentdownst airs,
barefoot .Thehousewasst il
l asIbel i
eve,empt y.A
pangi nmyhear tbecauseofl onel iness.Ihad
want edt of lytomymot herbutbecauseofal cohol
thatdi dn'thappen.Sot hatmeant ,dinneralone.I
couldor derinandeatwat chingTV.Adel icious
smel lcamef rom t heki t
chen.Iwal kedqui ckerand
fi
nallyl ocatedt her eason.Bi sowasst andingbyt he
stove, fryi
ngast eak.Idebat edwi t
hmy selfwhet her
togr eetoracknowl edge." Hel lo."Hesai dfirst.When
didheseeme?" Uhm. .hi."Iwal kedov ertot hef ri
dge
l
ooki ngf orat ubofy ogur t."Imadedi nner .
"Hesay s,
thenl ooksatme." Oh.Di dn' tknowy oucoul dcook. "
Wewer et alkingagai n?" Youdi dn'task.Youl ikey our
steakmedi um r areorwel l done? "Het urnedbackt o
hisfry i
ng." Wel ldone. "Itookabot tleofwat erand
satont hebarst ool l
eani ngont hei sland." Ifigured.
Youl ov eper fect i
on. "Hesmi led."Thi er r
ysay sy ou
want edt ogohomet oday ."Hecont inues." It
'sal itt
le
l
atenow.Wentonawi nebenderwi thSyasy ou
saw. "Igul peddownt hewat er ."That 'swhatt wo
bottl
esofwi nedoest oy ou?It houghty ouwer e
strongert hant hat .
"Hechuckl ed."Wehad5.Yougot
therel ate."Ishudderatt hememor ies." Andy ou
droveher el i
ket hat ?"Hest aredatme." Ohno.The
bodyguar ddr oveme.Iwassogr at eful forhis
presence. "Idr ankwat eragai n."Good. "Hedi shedup
fortwo." SoIf ell asleepont hecouchandwokeupi n
bed..."Idi dn'taskwhatIwant edt oknowwhi chi s
didhecar r
yme." Youl ookeduncomf ortabl e,I
car r
iedy ouup. "Heexpl ained." I
'm qui teheav yBi so,
andt hosest airsar ehel l.
"Hel aughed." Il if
twei ghts
twicey oursi zeev ery day ,Pr incess.Eaty ourf ood. "
Hesmi l
ed.Hesatnextt omeandst artedeat i
ng.He
hadmadet hest eak, pot atowedges, fri
edaspar agus
andsal ad.Thef oodwasf ant ast ic."Idon' tcookf or
any onebutmy sel fsoi ft hef oodi sbad, forgiveme. "
Bad?" It
'sact uall
ygr eat .I'
m enj oy ingt hemeal .
"I
tookanot hermout hful." Aspar aguswi llmakey ou
fartsopl easewar nmewheni t'
scomi ng, f
rom my
ownexper iencet hef umesar eweaponi zing."Hesai d.
Ichokedonmyf ood, l
aughi ngoutl oud." Youar eso
random. "Moonwal kedi n." Yum.Food. "Heey ed
Biso'spl ate."Nomaonl ycookedf ortwo.Shedi dn'
t
thinkany oneel sewashome. "Bi sosai d.Il ookedat
him andhehi dasmi l
e." Youwoul d'
vel ov edt hat ,
woul dn' ty ouBi so. "Moont ookast i
ckofAspar agus
from hi spl at
e." Ofcour se.Nomacooksf antast i
c
food. "Hegotupt of etchadr i
nk." Isee.Wel l
,Ijust
camet osayhi .Bi so, wehav eameet i
ngi naf ew.I
needt hoser epor tsr eady .IfIdon' tseey oubef oreI
l
eav eNoma, havey our selfal ov elyev eni ngmy
angel .
""GoodnightMoon. "Hesmi l
edandwal ked
away ."SinceI'
m bymy sel
f, I
'
llmakemy selfsome
desser tIguess."Isay,fi
nishingmyf ood."Notf air
.
Whyonl yforyourselfma'am? "Bi socompl ains."You
hav ewor ktodoSi r.
"Igiggled."Mywor kwi l
lbedone
i
nl esst hananhour .Pleasehav emydesser tready,I
don'twantt ohav etocomebot heryouf orit.
"His
greeney esdancedinthel ight,
hi sli
psseti nasl y
smi l
e."GoodnightKagi so."Isaid."GoodnightMr s
Stöltzer.
"...
.

I'
dmademal vawithchocol at
epi eces,thencust ard
onthesi de.Therewasi cecream i nt
hef reezert o
add.Byt het i
meIdi shedup, Iguesst heirmeet ing
wasdone.Mooncamei ntheki t
chensmi l
ing.
"Yuumm. "Thewayhel ovesfoodbutdoesn' tseem
tobegai ninganywei ght.Igav ehi mthebowl .
"Thanky ousweet heart.I'
l
lbringt hebowl back
tomorrow.Goodni ght."Hewal kedoutthehouseand
drovetohi sown.It houghthel i
vedherebutof
courseIknewhehadahousenear bytoo.Bi socame
i
n.Igav ehi m hi
sbowl ."Thanky ouMr sSt öltzer.
"He
smi led." IhopeIwon' tbebot her ednow. "Ichuckl ed.
"Ofcour senot .Youhav eyour selfagoodni ght.I'm
onmywayout .I'
llseey outomor row. "Agai n,I
thoughthel ivedher e."Goodni ght ."Hewal kedout .I
clear edupev erythingi ntheki tchenandt ookmy
bowl , goingdownt ot hecinema.I twasdownal ong
passage, reservedf ormost lyent ertainment .Ther e's
af ullystockedbart hatr i
valsani ght club, ther e'san
i
ndoorbasket ball cour t,
theci nemaIwasheadedt o
andahugegamer oom.Ther ewer eal soaf ew
storager oomst okeepext rabal l
s, towel set c.
Howev erwhenIpassedone, Icoul dhearsni f
fling
andcr ying.Ist oppedandl istenedcar ef ull
y .Noone
elsewasi nt hishousesowhowascr yingi nacl oset ?
Iopenedt hedoorbuti twasj ammed.Iputmybowl
downandpushedati twithmyshoul derunt il
it
opened." DrPai ge? "Whywasmydoct orinacl oset
crying?" Ohno.Pl easema' am.I '
m sor ry .
"Hecr ied.
"Whyar ey ousor ry ?Whyar ey oui nher e?"Iasked.
ThenInot icedt hebi bleinhishand." Wer ey ou
pray ing?"Henodded." I'
m sosor ry .
"Hewaskneel ed
ont hef l
oor ,beggi ngatmyf eet ."It'
sokay .Butwhyi n
thecl oset ?Whynoti ny ourroom? "Hegat her ed
hi
msel fandstoodup."Youdon'tknow..
."he
whispered."
I'
dloveto.
"Hecollectedhi
sbibleand
fi
xedhimself."
I'
m sorr
y."Andher anout
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er85

Thenextmor ningIwasupby6am.Unabl etosl eep

further.Aftermyshower ,
Iputonapi nktwopi ece.
Leggi ngsandacr opt op.ItwasSundaybutIdi dn't
feel li
kegoi ngt ochur chyet.I'
dseehowIf eelafter8.
Iwentdownst airstomakesomebr eakfast.Sincei t
wast oday, Iknewnoonewoul dcomebyt i
ll
afternoon.Imeanwhatwoul dt heysi tanddoher e
rathert hanbei ngi nt heirownhouses?Ist artedt he
spinach, ham andcheeseomel etsoIhadsomel ight
choppi ngt odo.Igotonwi thmyt askqui etlybut
deci dedonsomemusi c.Afterconnect ingmyphone
tothesy stem, IselectedaFut urealbum t henback
tomycooki ng.Mi ghtaswel lcookmySundayl unch
andputi tasideonce.Af termaki ngbr eakfast,I
cov ereditandputi tasidet henst ar
t edcooki ng.On
themenuf ort odaywasr oastedchi cken,pot atoes
andmeal i
es, creamyspi nach, fri
edr i
cewi thgreen
pepper s,oni on,mushr oomsandeggandf inal l
y
spicyGr il
ledgr eenbeans.Themeal wasn' tdi ffi
cult
anddi dn'tt akealotoft imesoIwasj ustcr uising
throughi tt hi
nkingaboutl astni ght.Ialreadymade
thedeci sionnott ot ellany oneaboutt hedoct or.I
don'tknowwhatt otellreally.Whatwoul dIsay ?Guy
j
ustneededpr i
vacyt opr ay?Iwasn' twor riedabout
theSt ölt
zerf amil
y '
sreligiousbel iefsbecausewego
tothesamechur chandi fther ewassomet hi ng
wei r
d, Thembawoul dt ellme.Whatt hatdoct ordid
scaredme.May bei nhishomet heydon' tlethi m
prayshame.Butt hat'
sst range.Hel ivesher e, t
here'
s
ahel persquar t
ersr i
ghtoutbackwher etheyal l l
i
ve.
Itwasal l soconf using.Whydoesn' thepr ayi nhis
room?Any way,Idon'tknowwhatel set odoabout
Themba.Ican' tfi
ndhi m any wher e.Hel it
er allyjust
vanishedi ntothinair.Icoul dn'taskt heai rlinesf or
detailsbecausei t'
sagai nstt heirpol i
cy.Icoul dask
Thierrytoaskf ormebutIdi dn'twantt oi rritatehim.
Moonwoul ddefinit
elygetagi tated.Idon' tknow
aboutBi sobuthepr obabl yr epor t
st oThi erryt oo.
God, Imi ssMar s.Ihav et ocal lhertodayandcheck
howshei s.That '
swei rd...What 'sthatsmel l
...I
sniffedar oundt hepot s.Wast hatcol ogne?Fr om
wher e?It urnedar oundandmyhear tjumped." Biso!!"
Isnapped.Hesmi ledhi ssweetshysmi le." Hel lo.
"
Hesai d."Whendi dy oucomei n?I t'
s8i nt he
mor ning. "Myhear twasst i
ll racing.Hewasst andi ng
about10st epsawayf rom mebutst il
l.Hi sey es
slowl yt r
av eleddownmybodybuthebl i
nkedbackt o
myf ace." Uhm. ..Ibr oughty ourbowl back.Al so,
wonder i
ngi fy ou' dgot ochur cht oday ?"Heexpl ained.
Hewaswear ingabl ackt shi rtwr itt
enBal enci aga,
dar kjeanst hatsl ightlyhuggedhi sthighsdownhi s
l
egst hatwer et heper fectsl ightcur v einbet ween
andbl ackBal enci agasneaker s.Ifeltunder dressed
already ."I'
m notsur ey et."Ilookedany wher ebutat
him." Youl i
kewal kingar oundbar efooti nt hiscol d. "
Hisv oi cewassl ightwi thhuskandman." NoIdon' t.
Andi t
'snotcol d. "Iturnedmybackt ohi m andst i
rred
apott hatdi dn' tneedst i
rr
ing." Iwasn' taski ng.What
arey oumaki ng? "Hepul l
edachai rtosi tdown.
"Sundayl unch.Ar ey ouhungr -""Starving. "Mybody
wentcol d." I'
ll dishupf oryousoon.Thechi ckeni s
almostdone. "Thankgoodnessf ort hat." Ist haty our
musi c? "Hesoundedsur prised." YesBi so, Ili
st ent o
trap."Hel aughed." NotonaSundayMr sSt öltzer.
No. "Heconnect edhi sownandsoot hingMozar t
cameon." Noway s!!NotMozar t."Ilaughed." Why
not ?I t'
ssoot hing. "Hesmi l
ed."Iwantt obopKagi so.
Thi swi l
lmakemesl eep."Hechangedi ttoanRnB.
"That 'sbet ter.
"Iwasdonecooki ng." Havey ou
spokent oThi erry? "Heasked." No.I '
llcallhimj ust
now.He' spr obabl yawakebynow. "Iwentdownf or
theov enandpul ledoutt het r
ay .Thechi ckenwas
wel lcookedandsi zzli
ngi nitsjuices." Hmm.Now
that'sameal ."Ilookedt omyr ightandanot herpai r
ofgr eeney eslookedback." Baby !!
"Ial mostdr opped
thet ray ."Careful!"Hel aughed." Idi dn'tknowy ou
mi ssedmet hismuch. "Icarefullyputdownt het ray
andhuggedhi m." Imi ssedy ou.Youhav en'tev en
retur nedmycal lsf rom lastnight ."Ismackedhi s
shoul der."Ow!Vi olentl i
tt
lehands. "Hehel dt hem
kissingmyknuckl es." You'r
ehomei nt i
mef orf ood
buti t'sst i
llmor ning.Doy ouwantbr eakfastf irst?"I
kissedhi schi n." Nobaby .Bisohowev erlooksl i
ke
he'saboutt of aint.Soy oumi ghtwantt ot ossa
pieceofchi ckeni nhi smout h."Thi errylaughedathi s
brot her .Bisost aredathi m wi t
hbl adeshar pey es.
"Breakf astf ir
stBi so? "Iaskedhi m." Yespl ease
Princess. "Hesmi led." You' repr ett
yr udef or
someoneIj ustpi ckedupatt heai rpor tat7am ona
Sunday ."Bisosai d." Youbr oughthi m her e?You' ve
beensi tti
ngt her ef orawhi l
e."Isai d."Ihadt osee
Moonf ir
stbaby .Comeon, Bisoi shungr y
."Imade
him br eakf astident ical tomi ne.Thi erryhadcof f
ee
andIat emyownbr eakfast ,all3ofusatt hedi ning
table." So..Ihav en'tseenMar sinawhi le.
"Isaid,
testingt hewat er s.Bi solookedatThi er r
y."You'renot
goingt oMar s."Thi erryst ated." Butshe' smy -""No.
Andt hat '
sf i
nal.Ihady ouschedul edt of l
ydownt o
yourmot herlat ert odayany way ."Hesai dsippinghi s
hotcof fee."Idon' twantt ogo. "Isul ked.Obv iously
thiswasapr otest ." Youdon' thav eachoi ce.I've
alreadycal l
edherandshe' sexpect ingy ou.Besi des,
thepl anei sal readywai ti
ngf ory ouatt heai r
por t.
"He
fi
nishedhi scof fee." Thoughty ougoi ngt oCape
Town. "Bisosai d." Tomor rowni ght.Ineedt odr iveto
Kimber lythisaf ter noon. "Thi errysay s, getti
ngup.My
hear tsinks.Iwon' thav eanyt i
meatal l wit
hhi m?
"SinceI 'm goi nghome.Nooner eallyknowsme
there, soIdon' tneedabody guar d-"Ist arted."You're
travel
ingwith3anddon' tev ent rytoar guewi thme."
Istaredathim." ThenI'
m notl eav i
ng!"Ihissed."I'
ll
gowi thher.
"Bisosuggest s."Finebuty oudon' tl
et
heroutofy oursight.Nomakhwezi isslick.She'l
lsl
ip
throughyourfingersjusttogodr ink.Orshemi ght
endupi njailf
orassault.Idon'tneedscandal s.I
'l
l
seey ouwheny ou'
rebackbaby ."Heki ssedmyl i
ps
andwal kedout.

Icoul dn'tf
ini
shmybr eakfast.Howwoul dIexpl ainto
mymom t hatthisisThier
r y'
sbrotherwhohar dly
talkst opeople?Honest l
y,thebody guardswoul d've
madebet t
ersense."Whatt imeshoul dwel eav e? "
Bisoasked.Thi er r
yhadgonei nthedi recti
onofhi s
studysohewoul dprobablybewor king."NowI
guess.I t'
snotlikehe'l
lhav etimef orme. "Igotup
sadlyandwentt omyr oom, packingasui tcase.I t
tookmeanhourt ofi
nish.Thierr
ywal kedin." Baby ?"
Ilookedathi m." Areyouupset ?"Hewasqui tedumb
att i
mes." No."Icheckedmyl aptopbagf oral l my
char gers.All
wer epackedal ongwi thmyl apt op.
"Hey ..
.comeher e.
"Hesatmeonhi slap."Look, once
you'rebackwewi l
lbetoget heragai n.Ibookedusa
vacat i
on,you'l
l l
oveitandno, Iwon' tbewor ki
ng."He
kissedme." Ar eyoubusynow? "Iasked." Yesmy
l
ov e.Ihadt oputmymeet ingonhol dbecauseIdon' t
wanty ouupsetatme.You' remyf i
rstpriori
ty."I
huggedhi mt i
ght."Il
ovey ouThi erry
."Ireallymeant
i
tf r
om t hebot t
om ofmyhear t."Iknow.AndIl ov
e
you.Pl easesendmyr egardst oy ourfami ly
.Ican't
wai ttoseet hem beforetheweddi ng."Ikissedhis
l
ips, cravi
nghi stouch.Hegent lypul l
edaway ."Next
ti
memyl ove.Ipromise."Hewhi spered.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er86

Thef li
ghtt oEastLondonwasmost l
yqui et.There
wer etwobody guar dsasst andardpr ocedur e,Bi
so
andhi sgor geousl adyf ri
endwhom hedi dn' tbother
tointroducet omesoIkeptqui etandwat cheda
mov ieonmyl apt op.If el
treall
ylonel y.Sur rounded
bypeopl ebutdef initelyalone.Wel andedi nEast
LondonandIst artedpacki ngmyt hings.Asusual ,
twobl ackRangeRov erswerewai ting.Iwentt othe
fi
rstoneandgoti nt hedr i
verseat.Bei ngont he
planewasonet hingbutont hegr ound, IknowIcan' t
standt hatwoman' sv oice.Bisogoti nt hepassenger
afterloadingourl uggage." Letsgo. "Hel ower edhi s
seat."Wher e'sy ourf riend?"Iasked." Shel eftwith
thebody guar d."Idr ov etoKing,qui etly.Theonl y
thingonwast her adi o.Halfwaythr ought het ri
pBi so
swi t
chedi toff." Youknowhel ovesy our ight ?
"He
said."Iguess. "Ist ar edf araheadint her oad.We
wer eal mostt her e.Iappr eciatedt hathest oppedt he
conv ersat i
ont her e.Ther e'
ssmal lpleasur esi nli
fe
suchassi lenceandBi socoul dprov i
dei twi thout
event rying.Ipar kedatmyf ami l
yhomeandsi ghed.
"You' recomi ngi n? "Iaskedhi m."Yes.Justt osay
hello.Whati sy ouri ti
nerary? "Hesatup." Wel l
,I'
llbe
homeal l day ,it'
sSundaysomay beI '
llcook.Then
tomor row, Ihav et oescor t
edNasi toherbaby
daddy 'shomef ort hepr egnancy .Af tert hat, I'
m
takingt hem shoppi ngfort heweddi ngandsome
grocer i
es.I 'l
l bedonebyaf ternoon. "Ihadasol i
d
plan." Okay .SoIsneakedi nasur pr i
sef ory ou.You
can' ttellThi er r
y .Pr omiseme. "Hesai d." Ipr omise."
Thi swas. ..wei rd." Mar sisdr ivi
ngdownher et onight.
Ifigur edy oumi ghtwantt ospendsomet i
mewi t
h
herbef or eshegoesbackt ot heSt ates."Ihugged
himr ightt her e." Thanky ousomuch, Biso. "Ipul l
ed
awayf r
om hi m." IsaidI'ddoany thingf ory ou.Let 's
goi n. "

Hepull
edthesui
tcasei
nt hehousebehi
ndme.Iwas
expect
ingt
oseeNasiphibecausethehousewas
openandIt hinkumamawasatchur chbutshe
wal kedoutt hepassagewear ingherdr essandapr on
ont op." Hel l
oMa. "Ismi led."Mnt anam! "(Mychi l
d!)
Shehuggedme." HelloMogot si.
"Sheshookhi shand.
"Thisi sn'tMogot simama.NguKagi solo.Hi s
brot her."Iexpl ained.Theyl ookedal ikesoIdon' t
blameher ."Arey ousur e? "Shewor ehergl assest o
l
ookagai n."Yesmama.Iwoul dknowwhatmy
husbandl ooksl i
ke."Igi ggl ed." Goodaf t
er noon
mama. "Bisosmi led." Wel come, comesi t.Icooked. "
Shel aughed." Bisopr obabl yhast hingst odomama. "
Idon' tknowwhyshewasbei ngsoni ce."Don' tbe
sil
ly.Kagi sosi tdownandhav eahotmeal .Tel lme
abouty our self."Yeaht hat 'snotgonnahappen.To
mysur pri
se, hest artchat ti
ng, indul gingherwi thhis
l
ifet hatIt houghtwasv er yqui etandbor ing.Iwas
shocked.Idon' tthinkhi sf ami lyknowst hissi deof
him.Wesatt hr oughl unch, eat i
ng.Wel latl eastIwas.
Mom andBi sower et alkingandl aughi ng.Idi dn't
knowwhatt omakeoft hi s.Whydoesn' tBi so
i
nt eractwi t
hhi sf ami ly?Af terl unch, mum br ought
outi -sweet s.InAf ricancul ture, t
hi siscust ard, j
ell
y,
ti
nnedpeachesandcr eam ori cecr eam.Nasi phi
walkedi nthehouse." Molweni .
"(Hello)Shewal ked
toherr oom." HaiboNasi phiizobulisauKagi so."
(Nasi phi comegr eetKagi so)mom y ell
ed.
"Ndibul i
silemosmama! "(Ididgr eet,mum. )Nasi
said." Uyakwazi baungubani ?Nasi phiandifuni
ukuphoxa. "( Doesheknowwhoy ouar e?Don' tmake
meembar rassy ou. )Mum f i
nall
ysai d.Trustme, she
wil
l embar rassher .Nasicameoutherr oom." Hel l
o
sir
."Shel ookedathi m."I
'
m notasi r.I'
m Kagiso.My
fami l
ycal l
smeBi so."Hesmi l
ed."I'
m Nasiphi."He
nodded.Shewentbackt oherr oom.Whenwashe
l
eav ing?" I'
m goi ngt ofixNoma' sr oom.You' llusei t
,
Kagiso.Nomay ou'llsl
eepwi thNasi .
"Mymom
concl uded." Nomama.Kagi soi sgoingt oahot el
."I
said.ifIdon' tputmyf ootdownnow." That'sright
ma.I 'dlov et ostaybutIhav ebusi nesst otakecar e
ofont heot hersideoft own.Nextt ime,I'
llhonor
youri nv i
te."Hesay s.Mymom gl eams.Ther ewon' t
beanextt ime.I '
m notbr inginghi m hereagain.

Aft
erBisohasleftIcannowaskthi
swoman, what
herpr
oblem i
s."Mfazi.Andt
hen?
"Ilookedather
.
"HaiboNoma.Whyar ey ousomeant ohim?He' sa
darli
ng. "Iwi pedt hedi shes."Hay i mama, uyamaz i
mosuBi so.You' vel i
v edinourhomebef or e.
"(No
mama, youknowBi so.)Whenshecamet olivewith
usawhi leback, shewoul dseeBi so."Ewendi yayazi
l
ont okodwakeuzi l
ungel e.Akahl uphimnt u."(YesI
knowt hatbuthe' sagoodper son.Hedoesn' tbother
anyone. )Ijustshookmyhead." I'm comi ngback
mnt anam, I'
m goi ngt oMamBhel e."Shesai dwalking
out.Af tertidyingt heki t
chenIwentt othel ounge
wher eNasi phi wassi tti
ng."Hey ."Isatonanot her
couchbutf acedher ." Hi.
"Shegl ancedatmeand
backt ot heTV." Howmanymont hsnow? "She
sighed." 5."Idon' tknowwhyshewashav ingan
atti
tude." Nasi phi, I'
m notgoi ngt owast emyener gy
bybei ngangr yaty ouorshout ingy ou.You' vealr
eady
madeami stakeand- ""Mybabyi snotami stakesisi.
It
'snotmyf aulty oucan' tgetpr egnant !
"Shespat ."I
choosenott ogetpr egnantbecauseIwantt obe
mar ri
edandst abl ef i
rst.Bothoft hosenowbei ngmy
reali
ty.Don' tdi srespectmeNasi phi.You'reat een.
You'reunderourcar e.I'
m gonnahav etosuppor tand
payf ory ourchi l
d'sneedsbecauseweknowManono
sis'
hlangusendoda. "
(Manonoi sashoeofaman.
Translatedtobei ngusel ess.)"Justbecausey ou're
mar r
y i
nganol dr i
chmandoesn' tmakey oubet t
er
thanus.Manonol ov esmeandourchi l
d.Hewi l
l
suppor tus.Notev eryonei sgoi ngt ogetar i
chman.
Getof fyourhi ghhor sebecauseev enloThi erry
wakhocanl eav ey out omor row. "Shesay s."Bet hat
asitmay .Manonowi l
l sti
ll
bei sihlangu.Af l
ipf l
op
onar ainydayact ually.Buty ou'llknowt hatsoon
enough.Thel easty oucoul ddoi sf ini
shthisy ear
andpassatschool .Thennexty ear ,youcanst ay
homef orther estofy ourpr egnancyandbi rth.The
babywi llbeaf ewmont hsoldandcanat tendaday
caresoy oucangobackt oschool theyearaf ter.
PleaseNasi phi .Justt hi nkabouti t."Shedi dn'tbother
respondingt ome.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er87

Veryear l
ynextmor ningIwokeupear l
yandgot
ready .Mom, Nasi andIwer egoi ngt oManono' s
homet or eportthepr egnancy .I
'
v enev erdone
somet hingl i
kethisbef oresoIdi dn' tknow
procedur e.Aftermyshower ,Iwor eanav ymaxi
dressandabl ueheadscar f
.IwokeupNasi phit
o
getdr essedwhi lemamawasbat hing, Iwentt o
maket ea.Wi thi
nanhour ,wewer er eadyandwal king
toManono' s.Iwasal readydi sgustedbutt hi
swasn' t
aboutme.Iknockedont hef r
ontdoorandhi s
mot heropened." Hello."Shel ookedatmet henmy
mot her ."Mol owet husi si.Sizekuwek' lent sasa.
"
(Hellosi ster,we'vecomet oy out hisear lymor ni
ng.)
Shel etusi nandwesatdown." Wedon' twantt o
wast ey ourt imesi si.SiziswenguNasi phi apha.Uthi
umithi swenguManono. "Mymom sai d.Thewoman
j
umpedup." Akaci ngi!
!!Uy axokal omnt ana!!Kunini
ndimgxothaaphaakaboni uManonoumdal akuy e!!
Uthandeamakhwenkhweemci ncingokuuzoxoka
Kwam! "(Hewoul dnev er!Thi sgirlislyi
ng!!How
manyt imeshav eIchasedheroutofher e.Can'
tshe
seeManonoi sol df orher!!Shel ovesboy syetshe's
youngnowshe' scomeher et ol i
e!)Thewoman
shouted.Iwasal readyov eri t
."Asizangazoxabana
sisi
."(We'r
enother et ofi
ghtsi st
er.)Mymom wasso
calm.Iwasl osi ngit.Nasiphi wassi l
entl
ycr y
ingnext
tome.Ikeptmymout hshut ."Sisi,Nasiphiuna5
mont hs.I
t'
sei thersili
ndaazal esiyepol i
cest at
ionor
uManonout hat haresponsi bil
itykwangoku.Una15
kalokuuNasi phi andumt het hout hi i
fManono
ngutatawalomnt ana, i
t'
sst atutoryrape.Sokei kuwe
elandelay
o.Masambeni ."(
Si ster,Nasiphi i
s5mont hs
pregnantandt helawsay sifManonoi sthefather,
i
t'sstatut
oryr ape.Sot hebal li
siny ourcour t
.Let '
s
go.)Mymom sai d.Wef ollowedaf termymom al l
thewayhome.

Nasi
phiwasinherroom cr
ying,
I'
dfi
nishedmaki
ng
br
eakfastandwesatdownt oeatj
ustmeandmom.
Isai dIwoul dn'tbot hermy selfbutIj ustcan' tlether
star vet hebaby .Iwenttoherr oom andknocked
thenopened." I
zot yaNasiphi."(comeeat ,Nasi phi
)I
said." Andi l
ambanga. "(I
'm nothungr y .
)Shesni f
fed.
"Iknowt hatbuty ouneedt oeatnowbecausewe' re
l
eav ingf ort hemal lsoon."Ineededt ogethernew
clot hesbecauseshewasal readyshowi ng." Please
l
eav emeal oneNoma. "Ibackedof fkeandwentt o
eat ."Masi hambekwangokuksasamama.Iwantt o
bebackear l
yt ocook.I '
m meet ingf r
iendsl ater.
"We
fini
shedourbr eakfastandIwentt ochangemy
clot hes.Iwor et i
ghtjeans, awhi telooset shirtand
thewhi t
eDol ceandGabannasneaker s.Icoul dhear
mymom t alkingi ntheloungebutf i
gur edNasi phi
hadcomeoutherr oom.It ookmybag, checki ngmy
wal letandphonet henwal kedoutt ot heki tchen.
"Noma, lookwhocamebyt osayhel lo."Ilookedat
Bisoandsi ghed." HelloKagi so."Isay ."Hi .Icamet o
dr i
vey out ot hemal laspery ourfiancer equest .
"He
expl ains.Ohy es.Menothav ingabody guar dmeans
hav ingBi soar ound24/ 7.Atl easthegav emespace
tobr eath." Letsgo. "Wewal kedoutandhedr oveus
toEastLondon.Iwassi tti
ngi nthebackseat .My
mom i nt hepassenger ,Bisodr iving.Theywer e
hav i
ngt heirconv ersat i
onandIwast exti
ngThi erry
tel
linghi m aboutmymor ni ng.Ar ri
v i
ngi n
Hemmi ngway s,Istar t
edwi thmymot her,thiswas
sot hatshecoul dresti fshegott ired.Iboughther3
dressesandshoes.Ahandbagandabot tleof
per f
ume.Shewasv eryhappybutst oppedmef rom
doingf ur t
herf orhersoIboughtNasi '
sclot hes.
Sinceshewasst i
llyoung, It r
iedchoosi ngast yle
thatwoul dbeokayy etcomf ortable.5mat ernit
ytops,
5dr essesand3pant sl ater.Wepai dandwentf or
grocer yshoppi ng.Si nceIl ivewi thThi erryIhadext ra
moneyf r
om mywor ksal ar yandbecauseIhav en't
paidr entorboughtgr ocer i
esi nmont hsI'
v ebeen
sav i
ngi t.Thier r
yal sogi vesmeaR20kal l
owance
ever ymont hthatIj ustst or eawaybecauseI
honest lydon' tneedi t.Bisohaddi sappear edt ogiv e
usspaceandIt r
ulyappr eci atedi t.Nowi twasaf ter
1pm andwewer ef inall
ydone.Hedr oveushome.
"SoMar si sher e."Hesai dl ooki ngatt her earv i
ewat
me." Fant astic.I'
llseeherl at ert oday .Ican' twait.I
mi ssedhersomuch. "Ibeamed." Rememberour
promi se? "Ilookedathi m andnodded." Good. "..
.
Athome, Istartedcooki ngdi nner .Mygr anwant ed
l
asagnaandsoIdi di t
.Nasi phi wasn' thomeand
honest lyIwasn' tgoi ngtobot herany mor e.Iwentt o
batht hendr essedi nal ongwhi tebandageski r
tthat
wental l thewayt omycal fandat ightwhi tecr optop.
Iwor eagol dbr aceletandt hreepi eceneckl ace
fi
nishedmyl ookwi thbl ackheel sf rom YSL.If i
xed
mymakeupandmademywayout ."Yoh.
Nomakhwezi ntombi .Uy aphi?"(Wher ear ey ou
going? )Mymom asked." I
'm goi ngt omyf riend
mama.Ihav en'
tseenheri nweeks. "Iwaswai ti
ngf or
Bisot or eturn."UhambanoKagi so?Hay intombi ."
(Arey ougoi ngwi t
hKagi so.Nogi rl.)Shewhi spered.
"He'sonl ydr iv
ingmemama. "Ihear dt hecarout side.
"Byema. "Idashedoutbef oreal ect ure.Af terget ti
ng
i
nt hepassenger ,Ifastenedmyseatbel tandof fwe
went ."Youl ookbeaut if
ul."Hesmi l
ed." Thanky ou
Biso."Ismi l
ed." Andy ousmel lamazi ng. "Hel ooked
atme." I
t '
sthenewNar cisoRodr i
guez. "Ilookedout
thewi ndowt ryi
ngnott obl ush." Ilov eit.So, Ineed
yout odoonet hi ngf orme. "Hewasf ocusedont he
road."Whati sthat
?"Myheartst
art
edt orace."
No
drinki
ng.Iknowwhenal coholi
sinvol
ved,Mar s
tendst ogetoutofhand.IgaveThi
errymywor d.I
f
youst artt
odr i
nk,l
etmeknowsoIcankeepaney e
out .
"Hesay s."
Alri
ght
.ThankyouBiso.".
..

Iwentupt oMar t
ina'sr oom int hehot el andknocked.
SheopenedandIal mostj umpedi nforahug.
"Mars!!
"Iexclaimed." Okaygi rl
.Don'tsqueezeme. "
Wel aughed."Ihear dy ougotengaged, tel lme
EVERYTHI NGbutf ir
st ,shots!!"Shesai d." NoMar s.
Thisiswhywehav et osneakar oundt obegi nwi th.
Noshot s.Ipromi sedBi so."Isatdown." Fiiii
ne.We' ll
godownt odinneri naf ewhour s, l
et'
scat chup. "I
tol
dheraboutmyengagementsur prise." Youdon' t
seem toosur e."Mar ssai d."Iam. .j
ust .
..di dyou
knowaboutLi ndi andRi a?"Iasked." Yeah. "She
downedashot ."Oh.Iseem t obet heonl yone
fi
ndingitweird. "Iey edabot tl
eofwi ne.Onegl ass
won'thurt.Ipour edonegl assandsatback." Ittakes
ti
met ogetusedt oit .
"Shedr ankt womor eshot s
thensettl
edwi thginandt onic."Mars, whydoy ou
drinksomuch? "I treal lybot heredmebutIr eal izeit
mi ghtbet ooper sonal .Insteadshel aughed
hyst erically."Wheny ouhav eaf ami lyl ikemi ne, you
hav enochoi cebutt odr ink.Imean, abi gexampl eis
Lindi ,RiaandMoonf ucki nghappi l
ywi thoutacar e."
Shesmi l
ed." Doy out hinkThi erryisi nt othatt oo? "I
ask, pr ayingshesay sno." Well.
..Thigh- Thi
ghi s
different .He' snoti ntot hreesomes. "Shegul ped
downherdr i
nkf inish." Mar s?"Shel ookedatt he
bot tl
eoft equi laandwentf orit,anot hershot ." Yeah?
Hav ey ouchosenadat ey et?"Sheasks." Yes.I t'
si n3
weeks.Isenty ouani nv it
e."Isay ."Unf or t
unat ely,I
can' tcomemyl ov e.YouknowThi errywi l
lthrowme
out .He' sst i
llpissedatme, Ichecked. "Shegi ggl ed.
"ButIwanty out her e.I 'm notmar ryinghi m unl ess
you' ret here."Iwasser ious.Thi erryneededt ost op
beinganassnow." Noma, Thierryl
ov esy ou.Your
weddi ngi si mpor tantt ohi m.Iwanthi mt obehappy ,
l
et '
sgi v ehi mt imet ocal m down.I '
llal way sbe
around.I t'
snott hef irstt i
mehe' schasedmeaway
bef orehi sweddi ng. "Shepour edanot hergi nand
tonic." He' sbeenmar riedbef ore?"Iask.Shef roze.
"Uhm.Al most .Hey ,doy ouwantust ogogetf ood
downst airs?Theyhav eamazi ngpast a. "Shest ood
up."NoMar s.Tel lme, he'sbeenmar r
iedbef or e?"I
putdownt hegl assofwi neI '
donl yhadasi pf rom.
"YesbutNomapl ease.Pl easedon' ttell him Itold
you."Myangerbubbl edf rom t hepi tsofmyhear t
tryi
ngt orememberi fheev erment ionedhehad
mar ri
edbef ore." Whowasi t?"Iaskher .She' snow
shiveri
ng." Tshi amo'smot her .
"Shewhi spersasi f
he'sinthenextr oom." Whydi dhechasey ouaway
from her?"Ineededt heseanswer s." Wewer ecl ose
andspentt oomucht imet oget her .
"Sher eall
y
thoughtt hatwoul dsat isfyme?" Ispendsomuch
ti
mewi thBi soandhedoesn' thav eapr oblem.
So...
.?"Ilookather ." Bisowon' tev erhur tyou. "She
breathed." Andy ouwoul d? "Ifoldmyar ms." Iwas
driv
ingt hecar .Whenshel ostherl ife.Iwast heone
driv
ing.Shedi edbecauseofme. "Tear shadwel led
i
nherey es.Ist oodupandbackedawayf rom her .
"Noma, please. "Shepl eaded." Ineedsomeai r."I
walkedoutt her oom downt other est aur antar ea,
whichhadabal cony .Bisowassi ttingatat able,
stari
ngi ntensel yatt heent r ancesoIcaughthi sey es
i
mmedi ately .Iwentt osi tdown." Youl ookupset ."He
say s."Thi erryhasbeenmar ri
edbef ore?"Iaskhi m
staringi nt ohi sey es.Hel ookedathi shands." Yes."I
slumpbackont hechai r."Noonebot her edtot ell
me
this!!
"Ihi ssed."Idi dn'
tt hi
nkitwasi mpor t
ant-""Bull
!"
Howwasi tnoti mpor tant?"Whydoesi tmat ter?She
passedaway .It
'shi spast.Whyi si timpor tant?Has
heev eraskedy ouabouty ourexes?Wher ethey
are? "Heasked.Ishi ft
edi nmyseat ."Thi err
yonl y
l
ov esy ouf ory ou.Whathappenedbef orehi mi snot
relevantt oy ourf uturewi t
hhi m."Hehel dmyhand." I
stillfeel heshoul d'vetoldme. "Isay ."It
'sdiffi
cultfor
himt ot alkabouti t.Remembery ouracci dent?Do
youknowhowt riggeredhewas?He' skeptsecur i
ty
aroundy ousi nce.Not hingwillcomet ohar my ou.
Ev er.Justt r
usthi m. "...
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er88

Ihaddi nnerwi thMar '

sbuthonest lyitwasn'tt he
same.Wewer ebot hqui etthroughout .Icouldn' t
conf r
ontThi er rybecauseI '
dhav et oadmi tIwaswi th
Mar s.IcouldsayBi sot oldmebutonwhatbasi s?
Whywoul dBi soj ustprov i
det hati nfo?I '
dhav et o
askhi m straight .Ifheliest henIhadt orethinkour
mar ri
age.Yes, talkingt ohim wi llmakebet tersense.
Hopef ull
yhedoesn' tli
e.Idon' tknowwhatI '
ddo
becauseIr eal lylov ehim somuchandIdon' tt hink
I'
mr eadyt oj ustwal kaway .Af t
erdi nner,Mar ssai d
hergoodby est omeandwentt oherr oom.Il ef twith
Biso,hedr ov emehomequi et
ly."Ihat eseeingy ou
upset .
"Hesay s."I'
mf ine."Ilookoutt hewindow.
"Letsgoout .Let '
sdance, andj ustwi nddown. "I
l
ookedathi m, wonder ingi fhewasser ous.He
l
ookedl ikehewas." Yousai dnodr i
nki ngearlier."I
stated."WithMar s.Youcandr i
nkwi t
hme.I 'l
l take
car eofy ou."Hest oppedt hecar ."Yes? "Heasks,
smi ling.Inodded.Hedr ov eagai n.Iwasn' tt hat
fami liarwithEastLondonni ghtcl ubssoIl ethim
choose.Idi dn'tevencar er eallywher ewewer e.As
l
ongast here'sloudmusi canddr inksbutI 'dpace
my sel fwi t
hwat erinbet ween." Ginorv odka? "He
askedwhenwegotof fthecar ,wal kingt ot he
ent r
ance." Surpr i
seme. "Secur itysuddenl y
sur r
oundedusandescor tedusi n.WegotaVI P
clear edandwesat ."Ican' thel pt hat .Anycl ubIgot o.
Itjusthappens. "Heor deredusdr inksandsatback.
"RelaxNoma. "Hesmi led." Don' ty out hinkt hey '
llt
ake
phot os? "Iaski nhisearbecauset hemusi ci sloud.
"Arey oudoi ngsomet hingwr ong? "Hewhi spered
back.Il ookedathi sf ace." Kagi so! !"Av oiceshout ed.
Hest illheldmygazesoIl ookedt ot hev oice.I twas
hisl adyf ri
end." Ther e'sy ourgi rlfr
iend. "Isay .
"Someonei sjealous."Het aunted.Il aughed.Hel et
thesecur i
tyletherandherf riendsi noursect i
on.
Shesatont opofhi m, whi sper ingi nhi sear .Iwas
gladt hewai terbr oughtourdr inks.Abot tl
eofCi roc
andcr anberryjuice.Ipour edmy sel fadr i
nkandsat
back.Thegi r
lsstar t
eddr i
nki nganddanci ng.Iwas
enjoyingthemusi candt heal cohol wentdownwel l
.
Af t
ermysecondgl ass, Ineededt hebat hroom soI
stoodupwal kingoutt hesect ion.If elthandsonmy
wai st
."Keepwal king. "Bisowhi sper edinmyear .I
cont i
nuedt othebat hr oom, luckilyitwasn' tful
l.I
usedi tandwashedmyhandswal kingbackout .He
waswai ti
ngbyt hedoor ."Ican' tl
ety oujustsli
p
throughmyf i
nger s."Hehel dmyhand." Youwer e
busy ,di
dn'twantt odi sturb."Isay ."I'm notbusy .I'
m
herewi thyou.I'l
lswatt hem awayi fneedsbe. "I
l
aughed." Come. .Let 'sgo."Hesay s, pull
ingmei n
frontofhim.Wewal kbackt oourseat sandhepour s
meadr ink.Hisgirlisnowst aringdagger satme.I
drankmyal coholandkeptqui et.

ItwasmidnightwhenIdeci dedIhadenough.Iwas
nowsleepy.IlookedatBi soandshookmyhead.He
call
edfort
hebi ll
andpai dquick."
Let sgo.
"Het ook
myhandwal kingoutt othecar.Iwasnott i
psyatall
.
Notevenbuzzed.I '
dmanagedt odrinkwaterin
betweensot hatIwouldn'tembarrassmy sel
f,all
I
wantedtodowassl eep."MustIbooky ouar oom or
doy ouwantt ogohome? "Heasked, hel pingme
buckl emyseatbel t
."Idi dn'ttakeakeysoIdon' t
wantt owakemom up.Rat herbook. "Hedr oveof fto
ahot el.Itwascl earint her oadswi t
hnot raffi
c
obv i
ousl ybei ngaf termi dnightbutIwasj usttired.
"Youokay ?"Heasks.Inodmyhead, wi thmyey es
closed.Thedr iv
ewasqui etandasof tmel odywas
playingi nthespeaker s.Fi nallyhest oppedt hecar .
"Wi l
lyouwai ther e?"Ilookedathi m." Yeah. "Hegot
outt hecart omaket hebooki ngandbr oughtback
thekey .Heopenedmydoor ,holdinghi shandoutf or
me.Igotoutt hecarandwewal kedi n." Youdi dn't
hav etogett hebi ggestr oom. "Igiggl ed." Icouldn't
helpi t
.I t
'sinmyDNA. "Hewasst i
llhol dingmyhand.
"Biso...You' r
eani ceguybut -""You'remar r yi
ngmy
brother .YeahIknow. "Hel eanedont hedesk." So
whatar ey oudoi ng? "Iask." Idon' tknow.Honest l
y.
IfI'
m maki ngy ouuncomf or t
able,letmeknowandI '
l
l
backof f.
"Ihuggedmy self,feeli
ngabi tcol d."
Ilove
Thierry .
"Hel ookedatme." Okay .I'
llseey oui nthe
mor ning."Hewal kedout .
Thenextmor ni ng, wehadbr eakfastandi twaswei rd.
OkayIwasbei ngwei r
d.Bi sowasj ustbei ngni cebut
Ihadt oask." Kagi so, doy oul i
keme? "Iask.He
l
ookedupandsmi led."Yes. "Hesmi led." Imean,
att
ract edt ome, likeme? "Myphoner ang.Damn, my
mom." Hel l
oMa. "Ianswer ."Hay iNtombi .Hay i.
"(No
gir
l.No. )Shewhi sper s." MamaI '
mi nEastLondon.I t
gott ool atet odr iv e."Iwasf eelinggui ltylikeIdi d
somet hi ng." Ndi yanqandaNomakhwezi .Hay i."(I
'm
tel
li
ngy ou, no. )Honest lyumamawi llmakey oufeel
guil
tyev enmor e." Ndiy ezamama. "(I
'm comi ngma)
Shehungup." Timet ogo. "Wel eftforKi ng
i
mmedi ately.Iwasner v ousaboutexpl ainingt omy
mom becauseI 'dhav et olie."Yes. "IlookedatBi so
unsur ewhatt hey eswasf or."Yeswhat ?"Iask." I'
m
att
ract edt oy oubutI '
dnev erdisrespecty ouormake
youuncomf ortabl eNoma.Ipr omi se."Iki ndaf rozein
ti
me.WhatwasIsupposedt odowi tht his
i
nfor mat ion?" Oh. "Wasmyonl yresponseandhe
keptqui ett oo.I fi twasn' twei r
dl astni ght, i
t
definit
elywoul dbenow.Wear ri
vedatmyhome." I
don'tthinki t'ssaf ef ory out ocomei n.Shemi ghtbe
i
namood. "Henods." You' l
lletmeknowwheny ou
needme. "Igetoutt hecarandwal kinthehouse.My
mom i shav ingt ea." HayiNomakhwezi .Hay isisi.
Hay i
.Xubanent l
oni somet imes."( NoNomakhwezi .
Nosi si.No.Mi xsomeshamewi t
hy ourdeci sions
somet i
mes. )Mymom say s."Haibomama.I twas
l
at e."Idef ended." Nomakhwezi usukakuKagi so? "
(Doy oucomef rom Kagi so? )Sheasks." Nomama.I
wentoutwi thf ri
ends.Ionl yaskedhi mt opi ckmeup
thismor ning."Ilie.Shest aredatmeandcl apsonce.
"Hay isisi.
"Shekeptsay i
ng.Iwentt ochangei ntoa
shor t
sandat shirt."Noma, ndixeleleiny ani mnt anam.
Wer ey ouwi thhi m? "(Tel
l met het ruthmychi l
d.)She
pleaded." Iwasn' tmama. "Icontinuedmyl ie, I
'
ddi e
ont hishi l
l.Shecan' tknow." Nomakhweeezi .He' shis
brot her .
"Shest illstaredatmedet erminedt oget
answer s."Hehakemama. "(Wowmom. )" I
ngakux aki
mnt anam. "(Leti tnotblowupi ny ourf ace, mychi ld.
)
Icleanedt hehousequi etl
y.Nasi phi walksi nt he
kitchen, herey esar eredfrom cr ying."Uv elaphi
ekseni Nasi phi ?"(Wher edoy oucomef rom t his
mor ningNasi phi ?)Mymom asked.Sher eallywas
goi ngt hroughi ttoday .Thej oysofhav inggi rl
children." KuManonomama.Ut hi yenaakaf uni
mnt ana.Mandi mkhuphe. "( From Manono.Hesay s
hedoesn' twantachi ld.Imustabor t
.)Shesobs.My
ragebubbl edagai n.Ihel dbackf r
om mar chingt ohi s
houset obeathi m agai n.Theur gewassost rongbut
Itooki toutoncl eani ngt hehouse.Iwashedt he
windowsev en.IfIcoul d,I'
dpr obabl ysweept her oof.
That '
showmadIwas.Iwant edt oki l
lhi m." Ist hat
safe? "Ilookeddownandf oundBi sost andingt her e.
"Shit,youl ookpi ssed.Comedownher e."Hehel ped
medownt hest epl adder ,holdi ngmywai st
.Il anded
safely."Cany oubel iev ethatasshol e?ThatSat an's
fuckingt oenai l
.Thener vehehas. "Ihissed." Who? "
Hel ookedgenui nel ysur prised." Manono.Het old
Nasiphi toabor t
.At5mont hs!I magi ne."Iwas
fumi ng."Iwaswar nedhe' sy ourl eastf av ori
teper son
hereandy ouhav eat endencyofbeat i
nghi m up. "He
giggled." I
t'snotf unnyKagi so."Hekeptl aughi ng.
"Letsgot ohi m, Iwantt oseey oubeathi m pl ease. "
Hesmi led." Hell
oKagi so."Mymom cameout side.
Bisost eppedbackf rom met hat'swhenIal so
reali
zed, hewasst i
llhol dingmywai st.Myhear t
skippedabeat ."Hel loMa.Howar ey ou? "Hissmi l
e
wasshynowwi thgui ltallov erhi sface." I
'm wel l.
Comehelpmeinsidewi
tht
hecur
tai
ns.
"Shewent
backi
n,Bi
sof
ollowedheri
n.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er89

Mymot hermadeKagi soSt öl t

zer ,arespect ed
businessman; hangcur t
ains.I tdoesn' tgetmor e
rude.Icouldn'thel pbutl augh.Iwasal sost ressed
becauseIcoul dn' theart heirconv ersat ion.* **Inside
thehouse, Kagi sowashol dingt hecur tain,readyt o
hooki tupther ai l
s."DoIhooki tont oporunder
mama? "Heasked." Ontopmnt anam.Yes, justl i
ke
that.
"Shei nstruct ed."
Sot ell meKagi so, whatisi t
thatyouwant ? "Sheasked." Uhm. .Idon' tunder stand
thequest i
onma. "Hechuckl edner vousl y ."
I'
v eseen
howy ouarewi thmydaught er.She'smar ryi
ngy our
brotherinlesst hanamont h.Whydoy ouwantt o
sabotaget hat?"Shehadherhandsonherhi ps
stari
ngathi m." I'dnev erhur tNoma, Idon' twantt o
sabotageany thi ngma.Ipr omi seI '
m onl yher eto
protecther."Heexpl ai
ned." You' redoi ngmor ethan
j
ustpr otecti
ng.You' r
ecomf ortable."Shesay s."My
apologi
esmama.I '
l
ltryandkeepi tcordial.
"He
fi
nishedwi ththecurtain."Idon'
twanty out ojustt
ry
Kagiso.Itrustyoutodo.You' r
eal ovel
yy oungman
butIwon'tal l
owy out omakeawhor eoutofmy
daughter.
"Shewar ned."Iwoul dneverdot hatma.
Myapol ogiesagain."Hel ookedatt hefl
oor ."
Good,
nowcome.Ibakedscones, let
'shavethem wi th
somet ea."..
.

Iwalkedi nthehouseaf terI '

dcleanedt heout si
de
andt hewi ndowsspot less.Mymom t hinksKagi sois
oneofherchur chladies.Whydi dshesi thim down
forsconesandt ea?Andwhywasheenj oy i
ngi t
?I
wentt otakeabat handwor easi mpl ecr opt opand
highwai stjeanswalki ngbackt ot hem." Who' s
hungr y?I'
m maki nglunch. "Isay ."Nomnt anam,
Kagisoi stakingusoutf ordi nner,soI'm sav ingmy
appet i
teforlater
."Mom say s.Ijustlookedatheras
shecont inuedhav i
ngachatwi t
hhi m aboutchur ch
gossip.Itwasundeni ablet hatBisowasagr eat
l
istenerbuthemadeanev enbet t
erhy peman.He' s
reall
yhav ingaconv ersat ionaboutpeopl ehe' snev er
met .Iwentt oNasi 'sroom andf oundheront he
phone." Hey ."Isay .Shej ustlookedatme." Youcan
sayi t
.Yout oldmeso. "Isatdown." No.Iwantt o
fuckhi m up.Badl y.ButIwon' t."Shel ookedatme
then." I
'
m Sor ry.Fornotl i
steningandbei ngr udet o
you."Shesay s." You'ref orgivenonl yify oupr omi se
tofinisht hisy earatschool ."Isay ."Ipr omi se.I '
lldo
i
t.May beev ennexty earI '
l
l at
tendunt i
lIgi vebi rth.
Willyouhel pme? "Ofcour seIwoul d.Shewasmy
babysi st er.Iwoul dnev erlethersuf fer."Yes.Just
namei t."Wecuddl edonherbed, thebabywassof t
ly
nudginghert ummyandIcoul df eel i
tonmyhand.
"Fi
tony ourcl ot hes, l
et'sseehowt heyl ook.Toni ght
we'rehav ingdi nneroutwi thKagi so. "Sheexci t
edl y
gotupandf ithercl othes.Theywer eper fectonher .
"Somamasay sy ou'r
egoi ngt omar ryKagi so."She
says.Ist aredatheri nshock." Ithi nkmamat hinks
KagisoandThi erryar eoneper son. "Isighed." She
knowst heyar en't.Shedoesn' tlikeThi er r
yandy ou
knowhowshef eelsaboutKagi soasy oucansee. "
Sher olledherey es."I'
mi nl ovewi thThi erry.That 's
whoI 'm mar r
y ing."Ithi nk...
2weeksl
ater

It
'saweekbef or emyweddi ng.Icamebackf rom EC
aweekagoandIwentonami niv acationwi t
h
Thierry.Hewasdi ff
erentnow.Someonewhoj ust
l
ivedonhi sl apt op.Hewoul dcuddl emeandst il
lbe
wor ki
ng.Idi dn' tgett obondatal l.Wehadan
uncomf ortableconv ersation.Aboutbabi es.He
want edoneassoonaswegotmar ri
edbutIwasn' t
sure.Iwant edt owait.Ihadn' tseenBi sosincewe
camebackf rom myhome.Hehadwor ktodoi n
Germany .Thi er r
yandIcamehomeaf terour3day
vacationandhei mmedi atelywenti ntov anishmode
again, Imy selfhadwor ktokeepmebusysoal lwas
well.Itwasmyl astdayaf terall
.Ihadt orestformy
weddi ngday .Icamehomef r
om wor kbef ore7i n
theev ening.If aceti
medMar sandsheanswer ed.
"Myl ov e.
"Shesay s."Heyy ou.Imi ssy ou."Isighed.
"Takeashotf ormet oseei fit
'sreal.Itookouta
bottleoft equi laandshowedher .Shel aughed.
"Comeongi rl, r
ilemeup. "Idownedoneshotand
shescr eamed." Imissy out oo!!
"Shel aughed.Sheso
crazy."Howhav ey oubeen? "Af tert hewaywel eft
thingsinEastLondon, Ir eachedoutt oheragai nin
hopest hatIcoul dmendourf riendshi p.Il ov edMar s
l
ikemyownsi sterandIwasunf aironher .We' ve
beent extingonl inesi nceshel ef tfort heSt at es."I
'm
wel l
.Howar ey ou? "Sheasks." I'
m okay ."It akemy
shoesof fandcl imbupt hest airst omybedr oom.
"You'reready ?TobeMr sSt öltzer ?"Igav ei tsome
thought.Ihonest lywasn' tsure.Myhear twasj ust
displaced." Idon' tknowMar s."Iwhi sper edwhenI
closedmybedr oom door ."Doy ouwantmet oget
yououtoft her e? "Sheasks.Igi ggl ed."I'm abi ggirl
Mar s.IthinkIcanhandl eamar riagewi thThi erry.
Nott hathe' sev erher ef ormet ohandl e."Isl ipped
onsl i
desi nmyf eet ."He' snotaneasyper sonbut
pleasehangi nt hereNoma.Il ov ey ou. "" Ilov ey ou
tooMar s.Pl easev isitsoon? "IaskedThi er ryandhe
seemedt obesof t
eni ngaboutherbutt hingswi th
himt aket imesoIwoul dn'trushi t."I'
l
l domybest ."
Weendedourcal landIwentdownst airst ol ookf or
wine.Irinsedonebi gglassandt urnedt ol ookf ora
bot t
leandt her ehewas.Myhear tskippedabeat .
"Kagiso!"Ibr eat hed.Hechuckl ed." Mr sSt öltzer.It'
s
beenawhi l
e. "Iwasn' texpect i
nghi m atal l
.Idi dn't
evenknowwhatt osayt ohi m." Ithas.How' s
Germany ?"St upidquest ionIknow." I
t'sGer many .
"
Heshr ugged.Wej ustlinger edi nt heki tchenqui etl
y.
"Letmegett hatf ory ou."Het ookmygl assand
choseawi nef orme, pour ingiti n."Thanky ou."It ook
i
tbackandsi pped." I'
m goi ngt owat chamov ie.I
askedt hecheft opr epar easi mpl edi nner ,
Idi dn' t
knowy ou' dbeher e.MoonandRi aar esomewher e
outwor king. "Isay ."Thier r
yi sn'tint own? "Ijust
shruggedbecauseIhav en'tseenhi m since
yesterday ."Any way ,wel comeback. "Iwal keddown
totheci nemaandchosemymov ie.Isatandr el axed,
watchi ngi tst art.Bisowal kedi nwi thsnacksi nhi s
hands." I
t'snotamov iewi thoutsomecandy ."Hesat
nextt ome." Thanky ou."Ismi led." Sot ellme, what 's
goingon. "Heopensapacketofchi ps." Idon'tknow
i
fhewant stomar ryme.Hehar dl yspendst i
mewi th
mel ikeheusedt o.He'ssuddenl yj ustl ostinter est.
Ther emi ghtnotev enbeaweddi ng."Isi ghed." Ther e
willbeaweddi ng.I fyouwanti t."Hechewedona
cri
spwat chingt hescr een." Towhom? "Iask." The
persony oul ov eNoma.Whoel se? "Hechuckl ed." Is
hecheat i
ng?Pl easedon' tli
et ome. "Idon' tknowi fI
wantt oknowbutbet terbef oretheweddi ngr ight?
"Nope.He' snotsl eepi ngwi thany oneel se.I '
dnev er
l
iet oy ou."Ist aredathi m." Thenhe' snotat tracted
tomeany mor e?I st hatwhyGl ensai dhe'dt ossme
asideaf terheget swhathewant s? "Iwasont he
vergeoft ear s.Idi dn'ttel lany onehowIf eltbut
honest l
yithur tmesomuch.I tkeptmeupatni ght.I
didn' twantmyf ri
endst oknowIhadpr obl emsi nmy
relationshipsoIdi dn'tt alkabou.Idi dn'
twantmy
mom t oknowbecauseshe' dcauseascene.Idon' t
knowwhoel seIcoul dt ell.Thi er
ryj ustbrushedi toff
whenev erIbr oughti tupandt hat'swhyIwant edto
call offourweddi ng.Idi dn'tev enr eali
zeIhadt ears
onmyf ace." Ihav et ol ethi m goBi so."Iwi pedmy
cheeks.Hepul l
edmet ohi schestandhuggedme.I
l
eti tallout .Thesobsdi dn' tlastthatl ongbecauseI
honest l
yhat edcr yingandi twasnowont opofa
man' sbroadandsol idchest .Amant hatwasmy
fi
ance' sbi gbr other.Ipul l
edaway ."Sorryaboutt hat.
"
Istoodup." IthinkIneedsomewat er.
"Iannounced
bef orequi cklywal kingoutt ot hebarnextdoort he
cinema.Ther ewasaf ridget herewi t
hal lkindsof
bev erages.It ookabot tl
eofwat erandj ustst aredat
i
t.Sot hiswasi t.Imi ghthav et otempor arilymov ein
withSy monandf indanot herjob.Itwasdoabl eandI
coul ddoi t.Icoul df eelapr esencebehi ndme." I
'm
wor riedabouty ou. "Hewhi spered.Iswal lowed.Then
ther ewast hisone.Whydi dmyhear tstopwor king
whenev erhewasar ound?Imadet hebi ggest
mist akeandt urnedt olookathi m.Ithappenedagai n.
Thebut terfl
iesi nmyt ummy .Hest oodsot alland
ri
gid.Hi slegscur v edatt hekneesmaki ngmy
breat hi
ngdoubl e." I'
mf ineKagi so.Ijustneededt o
maket hisdeci sion. "Icoul dbarelylookathi sf ace.
Hest eppedcl oserst andingi nfrontofme, hishand
l
iftedmychi nt ol ookathi m." Whatdeci sion. "He
wast oocl ose, hiscol ogneseepi ngar oundmybody .
"Kagi so."Ibr eathed.Hegr i
nned.Mykneesal most
gav eout .I'
v enev erbeensomesmer izedbyaman
bef ore,Idon' tev enknowhowt hiswoul dhappeny et
hereIwas.Iswal lowed." Nomakhwezi .
"Il ookedat
him agai n.Hi sl i
pst ouchedmi nesof tly.Ihel donhi s
ri
bs.Wi thoneswi f tpull,heslightl
ybentdownand
scoopedmeof ft hef loorwi t
honear m.Myl egs
wrappedar oundhi swai st,myhandshol dinghi s
face.Hehel dmeagai nstthewal l
,gent lysucki ngon
myl owerl i
p.Hi sr ighthandsnakedupmyt opand
unhookedmybr aandmassagedmybr east .I
moanedonhi smout h.Andt hatal ertedme
i
mmedi ately.Shi t
.Ist oppedt heki ssedandst ar edat
him.Gui l
twashedov ermel ikeoceanwav es." I-Biso
wecan' tdot hi s."Hesl owlyl etmeont hef l
oor .Hi s
fi
nger sbr ushi ngmycheek." WhyNoma?We' r
e
adults."Hi slazygr eeney espenet ratedmeso
i
ntensel y.Heki ssedmeagai n, evenmor e
passionat ely, hol dingmybodyl ikegl uest uckt ohi m.
Hismemberwashar dandpoki ngathi sj eans, I
couldnol ongerf ocus." Iwantt omakey ouhappy .
"
Hewhi sper ed.Iwi shIcouldt earmy selfi nt wo.
"Pleasedon' tsayno.Letme. .."heki ssedmeagai n.
Myt hongwassoaked.Ist oppedhi m agai n.
"Someonei scomi ng.
"Ihissed.Hei nst ant lyletgoof
meandwentov ert othefridgepul li
ngoutabeer .I
wentt ot het abl et ot akemybot tl
eof fwat er .My
handswer eshaki ng."Therey ouar e.I '
vebeen
l
ooki ngal lov ert hehouse.HeyAngel ."Moonwal ked
i
n." HiMoon. "Ibusi edmyhandsast onotbr ing
attenti
ont ot hem andwhyt heywer eshaki ng." Do
youneedme? "Bisoasked." That'
swhyIwasl ooki
ng
foryou.We' r
emeet ingint heoff
ice.Youokay
sweet hear
t?"Ireal
izedmybr awasst il
lunhooked
andIsuddenl ycouldn'tbr eath."
Noma? "Hecall
ed
out."Yes.I'
m okay."Isayt omakehi m goaway .I
'v
e
start
edt odri
nkmywat eri nhopesthatIcalm down.
"Alr
ightthen.Let'
sgoBi zz."Theywal kedout
together.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er90

Bisosatononeoft hechai rsopposi t

eThi erryinhis
homeof fice."Iwant edust ot alkaboutt hecer emony.
It
'sinlesst hanaweek. "Thi errysay s."Ev ery t
hingis
i
npl ace."Bi sost ated."Iwanti tdoneaf ewday s
aftertheweddi ng.Notwhi leev ery
onei sher eand
overwhel mi ngNoma. "Thier rysay s."Ifyoucont i
nue
beingt hi
swayt oher ,
therewon' tbeaweddi ngto
startoffwi t
h."Bisosay sst aringathi m." Nomawi l
l
mar ryme, shelov esme.Ther e'snor easonwhyshe
woul dn't
."Thi er
rychuckl es." YeahIwoul dn' tbesure
aboutt hat .Itol
dy oubef or ey ouappr oachedher
she'snoty ourtype. "Ther oom i ssi l
ent."Ev er y
womani smyt ypeKagi so."Thi errystar t
s." Don' t
disrespectme.I 'm noty ourf ri
end. "Moonl ooksat
him." Okay ,Ithi
nkweshoul dcal m down. "Hesay s.
"I
'
mi nsanel yweal thy ,
I'
m handsome.Ther e'snota
womanoutt here,whowoul dn'twantt omar r
yme.
Nott ot ootmyownhor nbutt oot ."Thi erryl aughs.
"Don'tbet oosur e.Nomadoesn' tcar eabouty our
money .Shenev erdi d.Al l shewant si sy ourat tention
andi fthatl acks, she'snotgoi ngt ot hinkt wi ce.She
alr
eadyhasi nsecur i
ties, t
hi swi lldeepent hem.She' s
goingt or unawayThi erry."Thi er rystar edathi m.
"Yeah,It hinkBi soi sr ight.Ther easony ouchose
Nomat obegi nwi t
hi sbecauseshehasani nnocent
personawi t
hast rongr esilience.Youneedsomeone
toughThi errybecausey ou'reat yrant .Anannoy ing
oneatt hat.I'm sur prisedshest ay edt hisl ong. "
Moonchewedonacr isp." Pr obl em wi thheri st hat
she'sst ubbor n!Thosequal ities, br eedst ubbor nness
andi tpissesmeof f."Thi errysi ghed." AllI'm say i
ng
i
s, you'
ll hav et oshowoutf ort henextf ewday s
otherwi se, you'rebackt osquar eone. "Bi sost ates.
"Youmi ghtwantt ogi vehi m af ewt i
psBi so. "Moon
nudgedhi sbr other ,hisey ebr owsdanci ng." Don' tbe
stupid.Thi err y,doasy oupl easebutonet hi ngIcan
tel
ly oui sthaty ourat tit
udewon' twin.Nomaneeds
reassur ance, attent i
onandl ove.St arv eherand
you'reony ourown.I '
v egi veny ouwhaty ouwantbut
i
fy ouf ucki tup, I'
m notdoi ngi tagai n. "Bi sowal ked
out
.

Myhear twashammer ingi nmychest .Iopt edt o

hidei nmybedr oom.If eltsi ckandst il
lwetwhi ch
mademygui ltev enwor se.NowI m sur eThi er ry
won' tmar ryme.Hewoul df lipi fhef oundoutI
kissedhi sbr ot her .Hedoesn' thav etof indoutdoes
he?Iwant edt ot extBi sot okeepqui etbutt hat
woul dbeev idenceagai nstme.I '
dj usthav et odeny
i
tt i
llIdiebutmost l
ypr ayBi sodoesn' tspi l
l.He
doesn' tev ent alkmuchbutt hisi shi sbr other.Of
coursehe' lltalk.Iundr essedgoi ngt ot hebat hr oom,
Ineedt ot akeabat h.Icoul dn'tspeakt oThi erry
whi l
esmel l
ingl i
kehi sbr other .Ir anabat handIf elt
handsenv elopemei nahug.Igotsuchaf rightunt i
lI
reali
zedi twasThi erry
.Thenmyhear tracedagai n.
"Loveofmyl ife."Hewhi sper ed." Hey .Uhm.It hink
weneedt otal k."Ipul l
edawayf rom hi m, soIcan
l
ookathi sf ace." Soundsser i
ous. "Hesay s." Itis.
Uhm, IthinkIwantt obat hf irst.Sohowaboutaf t
er
dinner ?"Isay .Ihadt odoi tassoonaspossi blebutI
neededt ocol lectmywor dsf irst."Uhm.Okay .I '
llwait
i
nt hebedr oom. "Inoddedandgoti nt hebat h.
Thierr
ywal kedoutt hebat hr oom, sli
ppingoutt he
bedroom t oBi so'sr oom.Heknockedont hedoor .
"Comei n."Thier rywal kedi nandcl osedt hedoor ."
I
don'tknowmuchaboutr elationshipsbutwhena
womansay sweneedt ot alk,I'
m smar tenought o
getwor ri
ed.Bi soIt houghty oufixedthis."Hehi ssed.
"There'
sonl ysomuchIcando.I fyoucan' t
appreciatey ourwi fe,whatgoodwoul dmyhel pdo?
Youwanthert of allinlovewi thme? "Bisoasked.
"No."Thierrybr eathed." Thenst opdoi ngt hebare
minimum.St opusi ngmoneyandf l
ashyt hings.
Spendt imewi thher .Whyi si tsodiffi
cultnow?Thi s
i
sy ourchance.Makeherchangehermi nd."

Thierrycamebacki nthebathroom whil

eIwasstil
l
bathing."MayIj oinyou?"Heasked.Guil
tchokedme
oncemor e.Whydi dIdoi t?Whythehelldi
dIcheat
onhi m?" Uhm,okay .
"Heundr essedandgotin
behindmepul l
ingmet olaybackonhim."I'
ve
missedy ou."Hesay s."Butyou'r
eneverhere
Thierry.
"May bet hat
'
swhyIgotsost upi
dandkissed
yourbr other, Iwant edt osay ."Iknowbaby .Im goi ng
todobet ter.I'
v eappoi nt edsecondmanagementf or
mycompani essot hatIdon' thav et obesohandson.
They'llhandl ecr isi
sandf ir
stmanagement .Thi sway
we'l
l spendmor etimet oget her .We' l
l doallthe
thi
ngswedi dandsomuchmor e.Mov i
enight s,
dates,mor ev acat i
onswher eIdon' tbr i
ngmy
l
aptop. "Henuzzl edmyear .Igiggl ed." Il
ovey ou
NomaandIwanty out ost aywi thme.Iwantust o
haveaf ami l
y ."Myhear twar med.Hewaswi l
lingt o
change.May bei fIgav ei tanot herchance?Whati f
hefel l
backagai n?Butam Iaski ngf ort oomuch?
AndhowdoIf eel aboutKagi so?Al lthesequest ions
confusedme." Thierrywe' r
eduet omar r
yinf our
days.HowdoIknowt hati nmar ri
agey ouwon' tjust
l
eav emet ogowor kforweeksawayf rom me? "Iask.
"Baby ,Iknowy oudon' tt rustmeandt hat'
smyf ault
.
I'
vehadt i
met oref l
ect, IknowwhatIwant .I
t'sy ou
andI'llkeepy ouhappy .I'vedel egat edmostofmy
workal ready .Thenextf ewweekswi l
l bejustus.Our
honey mooni sbooked, andi twi l
lbef ort womont hs.
Justy ouandme.Nol apt ops.Nophones.Justour
bodies, maki ngourf ir
stbaby .
"Heki ssedmyhead.
"You'
resurey ouwantt ostartafamilynow? "Iask
him."Yes.Besides, Tshiamohasbeennaggi ngme
aboutasibli
ng. "Hesi ghed.Igiggl
ed.Ididwantt o
havehisbabiesbutIwasn' tsureaboutrightnow.
Howdoy ouknowt haty ou'
resure?"Willyoust op
taki
ngthepi l
l
? "Heasked." Yesbaby.Idon'tknow
howlongi twilltakeformet ogetpregnantthough."I
say."
It'
sfinemyl ove.I'
llwait
.I'
m notinar ush.I
havetherestofmyl i
fetospendwi thyou."...
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er91

Ourweddi ngwasget tingcl oser .Wewer enowt wo

day saway .Iwasexpect i
ngmymot hert ocome
tomor rowwi thNasi phi.TodayIhadadoct or '
s
appoi ntment ."Wher ear ey ougoi ngbaby ?Whyar e
youl eavingmei nt hecol d? "Thier r
yaskedwhenIgot
outoft heshower ."I'm goi ngt oseeagy nae.Come
withme. "Hegotoutofbedt ogoshower .Ijustput
onasof tpinkdr essandr osegol dheel smaki ngmy
waydownst airs.Ineededsomef ruitandwat er.I
openedt hef ri
dgel ooki ngf ordicedf r
uitandBi so
huggedmybody .Iknewi twashi m becauseofhi s
cologne.Mybodyf elthotandt hef ri
dgebr eezewas
socol datt hesamet ime." Stopi t
!"Ihissed.He
kissedmyneck, maki ngmeweakatt heknees.Ihad
toputast opt ot his.It urnedar oundt ol ookathi m.
"KagisoNo!No!Thi si snotgoi ngt ohappenagai n.
I'
m get ti
ngmar r
iedt oy ourbr other!"Iwhi spery elled.
"Imi ssedy ou."Hesul ked." You'
renev erki ssingme
agai n.Doy ouhearme? "Isay ."
Fine.Myapol ogies,
Princess. "Hebackedawaysmi li
ng.Iev enf orgot
whatIneededi nthef ri
dgesoIcl osedi tandwal ked
outt heki tchen, bumpi ngi ntoThierry
."Heyhoney .
It'
st i
met ogo.Whydoy oul ookscar ed? "Heasked.
"Nor eason.Let 'sgo."Igr abbedmybagandwe
wal kedout .Thierrydr ov e, thebody guardsf ollowed
behi nd." I
sBi sobot her ingy ou?"Heasked.Al ump
wasst uckinmyt hroat ." No.He' sfine-Imeanokay .
"
Crap." Youl ookscar ed, didhesaysomet hing? "I
startedt osweati mmedi ately."
No.Hej ustsai dhi ."I
breat hed." Oh.Wel l,we' v egott woday st ogo, and
you'll beMr sStölt
zer .Ican' twaitforyout obemy
wife."Thegui l
thadaper manentposi ti
oni nmysoul .
"Ican' twai ttomar ryy out ooThierry.
"Ismi led.How
didIbecomeal yi
ngcheat er?

ThenextmorningIwenttofet
chmyf amil
yatthe
ai
rport
.Idr
ovemy sel
f,t
hebodyguardsbehindmeas
usual
.Myphoner angsi
nceitwasconnectedtothe
carIpr
essedtheaccept."
Hell
o?"Ianswer
."Hey
babe. "I twasMar s." Heymyangel .Howar ey ou? "I
drov ei ntot heai rpor t
." I'
m okay .Ij ustwant edt otel
l
youIl ov ey ouandImi ssy ou. "Shesai d.Thatwas
wei rd." Arey ouokay ?Yousoundupset .
"Isay ,abi t
concer nednow." I'
mf ine.I '
mj ustmi ssingy ou."My
hear twasnowheav y." Mar ti
na.Imi ssy out oo.AndI
l
ov ey ousomuch.Ican' twai tt oseey ou."She
chuckl ed."Okay .Ihav et ogonow. "Shehungup.I
parkedmycarandcal ledThi er r
y ."Myhear t."He
answer ed."Heybaby .SoIknowy ou'renothappy
aboutt hist opicbutIr eallymi ssMar s."Isighed.
"Okay ."Hesai d." Canshepl easecomet othe
weddi ng? "Iwast est ingt hewat er s." I
'
llorganizeaj et
tobr ingher .Arey oudr ivi
ng? "Heasks." NoI '
m att he
air
por tnow.Thanky oumyl ov e."Igotoutt hecar
wal kingt oar r
ivals.IsawNasi wi thhert ummy
pushi ngi nf rontofherandIwav ed.Shewasso
exci t
ed.I t'dbeenherf irstplaner ide.Ihuggedt hem
bothandwewentt ot hecar ."Yohmnt anam.I ndenza
i
sy ezi mnal aplane. "(Thatpl anemakesmedi zzy.)
Mom say s.Ichuckl ed." You'llgetusedt oi tmama.
Doy ouseehowqui cky ougother e? "Idrov eus
home.Iwasabi tt i
red.Ihadf orgot t
ent ot akemy
suppl ement st oday ." Uphi uKagi so? "(Wher ei s
Kagi so? )Mymom asks.Mycheeksbur n." Andi mazi
mama.Ihav en'tseenhi m."( Idon' tknowma. )Isay ,
pray i
ngshechangest hesubj ect ." Yohi ntlei mot o
yakhosi si
!OhmyGod.Ineedpi ctur esf ormy
Instagr am.Yoh! !
"Nasi say s,sav ingme.Shesai dit
onpur poset ochanget hesubj ect .Godbl essher .
"Hee.You' reonI nst agr am? "Iask." Ewe.Fi nal l
y,I'
l
l
havesomeni cegl am pi ctures. "She' ssmi tten.I
chuckl e." Okaykebutnot aggi ngl ocat ionpl ease,no
picturesofout sidet hehouse, i
nsi dei sst illfine.
Secur itywi llgot hrought hepr ocesswi thy ou.Pl ease
don'tbr eakt heser ul esNasi ,thisf ami lyi sv er ybig
onpr i
v acy .
"Iexpl ained." Okay .Ipr omi seIwon' t
breakt her ules.Iwantt obei nv i
t edagai nkal okusisi,
i
fy ou' redr iv
ingaPor schei magi newhatI 'm aboutt o
see?Yoh.Ihopei t'
saFer r
ar i.
"Shebouncedonher
seatl ikeachi ld.Igi ggl ed.Shewassocut e.My
thought slinger edov ert ot hebl ackFer rar ithatpar ks
l
ikeademononmyl awn.I tbel ongedt oBi so.He
hardl ydr ivesitsoi tjustchi ll
st her e.I '
m conv inced
hedi dn' tlearnhowt odr ivel egal ly.Thewayhepar ks
drivesmei nsane.I ttakesal lofmenott oscr eam
whenIseehi sv ehiclesi nt hef ronty ard.Idr ov eint
o
ourest ate." OH.MY.GOD.Thesehouses! "Nasi
gasped." HaiboNasi phi khawuy ekeuphapha
uzandijongi sa."( NoNasi phi,stopbei ngamazedby
everything, you'llembar r
assme. )Mymom sai d.I
parkedt hecari nf rontofourhouseandt her eitwas.
TheFer rar i
.Nasi li
ter all
yl osthermi nd." Nasi phi
ndiyokusangokwam ePar kSt ation."Mom hi ssed.
"Mama, lookati t!Yohokayndi zothul akeand
scream i nternal l
y."Ismi ledandgotoutt hecar .Nasi
couldn'tst opst ar i
ngatt hecar ."Noma, ndingay if
ota
l
e? "Shebegged." Ther e'st heowner ,askhi m. "Biso
cameoutt hehouse, walki ngtous.Ineededt o
evadehi spr esence." Hel l
omama. "Hegr eetmy
mom andhuggedNasi ."NankuNasi phi ndi zomchol a
engamanzi phant si sana. "(Her e'sNasi phi ,
I'llhavet o
pickherupaf tershemel tstowat er.)Bi sol aughed.
Nasi politelyaskedf orapi cture."Evenbet ter ,l
et'
s
takeitforaspi n.Ineedt of i
lli
tup. "Hesmi les.Why
doesheal way shav et osmi l
e?Hehadsucha
gorgeoussmi le.Nasi wassi zzlingwi thexci tement .
"Noma, ndingay a?Pl ease.Pl ease? "Inoddedandshe
bouncedof ftot hecar .Itwassweetseei ngherso
excitedl ikeachi ld.Thebody guardscamet otake
thesui tcasesandwewenti nwhi leBi soandNasi
droveof f.Itookmat ot hel oungeandwesatdown
waitingf orhert ea.Thi errycamei n." Goodaf ternoon
ma.I 'm sogl adt oseey ou."Heshookherhand.She
smi l
edbuti tdidn' tseem genui ne.Iwonderwhyshe
can'tlikeThi erry ."Mymot herwentoutshoppi ng
withmyaunt , mama.You' llmeethert onight.We
haveaf ami l
ydi nnert oni ghtwher eI 'llintr
oducey ou
tother estofmyf ami l
y .
"Hecont inued." Thanky ou
son.I '
ml ooki ngf orwar dt oi t
."Shehadhert ea, whil
e
Thierryspoket oheraboutt hepl ansf orthebi gday ,
bri
ngi ngherupt odat ewi thev er
ythi ng." Mama,
tomor rowThi er ryist akingy out ot hespai nthe
mor ning.Youandhi smot herhav eanappoi ntment ."
Isay .Idi dthi sonpur pose.Iwant edhert ohav e
someal onet imeThi er rythenshe' lldot hespawi t
h
hismot herandhe' llcomef etcht hem t ot aket hem
tolunch.Iont heot herhandwi llt
akeNasi together
hairdoneandgetsomecl ot hes.Ev ery onewoul dbe
busy ."Oh?Okay .I '
venev erbeent oaspa. "Shesi ps
hert ea." It
'sar elaxingexper iencemama.You' ll
definitelyenj oyi t .
"Idi dn'ttell hert hathe' sal so
t
aki
nghershoppi
ng.She'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycat
chon.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er92

Nasi andBi socamebackf r

om t heirjoyride.Nasi phi
hadani cecr eam t ubandot hergoodi esi nher
plasti
c." Nasi ,
thisi sThierr
y.Thi err
y, t
hisismysi ster
Nasiphi .
"Isay .Sheshookhi shand." Hell
oSi r."She
wasshaki ng." HiNasi phi.I
'vehear dsomuchabout
you."Thi errysmi led."Met oosi r
.It'
sanhonort o
meety ou.Youhav eav erybeaut if
ul house. "Shesai d.
"Nowi t'sy ourhomet oo.You'rewel comeher e
anytime. "Bisowal kedin."Mama, don' tyouneeda
rest?Youl ookt ir
ed. "Hesaid."Yesmychi ld.Thi erry
wasgoi ngt oshowmemyr oom.Thanky ou."She
stoodupandThi erryledhert ot heelev ator."Noma,
Bhuti Bisosay sthatIhav etol earnt odr i
ve.Hesay s
i
fIpasswel l t
hisy earhe'll
buymeaBenz! !
"Nasi
beamed.Ist aredatBi so.Hesmi l
edbackatme." No.
You'renotget tingaBenz.You' returning16i naf ew
mont hs. "Isaid."Ami niCoopert hen."Heshr ugged.
"Ishoul d'vebeenmor ecl ear .Nasiphi i
sn' tget ti
ng
anycaratal l.She'si nhi ghschool ."Ihissed." She' l
l
needt obemobi l
eespeci al l
ywi t
ht hebabycomi ng."
Hear gued." I'
m notdi scussi ngthiswi thy ouKagi so,
you'renotget ti
ngheracar !Shewi ll
notbedr ivingat
16!Absol utelynot .
"Hej ustst aredatme.Knowi ng
him hewoul dnev ergobehi ndmybackanddoi t
any way ."Fine.Mommysay sno, y
oungone. "Nasi
sulked." YouandIar egoi ngt ohav eav eryser ious
conv er sat i
on. "Isaidt ohi m pulli
ngNasi upt oher
room.Hersui tcasewaspl acedneat lybyt he
war drobe." Nasi phi,t hatwasn' ti
t.
"Isayaf terclosi ng
thedoor ."Noma, heof fer ed.IsaidI '
mf i
nemnaand
hesai dhewant st obuyi tf ormeasal i
t t
lesi ster.
That 'sal l.
"Ibel i
eveher ."Okaymnt ase.Ij ustdon' t
know.Idon' twanty ouat tachedt ot heSt öl t
zer
fami lylikeIam andIdon' tmeant hisinabadway .I
wantt hem t obebi gbr ot her stoyoubutwheni tal l
crumbl esdown. ..Ijust ..I'dr at
hernothav ey ou
affect ed. "Isigh." Hai boNoma.Don' tbesohar don
your self .You' vewor kedsohar dall yourl i
fet ot ake
careofusandnegl ect edy ourself
.Way ekhal a
umamawhenshev i
si tedy out hev eryfirstt i
me
esithiy oul eftyourf ami lyhomet ol i
vei nashacki n
Jobur gj ustsot hatIgot oschool andeat .Please
sisiwam, youdeser veal l thisgoodl ife.You' rethe
mostsel fl
essper sonev er .Don'tlookdownon
your self.LetThi er r
yt akecar eofy ou.Enj oynawe
oncei ny ourlife."Iwasi nt earsandsowasshe.
"Hay ikal okuy oucan' tcry ,y ouknowmyhor mones
willmakemecr yal lday."Shesay s.Il aughed." Set t
le
i
nkesi si,I'
l
lcomef etchy ounow, andshowy ou
enter t
ai nment .Ihav et ospeakt oKagi so."Iwal ked
outandf oundhi m downst airsint hel oungeonhi s
phone." CanIspeakt oy ou? "Iask." Leadt heway ."I
walkeddownt hepassage, thebarwast heonl y
privatespacet hatwascl ose.Wewal kedi nandhe
closedt hedoor .Iswi tchedont hel ight s."So,her e's
thet hing.You' renotgoi ngt oactl i
keaf athertomy
sister.You' renotpr omi singhert hi ngsandy ou
absol utel ywon' tcallmemommy .Am Ibei ngclear ?"
Ihav emyhandsonmyhi pst oshowmyser i
ousness.
"Yesma' am butIwon' tst opbei ngherbi gbr other.If
GodFor bid,somet hinghappenst oy ouI '
llsti
lltake
careofherandy ourmot her .They '
remyf ami l
ynow. "
Hesay s.Whydoeshehav et ofrust r
at eme?" She' s
notget ti
ngacarunt il
shepassesherGr ade12.And
you'renotbuy i
ngi t.She' smyr esponsi bili
tyandI '
ll
makesur eIl i
vet olongenought ogether
i
ndependent ."Hegr inned."Likey ou?"Hepul l
edme
closert ohi m." Leav emeal one. "Ibreat h."It'
sthe
sexiestt hingI '
veev erseen.Youdon' tdependon
any onebuty our self.You' r
ehar dwor king.Youdon' t
expectorev enaccepthandout s.You' resucha
fascinat inghuman. "Hi sli
psbr ushedonmi ne.
"Kagi so, please.YouknowIcan' tdot his.Ican' thurt
Thier ryliket his."Ipl eaded.Hi shol dov ermewas
except i
onal ."Thi err
yi sn'there, Noma. "Hel ickedmy
l
ips." Buthe' saboutt obemyhusband.Whyar ey ou
doingt his?Ar ey out ryingtomakehi m dumpme?
You' reabul lyiswhaty ouar e."Ipushedhi m away ."
If
Iwant edThi erryt odumpy ou, youwoul dnotbei n
thishouseanddef i
ni t
elywoul dn'tbemar ryi
nghi m."
Hesay s."Sowhat ?Di dy ouputcamer asal l over
here?Sot haty oucanembar r
assmeonmyweddi ng
day ?"Ipani c."Whyonear thwoul dIdot hatNoma?
Whatwoul di tbenef itme?Youchoset hisr oom.
Howwoul dIknowwhatwoul dhappen?I '
m act ingon
myf eelingsnotany thingelse.AndIknowy ouf eel i
t
toobutI 'l
l backof fnow.Idon' tknowwhaty ou
want .
"Heshookhi shead.Icoul dt ell he'sgoi ngback
tohi sshel lnow.Theonet hatdoesn' ttalkt opeopl e.
"Kagi so, doy oul ov eme?Yousai dy ouwer e
attract edt omesoI 'veonl yassumedy ouj ustwant
tosl eepwi thme. "Isay ."Isai dt oy ouI '
dnev er
disrespecty ouormakey ouuncomf ortable.ButI
don' tbel i
ev ei nl ove.Fai rytalesdon' texi stinr eal l
if
e.
Not hingi nt hiswor ldcanev ergi vey oucompl ete
sat i
sfact ion, ashumanswe' redesi gnedt owant
mor e.Happi nessi sonl yaeuphor iaandi tends
ev entual l
y .Theny ou' r
ebackt obei ngy oursel f.You
getusedt ot hings.I 'velear nttol ivei nt hemoment .
WhenIf eel theeuphor i
a, Igr aspi t,Iembr acei t
,I
treasur ei t.It'sonl ymeantf ormeandt hati swhyI
can' tletany oneel sei n."Hel etoutaheav ysi gh.We
sati nsi l
encef orawhi l
e." Ican' triskmymar riage
wi thThi err yov eraeuphor i
aKagi so. "Isai d."I'm not
aski ngy out o.I 'mj ustlettingy ouknowwher eIst and.
I'
m her ebutIwon' tov erstept hel i
ne. "Hegotupand
wal kedout .Isati nt hatbarandst i
r redi nmy
thought s.Sot hatwast hat.Itwashar dbuthadt obe
done.NowIcoul df ocusonmyweddi ngand
fantastic2mont hhoneymoon.We' dspendi tin
Europeandcount r
yhopspendi ngaweeki neachof
thecount ri
es.We' dendthehoney moononapr i
vate
i
slandf ortwoweeks.Weneededt hist i
met ogether
yetmyhandswer eshaki
ngatt hepossi bil
i
tyofbei ng
i
naf arawayi slandwithmyhusband.Whati fIget
sick?Buthehasahel i
copter
,soI '
l
l gett oahospi tal
i
nt ime.We' dhav emydoct ortheret oo.Speaki ngof
whi ch,Ihaven'tseenhim si
nce.Iwal kedoutt hebar .

Afterourdi nnerandf ami l

yintroducti
on, Ihelped
mom got oherr oom.Shewasv eryti
redandneeded
herrest.Ileftheri nbed.Theor ysaidhehas
somet hingf ormeandIshoul dputonmysexi est
dress.Ishower edandl ookedf oradr ess.Itookt he
whiteblazer -dr
esswi thasl i
tupmyt high.Iwor ea
bluntcutbobwi gonmyhead.Iwasduet odomy
hairtomor row.Af t
ersli
ppingont hebl ackChr i
sti
an
Loubout inheels, Iwalkedoutt omeethi m.Hemust
stil
lbeint hedini ngroom butitwasempt y.Ifound
himi nthel ounge, helookedatmeandsmi ledslowly.
"Fuckinggor geous. "Hewhi spered,holdingmyhand
wal kingdownt heent ertainmentpassage.Myhear t
star t
edt oracewhenhest oppedatt hedooroft he
bar .Icouldf eel r
ingingi nmyear ,
Iwasshaki ng.
"Open. "Hesay s.Idon' tmov e." Baby ?Opent he
door ."Iswal l
owmyner vesandopent hedar kr oom.
Itsuddenl ycameal ightwi thev eryonescr eami ng
"SURPRI SE!"Myhear tgenui nel ygav eoutf or2good
mi nutes.I'
v enev erbeensoshocked.Ev ery one
thoughtbecauseIwasheav ilysur prisedandIwas
buti twast hegui l
tthatal mostcr i
ppl edme.Damni t.
Myf ri
endswer ehere.Lindi ,Sy monandev enDonna.
ThenRi aandherf ri
endswhi chf il
ledupt hel ar ge
room.Isai dmyt hanky ou's.Thi swasmysupposed
bachel orettepar ty."Baby ,whatdi dMar ssay ? "I
askedThi erry."Shet oldmeshecan' tmakei tmy
l
ov e.Ir eal
lyt ri
ed.May bewe' llpopi nforav isitaf t
er
ourhoney moon. "Hesay s."Okay ."IwasupsetbutI
hadt ogetov erit
.I'dcall herl ater.Nasi wasal so
her eandmi ngl i
ngwi t
hspar klingappl ejuicei na
champagnegl ass.I'
dassi gnedmy selfonlyone
glassofgi nandt onictoni ght .Iwentov ert oLi ndi
andDonna.Ihav en'tspokent oheri nmont hs." Hey
Noma.Youl ookbeaut i
ful."Shesmi l
es."Thanky ou.
I'
m gl ady ou'reher e.Idon' twantanybadbl ood
betweenus.What ev erhappenedi snowi nt hepast ."
Isay ."Thanky ouNomaandI '
m sor ryforwhatIsai d
toy ou.Thi erryr eallylovesy ou.You' reev enget ti
ng
mar ried."Herf acedi dnotl ookhappyatal l."Letme
i
nt r
oducey out oBi so, hi
sbr ot her.He'saf ii
ii
ne
scrumpt iousman.Come! "Li ndi says."No.Bi soi s-
he'snotgoi ngt oli
kebei ngbombar dedwi tha
stranger .Hai boLi ndi .Whyar ey ounowst eppi ng
sideway s?"Myhear twasr aci ng." HeeNoma.What '
s
thehar m? "Lindi asks." I
shey ourmat e?Just
becauseofwhaty ou' redoi ngdoesn' tgivey out he
platformt odoasy oupleasei nmyhome.WhenBi so
want st ot alktosomeone, hewi l
lapproach.Don' tdo
cheapt hingst hatwi llembar r assmepl ease. "I
hissed.Theyst ar
edatme, shocked.Imy selfwas
shockedatmywor ds.Ohno." YohI 'm sorryNoma.I
won' tov erstepagai n."Iwasashamedofmy selfand
muchmor ewhenIsawhi m acr osst heroom.Ineed
tobesav ed.For t
unat ely
, Sy moncamet ousand
startedt alkingsomenonsenset hatgotLi ndi
l
aughi ngagai n.If inishedmydr inkandwenti n
sear chofwat er.Icoul dn'tseeThi er
ryany wher ein
here." He'sinameet i
ngwi thhi sf ather .
"Moonsai d,
standi ngnextt ome." Oh. "Ismi l
ed.Moonst aredat
me." Youdon' twantt omar ryhi m. "Hest at ed.I
star edbackathi m, scar edashel l
."Ido.Il ov ehim."I
def ended." Iwasn'taski ngy ou.You' r
escar ed
becauset hel astfewmont hs, he' sbeent oobusy .
Youdon' ttrustthathe' lleverpr i
oriti
zey ou. "He
stat ed.Myt hroatwasdr y."Iknow, Angel .Ij ustwant
yout oknowt hatyoucomef i
rst.Mybr otherwi l
l
prior iti
zey ou.Youwi llfeellov edandt akencar eof."
Hegav emeasweetsmi le."Noma, woul dy oul i
kea
refil
l? "Bisost oodi nfr ontofus." No. "Ir ushedout
ther oom." Whatt hef uckdi dy oudo. "Hehi ssed."I
wasj ustchat ti
ng.Whatgoty ousor i
ledup? "Moon
chuckl ed."Theonet i
me. .
.theonet imeIact uall
ytalk
i
nt hi shouse, youal lchoosenott of ucki ngl ist
en!"
Bisost or
medout .Ri awal kedov ertoherhusband.
"Andt hen?Whatt hehel lwast hat?Why '
sheso
angr y?"Sheasked." Ihav enoi dea.Somet hingis
goingon. .
.Ijust..
.Let '
shav eadr ink."
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er93

Iwasj ustli
nger ingout side, huggingmybody .I
want edt ogeti nt omycaranddr ivemay bet o
Mozambi que." Geti n."Heunl ockedt heFer rariandI
goti nt hepassenger .Bi sodr oveoff."Ifeel
suffocat edint her e.Bi so. ..Idon'twantt omar ry
him. "Iadmi t.Itfeelsgoodt oadmi t.Ijustf eltguil
ty.
Guiltyt hatIwant edt oboneKagi soandt hen
disappeart oadi f f
er entcont i
nentnev ert obeseen
byt hem agai n." Call itof f.It'
snott ool ate.Cancel i
t
allandgosomewher e."Het urnedatt her obotsand
hitthef r
eeway ."Idon' tknowBi so.I'm Soscar ed.
Startingov erwi thoutt hef ami l
iari
ty.We' vebeen
toget heralmostay ear .I'
m usedt ohi m."Il ookout
thewi ndow." I
nmar riage; you'l
l f
eel worse.
Fami liari
tywi l
lmeannot hingt hen."Heof framped
anddr oveslower .Di fferentnei ghborhood.Idi dn't
evenaskwher ewewer egoi ng.Hedr ovei ntoan
estateandpar ked." Thi sismyhouse. "Hesmi l
ed.
"Nowwhyar ey oushy ?Showmear ound. "He
chuckl edaswegotoutt hecar .Heshowedmehi s
beaut if
ul cozyhouse.A3bedr oom, 2bat hroom
doubl est or ey .Itfeltsonor mal ."Wher e'smyl itt
le
guy ?"Hey el led.Hecoul dy ell
?Ihear dasof ttappy
soundandagol denr et r
ieverpuppyappear edf r
om
thebacky ar d." Ther e'smyl i
ttleguy !"Het ickledt he
puppy '
sear s." Hi snamei sCoco.Adopt edhi mt wo
mont hsago. "Hesay s.Ipi ckedt hepuppyupl etting
himl ickmyhands." He' ssuchacut i
epi e."Isay .
"Whatdoy ouwantt odr ink? "Hewal kstot heki tchen.
Ican'tbel iev ewhatanor mal li
fehel iv
es." Juice
please. "Hepul ledoutabot t
leofj uiceandhandedi t
tome." Washy ourhandsf irst,Cococomesf rom t he
backy ardsohewasdef i
nitelywi ggl i
nghi msel fin
dirtallday .Hedoesn' tli
sten. "Heshookhi shead.
"Telldaddyt obuyy ousomet oyst henmay bey ou
won' tneedt oent ertainy our selfwi thdirt.Don' tbe
scared, tell him. "Hel aughed.Iputdownt hepupp
andwashedmyhands, fi
nal lytaki ngasi pofmy
j
uice.Thedogr anbackout ."Di dMoonsay
somet hingt hatt rigger edy ourdeci sion?"Inodded
andt oldhi m whathesai d." Butt hat 'snotbad.What
i
st hepr obl em? "Heasks, drinkingwat er." Ireali
zed
theret hatIwantt of eel t
heeuphor iaev eni fit
'sjust
onceandnev eragai n. "Iwhi sper .Hewal kedt ome,
l
ifti
ngmychi n."Ar ey ousur e? "Heasks.Inod.He
kissedmyl ipssof t
ly.Iheldhi sface, hisbody
pressi ngt omi ne.Hepi ckedupbodywal kingupt o
hisbedr oom, l
ay i
ngmedownont hebed.It ookof f
mydr essandhet ookof fhisshi r
t .Hecl i
mbedont he
bed, kissi ngmyneckdownt omybr east .Hi stongue
fli
ckingatmyni pple, hisfingergent lyent er edmy
pussy .Imoaned, alr
eadyt hrobbi ngf rom hi stouch.
Hecameupt oki ssmyf aceandl ipswi thoutmov i
ng
hisf i
nger ."Rel axy ourmuscl esNoma. "He
whi sper ed." Iam r elaxed. "Hi slipsmassagedmi ne
agai n."Whatdoy ouwantmet odot oy ou? "Heasks.
"Iwanty out omakemef or getev ery t
hing.Makeme
feel euphor ia."Ikissedhi m agai nhol dinghi s
shoul der s.Hesl i
dhi msel fdown, sohi sf acei n
betweenmyl egs.If el thistonguewor ki
ngov ermy
foldssl owl y.Hi smout hcov eredmycl i
tandhe
suckedsl owl y.Ifeltweaki nmyj oi ntsunabl eto
mov e."Ther ewego.Nowy ou'rer el axing. "He
breathedoni t.Iwant edtocr ysobad.Myt highs
shaki ng.Hest oppedandki ssedmyt highs." You' re
sof uckingbeaut iful."Thet i
psofhi sf i
nger sl ight ly
scal i
ngdownmyski n.Hislipssof t
lymassagedmy
foldsagai n."Fast er .
"Imoaned.Hekeptt hesame
pacebutst oppedagai n."Kagiso."Ibr eathed, looki ng
downathi m.Hesmi ledhisgor geousgr inandgot
hismout honmycl itandsuckedagai n, hisf inger
i
nsi dest rokedi nandout .Histonguef l
i
cki ngonmy
cli
t."Don' t..
.St op."Mybodyr i
sedi ntemper at ure,
maki ngmyheadf eel solight.Il
etmyey esr ol lback
andl etmybodycat chev eryinchoff eeling.Icoul dn't
breath, myl ungsset tl
ingforshor tgasps.If ocused
onlyont hef ingergoi nginandoutmypussybuthi s
tongueonmycl i
tor i
sal mostbr okemyback.
Combi nationoft het wosendel ectricchi llsfrom my
headst r
ai ghtt omypussyandmybodywenti nto
shock.Thesqui r
tt hatemanat edf r
om t hatmoment
splashedhar dert hanIt houghtandmybodyst i
lled
withonl yonepar tofmet hrobbing.Andi twasi nhi s
handandmout h.Iletoutabl oodcur dli
ngscr eam
whenmybodycamebackal i
ve.Mybodyv i
br ating
violently
.Hecameupandki ssedmymout h.My
whol ebodyf el
tal i
ght .Hel ookedi ntomyey es.My
cheekswer ebur ning.Idi dn' tknowwhatt osay ."So
thatwaseuphor ia? "Iaskbar elycat chi ngmybr eat
h.
"Yout ellme.Whatdi ditf eel li
ke? "Heki ssedmychi n,
thenmycheeks." I'
v enev erfeltt hati nmyl i
fe.Itwas
themostamazi ngf eel i
ngI '
veev erhad. "Idi dn'twant
tocrybutt het ear swer ecomi ng.Het ookof fhis
pants, restingi nbet weenmyl egs." That '
sgood.Now
Iwantust ot rysomet hingdi ff
erent ."Hesay s.Inod
quickly." Youdon' tclosey ourey es.I 'm goi ngt o
makel ov etoy ouandy ou' regoi ngt ol ooki ntomy
eyes.I '
m goi ngt osayt hewor d'cl oud9' andy ouwi l
l
ti
ghteny ourst omachmuscl es.Remember ,no
closingy ourey es.I twi l
l behar dbuty ouneedt o
obey .Pr omi seme? "Inoddedagai n.Hi sdi ckwasat
myent rancesl owl ypushi ngi n,Igasped." Don' t
wor r
y ,i
t'llf
it.Justr elax."Il etgoandhepushedi n,
fi
lli
ngev erypar tofmei n.Hest rokedmesl owl y,
pushi ngi nandpul l
ingout .Hegr oanedonmymout h.
"Youf eel amazi ng."Hebr eat hedonmyski n.A
sensat i
onal feelingar ousedmyi nsides.Iopened
widerandhemov edqui cker ."Justl i
ket hat...baby
don'tst op...Kagi so. .
"Imoaned." Fuuuuck. "Hewas
strokingf ast erhol dingont hesheet .Iheldonhi s
body , f
eel i
ngabui ldup." Noma. "Hebr eathed,
kissingmyl ips.Myey eswer ef l
utter i
ng."Kagi so."He
rammedi nt ome, groani ng.Ihadmyl egsi ntheai r,
tof eel ever ypushandsqueezeandIwasnearmy
cli
max." Cl oud9. "Hewhi sper edi nmyear ,slowi ng
down, hol dingmet i
ght.It ight enedmyst omach
muscl esl i
kehei nstruct ed, lookingi ntohi sey es.The
fami li
arf eelingofeuphor iacr eptuponme, washi ng
ov erev eryi nchofmybody .Tear sr olledoutmyey es
asmybodyt ightenedandf inallybr okef reei ncl i
max.
Hepul ledout .War ml i
qui dt ri
ckledov ermyt high.I
fi
nal l
ycl osedmyey esl isteni ngt omybody .Kagi so
gotupgoi ngt ot
hebat hr oom.Hecamebackwi t
ha
war m dampcl ot
ht owi pemyt highandpussy .
"Thanky ou. "Isighed.Hechuckl ed." You'rev ery
wel come. "Iopenedmyey est ol ookathi m.Hehad
hisboysmi leon.Ibl ushed.Unabl et obel ieveI 've
j
ustdonet hisbuti twassowor t
hi t.Hepul ledmy
footupt ohi smout handki ssedi t
."Whatar ey ou
thinking? "Heasks." Not hing. "Hel ookedatmewi t
h
thati ntensegazeofhi s."Youdon' thav et ohi de
your selffrom meNoma.Tel l mewhat '
sony our
mi nd."Isi ghed." Doest hismakemeabadper son? "I
asked." Itmakesy ouhuman.You' real lowedt owant
somet hingandobt ainittofeel happy ."Hesay s.
"Eveni fithur t
sot hers?"Hecr awl edont opofme,
kissingmyl ips."Whatot hersdon' tknow. .
.won' thur t
them. "Heset tl
ednextt ome." Ihav et ogoback
though.Ihav et olethim knowInol ongerwi sht o
mar ryhi m.I t'snotabouty ou.Ijustdon' tthinkIt rust
him."Isay ."Youdon' thav etogot hereNoma. "Iwi sh
Ididn't."Myf ami l
yi sthere.Ican'tjustdi sappear .I'm
abi ggi r
l,Ihav etot akeresponsi bili
ty.Ican' tjustr un
andhi de. "Hel ookedaway ."Fi
ne.Doy ouwantt o
restabi t? "Heasks.Inodandheget soutofbed.
"Cocowi llcr yallnightifIdon'tbr i
nghi m up.Hecan' t
climbst air s.I'
llbebackj ustnow. "Hepul l
edon
trouser sandwal kedout .
..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er94

Bisodrovemehomeatmi dni ght.Theywer e

probablystil
lparty i
ngitupi nsi det hehousebar .
Whenwedr oveint otheest ate, IsawNasi wear i
nga
gowncomi ngoutofhi ding.Bi sobr aked.Iopened
thedoor."Whatt hehellisgoi ngon?Whyar ey ou
hidi
ngout side?"Myhear twasr acing."YohNoma.
Wher ewer eyou!Bhut i
Thi errywasl ooki
ngf ory ou.
He'sveryangr y.Isaidy ouneededf reshai randt obe
alonesoy out ookawal k.Icameout15mi nutesago
prayi
ngy oucomeback, i
na. "(Her e.)Sheopenedher
gownandhandedmeat racksui tandsl i
pon' s."He
wassoscar yNoma. "Iqui cklychanged, leav i
ngmy
heelsinBiso'scar .Nasi bundl edmydr essand
shoveditinhergownagai n." Willbeokay ?Ican
comei nwi thyou- "Bisosay s." He'llknowni hamba
kunyebecauseheaskedf ory out oo. "(
He' l
l know
youwer etoget her).Nasi say s."We' llbefine. "Isay,
calm.I t'
snotl i
kehewi llbeatmef orgoingout side.
"Textmei ft here'sanypr obl em."Hesay s.Inodded
andwal kedwi thNasi backt othehouse." Thanky ou
somuchmnt ase.Howdi dy ouknowI '
m wi thBi so?"I
ask." YohHai keNoma, ayisecace."(WowNoma, it
's
socl ear.)Wewal kedint hehouse.Thi errywasi nthe
l
ounge.Hesmi l
edandchuckl ed."ThankGod.I
thoughtf orasecondy our anawayf rom me.Wher e
didy ougo? "Heaskski ssi ngmyf orehead.Moonsat
ont het ableandl ookedatme." Itookawal k.Ineed
tot al
kt oy ou."Isi gh.Thiswasi t."We'l
ltalkbet terin
themor ning.Ial sowantt ot el
lyousomet hing.I
wantusbot hwel lrest
ed.I 'v
ebeendoi ngsome
thinkingand. .
."heshookhi shead." Tomor r
ow.Let '
s
sitandt alk.Okay ?"Hesai d.Inodded.Heseemedt o
beont hesamepageasme.Good.Iwentt osl eepin
Nasi '
sr oom t hatni ght.

Iwokeupt henextmorni
ng.Mybodyf eeli
ngsol i
ght
.
Ilookednextt
omeandNasi wasn'tt
here.Theti
me
wasaf t
er11am.Iwalkedoutandwentt omyr oom,
thebedwasalreadymadeorpr obabl
ynotslepton,I
don'tknowbutThi errywasn' tinher e.Ibat hedand
gotdr essedi nawhi telinent wopi ece.Al ooset op
andhi ghwai st,bootlegpant s.Iwor esandal sand
tookmybagdownst airs.Riawasi nthedi ningt able
withMoon." Angel!Goodmor ning.It houghty ou
wer en'tcomi ngdownf orbr eakf ast."Moonsai d.Why
washeal way sinagoodmood." Hel l
o.Iov erslept .
"I
sighed." Nowor ri
es.Nasi wentwi thy ourmot herand
Thierry.Hedi dtell
youy ester day ,ri
ght ."Yesbutwe
wer esupposedt otalk.Isatdownandat emy
breakf ast.Moonexcusedhi msel f.Rial ookedatme.
"You'vegotmor espiritthanIt hought ."Shesay s.
"Meani ng? "Iask."Justsay ing...any way ,I
'dl i
key ou
toaccompanymeshoppi ng."Ineededsomet hingt o
doany waysoIagr ee.Wecont inuet oeati nsi lence
thenwel eav etogether .She' sbackt oherol dsel f,
theoneImett hefir
stt ime." How' sKgosi ?"Ihar dly
seehersonar oundany mor e."He' swel l
.You' llsee
himt odaysur ely.
"Inoddedandl ookedoutt he
windowunt i
lwegott ot hemal l.Wespentatl east3
hour s.Itwasal most2i ntheaf ternoonwhenshe
fi
nished.Inowwant edt ogohome.Iwast i
red." One
mor eshopbaby .Ipromi se."Shechuckl edwhenshe
sawmey awn.Wedr ov et oadi f
ferentpl ace.I t
l
ookedl ikeav i
ntagebui ldingwi thmoder n
renov ati
on.Wewenti nt hesi dedoorandi ndeedi t
wasashop.Iwassoconf used.Wher ewer ewe?I
i
mmedi atelysatdowni nt hechai r,text ingNasi phi t
o
askwher et heywer e." Ihav eadr essIwanty out ofit
on.Pl eeaaaase?Ipr omi se, I'
ll l
eav ey oual oneaf ter."
Isighed, get t i
ngupt ogot ot hef i
ttingr oom.I twas
quiteal ar gef it
ti
ngspace.It ookof fmycl ot hes.The
assistantcamei n."CanIhookt heseupher eatt he
door ?Lineni ssuchsensi tivemat erial.
"Sheasked.I
noddedandshet ookmycl othes." Today ,Ria."Isaid.
"Almost ,sweet hear t."Theassi stantcamebackand
hungadr essbagont hehooknextt ot hemi rror."Let
meknowi fy ouneedmyhel p."Shest eppedout .I
openedt hebagandt ookoutt hedr ess.Myhear t
skipped.I twasmyweddi ngdr ess." RIA! !
!!
"Ishout ed.
Noanswer .Iwal koutt hef i
ttingr oom andf indt he
placeempt y .Myhear tst ar t
st orace.Il ookf ormy
clothesandIcan' tfindt hem.Ican' tf i
ndmybag.
Not hi
ng.Theshoponl yhad3ot herdr esseson
mannequi ns.Ihadbeent oot iredt onot ice.Iwenti n
andwor emyweddi ngdr ess, thenwentf ort hedoor
wecamei n.I twasl ocked.Myhear tsank.Whatt he
fuckwasgoi ngon.Ir anar oundt hef akebout i
que
l
ooki ngf oranot herexi t,If oundadoor .Ipushedi t
andi topened.Isi ghi nr elief."Ria!"Ist epoutandmy
hear tst ops.Thi erryi sst andi ngi nf rontofmei nhis
suit
.Hesmi leswhenheseesme.Iwasqui ckly
l
osingai rinmyl ungs.Behi ndhi m, allhisf ami l
yand
fri
endswer ecl appi ngt hei rhands." Thi er ry
.What '
s
goingon. "Iwasst il
l conf used." We' reget t
ing
mar riedbaby .
"Hesay scal ml y."NO.Yousai dwe' d
tal
k.Wewer esupposedt omar rytomor row.Whati s
thi
s? "Iwhi sper ."Wel l,Ichangedmymi nd.You' re
mar ryingmenow. "Hel ookeddi ff
er entf rom whatI
know.Hel ookedl ikehedi dn' tevencar ewhatI
want ed." Idon' twantt omar ryyou. "Ihi ssed." Think
aboutt hatcar efully.Lookatt heCr owd.Tel lmewhat
yousee. "Il ookedatt heguest swhower ewai ti
ng
patient l
y .Bi sowal kedi nt hedoorl ooki ngl ikehehad
beenr unni ng.Moonbl ockedhi sway ,mot i
oninghi m
tosit." Thi er r
yI 'm notgoi n- ""Lookcar ef ull
y."He
facedt hecr owdwi thme." Thembasenthi sr egards
bytheway , you' l
lwat chi taf t
ery ousay' Ido'.Itwas
prettysweetofhi m.Sohav ey ouseen? "Heasks.
"Wher ei smysi ster?"Ican' tfindherf ace." Yousaw.
Good.I '
llbri
ngherbackoncey oumar ryme. "He
smiles.Mybodygoescol d." Thi erry,I
'm notmar rying
you."Isai d."Theny oudon' tseeheragai n.Noma, I
l
ov ey ou, youloveme.St epf orwar dandaddr essour
guest s.Lett hem knowy ouwantt omar rymet oday
sot haty ourbody guar dcancal m down. "Hesay s.
"Howcoul dyoudot hisThi erry? "Iwasneart ears.
Bisost oodbutMoonpul ledhi m backv iolently."
He
won' tbesoki ndont henextpul l
.Comeon
sweet hear t.Addressourguest s.Idon' twi sht olaya
fi
ngerony ourinnocentsi ster.Shedoesn' tdeser ve
i
t."Ist eppedf orwardt ot hemi cahead." Andl ook
excitedabouti t
."Ismi led."Goodaf t
ernoonf amily
andf riends.Uhm. .
.I'
m shockedt hishashappened.I
wast r
ul ynotexpect ingit.Ther e's..
.somet hing..
.I.
."
Thierryst oodnextt ome." I
'mv er yhappyt obe
gettingmar ri
edtoday .
"Bisocl osedhi sey es.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er95

Thecer emonywassur prisi

nglyqui ck.Thebi shopof
ourchur chof fi
ciatedourweddi ng.Wesi gnedand
thatwasi t.Iwashi swi fe.Ihadal umpi nmyt hroat
aswesati nt hegar denf orther ecept ion." Soy ou
know? "Iasked.I twasonl ythet woofusatourt able.
Theguest swer el i
steningt ot hemusi cal
performance." Iknowev er y
thingNoma.Whatar e
youaski ng? "Hel ookedatmeandIsweart hiswasn' t
themanI '
v eli
vedwi th."Kagiso. "Isay ." Yout hought
hewasgoi ngtosav ey ou?Ofcour seIknowy ou
werewi thhi ml astnight .Your eall
yt ooky ourt i
me
witht hatone.It houghthe' dfucky ouweeksago. "
Myhear tf eltl
ikeashar pbladewassl icingt hroughi t
.
"Whyt hendi dy oumar ryme? "Myv oicei sshi ver
ing.
"You'llfi
ndoutsoonenough, buti sn'titexci ting?We
gettospendt her estofourl ivest oget her.Ican' t
wait."Hesmi l
ed.Icoul dn'tstopshaki ng.Moonl ed
Nasi int her oom andshesatdown.Shel ooked
unhar med.Al l waswel l.NowIneededt ogett hem
thef uckawayf r
om t hispl ace.Ineededt of indaway
toescapeThi erry
." Ar ey ouenj oy ingy our selfmy
l
ov e? "Heasks.Il ookedathi m." Whyar ey oudoi ng
this?I '
m sor ryThi erry .I'm sorryt hatIhur ty ou.Idon' t
wantt obewi thBi soei ther .Pleasej ustl eav eme
alone. "Ipl eaded." Her e' swhat 'sgonnahappen.You
wi l
lsaygoodby etoy ourf amily.Mypar ent swi lltake
them onv acat i
ont oSunCi tythenf lyt hem home.I f
your ef uset ocompl y, Iwi llmakesur ewhat ev er
transpor tationt heyuset ogetbackhomecr ashes
andbur nst hem al ive.Idon' tl
iket hatbutI 'm not
abov edoi ngi t.Youwi ll assuret hem t haty ou' r
esaf e
wi t
hmeandy ou'rehappy .You'll l
ett hem knowy our
honey moonst art
st oday .Andy ouwi llbeabl ushi ng
bride.Am Ibei ngcl earNomakhwezi ? "Myhear t
hammer edi nmychest .Iwasont hebr i
nkoft ear s.
"Youwoul dn'tkillmyf ami lyThi erry .
"Iwhi sper ."Oh
l
ov e.Your eallydon' tknowme.Dot her ightt hing.I
don'thav etopr et
endany more. "Isatt here, numbas
fuck.Whatscar esmet hemosti st hatIdon' tknow
whatt hehel lawai ts.OhGod, that 'swhatGl ensai d.
Allhi
swor dscamebackt ome."Idon' tcar
ewhat
youdobuty ou'
llbeli
ketheot hersonceheget swhat
hewant s.Thierr
ydoesn'tloveany t
hing.Noteven
money .Hedoeshowev erbeli
ev einpower .
"He'd
sai
dt hedayIt houghthewast aunti
ngme."Pl ease
l
eav emeal one.Idon'tknowwhatawai tsmenex t.
"
Wast helastthinghesaidt ome.Ohf uck.I
'min
tr
oublearen'tI?

Whatcoul dthismanwantf rom me?I t'sbeen3

hoursi nt hisreceptionandi twasnowcomi ngtoan
end."Her ewegoangel .Remember ,l
etany thi
ngsli
p
outofy ourmout h.Andy ou'
llseethedev i
linme.Go
ahead. "Heki ssedmycheek.Iwentov ert omy
familyandhuggedt hem sot ightl
y.Mymot herheld
ontomeandIcoul df eelmyt earscomi ng.Myhear t
wassoheav y."Mama, ndiyakwi honey moon.Idon' t
knowwhenI '
llbeback.Unay ouNasi i
numberka
Kagiso.He' l
ltakecar eofy oui fyouneedany t
hing.
Ndiyani thandamama. "Isaid,holdingbackmyt ear
s
wit
hev er ypowerImi ghthav e."Okaykemnt anam.
Nathi siyakwi holi
daynabazal ibomny eni wakho."I
'd
depositedmoneyi nheraccountadayagosoIknow
she'dbef i
ne.Ihuggedmybabysi ster."
Ar ey ou
okay?"Iask."Ewewet humnt ase.Ij ustgotdr owsy .
SorryImissedy ourwedding."Shesay spul l
ingaway .
"I
t'
sokaymyl ove.Nabaabazal i.Iloveyousomuch. "
Tearswer eatthebri
nkofmyey es.Moonhugged
myshoul der."
HeyMr sSt ölt
zer.Thecari sr eadyf or
you."Inoddedandpar tedway swi t
hmyf ami ly
.Igot
i
nt heli
mowi t
hThierr
yandwewer edr i
venof f
.He
wasonhi sphonespeaki ngi nGer man.Whydi dRia
tr
ickme?Wasi tpaybackf orjudgingherl if
est yl
e?Oh
GodI '
dnev erj
udgeany oneagai npl easeletmego.I
prayed.Whatwoul dhedot ome?

Thel i
tt
letvscreencameoni nfrontofme.Themba' s
facepoppedup." HeyNoma.Ihopey ou'r
ewell.So,
Thierr
yappr oachedmet odoal i
tt
levideoforyou
thathecanpl ayony ourweddingday .Uhm.Her eit
i
s."Thembasmi lesnervousl
y."You'r
eanamazi ng
woman.You' r
ei ntell
i
gent,i
ndependentandat ruego
getter
.I'
dliketot hanky ouforallt
hesuppor ty
ou've
givenmeov erthey ears.Mayyougr owandexpand
everythi
ngy out ouch.You' regoi ngt omakean
amazi ngwi f
eandmot her ."Thembapausesand
breathes." CanIgonow? "Hesay s."Keepgoi ng
Themba. "Av oicet hatsoundsl ikeMooncar rieson
i
nt hebackgr ound.TheTVswi tchesof f."Her efused
tokeepgoi ng."Thi err
yexpl ainsnextt ome.Thel i
mo
stops."Thi err
ywhatdoy ouwant .
"Isay .I
'm now
boredwi thhi m.Hecan' tpossi blet hi
nkI '
l
l everl ov e
him again.Notl ikethis." Interest i
ngy ouask, let'
sgo
i
nside.I'l
l l
ety ouknow. "Wegotoutt hecarandwe
werei nadi f
ferentest at ef rom t heonewel ivedi n
together.Ther ewer etreesal l aroundusher e.I t
l
ookedl ikewewer eint hemi ddleofaf orest ." Iown
allr
oadst hatleadher e.Thi spr oper t
yandt hel and
aroundi tforhundr edsofy ards.Il oveit.Thepr i
vacy
i
sf antastic.Come. "Wewal kedi nt hehouse.Abag
wasbyt hewal l
." Doyouwantt ochange?Igoty ou
somecomf yclothessoy oucangetoutofy our
weddi ngdr ess."Hepoi ntedatt hebag.It ooki tand
foundar oom t ochange.Ichoset hetracksui tand
sneakersgoi ngbackt ot hel ounge.MoonandRi a
hadar ri
ved.Iwant edtost rangl eher .Howcoul dshe
dot hi
st ome?" Youmademewai tawhol ey eart hen
deci det ochangey ourmi nd?Youmustbeseni leif
yout hinky ou'
reget tingawayf rom me.Idi dn' tinvest
myl i
fei ny outohav ey oujustwal kaway .NoMr s
Stöltzer .You'remi ne. "Thier r
ysay s."Thier ry ,Iasked
youwhaty ouwant ."Isai di mpat i
ent l
y."Ohy eah.
That .Wel l,tocutal ongst oryshor t
.Ineedy our
bloodandIneedt or enty ourwomb. "DidIhearhi m
cor r
ect ly?Hehadt obej oking."Mywhat ? "Iask.
"Yourbl oodNoma.Ineedt omakeacutony ourar m,
andhav ey ourblooddr i
pint othecer emoni alf i
re.
Thatwayourancest or scanr ecognizey out heny ou
canbearusababy ."Mychestwast ighteni ng.He
didn'tl ookl i
kehewasj oking."W- what .
..why ?"I'min
sli
ghtpani c.Moonchuckl ed." Thi
si sgonnabe
i
nt erest i
ng."Hesay s." Myf amilyhistoryi ssust ained
bybl ood.Forgener at i
onsbef oreus, thi
sr itual was
donet oensur eourweal t
hdoesn' trundr y ."Icoul dn't
believ ewhathewassay i
ng." Whyme?I 'm nota
vir
gi n."Isay .Theyal l laugh.I '
veseenmov ies, they
needv i
rginbloodr ight ?"Noma. .seet hisi swhyI
l
ov ey ou.You' r
eper fect .AndYouhav etheBl oodof
theLamb.Whaty oudowi thyourbodyi snotour
busi ness.Yourbl oodhowev er,i
ssacr ed. "FULL
PANI CMODE." Thierry.Pl ease.Stop. "Iwasshaki ng,
backingaway ."Itdoesn' thur tmyl ov e.Wel l...notfor
l
ongany way .Every t
hingwi llbefineNoma.Af tert
his,
we'llcont i
nueourmar riagenor mal l
y .
"Hel ookedso
calm." Howmanyt imeshav ey oudonet hi
s. "Idon't
knowwhyIt houghtIneededt oknow." Fiv
et imes.
Yes,they 'realldeadbecauset heywer est ubbor n.
Now, shallwe? "Ibol tedf ort hedoor ,runni ngt hrough
thosewoods.I twasst artingt ogetdar kout side.I
foughtt hepai ni nmychestandf ocusedonr unning
fullf
or ceagai nstt hewi nd." PleaseGod.Pl ease. "I
sobbed.Mychestwasgi vingupqui ckly.Ineededt o
keepgoi ng.If eltapi er ceonmyr ightshoul derandI
slowed, scr eami nginpai n.Hegr abbedmeand
pinnedmet ot hegr ound.It ri
edt ofightwi thal lof
met henl ookedhi mi nt hef ace.Loomi ngabov eme.
ItwasGl en."Hel pme. "Icr i
ed."Youshoul dhav elet
him killme. "Hesmi led.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er96

Iwaslef tinacel l.Yes, acell.Wi t

honl yonesour ce
ofli
ghtf rom af arupwi ndowbutnowi twasdar k,
themoonshonebr i
ghtandt hel ightsout sidehel ped.
.Thedooropenedandmydoct orcamei ncar ryi
nga
l
amp.If inal l
yunder stoodwhyhewasi nt hatcl oset.
Hecheckedmyshoul der,sti
t chingi t."
It'
st rue, i
sn'tit
?
Theyreal l
ywantmybl ood?"Iask.Henods." Noma,
j
ustgivei tt othem.Justaccept .LookatRi a, she's
fi
nenow.Shewentt hrought hesamet hi
ngbutshe
acceptedi t.Any onewhor esist s,dies.Theychose
youforar easonandt hey '
ll
nev erletgo.Ev eni fy ou
getaway , yourf ami lywon't."Hewhi spered.Af terhe
wasdone, helef tmesneaki ngt wopai nki ll
ersi nmy
hand.Thi errywal kedin."Baby .Ireallywon' tf orce
you.Ij
ust ...I'
dr athery oujustaccept .I
'm notf orceful
,
I'
m notar apist.Pl ease.It'
l
lbeov erv er
yqui cklyand
wecarr yonwi thourl i
v esasusual .Noma; youl ov e
me."Hesay s." You'r eamonst erThi er r
y .Youand
yourf amilyaredemons! "Ispat ."
I'
lllety oucal m
down.We' ll
talksoon. "Hewal kedout ,locki ngthe
doorbehi ndhi m.Isati nt hatroom f orhour s.At
l
easti twaswar m andIwasdr essedwar m and
comf ortabletoo.Howl ongwoul dIhav et obeher e?
Surely,he'l
lgetbor edandl eavemeal oner ight?As
horri
fy i
ngast hissituat ionwasIst i
ll bel ieveThi erry
hasasof tspoti nhishear tforme.Hehast o.He
couldn'thav ef akedaf ullyearofbei ngi nl ove.Oh
God, why ?Whatdi dIdot odeser vet his?Howcoul d
Thembaj ustdi sappearonmel i
ket hat ?Thedoor
openedagai n, Bisowal kedi nandcl osedi tbehi nd
him.Thanky ouLor d." Youhav etohel pme.Thi er r
y
haslosthi smi nd.Hewant smyact ual bloodKagi so.
Hesai dhehasar i
tual that..
..
."Itrailedof fstari
ngat
him.Hedi dn'tlookshocked, hewasj ustl ookingat
thegr ound.Ofcour seheknew." Kagi so, didy ou
knowhewoul ddot his?Wast histheonl yreasonhe
want edt omar ryme? "Iask, hopi ngf ordi f
ferent
answer ."Yes."Ibr okedown." Kagiso, Ican' tdot hi
s.
Youhav etohel pme. "Iwi pedmyf ace." Iwi shI
couldNoma.Thesur priseweddi ngcaughtmeof f
guar d.Iwant edtot akey ouawaywi thmamaand
Nasi today .Hej ustcal cul ateditwoul dhappen. "He
sighs.I '
m Numb." What 'sgoi ngt ohappeni fIsay
no? "Iask." Pl easedon' tsayno. "Hepl eads." I'm not
aboutt obeasat ani
stagai nstmywi ll
!"Ihissed.
"Noma.5l adieswer eher ebef or ey ou.Alloft hem,
died.Ther ei snowayout .LookatTshi amo, thatis
hisownseed, Mar ti
nahi sownsi st er,y
etitdi dn't
stophi mf r
om or ganizingt hecr ashoft hatcart hat
kil
ledt hemot herofhi schi l
d.Nomakhwezi , don't
makemet ellyout het hingst hathav ehappenedi n
thiscel l.Thatacci dentwasmer cy ."Mybl oodcur led
i
mmedi at ely."Ican'tdoi tKagiso. "Hesatnextt ome
handi ngmet hebot tl
eofwat erinhi shand." Noma, I
knowy oudon' twantt odot hisbuty ouhav et o.
Her e'swhat '
sgoi ngt ohappeni fy oudontsi nce
you'rebei ngst ubbor n.You' llsither eandponderf or
af ewhour s.Thatdoorwi llopenandsomet hingwi l
l
dropont hef loor.Youmaynotseei tsoonbutwhen
dawncomesandi tstar t
sget t
ingl ight,you'l
l reali
ze
thatit'sabody .Someoney our eal l
ycar eabout .And
they '
llbedead.Mut i
lated.Thatbodywi l
lstayher e
nextt oy ou,rot t
ingf orday sorev enweeks.Youwi l
l
scream andcr yyourlungsoutandnoonewi llcome.
Thedoorwi llopenagai n, anotherdrop.Asecond
body.Nomat heywillpil
eupandr otrightherein
fr
ontofy ou.Thi swoul dbepeopl eyoulov ewithall
yourhear t
.Whent hatdooropensagai n,itwoul dbe
ali
ght erdrop.Ashar pkni fe.Usually
,thewomenuse
i
ttosl i
ttheirwr i
stsandsot heydieandmakei tend.
3oft hem, kil
ledthemsel ves,Tshiamomot her'
sdi ed
i
nt hataccidentandt hel astonewast hrowni naf ire
tobur nali
ve.I'm nottryingt oscar eyoubutwar ny ou
ofwhat '
st ocome.Icant r
yt okeepy ourfamilysaf e
buthonest lyNoma, ther e'snoescapi ngt hi
spar t.No
onet hatrejectsitevermakesi toutali
ve."..
.

Thereisnowayt hisi
sr eal
.Itcan'tbe.Iwentto
churchalmosteverySunday .IpraiseGod,Ipray,
I
hel
pwi thini
ti
ati
vesthatbenef i
tothersinthechurch,
Ievenhelpedbuil
dacommuni tyCentrewith
Themba.Howt hehelldidIgether e?Okay,gr
anted,
noonedeser vesthi
snotev ensi nnersbuthel
l.Me?
Wher edidIgowrong?Di dIangerGod?Imusthav e.
AndnowIneedHi shelp.LikehowHehel pedDaniel
i
nt heLionsden?Idr ankt hepai nkil
lersformy
achingwound.Thi swasmychancet opray."Godof
Isr
ael,MyRul erandSav i
or .Icomet oy ouonmy
kneesbeggi ngforar eleasef r
om thishorribl
eplace.
GodIbel i
ev ethatYouar eGodandhav etheabi l
it
yto
showany onet hat.I'
m grat efulDearLor dforthe
l
essons, I
'm gratefulforthej ourneyIhav etakenand
Iam gratefulforthewi sdom ofal lowingmet osti
ck
byYourwor d.AsYoudi df orDanielintheLi onsden,
asYoudi df orJonahswal lowedbyawhal e,Youwi l
l
dof orme."Icarriedonpr ay inguntilIeventuall
y
dozedof f.

Ivaguel yrememberadooropeni ngduri

ngt henight
butIwasheav yof fthepill
sthatcompletelynumbed
myshoul der.Theyhel pedwi t
ht hepainandIwas
grateful.Iopenedmyey estol i
ght,r
ubbi
ngt hem to
adjustt othebright nessandsatup.WhenIl ooked
againIf oundThi errysitt
ingonachai rstari
ngatme.
Thest arehehadwhenI '
dwakeupnextt omeand
todayi thadadi fferentmeani ng."Goodmor ni
ng, my
wife."Hesmi l
es."Wehav eaguestt oday."Helooked
atthef loorbesidehi m.Il ookedt oo.Iwentdeafby
myownscr eami ng.Mychestheav edi nexcr uciat i
ng
pain.Themba' sbodyl ayl i
fel
essl yont hatf l
oor .Hi s
eyeswer egougedoutofhi sf acel eav i
ngbl oodi ed
holesi nitsplace.Mysoul wasbr oken.Icoul dn't
breath.Mychestwascl osingupt i
ght lythist ime.
Thedoct orcamei nandhookedmeonanebul izer
fast.Ev eryt
hinghur t."Sheneedst ocal m d-downMr
Stöltzer."Thedoct orsay sinashakyv oice." Then
makeher .I
sn'tt
hatwhatIpayy ouf or ?"Thier r
ysay s.
"The...
"t hedoctorst artsl ookingatt hebodyont he
fl
oor .Itwaspoi ntl
ess.Thi errywoul dn' tremov ei t.Dr
Paiget ookof fascar fandbl indf oldedme.Hehel d
myhandsqueezi ngt i
ght .Istabilizedi naf ew
minut es.Thepai ninmyl ungsr aw.I '
venev ernot
want edt obreathliket hismoment .I '
v enev ernot
want edt obeal i
veI ket his.DrPai gest oppedt he
machi ne.Mychestwasst i
l
lwheezi ngbutabl et o
breathonmyown.Het ookof fthebl indf ol
d.Iwas
numb.Ikeptmyey escl osed." Openy ourey es
Noma. "Thierryi
nst ructed.Idi dn't.Icoul dn't."Fine, at
l
easty oucanhearme.Thi siswhaty ouract ions
havedone.Mypar ent sar estil
lwi thy ourf ami l
y .By
mycommand, Icanhav et hem shippedbackher e
andjoiningoutdearpal Themba.Youneedt obe
wil
li
ngst handwasam.Acceptmewi thyourheart.
Wecoul dofcour sefi
ndoutt hehar dwaywhat
happenswheny oureject.Notmyf av ori
teendi
ngt o
behonest .Ialsowantt obel oved.Tobesomeone' s
husband.Thi nkabouti t.Youcoul dlov emebef ore,
you'
lllearnhowt oagain."Heandt hedoct orwalked
out,l
ocki ngbehi ndthem.Iopenedmyey esand
Themba' sbodywasst i
llthere.Hedi edbecauseof
me.Howmanypeopl ewi llhavet odiebecauseof
me?What everlessonGodwast eachingme,
shouldn'tbeoni nnocentpeopl e'
slives.Ihadto
acceptmyf atenow...
#Your
sTr
uly:
Tr
iggerWar
ning

Chapt
er97

Ibangedont hedoorf orhour sf ort hem t oopenunt i

l
myhandshur t .Noonecame.Iwasdef eated.
Everythinghur t.Mywhol ebody ,Mywound, my
hands.Ev erythi nghurtsepar ately .Mydoct orcame
i
nl ateaf ternoont ocheckmywound." Dr ,
pleaset ell
himI '
mr eadyt oaccepti t.I'
mr eady .Please. "I
pleaded." I'
lllethi m knowMr sSt öltzer.
"Hechecked
mywound." Pleasedoct or.Idon' twantany oneel se
to..
."IlookedatThemba' sbodyandshi vered." I
'l
l
givehim what ev erhewant s."Henodded, packi ng
hisequi pment .Hegav emeal uncht inwi tha
sandwi chi nsi deandabot tl
eofwat erpl uspai n
kil
lersformypai nthenwal kedout .Iwasn' tev en
hungr y.Howcoul dIeatwhent her ewasadeadbody
i
nf rontofme.Idon' tknowwhet herIwasi magi ning
thesmel lbutpl easeGod, mayheber est i
ngi npeace.
Ibangedonthedooragai
nandagai
n.Myhands
pai
ningevenmore.Idi
dn'
thav
eanymoretear
slef
t
i
nme.Howwoul dIsleep?

Nobodycamebackt hatev eni ng.I'dev ent uall

yt aken
thepai nt ablet stonumbt hepai n.Idi dn'twantt o
hurtany mor et hanIal readydi d.Whenl ightcrepti n
thenextmor ning,Iwasscar edt oopenmyey est o
facer eality.Iwasf acingt heopposi teway .Ishi fted
tostret chmybodyt henIhear dhi m speak." Final l
y.
You'reawake.Goodmor ningmyl ove."Hi svoicenow
sentchi l
lsdownmybody ."IacceptThi erry.I'
l
l do
what ev ery ouwant .
"Ibr eat hed." Idon' tbel i
evey ou.
Youcan' tev enl ookatme.HowcanIt rusty ou? "He
asks." Ican' tlookathi m.Ican' t
.Pl ease. "Icr i
ed.
"ThenIt aket hatasano.Youcan' taccept ."He
sighed.It ur nedar oundandl ookedathi m.Ther e
wasanot hershadowont hef loor.Notabodyt hi s
ti
me.Justahumanhead.Iwentdi zzy." Accept
Noma.You' r
ecol lectingbodi esqui ckert hana
mur der er."Hechuckl ed.YOU' RETHEFUCKI NG
MURDERER.Iwant edt oscr eam.Ikneel edi nfrontof
him.Mysoul damaged.Myey esunabl etol ookat
who' si nnocentheadl ayt here."Iaccept .
"Isay
l
ooki ngi ntohi sey es." Idon'tbel iev ey ou."Ihadt odo
somet hing.Any t
hing.Ri ghtt heni tclicked.Hi sown
wor ds: "thenextt imey ouwantmyat tention, wal k
aroundl iket his."Iwant edt othr owupr i
ghtt her eand
thenbutt hel i
v esofot herswer edependentont his.I
couldn' tf ocusoncr yinganyl onger .I'
dmour nl ater.I
hadt oconv incemy selfthehumanheadwasn' tt here
buti twasandi thadbr aids.It ookof fmycl othes
andst oodi nfrontofhi m naked." Yousai dy ou
neededmywomb, youneedababy .Fort hatt o
happen, youhav et osl eepwi thme. "Hesmi led." Get
ony ourknees.Yourbr eastsont hatf loor."Idi dashe
said.Mywhol ebodywasshaki ngi nf ear,pain,
trauma.Iwasaboutt ohav esexwi t hamani na
room wi tht wodeadpeopl ein.Seemi nglyi twasn' t
wor set hanwaki ngupt oanewdeadper sonand
hav i
ngt hem r ot t
ingbesi dey ou.Br ain, st
opt alking.
Stopt hi nking.Thi nkany t
hingbut .Focus.He
caressedmyass, kissingt hecheeksonebyone.Hi s
coldf inger spenet ratedme, r
ubbi ngi nsidegent l
y.
Thehumanbodywi ll
al way sbet rayy ou.Ihat ed
my selfatt hatpoi nt
.Ijustwishedhe' dkill
edme.
Wor stofal l,IwishIcoul dkil
lmy selfbutwhatwoul d
happent omyf ami l
y?Woul dtheybesaf eaf terIdi
e?
Woul dhet akehi sangeroutont hem?Ineededt o
stopt hinking.Tear spouredoutmyey essi l
ently.I
pretendedt omoan, i
ncasehegotsuspi cious.The
wor stpar tiseveni fIcouldkil
lhim now, right
outsidet here'sbodyguar ds.ThenI 'dhav etof ace
Moon.Idon' twantt ofaceMoon.Ascar ythought
mademer ealiz
ehe' sprobablyev enwor set han
Thierry."Ther e.
..sowet .Justli
keIl oveit.You're
doingsogoodbaby .
"Hepenet ratedsettli
ngdeep
i
nsideme. .
.

Thesexl ast
edl ongerthanIt hought.Hewenton. ..
andon. .
.unti
lhewassat i
sfied.Hav i
ngcum 3t imes.
Mykneeswer egrazedandi npai n."Letmeseey our
face.
"Hesay s.Igetupandf acedhim.I'dl
ongwi ped
myf ace.Myey eshadbeenswol lensincethenight
before."
Imissedy ou.If
eellikethisisanewst epf or
us.You'vegivenmey ourbodyandIr espectthatso
I'
llpr
eparethecer emonyf ort oni
ght.Thisi
sthe
begi nningoft her estofourl iv
es."Hesay sthen
wal ksov ertowher et hehumanheadl ay."Thiswasa
giftfory ouact ually.Thoughty oumi ghtlikei t
."He
grabbedt hebr aidspi ckingupt hehead." Lookati t.
"
Hesay s.Iwi ncedandt ookal ookatt hel oll
inghead
i
nhi sgr i
p.Icoul dn'trecogni zetheswol lenf ace
turninggr ey."Youcan' tseeher ?It'
sy ourf r
iend!The
onet hathatesy ou.Wel l,nowshe' sdead.Thenext
onewoul d'
vebeeny oursi st
erbuty ou'reasmar tlady,
aren'ty ou?Youknowhowt ousey ourr esour ces
wel l
."Hedr oppedt heheadl ikeitwasabal l
."I'
ll
hav e
someonecomecol l
ecty ou.Thenwecant akey ou
outoft hi
shor ridcel l.
"Hewal kedout ,l
eav i
ngme
shaki ngont hef loor .Thismanwasnotpl aying
games.Hewasn' tbluffi
ng.

Isati
nt hecorner,st
ari
ngatthefl
oor .Sur
elyI'
dgone
tohell
.There'
snoot herexpl
anati
on.Thedoor
openedagain.Ididn'
tbothert
olookwhoi twas.As
l
ongasi twasov er."
Youaccepted."Bisosays."I
t'
s
notli
keIhadmuchofachoi ceKagi so.
"Iwhisper.
"Youdidn'
t.I
tcanonl ygetbet
terfr
om here,wellthat
willbeupt oy ouofcour se. "Hesi tsnextt ome.
"Whatdoest hatmean? "I'vebar elymov edf rom t his
spotf orhour s.Isatupandshi ft
edawayf rom hi m.
Het oo, wast hedev il
."Twooutoft he5woment r
ied
toav enget hemsel v es.Theyt riedt oki llThi er ry
.One
oft hem wasTshi amo' smom, buthel ov edherand
deci dedt ol etitsl i
de.Shepoi sonedhi sf ood.
Unf or t
unat ely,there'shar dlyacor neri nt hehouse
thatdoesn' thav ecamer as.Itwast her unni ngaway
thatgotherki ll
ed.Thel astone, gotsomet hinr ope
andhi di t
.Shewokeupi nt heni ghtt ost r angl ehi m
butf ai l
ed.Hehandedherov ert oMi chael ."Li keI
said, Moonseemsmuchwor se." Het hrewheri nt he
fi
re? "Ir ememberhement i
onedt his.Hebur nther
ali
v e.Bi sonodded." Whati sy ourr ol eint hi s?You
can' tbear oundal loft hisandnotgety ourhands
dir
ty ."Ilookathi m." Doy our eallywantt oknowwhat
Ido? "Heasks.I tcan' tbeanybad." YesKagi so."I
say ."Iki l
lthef ami l
ymember soft hewi v esNoma.I
kil
ledThembaandt henDonnat odel ayget tingt o
yourf ami l
y.Idi dn'twantt ohav et oki llNasi phi or
mama.That 'smyj ob. "IfIcoul dgetanycol der ,this
woul dbet het ime.I '
vesl eptwi thser i
alki ll
er s."How
am Isupposedt ol i
vewi thall ofy ou?Knowi ngal l of
thi
s? "Myv oicehast urnedmousy ."Ify oudon' tstep
outofl i
ne, nobodyget shur t.I'
m sor ry.I'
m sor ry
aboutal loft hi
s."Iwant edt ost r
angl ehi mr i
ghtt her e.
"Yousatwi thmyf ami ly,wei nv itedy oui ntoour
home, weaccept edandf uckingl ov edy ouKagi so
andy ouwer egoi ngt oki llus!!"Icr ied." I'
m sor r-
"
"Don'tfuckingt ouchme! !Ilety oui n.Il ety out ouch
meandy ouwer est i
llgoi ngt oki llpeopl eIl ov e!
You'reev i
l!You' r
ej ustasbadashi m. "Het riedt o
hugmeandIhi thi m, punchi ng, kicki nghi m
everythingt ogethi m of f.Heov erpower edmy
effortsandhel dmei nhi sar ms." I'm sor ryPr incess.
I'
mr eallysor ry.
"Hewhi spered." I
'm goi ngt oget
pregnantandhav et or aiseachi ldi nt hi swi tchcr af t?
Whatwi ll
happent omychi l
d?Ihat ey ousomuch. "I
sobbed." I'
llneverl etthem hur tt hechi ld.Igi v ey ou
mywor d."Ipushedhi m awayf rom me." Justgo.
Please.Leav emeal one. "Hest oodup, wal kingout .I
wai t
edhour sagai n.Ithadgot tenpi tchdar k, Ijust
satther estar i
ngatnot hing.Thedooropened.I
couldn'tseeany thingbutabl ackf loorl ongcl oak.
"Foll
owme. "
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er98

Istoodi nahal lwi t

h4ot herfigureswear i
ngt he
samecl oak.Ithadahoodi ecov eri
ngt heirheadsand
halft heirfaces.Theonet hatledmeher ewas
standi ngnextt ome.Ther ewasasmal lfi
rer ightin
themi ddle."Thesubj ectmayt aket hei
rclothesof f.
"
Hesai d.Iwast hesubj ect?Ilookatt hef i
gur eand
decidedmay bey esbecausenooneel semov ed.I
tookof fmycl othes, leavingmyt hongon." The
subj ectmayt aket heirclothesof f.
"Hesai dagai n.I
shamef ullytookof ftheunder wear .Oneoft hef our
fi
gur esst eppedf orwardandpul ledof ftheirhoodi e,
reveal i
ngt heirface.ItwasThi erry."Mr sStöltzer.
Thisi sani ni
ti
ationpr ocessf ory out obeapar tof
buildingourl egacy .MayIhav ey ourlefthand. "He
says.Igav eoutmyl efthandandhepul l
edme
closert ot hefir
e.Hehadadaggeri nhishandandi t
scar edmeshi t
less.Hespokei nGer man,wor dsI
don'tknownorwi sht o.I'm af raidthey '
llst i
ck.The
daggersl icedmyski ni nthepal m ofmyhandandI
wincedi npai n.Ihel dbackt het ear s.Thebl ood
oozedoutoft hecutdr ippingi ntot hef ire.Then
somet hingcl icked.Thepr ophet .Hehadcutmet he
samewayandsmear edoi l ont hecut ,pr ayingf orme.
TowhatGodhadhebeenpr ayingt obecauset hat
wast hedayThi erryappr oachedmef ort hef i
rstt ime.
Myhear tachedmor e.Di dThembaknowt his?Why
woul dhel ett hishappent ome?Theywer enow
chantingar oundt hef ir
e.Thef lamesal mostt r
ipled
i
nsi ze,Ijumpedast epback." Sher eallydoeshav e
theblood. "Thi err
ysay s.Iwascol di nsi de, unabl eto
measur et het ypeofbr okenIwas.Hopef ullyIwas
nowdoneandt heywoul dl eav emeal one.Av ery
shortfigur ewal kedt owar dus.I tl
ookedl ikeadwar f.
Ormay bei twasKgosi ?Theywoul dn' tdot hat,woul d
they?Theshor ti
est oodnextt ome, taki ngmyhand
tohismout h.Hesuckedt hebl oodf rom mycut .I
wasshakenbutcoul dn'tmov e.Ev eryonej ustkept
chanting.Icl osedmyey eswai tingf ori ttobeov er.
Whent heyst oppedt heirchant s, t
hebl oodsuck
stopped.What everitwasst ar t
edt ogi ggl ehappi ly.
Not hatwasn' tKgosi .Sur elytheywer edonenow.
Oneoft hem handedmeapl ate.Ithadwhatl ooked
l
iker awl i
ver .Atl eastIhopedi twas.Whyi st hisnot
endi ng?" Ourcer emoni alslaught erhasgi ft
edy ou
withi tshear t .Youmaybegi nt oeat ."Ilookedat
them onebyoneasi ft heywer ecrazy .Iwasn' tabout
toeatt hehear tofsomet hingIdon' tknow." You' r
e
almostt here. "Oneoft hem sai d.Icl osedmyey es,
braci ngmy sel f.Ihadt ot hrowmy selfintot hatf ir
e
thatwasnowt allerthanme.I t'sbettert obur nal iv
e
sur elybutIwasscar ed.Iwassoaf raidwhatIdon' t
die?Whati ft heyki l
lmyf ami lyany way ?Iwasal most
doneany way ,whynotj ustf inishnow.Theywer en't
kindenought oev encuti t.Ihadt obi teandpul lthen
swal lowwi thoutchew.Igaggedev er ysinglet ime
butmanagedt okeepi tin.Hal fwayt hroughmyr aw
meal ,oneoft hem t ookt hepl ateandt osst her estof
i
ti nt hef i
re.Ist oodt her e, weakashel l.Noone
mov edandIwasget tingdi zzy ."I
'm goi ngt ot hrow
up."Iannounce." Inthef ire."Say sThi er r
y.Gr atefulto
begi venthatgoahead, Ihur l
edi ntot hatf i
re.Al lofit
camebackupasi sbecauseIhadn' tchewedandi t
feltlikeitwasst ucki nmyt hroat.Hepul ledmeback
upbutIwentdownagai nt hrowingup.If inall
y
droppedt omyknees.Icoul dhearadr aggingsound
anditst oppednearme.Il ookedandf oundahuge
tub.Whenwoul dthisend?Thi er
ryledmei nsidethe
tub.Hest oodi nsideitwi thme.Thef i
guret hatled
meher e,funnyhowIal way sknowsi t
'shim when
they'
real ldressedt hesame, pour edliqui
df rom the
topofmyhead.I tsoakedmybodyandhekept
pouring,talkingi nal anguageIdonotknow.They
chantedagai nandt histimeIwasget tingreallydizzy
.
Afterthebat h, Thierrywi pedmyey es."Welcomet o
thefami ly
, Mr sSt öl
tzer."Hesmi led.Ilookedatmy
body ,I
'
dbeenwashedwi thbl ood...

Ithasbeen3mont hssincemyi niti

ati
onandl if
e
hasn'tret
urnedt onormal .Ibar
elyeat,Idon'tsleep,
I'
mj ustazombi e.I'
veev enstoppedwor king.My
school workwasl acking,Iwasf ai
li
ngand
consideri
ngdr oppingoutbutf orwhat?Woul dittur
n
backev eryt
hingthathashappened?Thi errywas
backt ohisusual l
ovingselfandt heonetimeI 'd
preferhim di
sappear i
ngf orworkistheonet i
mehe
deci dest osemi -retire.Hewasst i
llwor kingbutnot
asof tenandal way sathome.We' dwat chmov i
es
wher eIjustst ar edatt hescr eenf orhour swi thout
evenknowi ngwhat 'sgoi ngon.I 'vehadanew
i
nt eresti nthepastt woweekst hough.I tinvolv eda
blade.I 'dstar tedt ocutmy selftof eel somet hi ng.
Any t
hingot hert hant heempt i
ness.Nobodyknew
thisbecauseIr eal lyj ustkeptt omy selft heent i
re
ti
me.Ther ewasnot hi ngel seIcoul ddo.Icoul donl y
mov ef orwar d.Ican' tbel iev eGodl etmegot hr ough
that .Trulyandhonest lywhatl essoni st his
supposedt obe?Somet i
mesy oul ose?I twas
mor ningandIhadn' tr eallysl ept .Thierryhadl ef tbed
anhourago.Il ockedt hebat hroom andwent
throughmydr awerl ooki ngf oraf reshbl ade.I
coul dn'tfindasi ngleone.Wher ecoul dt heybe?
Thi errycoul dn'thav ej ustt hr ownawaymybl ades.I
hoppedi ntheshowerwi tht hei ntentionofgoi ngout
toshopf ortoi l
et riesandmybl ades.Thechosen
out fitwasav erymi ni blackdr esswi thl ongsl eev es.
Iputonbl ackst ilettos.Bl ackandnav ywer et heonl y
color sIwor e.Nott hatIev erwentany wher e.Imade
mywaydownst airs.Ev ery onewassi ttingont he
diningt abl e." Mor ning."Iwhi sper .I'velostev enmy
spar koft alking.Thef eari nmyhear twhenev erIhad
tofacet hem al lwassounr eal.Somet i
mesIf eel l
ike
Iwasdr eami ngt hatni ghtandi tdidn' tactually
happen.Buti tdidhappen." HeyNoma.Youl ookal l
dressedupandsexy .Wher eto? "Moonasked.I
coul dn'tlookathi m atal l
.Ev ery t
imeIdi d, t
ear s
woul dr ol ldownmycheeks.SoIwoul davoidhi m at
allcostbutnowIcoul dn't."Uhm. .Ineedt obuysome
stuff..
."Isay , whimper ing." Okay ,I'l
ltakey ou. "He
smi les." You' renott aki ngherany wher e."Bisosay s.
"Thent her e'
sy ou.Ij ustwantt ospendsomet i
me
withmysi ste-""DidIst utter?"Bi socuthi m of f.Moon
helduphi shandsi nsur render .Ev ery oneatet heir
foodqui et ly
.Icoul dn'tt akemor et hant womout hful
s.
"You' velostal otofwei ghtNoma.Notgood. "Ri asaid.
Ididn'tr espondbecausewhatwoul dIsay ?" I
'll
appoi ntherherowndi et i
cian.Ial sodon' tli
ket his
l
oss. "Thi errysatnextt omeandl ookedatmyt highs.
"That '
scut e."Hesmi l
es." She'sgoi ngshoppi ng. "
Moonannounces.Appr eciated.Thanks." Oh?Wel l,i
t
willdoy ougoodt ogetout .You' ret akingLindi with
you? "Thi er r
yasks.Justt henshewal ksoutf rom t he
officepassage.Il ookatThi er
ry."Wel l
?"Heasks.
He' ssleptwi thher .Icanseet hegui ltonherf ace.I
hadnopl atformt oev encompl ain.Igotupf rom the
tablerunni ngt othenear estbathroom andt hrewup.
Myheadf eltli
ght.Ineededt odosomet hing.Af t
er
washi ngmymout h,Iwal kedoutt opi ckupmybag
andcarkey sthenoutt hehousewi thmybody guards.
"Ihav eaf eeeling.Someonesi t
tingatt histablewi l
l
getanasswhoopi ng.All i
nfavor?"Moonsay s
raisinghishand, giggling."ShutupMi chael."Thierr
y
snapped." Biso?You' rejustgonnasi tt here?"Moon
asks." Don'tinv ol
vemei nyournonsense.Al lofy ou.
"
Hecont i
nueseat inghi sfood."Someonei sstil
l
get t
inganasswhoopt hough.AndIwantt owat ch."
...

Ididmytoil
etri
esshoppingtakingmyt i
me.One
bodyguar
dst oodattheentranceofthestoreandthe
otherf
oll
owedcl osel
ybehindme, sti
l
lgivi
ngme
space."
Hey."Ilookupandseeaguybutt here'
s
al
readygunpoi nt
edathishead.Ilookatmy
bodyguar
d."It'
sokay,puti
tdown. "Heobeys.The
guyi snowf rozen." I'
m sosor ry.Ididn'tr ealizet hat
was. .
.I'm sosor ry.
"My steryguysay s."It'
sokay .
He' smybody guard.That '
shi sjob.Don' tbescar ed.
Breat h."Ismi le.He'sf indingitqui t
edi fficultto
breat hbuthenods." Ijustsawhi mf oll
owi ngy ouand
thoughtI 'daski fyouknewhi m."Hesay s." Oh.That '
s
niceofy ou.Seei ngt hathe'stwicey oursi ze, i
fI'
d
saidno, whatwoul dy ouhav edone? "I'
m amusedby
hisbr av ery."I
'dhav et of i
ghtobv i
ousl y."Webot h
l
augh.Thenmyhear tstops."Ihav et ogo. "Il ookat
mybody guardandhef oll
owsmeagai n." No
i
nt eractingagai n,Nick."Isay .Thismeans, hehas
fullper mi ssi
ont ostopand/ orremov eany onewho
tri
est ot al ktomeagai n.Ireali
zedt hatguywas
beingni ceandwewer ehav i
ngani nnocent
conv ersat ionbuthi sl i
fewoul dbeatr i
skatt hedr op
ofahat .Idon' tknowhi m andhedoesn' tdeser ve
that."YesMr sSt ölt
zer .
"Ipayf ormyi temsandof f
wego.Inev erhav et heur getogoshoppi ngsoI
usual lyjustor derandhav emyassi stantcol l
ectand
pay .Todaywasdi fferentbutI '
m nowov er whel med
andneedi ngmybat hroom andbl ades.Thedr i
ve
homewasswi ft
.Ithadbeenanhoursi nceI '
dlef tfor
themal l
.Iwal kinthehousef indingRiabyt he
hall
way ."Noma. "Shestarts.Ilookather ."
Areyou
okay?"Sheasks." Whatdoy out hink?
"Iaskback.
"I
'm onlytryingtomakei teasier-"Iwalkedupt omy
room leavinghert her
e.Ilockedt hebat hroom behi
nd
me, pull
ingof fal
lmycl othesthesati nt heshower
withmybl ade.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er99

Ididn'tleav emyr oom agai nf oraweek.I '

dstartedto
getv iolentlysick.Iev enf ellasl eepnextt othetoil
et
i
nt hemi ddleoft heni ght .Thier rycar r
iedmebackt o
bedbutIwasbackont hatt oiletv omitingwi t
hin20
mi nutes.I '
df i
nall
yunder stoodwhy .Hesi ckensme.
Thewhol ebei ngofhi mj ustdi sgust smet onol i
mi t
thatIcan' tev enst andi tany mor e.Itwasmor ning
andIneededmeati nmymout h.May besome
sausagesf rom breakf ast.Af terget ti
ngdr essedi na
blackmaxi dresst hatbandagedmybodyal ltheway
tomycal fandt henpool edatmyf eet.Italsohad
l
ongsl eev es.Tocov ermycut s, everythingIwor e
neededsl eev es.Imademywaydownst ai
rs,
bar efoot.Myi nt
ent i
onwast ogobackt obed.
"Mor ning."Isay .Theygr eetmeback.Igett wo
sausagesandbacon, thenst ar ttoeat ."I
'm gett
ing
pret t
yof fendedbyy ourcol orschemeNoma.Doy ou
alway shav et obei nbl ack? "Moonsay s." Mi chael."
Thierrywar ns." Yeahno, I
'm done.I '
m notgoi ngt o
ti
pt oear oundheranyl onger .Sheneedst ogr owa
pairlikeev er yoneel seatt hist ablehas.Ther eisno
wayI 'mt akingt hisat ti
tudeanyl onger !It'
sdonewi th!
It
'sov er !Whent hef uckwi llshemov eon! !
"He
bangedont het abl e." Mol ef i
,whati sy ouri ssue? "
ThatwasMr sSv oice.Idi dn'tknowshewasher e.
Ther ewer eal readyt earsf lowi ngdownmycheeks
sil
ent l
y ."ComeonMi chael ,she'st ryi
ng.You' r
enot
maki ngi tanybet terbyscar ingher ."Riasay s.The
foodIhadst artedt oeatwascomi ngbackup.I
droppedt hecut leryandr ant othet oil
et ."She' sso
repulsedbyThi erryshe' sbeent hrowi ngupf ora
weekst raight .Ev erysi nglet imesheseeshi m.It'
s
ri
dicul ous. "Moonsay s." Whywoul dsheber epulsed
byThi erry."Mr sSasks." Hesl eptwi thherf ri
end.
That '
swhy ."Thi er r
yl ookedathi m." Whycan' tyou
j
ustl eav emeandmywi feal one?Why ?Tel l me
why ?"Icamebackt ot het abl eaf t
erwashi ngmy
mout handhands." You' r
eokaybaby ?"Thi er ryasks.
Myhandsar eshaki ng." Yes. "Iwhi sper ."Arey ou
pregnant ?"Mr sSasks.Ist aredatherl ikeI'm seeing
aghost
.OhGod.I
sthati
t?Am Ipr
egnant
?

Ideniedbei ngpr egnantbecauseasf arasIknow,

I'
m not.Iwoul dhowev ercheckwi thDrPai ge.Bef ore
l
uncht ime, Igoti nt hedoct orsof fice, whichwasst i
l
l
i
nsidet hehouse." Ican' tkeepany thingdown. "Was
theonlysy mpt om Ihad.Hedi daf ewt ests.DrPai ge
andIhar dl yev erspoke.Heonl ygav eme
supplement s, fixedmywoundsal thoughhedi dn' t
knowaboutt hecut ssi nceIhav en'tseenhi mina
while."You' repr egnant ."Heconf i
rms.Icanal ready
i
magi nehowexci t
edThi errywi llbe.Myhear tisin
myt hroat .Hedoest hescanandsomemor etest s.A
warmf eelingcr eepsuponme.Iwashav i
ngababy .
Myownl itt
lehuman.Si ncet hey '
dbebor nSt öl
tzer
theywon' tneedt odor itualsr i
ght ?Myhear tstarted
beatingf ast, Icoul dheari toutl oud.Twi ceasf astas
usual."Ohno. "Paigesay s."What ?"Iask.Hewal ks
met ot het oilet."It'
s...
.You' r
ecar ryingt wins."He
wasnowshaki ng."So?I st hatbad? "Hei nstructed
met ogetdr essed." I'l
lbr i
ngy ourul tr
asound.For
now, don'tment iont wo.Ineedt obesur e.
"Hewent
backt ot heof fi
ce, packedawaysomet hingsgi v
ing
meabot tl
eofpi ll
s."Whatar ethesef or?"Iask.He
explainst hem t horoughl yandwhenIshoul dtake
them." Aren'tther ecamer asher e? "Ilookar ound.
"Noti nthisr oom. "Hi sey esmot ionedt owar dthe
toi
letsoIwentt hereimmedi at
ely .Hef ollowedaf ter
afewmi nut es." Whycan' tIment iont wins?I sit
bad? "I'
m nowpani cking.Asi fmyl ifecan' tgetwor se.
"Moon' ssoni sat wi n."Heexplai ned." ButI '
venev er.
..
seenanot her .
"Theof ficedooropenedandmy
doctorwal kedoutt het oil
etquickl y.

Thepersonwho'dent eredwasmydi etician,she

wantedtoconsultwi t
hmydoct oronwhyIwasn' t
eati
ng.DrPaigeassur edherhe'llhavear epor ton
herdeskassoonast hetestsgot hr
ough.Imademy
wayoutwithmynewbat chofpi ll
s.Ireal l
yneeded
somechicken.Af t
erputti
ngonshoes, Iwent
downstai
rstotheki t
chent oprepar efri
edchi cken
andsomesal ads.Iusedt olov
ecooki ngnowIdon' t
knowwhatlov eis.Someonewal kedi nt hekitchen
whil
stIwasst r
ugglingwiththei ngredient s."
Need
help? "AsksBi so." Ijustwant edt omakesome
chicken.Al i
ttlehar derthanIt hought .
"Idust edof f
myhandsandsi ghed.I '
dhav et ocal lthechefnow.
"Letsgooutandgetchi cken.Youneedt obeout si
de.
Youl ookpal e."Hesay s."Blackpeopl edon' tlook
palef oranyr easonot hert hanbei ngdead.Wel l...
may beIam dead. "Hechuckl ed." Come.I 'l
l lety ou
drive."Hepul ledmeoutoft hehouset ohi sbi gger
car.Idr oveust oKFCandIwentt hroughadr i
v eway .
Itfeltl i
keababyst epaccompl i
shment .Itfel tnor mal.
Idrov ebackhomeagai n."Takeal eftther e."Bi so
said.It ookal eft.Hecar ri
edonwi tht hedi rect i
ons
untilIwasi nf rontofhi shouse.Ist aredatt hehouse
l
eani ngbacki ntomyseat ."Youdon' thav et ogetout
thecar .Ijustwant edy out ogetsomeai rf rom t hat
house. "Hesay s."Youbr oughtmeher eandl i
ed
Kagi so.I nsteadofwar ningme, keepi ngmesaf e,
protect ingmyl ov edones, youlied."Idi dn'tev en
hav et earsl efti nme." I'
m sor r
yNoma. "Wasal lhe
said." I'
m pr egnant ."Hel ookedatme." That 'sgr eat.
Thier rywi ll
behappy .Iseehe' sbeent r
eat ingy ou
reallywel l
.Thi swi l
l makei tevenbet ter."Ist ar edat
thest eeringwheel ."It
'stwins."Iwhi sper ."WHAT.No.
Whatdoy oumeant wins! !"Her oared." Ihav etwo
babiesi nmybel lyKagi so! "Isnapped." Let sgo
i
nside. "Het ookt heKFCpaperbagandIf ollowed
himi n.Cococamer unningt omyf eetandIcoul dn't
helpbutl if
thi m up." Twi ns, Noma?That 'swhatt he
doctorsai d?Di dy out el lThi erry?"Ilookedathi m.
"Yes.That '
swhatt hedoct orsai dandt her ewer et wo
heartbeat s.Ihav en' ttoldThi erry."Ilookedathi m.
Hel ookedpani cked." Youpul l
edoutr emember ?Why
arey ouwor r
ied? "Iopenedmypaperbagandst ar t
ed
eati
ng." Any thi
ngcanhappenNoma.Pul lingouti sn'
t
alway ssaf e.
"Hedr ankaf ullglassofwat er ."Was
thereanot herpai ri nt hef ami l
y?"Icoul dn' task
dir
ect lyaboutKgosi becauseIdi dn'twantt o
endangerDrPai ge." Yes.Ri agav ebi rt
ht ot wi ns."He
confirmed.Il ookedathi m, eati
ngqui etly.Iwasn' t
goingt oaskany thing." Oneorbot hoft hem coul dbe
mine, Noma.I fmyf ami lyf indsouty ou'repr egnant
witht wins,they'llki l
l t
hebabyt hati sn'tThi erry'
s
i
mmedi at
elyaf terbi rt
h.Al ittleinfant'snecksl i
ced
witht hatsamedaggert heyusedony ou.Youhear d
Thierry,whaty oudowi thy ourbodyandwi thwhom
doesn' tconcer nhi m.Whatheownsi sy ourbl ood
andwomb.Nobodyelse'
schi
l
dcanr esi
deint here.
"
Anewfearcrepti
ntomysoul
.Justli
kethat.I
'
m
goi
ngtohavetowatchmyownchild'
smur der..
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er100:
PART1

Wesati nsi lencef orawhi le.Iwasdoneeat ing,just

cuddli
ngt hedogont hecouch.Hel ov edt he
attent
ionobv iousl y.Iwonderi fmybabi eswi llbelike
thi
s?I'dappr eci ateev erymomentwi tht hem.They '
re
goingkeepmesane.Ibel ievedbot hbabi escoul dbe
Thierr
y'sbutBi so'swor r
y i
ngwasget tingt ome.
"Nomay oucan' ttellanyone.Notev eny ourf ami l
y.
Promisemer ightnow. "Hesai d."Ipromi se."HeSat
downandsi ghed." Fuck."Cocowasf alli
ngasl eepon
myt ummy .Imassagedhi sear sgent ly."Theycoul d
bothbeThi erry's."Isay." Unf ortunatel yIhi ghlydoubt
i
t.Wi t
ht hehi storyofmyf ami l
y ,t
winsr epr esent
i
nfideli
tyandi t'
spr ov eneachandev eryt imet heki ds
areborn.Ify ousl eepwi tht women, you' r
eget ting
pregnantwi tht wi ns,ifyousl eepwi tht wowomen,
bothoft hem getpr egnant .Ur ano, t
heshor tcreat ure,
nurtur
esf ertil
ity."Heexpl ained." Won' theknowI '
m
car r
y i
ngt wins? "Iask." No.Oncey ou' r
epr egnant ,he
won' tbeal lowedneary ou.Ineedt ocomeupwi tha
plan.Ihav et okeepThi errybusysot hathedoesn' t
attendy ourappoi ntment s.Noma, y ouneedt o
encour agehi mt ogetbackt owor k.Thatwi llonly
happenonceheseesy ou' reokay.Thedoct orwi ll
organi zeascanf oronebabysot haty oucanshow
andgi vet ot hef amily.Tel lRi
aandMi chael tol eav e
yourhouse. "Hesay s."Wai t
,whatar eyoupr epar i
ng
for?"Iaskhi m." Doy ouwantt owat chy ourchi ld
die? "Heasksl ookingatme." No.Butwhathappens
afteral lthesesecr ets?I '
m stil
lgonnagi v ebirtht o
twobabi es."Di dhet hinkt hesecondbabywi l
l
magi callydi sappear?" I'
llhidehim orher .I'
l
l takeher
awayandf arf rom here. "Isatup." Whataboutme? "
Hecan' tpossi blythi
nkhecant akemybabyaway .
"Noma, nowt haty ouknowwhaty ou' r
ein.Ihav eno
reasont ol iet oyou.Icanonl yprot ecty ou.I'vef ail
ed
todoi tbef or ebutonl ybecausei fIdi e,nooneel se
canpr otecty ou.Onebabyneedst ogo.They '
re
eithernextt oy ouanddeadorawayf r
om y ouand
ali
v e.Ther e'
snoi nbet ween. "Wil
l Ibeabl etogi ve
mybabyaway ?"Ifyoucanhi deababy ,whycan' ty ou
hi
deme? "Iask."
It'
seasi
ert
ohidesomeonethat
doesn'
texist.Noma, y
ouneedtotr
ustme."Il
ooked
i
nhisey esandnodded.Iwasdoomedeitherway.
Thereisnothingthedoct
orcandotohel
pme
becausehe'sscaredhimsel
f.

Kagisodr ov emehome.Bei ngpr egnantmeansI

can'tcutmy selfany mor e.I '
dhav et ofindanot her
wayt ocope.May behav ingapett otakecar eof.
"CanIbaby sitCoco? "Iask.Hel aughs." No.Cocoi s
mybaby .I'
llgety ouy ourown. "Hesay s.Ihonest l
y
can'twai t
."Doy out r
usty ourdoct or?"Heasks.Inod.
"Het oldmenott otellany one."Il ookoutt hewi ndow.
"Yety outoldme. "Hest at es."Imf uckedei therway .
Whet herIkeepqui etornot .I
t'
snotgonnachange
anything."Ishrugged." Nooneel seNoma.Pr omise.
"
Isighedandpr omi sedf orahundr edtht i
me." What
arey ougoi ngtodowi t
hababy ?"Il ookbackathi m.
"I
'l
lfindacar egiverandpr ovi
deany thi
ngt heyneed.
I'
ll
v i
sitoftensot hattheydon' tfeel al
one.Myf amily
can'ttrackmymov ement sandIdon' thav estaff
hir
edbyt hem butt obesaf e,thebabywi l
lhav etobe
outoft hecount ry.Pr ef
erabl yonet hatIhav e
busi nessi nsot hatmyv i
sitsther ear en't
suspi cious."Hesay s." Wasi tyouri ntent ion?Isthat
whyy ousl eptwi t
hme?Becausey ouwanty ourown
l
itt
lef ami lyinf r
eedom awayf rom al lthis?"Ispat.
"Youcan' tthinkoff ightingmer ightnow.IknowI '
l
l
apol ogizet oy ouf ort herestofmyl if
ef orwhatI '
ve
donebutf uckNomakhwezi don' ty out hinki t'
shard
enoughf ormet oo?Doy out hinkIwant edt obebor n
i
ntoacul t?Doy out hinkIenj oygr owi ngupi none!?
Doy out hinkIenj oydoi ngwhati sf ucki ngexpect ed
ofme? !I'm sor r
yIki lledy ourfr i
endsbuthel l
,I'
ddoi t
allov eragai ntosav ey ourf ami l
y !Ifther e'sonet hi
ng
Iwantt opr omi sey our ightnowi st hatI '
llneverkil
l
any oney oulov eev eragai n.Pl ease.Justst opit!!
"He
shout ed.Icr ossedmyar ms, l
ooki ngoutt hewindow.
"I
'm sor ryIy ell
ed.Just .
.tryandt rustme.Okay ?I
don' twantt ohar my ou."

Myhear twasbeatingfastasweapproachedthe
house.Bisostopped."
What '
swrong?"Heasks."
I
can'
tbreath.
"Iwassoscar edoftel
li
ngThier
ryabout
mypr egnancy .Whati fhesuspect si ti sn'this?CanI
pullof flyi
ngt omyev i
l husband?" Noma, Ineedy ou
toli
st ent omyv oice.Noonei sgoi ngt ohur ty ou.I '
m
ri
ghther e.Okay ?You' lltellThierryl aterori nt he
mor ning.Ri ghtnow, calm down.Br eat h."Inodded.
Wegotoutt hecarandwenti nt hehouse.I nt he
hall
way ,Thi err yandMoonwer est andi ngandt alking
toeachot her .Theyst oppedandl ookedatus." Ahh.
We'rebackt ochoosi ngf avorit
es?Ican' teven
pretendnott obehur t."Moonsay s." Howar ey ou
feel
ingt oday ?"Thi erryhel douthi shand.Hedi dn't
l
ookangr yorany thingbutt henagai n, thismanonce
heldahumanhead, smi l
edandf uckedmenextt oi t
.
Mybodyshi v eredi ndi sgust ."I
'm al i
ttlebet ter.Iat e
abit.Bi sot ookmet ogetmet akeaway s.
"Isai d,
l
ettinghi sar m si dehugme." That 'sgood.I 'm gl ad."
Thierrysay s." I'
m goi ngt ot akeanap. "Iwentupt he
stai
r st omybedr oom.Thi erryandMoonl ookedat
Biso." What ? "Bi soasks." Well?Doesshest i
ll hateus?
Isshepl anni ngamassmur der?Doesshenotcar e?
Any thing?"Moonasked."Nomawi llalway shat ey ou.
Noshe' snott het ypeofper sont hatwoul dpl anor
commi tmur der .She'sj ustdepr essedandy ou' renot
maki ngi tanyeasyonher ."Bi sosay swal kingaway .
Moonhel dhi sar m."Wai t..whatdi dshet ellyout hen?
Isshepr egnantorj ustsi ck? "Thi err yasked." She
didn'ttellmewhyshewassi ck.Shej ustwant ed
freshai randf ood.Wedr ov ear ound, listenedt o
musi c.Whyar ey ouhol dingmyar m Mi chael ?"Bi
so
shakeshi msel fof ffr
om hi sbr other ."Hersi l
encei s
ner v
ing.Whatdoy out hinkcanhel pher ?
"Thi erry
asks." May besheshoul dv isitherf ami lyf orabi t
.
Nasi phiisduei namont h, she' llbehappyt ogodown
thereandseel ov edones.Andshe' llfocusont he
newbor nni eceornephewsoherener gymi ghtbea
l
ittl
eup. "Bi sosuggest s." Ican' tr i
skt hatBi so.She
alreadyl ooksl i
keshe' swi lting.I fhermot herasks
herquest ionsandshebr eaks?Idon' twantt ohav e
tosilencepeopl e.AndI '
m notwi ll
ingt ol ose
Nomakhwezi ."Thi err
ysay s." Gethert rainert ogai na
bitandwor kwi thherdi etician.3weeksi senough.
Gy m wi l
l givehersomet hingt odo, andkeepher
mi ndof fev ery thingelse.I t'l
l alsor eleasesomeof
thepai nshe' sgoi ngt hrough.Andgethert herapist.
Honest ly, Thierr yI'
m notgoi ngt okeepgi vingy ou
ti
psonhowt obeahusband. "Bi sost at es." Ithi
nki t
's
onlyfairyoudo, becausey outooaredippi
ngi nthe
j
ar."Moonchuckl ed.Bisopushedhi m."
Sayt hat
again.
"Hedar ed.ThierrypulledBisoback."Nx."Bi
so
walkedout ."Whyi sheal way ssoaggressi
v e?Geez.
Kagisoshoul dlearnabi tmor erespectbeforeI
knockhi m out."Moonst rai
ghtenedhimself."
There'
s
somet hingthat'sbotheringhim."...

Thenextmor ning, Iwokeupwi thThi erryst i

l
l i
nbed.
Hewasonhi siPadbutwhenher eal
izedIwas
awake, heputi taside.Ihadn' tthr ownupl astnight
andthismor ning.Whi chisgr eatIguess." Morning
baby."Hesay s.Ir ubmyey es.Sur pri
singl yIslept
thr
ought heni ght."Mor ning."Iy awned." So,Iwas
thi
nkingweshoul dhav eapi cnict oday .Outi nthe
garden."Hesmi l
es." I
'm notf eelingupt obei ng
outsi
de."Isi tupf rom bed.Hel ooksatmeandmy
bodyshi vers.Isheangr y
?Ican' ttell
."May beinthe
aft
ernoon? "Isuggest ."What 'sgoi ngon? "Hisv oice
i
snowst er
n.Il ookatmyhands." I'
m pr egnant.2
mont hs."Iwhi sper ."WHAT! !NOMA! !"Hehugsme
ti
ghtbutqui ckl ylet'sloose." Ar ey ouser i
ous?When
didy ouf i
ndout ?"He' sgenui nelyhappy ."Yest erday.I
wasi nshock.Abi toverwhel med. "Isay .Hehast he
biggestsmi leonhi sface." Iam sohappyNoma.
We' rehav i
ngababy !
"Heki ssedmycheek.Ipul led
away .Themoodchanges." I
'm sor r
y."Isay .It'
sst il
l
sohar dtolethi mt ouchme.We' veonlyhadsex
once, twomont hsagowhi chi swhyIcoul dl i
eabout
thepr egnancy .Igot othebat hroom t obr ushmy
teet hbutI '
mf eelingal it
tlesi ckst il
l
.Af termy
shower ,
Igobackt obed.Thi erryisst i
l
l ther e,
wor ki ngonhi sl apt opnow.Whyi shenotget tingup?
Icont emplateongoi ngt ot heci nemadownst airsbut
Idon' twantt ocausemor et ensionorhav ehi m
followme.Icl imbi nbedandsendTam amessage.
She' smydi eti
ci an.Ineededhert oletoneoft he
helper sbri
ngupmyf ood."Noma. "Ilookedathi m.
"I
t'sbeenaweek, y ouhav en'tsai dmuch.Iknow
thingshav ebeenr oughbut -""ROUGH? ?Thi erry,you
can' tjustswi t
chof fmymemor yofwhaty oudi dto
me! !Youf orcedmei ntoacul t
!"Ihissed." It'smy
fami lyt r
aditi
on.Noma, youwant edtomar ryme.We
wer ei nlove.Whyshoul dthatchange? "Ij ustst ared
athi ml i
kehewascr azy.Theni tcl i
cked, tohi mt his
i
sn' tcr azybecauset hat'swhathegr ewupi n.Ican' t
expecthi mt ounder st
andt hati t
'swr ongi nal lway s.
"Bef orel astweek, wewoul ddot hi ngst oget her .Now
suddenl yy ouav oidmeal lthet ime.I st hisabout
Lindi ?"Heasks.Ast abofj eal ousyt ear satmyhear t.
"Whydi dy ouhav et osleepwi thheri nourhome? "I
ask." Idon' t
..
.Ididn'tthink."Hesi ghed." Whydi dyou
sleepwi thhert obegi nwi th?Mybestf riendThi erry?"
ThenIpaused.Fi rstofal l
,whoar ey out ot alk?" I
'
m
sor ry.Nev ermindIsai dany thing.I 'mt hel astt osay
at hing.Notsol ongagoago, Isleptwi thy our
brot her .
"Isay ."Noma, you'r eal l
owedt ot ellmewhat
hur tsy ou.That '
swhywe' r
emar ried.We' ret ryingt o
buildal i
f etogether .Isleptwi thLi ndi becauseIcan' t
hav esexwi thyou.Thel astt imewedi d,youwer e
crying.Idon' twantt ogot hr ought hatev eryt ime. "
Hesay s.He' sri
ght .Ireallydi dcr y ."Tot hinkt hat'
s
howourbabywasconcei vedhur tsme.I 'l
lgetr i
dof
her ,ifshemakesy ouuncomf ortabl e."Hesay s.Ishe
i
nsane?" You' r
enotgonnaki llLindi !!
"Isnapped.
"Finet henNomakhwezi !!Findmesomeonet of uck!"
Hegotoutofbedandwentt ogetdr essedt hen
wal kedout .
I'
dspentt hewhol edayi nbed.Tam br oughtt omeal l
mymeal s.I twasonl yint heeveni ngt hatIdeci dedI
want edt ost retchmyl egsandgodownt ohav e
dinnerwi t
hot her s.Ibat hedandgotdr essedi na
fl
or al dress.Idi dn' tfeel rightaboutwear i
ngbl ack
any mor e.Iwascar r y
ingpr eci
ouscar goandt hey
neededt of eel myl ov ef rom asear lyasnow.Iwent
downst air
sandt hef ami lywasal readyseat ed.Isat
nextt oThi er ry.Mr sSwasst i
llhereandIr emember
herment ioni ngshe' dbel eav i
ngi naf ewday s." Good
eveni ng. "Isay .Theyal l greetme.Di nneri sser v ed
withr edwi ne.Ij ustst ar eatt hegl ass.Obv i
ousl yI
can' tdr i
nki tbutnooneknowswhyexceptThi er ry
andBi so.Ioptf ort hewat erinstead.Thi erryaskst he
cheft obr ingmej uice.Il ookedatmyf oodandknew
Iwoul dn'teatt his.Today 'smeal wasseaf ood.Iwas
notabi gfan." Youwantmet ochanget hat?"Thi err
y
asksme.Inodded.Hecal ledthechefbackt o
changemyf ood.Bynow, thefami lywaspay ing
attent ion.Ihat edhowt heycoul dn'tjustmi ndt hei r
busi ness.Thechefbr oughtachi ckensal ad." What '
s
i
nt his?"Thi er ryasks.Thechefr attl
edof ft he
i
ngr edient s."Ist hatf i
nebaby ?"Heasksme.Inod
again.Hi ssuddenf ussi ngi sgoi ngt obeapr oblem.
"Oookay .What '
sgoi ngon? "Moonasks." Wi thwhat ?"
Thier r
yaskedback." You'ref ussi ngmor et hanthe
usual .What '
sgoi ngon? "Mooni nsist s.Ist arteating
mygoodr efusingt ot akepar toft heconv ersati
on.
Thier r
ydi dt hesame." Am It alki
ngt omy self?"Moon
asked.Thi errydi dn'tbot hert oev ent rytopr etendhe
couldhearhi m.Iwasscar edofMoonandIst arted
shaki ngi mmedi at ely.Thier r
yl ookedatmyhandt hat
wasshi ver i
ng.Hehel di tinhi s."Nomai smywi fe, I
gett ofussasmuchasIwant ."Hesay s.Moon
l
ookedathi m andt henatme.If ocusedonmypl ate
againunt i
lthet ensiondecr eased.Icont inuedt oeat
andf inishev ent houghIwasn' tful l
.Igul peddown
myj uiceandwat er.Icouldn' twai tfordesser t.And
asifoncuet hechefbr oughtoutchocol at eball
s.
"Whati si nt his?"Thi er r
yt astedone." Uhm, i
t'
s
brandychocol at ebal lssir.Mr sSt öl
t zerr equest ed
them f ordesser tt onight .
"Thechefexpl ained.
"Whi chMr sSt ölt zer,mywi fehasbeeni nbedal lday!
Shewoul dn'tor derbr andychocol ate!!"Thi err
y
shouted." Uhm, Thi erry.Idid.Thechefaskedf orany
desser trequest ."Ri asaid."Gett hisshi taway ."
Thierrypushedmypl ateaway .Thecheft ooki t.I
wassohungr y." Ist hereanydesser tMr sSt öltzer
wouldl ike? "Themanasked." Whatdoy ouwantt o
eat?"Thi erryasks." Idon'twantdesser t."Isay .The
j
igwasup." What '
sgoi ngonher e,Thi erry?"Moon
asked.Thi errylookedatme.Ij ustnoddedbecauseI
knewwhyhel ookedatme." Nomai spr egnant , t
wo
mont hs. "Hesay s." That'sgr eatnews! !
"Mr sSsay s.
"Ahh.Thi sisfant ast i
c.Ourf ami lyi sexpandi ng. "
Moonsay s."Yes, ont hatregar d, I'
dl i
key oual lto
givemeandNomasomepr ivacy .Pleasef i
ndy our
wayhomepl easantandef ficient l
y."Thi errysay s.
"You'r
et hrowingusout ?
"Moonasks." Yes.Iam.You
havey ourownhouse, wit
hy ourownf ami ly.Weget
togetherf orbi gf ami l
ydi nner sonceaweekand
that'
sal l.Idon' twantt ohav et ot ipt oear oundmy
homeorhav eany onei nmyhousemaki ngdeci sions
thatmywi feshoul d.Mywi fe'sheal thi simpor tant,
herheal ingshoul dbepeacef ul andsaf e."Thi erry
said.Thet ablewast enset hen.Moonwasv i
sibly
mad." Andt elly ourwhor eshe' snotwel comei nmy
house, mypr esenceandany t
hingel sethatinv olves
me. "Thierrysay s."Mywhor e?Theoney ou'v
ebeen
sleepi ngwi th?AnddoesBi soal sost ayawayf r om
Nomakhwezi ?"Moonasked." Ididn'tknowIwasa
whor e."Bisosay s."Gett hefuckoutofmyhouse.Al l
ofy ou. "Thierryhissed."Thierry ,
you'rebei-""
ISAI D
GETTHEFUCKOUT! !"Hescr eamed.Moonandhi s
wif egotupandwal kedout .Mr sSwentupt oher
room.Bi socont i
nuedeat i
nghi sdesser tandsodi d
Thi erry.WhywasKagi sonotmov i
ng?Iwentt ot he
kitchent ofindmy sel
fsomet hingelset oeat.I'm glad
Thi erryhassetboundar iesforhi sfami l
ybutt hey '
re
nowgoi ngtohat eme.

Theweekswentbyswi ft
ly.Iwasat tendi
nggy m
classwi t
hat r
ainerandeat i
ngcleansomet imesbut
alsofeedingmyj unkcr avi
ngs.TodaywasaFr iday
andt hefamil
ywashav i
nganev entattherestaurant.
Allthosemont hsago, Ireali
zethatIwasr ight,this
restaurantwashar dl
yopent othepubl i
c.Theyj ust
metupher easaf amily.Iwor ear edlongsleeve
bodyhuggi ngdressIhador deredf r
om thefami ly'
s
desi gner.Myt ummywasshowi ngal r
eadyandIwas
af ewday sfrom 4mont hs.Hav ingt winswasgoi ng
tobet ri
cky .Tot hefami lyIwassupposedt obe' 3
mont hs'butIhopet heydon' tquest ionme.Il etthe
artistdomymakeupandhai rt henl efttomeet
Thier r
ydownst airs.Ourl if
eal onewasal otmor e
awkwar d.Wedi dn'thav emucht osayt oeachot her
andhedi dn'twantt omakemeuncomf ortablewi th
touchi ngme.AsIappr oachedhi m, hisey esf ocused
onmybel l
y.Hisf acesof tened.Thi spregnancywas
hisweakness.I twoul dbecl earev ent oaf ool.Itwas
alsot hewor stt hing.Amant hatcoul dbesocr uel
andst i
llbet hiscar ingt ohi sbaby .Butt hent here's
two.Woul dheber eal
lycar i
ngi fonecameoutand
wasn' thi s?"MayI ?"Heasks.Inodandhet ouches
mybel ly."Youl ooksobeaut iful,radiant.Ilovey ou
Nomakhwezi ,Ilov eourson. "Hesay s.Ilookupat
him." Thanky ou. "Hesmi lesandl eadsmeoutt othe
car.Thedr i
vet ot herest aurantwasqui et,alt
hough
hehel dmyhandt hroughout ."Wheny ousai dImust
fi
ndy ousomeonet ofuck, wer ey ouser ious?"Iask.
"Yes.Someonet hatwon' tmakey ouuncomf ortable
unlessofcour sey ou'
vechangedy ourmi ndabout
sleepingwi thme. "Hesay s.Isi gh." Idon' tknowi fI '
m
readybutIdon' tknowi fIwantt oknowy ou'
re
sleepingwi thsomeone. "Isay ."Ar eyoust i
llsleeping
withKagi so? "Idi dn'tknowhowt oanswert his."No.
Itonlyhappenedonceandnev eragai n."Iwhi sper ed.
"Wel l
,you'r
eal r
eadypr egnantbymeany way ,so
there'snor easont oshyawayf r
om whatorwhoy our
bodydesi res.Howev er,weneedt ocomeupwi than
agreementNoma.I '
m nott het ypet obeatar ound
thebush, Iwanty oucomf ortabl e, Iwantasexual
partner.Canweatl eastt ry?I fy our eallycan' tthen
wecanl ookatt heopt ionoff indingmesomeone.
Thiswi lli
nnoway ,threateny ourposi ti
oni nmyl ife.
You'remywi feandnobodyel se. "Hesqueezesmy
hand.Thecarst opsatt her est aur antandwego
i
nside.Ther estoft hef ami lyi sal readyt here.Thi erry
pullsmeachai rt osi tdownandIdo.IseeLi ndi
hav i
ngadr inkwi thRi a.Whyonear t
hi ssheher e?
Justt henThi erryspot tedher ."Di dInotmakemy self
clear?"Hisv oicebel l
owed.Moonl ooksathi m
conf used.Thi errydidn' thav et osayanot herwor d.
Bisot ookLi ndi'sar m, draggi ngherout .Ri awas
pissed."Thier ryy ousai diny ourhome!Thi si sa
publicspace! "Shear gued." Mi chael I'm notgoi ngt o
arguewi thy ourwi fe."Thierrysay s.Moononl y
l
ookedathi swi feandshecower edbackt oherseat .
Thati swhyIf eart hatman.Hedoesn' tev enhav et o
speak.Ther estoft heev eningwentwel landas
usual,Ikeptt omy selfnur si
ngmyj uice.Iwasal way s
eati
ngsomet hingt oo.Ri aav oidedmeandI
suspect edshewassomewhatmadatme.Why ?
OnlysheandherGodwoul dknow.Iwentt othe
bathroom becauseal otofj uiceandpr egnancywer e
neveragoodcombo.Idi dmybusi nessandwentt o
washmyhands.Anot herdoori nt hebat hroom
opened, andRi acameoutt owashherhandst oo.
Shest aredatme, clearlysti
ll pissedf orwhat ever
reason." Di
dIof fendy oui nsomeway ? "Iaskher .
"Youl i
ket oactl ikeav i
ctim Nomakhwezi when
you'r
ej ustasbadast hiswhol ef ami ly.Iwasact ually
beginningt ofeel sor r
yf oryoubutnope, not
anymor e.Youdeser vet obeher e.Yousi tonahi gh
fuckinghor sel ooki ngdownonot hersy ety ou'r
ej ust
asdir t
y.Yout hi nky ou'r
especi al becauseBi so
speakst oy ouandmakesy oucum l ikey ou'reona
diff
erentpl anet?Wai tti
llhe'ssi ckofy ouandmov es
on."Shespat ,wal ki
ngout .Myhear tshr iveledupt oa
ballofdar knessandpai nbutIcoul dn'tal l
owmy self
topai nany mor e.Ihadt osurv ivet his.Idi dn'tsay
Lindi mustbet hrownout ,i
twasThi erry '
sdeci sionto
dot hat .Iwal kedbackoutt ot her est aur ant.Ther e
wer eaf ewunf ami l
i
arf aces,butcl osel yassoci ated
witht heSt öltzerf amilysoIwal kedupt oasmal l
groupof3, twol adiesandaman." Goodev ening, I
don'tt hinkwe' v ebeenf ormal lyi ntroduced. "Isay .
Theguygi v esmeahandshakeandawar m smi l
e.
Greeney es.Anot herSt ölt
zer?I 'venev ermethi m.
"Hello.You' rethenewMr sSt öltzer ,ri
ght ?I'm sogl ad
tofinal l
ymeety ou.ForasecondIt houghty ouwer e
i
magi nar y."Hechuckl es.Il augh." Oh, I
'mr ealbut
forgiveme, Youar e?"Iask." Absol utely .I'
m Luka
Rosenbach, Yourhusband' sy oungercousi n."He
smi l
es." He' snev erment i
onedy oubef ore.Doy ou
l
ivear ound? "Iask." No, Il
iveinGer many .Ionly
comet hissi dewheny ourhusbandsummonsus. "
Hesi pshi sdr i
nk.Ismi le.Bisoj oi nsus, standingnext
tome." Luka. "Hesay s."Klaus. "Lukar esponds.I
l
ookatBi so, si
ncewheni sheKl aus? ??ThenI
remember , j
ustl ikehisbr other '
s, hepr obabl yhas
twonames.Li keMoon, hei sMi chael orMol efiand
Thierrybei ngMogot si.IjustassumedKagi sodidn' t
haveawhi tename." Mr sStöl tzerandIwer ejust
getti
ngacquai nted.She' ssuchadel i
ght.I'm enjoy ing
hercompany .
"Lukasay s.Ther e'sani cygl immeri n
hisey esl ikehewaschal l
engi ngBi sot ost epaway .
"Goodf ory oubutNomakhwezi hast or estnow.I 'm
surey ouhav epl entyofot herpeopl etobot her.
"Bi so
says." No, we'rest i
lltalking.I'mf ineKagi so.Thank
you."Isay .Bi so'
sj awcl enchedandIcanseet he
muscl esonhi sfacef lexing.Lukasmi lessweet ly."If
youdon' tmi nd,Klaus. "Henods.Kagi sowal ksaway .
"Helikesy ou. "Lukasay sempt yinghisdr inkdown
histhroat ." Whatmakesy out hinkt hat ?"Iaskst i
rring
myj uicewi t hmyst r
aw." Hedoesn' treallybot her ed
himsel fwi thany thi
ngany onedoes.Ther e'sno
reasonf orhi mt ocomef etchy ouf rom mel i
ke
you'r
eachi ldthatwander edof ff r
om hi s
superv i
si on. "Hesay sl ookingatme." Ithinkhe' sj ust
fri
endly .
"Ishr ugged.Hej ustst aredatme." What ?"I
ask."Not hing.Tel lmewhaty oudoNoma. "Hesay s,
getti
nganot herdr i
nkf rom t hewai t
er."Iwashot el
managerf ort hef ami lyhot el.Ij usttookabr eakaf ter
theweddi ng. "Isigh.May beIshoul dgobackt owor k
too." Under standabl e.Runni ngahot elisn'teasy .And
mar ryingi nt oourf amilyisal soasdi ffi
cul tifnot
wor se.I t
'st hepr icet opayf ort heluxur y.Thepr i
vacy.
Theext remeweal thbey ondanyofy ourpeer scoul d
fathom orev ercomecl oset o."Het ookasi p,his
eyesbl azingt hroughme.Iey edabot tl
eofwi ne
l
ongi ngf orasi pbutknowi ngIcoul dn' t
.Nowonder
Mar tinawasl iket hat.Sheal mostdi edt r
y i
ngt ohel p
Tshiamoandhi smot her.Ther ewasnoget tingaway .
"Arey oumar ried? "Iask, changi ngt hesubj ect."No.
Noty et.Youl ookuncomf ortable.Isitst i
llhar dto
talkabout ? "Heasks.Mychestt i
ghtened, tears
threat eningmyey es.Ishookmyhead." No.I '
mf i
ne
now. "Isayf i
r ml y
." Goodbecausey ou' r
est r
onger
thant hisNoma.Fr om her eon, i
t'
ssmoot hsai li
ng.
Don' twor r yaboutany t
hing. "Hesay ssof t l
y.Inodded,
sippingmyj uice." Icant elly ou'resof thear ted.Likea
gent l
el it
tlef lower .Youmustbeawf ull
yl onelyint hat
mansi on."Hesay s.Thi st i
meThi er
rycameupt ous.
"Mywi f
e, aren' tyout i
red?You' vebeenony ourf eeta
whi l
e."Hewhi sper sinmyear .Icanhearhi sv oi
cei s
strained." WhywasInev eri ntroducedt ot henew
Mr sSt öltzerThi erry?"Lukaasks." Noma, thisi sLuka.
Luka, Noma.Any thingel se? "Thi errysnaps.Luka
smi l
ed.Thi erryt enses, holdi ngmywai st."Let sgo."
Hel eadsmeoutt hev enue." Ihav esomebusi nessI
needt otakecar eof ,Bi soi st akingy ouhome.Ar e
youokaywi tht hat?"Thi erryasks." No.Whyar ey ou
chasi ngmeoutofher ewhenIf i
nal l
yhav esomeone
totalkt o? "Iask." Youcant al kt oany oney ouwant
butnotLuka.You' reget ti
ngi nt hatcarunl essy ou
wantmet odr agy ou."Hehi ssed." DRAGME. "Isay .
Hehol dsmyar m butt henr eal izest hathecan' ttoss
meov erhisshoul derbecauseI 'm pr egnantnow.
"Nomakhwezi .Pl easegohome.Youneedt orest.I
needy out obesaf erightnow, I
'mt oobusyt olook
outf ory ou.Thi sisnott het imet oputy ourl it
tlefoot
down. "Hesay s."Myf eetar en'tlit
tle."Ist ompaway
tothecar , gett i
ngi nthebackseatandcl osi ngt he
doorwi thasl am.Kagi sodr ov eof fqui et l
y ."Wher e
to?"Heasks." TakemehomeKagi so."Isnapped.
"Youknowi t'
sonl ytopr otecty our ight ?"Hel ooksi n
ther earv iewmi rr
oratme.Il ookoutt hewi ndow.
"Really?Pr otectmef rom mor erit
ual s? "Imut ter.The
carst opsatt her obot .Il ookathi m." Lukai sar api
st
Nomakhwezi andhi st y
pei susual l
ydef enseless
womenl ikey ou.Womenwhoal readyf eeldef eat
ed
andov erwhel medbyev er
ythingt hatanotherbad
thingt hathappenswon' tmat terasmuch.He' s
standi ngt herechat tingsweet l
ylearningmor eabout
yousot haty ou'r
ecomf or
tablewi thhim andt henhe
willattack. "Ihadsuddengoosebumpsal lov erme.I
can' tbeli
ev eIwascasual lytalki
ngt oamanwho
wasmostl ikelyj
usthunt i
ngmel i
kefreshpr ey ."
Why
i
shest i
llallowedt obear oundy ourfami l
yt hen!!
Howam Isupposedt oknow? "Ishout ."IwishIcoul d
kil
l him butI '
m notal l
owedt o,he'sfami l
yandhe' s
thel astonecar r
yingt heRosenbachname. "He
startedt hecaranddr oveof fagain.

Iwassoshakenaf terthewholeLukar evelati

on.I
wasdisgusted.Asmal lpar
tofmewasr eli
evedthat
Thi
erryandKagisower ethatobservant.May be
bei
ngr ebel
li
ouswasj ustchi
ldi
shatt hi
spoi nt.
What'shappened,happened.It
'sti
meIst ar
ted
movingf or
ward.Ican'
tstayangryforever.Iwas
get
ti
ngmor eandmor elonel
ybyt heday .Ihadtoliv
e
butIhadt obesaf e.St artingwi thMi chael because
asmuchashescar esmehal ftodeat h,hewasn' tso
bad.Idi dn'ttrusthi m butIwoul dn' thav et owor ry
aboutlooki ngov ermyshoul deri fhewasonmysi de.
Thierr
ywor kssomet imes, Bi sogoesoutoft own.I '
ll
needal lmyal li
ancesi nl ine.ThenextdayIwokeup
withanewhope.Ikneel eddownandpr ay ed.I
prayedf orgoodheal t
h, posi tiveener gy ,for giveness
andpeace.It ookashowerandwor eay ellowmi ni
dress,ithel dmybr east sf i
rml yandf lowedl ooselyto
mymi dt high.Islippedonsandal sandwent
downst airst ostartonabi gl unch." Tam, pleaseask
thehouseassi stanttocomeseeme. "IsayasI
passedheri nthel ounge." YesMr sSt öltzer ."Inthe
kit
chenIt ookoutal lthei ngr edient sIneeded.Paul
walkedi nt heki t
chen." Paul !
!"Iscr eamed.He
l
aughedandbowedi ngr eet i
ng.Hewasmyassi stant
wheni fi
rstv isi
tedGer manyandIwashappyhewas
here."Goodmor ningMr sSt öltzer ,Iheary ouar ewi th
chil
d."Hesay s."YesIam.Howar ey ou? "Wesat
downandhadsomej ui ce, cat chingup." Ineedy ou
tosendRi aamessage, I
'mi nv it
ingherher ewi thher
familyforl unch.Kagi soaswel l
.Thedr esscodei s
si
mplesummer sday.That'
sall
,i
fyoucanget
someonetosetupinthegardenatthebackforthe
l
unch,t
hatwouldbegreat.I
'l
lbedoingt
hecooking.
"
Henoddedandwentof fwhil
eIcookedlunch.

Itwas1: 30i nt heaf t

ernoonwhenMoonwal kedi n
thehousewi thRi abehindhi m car r y
ingKgosi ,thei r
son.Ist i
llwonderwhot hef atheroft heot hertwi n
wasandhowi sshecopi ngnothav i
ngherot her
chil
d.Moondi dn'tlooki mpr essedatal l.Wel l,these
dayshedi dn'tlikebeingnearmewhi chIunder stand.
Ican'taffordt opi sshim orany onei nthisf ami lyoff.
I'
dchangedt oawhi temaxi dressnowf ormyguest s.
Thedecorout sidewasgr eatforsuchshor tnot i
ce.
Theweat herwasbeaut ifulandIwascer tainmyf ood
wasi ncredible." Hell
o,comeoni n.We' rehav i
ngt he
l
unchoutt hebacki nthegar den."Kagi sowal kedi n
l
ooki ngconf used.Il edt hem al ltot hegar den.
Thierrycameouthi sof fice,Mr sScamedownt he
stai
rswi thMrS.Ev eryonehadgat heredar oundt he
preparedt able.Thi swasmyf ir
stl uncheon.Cut e.My
assistantbroughtoutt hef ood, placingt hem ont he
tabl
e." Goodday ,fami ly.I'
vedeci dedt ocookusa
l
uncht oday .Ithinki m att hepoi ntofwant ingt o
makepeaceandl i
vei nhar monynow.Ican' t
,formy
ownsani tykeepdwel l
ingint hepast ."Ihel doutmy
arms, thescar sofmysel fhar m werest il
lvisi
ble."I
can'tcont inuel i
ket his.Ican' tbecut tingmy self,
ri
skingmyl if
e, mybaby '
slif
e, becauseofwhatIcan' t
change.I 'mt iredoff i
ght i
ng.I '
mt ir
edofbei ngangr y.
I'
m hopi ngwi thev erypumpofmyhear tthatnoot her
surpri
sescomeup.Pl ease.If orgivey oual l."Ibreath.
Moonl aughed, shaki nghi shead." I'm noteat i
ngt hat
food."Hesay s."Noma, arey oubei nggenui ne? "MrS
asked.Hi sey eshadawar ningi nthem t hatmade
meshi ver.Iopenedt hel i
dsandt ookaf ork, t
akinga
bit
epor t
ionofev eryitem andeat ing." I'
m supposed
totrusty ounott opoi sony our sel
fwi thal lofusr i
ght
wheny ou'v ejustshownmey ourscar s? "Moonasks.
"I
'dnev erhar my ouMi chael.I tsti
llwoul dn'
tchange
anything.I twon' ter asemypai n.Iwon' tgain
anythingf rom i t
.Idon' twantt obecl osedupi na
corneral onef ort her estofmyl if
e.Ift hisiswhatmy
real
ityist henIhav etol iv
ewi thit
."Isay .Kagisosat
down, dishi ngupf orhi msel fandeat i
ng.Ev eryone
elsesatdownaswel l
,west art
eddishingandeat ing.
Ididn'teventhinkofpoi soningthefood.Iwoul d
nev erdosomet hingt hathorri
ble.Eventhough
they '
vedonebadt hi
ngs, i
twasnotmypl aceto
revenge.Iam notGod.I twast heslowestl unchev er
eaten.Kagisowentt hrought woplatesofi tbef
ore
any onefi
nishedt heirfi
rst.Iwasgladforhi ssuppor t
becausei tseemsev enThi err
ydidn'
ttrustme.Af ter
themeal ,conversationreturnedslowlytot hetable
andt hatwast hat."Thanky ouNoma, t
hatwas
l
ov ely.
"MrSt öl
tzersay s."I'
m proudofy ou."Thier
ry
kissesmycheek.Atl eastIwasont hewayt olivi
nga
peacef ul
lif
e.

Inthenextfewday s,
thereindeedwaspeacei nour
house.May beitwasbecauseIwokeupandpr ayed
everydaynow.Aftermypr e-
nat alyoga,
Irelaxedin
theloungewi t
hmysmoot hi
e.Thi err
ywalkedin,
dressedonlyinshort
sandr unni ngshoes."My
beautif
ulwife.
"Hekissedmyf oreheadthenkissed
myt ummy ."Morni
ng."Ismile."Nasiphiwi
llprobably
begivingbir
thanydaynow, don'tyouwantt ov i
sit
them andwel comet henewbabywi tht hem? "He
says, cuddl ingmeont hecouch." Iwast hinking
aboutt hatt oo.It hi nkIcanf lydownt hisaf ternoon.
Arey oucomi ngwi thme, "Iaskhi m." I
'l
ljoiny oui na
coupl eofday s.Ihav eabi tofwor kt ofinal i
ze.Si nce
Bisoi sn'tar ound, you' l
l needt ogowi t
hy our
body guar ds. "Hesay s.Ijustnodt ryi
ngnott of all
asleep." Noma, t
hanky ou.Thanky ouf orlet ti
ngme
backi ntoy ourhear t.Forf orgivi
ngme.Ihear dy ou
evenpr ayf orme.I 'm bl essedt ohav eyou.Youmake
mesohappyandIl ov ey ousomuch. "Heki ssedmy
cheek.Iwasn' tyetsur ehowIf eltabouthi m.
Especi all
ybecauseIdr eam soof tenofKagi so
smi l
ingatmehol di ngababygi rlthat '
sgi gglingi nhis
arm.Ihadt hatdr eam 3t imesal readyandi tscar ed
me.Mysi lentpr ay erswer et hatIwascar ryi
ng
Thierry'sbabi esbutdeepi nsidemyhear t,somet hing
saidnope.Icomf ortedmy selfwi tht hef actt hat
Kagisopul ledout .Iknowi twasast upi dt houghtbut
that'
sal lthef aithIhad." Ilov ey out oo."Iwhi sper ed.
Hishandwasr ubbi ngmyt ummygent l
y.Iwonderi fI
cant estt hebabi es' pat ernitywhi lethey 'rest i
llinmy
belly
.I '
dhav et oaskKagi sot oaskadoct or.Iwent
upst
air
stopackmycl
othesforthenextf
ewweeks.
OnceIwasdonehour
slater
,Il
etThier
ryknow.

Iflewdownt oEastLondonwi thmy5body guards.

Yes, 3ext rafort hebaby .Ikepthighl ightingthef act
thati tdi dn'tmakesensebutt oThi erryi tapparent l
y
did.Wet r aveledi nt hreecar sal lt
hewayt omyhome.
Mymot herwasexpect ingme, asI '
dcal l
edherear li
er
tot ell herI '
m comi ng.Iwal kedi nt hehouseandshe
camet ohugmet ight." Yuhhmnt anam! !!Lookaty ou!
Awusemhl esi si
!Awut y ebe.Hay int ombi ."(Mychi ld!!
!
Youl ookbeaut i
ful.You' vegainedwei ght .Nogirl)I
j
ustl aughed.Myhear twasf il
ledwi thjoy .Iwas
almostneart ears.Icoul dholdmymot her,mybaby
sister .All becauseoft hesacr i
ficeImade.I '
ddoi tall
ov eragai n, evenqui ckert hanbef or ejustt oholdmy
mot herl iket hisfor ever ."UphiuMogot si?"Sheasked.
"He'll beher ei naf ewday smama. "Isay ."Areyou
happywi thhi m st handwasam? "Sheasks." Yes
mama. "Igiggl e."Ihav et oask, mychi l
d.Ihav eto
knowy ou'rehappysot hatmyhear tcanbei npeace.
Don' tf orgett opr aysanal wam.Pr ayf ory our
husband, pr ayf ory oursel f
.Siy akhulamf azi isusu."
(Yourtummyi sgrowi ng. )I'
dt oldherawhi leago
overthephone." Ewemama, yoh. "Isi tdown.
"Uzobamkhul usanaal i
nganeuy i
hlowakhe. "( He'l
l
growbi gl ikehi sfather.)Ilaughed.Il ookedar ound.
"UphiuNasi mama? "Iask." Ulelemnt anam. "(She's
asleep,mychi l
d)herphoner ang." Mama? "Iask.She
switchesi tof fandshakesherhead." Ndikwenzel e
ukutyamnt anam? "( Shoul dImakey ouf ood? )She
asks."Nomama.I '
mf i
ne.Who' scal l
ingy ou? "Iask.
"NguMaRhadi .Uy amazi inobaubonaezi mot o
zakho."( It
'sMaRhadi ,youknowher ,shepr obabl y
sawt hecar sout side.)Nasi phi walksoutherr oom.
"Heyy ou.Jongakesi yafanisel ana."( Look, we' r
e
bothpr eggi es. )Ilaughed." Mama. "Shesay s.Ri ght
thenherwat erbreaks." Mama, thebabyi scomi ng."
Shecr i
es.Igetupandhugher .Shehol dsont ome,
sobbing." I'm soscar edNoma. "Shesay s."It'
sgonna
beokayl ov e.Ipr omi se."Iassur eher ."Letsgot othe
hospital."Isay ."Nomnt anam, we' l
lgot othe
hospital.Youst ay.Yourf eetar eal readyswol l
enand
i
t'slat
e.I 'l
l keepy ouupdat ed."Mamasay sf etching
thehospi t
al bag."Hay imama, I'
m comi ngwi th.
"Isay.
"Okaykei fyou'resur e.Getaj acket ,l
et'sgo. "Mom
say s." Nomnt ase, youst ayhome.You' ll comei nt he
mor ning.Idon' twanty out ogetsi ck.Myl itt
le
nephewmustbesaf eandcomf yI'm goi ngt obuy
him acousi nnow. "Nasi say sandwel augh.Wepr ay
befor et heygooutt ot hecar .Oneofmydr iverswi ll
dri
v et hem t ot hehospi t
al.Ist aybehi ndandcl ean
thehouseabi t.Icookasmal l dinnerf ormy sel fand
fi
nisht heneat .It'
sbeen3hour ssi nceNasi andmy
mom l ef
t.Theymusthav egonet oEastLondon
alt
houghIdoubtt hat.Ical ltheirphonesbutbot hgo
unanswer ed.May bet hebabyi sbei ngbor nnowand
theycan' ttalk.Iwai t.
..Myhear tispoundi ng.Why
aren' ttheycal li
ng?Wer ether ecompl icat ions?My
phoner i
ngsandIj umpt oanswerbuti t'sThi erry.
"Hel l
o. "I
'm al i
ttl
ei rr
itatedbecauseI '
m wai ti
ngf ora
call from mom." Baby !!Wher ear ey ou? "Heasks.
Hehake." I
'm home.Why ?"Iaskhi m.Hesi ghs." I
'm
onmyway ,don'tansweranycal l.Don' topenany
door s.Thepl anei saboutt ot akeof f.I'
llbewi thy ou
i
nt wohour s."Hesay sbef orehehangsup.Menar e
strange.Di dn'thesayhecanonl ycomei naf ew
day s.Myphoner ingsagai n.Ist aredatt hescr een.
It
'sKagi so.Iwast oldnott oansweranycal l
.Itst ops
ri
ngi ngandaf ewmi nutesl at er, hismessagecomes
i
n." Ilovey ouNomakhwezi ."Fr om Kagi so.Thatwas
sowei rd.I'm notsur ehowt or eact .Ourl asti ntimat e
momentwast heni ghtwesl eptt oget her.Sowhy
now?Idon' tr espond, wai ti
ngf orThi er r
y .Itwas
i
ndeedt wohour swhenThi er ryar rived, followedby
Michael .Theyl ookedpal e." Whyar ey ouher e? "Iask
them bot h.Thi er rylooksatMoonwhol ookedathi s
feetandbr eat hed." Noma. ..
"hest arted." Whati si t
?
Isity ourpar ent s?Wher e'sKagi so?Wher e'sMar s!!
!"I
shookhi m." WHERE.I S.MARS. "Ishout ed." She's
fi
ne.She' sokay .
"Hehuggedme." Idon' tunder stand.
What '
sgoi ngon! "Ipushhi m away .Myhear tis
racing, I
'm al readyneart ear s, anxi ous, scar ed.They
can'tbot hbeher eunl esssomet hingbadhas
happened." Igotacal l,
oneoft hecar s...theones
youwer et rav elingi n..
.wasi nv olvedi naheadon
colision."Thi er rywhi sper s.Mychestwascl osing.
"Whatar ey ou..say i
ng."Myv oi cewasbr eaki ng.A
songhummedi nmyhear t,what ev eritis, Godi si n
cont rol
.' Spiritleadmewher emyt rustiswi thout
border s.Letmewal kupont hewat ers, Wher everYou
wouldcal l
me.Takemedeepert hanmyf eetcoul d
everwander ,Andmyf ai
thwil
lbemadest ronger .I
n
thepresenceofmySav i
our.
'Il
ookedatThi erry
."No
oneint hecrashsur
v i
ved.Yourmot herandsi ster.
..
they'
vepassedawayont hescene."Mywor ldcame
crumblingdown, mylungsrel
easingachi ll
i
ngsound
l
ikeI'
venev erexper
iencedinmyl i
fe.Myear swent
deaffrom myowncr i
es..
.
#Your
sTr
uly

Chapt
er100:
Par
t2FI
NALE

Iwokeupi nhospi tal .Ev er ythinghur t,

itfel
tl i
keIwas
i
nahor r
ibledr eam.Ipr obabl ywas.Ij ustneededt o
gohomeandhugmymot hernow.Si t
tingbesi deme
wasMoon, hewast y pingonhi sphonewi thhi s
seriousf aceon.Hedi dn'tnot iceIwasawake.I
closedmyey esagai n, pr
epar ingt of ull
ywake.
Someoneel sewal kedi n." Fucki ngi ncompet ent
piecesofshi ts!"Thi er ryhissed." Not hing?"Moon
asks." No.Howdoest hishappenMi chael!
?Tr evwas
aski l
leddr i
v er.Howdi dhej ustl osecont rol ofthat
fuckingcar ?Whatt hehel l happenedont hatr oad!?"
Thierrywhi sper edangr il
y." Can' ttheyr esusci t
ate
them?Any t
hi ng?ComeonThi er r
y -
""Don'ty out hi
nkI
tri
ed?Ibegged, threat ened, br ibedandpl eaded.I t'
s
toof uckingl ate.They '
regone. "Hesi ghed." Fuck.
Andt heot hercar ?Any onesur v i
v e?"Moonasks.
"Oneoft hem i sinI CU.Ev eryoneel sedi ed.I'
v ehad
him putonpr iority.Hehast owakeup.Hehast o
givemeanswer s."Thi errysay s." Thierry,answer s
won' tbri
ngbackNoma' sfami ly .
"Moonsai d.
"Michael youdon' tknowhowshi tIfeel.Notlongago,
Ithreatenedt hei rli
ves, nowt hey '
regone?Wewer e
doingsowel l
.We' v est artedtobecomehappyagai n.
Howwi llIcomf or ther ?HowdoIhel p? "AsksThi err
y.
"Yousi there,suppor therwhenshewakes.I '
l
l go
sortoutt hear rangement sf ort heirbodi es.I
t'
sgoi ng
tobehar dThi errybutt hisisn'tabouty ou.Thi sis
aboutNomaandy ouneedt ol etherpr ocesst his
l
ossi nherownway .Al lyoucandoi ssuppor t."
Moonst andsupgi vinghi m hisseat ."Michael,how
doessomet hi
ngl i
ket hishappen?Whati fNomawas
i
nt hatcar ?"Thi erryasks." Hey , breath..
.breath..sit
downbef orey oupassout .What '
simpor t
antist hat
she'ssaf e.
"I '
venev erf eltsomuchpai ni nmyhear t
.I
wasbey ondnumbatt hispoi nt .Itwasn' teven
comf orti
ngt hatThi errywasn' tbehi ndt his,i
twasst i
l
l
j
ustpai nful.Myf ami lywasst ill dead.

Kagi
sowal
kedi
nthehospi
tal
room.Thi
err
ywas
alonewi t
hNoma.Shewasawakewi thherey es
closed, possiblyav oidingt alking." Hey ."Bisogr eets
Thierr y
."Hi.
"Her esponds." Howi sshe? "Bisoasks.
"Hasn' twokenup. "Thier rysay s."Andt hebaby ?I
broughtherdoct orwi t
h, Idon' twantherpr egnancy
l
eaki ngt othepr essy et .Especi allyaf terthis, Ihope
youkeptt hedoct orsawayl i
keIi nstruct ed."Bi so
say s."Imadesur e.Noonet ouchedherbutKagi so,I
needt oknowi fmybabyi sokay .Wher e'sher
doct or."Thi
er rysai d,standi ng." You' l
l fi
ndoutsoon
enough.Thi erry,Nomaj ustl ostherf ami ly.Peopl e
she'sknownherwhol elife.Herwor l
dhascol l
apsed.
Youcan' tpossi blybet hinkingaboutababy .Not
say i
ngi t'
snoti mpor tantbuty oucanmakeanot her
one, GodFor bidsomet hinghappens.Youcan' tmake
Nomaanot hermom andsi ster.Sopl ease, givei ta
rest.Onceshe' sokay ,y ou'llcheckont hebaby ."Biso
say s."You'r
er ight ,I'
m bei ngsel f
ish.I '
m gonnago
downf orcof fee.Pl easekeepaney eonher ?Moon
wentt omakear rangement sf orthe. .formom and
Nasi ."Thier
rysi ghs." Okay .I'l
lwai ther e."Thi erry
wal kedoutasBi sosatdown." I
'm sor ryIwasn' there
PrincessbutI '
m her enow.Youdon' thav etodoa
thing, I
'l
l takecar eofy ou. "Hehel dmyt ummyandI
openedmyey es."Whatar ey oudoi ng? "Iask.
"Waki ngy ouup.Howar ey ouf eel i
ng? "Heasks.Ij ust
staredathi m."I'
m sor ry .I'
m badatt his.Doy ouwant
any thing? "Ithinkf orabi t."Wat er .
"Isay .Hepour s
wat eri nagl assasIsi tup." Why ?Whydi dt heyhav e
todi eKagi so?Idi dev er ythingy ouwant ed."Isobbed.
Hesatnextt ome, holdi ngme." TheSt öl t
zerf ami l
y
hasnot hi ngtodowi t ht his.Ipromi sey ouNoma.I
toldy oubef ore,pleaset rustme.Iwoul dnev erhurt
you.I twasahor ribleacci dent .
"Icoul df eel some
fl
ut t
er sinmybel l
y ."
Kagi so, Ican' tdot his.Idon't
wantt obeal iveany mor e.What '
st hepoi nt?"Isay .
"No.You' renotdoi ngt hatNoma.Pl ease.Ther e'stwo
l
ivesi nsi dey outhatar ef ightingf orachancei nt his
wor ld.Pl easebaby ?"Hebegged." Whatchancewhen
theywon' tli
veanor mal li
f e?They 'l
l bebor nintoa
cult.Onewi llbemur der edatbi r
t h.It'sjustnev er
endingpai n.Ican'tdoi tany mor e."Mychest
wheezedi npain."Iknowy oucan.You' regoi ngtodo
i
t.Forme.Pl ease.Noma, I'm notl ivingf orany thing
elseatt hispoi nt
.Iknowi tsoundssel f
ishbut
please. ..just..
.hangon.Wecandoi t.
"Icl osedmy
eyes.Iwasunabl
etopr
ay.Howcoul
dGodthi
nkof
doingthi
stome?WhatdidIev
erdotohi
m?Hecan'
t
possibl
yhat
emesomuch.

I'
dbar elybeenawakef orthef uner al.Iwasn' ton
medicat ionbutIcoul dn'tstayawake.I 'dbeent aken
backt ohospi tal thatsameaf ternoon, Iwasn' table
towat chmyf ami ly
'scasket sgoi ntoagr ave.The
mor t
icianhassai dt heirbodieswer esev erely
damaged, sot hey 'dkeept hecasket scl osed.Ther e
wouldbenov i
ewi ng.Ihadadoct orbymysi deev er
y
minuteofev erydaybutnot hingi nmyl i
femat t
ered
anymor e.Weekswentby .Wewer ebacki n
Johannesbur g, Iwasi nbed, thinkingofgoi ngdown
foraf ruit.Isatont heedgeoft hebed, st
aringat
nothi
ng.Whydi dIneedt obeal ive.If eltasof tkick
i
nmybel l
y.Soon, I'
ll havetogot hrought hispai n
againwhent heyki llmychi l
d.Someoneknockedon
thedoor .Ohy eah, impossi blet oki llmy selfbecause
Ihadsomeonewat chingme24/ 7.Ther ewer e
camer asal l
ov er.Imanagedt ogetupandopent he
door.Bi sost oodt her e."Hey .
"Il efthim att hedoort o
sitdownagai n.Iwast iredofbei ngt i
red.Mybody
wassoheav y,myf eetconst ant lyswol len."Canwe
gooutf orair?Oradr iv e.Iwantt ot alktoy ou."The
fami li
armov i
ngi nmywombst artedagai n.Iwas
refusingt ofeel anyemot iont owar dmypr egnancy
buti twassodi ffi
cult.Wi thev er ynudget hebabi es
gav e,myhear twoul df loat .I'
dt houghtsomany
ti
mesaboutki l
li
ngmy selfonceandf oral lbutI'
dfeel
somuchgui l
t.Ididn'twantt obeout side.Ididn't
ev ent ry."Pl
easeNoma.I 'm onl yaski ngf or30
mi nutesandIwon' tbot hery ouagai n."Bisosay s.Ifi
t
makeshi m goawayt hen30mi nut esIcanmanage.I
wentt ogetdr essedandf ollowedhi m outt hehouse
wi thoutawor d.Iwas22weekspr egnantnowand
myt ummywasdef initelyoutt here.Roundand
visibleforalltosee.Iwasmor ecomf ortablein
ov ersizedsweat ersandl eggi ngswhenIdi dget
dressedorev engetoutofbed.Todaywasno
different ,
withagr eyov er sizedsweat er,black
l
eggi ngsandbl acksneaker s.Thedr i
vewasst rai
ght
toBi so'shouse.Hedi dn' tbot hermeandnei t
herdidI
speak.Whenwewenti nside, Iaskedf orwat erand
hegav emeabot tleofst il
l from t hef r
idge.Wesati n
thelounge.Hi m nextt ome." Iknowy ou' r
egoi ngto
beangr yatmebutIneededaqui ckpl an.Ishoul d've
protectedy ouf rom t hest artbutIdi dn'tknowI '
dfall
fory ou.Ididn'tknowI '
d...possiblybeaf athertoone
orbot hofy ourbabi es.Al otchangedf ormet henight
wemadel ov e.Andi tbecamemor ecl eart hedayy ou
toldmey ouwer epr egnant .So...pleaset aket his
withanopenhear t.
"Hesay s.Hel ooksner vousand
Bisoi snev erner v ous.I '
veknownhi m ov eray ear
andhe' salway scal m ev enwhenbeat i
ngsomeone.
Itwast hescar iestt hingabouthi m.I t
'slikehedi dn't
hav eahear t.Nowhe' stel li
ngmehel ov esme? ?Why
mustIbel i
ev ehi m?Hepl acedal aptopont hetable
andswi t
chedi ton, hepr essedaf ewbut tonsand
thensatback.Il ookedathi m."Kagi so, honestly.I
'm
tir
ed.Whatdoy ouwantf rom me. "Iask." Iwanty ou
tolookatt hescr een."Hehi desasmi le.Isi ghand
l
ookbackatt hescr een." Noma. "Myhear tstops."I
s
thatmymom? "Iask.Wheni sthisv i
deof rom?" Hell
o
mnt anam. "Shesay s." Wheni st hisv i
deof rom?
Wher edidy ougett his? "IaskKagi so."It'
sav i
deo
call
.She' sal i
ve.They 'real ive.All3oft hem"Hesay s.
Myhear tisr acingt hr oughmyey es."YOU' RELYING,
KAGI SO! !Howcoul dy oubesoev il
!"Icr y."
Haibo
mnt ase.I drama! "Istaredatt hescr eenagai nand
thereisNasi wi thababyi nherar ms.Ist ar
tsobbi ng
i
nst antly.All thatpainI '
v ebeenf eeling,camebacki n
reli
eft enf old.Mywhol ebodywascomi ngundone.
How?Bi sohuggedmet ightl
y .Iheldont ohimf or
dearl i
fe." Letmeknowwheny ouwantmet o
explain."Heki ssedmyf orehead." They '
realiv
e."I
cried."Theyar e.Theymi ssy ouandwantt otalkt o
you."Ipul l
edawayf rom hi mf orget t
ingmymom can
clearlysee.Ikneel closert othescr een." Nj
ani mama,
nindikhubeki sekangaka.Iwasi nsomuchpai n."I
say ,betweenhi ccups."Uxol omnt anam.Kagi sosai d
i
twasbestt hi sway .
"(I'
m Sor rymychi ld.)Mom say s.
"Howcoul ditbebestt obr eakmysoul li
kethat ?I
want edt oki llmy selfev erysingleday !"IsaytoBi so.
"I
thadt ober ealNoma.I fItol dyou, youwoul dn'tbe
ablet okeepupt heactandbesad.You' dbener vous
andj it
ter yandy ou'l
lgivei ntoThi erry.Iknowhow
muchy ouf earhi m.He' llnoticeimmedi atel
yify our
attit
udechanges. "Heexpl ai
ned.Ibr eath.Hewas
ri
ght .Iknewdeepdown, hewasr i
ght ."Mama, ninjani
?
Niphi ?
"Iask." Si-
safemnt anam.That '
sal lt
hati s
i
mpor tant.Andwe' rev er ycomf ortable.Kagi sohas
toldmewhyhehadt ot akeusaway .Ichosei tthi s
waynam mnt anam, ratherwewal kawayf rom
everythingweknowandst artov ert hanhav et ol ose
yout osuchanev ilman. "Mom say s."IknowThi er ry
i
sbadbuthe. ..gr ewupl i
ket hat.It'sall heknows.I t'
s
notlikehet reatsmebadl y.He'sdecent ,cari
ng. "I
whisper ."Thi siswhyIcoul dn'ttel lyou.Thi siswhyI
shoul dn'thav et oldy ou. "Kagi sogotupandwal ked
out."Hay ikodwaNoma.Kagi soi sr iskinghi slifeand
fami l
yf ory oukodwausat hethel elauThi er
ry?"
(You'rest il
ltakingThi err y'
ssi de.)Nasi phi say s.
"They '
ret hesame!Theycomef rom t hesamef ami ly.
Theydot hesamet hings.Theyar ebl ood.Hehadt he
optionofwar ningmebef or eImar riedThi errybut
nooo.He' dr atherwai ttillheget swhathewant sf i
rst.
He'sj ustassel fishmama. "Ifoldmyar ms." Yey i!I
didn'traisey out obeungr ateful.Kagi socamet ome
andwashonestaboutev er y
thingandaski ngf ormy
permi ssiont opr ot ecty ou.Hepl annedt ogoagai nst
hisfami lyt r
adi t
ions, hisownbl oodandev erythi ng
heknows, andy ouwantt oactspoi lt?Nomakhwezi ,
uThier r
yxaekubul alakul ondl uut hindizawt hini ?
UthiningoNasi phi?Kut heni ungenobul elaomny e? "
(WhenThi erryki llsy oui nt hathouse, whatwi ll
Ido?
WhataboutNasi phi ?Whycan' tyoubegr atef ulto
him? *
biso)Mom say s." Uxol oMama.I '
mj ustscar ed.
IthoughtIcoul dt rusthi m, It houghtI'dt rustMi chael.
Theyseem l ikedi fferentpeopl enow.Al l t
hi st i
me, all
theywant edwasasacr i
fice.Andt heysawi tinme?
It
'shardt ogetov ermama.I '
m sor rybutI
understand. "Isaysadl y ."Iknowmnt anam butnow
staycloset ot heonet hati sdoi nghi sbest .Listent o
him.I'
m onl yhav i
ngf aithaswel l
,andnot hingel se.
Masi t
hembel ekuThi xomnt anam, may beusebenza
ngaloKagi soukukhuphakul entoukuy o. "(Let '
st rust
Godmay behe' susi ngKagi sot oremov ey ouf r
om
thatplace. )Shesay s.Wehadal ongchataboutt he
pastfewweeksandt hedar kpl aceIwasi n.Iwasso
gladtoknowt heywer esaf eandIwasanauntnow.
Mynephewwassocut e.Hi snamewasPhi we.I
wishIcoul dhol dhi m.Wesoonsai dourgoodby es
andhungup.Kagi sowasst il
l nowher ear oundt he
house.Iwashungr ysoIdeci dedt ocookup
somet hing.AsmuchasIwasr el
ievedandatpeace
thatmyf ami lywasst il
l safe, Iwasst il
l hur t.Iknow
i
t'sst upidt obehur tIshoul dber eli
ev edbutIwent
throughhel l.Myhear twasst il
lcrushed.I tfel tl
ikea
prank.Iwasr eal lytraumat i
zed.I '
df ocusedon
maki ngameal andnav i
gatingmyf eel i
ngs.What
woul dbenext ?Wher ewer etheyhi dingout ?The
env ironmentt heywer ei nseemedqui tepeacef ul and
comf ortable.Coul dIt rustKagi so?Iwasal most
donecooki ng, Iturnedar oundal mostbumpedi nto
him.Myhear tal mostj umpedoutmyt hroat." WHY! !
"
Iscr eamed." I'
m sor ry.Ididn'tmeant ost artl
ey ou.I
want edt osaysomet hingbut ..
.NomaIdon' texpect
yout olov emeback.I '
m notdoi ngt hisbecauseI
wantsomet hingf r
om y ou.I'
m doi ngi tbecauseof
thewayIf eel abouty ou.Iwanty out obesaf e,
comf ortable,happyandatpeace.Ev eni fit'
sf araway
from me.Ican' t...Idon' twanty oui nt hathouse.You
don' tdeser vei t,okay ?Noty ou."Hesi ghed, turning
awayf r
om me." I
'dr atherdi etryi
ngt osav ey ou.I
didn'tev enknowt herewasaf eelingl iket hi
s.Unt il
I
mety ou.SoIf eel l
ikei t'
smydut yt opr ot
ecty ou."He
say s.Iswi tchof fthest ove."Kagiso, I'
m not
disregar dingy ourf eelingsbutr ightnow, Idon' ttrust
any thing.Iknowi t'
sol dnewsbutIwasl i
edt of ora
year.Secondl y
,I'
m noti nt hespacet ot hinkabout
romance.Notsol ongago, Iwasmour ningmyf ami l
y,
ment allyIwasgone.Iwasr eadyt odi e.NowIj ust
foundt hey 'realive.I t
'salot."Isay ."Iknow.AndI
wanty out of ocusont henextst epnow.It ooky our
familyt oasaf epl ace.Accor dingt ot hewor ld,they '
re
dead.Thi smeans, ev eryonet heyknew, cannotev er
knowt hey '
r esti
llalive.Ar ey ouwi ll
ingt ogiv et hatup
too?Ar ey ouwi ll
ingt odief rom t hewor ld?"Heasked.
Ilookedatmybel l
y ,Ifelttheki ckingagai n.What
wasl ef tformei nt hiswor l
dr eal l
y ?Ionl yhadSy mon
asaf riendandhe' dbedev ast atedbutIneedmy
familyandki ds.Ichooset hem." Yes. "Isay ."Noma,
youcan' tchangey ourmi ndaf tert his.OnceIgett hi
s
planinmot ion,ther e'snogoi ngback. "Hesay s."I
promi se.Iwon' tchangemymi nd.Iwantt obewi t
h
myf ami l
y."Ihadt obest r
ong.Myat tachmentt o
Thierrywasdanger ous.Itwasdanger ousbecause
I'
dbeenbr okenbyhi m andputt oget herbyhi m.As
cruelasheandhi sf amilyis, heal way smadesur eI
washappy .Idon'tev enunder st andhowIcanst i
ll
careforhi m whenIknowIshoul dn't.Heki lledmy
fri
ends.Heal mostki l
ledLindi .Hewasr eadyt oki ll
myf ami ly
.Imustbesi ck.Ihav et ol eav ehi m bef or
e
hekillsmychi ldren."Okay .Gety ourf ood.Weneed
totalkaboutt henextf ewweeks. "Het ookouta
packofdogf oodanddi shedupf orCoco.Whi leI
dishedupf ormy selfandwentt osi t.Iatemyf ood
whileheat ehis, bothofusandt hedogqui et.Once
wewer edoneheputt hedi shesasi deandsatnext
tome." Whenwer eturnt ot hehouse, youneedt o
stil
lbeasdepr essedasbef oreifnotwor se.Ineed
yout okeept hesameener gyf orawhi l
e.Thi errywi ll
askmei fy ouf eelanybet teri
fy ousai dany thinget c
andI '
lll
ietohi m, t
ellhi
my our efusedt ospeakand
thatheshoul dor ganizeat herapi st.Hewi lldot hat.I
haveaf ewt her apist
sonmyr oll
, theywi l
l
communi cat ewi thhimy ourdet er i
or atingment al
healthandsuggesthegi vesy ouabi tmor ef reedom,
spacet or oam andnott obeconst ant l
ymoni tor ed
l
ikeachi l
d.Andbecausehewi llbedesper ateatt his
point,hewi llgiveinandl oosent hesecur i
tyar ound
you.Oncet hathappens, Iwanti tt obeaf ullweek
beforey oursui cide.Noneoft hem wi l
lseei t
comi ng."Heexpl ains."Buthowwi llIpr oveI '
m dead?
I'
m sur eThi err
ywi llwantt ocheckt hepul seand
evenpostmor tem."Iask." Iwi
llsor tt henopul se
partout .Ther ei sani njecti
ont hatwi l
l hel
pslowy our
heartrat e.Agai n,I'
l
lor ganizethedoct or,the
equipmentev erythi
ngwi llbeinpl ace.I 'l
lhavet obe
withThi erryt hatday ,itwillmaket hingseasi er.I'
l
l
convincet hem nott odoapostmor tem, you'
llhavea
suici
denot easwel lsot herewon' tbeaneed. "He
says."Thi ssoundsl ikeal otofwor k."Isigh."Asmal l
pri
cet opay ,
foral i
fetimeoff r
eedom.Doy outrust
meNoma? "Inodded." Good.Ipr omi seI 'l
ldo
what everi ttakest omakesur ey ou' r
esaf e."

Itreallywasn'tdiff
icul
ttopretendt obedepr essed
fort henextfewday sbecauseitwasr eal
.Ifeltgui
lt
,
Ifeltpain,andIt r
ulyfeltsor
ryforThi err
y.Ifound
my selfcryingtosleepal mosteveryni ght.Hereall
y
didn'tknowwhatt odo.Imost l
yfeltsorrybecauseit
i
sv erypossiblethatoneorbot hoft heset wi
nsar e
hisbabi esandt hatmeans, they'
llgrowupnev er
knowi ngt hei
rfather.Iwasalsoanxi ousabouthow
l
ifeont he"otherside"wouldbe.Whati fonedayi n
thatsai dcountry,Ibumpi nt
oThi erryoranyoft he
Stöltzerf ami ly?ThenI '
dbedeadf orr eal.Iwas
hav i
ngni ghtmar esaboutt his.I '
dwakeupscr eami ng
andcr ying.Ofcour se,Thier ryt houghti twasst ill
traumaf r
om l osingmyf ami l
yandi twoul dshockme
allov eragai nathowKagi socoul dst aget wodeat hs
andnoonewoul dsuspectot her wise.Hesmuggl ed
twoadul t
soutofacount rywi thoutasi ngl eper son
i
nhi sf ami l
ysuspect inghi m.Ir eallyunder esti
mat ed
him.Ihav en'tbeenabl et ospeakt ohi m becauseI
hadt osel lthedet eri
oratingment al healt hact.I
coul dn'tcommuni catewi thany onebutSy monand
ev enmycommuni cationwi thhi m wasj ustr eli
ving
ourf avor i
t emoment st oget herandI '
dconst antlyt el
l
him ov erandov eragainhowmuchIl ov ehi m.Ikept
telli
nghi mt omakegooddeci sionsandr emembert o
alway sbesaf eandkeephi msel fhappy .Ialway s
wanthi mt obehappy .Idi dn'tt ellhimt hatIwoul d
diesoon.I twasal readybr eaki ngmyhear thowhe
woul df eel whenhehear sbutIhadt ost ayst r
ong.

Thi
err
ystaredathispl
atewhil
etherestofhi
sfamil
y
at
ebreakfast
."Youokay?"Bi
soasks."If
eell
i
keI'
m
l
osingmywi fe."Thier rysay s.Al loft hem lookathi m.
"She'snoti mpr ov i
ng? "Moonasks." No.Sher efuses
tospeak, hardl yeats, andcr i
esal lthet ime.Sheev en
wakesupscr eami ngsomeni ght s.Idon' tknow
anymor e."Thi errysighs." May besheshoul dsee
someone.Li keapsy chol ogist ."Riasuggest ed."I
agree."Bisosay s."It hinkI '
lltryt hatbecauseIr eally
don'thav eanyot heropt i
on.Idon' twantt ol osemy
chil
dandIdon' twantt olosemywi fe."Thierryget s
upandwal ksout ."Youcan' thel pt her e?"Moonasks
Biso."Helpwi thwhat ?"Bi sol ooksathi m." She's
beenhappywi thy oubef or e.Youmusthav edone
somet hingr i
ghtonce.Youcan' tdoi tagain? "Moon
chewsonapi eceoft oast ."Herf ami lyisdead.Thi s
i
snotsomet hingshecanj ustgetov erMi chael .
She'sdepr essed. "Bi sosay s." Butar en'tweal soher
familynow?Shest i
ll hasus.May beweshoul dt hrow
herabi tofadi nnerpar tyt odi st r
actherabi t.
"Ri a
says."Yout hinkapar tywi l
lhel phergetov erher
bloodf amily?"Bi soasked." Thencomeupwi tha
soluti
onKagi so!Jesus.You' r
ej ustsi tti
ngther e
stati
ngknownf actsi nsteadofhel ping.Don' tyou
wanthert ogetbet ter ?"Moonsay s."Icouldn'tcar e
l
esswhathappenst oher .She' snotmy
responsi bil
it
y."Bi sosay s." Wow.You' reacol d
bast ard.Youusedher ?It houghty ouhadf eeli
ngsf or
thepoorgi rl
.Tal kaboutal owbl ow.JeezKagi so.
EvenI '
m nott hathor rible."Moonsay s.Riachuckl ed.
"Youshoul d'veknown.Whyonear thwouldy out r
ust
Kagi soofal lpeopl e?He' st hel astper sonwho' dev er
thinkofcar ingaboutany thing.Iboughthi m apot
plant2y ear sagoandi tdi edi naweek.Her adiates
hat e."Riasay s."Idon' tlikepl ant s."Bisoresponds.
"Whatdoy oul i
ket hen? "Moonasks." Myj ob."Biso
smi les." Ofcour se, brut allykill
ingpeopl ei
swhathe
l
ikes. "Rial aughed." Ifeel badf orNoma.Shemust
hav er eallyli
kedy out ol ety ouhi t.
"Moonsay s."Why ?
Arey ouj ealous? "Bisoasks." Nomai snowher enear
myt ype.Shewoul dn'tsur vi
v eami nutewit hmei n
bed.Poort hing.She' st oosof t,i
nnocent ,
i
nexper iencedsur ely.I'dhat et obr eakherl it
tlelegs.
Sono, notatal ljealous. "Moonl eansbackonhi s
chai r.Riast aresathi m." Youknowanawf ul l
ot
abouthowshe' snoty ourt ypet hough.You
consi der edit?"Bi soasks, hidingal augh.Moon
star edathi m, war ni
nghi m." No.I 'vebeenar ound
herforov eray ear .Youl earnt hingsaboutsomeone
i
nt hattime."Moondef ends."Sexual things? "Biso
probes."Whatt hef ucki syourpr oblem Bi so? "Moon
snapped." I
'mj ustcur ious.Youseemedt or eal l
y
knowal otabouthernotbei ngy ourt ype."Biso
standsupandwal ksout ."Youwantt osleepwi thher
too?"Riaasks." NoRi a.Idon' twantt of uckNoma.
Thegi rl
isbar elylivi
ng.Whatt hehel li
swr ongwi t
h
youpeopl e?"Moonasks." Befor eshegotmar ried.
Youwant edtot hough? "Sheasks." Whatt hef uck!?
No!"Heshout ed." Whyar eyouget ti
ngangr yi fy ou'
re
notinterestedinher ?"Riaasked." You'r
eaccusi ng
meofsomet hingIdon' tevenwant .I'
m annoy ed, not
angry."Moonsay s."Yourannoy ancespeaks
volumes.I '
veseent hewayy oul ookatherMi chael.
There'snoneedt odenyi t.
"Riast ated."Lookher e,I
don'teverseemy selfsexual l
yi nv olvedwi th
Nomakhwezi .Don' tpr ojectyourf eeli
ngsonme.You
wantt ofuckher ?Leav emeoutofi t.
"Hest or med
out.

Thenextf
ewday
sI'
dbegunt
oseet
het
her
api
st.Al
l
oursessi onswer er ecor dedbyv i
deoandIr efusedt o
speak.Ij ustsatt her eandst aredatmyhands.
"Noma, pl easesayany thing.Gi vemeonewor d.How
doy ouf eel ?"Heasked.Icont inuedt oignor ehi m.
"Don'ty out hinki t'sabeaut i
ful dayout side?Doy ou
wantt of eel thesunf orabi t?"Heaskedona
diff
erentday .Il ookedupathi m butsai dnot hing.I '
d
satbyt hepool sideandst aredatt hest i
llwat er s
thatday .Icoul dn'tev ent hinkcl earlybecauset here
wasal way ssomeonewat chingatme.Ihadn' ty et
beenabl et opl anhowI 'ddi e.Whet herit'
sapi l
lov er
dose, orwr i
stscut .Idi dn' twantt oomuchbl ood
eit
her ."Noma. "Il ookedupandsawBi so.Il ooked
backatt hepool wi thoutr espondi ng."Letst akea
dri
ve.I t'
sbet tert hansi ttingher eal ldayst aringat
nothing. "Hesay s.Ist i
lldon' trespondandt hi si s
onlybecauseI 'm st illi
nact i
ngmode.Ican' tseem
tooeager .Secur ityrepor tst oThi erryandt heywer e
watchi ng.Theyneedt oseeBi sost rugglet ogetme
tomov eandt heyneedt obeconv incedIdon' twant
totalkev enwi thhi m.Hekneel ednextt ome." You' r
e
doingf ant astic."Hewhi sper ed." PleaseNoma.Just
onehour .Youdon' thav et odoany thi
ngel se. "He
saysmor eaudi bly.Iref usedt ol ookathi m agai n." I
f
youdon' tstandandwal kony ourown, IswearI '
ll
carryy ououtofher e.I'mt ry
ingt obeni cet oy ou! "He
says." Heyhey .Whatt hehel l?Whyar ey ouf or cing
her?"Moonwal kedt ous.Gr eat ."Sheneedsf reshai r
.
Stayoutoft his.Noma, I'
m count i
ngt ot hree."Bi so
continued." You' renott akingherany wher e!"Moon
shout s."Getoutofmyway ,
Mi chael .
"Bi sowar ned.I
stoodupbef oreaf i
ghtst artedbecauset hat'swher e
i
twasheaded." Noma, y oudon' thav etogo
anywher ewi thhi m. "Moonsay s.Ij ustnoddedand
foll
owedBi soout .He'dgot t
eni nt hebi ggercar '
s
driv
ingseat .Iwenti nt hebackseatandhedr oveof f.
"ForamomentIt houghty ouwer er eall
ymadatme. "
Hesay s."I'
dhav enor easonf ort hat .Secur i
tywas
watchi ng.Atl eastnow, it'
lll
ookl ikey out hreat ened
meoutt hehouse. "Isay .Hesmi led." Howhav ey ou
been?Ihav en' tseeny oui nawhi l
e."Hesay s, turning
atthest opsi gn." I'
mf ine.Justf eel inggui lty.It'l
lgo
awaysoonpr obabl y.
"Iadmi t."Youneedt obesur e
Noma.I fy oudon' twantt obeawayf r
om Thi erry,I'
ll
makeanot herpl an.I'
dhav ehi m awayf rom y our
birt
h,t esttheki dsandf igureoutwhi chonei smi ne
thengetherawayt oyourf amily.Youcancar ryon
withy ourli
fe,andv i
sitherundert hedisgui seof
datingmeandgoi ngawaywi thmeonv acat ions."He
breat hs."Yout houghtaboutapl anBt oo?"Iask.
"Yes.Ihadt obecauseIknowy oul oveThi erry.
You'reat t
achedt ohim ev enaftert heshitt hat'
s
happenedy oubel i
evey ou'r
ebet teroffwithhi m
becauseatl easthe'sanopenbook.Bet tert hedev i
l
youknow, ri
ght ?
"Hisjawt i
ghtened.Thi sbot her ed
him Icant ell
."Thanky ouKagi so.Fort akingcar eof
meandmyhear t.Formaki ngsur eI '
m comf ortable
andhav ewhat everIwant .
"Isay .Henodded, staring
straightaheadt hefreeway ."I
'
v emademychoi ce.I
l
ov eThi er
rybutIdon' twantt obewi thhim.We' r
e
goingaheadwi t
htheor igi
nalplan.Ihav et odi e."

Itwasnearl
yD- day
.I'
dst artedtojournal
,writ
ing
downmyday s,det
erioratinghealthandt houghts.I
start
edtowr i
temysui cidenot ewhi chwas4pages
l
ong.Itstar
tedabouthowIf el
li
nlov ewi
thmypr ince
charmingti
llt
hisveryday .TheloveIhadf orhim
didn'
tseem towaiver.Lov eandhat ecannotr eside
i
nt hesamepl ace.I nt hesamebr eat hthatIcannot
beinawor ldwi thoutt hef ami l
yI'veknownal lmyl i
fe.
Withev ery t
hingI '
vebeent hroughwi thThi erry,
itwas
thecomf ortknowi ngmyf ami lyissaf e.Now, Ihad
noleani ngst ruct ur
e.Ihadnohome.Icoul dnotkeep
on.Kagi sohadgi venmeacodemessagewhenI
l
astspoket ohi m.Thi swast hemessagehewoul d
sendont hedayIdi e.Thi er r
ycamei ntot hebedr oom
onceagai n,wal kedt ot hesi deoft hebedIwas
l
ay i
ngon.I '
dhadanot herni ght marewher ehehad
foundmei naf orei
gncount ry.He' dbeensopi ssed
andangr yhechasedmewi thadeadl ylooki ng
weapon.I '
dbeensoscar ed, andscr eamedsomuch
forhelp.Hewokemeupt hen.I '
dbeenscr eami ng
andcr yingoutl oud." Baby .Pl easet ellmewhatIcan
dot omaket hingsbet terfory ou? "Hepl eaded.I
couldn'tev enhughi m wi thoutf eelingapai nfulpang
i
nmyhear t
."Iknowi t'snoteasyr ightnowbutI '
m
herefory ou.I '
ll doany t
hing.I '
m goi ngt oameet i
ng
fortheday .Doy ouwantt ocomewi thme? "Ishook
myheadathi sr equest ."I
t '
sokaybaby .I'l
lseey ou
l
ater.Ilov ey ouNomakhwezi ."Heki ssedmycheek
andwal kedout .Ifeltsogui lty.Inaf ewday she' l
lbe
griev ing.Wasi twor thhur ti
nghi m?Hewasadecent
per son, al i
ttl
ecr azybutst i
llagoodhusband.So
he'si nacul t.Onef law.Ot herpeopl ehav emany .
Coul dIl earnt ol ivei nacul t?Whataboutmyf ami ly?
Myki ds?Whataboutmyf ri
endsheor der edt ohav e
kil
ledbecauseoft hiscul t?Mydeci sionwasmade.I
cancar eaboutThi erryfrom af ar.Iwentaboutt he
restofmydayqui etlysitti
ngbyt hepool .I '
drefused
tot akei nfood, onl ywat eral lday.Myphoneal erted
amessage." Shoul dIbr i
ngy ouachi ckenora
bur ger ?"Kagi so.Thatwast hecodemessage.My
hear tal mostst opped.Hehadsai daf ewmor eday s
notex actl
yt oday .Ir emainedcal m.Mywi llhadbeen
donesomet imeaf terImar riedThi erryandI '
d
changedi taf ewday sago.I 'dleftsomemoneyf or
Symononl ybecausehewasmyonl yper sonl eft.I
didn' tcar emuchf orLi ndibecauseshewas
comf or tablesl eepi ngwi thmyhusbandandMoon
andhi swi f
e.That '
st hreebi l
lionaires.She' l
lbe
sor ted.Iguesst hiswasi t."Chicken. "Ir eplied.Whi ch
wasconf i
rmat i
onoft hegoahead.Ist ay edout
anot herhourbef or eIwal kedupweakl yt omyr oom.
Thiswast hel astt imeI '
dbest andingi nthishouse.I
wentint omybedr oom andopenedmyl aptopj ust
goingt hroughmyemai ls.Dai
sywalkedi nther oom
withfreshcl othesf rom thedrycl
eanersandqui ckl
y
packedt hem i n.Shecamet omeaf tershewasdone
andnodded.I twast ime.Shewasaboutt oinjectme
withasubst ancet hatwoul dsl
owmypul set o
al
mostundet ectable."Whereisyournote? "She
asked.It oldherwher einthecomput er
."Okay .I'
ll
openi tnow.St aycalm.Hav eagoodj ourney .
"She
smiled.

AfterDaisyinj
ectedNoma, shehadongl ov est o
opent hefi
leonhercomput er
.Af ewpillboxeswer e
droppedont hef l
oorr oll
ingundert hebed.Dai sy
walkedoutt ocontinueherchor esaftersendi ng
Kagisotheconf i
rmat ion.Inanhour ,thechi ckenwas
deli
veredwithflower sandaboxofchocol ates.Paul
tookituptot hebedr oom wher eNomawasr esti
ng
ashet hought.Onceheopenedt hedoor, shenot iced
shewasont hebedl ay i
ngonherback.Hesetdown
thetray,t
hecomput erscr eenhadgonebl ack
becauseoft helackofact ivi
ty.Heletherr estand
walkedbackoutherr oom wi t
houtwaki ngher .
AnotherhourhadgonebywhenPaul decidedt o
wakeNomaupt ohav ehereatsomet hing.Whenhe
enteredt her oom, shewasst i
llint
hesameposi tion
hehadl eftheri n.Hegent l
yshookhershoul derbut
shedi dn'twake.I mmedi at
elyPaul cal ledthedoct or,
andr i
ghtaf t
ercal l
edThi er
ry .Thedoct orfiledin,
hurryi
ngt ohersi det ocheckherpul se." Hospi t
al!
Now!MrSt öltzercanmeetust her
e."Paul carri
ed
Nomaoutt her oom, downt hest ai
rswhenMoon
camei nthehouse." Whatar ey oudoi ng? "Heasked.
"Nomai sn'twaki ngup.We' regoi ngt ot hehospi tal."
Thedoct orexpl ains." Shit!
"Moont ookNomaand
l
oadedheri nthebackseatwhi l
ethebodyguar d
racedt ot henear esthospi tal."Comeon, Noma.
Don'tdot hi
snowpl ease.Hangi nthere, angel."
Whent heygott ot hehospi tal,thedoct or
i
mmedi at el
yat tendedt oNomaoni nst ructionsgi ven
byKagi sopr ivatel y.Hehadbeenwai ti
ngandhe
madesur et oper form ev erythinghecant oseem as
thoughhet ried.Thi errycamei ntothehospi t
al,
searchingf orMi chael andfoundhi m atf irstglance.
Hewasf oll
owedbyKagi so." Wherei sshe? "Thierry
asked."They 'r
est il
lbusyi nt her esuscitati
on
department .They '
retrying. "Moonexpl ains." What
thehellhappened? "Bisoasked." Thedoct or
suspectsshe' striedtocommi tsui cide.Ther ear eno
mar ksonherbodysoheassumesmay beshet ook
pill
s.Paul f
oundheri nbedandassumedshewas
sleepi
ngbuthecamebackanhourl ater,foundher
i
nt hesameposi t
ionandt ri
edt owakeher ."Moon
says,stressingandpaci ngt hef loor.Thedoct or
walkedt othem, withadi st raughtl ooki nhi sey es.
"MrSt öl
tzer."Hest arted." Tel l
meshe' sal ive.Pl ease
tellme."Thierrypleaded." Doct or ,pl
ease.Tel lme
she'sgoingt obeokay ."Thedoct orlookedatt he
fl
oorandbackupatThi erry ."I
'm af r
aidnot .Your
wifepassedawaybef oreshemadei ttot he
hospital.
"Thedoct orsai d.Thi err ycl
osedhi sey es,
tearsslowlyr oll
eddownhi scheeks." Canwesee
her?"Bisoasked.Thedoct ornoddedandl edt heway .
Mooncomf ortedhisbr ot her ,r
ubbi nghi sshoul der.
"I
'm sorry,Thierr
y .
"Hewhi sper ed.

"
Howcoul
dyoul
eav
eme,
baby
?Howam Isupposed
togetov ert hi s?Nomakhwezi ,whywoul dy oudo
somet hingl iket hist ome?Youcoul dn' thav egi ven
measi gn?May bei fI'
dst ay edhomeI '
dhav ebeen
ablet ochangey ourmi nd?Noma, youcoul dn' tev en
l
ookatmet hel astmomentIsawy ou, whydi dn'ty ou
evensaygoodby e? "Thi er
rysay s, st aringatapi ctur e
ofNomakhwezi .Bisowal kedi nt her oom." Hey , t
he
servicei sst ar ti
ng. "Bisosay s, sittingdownnextt o
hisbr other ."May beIshoul d'v ewai ted.Am Inot
rushing? "Thi erryasks." No, y ou' renot .Nomakhwezi
andy ourbabyl ivei ny ourhear tnow.Whet hert hey '
re
l
aidt or estt odayornextweek. "Bi sosai d,looki ng
overatt hel apt op." Isthather s? "Thi erryl ookedup
andnodded." Ihav en'thadt hest rengt ht omov eher
things...y ouknow?Li keshewi l
l comeback. "He
chuckl ed, pai nfully."It
'sokay .Youcant akey ourt ime.
Ther e'snor ush.I '
l
l beher etohel p.I 'm goi ngt o
mov ei nt hehousewi thy ouf ort henextf ewweeks. "
Bisost at es,pi ckingupt hel apt op." It'sst illon.She
l
ef ti
tont hechar ger .It'
sjustl ockednow. "Hesay s.
"Herpasswor di smyname.Mogot si."Thi errysai d.
Bisoent eredt hepasswor dandt hescr eenpopped
uponasav ef il
e."Di dy ouseet his? "Thi er r
yl ooked
atthescreenshaki
nghishead."Whati
sit
?"Heread
thefi
rstfewli
nes."
Ican'
t.
..notnow.
"Hestoodup
andwal kedoutt
hedoor.

Ithadbeenaweeksi nceI 'ddi edt ot hewor l

d.Iwas
i
nasmal lhotelroom ont heeastsi deoft own.I
couldn'tcont actanyonet heent i
retime, Icoul dn't
l
eav ether oom buti ncaseofanemer gency ,Iwas
alwaysdr essedi naBur ka.Thatwast hemost
conceal i
ngofal lIsl
ami cv eilsandf itmypur pose
well.I
twassuchascar yweek, therewer emoment s
wher eIwant edt ogiveupbutIst ay edstrongf ormy
familyandmybabi es.Aknockont hedoor
i
nterruptedmyt hought s.Icheckedt heholeont he
doorandopened.Kagi sowal kedi nandl ocked
behindhi m." Howar ey ou? "Heasked, reveal i
ngmy
face."I'
mf ine.Howmuchl ongerdoIhav etost ay?"I
ask."Yourf li
ghtleavest oni ghtbutIcan' tcomewi th
you.Ihav epeopl eItrust ,thatwi lltakecar eofy ou.
Sot hi
si sit.Yournewchancei nanor mal l
ife."He
said."Thisist helastti
meI '
m seei ngy ou? "Iask.He
nodded." I
t'sbet t
erthatway .
"Hel ookedaway .
"Comewi thme, Kagi so."Heshookhi shead." Noma,
Ican't.You'llbesaf ert herewi thy ourf ami ly.Tr ust
me. "Hesay s."Okay .Thanky ouf orev eryt hingy ou've
donef orme.Iappr eciatey ou."Ihuggedhi m." You're
mostwel come.Takecar eoft heset wo.Someonei s
comi ngi ntodot hepr ost heticsony ourf acet ol ook
l
ikey ourpasspor tpict ur
e. "Heki ssedmyf or ehead
andgav ememydocument s.Ihadanewnameand
everything.Myf aceont hepasspor tdi dn'tl ookl ike
whatIexpect ed.Iwasacompl etelydi ffer entper son.
Ididn'thav etol ookl i
ket hisaf terI '
dl andedi nmy
newhomebutIsur el ovedhowt hewor klooked.I 'd
hav etogi vebi rt
hf irst,soIhadenought i
met ot hink
aboutwhet herIwantt odof acial sur ger y.Atl eastso
thatIcant r
av el aroundt hewor ldundet ect ed." I'
m
goingt omi ssy ou."Isayqui etly."Met oo, we' l
l speak
oftenbutI 'l
lbel ivingwi t
hThi erryf oraf ewweeks
j
ustunt ilhecangetbackonhi sf eet."Hesay s."Ishe
bad? "Ifeltsogui lt
y." Yeah.Yourdeat hhi thi mt he
hardest.Hel ovesy ou. "Heshi ft
eduncomf or tabl y.
"You'refeelingbad? "Iask." Alittl
e, yes.Butt henI
thi
nkabouthowhewoul dmer cilesslyki l
l mychi ld
oncei t'
sbor n, notf eelingat hingandIki ndofdon' t
caret hathe' st empor arilysad.Thi errywil
l mov eon
andf indanot herwi fe.Ourchi ldrenwi lll
iv
e, anor mal,
healthyl i
fewi t
ht hei rlovingmot her .Thatgi v esme
peace. "Ilookedathi m, taki
nghi m al li
nfort hel ast
ti
me.Ican' tbel iev ethismanhassuddenl yswooped
i
naf ewmont hsagoi nmyl ifeandsav edme.
"Kagiso.."Ist arted." PleaseNoma.Don' tdot his."He
l
ookedsov ulner ableandIhat edseei ngit."I'm nev er
goingt oseey ouagai n? "Iask."Doy ouwantt osee
meagai n? "Heasks.Inodasqui ckasIcoul d.He
pull
edmebymyneckandki ssedmyl i
ps." You' l
l get
anythingy ouwantf rom me.For ev er.Doy ou
under standNomakhwezi ?"Heasks.Inod." Ilov ey ou.
AndI 'my our s.Nomat terwhathappens.SoIneed
yout ocar ryt hist hrough.Ineedy out osav ey our self
andourki ds."Heki ssedmeagai n, hisli
pssof tly
massagi ngmi ne, hist onguesl ippedi nbet weenas
hesuckedmyl owerl i
p.Theknocki ngont hedoor
start
ledus." LenSt rauss. "Thev oicesai d." I
t'st he
arti
stt odoy ourf ace.Ihav etogo. "Bisosai d.My
heartachedatt hepossi bili
tyofbei ngcaughtbut
mor ebecauseIwasal one." Goodby eKagi so.Pl ease
takecar eofy our self.AndIwanty out her
ef ort he
bi
rt
hofthesechi
l
dren.
"Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadand
wal
kedout.

Thatev eningIboar dedmyf l

ightsuccessf ullyand
alone.Iwasf i
nallygoi ngt ober eunitedwi thmy
fami lybutt hepai ninmyhear twassoheav y.Iwas
l
eav ingmyl if
ebehi ndt obesomeonenewi na
compl etel
ydi ffer
entcount r
y.Myt hought skept
thinkingbackt oKagi so.Thel astcall f
ort hef li
ght
wasannounced.Iset tledcomf ortably,lookingout
thewi ndow.Apassengersatdownnextt ome,
probabl ytheonet hatdel ayedus.Ir ubbedmybel ly,
closingmyey es."Longf lightahead.Thebaby
restlessy et?"Thev oicesai d.Myhear tstopped.I
couldn' tevenl ookathi m." Everyt
hingokay ?"He
asked.Thepl anewasal readyont her unway ,our
seatbel tson.Icoul dn' tstopi t
.Iwasst uck.Ihad
tearsi nmyey esasmywor stfearhadcomet rue.I
l
ookedathi m, sit
tingbesi deme.Thi errySt öltzer.