AFATHER'

SLOVE
I
NTRODUCTI
ON
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA
[
MANYYEARSAGO]

Ithasn'
tev enbeenay earsi ncemyhusbandt heKi ng
andIgotmar riedandt hepr essureisalreadyt oo
muchonus, Ihaven'thadampl etimet oenjoybei ng
theQueenoft hegr eatUkut hulaKingdom andmy
rei
gnisal readybei ngshakenbyt heelders..
.As
muchasBhekumbusol ovesmet hepressurewi llget
tohim andhewi llsuccumbt otheirdemandsand
mar r
yanot herwoman, andt hatissomet hi
ngIam
notprepar edt oaccept .Iam andwi l
lforeverbet he
onlyQueenoft hisgreatKi ngdom andt ov al
idate
thi
sIonl yneedonechi ldjustoneandt hankt he
Godst hatt heynev ercar edaboutt hegenderoft he
babywhowi l
lascendt het hronewhenBhekumbuso
i
snomor e...Ineededsomet imeawayf rom the
palacesomyhusbandal lowedmet ocomeandv isi
t
myf amil
yjustt
ocheckont hem andnotthi
nkofmy
problemsforafewhours..
.Iam si
tt
ingunderthe
Avacadotreewithmymot herandsist
erwhil
emy
personalmaidi
ssitt
ingfarfr
om us.
..

Ma:
hai
boLi
yanawher
ear
eyou?
Sheaskspoki
ngmeandIqui
ckl
ysnapoutofi
t.
Me:
it'
snot
hingmama.
Ma: Icarr
iedyouforanenti
reninemonthsand
rai
sedy ouuntily
oubecamet heQueenofthis
beautif
ulKingdom soIwouldli
ketothi
nkthatI
knowy oumor ethananyoneintheworl
d.
Il
etoutaheav
ysi
gh.
Me: it
'sjustt
hatt
heroyalcouncili
sonournecks,
theywantachi l
dbefor
etheyt akemet othesacr
ed
foresttoconfi
rm measthefirstQueentoKing
Bhekumbuso.
Nonhl
e:hai
bosi
siy
ouandBheki
justgotmar
ri
ednj
e.
Me:Iknowbuttheyj
ustdon'
tcar
e,t
heywantachi
ld
i
nthenextyearort
heywanttheKi
ngtofi
ndanot
her
wifewhowill
assur
ethatt
hisKi
ngdom hasa
successor
.
Nonhl
e:ar
eyougoi
ngt
oagr
eet
othat
?
Me:
doIhav
eachoi
cemnt
akamama(
mysi
ster
)?
Ma:overmydeadbodyLiy
ana.Youwi
l
lbet
heonl
y
Queenofthi
sKingdom.
Mymothersay
sinadeepv
oiceandIqui
ckl
ylookup
t
oseeher.
Me:mamait'
sgoi
ngtohappen,Iam f
ail
i
ngt
ogi
ve
hi
m anhei
rappar
entt
othethrone.
Ma:
Isai
dov
ermydeadbodyLi
yana.
Nonhl
e:mama?
Mysistergivesheraquesti
oni
nglookandIdot
oo
becauseIwoul dl
iketoknowwhatsheisgoi
ngtodo
toensurethatIam theonl
yQueen.
Ma:justmeetmebyt hest
ream tomorrowmor
ning
att
hef i
rstsoundoft
heroostercrow.
Me:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Ma:
togety
ouachi
l
d,asuccessort
hatwi
l
lensur
e
y
ousi
tont
hatt
hroneunt
ilt
heGod'
scal
lyouhome.
MysisterandIexchangealookandsheshr
ugsher
shoul
ders,Il
ookatmymot heragai
nandshejust
popsapeanutinhermouthl i
keshedi
dn'
tsaythe
mostconfusingthi
ngtome.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_

Weareabouttoembarkonanewj our
neyandIhope
weallenj
oyi
t.Yourpar
ti
cipat
ionwoul
dbehighl
y
appr
eciat
ed
AFATHERSLOVE
CHAPTER01
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA
[
PRESENTDAY]

Thepal acei schaot i

ctoday ,t
heser v
ant saregoi ng
upanddowni npreparati
onofmydaught er'sreturn
from school .Ican'tbeli
eveithasbeenanent i
ref i
ve
yearsshi nceshehasbeenawayst udying, t
hat
stubbor ndaught erofmi nehasn'tbeenhomei nal l
thosey ear sandmyhusbandandIhav ebeent he
onesv i
sit
ingheri nthecity.Iwasagai nstitbutl ike
alwaysBhekumbusoal l
owedhi sdaught ertodoas
shepl eases, ifi
twereupt omeIwoul dhav egi ven
myhusbandmor echi l
drenandmay behewoul dn't
besosof twhencomi ngt oKay i
se..
.Iam j usthappy
thatshewi llcomehomeandl ear
nmor eaboutour
tradi
tionsandwayofl i
feaf t
erallsheist hef uture
Queenoft hi
skingdom andt hesoonerwegr oom her
i
nt othatr olethebetterforusandourpeopl e,My
bedr
oom dooropensandmysi
sterNonhl
ewal
ksi
n..
.

Her
:sot
hisi
swher
eyou'
vebeenhi
ding?
Me:
Ijustneededami
nut
eawayf
rom al
lthechaos.
Her:
yebohaii
t'
stoomuch,we'
vehadcel
ebr
ati
ons
her
ebutnothi
ngthi
sext
rav
agant.
Me:youknowhowBhekumbusoget
swi
thany
thi
ng
t
hathastodowit
hKayi
se.
Her
:that'
str
ue,hehaschangedmostlawsi
nthi
s
l
andjustsohisdaught
ercanbecomfort
abl
e.
Me:somet
imesIwonderi
fhewoul
dhav
elov
edhi
s
ot
herki
dsifwehadmore.
Her
:It
hinkhel
oveshert
hismuchbecauseshei
s
t
heonl
ychil
d.
Me:yahneIsti
ll
saythankst
omamaf
orhel
pingme
outal
lthosey
earsago.
Her
:don'tev
enment
iont
hat
,shesav
edy
our
marr
iage.
Me:
byt
hewayhow'
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngoutt
her
e?
Her
:ever
ythi
ngi
sgoingver
ywellsi
si.Ev
eryt
hingwi
l
l
bedonebythet
imeshegetshometomor r
ow.
Me:
that
'sar
eli
ef.
Her:I
'
m sur
eyouar
erel
i
vedt
ohav
eyouronl
ychi
l
d
back.
Me:Iam butshei
sgoi
ngt
otakemyhusbandaway
f
rom me.
Shechuckl
es.
Her:
let
'sgooutandseehowev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ng.
Showfaceali
tt
leLi
yana.

_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Theappl eofmyey eiscomingbackhomet oher

father,
sheiscominghomet opreparetotakeover
from mesomeday .Idon'tdoubtevenforadaythat
Kay i
sewillmaketheperfectQueen,shetakesafter
mewi t
halotofthings,
Itaughtherthatagreat
l
eaderdoesn' tonl ylookt oupl iftt
hemsel v
esort hose
closetot hem butt ouphol dhisorherhi ghestcal l
ing,
l
eadi ngandser v i
ngt hepeopl ethatf ol
lowbehi nd.
..I
hav eorgani sedt hebi ggestcel ebrationtowel come
herhome, allthepeopl ef r
om t heKi ngdom wi llcome
andcel ebrat ewi t
hme.Af easti sbei ngprepar edand
mypeopl ewi ll eat,drinkandbemer ry.
..Iam int he
throner oom wi tht her oyalcounci lhavingaf ew
drinks,theycamear oundt oseei fev eryt
hingi s
comi ngal ongr ightfort omor row...Oneoft heboy s
thatwor ksar oundt hepal acewal ksi nandst andsby
thedoor ,Iam v er yfondoft hisboy ,notonlyi she
har dwor kingbuthei sdownt oear t
h, whenheopens
hismout hhespeakssense, hehast hequal i
ti
esof
royalty
...

Menzi:hai
wenawhyar ey
oueav
esdr
oppi
ngon
pr
ivat
econv er
sat
ions.
Myper sonaladvi
sorshoutsatt
hepoorboyandI
can'thel
pbutsigh.Ihonestl
ydon'
tknowwhat
problem Menzihaswiththi
sboy.Ever
yti
meweare
i
nt hesamespacehef eel
stheneedtomakehi
m
feelsmal
l
,Ihav
eaddr
essedt
hisbuthej
ustwon'
t
stop.
Bukhosi
:apol
ogi
esmyel
der
s.
Me:
it'
sokayson,
whatcanIhel
pyouwi
th?
Bhukhosi
:Icametoinf
ormy
out
hatt
het
radi
ti
onal
heal
erhasarri
ved.
Me:
ohgr
eatnews,
showhi
minpl
ease.
Hebowsandwal ksout .Thehealerisj
usther eto
ensur
et hatt
hepalacei sridofanybadspi ri
tsthat
mightbesenttoattackmydaught eruponar r
ival.
Makhosi wal
ksinatthesamet imeasLi yana,they
bothstopatthedoort hehealergivesherachi l
li
ng
l
ookandmywi fecan'thelpbutlookaway .Their
momentmakesmer aiseaney ebrow.
Heal
er:
Nkosi
yami
(MyKi
ng)
.
Me:
makhosi
,youar
ewel
come.
Hesetsuphi st
hingsonthefl
oorandhiseyescan't
stayawayfr
om Liyananextt
ome.Whatcoul ditbe?
Doeshemay behav eamessagefrom t
heGod's
concerni
ngtheQueenoftheKingdom oram Ij
ust
readi
ngtoomuchi
ntothi
s?Imanaget
oshakei
tof
f
andfocusont
hetaskathand.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Anot herhect i
cdayatt hepal ace, theKinghasdone
ceremoni esbutnot hi
ngt hisbi g,whyam Iev en
surpr i
sed, thisonehast odowi t
hhisdaught erand
weal lknowt hemanwoul dlayhi sli
fedownj ustf or
PrincessKay i
se...It'
salreadydar koutsideandt he
star sareshi ningbr ighterthanusual ,t
henightis
calm andIwi shIcanbel ostini tforawhi l
ebutI
hav emysi ckmot hertorusht o..
.Igethomeandt he
l
ight sarest i
l
l on, ohmamashoul dn'thavewaitedf or
me.Iusemykeyt ounl ockf r
om out side,Iwalkin
andshei sdozedof fonthesi ngl ecouchso
peacef ully.Ideci det ogopr epar ethebedf orher
bef orewaki ngherupt ogosl eepcomf ort
ably,Iam
ti
redmy selfandIhav et obeawakeear lyandhead
tot hepal aceal otst i
ll
needst obedonebef oret he
princess' sarrival..
.
Ma:
yougeti
nli
keat
hiefi
ntheni
ght
.
Shesaysf
rom behi
ndmeandIj
umpabi
twhi
l
eshe
chuckl
esf
indi
ngitamusi
ng.
Me:
youwi
l
lgi
vemeahear
tat
tackIswear
.
Ma:youhav eahear
tofabi
rd,
alway
sreadyt
ojump
outofyourchest
.
Me:noIwasn'texpect
ingt
heper
sonIf
oundoutofi
t
t
ojustspeakbehindme.
Ma:
sor
ryson.
Me:
whydi
dyouwai
tup?
Ma:
Iwantedtohearall
aboutt
hepr
epar
ati
onsof
t
hepri
ncess'
sret
urn.
Me:
theki
ngwental
lout
.
Ma: Iwoul
dn'
texpectany
thi
ngless.Ij
ustpr
ayshe
becomesagreatleaderl
i
keherfather
.
Me:
that'
sourpr
ayermamacozifi
twereuptous
t
hepeopl
eKingBhekumbusowoul
drul
eforev
er.
Ma:
mancannotbei
mmor
tal
mydear
.
Me:
any
wayhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Ma:
I'
m gr
eat
.
Isi
gh
Me:mamayouneedt
obehonestwithmesoIcan
knowwheny
ouneedmor
emedi cat
ion.
Ma:IsaidI
'
mfi
neBukho,
justuset
hatmoneyon
your
self
.
Me:yourli
femeansmor et
ome, Ihav
ewhateverI
needtosurvi
veIdon'
tneedtobewastingmoney.
Wewi l
lsavei
tforrai
nydays.
Ma:whatgooddi
dIeverdothatGodbl
essedme
wi
thsuchanamazingson.
Me:youdidever
ythi
ng.Ibr
oughty
ousomef
ood
f
rom thepal
ace.
Ma:br
ingi
twi
thsowecaneatwhi
l
eIl
i
stent
oyou
t
ell
meaboutt
omorrow.
Il
augh.
Me:
haokodwa,
howdoIt
ell
youaboutt
omor
row
wheni
thasn'
thappenedy
et.
Ma:
youknowwhatImeansuka.
Il
aughwal
ki
ngbacktot
hekit
chent
obr
ingt
he
pl
asti
cwi
ththef
oodIbr
ought
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Igetunderthecoversasthedooropensandt he
Kingwalksinyawning,hemustbet i
redoutofhis
mind,hewashandsont heent
ireday,Idon'
tknow
whyhewoul ddothistohimselfwhenwehav e
peopl
ewepayt otakecareofsuch.Heslowly
removeshisclot
hesandcomest ogetinbed..
.

Me:
don'
twakeupear
lyBheki
.
Hechuckl
es.
Him:mydaughteri
scominghomeIdoubtI
'
llev
en
beabl
etosleeptoni
ght
.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
someofuswon'texi
stsoonasKay
isewal
ksi
n
t
heyar
dtomor
row.
Him:haomkami
(mywi
fe)t
hat
'si
mpossi
bley
ou
knowit.
Me:
I'
ll
remi
ndy
ou.
Him:Idon'
tthinkit
'sokayf
oramot
hert
obej
eal
ous
ofherdaughter.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
I'
m notj
eal
ousI
'
mjustsay
ing.
Ali
tt
lesi
lencetakesov
erf
oraf
ewmi
nut
esunt
ilhe
cl
earshi
sthroat.
Him:yazIsensedsomethingbet
weeny
ouandt
he
heal
er,i
severyt
hingokay
.
Myheartal
moststopsbutIqui
ckl
ycomposemy
sel
f
andnar
rowmyey es.
Me:
somet
hing?
Him:
yesli
key outwocoul
dn'
tst
andbei
ngi
nthe
sameroom t
ogether
.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
hai
boy
ouar
eimagi
ningt
hings.
Hi
m:Idoubt
.
Me:Idon'
thaveany
thingagainstt
heheal
erbuty
ou
canaskhi
mi fev
eryt
hingisokay.
Henods.
Him:okaymay beI
'
mjustbei
ngcr
azy
.Let
'ssl
eepwe
needtherest
.
Me:
okaygoodni
ght
.
Hi
m:ni
ghtst
handwasami
.
Iturntofacet heotherwayandsighinreli
ef,Ialso
sensedtheawkwar dness,t
hehealergavemel ooks
thatreal
lymademeuncomf or
tabl
e,it
'sworryingI
won'tli
e,Ijustprayit
'snotwhatIthi
nkitis.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ij
oltawakesweat
ingpr
ofusel
yandpant ing.My
ni
ghtshir
tisdr
enchedf
rom sweat.Fuckt hi
sdr
eam,
i
thasbeenwakingmeupal mosteverydayfort
he
pastmont handt hemostannoy ingpar ti sthatI
don'tev enr ememberi t,notev enasi ngl edet ail.Not
onlyisi tfrustratingt hatIcan' trememberany thing
andIwakeupf eelinglikeIr anint hemar athoni t
alsomeansIcan' tgobackt osleep, l
ikesl eepj ust
disappear s.Iwillkeept ossingandt urningunt il
around5am andt hat'
swhenIneedt obeget ti
ngup
togogy m bef orest art
ingmyday .
..
All t
hati sabout
toendnowcozIam headedbackhomet omy
father'
sKi ngdom, Iwoul dbesuperdepr essedi fhe
didn'tdev elopt hepl aceandIwoul dhav epr obabl y
refusedt ogobackt herebutl i
kei tornoti t'
smy
homeandIhav er esponsi bi
liti
est ocar ryout ,Iwi l
l
takeal lthatI '
velear nedf rom thisci tyandi mpr ov e
mypeopl e...
Igetoutofbedandgof i
nishpacki ngmy
stuff,nami Ihav eal otoft hingsGodbutwhatdi dI
expect ,Ispend5whol ey earsofmyl ifeint hispl ace
withoutgoi nghomebutI 'l
lsurelybecomi ngt ov isi
t
formysani tythati s,henceIam notgi vi
ngupt his
apartmentandmyr oommat eandf riendwi llkeepi t
occupi ed...Icheckt het imeonmyphoneandi t'
s
only1am, Ihavet hreehour sunt i
l myf ather '
speopl e
comet ogetme, i
magi nebei ngont her oadat4am,
hectici
fyouaskmebutI '
ll
justcatchuponmysl eep
plusIknowi t
'sgoingtobeal ongday ,
babaprobabl
y
plannedthebiggestwelcomehomecer emonyinmy
honorandI '
m goingtoneedtheener gytoget
throughit
..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER02
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Itossedandt urnedt hewhol enight,

mymi ndkept
l
andi ngont hepossi bili
tyt hatmakhosi i
sont ome
butmymot herassur edmeal lt
hosey earsagot hat
thesecr etwi llgodownwi thust oourgr aves,but
whywoul dt heheal erstar tgivi
ngmeawkwar dl ooks
afterallthesey earsifhei sn'tsuspectingmeof
any t
hing? .
..AsmuchasIdi dwhatIdi dt osavemy
mar ri
age, Idon' tthi
nkmyhusbandwi llunderst and
andIknowf oraf actthatt heelderswillsendme
packingf ori tandal lofmyhar dwor kwoul dhav e
beeni nv ein.Myt hought sar erunni
ngawaywi thme
Ineedt oof fl
oadt osomeoneandwhobet t
ert han
mysi sterNonhl ewhoal readyknowsev ery
thing. .
.
Myper sonal maidishel pingmeputmyhai rupsoI
canbeabl et oputonmycr own,iti
srequi r
edt hatI
dosobecauset hisisanof f
ici
alancest r
alceremony ,
thecowwassl aughtered,alcoholbrewedand
i
mphephowasbur ned, ourancestorsarer
oaming
thepalacesoIam requi r
edt orespectt
hei
rpresence
bybeinginmyf ul
lroyal r
egalia.
..

Me:
giv
emeami
nut
eI'
l
lbeback.
Isayalr
eadystandingup.I fIdon'
tbur
pwhat '
sinmy
chestri
ghtnowIwi ll
beawkwar dthewholeenti
re
dayandt hatwil
lmakeBhekumbusoasksmea
mill
i
onquest i
ons.Iquicklygetoutofmychamber s
andmakemywayt omysi st
er'
shutoutsi
de.Ibump
i
ntomakhosi bythecor nerandIswearmyhear t
almoststops.
Makhosi
:MyQueen.
Hesay
sbowi
ngdownal
i
ttl
e.
Me:
yebo,
Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l
.
Makhosi:y
esthisi
sablessedcer
emony,t
he
ancest
orsarehappyt
owel comeoneoft
heirown
home.
Me:
that
'sgood,
Iwi
l
lseey
ouar
ound.
Makhosi
:j
ustami
nut
emyQueen.
Hesaysandlookathi
m wi
thabl
ankexpressi
on
wonder
ingwhathewantst
osaytome,Iam holdi
ng
mybreath.
Makhosi
:whenyouhaveti
mepleasevi
sitmyshr
ine,
Iwoul
dli
ketohaveareadi
ngofyou.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Makhosi
:Idon'
tknowmyQueenbutt
hesedaysmy
spi
ri
tisr
estl
esswhenwewal
kinthesamecir
cle.
Ibl
i
nkacoupl
eoft
imes.
Me:
Iwi
l
lmaket
ime.
Makhosi
:asbonge.
Inodandwal kawaywi thmyhear traci
ng.Ilook
backandhei stil
lst
andingrightwhereIlefthi
m,
watchingmeintensely
.IjustwavesoIdon' tmake
hi
m mor esuspici
ous.IgettoNohl e'
shutandj ust
walkinwit
houtknocking.Oneoft hemai dsis
hel
pingherwithherdress.
Me:
excuseuspl
ease.
Thegir
lqui
ckl
yscur
ri
esof
fandcl
osest
hedoor
behi
ndher.
Nonhl
e:l
ooksl
i
key
ouj
ustsawaghost
.
Me:
makhosi
knowssomet
hing.
Isaypani
cki
ng.
Nonhl
e:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutLi
yana?
Me:heknowssomet
hingwi
thr
egar
dst
oKay
ise'
s
bi
rt
h.
Nonhl
e:i
mpossi
ble.
Me:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Nonhle:
ohcomeonsi
si,
youknowt
heywer
eal
l
bl
indedtoseei
ngt
het
rut
h.
Me:
butwhati
f-
Shecut
smeof
f.
Nonhl
e:st
opthi
snonsense.Theywi
l
lnev
erknowwe
wereguar
ant
eedthatr
emember ?
Il
etoutadeepsi
gh.
Me:
may
beIam r
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntot
his.
Nonhl
e:youdef
ini
tel
yar
e.You'
veal
way
sst
ruggl
ed
wi
ththi
s,evenwhenwewereki
ds.
Me:
Ishoul
djustcal
m downandenj
oyt
hisday
.
Nonhle:
goodbecausey
ouar
est
ressi
ngov
er
not
hing.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iwokeupext raearlythi
smor ni
ng, afterstayingup
l
atewi thmamat ell
inghert hepossi bleev entsof
todaybasedonwhatt heki ngsharedwi thme
i
ncludingalltheotherpal acestaff.Ihadt oensure
thatIleavemymot herwithenoughwat erforthe
enti
redaybecauset heboreholeisadi stancefrom
myhouseandwi thherdet eri
orat
ingheal thshef i
nds
i
thardwal kingadi stance.Theonl yt hingshest ops
mef rom doingiscooki nghermeal swhenshef eel
s
awhol elotbetter.
..Todayt hechaosseem t ohave
multi
pl i
ed,everyt
hinghast obedonebef orethe
pri
ncessarri
v es.I
tissli
ghtl
yafter8am andshei s
dueanymi nut enow.Ast hechi
efofstuffIhavet o
ensurethatev er
yoneisdoingtheirj
obreall
ywel land
Icanreportthatevery
thingisgoingaccordingl
y..
.
Someonepl acesahandonmyshoul derandI
quickl
ylookbackandi t'
sKi ngBhekumbuso, I
att
emptt obowdownbuthehol dsmeupi nplace..
.

Ki
ng:
it'
sokayson.
Me:
Baba.
Ki
ng:
isev
ery
thi
ngdone?
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sont
rack.
King:
youaresuchahardworki
ngboyBukhosi
ifI
hadthepr
ivi
legeofhavi
ngasonIwoul
dhav el
i
ked
hi
mt obemor eli
keyou.
HesaysandInod.I fIhadtheprivi
l
egeofchoosi
nga
f
atheritwoulddef
init
elybehim,orshoul
dIsay
whereverorwhoevermyf atheri
sIhopeheisas
Nobleasthismanr i
ghthere.
Me:
thanky
oubaba.
Ki
ng:
Ijustcan'
twai
ttoseeKay
ise.
Me:
shewi
l
lsoonbeher
edon'
twor
ry.
Ki
ng:hopef
ull
yshewon'
taskt
oleav
eforsomet
hing
el
seaft
erafewweeks.
Webot
hlaugh.
Me:youcansi
mpl
yjustsaynobabay
ouar
etheKi
ng
af
teral
l.
Hesmi
l
esandsqueezesmyshoul
der
.
King:
Iam herf
atherbefor
eIam aki
ngBukhosi
,her
happi
nessiswhatIfeedoff.
Me:Icanonl
ypr
ayt
obet
hiski
ndoff
athert
omy
chi
l
dren.
Ki
ng:
doy
ouev
enhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
Ilookdownembarrassedthatourconver
sat
ionhas
reachedt
hispoi
nt.Iam abouttoanswerwhenthe
mostannoyingmanj oi
nsus.
Bab'
Menzi
:getl
ostwena.
Ki
ng:
thati
snowayt
otal
ktoany
one.
Thekingrepri
mandshim buthest
il
lgi
vesmea
chi
ll
i
ngl ook,
Iam yett
ofindoutwhatIdi
dtot
his
manf orhimtohat
emet hismuch.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgoseei
ftheyar
efi
shi
ngup.
Iwal
kawayf
eel
i
ngannoy
ed
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

TosayIam annoy edwoul dbeanunder stat

ement ,
i
t'sclearthatMenzi doesn'
twantt ohearmewi th
regardstohowhet reatsBukhosi, i
tshowst hathei s
notonl ybully
ingthispoorboyhei sdisrespecting
memeasaKi ngandoneoft hesegoodday sIwi l
l
makeanexampl ewi thhim,showpeopl et hatjust
becauseIam cal m andunder standingitdoesn' t
meanIam weak, Ijustchosenott orulewi t
hani ron
fi
st..
.Ididn'tevenwantt ohearwhathehadt osayt o
me, soonasBukhosi l
eftusIalsol efthim standing
thereandwenti nside.Todayisav eryspecial dayfor
me, notev enhecansourmymood, Irefuset oallow
anythingtomakemeangr ytoday .Igetinsidemy
wi
fe'
schamber
sandshei
sdoneget
ti
ngdr
essed.
..

Me:youst
il
ll
ookasbeaut
if
ulast
het
hef
ir
stt
imeI
l
aidmyeyesonyou.
Li
yana:
ohBheki
thanky
ou.
Shesay
swear
ingherev
ersobeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
Me:areyoureadytowelcomehomeyouronly
daught
erandthefutur
eQueenofthi
sland?
Liy
ana:Iam exci
ted,
Imi
ssmydaught
ersomuch.5
yearsi
salotofti
me.
Me:
exact
ly.
Li
yana:
didy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Me:Ij
ustwantedust
ogototheancest
ral
room
si
kwaziukuphahl
a(t
opr
ay)
.
Li
yana:
ohokaynopr
obl
em t
hen.
Wewalkhandinhandoutsideherchambers,and
makeourwaytothespecialr
oom weuset o
communicat
ewithourancestor
s.Ibenddownand
hel
pheroutofhereshoesandremov emineaswell
.
Thisissacr edpl aceandi tshouldber espect edatall
ti
mes.Webot hkneeldowni nfrontofthecandl es
andimphepho, mywi fethequeent akest hemat ches
andtriest olightthecandl esbutt hefi
rei sputofffor
somer eason, sheattempt sagai nbutitdoest he
verysamet hing.Thisisalarmi ngitshoul dn'
tbe
happeni ng,somet hingisv erywrong.It akeadeep
breat
ht orelaxanddeci det otrymy self.Oneat t
empt
andthecandl esbur nwithease.Il ookatLi yanawho
i
swear ingav er
ywor ri
edexpr essiononherf ace.
Ideci
detogetthi
soveranddonewi
thandwewi
l
lgo
seemakhosiforsomeanswerst
omorr
ow.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iopenmyey esast hecardri

vesint
ot hev i
l
lage,my
assisverypai
nfulnow,Ihavebeensitti
ngdownf or
hoursonend,Icouldreal
lyuseami nutetostretch
mylegs,butIam almostathomenowj ustaf ew
moremi nut
es.Isi
tupst r
aightandremov ethef l
ee
ontopofme.Godt hi
splaceissobeautifularound
thist i
meoft hey ear,t
het reesar ebear ingal lsortsof
frui
t sandt hef armshav eharvest edor gani ccr ops.
It'
snotonl ybeaut i
fulforthelandsphy si calitybutas
wel lasit'speopl e'
spocket s.Thev i
ll
ager ssel ltheir
excesspr oduct satourmar ketwher epeopl ef rom
neighbor ingt ownscomeandt akeev ery thingt osell
furtherathi gherpr i
ces...Wepassbymyf at her'
s
ti
mberpl ant ationandi t'
sgoodt oseet hati thas
grownsomuch, hedidsayhehasev enempl oyed
mor epeopl eandt hatisgood.Thest reet sar eempt y
whi chmakesmewonderwher eev er
y onei s, i
t
shoul dbebuzzi ngasi t'
saSat ur day,peopl egoi ngto
themar ketandot hersjusthurryingtogot ot helocal
tarven, yesev env i
ll
ageshav esuchpl acesbutt hey
most l
ysel lhomebr ewedal cohol andbeer s, i
t'
sv er
y
reart ofindci der sbutmay bethingshav echanged, I
wasl asther e5y earsagoaf t
eral l
..
.

Thecarsfi
nal
lydri
veintoourstr
eetandmyf at
her'
s
palacecomesint
of ul
lvi
ew,whoa!Thispl
acehas
changedsomuchGod.Ast hecarsgett
othegateI
seesomanypeopl eit
'sshocki
ng,soonastheysee
thati t'
sust heystartsi
ngingandul ul
ating,Iknewmy
fatherwaspl anningsomet hingIj ustdi dn'
tt hinkhe
woul dinv i
tethewhol evill
age,thepeopl earehol ding
differenti t
emsandIknowi t'
sgi f
tsf orme. ..Igetout
oft hecaraf terthedriv
eropensf ormeandt heygo
crazi er
, Isti
llseeaf ewf acesIknow, Iam wav ing
helloandshaki nghandsasImakemywayt omy
parent sst andingbyt heKr aalwi t
hmakhosi .My
mot herhashersmi l
eonbutbabai sgr inningsohar d
Ican' thel pbutr untohim andl ikeIam st i
llal i
ttl
e
girlheopenshi sarmsandenv elopesmei nt hem
befor epi ckingmeupabi t,Ij
ustgi ggle
uncont r
ol l
ably..
.

Baba:Ngweny a,Mntimande,Bambolunye,zi
ngaba
mbili
,zi
fuzekonina,ekhabonina,mabuy
a,
bengasabuyibayebabuy aemangwaneni,nungunde,
wakhothe,bayosalabezil
oyanisa.
Hesay sourcl
annamesandt
hepeopl
est
art
ul
ulat
ing.
Baba:
Wel
comehoment
ombi
kay
ise,
nkosazana
y
akwaNgweny
a.
Me:
thanky
oubaba.
Iki
sshi
scheekandmov
etomymom,
whohol
dson
tomesoti
ghtl
y.
Ma:thef r
uitofmywomb,t
heonl
yonethatknows
myhear tbeatfr
om t
hei
nsi
de.Wel
comehomemy
pr
incess.
Me:
Ndl
ovukazi
,ngi
yabongamawami
(mymot
her
).
Babapoi
ntsmet
othet
radi
ti
onal
heal
erwhobows
downali
tt
let
ome.
Me:
makhosi
.
Makhosi
:nkosazana.Ineedt
owashy
ourf
eet
.
Inodandaboyquicklycomesar
oundandt
ri
est
o
taket
hem of
fbutIstophim.
Me:
nopl
easeIcanmanage.
Hedoesn'
tgetupbutr
athercont
inuest
ount
iemy
l
aces.
Hi
m:nkosazanapl
easeIi
nsi
st.
Ismileandlethi
m be.Asher i
se'smyeyeslandon
hisfaceandIgaspf orai
r.Hol
lyshi
tcanamanbe
thi
shandsomeandscr uf
fyatthesametime?I'
m
draggedbackfrom thi
schocolat
emanbymakhosi
pouringcol
dwat eronmyf eet
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

I
'll
seeyouonWednesdayguy s.Inthemeant
imedo
bestbyreact
ingandinv
iti
ngotherstocomewal
kon
thi
sjour
neywi t
hus.Loveyourmomma
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER03
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

It
'sobv i
oust hatmypasti sabouttocat chupt ome
andt hat'
sconf usingbecauseIwasassur edthatno
onewi ll
ev erknowwhatIdi dt ogetKay i
se,Iam
scaredoutofmymi ndandIknowf oraf actt
hatI
cannotal l
owt hem tof i
ndoutast hatwi llbethelast
ofmeandmyr eignasQueenoft hislandandt rust
mewhenIsayt heeldersincouncilwillnotholdoff
onmaki ngsur et hatmyexi tisnothi
ngshor tof
humi l
iat
inganddemeani ng..
.

Icouldn'
tproper
lyenjoymydaught er
'swelcomi
ng
ceremonybecausemymi ndkeptdr i
ft
ingbackto
whathappenedint heancestr
alroom whenItri
edto
l
ightupthecandleandt hefactt
hatBhekumbuso
wantsust ogoseemakhosi madememor eanxi
ous.
Ihavetotakecareofthisbef or
eIfindmy selfi
na
messIwillnotbeabletocleanupaf t
erwards.I
wokeupear l
yassleepwasj ustamy ththi
spast
night
,Iam goi
ngtoapl aceIt houghtI'
dnev ersetmy
footi
nafter23yearsbutrightnowwhatchoi cedoI
have?Thepeoplewhohel pedmedot hi
smustal so
helpmefindasoluti
ont omypr obl
em. .
.

Myhusbandi ssleepingsoundonourbedasIputon
myj ersey,i
t'
s3:30am andi t
'sver
ydar kandcold
outside.Isl
owlyopent hedoorgentleenoughnott o
wakehi m upandhav ehim askamilli
onquest i
ons.
Thepal aceisdeadsi l
entandIdon'tev enseethe
guardswhoar esupposet obeonni ghtduty
anywher ebutforthismor ni
ngIwillbegr at
eful
fori
t
becauseIdontneedany oneseei
ngmesneakout
l
ikeat hiefi
ntheni ght.
..

Igett
omysister'shutout
sideandknockonthe
door,
shedoesn'tseem t
ohearmesoIgent l
ygo
knockont
hewi ndowandt hatdoest
hetri
ck
becauset hecurtai
nmov esandherfaceappears,
she'sfr
owni ngobviouslyannoyedthatIwokeherup
atthisunGodlyhour .Shemov estothedoorandIdo
thesamet hi
ng,assoonassheunl ocksIgeti
nand
shutit.
..

Nonhl
e:whyar
eyousneaki
ngar
oundher
eli
kea
wi
tch.
Me:
ther
e'sf
ir
eont
hemount
ain.
Nonhl
e:her
ewegoagai
n.
Me:Iam notpl
ayi
nggameswi
thy
ouher
eget
dr
essed.
Shehuff
sandmyey
esl
andonaper
sonsl
eepi
ngon
herbed.
Me:
who'
sthat
?
Iwhi
sper
.
Nonhl
e:oht
hat
'sMenzi
don'
twor
ryhesl
eepsdeep.
Myey
ebal
l
sal
mostf
all
outoft
hesocket
.
Me:
thatmani
smar
ri
edwhatar
eyoudoi
ng?You
knowwear
eagai
nstadul
ter
yint
hisl
and.
Nobl
e:I
'
mjusthav
ingsomef
unr
elaxLi
yana.
Ishakemyhead.Idon'thav
ethet i
metodeal
with
mysister
spromiscuousways,Ihaveal
if
eordeath
si
tuati
onathand.
Me:wewi l
ldealwithyourf
orni
cat
ionsomedayr
ight
nowjustgetdressed.
Nonhl
e:hai
bogetdr
essedf
orwhatatt
hist
ime?
Me:ify
ousti
llwantt
ohav
ethi
sli
fet
henIsuggest
yougetdr
essednow.
Isayi
nast
ernt
one.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam ti
redsot i
redthati
tfeel
slikethi
sisnotmybody
butatleastthepri
ncess'
sceremonywentext r
emely
well
.TheKi ngandQueenseemedhappyand
nkosazanaher sel
fwasjustecstat
icandmingl
ing
wit
hherpeopl e.Shehasgrownsomuchandher
beaut
yishypnotizi
ng,whoev
eri
sgoi
ngtomar r
yher
wil
lbeoneluckymanbecausesheisdef
ini
tel
ya
gem areargem atthat
..
.

Goodt hi
ngt heKinggav eusthedayof fandwewi l
l
onlybegoi ngtowor ktomorrow,thi
shasnev er
happenedbef oreandIwonderhowt heyaregoi ngto
survi
vewi thonl
y2hel persavail
ableforal l
ofthem
butit
'sar eli
eft
oknowt hatt
heguar dsar ewor king
becausewecoul dn'
tri
skleavingourpal aceandour
Kingwithoutprotecti
onbecausey ou'llneverknow
whowi llwanttoat t
ack..
.

Ev enthoughI '
m notworkingatthepalacetodayit
doesn' tmeanIwon' tbewor ki
nghereathome.Al ot
needst obedonebecausemymot hercannotdo
thingsal l
onherownsoI '
llbefocusi
ngonmaki ng
sur ethatthehouseiscleananddoal lofourlaundry
bef or
ecooki ngusapr opermeal t
oenjoy-7colors-
sincei t
'saSunday .
..
Ihavebeenfetchingwat erf orthelasthourf ill
ingup
ourbigdrum sowedon' thav et ogot othebor ehole
nowandagai n.Ishoul dr eallylookintoget t
ing
marriedsomywi fecanhel pmeoutwi t
ht hese
thi
ngsandal sohelpmet akecar eofmymot her
whenIam atwor k.Icloset hedr um andgoputt he
wheelbarr
owi nthel i
tt
lest or agehutbehi ndt he
house.Iwalkbacki nandf indmamaenj oyingacup
oftear.
..

Ma:
theear
li
estbi
rdcat
chest
hef
att
estwor
m.
Il
augh.
Me:
yout
aughtmewel
l
.
Ma:
howi
sthequeueatt
het
ap?
Me:i
t'
sempt y
,peoplear
esti
llt
ir
edf
rom t
hepar
ty
t
hathappenedatthepal
ace.
Ma:
Ihear
ditwasni
ce.
Me:i
twasamazing,weat
ewedr
ank,
wedancedi
t
wasj
ustbeaut
if
ul.
Ma:
whatt
imedi
dyougethome?
Me:ver
ylat
ebecauseIhadtomakesureever
ythi
ng
wasbackwhereitbel
ongsastheki
ngsaidwewil
l
beofft
oday.Idi
dn'
twanttol
eavethem wi
tht
he
mess.
Ma:youareagoodboyBukho.Sohowi
sthe
pr
incess?
Me:shehasgr
ownupsomuch,
ver
ybeaut
if
uland
war
m.
Ma:
justl
i
ket
heKi
ng?
Me:Ibel
iev
eso.Youshoul
dhaveseenthem mama.
Thatmanloveshi
sdaught
ersomuch,havi
ngher
backhomewi l
lmakehi
mv er
yful
fi
ll
ed.
Ma:mmhIwi shIwastheret
owit
nessitmy
sel
fbut
t
hissi
cknessisj
ustmakingmeweak.
Me:
Iwi
shIknewwhomyf
atheri
s.
Shechokesonhert
earandst
art
scoughi
ng
uncont
rol
labl
y.
Me:
uri
ghtmama?
Ma:
I'
mfi
ne.
Shesay
sinadi
smi
ssi
vet
one.
Me:
wil
lyouev
erber
eadyt
otel
lmewhomyf
atheri
s?
Tearswellupi
nherey
esandshebl
i
nkst
hem down
hercheeks.
Ma:
youdon'
thav
eaf ather,
youdon'
tsost
opasking
meaboutamanthatwantednot
hingt
odowit
hy ou.
Me:Iunder
standt
hatbutj
ustt
ell
mehi
snameat
l
eastpl
ease.
Ma:st
opaski
ngf
orahear
tbr
eak,
youdon'
tneed
hi
m.
Me:Il
oveyoumamay
ouknowIdobutt
hisi
sjust
notf
airi
t'
snot
.

Iwalkawayf eeli
ngdefeated.Idon'tknowwhy
mamacan' tjusttel
lmewhomyf atheris,I
'v
etri
ed
aski
ngandbl ackmai li
ngbutnothingwor ks.Myli
f e
i
satast andst i
ll
andsomet imesIf eell
ikeifIwere
toknowwhomyf atherandhispeopl earemypat hs
wil
ldefi
nit
elyopenupbecauset hisindefini
tel
ynot
thel
ifeIwantt oli
ve
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iopenmyey esandt heli

ghtisshinningi
nther oom,
Irollov
ertotheothersideandy awn.Mywhol ebody
i
ssor efrom al
lthedancingandwal kingaroundt he
palacegreet
ingthepeopl eaft
erhour sofsit
ti
ngi n
thecarcomingher e.Itwasseriouslyahecti
cdayf or
mebuti twasanamazi ngceremonyandIenj oy ed
eachandev eryminut eofit
..
.

Ihadagoodni ghtsleepandt rut

hbet oldIhaven'
t
sleptthispeacef ull
yinthelongesttime.Iguessmy
spiri
tcant ellt
hatIam f inal
lyinthelandofmy
forefat
her s,alandIwi ll
rulesomedayandl eadto
prosper i
tyandgr eenerpast ur
esnotonl yf
ormy sel
f
ormyf ami l
ybutf orit
'speopletoo..
.

Igetoutofbedandli
keIdoever
ymorningbef
ore
anyt
hingelseImakei
tandti
dythel
i
ttl
emessi n
herebefor
eheadingtothebathr
oom tohav emy
bathandgetreadyfort
henewday .Iam suremy
fat
herhasplannedsomet hi
ngsforusbutI'm
secret
lyhopi
ngthathehasputthem offforthenext
dayjustsoIrel
axabitandgetbackint
omybody ..
.

Iheadt othedi nningareaandthere'snooneint here

butbreakf asti ssetont het
ableandi tsmell
s
absolutelydev i
ne.Isettl
eonthechai randpour
my sel
fagl assofj uiceasIwaitformypar ent
st o
j
oinme.Igot hroughmysocial mediajusttosee
what '
shappeni ngonl i
neandli
keal wayssomet hing
newi strendi ngandsomear egoingbananasov eri
t..
.

Final
lymyfat
hertheKi
ngjoinsmei
ntheroom, he
comest omysideandki
ssesmycheekandgoest o
settl
eonhischai
randpoursacupofcof
fee.
..

Baba:
sthandwasami
,howdi
dyousl
eep?
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Isl
eptr
eal
l
ywel
l
,feel
sgoodbei
nghome.
Baba:Iam gl
adtohearthi
sbaby
,sodoest
hatmean
youwon'tbeaski
ngtoleavet
ogodosomethi
ngi
n
theci
ty?
Me:
ohnoI
'
m backt
omakemyhomegr
eat
.
Baba:
oht
hatsoundsl
i
kesomeonewi
thpl
ans?
Me:
ast
hef
utur
eQueenIdef
ini
tel
ydobaba.
Baba:t
hat'
smygi
rl
,youwi
l
lshar
eal
lthesewi
thy
our
fat
hert
hisday
?
Me:
wit
hpl
easur
e.
Baba:
bythewayhav
eyouseeny
ourmot
hert
his
morni
ng?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
notatal
l
.
Baba:that
'swei
rdbecauseshewasn'
tinbedwhenI
wokeupandherphonei sonthepedest
ali
nour
bedroom.
If
rown.
Me:
doesshehappent
odi
sappearf
requent
ly?
Baba:absol
utel
ynotwhichmakesmewonderast
he
guardsal
sodidn'
tseeherleav
ingt
hepal
ace.
Me:
yoht
hat
'swei
rd.
Baba:I
'l
lj
ustgi
veheranhourtopsthenI
'
m sendi
ng
theguar
dstogoandlookforher.
Me:
goodi
dea.
Baba:
befor
eIf
orgety
ourper
sonal
hel
perwi
l
lar
ri
ve
tomor
row.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
Icandot
hingsmy
sel
fbabaIdon'
tneedt
hat
r
eal
l
y.
Baba:
thi
sisnotupf
ordi
scussi
onKay
ise.
Okayhejustcal
ledmebymynameandwhenhe
doesIknowhe'sser
ioussol
etmej
ustgowi
tht
his
wholethi
ng.
Me:
okayt
hen.
Baba:hernamei
sZonkeandI
'
m sur
eyouar
egoi
ng
tol
ikeher.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Baba:
nowlet
'seatsoyoucant
ell
yourf
atheral
lthe
pl
ansyouhav
ef orus.
Myexci
tementcomesbackandIgr
abapl at
etodish
upf
ormyf at
herseei
ngt
hathiswi
feisnotheret
o
doi
t.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

AsIwasaboutt ositdownwithmydaught erand

haveaconv ersati
onaboutherplansforour
communi tyandourpeopleoneguar dwalkedinand
i
nformedmet hatmakhosiisaskingformypr esence
quickl
y.Iwentoutt oseehi
m andhewasn' tlooking
toogoodandt hatmademev eryuneasyIwon' tl
ie.
..

Weareintheancestral
room hereatthepalaceand
heisbusychanting,
cal
li
nguponhi sancestorsand
minewhil
ecrying,hi
scandleskeepgoingof fbuthe
l
ight
sthem upandcont i
nuesbutitlooksl
ikehei s
againstaforcesobi ganddark.Hi sbreathi
ngi s
shall
owandhi ssweat i
ngprofuselyatthi
spoi ntIam
shockedthatIhav en'tmessedupmypant sby
witnessi
ngwhati sclearlyaspiri
tualbatt
lerighti
n
myv erypalace.Afterwhatseemsl i
keforeverhe
stopsandcol l
apsest othefl
oort ryi
ngtocat chhis
breath.
..

Makhosi
:Nkosi
yami
(myki
ng)
I
tcomesoutasawhi
sper
.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Makhosi:somethingbadi
scomi
ngt
othepal
aceand
Ican'
tseem tostopit
.
Me:
I'
m notunder
standi
ngy
ou?
Makhosi:Ihavebeeni
nbattl
ewit
hadar
kfor
ce
si
ncelastnightandi
thasbeenhel
l.
Me:
aret
heyt
ryi
ngt
oat
tackme?Myf
ami
l
y?
Makhosi
:theatt
acki
scomi ngt
oyourf
ami
l
yyesbut
t
heconsequenceswi
llhi
tthewhol
ecommuni
tyat
l
arge.
Me:
howdowest
opi
t?
Makhosi
:theancest
orsar
esay
ingy
oushoul
dtal
kto
t
heQueen.
If
rown.
Me: It
alktomywi
feev
ery
daycant
heybemor
e
specif
ic!
Isnapandhesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Makhosi
:Iaskedf
ormor
ecl
ari
tybutt
hisi
sal
lthey
hadtosay.
Ibr
ushmyf
oreheadi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltal
ktomywi
feaboutwhatIdon'
tknow.
Makhosi:Iwil
lconti
nuetr
yingt
ogetsomeanswers
fr
om them aswell,
butinthemeanti
meuset hi
sto
bathandgivesomet oyourQueenandyour
daughter
.
Me:
Makhosi
.
Isayandinal
lhonest
yt hi
shaslef
tmefeel
i
ngbl ur
withmorequesti
onsthanhehasanswer
sfor.Idon'
t
haveanyenemies,mypeoplel
ovemeandthe
l
eader
sofotherv
il
lagesl
ookuptomesowhowoul
d
wantt
oharm meandmyf amil
y?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Afterf orev erwegett othepl aceandnot hi

ngmuch
haschangedher e,theaur aisst il
ldar kandcr eepy
andt hel i
ttl
ehuti sstil
l l
ocatedi nthedar kestdense
forestout sideUkut hulaKingdom ont heotherside
ofther i
v er.Nonhlei sbendingwi thherhands
balanci ngonherkneest r
yingt obr eatheafterthe
l
ongj our neywehad, i
t'
sal ongonesoIdon' tblame
herbutwecoul dn'tcomewi ththecarandr i
sk
someoneseei ngitcomi ngt owar dst hisdi
rection
andt el
lingmyhusbandabouti tplusIdon'tknowt he
dir
ect i
onwi thacarcozmamat aughtmet hisroute
allthosey ear sago.Acol dv oicespeaksbehi ndus
thatwescr eam al it
tl
eandmysi st
ercomest ohi de
behi ndme. ..

Hi
m:f
inal
l
yyoucameLi
yana.
If
rownbecauseIdon'
trecogni
zet
heper
son.
Me:
whoar
eyou?
Hesmil
esandthoseyel
l
owteet
hcometodispl
ay,
I
canonl
yimagi
nethedumpt
hatsmel
lsi
nthere.
Hi
m:y
oursav
ior
.
Me:
Idon'
tknowy
ou,
wher
eisbab'
Mamba?I
'
m her
e
t
oseehi
m.
Hi
m: myfat
herdi
edy
ear
sagobuthi
sspi
ri
twi
l
lli
ve
f
orev
er.
Igaspsf
orai
r.
Me:
whatno,
Ineedhi
shel
p.
Hi
m: andyouhav
emef orthat
,I'
vebeenhel
pingy
ou
f
oryearsi
nthebackgr
ound.
Nonhle:sohowcomeal l
oft hesethi
ngshavear
e
happeni
ng?Makhosi i
ssuspectingherand
yest
erdaythecandl
esrefusedtogetli
t?Hechuckl
es
l
ight
ly.
Hi
m:f
oll
owme.
Wewal
ktowar
dst
hehutandt
hisski
nnyscar
yman
wear i
ngnot hingbutr edandbl ackclothskeepson
call
inguponhi sancest orsbysay i
nghisclannames
andsomewher ebetweent hatIhearhim sayhis
namei sManzi .Wel eaveourshoesout si
deandget
i
nset tli
ngont hestrawmat .Thi
swhol eplaceis
creepy ,skul
lsar ehangingf rom t
heroom, ahuge
cl
earcont ai
nerkeepsahugebl acksnakeandt he
smel lofmut iissickening,hehasal otofthingsin
herescar ythingsf orthatmat t
er.
Hi
m: mynameisManzi t
heonlysonoft
hegr eat
Mamba.Ii
nheri
tedev
erythi
ngfrom myf
athereven
hi
slongt
erm cl
i
entsl
ikeyoursel
f.
Me:
Isee.
Hi
m:sohowi
sourper
son.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
mydaught
eri
sfi
ne.
Hi
m:Ij
usthopeyousti
llr
emembert
hepr
omi
sey
ou
madet
othegreatspi
ri
t.
Myst
omachknot
s
Me:
ofcour
seIdobuty
ourpr
omi
sest
omedon'
t
seem t
obehol
ding.
Hel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Him:y
ourhusband'
sfor
efat
her
sarehardatwork
t
ryi
ngtofi
ghtusandhonest
lyt
heyarealmostatt
he
ver
geofwinni
ng.
Me:
youcan'
tl
ett
hathappen.
Him:myancest
orsneedthest
rengt
htocont
inue
f
ighti
ngf
oryouLiyanabuty
ouhavetohel
pthem as
well
.
Me:Iwoul
ddoanyt
hingt
omakesur
ethatt
his
secr
etst
aysbet
weenus.
Hesmi
l
es.
Hi
m: goodt
oherethatbecauset
imeisnotonour
si
de.Youonl
yhaveaweekt omakethishappen.
Nonhl
e:whati
srequi
redofmysi
ster
?
Helaughsanev
ill
aught
hatsendschi
l
lsdownmy
spi
ne.
Him:youaret
osacri
fi
ceavir
gingir
ltomyancest
ors
sotheycangai
nstr
engtht
ocontinuefi
ght
ingf
oryou
andblindtheNgweny aancestorsandt
hatweakli
ng
theycallt
heirt
radi
ti
onalhealerandspi
ri
tual
vessel
.
Me:
what
?Ahumansacr
if
ice?
Ilookatmysi sterandt
hehorroronherface
mat chesmyown.Idi dnotsi
gnupf ort
his,Iam not
amur der
er.Il
ookatManziwhohasasmi rkonhis
face.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER04
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

I'
m stil
ltryi
ngt owr apmyheadar oundt hi
swhol e
thi
ng, i
t'
sconf usingandscar yashell.It
hought
Manzi wasj ustplay i
ngaroundwithme, youknow
try
ingt oscaremebutt hemanwasser i
oushe
meantwhathesai dandIonlyhaveaweekt ogeta
vir
gintosacr i
fice.Idon'tknowhowI 'm goi
ngt ofi
nd
onenoram Isur ei fIwanttodothis,Idon'
tthinkI
willbeabletol i
vewi thmy sel
fknowingexactlywhat
Idid.Mymot hernev ersaidanyt
hingaboutme
sacrif
icingmor et hanIalr
eadyhav e.
..

Iam sitt
ingbytheriv
erwithNonhleandwear eboth
tr
yingtounderstandevery
thingbutit
'sdi
ff
icul
t.Once
Igodownt hi
srouteitwi
llneverst
opandifIdon't
giv
et hem exact
lywhattheywantnotonlywill
Ilose
ever
ythingbutmydaught er
'sl
i
fewil
lbeatstaketoo.
TosayIam caughtbetweenar ockandahar dpl
ace
wouldbeanunderstatementoftheyearbecauseI
am i
nt hepit
sofhel
l f
ire.
..

Nonhl
e:whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwil
lbeabl
etol
i
vewi
thmy
sel
faf
ter
ki
l
li
nganinnocentsoul
.
Nonhl
e:ar
eyour
eadyt
olosei
tal
lLi
yana?
Me:
obv
iousl
ynotsi
si.
Nonhl
e:t
hisi
sal
lsomessedup.
Me:mamashoul
dhavet
oldust
het
rut
h.Thewhol
e
t
rut
hfort
hatmat
ter
.
Nonhl
e:doy
out
hinkshesacr
if
icedt
oo?
Me: Ihonestl
ydon'tknowbutr
ememberthefew
gir
lsthatdisappear
edinourvi
l
lageandwer
enev er
found?
Mysi
stershut
sherey
esi
ndef
eat
.
Nonhl
e:whatki
ndofev
ildi
dyourmot
hergetusi
nto?
Me:itall
seemedli
kealit
tl
epricet
opaybutnowi
t'
s
goi
ngt ogetdar
keranddarker
.
Nonhl
e:t
here'
snowaywear egoingt
otel
lthet
rut
h
nowbecausetheconsequencesaref
argr
eater
.
Me: t
heRoy al
council
will
nev erletusgoscottf
ree,
theywill
evenbani
shusf rom thekingdom andmake
surethatmydaughterneversitsonthethr
one.
Nonhl
e:t
henev
ery
thi
ngwoul
dhav
ebeeni
nvai
n.
Me:ashar
dasi
tisIt
hinkwebot
hknowwhatwe
needt
odo.
Nonhl
e:Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngt
ofi
ndav
irgi
nkodwa?
Me:
wewi
l
lfi
ndonedon'
twor
ry.
Nonhl
e:Li
yanay
ouar
egoi
ngt
ohav
etobest
rong.
Me:
I'
mfal
l
ingapar
tal
ready
.
Nonhle:
it'
sgoi
ngtogetmessi
ersowearyourbig
gi
rlpant
iesandfi
ghtt
okeepyourf
amil
ytogether.
Me:weshoul
dgetgoi
ngsi
si,
Bhekhi
mustbeso
wor
ri
ednow.
Nonhl
e:whatar
ewegoi
ngt
otel
lthem?
Me:
I'
ll
thi
nkofsomet
hing.
Sheexhalesandwebothgetupfrom t
hebigrocks
bytheri
verbankandheadtothepal
acewithmy
heartf
eel
ingheavi
erf
rom t
hedecisi
onIjustt
ook.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ihav ebeenkeepi ngbusyt hewholeentiredayj ustto

keepmymi ndofftheearl
ierencounterIhadwi thmy
mot her.Thet opi
calwaysleavesuscol dt owar ds
eachot herandonanor mal dayI'
dbet hef irstto
reachoutandapol ogi
setoherbutnott histime
around.Iam a26y earoldguywhowant st ogethi s
l
ifeinor derandIwantt oknowmypeopl eandev en
i
fmyf atherdoesn'twantmeIwi l
laccepti tbecause
Igrewupwi t
houthim.AllIwantistobeabl et opoint
him outi nthestr
eetsandt ojustknowwhosehal fI
wasmadef rom..
.

Idon'
tknowexact
lywhathappenedbet
weenherand
thi
smanandmay beifIdidIwouldunder standwhy
sheisn'tsokeenonmeknowi ngwhot hi
smani sbut
shecan' tevengi vemet hatatleastwhichmakesme
sofrustrated.Ilovemymot hersomuchandIwoul d
gotot heendofear thjusttomakeherhappybut
someday sitseemsl ikeshewoul dn'tdot hesame
forme, Idon'tthinkI'
m askingfortoomuchher eI
'm
j
ustaski ngtoknowwhomyf atheris..
.

Ma:
Bukho.
Shesayssoftl
ybehi
ndmeandIstopremovingt
he
weedsfrom ourv
egetabl
egar
denbutnott
urnto
faceher
.
Ma:
Ibr
oughty
ouagl
assofwat
er.
Me:
Iam okayt
hanks.
Ma:youhavebeenwor
kingunderthi
shotsunthe
ent
ir
emor ni
ngandi
t'
salmostlat
eafter
noonnoon.
Me:
someonehast
odoi
t.
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Ma:
sonpl
easel
et'
stal
kpl
ease.
Me:
arey
our
eadyt
otel
lmewhomyf
atheri
s?
Iaskturni
ngt
ofaceherbutshecl
osesherey
esi
n
defeat
.
Ma:
justl
ett
hatgo.
Me:
thenwehav
enot
hingt
otal
kabout
.
Ma:wecan'
tcont
inuel
i
ket
hisdon'
tl
etast
ranger
comei
nbetweenus.
Me:
I'
m notdoi
ngt
hatmamai
t'
sony
ou.
Ma:
Iam j
ustt
ryi
ngt
opr
otecty
ouher
e.
Me:
from whatexact
ly?
Ma:
henev
erwant
edy
oubecausehehashi
sown
f
amil
y.
Me:Ineversai
dI'
l
lgol
ooki
ngf
orhi
m Ij
ustasked
whoheis.
Ma:
Isweari
t'
sbet
tert
haty
oudon'
tknow.
Shedeci
destosti
cktokeepi
ngt
het
rut
htoher
sel
f.I
takemyvestandwipemysweat
.
Me:
goi
nsi
demamaIhav
eal
otofwor
ktof
ini
shup.
Ma:
justknowt
hatIl
ovey
ouBukhosi
.
It
urnandt
aket
hespadeandcont
inuedoi
ngmyj
ob.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ihav ebeensitti
ngi nthi sancest r
al room since
makhosi l
eft
,call
inguponmyf orefathersasking
them togivemeanswer stot hequest ionsIam
hav i
ngandt oalsoaskf ortheirprotection.Ihave
beggedt hattheypr otectmydaught erandher
mot herandputmei nt hefiri
nglineofwhat ever
attackthatismaki ngi tswayt omypal ace.WhenI
thi
nkofany t
hinghappeni ngt oKay isemyhear thas
palpit
ati
onsandmybl oodpr essureskyr ockets,I
woul dneverforgi
v emy selfforfail
ingt oprotectthe
onlychildtheGodshav eblessedmewi thhenceI
needt ostandwi t
hmyownt wof eetandf i
ghtthe
unknownenemymaki ngwayt ous...

Thecandl
esf
inal
l
ybur
noutandIgetof
fthef
loor
andmakemywayout .Iwalktowar dst hemai n
houseandt heyardisempt yonlyaf ewguar dsar e
onsiteIr
emembert hatIgav ethest affadayof f
becausetheywor kedhar dyesterdayandt heyar e
onlyhumant ooandt heyneedt or est.Iwal kint he
houseandt hetwomai dsondut yar ebusypr epari
ng
ourmeals,Iwalkpastt hem andheadst r
aightt oour
bedroom andsoonasIwal ki
nLi yanaisi nther eand
i
tlooksli
keshej ustfi
ni shedtaki
ngherbat h.She
tur
nst of
acemeandbl inksacoupl eoft i
mes. .
.

Her
:Bheki
.
Me:
Liy
ana.
Ikeepast
rai
ghtf
ace.
Her
:Iam sor
ryf
ordi
sappear
ingt
hewhol
emor
ning.
Me:
andaf
ter
noon.
Sheexhal
es.
Her
:Iam sor
rymyhusband.
Me:
wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Her:Ihadthescari
estdream aboutourkingdom
beingonfir
eanditfeltsoreal.IwokeupandIwas
feeli
nguneasyandsomet hinginmej ustsai
dI
shouldgototheforesttogoandpr aytoour
ancestor
s.
Ir
aiseaney ebr
ow.Mywi f
ehadascarydream and
makhosicomeshereafterbat
tl
ingwit
hdarkforces.
Weareseriousl
yunderatt
ackhere.
Me:
youcoul
dhav
ewokenmeupandt
oldmet
his.
Her:
someti
mesasawomanBheki y
ouhav et
o
st
andonyourownf
eetandpr
otectyourf
amil
y.
Me:
makhosi
washer
e.
Shenar
rowsherey
es.
Her
:haowhatdi
dhewant
?
Me:hesay
sanat t
acki
scomingtoourf
ami
l
ybuti
t
wi
ll
alsoaf
fectt
heenti
reki
ngdom.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Her
:ohmyGod.Di
dhesayany
thi
ngel
se?
Me:
not
hear
en'
tanyanswer
sfr
om t
heancest
ors
butt
heyonl
ysai
dIshoul
dbet
alki
ngt
oyou.
Her
:Idon'
tunder
stand,
tal
ktomeabout
?
Me:
I'
m al
sowonder
ing.
Her:youknowwhatmyl ove,wecanonlycontinuet
o
askforprot
ecti
on.Ourancest
orsarestrongand
theywil
lgetusthr
oughthiswholeordeal.
Isi
gh.
Me:
Ibel
i
evesot
oo.
Her
:wher
e'sKay
ise?
Me:
I'
ll
gof
indherandy
ou'
l
lmeetusi
nthel
ounge.
Shegivesmeasmi l
eandIwalkoutfeel
i
ngmor
e
tr
oubledfrom t
hedr
eam Li
yanasai
dshehadt
his
pastnight
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Myparent
sbot
hseem sot
roubledbuttheyare
t
ryi
ngsohardt
osmil
eandpretendthattheyare
doingokaybutIcanseer ightthroughthem and
somet hi
ngisdefini
tel
ygoingon.Coul dtheybe
havingmar i
talpr
oblemsort heyarejustworryi
ng
aboutsomet hi
ngelse?Iknowt hey'
vealwayssaidI
shouldn'
twor r
ymy sel
faboutt heaffai
rsofthei
r
mar ri
agebutsomet hi
ngisser i
ouslywrongandI
needt ofi
ndoutwhati ti
sandmay behelpthem get
overit.
..

Iwalktowardst hethroneroom f
rom mybedr oom
andtheresit
smyf atheronthehighestpower ful
chai
rinthiskingdom.Hi sbodyisher ebuthismind
i
sdef i
nit
elyont heothersi
de.Isitont hecl
osest
chai
rbuthedoesn' tsnapoutofithe'sdef i
nit
ely
thi
nki
nghar daboutsomet hingandt hatsomet hi
ng
i
sdef i
nit
elyseri
ous...

Me:
Baba.
Isayandhel
ooksatmeandsmi
l
es.
Baba:
sthandwasami
.
Me:
what
'swr
ongmngani
(fr
iend)
?
Baba:
not
hingbabyIam okay
.
Me: Iwouldarguethat
.Youhaven'
tbeenthe
hover i
ngfat
herIknowsinceIgothome.Youarenot
fussingorforci
ngmet odothi
ngswithyou.Tal
kto
me.
Baba:i
t'
snot
hingtoworr
yyoursel
faboutbaby.We
shoul
dbetal
kingaboutt
heplansyouhaveforthe
ki
ngdom.
Ismi
l
e.
Me: y
esdefi
nit
ely
,Ihavebeenthinki
ngaboutt
he
expansi
onofourtimberbusi
ness.
Baba:
okay
?
Me:weonlyj
ustdist
ribut
et heti
mberasi
tisbut
whati
fwebuil
dourownf actor
ywherewealr
eady
makeourownfurnit
ure.
Henar
rowshisey
esandsi
tsst
rai
ghtt
ogi
vemehi
m
f
ull
att
enti
on.
Baba:
elabor
atepl
ease.
Me:weal r
eadyhaveland,wejustneedapar t
ner
whohasexper i
enceinfurni
tur
emaki ng.Webr inga
fact
oryhereandhiremoreofourpeopl e.Wepr ovide
theti
mber,thel
abourandmachi ner
yandt hepartner
bri
ngsthei
rskil
lstoteachourpeople.Ialr
eadyhav e
afewbignamesf rom theci
ty.
Baba:wewi
llst
il
lownt
hemaj
ori
tyoft
hisf
urni
tur
e
makingf
act
ory?
Me:
yesweof
fera20%st
aket
othepar
tner
.
Baba:
Ithi
nkIl
i
kethatKay
ise.Researchmoremake
meeti
ngsandl
et'
str
yandgetitoffthegr
ound.
Me:
thanky
ouMt
imande.
Avoiceclear
sbyt hedoorandwebot hlooktosee
whoitisandboyi t
'sthatchocolat
emanfrom
Sat
urday,Inevergotachancet ohaveachatwit
h
hi
m andaskwhathi snamei s.
Baba:
Bukhosi
comei
nson.
Hewalksi
nandLor
disn'
tthatt
her
unwaywal
kand
body
?
Bukhosi
:youwi
l
lli
vel
ongmyKi
ng.
Hesaysandbowsdownabi tandthenl
ooksatme
andIswearIl
osemy sel
fint
hoseeyesf
orasecond.
Thi
smani sbeaut
if
ul.
Bukhosi
:nkosazana.
Ismil
e.OkayIcangetusedt
ohear
inghi
svoi
ce
alway
s.
Me:
hel
l
o.
Bukhosi
:pleaseforgi
vemeforbudgi
nginli
kethi
s
butbabatheprincess'
sper
sonalhel
peri
shere.
Baba:
rightont
ime.Br
ingheri
n.
Henodsandl etmeadmi t
,thi
sisthefir
stmanIhav e
everseenrocki
ngachi skop(bal
dhead)l ikethisand
kil
l
ingit
.Iwasal waystakenbythosehai rcutsback
i
nt hecit
ybutthisri
ghthereshuuu.Ilookbackatmy
fat
herandhei slooki
ngatmewi tharaisedey ebr
ow
andIgetridofthesmirkonmyf acequickly.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER05
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ihav ebeenbusypr eparingaf ull

ydet ail
edbusi ness
planandpr oposal f
ormyf atherandt hepot ential
partnerwear egoingt obringinf orthefactor ywe
arelookingtoopenupher einthisv eryvi
ll
age.Iam
soexci t
edaboutt hisproject,notonl ydoesi texpand
myf athersportf
oliobutitwi l
lbringmor ejobsf or
ourpeopl eespeciall
ythey outh.Thi siswhatIwant ,
tomakeUkut hul
aKi ngdom dev elopbi tbybitunt i
l
wedonotr ecognizeoursel v
esasj ustanother
vi
llagefarfrom t
heci tybutav i
l
laget hatatt
r acts
everyonef r
om alloverthewor l
d...

"Romewasnotbuil
tinoneday"i
sasayi
ngIwill
liv
e
byunt
ilIgett
oagoalIcanonl
yseeinmymi ndfor
now,agoalIwantt
oplanti
nthemindsoft
he
communitytoosot
hattheywantitandbeli
eveinit
asmuchasIdo.Ast hefut
ureQueenofthisgreat
ki
ngdom Iwantmypeopletotr
ustinmeandknow
eveni
ntheirsl
eept
hatIwantnothingbutwhatis
bestf
orthem andt
henextgenerat
ionsaft
erus...

Aknockcomest hroughmybedr oom doorandIsi gh,

Idi
dn'twanttobedistur
bedbecauseIam i nwor k
beastmodeandwhenIam l iket
hisIcangett hi
ngs
donequickl
ybutIguessthatwi l
lhav etochange
becauseasapr i
ncessIalsohavedut iesbeyondt hi
s
andwhenI '
m neededIhav etoavail
my sel
f.Ishout
comei nandmyauntNonhl ewalksin..
.

Nonhl
e:Kay
ise,
alway
swor
king.
Shehuf
fs.
Me:
Ihav
etoncane.
Nonhl
e:youjustgotbackbabyy
ouneedt
or el
ax
bef
oreyouthrowy our
sel
fint
osomuchwork.
Me:
timewai
tsf
ornoman.Mypeopl
ehav
etoeat
.
Nonhl
e:spokenl
i
keat
rueQueen.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
sohow'
smyf
avor
it
eaunti
nthewhol
ewor
ld?
Nonhl
e:Iam okay,
Ihav
eabsol
utel
ynot
hingt
o
compl
ainabout.
Me:
sti
l
lnouncl
eforme?
Shel
aughs.
Nonhl
e:aft
erthef
artIoncemarr
iedIdon'
tthi
nkI
wantanyt
hingmoretodowithaman.
Me:
gir
lshav
eneedsy
ouknow.
Nonhl
e:Kay
ise!
Sher epr
imandsandhitsmeonmyshoul derl
ight
ly
thatIcan'
thelpbutchuckl
e.AuntNonhl
eiseasy
going,anyt
opicisupfordiscussi
onwit
hherhence
thi
sisnotawkwar datall
.
Nonhl
e:whathav
eyoubeenget
ti
ngupt
oint
hatci
ty?
Ir
oll
myey
eswi
thasmi
rkonmyf
ace.
Me:
aladydoesn'
tki
ssandt
ell
.
Aunt
y:t
hischi
l
dwi
l
lnotki
l
lmeIswear
.
Anotherknockcomest hroughandIsigh.Myaunt
goest oopenasIclosemyf il
esandl apt
opbecause
i
t'sclearIwi
llnotbegett
inganymorewor kdone
today.It
'smysweetpersonalhel
per,she'
sholdi
nga
trayoffood.
Zonke:
Iam sor
ryt
odi
stur
bmypr
incess.
Me:
it'
sokaybabe.
Zonke:
Ibroughtyousomethi
ngtoeatyouhave
beencl
osedupi nher
eforhoursnow.Youneedto
eatsoyougetsomest r
engt
htoconti
nueworki
ng.
Me:
that
'sv
eryt
hought
ful
ofy
ou.Thanks.
Zonke:
doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
sef
rom me?
Me:
uhm nobutI
'
llshouti
fIdo.
Shenodsandwal ksout.Thi
sgi rli
ssosweet ,
so
i
nnocentandhumbl e.Idon'
tthinkI'
veev ercame
acr
osssuchasoul .Sheissti
llveryyoungt obe
doi
ngt hi
sjobhenceinmymi ndI '
m alreadythinki
ng
ofsomethingt
ohel pherbutfir
stI'
m goingt ohav e
tospeaktoherandf i
gureoutwhatshewant si nher
l
if
eforherf
utur
e.Imov
emyey est
omyauntwhois
l
ooki
ngatthedoor,
wai
tshei
sstar
ingatt
hedoor
si
nceZonkegotout
.
Me:
Ncane!
Shesnapsoutofi
t.
Nonhl
e:mmmhhh?
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Nonhl
e:ohy
esIam good.Thatsmel
l
sgood.
Me:
wecaneatt
oget
hert
hen.
Ioff
erandshegivesmeaf ai
ntsmil
emov
ingher
eyestotheshutdooronceagai
n.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Af t
ersuchalongtimeIfeltt
heneedt ocomeand
visi
tmymot her.Ihavebeensit
ti
ngont hecold
tombstoneforwhatseemsl i
keet er
nitystar
ingat
thesil
entgr
av ewithsomanyquest ionsrunningin
myheadwi shingthatshecouldjustwakeupev enif
i
t'
sjustf
orfiveminut
essoshecanexplaintomet he
ki
ndofhellIhav
eunleashedonmyselforrat
herthe
hel
lsheputmei nthemiddl
eofal
lthoseyearsago..
.

Mysev endaysdeadli
nei sapproachingandIst i
ll
havenoi deawher eIam goingtogetav ir
gingi
rl.
Yest heymightbei nabundanceher einour
communi t
ybutIjustcan'twalkaroundaski ngthem
toputt hei
rhandsupbecauseonceoneoft hem
disappearsalley
eswi l
lbeonmeandIser i
ousl
y
don'tneedmor edramai nmyl if
easI 'm al
ready
deali
ngwi thalotasitstands..
.

Ididn'
tsi
gnupf oral
lofthisIdidn't.Ionlywanteda
chil
dofmyown, achil
dthatwi l
lvalidatemeast he
Queenoft hisKingdom andt heonlywoman
Bhekumbuso' sheartwill
ev erbel
ongt obutnowIam
i
nt hemiddleofat urmoil,expect
edt osacri
fi
ce
someoneel se'
schi l
dwhenI '
mt r
yingt osavemi ne.
Thisisnotthekindofper sonIam butl ookathow
I'
velostmy sel
ftryi
ngtokeepmyf ami l
ytogether..
.
Ifi
nallydecidet hatIhav esather el
ongenoughandI
sti
lldon'
thav eanswer sbutIf eelsomuchanger
towardsmydeadmot herbecausei fshedidn'ttake
met oBab' Mambaal lthosey earsagoIwoul dn'tbe
atthiscrossr oad.Ishoul dhav eneverwentand
changedf ateIshoul dhav ej
ustacceptedwhatwas
andmay bejustmay bet heGodswoul dhavepi tied
meandbl essedmei nt heirownt i
me.Igettot hecar
wher eoneguar dandmyper sonalmaidwaitandwe
makeourwayt ot hepal aceandev enbefor
et he
guardkill
stheengi nesomeoneopensmydoor
start
li
ngme. .
.

Me:
hai
boNonhl
e!
Isayannoy
ed.
Nonhl
e:comewi
thmenow.
Irol
lmyey
esandf
oll
owbehi
ndher
,shel
eadsust
o
herhut
.
Me:
what
?Iam t
ir
ed,
Ijustwantt
obat
handsl
eep.
Nonhl
e:wehav
etoomanypr
obl
emsf
ory
out
owant
t
ogoandsl
eep.
Me:
Don'
tyout
hinkIknowt
hat
?
Nonhl
e:actl
i
key
oudoLi
yana.Ourdeadl
i
nei
sfast
appr
oachi
ng.
Isi
ghbecauseshei
stel
l
ingmeexact
lywhatIknow.
Me: Iam f
ull
yawar
eandIdon'
tsl
eepatni
ght
becauseofit.
Nonhl
e:It
hinkIf
oundusav
irgi
n.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
who?
Nonhl
e:Kay
ise'
sper
sonal
mai
d.
Me:
thenewgi
rl
?Ar
eyousur
eifshei
sav
irgi
n?
Nonhl
e:shelooksl
i
kei
tbutwear
egoi
ngt
ohav
eto
f
indoutforsur
e.
Il
etoutadeepsi
ghofr
eli
ef.
Me:Ij
ustprayshei
sbecausei
nall
honest
yIdidn'
t
knowwhereweweregoingtof
indavi
rgi
nsisi
.
Nonhl
e:wel
ltheni
tseemsl
i
ket
her
e'sal
i
ghtatt
he
endoft
het
unnel
.
Me:
I'
m cr
ossi
ngf
inger
s.
Nonhl
e:byt
hewaywher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom?
Me:
youdon'
twantt
oknowt
rustme.
Isayget
ti
ngoutofherhut
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Idon'tknowwhymyancest orshav eturnedt heir

backsonme, t
heyar enotsayingany thi
ng,theyar e
notrev elinganythingtomakhosi concerni
ngt his
att
ackt hatisdirectednotonlytomeandmyf ami l
y
buttheki ngdom too.Howwi lltheyjusttur
nabl i
nd
eyewhenIneedt hem themost ?Orhav eIdone
anythingt ooff
endt hem hencet heyarechoosi ngnot
tofi
ghtt hisbatt
lef orme?

Ihavebeenal
oyalserv
antt
ot hem andt
hepeopl
eof
thi
scommunit
y.Iplaymypartandsacri
fi
cebyev
en
doingmorethanwhati sexpectedofamer emor tal
suchasmy selfbecauseIwasbor ntoleadbuthow
doIdoitwithoutthei
rhelpit
'snotfai
rthattheyhave
j
ustdeci
dedt oplaceeveryt
hingonmyshoul der
s
whenthi
scr ossisnotenti
rel
ymi netocarry
...

Ihavewalkedar oundt heent irepalacetryi

ngto
connectthedot s,tr
yingt omakesenseoft hi
swhol e
thi
ngbutst il
lIam leftblankifnotmor econfused.I
walktowar dsthegat ebutst oponmyt r
ackswhenI
seeMakhosi kneeli
ngdownt hereannouncinghi s
presencetot heGods.Oncehei sdonetheguar ds
openupf orhi m andhecomesst r
aighttome
l
ookingbesi deshimsel f
, i
t'
scl earthathehasbeen
try
inghislevelbesttof i
ndanswer s...

Makhosi
:Mt
imande.
Hesay
sbowi
ngt
omeandIsi
gh.
Me:
wel
come.
Makhosi
:canwet
alki
namor
epr
ivat
espace.
Inodandl
eadhi
mt ot
heancest
ral
room.Weboth
si
tdownonthest
rawmatandhesighsheav
il
y.
Me:
whati
sgoi
ngon?Di
dtheygi
vey
ousomet
hing?
Makhosi:It
ri
edandtr
ied,
Ihaven'
tevensl
ept
becauseIneededt
ofi
ndy ouaswersbutt
heyar
e
si
lent
.
Me:
didIof
fendt
hem?
Makhosi
:thebonesdon'
tshowany
thi
ngr
elat
ingt
o
t
hatmyking.
Me:
thi
sisal
lsoconf
usi
ng.
Makhosi:butwhenIwasrest
ingt
hisaft
ernoonmy
gr
eatgrandfat
herwhopassedmet hi
sgiftcamet
o
meinadr eam.
If
eel
agl
i
mpseofhope.
Me:
yes?
Makhosi:
hesaidthatwhateveri
scomi ngand
whoeveri
sbringi
ngitisinourmidstandnomat ter
whatwetrytodoatt hi
spointi
twillnotstopt
hem
asitwaspassedinthekingdom ofdarknessyears
ago.Hesaidpromisesneedtobef ulf
il
lednomatter
howdar kt
heyarebutouronlyhopeisthatwhothi
s
promisewasmadewi t
hwi l
lfi
ghtitasherhear
thas
al
readyfoundi
t'
shome.
If
rown.
Me:thati
sjustanencr
ypt
edmessagev
oiceoft
he
Gods.
Makhosi
:IknowandIpromisethatIwil
lnotrestt
il
lI
f
indanswersIcanunder
standbutfornowitseems
l
ikewehavetoall
owwhat everi
tist
ohappen.
Il
etoutadeepsi
gh.Thi
ngsseem t
obegoi
ngf
rom
badtoworseatt
hispoi
nt.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Thingsbetweenmymot herandIar est

il
lrocky, she
i
sn'twil
l
ingtot el
lmewhomyf atherisandwhat
tr
anspir
edbet weenthem anduntilshedoest hings
wil
l r
emainthi
swaybet weenusbecauseIhav ehad
enoughofthisnowIhav etheri
ghtt oknowwhoIam
andwher eIcomef r
om evenifthemanwho
fat
heredmewant sabsolut
elynot
hingt
odowi thme.
Ihatethetensi
onbet weenusbuthopeful
lyshewil
l
notbeabletost andtheheatandshewill
givei
nand
tel
lmeev eryt
hing..
.

Iam justgr atef

ult
hatIspendmor etimeherei nthe
palacet hanIdoathomebecauseI twouldalwaysbe
socol dandawkwar dandIknowmy sel
f,I
'
dst art
feeli
nggui l
tyandendupgi vinginandstart
apologizingtoherforaski
ngt oknowwhomyf ather
i
ssoi t'sbet t
erthi
swayleavingearl
yinthemor ning
andcomi ngbacklateatnight.
..

It
'smyl unchhourandlikeIdoev er
ydayIam atthe
backoft hemai nhousewher enooner eal
lygoes,I
havemyhomemadegy m equipmentandIwor kout
outthere.IusedtoplaysoccerbackwhenIwasst i
l
l
i
nschool andwealway sworkedoutsot hatgrew
i
ntosomet hi
ngIli
kesoIst i
lldoiteventothisday.It
doesn'tonlykeepmybodyi nshapebuti treall
y
keepsmyment alstat
eonabal anceaswellcozIget
tobl
owsomest eam t
hroughworki
ngout.Pr
incess
Kayi
seappear
sasIam busydoingseatups.
..

Kay
ise:
ohwowy
ouhav
eev
ery
thi
ngi
nher
e.
Shesay
slooki
ngatmyequi
pmentandIqui
ckl
y
st
andup.
Me:
Nkosazana,
didy
ouneedmef
orany
thi
ng?
Kayise:
ohno,Iwasi
nmybedroom andIsawy
ou
thr
ought hewi
ndowwor
kingout
.
Ohsnapt
hisi
sherbedr
oom si
de.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryi
fIdi
stur
bedy
ou.
Kay
ise:
don'
tbesi
l
lyy
ouhar
dlyev
enmadeanoi
se.
Me:
I'
m happyt
oheart
his.
Kay
ise:
soy
oumadet
hisal
lbyy
our
sel
f?
Me:yesIneededequi
pmentandt
her
eal
staf
fcost
s
afor
tune,Icoul
dn'
taf
for
d.
Kay
ise:
nowIl
i
keamanwi
thapl
an.
Ismi
l
elooki
ngdown.
Me:amanhast ocomeupwi t
haplanal
way
sorhe
wi
ll
neversur
viv
ethisdogeatdogworl
d.
Kayi
se:that
'sv
eryt
rue.Iam mor
eofar
unnert
hana
gym gi
rl
.
Me:
ohr
eal
l
y?Iwoul
dn'
thav
eguessed.
Kayi
se:y
ouandhal foft
hepopul
ati
on,
maybeI
shoul
dstar
tjoi
ningyouwhenyouworkout
.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me: wi
ththeseki
ndofequi
pmentnoNkosazana
yoursoftpr
ett
yhandswil
lbedamaged.
Kay
ise:
Igr
ewupi
nthi
svi
l
lageBukhosi
comeon.
Ismil
ewideratthefactt
hatsheknowsmyname
andsheisnotanythi
ngshortofbei
ngashumbl
e
andeasygoingasherfather
.
Kayi
se:sowhatdoyousay
?Am Iwel
comedt
o
Bukhosi
'sf
it
nesscl
ub?
Ichuckl
eli
ght
ly.
Me:i
fyouar
esur
ethaty
ou'
l
lbeabl
etokeepupwi
th
ev
ery
thi
ng.
Kay
ise:
Ili
keachal
l
enge.
Me:
wel
ltheny
oucancomeandj
oin.
Kayi
se:thanks,
letmel
eav
eyout
ocont
inuet
hen.I
'
ll
st
arttomorrow.
Me:
okaymypr
incess.
Shenodsandsmil
esatmebef
orewalki
ngawaybut
qui
ckl
ystopsbef
orer
eachi
ngt
hecorner
.
Kay
ise:
Iwi
l
lhav
eZonkebr
ingy
ouwat
er.
Me: t
hankyouNkosazanabutt
hatwon'
tbe
necessar
y.
Kay
ise:
Iinsi
st.
Shesayswi
thast
rai
ghtf
aceanddi
sappear
sleav
ing
mewithasmir
kshaki
ngmyhead.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER06
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iam wal kingtowardst healterinadr essmadef rom

furt
hers, al
lsort
soff urthersfrom di ffer
entbir
ds.
Theguest sonbot hsidesoft heai slearecreepy
l
ooking, thei
rpresencei swei ghingheav yonme, a
partofmej ustwant stoturnandmakear unforit
butit'
spr ovingquitediff
icul
t,somet hingis
propell
ingmet ocont i
nuewal kingt owar dstheman
waiti
ngf orme.Tear sarejuststreami ngdownmy
faceasIam aboutt otiemy selftot hisdemon
l
ookingman.If inal
lyreacht heal t
erandhesmi l
es,
hissharpt eethappearandIgaspsf orairandlookat
thepast orwhoi snotapast orbutasangoma. .
.

Whatkindofweddi
ngisthi
s?Louddr
umsstar
tto
beatv
eryloudandf
astandmyheartt
akest
he
rhythm ofi taswel l asi tfeel slikeit'
saboutt obeat
outofmychest ,theweddi ngguest sal lkneel down
andst artcl appi ngt hei rhandsandInot icemy
mot hert yingmyf at hert ot het reeandset tinghim on
fi
rebutnotonl ydoesmyf at
herbur nbutt hewhol e
Ukut hulaki ngdom goesupi nf lameswi thhi m.I
scream i nagonyandat temptt or untowar dshi m but
thi
sf reakhol dsmyar mr estrainingmef r om doi ng
anything.It rytof ighthi m of fbuthei st oost rongf or
me, outofnowher eahugef loodcomesour
dir
ect i
onandt heguest st urnint omer mai dsandi t'
s
nott hebeaut i
fulcr eat urest heTVal way spor t
rayed,
theset hingsar emonst ers, wat ermonst er s.Thi s
manf oldsmei nhi sar msandIscr eam t ryingt o
breakf reesoIcanf leef rom t heaggr essi v ewat ers
thatar ef astappr oachi ng.If eel mybodyonf i
reand
whenInot icemyf eetIam f astgr owingamer mai d
tai
l,Iscr eam att het opofmyl ungsast heychunt
somet hingi nal anguageIdon' trecognize.Igetupi n
aspeedofl i
ghtpant ingandsweat i
ngpr of usely.Oh
Godi twasj ustadr eam, Irubmyey esandf i
nall
y
l
ookup, Zonkedi sst andi ngatt hecor nerl ooki ng
scared...
Zonke:
mypr
incessar
eyouokay
?
Isi
gh.
Me:
uhm y
eahIj
usthadat
err
ibl
edr
eam.
Zonke:
Icoul
dtel
l
,youwer
eev
enf
ight
ingi
nyour
sl
eep.
Ishakemyheadst
il
lhaunt
edbyt
hedr
eam.
Me:
what
'st
het
ime?
Zonke:
it'
saf
ter8am,
Icamet
ocheckupony
ou.
Me:Inev
ersleept
il
lthi
slat
e,andhowcoul
dIev
en
hav
eanightmarei
nthemor ni
ng?
Zonke:
str
angert
hingshav
ehappened.
Me:
yeahIguesssohey
.
Shelooksatmydesk,
it'
smessywi
thdocument
sal
l
over
.
Zonke:
wentt
obedl
ate?
Me:yepIhavetofi
nishthepr
oposal
and
pr
esentat
ionformyfather
.
Zonke:
ohokay
,itmustbef
orser
ioust
hings.
Me:
iti
sfort
hebet
ter
mentoft
hecommuni
ty.
Shesmi
l
es.
Zonke:
thepeopl
ewi
l
lbehappyt
oheart
his.
Me:Ishouldt
akeaqui
ckshowerandj
oinmy
par
entsforbr
eakf
ast
.
Zonke:
doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Me:
not
hanksdol
l
.

Iquicklygetoutofbedandmakemywayt ot he
bathroom.It akemybat handi naf ewmi nutesIam
outandbacki nmybedr oom, Zonkehascl eanedt hi
s
placeup, changedt hebeddingandal l,wheredi dshe
takethet imetodoal lofthis,yazishei sa
superwomant hisgirl
.Ijustgetintoadr essandf ind
comf ortablefl
ats.Iam tryi
ngsohar dnott ot hi
nk
aboutt hisdream butitwasv erydistur bi
ng,
especiallythepartwher emamabur nsmyf ather
ali
ve.Idon' tt
hinkIhav eeverfeltsobr okeni na
dream, thehur tIf
eltwasr eal
.Myf at herismy
everythingIdon'tknowwhatl i
fewoul dbecomei fhe
wastoleavet
hisworld.Igettot
hedinningtabl
eand
myparentsar
eal r
eadysettl
edwithcupsofcoffeein
fr
ontofthem,Ican'
thelpbutatt
ackmyf atherwit
ha
hugfr
om behi
nd...

Me:
Ilov
eyousomuchbaba.
Hechuckl
esl
i
ght
ly.
Baba:aowst
handwasami
.Il
ovey
oumor
ethanl
i
fe
i
tsel
f.
Me:
mayy
oul
i
vel
ong.
Baba:
Amen.
HesaysandIt
akeasi
tnextt
ohi
m andhecl
asps
myhand.
Me:
goodmor
ningmyqueen.
Isaysmi
l
ingatherandshef
rowns.
Mama:nohugandsweetwor
dsf
ory
ourmot
her
Kay
ise?
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
env
ydoesn'
tl
ookgoodony
oumyl
ove.
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Mama:
cany
ouj
ustt
ryt
osubt
ley
ourf
avor
it
ism.
Myf
atherr
oar
swi
thl
aught
er.
Baba:
ohLi
yana.
Mymom smi
l
eswhi
l
eshaki
ngherheadl
i
ght
ly.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam lateforwor kandIhat ethatverymuch, t

heking
i
sv eryunder standingbutIdon' twanttoseem li
keI
am takingadv antageoft hatandal soIam thechief
ofstaffandal lthepal acemai dsandguar dsreport
tome, Ishoul dbeset t
ingagoodexampl ef or
everyoneandabi dingbyt her ul
essot heycandot he
samebutt odayIhadt ogetaf ewthingsdonebef ore
Ilef
tmymom.Shedi dn'tinform mey est
erdaywhen
Iarr
ivedthatwear eoutofwat ersoIhadt ohurr
yt o
theboreholet ogetheraf ewbucket sbeforeIl
eft
,
yesthingsar est i
l
lr ockybet weenusbutIwoul d
neverl
eaveheralonest
randedespeci
all
ybecause
sheissosick.
..

Iwal ki
nt hepalacey ardanddeci detouset heback
entrancesot hatmostdon' tnoticethatI'ml atebut
ratherassumet hatIwasbusyi nt hebacky ardlikeI
normal l
yam int hemor ni
ngs.Iappr oach
sis'
Nonhle'shutandIappearandshei swith
bab'Menzi inacompr omisingposi ti
on,hewasabout
sneakingoutofherhutanddeci dedt ojustgiveher
apeckont helipswhi lesheiswr appedinnot hing
butat owel.Thismani smar riedwi t
haf ami lywhat
nonsensei sthis?Iclearmyt hroatandt heybot h
j
umpandl ookatme. ..

Nonhl
e:Bukhosi
.
Shesay
ssweepi
ngt
hef
loorwi
thherey
elashes
Me:
goodmor
ning.
Nonhl
e:i
t'
sagreatdayev
enMenzi
camet
ogi
veme
amessagethi
searl
ymorning.
Icl
earmythr
oatl
isteni
ngt
ohermakeabsol
utel
yno
sensewi
thherwords
Me:
Isee.Hav
eagr
eatday
.
Iwalkpassedt hem andheadtothemai nhouse
tr
yingtomakesenseofwhatIj ustsaw.Thi
sis
adult
eryandi nthi
skingdom i
tiscondemned.Idon'
t
knowi fIshoulddi
sclosethi
stoKingBhekumbuso
orIshoul dj
ustshutmymout handal l
owtheGodsto
exposet hem i
nduet i
me.Ifeelsomeonegrabmy
arm andt ur
nmer oughly.
Me:
whatt
he?
Ial
mostcussbutsmi
rkwhenIseewhoi
tis.
Menzi
:yousawnot
hing.
Hesay
swi
thaser
iousst
ernv
oice.
Me:
ify
ousayso.
Menzi:
ifIheart
hisany
whereel
seIwi
l
lknowt
hat
youopenedyourbigmout
h.
Me:Iknowbettert
hantospeakofsomet
hingt
hat
doesnotconcernme.
Menzi
:youar
enotdumbaf
teral
l
.
Me:
Iwasnev
erdumb.
Menzi
:tr
ustmey
ouar
e,j
ustl
i
key
ourmot
her
.
Icl
enchmyj
aws.
Me: don'
tyoudar
ement i
onmymot herinthi
s,y
ou
knownot hi
ngabouthersokeepheroutofyour
sti
nkingmouth.
Menzi
:Idon'
tminddoingthat
.Shei
snotev
en
wor
thytobediscussedbyme.
Me:ift
hati
sallandwedon' thaveany
thi
ngmor
et o
di
scussbesi
desy ouradul
teryI
'dli
ket
ogotowork.
Menzi
:don'
ttr
ytoactsmar
twi
thme.
Me:
enjoytherestofy
ourdayandsendmyr
egar
ds
t
oMrs.Shezi.
Heisaboutt
osaysomet hi
ngbutIwal
kawaynot
af
fordi
nghimthechancetogoonanyfur
ther
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ijustgotbackf r
om t hel ocal cli
nic,i
tisoneoft he
project sthatIheadedsoIf requentlygot heret o
ensur ethatthepat i
ent sar ewel lattendedt oand
thatt hest affisnotmi st reati
ngany oneofmi susi ng
ther esour cesoft hi
spl ace.Wewenti npar tner ship
wi tht hegov ernmenti nt hebui l
dingoft hi
scl inic,the
Roy al houseputi nt hef undst obui l
dandf urnisht he
clinicandt hegovernmentpay sthesal ari
esand
prov idesthemedi cation.Ther elati
onshi phasbeen
fruitfulandourpeopl ear eabl etoaccessheal thcare,
i
tmi ghtnotbest ateoft hear tbutatl eastwear e
abl et oprov i
deassistancei nourv i
l
lagewi thout
hav ingt otraveltotheci tyf orthat..
.

Iam sitti
ngundert hebigtreeintheyardasit'
s
shadei sev eryt
hinginthisheat.Iam enj
oyingmy
colddrinkwhi lewai t
ingonKay iseandBhekitofi
nish
discussingt hei
rnewpr oj
ect,Iwouldhavesat
throught hemeet ingbutI'm notinthemoodt o
di
scussbusinessandev er
y t
hingelseafterthedayI
had.IseeKayise'
sper sonalmai dcomingoutoft he
ki
tchenandwal ki
ngtowar dst hemaidschamber s,
wheretheyrestduri
ngt heirl
uncht i
me.Shel ooks
mydirecti
onsandIsi gnalhert ocomet omeusi ng
myhand.Shedoesn' twast etimebuthur ri
estome...

Zonke:
myQueen
Shebowsal
i
ttl
e.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Zonke:
Iam v
erywel
lthanks,
howar
eyou?
Me:I
'm okaymydear.Ihaven'
thadthechancet
o
wel
comey oueversi
ncey ouarr
ived.
Shesmi
l
es.
Zonke:youareabusywomanmyQueenI
underst
andy ouwon'
thav
ethet
imet
owelcomea
meremai dl
ikemysel
f.
Me:don'tr
efert
oyoursel
fli
ket
hatsi
si.Youare
hel
pingmydaughterandtomethatmakesy ouver
y
i
mpor t
ant.
Zonke:
Iappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Me:youandKay
isebett
ernotgetupt
onogood
seei
ngthaty
ouareal
mostatthesameage.
Shechuckl
es.
Zonke:
thepr
incessi
sver
yfocusedandIl
ookupt
o
her
.
Me:Ihopeyouar
esti
l
lsealedandar
epl
ayi
ngf
ar
f
rom boyscozt
heywil
ldi
stracty
ou.
Shel
ooksdownuncomf
ort
abl
ewi
tht
het
opi
c.
Zonke:mymot hermakessuret
otakemevi
rgi
nit
y
test
ingf
requentl
ysoIwouldn'
tdar
egoany
where
nearboysasshewillmurderme.
Il
augh.
Me:
Ishoul
dsendy
ourmot
hergi
ft
sthen.
Webot
hlaugh.
Zonke:
ohmyQueen.
Me:l
etmenothol
dyouf
rom y
oul
unchbr
eak.You
maygo.
Zonke:
thanky
ouma.
Shewal ksawayandIsi ghheavi
lyinreli
ef.Ohthank
Godshei sav ir
gin.Mysearchi
sf i
nishedandwecan
getonwi ththesacrif
iceandbl
i
ndt heNgweny a
ancestorsbeforetheyexposemeandIl ose
everyt
hingIhav eworkedsohardfor.InthreedaysI
wil
lbeabl etobreathknowingt
hatthet hronewil
l
sti
ll
beguar anteedandIgettokeepmyl if
eandmy
famil
y.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Mydaught erandIar einthest udygoingt hrought he

document sshehascompi ledsol ong,thepr oject
shewant st ogetof ft
hegr oundseemst obel ikea
goldmi ne, notonl ywil
litbenefitt
her oyalpocket s
butitwi l
lenr i
chmypeopl easwel lnotonlywi thjobs
butwi thskillsaswel l
.Ukuthulakingdom wi l
l be
knownal lovert hecountryandwhoknowsmor e
i
nvest orswi llcomear oundandwantt ostart
dif
ferentbusi nessest hatwi l
ldevelopthel andofmy
f
oref
ather
swhi
l
ekeepi
ngt
hei
rri
chhi
stor
yand
t
radi
ti
on..
.

Kayiselooksandsoundsbesi desherself
,yeswhat
sheissay ingwi t
hregardstotheprojectmakes
senseandal otofitbuthertoneandaur amakesme
beli
evet hatsomet hi
ngisweighingheav yonherpl
us
Ican'tshakeof ftheatt
ackthatisboundt ohappen
asmakhosi said,apartofmehav esomehow
connectedt hatandmydaught er
'ssuddenmood.
Hellwoul dfreezebeforeIl
etanythinghappentomy
daughter,theonlypersonthatmakest hisli
fewort
h
l
ivi
ng.Iam aboutt oaskwhati sworryi
ngherwhena
knockdi stur
bsus. .
.

Me:
comei
n.
IsayandthedooropensandBukhosi
get
sinhol
ding
atraywi
thdri
nksandfingerf
oods.
Me:
uhhhson.
Bukhosi
:Iam v
erysor
ryt
odi
stur
bbuty
oubot
hhav
e
beenlockedupinher
eforhour
sIt
houghty
oucoul
d
usesomer ef
reshment
s.
Kay
ise:
oht
hat
'sv
eryt
hought
ful
ofy
out
hanks.
Me:
youar
eheav
ensentt
omeson.
Bukhosi:
thanky
oubaba,
youwi
l
lshouti
fyouneed
anyt
hing.
Me:
okayt
hen.
Hewalkst
ot hedoor,
mydaughtersay
ssomethi
ng
t
ostophim anditl
eavesmewit
har ai
sedey
ebrow.
Kay
ise:
wear
est
il
lonr
ightBukho?
Bukhosi
:ohy
esnkosazana,
justf
indmewheny
ou
ar
edone.
Shenodsandheheadsoutcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
nd
hi
m.
Me:
andt
hen?
Shechuckl
esaf
terseei
ngmyf
aci
alexpr
essi
on
Kay
ise:
hei
sgoi
ngt
obemygy
m par
tnerbaba.
Me:
Kay
iseNgweny
a?
Ical
lhername.
Kay
ise:
BhekumbusoNgweny
a.
Ismi
rk.
Me:
hav
eyout
akenal
i
kingi
nBukhosi
?
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Kay
ise:
hai
bohowdi
dyougett
othatconcl
usi
on?
Me:
Ihav
enot
icedt
hingsmybaby
.
Kayi
se:ohwowbaba,youareworki
ngov
ert
ime
not
ici
ngthi
ngst
hatdon'texi
st.
Me:
hei
sagoodboyy
ouknow.
Kay
ise:
ify
ousayso.
Shesaysl
ooki
ngatt hedocument
sandIknowt
hat
's
herwayoft
erminat
ingtheconver
sat
ion.
Iwouldr
ejoiceifKayi
sewast ogetmarri
edto
Bukhosi
,heisagoodboy ,humble,nobl
e,downto
eart
handv eryhardworking.Icanseehim asthe
Kingoft
hiskingdom helpingmydaughterleadthe
l
andofherf oref
ather
swhenIam nomor e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER07
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam maki ngmywayhomef rom t hepal ace, Iam a

l
itt
lelatetodaybecauset heprincessandherf ather
fi
nishedt heiraffair
slat erthanexpect edandIhadt o
waitsowecanhav eourwor koutsessi onf orthe
day.Itwentr eall
ywel l Iwi l
ladmi tasi nt hebackof
mymi ndIt houghtshewasgoi ngt ocompl ainand
wantmet otakei tabitsl owerandeasywi thherbut
sheaskedt hatIwor kherl i
keIdomy sel fandwe
wenti nhar d.Herbodyi sgoi ngtof eel i
tbutshewi l
l
beingr eatshapeasar ewar dforherhar dwor k.
Pri
ncessKay i
seisgoi ngt obeagr eatwor kout
partnerIcanguar anteemy selfthat ,
shei snothing
mostpeopl ewoul dexpectf rom aper sonofher
cal
iberandwhenIsaymostpeopl eImeanmy self
aswel l.Shei sn'
tpompousbutdownt oear t
hand
warm wel
comingtoever
yoneir
respect
iveofthei
r
l
eveli
nsociet
yandbecauseofthi
sIknowt hat
Ukut
hulahasagreatl
eaderaf
terKingBhekumbuso.
..

Iappr oacht heopenv eldthatIneedtocr ossto

reachmyhouseandt herecomesbab' Menzi withhi
s
eldestsonandhi swi f
e.Theyhav eplasticbagsand
i
t'scleartheyar ecomi ngfrom thesuper marketby
thebusi nesscenter.Thismancan' tev eninvesti
na
smal l
ercarasheget spai dbytheroyal councilf
or
beinganadv i
sort
ot heKing.Hehast omakehi s
fami l
ywal kt hi
sdist
anceandev encomebackl ater
wheni t
'salmostdark.Theynot icemeandt hesweet
Mr s.Shezi seesmeandst opsinhert racksmaking
herhusbandandsondot hesame. .
.

Mr
sShezi
:Bhuko.
Shesay
swi
thasmi
l
eonherf
ace.
Me:
hel
l
omama,
howar
eyou?
Mr
sShezi
:Iam v
erywel
lthanky
ouboyboy
.You
onl
ycomi
ngbackf
rom wor
kthi
slat
e?
Me:Ihadtofi
nishupsomeofmyduti
esbefor
eI
r
eti
redfort
hedayandt heywer
eti
meconsuming.
MrsShezi
:youhaveal
way
sbeensuchahar
d
worki
ngboy.Phi
ndi
lei
sbl
essedt
ohaveasonl
i
ke
you.
Shesay
sandInod.
Me:
thanky
oumama.
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Mr
sShezi
:howi
sshedoi
ngBukho?Isomet
imes
wi
sht
ocomecheckonherbutei
sh.
Shesay ssoundingsad.Ihav ehear dthatmamaand
Mr sShezi wer
ebestf ri
endsgr owingupandev en
whent heywer ey oungwomanbutappar ent
lythings
tookat urnsomedayandmymot herdist
anced
hersel
ff r
om Mr sShezi andthat'
sallIknow.Youcan
tel
lthatitdoesn'tsitwellwi
thMr sSheziasshe
alwaysasksofmymot hereacht i
mewemeetl ike
thi
s.
Me:
youcancomeany
timey
ouwant
.
MrsShezi:Idon'tt
hinkshewil
lappreci
atethat
.I
t
ri
edreachingoutwheny ouwerest
illl
it
tl
ebutshe
madeitclearthatshewantsnothi
ngt odowithour
f
ri
endshipany more.
Ishakemyhead.
Menzi
:thendon'
tfor
cemat
ter
smkami
(mywi
fe)
l
eaveherbe.
Hesaysannoy
edandhi
swi
fej
ustnar
rowsherey
es
athi
m.
Mr
sShezi
:takecar
eofherBukho.
Inodsmi
l
ingatt
hissweetwoman.
Menzi
:Nobunt
ulet
'sgo.
Hesayst
aki
ngherhandandpr
act
ical
l
ypul
l
ingher
away.

Ij
ustchucklelight
lyandwal kaway .Hewaspr obably
atthev er
geofshiti
nghi mselft
hinkingI'
l
lspi
llthe
beansofhowhei scheatingwiththeQueenssi st
er.I
continuetr
ackinghomeandwhenIar ri
veIfi
ndmy
mot herdi
shingupf orus,sheseemst obedoing
bettert
odayt
hatshecooked.IguessthefoodI
broughtfr
om t
hepalaceshewill
justeatt
omorr
ow.
..

Me:
sawbonama.
Mama:
Bukhosi
,howwaswor
k?
Me:
itwasokay
.
Isaysett
li
ngonthechai
r.Wear
esti
l
lcol
dtowar
ds
eachotherandi
t'
sstar
ti
ngtowei
ghheav
il
yonme.
Mama:
Ihopey
ouar
ehungr
y.
Me:
nott
oomuchbuty
es.
Shenods.
Me:
Ijustranint
oMr
sShezi
wit
hherhusbandand
t
hei
reldestson.
Shest
opsdi
shi
ngupandl
ooksatmewi
thshock.
Mama:
whatdi
dtheywant
?
Me: not
hingwejustbumpedi
ntoeachot
herandshe
askedofy ou.
Mama:
li
stent
omeson,
stayawayf
rom Nobunt
u
andherhusband.I
nfactst
ayawayf
rom ev
ery
memberoft heShezif
amil
y.
If
rown.
Me:hai
bomamamam'
Nobunt
uisasweetl
ady
nj
ena.
Ma:justl
ist
ent
omef
oroncei
nyourl
i
feman
Bukhosi!
Shescr eamsatmeev enbangingthepotofspinach
ont hetablethati
tspil
lsall
overthesurfaceandon
her.Iam lookingatherdumbfounded,I'
venever
seenmymot herl
oseitli
kethi
s.Ishakemyheadand
standupt ogoboi lwatersoIcanbath.Idon'
teven
wantt oeatany more.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iam start
ingtofeelali
ttl
erel
ievedfr
om al
lthati
s
happening,Iam happythatZonkeisavi
rgi
nandt he
sacri
fi
cecanhappensowecanal lmoveonwi t
hour
l
ives.YesIfeelbadthatanotherwomanisgoingto
becry
ingoverthedisappearanceoft hefr
uitofher
wombbuti t
'sforagreatercourse,i
fIdon'tdothi
s
thent
hewhol eofUkuthulawill
bei nturmoil
,soone
tosav
eat housandiswor thi
t.Iwil
l f
eelbadbutIwill
getoveri
teventual
l
yandsowi llt
hey...

Ijustfi
nishedtakingabat handIfeelref
reshedand
readyforbed.It aket hepowderBheki sharedwit
h
meandKay i
se,theonemakhosi i
nstr
uctedhimto
giveussowebat hwi thiti
nattempttopr ot
ect
ourselv
esf rom the" att
ack".Manzitol
dmet onot
evenuseany t
hingt hatwi l
lbeprovi
dedbyanyot her
sangomaexceptf orhi m butbecausemyhusband
needst othinkIam usi ngitthecontentneedto
decreaseinquant itysoev eryti
meaf t
ermybat hI
poursomei nthet oil
etandf l
ushitdown...

Igetinourbedroom andBhekii
sunderthecovers
si
tti
ngupr i
ghtwithhisgl
assesonreadi
ngsome
documents.Ifr
ownandr ollmyeyesinannoyance,
worknevermakesi t
swayi nt
oourbedroom andit
shouldn'
tev ennow,Idon'
tcarei
fthi
sisgoingto
bri
ngusal lthemoneyintheworldbutneverwenot
i
nvit
ingadi str
acti
onintoourper
sonalhusbandand
wif
esacr edspace..
.

Me:
Bhekumbuso.
Hest
opsr
eadi
ngandl
ooksatme.
Bheki
:Li
yanawami
?
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Bheki
:j
ustgoi
ngt
hroughKay
ise'
spr
oposal
her
e.
Isi
gh.
Me:
youar
einourbedr
oom.
Bheki
:Iam f
ull
yawar
e.
Me:
wor
knev
ercomesi
ntoourbedr
oom.
Bheki
:Iam sor
ryaboutt
hisj
ustt
hatKay
iseneedsus
tomovequickl
ybe-
Icuthi
m of
f.
Me:
Bheki
Ilov
eKay
iseasmuchasy
oudo.Icar
ri
ed
herinmywombf orni
newholemont hsbutyou
shouldn'
tchangeourr
ulesbecauseofwhatKayise
wants.Youcangiveherever
ythi
ngjustnotmy
husbandonmyt ime.
Bheki
:Iam sor
ryLi
yaIam sor
rymkami
.
Me:
let
'shopei
twi
l
lnev
erhappenagai
n.
Bheki
:thi
swast
hel
astt
ime.
Me:
good.Ihav
esomet
hingt
oinf
ormy
ouof
.
Hewrinkl
eshi
sfor
eheadandt
akesof
ftheey
e
gl
asses.
Bheki
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:remembermymother
'sl
ivi
ngrel
ati
vesfr
om t
he
vi
l
lageshewasbor
ninbefor
egett
ingmarri
edher
e?
Bheki
:yesIdo,
what
'
sthemat
terar
etheyokay
?
Me:yesbutt
heyaskedf
orNonhl
eandIt
ocomet
his
Fr
iday.
Bheki:ohIsee.Idon'
thav
eapr oblem wi
tht
hat
.You
wil
ltaketwoguar dsandyourmaids.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
thatwon'
tbenecessar
yBheki
.Iwi
l
ldr
ivemy
sel
f.
Bheki:Li
yanathere'
sanat
tackcomingourwayI
don'tt
hinkit
'swisemaki
ngy oul
eav
ewi t
hout
securi
ty.
Me:myl ov
eIt hi
nktheattackismorespir
it
ualt
hanit
i
sphysicalandIjustwanttofeell
i
keLiyanaonthat
daynotaQueen.
Bheki
:ar
eyousay
ingy
oudon'
tl
ikebei
ngt
heQueen?
Me: ofcoursenot
.Thosearemypeopl eandthey
haven'tseenmeinawhileIwantthem tobef ree
aroundmeandwhenIcomewi t
hev er
ythi
ngt hat
screamsr oyal
tyt
heywil
lnott
reatmegenui nely.
Hesi
ghs.
Bheki
:Idon'tunder
standnordoIl
i
ket
hisbutokay
.
Whenwi l
lyoubeback?
Me:
uhm onSundaymyl
ove.
HenodsandIsi
ghrel
iev
edt
hathedi
dn'
tgi
veme
muchofahardt
ime..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ifli
ckermyey esopenandt hesuni sshinni ngi nmy
room.Ihadagoodni ght'
sr estnohai rpulli
ng
nightmar esjustpleasantdr eams.Ir emov et heduvet
onmybodyandat tempttogetupbutmywhol e
bodyf eel
sst i
ffandpai nf
ul God.Iremai nint his
positionfacingupasapar tofmei sr egrettingwhyI
askedBukhosi t
owor kmehar d,
Ishoul dn'thav e
tri
edi mpr essi
ngt heboycozl ookatwher ei thas
l
andedmenow.Runni ngdidn'thavesuch
consequencesshamemay beIshoul djustst ickto
whatIknowandf indanotherwayt ogetcl oset ohi
m
cozt hisonei sgoingt okil
lmenj e.
..

Isl
owl ygetupfrom t hebedandmakei t,
takingmy
ti
meandnotov erdoingmyal readyov erworkedbody .
OnceIam doneImakemywayt othebat hr
oom and
quickl
yf r
eshenup.Iwal kbacki ntomybedr oom and
si
tonmybedandt akemyphonef rom thepedest al
,
nowt hisisonethingIhav en'
tgav eattenti
onsinceI
gotbackhomeandfunnyenoughIdon'
tev
enf
eel
thevoi
doranyt
hing.
..

MydoorpushesopenasIdi dn'
tshuti
tandZonke
peepsthroughandIsignal hert
ocomei nwit
hmy
head.She'shol
dingat r
aywi thfoodenought
of eed
threeorsopeople,sheplacesitonthetopofthe
drawerandIstandupf i
xingmygown. .
.

Me:
hey
.
Zonke:
mor
ningmypr
incess.
Me:
Itol
dyout
ocal
lmeKay
ise.
Sheshakesherhead.
Zonke:
Ireal
l
ywoul
dn'
tfeel
comf
ort
abl
emypr
incess.
Isi
ghandj
ustdeci
det
oleti
tgososhei
sn'
tfeel
i
ng
awkwar
d.
Me:
it'
sokayt
hen.
Zonke:
Ibr
oughty
ourbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
Iwasdoi
ngt
ocomet
othet
abl
e.
Zonke:t
hetabl
eiscl
ear
edandy
ourpar
ent
saswel
l
assis'
Nonhl
ehaveat
e.
Me:
hai
bowhat
'st
het
ime?
Zonke:
it'
saf
ter9am, Icametocheckonyouearl
i
er
onbutyouweresleepingsopeacef
ull
yandtheKi
ng
sai
dweshouldleavey outor
est.
Il
ookatmyphonet
oconf
ir
mthet
imeandi
ndeedi
t
i
s09:16.
Me:
whoa,
Icansl
eept
heseday
s.
Isaywal
king,nomor
eli
kel
i
mpi
ngt
oseewhat
'son
thetr
ayoffood.
Zonke:
what
'swr
ong?Di
dyouf
all
?
Me:
nopeBukhosi
overwor
kedmybody
.
Zonke:
huh?
Il
ookbackatherandseet
hehor
roronherf
acet
hat
Ican'
thel
pbutgi
ggle.
Me:ohno,nott
hatwork,
wearewor
kingout
t
ogether
,worki
ngoutasinl
i
kegym.
Shesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef.
Zonke:
ohnowIunder
stand.
Me:notthatIwoul
dmi ndhim worki
ngmelikethat
toocozt
hatboyisfineashellandIdon'
tdoubtthat
he'
spackingint
hepant saswell
.
Zonke:
pri
ncess!
Shesaysl
ookingdownobvi
ousl
yembarr
assed
aboutt
hedir
ecti
onthi
sconver
sat
ioni
staki
ng.
Me:
arey
oust
il
lseal
ed?
Zonke:yes,wai
ti
ngonmar
ri
ageaspermymot
her
's
i
nstruct
ions.
Me:Iam sor
rybutmyhusbandi
sn'
tget
ti
ngi
tnew
new.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Zonke:
you'
vedonei
tbef
ore?
If
rown.
Me:yep,whenIfi
rstgottotheci
tyImetaboyand
wehadagoodt hi
nggoi ngon.It
houghtIf
oundmy
husbandandwellIgaveitupandhegotmehooked
butafewmonthsaf
terhest
art
edget
ti
ngcol
d
sayi
ngall
sor
tsofcr
azythi
ngs.
Zonke:
whatwoul
dhesay
?
Me:hesaidhekepthav i
ngdr eamsaboutascary
l
ooki
ngmant ell
i
nghi mt opl
ayf arfr
om hi
swifeor
hewill
makehisdisappearandguesswhatt hatwif
e
wasme, I
maginethecrazy.Ifigur
edhegotwhathe
wantedandhenol ongercared,boysfr
om t
hecity
.
Zonke:
Iam sor
ryt
oheart
his.
Me:
I'
m goodnow,
itwasal
ear
ningexper
ience.
Zonke:
asl
ongasy
ouar
egoodmypr
incess.
Me:
let
'seatsoy
oucant
ell
memor
eabouty
our
sel
f.
Isayandshesmil
esseemi
ngt
obemor
e
comfort
abl
ewit
hmenow.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Theroyalcounci
landIaresi
tt
ingaroundthet
hrone
room l
ookingandli
steni
ngtotheappleofmyeye
expl
ainingthenewpr oj
ectshewant stoleadher ei
n
ourvi
llageandhowi twillbenef
itevery
onewhoi sa
memberoft hi
scommuni ty.Theeldersarelooki
ng
atherintensel
yandlist
eningattenti
vel
ytoal l
that
shehast osayandt hefactthattheykeepnoddingis
makingmeconf i
dentmor einmydaught er'
s
capabili
ti
esandIcan'thelpbutbemor epr oudasa
fat
her..
.

Sheconcl udesaf t
erexplaini
ngt hatwewi ll
be
headedt ot heci t
ysomet i
menextweekt omeetwi t
h
potenti
al par t
nersthatwemi ghtbringonboar dso
theprojectcanbeanchor edonal lsidesnecessary
andthecounci l
clapshandsf orherandpr aiseher
forcomi ngbackher ewithplanst omakesur ethat
ourcommuni tydevelopsandourpeopl eare
i
ncludedi ni ttoo..
.

Iinf
ormthem thatwecangotot hedinni
ngr
oom
whereI'
veaskedthehelper
stopr epar
eussome
refr
eshmentsbefor
etheyareheadedhome.Menzi
askstohaveawor
dwit
hmebefor
ewejointher
est
ofthecounsel
member
sandIr
emainsi
tedonmy
chair
..
.

Menzi
:Kay
isei
sasmar
tyoungwoman.
Hecompl
i
ment
sandIsmi
l
e.
Me:
Iam sopr
oud.
Menzi
:asy
oushoul
dmyKi
ng.
Me:
whati
sitt
haty
ouwantt
odi
scusswi
thme?
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Menzi :
f i
rst
lyIwantyoutoknowt hatIam notbei ng
biasedbutr at
herIhavebeenlookingcloselyatthe
all
egationssoIdon'tcometoy ouwithunf ounded
things.
If
rown.
Me:
okay
?
Menzi
:afewofthemai
dsandguardscamet
ome
compl
aini
ngaboutt
hechi
efofst
aff?
Me:
Bukhosi
?
Menzi
:yesmyKi
ng.
Me:haot
heyl
eftmeandmywi
feher
eandwent
st
rai
ghtt
ocomplai
ntoy
ou?
Menzi :
Ialsoaskedthem buttheysaidyouaret
oo
fondoft hatboyandyoumi ghtnottakeanyact
ion
againsthim.
Me:
Kahl
ebo!I
'
venev
erbeeni
mpar
ti
al.
Menzi
:It
oldt
hem t
hatt
oo.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
whatar
etheal
l
egat
ions?Andwhomadet
hem?
Menzi:Iwouldrat
hernotment ionnamesbutt he
maidscompl ai
nthatheasksf orsexualadvancesso
heassignsthem l
essstrai
ningjobsandt heguards
saysi
fy ouarenothisfr
iendorpayy ouhewi llgi
ve
younightduti
esalwaysandr efusetochange.
Ifr
ownnotbel
i
evingwhatI'
m hear
ing.Thi
sdoesn'
t
soundl
i
keBukhosinotatal
l.
Me:
thesear
ever
yser
iousal
l
egat
ionsandIwi
l
l
at
tendt
othem qui
ckl
y.
Menzi
:i
nthemeant i
measyouadvi
sorIwil
lputi
t
t
hatyoususpendhi
m wi
thi
mmediateeff
ect
.
Me:t
hatisabitextr
emenow.Iwi l
lat
tendtothi
s
matt
ersoonerthanyouthinkandi
fheisfoundgui
l
ty
hewil
lbefi
redfrom hi
sjob.
Menzi
:myKi
ng-
Iqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
.
Me:innocentunt
ilpr
ovengui
lt
y.Iwi
ll
star
tmy
i
nvesti
gati
onsafterwehavehadourl
unch.
Henodsandsomet hi
ngdeepi nsi
demysoul tel
l
sme
thatBukhosidi
dn'
tdoanyoft hesethingshe'sbeing
accusedofbutasaKi ngmydut yistolookintoit
whetherIthi
nkIknowt hi
sboywel lenoughornot .
Myr esponsi
bil
i
tyi
swi t
hallofmyempl oyees.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER08
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Icoul dn'tconductany thingy esterdayaf terl

unch
becauseIr eal izedthatourst afft aket ur
nswi ththei
r
shiftssoIhadt odoev erythi
ngt odayasIhav e
call
edal loft hem t obepr esentf ort hi
s.Ithadtobe
donet hiswayasMenzi refusedt ot el
lmewhot hose
peopl ear e,theone' swhoal l
egedl yaccusedBukhosi
ofthosev i
l
et hings.Iaskedmywi fetobepr esentso
shecoul dbet heonet odeal witht hemai densas
theymi ghtf eel embarrassedt alkingt omeabout
theirexper iencesandIwi l
ldeal wi ththeguar ds
my self..
.

Itwashardformet oaskBukhosinott
oreportf
or
dutyunti
lal
lofthi
sissolv
ed,hewasappalledatthe
all
egat
ionsforwar
dedagainsthi
m andithurtmeto
seehi mf eel
ingsobet ray edandIwi ll
notf orgethow
het r
iedassur ingmet hathedi dn'
tdoalloft hose
thi
ngsandIf oronebel iev ehim andIprayt hatit
'sal
l
alie.Iknowhowsomepeopl ecanbejealousof
someone' spr ogressandwoul dgotoanyl engthto
destroythem andt hei
rreput ati
onandal sot hefact
thatthesenewscamet omet hroughMenzi made
mer aisemyear scozev eryoneknowst hatmy
personal advisorhasapr oblem withBukhosi andwe
alldon'tknowwhyi tisso, whoknowsi fhei snotthe
mast ermi ndbehi ndalloft hi
sjusttogetridoft hat
boy .
..

Peoplecanlieifgiv enal i
tt
lesomet hingsoIknewI
hadtocallmakhosi andhav ehim pretendt ohavea
mutimi xt
ureev er
y onewi l
ltakebef oretalkingtome
andifsomeonel i
esagai nstBukhosi t
hatmut i
wi l
l
maket hem gocr azybutweknowt hatisn'tgoingto
happenasi t
'sjustt omaket hem tellt
het ruthand
for
gettheper suasiont heymi ghthav ereceivedfrom
someonei ndest r
oy ingani nnocentlif
e.Mywi feand
Iwalktotheout sidewher eev erystaffmemberof
t
hepal
acei
swai
ti
ng.
..

Me: Goodmorni
ngandthankyoual
lforwaiti
ng
especial
l
ytheguar
dst
hatworkedthenightshif
t.
Theal
lbowdownt
ome.
Me: welly
ester
dayMenzi mypersonaladvisorcame
tomeanddi sclosedthatsomeofyouwentt ohi
m
andcompl ai
nedaboutBukhosiaski
ngf orsexual
favorsandmoneyi nexchangef
orlessstraini
ng
chores.
Someofthemai
dsandguar
dsl
ookateachot
her
conf
used.
Me: wellIhavet
akenthoseal l
egati
onsveryseri
ousl
y
becauset hesaf
etyofal
l ofyouisaprior
it
yand
everyonewhomi susestheirpowermustbehel d
accountableandtheymustf acetheconsequences
oftheiracti
ons.
Menzi
:that
'sv
eryt
ruemyKi
ng.
Hesay
sfr
om t
hebackandIj
ustsmi
rk.
Me:
sot
hemai
denswi
l
ltal
ktot
heQueenaboutt
hei
r
exper
iencewi
thBukhosi
andt
heguar
dswi
l
ltal
kto
me.
Theyal
lnodinagreementandIl
ookatthesangoma
andnodgiv
inghimt hepl
atf
ormtot
alk.
Makhosi:sot heKi nginformedmeofal l
oft hi
sand
l
ikeithasalway sbeendonewhent here's
accusati
onsoft hi
smagni t
udeint her oyalpalace
thosewhoar et ogi vetesti
moniesagai nstthe
accusedhavet odr i
nkfrom thesacr edpotoft r
uth
andsweart ot ellt
het r
uth,ifyouaret elli
ngt hetr
uth
youwi l
lgofreebutt heminutey ouliet heGodof
j
usticewil
lstrikey ouwi t
hmadness.
Theyall
gaspsf
orai
randIseesomeoft
hem
bl
inki
ngandget
ti
ngnerv
ous.
Me: y
ouhav eheardsoonebyoney ouwill
come
kneeldownheretakeasi poffr
om thepotandthen
eachandev er
yonewillgetachancetotellust
hei
r
experi
enceswithBukhosisi
ncey oustar
tedworki
ng
here.
Menzi
:thi
sisnewstomyearsmyKi
ng,
whendi
dwe
hav
ethiski
ndoftr
adit
ion?
Makhosi
:doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thi
t?
Heswal
l
owsandshakeshi
shead.
Me:ift
heytel
lthetr
uththentheyhav
eabsol
utel
y
not
hingtoworryaboutr
ight?
Isayl
ooki
ngatt
hesangomaf
orconf
ir
mat
ion.
Makhosi
:that
'sv
eryt
ruemyKi
ng.
Queen:
well
thencomeandstartdr
inki
ngbecause
weneedtogett
othebot
tom ofthi
simmediatel
y.
Mywifesaysandthosewhoareconf
identqui
ckl
y
comestokneeldownanddri
nktheharmlessmuti
makhosipr
epared.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ithi
nkIam goingoutofmymi ndher
e,neverinmy
l
ifehaveIbeenaccusedofthemostvil
ethingas
thi
sone.Whent heKingtol
dmey est
erdaybefore
knocki
ngoffIwasshockedoutofmysenses
becauseIhaveservedthepal
acewit
hintegri
tyand
I'
venev ershowni mpar t
ial
i
tytoany oneoraskedany
girl
forsexual favor
sormoney .Imeanhowcoul dI
evenwantt ost ri
pof fanot
herhumanbei ngtheir
dignit
yandpr idenort hemoneyt heyareworkingso
hardfortof eedtheirfamil
ies?

Ishouldhav eknownt hatbab'

Menzi woulddo
somet hi
ngt odiscreditmebecausesomewher ein
thatpeanutbrainofhi shebel i
evesthatIwill
tell
everyoneofhisaf f
airwi t
htheQueenssi sterbutI
wouldn'thaveev enopenedmymout htodest r
oya
famil
yorcausepr oblemsi nthepalace,whent he
ti
mei srightal
l hi
sl i
eswi l
lcomeoutandpeopl ewill
knowhi mf orthesnakehei s.
..

Idon'tknowwhatwi llbecomeofmei fthosehehas

boughttolieagainstmecor robor
atehi sst
orytothe
King.Ineedthisj
ob, notonlyformebutf ormy
mot her
,themoneyImakeatt hepalaceIuseitto
buyusgr oceri
esandmedi cati
onformama, yeswe
haveacl i
nicbutsomeoft hemedicationIneedto
butmy
sel
fsoi
fIl
oset
hisj
obi
t'
stheendofme.
..

Ihavebeencl eaningt heyardtheenti

remorning
try
ingsohardt okeepmy sel
fpreoccupi
edtoav oi
d
thi
nkingaboutwhatmi ghtbehappeningri
ghtnowat
thepalacebutI'mf ai
lingcozthisistheonl
ythingI
cant hi
nkaboutr eall
y.May beIshouldusethi
st i
me
tothinkofwhatI '
m goi ngtodot oearnali
vi
ng
becauselet
'sber ealthosehehasboughtwi l
lsay
I'
vedoneallthoset hingsandt heKingwil
lnothavea
choicebuttoletmego. .
.

Mama:
Bukho.
Mymot
hersay
sfr
om behi
ndme.
Me:
mor
ning.
Mama:
Bhukoi
t'
sThur
sdayt
oday
.
Me:
yesi
tis.
Mama:
thenwhyar
eyounotatwor
k?
Me:
Ihav
eadayof
f.
Ianswernotl
ooki
ngather
.
Mama:ohBukho,
Iam y
ourmot
herandy
oucan
nev
erl
i
etome.
Me:
whatmakesy
out
hinkIam l
yi
ngt
oyou?
Mama: becausewhenyouhav
eal otony
ourpl
ate
andyouarestressedy
ouworkli
keamadmadi nthe
thi
sheat.
Me:Iam f
inemama,
youj
ustr
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
nto
t
his.
Mama: Iknowwear
enotinthebestoft
ermsbutI
am st
il
lyourmot
her
,yourf
ri
endsopleaseconf
idei
n
me.
Me:
youar
ejustwor
ryi
ngy
our
sel
fov
ernot
hing.
Mama:Iam notokayandIknowyouarelyi
ngIwi
ll
wor
ryandholdthi
sinmyheartanditwi
ll
onlymake
meworse,
I'
m notreadytodi
eandleaveyoual
one.
Shesay
sandIqui
ckl
ytur
nandf
aceher
.
Me:
mamapl
easedon'
ttal
kli
ket
his.
Mama:
thent
ell
yourmot
hert
het
rut
h.
Ibi
temyl
owerl
i
p.
Me:
Imi
ghtl
osemyj
ob.
Isaycl
osingmyeyesbecauseIdon'
twantt
osee
thehor
roronherf
ace.
Mama:
whatwhy
?Whathappened?
Sheasksal
armed.
Me: bab'
Menziconspi
redwithafewmai dsand
guardsandaccusedmeofaski ngformoneyand
sexualfav
orsi
nr et
urnofassigni
ngthem easy
chores.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Mama: youwoul
dneverdothatBukho,Irai
sedan
honestmanandIknowy oucoul
dnev erdoit
.
Me:itdoesn'
tmatt
ermamabecauset
hekingwi
l
l
nothaveachoiceaspeopl
ewi
l
lli
eagai
nstme.
Mama:whyisthi
smansoevil
,i
sn'
titenoughf
orhi
m,
whymusthefeelt
heneedt
otakeandtake.
Shesay
sandIcanheart
hehat
einherv
oice.
Me:
Godwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthatman.Idon'
tknowwhatI
ev
erdi
dforhi
mtohat
emet
hismuch.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Icoul dn'tst andanot hermi nuteli

steningt owhatI
alreadyknow.Bukhosi i
sagoodboyandhecoul d
nev erdoal lofthet hingshewasaccusedofand
thankGodBheki t
houghtofbr i
ngingmakhosi inthe
mi xjustt ogett hesemai dsandguar dst otel
lthe
truthandnot hi
ngel secozi fhedidn'tani nnocent
har dwor ki ngboywoul dhav elostitallbecauseofa
l
ie.Theyal ltol
dust hathehasbeennot hingbutan
amazi ngl eaderwhodoeshi sjobexcept ionall
yand
goesbey ondwhati sexpect edofhi mj usttomake
sur ethatt heaf fai
rsoft hishomear einor derandto
met hatdi dn'tscream pr osecuti
onbutar ai
seinhis
salary...

Il
eftBheki
witht
hestaf
fasIhadmor epr
essing
matter
stoatt
endto,
mydeadlineistomorrowandI
needtotal
ktoNonhl
eonthelogist
icsofthewhole
thi
ng.Wehav eoursacri
fi
cebutwestil
lneedt o
fi
gureouthowwear egoi
ngtotakehertoManzi '
s
shri
neandweal lknowtwoheadsarebetterthan
oneandwewi llsur
elycomeupwi t
hsomet hi
ng.I
knockonherdoorandsheshout scomeinf r
om the
i
nside,
Igetinandshei sbusypai
nti
nghertoenai l
s..
.

Nonhl
e:howwascour
t?I
sitni
cepl
ayi
ngmagi
str
ate?
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhyy ourboyf
ri
endl
i
edagainstt
hat
boybecausenonoft
hest af
fmembersbackedup
hi
sstory.
Nonhl
e:Idon'
tl
iv
einMenzi
'
sbr
ainsi
si.
Me:
yougoar
oundsl
eepi
ngwi
thany
thi
ngshame.
Nonhl
e:I
'
m sureyoudi
dn'
tcomei
ntomyr
oom t
o
i
nsul
tmeLiyana.
Me:
yesIwantust
odi
scusst
omor
row.
Shef
rowns.
Nonhl
e:hai
bowhatabouti
t,wehav
easacr
if
ice,
we
haveanexcuset
obeoutt
hewhol
eweekend,
oram I
missi
ngsomethi
ng?
Me:
yes,
howar
ewegoi
ngt
ogetZonket
oManzi
?
Nonhl
e:weobviousl
yhavetowaitf
orher
somewhereontheroadsheusestogethomeaft
er
workandthenpret
endtobedoingonthesame
di
rect
ionandoff
erherali
ft
.
Me: sheisn'
tgoingtowi
ll
ingl
yagreet
ocrossthe
r
iverwithusintothedar
kf or
estnowwil
lshe.
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Nonhl
e:i
magi
nei
fIdi
dn'
tthi
nkoft
heset
hings.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Nonhle:y
ouaresoslowLiyana.Well
Iwenttothe
cl
inicear
li
eronandItookasedati
vethatweare
goingtouseonhert
obeabl etocarr
yherther
e.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
whatwoul
dIbewi
thouty
ousi
si?
Nonhl
e:exact
ly.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng.
Nonhl
e:si
ster
sforl
i
feLi
yanaIgoty
ourbackcozy
ou
gotmi
ne.
Me:l
etmegot
ryt
ofi
shwhi
chr
oadsheusest
oget
home.
Nonhl
e:y
epy
oudot
hat
.
Igetupandheadouttofi
gureouthowI
'
m goi
ngt
o
knowwhichroadsheuses.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Babagav emet hedutytogoandt ellBukhosi t

hathe
hasbeenv i
ndicat
edandhecancomebackt owork
andcont i
nueser vi
ngt hi
sKi ngdom l i
kehehasbeen
doingthesepasty ears.Icoul dn'
twai tfornightto
fal
lsoIcangoputt hepoorguyoutofhi smi ser
y,I
wouldhav eli
kedt odot haty ester
daybutbabaandI
hadt ogot othetimberpl antati
onbecauseIneeded
somei nformationtoincludei nthepr esentati
onand
businessplanandIcoul donl ygeti tfrom the
manager ..
.
IwokeupanhouragoandIwasr eadytoleavebut
mymot hert ol
dmei t'
stooearlytogot osomeone's
homecozt heymightsti
llbeinthei
rnightwearand
all
thatandIhadt ocalm downandwat chherasshe
packstoleav eali
ttl
elat
ertomygr andmot her
's
vi
ll
ageasherr el
ati
vesaskedherandncaneNonhl e
tocomev isit,
wear enotsureifi
t'
sjustasocialcal
l
orsomethingser i
ousisgoingon...

Ipusht i
mewi thstupidthingsandi nnot imei t
's
after12,ever
yoneisawakeatt histimeandt hey'r
e
cleanedandf r
eshenedr ight?YesmanIshoul djust
goal r
eady.Igrabthecarkey sinmyf ather'
sstudy
andgosayby etomymom andauntcozIdon' t
knowwhenI '
ll
beback, Icoul df
indmy selfl
ostint he
companyoft hatbeaut i
fulchocolatemanIam about
togoandseesoImi ghtaswel ljustwi shasaf e
j
our neytothetrav
eller
s...

Idr
ivet
ohi
shouseasmyf
atherdi
rect
edme,
it'
snot
toof arwheny ouar edr i
v i
ngbuti t'
sast retchwhen
walkingIcancer t
ainlytellbutmay betheyhav eshort
cutst ot hi
ssect i
on.Igett otheirhouseandIpar k
andgetoutoft heSUV.They ardi sv erycl eanandI
noticet heimpr essivev egetablegar dennextt othe
bigapr icottree,everythinglooksappet izingGod
whoev erisplantinghasagr eathand.Iwal ktot
he
doorandi tisopen, noonei sint heki t
chenasIl ook
around, t
hefloori sshinningandi t
'sreallyneatev en
withoutf ancyf urnit
ure,Icouldact ual l
yeatf r
om the
fl
oort hat '
showcl eanitis.Iam aboutt oknockasan
elderlywomanappear sf r
om anot herr oom, I
assumei t
'shismom. ..

Ma:
hel
l
o,canIhel
pyou?
Shei
ssopol
i
te.
Me:sani
bonamama,
mynamei
sKay
isei
sBukhosi
i
n?
Shenodswi
thasmi
l
e.
Ma:
yeshei
shome,
pleasecomei
n.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Ma:
youar
ever
ybeaut
if
ulsi
si,
arey
ouhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
Sheasksexci
tedandIl
augh.
Me:
nomamawear
ejustf
ri
ends.
Isaynotknowi
nghowt
olabel
ourassoci
ati
on.
Ma:y
ouaret
hefir
stgi
rlt
hathasev
ercameher
e
l
ooki
ngf
oryou.
Bukho:mamastop,
thepr
incessdoesn'
tneedt
o
hearal
loft
his.
Hesayswalki
nginembarr
assedbutwhycozhi
s
mother
'sr
eacti
onissocut
e.
Me:
ohIdon'
tmi
nd.
Ma:
didy
ousaypr
incess?
Bukho:
yest
hisi
spr
incessKay
ise.
Ma:
haor
oyal
tyi
nmyhome,
whatahonor
.
Shet
ri
est
okneel
inf
rontofmebutIqui
ckl
yst
opher
.
Me:
nomamapl
easet
hatwon'
tbenecessar
y.
Ma:
youwi
l
lli
vel
ongnkosazana.
Me:
Amenandt
hanky
ou.
Bukho:
nkosazanawhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?
Me: well
Bukhosi,Ibr
inggoodnews.Noonecame
forwardwithwhatbab'Menzi
saidi
nfactt
heyar
eal
l
singi
ngy ourpr
aises.
Bukho:
arey
ouser
ious?
Me:l
i
keahear
tat
tack,
youcancomebackt
owor
k
onMonday
.
Ma:IknewGodwi l
lnotall
owthem t
opl
aywi
thhi
s
chosenanddest
royhim wit
hli
es.
Bukho:
thi
sisareli
ef,
thanky
ouforcomi
ngt
otel
l
me,Iwasgoingoutofmymind.
Me:
youar
ewel
come.
Ma:t
hiscall
sforacel
ebr
ati
on.Mt
imandepl
easej
oin
usf
orlunch.
Bukho:
maI'm sur
ethepr
incessi
sfi
neandhast
ogo
somewher
e.
Igi
vehi
m al
ook.
Me:
Don'
tspeakf
orme.Iwoul
dlov
etost
ay.
Ma:
int
hatcasel
etmest
artwi
tht
hepot
s.
Me:
Sol
ongcanIpl
easehav
esomeofy
ourapr
icot
s.
Bukho:
Iwi
l
lpl
ucksomef
ory
ou,
come.
If
oll
owhi
m out
.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Bukho:Ihopey
oueatspi
nachandtomat
ogr
avycoz
that
'swhatmymom isgoi
ngtocook.
Me:
whatdoy
out
hinkIam kodwa?
Hel
ooksdownembar
rassed.
Bukho:
Ijustt
hought
-
Me:st
opthat
,Iam t
heprincessyesbutIam st
il
l
human.Il
i
kethesi
mplestthingsandIeatspi
nach
nePapa.
Bukho:
youar
esohumbl
e.
Me:notwhenIhav
ecr
avi
ngsnowgetmesome
apr
icot
s.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER09
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Istil
lcan'
twr apmyheadar oundwhatMenzi was
tryi
ngtoachiev ebylyingagai nstBukhosi ,Imean
thatyoungmanhasnev erdoneany thi
ngt ohimt o
deservesuchhat ef r
om anel derofhi scommuni ty,a
mant hatissupposet obeshowi nghi mt heropes
sincehedoesn' thavehi sownf atherpresentinhis
l
ife.Thesamewayhewant edBukhosi tofacethe
consequencesofhi s"acti
ons"i sthesamewayhe
alsohast ofacethemusi c.Ifhecoul dlieagainsta
youngboyandev engoasf arasdecei v
ingmet olet
him gowhatbombwoul dhedr oponmyheadby
conspiri
ngwi thmyenemi es, theattackmi ghteven
becomi ngfrom hi m.It'
scleart hatIcannott r
usthim
anymor e.
..
Icalledhi
m ov erandhehasbeenwai t
ingonmef or
overanhournow, butIwantedtotakemyt i
mej ust
tomakehi m mor enervoustry
ingtofigureoutwhat
thi
smeet ingisabout.Imakemywayi nthethrone
room andhei ssitt
ingonhischair,t
appinghisf oot
ont hefl
oorasaner v
ousgesture.Isettl
eont he
throneandcr ossmyl egsl
ookingathimi ntensely
andhecan' tevenlookatmeandhei sr i
ghtnott o
becausewhathedi dwasshamef ul.
..

Me:
whydi
dyoul
i
e?
Iasksof
tl
yandhecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatl
ooki
ngupatme.
Menzi
:myKi
ng?
Me: nonofthemaidensorguar
dscor
robor
atedyour
stor
y ,
theyall
sayt
hatBukhosii
sagreatl
eaderand
theyarehappytoworkunderhi
m.
Menzi:what?NomyKi ngt
heymusthavebeen
scaredtot
ellyouort
heQueenaftermaki
ngthem
dri
nkfrom t
hatpotmakhosibr
ought.
Me:
thatwast
omaket
hem t
ell
thet
rut
hbecause
theyknewiftheyl
i
edt heywoul
drunmadso
every
onetoldthetr
uth.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Menzi
:theydi
ciev
edmemyKi
ng.
Me:Menziwhati
syoupr
obl
em wi
tht
hatboy
?What
hashedonetoyou?
Hef
rowns.
Menzi
:Ihol
dnot
hingagai
nstt
hatboy
,not
hingatal
l
.
Me:
webot
hknowt
hat
'sal
i
e.
Menzi
:yourhi
ghness.
Ihol
doutmyhandt
osi
l
encehi
m.
Me:Iam notafoolandIdon'
tappr
eciat
ethatyou
wantedtopushyourownagendausingtheroy
al
r
esources.
Menzi
:that'
snotwhathappenedandIcoul
dnev
er
makeaf ooloutofy
oumyLor d.
Me:buty
oudi
dandf
ort
hatIcannev
ert
rusty
ou
ev
eragai
n.
Menzi
:whatdoy
oumean?
Me: Iam demoti
ngyouf
rom yourposit
ionasmy
personaladvi
sor
.Youwi
llj
ustbeamemberoft he
councilandoneoft
heel
derswillr
eplaceyou.
Hegaspsf
orai
randqui
ckl
yst
andsup
Menzi:nonomyKi ngpl
easeyoucan'tst
ri
pmeof
f
mytit
lejustbecausesomemai dsandguards
deci
dedt oli
etomeagai nstBukhosi
.
Me:namethosepeopl
esot hatt
heycancome
expl
aint
hemsel
vesinf
rontoftheroy
alcounci
l
.
Heswal
l
ows.
Menzi
:Ipr
omi
sedt
hem anony
mit
y.
Me:
theni
twi
l
llookl
i
key
ouwer
ejustl
yi
ngt
hen.
Menzi
:nopl
easet
her
ehast
obeanot
herway
.
Me:takethemult
i makhosi
gavetherestoft
hem
andsweartotel
lthetrut
hcozifyoudon'
tyou
al
readyknowtheconsequences.
Hecloseshiseyesandgoesbackt
osi
tdownand
bur
ieshim headinhi
shands.
Me:
thedeci
sioni
syour
sMenzi
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ihavebeenwi thBukhosiathishousesi ncemor ning

andI'm havi
ngagr eatti
me,heismor er elaxedand
comf or
tablenow.Earli
eronhewasact i
ngsomehow
andIsuspecthet houghtI'
m someki ndofsnobt hat
wil
ljudgehishomeandcompar etowhatIknowand
havebackatt hepalacebutthat
'sjustnotwhoIam.
Iunderstandthatwecomef rom diff
erent
backgrounds,Iwasbor nwit
hasi l
verspooni nmy
mout handhehadt owor khardforev er
y t
hinghehas
andtomet hat'
ssomethingtoadmi r
enotl ookdown
on..
.

Wear esit
ti
ngundert hetr
eeonthestr
awmat ,
the
shadeiskeepingtheheataway.Wearewat chi
ng
somef i
tnessbunny'
sv i
deosonYouTubeandhei s
seri
ousl
yenj oyi
ngeverymomentofitbecausethi
s
i
swhathel ikes.Thi
sgirl
isdoi
ngthemost
outrageousr
out
inesandshameI'
m notthatf
lexi
ble.
Mybat ter
ydi
esandwebot hsi
ghandlookateach
other.
..

Me:
andIdi
dn'
tbr
ingachar
ger
.
Bukho:
it'
sokaywewi
l
lwat
chagai
nsomeot
hert
ime.
Me: y
ouseem t
oenjoyi
t.Youcansubscr
ibeonher
channel
withy
ourphone.
Hel
ooksdown.
Bukho:
Idon'
thav
eaphonenkosazana.
Igasp.
Me:
noki
ddi
ng.
Bukho:
ser
iousl
y.
Me:
whatwhy
?Howdoy
ousur
viv
e?
Hechuckl
es
Bukho:
Iwantonet rustmeIdobutthemoneyI
makehast obuygroceri
esandgetmamasomeof
hermedicat
iontheydon'
tprov
ideatthel
ocal
cli
nic
andIal
soneedt
osav
eforemer
genci
es.
If
eel
badr
ightnow.
Me:
yourmot
heri
ssi
ck?
Bukho:
yesshei
sbutwi
tht
hemedsshe'
staki
ngshe
get
sherstr
engt
h.
Me: y
ouareagreatper
sonandanamazi ngson,
taki
ngcar
eofyourmot herandput
ti
ngherneeds
befor
ewhatev
ery ouwant.Icommendyou.
Bukho:
shei
stheonl
yfami
l
yIhav
e.
Me:
yourdad?Si
bli
ngs?
Het
akesadeepsi
gh.
Bukho:
Iam anonl
ychi
l
dandIdon'
tknowmyf
ather
.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
Bukhosi
Iam sosor
ryf
orbei
ngsof
orwar
d.
Iment
all
ysl
apmy
sel
f.
Bukho:
it'
sokaynkosazana,
youdi
dn'
tknowt
his.
Me:
sti
l
lIshoul
dn'
thav
e.
Bukho:
don'
twor
ryabouti
t.
Me:
sohow'
sitl
i
kewor
kingatt
hepal
ace?
Iaskt
ryi
ngt
ochanget
hesubj
ect
.
Bukho:it
'sreall
ynice,
peacef
ulandt
hefactt
hatyour
parent
sar egreatpeoplewhotr
eatt
hei
rsubj
ect
s
wellmakesi tmoregreat.
Me:Iknowthi
sisyourl
i
vel
ihoodandI'm notl
ooki
ng
downonitbutwhatwasorsti
ll
isyourdream j
ob?
Hesmi
l
es.
Bukho: growingupIwasmadl yi
nl ov ewithfootbal
l
somuchsot hatIwantedt obeapr ofessi
onal
soccerpl ayerbutIgrewupandr ealizedthatit'
san
uncertaincareerandIst art
edtakingal iki
ngi n
gardeningandIwoul ddr eam ofowni ngmyown
commer cialf
arm whereI '
dproduceandgosel lat
myownst oreinthecit
y.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:youcanstil
ldothat
.Imeanl
ookathow
amazingyourgardeni
s.
Bukho:
Iwillneedabi
ggerf
ert
il
elandandapar
tner
whowilli
nvestinmydr
eam.
Me: Icanpartnerwit
hyou,I'
m al
wayslooki
ngto
i
nv estandhelppeoplegrowthei
rdreamsandthe
factthatyouarefrom t
hisl
andandy oucanal
sobe
abletohiresomeofoury outhsmakesitagood
course.
Hei
slooki
ngatmeshocked.
Bukho:
nkosazanaar
eyouser
ious?
Ismi
l
e.
Me:li
keaheartat
tack,
Iam st
il
lbusywi
thaproject
nowbutgiv
emeaf ewweeksandwewillst
artwith
your
saft
erI'
vespokentot
heKing.
Heat t
acksmewi thahugandboydon'tIfi
tperfect
ly
i
nhisar ms,Ihol
dont ohimtooandplacemynose
ofhisshoul
derandinhalehi
sscent.I
tsnotthemost
expensiv
ecolognebutbecauseit
sonhi mitmakes
megoi nsane.Iappr
eciat
eacleanguyandt r
ustme
whenIsayBukhosi i
scleanevenwiththel
it
tle
thi
ngshehas.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA
MysisterNonhleandIhav ebeenpar kedatsome
j
unctionwait
ingonZonket oappear ,Iam nervousas
hel
lbecausetimeisnol ongeronoursi de,theylong
knockedoffatthepalaceandsheshoul dhav e
passedbynow.Thesuni sstil
lhotandi t
'sjust
makingmemor eunsettl
ed,thi
sisnochi ld'
splayand
anyhumanbei ngwithaconsci ouswoul dfeelthi
s
waytoo..
.

Ikeeplookingatmywr i
stwat chandt appingmy
fi
ngersont hestar
ri
ngwheel andt hatjustearnsme
l
ooksofannoy ancefrom Nonhl e,
shei ssocal m
aboutthiswholethi
ngyou'dsweart hisisnother
fi
rstr
odeo.Iclosemyey estryingtothinkof
somethingelsewhenshet apsmer epeatedlyonmy
shoul
der...

Me:
whatwhat
?
Iask
Nonhl
e:shej
ustpassedbyal
one.
Myner v
esskyrocketandIstar
ttheengi
ne.Wedr i
ve
behindherandshelooksbackandstepsoutofthe
waysot hecarcanpassbybutoncewer eachherI
stopthecarandcal
l hername.
Me:
Zonke.
Shel
ooksmydi
rect
ionandf
rowns.
Zonke:
myQueen?
Me:
Ithoughtt
hatwasy
ou.
Zonke:
iti
s,weren'
tyouandsi
sNonhl
esupposet
o
beoutoft
hev i
l
lage?
Me:Iam soannoy
edmntanami,wehadt
odr
ive
backtof
etchabagNonhl
eforgot.
Nonhl
e:Icanbef
orget
ful
somet
imes.
Zonke:
I'
m sor
ryt
oheart
hatmyQueen.
Me:
arey
ouheadedhome?
Zonke:
yesma.
Nonhl
e:y
oul
i
vef
arhey
,andwal
ki
ngi
nthi
squi
et
empt
yroadi
snotsaf
e.
Zonke:
Idon'
thav
eachoi
ce.
Me:Ineedtot
alkt
otheKi
ngaboutpr
ovi
ding
t
ranspor
tfort
hoseofy
ouwholi
vefar
.
Zonke:
wewoul
dappr
eci
atei
tsomuch.
Me:
fornowhopi
nletmedr
opy
ouof
f.
Zonke:
myQueenIdon'
twantt
owast
emor
eofy
our
ti
me.
Me:
it'
snobot
hersi
si.
Nonhlegetsoutoft hecarandopensthebacksit
doorforher.Sheget sinandbefor
eshesettl
es
proper
lymysi st
erinjectsherwi
ththesedati
veon
herneckandshet ouchest hespotandgiv
eshera
l
ook.
Zonke:
sisNonhl
ewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Sheasksshockedandscar
edandmyhear
tsi
nks
Me:
Iam sosor
ryZonkesov
erysor
ry.
Zonke:
what
'sgoi
ngon?Whatdi
dyoudot
ome?
Sheasksalr
eadylookingdrowsyandinnotimeshe
coll
apsesontheseatandat earrol
l
sdownmy
cheek.Mysist
erquickl
yclosesthedoorandget
sin
thefront
.
Nonhl
e:t
hisi
snotthet
imef
ort
ear
sLi
yana.Wehav
e
t
odothisnowdri
ve.

Iwipeitof fandstartt
heengineheadedt otheriv
er.
Thedrivei ssil
entandguil
thasalreadystart
ed
eati
ngt hroughmebutIkeepr emi
ndingmy selfof
whythisneedst obedone.Wegett other i
verandI
dri
veint hedeepf or
estunti
lthecarcan'tgoany
fur
ther.Webot hgetoutandtakeZonkeoutt oo
gentl
ypl acingheronthegrass.
Nonhl
e:weneedt
ocov
ert
hiscarsonooneseesi
t.
Me:
okay
.
Wet akethethefal
lenbigpal
mtreeleaf
sto
camouflagethecarandithasworkedbecauseno
wonderingeyethatdoesn'
tknowwhattolookfor
wil
lseeit.Wepickherupandstartmakingourway
deeperintot
heforestandthi
sgir
linheavybutwe
soldieronbecauseweneedt omakei tt oManzi on
ti
me.Wet akeabr eakacoupl eoft imesandchange
sidest hencontinue.Thef orestisget tingdenserand
darkerandIknowwear eal mostt her e.Nonhl eandI
arebot hpantingandsweat ing.Wegett otheshr i
ne
afterwhatf eel
sl i
kef or
everandt her e'sabl azi
ngf i
re
i
nt hemi ddl
e.Manzi isbusychant ingwhi l
eci r
cli
ng
thefire.There'
sabedmadef r
om t reel eafsand
grassesandcandl esofal lcolorsar epl acedar ound
i
t.Thewhol esetupi screepy .Manzi stopsashe
seesusandf l
ashest hatscar ysmi le..
.

Manzi
:Li
yanay
ouhav
ekeptt
oyourpr
omi
se.
Me:
yes,
Ibr
oughtt
hev
irgi
nwi
thme.
Manzi
:Icoul
dsmel
lheral
lthewayf
rom t
her
iver
.
Icr
inge.
Me:
whatnow?
Manzi
:stri
phernakedandpl
aceheront
hebedon
l
eaf
sov erther
e.
Nonhl
eget
sonwi
thi
tandpoorZonkei
slef
tnaked
compl
etel
ynaked.
Wecar r
yheragainandpl aceheronthebed,
sheis
stil
lcompletel
youtofit.Hesmear ssomethi
ngon
ourforeheadsandthenmov estoZonkeandsmears
thatslummyt hi
ngalloverhernakedbodywhile
singingsomethingthatisinaudi
blet
ous.
Manzi:set
tl
eont
hatst
rawmatandst
artcl
appi
ng
yourhands.
Wedoaswear et ol
dandhekneel snextt
ousand
takesthebi gdrum andstartshi
tti
ngitsoloudwhi l
e
call
inguponhi sancestors.Outofnowhereal oud
thunderroarsandhegoesonhar derandl
ouder ,
we
startf
eeli
ngaheav ypresencearoundusandacol d
breezetakingov er
.Thehai r
sonmybackst andandI
am scaredoutofmymi nd.
Manzi
:yebonkosiyamanziher
eliesyoursacri
fi
ce
t
hereonewhoisst i
ll
pure,t
heonewhowi l
lrepl
ace
t
hepuri
tyyourwifenolongerhas.Acceptherand
t
akewhatisyours.
HesaysandmysisterandIl
ookateachot
her.So
mydaughteri
snolongeravi
rgi
nandZonkeisbei
ng
sacri
fi
cedt oreplaceherpur i
tyt
ot hespi ritKingof
thewaters.Theenv ironmentgetsmor ei ntenseand
outofnowher eZonkest ar
tsmakinguncont roll
able
sexualnoisesandherbodi l
ymov ement sist hatof
someonewhoi si nthethroesofpassi onbuthow
whenshei soutofi tandwedon' tseeany oneont op
ofher.MyGodspi ri
tualthi
ngsaresoscar y.Manzi
keepsgoinghar deront hedrum andt hatseemst o
getthespiri
tgoingcr azybecauset her eact i
onsof
Zonkeareshocki ng.Hest opschant i
ngandhi tsthe
drum sl
owl yandt hethunderroarsagai nt histime
comingwi thaheav yr ai
n.
Weattempt orunforcoverbutManzi signalsusto
remai
nsit
ti
ng.Ther ainisnotjokingandit'
shitt
ing
ushardI
'm alr
eadycold,itcontinuesf
oraf ewmor e
minut
esandwheni tst
opsagr oupofowlsf l
yabove
usandManzi star
tsscreami ngandburping.
Manzi:thesacri
fi
cehasbeenacceptednowi t
'st
ime
foryoubothtositbythecorner
softhebedand
guarditunti
ltomorr
owatdawnwhenwear egoi
ng
todisposeiti
ntheriverwheret
hegreatKingoft
he
waterswill
keepherasar emindert
hathiswif
ehas
pai
dherdues.
Webot
hnod.
Me:
it'
scl
ear
.
Manzi
:andthegreatKingsay
sIshouldtel
lyouthat
soonhewil
lshowhi msel
ftoclai
m whatbelongsto
hi
m gethi
sbri
der eady
.
Iswal
l
owf
eel
i
ngt
heai
rinmyl
ungsl
eav
emybody
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ihadt hemostamaz i
ngt i
mewi t
hthepr i
ncess, t
his
gir
l nev erceasestoamazemer eal
ly,herhumi lit
yis
shocki ng.Mostpeopl eonherlevelwouldn'tev ensit
downt ohav eaconv ersat
ionwit
hcommoner sl i
ke
my selfbutnother ,sheev ensatdownandat emy
mot her '
sspinach,tomat ogravywithpapand
enjoyedi tgenuinely.Ilookedatherwithtotal
admi ration,envyi
ngt hemant hatwill
bebl essedt o
callherhi swifeandQueen.Icanonl ywisht hat
somedayIgett omeetawomanatl easthal fthe
per
sonshei
sbecausesheisn'
tall
ortaki
ngbutshe
i
swill
i
ngtohel
pbuil
dapersonfrom t
hebott
om...

Iam al sohappyt obegoingbacktoworkonMonday

andmosti mpor t
antl
ythatmynamehasbeen
clearedandMenzi hasbeenexposedasthesnake
thathei s.Ihopethatkarmadealswit
hhim
accor dinglyandwhat everhewashopinghappenst
o
mehappenst ohimtent i
mesworse.Iam i
nthe
kitchenf i
nishi
ngupmyf ood.
..

Ma:
wheni
sthepr
incessv
isi
ti
ngagai
n.
Me:shei
sabusygi
rlmama,sheonl
yjustcameto
i
nfor
m meoft
heoutcomesofthei
nvesti
gati
on.
Ma:
Iknowbuty
out
woseemedcosy
.
Me:
youj
ustr
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntoi
t.
Ma:
youl
i
keher
?
Me:
yesshei
sagoodper
sonandl
eader
.
Ma:
aisuka,
notl
i
kei
nthatway
.Woul
dyoul
i
keher
t
obey
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
Iam nothert
ype.Ihav
enot
hingt
oof
ferher
.
Ma:
stopl
ooki
ngdownony
our
sel
fBhuko.
Me:I
'm bei
ngrealist
ic.Justcozshei
swill
i
ngtohelp
mestar
tmybusi nessandi ssweetenoughtoeat
ourf
ooditdoesn'tmeanwear egoi
ngtogetmarr
ied.
Ma: i
fyouli
kehery
oucant
ell
herbecausey
oual
so
deservet
obehappy.
Me:
mamapl
ease.
Ma:
I'
mjustsay
ing.
Ichuckl
eli
ght
ly.
Me:
youar
esomet
hingel
se.
Ma:
shootamot
herf
orwant
inghersont
obehappy
.
Me:
Iunder
standj
ustdon'
tpl
aycupi
d.
Shesmi
l
es.
Ma:
Ihav
emi
ssedt
alki
ngt
omysonl
i
ket
his.
Me:
met
oomamabutsomedayy
oust
il
lhav
etot
ell
met
het
rut
h.
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Ma:
Bukhosi
.
Me: i
fwedon'
tgetthisov
eranddonewit
h,i
twil
l
alwayscomebetweenusbecauseIwi
ll
alwayswant
toknowwhofatheredme.
Ma:
youar
easki
ngmet
osaymypai
noutl
oud.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ma:
Bukhosi
please.
Me: Idon'twanttofi
ghtwithyoumamabutt akea
fewday sbecausesoonIam goi ngtosi
tyoudown
andasky ouagainwhofather
edmeandi fyoulov
e
mel ikeyousayy oudoy ouwil
ltel
lmethetr
uthand
trustthatIwil
lnotchoosehim overy
ou.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts
AFATHERSLOVE
CHAPTER10
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

NonhleandIhadt obeawaket heent irenightasper

Manzi'
sinst r
ucti
onsandIwi ll
tellyout hatthishas
beenthelongestnightofmyl if
e.Iwi tnessed
tr
aumat i
ct hi
ngsandi fIclaimthatI '
llbet hesame
personafterthi
stheni twouldal l
beal ie.Youcan't
watchani nnocentsoul beingconst antlyviol
ated
andknowf orafactthattheirli
feisgoi ngt oendat
anypointandt hi
nkther e'
sachancet ogobackt o
normalknowi ngverywel lt
hatwhati shappeni ngis
al
lony ou.
..

Ifeelfi
lthyandIregreteverwal
kingdownthisdark
evilpath,butwhatchoicedidIhave?Ihadt
o
continuewhatIst ar
tedandprotectmysecretatal
l
costsbecausei twouldn'
thaveonlyrui
nedmyl i
fe
butathousandother
s.Iwil
lj
usthav
et oseethi
s
Zonkeasasoldierwhodiedprot
ect
ingUkuthul
a
ki
ngdom...

I
t'sdawnnowandt hecandlesthatweresur roundi
ng
thisbedhav eburnedout ,Manziisbusychant i
nghis
gibberi
shandsmear i
ngmoremut i
onthisinnocent
girl
sbody .Heorder sustostandupandpi ckt he
bodysowecanst artmakingourwayt other iv
eras
theKingoft hewat ersiswait
ingtorecei
vet he
phy si
calbodyashi ssouvenir
...

Sheisstillasheavyasy ester
daybutnotasheav yas
myhear t.Manziisimpatientwithusandev eryt
ime
west optocatchourbr eathheshoot susanev i
ll
ook
thatgetsusbacki nli
ne.Thedi stancefr
om the
shri
netot heriv
erisast ret
chandy oucanonly
i
magi newhyi twouldfeel l
i
keithasmul ti
pli
edwhen
carry
inganunconsci ousbody .
..

Af
terf
orev
erwegett
her
eandpl
aceZonkedown,
I
balancemy selfwi
ththet reeandNonhl esettleson
therockandbur ri
esherheadi nherhands.Suddenl y
thunderroar sagainandInot i
ceManzi kneeli
ng
downanddoi ngmor eofhi sdarkstaf
f,itgetsdarker
andt hethunderget slouderandscar i
er,ifpeople
thi
nkwi tchcraftdoesn'texistthent
heyhav en'tli
ved
atall
...

Manzi
:thegr
eatKi
ngofthewaters,
youthatcan
gi
veall
heart
sdesi
res,
wear eher
ethisear
ly
morni
ngtobri
ngyouwhatisyour
s.
Het hrowsinablackchicken,Idi
dn'
tevenseehim
takethebirdfrom hi
sshrine.Hel
ooksatmeand
gesturesthatIcomenearwi thhi
shand,Idon'
t
wast ehisti
mebutIquicklyruntohi
m andkneel
downt oo.
Manzi:withmeher eisLi
y ana,
theonet hatgave
bi
rthtotheQueenoft hewat er
s, t
hechildshe
desir
edandy oublessedherwi t
hi nexchangeforher
handinmar ri
age,t
heonlyonet hatwillgi
veyoua
physi
calthroneandabili
tytoruleovermer emortal
s
l
i
key
ouhav
eal
way
sdr
eamtof
.
Thunderstri
kesasi
fthespir
it
ualKingi
s
acknowledgi
ngwhathisdescendenti
ssay
ing.
Manzi:Li
yanaonthi
sdaynotonlydidyoubri
nga
vi
rgi
ntoreplacet
hepuri
tythatofwhichKay
isel
ost
butyoualsocameheretoonceagainpromi
seto
keeptoyourendofthedeal
.
Inod.
Manzi
:sayi
twi
thy
ourmout
handspi
tint
her
iver
.
Hesay
sannoy
edandIj
umpabi
t.
Me:
Ist
il
lpr
omi
set
okeept
omyendoft
hedeal
.
Icr
awl
near
ersoIcanbeabl
etospi
t.
Manzi:Gr
eatone,weshal
lwai
tforyoutotake
physi
calfor
m andcometowal
kt hi
seart
h,weshall
waitonyoutocomebackandtakeoverevery
thi
ng
thatwastakenfr
om y
oumanymanyy earsago.
HesaysandIfr
own,whati
shetal
ki
ngaboutnow?
Takenf
rom hi
m manymanyyear
sago?
Manzi
get
supandgoest
opi
ckupZonkeandcomes
backget t
ingintotheriverwi thher,ast heywal k
deeperunt i
ltheyaresubmer gedi tstartsandt o
drizzlebuthekeepsgoi ngi nunt i
ltheyar enol onger
visible.Iquicklystandupandst epbackt obenextt o
mysi ster.Wear ewat chingt heriverintenselyand
i
t'ssocal ml iketwohumanbei ngsdi dn'tjust
disappeari nit.I
ndeedst i
llwat ersrundeep.I tstart
s
tor ainheav il
yandt hunderandl ightningar enot
takingast epback, Iam wor riedbecauset hunder
andt r eesisabadcombi nation,wecoul dbest r
uck
deadnow.Ij oinNonhl eont her ockaswewai tfor
Mamzi t
ocomeoutandr ightont i
meheappear s
maki ngmeandmysi sterjumpi nshock, hemakes
ourwayt ousandhei swear inghiscr eepysmi l
e,the
smi let hatsendscol dshiversdownmyspi ne.
Mamzi
:i
tisdone.
Hehol
dsoutabeaut
if
ulr
ingwi
thar
eddi
amond.
Nonhl
e:whati
sther
ingf
or?
Manzi:makesureKay
isewear
sthisri
ngalway
s,it
doesn'
tmatteronwhi
chfi
ngerbutensur
esheis
al
way swear
ingit
.
Inod.
Manzi:
weneedtogobacktot
heshri
nesoIcangive
yousomemutit
okeepZonke'
sspi
ri
tfr
om haunt
ing
you.
Isi
ghandr
eli
ef.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ithasbeenrainingcatsanddogssincet heearl
y
hoursofthemor ni
ng,t
hisismyfavorit
eweat her
sinceIwasachi ldbutIgrewtolov
ei tmor ebecause
i
t '
stheperf
ectt i
met obeboo'dupbutnott odaycoz
myassi ssingleandcrushingonaboywhodoesn' t
seem tohavet heskil
lofreadi
ngbetweent heli
nes.I
l
ikehimy esandal otbutBukhosii
sreallyslow
shame...

Iwokeuplat
easIwaslosti
nmywar m comfort
abl
e
bedandbrowsi
ngt
hestreet
sofsoci
almedia,i
twas
ent
ert
aini
ngandal
othashappenedsi
nceIleftt
he
bigbadci t
y,bei
ngher eislikebeingof fthegrid.I
tookal ongsoothingbat handf oundcomf or
table
oversizedsweatsandt houghtI'dreadsomest ory
onv i
sionarywri
tingsbymyf avorit
eSout hAf r
icanup
comingaut horBethMachobanewi thacupofhot
chocolatebutmyf atherhadt oactspoi ltashe
askedmet ocomewat chther ainwithhiml i
kewe
didwhenIwasy oungerandIcoul dn'tsaynot omy
oldmanwhenhegi v
esmet hoseey es..
.

Wehav ebeenl ayingont hi

si nf
latablemat t
ress
cov eredinafleebl anketwat chingt herai
nt hrough
thesl i
dingdoor.Babai st
ellingmeal lofthese
storiesfrom whenhewasy oungandhowhi sf at
her
trai
nedhi mt obecomeaKi ngoft hi
sbeaut if
ul
kingdom andpassedonwi sdom t hathewi llshare
wi t
hmesomedaysoIcanbepr epar edtotakeov er
andr ulewithfairandj ust
.Wear edistur
bedbya
mai dondut yclearingherthr oatbehi ndus...

Hel
per
:Iam sor
rymyKi
ngbutsomeonei
sher
eto
seey
ou.
Me:
int
hisr
ain?Howdi
dtheywal
korev
endr
iveher
e?
Helper
:theywal
kedmypri
ncess,
theladyissoaki
ng
wetandwemov edhert
otheguestbathroom t
oget
herdry
.
Me:
thati
sgoodt
hanky
ouf
orshowi
ngsuchhumi
l
ity
.
Shesmi
l
esandnods.
Anot
herhel
perwal
ksi
nwithaanel
derl
ywoman,
not
sool
dshecouldbear
ound45-
50year
s.
Baba:
mydearwhywoul
dyouwal
kint
hisr
ain?
Lady:Icoul
dn'
tst
ayanot
hermi
nut
enotknowi
ngmy
King.
Baba:
notknowi
ng?
Myf
atherasksconf
usedasme.
Lady
:mydaught
erZonke.
Shesay
sandIsmi
l
e.
Me:ohyouareZonke'
smom?Shei ssuchan
amazi
ngperson.Iam happyt
obehel
pedby
someonel
i
keher
.
Lady
:shesi
ngsy
ourpr
aisest
oomypr
incess.
Baba:
youl
ookedt
roubl
edt
hough,
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Sheshakesherhead.
Lady:mydaughternevermadeithomey ester
day,
whenhertimetoarriv
edpassedIthoughtshewill
arri
vel
atebutnothi
ngIevendozedof fwait
ingbut
evenwhenIwokeupshewasn' tthereandIcouldn'
t
staywit
houtknowing.
Me:
what
?Real
l
yma?
Shenods.
Baba:t
hatisstrangeastheyalll
eftaf
tertheirshi
ft
andIcanattestbecausetheycamet oreportitto
mesincetheirl
eaderwasn'tar
oundandal somy
wif
eandthepr incessher
ewer enotaround.
Lady
:ohmyGod.
If
eel
hopel
eav
eherbodyf
rom t
hoset
hreewor
ds.
Baba:
doesn'
tshehav
efr
iendsandr
elat
ives.
Lady
:nomyki
ngshewoul
dnev
er,
sheknowst
o
comest
rai
ghthome.
Me:
thi
sisscar
y,babawhatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Baba:Iwi
llhavetosendmanouttolookoutforher
whentherainstopsandwecanalsogotosee
makhosi,
sohecant hrowsomebonesandt el
lus
whereZonkeisandifshei
ssafe.
Lady
:thanky
ousomuchmyKi
ng.
Shesaysbowi
ngabi
tandIgocl
oset
oherandt
ake
herhandi
nmine.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Mysi sterandIgotthemut ifr

om Manziandwe
decidedt odr
ivetotownt opasstimeaswesai dwe
willbebackSunday ,Idi
dn'twanttorai
se
Bhekumbuso' ssuspensionssowhent herain
stoppedweheadedoutandmadeourwayt ot he
nearesttown,theydon'thavemuchbutwear enot
l
ooki ngformuchaswel lj
ustaplacetosl
eepand
wrapourheadsar oundwhatwej ustdi
d.Stayi
ng
wit
hManzi wasn'
tanopti
onbecauseIhaveseen
enoughwit
chcraf
tinonenighttol
astmealif
etime
andwecouldn'
tri
skthecarbeingspot
tedbythe
ri
vercozt
hatwouldhavelandedusinhotwater
..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Idon'tthinki thasev errai

nedt hi
smuchi nour
vil
lage,ther i
v ermustbeov erflowingandf armer s
mustber ejoicingbecauset heircropshav ereceived
shower st ogr ow.Iwassl eepingt hroughtheent i
re
mor ningandear lyafter
noonast hisrainwas
keepingusi ndoor swithnothi
ngt odososl eepwas
theper f
ectopt i
onbutIwasdi sturbedbyadr eam, a
dream thati ncludedMenzi andt hatsetmeof f
..
.

Eveni
nmydr eamshehat esmewi theveryfi
berof
hi
sbeingandIj ustgotsopissedthatIwanted
answersandIwant edanswerstoday.Hehadt otel
l
mewhatIdi dtohimt hathecaneasilyhat
emet his
muchtoev entrytogetmef ir
edfr
om aj obevery
one
knowsIdowi
thi
ntegr
it
yandr
espect
..
.

Iam onmywayt ohi shousetoconf r

onthi m and
thankGodmymot herwassleepingwhenIl eft
becauseshewoul dhavetri
edtalki
ngmeoutofi t
.
Thest reetsarer unningwithwaterfrom therainand
goodt hingIwor emysaf etybootssoIcanj ustwal k
l
ikeIdon' tcare.Thesuni snowoutandt hebirdsare
everywher echirping,youngboysar erunningaf t
er
thelit
tl
eboat st heymadewi thpaperast heysail
throught herunni ngwaters,r
emindsmeofwhenI
wasl i
ket hem wi thnopr obl
emsbandcar eint he
wor l
d..
.

IgettotheShezi homeandthel adyoft

hehouse
comesoutt hefrontdoorwit
ht woofherchi
ldr
en
holdi
ngbigbucket s,
shesmilesassheseesmeand
IwishIcantellherwhatIknowsoshecanl eave
thatsor
ryexcuseofamanbecauseshedeser vesso
muchbet t
er..
.
Mr
sShezi
:Bukho?
Me:
howar
eyoumama?
Mr
sShezi
:Iam wel
lthanky
ou.I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:every
thi
ngisokaymama,
Ijustcamet
oseey
our
husbandishei
n?
Shenods.
MrsShezi
:yeshe'si
nsi
de,weneedtor
usht
othe
bor
ehol
ebeforetherai
ncomesback.
Me:
okayl
etmenothol
dyout
hen.
Shenodsandt heyquickl
yleav
easImakemyway
i
nsidewithoutknocki
ng.Heisinthel
oungehol
ding
ami r
rorandshavinghisheadwit
hablade.
Me:
whatdi
dyouwantt
oachi
eve?
Hej
umpsandev
encut
sthehi
sheadal
i
ttl
e.
Menzi
:youscum,
seewhaty
oumademedo.
Hesaysrunni
nghi
sfi
ngerovert
hecutandbr
ingsi
t
t
ohiseyestoseet
heblood.
Me:
youwon'
tdi
e.
Menzi
:whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
Me:Iwantt
oknowwhyyouhat
emesomuchthat
youwoul
dwanttot
akemyli
vel
ihoodaway
.
Menzi:
youthinkIhav
ethet
imet
oanswery
our
st
upidquest
ions?
Me:youhav
ethet
imet
opl
ott
orui
nmyl
i
fesowhy
not
.
Menzi
:youj
ustr
efuset
odi
edon'
tyou?
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:youarenotmyGodMenzi
youcannev
erki
l
l
whatyoudidn'
tmake.
Menzi
:ohbutImadey
ou,
youpi
eceofshi
t!
Hesaysdi
stast
eful
andInarrowmyey esandher
cl
oseshi
sseemingli
kehejustall
owedhimsel
fto
spi
ll
somethi
ngheshoul
dn'thave.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Heswal
l
ows.
Menzi
:getoutofmyhouseandst
ayout
.
Hesay spushi ngmet
othedoorandroughl
ysountil
Iam totall
youtandheclosest
hedoorinmyface
l
eav i
ngmewi thamil
l
ionquest
ionsandconf
usion
runni
ngt hroughmyenti
rebody.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Icall
edal l t
heguar dstocomet hroughandpr omised
topayt hem f ormaki ngt hem wor kont heirdayoff
andlikel oyalser vantsoft hisgreatki ngdom they
answer edt othei rcallofdut yandwentoutt her
eto
searchf orZonke.Themot her,Kay iseandImade
ourwayt omakhosi andt hepoorwomanhasn' tbeen
abletost opcr yingobv i
ouslywor riedabouther
daught er,Idon'twantt othinkofwhatIcoul dhav e
donei fmyKay isewentmi ssing..
.

Makhosihasthrownt hebonesandheisshakinghi
s
headi
ndef eathekeepsonl ooki
ngatustr
yingto
tal
kbutt
hewor dsseem massivetocomeoutofhis
mouthandheendsupl ooki
ngbackatthebones.He
i
sscar i
ngusbutIcanonl
yimagi
nehowheavyi
tis
forhi
mt obetheonetohavet
otell
ust
hiscoz
clear
lyi
t'
sbad..
.

Maka'
Zonke:
makhosi
pleaseputmeoutofmy
mi
sery.
Shesay
sandy
oucanf
eel
thepai
nlacedi
nherv
oice.
Maka'
Zonke:
any
thi
ngj
ustsayany
thi
ng.
Makhosi
:i
t'
sdarkit
'sver
ydarkandthebonesshow
methatwewill
searchandsear
chbutneverwil
lwe
f
indheronthesur
faceofthi
seart
h.
Hesaysandthepoorwomanscr
eamsapi
erci
ngcr
y
andKayi
seholdsontoher
.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Heshakeshi
shead.
Maka'Zonke:
whathappenedmakhosi
?Pleasetel
l
me?Mypoordaught ershehasnev
eroff
ended
anyonewhywouldthishappent
oher?Whereisshe
pl
easetellme?
Makhosi
:Iam sorr
ybutt
hati
sal
ltheancest
orsar
e
wi
ll
ingtotel
lusfornow.
Thatmakesmeclosemyey escozIcannotbegint
o
i
maginethepaini
nherheartr
ightnow.Shegetsup
andrunsout
sideandKayi
seisonherheels.
Me:
what
'shappeni
ng?
Makhosi
:theyarenotshowi
nganyt
hing,t
heyarenot
wil
li
ngtoshowusmor eatthi
spoi
ntbuttheysayI
shoul
dtel
lyouthati
t'
scomingandit
'scomingina
for
m wearenotexpecti
ng.
If
rown.
Me:cantheystopspeaki
nginpar
abl
esandriddl
es
someonejustl
ostherdaught
ercant
heytel
luswhat
happenedtoherandwherewecanfi
ndher.
Isnapf
eel
i
ngannoy
ed.
Makhosi:shecanneverbefoundmyKing,shewas
thefi
rstv
icti
m oftheenemy.That
'sal
lIhave
becausethat'
sall
theycansee,wearebli
ndedmy
Kingcompletel
y.
Isi
ghandcl
osemyey
esatt
hisconf
essi
on.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER11
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Idon'tthinkIhav ebeent hi
sshut t
eredbeforeinmy
l
ifeandt hefactthatwecan' tgetanswersmakes
everythingwor se.Theguar dshavesearchedbut
nothingl i
kemakhosi sai
d,Zonkeseemst ohave
disappear edfrom thefaceofear t
hjustli
kethat.Her
poormot herhasbeenbesi desher sel
fandseeing
herbr eakingdownl ikethatmademef eelguil
tyli
keI
somehowhav eahandi nev er
ythi
ngthatmighthav e
happenedt oherdaught er.
..

Myhear ti
sheavy,yesIhaven'
tknownherf ort
hat
l
ongbutt hel
itt
leti
mewespentt oget
herwasgreat,
shewasani nnocentyoungwomanwhohadagr eat
l
ifeaheadofher,shewasn'tonlyavai
labl
etomef or
myneedsbutshewasl i
keal i
tt
lesist
erbecause
nowandagainwewouldt alkaboutli
feandI'
dt ell
hermyexper
iencesandadv i
seher.It
'ssadthatwe
don'
tknowwheresheisandweonl ygetencrypted
answersf
rom t
heancestors..
.

Sinceitwasj ustZonkeandhermot hermyf ather

suggest edthatshestayswithusal it
tleunti
lher
chil
drenwhonowl iveintheneighboringtownwi t
h
theirhusbandscomet ogether.ThankGodf orthat
becauseshewasi nnoposi t
iontobeal l
byher sel
f,
whensomeonei sgoingthr
oughsomet hingsodeep
andpai nful
theyneedpeopl earound...

Shehasbeensl eepi
ngf orawhi l
enowi noneoft he
guestbedroomsandIcoul dn'tbri
ngmy selft
o
l
eavingheralone,apartofmewant stobearoundt o
makesur ethatshegetsallsheneedsandhel pher
healfr
om thistr
agedynonofusunder st
and.
Makhosispokesol i
tt
leandi twasallconfusi
ngbut
evensowecoul dunderstandt hatZonkeisnomor e,
al
lIwishisforustoatleastf i
ndherbodyt ogiv
eher
aproperburi
alandmay bethatwil
lgivethi
spoor
womanachancet odealwit
hitall
.Shewakesup
cryi
ngandplacingherhandont helef
tsideofher
chestasifherhear
tisinpainbutthenagaini
treal
ly
i
s,Iquickl
ymov etothebedandshehol dsmebymy
toproughl
y..
.

Her
:shewassoy
oung,
myZonkewassoy
oung.
Tear
sst
ream downhercheeks.
Me:
mamaIam sosor
ry.
Sheshakesherhead.
Her
:whocoul
dbesoev
ilt
ohar
m mydaught
erwho?
Me:Iwi
shIknewsot
heper
soncant
ell
uswher
eto
f
indher
.
Isayt
ear
swel
l
ingupi
nmyey
es.
Her:
Ididn'
twanttobel
ievei tmypri
ncessIdidn'
t
wanttobel
iev
ethatmyl astisgonebutnowIcan
f
eeliti
nmysoul t
hatshei sn'tbr
eat
hingany
mor e.
Il
ett
hem f
all
.
Me:
Iwi
shIcant
ell
youi
twi
l
lal
lbeokay
.
Her
:nopar
entshoul
dbur
ythei
rchi
l
dren.
Shesaysbutt
hatseemst
ocompl
etel
ybr
eakheras
shecl
oseshereyes.
Her
:whatam Iev
ensayi
ng?Idon'
thav
eabodyt
o
bur
ynot
hingnotevenabone.
Me:Iwil
ltal
ktomyfat
herwecangoandconsul
t
anot
hersangomaandmaybetheywi
l
lbeableto
gi
veustheanswer
sweseek.
Imummer
.
Her
:whatwil
ll
if
ebewithouther?HowdoIev
engo
onf
rom suchapai
n?Iam devastat
ed.
Shecr i
esandheari
ngthepainlacedinhervoice
makesmef eel
li
kewear enotdoingenought ohel
p
her.Ienvel
opemyar msaroundherandshecr iesi
n
myar ms.Ihaveneverf
oundmy sel
fissucha
sit
uationandasmuchasI 'mtryi
ngIdon'tknow
whatmor etodoorsaytomakeherf eelbet
terbut
thenagainsometi
mesbei ngthereforsomeoneisall
theyneed.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Knowingthatcal ami t
yisaboutt of allonmyf amily
andthewhol eofUkut hulakingdom makesmef eel
l
ikeauselessKi ng, Iknowsomet hingbi giscomi ng
butIam fail
i
ngt ost opi tnordoIev enknowwhati t
i
sorwhati t'
scomi ngt odo.Ishoul dbet heprotect
or
ofmypeopl ebutIam i nt hedarkjustlikethem.
WhatIdon'tunder standmor eiswhyt heancest ors
arenotstandingupandgear ingupf orwaragai nst
theenemy ,yesmakhosi expl
ainedt hattheyar e
bli
ndedbywhati scomi ngandt heycan' tgive
answersofwhatt heycannotseet hemsel vesbut
can'
ttheyjusttr
y ?..
.

Wehav elostasoulbecauseofwhatev
eritisandby
t
helookoft hi
ngsalotisgoi
ngtohappenandmor e
l
iv
eswi l
lbelost.Neverinamil
li
onyearsdi
dIev er
t
hinkthatduri
ngmyr eignasKingIwouldfacesuch
aconfusi
ngphaset hatIdon'
thaveaplantotackl
e
andgetridof.Ihav ealwaysbeen5stepsaheadof
every
thi
ngint hisvil
lagebutnowallIcandoissit
andwaittobeat tackedbyanunknownenemyand
thati
ssuici
de, goingtowarwi t
houtevenonefact
aboutyouropponent ..
.

Iam soashamedt oev enl

ookatt hatpoorwoman
whol ostherdaught erknowingt hatIcannotdo
mor etohel pherandl etmenotment i
onKay ise,my
daught erlooksupt omeandsheseesmeasher
heroandt hemant hatkeepst hebadguy saway
evenatheragebutnowIam st uckandt helastthi
ng
Iwantt odoi sdisappointmydaught erormakeher
feell
ikebei ngal eaderofthiskingdom isajobf ar
toogreat erf orhertohandle.Thedooropensandmy
wifewal ksi n,Ievenforgotthatshewascomi ng
backt oday .Irushtoherandj ustgiveherahug. ..

Me:
OhLi
yaIam sogl
ady
ouar
ebackhome.
Li
yana:
ohmyl
ove,
missedmet
hatmuch?
Me:
youhav
enoi
dea.
Li
yana:
wel
lIam backnow.
Me:
theki
ngdom i
sonf
ir
emyQueen.
Li
yana:
whatdoy
oumean?
Sheasksbrushi
ngmybackaswear
est
il
li
neach
other
'sar
ms.
Me:
Zonket
hepr
incess'
shel
peri
snomor
e.
Shet
ensesupandqui
ckl
yget
soutofmyembr
ace.
Li
yana:
whatdoy
oumeannomor
eBheki
?
Me:
shedi
ed.
Shecl
osesherey
es.
Li
yana:
What
?When?Whathappened?
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me:wel l
hermothershowedupher eyest
erdaytotel
l
usthatZonkedidn'
tcomebackhomet heprev
ious
dayandshenev erdoesthatsowesentoutment o
l
ookf orherandwealsov i
sit
edmakhosibuthe
coul
dn'tseeanythi
ngbutthefactt
hatthepoorgir
lis
dead.
Li
yana:
ohbawo,
thi
sissosad.
Me:makhosisayst
heenemyt hati
scomi ngto
at
tackt
hekingdom i
stheoneresponsi
bleforthi
s
wholet
hingandwhateverorwhoeveri
tisiscoming.
Shegapsf
orai
r.
Li
yana:
can'
twedoany
thi
ng?
Me:makhosidi
dsayi
t'
sgoi
ngt
ohappenwhet
herwe
l
ikei
tornot.
Sheshakesherhead
Li
yana:
wher
eismydaught
er,
shemustbehur
ti
ng.
Me: she'
swithZonke'
smot
heri
ntheguestbedr
oom
nexttohers.
Isayandherey
espopout
.
Li
yana:
thewomani
sher
e?
Sheasksal
armedandIf
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.
Me:
yesj
ustunt
ilherot
herki
dscomet
obewi
thher
.
Sheswal
l
ows.
Li
yana:
ohokayl
etmegoseeKay
ise.
Inodandshewal
ksout
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

AssoonasIgotoutoft hebedr oom awayf r

om
BhekiIexhaledeepl
y,Iwashol dingmybr eaththe
enti
reti
mehewast ell
ingmeaboutZonke, itwas
hardpretendi
ngtobeshockedwhenIknowexact l
y
whathappenedt othegirl
.Icouldn'tgotoKay i
sein
thi
sstate,Ineedtocalm my sel
fdownandt akea
minutebeforeIwalkinthereandgi vecondolences
tothepoorwomanwhenIam t hecauseofherpai n..
.

Imakemywayt othebathroom andl ockt hedoor

andbal ancemybackont hewallclosingmyey es.I
knewi twasgoi ngt obehelldeali
ngwi tht hi
sthing
butnowi t'
sgoi ngtobewor sebecausehermot heri s
here,Idon'tevenknowwhenshei sgoi ngt ol
eav e.I
got ostandinf rontofthemi r
rorandpl acemyhands
ont hesink,i
t'
shar drecognizi
ngt heper sonstarring
backatme. .
.
AllIwantedwasachi ld, j
ustonechi ld.IknewwhatI
wasof feri
ngforitandit'sdef i
nit
elynott his.Human
sacri
ficeswerenotpar toft hedeal butlookatme
now, it
'snopointcompl aini
ngcozI '
vealreadygav e
i
ntoitandI '
m goingtohav etodeal withitandl iv
e
withtheguiltasnothi
ngwi llchange.Ispl ashcold
wateronmyf aceandt akedeepbr eathsbef or
e
walkingout.Iam aboutt oknockont hebedr oom
doorwhenshewal ksoutgent ly.
..

Kay
ise:
ohheymama,
youar
eback.
Me:y
esmylove,
y ourf
athert
oldmewhathappened.
Howarey
oufeel
ing?
Kayi
se:sad,
dev
ast
ated,
empt
y,l
ost
,conf
usedj
ust
ever
ythi
ng.
Shegest
uresar
oundwi
thherhand.
Me:
Iam sosor
ry.
Kayi
se:thanksmabuttheonl
yper
sonwho'
spai
nis
shut
ter
ingishermother
's.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
howi
sshehol
dingup?
Iaskgenui
nel
y.
Kayi
se:mamaIhaveneverseenanyt
hingt
hishear
t
wrenchi
ng.I
t'
sev
enhardtodescri
beorexpl
ainhow
she'
sdoing.
Me:
whathast
hiswor
ldt
urnedi
nto.
Kayi
se:
Ijustwi
shwecoul df
indherbodyy
ouknow
togi
veheraproperbur
ial
andall
.
Me: weshouldn'
tgiveupdespiteofwhatmakhosi
sai
dweshoul dcont i
nuesearchi
ngforherbody
may bethatwil
lgiv
ehermot herthecl
osureshe
deserveswit
ht i
me.
Kay
ise:
Iwast
hinki
ngt
hesamet
hing.
Me:Iknowthi
smi ghtnotbet
hebestti
mebutIhav
e
somethi
ngtogiv
ey ouandIwasexci
tedabouti
t
bef
orehear
ingaboutZonke.
Isayt
aki
ngoutt
hebeaut
if
uldi
amondr
ingManzi
gaveme.
Kay
ise:
ohwowt
hat
'sni
ce.
Me:
justni
ce?
Shesmi
l
es
Kayi
se:
it'
squi
teast
unner
,neverseenar
ed
di
amondbefor
e,wher
edidyoutakeit
?
Me:ifounditinmymot her'
sbelongi
ngswher
eI
comef r
om andithadal et
tersayi
ngit
'sf
ormeandI
shoul
dpassi tontoyou.
Kay
ise:
oht
hat
'ssosweetmama.Gogohadt
ast
e.
Itakeherhandandsli
dei
tonherl
eftmi
ddl
efi
nger
anditfi
tsperf
ect
ly.
Me:
promi
senev
ert
otakei
tof
f.
Kayi
se:I
'
m gonnaki
ndahav
etowhenIbat
hyou
know.
Ismi
l
enoddi
ng.
Me:
okaybutal
way
sweari
tyes?
Kay
ise:
okayIpr
omi
set
hanksmamai
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Shesay
slooki
ngatherhandandIsi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ihav ebeenconf i
dedi nmybedroom si nceyester
day
,
alotisrunningthroughmymi ndandIhat ethe
possibil
it
yofwhatI '
vebeenlandi
ngonbuti tonly
makessensef rom whathehadsai dtomyf ace
yesterday.Idi
dn'tevenhav eagoodni ght'
ssleep
becauset heencount erbecomeadr eam thatkept
onr epeati
ngitsel
f..
.

Ihavebeenbat t
li
ngwi t
hconf r
ontingmymot herwi
th
mysuspensi onsbecauseIdon' twanttooffendher
butever
y t
hingi sjustpoi
ntingtothatdi
rect
ion.I
thi
nkIshouldj ustgetthi
sov eranddonewi thsoI
canstopassumi ngandcr owdingmyheadwi t
h
morethingst hatdon'tevenmakesense. .
.

Iwal
koutofmyroom andfi
ndherintheki
tchen
maki
ngabeadedbracel
et,
shei
sv erygoodwitht
his,
sheusedtosellt
hem befor
eshegotsickandIwas
sti
ll
inschoolt
hebusi
nessgotust hr
oughtough
ti
mes.Isett
leonthevacantchai
ropposi
teherand
si
gh,shelooksatmeandasmi l
efor
msonherf ace.
..

Ma:
wantt
ohel
p?
Hi
m:not
hanks.
Ma:
youusedt
olov
ehel
pingmebabawhatchanged.
Me:
Iam j
ustnoti
nthemood.
Shef
rowns
Ma:
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
m notmama,Ihav
eal
otgoi
ngoni
nmyheadi
t
f
eel
sli
keitwi
l
lexpl
ode.
Ma:
what
'shappeni
ng?
Ibi
temylowerli
pandbal ancemyheadwi
thmy
handandlookatheri
ntensely.
Me:
isbab'
Menzi
myf
ather
?
Thequest
ioncomesoutofmymout
hbef
oreIcan
ev
enpr
epar
emy
sel
fpr
oper
lyf
ort
heanswer
.
Shedropst hebracel
etandcont
ainerful
lofbeads
onthefloorandlooksatmewi t
hhor r
orwrit
tenall
overherface.Tearswellupi
nhereyesandherl i
ps
st
arttotremble.
Ma:
Bhukhosi
.
I
tcomesoutasawhi
sper
.
Me:
isbab'
Menzi
myf
athermama.
Ir
epeat
.
Ma:
whyar
eyouaski
ngmet
his?
Hert
ear
sfal
l
.
Me:
it'
sasi
mpl
equest
ion.
Isayandherreacti
onhasmademyhear
tbeatso
fasti
tfeel
sli
keit'
sgoi
ngtoj
umpoutofmychest.
Her
:it
'snotj
ustasi
mpl
equest
ion.
Ist
andupbecauseit
'scl
eart
hatmonst
erf
ather
ed
me,butwhywouldhehatemethi
smuch?
Me:
justconf
ir
mitmamapl
ease.
Shecriespai
nful
l
yandIam notunder
standi
ngher
react
ion.
Me: i
sithardbecauseyoubetr
ayedyourbestf
ri
end
andIwast heproduct?I
sthatwhyyouendedyour
fr
iendshi
pwi t
hMr sShezi
?Youwer eashamed?
Iasksomeofthemill
ionquest
ionsIhav
eandshei
s
l
ookingatmehorr
if
ied.
Ma:
that
'snotwhathappenedBukho.
Shesay
sshaki
ngherheadv
igor
ousl
y.
Me:thenwhathappenedmamawhat ?Whywon't
youjustconfi
rm andtel
lmethet
ruthbecauseI'
ve
fi
gur
edi touthesli
ppedupandsaidsomethingto
spi
ll
y oursecr
et.
Ma:y
oudon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngaboutso
st
op.
Me: nomamay oustopitst
opthi
sjustsayyes
BukhosiImadeami st
akeandlai
dwi t
hmybest
fr
iendshusbandandyouaretheproductoft
hat.
Isayhal
fshout
ingcozoft
hisf
rust
rat
ionIam f
eel
i
ng.
Ma:
youwantt
het
rut
hBukhosi
?Youwantt
oshame
meonceagai
n?
Me:
Ijustwantt
het
rut
hthat
'sal
l
.
Ma:herapedmeBukhosi
,Idi
dn'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
o
dowit
hthatmanbutherapedme.
Shesaysinthelowestv oi
ceandIblinkacoupl
eof
ti
messhocked.Mymot heriscr
yingsil
ent
lyl
ooking
downfondli
ngherfingersandIcan'tmovefrom t
his
spot
,it
'sl
i
keIf r
ozeher e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.

TheHousewif
ee-bookcost
sR80unt
ilt
he27t
hof
December,
orderyour
snow!!
!
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER12
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mymot her
'sconf essi
onleftmeweakatt heknees,
dryint hemout handr agegoingt hr
oughmyent i
re
body .Idon'tthinkIhav eeverfeltsomanyemot i
ons
allatonceandi nsuchar ush.Ihadtositdownon
thefloorasi tfeltli
keIwasgoi ngtodropdownand
fai
ntf rom theshock, myheadi sburi
edinmyhands
andmymot her
'ssobsar ekill
ingme.Apar tofme
reall
ywi shedshecoul dcomeoutandsayshemade
ami stakeandmyf atherisnotMenzi .
..

Iregr
etwhyIpushedt hisissuebecauseIwouldn'
t
knowt hatIam aproductofrape,Iwouldn'
tknow
thatmymot herwasv i
olatedintheworstway
possi
blebyt hatmonster.Tothi
nkthathelooksat
mewi thhateandhasschemedt ogetmet olosemy
j
obinf
uri
atesmemorebecauseheshoul
dbe
embar
rassedbywhathedi
dtomymot hernothat
e
meforhi
sacti
ons.
..

Mama:
Bukhodon'
that
eme.
Shesay
sandIquickl
ylookupconfusedbyherpl
ea,
howcouldIhat
eherforbei
ngvi
olated.
Me:Icoul
dneverhat
eyoumamaratherIam her
e
wonderi
ngwhyyoudon'
tloat
heme.
Mama:howwheny
ouar
emyent
ir
eli
fe?Myonl
y
f
amil
y?
Me:
youar
erai
singapr
oductofy
ourpai
n.
Mama:yeshehur
tmeandthescar
swil
ll
iv
ewi
thme
f
orev
erbutyoumysonar
eevery
thi
ng.
Me:Iam sosor
rymamasor
ryf
orpushi
ngy
oui
nto
t
ell
i
ngmewhohei s.
Mama:andthef
actthatIhavetol
ookathi
ml i
vi
ng
hi
sli
fel
ikehedi
dn'
tdoany t
hingwrongmakesmeso
angr
y.
ShesaysandIqui
ckl
ystandupandgot
oher
,taki
ng
heri
ntoawarm embr
ace.
Me:
ever
ydoghasi
tsday
.
Mama:hetookevery
thi
ngfrom meBukho,
mybest
f
ri
end,
mysanity,myabil
it
ytotr
ustamanandl
eft
mesobrokenafr
aidtol
etanyonei
n.
Me:
doesMr
sShezi
know?
Iaskandmamahol
dsont
omet
ight
er.
Mama:noNobunt
uknowsabsol
utel
ynot
hingabout
t
his.
Me:
ist
hiswhyy
ouendedy
ourf
ri
endshi
pwi
thher
?
Mama: i
twastheonlyway
,Icoul
dn'tkeepheri
nmy
l
ife.I
twasgoi
ngtobehardknowingwhather
husbandhaddonetome.
Me:Iunder
stand,
besi
desmewhoel
seknowsabout
t
his?
Shesni
ff
s
Mama:notasoul
,Icoul
dn'tBukhosi,
Iwasaf
rai
d
t
hatt
heywouldsayIencourageditandl
edhi
m on,
af
rai
dthatpeopl
ewoul dt
hinkIwantedhi
mfor
mysel
fandIwasjealousofNobuntubutmost
i
mportant
lyIwasashamed.
Sheadmi
tsandIsi
ghbef
oreki
ssi
ngt
het
opofher
head.
Me:y
ouhavebeencar
ryi
ngt
hisf
orsomanyy
ear
s
ohmama.
Il
etatearf
all
,Icannotbegi
ntoi
maginehowhar
dit
hasbeenonherandwor sesowhenIkepton
pushi
ngandpushing.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

HavingZonke'smotherherismaki ngmef eelver

y
uneasy,Iam souncomf ort
ableinmyownhouseand
Ikeepont hi
nkingshewi l
lseeri
ghtt hr
oughme.The
minuteherotherchil
drenwal ki
nandcomet akeher
wouldbet hedayImanaget obreathagai
nbecause
ri
ghtnowmyhomedoesn' tfeell
ikemineany mor
e..
Iam goi
ngt hroughalotasitstandsandIdon' tneed
toseeherpai nandaddtothegui ltthati
salr
eady
eati
ngthr
oughme.Iwi shIcanj ustsleepandwhenI
wakeupev er y
onewouldhav eletthiswholeissuego
andwecanj ustgobacktoli
vingl i
fethebestwaywe
knowhow...

IknowIsoundl iket hedevilr

ightnowconsi der i
ng
thatIj
ustsacr i
ficedani nnocentchi l
dandIcome
acrossasi fIdon' tcar eaboutit,
trustmeIdobut
youwillhav etounder standthatthewi l
l al
way sbe
casualt
iesinwar .Mydut yistomydaught erfirst
,I
havetopr otectheratal lcostsaftereveryt
hingIdi d
togetherIcoul dn' tjuststandbackandwat chitall
goupi nsmoke.Igetoutoft hemai nhouseand
headtomysi ster'schamber satleastIdon'tr i
skthe
chanceofr unningi ntothegrievi
ngmot herinthere,I
j
ustwal kinandNonhl eislay
ingonherbed. ..

Me:
wehav
eapr
obl
em.
Isayset
tl
ingont
hev
ani
tychai
r.
Nonhle:
wej ustt
ookcareofonepr
obl
em nowwe
haveanotherone?Yoh!
Shesul
ks.
Me:wesi
gnedadeal
wit
ht hedevi
lsi
sterandy
ou
knowt
her
e'snor
estf
orthewicked.
Nonhl
e:atl
easty
ounott
ryi
ngt
oactr
ight
eous.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
stopbei
ngacl
own.
Nonhl
e:what
'st
hepr
obl
em?
Sheaskssi
tt
ingupr
ight
.
Me:
Zonke'
smot
heri
sher
e.
Shesl
owl
yshut
sherey
esi
ndef
eat
.
Nonhl
e:what
?Why
?
Me:Bhekisay
sshecameinyest
erdayl
ooki
ngf
or
herdaught
ersi
nceshedi
dn'
tcomehomeonFriday
.
Nonhl
e:t
hat
'sf
airbutwhyi
sshest
il
lher
e?
Me:herot
herchi
l
drenneedt
ocomear
oundt
oget
her
.
Nonhl
e:whycoul
dn'
tshewai
tont
hem atherhouse.
Me: youknowmyhusbandanddaughterwit
ht hei
r
bi
ghear t
s,theyf
eltsheshoul
dn'
tbeal
oneatthis
tr
yingti
me.
Nonhl
e:wedon'
tneedtoberunningi
ntoher
knowi
ngver
ywellwhathappened.
Me:
Iknowt
hatokay
.
Nonhle:j
ustgetheroutofthispl
aceLiy
ana,of
fert
o
makeacarav ai
labl
etogetthosechi
l
drenfr
om
wherever.Whoknowst heymightbepoorandcan'
t
af
fordtransportmoney.
Me:
yesmay
beIshoul
dhey
.
Nonhl
e:goodnowgett
oitqui
ckl
ysol
dier
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ihavebeentryi
ngtogetahol
dofoneofZonke'
s
si
stersbutherphonei
snowtaki
ngmet ovoi
cemai
l
.
Iam tr
yingtofi
ndoutwher
etheycoul
dbeandwhen
theywil
lbeablet
ocomeandgett heirmothernot
becausesheisahandfulandIwanthergonebut
becauseIfeel
li
keifsheseesherotherchi
l
drenshe
will
domuchbet t
er..
.

IknowIwoul dwantt ohav eclosefamilymember s

whoshar et hesamepai nasmenextt ome,
comf ort
ingmeandgr ievingwithme.Iwal ktomy
father'
sstudybecauseIhav esomet hi
ngt odiscuss
wi t
hhimr egar di
ngthiswholet hi
ng.Ihitmy
knucklesont hedoorandheshout scomei nthe
from theinside.Iwalkinandhei ssitt
ingbehindthe
mahoganydesksemi spinni
nghischair..
.

Me:
baba.
Isayi
nal
owv
oice.
Baba:
sthandwasami
.
HerespondsandIcanf
eel
iti
nhi
svoi
cet
hathei
s
t
roubl
ed.
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Hesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Baba:
I'
vebeenbet
terbaby
,howi
sZonke'
smot
her
?
Me:
shemanagedt
osl
eepagai
n.
Baba:that'
sgoodatleastwhenshe'
ssl
eepi
ngshe
i
sn'tf
eelingthi
spai
n.
Me:
that
'sv
eryt
rue.
Baba:
wor
donherel
derdaught
er'
s?
Me:
Ihavebeentr
yingoneonthephonebutnot
hing
may
betheyareonthei
rway.
Baba:
let
'shopeso,
sheneedsherf
ami
l
ynow.
Inodsl
owl
y.
Me:
Mti
mande.
Baba:
Bhambol
uny
e?
Hesay
snar
rowi
nghi
sey
es.
Me:si
ncemakhosi cannotgi
veusanswerscan'
twe
getasecondopi
nionfrom anot
hersangoma?
Hef
ormshi
sli
psi
nat
hinl
i
ne.
Baba:
whyhav
en'
tIt
houghtoft
hat
?
Me:
soy
oudon'
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?
Baba:
absolut
elynot,
it'
sagoodidea.Weshould
l
ooktoexhaustall
meanstotryandf i
ndherbody.
Me:
oht
hanky
oubaba.
Isayandhesmi
l
esatmebuti
tdoesn'
treachhi
s
eyes.
Baba:j
ustdi
str
actmeal
i
ttl
e,how'
sitgoi
ngwi
tht
he
potent
ial
par
tners?
Me:well
atleastwehavegoodnewsinthatf
ront
.
Theyhaveall
agreedt
omeet i
ngupthi
sThursday
.
Baba:
ohthat
'sgood,
atl
eastwehav
eonegood
thi
nggoi
ng.
Me:
True.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mama: wewereal
lgoodfr
iendsandwel
i
ved
peacef
ull
yunt
ilwedi
dn'
t.
Me:mamay oudon'thav
et ot
ell
met
hedet
ail
sand
r
eli
vet
hatpainf
ulexperi
ence.
Mama: Ihav
etoBukho,Ihavet
osoIcanleti
tgo.It
hasdonenothi
ngbuteatthr
oughmefor27years.
Me:
wecandoi
tsomeot
hert
ime.
Mama:I'
veav
oidediti
t'
senough.Ican'
tcont
inue
al
l
owinghimtobreakmewithoutevenknowing.
Iswal
l
ownoddi
ng.
Mama: wehadagr eatrelationshi p,Nobunt uwasnot
onlymybestf ri
endbutshewasasi sterandwhen
sheandMenzi gotmar r
iedIgai nedabr ot
her
becauseheunder st oodthatwhatwehadwassol i
d.
Bothmypar entsandbr otherdi edi nanacci dent
comingbackf rom theci tyandIwasl eftalone
devastatedandthat '
swhent heyst eppedupf orme
l
ikenobodydi dandourbondonl ygrewst ronger
.
Thingstookat urnwhenhest artedshowi nguplate
tothehouseal onebutIdi dn'ttakei tsomehow
becausehewasj ustabr ot hercomi ngbyt oseeif
I'
m okaybutwhenhest artedmaki nguncomf ort
able
remarksandphy sical contactIgotal armedbut
agai
nIt
houghtIwasr
eadi
ngt
oomuchi
ntoi
t.
Me:
thatbast
ard!
Mama: hebecomebol dandst artedsay i
nghehas
alwayshadey esf ormeandnotNobunt ubutl i
fe
happenedandi tendedupt hewayi tdid-him getti
ng
mar r
iedtoher-tosayIwasshockedwoul dbean
understat
ement .Icouldn'tbelievewhatwas
happeningthatIhadt ol i
mi tmyr el
at i
onswithhim
andwhenhegotwor seIcal l
edhi m outoni tandhe
tol
dmewecansi mplyj usthav eanaf fai
rbehind
Nobuntu'sbackbutIr efusedandt hatjustanger ed
him becausehet oldmet hathewi l
l havemewi t
hor
withoutmyconsentandt hat'swhenIshoul dhav e
knownhi sint
entionsbutIdi dn'tBukho.
Shel
etshert
ear
sfal
l
.
Me:i
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
tmamai
t'
snot
.Thi
sisal
lon
Menzi
.
Me: well
hestayedawayforawhil
eaf t
erI
threat
enedtotel
lNobunt
ubutoneni ghtIhadj
ust
gottenbackfr
om worki
ngatthefi
eldsandIwasso
ti
redanddirt
yIwantedtotakeabatheatandsleep.
Afterref
reshingIwentouttheli
ttl
ehouset hatwas
myhomeandi twasdarkoutsi
de,y ouknowhow
winternightsareandbackthenwedi dn'
thav e
el
ect r
ici
tysoitwaspitchbl
ack.Iwal kedbacki nand
hef ol
lowedmei nf
orcef
ull
yandcl osedt hedoor.I
tr
iedfighti
nghim butitt
ookonebl owf rom himto
getmeoft hefl
oorandthatbastard-
Me:shhhhmanomor
epl
easeIcan'
theari
tIj
ust
can'
t.
Isaywi
thmyey
esshut
.
Mama: weekspassedbyandIwasnev erthesame,I
didn'twanttoseethebothofthem,MenzibecauseI
l
oat hedhim andNobuntubecauseIfel
tsoguilt
ybut
shewassoper si
stentIev
enhadt obetherudest
personjusttogethertobackoffandwhenIt hi
nkof
howhur tshewasmyhear tbr
eakssomemor e.
Me:
asi
tshoul
dshewasy
oursi
ster
.
Menzi:IfoundoutIwaspregnantandIgot
confl
ict
edandIf el
tdi
rty
.Ihadtogetr i
dofhisseed
becauseIjustcoul
dn'
tBukhosiIcouldn'
tfi
nditi
n
met okeept hepai
n,t
heconstantreminderofwhat
happenedt omesoIwentt oseeourmedi cine
womant ogether bst hatwi l
l makememi scar rybut
shedi dn'thav ethem t hatdaysoIhadt ocomeback
whenshehadgonet ot hemount ainstodi gf orthe
roots.Itwasbet weent hoseday swhenIhada
dream, itwasmymot hert el
lingmet hatt hechi ldI
am car ryi
ngi sagi fttome, abl essingthatwi l
l
somedaygett hi
slandoutofav erydarkt imeand
thedr eam fel tsoreal andsuddenl ythet houghtof
kil
li
ngani nnocentsoul wassendi ngcoldshi vers
downmyspi ne.Themedi cinewomandi dn'tknow
wher eIwasst ayi
ngbutsheknewIwasassoci ated
withMenzi andNobunt usoshemetwi tht hatev il
manandaskedwher eIliveandIdon' tknowhowbut
shemademyconsul tationwi thherknownt ohi m
andt hat'
swhenhef oundoutaboutt hepr egnancy
andt hatv erydayhecamegunsbl azingand
demandedt hatIgobackt othemedi ci
newoman
andgetr i
doft hepregnancybutIt ol
dhim nev er,that
gothim boi li
ngmadsomadt hathemanhandl edme
butIst ucktomywor dandl istenedt omymot herin
thedr eam ashar dasi twasf orme.
Me:
andhej
ustl
eti
tgo?
Sheshakesherhead.
Mama:hewoul
dn'
tbeMenzi
ifhedi
d.Her
esor
tedt
o
get
ti
ngri
dofme.
Igaspf
orai
r.
Me:
het
ri
edt
oki
l
lyou?
Iaskal
armed.
Mama: andheal mostdi d.Iwassleepingthatni
ght
whenIwokeupt oabl azingfi
resurroundingthe
houseandi fIdi
dn'twakeupt heroofwasgoi ngt o
fal
lonmebutbyGod' sgr aceIwokeupr i
ghtontime
andtookt hespadeinthehouset ohi tthewooden
dooropenandr anoutt heblazi
ngf i
re.HenceIhav e
theseburnedmar ks.
Me:sot
hat
'swhathemeantwhenhesai
dthatI
r
efuset
odi
e.Thatbast
ard!
Mama:heisdanger
ousBukhosi
pleasest
ayaway
f
rom hi
m pl
ease.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

ItookKayise'ssuggest
iontoheadandi tmadealot
ofsense.Ifmakhosi i
sbli
ndedt henweneedt ofind
anothersangomat hatwil
lthr
owt hebonesandfind
usanswer s.Idon'
tknowwhyIdi dn'tt
hinkoft
his
sooner,I
'm notonlyconsi
deri
ngi tforthe
di
sappearanceofZonkebutal sot of i
ndoutwhot hi
s
enemyi sandwhatt heywantfrom meandmy
ki
ngdom. .
.

Immedi atel
yafterthet alkwi thmydaught erIstar
ted
wal ki
ngt omakhosi '
spl ace.Iwant edtowalksoIcan
clearmyheadbecauseIhav ealotonmypl at
eandit
feelsli
keImi ghtexplodeatanymoment .It
'squit
ea
stretchbecauseI 'm usedt obeingi nthecarsomuch
thatIhav en'twalkedt hest reetsont hi
slandina
l
ongwhi l
e.It
'searlyev eningonaSundayandt he
streetsar equietthankGodf orthatbecauseIam
noti nthebestofmoodst obest oppedbymypeopl e.
Igett omakhosi 'splaceandhei ssitti
ngoutsi
de
l
ooki
ngsol
osti
nhi
str
ainoft
hought
s..

Me:
makhosi
.
Hesnapsoutofi
tandl
ooksatme.
Makhosi
:ohmyKi
ng,
towhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?
Me:Ihav
eal
otbutwewi
l
lgett
oitsoon.Ar
eyou
okay
?
Makhosi
:barel
ynkosi
yami
.Itf
eel
sli
kemyancest
ors
hav
eforsakenme.
Headmi
tsandIsi
ght
aki
ngasi
tnextt
ohi
m.
Me:
weneedt
ofi
ndanswer
s.
Makhosi
:IknowandIhat
ethatIcan'
tful
fi
ll
mydut
y
andgi
vethem t
oyou.
Me:Iunderstandbecauseyouhav
eneverf
ail
edme
nort
hisland.Ihaveasuggesti
onwel
li
twasKayi
se
whoputitont hetabl
e.
Makhosi
:thepri
ncessi
sknownt
ohav
eashar
p
mi
ndsol et'
shear
.
Me: shesuggest
edt
hatweconsul
twi
thanother
sangomabutIdidn'
twantt
oagreewi
thoutt
alki
ngt
o
youf i
rst
.
Makhosi
:thatcoul
dbeasol
uti
onbaba,
wehav
e
not
hingt
ol ose.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
cany
our
eferust
oany
?
Makhosi:
Iknowonef
rom KwaZakhel
e.Shei
sgood
andpure.
Me:
woul
dshebepr
epar
edt
ohav
eust
omor
row?
Makhosi
:wewi
l
ltr
avel
int
hemor
ningmyKi
ng.
Inod
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

I'
m sor
ryfordeli
ver
ingsolate,
Igotpr essedwithso
manythings.Yoursponsor
edchapt erwillsur
ely
cometomor rowasIam tir
edrightnow.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER13
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Istayedwi t
hMakhosi unti
ll
at e,wet al
kedaboutal ot
ofthingsandwhenIgothomemywi f
ewasal ready
asleepandt hanktheGodsf orthatbecauseMakhosi
mademepr omisenott otel
l asoul aboutwher ewe
areheadedt othismor ning,hear guedt hatthewall
s
hav eearsandIunder stoodthatbutkeepi ngthi
ng's
fr
om Li y
anai ssomethingheav yformepl usmywi f
e
andIdon' thavesecrets..
.

Iwokeupar ound3am anddidn'

tevenbothertobath,
Ijustdressedupandbr ushedmyteeth.It
ri
edt obe
sil
entsot heQueendoesn'twakeupandIhav et o
answert oherastowhyIam awakeanddr essedat
thishour.Tiptoei
ngtoKay i
sesr
oom isanother
mi ssi
onbutIwi nitt
houghasIgetinandshei s
sleepingpeaceful
lyinherbed,theli
ghtoutsideher
room isbr i
ngingali
ttl
eli
ghtInsoIcansee.Imov e
tohercl osetandtakethefi
rstdressandjerseythatI
see...

Isi
tontheedgeoft hebedandsoft
lyshakeherto
wakeup.Shegroansirr
it
atedandtr
iestochange
si
desbutIshakehersomemor eandt hatmakesher
j
umpandl ookatmeconf used,
sherubshereyes
andyawnsbeforefr
owningatme,Ismi r
kbecauseI
knowshehatesbeingwokenupf r
om herpeaceful
sl
eep..
.

Kay
ise:
baba?
t
heannoy
ancei
nherv
oicemakesmyday
.
Me:
Iam sor
ryf
orwaki
ngy
ouupsoear
ly.
Kay
ise:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
weneedt
oleav
enow.
Kay
ise:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ngatt
hishourt
hough?
Me:babyyouaskedmet ohav
easecondr eadi
ng
wi
thadiff
erentsangomaandIwentaboutitsonow
weneedtogoseet heper
son.
Shesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Kay
ise:
musti
tbet
hisear
lyt
hough?
Me:youcansl
eepint
hecarKay
ise,
her
eyougoput
t
heseonandlet
'sgo.
Sheget
soutofbedandtakest
hecl
othes,
shewal
ks
behi
ndmeandchanges.
Kay
ise:
I'
mready
.
Me:
okayt
ryt
obequi
etpl
ease.
Kay
ise:
whyar
ewesneaki
ngoutt
hought
?
Me:
becauset
hewal
l
shav
eear
sKay
ise.
Sheshakesherheadl
i
ght
ly.
Istandupandt akeherhandandwewal ktothe
kit
chent r
yingsohar dtonotmakeanoi se.Iopen
thedoorandwemakeourwayout ,oneguard
noticesusbutIsi gnal
himt okeepquietbyplaci
ng
myi ndexfingeronmyl ips.
Me:mydaught
erandIaregoingoutpleasedon'
tl
et
any
oneknowthatwelef
tatthishourokay?
Guar
d:notev
ent
heQueen?
Me:
notasoul
.Inf
acty
oudi
dn'
tseeusl
eav
e.
Henodsandwehur rytotheSUVparkedunderthe
carshade.Idr
iveoffheadedtomakhositopickhi
m
up.Kayisei
snowf ull
yawakeandlookingoutsi
de
thewindow,sheseemsl osti
nhert
rainofthought
s.
I
nnot i
meIam outsi
demakhosi'shouseandoutof
nowheret
hebackseatdooropensandhehopsin,
okaywher
edidhecomef rom?
Makhosi
:sani
bonani
,myki
ng,
weshoul
dstar
t
dr
ivi
ngbefor
ethesunst
art
scomi
ngout.
Kay
ise:
goodmor
ningbaba.
Mydaught
eracknowl
edgeshi
m.
Me:
greet
ingst
oyout
ooey
esoft
heGods.
Idon'
twaitf
orhi
mtosayanymor
eIstar
ttheengi
ne
hopi
ngthatwefi
ndanswer
swherewearegoi
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

IwakeupandBheki i
snotbesidesme, thisisaf i
rst
i
ndeed.Iam usuall
ythefi
rstoneoutofbedsoIcan
goandcheckonhowf arthemai dsarewi th
breakf
ast.Isl
owlyremovethecov ersandgetoutof
bedinthesamemanner ,mywhol ebodyi ssti
ffandI
canbetmymoneyt hati
t'
sallf
rom carryingZonke' s
heavybodyandwal ki
ngbetweent heriv
erand
Manzi'
sshr i
ne.
..

Iwalkoutofourbedr oom andheadt ot hebat hr

oom.
Ineedt hi
swatertosoot hemybodysoIcanbe
readytotakeont hi
sdayandf acemyf ami l
y.Isitin
thebathtubwi t
hmyey esclosedtryi
ngt ojustrelax
notonlymybodybutmymi ndaswel l
.Isitforli
kean
hourfrequentl
ytopi
ngupt hetubwithhotwat er
.I
feelabitbett
erwhenIgetout .Il
oti
onanddr essup
beforeheadingout.
..

Thet
abl
eissetandi
tsmel
l
sreal
l
yni
ce,
Iwasn'
t
evenawareofhowf amishedIwasbutIcan'teat
beforeKayi
seandBhekumbusoj oi
nme.Ipour
my sel
facupofcoffeewhileIwaitfort
hem.Mi nut
es
passbybutneit
herofthem joinsmeatt het
able,i
t'
s
unli
kemyhusband,KayiseandNonhl eyesbutnot
Bheki.Onemaidpassesbyt hecorr
idorandIcall
her..
.

Mai
d:y
esmyQueen?
Me:
wher
eismyhusbandanddaught
er?
Mai
d:Ihav
en'
tseenanyoft
hem t
hismor
ning.
Me:checkKayi
seinherroom andmyhusband
somewhereout
sidebecauseheisn'
ti
nourbedroom.
Shenodsandhur
riesofft
ofi
ndt
hem.Nonhl
ewal
ks
i
nbusyonhercel
lphone.
Me:
youknowt
her
ules.
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Nonhl
e:noonei
ssi
tt
edy
etLi
yana.
Me:
nophonesont
het
abl
ewhet
herot
her
sar
eher
e
ornot
.
Nonhl
e:what
'supy
ourasst
hismor
ning.
Me:
not
hingI
'
mjustst
ati
ngf
act
s.
Nonhl
e:mxm!
Themaidwal
ksbacki
nandshest
andsnextt
omy
si
ster
.
Me:
and?
Maid:well
myQueen, theKingisnowher eoutsi
de
andtheguardssay st
heyhaven'tseenhim andhe
di
dn'tgooutunlesshewentpassedt henightduty
guardsandprincessi
snotinherr oom t
oonor
anywhereinthehouse.
Me:
that
'sst
range.
Nonhl
e:y
ouknowtheyhav
ebusi
nesst
heypr
obabl
y
wentt
othepl
ant
ati
on.
Me:
yesmay
be.
Shewal
ksawayandmysi st
erandIdi shf
or
our
sel
ves,
someoneclearst
heirthr
oatbythedoor
andwebothl
ookather.Theresemblancei
sther
e
andthoseeyesareshowingnothingbutpai
nsoI
knowforafactthatshe'
sZonke'smother.Myhear
t
dropstomystomach.
Her
:Goodmor
ning.
Nonhl
e:y
es,
canwehel
pyou?
Her
:I'
m sorr
ytodist
urbbutI
'
mlooki
ngf
orpr
incess
Kay
iseortheKing.
Nonhle:hai
bo!Whoar
eyouagai
n?Andi
sn'
tthat
yourdressLi
yana?
Inod.
Her:ohI'
m sor
ryIam Zonke'
smotherandt
he
pr
incessgavemet hi
sdressshesai
dtheQueen
wouldn'
tmind.
Me:
Idon'
tmi
nd,
Ihav
en'
twor
niti
nyear
ssoi
t'
sokay
.
Thestat
ementear
nsmeadi
stast
eful
lookf
rom my
si
ster
.
Her
:wher
ecanIf
indei
theroft
hem?
Me:
theyar
ebot
hout
,canIhel
pwi
thsomet
hing.
Her
:Ihav
ebeenwai
ti
ngonmychi
l
drent
oar
ri
vebut
i
tdoesn'
tlookl
iket
heywi
l
lpi
tch.I
'vebeenherefor
twodaysnowandmyhousei
sl ef
tunattendedandI
needtogocheckonit
.
Me:
ohIunder
stand.
Nonhl
e:gogr
aby
ourt
hings,
theguar
dswi
l
ldr
opy
ou
of
f.
Shesayssoundi
ngsorudeandIwonderi
fshe
doesn'
thaveanounceofgui
l
t.
Her
:thanky
ou.
Me:Iwil
llety
ouknowy
oul
eftandI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryf
or
whathappened.
Her
:thankyoumyQueenl
etmegr
abmycl
othes
f
rom ther
oom.
Shedi
sappear
s.
Nonhl
e:what
'sy
ourpr
obl
em wena?
Me:
nowhat
'sy
ourpr
obl
em,
whyar
eyousor
ude?
Nonhle:
youwantmet oactall
sweetandnicewhen
Iam par
tofthereasonwhyshe'shur
ti
ng?Getyour
damnguilti
ncheckLiyana.
Shesay
slooki
ngsopi
ssed.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ibarelysleptt hispastni ght

,Icouldonl ythinkand
visuali
zeal lthatMenzi didt
omymot her.Idon' t
thinkIhav eev erhat edaper sonasmuchasIhat e
thatsonofagun.Tot hi
nkhei swal kingar oundl i
ke
hedi dn'tdoany thingmakesmesoangr ythatIf eel
l
ikest r
angl i
ngt hel i
feoutofhi m buthedoesn' tev en
deser v
ear eactionoutofmehenceIam goi ngto
pretendl i
keIdon' tknowwhathedi dtomymot her
andIwon' tletthef actthathefatheredmechange
theper sonIam. ..

Idi
dn'twantt oleav
emymom al onebutsheassured
met hatshe'l
lbeokaycozshef eelsmuchbett
er
nowt hatIknowofwhathadhappenedt oherandI
don'
that eherforit
,Ist
il
ldon'
tunderstandwhyshe
fel
tli
keI'dhateherforbei
ngav icti
m ofatwi
sted
man.Iam gl adtobebackatwor kbecauseeven
thought
hisi
snotmydream j
obIenj
oywor
kingher
e
andserv
ingmyKingandhi
sfamil
y..
.

Ihaven' tseenei t
herKi ngBhekumbusoandpr i
ncess
KayiseandIwashopi ngtothankt hem bothfor
givi
ngmemyj obbackbecausehonest lyIwoul d
havel ostmymi ndi fIwassuspendedi ndefi
nitely
whileIhadt odeal withmymot her'
sconf essi
onso
comi ngbackher ewi l
l hel
pmenott othinkabout
thatal ot.Someoft hemai dsandguar dsar ehappy
toseeme, whileother sar
eunabl etolookatmei n
theey eandI '
veconcl udedthattheyaret heyones
Menzi hadr ecr
uitedtodest r
oymyl i
febutIwi l
l not
holditagai nstthem becauseatt heendt heytoldthe
trut
h...

Menzi
:wher
eist
heKi
ng?
Hesay
sfrom behi
ndmeandIcan'
thel
pbutf
eel
all
t
hefur
y.
Me:
he'
snother
e.
Menzi
:youshoul
dknowwher
ehei
sBukhosi
.
Me:
wel
lIdon'
t.
Menzi
:wat
chy
ourt
oneboy
.
Hewar
nsandIt
urnt
ofacehi
m.
Me:
orwhat
?
Hechuckl
es.
Menzi
:yout
hinky
oucanchal
l
engeme?
Me:
youthi
nkIam v
ulner
abl
eandweakl
i
kemy
mot
herwas?
Iaskandheswal
l
owsbl
i
nki
ngr
api
dly
.
Menzi
:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hi
stonei
snol
ongerconf
ident
.
Me:youknowexact
lywhatI
'
mtal
ki
ngabouty
ou
pi
eceofshit
!
Menzi :Irepeatwatchyoursel
f,Iam anelderofthi
s
l
and, IsitintheRoyalcouncil
andy ouinsult
ingme
wil
lresultiny oubeingfi
nedandadogl i
key ouwil
l
notaffordacowt oappeaset heancestor
s.
Ichuckl
eli
ght
ly.
Me:
Idoubtt
heywoul
dbl
amemef
ormyr
eact
ion.
Menzi
:whatam Iev
endoi
ngar
gui
ngwi
thabast
ard.
Me:
abast
ardy
ousay
?
Menzi
:youhear
dme.
HerespondsandInodwhil
ewal
ki
ngt
owar
dshi
m
andwear ei
nchesapar
t.
Me:ever
ydoghasi
tsdayandy
our
sisnotf
arMenzi
Shezi
.
Isayandwal
kawayl
eav
inghi
mtowonderwhatI
know.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ihavetakenoffmyjersey,wegotherewhil
eitwas
darkandcoldbutnowt hesunisoutandwear e
burni
ngup.Atleasttheladywefoundherehasbeen
ki
ndenought ogiveuswat er
.Iam sofr
ustr
ated,
ti
redandhungrybutbabaandmakhosi seem so
pati
entandunder
standing.Thesangomawecame
heretoseehasbeenclosedupinherndomba
chanti
ngandcall
i
nguponourancest or
sandhersI
assume,wehaven'tev
enseenheraswear r
ivedto
heralr
eadyati
t.
..

Afteranotherli
fet
imet hedooropensandshe
appearslookingdefeated,sheissweat
ingprof
usel
y
andshel ooksreall
yweak.Shespeakst othe
youngersangomaf orawhi l
ethenmakesherwayto
us,west andupqui ckl
ybutshedr opst
oherknees
andclapst wotimes...

Sangoma:
thokozani
.
Makhosi
:ThokozaZanemv
ula.
Baba:
ThokozaGogo.
Myfatheral
sosaysandIknowIam nextsol
etme
j
ustfol
lowwhat'
salr
eadydone.
Me:
ThokozaGogo.
Ir
epeatwhatmyf
athersai
d.
Sangoma:
wecangoi
nsi
de.
Shegetsupandwef ollowherin,butleaveour
shoesatthedoorbeforeweset t
leont hestr
awmat.
Thesmellofimphepho( i
ncense)ischokingbutI
holdontomydiscomf ort
.
Makhosi
:youhav
ebeenati
tZanemv
ula.
Sangoma:Iwasshownthatyou'
dbecomi
ngwi
th
Royal
tysoIhadtopr
epare.
Makhosi
:tel
lmey
oucanseesomet
hingcozIam
bl
i
nded.
Shesi
ghs
Sangoma: i
t'
ssodar
k,Itr
iednav
igatingt
hroughbut
i
twasdi f
fi
cult
.Iwal
kedinthemidstofcrocodi
les
andtheywerebli
ndf
oldedwit
habl ackcl
oth.
Baba:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Sangoma:myKi
ng,t
heNgweny aancest
orsar
e
bl
indedt
oseei
nganyt
hingatt
hispoint
.
Baba:can'
ttheyf
ight
,whatar
eyourancest
ors
sayi
ng?
Sangoma: Iwastoldthatyoushouldcont
inueli
ving
yourli
febecausethisissupposetohappensot hata
greatevi
lcanbebani shedoncemor ef
rom yourland
andthisti
mef orgood.
Ifr
owncozshe'
ssay
ingnot
hingmor
ethanj
ust
ri
ddles
Makhosi
:Sot
her
e'snot
hingwecandot
ost
opi
t?
Sangoma:
absol
utel
ynot
hingf
ornow.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
whataboutZonke?Herbody
?
Sangoma: t
hegir
lisnolongeri
nthelandofthe
l
iving,hersoul
istrappedandherbodykeptasa
present.
Me:
bywho?
Sangoma:
unf
ort
unat
elyIcannotsee.
Thiswasabsolutel
yawasteofsleepandpat
rol
becausewealreadyknewthi
s.Iplacemyhandon
myf or
eheadandbr ushi
t.
Sangoma:
pri
ncesswher
edi
dyougett
hatr
ing?
SheasksandIhol
doutmyhand.
Me:mymothergav
eitt
omei
twasmy
gr
andmot
her'
s.
Shet
akesmyhandandl
ooksati
tbef
orebur
pingso
l
oud.
Makhosi
:ev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Whatdoy
ousee?
Sangoma:t
her
esomet
hingabouti
tbutIcan'
tputa
fi
ngert
oit
.
If
rown.
Makhosi
:couldi
tbethatitbel
ongedtosomeone
who'
salr
eadypassedon, weallknowhowqui
ckl
y
your
eacttothedeadspropert
ies.
Sangoma:
may
be.
Shesay
ssoundi
ngunsur
eandIr
aiseaney
ebr
ow.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER14
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thedr i
vebackhomehadmef eelingsosad, thefact
thatwedi dn'tevengetclearanswer sbreaksmy
heartmor e.Howam Iev engoi ngt ogetbackt othe
palaceandl ookZonke' smotheri nt heeyeandt el
l
heranothersangomai ssingingt hesamesongas
makhosi "darkness,darknessandmor edarkness",i
f
i
tdr ai
nedoutal ltheairinmyl ungswhati si
tgoing
todot othepoorwoman?

Iam alwaysontopofthingsandIcancontrolstaff
andmaket hem swinginthedi
recti
onIdesir
eand
thefactt
hatIam unabletodoitwithadeli
cate
sit
uati
onast hi
sbreaksmemor e.Ithast
odowi tha
humanl i
fe,someone'
sdaughterandsist
ersoy ou
canunderstandwhythisissohardonme. .
.
Thet ensi
oni nthecarisheav y
,every
onei slosti
n
theirownt houghts.Icanunderst
andwhyt hough
becausef ormyf atherhehast ohaveanswer sfor
thepeopl easthisishappeninginthekingdom he
rulesandmakhosi feel
suselesscozit'
shis
responsibil
it
ytoconnectt otheundergroundgang
andt heyarenothav ingitt
hoseone's..
.

Wedr i
veint oUkut hulaanddr opof fmakhosi athis
house, hebi dsusf ar
ewel landbabadr ivesushome.
It
'slateafter noonandt heki dsar eheadinghome
from school andt hestreetsarejustchaot i
c,IwishI
wasascar efreeast hem butadul ti
ngandbei ng
royaltyisjustabadcombi nationsomet imes.We
arri
v eatthepal aceandi t
'sanor mal day,guardsand
mai dsgoingupanddown.Myf atherkil
l
st heengine
andwegetoutoft hecar,hehol dsouthi shandandI
gladlytakei t.Mymot herisintheki t
chenwhenwe
getinandsher aisesaney ebr
owandput stheglass
ofjuiceont hekitchenisland..
.
Ma:
wher
ehav
eyout
wobeen?
Baba:
Kay
iseandIhadt
oleav
eear
lyI
'
llexpl
ainl
ater
.
Ma:andy
oudi
dn'
tthi
nkofwaki
ngmeupt
otel
lme
t
his?
Baba:
Liy
anayouweresl
eepi
ngsopeacef
ull
yIdi
dn'
t
wannastr
essyouout
.
Ma:
ify
ousayso.
Me:Iam sof
amishedmama,cany
ougetsomeone
t
omakemef oodandbri
ngitt
omyr oom i
n20
minut
es.
Ma:
okaybaby
.

Iwalktomyr oom togetmyt oi

l
etri
esandt henmake
mywayt othebathr
oom.RememberIdi dn'
tbathnor
brushmyt eetht
hismor ni
ngsoIneededt ohavea
properscrubbutmakei tquickbecauseI '
m
famished.OncedoneIl ot
ionandheadt omyr oom.I
settl
eforacomf ort
ablesummerdr essandgivemy
phoneal i
ttl
eatt
ention.Aft
eralitt
lewhil
eaknock
comest
hroughmydoor
..
.

Me:
comeoni
n.
Isayloudenoughfortheper
sontohear.Tomy
surpr
iseit
'sBukhosi
holdi
ngatrayoff
ood.
Me:
heyy
ou.
Bukho:
mypr
incess.Ibr
oughty
ourf
ood.
Me:
haowhathappenedt
othemai
ds?
Bukho:
theyareall
assi
gnedtosomet
hingandIwas
fr
eesoIfixedyousomethi
ng.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:nextt
imetellmetocomemakemyownf ood.A
manlymanli
key our
sel
fshoul
dn'
tbegoi
ngar
ound
bei
ngbusyinthekit
chen.
Bukho:
Ireal
l
ydon'tmind.I
'm usedt
otaki
ngcar
eof
mymom soi twasn'
tatrai
nsmash.
Me:
suchagent
leman.
Hel
i
ckst
hosej
uicyl
i
ps,
maki
ngmet
hinkoft
hings
t
hatmakemypant
iesmoi
st.
Bukho:
howar
eyoudoi
ng?Ihear
daboutZonke.
Hemakesmesnapoutofmydel
i
cioust
hought
sand
Isi
gh.
Me:
it'
ssopai
nful
Bukhosi
,Ican'
tbel
i
eveshe'
sno
mor
e.
Bukho:Iknowandthemaidsar
escaredthatt
hey
mightbethenextv
ict
imtowhoeverdidt
histoher
.
Me:theyshouldn'
twor rycozwedon' tknowal l
the
i
nfor
mat i
onatt hi
spoi ntbutI
'l
ltal
ktot hem and
cal
mt hem downandpr omisetransportat
iontoand
fr
om workafterIdiscussitwit
ht heking.
Bukho:youar
esuchaconsi
der
ateper
son.Your
hearti
sbeaut
if
ul.
Ibl
ushl
ooki
ngdown
Me:
thanky
ou.
Bukho:
her
eeatbef
orei
tget
scol
d.
Hehandsmet hetr
ayandourhandst
ouchasIr
each
f
ori
t.Igaspatthespar
kIfel
tandhei
slooki
ngat
mei ntenselyli
kehej ustf elti
ttoo.Ourey esar e
l
ockedandandIam f eelingsomet hingdr awmet o
thi
sboyl ikehowgr av it
yhol dsusdownt ot he
ground.Outofnowher eIpl acethet r
ayont hebed
andgocl osertohi mt hatt heournosesar ej ustan
i
nchapar t.Heswal lowsandIcl osemyey esandf ind
hisdarkthicklips,t
heyt ouchal it
tl
eandIgof urther
andkisshi slowerli
pwhi l
ehi sscentintoxicatesme.
Idon'tthi
nkI '
veeverf eltsost ronglytowar dsaman.
Hepul lsawayf rom mequi cklyandIopenmyey es.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryKay
isebutIcan'
tdot
his.
Mynamecomesoutofhi
smout
handi
tsoundsso
di
ff
erent
.
Me:
Bukhoi
t'
sokayI
-
Hehol dsouthi shandt osil
encemebef orehe
quicklyexist
smybedr oom leavi
ngmef eel
ingli
ke
thebiggestmor oninthewor l
d.FuckhowcouldIput
my selfouttherel
ikethat,Ishouldhaveall
owedhim
tomaket hefir
stmovebutI '
veseenBukhosiand
he'
sr eservedhewoul dn'thavemadeamov eatall
.
OhIam suchahoehowcoul dIbethi
nkingabout
boyswhenIneedtogotal
kt oZonke'
smot
her
.My
appet
it
edisappear
simmediatel
y.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Myhear ti
sheav y,Idon'tknowwhatt odori
ghtnow.
It
'shardformet oacceptt hatIjusthavetosi
tback
andwai tf
orwhat everattacktohappenal l
inthe
nameofbani shi
nganev i
lfor
ever,I
'vebeencracking
myskul lt
ryi
ngtodecr yptthecodedmessagesf rom
theancestorsbutnothingr at
hertheyleavemewi t
h
aseriousheadache. .
.

Mywi f
eiswatchi
ngmei nt
ensel
yasIremovemy
cl
ot hestogoandtakeashower.Weleftear
lyand
satinthesunforhourswait
ingf
ortheSangomato
fi
nishupsoIam notsmel l
i
ngmybestr i
ghtnow.I
canseeshei sdyi
ngtoknowwher ewewentandI
mightaswel l
putmyQueenoutofhermi ser
ybefore
Igot otakemybath.
..
Me:
wewentt
oconsul
tanot
herSangoma.
Isayandshequi
ckl
yst
andsup.
Li
yana:
What
?Why
?
Isi
gh.
Me:Kayi
seisnott
akingthi
swhol
eZonkethi
ngwel
l
andIhadtotr
yfi
ndmor eanswer
sofwhatis
happeni
nginmykingdom.
Li
yana:
Iunder
stand,
whatdi
dtheSangomasay
?
Sheasksf
oldi
ngherar
ms.
Me:not
hingnewmyl
ove.Thesameasmakhosi
can
youi
magine.
Isaylooki
ngatherst
rai
ghti
nthefaceandt
omy
surpr
iseshesi
ghsinrel
i
efandcl
oseshereyes.
Li
yana:
ohGod.
Me:
arey
our
eli
eved?
.
Iaskshocked.
Li
yana:
nonono.BhekumbusonoIam def
eat
ed
howcouldIber
eli
evedatourdoom.
Shesay
staki
ngmyhandsi
ntoher
s.
Me:
it'
sjustsof
rust
rat
ing.
Liy
ana:whydidn'
tyoutel
lmey ourplanst
hough,
we
areateam weshouldhavegonethroughthi
s
exper
iencetoget
her.
Me: makhosi
advi
cedmetokeepi
ttomy
sel
f
becausethewal
l
shaveear
s.
Sher
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Liy
ana:
whatandyoukeptmei
nthedar
ktoo?I
'
m
yourwi
feBheki
!
Me:IknowandI
'
m sor
rybutIhadt
oli
stent
ohi
s
adv
ice.
Li
yana:
buty
oushar
edi
twi
thKay
ise.
Me:
becauset
hiswhol
ethi
ngwasheri
dea.
Li
yana:
wowIdidn'tt
hinkmyownhusbandwoul
dn'
t
tr
ustmebutt
rustourdaught
er.
Me:
myl
ovei
t'
snotl
i
ket
hat
.
Li
yana:
it'
sexact
lyl
i
ket
hat
.
Shesaysandst
ormsoutofther
oom angryandI
'm
j
uststandi
ngt
herewonder
ingwhyshe'
sfuming.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Howt hehellwouldBhekumbusogot oconsul t

anothersangomawi t
houtmyknowl edge.Iam his
wif
ef orGodssakebutlikealwayshehadt oregard
Kayisebeforemeorany oneelseandthatisjustso
fr
ustrat
ing.Iam moremadbecauset heout comes
ofthatconsult
ati
onwoul dhavebeenthelastofme. .
.

Iam soscar edIwon' tli

eandIdi dn'
twantt ostayin
thesamer oom ashim andendupsay i
ngmor ethan
Ishouldhav eandgav ehi m areasontobe
suspeciousofmecozIal mostgav emy sel
faway
from si
ghingi nr
eli
efsoi maginehowImi ghthave
i
ncriminatedmy self
.Ihadt ocalm downandIcan
onlydot hatinmysi ster
'spresence.Igettoher
chamber sandbur stinwi t
houtknocking,sheand
Menzi areineachot her'
sar mskissingandIjustrol
l
myey
es.
..

Me:r
eall
y,soyounowdoy
ournonsensei
ntheday
?
Andyourdoori
snotev
enl
ocked.
Isayandt
heyl
etgoofeachot
her
.
Nonhl
e:y
oushoul
dhav
eknocked.
Ir
oll
myey
esatt
hiscockywoman.
Me:doyouknowwhattheki
ngwil
ldoi
fhef
indsout
aboutwhaty
ouar
edoinginhi
spal
ace?
Nonhl
e:ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lhi
m?
Sheaskswi
thanat
ti
tudeandf
oldsherar
ms.
Me:Menzi
excuseus,
I'
m sur
eNobunt
uiswai
ti
ngf
or
you.
Heswal
l
owsandgr
abshi
sjacketembar
rassed.
Nonhl
e:Iwi
l
lcal
lyouokay
.
Hedoesn'
tacknowl
edgeherbutqui
ckl
yleav
est
he
r
oom.
Me:
hei
smar
ri
edsi
si.
Nonhl
e:Iknowt
hat
.
Me:
thenwhyar
eyoudoi
ngi
tst
il
l?
Nonhl
e:whyar
ejudgi
ngme?
Me:
whaty
ouar
edoi
ngi
swr
ong.
Shechuckl
es.
Nonhle:t
hatwordshoul
dn'
tevenexi
stinyour
vocabul
aryLi
yana.You'
vedonemorethanwrong
t
hingsinyourl
if
e.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
ohwow.
Nonhl
e:st
oppl
ayi
ngJesusandl
eav
eMenzi
andI
al
one.
Me:
youar
eagr
ownwomansoI
'
llmi
ndmybusi
ness.
Nonhl
e:goodnowwhydi
dyouj
ustbur
sti
nmyr
oom
l
ikeamadman.
Isi
ghandset
tl
eont
heedgeoft
hebed.
Me:canyoubeli
eveBheki
andKayi
sewentto
consul
tanot
hersangomaandhedi
dn'
ttel
lme.
Nonhle:
all
owthem t
ofeel
li
ketheyhav
etr
ied
ever
ythi
ngtouncov
erthet
rut
h.
Me:
don'tyouunder
standt
hatt
heymi
ghtf
indout
t
hetr
uth.
Nonhle:y
ouaresuchaweakl i
ngLiyana.No
sangomacanseet hiscomingManziassuredus.
Theonlywaytheyaregoingtofi
ndoutisifyoudon'
t
stopacti
ngthi
swayeacht i
met heconversat
ion
aboutthi
sisbroughtup.
Igaspf
orai
r.
Nonhl
e:nxa!
Shecl
i
ckshert
ongueannoy
ed.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Maka'
Zonke:
wewi
l
lnev
erf
indmybabyKay
isewi
l
l
we?
Shewi
peshert
ear
s
Me:
Iam sosor
rymama.
Isayfeeli
ngsousel
ess.Icametotel
l hert
he
outcomesoftheconsult
ati
on.WhenIwasl ooki
ng
forherbackatt
hepalaceIwastol
dt hatshelef
tin
themor ni
ngandIcoul
dn'tsl
eepwit
houtseeingher.
Maka'
Zonke:Ihav
eaccept
edt
hatshei
snomor
eI
j
ustwantherbody.
Me:Iwi
shIcoul
ddomor
efory
ouandy
ourpeaceof
mi
nd.
Maka'
Zonke:y
ouandy ourf
atherhav
edoneenough
mydear.Youtwohav
ebi gheart
swearebl
essedto
hav
eleadersl
i
keyou.
Me:Iwantyoutoknowt
hatyoucancometothe
pal
aceatanyt
imewhenyouneedanyt
hing.
Maka'
Zonke:
Iappr
eci
atet
hatsomuchmydaught
er.
Me:
hav
eyourel
der
stchi
l
drenar
ri
vedy
et?
Maka'Zonke:yest
heybot
harr
ivedbuttheyst
epped
outbeforeyougother
e,t
heywenttofetchwat
erat
theborehol
e.
Me:
ohokay
.Pl
easemanaget
his.
Ipl
aceast
ackofmoneyIt
ookf
rom myf
ather
.
Maka'
Zonke:
ohmychi
l
dIcoul
dn'
tpl
ease.
Me:
pleaseusei
tpl
ease.
Maka'
Zonke:
myGodwi
l
lbl
essy
ouabundant
ly.
Me:
Amen.
Maka'
Zonke:
letmemakeusacupoft
ea.
Inod.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Myheadhasbeenal lovertheplacesi ncethe

pri
ncesskissedmeear l
iert
oday .Idon'tt
hinkIhav e
everbeenshockedi nmyl if
e,shet ookmeby
surpr
iseanditleftmef r
ozen.Ifeel sobadwi th
regar
dst othewayIr eactedbutt hatwasani ntense
momentf orme, Ifel
tthingsthatIhav eneverfeltin
myl i
feandbeforeIcouldactoni tIhadtostaycl ear
ofher..
.

Shei
sapr
incess,
roy
alt
yandt
her
e'snowayshecan
takeal i
kingintoaguyl i
keme.Ihav enot hi
ngto
offerherandshedeser v
est hebesti nthisli
fe.
May bethiswhol eZonket hingi sweighingheav yon
herandheremot i
onsdrov eheri ntokissingmeaf t
er
allgri
evemakespeopl edot hingst heywoul dn'
t
normallydo.Ihav ebeensi tti
ngi nthischairever
sinceIfinishedwashingthedi shesaf t
erourdinner
andmamagotknockedof fbyt hepill
ssosher eti
red
tobedear l
y.Iam notsureofhowt hingswi l
lbe
betweenusf rom her
eonwar dsbutIpr aywecanget
pastthis,aknockcomest hr oughandIf rown
wonder i
ngwhoi tcoul
dbesol ate.Igot oopenand
theshockwhenIseet hepr i
ncessatmydoorst ep..
.

Me:
ZamaNgweny
a?
Isayandshei
slooki
ngatmewi
thwar
m ey
es
Kayise:Iam sor
ryforshowi
ngupsol
ate,
Iwas
passingbyfrom Zonke'
shouse.
Me:
it'
sokay
.
Kay
ise:
canwet
alk?
Me:
sur
e,comeoni
n.
Kayise:
thest
arsar
ever
ybeauti
ful
intheskyandt
he
breezeissor
efr
eshi
ngl
et'
stal
koutsi
de.
Inodandwal
koutclosi
ngthedoorbehi
ndme.We
headtot
hebenchunderthet
reeandsit
.
Me:
howi
shermot
herhol
dingup?
Kay
ise:
it'
sver
yhar
donherhey
.
Ij
ustnodandther
e'ssi
lencebet
weenus,
aft
era
minut
esheclear
sherthroat.
Kayise:Iam sosor
ryf
orbeingthatf
orwardear
li
er
on,Iwasn'tt
r y
ingt
odi
srespectyouandyour
gi
rl
friend.
Me:
Idon'
thav
eagi
rl
fr
iendZamaNgweny
a.
Sheshoot
smeal
ook.
Kay
ise:
thenwhy
?Whydi
dyoust
orm outl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
Iwasj
ustshockedt
hat
'sal
l
.
Kay
ise:
it'
snotbecausey
oudon'
tl
ikeme?
Me:
Ili
key
out
rustmeIl
i
key
oual
ot.
Isaysof
asti
tsoundsl
i
keI
'
m desper
ate.
Kayi
se:thenwhyhaven'
tyoumadeamov e,Imean
I
'veshowny ouacoupl
eofti
mesthatIl
i
key ou.
Me:Iam j
ustanobodyMt
imande,
Ican'
tof
fery
ou
any
thingy
oudeserve.
Kayi
se:
don'
ttal
kaboutyour
sel
fli
kethatBukho.I
seemuchmorewhenIlookatyouandtal
ktoy ou.
Me:
youar
eapr
incessandmey
ourempl
oyee.
Kayise:
Idon'
tcareaboutt
hat,
youhavedr
eamsand
Iknowy ouwi
llbegreat
.Thehear
twantswhati
t
want sy
ouknow.
Ismi
l
eather
.
Me:
youar
esobeaut
if
ulZamaNgweny
a.
Kay
ise:
beaut
if
ulenought
omakemey
our
s?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:youaresobol
d,t
hat
'soneoft
het
hingsI
appr
eci
ateabouty
ou.
Shepout
sandherey
esgl
ow.
Kay
ise:
sowhatdoy
ousay
?
SheasksandIl ookatherdeepi ntheeyesl i
keIam
readinghersoul ,everyinchofmyper sonphy si
cally
andspi ri
tual
lyfeelsthisisr i
ght.Idon'
trespondwi th
mywor dsbutIbr i
ngmyf aceforwardandmyl ips
fi
ndher s,theyar esosof tandt heytast
el i
kesugar
andIguessi t
'sf r
om herlipbalm becauset hesel i
ps
areal waysmoi sturi
zed.Ourl i
psdancet ogetherina
rhythm andIputonehandar oundherwai standpul l
hert ome, herar msgoesar oundmyneck.Weki ssa
whileuntilshepul l
sout .
Kay
ise:okayt
hatwasuhm muchmor
ethanIhad
i
magined.
Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:weai
mtopl
ease,
sohowi
sthi
sgoi
ngt
opl
ay
out
.
Kay
ise:
canIjustenj
oythi
smomentcozIj
ustshoot
myshotanddidn'
tgetr
eject
ed.
Il
augh.
Me:
thi
sisnoty
oupl
ayi
ngapr
ankonmer
ight
?
Shetakesmyhandandpl acesi
tonherl
eftsi
deof
thechest
,herhear
tisbeati
ngsofast
.
Kay
ise:
doest
hatsoundl
i
keabeatofapr
ank?
Me:
Icoul
dsweari
t'
sabeatofawomani
nlov
e.
Ij
okeandsher
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Kay
ise:
thatwoul
dn'
tbef
arf
rom t
het
rut
h.
Ilookatheri
ntheeyesandwhatI
'
mfeel
i
ngi
s
forei
gnandamazing.
Me:couldn'
thaveguessedthatmyMondaywould
endthi
sway .ThankyouforcomingZamaNgwenya.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
ehowy
oucal
lme.
CansomeonepinchmesoIknowt hi
sishappeni
ng
forr
eal
andit
'snotjustapl
easantdream.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER15
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Dinnerwasawkwar dasmywi fei

sst il
lmadatme
forgoingwithKayi
set othesecond" opi
nion"
consultat
ionandkeepingitfr
om heraswel lbutshe
hastounder st
andthatthisi
sadel i
catemat terand
j
ustbecauseIdecidedt okeepittomy selfunti
lit
hadhappeneddoesn' tmeanIwasn' tgoingtotellher
orItrustheranyl
ess.Ilovemywi feandI
understandherfr
ustr
ationsbutsomet imesshecan
blowt hi
ngsoutofproporti
on..
.

Wear einourmatrimonial
bedroom andthetension
i
sstil
lverymuchl i
ngeri
ngbetweenus.Iam layi
ng
fl
atandfacingherasshei ssi
tt
ingupstrai
ght
bal
ancingont heheadboardandreadi
ngaNov el,
sheisfocusingonitsomuchherf aci
alexpr
ession
i
soneIcannotmakeupbutIknowshe'
smadatme
j
ustnotsur
etowhatext
ent
..
.

Icomeclosertoherandmov emyhandt ohert hi

gh
undert
hecov erwhil
ekeepingmyey esonhert osee
howshewi l
lreact
.Shedoesn'tfl
i
nchbutr estsher
eyesontheli
terat
uresheisindul
gingin.Imov emy
handupandt hatear
nsmeaser i
ousst ar
efrom herI
stopi
nstant
ly.
..

Me:
Iwantt
omakel
ovet
omywi
fe.
Shehuf
fs.
Li
yana:
Iam noti
nthemoodBheki
.
Me:
areyounotr
eal
lyi
nthemoodory
ouar
edeny
ing
mebecausey
ouaremadatme?
Li
yana:
whi
chev
eronei
saccept
abl
ebyy
ou.
Shesay
sandInar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
don'
tusesexasaweapon.
Li
yana:
Isai
dIam noti
nthemoodori
sitbyf
orce?
Inodsl
owl
y.
Me:absol
utel
ynot,
Icoul
dnev
ermakey
oudo
any
thi
ngyoudon'twantt
odo.
Isayget
ti
ngoutofbed.
Li
yana:
andwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ogetsomewat
er.

Shedoesn'trespondbutl ooksatherbookagai n.I

walkoutandt hel i
ght sareof fsoit'
sdar kbutnot
hardtonavigatemywayt othekitchen.Idon'tbother
toswitchont helight s,
Ijustgot othef r
idgeand
takeoutbottl
edwat erandset t
leont hebarstool.
Someoneunl ockst hedoorf rom theoutsideandIsi t
uprightandwat cht hedoort oseewhoi ti
satt his
hour,i
t'
sKay i
se, she' st
ryingtonotmakeanoi se.
Shehasn'tnoticedmeandwhenshet ur
nsaf t
er
l
ockingagainshej umpst othesightofmef ol
ding
myar ms.

Me:
andt
hen?
Shesmi
l
esaner
voussmi
l
e.
Kay
ise:
Baba,
hey
.
Me:
wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom t
hisl
ate?
Kay
ise:
Iwentt
oseeZonke'
smot
her
.
Sher
espondsandIf
arr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:
at22:
30r
eal
l
yMt
imande?
Kay
ise:
wel
ostt
rackoft
imebaba.
Me:
I'
m sur
eyoudi
d.
Ichuckl
eli
ght
lyshaki
ngmyhead.
Kay
ise:
andwenawhyar
eyousi
ti
ngi
nthedar
k?
Isi
ghandsheset
tl
esont
hev
acantbarst
ool
opposi
t
me.
Me:yourmot
heri
ssti
ll
unhappywithmef
ornot
t
ell
i
ngheraboutt
hesecondopi
nion.
Sher
oll
sherey
esbor
ed.
Kay
ise:
yourwi
femustj
ustr
estshame.
Me:
don'
tl
etherheary
ousayt
hat
.
Kay
ise:
doIl
ooksui
cidal
?
Ichuckl
eassheget
supfr
om thest
ool
andcomes
tomysideandki
ssesmycheek.
Kay
ise:
Goodni
ghtBhekumbuso.
Ismi
l
e
Me:
Goodni
ghtst
handwasami
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Whatmymot hersaidt omer eall

yleftsome
heav i
nessi nmyhear tbutapar tofmewashol ding
ont othehopeshegav eme, ahopet hatIwillhav ea
childofmyownandpr eventanotherwomancomi ng
i
nt othispal aceandt akingwhatismi ne,thethrone
andmosti mpor tantlyBhekumbuso' sheart.Ididn't
sleepawi nkl astnightandmyhusbandi sstil
l
snor i
ngnextt ome, Iam full
ydressedandwai ti
ng
forther oost ercrowt omakei t
'sfir
stsoundoft he
daysoIcangomeetmama. .
.
Rightont i
met hecrowmadeasoundandt hatwas
myqueue, Igetoutwi t
houtanyoneseeingmeand
i
t'
sst i
lldarkandIam scar edbutthedeterminat
ion
i
nmei spushi ngmef orwardtotheriver
.AsIarri
veI
fi
ndmymot hersitt
ingontheriverbankwithher
eyescastont hesti
llwater
s..
.

Me:
mama.
Ical
loutandshequi
ckl
ylooksatme.
Ma:
youar
elat
eLi
yana.
Isi
gh.
Me:
Icameasqui
ckasIcoul
d.
Ma:
let
'sgo.

Shestandsupandr oughlycl
apsmyhandandl eads
mecr osstheri
verwheretheybuil
tabri
dgetocross
totheothersi
dewher ethefi
rewoodisin
abundance.Sheiswalki
ngsof astt
hatIfi
ndmy sel
f
runni
ngal i
tt
letocatchup.Idon'
tknowwherewe
aregoingbutthedir
ecti
onisscary,wi
thever
ymet r
e
wecov ert
hehairsonmybackst and.Afterthe
l
ongesttimewear ri
veinthi
screepyplace, wherea
hutstandsinthemiddleandthesmel lofmut if
il
ls
theatmosphere.Ist
oponmyt r
acksasIf i
gureout
wherewear e.Shestopswhenshedoesn' thearmy
foot
stepsfoll
owingbehindher.
..

Ma:
hai
bowhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
thi
spl
acemamauhm no.
Shecomest
ome.
Ma:
doy
ouwantachi
l
dLi
yana?
Me:
wit
hal
lmyhear
t.
Shest
epsasi
de.
Ma:
prov
eit
.
Iswall
owandthi
nkforaminut
e,t
hinkofeveryt
hing
thati
sleani
ngonthi
schi
l
d.Isi
ghandwal kfoward.
Ma:
nowt
hat
'smygi
rl
.
Shef oll
owsbehi ndmeandweheadt othehut .This
placeisscary,dar k,uncomfortabl
enoisescome
from thebushandi fyoulist
encarefull
yit'
slike
peoplear escreami ngforhelp.Iam nervousandi fI
couldIwoul drunbackt othepalacebutapal ace
thatwillf
indmyr eplacementbecauseIcan' tgi ve
them anhei r
?
Shebendsdownt otakeof fmyshoesandt henhers.
MamaknocksandIswal lowasshepushest he
cor r
igat edirondooropen.Amanasscar yast he
creatur est heoldwomani nthevil
lageusedt o
discribet ousdur i
ngfolktales,hi
sf aceishiddenby
beadeddr eadlocksandhe' si nnot
hi ngbutsangoma
clothsandt hehuthasal ltypesofskul lshanging
from t her oof,bott
lesaref il
ledwit
hdi ffer
enttypes
ofcr eat ur
esbutmost lysnakes.Howt hehelldoes
mymot herknowt hisplaceandi scomf ort
ableli
ke
this?

Ma:
Thegr
eatMamba.
Shesay
swi
tht
hewi
destsmi
l
e
Mamba:
Sisi
,pl
easesi
t.
Shegoesdownt
oset
tl
eont
hest
rawmatandIj
oin
her
.
Ma:
thi
sisLi
yana.
Mamba:
howcanIf
orgetmyown?
Theybot
hchuckl
eandI
'
mlef
tfeel
i
ngconf
used.
Ma:
weneedy
ourhel
pyouknow.
Mamba:
Ifi
gur
edt
hat
'swhyy
ouar
eher
e.
Ma:wel
ltheroy
alcounci
lwantsachil
dbef
oret
aki
ng
hert
othefor
esttooff
ici
ateherpl
acement
.
Hesmi
l
es.
Mamba:
wher
edoIhel
p?
Ma:theyarest
ruggl
i
ngtoconcei
veMamba,
hel
pmy
chi
l
dort heywi
llr
epl
aceher
.
Mamba: Icandoabsolutel
yany
thing,
Icangiv
e
ever
yonetheirheart
sdesir
esolongastheygi
veme
somethi
ngi nret
urn.
Hesay
slooki
ngatmeandr
emov
ingt
hebeadssoI
canbeeyetoey
ewit
hhi
m andt
hoser
edbi
gey
es
sendchi
l
lsdownmyspi
ne.
Mamba:
howbaddoy
ouwantachi
l
d?
Me:
wit
hal
lmyhear
tbaba.
Mamba:
whatar
eyouwi
l
li
ngt
ogi
ve?
Me:
any
thi
ngabsol
utel
yany
thi
ng.
Isaywithoutev
ent hinki
ngaboutit
.Hesmilesand
burpssoloudandst artschant
ingsomet
hing
i
naudibl
eandcl osi
nghi seyesmakingmovesthat
rat
tlet
hosebeads.
Mamba:
myancest
orwi
l
lgi
vey
ouagi
rlchi
l
d.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hegender
.
Mamba: thegreatKingoft
hewaterneedsawi fe,
he
i
slonelyandcannotr ul
ewit
houtaQueen,t
ot hank
hi
mf orblessi
ngy ouheasksfory
ourdaughters
handinmar ri
age.
Me:what
!Youwantmydaught
ert
obemar
ri
edt
oa
spi
ri
t?
Iaskshocked.
Mamba:
shei
sn'
tyourdaught
ery
etLi
yana.
Me:
howcanaspi
ri
tandahumanev
enbemar
ri
ed?
Iaskbecausewhathei
ssay
ingi
sn'
tmaki
ngsense
buthechuckl
es.
Mamba:
youwantadaught
erhewant
sawi
fe.
Me:Idon'tthi
nkt
hat'
sfair
,tomarr
yoffasoul
toa
dei
tybeforesheevenarr
ivesi
ntheworl
d.
Ma:Li
yana,
it'
sjustt
ostr
engt
hent
heki
ngdom,
they
wi
ll
rul
ethelandwell.
Me:
howwi
l
ltheyr
ulei
fhe'
saspi
ri
t.
Mamba:whent heti
mei sri
ghthewil
l t
akephysi
cal
for
m andyourdaughterwil
llov
ehim andbehappy,
becomethemostpower fulQueent
oev ergr
acethe
l
andandbearmanysonsanddaught ers.
I
tsoundt
empt
ingbutnoIj
ustcan'
t.
Ma:
Liy
ana!
Shecal
l
sannoy
ed.
Me:
nomamai
t'
snotr
ight
.
Mamba: Nomcebot akey ourdaughterandleavemy
shri
ne,myancest orsdon'thav eti
met owasteand
congratul
ationsbecausei nlessthanayearyour
youngestNonhl ewil
lbecr ownedQueenandshewi l
l
beheav i
lypregnantwiththeKi ng'
ssonandt akent
o
theforesttooffi
ciat
eev eryt
hing.
Igapsf
orai
r.
Me:
mysi
sterwi
l
lbemyhusband'
swi
fe?
Tear
swel
lupi
nmyey
es.
Mamba:
notunl
essy
ouchangef
ate.

Ij
oltawake, panti
ngandsweat i
ngprofusely,my
ni
ghtdressiswet .Whyt hehel
ldi
dIhav etodr eam
aboutsomet hingthathappenedmoret han20y ears
ago.IpeepatBheki andheiscompletelyoutofi t
.I
getoutofbedandl ookatthewatchont hepedest al
andseet hatit'
s04:13am.Ineedt ochanget his
sl
eepwear .
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Isl
eptsopeaceful l
yandwokeupf eeli
nglikeIam on
topoftheworld,buthowcoul dInotwhent hemost
beaut
ifulgi
rli
nthiswhol eworl
dcameher eandt old
meexact l
yhowshef eel
saboutme.Inev erthought
onedayIwoul dfindmy sel
fsuchalovi
ng, fi
erce,
ambit
iousanddownt oear t
hwomanandshewoul d
wantmeandnotev encareaboutmylevelin
soci
ety..
.

Shelef therelatelastnightaswel osttrackoft i

me,
wewer ejusttalki
ngandt al
kingl ayi
ngont hest raw
matwat chi
ngt hesky .Icanst i
l
l feelherli
psonmi ne
andherwhi spersinmyeart ell
ingmehowsur r
eal
thi
sf eelsandshekeptofsni ffi
ngmeandcl osi
ng
herey eswitht hewidestbeaut i
f ulsmileplastered
acrossherf ace...

ZamaNgweny ahast
urnedmyworl
dupsidedowni
n
l
essthat24hour
s,If
eelbr
andnewandthese
butt
erfl
i
esinmyst omachwon' tgoaway .Iam inthe
ki
tchenmaki ngmymot hersof tporr
idgebef oreI
l
eaveforwor k.Iam l
i
steningt otheradiowhena
songbyDj Mer l
on_Thembal anist
artsplay i
ng,I
smileandsingalongafterincreasi
ngt hev ol
ume...

"Hambil
umhl
abawonkemt
anomunt
uazang
ngimt
hol
omunyof
ananawe
hambi
leumhl
abawonket
hembal
ami
azang
ngi
mthol
omunyof
ananawe
(
Awehawehazangi
mthol
eomunyof
ananawe)

Nguwewedwoneguny
alokungbi
zangegamal
am
phel
a
wenaumat
shi
ngel
on
i
phakat
hil
ami
makeni
mbukemakahambangi
sho
kwel
i
zay
o
ngi
zokhet
hawenawooooawehawehazangi
mthol
omunyof
ananawe
Awehawehazangi
mthol
omunyof
ananawe.
sengbabheki
labany
eohuhhhuhuhohhhhaa
ohhhooaa
uhuhhhhhaaohoaohoa
I
gamal
akhol
i
bhal
i
wenhl
i
ii
izweni
yami
..
."

Iam si
ngingatt
hetopofmyl
ungswhenthevolume
suddenl
ygoesdownandIqui
ckl
ylookbackandit
's
mymom wi thherey
ebr
owrai
sed.
..

Mama:
hai
boBukho,
somuchnoi
sei
nthemor
ning.
Me:
Iwasst
il
lenj
oyi
ngt
haty
ouknow.
Mama:
youcanst
il
ldoatanor
mal
lev
el.
Me:
kil
lj
oy.
Mama:
whyar
eyoui
nsuchagoodmood?
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Ihav
eal
ott
obegr
atef
ulf
or.
Mama: Bukhonott
oseem l
ikeIwanttopull
you
backkodwahowcany oubegoodafterwhatI
di
sclosedafewdaysago?
Isi
gh.
Me:
Ijustchosenott
odwel
loni
t.
Mama:baba,don'
tputi
tatt
hebackofy
ourhead.
Weneedtotalkabouti
t.
Me:wedidandwear
enotgoi
ngt
oal
l
owhi
mtopul
l
usback.
Mama: Ikeptitwit
hmeandi tatethr
oughev er
yday
butnowt hatItol
dy ouIf
eelbet
terandIalsowant
youtotalkaboutitsoyoucanmov eonfrom it
.
Me: IknowbutIpr omiseI'
m good.Menzii
sadog
andhedoesn' tdeservemewast ingmyti
measki ng
my sel
fhowhecoul dbethatevi
l.Theonl
ypersonI
feelsorr
yforishiswife.Sheisl
ivingwi
thabastard
thatwill
neverchange.
Shenar
rowsherey
es.
Mama:
whatdoy
oumean.
Isi
gh.
Me:nothingIam j
ustsay
ing.Yourpor
ri
dgei
sreadyI
needtoleave.
Mama:
haoy
ouar
enoteat
ingwi
thy
ourmot
her
?
Me:IwishIcoul
dbutZamaNgweny
adoesn'
thav
ea
per
sonalhel
persoIam goi
ngt
obeassi
sti
ngher
.
Mama:haoyourefertoherwi
thsuchabeaut
if
ul
name,
isshethereasonwhyyouareinsuchagood
mood?
Ichuckl
efail
ingt
okeepmyfacei
ncheckandIknow
i
thasalreadysol
dmeoutdamnit
!
Me:
hav
eagr
eatdaymaI
'
llseey
oul
ater
.
Ma:hai
bobuy al
asi
sakhul
umaphel
a(comebackwe
ar
estil
ltal
ki
ng).
Iam outt
hedoorbef
oreshecansaymor
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA
Iwokeupear lyi
nthemor ningandf r
eshenedup
beforeheadingtotheki t
chen,Ifoundt hemai
ds
aboutt ostartwi
thbreakfastandaskedt hem t
ogo
fi
ndsomet hi
ngelsetodoasIwasgoi ngtobethe
onepr epari
ngbreakfastformyf amil
y .Ij
ustf
eltl
i
ke
doingsomet hingni
cef orthem andwhatbet t
erway
thanpr epari
ngthem themosti mportantmealofthe
day..
.

Iwentalloutanddi
dev er
y thi
ngIcouldt hi
nkofand
thetablei
ssetandr eady,waitingforeveryoneto
comeandset tl
edownt oindulgeinthedel i
caci
es
preparedbyyourst
ruly.Igof etchthejuiceandwhen
Iwalkbackinthedinningr oom myf atherispul
li
ng
outachair.
..

Baba:
mydaught
eri
nanapr
on?
Ichuckl
e
Me:
Icookedbr
eakf
ast
.
Baba:
ohWhoar
eyouandwhatdi
dyoudowi
thmy
daught
er?
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
it'
sst
il
lmesochi
l
loutandenj
oy.
Baba:
chi
l
lout
.
Hemi
micsme.
Me:
wat
chi
tBheki
.
Iwar
nandhechuckl
es.Myauntwal
ksi
n.
Nonhl
e:oht
hisi
ssomef
ivest
art
hings.
Ismi
l
epr
oudofmy
sel
f.
Me:
sitdownandenj
oyaunt
y.
Nonhl
e:y
oucooked?
Ibowdown.
Me:
youguessedr
ight
.
Nonhl
e:y
ouar
ereadyf
ormar
ri
aget
hen.
Baba:
youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Theybot
hlaughasBukhosi
crossesmymi
nd.
Mymot
hershout
sli
keamadwomanf
rom t
he
cor
ri
dor
.
Mama:
Kay
ise!
If
reezef
orami
nut
eassheappear
s.
Baba:hai
boLiy
anawhyar
eyoushout
ingl
i
ket
his,
is
ever
ythi
ngokay?
Shej
ustl
ooksatherhusbandandsay
snot
hing
Mama:
wenawher
eisy
ourr
ing?
Sheasksf
uri
ousandIhol
doutmyhandandi
t'
snot
ther
e.
Me:Imusthav
elef
titi
nmyr oom whenIwast
aki
ng
mybathI'
l
lgofi
nditaf
terbr
eakf
ast.
Mama: noKayi
se,
youlef
titi
nthebat
hroom whatif
oneofthemaidsf
ounditanddeci
dedtokeepitf
or
themsel
ves?
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
Mama: thatwon'
tcutit
,youshoul
dhav ejustsai
d
youdidn'
twantit
.Thisisthel
astthingIhaveofmy
motherandIthoughtyou'
dappreciatei
tbutIwas
wrong.
If
eel
sobad.
Me:Iwantt
oweari
tandIappr
eci
atei
tsomuch,
I'
m
sor
ry.
Mama:
weari
torbr
ingi
tback.
Nonhl
e:cal
m downshesai
dshe'
ssor
ry.
Mama:
stayoutoft
his!Iam t
alki
ngt
omychi
l
dmi
ne.
Shesnapsatmyaunt
.
Me:
I'
m sor
rymama.
Shedr
opsi
tont
het
abl
eandl
eav
est
her
oom.
Baba:
whatwast
hat
?
Nonhl
e:she'
sjusthav
ingoneoft
hoseday
s.
Me:
hect
ic!
Itaket
her
ingandputi
tonbef
oredr
agonl
ady
comestoatt
ackme.
Baba:
sitdownbabyl
et'
seat
,I'
l
ltal
ktoherl
ater
.
Nonhl
e:andkeept
hedi
amondon.
Shesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.
Afterbreakf
astIclearedthetabl
eanddi shedoutfor
myboy fri
end,ohitfeelsgoodsayingthat.Ihaven'
t
seenhimt odaybutIaskedoneoft hemai dswhere
heisandshesai dhe'snor mall
yatthebacki nthe
mor ni
ng.Iwalkthereandhe'sonachai rholding
somepaper sandapen. .
.

Me:i
t'sr
udenottosaygoodmor
ningt
oyour
gi
rl
fr
iendyouknow.
Helooksupt
oseemeandsmi
l
est
hatpant
y
dr
oppingsmi
le.
Bukho:ZamaNgweny
a,howar
eyoumunt
'omuhl
e
(beaut
if
ull
ady)
?
Ibl
ushandwal
ktowar
dshi
m.
Me:
Iam okayhey
,whatabouty
ou?
Bukho:
Iam v
erywel
lnami
.
Me:Ibr
oughty
ousomef
ood,
Imadebr
eakf
ast
t
oday.
Bukho:ohwow,youcooked?mustbef
eel
i
nggood
aboutsomet
hing.
Me:def
ini
tel
y,t
her
e'sthi
sboyt
hatdr
ivesmei
nsane
t
hatIhadtocookforhim.
Hechuckl
es.
Bukho:
someguy
sar
elucky
.
Heuncov
erst
hepl
ateandbi
test
hesausage.
Me:IwishIcoul
dwatchy
oueatbutIneedt
o
pr
eparesomethi
ngformymeet
ingthi
sThursday
.
Bukho:
thanky
ouf
ort
hef
oodandhav
eal
ovel
yday
.
Iki
sshi
m sl
owl
ypl
aci
ngonehandonhi
scheek.
Me:
myr
oom l
ateronpl
ease.
Iwi
nkathi
m andl
eav
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

PreorderTheHousewi
fef
orjustR80unti
lDecember
27th.Yoursuppor
twi
ll
behighl
yappreci
ated.Make
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER16
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ineedt ohav eawor dwi thmywi f

einregar
dst ohow
sheact edthismor ning,Idi
dn'
tappreci
ateher
l
ashingoutonourdaught erbecauseofaring,aring
shemostpr obablyforgotbecauseshewasi na
hurrytodosomet hingniceforusbycooking
breakfast.Yesshei smadatmef ortell
i
ngKay ise
andnotherbutshemustbeangr ywithmeandnot
mydaught erbecauset hatwil
lj
ustcauseserious
problemsbet weenus. ..

Iam onmywayt othepalacefr

om theti
mber
plant
ati
on,Ihaddocument stosi
gnsoIaskedt hat
theydonotdropthem offbecauseIwil
lbecomi ng
tocheckonhowev er
ythi
ngisgoingsoI'
dsignthen.
Thebusinessisgrowingandwear etocoveranother
pi
eceoflandt oexpand,
it'
sexci
ti
ngandhonestl
yit
i
stheonlythinggoingri
ghtandIcansti
ll
have
cont
rol
ov ersoitwill
somehowbemysanct uar
y,a
pl
acewher eIwil
lescapemyhushr eal
i
ty.
..

Wegethomeandt heguar dopensmydoor ,Icli

mber
outoft hecarandheadt othemai nhouse, itislate
after
noonal readyandt hemai dsar ewr appingup
everyt
hingt oreti
refortheday .Igreetthem and
headst rai
ghttoourbedr oom, Ijustwantt obeoutof
thissuitandintosomet hingcomf ortable,soonasI
opent hedoorLi y
anai ssitt
ingont heedgeoft he
bedwi thherheadbur iedinherhands, Idon't
acknowl edgeherbutwal kinfurtherandt akeof fmy
blazer.
..

Li
yana:
Bheki
.
Shesay
sinal
owt
one.
Me:
yes?
Li
yana:
Iknowy
oumustbedi
sappoi
ntedwi
thme.
Me:
yout
hink?
Ihearhersi
ghdeepl
y.
Li
yana:
Iov
err
eact
edIknowandI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
youshoul
dbeapol
ogi
zi
ngt
oyourdaught
er.
Li
yana:
andIwi
l
l.
Me:
whati
swr
ongwi
thy
oul
atel
y?
Iaskt
urni
ngt
ofaceher
.
Liyana:Iam j
ustsost
ressedbyev
ery
thi
ngwear
e
facing.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me: Iunder
standit'
stoomuchbuty
ouneedtokeep
yourcomposur e,
youcan'
tactonemot
ions.
Li
yana:
I'
ll
try
.
Me:youar
etheQueenLiya,
ify
oufallapartyouwi
l
l
gi
vemypeoplet
heimpressi
onthatIam fail
i
ngtodo
myjob.
Li
yana:
I'
m sor
ryBheki
.
Me:
wear
egoi
ngt
hroughadi
ff
icul
tti
me,
ort
he
wor
sti
syettocomeandI'
m goingt
oneedmywi
fe
t
ogett
hroughthi
swhol
ething.
Li
yana:
100%
Me: Kayi
seisnoty ourenemynorar eyoucompet i
ng
formyhear twit
hher ,she'
smybabygi rl
,myprincess
andIwi l
ll
ov ehersomuchi nawayonlyaf at
hercan
totheappleofhisey eandy ouar
emywi feLi
yaand
theloveIhav ef
ory ouwill
bediff
erent
.
Shebi
tesherl
owerl
i
p.
Li
yana:
Iam sor
ryIwi
l
ldobet
ter
.
Me:
please.
Shesmi
l
esandcomescl
osert
ome.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ican'
tgetanyworkdonecozsomeonei sbusy
runni
ngwildi
nmymi nd,i
sitpossibl
eforapersonto
fal
lsodeepandsofast ?WhatIfeelforBukhosii
s
i
ntenseandit
'sscar
ingmeal otbuti
nt hesameli
ght
i
ffeelssori
ght.Hei
sgoingtomakethemost
amazingKingandIknowmyf at
heri
sgoingto
approveandbeecstat
icwhenIshar
ethatIam wi
th
hi
m...

Whatweneedt odonowi smakehi m understand

thatIam hiswomanandheshoul dstoptiptoeing
aroundmeandf eel
i
ngl i
keIam t oogoodf orhim
becausel ovedoesn'tcareaboutsoci alst
andards.
Thef actthathehasdr eamsbey ondwhathei s
currentl
ydoingisenoughf ormet oknowt hatone
dayhewi l
lblowandbet hebiggestthinghewasn't
evenr eadytobecome. ..

Inev erwant edar eadymademanbecauseIdon' t

knowt hest r
ugglesoftr
yingtoputy ourli
fetogether
asIam apr i
ncessandIwasgi venevery
thingthatI
everdesi red,yesI'
vehadmyf ai
rshareofpr obl
ems
butiti sn'
tenought ocompar etowhatot hersgo
throughonadai lyjustt
omakei ti
nlif
e.Awor kin
progr essisenoughandwi t
ht hekindofwomanIam
IknowIwil
lpushhi
mtogreat
nessaft
eral
lbei
ng
withsomeonehast
ochangeyourl
i
feinaway.
..

Aknockcomest hroughtomyf ather

'soff
iceandthe
personopensbeforeIcaninvit
et hem i
n,i
t'smy
mot her
,Isi
gh.Shewasn'tf
riendlythi
smor ningandI
don'tknowhowt oactri
ghtnowasI '
m sti
ll
wonder i
ngwhyshehadt obitemyheadof fli
kethat
..
.

Mama:
youbusy
?
Me:
yesbutIcanspar
eami
nut
e.
Mama:
youshoul
dn'
tov
erwor
kyour
sel
f
Nt
ombi
kayi
se.
Me:
thati
sn'
tappl
i
cabl
ewheny
ouhav
edeadl
i
nes.
Shesmi
l
es.
Mama:
you'
vet
akeny
ourf
ather
'swor
ket
hic.
Me:
Iguessso.
Mama: whatam Isayi
ng,
youhav
etakenev
ery
thi
ng
f
rom Bheki
,Ifeelr
obbed.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
hehadt
hest
rongergenes.
Shesmi
l
es.
Mama:y
ouar
esuchat
rai
tor
,itwasal
onghar
dni
ne
mont
hsmybaby
.
Me:
Icel
ebr
atey
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngmei
ntot
hiswor
ld.
Mama:
thanky
oumypr
incess.
Isi
ghandl
eanbackont
hechai
r.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIl
eftt
her
ingi
nthebat
hroom.
Mama: Iam t
heonewho'ssupposedtobe
apol
ogizi
ngbaby.WhatIdi
dwasuncalledfor
,I
shouldhaveaddr
essedyoul
ikeanadult
.Iam real
l
y
sorr
y.
Me:
it'
sokay
.
Mama: justthatIwassoclosewi t
hmymot herand
whenshedi edwedi dn'
thav eany
thingof
senti
ment al
v al
uetoremindusofher ,sowhenI
foundthisri
ngatmyr elat
iveshouseandt helet
ter
hadyournameoni tIknewIhadt ogiveyouapi ece
ofyourgrandmot herbecausesheador
edyoubut
couldn'
tl
ivelongertowat chyougr
owintot
hisf
ine
youngwoman.
Me:
Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Mama: Iwouldweari
tal
ltheti
mebutIwantyouto
haveitsothatwhenI
'
m goneyou'
ll
havesomethi
ng
thatmeantalottomymotherandme.
Me:
Iunder
standmyl
oveandI'm sor
ryf
rom nowon
i
twi
llal
way
sbeonthi
sfinger
.
Shesmi
l
es.
Mama:I
'm gladwespokebaby
,Idon'
tl
ikei
twhen
t
her
e'st
ensionbetweenus.
Me:
met
oo.
Mama:Il
oveyouandl
etmel
eav
eyout
ofi
nishup
bef
oredi
nner
.
Ibl
owheraki
ss.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oomommy
.
Shewal
ksoutandIki
ndofunder
standwher
eshe'
s
comi
ngfrom wi
thr
egardst
othi
sring.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iwalkoutoft hestudyf eeli

ngl i
ghter.Ishouldn'
t
haveov erreactedli
ket hatbecausei twil
lmakemy
familyraiseaney ebrowatt hisri
ngsi t
uati
on.Iam
j
ustgl adt hatmydaught erboughtmyst oryandhas
promisednev ertotaket heringof fnomat terwhat.I
don'tneedpr obl
emsf rom Manzi andt heKingofthe
watersbecauseIf ail
edt okeept omyendoft he
bargain..
.

Iwalktoourbedroom t ogetoutofthesehi ghheels

andsli
pi nt
omysl i
ppers,t
hedayhascomet oan
endandnowI '
mj ustgoingtorel
axwi t
hmyhusband
oversomedr i
nksbef orewehav edinner.From now
I'
m gett
ingmyactt ogethernotonlytopr ot
ectmy
marri
agebutt orestorethepeaceweoncehadi n
thi
spalace..
.
Wenor mallyrelaxi nt hel oungesoIheadt hereto
j
oi nBhekumbuso, asIappr oachIhearlaughterandI
raisemyey ebrow.Whocoul dhebewi th?Iwal kin
alreadyfarrowi ngmyf orehead, i
t'
shim andmysi st
er
Nonhl e.Sheissmi li
ngf r
om eart oearwi thagl assof
wi neinhand, shei st oocl oset oBhekumbusof ormy
l
iking,shehi t
shi m ont hechestandsl i
desdownher
hand, heisinaT- shi r
tandt hat'
stoophy si
cal.I
freezeasIr emembert hatBheki wast omar ry
Nonhl eifIhadf ai
ledt obearhi m achil
d,thisthought
andt hesituationIf oundt hem inmakesmyhear t
beatsof astitf eellikei t
'saboutt ojumpoutofmy
chest...

Bheki
:Li
yaar
eyouokay
?
Ipl
acemyhandonmychest
.
Me:
uhm y
esIj
usthadashar
ppai
nher
e.
Hequi
ckl
yst
andsupandcomesnextt
ome.
Bheki
:come,
letmehel
pyousi
tdown.
Me:
Thanky
oumyl
ove.
Hel
eadsmet
othecouchandset
tl
esnextt
ome.
Bheki
:canIgety
ouany
thi
ng?
Me:
agl
assofwi
ne.
Bheki
:ar
eyousur
e,may
bewat
erf
ornow?
Me:i
twasnot
hingser
iousl
ove.Wi
newoul
dbe
l
ovel
y.
Nonhl
e:I
'
llgeti
t.
Shesaysgett
ingupandgoi
ngt
othebari
nthe
cor
neroftheroom.
Bheki
:ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokay
?
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
whenwasthel
astt
imemyhusbandf
ussedov
er
meli
ket
his.
Hechuckl
es
Bheki
:ohLi
yana,
I'
m al
way
sfussi
ngov
ery
ou.
Iki
sshi
sli
ps.
Me:
ohy
esy
oudo.
Nonhl
e:her
eyougo.
Shehandsmeagl assandset
tl
esonthesi ngle
couchfaci
ngmyhusbandandI .Shecrossesher
l
egsandhert hi
ghisexposedali
tt
le,
Inarrowmy
eyesandlookatmyhusbandwho'snotpay i
ng
att
enti
ontomysi ster
.
Me:sowhatwer
eyout
wol
aughi
ngaboutwhenI
wal
kedin.
Iaskt
hensipfr
om myglass.Theyl
ookateachot
her
andbursti
ntol
aught
er.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Thisdayf eltli
keitwasdr aggi
ngsomuch.Ijust
wantedi ttoendsoIcangobewi t
hZamaNgweny a.
YesI'
m ner vousaboutbei nginherbedr
oom worse
parti
nt hepal ace,i
tfeel
sl i
keIam somewhat
di
srespect i
ngKi ngBhekumbusobydat i
nghis
daughterwi thouthispermissi
onandinhishouse
butsti
llthatisn'tenoughtomakemewantt oback
outfr
om i t.
..
Iam soexcitedli
kealit
tl
echi ldwhowasj ustgivena
l
oll
ipop,I
flovemakesonef eelthiswayt henIdon' t
wantittostop.Iwentbackhomeear l
ieront ogo
andgetwat erformymot herandgi veherf oodso
shedoesn'thavetocook.Idon' tknowwhenI '
m
goingtogethomebuti t'
sgoi ngtobel atejudging
fr
om thelastti
mewewer et ogether.Mymot her
wantedtoknowwhyIhadt ogobackt othepal ace,I
gaveheral ameexcusebutshe' smymot herand
sheknowsmesoIt hinkshe' salr
eadyputt woand
twotogether.
..

Themai dsandguar dswhowor kdayshiftjustleft

andIam assi gni
ngdut i
estothenightshiftguards
butmypat ienceforthishasranoutbecauset here'
s
onlyoneplaceI '
dratherbethismoment .Once
everyoneisclearaboutwhatt heywil
ldoingt onightI
takethedocument st otheoff
iceandquickly
disappeartoZamaNgweny a'
sr oom l
i
keshehad
askedmet o.
..
Sheishav i
ngdi nnerwit
hherf amily,shedidn'twant
toskipitandhav ethem comi ngtoaski fshe'sokay.
Icheckoutherr oom andt hist i
meIgi veitapr oper
l
ook, yesit
'snotmyf ir
sttimei nherebutIdi dn'
ttake
myt i
met olookcozt hisi
sherper sonal spacebut
nowt hatsheismygi rl
fri
endandI 'vebeeni nvit
edinI
canpeepal i
tt
lebutnotinv adeherpr i
vacy.There'
sa
pict
ureofherandherpar entsont hechestof
drawersandshe' ssohappy ,anotheronei sofherat
hergraduationceremony, beaut ywithbrains..
.

Kay
ise:
Likewhaty
ousee?
Shesay
sfr
om behi
ndmeandIt
urnt
ofaceher
.
Me:
Idi
dn'
theart
hedooropen.
Kay
ise:
Icanbev
eryqui
etbaby
.
Me:
Iknowt
hatnow.
Shewal ksfur
theri
nandcomesstrai
ghtt
ome, she
envel
opesherar msaroundmyneckandweareso
cl
ose,feeli
ngherbodyonminemakesmef eel
f i
re.
Kay
ise:
youar
ethemostbeaut
if
ulmanI
'
veev
erl
aid
myey
eson.
Ibl
ushl
ooki
ngdown.
Me:
thanky
ouZamaNgweny
a.
Sheplantsakissonmyl ipsandIj usttakeherl
ower
l
ipsucklegentl
yoni t
,hersignatur
est r
awberryt
aste
i
sstil
lthere,
itdr
ivesmemor einsane.
Kay
ise:
won'
tyourmom bewor
ri
ed?
Me:
Iam agr
ownmanwi
thagi
rl
fr
iendnow.
Isayandshegi
ggl
es.
Kay
ise:
isn'
tthatgi
rll
ucky
.
Me:
nahIt
hinkIam t
hel
uckyoneher
ebaby
.
Kay
ise:
I'
ll
gety
ousomef
oodi
naj
i
ffy
.
Me:
didy
oucookagai
n?
Shef
rowns.
Kay
ise:
no,
Iwasbusy
.
Me:
okaybossl
ady
.
Kay
ise:
cuddl
emepl
ease.
Me:
I'
dlov
eto.
Wemov etoherbedandl
aydown,
Ibr
ingherupand
pl
aceheronmychest.
Kayi
se:
I'
vebeendaydr
eami
ngabouty
ou,
ourki
ds
and-
Me:
ourki
dshuh?
Iaskchuckl
i
ng.
Kayi
se:y
eahwehad4boy
sandy
ouwer
ethebest
dadever
.
Ismi
l
eandki
ssherf
orehead.
Me:woul
ditbet
ooear
lyf
ormet
otel
lyout
hatIl
ove
you?
Shegapsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
noBukho,
becauseIl
ovey
out
oo.
Icl
osemyeyesasthosewordsechoinmyheart.
Thevaseonherv
anit
ymirr
orfal
lsandbreakst
hat
wejumpabit.
Kay
ise:
ohno,
thatwasant
ique.
Me:
that
'swei
rd,
thev
asewaspl
acedi
nthecent
er.
Kay
ise:
arey
ousur
e?
Me:
def
ini
tel
y.
Kayise:
ohwel
lwecanal
way
srepl
acet
hatj
ustnot
thi
smomentwithy
ou.
ShelaysbackonmychestandIwr apmyhands
aroundherti
ght
ly.Icoul
dgiveany
thi
ngt
ostaywit
h
ZamaNgweny al
ikethisfor
ever
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER17
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Webreakt
hekissandIl
ookathi
m wi
ththewidest
smi
l
eonmyf acebefor
eIhi
deonhischest
..
.

Me:
babypl
easedon'
tgo.
Bukho:
ZamaNgweny
aIcan'
tst
andwasami
.
Me:whynotBukhoyouwil
lwakeupear
lyand
pr
etendy
ougothereear
ly.
Hechuckl
es.
Bukho:
Ican'
tdi
srespecty
ourf
atherl
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
youknowheador
esy
ou.
Bukho:
exact
ly,
Idon'
twantt
ogi
vehi
m ar
easont
o
st
op.
Igi
vehi
m mypuppyey
esbuthepecksmyl
i
ps
i
nst
ead.
Me:
ohwow,
someboy
fri
endIhav
eher
e.
Bukho:
don'tdot
hatf
aceany
mor
eyoul
ookl
i
kea
l
ostpuppy
.
Il
aughoutl
oudandheput
shi
shandonmymout
h.
Bukho:
notsol
oud.
Me:
babepl
ease.
Bukho:
it'
s10pm munt
o'muhl
e(beaut
if
ull
ady).Do
youwantmet oseewi
tcheswi
thmyowney es?
Me:seethestr
eet
sarenotsaf
e,mor
ereasonwhy
youshoul
dsleepher
e.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Bukho:
ngi
yak'
thanday
ezwa(
Ilov
eyouokay
).
Ther
e'ssomethi
ngaboutaZul
umansayingt
hati
na
l
owhuskyv oi
ceandbechocol
ateatt
hesameti
me,
ohJehova.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e.
Bukho:
Idoubt
.
Heki
ssesmeagai
nandl
et'
smego.
Me:
besaf
e.

Hewi nksatmeandopensmydoorandwal ksout.I

throwmy sel
font hebedandcatchagli
mpseofmy
refl
ect i
ononthemi rr
or,Iam smil
i
ngli
kearetard
ri
ghtnow.Igi ggleandlayonmybackwi ggl
ingmy
feet.OhIam soi nloveandIjustwannatel
l
every onewhocar estol
istenhowthi
smanmakes
mef eelgi
ddy..
.

Myf i
rstrelati
onshipwasgr eat,hewasagoodguy
unt i
lhewasn' tandwehadagoodt hi
nggoingbuthe
didn'tmakemef eel t
hewayBukhosi does,Idon'
t
thinkany onewi l
lev er.Iwanthim nowandIwant
himf orev
er ,
noot herpersonwi l
lbewor t
hyofmy
hear tandIpr ayourl oveisalr
eadysealedbythe
Gods. .
.

Isi
tupst
rai
ghtandseet
hebr
okenpi
ecesofwhat
usedtobemyant i
quev ase,arghowdi dthispiece
fal
lthough, thewasn'tanywindandmyboy fr
ienddid
sayitwasn' tatt
heedgesbuti nthemi ddle.Igetup
andgot ot heuti
li
tyroom tof i
ndabr oom anda
dustpan,t
hehousei squietandthel ight sareout .I
getbacktomyr oom andsweept hepi ecesof
ceramicandwhenI '
m doneIpl aceev erythi
ngbyt he
door,I
'l
ldiscardthoseinthemor ni ng...

Itakeoffmydr essandgeti ntomypy jamas.I

remov eextr
adecorativepill
owsandt akeonewhi ch
wasunderhi m andbringittomynose.Icansmel l
him onitandtomet hat '
sjusttheper fectwayt oend
thisni
ghtsinceIdon'thav etheluxuryoft alki
ngto
him overthephoneunt i
lwebot hdozeof f
,youknow
hownewl ovecanbe.Igetundert hecov ersandhug
thepill
owclosetomeaf terswitchingof fthe
bedsidelamp..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI
Theni ghthassomuchpeacei nit,
there'
saqui et
abouti tt
hatissereney ou'dswearthatthedarkis
notthewi tchesandwi zard'spl
ayground.Iam
thi
nkingaboutt hebeaut i
fulmomentIj ustshared
wit
ht hef i
rstwomant oev ercapturemyhear tand
makemef eelt
hisali
veandwor t
hy...

Igettomyst reetandt hankt heheavensthatImade

i
thomesaf eandsound.Imi ghtbeamanand
expectedtotakecareofmysel fbutdangerlurks
every
wher eandy ou'
llnev erknowwheny ou'l
lfal
l
vi
cti
mt oi
t.Thelight
satmyhousear estillonandI
si
gh.Itoldmamat ostopwai ti
ngupf ormeand
sl
eepsowecansav eel ectri
cit
ybecauset hatthing
i
sexpensiv eashellandt heuni t
saresolittl
ey oh..
.

Iopent hedoorusingmykeyandwal kin,

she's
sleepi
ngont hecouchandi tlookspret
ty
uncomf ort
able,herpoorneck.Imakemywayt oher
bedroom andshe' sbeatmet oit
,herbedisalready
readyjustwaiti
ngonhert ocomeandhopi n.Ihead
backtowher
eIl
eftherandgent
lyshakehert
owake
up..
.

Mama:
mhhhi
t'
sokay
,mysonBukhosi
wil
ldoi
t.
Ismi
l
e,shemustbedr
eami
ng.
Me:
vuka,
youar
esl
eepi
nguncomf
ort
abl
yher
e.
Sheopensherey
esandl
ooksatmef
orami
nut
e.
Mama:
ohBukho,
youar
ehome?
Me:
yesIj
ustgoti
n,comel
etmehel
pyout
obed.
Mama:
wai
t.
Me:
mamai
t'
slat
ecome.
Sheshakesherheadandpointstotheothercouch,
I
si
ghandjustdeci
det ol
etherbe.Iset
tledownand
l
ookatherwhil
ebr ushi
ngmychinwi t
hmyi ndex
fi
nger
.
Mama:
howi
sshedoi
ng?
Me:
who?
Ipr
etendnott
oknowwhoshe'
sref
err
ingt
o.She
nar
rowsherey
es.
Mama:y
ouknowv
erywel
lwhoI
'
mtal
ki
ngabout
her
e.
Iexhal
e.
Me:
ZamaNgweny
aisdoi
ngf
ine.
Mama:
whendi
dyout
wost
artt
hisr
elat
ionshi
p.
Il
ookt
heot
herway
.
Me:
Monday
.
Mama: Iam gl
adyoufoundagoodgirl
andyouar
e
happybutareyougoi
ngtodisr
espectt
hepal
acel
ike
that
.
Icl
osemyey
esi
nshame.
Me:wedidn'
tdoanythi
ngi
nappr
opr
iat
emama,
we
j
ustsatonherbed.
Mama: y
ouar e26y
earsofageBukhosiandy ou'
ve
nev ergivenmeanygirl
probl
emsandIunder stand
thaty ouaregrownI'
mjustsayi
ngrespecther
father'shouse.Dowhatev
eryouwantherebutst i
l
l
respectmeenought oo.
Me:
Iheary
ou.
Mama: thanky
ouanddon'tgotoanyl
engt
hwiththe
pr
incesswheny ouar
enotsurei
fyouwanttomake
anhonestwomanoutofher.
Me:Il
oveKay i
seMa,andIwanttogoalltheway
wi
thher,Iwanttoworkonmy sel
fsoIcanbeabl
eto
of
ferherever
ythi
ngsheisusedtoandmor e.
Mama: t
hat
'showamanspeakswhenhehasf ound
hi
sone.Iam j
usthappyt
oseeyouwithagirl
,Iwas
st
art
ingtot
hinkthatmay
beyouareatt
ract
edt o
ot
hermanandy ouareaf
rai
doftel
l
ingme.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
notatal
l
.
Imovemyeyest
othewal
lwher
eapi
ctur
eofmi
ne
washangi
ng.
Me:
wher
e'smypi
ctur
e?
Mama:oht
heframefel
landbrokethegl
ass,
I
pl
acedt
hepi
cturei
nyourroom t
hough.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
whenwast
his?
Mama:
around7pm.
Ir
ememberZamaNgweny
a'sv
ase,
thi
siswei
rd,
whatacoi
nci
dence.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Sleepseemst obel i
kear umourt omet heseday s,I
don'tknowwhenmyl i
fewillgobackt onormal cozI
am tiredofhav i
ngtodeal wit
honei ssueafterthe
other.Thistimemysi st
erisgivingmesl eepless
nightsandIcan' thelpbutt hi
nkt hefateItri
edt o
changewi llsti
l
lhav eit'
sway .Thet houghtofmy
husbandandmysi sterbeinghusbandandwi fe
takesalltheairfrom myl ungs..
.

Iwentthrought
hedarkesthourt
okeepmymanand
thi
sthroneandIwi
llbedamnedifIjustal
l
owi tto
happen.Ineedt
ofi
ndawayt ogetmysisteroutof
mypalaceandfarf
rom myhusband.IloveNonhle
buti
fshethr
eatensmypeaceIwi l
lnotbeafrai
dto
dealwi
thherandmakeherdisappear.That
'show
muchIlovemyhusbandanddaught er,
yesIwould
ki
llf
ort
hem anditwoul
dn'
tbet hefi
rstti
me...

Nonhl
e:mi
ndi
fIj
oiny
ou?
Shesay
sfr
om behi
ndme.
Me:
ohsi
sinopl
easej
oinme.
Shesnapsherf
inger
stot
hemai
dpassi
ngby
.
Nonhl
e:getmeachai
randbr
ingusacol
dbot
tl
eof
wi
ne.
Me:
hai
boNonhl
e,wi
neatt
hishour
,it
'sst
il
lear
ly.
Nonhl
e:i
t'
s3pm somewher
emydear
.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
tel
lme.
Nonhl
e:whatnowLi
yana.
Me:comedownthi
shasnot
hingt
odowi
thwhat
we'
vebeenupt
o.
Nonhl
e:f
orachange,
somet
hingwor
thcel
ebr
ati
ng.
Il
augh.
Me:
YouandMenzi
?
Nonhl
e:whataboutus?
Sheasksdef
ensi
ve.
Me:
cal
m downI
'
m notf
ight
ingy
ouher
e.
Nonhl
e:okay
?
Me:
whati
sitt
haty
out
woar
edoi
ng?
Nonhl
e:hei
sgreat
,wegetalongf
ineandwet
ake
car
eofeachot
hersneeds.
Me:
he'
smar
ri
edt
hough.
Nonhl
e:so?
Me:
tel
lmet
het
rut
h,doy
oul
i
kehi
m?
Nonhl
e:y
es,
Iwoul
dn'
tbesl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
mifIdi
dn'
t.
Me:Iam speakingasy ourel
dersi
ster
.Heismarr
ied
andift
henewsofy ouraffai
rcomesoutyouguy
s
wil
lbeintr
ouble.
Nonhl
e:t
hat
'swhywear
etr
yingt
obedi
scr
eet
.
Me:
youcanbef
reei
nyourr
elat
ionshi
pyouknow.
Shef
arr
owsherey
ebr
ows.
Nonhle:
youjustsai
dhe'
smar
ri
edandMenzi
wil
lnot
di
vorceNobuntu.
Me:
buthecandef
ini
tel
ymakey
ouhi
ssecondwi
fe.
Nonhl
e:whatno!
Me:i
t'
sbett
erthanseei
ngeachotheri
nsecretcoz
whenthet
ruthcomesoutyou'
l
lbothbeintr
ouble.
Shesi
ghsdeepl
yandbythelooki
nherey
esIknow
I
'vet
appedi
ntoaplaceofr
easoni
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Thursdayf i
nall
yar r
ived,mydaught erandIareon
ourwayt oJohannesbur g,t
hecityofthenownon
exi
stentgold.Iam exci tedaboutthemeetingsand
oncetheyar econcludedwewi ll
knowexact l
ywhen
ourfactoryprojectwillstar
t.Kayi
sehascomeup
wit
hper fectpresentati
onsandhernumber sare
i
mpressiv
e, Iam soproudt obegoingtositdown
whil
eshesel l
sthist
obigbusi nessmanandt el
lthem
t
hatyesthisisNtombikayiseNgweny atheonlychil
d
t
heGodsbl essedmewi t
handt hesoleheirofher
f
ather'
skingdom...

Thedr i
verf i
nall
ycr uisesi
ntot hechaot i
cplaceandI
am gladt hatIdon'thav etov i
sitmydaught erint
his
Godf orsakenpl aceasshei sbackhomei nUkuthul
a
whereshebel ongs.Wegeti ntoamor ecalmerand
aff
luentsect i
onoft hisci
ty,i
thast hetall
est
bui
ldings.Wegett ot heunder groundparkingofone
bui
ldingandt heyt akeouri nformationandal l
owus
i
n..
.

Ifoll
owKay isetot heel evat
orandshepr essest he
eleventhfl
oor,it
'sgoi ngtobeami nuteinthisdamn
thingthatIhatesobad.I tfeel
slikeithasboxedme
i
nandIam suf focatingbutmyeducat eddaught er
gav emebr eathingtechniquesf orwhent his
happensandt heywor k.Wef i
nall
ygettot heoff
ices
andtherecepti
oni
stwelcomesuswi thopenarms
andtell
susthatherbossisreadyforusinhisof
fice.
Sheleadsusthereandknocksbeforeopeningto
al
lowusi n.
..

Her
:si
r,y
our11am i
sher
e.
Henodsandwewal
kin.
Kayi
se:Goodmorni
ng,
mynamei sKay
iseNgwenya
andthi
sismyfat
herKi
ngBhekumbusoNgwenya.
Hi
m:youar
ewelcomei
t'
sreal
l
yni
cet
ofi
nal
l
yputa
f
acet
othenames.
Iof
fermyhandforahandshakeandhegl
adlytakes
i
tandoncedoneheoffer
shistomydaughter.
Hi
m:ohni
cer
ingKay
ise.
Hesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.
Kayise:
thankyou,
itbel
ongedt
omyl
ate
grandmother
.
Hi
m:Isee,
it'
sver
ycl
assy
,oneofaki
nd.
Shegi
veshi
m af
aintsmi
l
eandheshowsuswher
e
t
osit.Thi
sboyseem t
oknowhi
sbusinessbecause
t
rophiesandcer
ti
fi
cat
esar
eal
loverhi
soffi
ce.
Hi
m:mynamei
sDabul
amanzi
Khumal
obyt
heway
.
Me:
ohMashobanekaMzi
l
ikazi
.
Hi
m:t
hat
'smeMt
imande.
Kayise:
soMr .Khumal
odidyougetachancet
ogo
thr
ought hedocument
sIsentyou?
Mybusi
nessmi
ndeddaught
erget
sst
rai
ghti
ntoi
t.
Hi
m:Idi
d,henceIaccept
edt
hismeet
ing.
Wechuckl
e.
Hi
m:Imustadmi
tIwasv
eryi
mpr
essed.
Kay
ise:
thanky
ou.
Hi
m:whatdi
dyoust
udyagai
n?
Kay
ise:
Ist
udi
edAccount
ing,
graduat
edcum l
aude.
HenodsandIf
eel
sopr
oudasaf
ather
.
Hi
m:that
'swhyy
ournumber
sscr
eamedheav
ent
o
me.
Weal
ll
augh.
Kay
ise:
canIshowmypr
esent
ati
on?
Hi
m:Kay
iseNgweny
athef
loori
syour
s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

Tomorr
owIwi l
lnotbeabl etopost ,
Iam goingto
Nort
her
nCape, wehav eaf uneral
.Iwill
seey ouguy
s
Monday.Youcanstil
lplacey ourodersfort
hecopy
ofTheHousewife.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER18
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Themeet i
ngwi thMrDabul amanziKhumal owent
real
l
ywel l
,hewasi mpressedwithmypr esentat
ion
andeverythi
ngel seforthatmatter
.Theguyknows
hisj
obandhi m comingonboar dwi l
lgetthewhole
proj
ectrunningat200km/ h,t
hat'
sexactlywhatI
needsomypeopl ecanstartworki
ngandbet ter
ing
thei
rli
ves..
.

Heisav er
yhandsomeguyIwi lladmitbutheis
annoyi
ng,hecan'tkeephiseyesof fmeandhecan' t
stopwit
hthecompl imentsi
t'
suncomf or
tabl
ebut
oncehecomesonboar dIwil
l defi
nit
elyputhimin
pl
acebecauserightnowIseriouslycannotseem to
berudeanddriv
ehi m awayfr
om t heproject
,I'
dbe
soangrywithmy sel
fift
hathappenedcozwer eal
ly
needhi
sski
l
lsf
ort
hiswhol
ethi
ng.
..

Wear enowhav i
ngsomer efr
eshment sinhisoffice,
heorganisedussomel i
ghtf i
ngerf oodsandt hey
tast
eheav enly.Thisisonet hingImi ssaboutt heci t
y,
havi
ngaccesst or est
aurantst hatofferthesekindof
deli
cacies.Whoknowsmay beonedaywhenwear e
moredev el opedi nUkuthulaI'
ll st
artwor ki
ngon
openingamal l sowecanhav eev ery
thingatour
fi
ngerti
ps, wewi l
lcalli
t"RoyaltyMal l"oristhattoo
muchi ny ourf ace?Wel lIhaveal itt
lewhi l
etothink
ofnamessoy ou' l
lexcuseme. ..

Dabul
a:y
ouseem sol
osti
nyourt
hought
s.
Isnapoutofi
tandl
ookatt
hisman.
Me:ohI
'
mjustt
hinki
ngofhowmuchImi
sst
ake
out
s.
Hechuckl
es.
Baba:don'
ttel
lmey
ouwantt
omov
ebackher
efor
thefood.
Me:
nobutIam t
hinki
ngofawayt
ocapi
tal
i
zeoni
t.
Myf
atherf
arr
owshi
sfor
ehead.
Dabul
a:youar
efor
evert
hinki
ngaboutmaki
ng
money?
Me:whateverthatcanempowermypeopl
e,devel
op
myforef
atherslandandmakeusmoneyinthe
pr
ocessI'
mi n.
Dabul
a:myki
ndofl
ady
.
Hesay sleani
ngbackonhischai
rlookingatme
i
ntensely
, t
here'
ssomethi
ngabouthiseyesthat
makesmewantt olookawaycompletely
.
Baba:
andwhati
sitt
haty
ouar
ethi
nki
ngaboutnow.
Me:buil
dingamal
lbutobv
iousl
ynotnow.Ihav et
o
domyhomewor kpl
usIhaveanotherpr
ojectIwanna
di
scuss.
Baba:
okaywewi
l
ltal
kabouti
tonourwayhome.
Dabula:i
fitwaslegalt
ocloneapersonyou'dbethe
fi
rstoneonmyl i
st.Yourbeaut
if
ul,
smar t
,focused
andv er
ydriv
en.Yourhusbandisaluckyman.
If
rown.
Me:
Iam notmar
ri
ed.
Baba:
I'
m notr
eadyt
ogi
vemybabyaway
.
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:myKingnothat
'snotfai
ryouar
ehol
ding
backsomeone'
sfut
urehere.
I
'm notl
iki
ngthi
sconver
sat
ion,
Ihatebei
ng
di
scussedli
kethi
s.Il
ookatmywristwat
ch.
Me:woul
dyoul
ookatt
het
ime,
babaweshoul
dget
goi
ng.
Baba:
MrKhumal
o,wewi
l
lhearf
rom y
out
hen.
Dabula:therewon'tbeanyneedfort
hatandplease
don'tl
ookatot hercandi
dat
esbecauseIwanttobea
partofthisproj
ect.Il
oveproj
ect
swithmeaningli
ke
thi
sone, thatwil
lchangeot
herpeopl
e'sl
ives.
Me:
youar
ecomi
ngonboar
d?
Iwantt
oheari
tfr
om t
hehor
sesmout
h.
Dabul
a:y
esIwoul
dlov
eto.
Ihol
doutmyhandi
nexci
tementandhegl
adl
ytakes
i
t.
Me:
thanky
ousomuch.
Dabula:Iwil
ldr
ivedownt
othev
il
laget
hisSundayi
s
thatcool?
Me:
per
fect
.
Baba:i
nthatcaseI
'
llcal
lmyl
awy
ersandaskt
hem
todraf
tpapers.
Dabul
a:okayt
hen,
saf
ejour
ney
.
Inod
Baba:
staywel
l
.
It
akeourt
hingsandl
eadt
hewayout
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iwokeupwi t
hal otofener
gyandIdeci
dedtocal
lal
l
themaidsinthehousesotheycanstar
tcl
eani
ng
from t
optobottom.Thesegir
lsdon'
tcl
ean
thoroughly,t
heyonlypoli
shwher et
heey esreach
andI '
m nothavingthatanymor e.Thi
sisaRoy al
Palaceandwehav eimpor t
antpeoplecomi nginand
outoft hispl
aceandIdon' tneedacockr oach
comi ngoutofthecouchesorwher ever
embar rassi
ngme.It ol
dthem t hati
ftheydon'twant
towor kheretheyshouldallleaveandI'l
lfi
ndpeople
whowi llworkli
ketheirl
ivesdependoni t..
.

It
'scomi ngal ongv erywellandI'
m gl adIwasdr agon
l
adyf orami nutesot heyseethatIdon' ttakeshi t
.
Peopl et endt otakeadv antagewhent heyare
comf or table.Atleastmyhusbandandourdaught er
willcomehomet oaf r
eshhouseandameal cooked
byy our struly.Ihavebeenact ingcrazyandIdon' t
wantt hem pul l
ingawayf rom mehenceIdeci dedt o
cookt hem at hreecour semeal ,
Bhekhi willbemor e
excitedt hanKay i
sebecausehehasbeensay i
nghe
missesmycooki ngbutasaQueenIcan' tbesl aving
alldayi nt hekitchenwhenIhav ethingst odoout
there.Iopent hepot 'sli
dandt hi
smushr oom sauce
i
scomi ngal ongv erywell,
Menzi knocksont he
ki
tchendoorandIsi
gh.
..

Menzi
:mybeaut
if
ulQueen.
Me:
yeboShezi
.
Menzi
:somet
hingsmel
l
sreal
l
yni
cei
nher
e.
Me:
Iam cooki
ngf
ormyf
ami
l
y.
Menzi
:i
t'
sni
cet
oseet
hatmyQueencanst
il
lbea
wi
fe.
Ichuckl
einannoy
ance.
Me:
canIhel
pyou?
Menzi
:i
stheKi
ngar
ound?
Me:
hel
eftear
lyt
otheci
tywi
thKay
ise.
Menzi
:oht
hemeet
ing,
Ifor
gotaboutt
hat
.
Me:
theymustbeont
hei
rwaybackt
hough.
Menzi
:IguessI
'
llhav
etocomebackt
omor
row.
Me:
yes.
Hewal
ksbackt
othedoorandsuddenl
yithi
tsme.
Me:
Shezi
!
Hel
ooksbackatme.
Menzi
:yebo?
Me:
thi
sthi
ngy
ouar
edoi
ngwi
thmysi
ster
.
Hebl
i
nksacoupl
eoft
imes.
Me:youar
eamarri
edman,
adul
ter
yisaser
ious
of
fencei
nthi
svi
l
lage.
Menzi
:IknowmyQueenIknow.
Me:
thenwhyar
eyoudoi
ngi
t?
Hesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Menzi
:Nonhlei
sagoodwoman,
Ican'
tseem t
o
l
eaveheral
one.
Me:youareal
readyi
ntoodeepf
rom l
yingagai
nst
Bukhosi
,nowyouwanttol
oseyourpl
aceinthe
counci
lcompl
etel
y.
Menzi
:nono,
Iwi
l
lendt
hingswi
thher
.
Me:
thatwi
l
lonl
yhur
tmyl
i
ttl
esi
sterShezi
.
Menzi
:thenwhatar
eyousay
ing.
Me:she'
sgoodenoughtograceabedfory
ouI'
m
sur
eshe'
salsogoodenoughtobeyourwif
e.
Menzi
:what
?!Ican'
tl
eav
emywi
fef
orher
.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
nooneaskedy
out
o.
Henar
rowshi
sey
esi
nconf
usi
on.
Menzi
:huh?
Me:
I'
m sur
eyou'
vehear
dofpol
ygamy
.
Hegaspsf
orai
r.
Menzi
:yoh!
Ismi
l
easheput
shi
shandonhi
smout
h.
Me:
greetNobunt
uforme.
It
urnt
oat
tendmypot
s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Af
rui
tf
ulmeet
ingwehadwi
tht
hatKhumal
oboy
,I
am sor eli
evednowt hatwehav easolidpartner
,
real
lywishedhecoul dcomeonboar dbecausehi s
accoladesspeakf orhim andhewast heper f
ect
persont oteam upwi t
ht ogett
hisofftheground,
yestheot hercandidateswehadwer egoodbutj ust
notthisgood.Wi t
hhi m andKayiseont hesame
team thisisdefi
nit
elygoingtogosmoot hl
yli
kea
welloil
edmachi ne...

Kay i
seaskedt hatwest artatthemal lasshewant ed
togr abaf ewt hings,Ididn'tgoi nsi
dewi thhercozI
didn'twantt ofindmy selfwalkingfrom storeto
store.Iknowhowi ndecisivemydaught ercanget
wheni tget stoshoppi ngandwheny oudidn'
t
preparey ourselfment allyforthatyou'l
l l
oseyour
mi ndsurely.Shehasbeengonef oralmostanhour
nowandI 'm gettingsleepyandwehav ealongway
togethome. ..

Shefi
nall
ycomesoutoft
hemallandIwi
llnot
under
standhowshemanagedt
ogetallt
hat
shoppingbagsinj
ustonehour.Ithi
nkit'
saspecial
skil
lGodgavethem thatsomeofuswi ll
nevermake
senseof.Thedri
verquickl
yget
soutt hecartoopen
thebootsoshecanputt hoset
hings,shehopsinthe
backseat.
..

Kay
ise:
Iboughtsomedr
inks.
Me:
that
'sgoi
ngt
omakeusst
opt
opeeont
heway
.
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Kayi
se:
it'
snotl
i
kewel
eftabr
east
feedi
ngbabyat
homeBaba.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:ohbutwedid,
yourmot
her
.Youknowhow
Li
yanacanget
.
Kay
ise:
Iguessso.
Thecardr
ivesoutt
hemal
landwebuckl
eup.
Me:youspokeofanot
herpr
ojectbackatKhumal
o'
s
of
fi
ce.
Kay
ise:
ohy
eahIdi
d.
Me:
andwhati
sit
?
Kayise:wel
lIhadaconv
ersat
ionwi
thBukhosi
some
otherday.
Ismi
l
eatthement
ionofhi
snameandal
sobecause
i
tmadeherey
esli
ghtup.
Me:
about
?
Kay
ise:
hisdr
eamsbaba.
Me:
howar
ehi
sdr
eamsapr
oject
?
Kayi
se:wellwehaveanabundanceoffer
ti
lel
and
andhisdream i
stogetintocommer
cialf
armingbut
hewon'tbesell
ingtoshopsashewantstoopenhis
ownhereinthecity
.
Me:
ohokay
,far
mingi
sgood.
Kayi
se:i
twil
lnotbeourownproj
ectsowewil
lj
ust
bei
nvesti
ngandonceit'
sof
fthegroundhewi
llpay
usback.
Me:
doy
out
hinkt
hisi
sagoodone?
Kayi
se:def
ini
tel
y,hewi
l
lbeabl
etohi
resomeofour
peopl
esoourunemploymentr
atewi
l
lbedecr
easi
ng
assuch.
Me:
ify
oubel
i
evei
nitt
heny
oucangoahead.
Kay
ise:
oht
hanky
ousomuchDaddy
.
Me:
youar
ewel
comebaby
.
Kay
ise:
hei
sgoi
ngt
obeexci
ted.
Me:areyoudoi
ngthi
sbecausei
t'
sagoodbusi
ness
moveorbecausey
ouhavetakenali
ki
ngi
nto
Bukhosi
?
Kay
ise:
Bheki
!
Shesay
swi
thoutl
ooki
ngatme.
Me:heisagoodboyy
ouknow.He'
dmakeaf
ine
husbandandKi
ng.
Shechuckl
es.
Kay
ise:
I'
m sur
ehewoul
d.
Me:
soar
eyout
wo?
Kay
ise:
Iam sonott
alki
ngt
oyouaboutt
his.
Me:
why
?Wet
alkaboutev
ery
thi
ng.
Sheshakesherheadno.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mydaywasj ustsoslowandi tseemsl i

keit'
sgoing
toendwi thmenotint hebestofmoods.Idi dn'
tsee
Kay i
setheenti
redayassheandt heKingwentt othe
cit
yt oatt
endsomemeet ings.Shehasbecomemy
favori
tepartofanyday ,
seeingherar oundthe
palaceevenwhenwedon' ttalkfulfi
l
lsmei n
everywaypossibl
e,shebr i
ghtenst hedarkestofdays
andwar msupt hecoldestofni ghts.
..

IgothomeanhouragoandIhav ebeencl osedupin

myr oom becauseIdi dn'twantmymot hertoaskme
ami l
lionquest i
onsonend, I'
llbeokaytomor row
whenIgett oseeherandhol dherandhearhert el
l
mehowmuchshel ovesmesof earl
essly
.Iam
l
ayingonmybedf acingther oof,t
hepaintthatonce
coveredt hisasbestosisnowcr ackingandIwi shI
hadt hemeanst orenovatethishomef ormymom.A
knockdi sturbsmyt houghtsandIsi gh,mamacan' t
r
eadbet
weent
hel
i
nesGod.
..

Me:
I'
ll
ber
ightoutmama.
Ishouthopingtogetri
dofherbutmydooropens
andIclosemyey esindef
eatbefor
eget
ti
ngup.I
gaspforairasIseeherst
andingonmydoorwitha
smile.
Kay
ise:
yourmot
herdi
dsayy
ouar
einamood.
Ibi
temylowerl
i
ptr
yingt
opr
eventmyl
i
psf
rom
cur
li
ngup.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseey
out
hewhol
eday
,doy
oubl
ameme?
Isayandshebl
ushes.
Kayi
se:t
hat'
swhyIcamebabe,
coul
dn'
tsl
eep
wit
houtseei
ngyoutoo.
Ist
andupandshewal
ksfur
theri
ncl
osingt
hedoor
.I
don'
twast
eanyti
mebutpul
lhert
owardsmeand
ki
sshersosl
owly
.
Me:
ZamaNgweny
awhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
Iaskey
escl
osed.
Kay
ise:
doy
ouwantmet
ost
op?
Me:
nev
erbabynev
erpl
ease.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyouBukhosi
.
Me:ngit
handawenamunt
'omuhl
e(Il
ovey
ou
beaut
if
ullady
).
Kay
ise:
Ibr
oughty
ouagi
ft
.
Shesaysget
ti
ngoutofmyembr
aceandhandi
ngme
agif
tbag.
Me:
whati
sit
?
Kay
ise:
youar
egoi
ngt
ohav
etoopeni
ttof
indout
.
Itakei
tassheset t
lesonmybedanditmakesthe
sound,Igetuncomfort
ablei
mmedi
atel
y.Thi
sisnot
nearanythi
ngatthepalace,
mybedi
soldand-
Kayi
se:
don'tdot
hatBukhopl
ease.Iam nother
eto
j
udgeyourhome.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
it'
sjustt
hat
,thi
sisnotwhaty
ouar
eusedt
o.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyouBukhosi
,Il
ovewhoy
ouar
enot
whaty
ouhav
ebel
i
evet
hatpl
easebaby
.
Me:
I'
ll
try
.
Kay
ise:
nowopeny
ourgi
ft
.
Herexcit
ementi
sinfect
ious.SoIqui
ckl
ytakeitout
andit'
saphone,i
t'
saHuawei br
andoneofthose
thatar
eexpensi
ve.
Me:
Ntombi
ZamaNgweny
a!
I
tcomesoutasawhi
sper
Kay
ise:
youl
i
kei
t?
Me:
it'
sni
cebutIj
ustcan'
taccepti
tst
handwasami
.
Kay
ise:
whynot
?youneedaphone.
Me:Ihavenevergott
enyouanyt
hing,
Ishoul
dbet
he
onedoingt
hesethingsf
oryou.
Kayi
se:stopovert
hinkingthings.You'regoi
ngto
needthi
st ogetonthei nt
ernettofindoutmore
aboutcommer ci
alfarmingasy ourf undsandaland
areavai
labl
eforyout ochasey ourdr eam.
Igaspf
orai
randl
ookatherdumbf
ounded.
Me:
what
?
Kayi
se:Ispoket
omyf at
herandwewi
l
linv
esti
n
yourdr
eam muntuza.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
whatgooddi
dIdot
odeser
vey
ou?
IaskandIf
eel
herhugmef
rom behi
nd.
Kayi
se:i
t'
sti
meforBukhosi
Mthombenit
obecome
whohewasmeanttobenotwhocircumst
ances
for
cedhi
mt obe.
Idon'tknowwhatt osay,howt othankher
,howt o
thankGod, ourancest
ors,herparent
sandeveryone
whohel pedinshapingherint
ot hi
samazingyoung
woman.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
PreorderyourcopyofTheHousewif
e,rememberit
's
R80untilt
he27thofDecemberthenuntil
the25t
hof
January2021itgoestoR100.Onceyoumakea
paymentpleaseWhatsAppmet hepr
oofsoIcan
addyout othegroup.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER19
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Soonaswegothome, Kayisewant edt ogoandsee

Bukhositotellhimt hegoodnews, Isuggest edt hat
shedoest hattomor r
owcozwehadt hel ongestday
butshedidn'tev enwantt ol i
stent omeont hatone.
Herreacti
onandexci tementwhenwespeakof
Bukhosiorany thingthathast odowi thhi m my
daughterl
ightsup, whi chmakesmebel ievet hat
ther
e'ssomet hinggoi ngonbet weent hem andi nal
l
honestyIwoul dbet hril
ledifmydaught erandt hat
boybecameani tem.Hewi ll
notonl ymakeagr eat
husbandtomyKay isebuthewi llalsobeagr eat
Kingashehasal lt
heat tr
ibutes,Iam j ustcrossi ng
fi
ngersthattheyar eindeedt oget her.
..

Iam al
sohappyt
hatshei
swor
kingonbet
ter
ingt
he
boyorratherpushi
nghi mtor eachhisf ullpot
enti
al,
heisindeedoneluckyorshoul dIsaybl essedman
becausewomanwoul dratherhaveaf inished
product,
amanwhohasi tal
lbutnotmybeaut i
ful
fl
ower,shewouldratherbuil
dhi m upsot heyboth
haveahandi nthei
rfutur
e.Awor kinprogr essisst
il
l
worthyoflove,
pure,uncondit
ionallove...

Ihavebeeni nthisbathtubsoakingmybodybef or
e
wehav edi nner,Liyanasai
dshehascookedat hree
coursemeal andIwon' tl
ieIam excit
edforthat.She
hasn'tcookedf ormei nsomanyy earsIswearI
al
mostf or
gotherhandandwhati tcanputtogether
i
napot .Thebat hroom dooropensandIal most
j
umpbutcal m downwhenIseei t'
smywi f
e...

Li
yana:
whodi
dyout
hinki
twas?
Sheaskschuckl
i
ng.
Me:
Idon'
tknowamai
dmay
be.
Li
yana:
Itaughtt
hem manner
sBheki
,theyknowt
hey
hav
etoknock.
Me:
Iguesst
hat
'sar
eli
ef.
Sheset
tl
esont
heedgeoft
het
ub.
Li
yana:
youar
etaki
ngy
oursweett
imei
nher
e.
Me:
thi
swat
eri
ssoot
hing,
hour
sint
hecarmmhh.
Li
yana:
Itot
all
yunder
stand,
I'
ll
giv
eyouamassage
l
ater
.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
owsur
pri
sed.
Me:whoar
ey ouandwhathav
eyoudonet
omy
st
ubbor
nwife?
Shegaspsf
orai
randIsmi
rk.
Li
yana:
real
l
yBheki
?
Me:
don'
tgetmewr
ongLi
ya,
Iam j
ustsur
pri
sed.
Li
yana:
any
wayhowwast
hemeet
ing?
Me:theKhumal
oboyi
sinandhewi
l
lcomi
ngt
his
Sunday.
Li
yana:
ohwel
lI'
l
lpr
epar
eforhi
mthen.
Me:
he'
squi
tef
orwar
dthough.
Shef
arr
owsherey
ebr
ows.
Li
yana:
whatdoy
oumean?
Me:hecoul
dn'
tkeephi
sey
esoffKayi
seandthe
compli
ment
skeptoncomi
ng,
infr
ontofmeforthat
matt
er.
Li
yana:
whydi
dn'
tyouputhi
minhi
spl
ace?
Il
aughshaki
ngmyhead.
Me:Ir
aisedastr
ongwomanwhocanst
andf
or
her
sel
f,shoul
dsheneedmet
ostepi
nshewi
llsay
.
Li
yana:
that'
strue,
shewil
lprobabl
ymakehimfeel
sosmallbyrej
ecti
nghi
mt hatheendsuppul
li
ngout
oft
heproject.
Me:tr
ustmeshewil
lgethi
minl
i
newi
thout
j
eopardi
zi
ngt
heproj
ect.
Li
yana:
Iguessy
ouknowherbet
ter
.
Me:andt
hat
'snotabadt
hingnordoesi
tmakey
ou
l
essofamother
.
IsaybecauseIsensedhert
onef
rom t
helast
stat
ementshemade.Shehasalwaysfel
tli
keour
daught
erl
ovesmemor ethanshelov
esherandt
hat
wehaveaconnect
ionshecanonlywishf
or.
Li
yana:
letmegosett
het
abl
e.
ShegetsupandIdon'
tst
opherbecausemor
eof
thi
sconver
sat
ionshewil
lgosour
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Wear el ayingonhi sbed, withmyheadonhi schest .

Icanhearhi shear tbeatandt hatsoundi sso
calming.Wear enotsay ingany thingtoeachot her
andthesi lencei ssocomf ortabl e.Ouremot i
onsar e
doingal lthetalkingandi tsal anguagewehav e
comet ounder standi ntheshor tspacewehav e
beent oget her
.Hei sbrushi ngmyar m wit
hhi shand
andconst antl
ygi vesmef or eheadki sses.Ihav e
alwaysl ongedt ohav et hiski ndofi nti
macy ,andno
tomei nti
macyi snotonl ysex .It'
sbeingablet ot el
l
someonehowmuchy oul ov et hem withoutut t
ering
awor dandt heycanf eelitandbel i
eveitt
oo, deep
downi nt heirsoul wheni tconnect swit
hy ours...
Hisscentstil
lgetsmegiddy ,
whatam Isay i
ngbei ng
i
nhi spresencegetsmegi ddyalltheti
me.Ifitwere
upt omeI '
dstaywi t
hhimlikethis,noI
'mlyi
ngI '
d
ratherwegetmar ri
edandgol iveonapr i
vateisl
and,
wher ewewal karoundnakedwi thnocareinthe
wor l
d,j
ustusandourl ovenowt hatwouldbea
dream comet rue.
..

Bukhosi
:whatar
eyout
hinki
ngaboutgi
ggl
i
ngl
i
ke
that
.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
justhowmuchIl
ovey
ou.
Bukhosi
:i
sitpossi
blet
hough?Tol
ovesomeoneso
deepthi
squick.
Me:
Inev
ert
houghti
twaspossi
bleunt
ili
thappened
t
ome.
Bukhosi:met
oo,
mostt
imesi
tfeel
sli
keIam
dreaming.
Me:
why
?
Bukhosi
:Inev
ert
houghty
ou'
dseemet
hiswayand
f
eelsodeeplyf
orme.ImeanIgotthegir
lmostman
i
nthisv
il
lageareey
eingandwoul
dkill
for.
Me:Igott
hemant hatmademyhear
tski
pthef
ir
st
dayIcamebackhere.
Bukhosi
:Ihel
pedyououtofy
ourshoes,
Ist
il
l
rememberthatday
.
Isitupr
ightandhedoest
hesamesowear
eey
eto
eye.
Me:
yourcompl
exi
oncaughtmyey
eandIknewf
rom
t
her
eIwantedy
outobemyChoco.
Hel
aughs.
Bukho:
YourChocohuh?
Iblushandbr i
ngmyl ipst ohisandheat t
acksme
withaki ss,heisagr eatkisserthi
sone, makesme
wonderhowmanygi rl
she' shadtopracti
cethiswith
andhonest l
yIfeelalit
tlejealousknowingtherewere
gir
lsbefor eme.Imov emyhandsunderhi sT-shir
t
andf eelhisbuil
ttorso,amoanescapesmymout h.
Hishandmov estomybr eastandhecupsi t,my32B
si
zef it
sper fect
lyi
nhi shand, hemassagesi tgentl
y
andIdon'tremembert helasttimet hi
ssi mpletouch
mademef eel t
hishotandbot her ed, withoutdoi
ng
muchIcanf eelthemoi stbetweenmyl egsandmy
cli
tor
isisevenpul sati
ng.Hiski ssesar ewetand
sensualandIcan' tholdmy selfany mor e,Iwanthim
andIwanthi m now.Imov ecloserunt i
lIam ont op
ofhim,myhandmov est ohist rousersandIt ryto
takethem offbuthepul lsoutoft hekissandput s
met othesidelikeI'm somel i
ghtwei ght.
Me:
babywhat
'swr
ong?
Bukho:
weshoul
dn'
trushi
ntot
his.
Hesay
spant
ing.
Me:
it'
sokaymyl
ove,
I'
mreadypl
ease.
Bukho:
ZamaNgweny
anost
handwasami
.
Me:
Bukhosi
youdon-
Bukho:
yousai
dtheQueencookedandaskedyout
o
comebacki
ntimefordi
nner
.Ithi
nkyoushoul
dhead
home.
Il
ookathi
m shocked,
wonder
ingi
fhedoesn'
tfi
nd
meatt
ract
iveorwhat.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Myear li
erconversationwi thBhekumbusoalmost
setmeof fbutIqui cklyremember edthatIdon'
t
wanttoactcr azyany mor eandr i
skpushingthetwo
mosti mportantpeopl einmyl if
eint
omysi ster
's
arms.Alreadyshei st ooclosetoBhekiandifIam
constantl
yhisheadachei nsteadofhispeacehewill
runofftothenextav ail
ablewomanwhowi llof
fer
him whatIlackandweal lknowKayiseispract
ical
l
y
onewi t
hherf ather
...

Wear eal lsi

ttingaroundt hetableeat i
ng,everyoneis
quietandenj oy i
ngt heirfood,theonl ysoundsy ou
canheari sthecut leryhi t
tingtheplateandt he
moansofsat isfacti
ont heyaregettingf r
om thef ood
ast heingredientsbur stsintheirmout h.Iam just
happyt heyareenj oy i
ngt hisandhopef ul
lyt
hisist he
fi
rststepofusget tingbackont rack, t
hewhol e
Zonket hingsetusbackandbecauseIam t obl ameI
will
workextr
ahardtomaket hi
ngsgobackt owhat
theyusedtobe.Theki
tchendooropensandweal l
stopeati
ngandlookatthecorr
idorwherewhoev
er
hastoappear,i
t'
sMakhosi,
myhear tsi
nks.
..

Bheki
:ohMakhosi
.
Makhosi
:myapol
ogi
esf
orcomi
ngt
hisl
ate.
Bheki
:i
t'
sokay
,youar
eal
way
swel
comeher
e.
Me:Iam sorrybuteachti
meIseey
ouIknowy
ou
br
ingusstressfulnews.
Kay
ise:
mama!
Shesay
sshoot
ingmeal
ook.
Me:
noof
fenseMakhosi
,I
'm sur
eyouunder
stand.
Makhosi
:Iunderst
andbecauset
hat
'swhathasbeen
br
ingi
ngmel at
ely.
Kayi
se:
babapl
easehav
emysi
tandI
'
llgodi
shf
or
you.
ShesaysandIr
oll
myey es.Coul
dn'
thecome
tomor
row,wearetr
yingt
ohav eamealt
oget
her
wi
thoutanydr
amaorbadnews.
Makhosi
:thanky
ouchi
l
d,butIwon'
tbest
ayi
ngl
ong.
Nonhl
e:Iwi
l
lexcusey
oual
l
.
Makhosi:
ohnopl
easesi
t.Themessagei
sfor
ev
eryone.
Iswal
l
owandweal
ll
ookathi
mimpat
ient
ly.
Bheki
:wear
eli
steni
ngey
eoft
heGods.
Makhosi:wellIhav
ebeent ry
ingandtr
yingt
oget
them tosaysomethingtogiveushopeandtheyjust
didn'
tbudgebutneitherdi
dIbecauseIgott
iredof
feeli
ngusel
ess.
Me:
whatdi
dtheysayt
hen?
Isnapannoy
ed.
Bhekhi
:watchyourt
oneLiyana,Makhosi
isnoty
our
mate,y
oumi ghtbetheQueenbutheissti
ll
anelder
andhedeservessomerespect.
Il
ookdownembar
rassed.
Makhosi
:i
t'
sokaymyKi
ng.
Bheki:noit
'snot
.Ev
ery
oneisfeel
ingtheheatbut
thatdoesn'
tmeanwehavetothrowrespectoutt
he
doorandblameitonfr
ust
rat
ions.
Makhosi:wel
ll
etmegi
vey
out
hemessageandbe
outofyourhai
r.
Bheki
:takey
ourt
ime.
Makhosi:theNgweny aancestorssaidIshouldtel
l
youthatithasarri
vedanditwillcausechaos, t
hey
sai
ditisast or
m akindthatuprootst r
eesand
fl
oodsawayhomesandpeopl ebutatt heendofthe
dayiti
sast orm anditwi
llpassandev er
ythi
ngwill
behowi twasdistanttobe.Best i
llandknowt hat
l
ightwil
lalwaysov er
comedar kness.
Myhear
tisbeat
ingsof
astatt
hispoi
nt.
Bheki
:thati
sdef
ini
tel
ygi
vi
ngmehope.
Nonhl
e:ohmet
oo.
Ishootheralook,
isshekiddi
ngmeordi
dshehear
atotal
lydi
ff
erentmessage?
Makhosi
:st
aybl
essed.
Hewal
ksoutandt
hemoodi
nthet
abl
eisnowheav
y
buti
t'
snodif
fer
enttomydaughtercozshehasbeen
dul
lsi
nceshegotbackfr
om whereshedisappear
ed
toaf
tert
heyarr
ivedf
rom t
heci
ty.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ididn'
tsleepawi nklastnightcozIf eltsoshi tt
yand
sti
lldofr
om howIhandl edthesit
uationwi thKay ise.
Itwastotallywrongofmeandi tmusthav ef eltli
ke
rej
ecti
ont oherandwi l
lIblameher ?Absol utelynot
becausei tcameacr ossasexact l
ythat .Ididn'tonly
hurther,
Ial sospoil
edt heperfectevening.She
broughtmeagi ftandgoodnewsandev encamet o
seemeev enwhenshewast i
redfr
om t ravell
ing..
.

Itri
edcall
ingheral lni
ghtyest
erdaybutshedi dn'
t
pickupandi tendedupgoi ngtov oicemailandIhate
thatthi
sisourf i
rstbigmisunderstandingthatledus
goingtosleepwi ththi
ngssot ense.IloveKay i
seand
Idon'twanthert ofeell
ikeIam notal li
norI '
m
givi
ngherhal fofmy sel
fwhenshehaspr ovedthat
sheisi
nthi
stohersoul
.Ineedt
omaket
hisr
ight
soonasIseeher
..
.

Ma:
whati
sthat
?
Sheaskspoi
nti
ngt
omyphoneont
het
abl
e.
Me:
ZamaNgweny
agotmeagi
ft
.
Ma:
hai
bo,
that
'sv
eryt
hought
ful
ofher
.
Me:
ver
y,shedi
devenmorebutI
'l
ltel
lyoul
atercozI
r
eal
l
yneedtogett
othepal
ace.
Ma:
youar
est
il
lont
ime.
Shesay
slooki
ngatt
hewal
lcl
ock.
Me:Ihav
eal
ott
odot
odaysot
heear
li
erIst
artt
he
bet
ter
.
Ma:
okaygr
eetmydaught
eri
n-l
awf
orme.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
l,hav
eagoodday
.

Igi
vehert
hebowel
ofpor
ri
dgeandwal
koutt
he
door
.Ipassbytheopenveldandnot
icet
hebeaut
if
ul
fl
owersgrowi
ngthere,
Igopicksomeunt
ilt
hey
makeabeauti
fulbouquet
.
AsIar ri
veatt hepal
ace, t
hemai dsaresti
lli
nt hei
r
quar t
ersputtingonthei
runiforms.Igostraightto
themai nhouseandheadt oKay ise'
sbedroom.Ihit
myknuckl esont hedoorandsheshout scomei n
from theinside,wal
kinginIfindherwrappedar ound
i
nat owelandherv i
sibl
ebar eskinleav
esme
thinki
ngofhowhotIf eltl
astnightinmyroom when
wewer einthemomentIr ui
ned.

Me:
sthandwasami
.
Kay
ise:
whatdoy
ouwantBukhosi
?
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me:
Don'
tbecol
dtowar
dsmepl
ease.
Kay
ise:
Isi
mpl
yaskedy
ouwhaty
ouwant
?
Me:
I'
m sor
ryf
orl
astni
ght
.
Kay
ise:
it'
sfi
ne.
Shehasn'
tl
ookedatmeandt
hathur
ts.
Me:
pleasel
ookatmepl
ease.
Kay
ise:
soy
oucanr
ejectmeagai
n?
Me:
Idi
dn'
trej
ecty
ou.
Shescof
fs.
Kay
ise:
ift
hat
'swhaty
oubel
i
evet
henokay
.
Me:
youf
elthowmuchIwant
edy
out
oo.
Kayise:
ify
oudidyouwoul
dn'thaverej
ect
edmel
i
ke
thatandevensendmeoutofyourhouse.
Me:
Idi
dthatbecauseIwasashamedokay
.
Shepl
acesherhandsonherwai
st.
Kay i
se:
howmanyt i
mesmustIt el
lyouthatIl
ove
youbecauseofwhoy ouarenotwhatyouhave?You
didn'
tChoosetobeborninsuchci
rcumstancesbut
thatisyourhomewhoeverj
udgesyouforthati
sthe
onewhoshoul dbeashamednotyou.
Me:
Iwasn'
tashamedbecauseoft
hat
.
Kay
ise:
thenwhatBukhosi
.
Shehal
fshout
sandIr
aisemyey
ebr
ow.
I
'
lladdr
esst
hisl
ater
.
Kay
ise:
nowy
ouar
enott
alki
ngar
g.
Shewavesherhandsintheairi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.I
swall
ownerv
ouslynotknowinghowshe'
sgoingt
o
taket
henews.
Me:
IwasashamedbecauseIhav
en'
tuhm.
Ifai
ltospil
li
tout
.Shel
ooksatmewi
thabl
ank
expressi
on.
Kay
ise:
hav
en'
t?
Me:
Ihav
en'
tuhm wi
thanygi
rlbef
ore.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
what
?!You'
reav
irgi
n?
Il
ookdownembar
rassedandshecomest
owar
ds
me.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER20
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Icoul
dn'tbelievethathe'
sst i
llavirgin,tosayIam
shockedwoul dbeanunder statement .Imean
Bukhosiis26y ear
sofageandguy shi sagehav ea
bodycountt hatpassesthet enf i
nger sontheir
handsandt heyhav et
oaddt heirtoest othemi x.I
f
theyweretobegi venami l
li
onr andsf oreach
womant hey'vebeenwi ththeywoul dbemi ll
ionai
res
andthefactt hathewoul dbebr okeashel l
is
shocki
ng...

Iam standingrighti
nfrontofhi
m buthedoesn' t
wanttolookatme, heissoembar rassedbutIam
notjudgingI'
mj ustshockedthat'
sall.Heisfi
ne,I
meanhei sthekindofguyev er
ygirlwouldhaveran
aft
erwi l
l
ingt ogracehisbedandst i
llhedidn'
tgivei
n
t
owhat
evert
empt
ati
ont
hatcamehi
sway
..
.

IneverthoughtI'dmeetaguyv i
rginabove16y ears
buthere'smyboy f
riend,pur
east hedayhecame
i
ntothewor l
d.Apar tofmei sdoi ngsummer sault
s
thatnoot herwomanhashadt heoppor tunit
yto
knowanypar tofhimi nti
matelyandmyl it
tl
e
j
ealousywi ll
goaway .AnideahitsmeandIhopehe
fi
ndsitamusi ngandsnapsoutoft his"shame" .I
takehishandandl eadhimt omybedandsi thim
down,takemyphoneandbr owset hroughmymusi c,
Ifi
nditafterami nute,pressplayandBey once's
schooli
ngl i
feplayst hr
oughmyphone' sspeaker ..
.

"
I'
m notat
eacher
,babe
ButIcant
eachy
ousomet
hing
Notapr
eacher
Butwecanpr
ayi
fyouwanna
Ai
n'
tadoct
or
ButIcanmakey
ouf
eel
bet
ter
ButI
'
m gr
eatatwr
it
ingphy
sical
lov
elet
ter
s
I
'
m af
reak,
all
day
,al
lni
ght
Hot
,top,
fli
ght
Boyoutofsi
ght
AndI
'
m cr
azy
,al
lday
,al
lni
ght
Whoneedsadegr
eewheny
ou'
reschool
i
n'l
i
fe?

Ohohoh
School
i
n'l
i
fe.
..
Ohohoh.
..
School
i
n'l
i
fe.
..

Thi
sisf
ort
hem pr
ett
ysomet
hings
Li
vi
ngi
naf
astl
ane,
seey
ouwheny
oucr
ashbabe
Thi
sisf
ort
hem sexysomet
hings
Thatbodyai
n'
tgon'
alway
sgety
aoutofev
ery
thi
ng
Thi
sisf
ort
hem bi
tt
ersomet
hings
St
opl
i
vingi
nregr
et,
baby
,it
'snotov
ery
et
Andt
hisi
sfort
hem t
ri
ppi
n'somet
hings
That
'shi
ghonl
i
fe,
baby
,putmeony
ourf
li
ght
"

Iam singingalongt oitandwhenhehear ssome

part
soft helyr
icshel ooksupatmeandsmi rksbutI
cantellhe'stryi
ngv eryhardnottoshowt hathe's
fi
ndingt hiswholethingamusing.Iwannawar m up
themoodbef oreIbombar dhi
m withami l
li
on
questionscozGodknowsIam aboutt ogr i
ll
him as
myshockneedsi nf
or mati
ontounderstandwhyhe
keptitthislong,notthatI'
m ungrat
efult
hatIgett o
popt hecher r
ybuty ouknowdet ail
sareimpor t
ant.
..

Me:
baby
.
Bukhosi
:ZamaNgweny
a.
Me:
youhav
eabsol
utel
ynot
hingt
obeashamedof
.
Bukhosi
:ofcour
sey
ou'
dsayt
hat
.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious,
Ijustwannaknowwhyy
ouwai
ted
t
hisl
ong.
Hesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Bukhosi:Babyi thasalwaysbeenmamaandI ,Ihad
tohelpherev erydayandIhadsoccert oo.Ididn't
havet i
mef orgirl
sandf r
iends.Wit
hageobv iouslyI
start
edhav i
ngf eeli
ngsandIt ookaliki
ngintoaf ew
girl
sbutbecauseofmypoorbackgr oundt heywoul d
j
ustr un,r
unf orthehil
l
sandIj ustf
or gotabouti tand
decidedtof ocusonmyj obandmysi ckmot her.
Me:
ohmyLov
e.
Bukhosi
:solastni
ghtIwasn'
trej
ect
ingyou,Iwas
j
ustnotsurewhatIwassupposedtodo.I'
m sorr
y
l
ove.
Me:
Iunder
standnow,
Iam sor
ryf
orov
err
eact
ing.
Hesmi
l
es.
Bukhosi
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyousomuch.Tel
lmet
hough.
Het
apshi
slapandIgosi
tont
opofhi
m.
Me:
you'
venev
erev
enbeatmeatt
opor
n?
Hef
rowns?
Bukhosi
:mast
urbat
ing?
Heaskswi
thasmi
rk.
Me:
yes.
Hechuckl
esandIcanseehi
mrel
axal
i
ttl
e.
Bukhosi:
Ineverhadaphonebaby,onl
ymagazi
nesI
st
olefrom t
hisotherol
dguyIusedtohel
p.
Il
aughandpeckhi
sli
ps.
Me:
youshoul
dtr
yXv
ideost
hen.
Bukhosi
:what
'si
tabout
?
Me:
wheny
ouar
ehomei
nyourr
oom got
othesi
te.
Bukhosi
:Nt
ombi
ZamaNgweny
ayouar
enaught
y.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:thesongIplayedy
ouwasamessagefrom me
toyou,babydon'
tworr
yI'
m gonnat
eachev
ery
thi
ngI
know.
Hebi
tesmyar
m andIscr
eam al
i
ttl
e.
Bukhosi
:whoi
sthef
uckert
hatt
ookmypur
it
y?
Igi
ggl
e.
Me:he'
snotimpor
tant,
youareandt hi
sbodyi s
your
stoworshi
pnowbutoncey ouar eready
.We
don'
thavet
orushint
oanythi
ngrightnow.
Bukhosi
:Iappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Me:
nowwho'
sfl
ower
sar
ethose.
Bukhosi:
Ipickedthem onmywayher
e,t
hey
'r
efor
youjusttoapologi
seforl
astni
ght
.
Me:
theyar
esopr
ett
ythanky
oubaby
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ihavebeeni ntheancest ralroom sinceIwokeup, I

wantedt ocalluponmyancest orsandf eelt hei
r
presencebecauseIneededt ot hankthem f orthe
l
itt
lemessaget heysentus.I t'
sst i
ll
notmuchbutat
l
eastthi swascl earerandhopef ul.I
'm notr eadyfor
thestorm butther e'
snothingIcandobutl et
whatev eriti
shappenandl eavemyl andwi thwhat
wasdi stanttobe.Imi ghtnotknowwhati tisor
wherei
t'
sgoi
ngtolandmeandfamilybuti
fiti
sthe
wi
lloft
heancest
orsthensobei
t.
..

Kay isedoesn'tknowwhati sgoingonandl astnight

afterMakhosi lef
tshewant edtost artwit
hher
i
nter rogati
onbutIpr omisedt otell
herev er
y t
hing
thatIknowev enthoughit'
snotmuchbuti twi l
lget
heri ntheloopandshewon' tbesurprisedwhen
stranget hi
ngsst arthappeninginal andshei s
meantt orulesomeday ,Ihav eanopen
communi cationwi t
hmydaught erandt hefir
strule
oft hatisbeinghonestandt rut
hfulalways.
..

Istandupandl eavethecandlesburning,making
suretheyareplacedsafelyawayfrom anythi
ngt hat
mightcatchaf i
re.Igetoutoftheroom andputon
myshoes, Iwalktowardst hemainhouseandI
noticemywi f
eandMenzi tal
ki
ngandi tlooksintense,
Liy
anai sevenpointi
ngathi m,helooksmydi r
ect i
on
andsay ssomethingtoLiyanawhowal ksaway .
Menzi comestowar dsmeandIst opi nmyt r
acks...
Menzi
:myKi
ng.
Me:seemedli
key
ouandmywi
fehadaheat
ed
conv
ersat
ion.
Menzi
:shewasj
ustt
ell
i
ngmehowdi
sappoi
ntedshe
i
swithme.
Me:
disappoi
ntedf
or?
Menzi
:thewhol
esagawi
thBukhosi
.
Me:
Iam t
oo,
Ist
il
ldon'
tunder
standwhyy
oudi
dthat
.
Menzi
:Iam sor
rymyKi
ngbut
-
Me:
leav
eitcozy
oudon'
twantt
obehonest
.
Heattempt
stosaysomethi
ngwhensomeonecl
ear
s
t
hei
rthroat
sbehi
ndus.Il
ookandit
'sZonke'
s
mother.
Her
:I'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
b.
Me:
it'
sokay
,howar
eyou?
Her
:I'
mver
ywel
l
,howar
eyou?
Me:
Iam f
inet
oo.CanIbeofassi
stance.
Her
:Ij
ustcamet
ocheckupony
ouandy
our
daught
erandtosayt
hanky
ouagai
nforwhaty
ou'
ve
beendoingf
orme.
Mydaught erandIhavebeensendi
ngsome
groceri
esandwatertoherbecausesheisl
eftal
one
andcan'tdomostt hi
ngsasshe'
sstil
lemot
ional
ly
cri
ppled.
Me:
it'
sonl
yapl
easur
emama.
Her:ohmyKi
ng,
I'
m sur
eI'
my oungert
hany
out
obe
cal
l
ingmemama, mynameisHlengi
we.
Me:
myapol
ogi
es.Whatdoy
ouhav
ether
e?
Iaskl
ooki
ngatt
hebucket
.
Her:
ohit'
sbakedcooki
es,
Ibr
oughtt
hem f
ory
ou
andtheent
ir
efamil
y.
Me:
ahhhhmyf
avor
it
e.
Her
:I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hat
.
Me:
let
'sgoi
nsi
de,
Menzi
I'
ll
seey
oul
ater
.
Wewalktowardst
hehousewi
thmehol
dingt
he
10l
i
terbucket
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Nonhl
e:whati
sitt
haty
ouwer
esay
ingt
oMenzi
?
Isi
gh.
Me:
not
hingj
ustcounci
lst
aff
.
Nonhl
e:doIl
ookl
i
keaf
ool
toy
ou?
Me:
hai
boandt
hen?
Nonhle:
don'tactl
ikeafool
.Ar
eyoupl
ant
ing
marr
iagethoughtsinhi
shead?
Me:
whywouldIdothat
?Ihavemorepressi
ng
mat
ter
stoat
tendt
hanforci
ngpeopl
eintomarr
iage.
Nonhl
e:y
oubetternotbetr
yingtoputmeoutoft
his
pal
aceLi
yanabecauseI'
veworkedandear
neda
pl
aceher
e.
Me:
ifIwant
edy
ououtIwoul
dhav
eyouout
.
Nonhl
e:i
sthatso?
Me:
yesi
t.
Nonhl
e:ev
enwi
thev
ery
thi
ngIknow?
Igaspf
orai
r.
Me:
ohy
ou'
dtel
lonme?
Nonhl
e:you'
vedoneall
youdidtopr
otecty
our
i
nter
est
ssoIwoul ddothesame.
Me:
atl
eastIknowwher
eIst
andwi
thy
ou.
Nonhl
e:noyout
hinkyouar
esmar t
,youwannapush
meoutofthi
spl
aceforwhatIdon'
tknowcozI'
ve
donenot
hingwr
ong.
Me:
wher
edi
dyougett
hati
deaf
rom?
Nonhl
e:Iseey
ouandhowy
ou'
react
ingt
heseday
s.
Me:I
'm nott
ryi
ngt
ogety
ououtorpl
anti
deasi
n
Menzi
'shead.
Nonhl
e:l
et'
ssayi
fyoudot
hatt
ome,
Iwi
l
lsi
ngl
i
kea
canar
y.
Me:
ther
ewon'
tbeaneedf
ort
hat
.
Nonhl
e:goodnowwhatdi
dyoucomei
nher
etodo?
Me:
Iwantust
odi
scussmakhosi
'
smessage.
Nonhl
e:I
'
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ouagai
n.Howmany
ti
mesmustItel
lyouthatt
heywil
lnev erknowwhat
you,MamaandIdid?Mambanev erfail
edandManzi
hasn'
tgi
venusareasontodoubthimt oo.
Isi
gh.
Me:
youar
etaki
ngt
hisl
i
ght
ly.
Nonhl
e:notatal
lyouar
etheoneov
ert
hinki
ng.

Iputmyhandsupi ndefeatandwal kout,whycan' t

shesmel lthetroubl
e?Thebl indedancestor
s
managedt osaysomet hingisn'
tthatenoughr eason
toraiseaney ebrowinsuspensi on.Idon'
twantt o
fi
ndmy sel
finhotwat ercozIwi ll
notbeabletoget
my selfoutandwhatwi llthi
sallbef or
?Absolutely
nothing..
.

Nowt hisli
ttl
ebitchi
sontomewi t
hwhatIwant edt
o
dowithManzi soIcangetherfarawayfrom my
husband.IguessI '
m goi
ngtohav etowaitali
tt
lebi
t
l
ongersoshecanputherguar ddownandwhen
Menzi proposesthemarri
ageshewi l
lthi
nkit
's
becausehehasfal
l
eninlov
ewi thher
,I'
m goi
ngto
havetogett
hatmanonboar dandmakehi m act
romanti
candgiv
eherall
thethingssheli
kes.
..

Iwalkintheki
tchenandnoticea20li
terbucketon
mykitchenisl
and,Ipeepi
nsideandit
'shomebaked
cooki
es.Whocoul dhavebroughtusthese?Didwe
saywecan'taffor
dtobuybiscuit
s?Oneoft hemaids
walkinandIholdherarm..
.

Me:
what
'st
his?
Mai
d:cooki
es.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
Iseet
hat
,wher
edot
heycomef
rom?
Mai
d:ohI
'
m sor
rymyKi
ng.Zonke'
smot
herbr
ought
t
hem.
Me:
she'
sher
e?
Iaskal
armed.
Mai
d:y
est
heyar
eint
hedi
ningr
oom wi
tht
heki
ng.
Il
etgoofherar m andqui cklygot othedining,whatI
seealmostget smedownont hef l
oor.Myhusband
i
sclaspingont othiswoman' shandf ordearl i
feand
she'
ssniffingobviouslyshe'scr y
ing.Thesightof
Bhekiaffecti
onatewithanot herwomanbr i
ngsout
mywor stfears,whoi sat hreatmysi sterorthe
womanwho' sdaught erIsacr i
fi
ced..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ihadadaybet t
erthanmypr evi
ousoneandi t
'sni
ght.
Iam gladmyl adyandIironedt hingsoutbecauseif
wewentonanot herdayint hattensesituat
ionI
wouldhav el
ostmymi nd.Itwast ought el
li
ngher
thatIhaveneverhadsexi nmyl i
fe,Ithoughtshe'
d
l
ookatmedi ff
erentandmay beseemel essofa
manwhodoesn' tknoworwi l
lnev erknowhowt o
givehersexualsati
sfacti
onbutl ikealwayssheleft
mei nawe...

Sheunder
stoodwher
eI'
m comi
ngf
rom andev
en
madet hi
swhol esituati
onamusi ng.Kayisenev er
ceasestoamazemeandI '
m gladinherIf oundthe
wholepackage.Letmet el
lnoli
es,I'
m nervousabout
thewholething,wil
l Il
i
veupt oexpectat
ionsand
sati
sfyher.Howl ongwi lli
teventakemet ogett he
hangofthings?Shepr omi sedtobepat i
entwi t
hme
butIam amanandIhav etoknowt hesethingsand
knowwhent otakechar ge..
.

Iam layingont hebedi nmyr oom andIr emember

shesai dIshouldgoonsomesi tecall
edXv ideo, I
j
ustknewt hatit'
sapor nsi tebutletmejustwat ch
andt akeaf ewlessonsf orourfir
sttime.Itakemy
phoneandpowert hescr een,myey eslandont he
wallpaper,i
t'sapictureofusy ester
daycuddl i
ngi n
here,she'ssobeaut ifulGod.Igot othesear ch
engineandi nputthesi tenameandi tshowsaf ew
results,
shedi dsayt hef i
rstoneisalwayst hemost
accuratesol et'
ssee. .
.

Myey
esl
andont
henast
iestt
hingsev
erbutdoI
stopandclosethepage?Nor atherIgetanerecti
on
i
nstantl
y.Iscr
ollandtheposit
ionsondisplayare
shocki
ngnol i
es.Iminimi
zethepageandgodi al
ZamaNgweny a'snumber,shepicksupalmost
i
mmedi atel
y..
.

Kay
ise:
MyChoco.
Il
ovehowshecal
l
sme.
Me:sthandwasami
thet
hingsy
ouar
emaki
ngmedo
yoh.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Kay
ise:
whatdi
dIdonowbabe?
Me:thi
sXwhatwhatyoh!t
hosear
esomeser
ious
pr
ofessi
onal
thi
ngs.
Shebur
stsoutl
aughi
ng.
Kayi
se:obvi
ousl
yyouneedtowat
chsome
missi
onaryvi
deo'
s,got
othesear
chengi
neont
he
si
teandtypelov
emaking.
Me:
howmanyv
ideosdot
heyhav
e?
Kay
ise:
mil
l
ions.
Ma:
Bukhosi
!
SheshoutsandIquickl
ygrabthet
owelonthebed
andhidemyerecti
onjusti
ntimebefor
esheopens
thedoorandwalksin.
Me:
mamay
ouhav
etoknock.
Isayannoy
ed.
Ma:
I'
m sor
rybuty
ourf
oodi
sready
.
Me:
I'
mtal
ki
ngont
hephoneI
'
llber
ightt
her
e.
Shel
eav
est
her
oom cl
osi
ngt
hedoorbehi
ndher
.
Kay
ise:
whydi
dyousnapatmamal
i
ket
hat
?
Iscof
f.
Me:shewal
kedi
nwi
thoutknocki
ngandIhav
ean
er
ecti
on.
Shel
aughs.
Kayi
se:whydi
dn'
tyouv
ideocal
lme,
Iwoul
dhav
e
l
ovedtosee.
Me:
youar
esonaught
y,Ineedt
ogett
hisdownand
goeat
,tal
kbef
orewesl
eep?
Kay
ise:
okayIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
ShehangsupandIl
ookatt
hishar
dandsi
gh.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Thi
schapt
erwassponsor
edbyMar
phi
a
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER21
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ican'tseem t
ostoplooki ngatthatpornsite,iti
s
somewhataddi ct
iveandi nthedayI '
veknownabout
i
tIhav emasturbatedli
keadamnf r
eak.Ithasr eall
y
broughtbacktheedgeofl ay
ingwithawomanbutI
am scaredit'
stooearl
yandI '
m sti
lli
nexperiencedt o
doitwi t
hZamaNgweny a.Iwillgi
vemy selfaf ew
mor edaystowat chandbeconf i
dentthatIwi l
l
performtoherexpectations,nomanwoul dwantt o
beadi sappoi
ntmentinbedt ot hewomanhel oves.
..

Iwokeupear l
yanddecidedtocleanthi
swhol e
house,it
'saSatur
daysoIdon'thavetogotowor k.I
am tr
yingtokeepbusysoIdon'tclosemyselfinmy
room andlookatpeopl
ehavingsex.Iam li
steni
ngto
top30musi cchartont
heradioandy ouknowhow
musicfuel
sonewit
henergyandmakescl
eani
ng
exci
ti
ngandbear
able.
..

Iam donei nnot imeandt hehouseisspot l

ess,my
mot herisgoingtobei mpressedwhenshewakesup.
Yeswedon' thavemuchbutIswearwheni t'
sclean
l
iket hi
sy ouwon'tseet hat.Ishouldtakesomeofmy
savingsandbuyanewbedsoIcanbecomf ort
able
whenIhav emygi r
lf
ri
endi nthebedroom wi thme
andt henI'l
lmov etot herestoftheotherr ooms, bit
bybi tasRomewasn' tbuilti
noneday .Ifi
nishtaking
mybat handset t
leinapai rofjeansandagol fT-
shirtwiththenikesneaker sI'
v ehadfor2y earsnow,
theyar emyf avorit
esoIhar dlyeverweart hem
unlessIwantt of eelgoodaboutmy self.Myphone
chimesandIt akeitfrom ont opofthebed,
obv i
ouslyisZamaNgweny a,she'
stheonl yperson
whohasmynumber .
..

*
MyChoco,
I'
m out
side.Let
'sgof
orar
ide*
Ismil
eandqui ckl
yremov emyt oil
etri
esfrom ont op
onthebedandpl acethem intheirri
ghfulpl
acet hat
i
sthechestofdr awers.Igodiscardthewat erIused
tobat
handcheckonmymot her,sheisstil
lsleepi
ng
sopeaceful
ly,
Idecidetolockheri nusingmykey
andshe'
lluseherstoopenonceshe' sawake.Imake
mywayt othewai t
ingSUVatmygat eandhopi n..
.

Me:
heybaby
.
Isayl
eani
ngi
nforaki
ss.
Kay
ise:
youl
ookamazi
ngBhuko.
Me:
Thanky
oust
handwasami
,sodoy
ou.
Kay
ise:
Ihav
etoi
mpr
essy
ouknow.
Ichuckleandshebri
ngstheengi
netolif
e.Idon'
t
botheraski
ngwherewear egoi
ngrat
herIsitback
andenjoytheri
deandthemusicplayi
ng.Shedriv
es
outtotheveldandst
opsatabigplotofland.
Kay
ise:
wear
eher
ebabe.
Me:madam ar
eyouher
etoki
l
lme?Thi
spl
acei
s
cr
eepy
.
Shel
aughs.
Kay
ise:
Icoul
dnev
er.
Me:
thenwhatar
ewedoi
ngher
e.
Shedoesn'tanswermebutget
soutofthecarandI
dothesame.SheholdsoutherhandandIt
akeit,
rubbingmythumbonherknuckl
es.Wewalkfurt
her
sti
llhandi
nhand.
Me:
baby
.
Ical
louti
mpat
ient
.
Kay
ise:
Keepy
ourhai
ron.
Me:
I'
m bal
dify
ouhav
en'
tnot
iced.
Shechuckl
es.
Kayi
se:Wel
lthi
sist
hel
andy
oucanst
arty
our
proj
ect
.
Myey
esal
mostpopoutoft
hesocket
.
Me:
whatser
iousl
y?Thi
slandi
sbi
g.
Kay
ise:
gobi
gorhome.
Ij
ustpi
ckherupandspi
nherar
oundasshegi
ggl
es
socar
efr
ee.
Me:howwillIevershowy
ouhowgr
atef
ulIam f
or
t
hisoppor
tunit
y.
Kayi
se:y
oucandot hatbywor
kinghar
dandmaki
ng
sur
ethatthi
sisasuccess.
Me:
Ipr
omi
sei
twi
l
l,Ipr
omi
se.
Iki
ssherandpl
aceherdown.
Kayise:uhm Ihir
edsomecompanyt hatdealswi t
h
soiltest
ing,
fert
il
izi
ngandallt
hosetechnical
i
ties,
theywi l
lbewithyouunti
lev
erythi
ngisready.
Me:OhZamaNgweny
a.Iam t
hankf
ul,
Ilov
eyouso
much.
Kayi
se:Iam i
nvest
ingi
nyouandmyf
utur
echi
l
drens
l
egacy.Il
oveyoutooBukho.
Ismi l
esweetlyatherasherwor dsonceagai ngiv
e
meassur ancethatsheisinthisrel
ati
onshipforli
fe.
IlookaroundandIcanal r
eadyseeev erythi
ng
growing,peoplegoi
ngupanddowngoi ngabout
theirj
obsandmesi tti
ngintheof fi
ceoverthere
planningschedul
esandor ders.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Mywi fehasbeenact i
ngst rangeagai n,j
ustwhen
youthinkshe' scomi ngal r
ightshegoesbackt o
beingawkwar d.Itri
edt al
kingtoherabouti tbutshe
i
nsistedt hatshe'sokaybutdi dthesourl ookonher
facegoaway ?Absol utelynotbutr atherithas
escalated,sheiswal kingar oundbangi ngthedoor s
andcl i
ckinghert ongue.Iwon' tbotheraski ngwhat's
wrongbecauseshe' llgivemet hesameanswer" I
'
m
fi
neBheki "
,whenshei sreadyt otalktomel i
kemy
wifeandanadul tIwi l
lsitdownandl ist
ent owhati s
botheri
ngher ...

YesterdayHlengi
wecamear oundandwi ththe
conversati
onwehadIcoul dtel
lthatthi
swholethi
ng
i
sst i
llki
ll
i
ngherdeepdownandshe' str
yingtobe
okaybutit'
sjusttoomuch.Iwishtherewas
somet hi
ngIcoulddotohelphermor ebutshe
i
nsiststhatshe'
ll
bealr
ightandwe' v
edoneenough
alr
eady.Shesaidshehasgonebackt osewi ng
people'
sclothesjusttokeepbusyandpr eoccupied
soshedoesn' tt
hinkaboutZonke.Iwant edt ogiv
e
hersomewor kbutIdi dn'
thavemuchol dcl othes
shecanf i
xsoIt oretheonesIhav ejustsoIcanhel p
i
nkeepingherbusy .IhaveapileIhavegat heredand
I'
mt aki
ngittoherr i
ghtnow.Thebedr oom door
opensasIt akethepl asti
cfr
om thefloor.
..

Li
yana:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?I
t'
saSat
urday
.
Me:I
'
mtakingtheset
hingst
oHl
engi
wesoshecan
f
ixt
hem upforme.
Li
yana:
whatar
ethose?
Me:
mycl
othes,
tor
none'
s.
Li
yana:
youdon'
thavet
orncl
othesandeveni
fyou
di
dwhywouldyouneedtofi
xthem aswecanaff
ord
newones.
Me:
thi
sisj
ustt
okeepherbusyLi
ya.
Shef
rowns.
Li
yana:
whoi
sthi
sHl
engi
we?
Me:
ohshe'
sZonke'
smot
her
.
Sher
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Li
yana:
ohy
ouar
enowonf
ir
stnamebasi
s?
If
arr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:
youdon'
thav
etost
artanunnecessar
yfi
ghtwi
th
me.
Iat
temptt
owal
kpassher
.
Li
yana:nowy ouar
egoi
ngt
owal
koutonmet
ogo
seeanotherwoman?
Me:whyareyoumakingitsoundl
ikeI'
m goingout
ther
etocheatonyou?Thepoorwomanl osther
daught
erandshesureneedsthesupport
.

Ishakemyheadandwal kout,Li
yanaisact i
ngcrazy
andit'
snotat t
racti
ve.Idon'tknowwhatherpr oblem
i
sandatt hi
spoi ntI'm notgoingtowor rymy sel
f
aboutit
.Ihav emor epr essi
ngmat ter
sf acingme
andheractingl i
keaner r
antchil
disn'
tgoi ngt ot
ake
myat t
enti
onf rom that.Igetint
oacarIdon' t
part
icul
arl
ylikebecausemydaught ertookt heoneI
pref
erandwentout .ThedrivetoHlengiwe'
shouse
i
nnotsol ong,Iparkoutsi
dethegateandwal ki
n,
theki
tchendoorisopenandshe' ssitt
ingonthe
chai
r,l
ookingatpictur
esandcr yi
ng.Iknockandshe
l
ooksupandwi peshertears.
..

Hl
engi
we:
myKi
ng.
Iwal
kinandset
tl
edownbef
oreshecanev
enof
fer
.
Me:
Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryf
orwhaty
ouar
egoi
ngt
hrough.
Hl
engi
we:it
'shar
d,i
t'
ssohar
d,Idon'
tknowhowt
o
moveon.
Me:Iunderst
andandr ightnowdon'tforceyoursel
f,
t
aket i
met ogri
eveandl etpai
ntakeov eryou.Cryi
f
youfeell
ikei
t,shoutanddowhat everitistodeal
wit
hy ourpai
n.
Hl
engi
we:
thanky
ou.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sokayf
ory
out
obel
i
vingal
one.
Hlengi
we: mydaughter'
saremarri
edandt
heyhav
e
thei
rownl i
ves,Icoul
dn'
tall
owthem t
opause
everyt
hingtocomebewi thme.
Me:Iunder
stand,socomel
i
vewi
thusatt
hepal
ace,
wehaveplentyr
oom.
Hl
engi
we:
ohIcoul
dn'
tmyKi
ng.
Me:
don'
tsaynoy
et,
takeaf
ewday
sthi
nkabouti
t.
Hl
engi
we:
okayIwi
l
l,whatdoy
ouhav
ether
e?
Me:
ohIbroughtmyt
orncl
othesf
ory
out
omake
t
hem newagai
n.
Shel
aughs.
Hlengi
we:Icanfi
xthem yesbutnewpl
easedon'
t
putsuchaheavytaskuponme.
Icl
aspherhandandl
augh.
Me:
it'
sgoodt
oseey
oul
augh.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihatetheper
sonIam becoming,
Iwastr
yingt
obe
thepersonIwasbef
orethiswhol
edramastar
ted,
butIguessyoucanneverbethesameaf
ter
sacri
fi
cingahumanbei ng.Mygui l
tiseatingthr
ough
mewi theachpassi
ngdayandt hefactthatmy
husbandisnowgettingclosertothi
sHl engiwe
womanmakesmemor euneasy .Whatifhefall
sfor
herwhileint
heprocessof" support
ing"her?.
..

AsitstandsIdon' tknowwhoi sgoingt orepl

aceme
i
nBheki '
slif
e, mysist erNonhl
eort hi
sHl engi
we
who'sdaught erIkil
led.Myheadi sspi nni
ngfrom al
l
thi
sthi
nkingbutwhati fI
'mjustreadingtoomuch
i
ntoeverything?May beNonhleisrightbysaying
Manziwi l
lnotf ai
lus.Ishouldjustcalm downand
workonmy selfbeforeIpushBhekumbusoaway ..
.

Mai
d:myQueen.
Shesaysfr
om behi
ndmeandIlookback,she'
swi
th
ayounggentl
emanIhav
en'
tseenaroundhere
bef
ore.
Me:
yes?
Mai
d:t
hisgent
lemani
slooki
ngf
ort
heKi
ngand
pr
incessKay
ise.
Me:ohI'm sor
rymyhusbandanddaught
erar
ebot
h
outbutIcanbeofassi
stance.
Hesmi
l
es.
Mai
d:I
'
lll
eav
eyoube.
Shewal
ksawayandthi
sboywalksaroundthe
l
oungel
ooki
ngaroundl
ikeheownsthispl
ace.
Me:
excuseme?
Him:that
'snothowy
out
alkt
ohewhogav
eyoual
l
ofthi
scomf or
t.
Hi
svoi
cei
sthi
ckandsendsshi
ver
sdownmyspi
ne.
Me:
whoar
eyouy
oungman?
Him:Iam gl
admyoldsoulf
ounday oungbody
, i
t'
s
beenawhilesi
ncesomeoneref
eredtomeasy oung.
Ishakemyheadf
ail
i
ngt
omakesenseoft
his.
Me:
Ishoul
dcal
lmyhusbandt
heKi
ng.
Him:cal
m downLiyana,youandIcanget
acquai
ntedbef
oreevery
oneelsegetshome.
Ibl
i
nkacoupl
eoft
imes.
Me:
howdoy
ouknowmyname?
Him:Dabul
amanzi
Khumal
o.Ihav
egr
acedt
heear
th
onceagai
n.
Igapsf
orai
r,l
ooki
ngst
rai
ghti
ntohi
sey
es.
Me:
Nkosi
yaManzi
?
Hi
m: sher
emember
s.MydescendantManzi,t
heone
whowasnamedaft
ermetol
dy outhatI
'
llsoonshow
myface.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:buthow,youar
easpi
ri
t,whydoesahuman
bei
nghaveyourname?
Hechuckl
es.
Him: Igavey ouachildwheni twasimpossible.So
thi
sisnot hing.Imadey ourdaughter,mywifethi
nk
ofthisprojectsoshecanr eachoutt otheownerof
thi
sbodysoIcankeepmynameandcomei ntothe
Kingdom openl ytoworkcloselywithhersoshecan
fal
lforme.Idi dn'
tmi ndthesurnameast hosewho
knowt hehi st
oryofthelandmi ghthaverai
sedan
ey
ebr
owr
iski
ngev
ery
thi
ng.
Thelastpar
tget
smeconfused,
whatdoeshemean
bythosewhoknowt
hehistor
y.
Me:
Myki
ng.
Isaybowi
ngdownal
i
ttl
e.
Hi
m:sowher
edi
dyousaymywi
fewentt
o?
Ican'tseemuchnowt hatIhavetakenphy sicalfor
m,
Irel
yonManzi toensurethatever
y t
hingisgoi ng
wellunlessIconsultmyownor acle,theoneIcame
withfrom underthewaterandIcan'tbecar eless
andshowi teverywhere.
Me:
uhm Iahh,
Kay
isewentt
oameet
ing.
Him:Isee.Li
yanaIhopey
ouar
ereadyt
opl
ayy
our
parti
nalloft
his.
Me:
Iam myKi
ngIam.
Isaywit
hmyheartbeati
ngsofast
.Ican'
tbeli
eve
thi
sishappeni
ng,
ohletthi
sal
lgosmoothly
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Hei ssoexci tedt ostartandhearingal lhisplansin

detailgetsmeexci tedf orhi
m.Icanal r
eadyi magine
him, MrMt hombeni t
heCEO.Idon' tknowany one
whodeser vesthisasmuchasBukhosi ,hehasn' t
onlybeenagr eatempl oyeetomyf amily,an
outstandingci t
izenoft hisgreatKingdom, oragreat
sonhei st ohismot her.Hewaspat ientenought o
waitforhist urnwi thoutgett
ingintot hewr ong
thi
ngsj usttogetaheadandt hisishi sti
met obe
rewardedf orhol dingont ofait
hwhent hingswer e
tough...

Wear esitti
nginthebootoftheSUV, pushedt he
backseatstothefronttomakespace, Ibroughtusa
picni
cbasketandf orgott
otakeabl ankettolay
downont hegrasssoplanBwast hebootandt hank
Godit'
sbi genoughandcomf ort
able.Wear ef aci
ng
thebigplotoflandsohecanseei tinfr
ontofhi m
andbelievethatit
'snowhis.
..
Me:
howar
ethel
essonsf
rom t
hev
ideo'
sgoi
ng?
Hel
aughs
Bukhosi
:whenIt
urni
ntoasexf
reakdon'
tbl
ameme.
Me:
Iguesswewi
l
lfr
eakt
oget
her
.
Heshakeshisheadanddr
inkt
heMer
lotf
rom t
he
st
emlesswineglass.
Bukhosi
:Iwi
l
lcont
inuewat
chi
ngunt
ilIf
eel
confi
dent
.
Me:nopressur
ebabebutyoucanonl
yknowi
fyou
ar
elear
ningbypract
ici
ngwit
hme.
Hel
i
ckshi
slowerl
i
p.
Bukhosi
:Iknowbaby
Me:
wheny
ou'
rer
eadyst
handwasami
.
Bukhosi
:Iappr
eci
atey
ouf
ort
hat
.
Me:
enj
oyi
ngy
ourdr
ink?
Bukhosi
:Iam enj
oyi
ngt
hiswhol
emoment
.Thank
you.
Myphoner
ingsandi
t'
smymom.
Me:
it'
smymot
her
,letmet
akei
t.
Bukhosi
:nopr
obl
em.
Ipr
esst
heanswerbut
ton.
Me:
MyQueen.
Mama:
Kay
isecomet
othehousenow.
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngo-
ShehangsupandIf
rown.
Bukhosi
:what
'sup?
Me:shej
ustsai
dIshoul
dcomehomeandhanged
up.
Bukhosi
:may
besomet
hingi
shappeni
ng,
weshoul
d
go.
Isi
gh.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER22
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ourper f
ectafternoonjustgotr uined,Godwhatever
mymot heriscalli
ngmehomef orbett
erbegood
cozifitisn'
tI'
m notgoingt obehappywi thheratall
.
Icouldn'tdropoffBukhosi f
irstcozIwant edto
att
endt owhat everiti
sthat'sgoi ngonandi fi
t'
snot
i
mpor tantwecancont i
nuef rom wher eweleftoff
.
Wegett othepalaceandt here'saG- wagonparked
outsi
deundert hecarpor
t,ther egist
rati
onisGP,I
fr
ownwonder ingwhoi tcouldbe. ..

Iki
lltheengineandwebot hopenourdoor sandget
outoft hecar.Iam leadi
ngthewayandBukhosi i
s
fol
lowingmebehi nd.Ihearvoi
cesint heloungesoI
headst rai
ghtinthere,i
t'
smymot herandt heproj
ect
partnerDabulamanz i.Heishol
dingagl assofscotch
andhislegi
srest
ingont
opoftheot
her
,heseems
rel
axedandyou'
dswearhi
m andmymotherar
eol
d
fri
ends.
..

Mama:
tooky
oul
ongenoughKay
ise.
Me:
Idr
oveher
esoonasy
oucal
l
ed.MrKhumal
o.
Ihol
doutmyhandf
orahandshake.
Dabul
a:Kay
ise,
howar
eyou?
Me:I
'mverywel
lthanks,
whatbri
ngsy
ouher
e?We
wer
eexpecti
ngyoutomorrow.
Dabul
a:Il
ovechangi
ngmymi
nd.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
Idon'
tdowel
lwi
thuncer
tai
nty
.
Isaywi
thasmi
l
ebutmyt
oneser
ious.
Dabul
a:myapol
ogi
es.
Mama:
Bukhosi
,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Il
ookbackt
ofi
ndmyper
sonst
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
.
Me:
Iwaswi
thhi
m wheny
oucal
l
ed.
Sher
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Mama:
whatf
or?
Itur
nmyeyesfrom hert
othi
srudemanwho
showedupadayear l
i
ertowhatweagreedon.Now
mydaygotrui
nedbecauseheli
keschanginghi
s
damnmind.
Me:hav
eyoumetwi
thmyf
atherev
ersi
ncey
ou
ar
ri
ved?
Dabula:noty
et,heisal
soout.Yourmothert
ri
ed
reachi
nghim onhiscel
lbuthedidn'
tpi
ckup.
Me:
ohIsee.
Dabul
a:doy ouhavethecont
ract
,I'
dli
ket
obr
owse
thr
oughitanddiscussafewthi
ngs.
Me:wel
lIhavetogoanddr
opof fBukhosi
fir
stand
whenIgetbackwecandothat
.
Hest
andsupandlooksatBukhosifr
om headtot
oe
t
henlooksatmymother
.Idon'tappr
eci
atehi
m
l
ooki
ngdownonBukholikethat.
Mama:
ohBukhosi
her
eisj
ustapal
aceser
vant
.
Me:he'
smoret
hanj
ustaser
vantmama,
andt
hati
s
notapol
it
ewor
dtouse.
Mama:Bukhosison,
wouldyoumi
ndwal
ki
nghome?
Thepr
incesshastoatt
endt
oMrKhumal
oher
e.
Bukhosi
:Idon'
tmi
ndmyQueen.
Me:wit
hallduerespectmot herIcameher ewi
th
hi
m andit
'sonlyr
ightthatIdriv
ehi m back,
Mr
Khumalounconvi
ncedusher eI'
m surehewon'
t
mindmedashingoutf orafewmi nut
es.
Ilookatt
hismani
ntheeyesandhisf
oreheadis
farr
owed,hi
sli
psi
nathi
nlinel
ikehei
ssuppressing
hisanger
.
Dabul
a:Icanwai
taf
ewmor
emi
nut
es.
Me:
thanky
ou.Bukhol
et'
sgo.
Wewal kbacktothecarandIcantel
lthatwhatmy
mothersaidandhowt hatf
uckerl
ookedathim
madehimf eelsmall
.Wegetintot
heSUVandIt ake
hi
shandi nt
omi ne.
Me:
babyIam sor
ry.
Bukhosi
:i
t'
sokayZamaNgweny
a.Youst
oodupf
or
myhonor
.
Me:Ifeelli
keIshoul
dhav
etol
dmymothert
hatshe
can'
tspeakt oamanwhowil
lber
uli
ngt
hisKi
ngdom
wit
hmel ikethat
.
Bukhosi:don'trushi
ntotel
li
ngyourparent
sbaby .
Plusnotev eryonewi
llbeli
keyou,somepeoplewill
forev
erlookdownonot her
sjustbecausetheycome
from pover
t y
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Bukhosi
:myhear
tbeat
sfory
ouNkosazana.
Iki
sst
hebackofhi
shandandst
artt
heengi
ne.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

IhavebeenatHl engiwe'
shousethewhol eaft
ernoon,
sheinsist
edt hatIstayandhaveapl at
eofher
famouschi ckenandboyam Inotgl adthatIstayed
becausethatwast hebestchi
ckenIhav eevertast
ed
i
nmyent i
relife.Thiswomanisagr eatcookandI
mightjusttakeheruponherof ferofcomi ng
anyti
met oeatwhatev
ershewoul
dhav
epr
epar
edon
thatpar
ti
cularday
..
.

Icouldn'tleaveheral onebecauseIcoul dseeshe

wasenj oy i
nghav ingcompany , shewasl aughi
ng
genuinelyatt hestori
esIt oldheraboutmegr owing
upint hi
sv er
yvil
lage.Honest l
yt hisdaywasal soa
breatherformeaswel l
becauseIgott of or
getabout
mypr oblemsal i
ttleandbeanor malhumanbei ng.
Thesuni salmostdownandIshoul dgobackhome,
IknowLi y anaandIar egoingtof i
ghtbutIam
gratefulforthefewhour soffreshair..
.

Me:
Ishoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Hl
engi
we:
yesmyKi
ngi
t'
slat
enow.
Me:
thanky
ouf
ort
hef
oodi
t'
swasdel
i
ciousi
ndeed.
Shechuckl
es.
Hl
engi
we:
youhav
esai
dthatami
l
li
ont
imesal
ready
.
Me:
hav
eIr
eal
l
y?Mustbeget
ti
ngol
d.
Hlengi
we:
old?Idon'
tbel
i
eveso.Youar
easst
rong
asanox.
Me:
Iwi
l
lseey
ousoonokay
?
Hl
engi
we:
okay
.
Me:
andpl
easet
hinkaboutwhatIsai
d.
Shenar
rowsherey
es.
Hl
engi
we:
whi
chi
s?
Me:
AowHl
engi
,you'
veal
readyf
orgot
ten.
Hl
engi
we:
don'
tbeof
fendedpl
ease.
Me:
it'
sokay
,youhav
eal
otony
ourpl
ate.
Hl
engi
we:
thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ng.
Me:
Iwasrefer
ri
ngtoyoucomi
ngt
ost
aywi
thusat
t
hepal
aceforafewweeks.
Hl
engiwe:
Ithi
nky
oushoul
ddi
scusst
hiswi
tht
he
Queen.
She'sr
ightbutweall
knowwhatLi
yana'
sanswerwi
l
l
beandI '
vealr
eadyof
fer
edandsheneedst
obe
aroundpeople.
Me:I
'm sur
eshewi l
lnothaveaprobl
em buti
fitwi
l
l
makeyoufeelbet
terIwil
ltal
ktoher.
Shenods.
Hl
engi
we:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
her
e'smynumbercal
li
fyouneedany
thi
ng.
Hl
engi
we:
Iappr
eci
ate.
Ist
andup
Me:
Goodby
e
Shejustwav esandIwalkouttothewait
ingcar,
poorthi
nggotbur nedbythehotsummer ssun.Iget
i
nandnot icemyphone, ohIf
orgotaboutthi
sone.I
powermyscr eenonandther
eare20mi ssedcall
s
fr
om Liyana,Ohboy !
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Icoul
dslapKayisebacktohersensesr i
ghtnow,
whatnonsenseisthi
s.Shewalkedrightoutandl
eft
Dabul
aandIl i
kewear enot
hingjustbecauseshe
hadt odriveBukhosihome, someonewhocoul d
easil
yf i
ndhi swayhomel ikeheusuall
ydoesevery
otherday .IcanseehowmadDabul amanziisbuthe
i
st ry
ingbyal lmeanst ocalm hi
mselfdown,hehas
downedt wogl assesofscotchwi t
houteven
fl
inching,Godt hi
sisthedevilhi
mself.
..

Beinginhispr
esenceisf r
ighteni
ngbutIshoul djust
getusedtoitbecausehei sn'
tgoingany where.I
shouldgoandinform Nonhlesosheknowst hati
ts
happeningandtheKingoft hewat ersi
sheret o
clai
m mydaughter,hi
swi feasIagr eedallt
hose
yearsago.Ipr
ayKay i
sewi ll
fallf
orhim easil
yand
notcauseusanyt r
ouble,hisphysicalfor
mi sav ery
handsomeandsuccessf ul y
oungmansoi tshouldn't
takelongtogetatt
ractedtohi m.
..

Dabula:seemslikeyou'
ref
ail
i
ngt
okeepy
our
daughterischeck.
Me: i
t'
snotthatatal
l
.Li
keshesai
dshehat
es
uncert
aint
y.
Dabul
a:l
i
stenLiyana,
Idon'tbowdowntowoman
nordoIl
etthem l
eadme.Shei smywif
e,she'
s
weari
ngmyr i
ngtoprovethat.
Me:
apol
ogi
esmyLor
d.
Dabul
a:andt
heboyshewaswi
th,
getr
idofhi
m.
Me:
ohBukhosi
ishar
mlessIpr
omi
se.
Dabul
a:t
heny
ouar
ebl
i
nd.
Wear
edi
stur
bedbyBhekiwal
ki
ngi
n,her
aisesan
ey
ebr
owashenoti
cesDabul
a.
Bheki
:MashobanekaMzi
l
ikazi
.
Hest
andsuphol
dingouthi
shand.
Dabul
a:AhhhMt
imande,
Bambol
uny
e.
Bheki
:i
sitSundayal
ready
?
Hechuckl
es
Dabula:
notatall
,Icameearl
iercozmy
engagementsfortodaywer
ecancell
ed.
Bheki
:ohIsee.Li
yanawher
eisKay
ise?
Me:
shej
ustdr
oveBukhosi
home.
Myhusbandsmi
l
es.
Bheki
:ohokay
.
Speakoft
hedev
ilshewal
ksi
n.
Kay
ise:
baba.
Dabul
a:andev
ery
onei
sint
hesamer
oom.
Bheki
:shoul
dwel
ookatt
hecont
ractorwai
tfor
tomor
row?
Dabul
a:t
omorr
owIthinki
t'
sbetterIdr
ivest
rai
ghtt
o
thepl
ant
ati
onf
rom t
heguesthouse.
Me:what
,youwantt
osleepataguesthousewhen
wehavepl
entyr
oom her
enopleasestaywit
hus.
Dabula:
onl
yifi
t'
sokaywiththemanoft
hehouse,
I
wouldn'
twantt
odisr
especthim.
Bheki
:Idon'
tmi
nd.Getsomeonet
ofi
xhi
m ar
oom.
Kayi
se:
mydaywasr ui
nedbecauseofbusi
nessso
canwepleasegett
oi t
.
Shesay
swi
thi
rr
it
ati
on.
Bheki
:Nt
ombi
kay
isei
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Kayi
se:
youknowIj
usthat
easuddenchangeof
pl
ansbaba.
Dabul
a:I
'
veal
readyapol
ogi
zednow.
Kay
ise:
I'
ll
bei
nthest
udy
.
Shewal
ksaway,
onceagainmakingmel
ook
i
ncompet
entt
othegreatr
uleroft
hewat
er.
Bheki
:Khumalo,apol
ogi
esforherbehavior
.She'
s
notal
waysli
kethisbutachangeinplansgetsher
somehowevensosheknowshowt okeepher
emoti
onsincheck,somethi
ngmustbebot heri
ngher
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Icouldn'
tevengetinsidet
hehouseaf t
er
ZamaNgweny adroppedmeof f
,Isatunderthetree
becauseIneededsomeai randmamawasj ust
goingtoaskami l
l
ionquesti
onsaboutwher eIwas
andIam notinthemoodnotaf terwhathappenedat
thepalace.Il
earnttopushpeople'
satt
itudetowards
thebackofmymi ndandnotall
owt hem toaffect
mebecauseIunder stoodt hatsomepeopl ewillsee
youasnothi
ngj ustbecauset heyhav emoremoney
t
hany oubuttodayithappenedi nfrontofagirl
Iam
wit
handwhoseesmeasev eryt
hingshe'sever
wantedandforherbusi nesspartnertolookatme
l
ikesomenuisancegott ome. .
.

Yesshest oodupf ormyhonorbutst i

llIfeltsosmal l
andIj ustwant edtobeoutofther e.Thef actt hatthe
Queenr eferredt omeasaser vanthurtmyf eeli
ngs
andpr ovedt hatsheisgoingtohav easer ious
problem wi t
hmebei nginar el
ationshipwi thKay ise.
Icouldseeshei shopingthatmor ehappens
betweenKay iseandthatguyandt hat'
smybi ggest
fearbecauseIhav eal
readygav emyhear tandsoul
andIwoul dn' tknowwhatt odoifshel eftmef or
another..
.

Goodt
hingIwil
lnol
ongerbespendingt
oomuch
ti
meatthepal
aceasthei
r"ser
vant
"butrat
herIwi
ll
bewor
kingonmyownt hi
ngandwhoknowsmay be
thequeenwi l
lseemeworthyofherdaughteronce
shelearnsthatInowrunmyownbusiness.Inall
honestyitwil
lalsogi
vemepeaceofmi ndknowing
thatIcan
provi
deforZamaNgwenyaanditwon'
tbeper
ceiv
ed
asthoughIam aft
erhermoneyort
hepowerthat
comeswi t
hbeingwit
hher.
..

Mymot herwalksoutofthefrontdoorandcomes
st
rai
ghttome, shelooksalit
tl
ef l
ushed,maki
ngme
al
armed.Istandupquicklyandhelpherdown..
.

Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Mama:
Iam f
inenow,
Ihadaheadachemostoft
he
day
.
Me:
didy
out
akey
ourmedi
cat
ions?
Shechuckl
es.
Mama:
ofcour
seIdi
d.
Me:
Ishoul
dgi
vey
oumoneyt
ogoseeadoct
or.
Mama:t
hatwon'
tbenecessar
y,I
'
m okaynow.So
wher
edi
dy oudi
sappeart
o?
Isi
gh.
Me:r
ememberIt
oldy
ouaboutsomet
hingbi
gKay
ise
di
dforme?
Mama:
yeswhati
sit
?
Me:wellmydream ofowningafar
mi scomingtrue,
sheandtheKingareinv
estingi
nit
.Fundsandland
areavai
l
ablewestartworktomorr
ow.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Mama:
ohBukho,
arey
ouser
ious?
Me:
li
keahear
tat
tack.
Sheopensherar
msf
orahugandIgoi
ntoher
embrace.
Mama:
oht
hatgi
rll
ovesy
ou.
Me:
IknowandIl
ovehermor
e.
Mama:kneel
downandt
hankt
heheav
ensf
ort
his
soul
.
Me:
ital
lfeel
ssur
real
.
Mama:
wel
lyouar
enotdr
eami
ng.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
okayt
hen.
Mama:
ohGodi
sgood,
prai
sehi
m al
lthet
ime.
Me:
Amen.
Mama:
buty
oudon'
tl
ookhappy
.
Me:Iam,I
'
mjustshockedsoshockedIneededa
mi
nute.
Mama:
it'
sunder
standabl
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

Pr
eOr
dery
ourcopyofTheHousewi
fef
orj
ustR80
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER23
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Isti
llcan'
tbeli
evet hatthegreatspiri
tisi
nhuman
form andhehascomet oclaim whatbelongstohi
m.
Iam justhopi
ngandpr ayingthatKayisedoesn'
tgi
ve
meahar dti
me, Iam obv i
ouslytheonewhoshoul d
whisperinherearr egardi
ngar elat
ionshi
pwith
Dabulamanzi.Iwillfi
ndawayt oconv i
nceherthat
heist heper
fectmanf orherhandinmar ri
age,
thoughinthespi r
itworldtheyarealreadymarri
ed.
..

Theywentintothest udytodiscussbusinessev en
thoughIdon'tl
i
ket hem workingonweekendsI
couldn'
tsayanythingandoffendDabul a,t
hatman
helpedmekeepal l t
hatIhavetodaysoIwi lldo
everyt
hingtomakesur et
hathei scomf or
tableand
tofull
ygettheplanshehasi nmot ion.Iam athis
ser
vice,
whenhesay
sjumpIaskhowhi
gh.
..

Ifi
nishpr epari
ngar oom forhi
m, madesur ei
t'sone
farfrom t herestbecausehemi ghtneedt odohis
darkt hingsint here.Ishouldeventellt
hemai dsnot
tosetf ootintherewi thoutper
mission.Wedon' t
wantt hem stumbl inguponsomet hingtheyshouldn'
t
becauset hatwi l
lj
ustl andthem andmy selfi
ndeep
water s...

Ineedt ogetNonhleint heloopwitheverythingso

shedoesn'tsuspectthatIam st i
llt
ryi
ngtopushher
outofmypal ace,whenshef eel
slikesheknows
everyt
hingshewi l
lcalm downandputdownher
guardthenI'
llstar
ttalki
ngmar ri
agewi t
hMenzi
again.Imakemywayt oherchamber soutsideand
thehouseissilent
,nomai dsparadingar
ound.I
knockandsheshout scomei nf r
om theinside,soon
assheseesi t'
smesher ol
lshereyesbored...

Nonhl
e:I
'
m noti
nthemood.
Me:
I'
m nother
etof
ightsi
si.
Nonhl
e:t
henwhatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
wel
lIcamet
oinf
ormy
out
hati
tshappeni
ng.
Nonhl
e:whati
s?
Sheasksey
esst
il
lgl
uedt
otheTV.
Me:
Dabul
amanzi
isher
e.
Nonhl
e:t
hewi
tch?
Shej
umpsl
ooki
ngatmei
nshock.
Me:thegr
eatspi
ri
t,appar
ent
lyDabul
afr
om t
he
shr
inewasnamedaf t
erhim.
Nonhl
e:ohmyGod,
howdoeshel
ook?
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me: hehast
akenov
erav
eryy
oung,
handsomeand
successman.
Nonhl
e:Ineedt
oseehi
m come.
Sheget
sof
fherbedandIst
opher
Me:cal
m down.Hei
sinameet
ingwi
thKay
iseand
Bheki
.
Nonhl
e:huh?
Me:
wel
lhe'
sher
ebecauseont
hef
act
orypr
oject
.
Nonhl
e:ohatl
eastt
heystar
ti
ngoffonabusi
ness
not
eandspendi
ngti
met oget
her
.
Me:
Isur
ehopeshef
all
sforhi
m wi
thouthassl
e.
Nonhl
e:metoocozifwehav
etof
orcei
ttohappen
Kayi
sewil
lfi
ghtus.
Me:
Iwi
shshewasn'
tst
ubbor
n.
Nonhl
e:shet
akest
hatf
rom y
ou.
Me:
ohnoshedoesn'
t.
Shechuckl
es.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Icouldn'twai
tf ort
hisday,thecontractorKayi
se
organisedwil
l becomi ngthroughtodayt omake
sureev ery
thi
ngwi t
hr egar
dst othelandisonpoint
.
Oncet heygivemet hegoaheadIwi llneedtogoto
thecityt
ogetsomepaper workdone,t
oregisterthi
s
businesssothatIdon'
tgetint
herunni
ngwi ththe
l
awandt het
axmanwhent hemoneystart
sr oll
ing
i
n...

Imadesur etoleavemymot herwit

hev erythingshe
i
sgoi ngtoneedfort heent ireday.She'
sbeenhav i
ng
aser i
esofheadachesandIdon' twantherdoi ng
anythingbutj
ustrestingbecauseshei sr efusingto
goseet hedoctor.I
fitcont inuestobotherhert hen
I'
mf orci
nghertogoev enifmeansemot ionally
blackmail
ingherintogoi ng.Mymot heristheonl y
personIhaveandi fsomet hingweretohappent o
herIwouldlosemy sel fforreal.
..

Iam standingbyt hecornerinthemainstreet

,
waiti
ngf orthev anthatpicksuppeopl ewhowor kat
theti
mberpl antati
ont oarr
ive.WeonlypayR15t o
getthere,i
t'
sabi tofastretchfrom t
hev i
ll
ageso
walkingisjustnotanopt i
on.Thet i
mberplantat
ion
i
sjustawal kingdistancetomyl and,about20
minutesorso.Thecararr
ivesandweal lhopinand
theguydr i
ves,i
nnotimewear r
iveandweal lgetoff
,
theyheadt othegat
eandImakemywayl eft
.AsI
approachIcanseebigcarsparkingattheland,my
excit
ementgr owsasIcanfinal
l
yseet hatmydr eam
i
saboutt obecomear eal
it
y.Myphonechi mesand
i
t'sKayise.
..

*Morni
ngmyChoco.Iwouldhavelovedtobether
e
tosuppor
tyoubutIneedt
obeatt heplant
ati
on.
Todayist
hebeginni
ngofgreatt
hingsf
oryouMr
Mthombeni.Il
oveyou*

Ismi
l
easIr
eadt
hrought
het
ext
.

*
Morningmunt
'omuhle,
youmadealloft
hispossi
ble
f
ormeandIwil
l f
orev
erbegrat
eful
.Il
oveyouso
much*

Ipr
esssendandputt
hephonebacki
nmypocket
.I
fi
ndawhi teguyst andi
ngbythehugetruckwith
somepaper sinhishands.Heisweari
nghi s
ref
lectorv
est,helmetandsafet
yboots.Agr oupof
guysar ei
nthey ar
dal r
eadyset
ti
ngupint hesame
outfi
t.
..

Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Hi
m:hel
l
o,canIhel
pyou?
Me:
mynamei
sBukhosi
Mthombeni
,theownerof
t
heland.
Hi
m: ohyes,MissNgweny
adidsaywewi l
lbe
wor
kingwithyou.MynameisPeterGobl
er.
Me:
nicet
omeety
ou.
Weshakehands
Him:l
ikewi
se,
youhav
esuchabeaut
yher
e,she'
s
gonnamakeyoumoney.
Me:
yout
hinkt
hel
andi
sgoodenough?
Him:byjustl
ookingati
tIcantel
li
t'
snatur
all
yfer
ti
le
andaft
erwepr eparei
tmoreit
'sgoi
ngtoproduce
t
hebest
.
Me:
ohwel
lthanky
ousi
r.
Hi
m:l
et'
sgett
owor
kthen.
Me:
leadt
heway
.
Him:youar
egoingt
oneedPPE.Letmechecki
nthe
car,
whatshoesi
zearey
ou?
Me:
I'
m asi
ze7.
Hi
m:goty
ou.
Hequickl
ygoestotheot hercarandIam lefttr
ying
towrapmyheadar oundev er
ythingt
hatis
happeni
ng.Acarscreechesnextt omeandIj umpa
l
itt
le,
Menziqui
ckl
yget soutoft hepassengerside
andhurri
est
ome.
Menzi
:whati
shappeni
nghere,whatareyouand
t
hesepeopl
edoi
ngwi t
htheKing'
sland?
Heshout
s,Isi
ghi
nannoy
ance.
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Menzi
:Igotacallf
rom someonet
ell
i
ngmet
hatt
he
l
andisbei
nginvaded.
Me:t
here'
snosucht
hing.Thesepeopl
ear
eher
e
wor
kingwit
hpermi
ssi
on.
Menzi
:who'
spermissi
on?t
heKi
ngnev
erment
ioned
any
thi
ngaboutt
his.
Me:thi
sismyl
andMenzi
whywoul
dhet
ell
you
abouti
t?
Menzi
:LI
AR!
Hescr
eamsatmeast
hecont
ract
orcomesback.
Hi
m:ev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
yesi
tis.Wecangowor
k.
Menzi
:Iam st
il
ltal
ki
ng.Iwi
l
lgety
ouar
rest
ed.
Me:
mxm.
Il
eav
ehi
m st
andi
ngt
her
eandPet
erf
oll
owsbehi
nd
me.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Kay
isecanov
erwor
kaper
sonIswear
.Todaywej
ust
hadtoshowDabul aaroundt heplantati
onandthe
spacewherewear egoingt obui ldourfact
orybut
sheturnedi
tint
ot hemanagementgoi ngdownt o
fl
oortoseewhathappensi nt hedayt oday
operat
ionandit
'sal ot
,Idon'tr ememberwor ki
ng
thi
shardinmylife.Iappreciateallthosewhodot hi
s
all
day5day saweek. .
.

Weal somanagedt odiscussthet ypeoflay

outthe
factor
ywi l
ltakeandKhumal omadeaf ewcallsand
gotust hebestcompanyt ocomeanddr awusa
plansowecanst artbuil
ding,i
nt hemeant i
mehe
willj
ustbegi vi
ngfurni
turemaki ngskil
lstothose
thatwillbeworkinginthef act
orysowheni t'
stime
towor ktheyknowwhatwi llbeexpectedofthem...

Thedri
verkil
lst
heenginei ntheyardandDabul a
parksr
ightbehi
ndus.Mydaught eri
st hefir
stone
outandIfoll
owsuit
.Ev enbeforeIcanbr eathMenzi
comesoutf r
om nowher eshouti
nglikeamadman, I
l
ookatKay i
sawhost opsinhert r
ackst ofi
ndout
whyhei
srant
ingl
i
ket
his.
..

Menzi
:myki
ng,
myki
ng.
Hi
sbr
eat
hingi
sev
enshal
l
ow.
Me:
hai
bo,
what
'sgoi
ngon.
Menzi:
Ihavebeenwait
ingfory
ouforhours.It
ri
ed
goingt
otheplant
ati
ontoseeyoubytheydidn'
t
al
lowmei n.
Me:y
ouhav
etogot
hroughi
nduct
iont
obeal
l
owed
onsi
te.
Kay
ise:
Bab'
Menzi
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Menzi
:nomypri
ncess,
athi
efi
staki
ngov
ery
our
f
ather
'sl
and.
If
rown.
Me:
whatt
hief
?Whi
chl
and?
Menzi:thebigl
andbytheriv
ermyKi ng.Bukhosihas
somepeopl eworki
ngtherewithbigmachi ner
ies,I
suspecthewantstoselli
twithoutyourpermission.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
cal
m downMenz
i,Igav
ethel
andt
othatboy
.
Menzi
:youdi
dwhat
?
Heshout
satmeandIr
aiseaney
ebr
ow.
Dabul
a:I
'
m sor
ryt
ospeakoutoftur
nbutIdon'
t
thi
nkt
hat'
showyout
alkt
oaKi ng.
Menzi:
Ididn'
tmeant osounddi
srespect
fulbutwhy
wouldtheki
nggiveBukhosihi
sland?Withouttel
l
ing
ustheRoyalcounci
leven.
Me: t
hatismyproper t
yandIdon'thav et
oanswerto
youwhenIwantt ogiv ei
ttoadeservingboywit
hbig
dreams.Mydaught erbeli
evesheisont osomethi
ng
andIinvest
edinitafteral
lthatboyhasservedme
wellf
orallt
heseyears.
Kay
ise:
soBab'
Menz
iyou'
vehear
dmyf
ather
.
Heisl
ooki
ngatmedumbfounded,
hecannotbel
i
eve
hi
sear
s.Ishakemyhead.
Dabul
a:i
sBukhosi
theboyy
oucamewi
tht
woday
s
ago?
Ihearhi
m askmydaught
erasIwal
kawayf
rom t
he
madnessMenzicameherefor
.
Me:
hei
sn'
taboyDabul
aandy
est
hat
'shi
m.
Andshedef
endshi
shonor
.Mmhhh
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Isoakedmy selfi
nthisbat htubforclosetoanhour
anditdi dwonder s,todaywasal ongdayandI
neededt or elaxpreferabl
ywi thabottleofwine.I
shouldgot ot hebarandseewhatmymot herhas,
hopingt here'ssomet hingredanddr y.Iwalkoutof
mybedr oom i nnothingbutmyr obeandasIpassby
thebat hroom doorDabul aappearsforthecorri
dor
thatleadst ot hebedr oom mymot herpreparedfor
him..
.

Henodsatmewi t
hasmi l
eonandIj ustwav
e,
t
here'
ssomethi
ngcreepyaboutthi
sguy,myblood
j
ustdoesn'
tvi
bewithhi
sperson.Yesheisgoodat
hisj
obbutifi
twer eupt omei twouldendatthat
,
thi
swholeli
vi
ngar rangementisjustnotwor
kingout
forme,mymot herisjustsoforwardman.Ican't
waitf
orthi
sprojecttobeupandr unni
ngsothisman
canbeoutofthisplace..
.

Ifi
ndmymot herintheloungesitt
ingbyt hebarwit
h
aglassofwi neinfr
ontofher,hermi ndseemst obe
farfr
om here.Ipathershoulderandshesnapsout
ofitandgiv
esmeasmi le.It
akeagl assandpour
theredshe'
shav i
ng,atl
eastit
'scold.Sheraisesan
eyebrowandIj ustblowherakiss...

Mama:
younowdr
inkal
cohol
.
Ichuckl
e
Me:
hai
bomama,
I'
m anadul
tyouknow.
Mama:
hai
suka,
you'
l
lal
way
sbemyl
i
ttl
ebaby
.
Me:
wher
e'sy
ourhusband?
Mama:he'
slay
ingdownabi
t,sai
dhe'
l
ljustj
oinus
f
ordi
nner.
Me:
yeahwehadal
onghect
icday
.
Mama:
howi
sitl
i
kewor
kingwi
thDabul
a?
Me:
he'
sgoodathi
sjob.
Mama:
hei
sagoodl
ooki
ngy
oungmant
oo.
Me:
mmhhh.
Isi
pfr
om mygl
ass.
Mama:
hewoul
dmakeagr
eatsoni
nlaw.
Ichokeont
hewi
neandshegi
ggl
es.
Me:
tohi
sgi
rl
fr
iend'
spar
ent
syes.
Mama:
Iwashopi
ngf
orBheki
andI
.
If
arr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:
ohnopl
ease.
Mama: comeonnana,hei
sgoodl
ooki
ng,
successf
ulandchar
ming.
Me:hei
sarrogant
,looksdownonpeopl
ewi
thout
moneyandIhatethosechar
act
ers.
Mama:haoKay
ise,
youwanthimt
obeapol
oget
ic
f
orbei
ngri
chandsuccessf
ul?
Me:
nope,
Iwanthi
mtobeadecenthumanbei
ng.
Mama:
gett
oknowt
hemanf
ir
stbaby
.
Me:
he'
snotmycupoft
ea,
thanky
ouv
erymuch.
Mama:
but
-
Ishakemyheadandqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
Me:
QueenLi
yana,
stoppl
ayi
ngcupi
dwi
l
lya!
Mama:
amot
herknowsbestNt
ombi
kay
ise.
Me:
ont
hismat
terIbegt
odi
ff
ersweet
hear
t.
Mama:
justt
hinkabouti
t.
Itakemydrinkandwal
kawaytogocal
lmy
boyfri
endandfi
ndouthowhi
sdaywent.
Mama:
we'
rest
il
ltal
ki
ngt
hough.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
ouatdi
nner
.
Mama:
Kay
ise.
Shecal
l
saf
terme
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER24
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

It
sobv iousKay i
seisgoingt ogivemeahar dtime
withthiswhol eDabul athi
ng, l
astnightshemade
herselfclearandknowi ngmydaught ersheisn'
t
goingt ochangehermi ndcozt oherf ir
st
i
mpr essionsr eall
ymat t
erandIwon' targuethatthe
spiri
tKingcanbeov er
bearingandt osomeonewho
doesn'tunder standwhyl i
kemydaught eri
tmakesit
evenmor ehar dtotryandgetal ongwi thhim..
.

Ishouldadv i
sehimt otoneitdownabi tjustsoshe
caneasi l
yrel
atetohim buthei sanotherhotand
hardheadhi mselfandheprobabl ywill
tell
met hat
hewon' tchangefornowoman.Thecombi nati
onof
Dabulamanzi andKay i
seissuicidal
,Ihonestl
ydon'
t
knowhowi t'
sgoingtoplayoutbet weenthem but
hopefull
ytheydon'
tmur dereachother
.Kayisewi
ll
notfull
ysubmittohim andIjusthopethat
'sone
fact
orhei swil
l
ingtocompr omiseontomaket hi
s
wholethingworkout.
..

Ihavej ustfi
nishedhel pi
ngthemai dstopr epare
breakfast,ourguestpr ef
ershisfoodpr eparedina
parti
cularwaysoIhav etoensurethattheydon't
messi tup.Thet ablei
ssetandIam j ustwai t
ingfor
them tocomeandj oinme.Iwalktot hediningtable
withapotoff reshlymadecof f
eeandDabul ais
alr
eadysi ti
ngdownl ookingathisphone...

Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Dabul
a:Li
yana.
Me:
uhm phonesar
enotal
l
owedatt
het
abl
e.
Her
aisesaney
ebr
owandl
ooksatme.
Dabul
a:i
sthatso?
Me:
yesi
tisandwhydoy
ouneedt
obet
ext
ing.
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:youdoknowthatther
ealDabul
amanzi
Khumaloisaper
sonwithanactual
li
fe,
hehas
busi
nessesandafami
lyheneedstokeepi
ntouch
wit
h.
Me:
right
.
Iment
all
yslapmysel
f.Myhusbandanddaught
er
wal
kinlaughi
ng.
Kay
ise:
Goodmor
ning.
Me:
youar
einagoodmoodbaby
.
Kay
ise:
whenhav
eInotmot
her
.
Me:
ohIcanpoi
ntaf
ewt
imesy
ouwer
en'
t.
Shesmi
l
es.
Bheki
:Mashobane.
Myhusbandacknowl
edgesDabul
aandt
akesasi
t.
Dabul
a:goodmor
ningmyKi
ng.
Bheki
:Ihopey
ouar
ereadyf
orwor
k?
Dabul
a:al
way
s.
Kayi
se:Iwi
llbej
oini
ngyouali
tt
lel
ateratt
he
pl
antat
ion,
Ineedtostar
tsomewher
e.
Bheki
:okaymydear
.
Me:
what
'smor
eimpor
tantt
hanwor
k?
Sheblowsmeakissandgr absanappl
ebefore
headi
ngout.Il
ookatDabulaandhehashiseyebr
ow
rai
sedandhisj
awsclenched,what
'shi
sdealnow.
Bheki:
Ineedt
omakeaf
ewcal
l
sbef
orewest
art
breakf
ast
.
Me:
Bhekumbusono.
Bheki
:youknowIwoul
dn'
ti
fitwasn'
ti
mpor
tant
.
Me:youandy
ourdaught
erar
ewor
kingonmyl
ast
ner
ve.
Bheki:
Iam sor
ry,
just15mi
nut
est
ops.Wear
est
il
l
wait
ingonNonhleeven.
Ihuf
f.
Me:
fine.
Hequickl
yexcuseshimsel
fandi
t'
sjustmeandt
he
spi
ri
tKingofthewater.
Dabul
a:yourt
it
leasaQueendoesn'
tseem t
ohol
d
anypowerher
e.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
whati
sthatsupposedmean.
Dabula:
yourdaughterdoesasshepleasesandy
our
husbandjustdi
dhisownt hi
ngtoo.
Me:
itdoesn'
tnor
mal
l
yhappent
hisway
.
Dabula:Kayi
seisseeingt
hatBukhosiboyandy ou
knowv erywell
thatIam aj
ealoushusband.Getri
d
ofthatboybeforeIdoitmysel
f.
Me:
mydaught
erwoul
dnev
erdat
ethehel
p.
Hel
aughs.
Dabula:andy
ouwonderwhyIsayyourt
it
ledoesn't
holdanypower.Youmi
sseventhel
it
tl
ethingsunder
yournose.
Me:
I'
ll
gof
indmysi
stersowecanst
arteat
ing.
Dabul
a:i
fyoumust
.
Helooksathisphoneagai
nandIstandupfeel
i
ng
conf
li
ctedaboutwhathejustsai
daboutmy
daughterandBukho.Yeshei sagoodboybutnot
worthyformydaughter,ev
eni fDabul
awasnotin
thepict
urehesti
llwouldn'
tbeasui t
abl
ecandi
date
formychildandtheKingship.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mymot hermadeEngl ishbr eakf astforusthis

mor ning,apparentlyshewentoutt othe
super mar ketbythebusi nesscent ertogetsome
i
ngredi ents,Iappreci
ateheref f ortsbutIam abi t
worriedcozshemi ghthav eov erwor kedhersel
fby
walkingt herewi t
houtany onet omakesur eshe's
okay .Sheassur edmet hatshedi dn'tst
ruggleand
thatshehadagr eatti
meseei ngt hepeopl eand
getti
ngsomef reshair
...

Wefini
shedeati
ngandIam cl eari
ngthetabl
e,i
t'
s
t
heleastIcandoafterthewor ksheputi
n.Ineedto
makemywayt ot hemai nstr
eettowaitf
orthevan
t
hattakesustotheplantati
on,Idon'
twanttobelat
e
butatleastPet
ersaidIcanarri
v eataround9am
todayandIdon'thavetodothephy sicalwor
kas
theyarealr
eadypaidfori
tall
.Itdoesn'tmakesense
whyIshoul dj
uststandandwat chpeoplework,i
ts
notwhoIam andi ntheprocessofhel pi
ngIgett
o
l
earnat hi
ngortwo. .
.

Mama:
howar
ethi
ngsatt
hef
arm?
Me:wit
hhowfastt
hesemenarewor
kingt
heywi
l
l
bedonebyt
heendofthi
sweek.
Mama:
Ipr
ayy
oudon'
tfaceanyhi
ccups.
Me:Isur
viv
edMenziandhi
sdr
amayest
erday
not
hingcanhi
ndert
hismamai
t'
sGod'
splan.
Mama:
Menzi
?Whatdi
dhedo?
Me:nothi
ngshocki
ng,hethoughtIst
olet
heKi
ng'
s
l
and,di
dn'tknowhehasinvest
edinmeandmy
busi
ness.
Mama: Ihavebeensil
entforl
ongwit
ht hatman,I
shoul
dhav eawor dwi
thhim.Whatisitthathe
wantsfrom you?Youhaven'
tdoneanythingtohi
m
noraskforany
thi
ngbuthe'
sal
way
slooki
ngt
o
di
sturby
ourpeace.
Shebel
l
owsandIshakemyheadno.
Me:l
eav
ehi
m bel
ethi
sgui
l
tcont
inuemaki
nghi
m
actl
i
keamadman.
Mama:
Bhukhosi
nomanhe-
Me:heneversucceedswi
thal
lhepl
ansf
ormeso
l
eav
ehim be.
Sheexhal
esdeepl
yandIsmi
l
eather
.
Me:
Ineedt
oleav
eforwor
know.
Mama:
okayhav
eagr
eatdayt
hen.
Me:
andt
akei
teasyt
oday
.
Shesmilesandthosedi
mpl
escomesout
,ohmy
beaut
if
ul mother
.
Mama:
yebobab'
Mthombeni
.
Itakemyphoneandgoki ssherfor
eheadbefore
walki
ngout.Kayi
se'
scarparksatthegateatthe
samet i
meIreachit
,whatalovel
ysurpri
se.Iblush
andthepassengerwindowrol
lsdown.
Kay
ise:
Goodmor
ningl
oveofmyl
i
fe.
Me:
ZamaNgweny
a.
Kay
ise:
hopi
nletmet
akey
out
owor
k.
Me:
youhav
ewor
kyour
sel
f.
Kay
ise:Ir
epor
tedt
hatI
'
llbel
ate.Ineededt
oseemy
manfir
st.
Me:ohwel
lthent
hanks,
whatagr
eatwayt
ost
art
myday.
Igeti
nandl
eanf
oraki
ss.
Kay
ise:
Imi
ssseei
ngy
ouatt
hepal
ace.
Me:
met
oobaby
.
Kay
ise:
Iwast
hinki
ng.
Me:
Don'
ttel
lmeaboutanot
herpor
nsi
te.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Kay
ise:
ohwowmunt
uzano.
Me:
I'
mjustki
ddi
ngmyl
ovewhati
sit
?
Kayi
se:
Iwantustogoawayfort
heweekend,
Ist
il
l
hav
emyapartmenti
ntheci
ty.Wecangother
eand
j
usthav
euni
nter
rupt
edt
imeal
one.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Iwoul
dlov
ethatv
erymuch.
Athoughtcomest
omymi
ndandmysmi
l
e
di
sappears
Kay
ise:
what
'swr
ong?
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me:mymom,Ican'
tl
eav
eheral
onef
oranent
ir
e
weekend.
Kayi
se:IknowthatbabyhenceI'
vemadepl
anst
o
getoneofthemaidstobewi t
hher.
Me:
yout
hinkofev
ery
thi
ngdon'
tyou?
Kay
ise:
arey
oui
n?
Me:
myl
ovet
heweekendwi
thy
ouwi
l
lbeheav
enl
y.
Shehit
sthesteer
ingwheel
inexcit
ementandI
chuckl
etaki
ngherhandandki
ssingthebackofi
t.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Dabulamanzi andIj ustarri

v edattheplantati
on,we
needt of i
ndanof fi
cespacet hathewillusebecause
Idon'twantt oseem l i
keIam t aki
ngov erthe
manager soff
icenowt hatsomebi gshotf rom
Johannesbur gisher e.Iwil
l needtotal
kt omy
daught eraboutitandseei fwecan' tgetmobi l
e
offi
cesf orthedurationoft heproject
.Speakingof
Kayiseshehasn' tarrivedasy etandIthinkshewent
toseeBukhosi andf i
ndouthowt heywor ked
yesterday..
.

Wegetacupofcof feeeachandheadt otheoffi

ce
t
olookatsomepaper workandpl ansf orthewhole
t
hing,t
heconstruct
ioncompanyher eachedoutt o
wil
lbecomingthroughtomorrowsowecanf i
nda
wayforwardandgetthist
rai
nr unning.Myphone
vi
brat
esfrom t
hepocketandIt akei tout,
it'
s
Hl
engiwe,Zonke'smother
.Iexcusemy selftofi
nda
morepriv
atespottotalkt
oher .
..
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Hlengi
we:myKingIam sosor
ryf
orcal
l
ingy
out
his
earl
yinthemor
ning.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Hl
engi
we:nonotatal
l
,ear
lyt
hismor
ningIhada
br
eaki
nherei
nmyhome.
Shesay
scr
ying.
Me:
what
?Ar
eyouokay
?Di
dtheyhur
tyou?
Hlengi
we:Iam okay,
theyjustdemandedmoneyand
tooktheTVinthehousemyphonesur vi
vedasI
sleepwit
hitundermypil
low.
Me:whyar
eyoucall
i
ngmenowHl engi.Youshoul
d
hav
eletmeknowimmedi
atel
yaf
terithappened.
Hlengi
we:Icoul
dn'
tcal
lamar
ri
edmani
ntheear
ly
hoursoft
hemor ni
ng.
Me:
Iunder
stand,
wher
ear
eyounow?
Hlengi
we:Iam st
il
latthehousebutIdon'
tfeelsafe
anymore.CanIpl
easet akey
ouupony ourofferjust
unti
lIcanaff
ordtoputsecuri
tydoor
sandbat tl
ers
ont
hewi
ndowsanddoor
s.
Me:defini
tel
y,li
stenpacky ourthi
ngsIam comi
ngt
o
getyouanddr opy ouoffatthepalace,
Ihaveal
ong
dayattheoffi
cebutI '
m surey ouwil
lbefi
newit
h
Li
yana.
Hl
engi
we:
thanky
ousomuchMt
imande.
Me:
seey
ousoon.
Idon'tbot
hergoingbacktoinform Dabula,Ij
ustrun
outtotheparkinglotandmakemywayt ogetthat
poorwoman.Shemustbedev ast
ated,fir
stl
yher
daughternowr obberscomeintoherhouseand
scaredher.Igettoherhouseinnot i
meandshei s
alr
eadysitt
ingoutsidewit
hhersuitcase.Igetoutof
thecarandopent hebootasshemakesherwayt o
me
Hl
engi
we:
thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng.
Me:Isai
dI'
l
lbeavail
abl
ewhenev
ery
ouneedme,
t
hankyouforcal
l
ing.
Itakeherbagandputi
tint
hebootandt
henopen
thedoorforher
.Ourdr
ivet
othepal
acei
ssil
entand
Idon'
tbotherwithami ll
ionquesti
ons,
wewi ll
talk
onceshef eel
ssafe.IjustprayLi
yanadoesn'
tmake
abigdealoutofthis,mywi fecansometi
mesmake
amount ai
noutofamol ehil
lbutasaQueenshehas
toshowsy mpathyatal lt
imestoherpeople
especi
all
ynowt oHl engiwecozsheisgoingthrough
atoughtime.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iam singingalongt oFeel GoodbyLi ra,

itsaperfect
songt otheper fectmor ning.Seei ngBukhosi f
ir
st
wasagr eatwayt ost artthel ongdayaheadandt he
ki
ssesbr ightenedev erythingel se.Hisgoodmood
i
nfectiousandmademeev enmor eexci
tedabout
headingt oJohannesbur gt hisweekend.Weneed
somet imealoney ouknow, al otofti
meatt hatand
personallyIam cr avi
ngt osl eepnextt ohim and
wakeupt ohisbeaut ifulface...

Igett
owor
kandheadst
rai
ghtt
othewor
king
stati
on,myf ather,Dabul aandIuse.Ther e'
snoone
i
nt hereandIt aket hetimetosetupev eryt
hing
beforethedayort heweekget shectic.Ialready
haveamai dinmi ndt hatIam goingtoaskt ospend
theweekendwi thBukhosi '
smot her,
she'ssweetand
downt oear t
hsoIknowshewon' tbeov erwhelming
myboy f
ri
end'smot herwithherpresence.Idi al
my
fri
endandr oommat efrom t
hecityandsheanswer s
i
naf ewr ings.
..

Pear
l:mypr
incess.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
cuti
toutwi
l
lyou.
Pear
l:It
houghty
oudi
vor
cedmeaf
termov
ingback
toWakanda.
Me:
Iam sor
rybabe,
thi
ngsar
ejusthect
ict
hissi
de.
Pear
l:Iunder
standhey
,sohow'
sev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sgreat,I
'
m headi
ngapr
ojecther
e
f
ormydad.Whataboutyou?How'
swor
k?
Pear
l:i
t'
shel
l
,Iam doi
ngmor
ewor
kthanI
'
m pai
dfor
.
Il
augh.
Me:
thatsucks,
buti
t'
snotli
keyouaredoi
ngi
tfor
t
hemoney.Youareatrustf
undbaby
.
Pear
l:exact
lysowhyam Ist
il
lwor
king?
Me:becauseyouhat
ethatyourmom woul
dwantt
o
cont
rolyourev
erymoveify
oumov ebackt
oCape
Town.
Pearl
:andt
othi
nkIhavetogothi
sweekendt
opl
ay
happyfami
li
esuhhhhhect
ic.
Me:
what
?!butI
'
m comi
ngt
hrought
hisweekend.
Pearl
:nooooooKay
,Imi
ssy
ou.Doesi
thav
etobe
thi
sweekend?
Me:Iam comi
ngwit
hmyman'sf
oraweekendaway
f
rom i
tal
l.Wheni
syourf
li
ght
?Imissy
oumore.
Pear
l:Fr
idayat6pm.Youbi
tchy
ougotabeau?
Me:I'
l
ltr
ygetther
eearli
ersoy
oumeethi
m andI
'
ll
dr
iveyoutot
heairpor
t.
Pear
l:can'
twai
thun.
ThedooropensandDabul
awal
ksi
nandt
akesa
seatf
aci
ngme.
Me:
li
stenIneedt
ogo,
cal
lyoul
ater
?
Pear
l:okaybabe,
Ilov
eyoust
il
l.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo,
bye.
Pear
l:by
e
shehangsup.
Ipl
acemyphonedownandlookuptofi
ndthi
sman
l
ookingatmel
ikehewi
l
ljustst
rangl
emeforshi
t.
Me:
what
?
Dabul
a:wast
haty
ourboy
fri
end?
If
rown.
Me:
notthati
t'
sanyofyourbusi
nessbutnot
hatwas
myfr
iendPear
lfr
om t
hecity.
Dabul
a:buty
oudohav
eone?Aboy
fri
endImean?
Heasksagaint
hist
imehisheadi
st i
l
tedtothesi
de
andhe'
sbrushi
nghi
schinwithhi
slefti
ndexfi
nger
.
Me:
whyar
eyoui
nter
est
edi
nmyr
elat
ionshi
pst
atus?
Dabul
a:i
t'
sal
way
sgoodt
oknowmor
eabouty
our
busi
nesspar
tner
.
Me:
y ouknowmoreaboutmeonthebusi
nesssi
de
t
hat
'senoughcozmypri
vatel
i
fei
soffli
mit
s.
Dabul
a:f
eist
yar
en'
twe?
Isi
ghi
nannoy
ance.
Me: MrKhumal oIbr
oughtyouint
othi
sbecauseI
thoughtyouareprof
essi
onal,
arewegoingtohav
e
boundaryissues?
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:l
i
ght
enupKay
ise.
Hissmi l
edi
sappear
sandhegivesmet he
murderousl
ookonceagai
n,t
hisfuckeriscr
eepyas
hel
ljeez.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts

Kwezikaziissti
l
l askingustoshowhersomel ove.
Pl
easecl i
ckont helinktovoteforhersoshecan
pr
ogressf urt
herintheMi ssTeenagerSouthAfr
ica
pageant
.Itwi
l
lonl
ytakeami
nuteIpromi
sey
ou,
let
's
showoneofourownsomesupport

https:/
/ pageant
vot
eaf
ri
ca.
onl
i
ne/
pageant
s/139/
con
testants/1127
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER25
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Wef inal
lydr i
vei nt
ot hepal acey ardandmyhear t
start
sbeat ingv eryfast,Idon'tregretasking
Hlengiwet ocomest aywi t
husf orawhilebecause
that'
swhatanor mal personwi thahear twoulddo
forsomeonewhoi sgoingt hroughsomuchbutmy
worryisLi yana.Iknowshei sgoi ngtoblowaf use
andaccusemeofal l t
het hingsunderthesunandI
will
taket hatjustnoti nfrontofourguest .Idon't
wantHl engiwef eelinglikeshei sn'twel
comedher e
becauseshei s,thewomanhasnowher etogoand
asmuchasIl ov emywi feshei sgoingtohav eto
dealwi t
ht hisforal i
ttl
ewhi le..
.

Webothgetoutoft
hecarandshecl
osesherdoor
andf
oldsherar
mslooki
ngaroundwhi
leIgotothe
boott otakeouthersui t
case,i
t'
snotheav ywhi ch
makesmewonderwhatshepackedi nher eandf or
howl ongshei swi ll
ingtostay.Il
eadt hewayand
shef oll
owsbehi ndmesl owly
,it'
sclearthatshei s
nervousbuti t'
shappeni ngandsheshoul dj ustrel
ax
becauset hi swillbeherhomef oraslongasshe
needsi ttobe.Shei sn'ther
ebecauseofmal i
cious
reasonsbutbecausesheneedst obear oundpeopl e
asshedeal swi thherpai nandwhoev ert hinks
otherwisedoesn' thaveanounceofsy mpat hy.Iam
thefirsttogeti nt heloungeandLi y
anai ssi tti
ngwi t
h
thelegsel ev at
ed, shehasacupoft eaorcof feein
herhands, herey eslandonmeandshef rowns. .
.

Li
yana:
aren'
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?
Inod.
Me:
IwasbutIr
ecei
vedacal
li
twasanemer
gency
.
Li
yana:
whatemer
gency
,who'
sbagi
sthat
?
Sheasksstandi
ngandpl aci
ngthecupdown,bef
ore
IcananswerHlengiwewalksinl
ookingdownand
fi
ndl
ingwit
hherf i
ngers.
Hl
engi
we:
Goodmor
ningmyQueen.
Mywif
elooksatmeandt
henatt
hewomannextt
o
me.
Li
yana:
Mor
ning.
Me:wellLi
ya,Hlengi
weherewi l
lbest
ayi
ngwithus
f
orawhi l
e,unti
lsheisgood.Earl
ythi
smorni
ng
t
hief
'sgotint
oherhome.
Li
yana:t
hat
'ssadbutcan'
tshej
ustgost
aywi
thher
chi
ldr
en.
Inar
rowmyey
esather
Me:noshecan'
t,t
heystayf
arandt
heyar
emar
ri
ed
wi
ththei
rownproblems.
Li
yana:theyar
eherchi
l
drenandI
'
m sur
ethey
wouldn'
tmind.
Me:
Liy
anotnowpl
ease.
Hlengi
we:myKingIdon'
twantt
oinconv
eni
ence
anyonepl
easeIcangobacktomyhouse.
Me:
nonsensey
ouarestayi
ngandthat'
sfi
nal
.St
il
l
r
ememberther
oom youusedthef
irstt
ime?
Shenods.
Me:
youcangot
oitt
hen.
Ihandherthesuit
caseandshedisappear
sintot
he
corr
idor
,Imov emyeyestomywi feandsheisgi
ving
meamur der
ouslookbutIdon'
tsquir
m.
Li
yana:
whatdi
srespecti
sthi
sBheki
?
Me:
howi
shel
pingsomeonedi
srespect
ful
?
Li
yana:
thi
sismyhouse!
Shescr
eams.
Me:yesiti
sbutit
'sal
soaplacewheremypeopl
e
canbeabletorunint
imesofneedandify
oudon'
t
under
standthi
sthenIdon'
tknowwhyyouarea
Queen.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Me:youeasil
yaskedabusinesspart
nert
ostaywit
h
ushere,
apersonwhocoul daff
ordaguesthousei
n
thenei
ghor
ingtownandy ouwanttothr
owawoman
whohasbeent hr
oughalotout?Areyouokay?
Shebl
i
nks.
Li
yana:
arey
ousl
eepi
ngwi
tht
hiswoman?
Theshockonmyf
ace.
Me:
what
?!
Li
yana:youhear
dmeBhekumbuso,
arey
ouhav
ing
anaff
airwit
hthi
swoman?
Me:that
'sani
nsul
tandIwi
l
lnotev
endi
gni
fyi
twi
th
ananswer.
It
urnt
owal
kaway
.
Li
yana:
don'
tyoudar
ewal
kout
,I'
m st
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oyou.
Me:Idon'
tengagei
sdisr
espect
fulconver
sat
ions
wi
thpeoplewhodon'
twanttoreason.
Il
eaveherstandingther
efuming.Whati nt
hehel
lis
wrongwithher,accusi
ngmeofadul ter
y.YesI
shoul
dhav etol
dherandI '
l
lacceptthatIwasatf
ault
butIwil
lnottakeheraccusat
ionsfornothi
ng.What
nonsense!
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI
Wewer eworkingatthefar m andIspr ainedmy
ankle,i
t'
spainfulashellandIcoul dn'tcontinue
working.Peterwaskindenought odr ivemehome
soIcant akeiteasy,heev entoldmet hatIam not
welcomedbackunt i
lIfeelgoodbutt hisisjusta
sprainandhopef ul
l
yinadayI 'l
lbegoodandgoback.
Idon'twanttomi ssmuchofwhatt heyar edoing
becauseIenj oyl
earninganewski ll
ort woandt hose
guysarepackedwi thknowl edge..
.

Mymot hergavemear ubt hatgotmescr eamingli

ke
alitt
legi r
lbutIfeel alitt
lebetterasshealsogav e
met woofherpai nkill
ers.Iam ont hecouchwithmy
anklepl acedont hecof f
eet ablewithatowel
under neathmaki ngi tcomf ortabl
eenough.Iam
l
isteningt otheradioandIt hinkit'
shighti
meI
i
nv estedi naproperTV, i
twillal
sokeepmamabusy
andent ertai
nedwhi leIam atwor kandIcan
definit
elycatchsomesoccerwi thouthavi
ngtogot o
thelocal tar
vernandhav i
ngdr unkpeoplespil
li
ng
beeral lovermeast heystumbl eallover
.Myphone
ri
ngsandIqui cklyt akeitoutofmypocket ,i
t'
s
ZamaNgweny
a..
.

Me:
Sthandwasami
(myl
ove)
.
Kay
ise:
MyChoco.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Kay
ise:
I'
m okaymunt
uza,
whatabouty
ou?
Me:Iam madatmy
sel
fforget
ti
nganankl
espr
ain
whi
l
eatwor k.
Kay
ise:
what
?Ar
eyouokay
?Shoul
dIcomegety
ou?
Sheasksal
armedandIj
ustsmi
l
e.
Me:Iam okaysthandwasami,
Iam athomeasPet
er
dr
ovemeaf teri
thappened.
Shesi
ghsi
nrel
i
ef.
Kayi
se:Iwil
lgobythecl
ini
ctogety
ousomemeds
anddropthem of
fokay?
Shesay
ssof
tl
yandIcan'
thel
pbutf
all
deeperi
nlov
e
wit
hthi
swoman.
Me:
youdon'
thav
etogot
hrought
hatt
roubl
e.
Kayi
se:it
'snot
roubl
eMthombeni
,j
ustkeept
hatl
eg
el
evatedandI'
l
lseeyoul
atery
es?
Me:
yesma'
am.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyouokay
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oobeaut
if
ul.
Kay
ise:
lat
erby
e!
Me:
bye.
Ihangupandblush,mymot
her
'sgi
ggl
emakesme
snapoutofi
tquickl
y.
Me:
Howl
onghav
eyoubeenst
andi
ngt
her
e?
Mama:l
ongenought
oseey
oul
i
ghtupwhent
alki
ng
t
oher.
Me:
Ilov
ehersomuch.
Mama:
Icant
ell
andIam sohappyf
ory
ou.
Me:befor
eIfor
get,
wewi l
lbel
eavi
ngfort
hecit
yon
Fr
idayandcomingbackonSundayi
fnotMonday.
Shesmi
rks.
Mama:
lov
eisi
ntheai
rori
sitbusi
ness?
Me:
noi
t'
sjustsomeust
imemama.
Mama:goy
outwoandenj
oyy
our
sel
fI'
l
lbeokayi
t'
s
j
ustaf
ewdays.
Me:
Iwoul
dn'
tbeabl
etosl
eepawi
nk.
Mama:I
'
mf eel
ingbett
erandyouneedt
oli
vey
our
l
if
eandstopworry
ingaboutme.
Me:
easi
ersai
dthandone.
Mama:sowhat
?Youwannat
akemewi
thy
out
othe
ci
ty?
Me:ofcoursenotbutKayi
sehasaskedoneofthe
maidstocomestaywithyouandbefor
ey ousayno
j
ustknowthatifyoudon'
tagr
eeIwon'tbegoing
wi
thmygi r
l andt
hat'
sgoi
ngtohurther.
Iplayonheremot
ionsandshef
arr
owsher
eyebrows.
Mama:
yousl
yfox.
Il
augh.
Me:
sowhatdoy
ousay
?
Mama:
fineBukhoIwi
l
lst
aywi
tht
hebabysi
tt
er.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihav ebeendr inkingmysor rowsev ersi

ncethis
mor ning.Myhear tisbreakingandIcan' tbel
ieveI
mightl osemyhusbandt ot hatHlengiwewoman, i
s
i
tt hepr i
ceIhav et opayf orkil
li
ngherdaught er?
Sacrifi
cinghert osav emi ne?Thepai nisjusttoo
muchandt hefactt hatBheki hasn'
tcall
edorcome
backhomet omaket hingsr i
ghtbetweenuski ll
sme
mor e.Myhusbandhasal way scaredaboutmy
feeli
ngsandt ookt hem intoconsiderati
onbef or
e
maki nganydeci si
onsbutnowhej ustwenttobr i
ng
herwi thoutgivingmet heheadsup. ..

I
thast akeneveryt
hinginmenottogot ot hatdamn
guestbedroom andbeattheli
vi
ngshitoutofher ,
teachherwhymar ri
edmanar eoffl
imits.Ihave
donethewor stt
okeept hi
smant ojustlosehimt oa
womanl ikeher,
goodt hi
ngsheisnotdear ingand
walkingaroundmyhousel ike.i
tbelongstoher
becauseIwoul dhavejustlosti
tanddi dsomet hi
ng
thatwill
pushmyhusbanddeeperi nt oherarms.I
j
ustneedt othinkbeforedoinganythingbutwhatI
knowi sIwon'tbestandingbywat chingmyhusband
fall
inlovewithanotherwomanwhi leIam sti
ll
ali
ve.
Irefi
llmyglasswithwineandmysi sterwalksin.
..

Nonhl
e:Ishoul
djoi
nyou.
Shesayscomingtothebarandt
aki
ngawi
negl
ass
andpouri
nghersel
fadri
nk.
Nonhl
e:Li
yanaar
eyoudr
unk?
Il
ookupather
.
Me:
I'
mloosi
ngmyhusbandsi
si.
Shef
rowns.
Nonhle:
Bhekumbusoshoul
dn'
tcomehomet
othi
s
oryouwill
losehi
m.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkhewoul
dev
encar
e.
Il
etmyt
ear
sfal
landwi
pet
hem r
oughl
ywi
tht
he
backofmyhand
Nonhl
e:Li
yanawhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Bheki
ischeat
ingonme.
Shechuckl
es.
Nonhl
e:t
hat
'sf
unny
.
Igiv
eheraser
iousl
ookandt
hesmi
l
eonherf
acei
s
wipedof
f.
Nonhl
e:ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:
hebr
oughthi
smi
str
esst
ost
aywi
thus.
Nonhl
e:andyouhav en'
tkil
ledthatt
ikil
ine?Youare
her
ecryi
ng,youthi
nki t
'sgoingtohelp.Whereisshe
l
etmedot hejobforyou.
Shesay
sal
readywor
kedup.
Me:
it'
sHl
engi
we,
Zonke'
smot
her
.
Thatseemst
ofr
eez
eher
.
Nonhl
e:y
ousaywhat
?
Inod
Me:
buthecl
aimsherhousegotbr
okeni
ntoand
she'
l
lbeher
eforal
i
ttl
ewhi
l
ebut
.
Shehuf
fs.
Nonhle:wai
t,y
oumadethi
swhol
echeat
ingt
hingi
n
yourhead?I
t'
snotf
act
s?
Me:
soonhewi
l
ltel
lme.
Nonhl
e:mxm Ishoul
dhaveknownbett
erfuel
l
ing
mysel
fbecauseofanovert
hinkerl
i
keyour
sel
f.
Me:
sisi
.
Isayshocked
Nonhle:noLiyana,showsomesy mpathyandgo
withthefloworshouldIremindyouwhatwedi d?
Yourhusbandi stheKingandit
'shi
sjobt ocarefor
hispeople.Idon'
twantthatwomanher eeitherbuti
f
wekeepbei nghost i
l
etowardsheri
twillcause
peopletobesuspi ci
ousofusandthat'
st helast
thi
ngwewant .
Me:I
'
mt ell
i
ngy out
hissy
mpat
hyhehasf
orherwi
l
l
t
urni
ntolove.
Itakemyglassandmov
eitt
omyl
i
ps,
shet
akesi
t
andplacesi
tdown.
Nonhle:
youar
edrunkandy ou'
l
lenduptel
l
ingour
secr
etstot
hewrongear.Comey ouar
egoingt
obed.
Me:
Iam notachi
l
dIcanhandl
emyal
cohol
.
Nonhl
e:comeonnow.
Shecomesar
oundandhel
psmeof
fthebarst
ool
andweheadt
omybedroom.
Me:youwi
l
l r
ememberthi
sconver
sat
ionwhenwe
ar
eoutonthest
reetandt
hatwomanisthenew
Queen.
Nonhle:
youshoul
dconsi
derbei
ngascr
ipt
wri
terf
or
Nol
lywood.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Idrovestrai
ghttot hecli
nicaft
erworktoget
Bukhosisomet hingforhisankleandthenurseI
foundwasv eryhel pf
ulasshegav emeev eryt
hing
thatwil
lhelphim getbettersoonandshet ol
dme
thati
fhedoesn' tfeelbet
terinadayheshoul dgo
getanx-rayjusttomakesur enothi
ngisbroken.I
deci
dedtogetthem somef oodtooatthelocal
womanwhocooksatt hebusinesscenter
,herspace
i
sclean,
shecooksanddi shesinfr
ontofher
cust
omersandsheisal soveryverycl
eanhenceI
boughtt
hefood..
.

WhenIgott ohishouseIadmi nister

edhi smedsand
heinsi stedthatIjoint hem andeatt hef oodI
broughtandI 'm gladIdi dbecauseIgott oknowhi s
mot heral itt
lebetter,sheissuchabeaut if
ul soul
andl ov eshersont othemoonandback.We
fi
nishedeat i
ngandIhadt oinsistami ll
iontimesf or
them t oallowmet odot hedishesandIwant edt o
burstoutl aughingf rom thewayt heywer elooki ngat
mewhenIwasbusywi t
hthem, Isweart heyt hought
I'
dbr eakt heplates.Iwoul dn'tbesur pri
sedi fsome
peopl et hi
nkIcan' tbathmy selfnorwi pemy selfafter
doingnumber2. ..

Mama:
thanky
ouf
ort
hef
oodandcl
ear
ingup.
Me:
it'
sapl
easur
emama.
Mama:
letmel
eav
eyouki
dsal
onet
hen.
Me:
goodni
ght
.
Mama:
anddr
ivesaf
elyokay
.
Inodandshedi
sappear
stot
hebedr
oom.
Bukhosi
:mymom ador
esy
ou.
Hesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:andIdot
oo,howcoul
dInotwhenshegav
e
bi
rt
htomyChoco.
Hechucklesandpatshi
slapandIgladl
ygosi
ton
topofhim,heci
rcl
eshisarmsaroundmeandIpeck
hisl
ips.
Bukhosi
:wear
eonf
ort
heweekendy
es.
Me:
Ican'
twai
tfort
hatt
rustme.
Bukhosi
:met
oobabe.
Me:
IwishIcanstayl
ongerbutIam deadt
ir
edand
t
omorr
owisgoingtobealongday.
Bukhosi
:Iunder
standbabyandt
hanksfort
hef
ood,
medsandspendingsomet i
mewithus.
Me:
any
time.
Welockl
i
psandkisssl
owl
yunt
ilIpul
loutbef
oreI
soakmypant
ies.
Bukhosi
:l
etmewal
kyouout
.
Me:si
tyourassdownandt
akecar
eoft
hatankl
eI'
l
l
bef
ine.
Her
oll
shi
sey
es.
Bukho:
youar
esuchabul
l
y.
Me:
buty
oul
ovemel
i
ket
hat
.
Hebl
ushesandl
i
ckshi
slowerl
i
p.
Bukhosi
:thatIdo.
Igetupf
rom hi
slapandgot
akemybagandphone.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lyouaf
termybat
hokay
?
Bukhosi
:okay
.
Hewi
nksandIbl
owhi
m aki
ss.

Igett
othecaranddr
ivehome,IknowI'
m goi
ngto
fi
ndmyfamilyar
oundthetabl
eeati
ngdi
nner,
I'
ll
just
j
oinf oragl assofjuicesoIdon' tseem rude,I
skippedbr eakfastthismor ningsoIwoul dn'
twantto
doi tagain.Igettot hepalaceandt henightguards
arealreadyatt hei
rpost s,Ileavethecarinthedrive
wayandl eavethekeyi nt heignit
ionsotheycango
parkitatt heback,Iam af raidofgoingthatsidecoz
i
t'
sal i
tt
ledar kandf arfrom themai ndoor.Iget
i
nsi deandt omysur pri
set hetableisemptyandt he
housesi l
ent .

Dabul
a:y
oul
ovedi
sappear
ingdon'
tyou?
Hesaysf
rom behi
ndmeandIt ur
ntofindhi
m
l
eani
ngbythedoorthatl
eadst
othelounge.
Me:It
snotdi
sappear
ingi
t'
smegoi
ngaboutmy
busi
ness.
Hecl
encheshi
sjaws.
Dabul
a:y
outhi
nkthi
sistheti
metocomeback
home?Weknockedoffhour
sago.
Me:
whyar
eyoui
nmyf
acedude?
Iaskannoy
ed.
Dabul
a:y
ouneedt ost
artact
ingri
ghtcozIam not
goi
ngtostandt
hisshi
t.Youareunrul
yandthat'
snot
goi
ngtofl
owwithme.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
ow.
Me:
excuseme?
Dabul
a:youshoul
dcar
ryy
our
sel
fwi
thr
espectnot
whatyouaredoi
ng.
Me:youarenotmyf
atherandyoucan'
tbeact
ing
andsoundi
ngli
kemyhusband.
Hechuckl esandsipsfr
om hisglassbeforewal
king
away.What 'swrongwit
hthisguy ,
whydoeshef eel
l
ikehehasasayi nmypr i
vat
el i
fe?Ift
hecontr
act
wasn'tsignedIwasgoingtogetr i
dofhim.Iam
defi
nit
elygoingtoaskmyf athertotel
lhimtogo
bookatt heguesthousecozt hi
sliv
ingarr
angement
i
sn'tgoingtowor k.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER26
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ikeptt ossi
ngandt urni ngthewhol enight
,madas
hellIwasev enshaki ngwi thanger.Whot hefuck
doesDabul amanzi thinkhei s?Af ewday sli
vi
ngwith
usher ehesuddenl yt hinkshehasar i
ghttohavea
opinionaboutmyPERSONALl i
fewhatnonsense.I
don'tknowhowhedoest hi
ngsfrom wher ehe'
s
fr
om butwi t
hmehehascomet oast opstati
on.I
don'tbowdownt oany onewhoi sn'tmakingany
senset ome, Iam agr ownwomanwhoknowshow
totellapartbetweenr ightandwr ong..
.

Ineedhim outofhereandsoonev enifitmeansI

havet of
indloophol
estogetoutoft hecont
ractwe
enteredwit
hhiscompany .I
'
m suretheissomet hi
ng
thatcanall
owust obreakup,I
'
m ev enopento
payingaf i
neforpremat urelyendi
ngabi ndi
ng
agreementshouldhef eeltheneedtocont i
nuebei
ng
i
nmyf ace.Idon'
thav etimef orpat
ri
archalasshol
es
l
ikehimt hatfeel
slikewomanar enothingbuttoys
forthem toplaywith,imaginein2020west i
ll
have
todeal wi
thsucht hings..
.

Igetoutofmyr oom al r
eadyinmybl acksuitpants,
whit
eshi r
tt uckedinwi t
hapai rofhighheelsandals.
Wehav eameet i
ngt odayandIhav etolookthepart
andlooklikeabossi ncasehisassociatesarealso
chauvi
nisticpigslikehi m.Thet abl
eisal r
eadyset
whenIgett othedi nningroom andi t
'sonlymy
mothersitingwi t
hacl assofjuice,
herbodyi shere
buthermi ndi sont heot hersi
deofUkut hula
ki
ngdom. .
.

Me:
myqueen.
Isaybutshedoesn'
tsnapoutofi
t.
Me:
mama!
Thi
sti
meIsayshakingherar
m gentl
yandshelooks
atme.Herey
esgrayli
kesheishur
ti
ngtohersoul.
Mama:
ohmor
ningbaby
.
Me:
arey
ouokay
?
Mama:
mmhhIj
ustdi
dn'
tgetenoughsl
eept
hat
'sal
l
.
Ifr
owncozIdidn'
tgetenoughsl
eepmy sel
fbutI
don'
tl
ookliket
hewalki
ngdead,Ideci
detotakeher
wordfori
t.
Me:
Ineedy
out
otal
ktoDabul
a.
Shetur
nshereyestomeli
kethathassomehow
spar
kedsomethingi
nhermind.
Mama:
yes?
Me:
Idon'
tl
iket
hatguy
.
Mama:
ohKay
ise.
Me:Iam ser
ious,Iwanthi
m outoft
hispalace.Iam
notf
eel
ingcomf ort
abl
einmyownf ather
'shouse.
Mama:howcanyounottr
usty
ourownbusi
ness
par
tner
.Youbr
oughtt
hist
oussowhatareyou
say
ing?
Deepsi
gh!
Myf at
herwal
ksinandIthi
nki
t'
sbet
terIt
alkt
ohim
aboutthi
scozhewil
lhearmeandmakeDabula
excuseus.
Baba:
mor
ning.
Hesay
sset
tl
ingont
hechai
r.
Me:
mor
ningdaddy
.
Isaycheerful
lycl
aspi
nghi
shandbuthegivesmea
fai
ntsmile.Okaythet
ensi
oni
nhereisser
iousI
swear.What '
sgoi
ngonwitht
hem?Didtheygeti
nto
alovers'
tif
forwhat?.
Baba:
where'
sever
yone?Iam f
ami
shedandweneed
togotot
heoffi
ce.
Hesaysstandi
ngupandgoi
ngbackt
owar
dst
he
cor
ri
dor.
Me:
wher
eishegoi
ng?
Mama:
probabl
ytogety
ourst
epmot
her
.
Ichokeonmysal
i
va.
Me:
huh?
Ma:
not
hing.
Shealsostandsupanddi
sappear
stoadif
fer
ent
di
rect
ion.Whatthehel
li
shappeni
ngher
e?Imissed
di
nnerandev er
ythi
ngi
schaot
ic.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ifmywi fewant stobet reatedlikeaner rantchild

that'
sexact l
ywhatI '
m goi ngtodo.I fshedoesn' t
under standhert rueroleofaQueent henIwi llt
ake
upbot hrolesmy self.Idon'thav ethetimet obe
reassur i
nghert hatI'm notsleepi ngwithHl engi
we,
allt
hesey earsIhav enev ergivenheranyr easonto
doubtmebutmyoneactofki ndnessget sherso
workedupmaki ngmebel i
evet hatthereismor eto
thi
st hanshei swi l
l
ingt oletonandunt i
lshedoes
I'
m goi ngtol etherbe...

Iam onmywaytoHlengi
we'sroom t
ogethert
o
comedowntoeat,
shecan'tbeconfi
dedi
nthat
room li
keapr i
soner
.Wear enotdoi
nganythi
ng
wr ongsowhyshouldshebehi di
nginther
e?Last
nightwasenoughbutI'
m sayingnomor e,
shewill
j
oinusont het
ableunt
ilshegoesbacktoherhouse
oncei t
'ssafet
odoso.HerdoorisajarandIam
abouttoknockwhenIhearhersay i
nghermorning
prayer.
..

Hlengiwe: Ihav eacceptedt haty ourwi l

lhasbeen
donel or dandIbel i
eveiny ouandy ourwor d.Iknow
yourway sar enotthatofamer emor tal,
yourpl ans
forusar enev ermeantt ohur tusev enthoughi t
feelsli
ket hatmostoft het ime.Bl essmewi tht he
spiri
tofaccept ancesot hatIcan, witheachpassi ng
dayheal fr
om t hepainofl oosi ngmyZonke.It hank
youy etagai nf orwaki
ngmeupt hismor ningt oseea
blesseddayami dstal
l t
hati shappeni ng.Fat herLord
Iprayt haty ouabundant lybl esst heKi ngandhi s
familyf oraccept i
ngmei nt heirhomei nmyt imeof
need.Ipl acemydaught ers'andt heirfami l
iesunder
theshadowofy ourwings.I nt hemi ghtynameof
JesusChr istIpray.
Sheconcludesherpr ayerandIopenmyey esand
sayAmeni nmyhear t.WowIdi dn'
tknowsheisa
pray
erwar r
ior.Ibel
ievethere'
saGodbutIhav e
al
way sbeli
evedmor einmyancest or
s.Thedoor
openswiderandIj umpabi t.Il
ostmy sel
ffora
momentt here.
Hl
engi
we:
myKi
ng?
Me: I
'
mv erysorr
y,Iwascomingtocal
lyout
ocome
eatbreakfastbutyouwer epr
ayi
ngsoIdeci
dedt
o
waitti
llyouweref i
nished.
Hlengi
we:ohy
es,
Ipr
ayt
wiceadayi
nthemor
ning
andnight
.
Me:wit
hallt
hati
shappeni
ngwi
thme,
Icanmay
be
ev
enjoiny
ou.
I
twoul dn'
thur
ttr
yingherGodcozmyancest
orsar
e
bl
inded,whoknowsmay beI'
l
lhavesomebegi
nner
s
l
uck.
Hl
engi
we:
theheav
enswi
l
lrej
oicemyKi
ng.
Me:
breakf
asti
sreadycome.
Shel
ooksdownbutIdon'
tev
enwantt
ogi
vehera
chancesayno.
Me:
comei
twi
l
lgetcol
d.
Il
eadt hewayandIhearthebedroom doorclose
andfootst
epsbehindme.Igettothedinningroom
fi
rstandever
yoneisset
tl
edexceptforLiyana,sheis
nolongeri
ntheroom.
Hl
engi
we:
goodmor
ningev
ery
one?
Shesay
sandt
heyal
ll
ookup.
Kay
ise:
mama?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nonhl
e:ohshewil
lbestayi
ngwi t
husawhi l
e.Thi
ef'
s
br
okeint
oherhomey est
erday
,earlyhour
softhe
morni
ng.Howareyoufeel
ingsisi
?
Mysi
steri
nlawsay
sandIknowLiyanahasfi
ll
edher
i
nbutl
ookathowwell
hersi
ster
sistreat
ingafel
l
ow
woman.
Hl
engi
we:
I'
mtaki
ngi
tadayatat
ime.
Kay
ise:
ohGodI
'
mjustgl
ady
ouar
eokay
.
Hl
engi
we:
met
oobaby
.
Me:
Khumal
o,t
hisi
smam'
Hlengi
we,
sisi
thi
sisour
busi
nesspar
tnerf
rom t
heci
tyDabul
amanzi
.
Hlengi
westandsupholdi
ngoutherhandandDabul
a
takesi
tandimmediat
elyast
heytouchhelooks
uncomfort
abl
e.
Hl
engi
we:
it'
sni
cet
omeety
ouf
ell
owguest
.
Weal
ll
augh.
Dabul
a:li
kewi
se.Ij
ustr
emember edIneedt
ocal
lmy
motherbackhome,mayIbeexcusedamomentmy
Ki
ng?
Me:
ohcour
se.
Hescurr
iesoffandIset
tl
eandwedi
shup,
wecan'
t
wai
tforthem f
urther
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Icouldn'
tsitaroundthattabl
eandpretendl
i
ke
ever
y thi
ngisokay ,
Ijustcoul
dn't
.Watchi
ngmy
husbandgoupst ai
rstogogetanotherwomanwas
heartwrenchingespeciall
yaft
erhecamebackhome
yesterdayaf t
erwor kanddi dn'
tbotherwakingmeup
totalkaboutwhathappenedear l
ier,
togiveme
reassurancet hatnothingishappeningbetween
them.Youshoul dhav efelthowquicklymyhear t
droppedt omyst omachwhenIwokeupbecauseof
thi
rstandf oundhi m sleepingsopeacefull
ynextto
mel ikeourmar r
iageisnotexperienci
nguncertai
nty.
Iam hur tthatBhekihaschangedonmesoqui ck
andeasy ,
itdoesn'tevenseem tobot herhi
m one
bit
..
.

Iexcusedmy sel
ftot hegar denbecauseIdi dn'
twant
Kayiset ocont i
nuewi thheri nterrogati
on,butmay be
Ishoul dhav estayedt hrought hewhol ethingand
madei tharderforthatHl engiwewomant obe
comf ortableinmydamnpal ace,Ishouldhav emade
i
thotf orhersot hatmydaught ercanseet hather
parentsar ebeingbr okenbyawomanwhoi s
cl
aimi ngtobedeal i
ngwi thherdaught er'
sdeat h.I
don'tthinkI'veeverloat hedsomeonesoqui ckly,
fr
om pi tyi
ngherandf eeli
nggui lt
yf orwhatIdidt o
Zonket ojustfeeli
ngal lthi
shat eandangert owards
her
..
.

Iwipemyt earsandnoti
ceDabulaexit
ingthemai n
housel ookingli
keheisonfi
re,Ij
usthopehedi dn'
t
getintoanal ter
cati
onwit
hKay i
sebecauseIam
seriouslynotinthemoodtobedealingwiththeir
problems, heismanheshouldcourtmydaught eron
hisownandl eavemebeasmyownmar riagei
s
facingitsownshar eofpr
obl
ems.Henot i
cesmeand
quicklymakeshi swaytome, Isi
gh!

Me:Dabul
amanzi
pleaseKay
isei
syourwi
fej
ustf
ind
away.
Isaysoonasher
eachesme.
Dabul
a:womanl
i
stenher
e.
Me: noy ouli
sten,theapproachyouaret r
yingwit
h
herisjustmaki ngherresentyou.Cany outryt
obea
l
it
tlegent l
eandt reatherl
ikealadythenmay bejust
may beshewi l
l gi
v eyoualit
tl
eattent
ion.
Dabul
a:I
'
m nother
etot
alkaboutt
hatst
ubbor
n
woman.
If
arr
owmyey
ebr
ows
Me:
thenwhyar
eyoul
ooki
ngl
i
ket
his?
Dabul
a:whoi
sthatwomani
nthehouse?
Hesay
spoi
nti
ngt
othehouse.
Me:
youknowmysi
sterNonhl
eorar
eyour
efer
ri
ng
t
oHlengi
we?
Dabul
a:y
esHl
engi
wewhoi
sshe?
Me:
whywhatdi
dshedo?
Iaskbor
ed
Dabul
a:t
her
eissomethi
ngaboutherthatunset
tl
es
me,shei
sheavyf
ormysoul.I
tfeell
i
keIcannotbe
i
nthesameroom asher
.
Me: wel
lmay bei
t'
sbecauseshe'
sthemot
heroft
he
gi
rlIsacr
if
icedforyou.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Dabul
a:noLi
yanano,
it'
smor
ethant
hatI
'
mtel
l
ing
you.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
.
Dabul
a:getr
idofherandf
ast
.
Me:
myhusbandwi
l
lnotagr
eet
othat
.
Heplaceshi
sonehandonmyshoul
derand
squeezes
Me:
Dabul
ayouar
ehur
ti
ngme.
Dabula:y
oumadeapr omisetome, Igav
eyouall
youhaveandit'
sti
met opayup.Thatwomanisa
thor
nonmysi deandIneedheroutofhere.WhenI
sayjumpy ouaskhowhigh.Iam y
ourGodnotthat
weakli
ngBhekumbusodoy ouhearme?
Hesayswit
hadeepv
oiceandt
hel
ookonhi
sfacei
s
murder
ous.
Me:
okayokay
.
Icr
yandhel
etsgoofmeandIr
ubmyshoul
der
Dabula:Iwantmythr
oneandIam goi
ngtogeti
t
whetherIhavetor
emoveall
ofyoutogeti
t.
Igaspforai
randhel
eav
esmet
her
escar
edoutof
mymi nd
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BHUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iwokeupandmyl egwasf eel

ingsomuchbet ter
,
theswel l
i
nghasgonedownandIcanwal karound
nowbutIam st i
l
llimpi nghenceIdi dn'tgotot he
farm becausePet erwoul dhav eshownmet hegat e.
Iam notusedt obei ngathomeandi t'
ski l
li
ngme.
Mymot herhasbeenf eelingawhol elotbetterthese
daysandshewokeupear lycl
eaningthewhol e
houseexceptmyr oom andmadebr eakfast.Iam
j
ustgl adthatshei sget t
ingbackt oherol dselfandI
prayit'
snotgoingt obeshor tl
ived..
.

It
'sAft
ernoonnowandmamaj ustfi
nishedcooking
l
unch,shemadeenoughsoIt houghtIshoul ddi
sh
upforKayiseandtakeittowork,shedi dsayshe
j
ustgotoutofameet i
ngthattookherent i
redayso
shemustbef amished.Igotomybedr oom and
changeintosomethingappropri
atetost epouti
n
andmymot heri
sjusthappythatI'
m being
considerat
e.AsIpassbyt hev el
dInoticethatthe
fl
ower shavegr ownmor ebeaut i
fulandindif
ferent
col
or s.Ipi
ckupaf ewmaki ngabeaut i
fulbouquet
andheadt ot hetimberplantat
ion.Goodt hi
ngIwas
i
nduct edsoIcangeti nwi t
houtanypr oblem.Ifind
my selfwal
kingt hr
ought heoffi
cestryi
ngt ofi
ndher
cozt hegir
lwhosi tsatthefrontdeskisnotthere..
.

Ki
ng:
Bhukho?
Hesay
sfr
om behi
ndmeandIqui
ckl
ytur
n.
Me:
baba.
Isayl
i
mpi
ngbackt
ohi
m.
Ki
ng:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?Whyar
eyoul
i
mpi
ng?
Me:
Ispr
ainedmyankl
eyest
erdayatwor
k.
Ki
ng:
Ihopey
ouwentt
othecl
i
nic.
Me:
Ihav
esomemedi
cat
ion.
Ki
ng:
that
'sgood,
how'
sev
ery
thi
nggoi
ngatt
hef
arm?
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sont
rackandI
'
mjustexci
ted.
King:t
hat'
sgoodson,I
'
m happyyouarechasi
ng
yourdreams.Wemissyouatthepal
ace.
Me:
Imi
ssi
ttoomyKi
ng.
Ki
ng:
sot
ell
mewhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?
Iswal
l
owandl
ookdown.
Me:
I'
mlooki
ngf
ort
hepr
incess.
Hechuckl
es.
Ki
ng:
comei
nher
eal
i
ttl
eBukhosi
.
OhmyGod.Ifol
l
owhi
minandhepoi
ntst
owher
eI
cansi
tdown.
Ki
ng: y
ouknowIlov
ey oul
i
kemyownsonandIwant
al
lthatisgoodf
oryou.
Inod.
Me:
andIappr
eci
atet
hatsomuch.
King:tel
lmethetrut
hthen,
arey
ouandmydaught
er
seeingeachother
?
Iswal
l
owt
hehugel
umpi
nmyt
hroat
Me:
myKi
ngIt
hinky
oushoul
daskKay
ise.
King:
youar
ethemanBhukhosi,
andI'
venever
knownyoutoshyawayf
rom whaty
oubeli
evein.
Isi
tbackst
rai
ghtandbr
oadenmyshoul
der
s.
Me:Irespecty ousomuchmyKi ngandIdi dn'tmean
fori
ttoseem ot her
wise.ZamaNgweny ai
sa
phenomenal youngwomanwhom myhear tbeatsf
or,
Ihavelookeddeeperintomy sel
fandasmuchasI
am doingthisformyselfandmymot herIam also
worki
ngt owardsmydr eamsf orherbecauseIwant
toaff
ordall t
hatshedeser v
es.Sheinspir
esmet obe
abetterversi
onofmy selfandLordknowsIwantt o
makehermywi f
eifmyKi ngapproves.
Heisl
ooki
ngatmewi t
hast
rai
ghtf
ace.Ican'
tread
hi
sexpr
essi
onit
'sst
oic.
King:y
ouknowshei
sgoi
ngt
obeaQueenar
eyou
readyfort
hat
?
Me:Iam r
eadyt osupportheri
nherjour
neyasthe
l
eaderoft
hiskingdom butatthesametimeshehas
t
oremembert hatIam thehusband.
Hechuckl
es.
Ki
ng:
yesherper
sonal
i
tyi
sbol
d.
Me:ver
yboldandfi
ercemyKing,t
osomeshemi ght
comeacrossasbossyortoomuchbutIcanhandl
e
myownev enwhenitseemsli
keIam t
oosoft.
Ki
ng:
thenson,
youhav
emybl
essi
ngs.
Il
etoutadeepsi
ghofr
eli
ef.
Me:t
hanky ousi
r,y
ouwi
l
lnotr
egr
etal
l
owi
ngmet
o
l
oveyourdaught
er.
Ki
ng:
IknowsonIknow.
Thedooropensandmyl
adywal
ksi
n
Kay
ise:
Bukho?
Me:
Ntombi
ZamaNgweny
a
King:
10%di
scountf
orcal
l
ingherwi
tht
hatnameby
theway.
Hesayswalki
ngoutandKay
isei
slooki
ngatus
conf
used.
Kay
ise:
andt
hen?
Me:
justamant
omant
alk.Ibr
oughty
ouf
lower
s
andl
unch.
Kay
ise:
aren'
tyousweet
.
Shesmi
l
escomi
ngt
omeandpecksmyl
i
ps.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

Iam enjoy
ingwriti
ngTheHousewifeguysyoh,Ij
ust
hopey ouaregoingtoenj
oyreadi
ngitmore.Youcan
pre-
orderyourcopyforj
ustR80offerends27
December2020.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER27
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

[
AFEW DAYSLATER]

Thingshav egonef rom badt owor se,myhusband

i
sn'tgivi
ngmeat tenti
onandIdon' tknowwhatt odo
anymor e.Imissmyhusbandandhowt hingswer ein
ourmar ri
agebutbyt helookoft hingsit
'sgoi ngto
takeami racletogobackt owher eweusedt obe.
Wegot obedandhef acestheot herway ,hedoesn't
kissnortouchmeandt hatisjustsopai nful.The
onlyti
mehet alkstomei swhenhegr eetsmei nt
he
mor ni
ngbuty ou'
l
l f
indhim chattingwithHl engiwe
withthewi destsmile..
.

Speakingofthatonesour
smymood,sheist
he
reasonBhekumbusoisacti
ngt
hiswaytowar
dsme
anddef i
nitelythereasonwhymymar ri
ageisina
rockysituation.Ineedtofi
ndawayt ogetheroutof
myl i
fe.Notonl yformypeaceofmi ndbutalso
becausei twi l
lgetDabulaoffmyback,heis
convincedt hatHlengiwehassomesor tofpower
thatdoesn'tsitwellwithhim.Idon'
tseeorfeel
anythingoft hatsortbutbecauseIhavetoplease
thi
smanI 'l
ldowhat everhesaysandwant sbefore
heturnsonme. .
.

Ihadj ustf
inishedtakingmybat hsoIcanj oin
everyoneforbr eakf
ast,i
t'
stimeIstoppedcl osing
my selfint
hebedr oom andcr y
ingli
keaweakl i
ng.I
needt ostandf i
rm andshowev eryonethatIam st il
l
verymucht heQueenoft hi
skingdom andnor atchet
womanwi llcomet omyhouseandshakemyl i
f ethi
s
way .Igettothebedr oom f
rom thebathroom and
myhusbandi smaki nghiswayt othedoor...

Me:
goodmor
ningl
ove.
Bheki
;Li
yanagoodmor
ning.
Me:
I'
ll
beatt
het
abl
einami
nut
e.
Bheki
:I'
l
ljoi
nyout
hen.
If
rownatt
hest
atement
.
Me:
younotgoi
ngt
othedi
ningt
abl
e?
Bheki:
I'
ll
beheadedt
her
eaf
termor
ningpr
ayer
swi
th
Hlengi
we
Myforeheadi
sfar
rowedimmediat
ely
,ist
heany
thi
ng
t
hatthismandoeswit
houtt
hisdamnwoman.
Me:
sot
hat
'swher
eyoudi
sappeart
oev
erymor
ning?
Hel
etsoutadeepsi
gh!
Bheki
:wepr
ayi
nthemor
ningandni
ght
.
Me:
tel
lmesomet
hing.
Bheki
:yes?
Me:howl
ongwi l
li
ttakef
ort
hesecur
it
ydoor
stobe
i
nst
all
edatherhouse?
Hi
sfacef
all
sbor
ed.
Bheki
:Idi
daquot
ationwi
ththehardwar
etheywi
l
l
l
etmeknowwhent heyar
eready.
Me:
giv
ethem acal
landf
indouthowf
art
heyar
e.
Ior
derandhescof
fs.
Bheki
:theywi
l
lcal
loncet
heyar
ereadyLi
yana.
Me:Iwanty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendoutofmyhouseandmean
i
t.
Mytonesendsacl
earmessagebuthej
ustshakes
hi
shead.
Bheki
:I'
m sur
eyoudo.
Hewal ksoutandIcl enchmyj awsinfrustrat
ion.I
needt ostepupmygame, Ineedtosavemy
mar r
iagebeforethatwi t
chtakesovercompl etel
y.I
knowwhatt odo.Iquicklyputonmycl othesand
headt othebreakfasttableandthankGodi t'
sonly
him.Hei sreadi
nganewspaperwi thhi
sl egs
crossed.
Me:
Dabul
amanzi
!
Isayset
tl
ingclosetohi
m sot
hewal
l
sdon'
thear
whatI'
m abouttosay.
Dabul
a:don'
tcal
lmynamewi
thsuchat
one.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
Dabul
a:whatdoy
ouwantt
osay
?
Me:
weneedt
ogoseeManzi
.
Hestopsreadinghi
spaperandcl
osesi
tgi
vi
ngme
hi
sfullat
tent
ion.
Dabul
a:okay
?
Me:Ineedtogetri
dofthi
sHl
engi
wewomanandI'
m
sur
eyoualsowanttoknowwhyyoucan'
tbar
ebei
ng
i
nthesamer oom asher
.
Hegi
vesmeasmi
rk.
Dabul
a:v
erywel
lthenweshal
lj
our
neyt
otheshr
ine
tomor
rowmorni
ng.
Me:
wecan'
tdi
sappearatt
hesamet
imey
ouknow
Dabula:Iwil
lleavefort
heguesthouseaft
erwork
andtell
y ourhusbandI'
m goi
ngtothecit
yt oseemy
fami
ly.
Me:
greatt
hen.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

BukhosiandIl eftthevil
lageearl
yinthemor ning
around5am, ev ery
oneatt hepal
acewasst illasleep
whenIleft.Itol dmyf atherthatIwil
lbeleav i
ngf or
thecit
ywi t
hBukhosi andhecheer editonsay i
nga
youngcoupl elikeour selvesneedtimealonef rom i t
all
.Apparentlyt hatdayIf oundthem i
nt heof fi
ce
Bukhosiwast elli
nghim aboutus, i
twasar eli
eft hat
henowknowsaboutusandev enapprov esof
rel
ati
onship..
.

Iaskedt hathet ell

shiswi feformebecauseshe
hasn'tbeenher selflately
, alsobecauseIdidn'
twant
herinmybusi nesst el
lingmehowDabul aisthe
mostsui tablemanf orme.Icoul dneverbewit hthat
pigev enifyoupaymeami lli
ondollar
scash.He' s
thatloadedguywi ththel ooksbutzer opersonalit
y
andabi l
itytotreatawomanr ight
,inhisheadwoman
arejustpossessi onbel ongingt omanandnot hing
el
se.
..

Wej ustdroveint
oJohannesbur gandt hankGodwe
decidedtoleaveear l
yandavoidedthesun, it
's
terr
iblet
ravel
li
ngl ongdi
stanceinthisheat.Icheck
thetimeandi t
'sjust30minutesafter10am, Il
ook
atBukhosi i
nthepassengerseatandhi satt
entioni
s
outside,
Icant el
lheisfasci
natedwi t
hev eryt
hing
beforehiseyes.Ijustpr
aythisweekendl iv
esupt o
hisexpectati
ons..
.

Me:
li
kewhaty
ousee?
Myquesti
onmakeshi
mlookatmewi
thagenui
ne
smi
lethatwar
msmyheart
.
Bukhosi
:thi
spl
acei
samazi
ngZamaNgweny
a.
Me:
I'
ll
makesur
eyouseemostofi
t.
Bukhosi
:I'
dappr
eci
atet
hatv
erymuchsweet
hear
t.
Me:
weal
mostatt
heapar
tment
.
Isayandhesi
tsupr
ightandt
akesmyhandi
nhi
s
brushingmyknuckl es.Idriveupnorthandwegett o
mypl ace.Thesecur i
tyguardatthegat eishappyto
seeme, he'sanelder l
yZulumanwhousedt olook
outformeandmadesur eIdidn'
tlosemywayasa
Royal pr
incess,Godbl esshissoul
.Ipar katt
he
visi
torsspaceandBukhocl imbsoutf i
rstgoi
ngt o
theboott oretr
ieveourt hi
ngs,Ij
oinhim andattempt
tohelpbutast arefrom him hasmebacki ngoff.
Bukhosi
:youl
i
vedi
nabeaut
if
ulpl
acebabyandi
t'
s
al
sosafe.
Me:
that
'st
rue.
Wegot aket heel
evat orbecauseI 'm notaboutto
walktot hesecondf loor.I naf ewwear eoutsidet
he
doorandI 'mf i
shi
ngoutt hekey sfr
om myhandbag.
Thepl aceiscleanandt hankGodf orthatbecauseI
didn'
twantt obeembar rassedi nf
rontbigmy
boyfr
iend, Bukhosii
saneatf reak.Ihearadoor
opening,wel ookateachot herandmyf r
iendand
roommat eappears,shescr eamsj umpingasshe
seesit'sme.
Pear
l:ohmyGodKayy
oumadei
t.
Shesay
sat
tacki
ngmewi
thahug.
Me:
youknowIkeepmywor
d.
Shel
etsgoofme.
Pear
l:y
oul
ookamazi
ngshi
tI'
vemi
ssedy
ou.
Me:Imi
ssy
ourcr
azyi
nmyl
i
fe.Youshoul
dcome
vi
sit
.
Pear
l:def
ini
tel
ybabe.
Shel
ooksatmyhoneyandIsmi
l
e.
Me:ohf
ri
end,t
hisi
smychocohisnamei
sBukhosi
andmyl
ovethi
sismyfr
iendPear
l.
Mygent
lemanhol
dsouthi
shandf
orahandshake
Bukhosi
:i
t'
sni
cet
omeety
ount
ombe'
mhl
ophe
Pear
l:i
t'
sni
cet
omeety
out
ooherchoco.
Igi
ggl
e.
Me:babyyoucantakeourbagst
othebedr
oom.
Seconddooronyourri
ght
,I'
l
lbet
herei
nasecond.
Bukhosi
:okayst
handwasami
.
Hedi
sappear
sint
othecor
ri
dorandIear
nasl
apon
myshoul
der
.
Me:
ouch!What
'st
hatf
or?
Pearl
:youdi
dn'
ttel
lmehei
sthaty
um.Youl
ucky
skank.
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
he'
sper
fectr
ight
?
Pearl:Idon'
teventhi
nkper
fecti
sthewor
d.Looks
l
ikehewascr eat
edonaSundayandnotwit
hyour
standardclay
.
Ichuckleshaki
ngmyhead,
thi
sonecanbedr
amat
ic
Ipromiseyou.
Me:
imagi
nehowcut
emyki
dsar
egoi
ngt
obe.
Pearl
:It
hinkshoul
dcomet
owakandat
ofi
ndmea
husbandcozwow.
Ist
ickmyt
ongueout
.
Me:
whydi
dn'
tyougot
owor
k?
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Idon'tknowwhat 'swr ongwithLiy

anaandI 'm not
goingtoent ert
aini tbecausesheisj ustbeingcrazy,
tr
yingtocausemeunnecessar ystress.Iwillnot
all
owhert odot hattome, yesIlovet hatwomanso
muchbutapar tofhercanbet oomucht odeal wit
h
attimes.Ihav est art
edprayingforher ,
askingGod
tomakeherhear topenupt ohelpingaf el
low
womani nsteadofbel ievi
ngsheisher etor ui
nour
mar r
iage..
.

Idon'tknowwhybutev ersi
nceIst ar
tedpr ayingwit
h
HlengiweI'
vebeenf eeli
nglighterli
kemypr obl ems
arenowi nthehandsofabei ngwayhi gherthan
whatIcani magine.Iknewchr isti
anit
yexi stsbutmy
fai
thhasbeenwi t
hmyancest ors,Iknewonl yhowto
l
ightupcandlesandi mphephoandcommuni cate
withthen.Sl
aught eranani mal asasacr if
icewhenI
havet obutnowt hatr out
eseemst obebl ocked
henceIam t r
yingthisGodt heyspeaksohi ghlyof,
HlengiwedidsayIshoul
dopenmyheartandbel
iev
e
i
nhi spowerbecauseifIdon'
tthi
swi
l
lal
lbefor
nothing.
..

Myphonechi mesandi t'satextfrom mydaught er

tel
li
ngmet hatthey'
vear ri
vedsafelyintheci ty
.This
i
sar eliefandIhopet heyhav eagr eatweekend
getti
ngt oknoweachot herbett
er, I
'mjusthopi ng
thattheydon'tengagei nsexualintercoursebecause
Iwisht omar r
yherofft ohim sti
llsealedbutIt rust
them bot hnottorushintoany t
hingasy et.Thedoor
opensandDabul awalksi n.
..

Me:
ahhMzi
l
ikazi
kaMashobane.
Dabul
a:Mt
imande,
doy
ouhav
eami
nut
e?
Me:
ofcour
se,
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Dabul
a:yesIjustneededy
oursi
gnat
ureont
hese
documents.
Me:
ohokay
Hehandsmet
hepaper
sandIsi
gnev
erypage.
Me:
her
eyougo.
Dabul
a:t
hanky
ouandmyki
ngaf
terwor
kI'
l
lbe
l
eavi
ngfort
hecit
y.
Me:
Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.
Isayf
oldi
ngmyar
ms.
Dabul
a:ohy
esi
tis.I
'
mjustgoi
ngt
oseemyf
ami
l
y.
Me:ohIunder
stand.Pl
easeext
endmygr
eet
ingst
o
her
.
Dabul
a:def
ini
tel
y.Byt
hewaywher
ecanIf
indKay
ise?
Me:
ohshe'
snoti
ntoday
.
Hef
rowns.
Dabul
a:i
sshesi
ck?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:ohnotatal
l.Shet
rav
ell
edt
otheci
tyf
or
per
sonalr
easons.
Isaysohecangett hepict
ureandnotpr
obef ur
ther
.
Mydaughterappreci
atesherpri
vat
eli
fetobekept
asexact
lythatandKhumal oher
eisabusiness
associ
atewhoIknowKay isewoul
dn'
tl
ikeknowi
ng
anythi
ngaboutheri
fit
'snotbusi
nessr
elat
ed.
Dabul
a:ohIsee.
Thelookonhisfaceisalar
ming,l
i
kehei
smadthat
sheskippedwor
k.Iraiseaneyebr
owandhequi
ckl
y
sof
tenshisexpr
ession.
Me:
didy
ouneedherf
orany
thi
ng?
Dabul
a:ohno,
I'
mjustaski
ng.
Inodandhewal
ksout
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Thiscit
yisbeaut i
ful,
iti
smor et hanwhatIhad
i
magi nedittobe,thehouses, thecar sthepeople.
Everyt
hingjustgelswelltogetherandI 'm gl
admy
fi
rstexperi
enceofi ti
swiththel ov eofmyl i
fe.We
hadagr eatmor ni
ngwi t
hherf riendandIwi llsay
thatsheisal oudonebutv erywar m andwelcoming,
Ididn'
tfeeloutofplaceinherpr esence.Wedr ove
hertotheairportassheisgoi ngt ospendt he
weekendwit
hherfamil
yandlet'
snotli
eI'
mjustgl
ad
t
ohav ethewhol
eplacetoour
selves.
..

ZamaNgweny ai
nsist
edt hatweeatatther estaurant
andasner vousasIwasIj ustwentwiththef l
ow.
Theonl yrestaur
antI'
venev erat
ef r
om isKFCf rom
thenextneart ownandt heirmenuisnotas
compl i
catedast hi
sonebutKay i
sewaski ndenough
totel
l mewhatI 'dl
ikeandt hankGodshedi diti na
wayt hatdidn'tl
eavemef eeli
ngsmal l
.Mymeal was
deli
ciousanddi dn'
tneedmeusi ngknif
esandf orks
toeatitandt hanktheheav ensfort
hat..
.

Thewai tr
esscomesandcl ear
sthet abl
eandKay i
se
asksf ort
hebillandI'
mj ustl
ookingatheri nawe,
shelooksbreatht aki
nginthatdressandt hat
cleavageismaki ngmeuncomf ortable,
I'
vehadaf ew
erect
ionsthroughoutourmeal andIappr eciat
ethat
thetablehel
pedi nhidi
ngmyl ust.Shelooksupat
meandsmi l
es...
Kay
ise:
don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hatbabey
oumaki
ng
meshy.
Ir
aiseandey
ebr
owchuckl
i
ng.
Me:
youandshydon'
tbl
endl
i
ket
hat
.
Kay
ise:
ohwowBukho!
Shemakesasadf aceast hewai t
ressarri
veswi t
h
withthecheckandplacesi tdownont hetable
befor
eonceagainexcusi ngus.Iwat chherasshe
fi
ll
sitandoncesher eachesf orherpurseIquickl
y
takeit.
..
Me:
I'
ll
paymyl
ove.
Kay
ise:
it'
sokayIdon'
tmi
nd.
Me:y
oupaidfort
hepatrol
,thef
oodonthewayand
wearesl
eepi
ngataplaceyouorgani
sedsopl
ease
l
etme.
Shesmi
l
es.
Kay
ise:
okaymyl
ovet
hanky
ou.
Mypri
deasamanwoul dn'
tal
l
owmet oal
lowher
payf
orever
ythi
ng.Iopenandeyesl
andonthe
amount.What!R700f orwhatexactl
yyohsab'i
Goli
.I
seethatt
hemeal sanddr i
nksal
lcostR580andthe
resti
satipforourwaitress.Imanagenottoshow
myshockt oKay i
seandr eachformypocket,
good
thi
ngIhaveat housandr andandmybankcar don
me.

Wear riveattheapart mentandIt aketheplasticsful

l
ofsnacksandal cohol withmeinside,yesIdidn't
thi
nkI '
dspendsomuchmoneybutt hisisformy
gir
lfr
iendandshei swor theverycentandmor e.She
i
sleadi ngthewayt ot hatelevat
orthingandt hank
Godf ort heoutsi
delightscozIcanseeherl egsand
thi
ghsi nthi
sdar knight.SheissosexyandIswear
shewor ethatdresstot emptmet hisway ,I
'mf eel
ing
asmyer ecti
ongr owsst rongeryohIdon'tthi
nkI '
ve
fel
tthisway ,Iam inneedofsexbef oreIturninto
saltl
ikeLot '
swi f
e..
.

Wegetinsideandgototheki
tchentodropthe
pl
ast
ics,Iplacet
hem onthei
slandandwatchasshe
unpacksev eryt
hi ng.Ileanbackwhi lerubbi ngmy
cheekwi thmyt humbasIwat chher ,shei s
effortl
essl
ysway inghercur vesandt hatmakesme
thi
nkoft hepleasur eI'
dfeel i
nbetweenherl egsas
wemakel ove.Shest andsonhert oest r
yingtobe
tal
l enoughtoreachsomet hinginthet opcupboar d,
herdr essshortensbecauseoft hi
sandherbut t
cheeksget sexposedandLor dknowsIcan' thol
d
my selfanylonger .Iwalktoherandci r
clemyhands
aroundherwai standki ssherneck, shemoanst o
myt ouchandIt urnherar oundandt akeherl owerli
p
andsuckoni tgent l
y.Iappreciat
et hatshedoesn' t
rui
nourmomentbyaski ngquest i
onsr athershe
wrapsherar msar oundmyneckwi thonehand
brushingmybal dheadandI '
m weakathert ouch.
..

Iam nerv ousbutmydesi r

ef orhermakesmyf ear
s
dormant .Wef i
ndourwayt ot hebedroom wit
hout
breakingourkiss,i
t'
swetandourt onguesare
dancingt oget
hererot
icall
y.Icanfeelbothour
hungerint hi
skissandI '
m happyshewant smeas
muchasIwanther .Ifindherdresseszipandsli
dit
down, myhandsmov etoherbar eski nandIf eel fir
e
allovermybody .Shei sunbuckl ingmybel t
i
mpat i
ent l
y.Ipulloutoft heki ssandsheopensher
eyespant i
ngjustl ikeme.Ir emov eherdr essandher
breastsar eexposed, shehasabeaut ifulbodyandI
can'twai ttoexplor eal lofit.Kay i
sehel psmeoutof
myt -shi
r tandr unsherhandsal lov ermyabswhi l
e
bit
ingherl owerl ip.It akeof fmyj eansandt heboxer
atthewet imeandmyshoesgoi ngt hecl ubasIki ck
them off, myer ectionspr ingsf ree,shegaspsf orai r
andIt akei ti
nmyhandst rokingitf rom tiptothe
ballsandshe' smat chingmyhungr yst are,Iswal low
andmov ecl osert ohercuppi ngherbr eastinmy
handmassagi ngi tgent l
y,herhandf indsmyhar d
penisandshegi vesi tar ubt hatleav esmef eelinga
rushallov ermybody .Shel ooksupatmewi t
hher
l
ipspar tedandIgl adlygiveheraki sst hatensur es
wemakeourwayt ot hebed. ..

Ilayhergent
lyandgeti
nbetweenherl
egs,without
thinki
ngabouti
tmyhandmov estoherhoneypot
andi ti
swetsowetIcan'
thel
pbutdroolthi
nki
ngof
howamazingi
twillwelcomeme.Iam suckingon
herni
ppl
ewhil
strubbinghercli
tor
is,
hermoansgive
meconfi
denceandI'm gladI
'
m doingever
ythi
ng
ri
ghtsof
ar.

Kay
ise:
Bukhopl
ease.
Shecr
iesandthatissat
isfactoryt
omebecauseal
lI
want
edwast ogiveherpleasure.

Ipositionmyhar dmanhoodonherent ranceand

l
ookatherbeggi ngey es, shewant smei nsideand
now.Isl i
demyt ipinandshel etsoutasof tmoanas
Ipushf urt
herinwi t
hherj uicesmaki ngi teasyf or
met openet r
atehert i
ght ness.Idon' tthinkI '
veever
feltt
hiswaybef ore,shei smoi standwar m andt he
pleasur ethatisalr
eadyr unningt hroughmei s
maki ngmeweak.Iam f ullydeepi nsideofherand
herhandsar erubbingmybacksensual ly,the
sensat i
oni sjustaddingt ot hef i
remybodyi s
exper i
encing.Istarttosl owl ythr
usti ntoherandshe
i
smoani nginmyearandIt akeinhowamazi ngthi
s
feel
s.Shei sgr
ippi
ngont heri
gidmusclesofmy
shoulderasIpumpal i
ttl
efaster,
hear
inghercal
l
ing
mynamebecauseofpl easur
ei sagoalIhave
reached..
.

Kay
ise:
ahhhhBukhobaby
,yesj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.
Shecommentsandri
ghtnowI'
mf orget
ti
ngthatmy
vi
rgi
nit
yist
heonebei
ngbrokenatthispoi
nt.
Me:
Ilov
eyousomuch.
Isayasherl
egswr
apar
oundmywai
st.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

It
'snotfaruntil
Ifeelmy selfabouttopourmyseed
deepinsideofherandt hef eeli
nghasmepr essing
herdownont hemat r
essandopeni ngherl egswi der
byplacingmyar msunderhert highsandj erki
ng
them upabi twhil
egr i
pingmyt oesont heedgessoI
canthrustdeeperinhersl eekhoney potthatis
huggingmypeni stightl
y.Igroanl oudandcussasI
l
etgoi nsideofher,hernailsarediggingmyski nand
shekissesmyshoul
derasIcol
l
apseont
opofher
tr
yingtocat
chmybreath.
..
.

Kayise:
andhereIwast
hinki
ngI
'
dhav
etot
alky
ou
thr
oughever
ything.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
Iam shockedt
oobaby
.
Kayi
se:t
hatwasamazingmylov
eandIhopey
ou
enj
oyeditasmuchasIdid.
Me:i
twasmagical
,thanky
ouf
oral
l
owi
ngmet
o
wor
shipy
ourbody.
Kay
ise:
doy
out
hinky
oucangoagai
ninami
nut
e?
Ikissherl
i
psandsl
idemynowsoftdi
ckoutofher
andlaynextt
oherwhil
emyhandmassagesher
breast
.
Me:It
hinkIcandothatagaini
naminut
e.Youhav
e
noi
deahowamazi ngitf
eltbei
ngi
nsi
deofyou.
Iadmitandsheblushedhi
ddi
ngherf
acei
nmychest
.
It
'scut
eseeingKayisebl
ushf
orme
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER28
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iwokeupsoear ly
, nowhatImeani sIwasawakeal l
nightwaitingfort hecr ackofdawnsoIcanmakemy
wayt oManzi 'sshr ine.Idon'tknowwhyt het hought
ofgoingt othatpl acescar esmet hi
smuch, itisn'
t
myf ir
strodeobutwi tchcrafti
snochi ld'
splayand
honestlyIdon' tthinkany onegetsusedt oi
tev enthe
witchdoct orsthemsel ves.Myhear tisbeatingso
fastasI '
m scar edofwhatManzi mi ghtaskofmet o
getridofHl engi we, whatI'
velearntinthedar kworld
i
st hatnothingcomesf orf r
ee.Yesy oupayt he
consultati
onf eebutt hat'
sjustthefaceofi tal l
..
.

Igrabmyjer
seyontopofmybedandmycel l
phone
thenmakemywayoutoft her
oom.Bheki
issnori
ng
sli
ghtl
ysoIknowheisoutofi
tandwon'
thearme
sneakout,notl
ikehe'
dcareanyway.Aft
ertodayhe
will
defi
nit
elybebacktowherehewasbef orethat
Hlengi
wewomanst eppedi
ntoourhome.Thehouse
i
sdeadsi l
entasIwalkpassedotherr
oomst othe
darkmorningoutsi
de..
.

Thesecurityguar dsdidn'
twantt oopent hegatefor
mebutIr emi ndedt hem thatI'
mt heQueenhereand
mywor dhol dsaut hori
tyoverthem.Iknowt heywill
tel
lBhekithatIleftatthisawf ulhourbutIwil
lbe
backwithsomet hingtosav emymar r
iagesohis
rangeandsuspensi onswi l
lnotmakemeuneasy .I
gettotheriverandcamouf lagethecarwi t
hthebig
palmtreeleafs,oncedoneIt akemyphonet ocal
l
Dabulabuthi svoicealmostki ll
smef rom behi
nd..
.

Dabul
a:Iam her
edon'
tbot
hercal
l
ing.
Ij
umpali
ttl
easmyhear
tbeat
suncont
rol
l
abl
yli
ke
Manzi
'
sdrums.
Me:
doy
ouwantt
ogi
vemeahear
tat
tack?
Iam annoy
edr
ightnow.
Dabul
a:f
orawi
tchy
ouhav
eahear
tofabi
rd.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
I'
m nowi
tch.
Myst
atementi
sfol
l
owedbyachuckl
e.
Dabul
a:y
oucanmakeagr
eatcomedi
anLi
yana.
Comelet
'sgo.
Hesaysalr
eadyl
eadi
ngt heway.Ij
ustf
oll
owbehi
nd
wit
houtsayi
ngaword,heiswhist
li
ngsomemelodyI
can'
tmakeoutandit
'sterr
ibl
e.
Iwillnevergetusedtothislongdar kf oot
pathtot he
shrinebutIknowweget ti
ngnearast hosechil
ling
screamsf rom t
hedar kforeststarttogetaudible,he
l
ooksbackatmewi thasmi lethenf aceshisfront
openinghisarms.Freak!Butwhatel secanIsay ,
he'shappyt obehome.Aswef inall
ygettothe
shrinehisdescendentishitti
ngdr umst oamel ody
thatseemst ogetDabul aoffit,
hest artstodance
whileburpingnowandagai nandt ruthbetoldthe
owlst hatarefl
yi
ngont opofourheadsar eoutof
controlaswell,
thetreesaremov i
ngliketheare
peopleinthere,i
t'
sli
keI '
m watchi
ngal owbudget
horrormov i
e.The"festi
vit
ies"goonawhi leand
whent heystopManz irushesandkneelsdown
i
nfrontofDabulawhi l
eclappinghishands.
Manzi:theonl yonewho' severr
uledthewor l
dand
thewater .Theonewho' spowergoesabov eand
givesever yonethei
rheartsdesi
res.Thegreatspi
ri
t
whowi l
l onceagai nrul
ethelandandhol dauthor
it
y
overevery one.Welcomet oyourhomet hegreat
Dabulamanzi Cebekhul
u.
Irai
semyeyebr
owatthatsur
name,
I'
vehear
dofi
t
befor
eandnotj
ustatr
andom.
Dabul
a:y
ouhav
ebeendoi
nganamazi
ngj
obson.
Hepat
shi
sshoul
der
.
Manzi
:ngi
yabongamkhul
u.
Her ai
sesandhiseyesl
andonme,heflashesme
thatcheesef
lav
ouredsmil
eandt
ot hi
sdayi tsends
shiver
sdownmyspi ne.
Manzi
:Li
yana!
Iexhal
e.
Me:
thokoza.
Manzi
:wecangot
hisway
.
Wef ollowhimintothehutandl eaveourshoes
outsidethedoorbef oregett
ingi nandset t
li
ngont he
grassmat .Dabul
ar eachest othebot t
lethat
containsthesnakeandopenst heli
d.Iswearmy
heartalmoststops,theblackt hickserpentescapes
thecont ai
nerandslither
stowar dsmewhi le
fl
ickeri
ngit'
stongue, Iam goingt omessmypant s.
Dabul
a:r
elax,i
twill
doy ounohar
m,unl
essy
ou
camewit
hsi ni
steri
ntenti
ons.
Icl
osemyey esasIhearthem bothchuckl
e.If
eel
thi
sthi
nggetonmef r
om thebackandit'
sheadis
onmyshoulderinseconds.Tearsfal
lfr
om myeyes
andIfeel
someoner emoveitfrom me.
Dabula:l
etmer emovei
tbefor
eyoudieher
e.Iopen
oneey efi
rstandManzi
istheoneput
ti
ngitbackin
thecontai
ner.
Manzi
:mkhul
u,whatbr
ingsy
ouandt
heQueenher
e.
Dabula:Ihavetakenphy si
calform nowandIcan't
seemuch, Ihaveaf eeli
ngthatsomet hi
ngiswrong
from deepwithi
nespeci al
l
ywit hthatHl
engiwe
woman, sheisheavyf orme.If ai
ltobeinthesame
room asher.
Manzi
:that
'sbecauseshei
sapray
erwarr
ior
.We
needt
ogetr i
dofherbutmuti
won'
tworkonher
.
Isi
ghdef
eat
ed.
Dabul
a:t
her
ehast
obesomet
hingwecando.
Manzi
:shejusthast
oleav
ethepal
acesoy
oucan
becomfor
table.
Dabula:thatweakl
ingBhekumbusowi
l
lnev
eragr
ee
toherleavingIcanfeel
it.
Hesay
sandmyhear
tdr
opst
omyst
omach.
Manzi
:thenwewi
ll
hav
et omakehi
m uselesssoal
l
t
hepowercanbeonLi
yanaunt
ilwegetKayiset
o
f
all
foryou.
Me:nono!Pl
easedon'
thar
m Bhekumbuso,Iwil
lget
hi
mt ogetHl
engi
weoutofthepal
acejustdon'
thurt
myhusband.
Manzi
:youhav
ejustaweekt
omaket
hathappen.
Icl
osemyeyesal
readyt
ryi
ngt
ofi
gur
eoutwhatI
'
m
goi
ngtodo.
Dabul
a:nowt
ell
mewher
emywi
fei
s.
Manzibl
i
nksacoupleofti
mesandIcanseehe's
ner
vousaboutwhatDabul
ajustaskedofhi
m.
Manzi
:mkhul
uyourwi
fei
sint
heci
ty
Me:yesshei
s,Bheki
sai
dshewentt
ovi
sitherf
ri
end
Pear
l.
Manzi
:mkhul
ushei
swi
thBukhosi
,andt
heyhav
e
donet
hedeed.
Igaspf orai
randlookatDabula,
hehashisjaws
clenchedandhishandshaveformedfist
s.Ohhow
couldKay i
sedothist
ome, aft
erall
thatIwent
throughtopuri
fyher.
Dabul
a:getr
idoft
hatboybef
oreIki
l
lthem bot
h.
He'
sli
vi
d.
Manzi:weneedtosacr
if
iceavir
ginfory
oubecause
oft
his.Li
yananowyouhav et
wot askst
ocomplete
i
noneweek.Youknowt
hedr
il
l.
OhGodt hi
sisnothappeni
ng,
Ican'
tki
l
lanot
her
i
nnocentgi
rl.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

¶.
..
Likeabr
andnewday
nowy
ouandI
,we'
ret
hef
aceoff
ame
Ai
n'
tnobodygotnot
hingt
osay
,no
Andf
rom myf
eel
i
ngs
Inev
erhav
etor
unaway
Nomor
e
Becausehe'
sher
e
Hol
dingmet
ight
Nowev
erydayandni
ght
Ohbaby
Can'
tyousee?
Idon'
twannabewi
thouty
ouany
mor
e

OhhhhhhI
'
m gi
vi
ngmy
sel
fov
ert
oyou
Bodyandsoul
I
'
m gi
vi
ngi
tov
er
I
'
m gi
vi
ngmy
sel
fov
ert
oyou.
..
¶

Iam si ngingalongt oGi vingMy selfbyJenni fer

Hudson, thissongsoundssoper f ectespeci all
yafter
theni ghtwehad.If inall
ypoppedhi scher r yandt ruth
bet oldhewasn' tbadf ort hefi
rstt i
me, buti t'snot
l
ikeIhav eal otofexper ienceorr eferencest o
compar ehi mto.EitherwayI '
m happywi t
hhowi t
tur
nedout ,heini
ti
atedi tandt ooki talltheway .I
enjoyedev eryminuteofi tashet ookchar geast he
manandt hankGodIf orcedhimt owat chXv ideos
cozi tclearlyhadahandi nhowhedel i
ver edt hose
str
okes, mypussyi sev enpulsatingatt het houghtof
himi nsideme. ..
Iwokeupear lytomakehim breakfast,
Ijustwanna
appreci
atehim andshowhi m howmuchIl ov
ehim.
I'
minnot hi
ngbuthist-shi
rt
,it'
snotlongenoughas
mybut tcheeksareexposedandIhav eno
underwearon.Imadesomet hi
ngli
ghtbecauseI
wantust ogohav ebrunchsomewher enicebefor
eI
showhi m moreofjohannesburg.
..

Ipourt hecranberryjuiceinagl assasIf eel his

handswr aparoundme.Ismi lewhenhi sl ipslandon
thenapeofmynecksendi ngdel ici
ousshi versdown
myspi netomycl it
oris.Canhej ustpar tmyl egsand
pumpmef rom behindbecausewowIcan' tseem t o
hav eenoughofhi sjuni or
.Het urnsmear oundand
befor eIcansayany thinghet akesmyl ipsi ntohis
kissingthem passionat el
y, t
het asteofmi ntf rom the
toothpastemakesmesuckonhi stonguel onger
thanIshoul dandt hatear nsmehi serect i
on, Ifeeli
t
pokingmebel owmybel l
ybut ton, yepI'
m shor tli
ke
thatt othi
sman.Ihol dhi mt ight erandhi shands
mov et omyassandhesqueezesgent l
ymaki ngme
moani nhismout h.Hepul l
soutbef or
et hingsgoany
f
urt
herandIf
arr
owmyf
orehead.
..

Bukhosi
:goodmor
ningmyl
ove.
Me:
whydi
dyoust
op?
Hi
sbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
efor
msandhowcanInotmel
t?
Bukhosi
:thi
slooksgood.
Hesayshiseyesonthet
rayoff
oodandIr
emember
Imadehim br
eakfast
.
Me:oht
hisi
sfory
oubutIwant
edt
oser
vei
ttoy
ou
i
nbed.
Heki
ssesmyf
orehead.
Bukhosi
:real
l
y?t
henl
etmegobackt
obedt
hen.
Het ur
nsbef oreIcansayany thi
ngandIchuckl e.I
puttheplateinthemi cr
owav eandwar mt hem up
beforeheadingtothebedr oom,leav i
ngJenni f
er
Hudsononr epeat
.Istoponmyt racksasmyey es
l
andont hisnakedchocol atemanposi ngonmybed
wit
hhi serecti
onstrongandst eady.Isaliv
at eatthe
si
ghtoft hi
sper f
ecti
onthatisallmi ne.
Bukhosi
:ar
eyougoi
ngt
obr
ingmemyf
ood
ZamaNgwenya?
Hisvoicehit
sthefi
nalnail
onmycoff
inasthemoi
st
betweenmyl egsi
ncreasesandi
t'
samatt
erof
secondstil
lmyarousaldri
psdownmythi
ghs.
Me:
ohy
esbabyt
hisi
sfory
ou.Hopey
ouenj
oyi
t.
Iwal
kfurt
herinandhesi
tsupstrai
ghtsoI'
m abl
eto
pl
acethetrayst
eadyont
hebedwi t
hhislegs
bet
weenit.Hetakest
hesausageandbit
esit.
Bukhosi
:mhhht
hisi
sgoodbaby
.
Ismi
l
e
Me:
canwepl
easegooutf
orbr
unchaf
ter
.
Bukhosi
:br
unch?
Heaskscaref r
eeandIl
ovehowhehasgr own
comfor
tablewi t
hmethathedoesn'
tfeel
badwhenI
saysomethinghedoesn'
tunder
standbutrat
her
askswhatitis.
Me:i
t'
sacombinat
ionofbreakf
astandl
unchand
canbeser
vedwit
halcohol
i
cbev er
ages.
Henods.
Bukhosi:
okaybabeandpleaset
akemet
oan
aff
ordabl
eclot
hingst
oresoIcanbuymy
sel
faf
ew
i
tems.
Hesay
sandInodwi
thasmi
l
e.
Bukhosi
:IloveyouKayi
sewit
hallmyheart
,just
knowthatlastni
ghtwasusbecomingoneandfrom
thenIwi
llneverl
oveanywomanlikeIdoyou.
Myhear
tispumpedwi
thj
oyandcont
ent
ment
Me: Ilovey
out oomychocoandy ouknowI'
mi nt
his
forli
feandpleaseremindmetobuyt hemorni
ng
afterpil
l
,wedon'twanttodi
sappointmyfat
herwit
h
pregnancybeforewegetmarri
ed.
Bukhosi
:okayandI
'
mreal
l
ysor
ryf
ornotbr
ingi
ng
condoms.
Me:i
t'
sokay
,Iwi
l
lgetont
hepi
l
lsowedon'
thav
eto
wor
ry.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Iwokeupandmywi f
ewasn'tnextt ome, todayI
want edtotal
ktoherandf i
ndoutwhat '
sgoi ngon
withher,yesIknowIsai dI
'm goingt olethebebut
Liyanaismywi feandIloveherandt hesef ewday s
hav ebeenhecti
csomucht hatImi ssher .Idon't
wantany thi
ngcomi nginbetweenusandi fIhaveto
reassurehertomakesur ethingsar erightthen
that'
swhatI '
l
ldo..
.

Mypr ayersessionwi t
hHl engiwewasapower f
ul
one, shesaidshewasn' tfeeli
ngokayandshef elt
l
ikesomet hingi sgoi
ngt ohappen.Shecr iedduring
ourpr ayerandoncewewer edoneshewasshaki ng
thatIhadt oaskhert osleepal it
tl
esoshecanf eel
better.Iam v eryfondofHl engiweandagr eat
erpart
ofmewant st ohelpherheal thepainoflosingher
daught er,I
'
m al sogratefulthatsheint
roducedmet o
prayerandbecauseofi tIfeelsohopefulthat
what everisgoi ngtohappent omyf amil
yandt he
wholev
il
lagebecauseofthi
sunknownenemywi
l
l
passwi
thusv i
ctor
ious.
..

Iputonmywat chandgot otheki t

chentogett he
plat
eofbr eakfastIaskedt hemai dst osaveforher.I
fi
ndthepl ateinthemi crowaveandpourheragl ass
ofjui
ceandt akebottl
edwat ergoi ngtoherroom.I
knockbutIgetnor esponsesoIj ustopen,walkingi
n
sheisst i
lli
nbedsl eepingpeacef ull
y.Ipl
acethe
plat
eandt heglasswitht hebottl
eofwat eront he
pedest al
andsi tontheedgeoft hebedbef or
e
shakinghergent lywakingherup.Hl engi
weopens
herey esslowlyandwhent heylandonmesher ubs
them andsi t
supst rai
ght .
..

Hl
engi
we:
myki
ng.
Me:
Hlengi
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Shesi
ghsdeepl
y
Hlengi
we:bet
terbutt
hef
eel
i
ngi
sst
il
lver
ymuch
l
ingeri
ng.
Inod.
Me:
hav
esomet
hingt
oeat
.
Hl
engi
we:
thanksbutIdon'
thav
eanappet
it
e.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
pleaseeat
,forme.
Shegi
vesmeaf
aintsmi
l
e.
Hl
engi
we:
I'
ll
hav
eaf
ewbi
test
hen.
Me:
it'
sbet
tert
hannot
hing.
Ihandherthepl
ateandsheeatsslowly.Myphone
chimesinmypocketandItakei
tout,it
'sSgonondo
theboywhohast akenov
erBukhosi'
spositi
on.His
textsay
smakhosi i
saski
ngformypr esenceand
he'swait
ingi
ntheancest
ralr
oom.
Me:
Hlengi
,Iwi
l
lber
ightback.
Shenodsbecauseshehashermout
hful
l
.
Iwalkoutofherbedroom andheadoutsi
det othe
hutdedicat
edt omyancestor
s.If
indhim al
readyin
ther
e,candlesburni
ngandimphephosmel l
ingand
i
ts'smokefill
ingt
her oom.Uy
aphahlasoIjust
removemyshoesandsett
leonthest
rawmat.He
conti
nuesandI
'
m si
tt
ingherewonder
ingwhat
's
happeni
ng.
Ij
usthopethi
sisgoodnewsatl
east
.Hefi
nishes
communicati
ngwit
hthenhel
ooksupatme.
Makhosi
:nkosi
yami
(myki
ng)
.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Iaskandyoucannotmi
sst
hepani
cinmyv
oice.He
l
etsoutadeepsigh.
Makhosi
:yourancest
orshav
emadecommuni
cat
ion.
Me:
isi
taboutt
heenemy
?
Makhosi
:nomyki
ng,
theyar
ebl
i
ndt
owar
dst
hat
matt
er.
Ihuf
f
Me:
thenwhatdi
dthesay
.
Makhosi:t
heycommuni cat
edthisr
equestafew
daysagoandIhav ebeentr
yingtof
indclear
it
ybut
theyj
ustsaythatwit
hurgency.
If
rown,
whatcoul
dbemor
eur
gentt
hant
hedamn
enemywhoi
scomi
ngt
odest
royme.
Me:
whatdot
heywantf
rom me?
Iaskbor
ed.
Makhosi
:theywanty
out
otakeMaShangeasy
our
wi
fe.
If
rownandr
ubmychi
ninconf
usi
on.
Me:whoisMaShangeandwhywoul
dImar
ryher
whenIhaveLi
yana.
Makhosi
: Ionl
ycommunicatewhattheyt
ellmeand
t
hat'
sallnoexplanat
ionj
ustthaty
oushouldmarr
y
Hl
engiwe.
Igaspf
orai
randshakemyhead.
Me:
theHl
engi
wei
nmyhome?
Makhosi
:yesmyki
ng,
Zonke'
smot
her
.
Ohno,Ibur
rymyheadinmyhandstryi
ngto
compr
ehendwhathejustsai
dri
ghtnow.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI
Ididn'
tbeli
ev eli
fecangot hiswayf oraguylikeme.I
can'tbel
ieveIfoundlovei noneper sonIonly
thoughtI'
donl yadmir
ef rom afarbutshesawme,
shesawmef orwhatIam andnotwhatIhav e.
Kay i
sedidn'tcar
eaboutt hediffer
encein
backgroundsbet weenus, shewaswi l
l
ingtolovemy
poorselfandhel pmer eali
zemyt ruedr eamsand
wor ktowardsthem.Thisgi rl
isallmydr eamscome
trueandIwi shIcanjustshowherhowmuchshe
meanst ome. ..

Thenshegav emeherbodyandourl ovewas

consummat edandwebecomeonesoul .Myl ove
mul t
ipl
i
edandIknowIwantt ol
ov eherf orever
throughital
l.Allfourseasonsshei st heoneIwant ,
whenImakei tinlif
eIwi lll
aymywor lddownather
feetandgiveherev er
y t
hinginherwi ldestdreams.
Mywomanmyev er
y t
hing,Iswearf rom hereonl i
fe
canonlygetbet ter,fr
om her eIwor ktogett hef arm
offthegroundsoIcanst ar
tmaki ngmoneyt opay
herlobolawhichwon' tcomecheapbuti t'
sallwor t
h
i
tbecauseIwi l
lbet heluckiestmani nthewor ld..
.
West artedatt hecl othi
ngst or
eandIgotaf ewpai r
s
ofjeansandpant sshecal l
edchi nosandcar go
pants,agoodamountoft -shir
tsandt wopai rsof
sneakersandmansandal s.Every t
hingwaschosen
byherandIl ovethem al l.Thoughi tal
lcostedhal fof
mysav ingsi tsti
llfeltgood, atleastIhav esome
moneyl eftforthebedIwant edtobuy .Nowwear e
atsomer estauranthav ingt hebrunchshespokeof ,
sheaskedt hatshepay sf orevery t
hingbecauseI
j
ustboughtmy selfclothesandIwant edtosayno
butKayiseusedheraccount i
ngdegr eetogetmeon
boardofnotusi ngt helitt
leIhav el ef
tbyexpl ai
ning
al
l t
hesebombast i
ct ermi nology.Wear ehav inga
dri
nkcal l
edmi mosa, i
t'
schampagnemi xedwi t
h
orangejuiceandi tt astesr eall
ygood. .
.

Me:
I'
m hav
ingagoodt
ime.
Kay
ise:
I'
m gl
ady
ouar
eBukho.
Shesi
psonherdr
ink.
Me:
whenar
ewel
eav
ingbaby
?
Kay
ise:
onMondaychocol
ate,
tomor
rowIwantust
o
got
othef
our
way
sfar
mer
smar
ket
.
Me:
whati
sthatnow?
Kay
ise:
leti
tbeasur
pri
sebutIknowy
ouar
egoi
ng
tol
oveit
.
Me:
Itr
usty
ou.
Aguyappr oachesthetableandhei
sn'tawai
tress,
heisinanout f
itt
hatscreamswealthandpower.He
stopsbehindZamaNgweny aandt
akesoffhi
s
sunglasses.
Hi
m:Kay
ise?
Hecall
soutunsur
eandshef
rownsbef
orel
ooki
ng
backathi
m.
Kay
ise:
Lunj
e?
Shei
sshocked.
Hi
m:Ithoughtthatwasy
ou.Iwassi
tt
ingov
erther
e
wi
tht
hegent sandmyeyeskeptl
andi
ngonyou.
Kay
ise:
yepi
tisme.
Him:wowyoul
ookbeaut
if
ulbabe.Ihear
dthaty
ou
backhome.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
ow,
whoi
sthi
sguyagai
n?
Kay
ise:
yesIwasnev
erher
etost
ay.
Hi
m:y
epIknowIcoul
d'
vebeent
heki
ng.
HechucklesbutZamadoesn'
t,
Ican'
tseeher
becauseshe'
slooki
ngathi
m wit
hherbacktowar
ds
me.
Kay
ise:
mhhhh.
Couldthi
sbet heguythatt
ookhervi
rgi
nit
y?I
fhei
s
thenIam def
init
elyadowngrade.
Him:sowho'
sthi
s?Yourguar
d?Icanseet
hebui
l
t
body
, y
ousaf
ehey.
Heasksandittakesev
eryt
hingi
nmenott
oreacti
n
shametothatstat
ement.
Kay
ise:
excusey
ouLunj
e!Thi
sismyf
ianceBukhosi
.
Sheonceagaincomest
omyr
escuebutmyegohas
takent
heblow.
Hi
m:ohshi
tI'
m sor
ry.I
t'
sjust
.
Kay
ise:
justshutupanddi
sappear
.
Hescoff
sandputshi
sglassesbackonandt
akes
outacar
dfrom hi
swal
let
.
Hi
m:gi
vemeacal
lsomet
imesowecancat
chup.
Shedoesn'ttakeitnordoesshesayanythingbut
facest
owar dsmewi t
hpleadi
ngeyes.Thisguyputs
thecar
dint hebagont hechairt
hendisappears,
I
haveneverfeltsosmal l
asIdonow.
Kayi
se:
I'
m sor
rybaby
,Idi
dn'
tthi
nkwe'
dbumpi
nto
hi
m.
Me:
canwegopl
ease.
Kay
ise:
babypl
easel
et-
Iqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
Me:
pleaseIcan'
tst
ayher
eanyl
onger
.
Shecl
osesherey
es.
Kay
ise:
okayl
etmecal
lthewai
tr
ess.
Myperfectdayj
ustgotr
uined,
mypover
tystr
icken
sel
fhasonceagainremi
ndedmethatsheistoo
goodforme.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER29
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Ij
ustpaidthebillandBukhosi wasalreadyatthe
doorgoingtothecar ,Ihonestl
yunderstandwhyhe
wouldtakeoffensef r
om whatLunj esaidandany
manwoul dbutsomedayhe' sgoingtohav etobe
abl
etost andupf orhimselfandourrelati
onship.
YesIdon'tminddef endinghishonorwhenIf eelit
's
onl
yrightbutatsomepoi nthe'sgoi
ngt oneedt obe
abl
etot akeoverthisrelat
ionshipastheman. .
.

YesI'
m notsobi gongenderr ol
esbutIthi
nkmost
womani ncludi
ngmewantamanwhot akescharge,
canleadthem, pr
otectandf ightf
orthei
rlove.Atthe
endofthedayI '
m planningongoi ngall
thewaywi th
Bukhosiandbecauseoft hatheisgoingtobeaKi ng
andthatrequir
esconf i
dencei none'
sselfasnowt he
responsibi
li
tyofanationwi
llbeonhi
sshoulder
sso
whatev erheencountersal
ongthewaywi
llneedto
dealwithitswif
tl
y.
..

Iunderstandhedi dn'tgrowupwi t
hasi l
verspoon
l
ikemy sel fandLunj e,li
feforhim wasdi f
fi
cul tand
probablyst i
llisbutnowhei sdoingsomet hi ngwi t
h
hisli
fe.Thi sinferi
or i
tycompl exneedst ost op, no
onewi l
ltakehi m ser i
ousifhel ooksdownon
himself,seriousr espect edbusinessmanst arted
fr
om humbl ebegi nni ngs.Ilovehim withallmyhear t
andIwi l
l const antlychoosehi m ov ert
helikesof
LunjeandDabul abutwhathedi djustputmeof f
seri
ously...

Igettotheparki
nglotandhe'sl
eaningonthecar
withhi
sey esfi
xedonhisphone.Thecompl exis
nowbusywi thpeopl
egoingupanddown, l
ikethem
wewer esupposedtobehav i
ngagr eataf
ternoon.I
putmypur seandthepiggybaginthebackashe
sl
ipsinthepassengerseat
,Ij
oinhim andbringthe
enginetolif
e.Thesi lenceist oomuchf ormesoI
putonsomemusi cj usttokillthisuncomf or
table
sil
ence.Wegethomeandst il
l nowor dhasbeen
exchangedbet weenussi ncewel eftt
herestaurant
,I
don'twannaf orceaconv ersationonhi m soI'm
goingtoleav ehim beunt il
hehascal meddown.He
takesoutev eryt
hingi nthebackandweheadt othe
apartment,Igost rai
ghtt othebedr oom andchange
i
ntoacomf ortabl
edr essandwal kbarefoottothe
kit
chen,Ineedagl assofwi ne.If inddryredchill
ing
i
nt hefri
dgeandIgr abagl assandgul pdownt he
content
.Ifeel hi
m gr abmef rom t heback,Iclosemy
eyesashi stouchi gnitessomet hi
ngdeepwi t
hin
me. .
.

Bukhosi
:I'
m sosor
ryZamaNgweny
a.
Heki
ssesmyear
.
Me:
whydidyoul
etsomeonewhomeansnot
hingt
o
merui
nourmoment?
Hel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Bukhosi
:Ij
ustl
i
stenedt
owhathesai
dandt
ooki
tto
hear
t.
Me:asyoushoul
dbecausei twasoffensi
vebutyou
shoul
dhavesethim st
rai
ghtpoli
tel
ybecausethat'
s
themanyouare,cal
m andreserv
ed.
Bukhosi
:somet
imesIfeel
likeyouaret
oogoodf
or
me,andonedayyou'
l
lreal
izethisandl
eav
eme.
Me:st
opthisBukhoplease.Youareenoughandyou
makemehappybuty ourlowselfest
eem iswhatwi
ll
makemer ecoi
lfr
om younotanothermanev eni
fhe
i
sabil
li
onaire.
Bukhosi :youar eri
ght
,Ineedtost opf
eeli
ngsor r
yfor
my sel
f .Ididn'
tchoosetobebor ninpovert
yandI
shouldst opal lowi
ngi
ttocontrolmyemot i
ons.I
havesomet hi
nggoingonformenowi t'
sbigandit
wil
l wipet heshameIhav ealwaysbeensubj ect
edto.
Youar emydr eamscomet r
ue.Iloveyoubabyand
I'
mr eallysor r
y .
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oochocol
ate.
Bukhosi
:andwef
orgott
obuyt
hepi
l
lyouspokeof
.
Icussundermybr
eat
h.
Me:
weneedt
ogett
othephar
macynow.
Hechuckl
esatmypani
c.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iam soangr ywi t

hKayise,howt hehel
l doesshego
outtheretosl eepwi t
hBukhosi ?Imeanhei snothi
ng
butourser vantsohowdar esheal l
owacommoner
tohav ehiswaywi thherbodyl ikethat
.Iam
disappointedinmydaught er,whenIwasherageI
wasst ablewithherf atherandhewast heonlyman
whoknewmynakednessandt odat eBekhi i
sstil
l
theonlymanI '
veev ersleptwithbutIcan' tsaythe
sameabouther .Herstupidit
ykeepscost ingmeas
nowIhav etof i
ndav ir
ginf orDabulaandIdon' t
knowi fmyconsci ouswi l
lcarrymet hrought heguil
t
onceagai n..
.

Ihavebeentr
yingtocomeupwit
hawayt okil
ltwo
bir
dswithonestone-Hl
engi
weandBukhosi
-.They
areboththornsonmysi deast hei
rpresenceisj ust
costi
ngmemor ethanIbargainedfor.Idi
dn'tsignup
todealwithallt
hesepeople,sacri
fi
cesandl i
ving
withspi
ri
tsinmyhome.Ij ustwant edachildtosav e
mymar ri
agebutI '
m her
enowandcompl ai
ningwi ll
notgetmeany where..
.

IparkoutsideBukhosi '
shouseandmakemyway
i
nside.They ardiscleanI'
ll
giveitt
ot hem butIcan
smellpovertyfrom ami l
eaway .I
t'
sclearthi
sboyi s
onlywithKay i
sebecauseoft hemoneyandpower
shecomeswi thbutI'l
lbedammedi fhecontinuesto
usemychi ldli
keshe' sabank.Thedoori sopenand
Ipeepinsidetof i
ndoneoft hemai dsthatwor kat
thepalacebusyont hest ove.
..

Me:
Khany
o!
Heeyesmov
etomeandpani
cfl
ashesacr
ossher
f
ace.
Khany
o:myqueenuhm ma?
Shemumbl
esandIst
epi
n.
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Khanyo:I
'
m st
ayi
ngwi
thmam'
Phi
ndi
l
efort
he
weekend.
Ihuf
f.
Me:
onwho'
sor
der
s?
Khany
o:t
heprincessaskedmetodot hi
sforherand
i
tismyweekendof fsoIdi
dn'
tmind.
Inod.
Me:
right
,Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hyouonMonday
.
Isayandawashedoutwomanappearscoughi
ngat
l
eastshehasmanner
sasshecoveredhermouth
withherar
m.
Phindi
l
e:ohIdi
dn'tr
eal
i
zewehav
eaguest
,my
queenwelcome.
Me:
youmustbeBukhosi
'
smom.
Phi
ndi
l
e:y
esIam,
pleasecomeoni
nandt
akeasi
t.
Il
ookar
oundwi
thmyf
rownedf
ace.
Me:
not
hanky
ou,
I'
ll
stand.
Phi
ndil
e:oh,
towhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
eofr
oyal
ty
gr
acingmyhome.
Me:areyouawar
eofwhaty
oursoni
sdoi
ngwi
thmy
Kay
ise?
Hersmi
l
ewi
dens.
Phi
ndil
e:yourdaughteri
ssuchasweethear
t.
Bukhosii
sveryblessedthatherey
esl
andedonhi
m.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
exact
ly!hei
snoti
nhercl
ass.
Theybot
hgaspf
orai
r.
Phi
ndi
l
e:excusememyQueen?
Herexci
tementhasdi
eddown.
Me:hemanagedtogetafar
m outofmydaught
erso
gety
ourgol
ddiggert
obackoff
.
Phi
ndi
l
e:mysonisnotwit
hthepri
ncessforher
money
.Hegenui
nel
ylovesandcar
esf orher
.
Me:
whatcoul
dhepossi
blyof
ferher
?Hehas
not
hing.Lookatt
hispl
acei
t'
spov
ert
yev
ery
wher
e.
Iwav
ear
oundwi
thmyhand.
Phindi
le:wi
thallduerespectmyQueeny oudidn'
t
haveadi mewhent heKingmar r
iedyouandy ou
camef rom t
hesamepov er
tyyouarenowl ooki
ng
downon.Don' tcomeher etoi
nsultusforwhatyou
didn'
tworkfor.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
ow.
Me:
howdar
eyouspeakt
omei
nthatmanner
?
Sheshakesherheadsl
i
ght
ly.
Phi
ndi
l
e:pl
easel
eav
emyhouse.
Me:
youwi
l
lregr
ett
his.
Isayandheadoutf
eel
i
ngi
nfur
iat
ed.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Wil
lIcat
chabreak?Can'tIdealwi
thonemat
terata
t
ime?I'
m st
il
ltr
yingt
ofigureoutwhothi
sdamn
enemyi sandwhatt heyareherefornowtheytell
me
tomar r
yHl engi
wewi t
houtanyexplanat
ion.My
ancestorsaretoyi
ngwithmeandmyl if
e,Ihave
neverbeenonet ogetintopolygamybecauseInever
beli
evedy oucanlovemor ethanoneperson.Il
ove
Liy
anawi thallmyhearteventhoughwear egoing
thr
oughar oughpatchatthemoment .
..

Makhosi l
eftandIst ayedintheancest ralroom,
candlesl i
tandimphephost il
lbur
ning.Thi sphasei n
myl i
fei sdrai
ningandmaki ngmewi sht hatIwasn' t
akingbutanor mal humanwhodoesn' ttakeor ders
from thosewhodi edy ear
sandy earsago.Theyar e
fail
i
ngi nhelpingmef i
ghttheenemybutt ooqui ckin
askingf oranotherwi f
e.Iwalkoutleavingev er
ything
asisandheadt othemai nhousepr ayi
ngt hatIdon't
bumpi ntoHlengiwebecauseIwoul dn'
tknowhowt o
l
ookather .
..

Atl
eastIst
il
lhav
esomeluckonmysidebecauseI
makeiti
ntomybedr
oom wit
houtr
unni
ngintoher.
Li
yanai sbackfrom wherevershedi
sappearedt o
si
ncemor ni
ng,she'
sonhersi deofthebedcr y
ingso
pai
nfull
ymaki ngmyhear tshatt
eri
nt heprocess.I
qui
cklygot oherandkneel downtakingherhands
andinterl
ockingourfi
ngers..
.

Me:
what
'swr
ongLi
ya?
Iaskpani
cki
ngandsheshakesherhead.
Me:
tal
ktomemyl
ove,
what
'swr
ong?
Li
yana:
Ijust
,I'
mjustmi
ssi
ngy
ousomuchBheki
.
Di
dn'
tIj
ustdi
e?
Me:
ohLi
ya,
Imi
ssy
out
oomywi
fe.
Li
yana:
I'
mloosi
ngar
en'
tI?
SheasksandIcanheart
hepai
ninherv
oice
Me:
nev
er,
whenIsai
dfor
everImeanti
t.
Li
yana:t
henwhyhav
ey oubeent
reat
ingmet
hisway
?
Di
sregar
dingmyf
eel
ings?
Me:
itwasn'
ti
ntent
ional
.Youdi
dn'
twantt
oshowany
empat hytowar
dsafellowwomanwhoi sgoi
ng
thr
ought hemostpain.Idon'
tknowyoutobeso
heart
lessandIdidn'
tknowhowt odealwi
thi
tal
l.
Li
y ana:I'
m sorr
yf orthatbutIjustdidn'twantt
he
otherv i
l
lagerstofeel l
i
kewear ebiased.We've
al
way shel pedotherswhiletheyst ayedinthei
r
homesbutwheni tcamet ohery ouchanged
everythi
nghenceIt houghtsomet hingwasgoingon
betweent hetwoofy ou.
Me: Ihearyouandyouaremaki
ngsense.Iapol
ogi
se
formakingy ouf
eelthi
swayi
nyourownhome.I
didn'
tthinki
tthr
ough.
Iwi
pehert
ear
sandki
sst
hebackofherhand.
Li
yana:
thanky
ou.
Me:
Iwil
lcont
actt
hehardwar
estoreandaskthem
t
obequi
ckingett
ingHl
engi
we'shouseready
.
Li
yana:andwewil
lcont
inuehel
pingherev
enwhen
she'
satherownhome.
Me:
nomor
efi
ght
ing?
Shesmi
l
es
Li
yana:
nomor
e.
Ihugherwi
tht
heissueofmemar
ryi
ngHl
engi
we
sti
l
lheavyi
nmyheart.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Idecidedt ostaywit
hmygr eatgrandsonManzi af
ter
Li
y analefttheshr
ine.Wehadt otalkabout
everythi
ngasIcanseet hatthi
swhol et hi
ngi
sn't
goingaccor di
ngtoplan.Liyanaisfail
ingtodel
iver
soi t
'sti
meIt ookmat t
ersinmyownhandsand
si
del i
neherf r
om every
thingbutitwoul dn'
tbethe
fi
rsttime..
.

Iwantmyt hronebackandI '

llhavei
tnomat t
erwhat
butIneedKay i
sef orthattohappen.Her
grandmotherLiyana'smot herwasadarkperson
withavil
ehear t
,shenev erwant edot
herstosucceed
andshewoul dalway sconsultantmygrandson
Mambat ohel pherunt i
lshefacedprobl
emswi thher
daughterLi y
anabutitwasn'tapr oblem asIhad
i
nst r
uctedMambat oblockLiyana'swombf r
om
conceivingsoshecancomet ousf orhelpandIcan
maket hedemandoft hem giv
ingKay i
setomeasa
wifesoIcangett het
hronethatwasst ri
ppedoffme
manyy ear sago,Kayi
sewasconcei vednatural
l
ybut
Liyanathinksotherwi
seevenherdeadmot herdid.If
theylearntthatIt
ideherwombt heywoul dn'
thav e
agreedtoanyoft his.
..

Thiski ngshipbelongedt ot heCebekhul u'

s, ever
sincet hi
sl andwasdi scov ered.Ev erysonwhowas
thesuccessoroft hethr onewasbor nwi t
hagi ft
,a
healersgi ft
,wecoul dcommuni catewi tht he
ancest orsandusemut itohelpt hesi ckandgetr i
d
ofdar kness.Myf orefathersdi dt hatbutt hewasn' t
anyt hril
linitsoIst artedusi ngitt obet t
ermy sel
f
andt akewhat everIwant edf r
om t hev il
l
ager s.My
power swer einthewat ersandIheal edandcaused
distr
act i
onswi t
hithencemyname.Mypeopl ewere
afrai
dofmeandt hatmademef eel power ful
,noone
wouldst andinf r
ontofmeandt ellmeany .Myson
Ngony amaandIwer ef earedacr ossv i
ll
agesand
thatmadeust hinknoonewoul dtryany t
hingwi thus
andwer el
axed.That 'swhenNgweny athef i
rst
conspi redwithot herkingsf rom nei ghbori
ngv ill
ages
tor emov emeaski ngandbani shmei ntothewat er
witht hehelpofav erypower fulsangomaInev er
knewof ,hisdescendanti st hecur renthealerof
Ukut hula.That'
showt heki ngshi plandedwi tht he
Ngweny apeople.luckilymysonNgony amawas
alreadymar r
iedandhadMambasoourbl oodl i
ne
cont i
nuedandIcr eatedaki ngdom i nthewat er
usingt hepower sIwasbor nwi thtogi veandt ake
stil
l.Mysoul wast rappedi nt hewat erbutwi tht he
agr eementoft akingKay iseasmywi fethecur se
placeduponmel i
ftedsl owlyasshegr ewol der...

Manzi
:mkhul
u
Hedr
awsmebackf
rom myt
hought
s.
Me:
Nfana.
Manzi
:ar
eyousur
ethat
'showy
ouwantt
opr
oceed?
Isi
ght
.
Me:i
t'
stheonl
yway.Theyarenowconnectedatthe
soul
andnoonewil
lseparat
ethem exceptt
hisway.
Manzi
:okayt
henI
'
llpr
epar
esomet
hing'
sfory
ou.
Inodandhewal
ksbackt
othehutl
eav
ingmesi
tt
ing
i
nt hecor
ner
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER30
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

[
MONDAY]

ZamaNgweny aandIar edr i

vi
ngbackt oUkut hul a
andIwon' tli
eI'mv erysadt hatwear eleav ingt he
nestwehadcr eatedforour sel
vest heent ir
e
weekend.Goi ngbackmeanshav ingpeopl einvolved
i
nourr elati
onship,workandev ery t
hingel set hat
won'tall
owust obe.Thi sweekendwasv ery
necessaryforthepr ogressionofouruni onnotonl y
didIlear
nmor ethingsaboutKay iseIal sor eali
zed
thatIneedt ostepoutoft hepit
ypar t
yIhadcr eated
andlivedin.YesIwasbor npoorandal l butit'
supt o
met ochanget hatsituationandIam i nt hatr oadas
i
tis,Inowf ull
ybelievethatKay iselov esmeand
wouldcont i
nuouslychosemeov eranyot herguyno
mat
terhowuphi
ght
heyar
ecompar
edt
ome.
..

Shefinall
ydri
vesi nt
othev i
l
lageasbot hourhands
fi
ndeachot herandi nt
erl
ockfinger s,Ibr
ushher
knuckleswit
hmyt humbandst ealglancesatthe
beautysheis,hereyesarefixedont heroadandshe
i
shummi ngthesongpl ayi
ngont her adi
o.Whenthe
carstopsoutsidemyhouseshesi ghsandlooksat
mei ntheeyes...

Kay
ise:
backt
oreal
i
ty.
Ihuf
fandr
ubmyey
es.
Me:
can'
twegoback?
Asmi
l
ecr
ossesherf
lawl
essf
ace.
Kay
ise:
wehav
ewor
kbaby
.
Right,t
heguyswor ki
ngatthefar
m emailedher
earl
iertel
l
ingherthatev
erythi
ngisgoodandIcango
aheadwi t
heveryt
hingwhichI'
m soexci
tedabout.
Me:
I'
m headedt
her
etomor
rowmor
ning.
Kay
ise:
ifI
'
m notbusyI
'
llpopbyt
oseehowi
tis.
Me:thankyoumyloveandIpr
omiseagai
nthatIwi
l
l
nev
erallowmysel
ftowall
owinsel
fpit
y.
Shenodsandki
ssest
hebackofmyhand.
Kay
ise:
Iappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Me:
comel
et'
sgoi
nsi
de.
Iopenmydoorandshedoest hesame.Wehead
i
nsideafterr
etr
iev
ingmybagsandever
ythi
ngIhad
bought.WefindmamaandKhany oi
ntheki
tchen
l
aughingaboutsomethi
ng.
Me:
hel
l
ohel
l
o.
Khany
o:wel
comehome.
Shesaysandmymom j ustnods,
herf
acenow
ser
iousandmoodhosti
le.Ifr
ownandlookat
Khanyowholooksdown.
Kayi
se:gr
eet
ingsmama,
Khany
ohowwasy
our
weekend?
Khany
o:west
ayedwel
lmypr
incesst
hanky
ou.
Me:
mamaZamaNgweny
aisgr
eet
ingy
ou.
Mama:Sisi
thanky
ouf
ort
aki
ngcar
eofme.I
appr
eci
ateit
.
Shei
gnor
esmeandst
andsupgoi
ngt
othebedr
oom.
Me:
what
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Iaskshocked.
Khany
o:Idon'
tknow.
Kay
ise:
didIof
fendherorsomet
hing?
Me:Iwil
ldeal
wit
hthi
sbaby
,I'
m sor
ryf
orher
behav
ior
.
Kayise:okay
,Si
sipl
easegogety
ourbagssoIcan
dropy ouhome.
Khanyohurri
esofftoanot
herr
oom l
eavi
ngmewi th
mygirl
fr
iend.Ipul
lhertomeandshedoesn'
tresi
st
rat
hersheholdsontome.
Kayi
se:
you'
l
ltel
lmei
fIdi
dany
thi
ngt
oof
fendher
ri
ght
?
Me:whatcoul
dyouhav
edonewhenwewer
en'
tev
en
her
e?
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
ght
.
Kayise:
Idon'
tknowBukhobutshehasnev
erbeen
thatcol
dtowardsme.
Me:
don'
twor
ryI
'
llf
indoutwhat
'shappeni
ng.
Kay
ise:
nowIwi
shwecangobackt
oourbubbl
e.
Iki
ssherf
oreheadasIshar
ethef
eel
i
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ihavebeenav oidingHlengiwef ortwoday snow.I

haven'tbeenj oi
ningherf orourprayersessionsandI
dodgedi nnerandbr eakfastbecauseIj ustdon't
knowhowt of aceher.Ifeelsobadt hatI'
m doing
thi
sbutIdon' tknowhowt odeal witheveryt
hingand
thathardlyeverhappensbutl atel
ythat'
sallI'
m good
at,f
ail
ingt ofixmypr oblems.I '
mj ustgladthings
betweenmywi f
eandIar ebetterbecauseGod
knowsIwoul dn'thavebeenabl et oworkaroundi t
all
..
.

Todayt
hehar
dwar
epeopl
einst
all
edev
ery
thi
ngat
Hlengiwe'shouseandIwentt heretoi nspect,I
wantedt omakesur ethatev eryt
hingi supt o
standardf orherandofcour semypeaceofmi nd.
Thelastt hingIneedisf orhertocal lagainbecause
thosethief'smanagedt ogeti nsideandhar assher.
Thedr i
verget shomeaf teral ongday ,Ijustwantto
shower ,eatandwai tformydaught ersoshecant el
l
meabouthert r
ipwithBukhosi .Heopenshi sdoor
andwal ksar oundtoopenmydoor ,
Icl i
mboutand
headst r
aighttot hehouse...

Hl
engi
we:
myki
ng.
Hervoi
cesaysasIdisappeari
nthecorr
idorv
iat
he
l
ounge.Ist
opandlookatherwithaBibl
einher
hands.
Hl
engi
we:
mehl
omadal
a(l
ongt
imenosee)
.
Me:
Ihav
ebeenbusy
.
Shechuckl
es.
Hl
engi
we:
Iwoul
dar
guet
hatbutokay
.
Me:
real
l
yIhav
ebeen.
Isayf
eel
i
ngl
i
keabadhumanbei
ng.
Hl
engi
we:
Ihopey
ouhav
ebeenpr
ayi
ng.
Me:
def
ini
tel
y,i
thasbecomeapar
tofme.
YesIhaven'
tbeenjoi
ningherbutI
'
vebeenpr
ayi
ngi
n
mymat r
imonialbedr
oom.
Hl
engi
we:
wet
hankGodf
ort
hat
.
Shecanseer
ightt
hroughmeandhergazei
s
maki
ngmeuncomf ort
able.
Me:
uhm Hl
engi
,
Wear
edi
stur
bedbymywi
fewal
ki
ngi
n.
Li
yana:
ohl
ovey
ouar
ehome.
Sheplant
sakissonmycheekandIsuddenl
yfeel
somehowl i
keIdon'
twanti
thappeni
ngi
nfr
ontof
Hlengi
we.
Me:
Ijustgoti
n.
Shel
ooksatHlengi
wewit
hasmi l
eandIl
ookdown
embar
rassedf
orwhatIdon'
tknow.
Li
yana:
ohsi
sihowar
eyou?Ihav
en'
tseeny
out
oday
.
Onewoul
dsaywedon'
tl
iv
eint
hesamehouse.
Thest
atementi
sfol
l
owedbyachuckl
e.
Hl
engi
we:
myQueen,
I'
m wel
lthankswhatabouty
ou?
Li
yana:
ver
ybl
essed.
Thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
sfor
cedIcanf
eel
it.
Li
yana:
ohbythewayhowdi
ditgowi
tht
he
har
dwareBheki
?
Sheaskspat
ingmyshoul
deral
i
ttl
e.Icl
earmy
thr
oat
.
Me:
theyar
edone,
ever
ythi
ngi
sgood.
Li
yana:
that
'sgoodi
sn'
ti
tsi
si?
Hl
engi
we:
I'
m notf
oll
owi
ngmyQueen.
Icanheart
heconf
usi
oni
nherv
oice.
Li
yana:
yourhousei
sreadyandy
oucanmov
eback
i
natanyti
me.
Me:
oht
hat
'sgr
eatnews,
thanky
ou.
Li
yana:i
t'
sapleasur
e.LoveIwi
l
lbebacksoonI
needtotal
ktomysister
.
Me:
okay
.
Shewalksawayandt
het
ensi
onbet
weenmaShange
andIi
ssot hi
ck.
Hl
engiwe:t
hankyouf
oral
lyou'
vedonef
orme,
Iwi
l
l
gopackandleav
e.
Me:
it'
sabi
tlat
enow.Youcanl
eav
etomor
row.
Sheshakesherheadsl
i
ght
ly
Hl
engi
we:
it'
sbestIl
eav
eimmedi
atel
y.
Me:I
'm sor
ryHl
engiwe,IknowIsai
dyoucanst
ayf
or
asl
ongasy ouneedto.
Shehol
dsoutherhandwear
ingherbeaut
if
ulsmi
l
e.
Hlengi
we:youdon'
thavet
oexpl
ain.Iappreci
ateal
l
youeverdoneformeinmyti
mesofgr eatneed.My
Godwillbl
essyou.
Idon'
tthi
nkIhav
eeverf
eltl
i
keahear
tl
esshuman
bei
ngli
keIdonow.
Me:
wear
egoi
ngt
ocont
inuehel
pingy
ouout
.
Hl
engi
we:
noi
t'
senoughnow.I'
ll
sortmy sel
fout.I
wanty
out
ohavet
his,
it'
stheonl
yvaluablet
hingI
hol
dtomyheartandi
twoul
dmeanal
otofy
ou
coul
dtakei
t.
Shehandsmet
hebi
ble
Me:
nopl
ease.
Hl
engi
we:
Iinsi
st.
It
akeitandshet
urnst
owal
kawaybutqui
ckl
yst
ops
l
ooki
ngback.
Hl
engi
we:
andBheki
.
Mynameisoutofhermout
hinaser
enetone.
Maki
ngitt
hefi
rstt
imeshehasev
ercal
l
edmeby
nametomyface.
Me:
yesHl
engi
?
Hl
engiwe:pr
ayandst
ayi
nthel
ord.Hewi
l
lnev
er
f
orsakeyou.
Wit
hthatsaidshewal
ksawayl
eav
ingmest
arr
ingat
t
heempt yspacewher
eshewasst
andi
ngl
ooki
ngat
meami nuteago.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA
Myhear ti
snowheav y,
I'
mt ryi
ngt ofi
gureoutwhy
myboy fri
end'smot herwast hatcoldtowar dsme,I
meanIhav enev eroffendedheri nanywayori sshe
madt hatIleftwit
hhersonf oranent ir
eweekendbut
sheknewandwaspr ettyexcitedaboutitsohonestl
y
Idon'
tknowwhatt ot hi
nkatt histi
me.Icanonl ywait
forBukhosi t
ohav eawor dwi thherandl etmeknow
whatthepr oblem i
s..
.

Imissourbubbl e,
notev enadaybackher eand
thi
ngsarealreadyrocky.Iam dr i
vingKhanyohome,
I'
m sogratef
ul t
oherf orlookingoutforBukho's
mom whi l
ewewer eawaycozi fshewasn'tavai
labl
e
myboy f
riendwouldn'thav eenjoyedhimselfl
i
kehe
didknowingthatmai swel ltakencareof.
..

Khany
o:y
oudi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngmypr
incess.
Shesay
smaki
ngmesnapoutofmyt
hought
s
Me:
huh?
Khany
o:Bukhosi
'
smot
hery
oudi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.
Deepsi
gh!
Me:
thenwhywasshesocol
dtowar
dsme.
Khany
o:somet
hinghappenedwheny
ouwer
eaway
.
Shef
iddl
esherf
inger
sandIf
rown.
Me:
tal
ktome.
Khany
o:wel
lthequeencameby
.
Me:
mymot
her
?Whatdi
dshewant
?
Shecl
ear
shert
hroat
.
Khany o:shesaidsomeunpleasantthi
ngs.She
bel
iev esBukhosii
snotworthyofyoubecauseheis
poor.Shet ol
dmam' Phi
ndi
letotellhersontost
ay
away .Shecall
edhim agol
ddigger
Igaspf
orai
rget
ti
ngi
nfur
iat
ed.Howdar
eshe!
Khanyo:
mam' Phindi
leadoresyoubutshefeel
sli
ke
yourmotherwil
lcauseproblemsforhersonand
he'
stheonlypersonshehas.
Me:
Iwi
l
lhav
eawor
dwi
thmymot
her
.
Khanyo:she'
salsonothappywi
thf
indi
ngmet
her
e,I
mightlosemyjob.
Me:
youwi
l
lnev
erl
osey
ourj
ob.Ipr
omi
se.
IsayasIki
l
ltheengi
neout
sideherhome.
Khany
o:t
hanky
oumypr
incess.
Ireachf
ormypur
sei
nthebackandt
akeouther
payment.
Me:
her
eyougo.
Shetakesi
tandIcanseet
hesmi
l
eonherf
aceget
wider
.
Khany
o:t
hanky
ouv
erymucht
hiswi
l
lhel
pmyf
ami
l
y
somuch.
Me:
ohnosi
sit
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ngt
hroughf
orus.
Shenodsandcl i
mbsoutt hecar.Imakeau- t
urnand
speedt othepalace.Ineedt oputmymot herinher
place.Igethomeandl eavethecarwitht hekeysstil
l
i
nt heignit
ion,t
histi
menott omaket hingseasierfor
theguardswhohav etopar kitbutbecauseI '
m so
furi
ous.Ifindmyf at
heri ntheloungestandingbythe
corri
dorwi thaBibl
einhi shands.Helooksl ost.
Me:
baba!
Hecomesbackt
othenow.
Baba:
Ntombi
kay
isey
ouar
ehomest
handwasami
.
Me:
Ijustgoti
n,wher
e'sy
ourwi
fe?
Iaskt
api
ngmyf
ootont
hepor
cel
ainf
loor
.He
fr
owns.
Baba:
haoar
eyouokay
?Looksl
i
key
ouar
eoutf
or
bl
ood.
Me:whati
swr
ongwi
thmama,
whati
swr
ongwi
th
her
?
Ishout
Baba:
whati
sgoi
ngon?Whatdi
dshedo?
Pani
cfl
ashesacr
osshi
sface.
Me:shewenttoBukhosi'
smot herandlookeddown
ont
hem,tol
dhertotellBukhositostayawayfrom
meandthathe'
sagolddigger.
Baba:
hai
boLi
yanasai
dthat
?
Me:
yesshedi
d,whywoul
dshel
ookdownont
hem
l
iket
hat
?Wassheloadedwheny oumarr
iedher
?
Nowshethi
nksshei
sbett
erthanever
yone?
Baba:Iunderstandyouareangr
ymyl ovebutshe'
s
st
il
lyourmot her.Haver
espectforher
.Iam
di
sappointedinhertooandIpromisetohaveaword
wit
hher.
Me:pl
easebecauseshecanmakeamil
l
ionthr
eat
s
andnoi
sesbyBukhoisn'
tgoi
ngany
where.
Ipeckhischeekandwal
kbackoutt
ogetmybags
fr
om thecar.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Hlengi
wei sfi
nallyoutandIhav emyhusbandback,
nowIneedt of i
ndav i
rgintosacrif
icetoDabula
becausemydaught erhasonceagai nopenedher
l
egs,thi
stimef orar atchetpoorthing.Ihavealways
l
ikedBukhosi j
ustnotf ormydaught erandIneedto
getri
dofhi m becausei fIdon'tDabulawill
kil
lthe
bothofthem andwhatwi l
lbecomeofmeast hey
wil
lexpectBhekit
ofinday
oungerwi
fet
ogiv
ehi ma
chi
ld.Thenevery
thi
ngwouldhav
ebeeni
nvain.
..

Iam st andingout sideNonhle'schamber satt he

backcozshesai dImustgi veherami nute.It'
sclear
shei swi thMenzi .Howt hehel l
dot heygetupt ot hi
s
duringt heday ?Themai dsandguar dswi l
lsurelysee
them somedayandt henewsoft heiraff
airwi l
l
spreadl ikewi l
dfi
reandt rustmewhenIsayIwi llact
shockedanddi sgustedasev eryonebecauseI
warnedherandev ensuggest edpol ygamybutshe
didn'thearme.Thedooropensandhewal ksout
l
ooksatmet hendowni nembar rassment ,Ijust
shakemyheadandwal kinf i
ndingmysi stersit
ing
ont hebedwi thherl egscrossed, she'si
nnot hing
butar obe. .
.

Me:
youar
enowdoi
ngi
tinbr
oadday
li
ght
?
Sher
oll
sherey
es.
Nonhl
e:I
'
m anadul
tLi
yana.
Me:
Ibegt
odi
ff
er.
Nonhl
e:I
'
m sur
eyoudi
dn'
tcomei
nher
etoi
nsul
tme.
Me:
wehav
eapr
obl
em.
Shechuckl
es.
Nonhl
e:whyam Inotsur
pri
sed.
Me:l
ist
enyourni
eceisinarel
ati
onshi
pwit
hBukhosi
andshe'
sal
readyopenedherl
egsforhi
m.
Nonhl
e:goodf
orher
.
If
arr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:not hat
'sapr
obl
em,
Dabul
awant
sanot
her
sacr
if
ice.
Nonhl
e:ohwel
lthat
'
shect
ic.
Me:
sisi
youhav
etohel
pme.
Ey
ebr
owr
aised.
Nonhl
e:Idon'
thav
etodoany
thi
ng.
Me:
what
'sy
ourpr
obl
em.
Nonhl
e:y
ouaremyprobl
em Li
yana.Youtr
eatme
l
ikeapi
eceofshi
tonanormaldayandonly
r
emembermewheny
ouneedmyhel
p.
Me:
youknowt
hat
'snott
rue.
Nonhl
e:ohbutiti
s.I'
m doneIam nothelpi
ngyou
wi
thanythi
ng.Conti
nuealonewi
thy ourwit
chcr
aft
.
Me:
Nonhl
epl
ease,
Ineedy
ourhel
p.
Nonhle:
Idon'
twantt
ohel
p.Maybei
t'
sti
meBheki
l
earnedthet
rut
hsoyoucancomedownfrom t
hat
hi
ghhorse.
Me:
youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Nonhl
e:ohnosist
er,
youareaselfdi
str
act
or.You
wi
llbl
owthiswhol
ethingonyourown.I
'mjustgoi
ng
t
ositbackandenj
oytheshow.
Me:
youar
eleav
ingmypal
ace.
Iam somadr
ightnow
Nonhl
e:I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Me:
weshal
lsee.
Nonhl
e:ohIdar
eyout
otr
yme.
Whati
swr
ongwi
thmysi
ster
?Whatdi
dIdof
orher
t
otur
nonmet
hisway
?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Igavemymom anhourt ocool downandt ooka

bathtofreshenupf rom t helongj ourney.Iknock
andwalki nherroom.Shei slayi
ngonherbedey es
closedbutIcant ellshei sn'
tasleep.Iwantt ofind
outwhyshewast hatr udetomygi rl
fri
end,
ZamaNgweny ahasdoneabsol utelynothingtoher
soIdon'tunderstandwhysheact edthatway .Kayi
se
hasalway sstoodupf ormeandi t'shightti
meIdi d
thesame. .
.

Me:
mama.
Sheopensherey
es.
Me:
whywer
eyousor
udet
oKay
ise?
Mama:
Idon'
tthi
nky
ourr
elat
ionshi
pisgoi
ngt
owor
k.
I
'
mtakenaback.
Me:
excuseme?
Shesi
ghs.
Mama: yout
woarefr
om di
ff
erentbackgr
ounds,
di
ff
erentworl
dsandi
t'
sgoi
ngtot akei
tstol
lont
he
bot
hofy ouwit
hti
me.
Whatt
hehel
l
!
Me:youwer er
ootingf
orus,evenwhenIwas
i
nsecureyoutol
dmet hatI
'm wort
hyofherl
ove.She
doesn'
tcareaboutany
thi
ngbutourloveandIam
l
earni
ngtodosot oo.
Mama: buthermotherisn'
tokay
,shecamehere
cal
l
ingy ouagolddi
gger,sayi
ngyouar
epoorand
havenothingt
oof f
erherdaught
er.
Isi
gh.
Me: everyonewi l
lobvi
ouslythi
nkthatandIhonest
ly
don'tcare.Thatgirll
ovesmeandonl yme.Shehas
proveditacoupl eoftimes.Whatyoudidwas
uncalledfor,youmadeherl eavet
hinki
ngthatshe
offendedy ou.Youcannotpunishherbecauseofher
mot her.
Mama:
Ijustdon'
twanty
out
ogethur
t.
Me: whatyoudidtoherhurtme.Sheadoresyouso
pleasestopthi
s.Wewilldealwi
thanyt
hingthat
want st
ocomei nbetweenusbecausethelovewe
shareisnotordi
nary
.
Mama:
I'
m sor
ryBukhosi
.
Me:
youneedt
oapol
ogi
set
oZamaNgweny
a.
Mama:
Iwi
l
lwhenIseeher
.
Me:
nowcanIt
ell
youaboutourt
ri
p.
Mama:
yespl
ease,
comesi
t.
Shepat
sthespacenextt
oher
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Getyourcopyofthehousewi
fe,
Iswearyoudon'
t
wanttomissout.Ref
ertothepi
nnedpostformor
e
i
nfor
mat i
on
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER31
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Justwhent hingsret urnedt onor mal bet weenmy

wifeandI , shegoesoutt odot hi s.Liyanaknows
thatIloathepeopl ewhol ookdownont heot hers
simpl ybecauset heyar epoor ,whati smoney ?Why
musti tmakey oufeel highandmi ght
yt oapoi nt
wher ey oudon' tseeot her s?Igr ewupwi th
everythingbutmyf at heral wayst aughtmet hat
respectt r
umpsev ery thi
ng.Yout reatev eryone
equal l
ynomat tertheirposi ti
oni nsoci etybecauseat
theendoft hedayy oumi ghtneedt hem.Ihav e
alway staughtt hist omydaught erandshehashear d
mehencey ouseehert hisselfless, Liyanawasnev er
l
iket hishenceIam shocked.Hercur rentbehav i
oris
appal l
ing,firstl
yitwasHl engiwenowBukhosi .Why
can'tshebewi thasof thear tthataccommodat es
everyone, shei saQueenf orheav en'ssakeand
bef
oreanyt
hingsheismydaught
er'
smother
,
Kayi
se'
shappinessshoul
dcomefi
rst
..
.

Mydayj ustkeepsget tingdull,

fir
st l
yHl engiwel eft
withoutsay i
ngawor d, myhear ti
sshat teredthatI
didn'
tkeepmypr omi set oher
,Iletherdownwhen
shewascomf ortabl
et hatshehadsomeonei nher
corner.Sheintroducedmet osomet hingsobeaut i
ful
andf ul
fil
li
ng-pray er
-butwhatdi dIr epayherwi th?
YesIwant edtomaket hi ngsri
ghtbet weenLi y
ana
andIbutIshoul dhav ef oundawayt omakeher
reali
zethatIcoul dn'tgobackonmywor d, awor dI
havemadet oawomani nneed.Ishoul dn'tentir
ely
putthisonmywi febecauseIal sopushedf orhert o
l
eav ebecauseofwhatmyancest orswantf rom me
withregardst oher ,
knowi ngt
hatandherst aying
wouldhav emadeev er ythingsoawkwar d.Hopef ul
ly
nowt hatshehasl eftt heywi l
ll
ett hi
smar r i
agething
sli
de...

Ihav
ebeeni
nmyt
hroner
oom si
nceIspoket
omy
daughter,Iwant edtocal m downbeforeItalkto
Liy
anaaboutwhatshedi d.Ihatehavi
ng
conversati
onswhenI '
m heatedbecauseIdon'twant
tosayt hi
ngsIwi l
lregretlat
eron.Iam amanwho
meanswhathesay sandsay swhathemeans, so
whenIopenmymout hIhav etodeli
versenseor
nothingatall.Imakemywayt oourbedroom and
she'sintherepaci ngupanddown, obviousl
yfuming
fr
om somet hi ng,shest opsandlooksatmebef ore
l
etti
ngoutadeepsi gh...

Li
yana:
sthandwasami
.
Me:rememberhowsweetandhumbl
eyouwer
e
whenIfi
rstmetyou?
Iaskandshenar
rowsherey
es.
Li
yana:
Iremember
.
Me:t hefi
rstti
meImety ouwasatt
hev i
ll
agesquare,
myf atherhadorgani
sedahugecel
ebrat
ionforhi
s
peopleandt her
eweresomanypeoplethatsome
di
dn'tmanaget oeat,r
ememberwhatyoudid?
Shesmi
l
es.
Li
yana:Isacr
if
icedmyplat
etothel
it
tl
egi
rlt
hatwas
cr
ying,
li
ttl
edidIknowyouwerebehi
ndme.
Me: Ihadseenhowt hatchil
dbeggedandbegged
forfood.Myhear twasbr oken,onl
yifmyf at
her
i
nstructedthattheyslaughteronemor ecowandadd
anotherbagofmai zemeal shewouldhaveatealong
sidetheothers.Eldersref
usedsharingwithhereven
apieceofmeatbuty ougav eawayy ourownplate.I
wasamazedt oseesuchabeaut if
ulheart
.
Shel
ooksdownbl
ushi
ng.
Li
yana:
ohBheki
.
Me:whathappenedtothatwoman,t
hewoman
who'
ssingl
eactofkindnessst
olemyhear
tand
mademest oplooki
ngformyQueen?
Hersmi
l
esl
owl
yvani
shes.
Li
yana:
whatdoy
oumean?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:whati
nyourri
ghtmindmadey oubel
i
evethat
i
t'
sokaytogotoBukhosi
'shouset
opukeall
that
nonsense?
Isayi
nal
owv
oiceandsheswal
l
ows.
Li
yana:
BhekumbusoIuhm she-
Iqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
Me: hemakesKay isehappyandt hat'
sallt
hat
mat ters.Heisn'
tgoingany whereandy ouwil
l
respectt hat
.Whetherhehasnoshoesoradi me,
yourdaught ersheartbeatsforhim andwhatshehas
willcleanhim uptobewhoshewi sheshimtobe
andwhohehasal way shopedtobe.
Li
yana:y
oudon'
tunder
standl
ove,
Ijustwantwhati
s
bestf
ormychi
ld.
Me:
andBukhosi
isn'
tthebestbecause?
Iaskwal
ki
ngcl
osert
oherwi
thmyj
awscl
enched.
Li
yana:asaparentyouwantyourchi
l
dt ohavethe
bestofever
ythi
ng.Bukhosi
cannotof
ferthatt
oher
Bheki
.
Ichuckl
enotamusedbutannoy
ed.
Me:
li
stenher
e,i
fyoudon'
twantmet
olookaty
ou
andgetsi ckt heny ouwil
lstoplooki
ngdownonthat
boy,kneel downandpr aytoGodt oremov
ethatvi
le
heart.Youowet hatboyandhismotherahuge
apologyandLi yanadon'tmakemecomebackher e
toremi ndy ou.
Theexpressi
onthati
slooki
ngbackatmei s
shockedbecauseIhaveneverhadtodeal
wi t
hher
thi
swaybutseeingthatsheisgoi
nginadirect
ionI
hateIhadto.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Hav eyouev erwenttobedangr yandwokeup

feel
ingwor se?That'smet oday.OnaTuesdayIam
anemot i
onal wr
ack,I'
m soangr yanddi sappointed
withmymot her.Theyhavealway spreachedhumi l
ity
tomesoi t'
sannoy i
ngthatshei sn'tpract
icingher
teachingsaftersomanyy ears.Sheshoul dbe
rej
oici
ngt hatIfoundmeamant hatlovesme
genuinelyandwoul dneveraskmet oleavemyr oyal
responsibi
li
tiesforanyt
hingbutr atherwillbe
st
andingnexttomehel
pingmer
ulet
hiski
ngdom
wi
thfairandjust
..
.

LastnightBukhocal ledmeandexpl ai
nedwhyhi s
mom act edt hatway , Itoldhim Khany ohadal ready
i
nf ormedmeabouti tal landwhenIaskedt hathe
arrangesameet ingwi t
hhi smom soIcanapol ogize
heal mostl osti t.Hesai dhepol i
tel
yandf i
rml yt ol
d
hismom t hathedi dn'tappr eci
atewhatshedi dt o
meandaskedt hatsheapol ogizes.Iwon' tli
et hat
wasshocki ng, Idi dn'texpecthi mt ost andupf orme
tohismom l i
ket hatbutatt hesamet imei tfeltgood
thathei sst andi ngupf orourr elati
onshi pandme.
Slowlybutsur elyhewi l
l getthere.Ijustdon' tknow
howt of eelaboutl i
steningt ohi smom apol ogizebut
thenagai nr espectgoesbot hway swhet hery oungor
oldwheny ouof f endsomeoney ouhav et o
apologise...

Istepoutofmyroom aft
erprepar
ingforwork,
Ijust
needbreakf
astbecauseIski
ppeddinnerasIwas
avoidi
ngmymot her,Idi
dn'
twantt oconfr
onther
i
nfrontofevery
onepl usmyf atherhadalr
eadysaid
thathewill
haveawor dwithher.Igett
ot hedi
nning
tabl
eandi t
'sonl
yt hesist
ers,mymot herandaunt
Nonhle.Thetensionbetweent hem i
sobviousl
y,and
i
thasbeent hereforawhi l
enow.Iset t
leonthechair
nexttomyaunt .
..

Me:
mor
ning.
Mama:
mor
ningmyl
ove.
Aunt
y:sweet
hear
t,howwasy
ourni
ght
?
Me:
ter
ri
ble,
Iwasi
namood.
Aunty
:youandIbot
h.Wantt
oshar
ewi
thy
ou
fav
ori
teaunt
?
Ismi
l
esweet
lyather
.
Me:
may
benextt
imencane.
Aunt
y:y
ouknowwher
etof
indmebaby
,mydoori
s
al
waysopenf
ory
ou.
Me:
Iappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Mama:
shoul
dIdi
shupf
ory
oumyl
ove?
Me:
I'
ll
doi
tmy
sel
fthanks.
Isaynotev
enl
ooki
ngather
.Shel
etsoutasi
gh.
Mama:
Kay
isest
handwaSami
please-
Ihol
doutmyhandbutnotdr
amat
ical
l
y.
Me:
notnowQueenLi
yana.
Iputsomef
oodonmypl
ate.
Me:
aunt
ycany
oupassmet
hej
uice.
Shereachesfort
hejugandhandsitt
ome,Ipour
hal
faglassandplaceitdownagai
n.Myaunthol
ds
mylefthandandexaminesit
.
Aunt
y:youshoul
dtakeof
fthi
sri
ngf
orawhi
l
e,l
ooks
l
ikei
t'
spinchi
ngyou.
Shesayswit
hherey
esnarr
owed.Mymotherchokes
onherdri
nkandwebot
hlookuptoseei
fshe'
sokay.
Aunt
y:ar
eyouokaysi
siwami
?
Me:
yesI
'
m good.
Shecomposesher
sel
f.
Aunt
y:wher
ewer
ewebaby
?
Sheaskshol
dingmyhandagai
n.
Me:
ohi
tfi
tsper
fect
lyaunt
y.
Aunty
: andit
'sdul
lbaby
,youshoul
dgi
vei
ttomesoI
havethem poli
shitf
oryoune.
Me:
that
'sagr
eati
deaaunt
y,I
'
llgi
vei
ttoy
ousoon.
Mama:ohbutNonhlei
sveryf
orget
ful
Kayi
se,
Ithi
nk
i
t'
sbett
erIcal
lthej
ewel
rypol
i
sherher
etodoit
i
nfr
ontofyou.
Iwantt
orol
lmyey
es.
Mama:i
t'
svi
ntageandi
ndemandbycol
lect
ors.
Theymi
ghtt
akeitandr
epl
acei
twit
hafake.
Shehasapoi
ntbutIwon'
tadmi
tthatt
oherf
acesoI
j
ustnod.
Nonhl
e:dr
amat
icmuchLi
yanay
oh!
Myauntsay
sannoy
ed.
Mama:bet
tersaf
ethansor
ry.Thi
sist
hel
astt
hing
wehav
eofourmot her
s.
Aunt
y:y
eahr
ight
.
Okayitfeel
sli
keIam caughtbet
weenasi
bli
ngf
ued
andtrustmewhenIsayt hi
shadnothi
ngt
odowith
ther
ing.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Todayi sabusyone, t
hef undsf rom t hekingar enow
av ai
l
abl eandImanagedt ohi r
eaf ewguy sIknow
from ourv ill
aget ocomehel pmeout .Theyar egood
atgar deni ng,I'veseenthewor koft heirhandswi th
myowney esandIknowwi t
ht hem onmyt eam this
farm wi llgof rom thi
st osomet hingamazi ng.The
othercont ractorisbusybui l
dingt heof ficespace,
andt oilets.ZamaNgweny ahear dmydr eam whenI
toldherandshemadesur ethatthest r
uct ureis
exact l
yhowIwant edittobe.Itst i
llfeelssur realthat
i
t'sfinallycomi ngtogetherformeandt hisqui ckl
y.I
guessi t'st ruewhent heysaywhenGodandt he
ancest orsshowupt heyshowof f,ay earagoi f
someonehadt oldmet hatthisisthedi r
ect i
onmy
l
if
ewi l
lbet
aki
ngt
henIwoul
dn'
thav
ebel
i
evedi
tat
al
l.
..

IaskedKay isenott ocomet odaybecauseIwant ed

herandmamat oseei tatt hesamet ime.Tobe
sur pri
sedatt hechangest hathav ebeendoneher e,
from t hegr eenbushi twast ot hisbeaut i
fulprepared
farmi t
'sgoi ngt obe.Iwantt oseet hem bepr oudof
meandhearmet ellt
hem t hatI'm doingt hi
sf orthe
bot hoft hem becauset heyar et heonl ytwo
i
mpor t
antpeopl ei nmyl if
e.I'm standingont heside
wat chingast hecent erpi votwat er st
hesoi l,
prepar ingitf orwhenwef inallysow, Imustsay
thoseguy smast eredt hisirri
gat i
onsy stem.Ican
alreadyseedi fferentv egetabl esandf ruitsgrowing,
mymai zeandsunf l
ower sar ewhatexci tesmemor e.
OhnowIneedt omakei ttot heci t
ytogetal l
necessar ydocument sandf i
ndt heper fectspot
wher eI'm goingt ohav emyf r ui
tsandv egetables
stor e,I'
my ett odiscussnamesf ormybusi nesswi th
ZamaNgweny a, she'
sgoodwi ththatandIknow
she' l
lcomeupwi thagr eatname.Someonecl ears
thei
rthr
oatbehindmeandIquickl
ylookback,i
t'
s
thatguythatworkswi
thKay
ise,what'
shisname
again?Uhm ahhhDabul
ayesDabulafrom t
hecit
y..
.

Dabul
a:i
mpr
essi
ve.
Me:
thanks.
Ibur
ymyhandsdeepi
nthepocket
sofmycov
eral
l
s
ashest
andsnextt
ome.
Dabul
a:I
'
m Dabul
a,y
ouar
eBukhosi
right
?
Me:
cor
rect
.
Dabul
a:soKay
isedi
dal
lthi
sfory
ou?
Hist
oneistr
yingtoputmedownbutIquickly
r
ememberthepr omiseImademygir
l,Iwi
llstop
t
reat
ingmyselfi
nfer
iort
othosewhohavealready
madeiti
nli
fe.
Me:sheinv
estedi
nawor t
hydream j
ustl
ikeshedi
d
wi
thcall
i
ngy ouonboar
dforthefact
oryproj
ect
.
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sthesamet
hing.Ihav
eski
l
ls
andsheknowsIam goi
ngt
onailmypartbutf
ory
ou
thi
sisapipedr
eam t
hatmi
ghtbeendedbymere
drought
.
Me:youareintofur
nit
uremaking,i
tneedsti
mber
andforti
mbertresstogrowtheyneedwater,
you
shoul
dknowt hatconti
ngencypl
ansaremadef or
suchsit
uati
ons.
Isaythisl
ookingathi
m st
rai
ghti
ntheey
esandhi
s
smirkiswipedoff
.
Dabul
a:whatdoy
ouknowaboutcont
ingencypl
ans?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
whyar
eyouher
endoda?
Her
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Dabula: ohIwasjustdr
ivi
ngbyandIsawt his,
I
thoughtIshoulddropbytoseehowt hepetproject
i
sgoi ng.Toencourageyoutoneverstopdreaming
event houghyoudream smal
l.
Me:
Iappr
eci
atethat
.I'
m sur
eyouhav
eal
otofwor
k
t
odoasabigshark.
Dabul
a:ohy
esIdo,
Kay
isei
swai
ti
ngf
orme.We
wor
kcl
osel
y.Shecan'
tgetany
thi
ngdonewi
thout
me.
Me:
I'
m sur
eshecan'
t.Soy
oushoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Hef ur r
owshi sforehead.Thi smancameher eto
makemef eelsmal landmyr eactionisnotwhathe
expect ed.Hewant edmet oexpl odebutIam
l
ear ningt oknowt hatIam notbel owt hem justcoz
theyhav emor emoney .Hewast edhi st i
meand
pat rol comi ngher eshame.Iwal kf orwardandhe
clickshi st ongue, Idon'tev enbot herlooki ngbackto
seei fhe'sst i
llstandingt hereorhel eft.I
'm noteven
goi ngt ot ellmygi rl
fr
iendaboutt hisusel essv i
sit
from amant hati sclearl
yaf terher .
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihavebeenof fsi
ncemor ni
ng.Myplatei
spill
ingup
andIdon'tevenknowwher etostart
.Kayi
sewent
cry
ingtoherfatherbecauseofwhatIsaidto
Bukhosi'
smot hernowIam expectedtogokneel
i
nfrontoftwopeoplewhoar ebel
owmeandaskf or
forgi
veness,meawhol eQueen.AsmuchasIhat eit
I
'm goingtodoitbecauseIdon'twantmyhusband
getti
ngangryatme, wejustfi
xedthi
ngsandifIdon'
t
doashesay shewillr
eall
yhateme.Ihavebeen
mar r
iedtothismanforyearsandneverhaveIseen
thatsideofhim andIdon'
twanttoeveragai
n..
.

Theot herdev il
thatwant edt oruinmei sNonhl e.My
sisteri sof f
icial
lyanenemyt ome, imaginethener ve
shehadaski ngKay isetot akeof fthatri
ngknowi ng
full
ywel l t
hatwewer etoldt hatshemustnev ertake
i
tof f.Ineedt oputheri nherpl aceandmakesur e
shest ay stherebecausei fshecont i
nuest r
yingto
ruinthi ngsf ormeIwi llaskManzi t
ostrikeherwi th
thunder .Noonei sgoi ngtor uinthisformenotev en
her,y esshedoesn' twantt ohel pmeoutwi thfinding
av i
rgi nandIwi l
lacceptt hatasIdeci dedt otakej ust
al i
ttl
egi r
l f
rom pr i
mar yschool andsacr i
fi
ceher ,she
won' thav ethest r
engt htof ightmesoi twil
lbe
easier ,Ijustneedt ogot ot hecl i
nictogetthe
sedat ive...
Dabul
a:getr
idoft
hatboyLi
yana!
Her
oarsfr
om behindmeandIj umpal
i
ttl
edr
oppi
ng
mywinegl
assintheprocess.
Me:
keepy
ourv
oicedown.
Isaypeepi
ngt
oseei
fther
ear
en'
tanyear
sli
steni
ng.
Dabul
a:don'
ttel
lmet
hatshi
t.
Me:
I'
ll
wor
koni
t.
Dabul
a:youhav
en'
tstar
ted?Youaredar
ingmenow
andyoudon'
twantt
oexperiencemywrath.
Me: Idon'
twantt
opushtoohar
d,t
heywi
l
lget
suspici
ousofmymotiv
e.
Dabul
a:doIl
ookl
i
keIcar
e?
Isi
gh,
hei
sli
vi
d.
Me:
myki
ngpl
ease.
Dabul
a:youknowwhatf
orgeti
t,I
'
llt
akecar
eofi
t
mysel
f.
Pani
crushest
hroughmyent
ir
ebody
.
Me:
nonopl
easedon'
thur
tmydaught
er.
Dabul
a:al
li
sfai
rinl
oveandwar
.
HesaysandIam aboutt
orespondwhenmakhosi
appear
sfr
om theback.
Me:
canIhel
pyou?
Isnapathi
m.
Makhosi
:myQueen.
Hesay
scal
mthenl
ooksatDabul
aandbur
ps
Me:
canIhel
p,I
'
m busyher
e.
Makhosi
:youngman,
whoar
eyou?Yousmel
lofev
il
.
Hesay
sbl
untandIgaspf
orai
r.
Dabul
a:t
hat
'smycue.
Hewal
ksoutandIknowhei
sboi
l
ing.
Me:
youhav
enor
ightt
obet
alki
ngt
oourguestl
i
ke
t
hat
.
Makhosi
:Icansensebadspi
ri
tsandt
hatboyi
s
t
roubl
e.Hedwell
sinevil
.
Me:heisabusinesspar
tnerwhet
herheusesdark
magicornoti
snonofourconcern.Hejustneedst
o
gethi
sjobdone.
Idefendandlookawayashi
sgazei
sint
enseand
burningt
hroughme.
Makhosi
:ohLi
yana,
ohLi
yana.
Ishoothi
m al
ook,
howdar
ehecal
l
smebyname.
Me:
makhosi
,whatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Makhosi
:wher
eist
heKi
ng?
Me:
myhusbandi
satwor
k,comebackl
ater
.
Makhosi:he'srunningawayfr
om mymessageso
pl
easetel
l himt hatheshoul
ddoasi nst
ruct
edcozi
f
hedoesn'
tt heirwrathwi
llbeunl
eashedonhimjust
sotheyhav etheirway.
If
rown
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutnow?
Ican'
tkeept
heannoy
anceoutofmyv
oice
Makhosi:
it'
snoty
ourconcer
njustt
ell
Bhekumbuso
whatIsai
d.
Ir
oll
myey
esandhewal
ksaway
.Hehasst
art
ed
wi
thhi
susel
essancest
ors.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER32
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

IfIwastosacrif
icejustanyonet oDabulaitwould
defi
nit
elybeMakhosi ,thatuselessmani sso
annoyi
ngandj ustdoesn'tknowwhent obackof f
andstayaway.Nowhehashi sey ebrowsraisedwit
h
regar
dst ohi
m, Ijusthopeit'
sjustahunchand
nothi
ngmor ebutnowt hatthewat erspi
ri
tishere
himsel
fIam mor ecal merwi t
hdeal i
ngwith
Makhosi..
.

Myheadisspinni ngwit
hwhathesai dIshoul
dt el
l
Bhekumbuso,Ihav ebeencrackingmyskul lt
ryi
ngt o
makesenseofhi sencrypt
edmessage, hi
m andhi s
ancest
orsar
ej ustthesamei nthatdepartment.I'
m
j
ustwonderi
ngwhymyhusbanddi dn'
ttel
lmet hat
hehadcommuni cati
onwit
ht hoseuselessancestors
ofhis,Ij
ustprayheisn'
tbacktokeepingthi
ngsfr
om
mel i
kehedidwhenhet ookKayi
seandt heywentto
asecondconsul t
ati
onwi t
hadiff
erentsangoma.The
bedroom dooropensandhewal ksinasI'm
changingint
omyni ghtwear.
..

Me:
youar
ehomel
ate.
Bheki
:Ihadal
otofwor
ktodo.
Me:
butDabul
awashomeont
ime.
Bhekhi
:IownthecompanyLiyanahencemy
daught
erandIonl
yjustgotback.Wegotpr
essed
wit
htime.
Me:
Isee.
Bhekhi
:di
dyougoseeBukhosi
andhi
smot
her
?
Irol
lmyeyesmental
ly
, hei
ssti
ll
expect
ingmet ogo
apol
ogizetol
owli
ves,Iwashopingt
hatitwashis
angert
alki
ng.
Me:
noIwaspl
anni
ngongoi
ngt
omor
row.
Bhekhi
:tomor
rowbet
terbet
omor
row.
What
'
swr
ongwi
tht
hismant
hisni
ght
.
Me:arey
oustil
langr
yatme?Bhekhi
wej
ustf
ixed
t
hingspl
easedon'
tbeli
ket
his.
Bhekhi
:Iam j
ustt
ir
ed,
I'
m notbei
ngany
how.
Isighandheplaceshi
swor
kbagont
hebedand
takesoffhi
sti
e.
Me:
makhosi
washer
elooki
ngf
ory
ou.
Bheki
:I'
l
lmaket
imet
oseehi
m somet
imet
hisweek.
Me:well
hetoldmet otelly
outhaty
ouar erunni
ng
awayandyourancestor
swi l
lshowthei
rwrathon
yout
ogetyout odoast heysay.
Hequickl
ylooksmydirect
ionanditseemsli
keal
l
thebl
oodhasdr i
edupfrom hi
sface.Inar
rowmy
eyesandheswallows
Bhekhi
:di
dhesayany
thi
ngel
se?
Me:notatal
l
,justt
hat
.Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
Bheki
?
Bhekhi
:not
hingi
mpor
tant
.
Me:
youar
ekeepi
ngsomet
hingf
rom me,
don'
tdo
t
hatt
ouspl
ease.
Bhekhi
:l
etitgoLi
ya.Hesaysandwalksoutofour
room.Somethi
ngisgoingonandi
t'
ssomet hi
ngbi
gI
swearandIneedtofi
ndoutwhati
tisbefor
ei t
blowsupinmyfaceandleavesmeinthedark.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Thisdamnsangomaj ustannoy edmet hisevening

andi ttookev eryt
hinginmenott obreakhisneck
andgof eedhi mtomycr eat ur
esdeepi nthewat er.I
don'tknowi fit'
sjustagutf eel
inghehasagai nstme
orhei sprettysureofwhathei ssay i
ng,asmuchas
webl indedhi sandt heNgweny aancestorswecan' t
betoocomf ort
ablethinkingwehav eeverythi
ng
undercont rol,weneedt omoni toreveryt
hingand
takecar eofwer ethescr ewshav ebeenloosened,
hisforefathersarest i
l
l power f
ul andnottobet aken
l
ightly..
.
Ihadtocomeseemydescendantsohecant el
lme
whatisgoi ngonar oundme, takingphysi
calf
orm
madeithar df ormet obeablet oseewhatis
happeningar oundmespi ri
tuall
yandIcan'tuse
heavydar kmagi cinthepalacewi thsomanypeopl
e
l
ivi
ngint hathousewi thmeandI 'v
eseenthat
makhosi comesandgoesashepl easessoIwasn'
t
goingtor i
skbei ngcaughtandmypl ansgoi
ngupin
smoke...

Manzi
:mkhul
u.
Hesay
scomi
ngf
rom t
hehut
.
Me:
any
thi
ng?
Manzi
:theyar
est i
l
lbli
ndedanditdoesn'
tl
ookl i
ke
i
t'
swearingof
f,Ihaveevenst
rengthenedi
tjusttobe
sur
e.
Me:
thenhowdi
dhesensemyaur
a?
Hel
etsoutasi
ghandcasthi
sey
esdown.
Manzi:hei
ssti
ll
aspiri
tual
per
sonmkhul
uandhe
cansensesuchthi
ngsbutIpr
omisewear
enotnear
bei
ngexposed.
Me:
good,
let
'skeepi
tthatwayt
il
lthet
hronei
sback
i
nmyname.
Manzi
:hav
eyoudonet
her
it
ual
onKay
ise'
sgar
ment
?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:notyet,I
'
m wai
ti
ngforhermothert
ogivememy
sacr
if
ice,sowecancl
eanseherandgetri
dofthat
Bukhosiboy.
Manzi
:speaki
ngofwhi
ch,
Ican'
tseem t
obeabl
eto
t
ormenthisdr
eams.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:youwon'
tbeabl
eto,
Itol
dy out
heynowshare
spi
ri
tsandt
hei
rsoul
sgotti
detoget
herasone.
Manzi
:hewon'
tbeapr
obl
em t
hough?
Me:ri
ghtnowheisandabigone,hehasgai
ned
conf
idencei
nthei
rlov
ebutonceIper
formther
it
ual
hewill
betakencar
eof.
Manzi
:that
'sgoodmkhuluatleastwearenowafew
st
epsawayf r
om whati
sright
full
yours,
Ngwenya
won'
tknowwhathi
thi
m.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ihaven'tbeenathomewi thmymot herforawhi l

e
now,Iwentt oJohannesbur gandcamebackhav ing
toworkatt hefarm,it
'sverybusyt herebutatleast
todaytheywi l
lj
ustbeprepar i
ngt hesoilli
kewehav e
beendoi ng.It
oldthem thatIwon' tbeabletocome
toworkt hisdayandtheyassur edmet hattheywill
beokayal oneandy esItrustthem becauset hey
havebeengar deningevenbef oreIcouldfinishmy
pri
mar yschool..
.

Iwantt oal lowmymom t oresttoday,

Iam doing
everythingf orhertoday,cooking,cl
eari
ngmygar den
andf etchingwat er
,al
l t
hechor esI'
veal
way sbeen
responsi bl
ef orbeforemyl i
fechangedt hi
sway .I
wasev ent hinkingofhir
ingsomeonet olookafter
herwhenI 'm atwor kbutknowi ngmamashewi ll
just
l
etmeknowt hatsheisn'
tachi l
dandcanl ookafter
her
sel
fdur
ingt
hedayasIcanseeshei
sdoi
ngwel
l
att
hemoment,st
ubbor
nItel
lyou.
..

Igettothebor eholeandt here'saqueue, thesuni s

scorchi
ng,thev i
llagersarebusyt ryi
ngtokeepcool
bymaki ngsomebr eezewi t
hahomemadepaper
fan,Ij
ointhelongl ine,pl
acet hebucketsont he
groundandset tl
ei nthewheel barrow.Iplacemy
strawhatinmyf acesoIdon' tbur nfrom thi
smi d
mor ni
ngsun.At aponmyshoul dermakesmej oltup
thi
nkingthequeuei smov i
ngal ongbuti t
'sMr s.
Shezialongsideherhusbandwhol ooksli
kehej ust
ateabagofl emons. .
.

Mr
sShezi
:ohBukho,
Ithoughtt
hatwasy
ou.
Me:
goodmor
ningmama,
indeedi
tis.Howar
eyou?
Mr
sShezi
:I'
mver
ywel
lboy
,howabouty
ou?
Me:I'
m goodtoo.Wherear
eyourki
ds?whyarethey
makingyoucomet ofet
chwat
er?Dotheywantthi
s
beauti
ful
li
ghtcomplexi
ont
ofadebecauseoft
his
sun?
Shel
aughsandIsmi
l
esweet
lyather
.
MrsShezi
:theyl
efti
nthemor
ningt
ogol
ookf
or
work.
If
rown.
Me:Ithoughtt
heywer
ewor
kingatt
het
imber
pl
antati
on.
Hersmi
l
esdi
sappear
s.
MrsShezi
:theywereson,buttheycomplai
nedthat
t
hemoneywasl i
tt
leandtheystoppedsayi
ngthey
wi
lll
ookforgreenerpast
ures.
Inarr
owmyey esconf used,ever
yoneIknowt hat
worksatt heplantationisreal
l
yhappyandt hey
managet odoal otwi t
hthemoneyt heyearn,so
whatI'm hear
ingi sshockingplust heyhadbet t
er
posit
ionsastheirf atherwasani mpor t
antmember
oftheroyalcounci lbefor
ehedeci dedtolieagainst
me.
Me:
that
'ssadbutsomet
hingwi
l
lcomeupf
ort
hem.
Mr
sShezi
:yesson.Sohowi
sPhi
ndi
l
e?
Me:sheisver
ywel
l
,she'
sabl
etodot
hingsf
or
her
selfnow.
MrsShezi
:ohyesIoncesawhersweepi
ngt
hey
ard.
I
'm gl
adshei
spull
ingthr
ough.
Menzi
:mama,isn'
tthatmaMazi
buko?Remember
youwerel
ooki
ngforher.
Hesayspoi
nti
ngatawomanupt hequeueandhi
s
wi
fescur
ri
esoffwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Il
ookawaynotwant
ingt
osayanythingt
ot hi
sman.
Hecl
earshi
sthr
oatandIst
il
ldon'
tlookbackathi
m.
Menzi:
soyouarewi
thKay
ise.Ihear
dyouwentwi
th
hert
otheci
ty.
Me:
howi
sthaty
ourconcer
nsi
r?
Menzi:
I'
mj ustaski
ng,i
tmustbeni
ceknowi
ngy
ou
wi
llbeKingsomeday .
Ichuckl
eshaki
ngmyhead.
Menzi:nowt
hatyouhav
eyourf
arm Iwasthi
nking
youwouldgoint
oanequal
part
ner
shipwit
hy our
sibl
i
ngs.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
owandl
ookathi
m.
Me:
Iam mymot
her
'sonl
ychi
l
d.
Menzi
:yesbutf
rom mey
ouhav
esi
bli
ngs.
Hesay
sinal
owv
oicesot
hatpeopl
edon'
thearhi
m.
Me:
ohr
eal
l
ynow?
Menzi
:atsomepointwearegoingtohavet
osit
downandtal
k,bui
l
dar el
ati
onshipwit
houtmywif
e
ort
hem fi
ndi
ngoutthough.
Ichuckle,
notamusedbutpi
ssedof f.Thi
sist
he
samemant hatr
apedmymot herandmademyl if
e
unbearabl
eatwor knowhesuddenlywantstohavea
rel
ati
onship.
Me:
doy
out
hinkI
'
m st
upi
d?
Hebl
i
nksacoupl
eoft
imes.
Menzi
:ofcour
senot
.
Me:youarenotgoingt
owormyourselfi
ntomyf arm
soyoucantakeitandgi
vei
ttoyourchil
dren.You
hav
einfl
uenceandpowerfi
ndsomethingforthem.
Isayandl
ookf
orwar
d,t
aki
ngmyphoneoutofmy
pocketandshovi
ngtheheadset
sinmyearand
i
ncreasi
ngthevolume.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thesepastt woday shav ebeenhect i

c,thepr ojectis
i
nf ullspeedandt hatmeansal lhandsondeck.We
arerunningt omeetdeadl inessowedon' tloose
money ,
ast hat'
swhathappenswheny ouf ace
delays.Ihav en'
tevenseenBukhosi si
ncet hedaywe
camebackf rom t
hecity.Imi sshim andonl ytalking
tohim ov erthephonei sn'tenoughpl ussisneeds
someact i
onshamebuti t
'sabammert hatwear e
goingt obehav ingsexwi thhismot heri nthenex t
room plusI '
m amoanerandi t'
sgoingt obedi f
ficult
feeli
nghi m deepinsideofmeandnotr espondt ohis
pleasure..
.

Igat
hermythi
ngsandheadouttofi
ndmyf at
her
andaskhi
mt ogr
abal i
ftwi
thDabul
abecauseIwant
tost
opbyBukho'
splace.If
indt
hem i
nthe
conferenceroom looki
ngatt hewhiteboardand
writ
ingsomet hingonit.Icl
earmyt hroatandt
hey
bothlookbackatme.Myf at
herhasn'tbeenhimsel
f
forafewday snowandi t'
sreal
lywor r
yingme
becauseeacht i
meIaskhesay she'sfi
nebutnever
snapsoutofi t.Ipr
aythatit'
snothi
ngser i
ouscozI
can'
tbar eseeinghimthisway .
..

Dabul
a:goi
ngsomewher
e?
Iwantt
orol
lmyey
es,
thi
sguyannoy
smeGod.
Me:
it'
sknockof
fti
me.
Dabula:Iwashopi
ngwest
ayawhi
l
elongerand
fi
nishthi
soff.
Me:youar
egoi
ngtohav
etodoi
twi
thoutme,
Ineed
t
orushsomewher
e.
Dabul
a:what
'smor
eimpor
tantt
hant
hispr
oject
?
Heasksannoy
edandIhuf
f.
Me:baba,pl
easecat
chal i
ftwi
thhi
m backhome.I
am headedsomewhere.
Baba:
it'
sokaymyl
ove.
Hegi vesmeaweaksmi l
eandmyheartdrops,
what'swrongwi t
hthisman,heisworry
ingmemor e
now, can'
thejusttr
ustinmel i
kehehasalwaysdid?
Igivehim aconcernedlookandhenodstryi
ngto
giv
emeabet tersmilebutsti
l
lhefai
l
s.Iwill
haveto
tal
kt ohim whenIgethomeandgethi mtoconfide
i
nme.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
oul
atert
hen.
Het akesoutthekey sfrom hi
spocketandhands
them t omeandIl eavetheroom.Igett othewaiti
ng
SUVandsl ipi
nside,st
arttheengineandmakemy
wayt oseemyboy fri
endwi t
ht hethoughtofmy
fatherheav yi
nmyhear tandmyhead.Iar ri
vether
e
andf indthecarmymot herprefer
sdr i
vi
ngparkedat
thegat e,Iqui
ckl
ygetoutoft hecarandwal kinthe
yard..thedoorisajarsoIstopout si
deasmymom
i
sspeaki ng.

Mama:soyes,I
'
mreal
l
ysorryf
oral
lthatIsai
d.I
t
wasi
nsensi
ti
veofmeandIapol
ogi
se.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
owshocked.
Bukhosi:myqueenIwantyoutoknowthatIlove
ZamaNgweny awit
hallmyhear
tandIwil
lneverhur
t
her
.I'
m notafterhermoneyorany
thi
nghenceIwant
tobefinanci
all
ystabl
etobeablet
otakecareofher
andmymot her.
Mama:
Iunder
stand.
Bukhosi
:Ipr
aythatsomedayyouwil
lseemy
si
nceri
tyandgi
veusy ourbl
essi
ngs.
Mama:
Ipr
aysot
ooBukhosi
.
Maka'
Bukho:
canweof
fery
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Mama:ohnoI'
mf i
nethanks,Ihav
etogohome
bef
oremyhusbandar
rives.
Maka'Bukho:okayt
hankyouf
orstoppi
ngby .Our
chi
l
dr enlov
eeachotherandt
hat
'sallt
hatshould
matter.
Mama:
that
'sv
eryt
ruesi
si.
Ismil
et hankf
ulthatshesawhowl owshewentand
camet oapologise.Idon'
twantthem t
oseethatI
headtheirconversati
onsoIknockandpushthe
door
.
Me:ohsani
bonani
(gr
eet
ings)
.Mawhatar
eyou
doi
nghere?
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Mama:heybaby
,Ihadsomet
hingt
osayt
oBukhosi
her
eandhismother
.
Isl
owl
ynodact
ingl
i
keIdi
dn'
ther
eany
thi
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

Remembertoor deryourPDFcopyoft hehousewife

foronl
yR100.Iwillr
eleasethebookont he26thof
Januar
y.Yoursupportwillbehi
ghlyappreci
ated.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER33
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ithi
nkIwoul dhav emadet heper fectactressifI
wasn'taQueen, theperformanceIpul l
edinfrontof
Bukhosi andhi smot herwasgr ammyawar dwor thy.
Theybel i
ev edmyapol ogyandi fonlytheyknewt hat
Iwasj ustdoi ngi ttoappeasemyhusbandsowecan
gobackt obei ngi nabet t
erplace.Theapol ogy
meantnot hingt omeandIdi dn'tmeananyoft hose
wordst hatcameoutofmymout h,I'
mj ustgladt hat
mydaught erf oundmet hereasi twill
cement
ever
ythingt oBhekumbuso, yesshei sgoi ngtor unt o
daddyt otell him Iwast herethesamewayshedi d
whenshewassel l
ingmeoutt ohim...

Ist
il
lmaint
ainthatBukhosiwil
lnev
ermarr
ymy
daught
er,t
heirf
li
ngwillj
ustendupinsmokeandI
feel sor r
yf orhim becausenowDabul amanzi has
takent hemat teri
ntohisownhands.Hewi l
lnot
har m Kay iseatal lbecauseheneedsherorsoI
believ ebuthedoesn' tneedBukhosi ,
infactheisa
thornonhi ssideandhewi llr
emov ehim without
thinkingt wi ce.Iwon'tfeelsorr
yf orhim atall
becausewewar nedhimf airandsquar ebuthi sgol
d
diggi ngway swoul dn'
tallowhimt ostayawayf rom
whohet houghtwashi swayt othehi ghli
fe..
.

Igettothepal aceandt hehousei squiet,Il

ef tmy
daughteratthatpov er
tystrikenhouse, she'
s
probablysubject i
ngherselft othedr yfoodt heywer e
prepari
ng.Imakemywayt oourbedr oom firstand
myhusbandi snoti nther oom.Iwal kbackt ogo
searchthestudyandst il
lnot hing,Icheckmywat ch
andIknowheshoul dbehomebynow.I t
'seitherhe
i
si ntheancest ralroom busycal li
nguponhi s
uselessancest ors,someday sIwi shIcoul dj ustt
ell
himt ostopwai stinghisti
mebecauset heyar e
bli
ndedbyt hemostpower f
ul spir
it.AsIpasst he
throneroom IspotDabul asi t
tingcomf ortablyont he
Ki
ng'
schai
r,Igaspf
orai
randmakemywayi
n..
.

Me:
myKi
ngy
oucan'
tbei
nher
e.
Dabul
a:say
swho?Isn'
tthi
saKi
ng'
schai
r?AndI
hear
dyouwell
,youcal
l
edmeking.
Me:yesyouar
ebutt
hist
hronebel
ongst
omy
husband.
Hechuckl
es
Dabul
a:Iwi
l
lst
il
lascendi
tsomeday
.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me: nomyDaughteri
stheonebor ninRoyal
ty
betweenthebothofyousoit
'sherrul
e,shewil
lsit
thethroneasQueenandyoutheKingbymar r
iage.
Helooksatmel
i
keIam somef
ool
andshakeshi
s
head.
Dabul
a:i
fyousaysodear
estLi
yana.
Me:youneedtogetupbef
oreBheki
orany
oneel
se
seesyouonthatchai
r.
Dabula:
youshoul
dbeworriedaboutmysacri
fice,
I
wantav i
rgi
nint
wodays.IhaveplansIneedtocarr
y
outIhopeyouwon'
tbethereasonformydelay.
Me:
Iam oni
t.Aspr
omi
sedIwi
l
ldel
i
ver
.
Dabul
a:goodandt
hist
imewedon'
tneedy
our
pr
esence.
Isi
ghinrel
iefbecauseIdidn'
twanttogother
eatal
l.
Idon'
twanttoseehi m asheviol
atest
hatl
it
tl
egi
rl
,
whoeveri
tisIwillf
ind.
Me:
okayt
hen.
Heget supandonl ythenmychestgoesbackt o
normal asIwashol di
ngmybreath.Hewalksoutand
Iam lefti
nther oom.Myeyeslandonmyhusband' s
pict
urehangi ngonthewall
,hi
seyesseem tobe
l
ookingst r
aightdownatme.Thest ar
eiscreepysoI
al
sor unout.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ihav
ebeensi
tt
ingbyt
her
ivert
ryi
ngt
ogat
hermy
thoughts,Iam goi ngthroughsomuchatt he
moment ,
Iam caughtbet weenal ot.Wait
ingf or
what ev
erenemyt oat t
ackbecausenot hi
nghasev er
happenedsi ncet heprophecyabouti tcameout
exceptforthedi sappearanceofZonkeandnowt hey
askmet omar ryanotherwomant hesamewoman
whosedaught ertheyarenothel pi
ngusf ind,no
explanati
onnot hingjustar equest.
..

Hlengiweisanamazi ngwomanbutIl oveLi y

anaand
Idon'twantt ohurtmywi fe.Yesshehashershor t
comingsbutt hegoodshebr i
ngsov erweighst he
badsoIdon' tunderst
andwhyt heynol ongerf eel
l
ikeshei sgoodenought obet heonl yQueenof
Ukuthulakingdom.I t'
sdar kout sidenowandIshoul d
getbackhome, It
hrowint hel astst oneint her i
ver
andheadbackt omycar .Mymi ndi sti
llpreoccupied
asIdr i
ve,tomysur pr
iseIf i
ndmy selfoutside
Hlengiwe'shouse.Thel ightsar eonandt hedoor
alongsidet hesafetydoorar eclosed, whyam Iev en
here?DoIt hi
nkabouthersomuchI 'm notev en
aware?Isi tinthecarforaf ewmi nutesandpar tsof
mewanttodriv
eawayandj ustleavet
hiswomanbe
butsomet
hingispushi
ngmet ocl i
mboutthecart
o
goseeherandmakesur esheisokay.
..

Iam knocki ngout sideherdoorandmyner veshav e

shotup, Idon' tthi
nkIhav eev erbeenuneasyf orjust
comi ngtotal ktosomeone.Sheaskswhoi tis
withoutopeni ngandIdon' tsayi ncaseshedeci des
tonotopenf orme.Ikeeponknocki ngunt i
lIseet he
kitchencurtainmov eandherf acepeepst hrought o
seewhoi ti
s.Whensheseesi t
'smeshemov esand
i
tt akesami nuteforhert ocomet othedoort oopen
up.Shei ssilentassheopensf orme, shemov es
asidetoal l
owmepasst hroughandIgeti n.Looks
l
ikeshewaseat i
nghersupperbecauset here'
sa
plateandagl assofj ui
ceont het able.Shedoesn' t
sayany thi
ngt omebutpoi ntstot hechai randIsi t
notknowi ngwhatt osay .Shemov est othe
cupboar dandt akesoutapl ate, Ilookatherasshe
dishesupf ormeandpr eparewat ert owashmy
hands.Shecomeswi ththedi shofwar m waterand
adi shtowel, Iwashmyhandsanddr ythem.
Hlengiwecomesbackwi thmypl ateandI '
m already
sali
vati
ng,weeati ncompletesilence.Whenwear e
doneshecl earsupandwashest hedi shes, Idon't
thi
nkIhav eev erbeencomf ortableinsay ingnot hi
ng
butfeeli
ngeasy ,
myner vesfrom earlierhav e
somewhatv anishedandIf eelcomf ortablebutIst i
ll
feell
ikeIneedhert ofor
givemef orthrowi ngherout
whenIpr omi sednev ert
o.Wear ewat chingTVbutI
needherat t
ent i
onnow. .
.

Me:
Hlengi
.
Isayandshel
ooksatme
Hl
engi
we:
Bhekumbuso.
Herf
aci
alexpr
essi
onisnotgi
vi
ngawayanythi
ng
maki
ngmepanic.Ineedemot
ionsf
rom her
.
Me:
Iam sosor
ry.
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Hl
engi
we:
Iunder
standwhysoi
t'
sokay
.
Me:
Ifeel
ter
ri
ble.
Hl
engi
we:
hav
eyoubeenpr
ayi
ng.
Icastmyeyesdownnotknowi ngwhattosay
becausehonest
lyIhaven'tbeenbecausemyhear
t
andheadarenotintherightspace.
Me:
noIhav
en'
t.I
t'
sbeenhect
ic.
Hl
engi
we:
let
'spr
ayBheki
.
Shesay shol
dingoutherhandt
omeandassoonas
Itakeit
,Idon'
tevenknowhowt oexpl
ainhowIf
eel
butIknowIshouldn'
tbecauseIam amarri
edman
whol ov
eshiswife.
Hlengi
we:Itol
dyout
ogi
vei
tal
ltot
heLor
d,hewi
l
l
dealwit
hitall
.
Me:
yesy
oudi
d.
Isaygoi
ngdownonmykneesasshel
eadsusi
n
pray
er.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Nowt
hatshecl
aimsmysacr
if
icewi
l
lbeont
ime,
I
canworkonf indingsomet hingIwil
l workont o
separ
ateKay i
seandt hatfooli
shboyBukhosi .Ihav
e
beenhereforsomet i
menowandmypl anshav e
beendelayed.Ican'taffordtowasteany moret i
me
andhavehersl eepwi ththatboysomemor e.Iam
ti
redofcleansingheral r
eadyandi t
'sinf
uri
atingto
knowthatshekeepsongi vi
ngherselftomen.Her
bodyandsoul belongt ome, sheismywi feandmy
ri
ngisonherf ingertopr ovethat
..
.

Igettothecor ri
dort hatleadst
oherbedr oom and
knock,thereisnor esponsesoIguessshei sn'
tat
home.Iqui cklygetinandhersmel li
sal lovert
he
room andi ti
mmedi atelymovest omymanhood.She
i
sabeaut i
fulwomanandIam goi ngt oenjoyhaving
herallt
omy selfevent houghshei sstubbornbutI
am themi ghtyDabul aandget t
ingawomant oact
ri
ghtformewi llneverbeapr oblem.Igot hroughher
drawersandaf t
eropeni ngalmostev ery
oneoft hem
Igettheonewhi chshekeepsherunder wear s.
Exactl
ywhatIneed.It akeoneandputi tinmy
pocket,Idon'twantt obecaughtandpossi bly
thr
ownoutforinvadi
ngthepr
incess'
spriv
acysoI
walkoutl
eavi
ngev er
ythi
ngasisexceptone
under
wearshort.
..

Igostrai
ghtt omyr oom, t
akeoutthekeyf rom my
pocketandunl ockmycl oset,Imov ethehangi ng
clot
hesinther etothesidesandmyl it
tlecalabash
andsomemut iappear.Ikneeldownandt akeout
thethongfrom mypocketandputi tdownspr inkl
ing
themut i
oni tthenIputi ti
nthecalabashwher eit
will
stayforjustaf ewday sthenitwillgobackt oher
drawerandonceshewear si
tit
'sgameov erforthe
bothofthem andmychancet owi nherov er.
..
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Istepoutoftheshoweranddr ymysel
f.GoodthingI
pickoutt
hecl othesformyent ireweekforwork
eachMondayandt hehelper
si r
onthem forme,soI
dontneedtowor r
yaboutwhatI '
m goi
ngtowear
eachmor ni
ng, especial
l
ynott odaybecauseIam
alreadylateforbreakfast
.Iwascompl et
elywornout
from allthesexwehady esterday.Aftermymom
l
ef twehadameal wi
thhismom andsheapol ogi
zed
forhowshet r
eatedme.Af tersheexcusedher self
weal sodi sappearedtohisr oom andgotupt ono
good.Ibendov erindiff
erentdirect
ionsandi tfel
tso
good.Iwant edtosleepov erbutIhadwor kt
his
mor ning.
..

Isli
pintomyout f
itandfixmyf ace, noheav ymake
upbecausei tcangethotatt heofficeandnowt hat
wespendmostt i
meout sidemakeupi sjustanogo
area.Igrabmybagandheadt othedi nningroom to
j
oinev er
y onef orbreakf
ast .Tomysur pri
sei t
'sonl
y
thefoodandnopeopl e,okaywhati st hisnow?I
checkmywr i
stwat chandi t'
spassedt hetimewe
shouldall besitt
ingandeat i
ng.Mymom wal ksin
wearingherr obeandshel ookspi ssedof f.
..

Mama:
Kay
isewher
eisBheki
.
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Me: uhm,
he'
syourhusbandmamaandy
ousl
eep
nexttohi
m.
Mama:woul
dIbeaski
ngi
fhesl
epti
nthesame
r
oom asme?
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
ownotunder
standi
ng.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Mama:yourf
athernevercamehomey
est
erday
.
Whenwasthelastti
mey ousawhi
m?
Me:atwork,whenIaskedthathetakesal
i
ftfr
om
DabulabecauseIwastaki
ngthecartogoto
Bukhosi
.
Dabul
a:ohwedi dcomebackhomebuthedidn'
t
comein,heaskedtheguardt
obringhi
mthecar
keyst
ooneoft hecarsandhelef
t.
Hesayswalki
nginandIfrown,i
t'
sreal
l
yrudet
o
eav
esdroponpeopl
e'sconver
sati
ons.
Mama:
didhesaywher
ehewasgoi
ng?
Heshakeshisheadandsi
tsdownt
akest
hej
art
o
pourhi
mselfsomejui
ce.
Dabul
a:notatal
l
,buthel
ookedbesi
deshi
msel
f.
Me:what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thbaba,
I'
m sowor
ri
edabout
hi
m.
Mama:whathedi
disgoi
ngt
olandhi
minhotwat
ers
wi
thme.
Me:
letmet
ryhi
m ont
hephone
Mama:
don'
tbot
heri
t'
sof
f.
Isi
ghandthenhewal
ksin,
sti
l
linonepi
ece.Ihur
ry
tohi
m andqui
ckl
yatt
ackhi
m wit
hahug.
Me:
ohbaba,
youar
eokay
.
Baba:
I'
m okayst
handwasami
.
Mama:
wher
ehav
eyoubeenBhekumbuso?
Shehal
fshout
sandmyf
atherl
et'
sgoofme.
Baba:
youwantt
odot
hisher
eLi
yana?
Mama:
justanswermer
ightnow.
Heshakeshi
sheadandheadst
othecor
ri
dor
.
Baba:I
'
m goi
ngtoshower
,I'
l
lber
eadyt
oleav
ein30
minut
eNtombikay
ise.
Hesay sbefor
edisappear
ing.Mymot herf
oll
ows
behindmescr eami
ng,demandingtoknowwher ehe
was.Ireal
lyneedtotal
ktomyf ather
,thi
sisso
unl
ikehim.
Dabula:
Iwouldnev
eral
l
owawomant
otal
ktomei
n
thatmanner
.
Me:
andt
hechauv
ini
stpi
gspeaks.
Dabul
a:y
ourday
swi
thar
unni
ngmout
har
eal
most
over
.
Hesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:
whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Dabul
a:y
ou'
l
lsee.
Hest
andsupandheadsout
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER34
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Thi sisthef ir
stt i
meIsl eptoutwi t
houtmywi fe
knowi ng, Ididn'tmeant odoi tbutHl engiwe'
s
companywasj ustsocal mingandi tmademet alkt
o
heraboutt hingst hatareweighingheav yonme.I
didn'tgoi ntodet ailbutIspoketoheraboutmyf ear
s
andhowt hinkingaboutt hem cripplesmebecause
ever yonei slookingatmet ofixitallandmakei tall
goawayandsomet i
mesIcan' tbecauseIam onl y
humant oo.Ihadt oswi tchoffmyphonebecauseI
knewLi yanawoul dt r
ytocallme, forsomer easonI
didn'twanthert odistur
bmymomentwi t
hHlengiwe.
Iwasmeantt oleavel at
erbutwekeptont al
kingand
talkingunt il
wef el
lasleepont hecouch. ..

Not
hingi
nappr
opr
iat
ehappenedbet
weenus.Iam
notanadul terousman, Irespectthesacrednessof
mar r
iageandIr emembermyv owst omywi f
e.As
muchasi tkil
ledmet otel
lherthatwecannot
conti
nuemeet i
ng, Iknewitwast herightthi
ngtodo.
Honest l
yIf el
tmy selfst
arti
ngtocheatonmywi f
e
emot i
onallylastni ghtandIam nott hatperson
hencecut ti
ngt i
eswast hebestopt i
on.It ol
dherto
reachouti fsher eallyneedshelpshecannotget
anywher eelseandshepr omisedjusttogetmeat
ease.Theonl ythingshesai dtomewhenwewer e
hugginggoodby ewast hatIshouldcontinuetopray.
..

Il
eftmyhousei nt hemor ningwi thKay isewithout
explaininganythingt ohermot her .Liyanawas
maki ngnoise,scr eami ngatmet ogi v
eheranswer s
andIj ustcouldn'tbr i
ngmy sel ftot ell
i
nghert hetr
uth
becauseal readyshesuspect edt hatIwashav i
ngan
aff
airwi thhersot ell
i
nghert hatIspentt henight
withHl engi
wewoul dhav ecement edhert houghts
andmadet hem seem l ikei
t'st r
ue.Ineedt othi
nkof
somet hingtot el
l herwhenIgethomebecauseshe
i
sn'tgoi ngtoletthi ssli
de,shemadei tclearwhenI
l
eft
.Theoffi
cedooropensandt herecept
ioni
st
wal
ksinwithmakhosi
,Irai
seaney ebrowWondering
howtheyal
lowedhiminwithoutanappointmentand
al
sobecausehenevergoti
nduct edtocomeonsi t
e..
.

Recept
ioni
st:
sir
,thi
sgent
lemani
sher
etoseey
ou.
ShesaysandInod.Thegi
rlwal
ksbackoutcl
osi
ng
thedoorbehi
ndher.
Makhosi
:nkosi
'
yami
(myKi
ng)
.
Me:
pleaset
akeasi
t.
Ipoi
ntt
othel
eat
herchai
rfaci
ngme.
Makhosi
:youhav
ebeenscar
ce.
Heset
tl
esdownbuthi
sgazei
ntenseonme
Me:
no,justbusy.I'
m surey
oucanseet
hatt
he
f
act
oryprojecthasstar
tedout
side.
Henods
Makhosi
:Icansee,
youar
edoi
ngwel
l
.
Me:
howcanIhel
pyou?
IaskbutdeepdownIknowwhatbr
ingshi
m her
e.
Makhosi:It
hinkyoualr
eadyknowt
hatbutI
'
llt
ell
you
any
way .Theancestor
s-
Iqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
Me:Iknowwhatt
heywantbutt
ell
them t
hatIam
notgoi
ngtomarr
yHlengi
we.
Makhosi
:andt
heyacceptyourdeci
sionbutthey
al
sohavetodowhatisbestfort
hisKingdom.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
whati
ssupposedt
omean?
Hechuckl
es.
Makhosi
:I'
mjustamessengerher
e.
Me:theyshoul
dbehel
pingmef
ightt
hisenemyI
hav
en'tseenwit
hmyeyes.
Makhosi:j
ustcozyouhaven'
tseendoesn'
tmeanit
i
sn'
there.Theymightbebli
ndedbuttheyar
etr
ying.
Me:Ibeli
eveinmyf or
efat
her
sbutIam notgoi
ngt
o
al
l
owt hem tochangewhatIbel
i
evein.
Henods.
Makhosi
:al
lwi
l
lhappenasi
tshoul
dthen.
Me: I
'
m notdi
srespect
ingy
ouort
hem I
'
mjust
st
icki
ngtomybel i
evesasani
ndi
vi
dual
.
Makhosi
:under
stood.Mayt
heGodsbewi
thy
ou.
Hestandsuptol
eave,makingmefeelli
keanother
heav
yburdenhasbeenplacedonmyshoul der
s,
addi
ngtothel
oadI'
m alr
eadycarr
yinghere.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Ihavebeenatwor kandhav i
ngt hesepersi
stent
headaches,I'
vet akenpil
lsaf t
erpill
sbutnothing.It
suddenl
yhi t
smet hatitmi ghtnotbephy si
calpain
butmygr andsonManzi summoni ngmespi ri
tuall
yin
myhead.Hecanonl ydot hisincaseofan
emergency ,
becausei tisverydanger oustoahuman
body.Thespi r
itcanwi t
hstandi tbutamer emor tal
candiefrom this.Iqui
cklygetupf rom t
hedeskand
Kayi
segiv esmeal ookofannoy ance.Herhatefor
medoesn'
tmatterfornowbecauseIdon'
tneedt
his
bodytodr
opdeadr i
ghtnowandriskhavi
ngtost
art
thepl
anfr
om scrat
ch..
.

Ihur rytothecarpar kedout si

deandpr ayt
hatitwil
l
bepr i
vateenoughandnotr i
sksomeoneseei ngme
talkingtothev oiceinmyheadandt hinki
ngIam
l
osi ngmymi nd.It'
squi etwhenIgett here,t
heonly
soundcomi ngf rom thebi rdschirpi
nganddr ill
i
ng
from t heconstructi
onsi t
e, butit'
satadi st
ance.Iget
i
nt hecarandcl osemyey est ocalm downsohecan
reachmet ocommuni cate.Ittakesaf ewmi nutes
andIam i mpatientast hi
sheadachei spainful.
..

Manzi
:mkhul
u
Me:
doy
ouwantt
oki
l
lthi
svessel
?
Manzi
:ofcour
senot
.Weneedi
t.
Me:
what
every
ousummonedmef
orbet
terbegood.
Manzi
:i
tismkhul
uorIwoul
dn'
thav
eri
skedt
his.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?Speak!
Manzi
:Il
ookedatKay
ise'
snear
erf
utur
e.
Hesay
sandIgasp
Me:y ouhadnor i
ghtManzi
,doyouwantt oremov e
theblindf
oldsontheNgwenyaancest
ors.Lookingat
herfuturemakesusweakandgivesthem strengt
h.
Manzi:Iknow,
Iknowbuti thadtobedone.Iwas
feel
i
nguneasyaboutherandt hatboyandthebones
wouldn'
tshowmeany t
hingsoIneededt osee.I
promiseIwasqui
ckandi tdidn'
tstr
engt
henthem
toomuch.
Me:
whatdi
dyousee?
Iaskannoy
edwi
tht
hisboy
.
Manzi
:sheandBukhosi
wil
ll
ayt
hisweekend.
Me:t
hat
'sf
ineasthesacr
if
icewi
l
lst
il
lbeongoi
ng,
byt
heti
meitendsshewil
lbepur
eagain.
Manzi
:youdon'
tunder
standmkhul
u.
Me:t
henmakeme,
Idon'
thav
ethewhol
eday
damni
t!
Manzi
:i
fyoual
l
owt
hem t
olay
,shewi
l
laccepthi
s
seedandi
twi
l
lpr
oduceachi
l
d.
Myey
esopenwi
de.
Me:
what
?!
Manzi:youneedtogettheunderwearbacki
ntothe
drawersoshecanweari t
.Idon'
tknowhowy ou'l
l
ensurethatshewear
sitbeforetomorr
owbutfinda
waymkhul uoral
lofthi
swasf ornothi
ng.
Icl
enchmyj
aws.
Manzi
:br
eakt
hiscommuni
cat
ionbef
oreIdi
e.
Isayandaf ewsecondslatertheheadachesubsided
andIfeelawholelotbett
er.Kayisecan'tget
pregnantshecan'
t.Ineedtogohomenowandwor k
onsomet hi
ngtogethertoweart hatunderwear
i
mmedi atel
y.Ist
arttheengine.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Icanbetmymoneythatmyhusbandwaswit
hthat
Hlengi
wewoman.Iwasri
ghtthatt
heyar
ehavi
ngan
affairandt henhemadei tlookl i
keIam goi ngcrazy
seeingt hingsthataren'
tther e.Wellthi
sst unthe
pulledhasmademef eelalittl
elessguilt
yf orgett
ing
upt oal lofthi
swi t
hDabul amanzi .Heispl ayi
ngme
l
ikeaf oolwithawomanbel owmycl ass,heis
turningmei nt
oal aughingst ock.Iam goingt odeal
witht hebot hofthem andwhenI '
m donewi ththem
theywi llstopthi
snonsense. ..

Ihavewor kedt oohardtoj ustloseitall

toher,Ihave
doneall oft histosecuremyf utur
e,mydaught er'
s
fut
ureandBhekumbuso' sbutl ookatwhathei s
doingtome.Asangr yasIam Iam al sohurtthathe
couldchangeonmel i
ket his.Nowi tmakesme
wonderwhathewoul dhav edonet omei fIdidn'
t
giv
ehim anychi l
d.Hepr obablywoul dhaveagreed
tothem f orcingasecondwi feonhi m andthentreat
herbetterlikeInev erexi
st ed.Igulpdownt heglass
ofscotchandasIpl acet heglassbackdownDabul a
walksinl ookingl i
kehiswor ldisgoingtoshutter.
..
Dabul
a:goodt
hingy
ouar
eher
e.
Me:
what
'swr
ong.
Dabul
a:y
ourdaught
eri
sgoi
ngt
odr
ivemet
oki
l
li
ng
her
.
Me:Itol
dyout
ost
opact
ingl
i
keamadmanandbea
gent
leman.
Isnap.
Dabul
a:wat
chy
ourt
onewoman.
Il
etoutadeepsi
gh.
Me:
whathasshedownt
hist
ime.
Dabula:
it'
swhatshe'
sgoingtodo.Sheandthat
Bukhosiboywi
llberesponsi
blef
orhowIactnotme.
Me:
Iheary
oubutwhatdi
dshedo?
Iam l
oosi
ngmypatiencenowbecausehedoesn'
t
wanttogett
othepoint
.
Dabul
a:t
hat'
snoti
mpor
tantbuty
ouar
egoi
ngt
o
hel
pmest opi
t.
Me:
any
thi
ngt
ohel
p.
Dabul
a:good.Wai
ther
eI'
m comi
ng.
Hewal ksawayandIgoaroundt
opourmy sel
f
anothergl
assbecausewowmyl i
fei
sli
keamer r
ygo
round.Hecomesbackandholdsoutathonginmy
face.
Me:
that
'snotmi
ne.
Dabul
a:Iwouldn'
tbel
iev
eittobe.I
tbel
ongst
omy
wif
e,y
ourstubborndaught
er.
Hecl
encheshi
sjawsasIf
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thi
t?
Myhear
tisr
aci
ng
Dabul
a:notyourconcer
nbutLi
yanayouar
egoingt
o
makesurethatshewearst
hisunder
wearwhenshe
get
shomef rom work.
Me:Idon'
tchooseunder
wear
sformychi
l
d,shewi
l
l
besuspi
cious.
Dabul
a:don'
tmakey
ourpr
obl
emsmypr
obl
emsso
fi
ndaway .
Hewal
ksawayandIam st
andi
ngher
ewonder
ing
whati
sgoi
ngon.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Igothomet iredashel landIwant edtogoseemy

gir
lf
riendatt hepal acebutt hewayIam dogt i
redI
don'tthi
nkIcanmakei t.Aphonecal l
wi l
lhavetobe
enoughf ortodaybutatl eastIsawhery est
erday
andwemadel oveinmybedr oom andl uckyforme
herscenti sleftonmypi l
lowsandmyduv etcovers.I
arr
ivedt omamacooki ngupast ormint hekit
chen
andIdeci dedt otakeabat htofreshenupbef oreI
gotoeat .OnceI '
m doneIgoout si
det odiscardthe
waterandr inset hewashi ngdish.Iwalkbacki nthe
houseandset t
leont hecouchgi vi
ngmyphonemy
att
ent i
on.Aknockcomest hroughthedoorand
mamaqui cklygoest oopenup. .
.

Mama:
Youdev
il
!
Shesay
sinabr
eaki
ngv
oice,
soIqui
ckl
yst
andupt
o
goseewhosheistal
ki
ngto.MenziShezi
isonour
door
stepl
ooki
ngli
kealostpuppy
.
Mama:
whatdoy
ouwanther
eyousi
ckman.
Herv
oicei
str
embl
i
ng.
Menzi
:maPhi
ndi
spl
ease,
Icomei
npeace.
Ichuckl
e.
Mama:
Don'
tyoudar
ecal
lmet
hat
.
Me:
whatdoy
ouwantf
rom us?
Menzi
:sonIj
ustwantt
omaket
hingsr
ight
.
Thener
veoft
hisman.
Mama:
Bukhosi
isnoty
ourson.
Menzi
:IknowIhur
tyoubot
hbutpl
ease.
Mama:
leav
enoworIwi
l
lscr
eam mur
der
.
Shet
hreat
ens
Me:
wai
tmama,
Ihav
eaquest
ionf
orhi
m.
Mama:
Bukho-
Me:
whynow?
Menzi:
Ireal
i
zemywr ongsandhowevi
lIwas.Iwant
youandyoursi
bli
ngstoworkt
oget
herandbegreat.
Ismi
l
e
Me:exactl
y,youareher etofi
ndthenextmeal ti
cket
f
oryourkids.Myf ar
mi sof fl
i
mit
ssir.Stayaway
f
rom us,wewantnot hingtodowi t
hy ou.Yourobbed
mymot heroffherli
fe,
t ookawayherbestfri
endand
mademyl if
eal i
vinghell.
Menzi
:Iam y
ourf
atherBukhosi
.
Me:noy ouar ear api
st.Ifyouwantmet otakeyou
ser
iousl
yt el
lyourwi f
et hetruth,
t ellherwhymy
mothersuddenl ybecamedi st
antandwant ed
not
hingtodowi ththei
rf ri
endship.Shamey our
sel
f
andadmi ttoyourev i
lway sandal sotell
heryouare
sl
eepingwi t
ht heQueenssi ster.
Heshakeshi
sheadl
i
ght
ly.
Menzi
:mywi
fei
sagoodwoman,
thi
swi
l
lki
l
lher
.
Ir
oll
myey
es.Iknewhewoul
dnev
eragr
ee.
Mama:
oneday
,youwi
l
lpayf
orev
ery
thi
ng.
Menzi
:Imadeami
stakepl
ease.
Mymot hershutsthedoori
nhisfaceandturns
aroundtolookatme.Tearsar
est r
eamingdownher
cheeksandshei str
embli
ngfr
om alltheanger
.I
takeheri
ntomyar msandcomf orther.
Mama:hebrokemeBukhosi
,hetookaway
somet
hingi
nmeIwill
nevergetback.
Me:IknowmamabutGodi
snotsl
eepi
ng.Hewi
l
l
av
engey ou.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

IparkathomeandBabai sthef i
rsttocli
mboutof
thecar.Ihatethekindofbusywear etheseday s
becausewegethomewant i
ngt ojustbathandsl eep
buttonightt
hatwi l
lhavetowai tabi tbecauseIwant
tohav eawor dwithmyf atherandf i
ndoutwhati s
happeningwithhim.Iam r eall
ywor ri
edbecauset hi
s
i
ssounl i
kehim,hedoesn'tdisappearandsl eepout
withouttal
ki
ngt omymot herabouti tbutyesterday
hedidandi t
'sgoingtocausepr obl
emsbet ween
them asIsawmama' sreactiont hi
smor ning..
.
Icl
imboutaf tersnappingoutofmyt houghtsand
makemywayi nthehouse.Igost rai
ghttome
bedroom andi t
'sshockingt hatIfi
ndmymot herin
herewithapicniclikeset-up.Shei swearingher
pyj
amasandhol dingagl assofchampagnei nher
hand.Ioff
erheraconf usedsmi leandshest andsup
andlooksatme.Tear sarewel li
ngupi nherey es
makingthem glitt
erandmyhear tshatt
ers,I
'venever
seenmamat hisemot i
onal .
..

Mama:
Ijustwant
edt
ospendt
imewi
thy
ou.
Me:
ohmamadon'
tcr
y.
Mama: Idon'
twantt
oincludeyouinourmarit
al
probl
emsbuthehumi l
iat
edmei nf
rontofyouand
ourguestDabul
a.Ij
ustwanttofor
getalit
tl
e.
Me:it
'sokay
,Iwi
l
lhav
eal
i
ttl
esl
umberpar
tywi
th
you.
Mama:
thanky
ouKay
ise.
Me:
theset
-upi
scut
ebyt
heway
.
Shesmi
l
essweet
lyatme.
Mama:Ihopey
oudon'tmindbutIt
ooktheli
bert
yto
fi
ndyousomet
hing'
stochangei
ntoaf
teryour
shower
.
Ismileandl
ookatmybed.Iseemypy
jamasandmy
thong.
Me:
thatwast
hought
ful
ofy
ou.Letmegoshower
.
Idropmyhandbagandgot
othedoor
,bef
oreIt
wist
theknobherv
oicest
opsme.
Mama:
didhet
ell
youwher
ehewas?
Ishakemyhead
Me:
I'
m sor
ryhedi
dn'
t.
Mama:
Ithi
nkhei
scheat
ingonme.
Igaspf
orai
r.
Me:
that
'ssounl
i
kehi
m.
Mama:
thenwher
edi
dhesl
eepwi
thhi
sphoneof
f.
Me:
may
behewi
l
lex
plai
ntoni
ght
.
Mama:y
esmay
be.Goshowerbaby
,ourf
oodwi
l
lget
col
d.
Me:
Ilov
eyousi
s'
Li
yana.
Shewi
peshert
earasshechuckl
es.
Mama:Iloveyoumorethanli
fei
tsel
f.Ev
ery
thi
ngIdo,
Idoi
tforyouandyourf
uture.
Ibl
owheraki
ssandwal
kout
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
NOEDI
T

THEHOUSEWIFEi
swait
ingforyoutopr
eorderi
tfor
onl
yR100.Val
uef
ormoney,
Ipromiseyou.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER35
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

[
AWEEKLATER]

Ithasbeenanent i
re7day ssinceIdidn'tsl
eepat
homebutr atheratHl engiwe'shouse.Mywi f
ehasn't
broughtupt hesubj ectev ersincethenandIdi dn'
t
feeltheneedt ot alkabouti tt
oobutt hatjustseem
tohav etakeni t
st oll
onourmar r
iage.Thingsar e
coldbetweenus, wesl eepi nthesamebedbutshe
l
ookst heot herwayandsodoI .Ihatewhati s
happeningwi thusbuti fshelearnsIwaswi th
Hlengiwet hi
ngswi l
lspiraloutofcont r
ol evenmor e
soit'sbett
ert hi
sway ,Icanonl ypraythatthingsget
betterbetweenuswi t
ht i
me. .
.

Ont
heot
herhandmyhear
thasbeenheav
ysoheav
y
thatIdon'tunderstandwhyIam f eelingt hiswayal l
ofasudden.Inev ersawheri nt hatlightbutr ecently
myhear tyeansf orher ,Idream ofheratni ghtandI
hav ehadtostopmy selfami l
li
ont imesi nthispast
weeknott ogot oherhouseandconf useheraf ter
sayingweshoul dkeepourdi stance.Imi sshert omy
soul andIhatetol ovei t
.Ihav eawi fe, awi fethatI
l
ov e,awifethathasnev ermademef eelthisway .I
thi
nkmyancest orsar epl ayi
nganumberonme, they
aremaki ngmef eel thiswayt owar dsHl engiwe
becauseIknowmy selfIwouldn'tev enbef eeli
ngl i
ke
thi
sonanor mal day ..
.

I
t'saweekendandIhav enot hingtokeepbusywi th.
theCounci lofKi
ngsIwassupposedt oattendi nthe
nearbyv i
llagewaspost ponedt oalaterdatesoi t
'sa
l
onelystressfulweekendf orme.Icoul dlookintot he
disappearanceofthelit
tlegir
l,shewasl astseen
l
eav i
ngschool butnevermadei thome.Itseemsl ike
i
t'sanotherZonkesituationbutt heagediffer
encei s
toomuch.Iconsul t
edmakhosi buthesaidnot hing
l
ikealway ssoweopt edopeni nganot herpoli
cecase
sotheycani nv
esti
gat e.Idon'tknowwhati s
happeni
ngi nmyland, it'
smaki ngmef eelsouseless
l
ikeIam constantl
yf ail
ingmypeopl e.Iam closed
upinmyst udy,watchingsomecur r
entaf f
air
sonmy
l
aptop.Kayiseconnect edittotheWi Fiandshowed
mehowt obr owsef orchannel sonl
ine.Thedoor
opensandshewal ksi nhol di
ngaplat eoffood.
..

Kay
ise:
baba
Hereyesarepl
eadi
ng,shehasbeentr
yingt
ogetme
t
otalktoherbuti
t'
shard,Li
yanai
shermother
.
Me:
sthandwasami
.
Kay
ise:y
ouhavebeenl
ockedupinher
esince
morni
ng.Ibr
oughty
ousomethi
ngtoeat.
Me:
thanky
oubutI
'
m nothungr
y.
Shesighsanddr
opst heplat
eonmydeskbef or
e
set
tl
ingonthecouchbyt hewindow,
putt
ingherl
egs
upandhuggingthem cl
osetoherchest
.
Kayi
se:
babaplease,
whatisgoi
ngonwithy
ou.
Seei
ngyout
hiswayiski
ll
ingmeplease.
Sheletshert
earsfal
landdidn'
tIjustdi
eami
ll
ion
deathsri
ghtnow.Ineverwanttoseemydaughter
hurt
,Ineverwantt
oseehert ear
s.
Me:I'
mjuststr
essedaboutt
hedisappear
anceoft
he
l
it
tl
egirl
lastFr
iday
.Ifeel
usel
ess.
Sheshakesherhead
Kayise:i
t'
ssosadbaba.Ipr
aytheyf
indhersaf
e
becausethisi
sal
ltoomuch.Idon'
twanttothi
nk
thatthi
sHumantraff
icki
ngthi
nghashitus.
Me:
itwoul
dbet
hewor
stt
hing.
Kayi
se:
yes,
butt
hatisn'
ttheonl
ythi
ngweighi
ng
heav
yonyousopleasetal
ktomeplease.
Icl
osemyeyes,Ineedt
otal
ktosomeonebef
oremy
headbur
stsopen.
Kayi
se:
you'
veal
way
sbeenabl
etot
alkt
ome.Pl
ease
don'
tst
opnow.
Me:it'
sal
ltoomuch.Theenemythingatt
ackingthe
vi
l
lageandwest i
l
lnotknowingwhoiti
sorwhati t
wants.Nowmyancestors,myancest
orsareasking
metodosomet hi
ngIdon'twantt
onorbeliev
ei n.
Shenar
rowsherey
es
Kay
ise:
whatar
etheyaski
ngofy
ou?
Me: t
omar r
yanot
herwoman,
Hlengi
wet
obe
speci
fic.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
what
?!Why
?
Me: Idon'
tknowmylove.Iaskedbutt
heyar
enot
gi
vingmeany thi
ng,
theyjustwantHl
engi
weasthei
r
Queen.
Kay
ise:
ohbaba.Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Il
oveyourmot
herNt
ombi
kay
ise,
Iwoul
dn'
tdo
t
hattoher
.
Kay
ise:
wil
ltheyacceptt
hat
?
Me:makhosi sayst
heydobutIknowhowthey
operat
e,theywil
ldosomet
hingdrast
ict
ome,to
prov
et hei
rpoint
.
Kay
ise:
ohmyGod.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihavetotalkt oBhekumbuso,aweekwi t
houttalking
wasenough.I 'vesul
kedit'
senoughnowi t
'st
imeI
standuptosav emymar r
iage.Ican'
tlethismistress
winhim over.Thisismypalaceandnoonei sgoi ng
totakei
tf r
om me.Iam awomanandwehol dt he
knif
einthebl ade.Wewalkonhotcoal j
usttosav e
ourfamil
iesandIwon' tstopnow, I
'v
ealreadydone
theworsttokeept hem andthisthr
one...

Iwor emyroy al r
egali
a, Iwantevery
onet oremember
thatIam theQueen, meLi yanaNgweny aandnoone
else.Iwantt hem t ofeel mycommandt hi
sdayand
bef oreanyoneel seIam r emindingmyhusband
becauseheneedst oseewhathehasathomesohe
canst opr
unni ngoutt herechasingwomanbel ow
me.Igetout sidehi sstudyandt hedoorisajar,heis
talkingtoKay ise.Itsoundsser i
oussoIst opand
l
istent owhatt heyaret al
ki
ngabout .Myhear tdrops
asIhearhi m sayhi sancestorswanthimt omar r
y
Hlengi
we.Ican'
tbelievethis,whywoul dt heyaskmy
husbandtodothistome?Ar et heyont ome?Do
theyknowwhati am uptosot heyar ereplaci
ngme
withwhotheythinkisbetter?Howdi dManzi notsee
thi
snonsense.Iwipemyt earwi t
ht hebackofmy
hand,myheartisracingandi tfeelsli
keit'
sbreaki
ng
i
ntoami l
li
onpieces...

Iheadst r
aighttomysi ster
schamber s,sheisthe
onlypersonIcant alktoaboutall ofthisbecause
sheknowsev erythingfrom scratch.Ijustwalkin
withoutknocking, she'
snakedandappl yi
ngbody
butter
.Isinkont heedgeofherbedandj ustcrymy
eyesout.Shedoesn' tsayany t
hingbutcont inues
aboutherbusi ness.Thiswhol ethingi samess, i
f
theyknowaboutmyshenani gansi tmeansonce
theyareallowedt oseeagai ntheywi l
lturnonme.I
needt oaskManzi t
okeept hem bl i
ndedf or
ever
becauseev erythi
ngwi llfal
lonme. .
.

Nonhl
e:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Sheasksbor
ed.
Me: Iknowthi
ngshaven'
tbeenokaybet
weenusand
I
'm sorryf
ormist
reat
ingyou.
Isaymeani
ngev
erywor
d.
Me:Ineedyousi
si,
youaret
heonlyper
sonwho
madethiswhol
ethi
ngeasypl
ease.Iwi
llt
reaty
ou
bet
ter
.
Nonhle:youj
ustsay
ingthatcozyouneedhel
p
Li
yana,Iknowhowy ouoperate.
Me:
Iswearonourmot
her
sgr
ave.
Sher
aisesaney
ebr
ow.
Nonhl
e:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
theywantBheki
tomar
ryHl
engi
we.
Nonhl
e:whoi
sthey
?
Me:hi
sancest
ors,
Ihear
dhi
mtal
ktoKay
isej
ust
now.
Nonhl
e:what!t
hat'
scrazy
.Youneedtost
opthat
i
mmediatel
y.Refuset
ogivehi
m per
missi
on.
Me: Ishouldhaveall
owedy outobemysisterwife
all
thosey earsago,Ishouldhaveaccept
edt hatI
couldn'
thav eki
dsandal l
owedBheki tomarryyou.
Youar emysi st
erandt hechil
drenyouweregoingt o
givebir
thtowoul dhavebeenl i
kemyownbutIj ust
couldn'
tlosehim.Litt
ledidIknowIwouldlosehi m
toHlengiwe.
Nonhl
e:whatdi
dyousay
?
SheasksinalowtoneandIclosemyeyesreali
zi
ng
thatIj
ustt
oldherhowIchangedfat
eforhertoo.
Me:
not
hing.
Ist
andup.
Nonhl
e:Li
yanadon'
tmakemepounceony
our
ight
now.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
it'
snot
hingIpr
omi
sey
ou.
Nonhl
e:IwassupposedtobeaQueent oo?Iwasthe
onewhowasgoi ngtobareBhekumbusochi
ldr
en
andyoustoppedthatdi
dn'
tyou?
Shei
schar
gingt
owar
dsmeandIam st
uckt
othi
s
f
loor
.Thel
ookonherf
acei
smur
der
ous.
Me:no,
notatal
lyouar
emi
sint
erpr
eti
ngmy
t
hought
s.
Shesl
apsmehar
dacr
ossmyf
aceandi
tst
ings.
Nonhle:y
out ookawayabeautif
ull
i
feIwouldhav e
had.Youjustsignedyoudeat
hwarrantLi
yana.Iam
goingtobreaky ouIswear
.
Me:
sisi
pleasemamai
stheonet
obebl
amednot
me.
Shechuckl
es.
Nonhl
e:Ij
ustbecamey ourwor
stni
ght
mar
emydear
si
ster
.Watchyourback.
Herl
astwor
dssendchi
l
lsdownmyspi
ne.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Menzi hasbeencomingthroughtothehouse
every
dayt obegmymot herandIbutIam nothavi
ng
i
t.Idon'tbel
iev
eheissincereinhi
swords.Hejust
want smet oopenupsohecanusemet ogivehis
preciouschil
drenpositi
onsatmyf arm andbeforeI
knowi ttheywill
hij
ackitfrom rightunderme.Menzi
i
sasnakei nthegreengr ass,anapexpr edat
orthat
willstr
ikewheny ouleastexpecti t
.Iwentt hr
ough
l
ifewi t
houthim andIwi l
lsurelysur v
ivemy
adulthoodwithouthi
m orhi spr esence..
.

Mymot herhasbeengoi ngthr oughheremot ions.I

thi
nkit'
sbecauseshehascomef acetof acewi t
h
herabuserandi sf orcedtor eli
vet hewhol eordeal
Menzi puthert hrough.I t
'ssadIwon' tl
iebuti thast o
happensoshecanf ul
lydeal withherdemonsand
comeoutv ictori
ous.OnceIam f inanci
allystabl eI
wil
lmakei tapr i
or i
tytomakeherseeapr of
essi onal,
total
kaboutal lshehasbeent hrough.Bei ngr aped
bysomeoneshel ookedupt oasabr other,l
osi ngher
bestfri
endandsi sterandhav ingt orai
seher
constantpai nandr eminderofherv i
olati
onandl ov
e
i
t.Imakemywayt oherbedr oom andknockbef ore
walki
ngi n,she'ssi tti
ngont hebedwi thherey es
l
ookingout sidet hrought hewi ndow. .
.
Me:
mama.
Mama:
Bukho
Shesay
swi
thoutmov
ingherey
esf
rom t
hewi
ndow.
Me:let
'sgof
orawal
k,It
hinkf
reshai
rwi
l
ldoy
ou
good.
Mama:
nobhut
i,Iam t
ir
ednowmay
bel
ater
.
Me:
don'
tal
l
owy
our
sel
ftosi
nki
ntot
hedar
kness.
Mama:Ij
ustnev
ert
houghthewoul
dacceptand
conf
esst
owhathedidt
omet osomeoneelse.
Me:
Iknow.
Mama: t
hat
'smaki
ngmeacceptitf
ull
yandi
t'
s
openi
ngmorewoundst
hanIall
owedwhenItoldy
ou
abouti
t.
Iswal
l
owandsi
tnex
ttoher
.
Me:
youar
east
rongwoman.
Mama:Ihadtobeforyou.Mymot
herdi
dsayy
ou
ar
esomethi
ngspecial
Bukhosi
.
Me:
wear
egoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Mama:
Ibel
i
evesot
oo.
Me:Ineedt
ogoseeZamaNgweny
aforaf
ewhour
s.
Wi
ll
y oubeokayony
ourown?
Mama:
yesIwi
l
l.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumama.
Mama:Il
ovey
out
ooson.Gr
eetmydaught
eri
nlaw
f
ir
m me.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Iki
ssherhandandwal
kout
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Iam pat ientl

ywait
ingforwhenKay iseandt hatboy
wil
l meetup.I mmedi at
elytheymakecont actofany
sortphy sical
lyt
hespellwillcomei ntof ull
force.The
mut iIspr i
nkl
edont hethongi sisi
citho,itwillmake
Bukhosi lookatKay i
seandbedi sgusted.Thel it
tl
e
thi
ngsshedoeswi l
lannoyhi m andhewi llbethe
monst ershenev erdreamtof .Hewi llshowherwhat
helli
sandtheirlov
ewillbetr
apped,onlyhatredwil
l
fi
llbotht
heirheart
sforeachother,
oncet heyare
bothenemiesIwi l
lcl
eanseherandt akeoverthe
fragi
lewomanshewoul dhav ebecomebecauseof
thewholething.
..

Li
yana:
Dabul
ayouhav
etohel
pme.
Shesay
sfr
om behi
ndmeandIcl
osemyey
es.
Me:
whatnow?
It
urnt
oscani
fit
'sonl
yusi
nthegar
den.
Li
yana:Isli
ppedupandt
oldNonhl
eshewas
supposedtohavebeenmarr
iedt
otheki
ngwhenI
coul
dn'thaveki
ds.
Isi
ghwishingtot
ellhert
hati
twasnevergoi
ngto
happenthatwaybutwesaiditt
omakeheragreet
o
giv
ingKayiset
omeasawi f
e.Herpani
cki
ngis
annoyi
ng.
Me:
howcoul
dyoubesost
upi
d.
Li
yana:
Iam emot
ional
,Ineededt
ovent
.
Me:youar
eafooli
shwoman, youcan'
tkeepyour
emoti
onsi
ncheck.Youar
ear unawaytrai
n.Doyou
wanttomesst
hiswholet
hingupforme?
Li
yana:ofcour
senot
!Nonhl
ehowev
erwi
l
lgot
ell
my
husbandwhatwe'
vebeenupto.
She'
sri
ght
,awomanscor
nedi
sadanger
ousone.
Me:
I'
ll
deal
wit
hherdon'
twor
ry.
Li
yana:
how?
Me:Liy
anayouaskedforhel
pedandI'
m sayi
ngI'l
l
deal
withi
t.Youdon'
tneedtoknowthedetai
ls.
ShenodsandIl
ookawayf
rom her
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER36
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Nowt hatIknowwhati seat i

ngmyf at herupIcan
sayIunder standhi srecentbehav i
or.Hei snotone
toshyawayf rom any thingbutwhatt heancest ors
areaski ngofhi mi sthei mpossi ble,babawi llnever
agreet ot hatbecausehi shear thasonl yandwi ll
foreverbeatf ormymot heronl y.Somet imesI
wonderi fmymot hercanseehowmuchher
husbandl ov esherandhowf arhewoul dgot o
protectwhatt heyhav e.Thel ovebabahasf orhis
Queeni swhatmademeknowwhatt oexpectf rom
manwhenIst ar t
eddat ingandt hat'
swhyi swasnot
hardt oheal from myf i
rstr el
ationshipandnowt hatI
hav eBukhoIf eelli
kehei swhatIhav ealway s
prayedf orandsawmyf atherbet oQueenLi yana.
Hei snott her ecompl et elybutsomeofhi sflawsare
whatIam wi llingtol i
vewi thbecausehonest lywe
cannothave100%perf
ect
ionandi
twoul
dbewr
ong
toevenexpectt
hatf
rom ahumanbei
ng.
..

Babapr omi sedt hathewi llsnapoutofi tsoonandI

canbr eat hnow.Iwasser i
ousl ynotdoi ngokayf r
om
seeinghi mt hatwi t
hdr awnandst ressed.Iam
host i
ngBukhosi hereatt hepal aceandi thasbeena
whilesi ncehecameby .Hedi dn'twantt oseem
disrespect f
ul bycomi ngher ebuthehadt osnapout
ofitbecausehei sgoingt obeKi ngwhenIt akeover
myf ather'
st hronei ntime.Heneedst ofami l
i
ari
ze
himsel fwi t
hev eryt
hingandt hist i
menotasan
empl oy eebutsomeonewhoi sgoi ngtot akeahigher
seati nt hi
sKi ngdom.Ipr eparedussomet hi
ngtoeat
butbef orethatIhav eai tchIneedhi mt otakecare
ofbef or eweeatordr i
nk.Myphonechi mesandhi s
textcomest hroughaski ngmet ocomegethi mfrom
theki t
chen.Myexci tementhi tst heskyandIr unto
gethi m.Hei sst andingawkwar dlybyt hedoorandI
l
augh. ..
Me:
ohbabe,
whyar
eyoust
andi
ngl
i
ket
hat
.
Isayl
aunchi
ngmy
sel
ftohi
m andpecki
nghi
sli
ps.
Bukhosi
:babyy
ourpar
ent
smi
ghtwal
kinonus.
Me:
that
'swhatmakesi
tthr
il
li
ng.
Bukhosi
:ar
en'
tyounaught
y.
Ipoutandhi
sey
esgl
ow.
Me:
youl
ovemel
i
ket
hat
.
Bukhosi:
thatIdowithal
lmyheartandmybi
ggest
feari
sloosi
ngy ouZamaNgwenya.
Howcanyounotlov
eamanwhenheisn'
taf
rai
dto
t
ell
youexact
lyhowhef
eel
sabouty
ou.
Me:
met
oomyChoco.Iwantf
orev
erwi
thy
ou.
Hehol
dsouthi
spi
nkyf
inger
Bukhosi
:ti
l
linf
ini
tyandbey
ond?
Ihol
doutmi
neandl
ocki
twi
thhi
s
Me:
inf
ini
tyandbey
ondmyl
ove.
Heki
ssesmethi
sti
mebutqui
ckl
ypul
l
soutashe
r
emembers.
wher
eweare.
Thephysical
touchandthi
spr
omisemakesthatit
ch
moreint
enseasmycl i
tthr
obsi
nneedtofeelhi
m
deepi
nsideofme.
Me:
babyIneedy
out
ohel
pchangemyl
i
ghtbul
b.
Isayjustt
ogethimtoagreetogoupmyroom
becausehewil
lref
useifheknowswhatIwantust
o
do.
Bukhosi
:kantewhatar
ethosepeopledoingher
e?I
shoul
dreall
ycomebackbecausebyt helookof
thi
ngstheyarenotdoi
ngthei
rjobsproperl
y.
Ichuckl
e,ohboyifyouknewt hatt
heyaresti
cki
ng
yourtoworkstr
uctureandrouti
ne.Hegrabsastep
l
adderintheuti
li
tyroom andweheadt omy
bedroom.Ashest epsonitIt
akeoffmyclothesunt
il
Iam lef
tinnot
hingbutmyunder wear
.
Bukhosi:
babet
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hisbul
b,i
t
di
dn'tburn.
Me:
ohmybad.
Isayandhecomesdown, hegaspsasheseesme
standi
ngnakedi
nfr
ontofhim.
Bukhosi
:ZamaNgweny
ababynopl
ease.
Hehol
dshi
smanhoodasi
tget
ser
ect
.
Me:
mychocopl
ease,
Ineedy
our
ightnow.
Bukhosi
:l
et'
sgot
omyhouset
henl
ove.
Me:
Ican'
tBukhosi
,j
ustt
hisoncepl
ease.
Hebi tshislowerl ipandl ooksatmef r
om headt o
toe.Hesl owl yremov eshi sclothesandIsi ghi n
rel
iefasmyhoneypotpul sates.Hecomest ome
andgr absmebymywai stpul l
ingmet ohi m,hisone
handmov estot hethebackofmyheadandbr i
ngs
hislipstomi ne.Theki ssi ssloppyaswear eboth
hungr yforeachot her,hisl i
psmov estomyneckand
Ithrowmyheadbackt ogi v
ehi m easyaccess.He
l
eav esat railofkissesf rom myneckt omybr east,
hismout hfi
ndsmyer ectni ppleandhesucksoni t.
Softmoansar eescapi ngmyl i
psatt hedelici
ous
sensat i
onst hisissendi ngdownmyspi ne.Itakehi s
erectshaf tandmassagei tgent l
y,hetensesupand
groans, Iguesst hef ourpl ayisenoughf orhim coz
het akesmet ot hebedandget sinbetweenmyl egs.
Hel ooksatmei ntheey esandIcanseeandf eelthe
l
ovet
hismanhasf
orme.
Bukhosi
:Il
ovey
ou.
Hemout
hsatme.
Me:
Iyouy
out
oo.
Imouthback.Hishandsbrushmyt hi
ghsdownup
andcomesbackpul l
ingmypant ydown,oureyes
haven'
tl
efteachotherthi
swholetime.Thet hr
owsit
downandhol dshi
sowner ect
ion,Ibi
temyl owerl
ip
ashelooksdownt odir
ectitt
omymoi stf
olds.
Bukhosi
:whatt
hehel
lKay
ise!
Heli
teral
l
yjumpsfrom thebed,l
ooki
ngdisgusted.
Hi
sey esareonmyv i
gina.Theshockonhisface
makesmepani c.
Me:
babywhat
'swr
ong?
Myvoicei
salr
eadyt
rembl
i
ng.Hecan'
tspeakbut
he'
spoint
ingt
omycoochi
easmylegsaresti
l
l
spr
ead.
Itr
ytopeepbutIcan'
tseeproper
ly.It
akemyhand
andtr
ytodipmyf i
ngersi
n.Icomebackwi t
hafew
maggots.Myheartsi
nksandIswearallt
heairi
nmy
l
ungsl eavemybody .Igetof fthedoorandgr abmy
robeandr unt othebat hroom.Tear sar ealready
streami ngdownmyf ace, I'
m notunder standing
whati shappeni ngwi thme.Ear l
ieronwhenIt ook
mybat hIdidn'thav et heset hingsandhowcomeI
didn'tfeelthem mov eandmakemeuncomf ortabl
e
bef oreBukhosi arri
ved.Iam soembar rassed, hurt
andconf used.Igeti nt hebat ht ubandt aket hehand
showerdi r
ectingittomypr i
vatepar t.These
maggot sfallfr
om met ot hebat ht
ub, t
heset hings
areal i
veandmov i
ng.Ihav enev erseenany thingli
ke
this.Itakemyhy gienev eryser iously
.Ibat het wicea
day ,Iwipepubl i
ctoilet sbef oresi t
ti
ngdownand
Bukhosi i
stheonl ymanI '
v eev ersleptwi thwi t
houta
condom sowhati st his.Howcoul dIhav ethese
thingscomi ngoutf r
om me.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Ihavetotakecareofthi
sNonhl
emat t
erbef
oreshe
runstothatweakl
ingandtel
lhi
m whatwehave
beenupt o.Iwor kedhardandlongtogether esoI'm
notgoingtohav esomeoldentitl
edbrattakethat
awayfrom mebecausei twasn'tgoi
ngt ohappent he
wayshet hinks,shewasnev ergoingtomar ryBheki.
Mambaj ustt oldthi
stoLiyanaandhermot herso
shecanagr eet ogiveKayi
setomeasawi fesoIcan
beabletocl aim backthet
hronethroughher .
..

It
'sal itt
ledar koutsidesoImakemywayi nsideher
hut .Shei slayingonherbedwi t
hapl ateoff ood,the
TVi splayingsomepr ogr
ammet hatisloudandf ull
ofv iol
ence.Icl oset hedoorandt urnthekeyt olock
i
tt hat'swhenshej oltsupf r
om thebedpl acingthe
plateont hepedest al.Feari
swr i
ttenalloverherface
butshei st r
yingsohar dtokeepast r
aightstoic
expr ession...

Nonhl
e:Iwi
l
lscr
eam mur
der
.
Me:
Icomei
npeace.
Ihol
doutmyhands
Nonhle:
yourdaught
eri
nwi
tchcr
aftcamer
unni
ngt
o
you?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:howcoul
dshenot.Youwantt
oexposeusand
t
akeawayever
ythi
ngshehasbui
lt
.
Nonhl
e:shedidn'
tbui
l
dany
thi
ng.Shebet
wit
chedher
waytothetop.
Me:butyouenjoyingt
hebenefi
tsofherwitchcr
aft
.
Whywouldy ouwanttoexposeherwhenal lyou
enj
oywil
lbet akenawaybecausel
ikeitornotyou
wereapartofthiswholet
hing.
Sheshakesherheadsl
i
ght
ly.
Nonhl
e:Iwi
l
ldenyev
erbei
ngapar
toft
his.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
ow.
Me:
andhowwi
l
lyousayy
ouknowt
hisi
nfor
mat
ion?
Nonhle:si
mpl
e,Iov
erhear
dyouandmysi
stert
alki
ng
aboutit
.
Me:
fai
renough.Soy
our
eal
l
ywantt
oexposeLi
yana?
Nonhl
e:shechangedmyf
utur
ewi
thy
ourhel
p.
Letmej
ustf
il
lheri
n.
Me: youfool,
youweren'tgoingtobeQueent hat
prophecywasf al
sebecauseIwant edy oursi
stert
o
agreetogivi
ngmeKay ise.Thewasnot hi
ngwrong
withher,shecoul
dgivebirthbutIclosedherwomb
togetwhatIwant .
Shegaspsf
orai
rasherhandmov
est
ohermout
hin
shock.
Nonhl
e:y
oupl
ayedusy
oudev
il
!
Me:
youar
eal
lj
ustpuppet
s,Iam t
hepuppetmast
er.
Nonhl
e:whywhywoul
dyoudot
his?
Me:becausethi
sismyki ngdom.StolenbyNgwenya
thef
ir
st.Thi
skingdom belongedtotheCebekhul
u'
s
butaconspi
racyrobbeditoffus.
Shesmi
l
es.
Nonhl
e:y
ouarethef
ool.Youjusttol
dmeev er
ythi
ng
andyout
hinkI
'
m notgoingt
ot el
lmyf ami
l
yaboutit?
Ichor
tl
ecar
efr
eeandshef
rowns.
Me:
goaheadgot
ell
her
,Isayst
andi
ngasi
deand
fooli
shlyshecomest othedoorandImanaget o
blowthepowderi nherface.Thispowderwi l
lmade
herunconsci ous.Thetongueshewasgoi ngtouse
toratmeouti swhatIam goi ngtocutoffandthe
handst hatmi ghtwri
tedownal lIsaidwil
lbe
choppedof ft
oo.Iwil
l makeherav eget
ableunti
ll
the
dayshedi es.Noonewi l
l t
akethisawayf r
om me,
thisi
smyl astshotandIwi ll
takedownev eryt
hing
andev eryonewhot hreatensmypl ans
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ifeel bett
ernowt hatIspoket omydaught erabout
whati sexpectedofme.Bur pingitoffmychestwas
thebestt hingtodof orme, Iwassl owlydy i
nginside
from keepingittomy sel
f.NowIam wai t
ingont he
wr athmyancest orswi ll
unleashonmef ordef yi
ng
theirorders.YesIknowIshoul dn'
thavet urneda
blindey etowhatt heyaskedorgot otheext remeof
say i
ngnoi ntheirfacesbutI '
dratherstandf orwhatI
bel i
eveinandhav et hem punishmehowt heyseef i
t.
Aleaderwhocannotst andtheirgr
oundatallti
mes
andispersuadedeasilybecauseoffearof
reper
cussionsisnotworthytostandinfr
ontandcal
l
themsel
vesl eader
s..
.

Nowt heonlythingl ef
tisformet ogoandt al
kt omy
wi f
eandmaket hi ngsright
.IwishIcant el
l t
het r
uth,
thewhol etrut
ht oherbutIknowi twill
justcause
mor eproblemsf orussoi t
'sbett
erIomi tthetruth
from hersowecanmov efor
ward.Ihat ethiswhole
mov ingforward2st epsandt aki
ng10back, i
t'
s
exhaustinginall aspectsandIneedi ttoallstop.I
mi ssthesimpleday swhereIwasr uli
ngmy
Kingdom peacef ullywithmyqueen, Liyananextt o
me.Wi t
houtthisendl essdrama...

Imakemywayt othebedroom andsheisn'

tinther
e.
Isi
ghandheadouttosearchinotherr
ooms, i
t'
sa
weekendandthehousei
snotbuzzingwithmaids,
i
t'
sjustafewandtheyar
ebusysomewher esoI
havetol
ocateLi
yanaonmyown.Icheckt helounge
andnothing,theslidingdoorisopensoIheadtoit
andsheissittingout si
deinthedark.Whywouldshe
stayouthereandl etmosquit
oesfeastonher
,I
slowl
ywal ktowar dsherandgr abthegar
denchair
thensett
lenextt oher .
..

Me:
it'
sabeaut
if
ulni
ght
.
Li
yana:
indeedi
tis.
Me:
Iam sor
rymyl
ove.
Li
yana:
forwhatexact
ly?
Sheasksbutdoesn'
tev
ent
urnt
olookatme.
Me:ev
erythi
ng,
stay
ingoutt
hatni
ght
,justbei
ngcol
d
anddi
stant.
Shel
etsoutasi
gh.
Li
yana:
ist
her
eanyot
herwomani
nthepi
ctur
e?
Herquest
ioncatchesmeof
fguar
dthatIswal
l
ow
mysali
vaindiscomfor
t.
Me:nev
er,
ther
ecannev
erbeanyot
herwomanbut
you.
Isaybuti
tfeel
slikeIam t
ell
i
ngacompletel
i
e
becauseamidstt
hatfewsecondsHl
engiwecrossed
mymi ndami l
l
iontimes.
Li
yana:
justt
ell
met
het
rut
hBhekumbuso.
Me:Iam,Ipr
omise.Youwi
l
lfor
everbet
hewoman
myheartwant
s.
Ireassur
ebutIdon'
tknowi
fit
'smeorhert
hatI
'
m
tr
y i
ngtoconv
ince.
Li
yana:
Ihat
ewhatwear
ebecomi
ng.
Shesay
sfi
nal
l
ylooki
ngatme.
Li
yana:weneverkeptthi
ngsfrom eachot
her
.We
al
way sspokeaboutwhattr
oubledusandwewoul
d
fi
ndsoluti
onstoeachother
'sprobl
ems.What
changed?
Sheadds
Me:Idon'
tknowtoobutwhatIknowi
sIwantmy
wi
febackplease.
Shel
etsoutaheav
ysi
gh.
Li
yana:
wecandot
hismyl
ove.
Me:
Iknowwecan.
Icl
aspherhand
Li
yana:
Ilov
eyoumyKi
ng.
Me:
for
everandal
way
smkami
(mywi
fe)
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Itossedandt urnedt hewhol enight .Icouldn'

tstop
thi
nkingaboutwhatIsawwhenIwasaboutt o
penetratemygi rl
fri
end.Howdi dmaggot sgetinto
hervirgina,howi sthatev enpossi ble.Idon'tknow
anyot herwomanwhol i
kesbat hingl ikemygi rl
,she
usesal lthesepr oduct sandt akeshert i
meinthe
showersoIam conf i
dentt hattheyar enotthere
becauseshe' sunhy gienic.Whenshel ef
ttheroom I
knewshewasr unningt ot hebathr oom, t
hehorror
onherf acei soneIcanst ill
see.Thoset hi
ngswer e
ali
veandal loverher ,maki ngmewonderi fshedidn'
t
feelanyoft hem mov eorsomet hing...
Istayedinherbedr oom t hi
nkingshewoul dwal k
backandt ell
met hati twasallajokeandthose
thi
ngsar en'trealbutshenev ercameback, rather
sit
tingthereIf el
tdisgustednotonl ybywhatIsaw
butbyhert ooandt hinki
ngabouti tnowIhat ethatI
evenf el
tthatwayt owar dsthewomanIl ove.I
haven'ttr
iedcal l
i
ngherbecauseI '
m notsurewhatI
am expect edtosayt oheraf t
erthathorri
fi
c
moment .
..

Iwokeupatdawnt ocleant heyard,Ineededt okeep

mymi ndpr eoccupi
edsoi twast hebestt hing,i
t'
s
calmingf ormeandt hat'
sexact lywhatIneedt obe-
calm-soIcanst opandthi nkproperly.Iwasdone
cleaningt heyardaswellast r
imingt hegrassand
thetressi nnot i
mebutIneededt okeepgoi ngsoI
wentt ot hatopenspaceInor mal l
ytakef l
ower sfor
Kay i
seandst ar
tedwithi
t.It'
snotf arfrom myhouse,
j
ustaf ewf eetandIcanseehomef rom there.It
feelslikeIam loosi
ngmymi ndbecauset hiswhol e
thingisn'tmakingsensetomer ightnow. ..
Mama:
hai
boBukhosi
!
Shecall
sfr
om behi
ndmeandIst
opandl
ookback
ather
.
Me:
ohmor
ningma.
Mama:andt
henwena?Whyar
eyoucl
eani
ngt
his
pl
ace?
Herconf
usi
oni
svi
sibl
e
Me:i
tneedstobeneatf
orthosepassi
ngby
,we
don'
twantr
obberst
ohidehere.
Mama: ar
eyousur
eyouar
eokay
?Youseem
st
ressedout
.
Me:
Iam sur
emagr
izadon'
twor
ry.
Mama:
her
e,i
thasbeenr
ingi
ngnonst
op.
Sheholdsoutherhandwit
hmyphonei nit
.It
akeit
andpowerthescreenon.I
t'
s5mi ssedcal
l
sfrom
ZamaNgweny a.Isi
ghandputi
tinthebackpocket
ofthesecov
erall
s.
Mama:
hao,
youar
enotgoi
ngt
ocal
lherbl
ack?
Me:
Idon'
thav
eai
rt
ime,
I'
ll
wai
tti
l
lshecal
l
smeback.
Il
i
e
Mama:
didy
out
wof
ightorsomet
hing?
Ishakemyheadno.
Me:
nowear
egr
eat
.
Iam onat
rai
noft
ell
i
ngl
i
est
oday
.
Mama:i
fyousayso.I
'
llgopr
epar
esomepor
ri
dge
f
oryout
hen.
Me:
thanky
oumama.
ShewalksawayandIsi
gh.Istandupstrai
ghtand
putbot
hmyhandsonmywai sttr
yingt
of i
gur
eout
howwear egoi
ngtomovefrom alloft
his.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Idon'tr
emembert hel
astti
meIenjoyedmyhusband
thi
sway .Forouragewecanst i
ll
hav egoodsexand
that
'snothingtobeashamedof.Ibeliev
edhim when
hesaidIam t heonlywomanaft
erhisheartandthat
hewi l
lneverloveanotherl
i
kehelovesme.Iam
donet hinki
ngthatHlengiweisgoingtor uinmy
mar ri
agebecauseshei sanonf actorthatIneedto
treatexactlyasthatandstopgivi
ngpoi nts.Fr
om
thispointforwardIfocusonmyhusband, maki
ng
surethatDabul aendsupwi t
hKay iseandt hat
'sal
lI
promi se..
.

Bhekumbusoi ssleepi
ngnexttomesound, hehad
energyforday slastni
ghtbutlookatwher et hatgot
him.Nott hatIam complaini
ngt houghbecauseIf elt
l
ikeay oungwomanof25t hroughoutandev enthi
s
mor ni
ng.Iam aboutt owakehi m upwithaki ss
whenIl oudbanghi tsourdoor,t
hemai di s
screamingmynameandt hatmakesBheki jolt
awake.Hel ooksatmewi t
hquest ioni
ngey esandI
shrugmyshoul dersaswebot hgetupf r
om t hebed
andputonourgowns.Wewal koutandNonhl e'
s
personalmai discryi
nghysteri
call
youtsideour
door..
.

Me:
what
'sgoi
ngonsi
si?
Her
:youneedt
ocomeseemyQueen.
Idon'tbotheraski
ngheranymor equest
ions,we
foll
owherunt i
lwer eachoutsi
deandgettoNonhle's
chamber s,myheartisraci
ng.Assoonasmyey es
l
andont hegruesomescenemyhear tsi
nksintomy
stomach.OhmyGod!
Bheki
:yohy
oh!
Myhusbandsquat
stof
eel
ifshest
il
lhasapul
se.
Bheki
:Cal
ltheambul
ance.
Heor der
sandhermai dhur riesofftomaket hecal l
.I
am standi
ngt herehor rif
ied.Idon'tthinkI'
veev er
seensomuchbl ood.Mysi ster'
sarmswer echopped
offandapi eceofhert onguei snextt oherhead.
ThishasDabul awr it
tenal lov eri
t,hewassi l
encing
herandmaki ngsur et hatshecannotev enwr i
te
downwhatsheknows.Idon' tevenknowi fshe' s
ali
veordead, I
'm afraidtoaskbecauseIor deredf or
thi
stohappent omyownsi sterbutwhatchoicedi dI
have?Shewast hreateningt odest roymyf amily,a
famil
yIwor kedhar dtobui l
dandkeep.Nonhl e
deservedthis, shedid.
Bheki
:ohLi
ya.
Hesay
swi
pingmyt
ear
s.
Me:whowoul ddothi
stomysist
erthough?Bheki
:I
don'
tknowbutIpromiset
ofi
ndthatpersonand
bri
ngthem t
ojust
ice.
Me:
pleasedo.
Ipl
acemyheadonhi
sshoul
derandcr
ysomemor
e
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts

5thchapteroftheweek.Thankyoufor
understandi
ngmysituati
onyester
day,Iam f
eel
i
nga
bi
tbet t
er.Remembertoplaceyourorderoft
hePDF
BookTheHousewi feforj
ustR100.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER37
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihavebeenbawl ingmyey esout, pretendingtobe

hurttomysoul butasmuchasIcanl ietoeveryone
el
seIcannotl i
et omyself
.TruthisIam happyt hat
mysi sterwil
lnotbeat hornonmysi deanyl onger
andlikeev er
ythingIhaveit'
sallthankst o
Dabulamanzi ,hecomest hroughf ormeeachand
everytimeIneedhi mt o.Nonhlewoul dhav ebeena
partoft hi
sallandshewoul dst i
l
l haveherbody
partsintactbuthergreedandj ealousyf ormedr ove
herher e.Shehasnoonet oblamebuther sel
ffor
beingint hi
sstate..
.

Theambulancet
ookmysi st
erawayandwe
fol
l
owedinthecar,
Idi
dn'tevenwanttobeint
he
samespaceasherbecauseshejustmakesmeso
si
ckandi twoul dhav ebeenhardt ostopmy sel
f
fr
om squeezi ngthelifeoutofher.Yesshewasst il
l
al
ivewhent heparamedi csgottherebuttheysai
d
shewashangi ngonat hread.Wehav ebeenatthe
hospitalf
orhour snow, itwasn'
tjustBhekiandIonly,
ourdaught erKay i
sewaswi t
hus.Shel ooksbesi
des
hersel
fandIcant ell
it'
snotonlybecauseoft he
wholeNonhl ethi
ng.Hermat ter
swi l
lbeat t
ended
l
ater,ri
ghtnowIam si tt
ingontheedgeofmychai r
waiti
ngont hedoctortot el
luswhatwi ll
beofmy
dearestsister.
..

TheIndiandoctorwal ksinthewai ti
ngr oom andwe
al
l st
andup, maybemebef oreev eryoneel se.He
si
ghsashest andsinfrontofusandIwi shIcanj ust
sl
apwhat everiti
soutofhi smout halready ,Iwanna
knowi ft
hebi t
chisgoi ngtoliveornot .Bheki clasps
myhandasi fhealreadyknowswhatt hedoct oris
goingtosay,Idon'twantt obelieveitunt i
litisoutof
hismout handIcanseei tformy sel
f.YesIam
Thomasi nthissit
uation,seeingisbeliev i
ng...
Doct
or:
Iam verysor
rywedi
dallwecoul
dbutshe
wasbarel
yal
i
v ewhenshegother
e.
Iscr
eam i
nagonyanddr
opt
omyknees.
Me:
No!No!Notmysi
sterpl
ease.
Myhusbandsi
nksdownandt
akesmei
ntohi
sar
ms
andr
ubsmyback.
Kay
ise:
butshewasal
i
vewhathappened?
Didn'
tsheheart
hemansayNonhl ewasbarel
yali
ve,
what'
sallt
hesequesti
onsf
or.Icomplai
ninmyhead
andconti
nuecryi
ngthesey
ears.Theyareofj
oy
di
sguisedaspai
n.
Doctor:t
hedriv
ef rom t
hev i
ll
agetothi
stownwas
l
ong, shebecameweakerwi theveryki
lometer
coveredandbyt heti
meshegother eitwast ool
ate.
Shelostalotofbloodthroughoutthenight
.Iam
ver
ysor ryf
oryourloss.
Me:
canIpl
easeseeherpl
ease.
Doct
or:
ofcour
se,
thi
swaypl
ease.
Bheki
:ar
eyousur
eLi
ya?
Inodv
igor
ousl
y.
Me:it
'
stheonl
ywayIwi
l
lbel
i
evet
hatmymot
her
's
chi
l
disnomore.
Bheki
:okaycomet
hen.
Hehelpsmeupandwef ollowthedoct
or.Weget
i
ntoaroom andsheiscov eredinapowderblue
sheet
,thenursei
nthereopensherupandIputmy
handtomymout h.IhearKay i
segapsforai
rand
tur
ntoleave.
-Yout houghty oucouldthreat
enmyf amil
y,allI
wor kedforandIwi lll
etyougoj ustli
kethat?No
Nonhl e,youknewv erywell whatIam capableof
doingt okeepmysecr etsafebutyouf ool
ishl
y
thoughtI'dsitbackandwat chyouattemptt o
dest r
oymyl ife.Mayyour otinhelly
oubi t
ch!
Isayt
oherint
hepriv
acyofmyhear
tandIhopemy
messager
eachesher.
Me:pleasegetmeoutofher
enow,
Ican'
tbar
e
seei
ngmysi st
erl
i
kethis.
Ihur
ryoutandBheki
tal
kst
othedoct
orawhi
l
ethen
j
oinsKay
iseandI
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Manzi andIhavebeenwat chi ngev erythi

ngasi t
unfoldswit
hthe"Roy alf
ami ly"inourwat ercalabash,
from whentheydiscoveredherbodyt owhenshe
wasr ushedtohospital
.Ididn'texpecthert obet hat
weakandal l
owher selft
odi e, sheshoul dhav eheld
onbecauseIwant edhert oseewhatshecoul dhav e
hadwi thmeasKi ng.SheandLi y anaar eal r
eadyev i
l
atheartsoitwasgoi ngtobeeasyf orust omake
them apartofus,whoknowsmay beIwoul dhav e
givenhertomygr eatgreatgr andsonandshewoul d
hav ehadhighpositi
onint hiski ngdom butshe
doesn'tuseherheadt othi
nkbutemot ionst hatti
me
Ithoughtshewasmor erational thanLi yana...

ManziandIlookateachotherwhenwehearthe
massageLiyanatel
lshersi
steri
nthecomfor
tand
pr
ivacyofherheart
.Thiswomani snotr
emorsef
ul
andsheisnotfeel i
nganysor tofpainforwhat
happenedtohersi st
err athersheisrej
oicing,i
fit
wasupt ohertheywoul dbur nherimmedi atel
yand
goonwi tht
heirl
ivesl i
keshenev erexi
sted.Bheki
andKayisearepainedbywhati shappeningandt hey
arebusycomfortingLiy ana,thesameonet hat
askedmet odot histhing...

Manzi
:l
ookaty
ourwi
femkhul
u.
Me:
yes,
shei
staki
ngi
thar
d.
Manzi
:yesandal
sot
hespel
li
sinf
ull
swi
ngnow.
Me:Iknow,Isawthem bei
ngphysical
yest
erday,
t
heywerekissingandt
hat'
sal
littooktotr
ansfer
red
i
t.Thei
rfl
eshtouchedandsal
iv
aexchanged.
Manzi
:nowwewat
chast
hel
ovet
heyshar
etur
nint
o
hat
e.
Me:
itwi
llbei
nter
esti
ngtoseeherbowdownt
ome
t
hat
'sal
lIam l
ooki
ngfor
wardto.
Manzi
:wear
eclosert
oget
ti
ngwhatr
ight
ful
l
y
bel
ongst
ous.
Me:
youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Manzi
:weshoul
dgi
vet
hankst
oourspi
ri
tsi
nthe
bedoft
hewater
.
Me:gi
vet
hem Nonhle'
ssoul.I
fwedon'tt
rapher
i
mmediat
elyshewil
lbeatroubli
ngspi
ri
tthatwi
l
l
wantt
oavengeit
sel
ffrom whatIdi
d.
Hesmi
l
esandst
andsup.
Manzi
:consi
deri
tdonemkhul
u.
Me:Ineedt
omakei
tbackt
opal
acebef
oret
hey
comeback.
Manzi
:sendmycondol
ences.
Webot
hroarwi
thl
aught
er.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Iam dri
vi
ngbackhome, mywi f
eanddaught erarein
thebackseatofourcarcr
yingsopainful
ly.Thei
r
sobsarebreaki
ngmyheart,especi
all
yLiyana's,
she
andNonhleweresocloseandt hi
sisgoingtoaf f
ect
heragr eatdeal.Thi siswher eIhav et ostepupand
bet her
ef ormywi fet hrought hisdiffi
cultti
me.Thi s
i
st hetimewher ewegobackt owher ewewer ei n
ourmar ri
age, al
way st hereforeachot herandcl ose.
Imadecal l
swhenwewer esti
llatthehospi t
al,I
i
nf ormedt hefuneralpar lorweuseoft hedeathand
toldthem tocomepi ckherupf rom t hehospi t
aland
takehert othemor t
uar y.Theysai dtheywi ll
send
oneoft heirpeoplet ocomet ot hepal acesowecan
maket henecessar yarrangement s.Iwantt omake
thiseasyonLi yanaandmakesur eshemour nsher
sisterwit
houthav ingt owor ryaboutherbur i
al,Iwill
takecareofi tall
andmakesur eNonhl eisburied
withdignity.
..

Wegett ot hepalaceandIhel pthem cli

mboutoft he
SUV.Wel eftf
ort hehospi talasthepol i
cearr
ivedto
takestatement s,theysaidt heywi l
lint
ervi
ew
everyonewhowasher efrom lastnighttothi
s
mor ni
ngbef orewef oundherandt heyalsosaidthey
will
comebackt ot alkt
ome, LiyanaandKay i
se
whenwegotbackf r
om thehospi tal
.Thiswhole
pl
acef eel
sli
keadar
kcloudi
shangi
nguponitand
us.Onemai dst
opsi
nfr
ontofusandbowsdowna
l
itt
le.

Maid:
I'
m sor
rymykingbutmakhosi
askedthaty
ou
comeint
otheancest
ral
room i
mmediat
ely.
Li
yana:can'thej
ustleaveusbe!Iam mourni
ngmy
si
sterasis.Wewillatt
endtohisshanani
ganssome
ot
herday.
ShesnapsandIsi
gh.
Me: Iknowyouar ehurt
ingmylovebutmakhosi
nevershowsupi fiti
sn'
timport
ant.Whatev
erthat
broughthim her
ehast obeimport
ant.Maybehewill
helpusf i
ndwhodi dthi
stoyoursi
ster.
Sheshakesherhead.
Kay
ise:mamapl
ease,
Babai
sri
ght
.Weneedt
ohear
makhosiout
.
Il
eadthem tot
heancestr
alroom andweallt
akeof
f
ourshoesandwal
kin.Imphephoisburni
ngandthe
smokeisbli
ndi
ngali
ttl
e.Thecandlesareonand
makhosii
sbusycal
li
ngoutt
oourancestor
sandhi
s
whi
lemixi
ngsomethi
nginhi
ssmallcont
ainer
s.We
set
tl
eonthestr
awmatandsaynothing.
Makhosi
:Nonhl
e'
sdeathcameaboutbecauseoft
he
enemy,t
heywantedt
osil
enceher
.
Mywi f
etensesupnextt
ome.Andmyey
esnar
row
notunder
standi
ng.
Me:
whoi
stheenemy
?
Makhosi:youal readyknowt heanswertothatBheki.
Your ef
usedl i
steningtothem whentheysaidmar r
y
Hlengiwe,all
oft hiswouldhavebeenavoided
becauseshei sast rongwomanwhowoul dhav e
helpedusr emov ethemasksf rom t
hefacesof
thosewhoar eenemi esl
ivi
ngamongstus.
Iswall
owandf r
eeze,wonder
inghowIam goi
ngto
facemywi f
eafterthi
s.Howcoul
dmakhosievensay
thi
sinf
rontofLi
y ana.
Makhosi:Nonhle'sf
uneralwi
ll
notbeheldhereas
thi
swasnotherhomeandmyki ngIam sor
rybut
theancestorsarenothappywit
hy ouasi
tisnow
andtheirwrathhascomet oconsumeyou.
Me:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Iaskwit
hmyheartbeat
ingsofast
,itf
eel
sli
kei
t'
s
aboutt
ojumpoutofmychest.
Makhosi
:ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lhappenasi
tshoul
d.
WiththatsaidIfeelmy sel
fgetl
ightheadedandthe
room start
sspinning.Iatt
empttost andupbutmy
kneesar etooweekt ocarryme.Ijustfal
ldownand
that
'sthelastofit
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Idon'
tknowwhat 'sgoingonandhowmyl if
egott hi
s
messyi naspaceofl esst
hant wentyf ourhours.I
hadmaggot scomi ngoutofmyVi r
ginaandt helov e
ofmyl ifewon'ttalktomebecauseofi t.Myaunti s
deadf rom someenemywedon' tknowany t
hing
aboutbecauseheorshehasmanagedt obli
ndmy
ancestors,whatev erthatmeansandnowmyf at
her
j
ustdr oppedtot hegr oundunconsci ouswi t
hout
warningorany thing.Idon'tt
hinkIhav ecr i
edthis
muchbef oreandwor sebecausemakhosi wouldn'
t
l
etuscal l
theambul ancetot akebabat othehospi tal
.
Hesai dwewill bejustwastingmoneyandt he
doctorsti
meandr esourcesast hisisthewor koft he
ancestor
s.Theyar epuni shi
nghi mfordef yi
nghi s
ordersbutatthesamet imedoi ngthissoev ery
thing
worksoutasi tshoul d,
Ididn'tunderstandwhatt hat
al
l meantbutIknowwhent ost opaskingquest i
ons
anddoasI 'mt old.
..

MamaandIar esitt
ingont hebedhov er
ingov ermy
fatherwhoseemst obesl eepingpeacef ul
lyunder
thecov ers.Icanseehi schestmov i
ngupanddown
andIknowhei sal i
ve.Ihav enev erbeenaf rai
dinmy
l
ifebecausehehasal waysbeenar oundt omakei t
allokaybutr ightnowIf eelnaked, bareandexposed
toanysor tofattack,uncer tai
ntyandpai nbecause
mysuper manj ustdr oppeddowni nmypr esence.
Makhosi i
sst i
llwithus, hehasst artedsprinkli
ng
somet hing'sinthisroom andbur ningmor e
mphephoandsmear ingthingsonBaba' shead, I
guesst hat '
stopr ot
ecthi mf r
om anybadspi r
it
s..
.
Me:
wil
lhebeokaymakhosi
?
Iaskt
ryi
ngtokeepmytear
sinbutmyt
rembl
i
ngl
i
ps
andshaki
ngvoi
cefai
lme.
Mamacl
aspsmyhand.
Makhosi
:IwishIknewmypri
ncessbutweneedto
keepst
rongandunitedt
odef
eatthi
swhol
ething.
Me:
thi
sisnotf
airnotatal
l
.
Igetof fthebedandl eav ether oom, Ifi
ndt he
bathroom cl osertomyr oom soIgeti ntheandst r
ip
offmycl othesgetti
ngi nt heshower .Soonast he
wat ercascadeddownonmeIl etmyt earsf al
l and
painfull
yso.Isi nkdownbr i
ngingmykneescl osert o
mychestandhuggi ngt hem.Ihav enev erfeltso
defeated, Iam normal l
yincont roloft hi
ngsar ound
meandnotknowi ngany thingj ustkil
lsmedeep
i
nside.Theancest orsneedt oforgiv
emyf atherand
givehim anot herchance, Iam sur eifIconv incehi m
hewi lldoi t
,mymot herwi llnothav eachoi cebut
acceptt hatthisiswhatt heancest orswant .Idon' t
wantt olosebabaandI '
m sur eshedoesn' tei ther.I
si
tint heshowerf orwhatf eelslikehour sandonce
theshowert apsproducecoldwat eronl
yIstepout
anddrymy selfbefor
egoingt omyr oom.Isettl
eon
theedgeofmybedandnot i
cemyphoneont he
pedestal
,IranoutwhenIhear dmamascr eamingin
agonyearli
eronandl efti
t.Itakeitandpowerthe
screenon.There'satextfrom Bukhosi,
whichmakes
myhear tskipabit.

*Iam sosorrysthandwasami
"Idial
him
i
mmedi atel
ybecauseIneedhi
m,Ineedhim more
t
hanev erri
ghtnow.Heanswersatsecondr
ing.

Bukhosi
:ZamaNgweny
a.
Thel
ovei
nhi
svoi
cemakesi
tmel
osei
t.
Bukhosi
:babyIam sorr
y,Iknowmyreact
ionhur
t
youandmei gnor
ingyoumadei twor
se.
Hesay
sandIshakemyheadl
i
kehecanseeme.
Me: i
t'
samessBukhosi,it
'sal
lapai
nfulmess.Aunt
Nonhledi
edbabyandnowbabai sbeingpunished
bytheancest
ors.Idon'
tknowwhattodoIreally
don'
t.Pl
easecomeBukhosi
Ineedy
ou.
Bukhosi:
Iwil
lberi
ghtt
herebaby
,Ipr
omi
sei
t'
sal
l
goi
ngt obeokay,
yezwa.
InodandhangupthephonebecauseIwil
lnotbe
abl
etosayanymore.Icurl
uponthebedandjust
sob,i
mpati
ent
lywait
ingforhi
mtoarri
veandtake
meintohi
sarms.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER38
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

HearingKay isecrylikethatmademyhear tshatter.

Sheisoneoft hest r
ongestpeopleIknowandwhen
shebr eaksdowni tmeansshei sfeeli
ngt hepain
deepdowni nhersoul .Ididn'
tunderst
andonebi tof
whatshewassay ing,heraunthasbeenheal thyand
i
ngoodspi ri
tsaf ewday sagoev enhav i
nganaf f
air
withamar r i
edman.Sot ohearthatshei sn'
talive
anymor ereall
yshockedme.Iwasst i
l
linmyr oom
sulki
ngwhenshecal ledmesoIhadt ofreshenup
becauseIdi dn'tknowhowl ongIwasgoi ngtobeat
thepalace...

Iheadoutafterbr
ief
lyexpl
aini
ngtomamat heli
tt
le
thatIknow.Thedist
ancefrom myhousetothe
palacesuddenl
yseem longandit
'st
akingme
forevertogettoZamaNgweny a.Ineedt omakesur e
thatsheisokaybecausesheal waysmakesi ta
pointtoseethatIam goodandhav eev eryt
hingI
need, soduri
ngthi
shardtimeIwi l
lbebyhersi de
untilshefeel
smuchbet t
er.Fi
nall
yImakei tt
ot he
palaceandf r
ownwhenIseeDabul abyt hegate
pacingupanddown, hisfacel
ooksupandhesmi r
ks
l
ikehehasbeenwai t
ingonmet oar r
ive..
.

Dabul
a:y
our
eal
l
yneedacar
.Youar
esweat
ingl
i
kea
pi
g.
Me:
nott
oday
,Iam her
etoseemygi
rl
.
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:ohy
espl
easedost
ept
hrough.
Hegest ureswi t
hhishandandIshakemyhead
walkinginthrought heopengates.Therear
eno
guardsher eandIwantt ofi
ndthem andaskthem
whyt heyaren'tattheirdut
ypostbutquickl
y
remembert hati
tisn'tmyjobanymor e.The
atmospher earoundher eisdarkandunsett
li
ng,y
ou
canfeel t
hatpainisl i
ngeri
ng.Imakemyway
str
aighttoKay i
se'sroom wit
houtbumpinginto
anyone.Ijustpusht hedooropenandwal kin,
sheis
curl
edupi nbedcr yi
ng,shekeepssniffi
ngand
makingmehur t.Icl
osethedoorandgeti nbehind
herholdi
ngher .Shequicklyt
urnsaroundandlooks
mydi r
ecti
on, hereyesarepuffyandred,shecli
ngs
ontomeandweepsi nmychest.
Me:Iam her
enowbaby
,it
'sal
lgoi
ngt
obeokay
,I
pr
omise.
Kayi
se:
ever
ythi
ngi
sjustamessBukhosi
,Idon'
t
knowhowwegothere.
Shesay sandsuddenl yheari
nghervoi
cemakesme
si
ckt othestomach, herscenti
smakingitworse.
Herpresenceisov er
whel mingmeinabadwayandI
j
ustcan'tstandanothermi nut
einthesamer oom as
her.Iremoveherfrom meandshegaspsf orairat
howr oughIhandledher .Theshockonherface
cannotmat chthedisgustonmi ne.
Kay
ise:
Bukho?
Herl
i
psar
etr
embl
i
ng
Me:
Ineedt
oleav
e,Ihopey
ouf
eel
bet
terbutIneed
t
oleav
e.
Kayi
se:buty
ouj
ustgother
e,ChocoIneedy
ou
pl
ease.
Me:
Ishoul
dn'
thav
ecomeher
eKay
ise.
Isayget
ti
ngoffherbedandt
urni
ngt
hedoorknob.
Shespeaksbef
oreIexi
t.
Kay
ise:
whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Iwal
krightoutt
hedoorwithoutansweri
ngher,
for
somereasonIam sofuri
ouswithZamaNgweny a.I
gett
othegateandDabulaisstil
lther
e,t
hist
ime
l
eani
ngbyt hepi
ll
ar.Hechort
lesasheseesme
appr
oach.
Dabul
a:l
eav
ingal
readymyKi
ng?
Heconti
nueswit
hhismockinglaught
erbutIdon'
t
gi
vehim anyr
esponse.Iwantt
obeoutofthis
pal
ace.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO
Peacef il
ledmeasIf i
ndmy sel
fwal ki
ngaroundt his
heav enlypl ace,thesandiswhi t
eandt hewat erclear
blue, socl earIcanseet heaquat i
clif
egoingabout
i
t'sbusi ness.I ti
ssoser eneIcan'ttel
lift
hisisjusta
dream orIam deadandenj oyi
ngt hepeaceoft he
afterl i
fe.Thel astthi
ngIrememberi smakhosi
tell
ingmet hatmyancest orsarenothappywi thme
andt heirwr at
hisf i
nall
yheretoconsumemewhol e
fornotdoi ngast heyaskedwi thregardstomar rying
Hlengi we.Ineedachancet opleamycaset othem
butIdoubtt hatwillmakeanydi f
ference,
whent heir
mi ndi smadeupt here'
snot ur
ningbacknotf or
any thing..
.

Iseeaf ogbuil
dingupasIcont i
nuemyst rol
l,
my
wholebodygoescol dwhenIseeabaskof
crocodil
es,t
heyar esocool andcollectedasthey
ci
rclearoundathrone.Asscar edasIam somet hi
ng
i
spr opell
i
ngmet omov eforwardandmyweak
kneesmanaget ocar rymeasmyhear tmakest he
soundofasangomadr um.Igaspi nshockasIsee
KingBhekumbusot hefir
st,
hei sinhisf ul
lRoyal
atti
re,Inevermethi
m butsomethi
ngdeeptel
l
sme
thatthisishim.AssoonasIam nearIgoonmy
kneest oshowsomer espectf
orhim..
.

Me:
nkosi
'
yam (
myKi
ng)
.
Hi
m:sonofmysons.Youmayst
and.
Iqui
ckl
ystandonmyt wof
eet
,feareati
ngt
hrough
mebecausethesecr
ocodi
l
esmi ghtt
urnonme.
Hi
m: f
earnot
,thesear
ey ourfor
efat
her
s,oNgweny
a,
oMnti
mande,oBambolunye.Theyar
eyouandyou
ar
ethem.
Iswal
l
owasr
eli
eff
loodst
hroughme.
Me:mkhuluIknowIdi
dn'tl
ist
enwheny ouinstr
ucted
me,Iam sor
ryfort
hat
.Itwasn'
tdi
srespectbutit
wasmemaki ngadeci
sionnottohurtmywi f
e.
Henods
Hi
m:awifet
hati
shur
ti
ngy
ouandy
ourki
ngdom
ev
ery
day
.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Hi
m:y
oudon'
thav
etoson.
Ihatebei
ngspokentoli
keachi
l
dandkepti
nthe
darkwit
hthi
ngsthatconcer
nme.
Him: y
oukeptaski ngusforhel
panditwasdiff
icul
t
i
tstil
lisbecausetheenemyhasbl i
ndedusbutone
oftheirmistakeswashurti
ngaheartthati
sstr
ong
andpower fulandyouinv
itedhert
othepalace.
Thatwi
l
lhav
etobeHl
engi
we.
Him: sheisspi r
it
uall
ystrongandshepr aysal ot,
she
tri
edt eachingy oubuty ouweren'tbel
ievi
ngwi thall
yourhear t.Par t
sofy ourreser
vati
onscamef r
om the
factthaty out houghtwet heancestorswill
punish
youforpr ay i
ngt oGodbuti nallhonestywear ethe
vesselsoft hisGodt oo, i
nmanyway sthatpeople
canunder st and.
Me:whycan'
tshehel
pmeandt heKi
ngdom asa
f
ri
endofthefami
ly
,whydoesshehavetobemy
wi
fe?
Hi
m:becausemzukul
u,whent
wopeopl
ebecome
onetheyarepowerful
beyondmeasure,
youwould
havebothexchangedstr
engt
hstofi
ghtofft
hist
hing.
Me:si
nceIam her
eandtal
ki
ngt
oyou,
canIatl
east
knowwhothi
senemyis?
Hi
m:youwillst
ayunconsci
ousunt
ili
tal
lhappens
t
hewayitshould.
Hedodgesmyquest
ionandIsi
gh.
Me: i
nall
ofthispleasepr
otectmydaught er
,sheis
every
thi
ngtome, sheismywhol eworld,myspiri
t
wouldneverresti
fsomethinghappenstoher
becauseofthisenemy.Li
yanatooplease.
Him:Nt
ombiZamaNgweny aisthefi
rstgi
rlt
obeborn
i
ntheNgweny akingshi
pandthatwasonpurpose.
Shei
sthereasonwhyt heNgwenyabloodwill
sti
l
lbe
apar
tofRoyalty
.
Me:
hermot
heri
sherl
i
fepr
otecthert
oo.
Him:whydoy outhi
nkshelovesyoumorethanher
?
herheartwasprogr
ammedt hatwaysoshedoesn'
t
getbrokenwhenshelear
nsofthekindofper
son
Li
yanais.
If
rown.
Me:
whatdoy
ouhav
eagai
nstmywi
fe?pl
easet
ell
me.
Hi
m: y
oudidyourbestwealldi
dbutnowit'
sti
meto
al
lowanewchaptertounf
old.Hedi
sappearsal
ong
si
dewitht
hecrocodi
les
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Icouldn'tsleepawi nklastni ght,Ijustcouldn'

tbri
ng
my selftoclosingmyey esandwaki ngupt ofi
ndout
thatmyhusbandhasst oppedbr eathi
ngnextt ome.I
don'tknowwhatwoul dbecomeofmei fIl
ostBheki,
Ineedt ohel phimf rom thewr athofhi suseless
ancest ors.Whatkindofpr otectorshurttheirown
j
ustbecauseher efusedt ohur tmehi swi f
e?Then
wear et oldthattheyaregoodspi r
itswhowant
nothingbutt hebestf orus. .
.

Myey
esar
eheav
ywi
thsl
eep,
Iam al
readyhav
inga
badtemperbecauseoft hi
s,I'
vescr eamedatt he
maidsandguardsf orstupidthings.Ithoughtafew
cupsofcof
feewoul dhel pmeoutbuti tdoesn'tl
ast
forl
ongandI'm backtobei ngazombi e.Iwalkback
i
ntoourbedroom from thebat hroom andmy
husbandi
sst i
l
lbreathing,that
'sar eli
ef.Ichoosea
simpl
ecomfor t
ableout f
itandat tempttogetback
i
ntobedbutaknockont hedoordi stur
bsme. ..

Me:
comei
n.
Isayloudenoughf
ortheper
sonontheothersi
det
o
hearme.Thedooropensandoneofthemaids
walksin.
Her
:myQueen.
Me:
speak!
Isnapandshesqui
rmsbyt
hedoor
.
Her:
thepeopl
efr
om t
hef
uner
alhomear
eher
eto
seeyou.
Il
etoutanexasper
atedsi
ghandputonmymorning
sl
i
ppers.If
oll
owheroutofther
oom andasweget
tothelounge,
aladyandgent
lemenareset
tl
edwith
ref
reshmentsinf
rontoft
hem.Iset
tl
eonthesingl
e
couch.
Me:
goodmor
ning,
ori
sitaf
ter
noon?
Theygi
vemeapol
i
tesmi
l
e.
Bot
h:goodaf
ter
noonmyQueen.
Theysayinunison.Kay i
sewalksinl
ooki
ngbesi
des
hersel
f,mypoorbaby .Iwishshecoul
dstopcr
ying
hereyesoutbecauseoft hatdevi
l
.Nonhl
eisnot
worthanyofourtears,shewantedtodestr
oyusso
shedeservedt
his.
Me:it
'
sjustmeandmydaught
ersohowcanwebe
ofhel
p?
Thel
adycl
ear
shert
hroat
.
Her:
myQueen, wewantedtocomeandf
indouti
f
youhaveanyspeci
alr
equestsf
ory
oursi
ster
s
f
uneral
.
Me:
speci
alr
equest
s?
Her:
yes,t
hetypeoffl
owers,
musictobepl
ayed,i
f
youwantherbur
iedontopofsomeoneel
se,t
hings
l
i
ket
hat
.
Me:
nonot
hing.Justcr
emat
eherbody
.
Mydaught
ergaspsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
mamano!
Il
etoutacr
ocodi
l
etear
.
Me:mysi st
erandIusedt otal
kabouttheset
hings,
shewasv erypart
icul
araboutwhatshewants.She
wantedtobecr ematedandhaveherashesspreadin
thef
orest.Nonhlewasaf r
eespir
itwhowantedto
remainexactl
ythatevenaft
erdeath.
Il
iebecauseIdonothav
ethet
imet
owast
e
pl
anningthedeat
hofawomanIhadgr
owntohat
e
i
nthelastfewdays.
Hi
m:somyQueen,
youwillhav
etochooseanur
n
wher
ewewi
ll
pourherashes.
Thegent
lemanf
rom t
hef
uner
alhomesay
s.
Me:
wel
ldoy
ouhav
ethecat
alogIcanchoosef
rom?
Her
:Icanaccessi
tonourwebsi
te.Justami
nut
e.
Shesay
sandt
akesoutat
abl
etf
rom herbag.
Mydaught
erget
supf
rom t
hecouch.
Kay
ise:
excuseme.
Shewal
ksaway
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iam hurtsohur tIdon'tevenknowwhatt odowith

my sel
f.Bukhosi i
sact i
ngoutifcharact erandIdon't
knowwhatt odo.Ineedhi mr i
ghtnow, Ineedhimto
beheref ormebuthei sjustsowithdr awn.Ican'
t
carrythepai nofhisr ej
ecti
on,l
oosingmyauntand
havingmyf atherli
eont hatbedunt i
l Godknows
when.I t
'salltoomuchf oronepersont ocarr
y.I
thoughtwhatwehadwasspeci alandnoonewoul d
comei nbet weenusbuthehasn' tev ent ri
edcall
i
ng
meorany thingtor eachoutsoIknowhei ssorry.
..

IhatethatIam theonerunni
ngaft
erhim ev
enaft
er
whathedi dtome.Iparkoutsi
dehishouseanda
partofmei sregret
ti
ngwhyIevencameher e,
I
shouldbewi thmymot her ,comf or
tingherbutIam
runningafteraman.AmanIl ov ewithmysoul but
hast reat
edmel i
kenot hing.Ishouldbewal king
awaybutIj ustcan't
,Il
ov ehim wi t
hev eryfiberofmy
being.Icli
mboutoft hecaraf t
erconv i
ncingmy sel
f
ami ll
ionti
mesandmakei tinsidethey ard.Iknock
ont hedoorandhi smot heristheonewhoopensup
forme.Shegi vesmeasweetsmi l
eandopensher
arms, thi
smakesmet earupi mmedi at
ely..
.

Mama:
shhhh,
it'
sokaysi
si.I
t'
sal
lgoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Shei
sbrushingmybackanditf
eel
sgoodt
ohav
e
someonejustcomf
ortmethi
sway.
Mama:Idon'
tknowwhenbutthepai
nwi
l
lnotl
ast
f
orev
er.Best
rongmypri
ncess.
Webr
eakt
hehugandshewi
pesmyt
ear
s.
Me:
thanky
oumama.
Mama:
comeoni
n.I
'
llmakeust
ea.
Iwalki
nandset
tl
eoftheki
tchenst
ool
andwat
ch
herpouri
ngr
edi
ent
sinthecups.
Mama:
howar
ethepr
epar
ati
onsgoi
ng?
Me:
wear
ehav
inghercr
emat
ed?
Shegasps
Mama:
youar
ebur
ningher
?
Theshockonherf
acemakesmel
aughal
i
ttl
e
Me:
thatwasherwi
sh.
Mama: Iam t
ell
i
ngy ouknow,youandBukhosi
bett
er
notbur
nme.Iwantt obebur i
edinacof
fi
nsixfi
x
under
.Havethepastorperf
ormtheburi
alri
ght
sand
si
ngatmyf uneral
.
Inodandsomeonecl
earstheirt
hroatbehi
ndme.I
quickl
ytur
nandi
t'
sBukhosi.
Me:
hey
.
Bukhosi
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mama: whatki
ndofquest
ioni
sthat
?sincewhendo
youaskZamaNgwenyasuchaquesti
on.
Bukhosi:
it'
safai
rquest
ion,
shedi
dn'
ti
nfor
m me
thatshewil
lbecoming.
Me:
ithasnev
erbeenapr
obl
em bef
ore.
Bukhosi
:Iam headi
ngt
othef
arm.
Mama:
Iam sur
eyourgi
rl
fr
iendi
sher
etoseey
ou.
Bukhosi:sheshoul
dhav
ecall
ed,Ihav
esomewher
e
toberightnow.Thi
ngstot
akecareof.
Tear
swel
lupi
nmyey
es.
Me:Bukhosi
?Babyi
t'
sme,
whyar
eyout
reat
ingme
t
hisway?
Bukhosi
:yohy
oh!Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
his.
Heissocol
d,whatdi
dIdot
othi
smanf
orhi
mto
t
reatmethi
sway?
Hewal
ksoutandIdr
opmyt
ear
s.
Mama:
Bukhosi
!
Hi
smothercal
l
saf t
erhim andIburymyheadinmy
ar
msnotunderst
andingwhyhei sact
ingt
hisway.
Mama:don'
tcrymydar l
ing,
itwil
lal
lbeokayI
pr
omiseyou.Iwi
llt
alktohim andhewil
lcome
st
rai
ghtt
oy ouaf
terIhavehadawor dwit
hwithhi
m
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER39
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

[
ONEWEEKLATER]

Ihav ebeenav oidi

ngmymot hersincet hedayKay ise
washer e,Iknewshewasgoi ngtogivei tt
omehot
andIwoul dbewor ri
edifshedi dn'
t.Tr
ut hi
sIdon't
knowwhati shappeni ngwithme, whenshei sn't
hereornotbot heringmeImi sshersomuchbut
i
mmedi atelyItr
ytomakecont actorreceivea
massageorcal lfr
om herIjustgetsoi nfuri
atedand
disgusted.Ihaven'tseeingorspokent o
ZamaNgweny ainaweek, I'
m surebynowshehat es
meandt hereisnowayourr elati
onshipcanbe
salvagedf r
om here...

Il
eav
efort
hef
arm ear
lyi
nthemor
ningbef
ore
mamawakesupandIcomebackl ateatni ghtwhen
Iknowshehast akenherpil
lsandt hey 'veal r
eady
knockedherr i
ghtout.Thi
snightjustl iket herestI'
m
doingso, goinghomewheni t'
spitchbl ack.Ichil
l
withtheguy sthatwor kwit
hmeatt hef arm andthey
don'tseem tomi ndbecauseourconv er sati
onsar e
j
ustf uel
ingust owantt odobet t
ert hanwhatwe
currentl
yhav e.Iunlockt
hedoorandwal kinand
cl
osei tagain,thehouseissilentandpeacef ul.I
'
m
j
ustgonnaeatandheadst rai
ghttosl eep. .
.

Ma:
mmm mmm.
Shecl
ear
shert
hroatandIcl
osemyey
es
Me:
ohIdi
dn'
tseey
out
her
e.
Ma:howwil
lyouwheny
ouarri
vel
ikeat
hiefi
nthe
ni
ghtandl
eaveli
keawi
tchi
ntheweehoursoft
he
morni
ng?
Iswal
l
owandswi
tchont
hel
i
ght
s.
Me:
it'
shect
icatt
hef
arm mama.
Ma:
stopt
hatBukhosi
!St
opl
yi
ngt
hroughy
ourt
eet
h.
Shehal
fshout
s.
Me:
mamaIam notl
yi
ng.
Shehol
dsoutherhandt
opr
eventmef
rom speaki
ng
anyf
urt
her
.
Ma:
sitdown.
Shepoi
ntst
otheki
tchenst
ool
,Idon'
thav
eachoi
ce
soIset
tl
edown.
Me:
whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
Herv
oicei
sthatofaconcer
nedmot
her
.
Me:
mamanot
hing,
I'
mfi
ne?
Ma:Bukhosipl
easebetr
uthf
ul withme.Whyar
e
t
reat
ingthatgi
rll
i
kesheisnothing?
Isi
gh.
Me: Ihonestl
ydon'
tknowwhathasgott
enint
ome
forsomer easonZamaNgwenyaj
ustannoy
sand
disgustsme.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Ma:
howwheny
oul
ovehersomuch?
Me:that
'sexactl
ywhatconf
usesmemama.Right
nowImisshersomuchbutwhenIt hi
nkofmeeti
ng
herIj
ustfeelsi
ckfr
om hert
hought
s.
Ma:didany
thi
ngoutoftheor
dinar
yhappenbef
ore
youcoul
dstar
tfeel
i
ngthisway?
SheasksandIr ememberthemaggotsthings,af
ter
seeingt hosethi
ngscomeoutofhervaginaIjust
couldn'tstandheranymor
e.Ij
ustcan'
toutmy
gir
lf
riendt omamaaboutsomet hi
ngas
embar rassingasthat
.
Me:
nonot
hinghappened.
Il
i
e.
Ma:somethi
nghappenedBukhosi
youneedt
othi
nk
deepmaybethati
sthecause.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
y.
Ma:inthemeant i
mepleasetrytor
eachouttothat
poorgir
lpl
ease.Shei
shur t
ingandgoi
ngthroughthe
most,sheneedsyour
ightnow.
InodbecauseIdon'
tknowwhatI'm goi
ngt
odo
fr
om here.Iwat
chmymot herst
andupandcomes
aroundtosqueezemyshoul dert
henret
ir
etot
he
bedroom.Iam lef
taloneintheki
tchent
ryi
ngt
o
makesenseofmyr ecentbehavi
or.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Thiswhol eentireweekIhav ebeendr eami ngabout

weirdthings,thi
ngsIdonotunder standnorbel i
eve
i
n.Idream ofabaskofcr ocodil
essur r
oundingme,
theyseem t obecryingandmaki ngnoisesIhav e
neverhear dof.Eacht imeItrytorunawayf r
om
them Ifailbecausetheyar eeverywhere.Theydon't
seem towantt oharm mebutI '
mjustscar edof
them becauseIcan' tmakesenseofwhatt heywant
from me.Thi sisnotj ustadream,Icanf eelthati
t
meanssomuchmor e.Ihavebeenpr ayi
ngabouti t
andhopef ull
ysoont heLor dwi l
lgi
vemet he
answersIneed. ..

Aft
ermymor ni
ngprayerImadethebedandtidi
ed
upthebedr
oom, ev
ersinceIwasali
tt
legi
rlIcoul
d
neverst artmydaywi thoutpr ayeroracl ean
bedr oom.Iwal koutt ogobr ushmyt eethoutside
andcomebackt ot hehouse, Ileavethedooropen
butl ockthebuglar-door,freshai rtofil
lupt hehouse.
Iturnt hekett
leonf orwat erIwi l
lusetowashmy
faceandmaket eaaf t
erwar dswhi leIreada
scripturefortheday .Ichooset hoseatr andom and
themessageIl andonwi llleadmef ortheday .Iam
outofmyni ghtwearandsi tti
ngcomf ort
ablyonmy
sofa, ahotnicecupofr ooibost eawi ththebibleon
myl ap.Aknockont hedoordi sturbsmeandIcan
onlywonderwhowoul dcomet omyhousesoear ly
.I
quicklygetupt ogoseewhoi tis,it'
smypast orfrom
chur ch.Whatal ovelysurpr i
se.

Me:
Mfundi
si.
Isayandshesmi
l
essweet
lyatme,
yesourpast
ori
s
awoman.
Past
or:
sis'
Hlengi
wehowar
eyou?
Me:
Iam v
erywel
l
,howabouty
ou?
IaskasIopent
hebugl
ar-
doorf
orhert
ogeti
n.
Past
or:
Godi
sgood.
Me:
pleasehav
easeat
.
Sheslowlyeasesher
sel
fonthechai
randIboi
lthe
wateragaint
omakehertea.
Past
or:
Iam sor
ryf
orcomi
ngher
esoear
ly.
Me:
it'
snopr
obl
em r
eal
l
y.
Past
or:
wel
lyouknowwhentheHol
l
yspir
itsends
meonanerr
andIhavet
orunli
keachi
l
d.
Webot
hchuckl
e.
Me:
Amen.
Theket
tl
eswit
chesoffandIquickl
yputt heteabag
i
nthecupandpourtheboil
ingwaterthenplacethe
cupi
nfr
ontofherandthesugarpot.
Past
or:
thanky
ou.
Shepourssugarandstairsbef
oretaki
ngthecupto
hermouthtotakeasip.Iam impat
ientl
ywaiti
ngto
hearwhatbroughthertomyhomesoear l
y.Iwoul
d
beafooltothinkt
hatthisisasoci
alcal
l.
Past
or:
wel
lHl
engi
we,
I'
m sur
eyouar
ewonder
ing
whyIam her
e.
Inodandshesi
ghs
Pastor:well
afewdaysagoIhavebeenhavi
nga
prophecy,t
heHoll
yspi
rittel
l
smet haty
ouar
e
neededt osavehi
schi
ldrenfr
om doom.
If
rown.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Pastor:theRoyal
fami l
yisunderat
tackand
accordingtotheHoll
yspiri
tyouarechosentol
ead
them tothepromiseland.
Iswal
l
owasBheki
andKay
isef
il
lmyt
hought
s
Me:
aret
heyi
ndanger
?
Pastor
:gr
avedanger
, youareapr ay
erwarri
or
Hlengi
we.Godsawy ourheartforwhati
tisandhe
wantsyoutohel
pthatf ami
ly.
Me:
how?
Myhear
tisr
aci
ngatt
hispoi
nt.
Pastor
:Iwasshownthaty
ouneedtogett
heKing
outofthatpal
acesot
hatthet
rut
hcanberev
ealed
t
ohi
mint
hisv
eryhouse.
Me:
heneedst
ost
aywi
thmeher
e?
Past
or:
that
'swhatneedstohappen.Youar est
rong
andGodhaschosenyouforthisbatt
lebecausein
hi
seyesyouarethest
rongestsoldi
er.
Il
etoutadeepsi
gh.
Me:Iheary
oupast
or.Whatki
ndofdangerar
ethey
i
n?
Past
or:
Ionl
yknowwhatt
heLor
dchoosest
otel
lme.
Inod.
Me:l
ethi
snamebepr ai
sed.Iwi
l
lst
artf
ast
ingand
pr
ayi
ngtodayat12pm.
Sot hat'
swhyIhavebeendr eamingofcrocodiles,
it'
s
theNgweny aancestorscryingoutformyhel p.Who
woul dwanttoharmt heRoy alf
amily,t
heyar e
nothingbutamazingpeopl ewhogooutoft heirway
tohelpusthepeopleoft hisvil
l
age.Thistaskishar d
butiftheLordchosemet henIknowIcangot owar
andcomebackv i
ctorious.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Mylifehast akenanewdi rect

ionandIcan'tseem to
swayitbackt owher eitusedtobebuthowcani tall
gobackwhenev erythi
ngi sj
ustamess.Bukhosi st
il
l
won'ttakemycal l
sorr espondtomymassages, as
muchasIl ovehi m Ican'
tberunningafterhim when
heisshowi ngmet hathenol ongerwant stobewi t
h
me.Ithurtsy esbutnoonehasev erdi
edf r
om a
heartbreakatl eastnotthatIknowofsowi thti
meI
wil
lbeal r
ight..
.

Ont heotherhandmymot herscatteredmyaunt '

s
ashesint hedar k,
densef or
estbyt her i
verandIj
ust
hopeauntNonhl eisresti
nginper f
ectpeace.Wear e
sti
llwai
tingf orthecopstocomeandt ellushow
thei
rinvestigati
oni sgoi
ngbutinal lhonestywe
knowhowourpol iceservi
ceoperates, t
heyare
probablysitingatthestati
oneatingf atcakesand
gossipi
ng.Wecanonl yhopethatmyaunt 's
mur der
eri sbroughttojusti
ce.
..
Baba, wher edoIev enbegi n?Myhear tiscompl etely
i
nshambl esbecauseoft hi
sman.Seei nghi m
sleepingl i
ket hiski l
lsmet omysoul andIwi sht he
wassomet hingIcoul ddot ohel phi m ortoappease
theancest or
s, sot heycanj ustforgivetheirownand
givehi m onemor echancet omaket hingsr i
ght.
Mam' Hlengiwei sagr eatwomanandIam sur eshe
woul dn'tcauseanypr oblemsi nourlivesnormake
mypar entsmar ri
aget ur nupsi dedown.Shewi l
l
under standherr oleandbabawi lll
earnt oloveher
withoutcompr omi singany thingorany one.Iam i n
thegar denhav ingagl assofwi ne,whi l
et hebottlei
s
chil
li
ngi nt heicebucketnextt ome.Ineedt oforget
j
ustal i
ttl
eandt hiswi llgetmet here..
.

Dabul
a:mypri
ncess,
Ihopey
oudon'
tmi
ndme
j
oini
ngyou.
Ir
ollmyey
esandhepl
acest
hegar
denchai
rnextt
o
mine.
Me:
Iam sonoti
nthemoodf
ory
ourcont
rol
l
ingsel
f.
Dabul
a:Iam nother
etobeanassIpr
omi
se.
Me:
thatwi
l
lbeaf
ir
st.
Hechuckl
es
Dabul
a:Iam t
hatbadhuh?
Me:
thewor
stI
'
veev
ercomeacr
oss.
Dabul
a: ouch!Youarebr
eaki
ngmyhear
tbutIwi
l
l
takei
t.Icanbet oomuchIknow.
Me:
atl
easty
ouknow.
Thei
ssi
l
encef
oraf
ewmi
nut
es
Dabul
a:howisy
ourf
atherdoi
ng?Ihav
ebeenaf
rai
d
toaskt
hinki
ngI
'
dbecrossi
ngtheli
ne.
Isi
ghandgul
pdownt
heent
ir
egl
ass.
Me:not
hinghaschangedwithhim,heseemst
obe
si
nki
ngdeeperi
ntowhateveriti
s.
Dabul
a: Iam sor
ryt
oheart
hat
.Keept
hef
ait
h,hewi
l
l
bealr
ight.
Me:
Ipr
ayt
hat
'st
rue.
Het
akest
hegl
assf
rom myhandandpour
smemy
Mer
lot
.
Dabul
a:her
eyouar
e?
Me:
Ithoughty
oudi
spi
sewomanwhodr
inkal
cohol
.
Dabula:weallgri
evediff
erent
lyKayise,
youjustl
ost
yourauntandy ourfat
herisnotinthebestcondi
ti
on
sothismightbey ourwaytoov er
comeev ery
thi
ng,
whoam It oj
udge?
Whoisthismanandwhathashedonet
othe
ov
erbeari
ngchauv
ini
sti
cpi
g?
Me:
howar
ethi
ngsatt
heof
fi
ce?
Ichanget
hesubj
ect
.
Dabul
a: t
hatisthelastt
hingyoushouldbeworr
ying
your
selfabout.Dealwit
ht hi
sfi
rstandwhenyouare
okayyouwillcomeback.
Me:thankyouverymuch,
Idon'
tthi
nkIwoul
dhav
e
copedwithaddi
ngworktomyload.
Dabula:
Igotthatcov
ered.Justst
ayher
eanddr
ink
al
lthewineunti
lyouarebett
er.
Me:
buti
fyouneedany
thi
ngy
oucancomet
alkt
o
me.
Dabul
a:I'
l
l bemost
lyneedi
ngyoursi
gnatureon
documents.Whi
chy ou'
l
lneedt
oreadfi
rstsodon't
dri
nktoomuchandendupagr eei
ngtoev er
ythi
ng.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seIwon'
t
.
Dabul
a:atl
easty
oucanst
il
ll
augh.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkIwoul
dbel
aughi
ngbecauseofy
ou.
Hesmi
l
es
Dabul
a:Iam notsobadMaNgweny
a.
Me:
ohpl
ease,
Iknowy
ourwor
stt
ojustbel
i
evet
hat
.
Heshakeshi
sheadwi
thasmi
rk.
Dabul
a:Iwi
l
l askthemaidst
opr
epar
eyou
somethi
ngl
ighttosnackon.
Hegetsupfr
om thechai
randwalkstowar
dsthe
sl
idi
ngdoorwit
hhishandsbur
ieddeepinhi
s
pocket
s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

IfIknewbeingagent l
emanwoul dgetmet hi
supt he
l
adderthenIwoul dhavedonei talongt i
meago.I fI
keepthisupsoonenoughshewi llf
allformeandmy
planwil
lgoonanewphase.Get t
inghert oagr eeto
mar r
ymeandbei ngtheKingofthisKingdom.I
wouldgiveany t
hingt
oseeNgweny at hefirst
'sface
whenhewi t
nessesmet akingbackmyt hr
oneand
taki
ngtheonl ygi
rlev
erbor ninhi
skingshipand
makingheraCebekhul ubrideandpr oducingmor e
ofmet hroughherwomb. .
.

Theyt houghttheywer egetti

ngr i
dofmef oreverbut
hereIam comi ngbackst r
ongerandont hev er
geof
mul t
iply
ingmy selfsowecant akeoverUkuthula
until
itiswhatIwanti tt
obe.Theywi l
l r
egr
etwhat
theydidt omef rom thegraveandIwi l
lberoaring
withlaughterbecauset heydidsaythathewho
l
aughsl ast,l
aughst hebestandf rom wher
eIam
standingIam thel astonestanding.
..
Igetinthehouseandgost raighttotheki tchen,the
mai dsarestandi
ngi nonecor nerandt heyseem t o
begossi pi
ng,Ican'
thearwhatt hei
rconv ersationis
aboutbecauset heyarebarelyaudible.Af t
eral lt
hat
i
st hetechniqueofgossipi
ng, towhisper .Iclearmy
throatandtheyscurryoffl
ikecockr oaches.Ii nstruct
oneoft hem topreparesomet hingforKay iseand
takeittothegarden.Sheget srightoni tandIl eave
togogetsomewor kdone.Ibumpi ntoLi y
anai nthe
hallway.
..

Me:
mehl
omadal
a.
Isayf
oldi
ngmyar
ms
Li
yana:myKi
ng.Ihav
ejustbeenmi
ndi
ngmy
husband.
Me:
Ihearhei
sav
eget
abl
e.
Li
yana:
Ijustl
oat
het
hosedamnancest
ors.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
hedi
dref
usedoi
ngwhatt
heyasked.
Li
yana:Hl
engi
wecomingher
ewoul
dhav
ebeen
doom f
orthebot
hofus.
It
il
tmyheadt
othesi
de.
Me:
Iguessso.
Li
yana:
Ineedy
ourhel
p.
Me: haosoquick,
youhaven'
tevenshowed
appreciat
iont
omef ort
akingcar
eofourNonhl
e
problem.
Shel
et'
soutanexasper
atedsi
gh.
Li
yana:
onceall
oft
hisi
sov
erIcanshowy
oumy
appr
eci
ati
on.
Me:l
et'
shopei twi
ll
bewortht
hewai
t,sohowcanI
beofassi
stanceoneagai
n?
Li
yana:Ican'
tcont
inuel
i
kethi
s,Ineedmyhusband
back.Can'
tyouandManzidosomethingt
ohelphi
m
out?
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
ow.
Me:counterat
tacki
nghi
sancest
orspuni
shment
.It
doesn'
tcomecheap.
Li
yana:
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouev
ery
thi
ngy
ouneed.
Me:
ahumanf
ami
l
yoff
iveasasacr
if
ice.
Il
i
eandshegaspsf
orai
r.
Li
yana:
what
?
Thelookonherfacemakesmewanttobur
stout
wit
hlaught
erbutIkeepmycomposur
e.
Iknowshei sti
redofsacrifi
cinghumanbei ngsand
thi
sshewi l
lfi
ndhar dtogivemeandt hat'
sawi nfor
mebecausesol ongasthingsaret hishectichere
Kayisewil
lbevulnerabl
eandIwi llcont i
nuebeing
goodt oherunt
ilshecan'thelpbutf alli
nlovewith
me.
Li
yana:
Iwi
l
lhav
etot
hinkaboutt
hat
.
Me:
takeal
lthet
imey
ouneedmydear
.
Li
yana:
excuseme,
Ineedt
ocheckonmyhusband.
Me:youknowwher etof
indmeonceyoumakea
deci
sionandpleaseensuret
heisonevi
rgi
nint
hat
fami
lyifyoudecidetogothr
oughwit
hit
.
Imaket
het
askmor
etougher
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER40
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

[
AMONTHLATER]

Everythingisstillthesame4weeksl aterbutreal
ly
everythi
nghaschangedf r
om whatitusedt obe,I
don'tknowi fIam maki ngsense.Myhusbandi ssti
ll
av egetablewef eedusi ngsy r
ingesandbat hhim
whi l
eisst i
ll
layingal mostl i
keacor psonour
mat ri
moni albed.I tgott oomuchf ormet odot hat3
weeksamal enur sest eppedi nt
oourhomeand
askedf oraj obt ot akecareoft heKing.Iwast he
fi
rsttoagr eebutmydaught erhadreservat
ions,
want edt oknowwhot heboyi sandwhathecame
heret odo.Al l
inf ormationonhi m checkedoutand
wegav ehimt hej ob...
TherequestDabul amadewast oomuch, yesI
wantedmyhusbandbackandi nabet t
ershapebut
sacri
ficing5mor epeopl ewoul dhav emademer un
madi nst antl
yfrom t heguilt.3peopl e'sbloodi s
enought ohav eonmyhands.Ist ruggletosl eepasi t
i
sal r
eady .It
urnedi tdownandhedi dn'tseem t obe
botheredbyi tratherhei senj oy i
ngt hepr ogr esshe
i
smaki ngwi thmyKay ise.Atl eastthiswhol et hingis
comingt ogethernicely,wear er eachingourend
game.Oncehei smar ri
edt oKay i
se, t
heki l
lings, the
connivingandschemi ngwi llstop.Ijustwantmyl i
fe
back,Iwantt hev i
ll
agerst ot r
ustusagai nbecause
eversincewedi sclosedBhekumbuso' ssituat i
ont o
them itjustgott hem shaki ngi ntheirboot s.

Ifi
ndPhi l
aniinthekit
chenmaki ngsomethingf or
Bhekhi t
oeat,Ihaven'tbeeni
nhi sroom f
ort wodays
now.Yes, Imovedhi mf r
om ourmat r
imonial
bedroom tooneoft heguestrooms, mir
roringitasa
wayf orPhil
anitohaveaccesstoBhekumbuso24/ 7
wit
houthav i
ngt orespectmyprivacyandthat '
show
i
tgotdone.I nallhonestyIj
ustcouldn'
tanymor e,t
he
smellwhenhehadmessedhi
spantsupatnight
,I
hadtoendurei
tti
l
lmorni
ngunt
ilhi
snursecamein
tochangehi
m..
.

Me:
howi
shedoi
ng?
Iaskonlyr
ememberingmymanners,Idi
dn'
tgreet
thepoorboy.I
'
m sur
ehewil
lunder
standthatIhave
alotonmymi ndasi
tis.
Hel
ooksbackatmewi
thasmi
l
e.
Phi
lani
:nothi
nghasr
eal
l
ychangedmyQueenbutI
am hopef
ul.
Me:
Iam j
ustgr
atef
ult
ohav
eyouher
e.
Phi
lani
:Iwoul
dn'
tbeanywher
e.Heisagreatman
andmebeingavai
labl
etohel
phim outmeansal
ot.
Me:
youar
eanangel
ofnot
e.
Phi
l
ani
:oht
hanky
oumyQueen.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbecomi
ngt
ocheckonhi
mlat
eron.
Phi
l
ani
:hewi
l
lpr
obabl
ylov
ethat
.
Me:
Iguessso.
Henodsli
ghtl
ybeforetaki
ngwhateverli
quidfoodhe
wasmakingandheadingtoBheki'
sroom.Ineedt o
walksoIj
usttakeanumbr el
l
afrom theuti
li
tyroom
acr
osstheki
tchenandleaveformyst r
oll
.Ineedto
cl
earmyheadandbeal oneforacoupleofhour s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam f i
ghtingani nternalbattl
e,abat t
leIf ai
lwith
everyround.Idon' tknowwhatt odowi thmy sel
f
anymor e.Ihav en'tbeent al
kingnorseei ng
ZamaNgweny af orweeksnow.Shehasn' tbothered
call
ingorsendi ngmemessagesandIam sur eshe
i
sjustdoner unni ngaf t
ermeandbeggi ng.Ihav e
composedhear tfelttextst
oherbuteacht imeIam
aboutt osendi tsomet hi
ngjusttakesov ermeandI
deleteit.Iwouldsweart hatIam bewi tchedbutwho
woul dwast etheirmoneyt ogot hroughal lthe
l
engt hsofdest roy i
ngme?Imeanwhatt oIhav ethat
couldbesuchat hr eattoothers?
Ihav ebeenbur yingmy selfinmywor kandmaki ng
suret hatev ery t
hinggoesonwel lwithmypr oject.I
can'tbef ail
ingi nmyr elati
onshipandmywor k.I
managedt ogot oDur bant ogor egisterever
ything
witht hegov er nment ,
asIwasqueui nga
conv ersati
onst ar t
edwi t htheguywhowasnextt o
meandhemadei tknownt hatthere'sevenfundi ng
forsuchpr oject s.Hegav emeal lt
hei nfor
mat i
on
andbef oreIlef tIwentt otakethef or msand
submi t
tedev er ything.IknowIhav eagood
i
nv estmentf rom Kay i
seandt hekingbutIneedmor e
cashi njecti
ont omakesur eIcandot hi
ngsproper l
y..
.

AllIneednowi stofindcli
entsfortheproduce,for
nowIam goi ngtobesel li
ngeverythi
ngatast or
eI
wantt oopen.WithtimewhoknowsIwi l
lbeowni ng
freshproducestoresalloverSouthAfri
caand
possiblyexpor
ti
ngt oothercountri
esaswel l
.Iwish
ZamaNgweny awasar oundt oseemedot hi
sgood,
shewoul dhavebeensopr oudofthemanIam
slowlybecoming.Iwalkint hehousefrom alongday
thefarm andmymot herischoppingVegetablesshe
pi
ckedf
rom mygar
denout
side.
..

Me:
heyMama.
Mama:
Bukhosi
.
Isi
ght
.Shehasbeent
hiscol
dforweeksnow.
Me:mamayougoi
ngt
ohav
etobeokaywi
thmeat
somepoi
nt.
Mama:
Iguesswear
efarf
rom r
eachi
ngt
hatpoi
nt.
Ibrushmybal
dheadandpr
essmyl
i
psi
ntoat
hin
l
ine.
Me:whatdoIneedtodot
omakeev
ery
thi
ngokay
bet
weenusagain?
Mama: gofi
xthingswi
thKayi
se.Shewasthebest
thi
ngtoeverhappentoyouandyoufool
i
shlyj
ustl
et
hergo?
Me:
Itol
dyoui
tisn'
tassi
mpl
e.
Mama:
andIal
way
saskwhatt
hatmeans.
Iwi
shIhadananswerf
orherbutIdon'
tev
enknow
whatgotust othispoi
ntmy self
.AllIknowi sIl
ove
thatgi
rlwit
hallmyhear tandImi sshersomuchbut
theminuteIwantt ocommuni cateorgoseeher
somethingjusthappenstomeandev er
ythingt
hat
hastodowi thhermakesmesi cktothest omach.
Mama:somethi
ngi
swr
ongwi
thy
ouBukho.We
needt
oconsult
.
Ihuf
f.
Me:
ohcomeonO'
l
ady
.
Mama: youdon'tknowtheset
hings,
youdon'
tknow
howt heworl
dwor ks,
howpeoplecanbecruel
becausethel
ighthasfinal
l
yshonefory
ou.
Me:
weshal
lsee.
Mama:
don'ttakethi
sli
ghtl
ybecausey
ouwi
l
lli
vet
o
r
egr
eti
t.Ipr
omi seyouthi
s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Inev
ert
houghtIwoul
dbewor
kingwi
that
radi
ti
onal
heal er,myfait
hhasnev erallowedmet obelievet hat
theydoanygoodbutseei ngt hi
smanwor ki
ngt o
helpt heKingmademer eali
zethatwear ealldoing
goodj usti
ndiffer
entway s.Whenmypast orfi
rst
toldmet hatIwaschosent odothis,
truthbet oldI
wasscar ed.IneverthoughtIwoul dbewor t
hy
enought ocarryoutthel ord'
swor kandl eadhi s
childrenoutoft hestronghol doftheevilonebutI
trustinmycapabi l
i
tiesandt heLord.
..

Hei sbusyout side"strengt hening"myy ard,he

beli
ev esoncet heKinggoesmi ssi
ngt hefi
rstplaces
theywi l
l l
ookwi l
lbemi ne,hisshr i
neandobv i
ously
Philani'
s.Goodt hingthatboyi snotfrom around
hereandal l
informationwegav ethem wasf alseand
cookedt ocheckouti ftheydoabackgr oundcheck
onhi m.Hei samal enur seandmypast orbrought
himf rom anothermi nistrytocomebeofhel psowe
candot helord'
swor k.Nobodyatt hepalaceis
suspect i
nghi m becausehekeepst ohi mselfand
takesgoodcar eofBheki .Isleepbetteratnight
knowi nghehasPhi l
ani inhi scorner.
..
Ifinishpr eparingtheroom Bhekumbusowi llbe
usingwhenheget shereandIam sur ehewi l
lbe
comf ortabl eandsaf e.Myhomei st wobedr ooms, I
want edt ogi v
emybedt oPhilanibecausehewi l
lbe
stickingar oundt ohelpmewi ththeKingbuthei s
suchasweetboy .Hesai dhewi llsl
eeponasponge
i
nt heKi ng'sr oom.Imakemywayt othekitchent o
dishupf orMakhosi ,
hehasbeenwor kingsince
mor ningandi t'
salreadylateafternoon.Hewal ksin
ri
ghtont imeasIam di l
utingsomej ui
cef orhim...

Makhosi
:MamuNgweny
a,haoBheki
isl
ucky
.Hewi
l
l
bewellf
ed.
Ichuckl
ehi
ddi
ngmyconf
usi
on.Whywoul
dhecal
l
met hat
.
Me:
arey
oudone?
Makhosi:y
esIam.Nowassoonast heyplanto
comesearchforthekingher
esomethingwil
lmake
them l
osefocusandtheywil
lnev
ersetfoother
e.
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:Iam gladtoheart
his,
sowhenwi
l
lwet
akehi
m
f
rom thepalace?
Makhosi:
tomorr
ownightsisi
.Iwil
lgotothepalace
attheweehour
softhenightandblowsomepowder
tomaketheguardsf
all
asleep,Iwi
llbur
nthetai
l ofa
hyenai
nthehouse,i
twil
lknockthem ri
ghtout
.
Me:
hai
bo!WhataboutPhi
l
ani
?
Hechuckl
es.
Makhosi
:hewi
ll
notbesl
eepi
ng.HeknowswhenI
am comi
ngandwhatt
odosohedoesn'ti
nhal
ethe
smoke.
Inodmyhead.
Me:isn'
tthi
sthepar
twecal
lthi
swhol
ethi
ng
wi
tchcraf
t?
Heset
tl
esont
hest
ool
.
Makhosi: aokodwaMaShange.Youwi l
lneedto
acceptthatthi
skingdom hasancest
orsandonce
yougetint ot
hepalaceyouwil
lhavetobeableto
praytoyourGodandr espectt
heNgweny a
ancestors.
Ther
ehegoesagai
n.
Me:taket
hepl
ateMakhosi
bef
orey
ourf
oodget
s
col
d.
Makhosi
:thanky
ou.Itlooksgood.Idon'tgett
he
l
uxur
yofeat i
ngt
hiskindoffoodeveryday.
Me:
yourwi
fedoesn'
tcook?
Makhosi
:myancest
orsar
ever
ymuchcompl
i
cat
ed,
t
heywantedmetofocusonmycal
l
ing.
That
'sv
erywr
ong,
hemustbel
onel
y.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thatwasawel ldeservedshower ,
Ifeel r
efreshed
andr eadyf ordi
nner .Ihav en'
tbeenbackt owor k
becauseofmyf ather'
scondi ti
on.Theki ngdom
couldn'tstaywithoutal eadersoast heonl ychi
ld
andsuccessorIhadt oascendt het hrone.Iam
workingwi thbab'Menzi ,theyhadt oreinstatehim as
anadv isorbecausemyf athernevertookhi mt othe
ancestralforesttoannouncet hathewi llnotbehis
advisorbecauseheli
edagainstani
nnocentman.So
hest i
ll
keepshisposit
ionasbothmyadvisorand
fi
rstinli
netobeKingshouldanythi
nghappento
bothmyf atherandIsi
nceIdonothaveachi l
das
yet.
..

It
'st akingeveryt
hingi nmet ost epintomyf ather'
s
bigshoesbecauseev ery wher eIgot heycompar e
met ohi m andhopeIl i
v eupt ohisst andar d,others
j
ustl ookdownonmebecauseIam j ustal itt
legir
l
whohasnobusi nessi nt hebi gboy sleague.WhenI
attendt hecouncil ofKi ngst heyl oset hei rmi nds
becauseIam t heonl yQueent her eandi tpi sses
them of f
.Yepmyf ather'ski ngdom ist heonl yone
thatal l
owsf oragi rl
chi ldt obeanhei rappar antto
thet hrone,wedon' thav einequal i
tyher e.Iam as
goodenoughasamal echi ldsot heiropi ni onsdon't
mat terbutI '
ll
tel
ly out his,Ipissedt hem of fwhenI
tol
dt hem thenamehadt ochange.Theycanbe
calli
ngi tthecounci lof" Kings"cozIam cl earlya
woman, Isuggestedt hati tbechangedt ot hecounci l
ofr oyal l
eaders,i
t'
sonl yfairright?
Imakemywayi ntomyf ather'
sr oom andPhi lani
excusesme.Hei ssuchagoodnur sef ormyf ather
,I
feelbadthatIhadr eservat
ionsabouthi m butlookat
him beingoursavior.Igetundert hecov ersand
snuggleclosetobaba.Hei ssost il
lbutIcanhear
hisheartsti
llbeat
ing,thi
siswhatgi vesmehope
everyday.Ispendanhourwi thhim beforedinnerand
comebackf oranotherhouraf terIeat.Itel
lhim
aboutmyday sandhowt hoseKi ngsar echauv i
nist
pigsheneedst oputi ntheirplaceonceheget s
better
..
.

Me:
youneedt
owakeupbaba.Imi
ssy
ousomuch.
Isni
ffandwi
pemyt
ear
s.
Me:Bukhosi
hasn'
treachedoutt
omest
il
landIhat
e
t
hatIevenmisshi
mt hismuch.
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me:Iguessev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lwor
koutt
hewayi
t'
s
supposedt
o.
Iki
sshi
scheek.
Me:Iwi
l
lseeyouaft
erdi
nner
.I'
l
laskPhi
l
ani
nott
o
f
eedyousoIdoitmysel
f.

Igetoutofbedandmakemywayt ot hediningroom,
mamaandDabul aarewhi sper
ingaboutsomet hi
ng
butsoonasIgeti nandt heystop.Idon' tbother
askingwhybecauset hisisn'tt
hef irsttimeI've
caughtt hem.Theycl ai
mt heyarejustwor r
iedabout
me, theyfeelIam notdeal ingwithev erythi
ngand
putti
ngitinthebackofmyhead.Idon' thavethe
ti
met ohaveapitypar t
yf ormy selfbecausemy
fathers'
kingdom islookingatmet oensur ethatit
runssmoot hly.
..

Dabul
a:car
eforagl
assofwi
ne?
HeasksasIset
tl
eont
hechai
r.
Me:
please,
it'
sbeenal
ongday
.
Henodsandstandsuptogopourmesome.Inever
thoughtI
'
dsaythi
sbutDabul
ahasbeenofgreat
helptome.Hei
sholdi
ngtheworkf
rontdownand
makingsureIdon'
thav
etostr
essaboutit
.Hei
sone
oft
her easonswhymysani
tyi
ssti
lli
ntact
.
Mama: Inev
erthoughty
ouandDabul
awoul
dbei
n
suchgoodterms.
Shesay
swi
thasmi
rk.
Me:
hei
sn'
tact
ingl
i
keapr
ick.
Dabul
a:hey
!Ihear
dthat
.
Weal
lgi
ggl
e.
Me:
it'
snotl
i
keIam l
yi
ng.
Dabul
a:ohwell
Iam nott
hatper
sonIdon'
tknow
whatwaswrongwi
thme.
Igr
abapl
ateanddi
shupf
ormy
sel
f.
Me:
anydocument
sIneedt
olookat
?
Mama:nobusi
nessconv
ersat
iononmydi
nnert
abl
e
yout
wo.
Webot
hchuckl
e.
Dabul
a:Iwi
l
lleav
ethem f
ory
oui
nthemor
ning.Iam
sor
rymyQueen.
ESKOM ISTHEDEVI L.Wearesti
lli
nt hedar
kbut
yest
erdayIsl
eptovermybrother
'splacehenceI
managedt ot
ypetoday.Iwi
l
lbegoingbackhomeso
thi
sistheonl
ychapterImanagedtowr it
ethi
s
morning.

Iam st
il
lshortonmeetingmytar
get
.Ij
ustwantedto
knowifther
ear est
il
lpeopl
ewhoaregoingt
oplace
thei
ror
dersforthehousewif
ethi
scomingweek?

Myi nternati
onal people(
especi all
yinAf ri
ca)I'
m
sorrybutal l
internati
onaltr
ansf ermet hodsIl ookat
arenotconv i
nient.Mukuru'spickuppoi ntsar ev er
y
farfrom me.TheR100Ichar geforthebooki sthe
moneyIwoul dhav etousef ortransportati
on.Wor ld
remitisv er
yconv eni
entformebutonl y3count ri
es
i
nAf ricacansendmoney( Sout hAf r
ica,Rwandaand
Somal il
and)ther estcanonl yacceptmoney .Most
readersf r
om Eur opeandAmer icausedwor ldremit
andi t'
ssafe.
AFATHERLOVE
CHAPTER41
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam st andi ngundert hescor chingsunwai ti

ngf or
myl i
ft,oneoft heguyswhowor ksatt hetimber
plantationcomesoutev erydayatar oundl unchtime
togot ot heshops.Hecol l
ectsmoneyf r
om hi s
colleaguesandbr ingsthem whatt heyneedf rom the
shops.Hewoul dpassmebyt her oadaf ewt imesas
Iwentt ohi kebyt hemai nr oadthatcomesf r
om the
near estt ownandpassesbyourshopsandhe
offeredmeal i
ftandwehav ebeengoi ngt here
toget hersi nce.Hei sagr eatguywhor efusesme
pay i
ngt heamountIwast opaywhenhi kingbut
twiceaweekhi splateoff oodandacanofcokei s
onme, i
t '
snotmuchbuti t'
sat okenofmy
appr eciation..
.
Hisbakki epul l
supnextt omeandIj usthopi nand
greethi m, hei sjovi
alli
keal way sandhi shappy
moodi sinfecti
ous.Bant ui sy ourt y
pical r
ur alZul u
man, helistenst omaskandi andsi ngsal ongt oit
ev enul ul
atingatt i
mes.Hei sj ustafewy ear sol der
thanmebutt hewayhecar ri
eshi mselfonewoul d
sweart hathei sanol dsoult hatistrappedi na
youngman' sbody .Wear edi fferentpeopl ebutI
woul dl i
ket othinkwehav ebecomef ri
endscozj ust
thispastweekendhewasatmyhouse, hecame
wi thbeersowecanr emov et hedustonourt hroat s
whi lewat chingsoccer .YesIf inall
yboughtmama
andIaTVal ongwi t
hi Dish( DsTV) ,
growi ngupwe
thoughti twasr i
chpeopl e'
st hingsbutnowwecan
afford.Ev ent houghsomeday sIwantt obr eaki tcoz
mymot heri salwayswat chingNol l
ywoodmov ies
from duskt il
ldawn, notgi vi
ngmeachancet owat ch
myt hingstoo. .
.

Iam counti
ngthemoneyIhaveonmet oseeifi
twi
l
l
beenoughf ort
heplat
es,i
t'
sformeandtheguys
thatworkatthefar
m.Ibuythem l
unchev
eryday
.
Theyusedtobringlunchboxesbutt hi
sheati sjust
notsympathet
icasitwoul dspoilthefoodandi t
endsupgoingtowast e.Wher eIam f r
om foodmust
neverendupnowher eelsebuty ourstomach
becausethr
owingawayf oodwillcausehunger
somehow.Okayt hemoneyi sgood, Iwon'thav eto
askBantutostopatthegar agesoIcanwi thdraw..
.

Wegett ot heshops,it'
sjustaonest oryli
near
buil
ding.Wehav easuper market ,ahar dwarest ore,
bakeryandaI ndi
anorisitSomal iancl ot
hingst ore?
butI'
m sur ey ougetwher eI'
m goi ngwi ththis.Then
thereist hewomant hatsell
spl ates, shehasashack
wher esher unsherkit
chen.Herf oodi samazi ngand
i
tsellsf ast.Wecl i
mboutoft hecarandmakeour
wayt ot heshackt oplaceouror ders, whil
eshe
prepar esthem Iwalkt othesuper mar kettof i
ndus
twol i
tersofcokesot hefoodgoesdownwel l
.Iland
myey esonZamaNgweny a'
sSUV, t
hecari sempt y
butIhearhergi ggl
ingsomewher e.Iwal karoundt o
theot hersidet ofi
ndherandt hatDabul apieceof
shitsitti
ngdownassf latofthegr ound, l
eaningback
onthecarshari
ngaplat
eoffoodwhi
lel
aughi
ngli
ke
oldf
ri
ends.Ihavenev
erfel
tmysel
fboi
latasi
ghtas
Idonow..
.

Me:
ZamaNgweny
a!
Ihal
fshoutandt
heybot
hlookmyway
.
Kay
ise:
ohBukhosi
,What
sup?
Ichuckl
e,i
sshebei
ngseri
ousri
ghtnow?Iam her
manandshei swi
thanot
herandtheonl
ythi
ngshe
hastosayis"
what'
sup"r
eall
y?
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Iaskandt
hatear
nsmeaf
rownf
rom her
.
Kay
ise:
dude,
youcanseet
hatwear
eeat
ing.
Me:
getupandgohomenow.
Shehasnev
erl
aughedatmesomuchandt
hat
anger
sme.
Me:
Kay
isengi
ya'
khul
umanj
alo!
Kay
ise:
cal
myourt
it
sShakaZul
u,what
'sy
our
probl
em?Whatmakesy
out
hinky
ouhav
ether
ight
toordermear
ound?
Me:
becausey
ouar
emywoman.
ShegetsupandDabul
adoest
oo.Hehasasmi
rkon
hi
sface.
Kayi
se:
mina?Yourwoman?Don'
tbej
oki
ngr
ight
now.
Me:
youar
ereal
l
ytest
ingmey
az.
Dabul
a:okayBukhosi
it'
scleary
ouar
eupset
ti
ng
Kayi
sejustwal
kawaybaf o.
Me:
wenanj
edon'
tev
enopeny
ourmout
htot
alk.
Isayalreadychargingtohimt ohimf i
stsf oldedand
i
tturnsintoatwomanst reetbrawl,Kay i
sei s
screamingforust ostopandt hepeoplear enow
watching.Noonei swinningthisfi
ght,Ithrowmy
punchesandt heylandonhi m butheal sot hrowshi
s
weighttome.Someonef inal
lyseparatesus, i
t'
s
Bantu.
Bant
u:Bukhosi
!What
'sgoi
ngon?
HeasksbutIdon'
tgi
vehi
m ananswer
.
Me:
youst
ayawayf
rom mygi
rl
.
Iwar
nDabul
a.
Me:
.Kay
ise?
Icalloutpanti
ngbutshei slookingatme
distast
eful
ly.Herat t
enti
onmov estoDabulawho
takesherhandandopenst hepassengersidedoor
andsheget '
si n.Hemov est othedriver
'ssi
debut
fi
rststopsinmyf ace.
Dabul
a:t
hanky
ou.
HewinksatmeandIam l
eftt
her
ewonder
ingwhy
hei
sthanki
ngme.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihadadr eam l
astnight
,Itwasaboutmysi ster
Nonhle,shewaslookingexactl
yhowshedi dwhen
wef oundherly
inginthepoolofherownbl ood.
Limbscutoffalongsidehertongue,becauseofthi
s
eachtimeIaskedherwhatshewant edshecouldn'
t
respondbuthergazewasonmet heenti
retime.I
t
wasi ntenseandmaki ngmeuncomf ortable,Ifroze
whenmymot herappearedwi t
ht earsst r
eami ng
downmyf ace.Myhear twasbeat i
ngsof astI
want edtomakear unforitbecauseIcoul dseeshe
wasdi sappoi nt
edinme.Sheal sodidn' tsayany thing
andIwi shshedi datleastsoIknowwher etheir
heartsare, Iam scaredtheymi ghtwantt oretali
ate
andnot hingi sashardashav i
ngt ofightav engef ul
spiri
toutf orjust
ice.IknowDabul aassur edmet hat
Nonhl eistrappedbutIcan' thelpthinkot herwise
especiall
ynowt hatmymot herwaswi thherl ast
nightinthedr eam thathadmewaki ngupsoakedi n
myownsweat .
..

Iam i nBhekumbuso' sroom, It

houghtbeinginher e
wil
l domegoodbutwat chinghim stuckinthi
s
veget ativ
est atehauntsmet oo.Hei ssothinthatI
am af raidthatPhilanimi ghtbreakhisboneswhen
tur
ni nghi m duringhisbat h,cozthat
'sallt
hatisis
l
eftoft hetallhunkImar r i
edandhav ebeenl i
ving
withunt i
lhisancestorsdeci dedtoshowof fby
harmi ngt heirownbl ood.Theyar efail
ingtofi
ght
Dabulabecausehei
sjustt
oostrongbuttheychose
toshowt hei
rpat
het
icpowersonadefenselessman
whoonlyl ov
eshi
swifeandwouldn'
thur
therf orany
reason.
..

Phi
l
ani
:MyQueen.
Isnapoutofi
tandl
ookathi
m.
Me:
yes?I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Phi
l
ani
:yesma.Youj
usthav
eav
isi
tor
.
HeannouncesandIfr
own,whocoul
ditpossibl
ybe?
Iam i
nnomoodf orcompanyt
hatwil
lrequi
remeto
smil
eandhavemeaningl
essconv
ersat
ions
Me:
Whoi
sit
?
Iaskbor
edandhel
i
ckshi
slowerl
i
p.
Phi
l
ani
:i
t'
smakhosi
.Hei
sint
hel
ounge.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:thatmanjustdoesn'
tknowwhentostayaway.
Heisfail
i
ngtohelpmyhusband,heshoul
dlock
hi
mselfupinthatcr
eepyplacehel
iv
esinandtal
kto
t
hefool
sthatdi
edyear
sagoandst
il
ltor
mentust
o
l
etgoofmyhusband.
Isayst
andi
ngupf
rom t
hebedandhei
slooki
ng
down.
Phi
l
ani
:may
behehasnewsont
heKi
ng.
Me:ohtr
ustmehedoesn'
tknowanyt
hing.Hej
ust
cametospeaki
nri
ddl
esthatwi
ll
leav
emeconf used
more.
Hechuckl
es.
Me:
youhav
ear
ightt
olaughmydear
,hei
sjoke.
Icl
ickmyt ongueandwalkoutoft
heroom.If
ind
him chanti
ngandburpi
ng,compl
etel
yput
ti
ngmeof f.
Heisbur ni
ngimpephoinmyhouse,ohmycurtai
ns
God!
Me:
makhosi
.
Iannoucemypr esenceint heroom buthedoesn't
acknowledgemeatal l
.Ireleaseashar psighand
watchhim cont
inueforaf ewmor emi nutes.
Makhosi
:Ij
ustcametocheckupony
ouandensur
e
t
hatthepal
aceisst
il
lpr
otect
ed.
HesaysandIwanttocal
lPhi
lani
andsay
."It
oldy
ou
di
dn'
tI?
"ButIwil
lenj
oythej
okeonmyown.
Me:ev
ery
thi
ngissti
l
lthesame.Wear
ejustwai
ti
ng
onmyhusbandtowakeup.
Makhosi
:i
t'
sal
lupt
otheancest
ors.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
s.
Hechuckl
esandl
ooksbackatme.
Makhosi:y
oul i
kel ooki
ngdownontheNgwenya
ancest
orsthattimey ouar
einthei
rter
ri
tor
yand
si
tti
ngontheirthrone.
Me:
that
'snott
rue.
Iqui
ckl
ydef
end.
Makhosi
:ofcoursey
ouwi
l
lsayt
hatbutal
li
swel
l
.I
wi
llt
akemyl eav
enow.
Me:
goodby
e.
Isayimpati
ent
lywai
ti
ngf
orhi
mtodi
sappearf
rom
myf ace.
Makhosi
:st
aywel
lLi
yana.
Iwantt
opullhim backwit
hthosedi
rt
ydreadl
ocks
anddemandthatheshowsmesomer espect
,Iam
sti
l
lQueenofthi
sl and.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thener veoft hatboy ,Idon' tthi

nkIhav eev erbeen
madatsomeonet hewayIam atBukhosi .Hehasn't
spokenorcamear oundt oseemef orweeksbuthe
seesmei nthest reetsandst artsclaimingmet obe
hiswoman.I shement al
?BecauseIcan' tfi
gur eout
anyv al
idreasont hatj usti
fieshi sreact i
onexceptif
heiscrazyf orsure.Iwentt hr
oughmyaunt '
sdeath
withouthissuppor t,
Iam al sogoi ngt hroughal ot
withmydadandst il
lnotawor dfrom hi my ethe
cl
aimedt olov ememor ethanany thing.Iguesshe
gotwhathewant edf rom meandhei sgoodand
donewi thme. ..

Whatanger
smemostisthatheri
dicul
edmei n
publ
i
c,ImeanIam t
heRegentoft
hiskingdom unt
il
myf atherrecovers.Ihavet
ohol dthef ortsot hatmy
peoplecanhav efait
hinmeandIcanal sopr ov eto
allt
hosewhohav ebeendoubtingmycapabi l
iti
es
thatIwasbor nf orthi
s.Thel
itt
lest unthepul ledwi l
l
maket hem thinkIam justali
ttl
egi rlwholikesbei ng
chasedbymanar oundthevil
l
ageandhav ingt hem
fi
ghtov erher.Het ookmyreput at
ionanddeci dedt o
dancewi thitinthemud.Ican'tbelieveIlov edhi m
somuchandev enwant edhi
mt obenextt omeas
myKi ng..
.

Wegett othepalaceandIam shaki ngfrom anger ,

I
needacol dglassofwat ert onumbwhat everitisa
l
it
t l
e.Icl
imboutoft hecarandheadst rai
ghtf orthe
ki
tchen.Therearet womai dswhenIgeti nandt hey
arelaughi
ngoutl oud,aren'ttheysupposedt obe
wor ki
ngnotbusygossi ping?Ishoott hem adeat h
stareandtheyjustscurryof fleavingmeal one,Igulp
downt heenti
reglassandpl acei tonthekitchen
i
sland.Dabulawal ksinandhi sf aceisevidenceof
Bukhosi'
snonsense, Ifeelbadbecausei tall
happenedbecauseofme. .
.
Me:
comesi
tandl
etmecl
eany
ouup.
Hesmi
l
esandcomest
osi
tont
hebarst
ool
.
Dabula:
hesur
eknowshowt
othr
owi
napunch
though.
Hechuckl
esbutIdon'
tfi
ndt
hisf
unny
,Bukhosi
was
outofl
i
ne.
Me:whathedi
dwaswr
ong,
youshoul
dbemadnot
l
aughi
ng.
Dabul
a:i
t'
snot
hingmypr
incessdon'
twor
ry.
Me:
ohy
ouar
eonl
yat
oughZul
umanonwomen.
Hechor
tl
es.
Dabul
a:ohwowKayi
se.YouknowIam try
ingt
olet
goofmyneedtohav
eaf i
nalwor
d,al
lthankst
oyou.
Me:
ohhal
l
eluj
ah!
Dabula:
don'
ttel
lanyoneel
sewhoknowsmet
hough
becauseIwi
ll
switchonyou.
Hej
okes.
Me:
letmegett
hef
ir
stai
d.
Igototheuti
l
ityroom andf
inditi
noneofthe
cupboar
ds.Iret
urntotheki
tchentofi
ndhi
m sti
l
l
si
tti
ngonthestoolwhereIl
efthim.
Itaket
heanti
sept
icpl
uscot
tonwoolt
ocleanhi
m up
andthenpl
aceaplast
eront
hecutabovehi
seye.
Me:
youar
egoodt
ogo.
Dabul
a:t
hanksdoc.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
thatwasachi
l
dhooddr
eam.
Dabul
a:y
ouwouldhav
emadeanamazi
ngdoct
or,
youar
ewarm andwel
comi
ng.
Me:suchwor
dscomi
ngf
rom y
ouMr
.Khumal
o.I
'
m
f
lat
ter
ed.
Dabul
a:wel
lmyl
adyi
t'
ssi
mpl
ythet
rut
h.
Ismi
l
eandhecl
aspsmyhand.
Dabul
a:whathappenedwit
hyout
wo?It
houghty
ou
werei
nloveandinsepar
abl
e.
Isi
ghandset
tl
eont
hest
ool
nextt
ohi
m.
Me: Ihonest
lydon'
tknowhowwegother e.One
mi nut
ewewer emakinglif
eplansthenexthecan'
t
standme.Whatsur pr
isesmet hemostiseven
thoughhe'shurtmethesepastcoupleofweeksI
mi sshi
m somuch, cr
azyasitmaysoundwhenhe
claimedmeashi swomansomet hi
nginmewas
touched.Butheshowedmeasi deofhi
m Icannot
forgoti
nahur r
y.
Dabul
a:don'
twor
ry,
hedoesn'
tdeser
vey
ouany
way
.
Hesay swi
thasmil
ebutmysoular
guesthat
becausedeepi
nsi
deofmeIam sti
l
lconnect
edt
o
hi
m.
Me:
Iguessso.
Dabula:goshowerquicklyandI
'l
lmakewineready
forusandsomef ingerfoodswhil
ewediscuss
marginsanddates.
Me:
ayeCapt
ain.
Igetof
fthechai
randsalut
e.Hei
sreal
lynotsucha
badguyonceyougetusedtohi
m andknowhim.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MAKHOSI

TheNgweny aancestorshavesentmeonami ssi

on,
ami ssionsett osavetheirownsohecanbeoutof
thatpalacet hathasbeenconsumedbyev i
l.Istil
l
can'tsayIknowev eryt
hingthati shappening
becauset heancestor
sar eblindedandal lthosewho
aren't-l
ikemyancest ors-arest andi
ngbackandnot
showi ngmeany thi
ngbecause" every
thi
nghast o
happent hisway"sotheysay .Itwasexhaust i
ngat
fi
rstbutIhadt oremembert hatt heancestor swork
i
nmy steriousway sandrightnowImi ghtthinkthe
Ngweny a'sarebli
ndedonl ytof i
ndoutthatt heyare
deceivingt heenemysot heyt hinktheyhavewon
onlytost riket
hem whent heyl eastexpectit..
.

Wear eonourwayt othepalace,i

t'
sHlengiwe,
her
pastorl
adywhoi sdri
vi
ngusi nhercarandme.
Phil
anical
ledafewmi nutesago,heburnedthe
hyena'
stailIt
ooktohim earl
ieronandithas
knockedthem ri
ghtout.Theywill
onlywakeupinthe
mor ni
ngandt hekingwi l
lbegone, longgoneast he
ancestorsprepar efort hei
rbat tl
e.Thecarst opsat
thecornerandIam t heonlyonewhocl i
mbsoutand
headst othegat e,theguar dsar estandingt herewi th
thei
rweapons.Icl earmyt hroatandt heylookback
atmeonl ytobemetbyt hepowderIbl owi nt hei
r
facesfrom mypal m.Theywi l
lbeunconsci ousf or
twohour stopsandwhent heywakeupt heywi l
lnot
rememberev erseei ngmeher e.The3guar dsar et he
onlyonesupf rontandt heot hersareatt heback, I
don'thavetobedeal i
ngwi ththem, unlessIhav et o..
.

Thekitchendoori snotlockedsoIwal krightinand

headt otheroom theKingsl eepsin.Phi l
aniis
paci
ngupanddownner vousbutheshoul dn't
,Iam a
manofmywor ds.Onceheseesmehesi ghsdeeply
andIshakemyhead.Iqui ckl
yt akeoutmut i
from my
pocketandsmeari tontheKi ng'sforehead,under
hi
sf eetandint hepalm ofhishands.Ther eare
manyl ostsoulsroamingt hestreetsandt hisisthe
wit
cheshour ,theyarewonder i
ngar oundsowecan' t
ri
skanyki ndofspirit
stakingov erBheki'sbody .
..
Me:
let
'st
akehi
mtot
hecar
.
Phi
l
ani
:andt
heguar
ds?
Me:
sonr
elax,
ever
ythi
ngi
stakencar
eof
.
Wepickupthekingandhemightbebonenowbut
hei
sstil
lheav
yifnotheav
ier
.
Wecar r
yhi m andwal kout ,
Iam holdi
nghi sar ms
andPhi laniholdshi slegs.Thecari snowatt hegat e
andt heladiesqui cklycli
mboutandhel pusgethi m
i
n.They oungmanandIhopi ntothebackoft he
doublecapbakki e,Hlengi weandt hepast ort aket he
frontseatast heKi ngi slayinginthebackseat .
Kneesbr oughtupt ohi schestbecausehei st alland
thedoorwoul dn'
thav eclosedi fwedidn'tposi tion
himt hatway .Thedr i
vebackt othehousei squi ck
andt aki
nghi m outi seasi erthanitwasget tinghi m
i
n.Hl engiweopensupandwet akehi
st obedf orthe
durationofhi sstay...

Me:
Nowt
her
eal
wor
kisaboutt
ost
art
.
Isayoncewear
eint
heki
tchen.
Hlengi
we:Iam r
eadyt
odoany
thi
ngt
osav
e
Bhekumbuso.
Me:you'
reeff
ort
swil
lnotbef
orgot
ten,
restnowi
t
hasbeenalongday
.
Pastor
:comeletmedropyouof
fMakhosi
and
Hlengi
wepleasepr
aysisi
.
Hl
engi
we:
alway
s.
Sheassur
esherspi
ri
tual
leader
.
Me:Phil
aniyouwi
l
l st
ayinthehouseatal
lti
mes.No
oneshouldknowyouarehere.
Henods.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER42
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Iwokeupatdawnt opr ayafterjustsleepingfora

fewhour s,Ineedt ocont i
nuegoi ngdownonmy
kneesandaski ngGodt oprotectthisman.He
doesn'tdeser vethisnotev enabi t,Bhekumbusoi sa
greatmanandev eryonewhoknowshi m wellcan
attestt
ot his.What ev ersinshei spay i
ngf orshould
j
ustbeexcusedbecauseev erygoodhehasev er
donet r
umpst hebad.Thewor ldneedssuchmeni n
i
tsmi dstandIknowf orasf actthatUkut hul
ast i
l
l
needst heirking...

Heneedstowakeupsohecanl earnwhatevertrut
h
ofwhati
shappeninginthi
svil
l
ageandmay be,just
maybethedi
sappearanceofmydaught erZonkewi ll
fi
nal
l
ybeaccountedfor.Thisi
sst i
l
l ahardsensiti
ve
topi
cforme,Ihav epr
aidforheali
ngbutmyheartis
sti
ll
shatt
eredtosaytheleast.Imissmysweet
angelev
eryday,Iam j
usthopingthatshei
srest
ingin
peaceanddidn'
tdieapainfuldeath.
..

Iquickl
ymakeenoughsof tporr
idgef orusall t
oeat,
Phil
ani saysBheki eat
swi t
hsy r
ingesandonl y
l
iquids.Thati sevi
dentbecausehei snott hemanI
knowphy sical
ly,
helostalotofwei ghtandy oucan
barelyrecognizehim.Godandhi sancestorshav eto
comet hroughf orhim.Themi seryhei si
ni sjusttoo
muchf ort hosewhoar ewithhim andseei nghimi n
thi
scondi tion.Phi
lani
walksinwi thabat hi
ngdi sh,I
wasn'tawar ehewasalreadyawake. .
.

Phi
l
ani
:goodmor
ning.
Me:
mor
ningson,
youar
eanear
lybi
rd.
Hechuckl
es.
Phil
ani
:Ineedt
ocl
eant
heKi
ngsohei
sn'
t
uncomfort
abl
e.
Hesay
sandIknowwhathei
sref
err
ingt
o.
Me: mostchi
l
drenyouragewoul dn'
tdothi
sto
anyonenotevenforthei
rparent
s,butyouar
edoing
i
twithsomucheaseandy ouareamal echi
ldwho
doesn'
thaveaproblem wit
hit.
Hesmi
l
es.
Phil
ani:may bethat'
sbecauseIf i
rstdiditwi t
hmy
parents.Theywer esickandIwasv eryy oung,didn'
t
understandwhatwashappeni ng.Rel ati
vesdi dn'
t
wanttohel poutsay i
ngmypar entswi l
linfectthem,I
hadtol ear
nandonenur sefr
om thecl i
nict aughtme
howt odoi t
, wi
thglovesandaf acemaskonandi t
becamemynor mal Iguess.
Me:
Andt
hat
'showy
oubecameanur
se?
Phil
ani:myparentsdiedthenthenursetookmein
soIcanf i
nishschoolandseeingheri
nunifor
m
every
daymademel i
keit
.PlusIhadalr
eadytook
careofmypar entssoIknewIhadi ti
nmet owork
withthevul
nerable.
Me:youarebl
essedandtheLordsay
sIshoul
dtel
l
yout
hatyourl
if
eisabouttochangef
orev
er
Phi
l
ani
:Amenmama.
Me:soImadepor
ri
dge,si
tI'
l
ldi
shf
ory
ouandonce
youar
edoneyouwil
lshowmehowtofeedBheki
.
Henods.
Phi
l
ani
:l
etmef
ir
stl
ytakeoutt
hisdi
rt
ywat
er.
Ir
ememberthebat
hingdi
sh,hehadpl
acedi
tdown
asweengagedi
naconversat
ion.
Me:I'
l
ltakecar
eoft
hat
,remembery
oucannotbe
seenhere.
Hecl
oseshi
sey
es.
Phil
ani
:GodIal
mostf
orgotandr
uinedt
hewhol
e
thi
ng.
Me:
don'
tst
ress,
Iwasher
etor
emi
ndy
ou.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Idon'
tremembereversl
eepi
ngsodeepandthat
peacef
ull
yint
helongestt
ime,ev
ersi
nceDabula
showedf acei
thasbeenchaot i
c.Mysl eepisalways
hauntedbydreamsofallthosewhower ecasualt
ies
i
nt hi
swarIam f i
ghti
ngtokeepmyf amilyt
ogether,
al
sot ogiveDabulawhatIpromisedwhi chi
smy
daughterKayi
se.Ithast
akenit'
stollonmeandas
muchasI 'mtry
ingtokeepittogether,
it'
sgett
ingto
muchf ormetobar ewit
heachpassi ngday..
.

Ineedt ogobackt ooverseeingaf ewthingsint he

Kingdom, si
tt
ingar oundt hepalacealldayev ery
day
andonl ythinkingofal l
theev ilIhavedonet ogett o
thispointwi l
lj
ustmaker unmadi nnot i
me.I t'
s
betterIjustgoandf akesmi leswiththoselit
tledi r
ty
kidsattheschool s,al
sogogi vehopetot hosesi ck
peopleatt hecl i
nic.AtleastwhenIam t hereIwon' t
bet hi
nkingaboutal lmypr oblems...

Igetoutofbedandgot akeashower ,br

eakfast
shoul
dbeser v
edandwai tingforustocomeandeat .
Thetablei
snol ongerthesamewi t
houtBheki,but
whatam Isayi
ng.Ev er
ythingisnotthesameany
mor eandIdoubti twi l
leverbeagai n.Icanonl y
hopet hatonceKay i
seandDabul agetmar ri
ed
everythingwillf
alli
ntoplaceandt r
uehappi nesswi l
l
rei
gni nmyhomeonceagai n.Dabul ai
salonei nthe
room whenIwal kin,hehasev enstart
edeat ing.I
guesshewaswai ti
ngf orawhi leandwedi dn' tshow
upont i
me.Poormanneedst ogot owor kandget
everythingdoneonbehal fofKay i
seandBheki soI
will
allowhi m eatinpeace, andnotmakeaf uss
abouthi m star
ti
ngbr eakfastwi t
houtus.Atl eastt hi
s
goodandconsi deratesideofhi m gotKayiset olook
athim di f
fer
ently
,theyar eclosenowandv er ysoon
i
twi l
l defi
nit
elytr
ansiti
ont ointoar omantic
rel
ationship.
..

Me:
Myki
ng.
Isayset
tl
ingdown
Dabul
a:ohi
thasbeenawhi
l
esincesomeonecall
ed
methat,
Iwasstar
ti
ngt
ofor
getal
lthepowerIhol
d.
Ichuckl
e
Me:
spendi
ngt
oomucht
imewi
thmydaught
ercan
dot
hatt
oaper
son.
Dabul
a:y
oucansaythatagai
n.Atl
eastt
her
e'sl
i
ght
att
heendoft
heetunnel
.
Me:
I'
m gl
adt
oheart
hatt
hen.
Dabul
a:Ijustwantt
ogiveheral
it
tlerti
methenpush
mywayi nsoharditbecomesdi
ff
icultf
orhert
o
wantt
ost ayawayfrom me.
Me:
smar
tman.
Kayi
seget
sinpract
icall
yrunni
ngandpani
c
di
spl
ayedal
loverherface.
Me:
what
'swr
ongbaby
?
Iam al
readyonmyf
eet
.
Kay
ise:
mamawher
eismyf
ather
?
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:
hei
sinhi
sbedr
oom,
wher
eel
secoul
dhego?
Ianswergoi
ngbackt
omyseat
.
Kayi
se:mamaIam notj
oki
ng.Iwenttocheckon
babali
keIal
way
sdoev er
ymorning,
butheisn'
ti
n
t
her
eandsoi
sPhi
l
ani
.
Dabula:
hai
bothat
'scr
azy
.Wher
ecoul
dhehav
e
takenhi
mto?
Iquicklygetupwi ththebothofthem foll
owing
behind.Indeedmyhusbandandhi snursearenot
there,Iopenthecl osetandeveryt
hingoftheir
si s
sti
llpackednicely.Ihurryt
othediningroom wi t
h
Tom andJer ryrightonmyheel s.Idial
Philaniandit
takesmest r
aighttov oi
cemail
.
Me:
somet
hingi
swr
ong,
somet
hingi
ster
ri
blywr
ong.
Isayf
eel
i
ngi
tdeepdowni
nmysoul
.
Kay i
se:wherecouldhehavegonewit
hmyf atheri
n
thatstat
e?withouttel
l
ingusfort
hatmatter
.Iknew
trust
inghim wasgoingtocomeandbiteusinthe
ass.
Dabula:weshoul
daskt
heguar
dsi
ftheydi
dn'
tsee
them l
eave.
Me: t
hishasmakhosi wri
ttenall
overit
,hecame
herefornoreasonyesterdayandbefor
eheasked
formehewaswi t
hPhi l
ani.
Kay
ise:
Iam goi
ngt
ohi
mri
ghtaway
.
Mydaughtersaysal
readyoutthedoor.Letherdeal
wit
hthatol
dt hi
ngcozifIdo,IswearIwi
llsnaphis
neckl
ikeatwig.
Dabul
a:Ishoul
dmakemywayt
otheshr
ine.
Me:goodi
dea.Askyourgrandsoni
fhecan'
tdo
any
thi
ngtowipethatnui
sanceofft
hefaceoft
he
ear
th.
Hechuckl
esandl
eav
est
her
oom.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Myheartisinshambl es,i
t'
scl earthatKayiseisnow
withDabulamanzi,aft
erallwehav ebeenthrough
shedoesmel i
kethis?Shedi dn'tevenhavet he
decencytoletmeknowt hatshewant snothingtodo
withmeany more.Yesterdayaf terthealt
ercati
onI
didn'
tevencomebackt othef arm withBantu,Iwas
somadandev enshakingt hatIknewIhadt ojustgo
home.Iaskedhi mt odropt hefoodatt hefarm and
t
ell
thegent
stol
ockupasIwasn'
tcomi
ngback.
..

AdecisionIquicklycamet oregretwhenIgothome
cozmymot herwasonmycase, shewasaski nga
mill
ionquesti
onsatt hesamet im.Want ingtoknow
whyIwashomeear lyandlookingbesidesmy self
.Of
courseIcouldn'tt
ellhercozshewoul dhav elaughed
i
nmyf aceforreacti
ngt hatwaywheni tismyf aul
t
thatmyr el
ati
onshipisinsuchast ickysituat
ion...

Thismor ni
ngIcamet owor ksti
llhauntedbyt he
sightoft hem l
aughinglikesomeol dcoupl einlove.
Notonl ydoesi tl
eaveabi ttert
asteinmymout h,i
t
makesmyst omacht urn.Ihavebeenav oidingt he
guy ssinceIgotherebecauseIam i nmyf eelings,
throwingapi typart
yf ormy sel
f.Iam sitti
ngbyt he
cornerwi thmykneesbr oughtupt omychest sand
myheadbur iedinbetweenmyl egs, y
esI '
v eleta
tearsfallafewt i
mesbecausei thurtsli
kehel l..
.

Bant
u:Baf
o.
Heset
tl
esdownnex
ttomebutIdon'
tl
ookup.
Me:
ndoda.
Bant
u:whatisgoingonBukhosi
,yest
erdayyoudid
somethi
ngthatseri
ousl
ydoesn'
tmatchy ourper
son.
Me:
shoul
dn'
tyoubeatwor
k?
Iaskcozhehast
obeatt
hepl
ant
ati
onnother
e
i
nterr
ogat
ingme.
Bant
u:Iam her
etocheckonmyfri
end,Icanspeak
Engl
i
shsoIwi l
lj
ustsel
lmybossastor
y .
Hesay
sandIchuckl
e.
Bant
u:nowt
alkt
omeBaf
o.
Me:
Thepr
incessi
smygi
rl
.
Bantu:
Ifi
guredt
hatoutbuti
tseemsl
i
key
out
woar
e
notonthesamepage.
Il
etoutashar
psighandexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
ohi
m,
ev
enthemaggotssaga.
Bantu:
andyousaty
ourassdownaf
terwitnessi
ng
suchathi
ng?Iwoul
dhavelongr
ant
ot hebnyanga.
Hesaysandt hatmakesmyear
sstandbecausemy
mothersuggestedt
hesamethi
ng.Whatam I
missi
ng?
Me:
whyi
nyanga?
Bant
u:haveyounoideahowevilpeopl
ecanbe?You
hadawomanal lmenofthev
il
lagewouldki
lltohave,
marr
yinghert
urnsacommonerintoakinginst
antl
y.
Hesnapshisfi
nger.Bant
uisdeeproot
ed,he
bel
ievesint
hesupernat
ural
worldandIdotoobut
ourlevel
sar
enotthesame.
Me:
howdoIgoaboutt
hiswhol
ethi
ng?
Bant
u:Icheckmysel
fatsomeol dman,heisver
y
powerf
ulandhonest
.Hewillhel
pyoureyesseeso
youcanfi
ghtfory
ourrel
ati
onshi
p.
Me:
howsooncany
out
akemet
her
e?
Bantu:wewil
lhav
etodoi
tthi
sweekendbecause
thedri
veisl
ong.
Inod.
Me:pl
easebaf
oIcan'tconti
nueli
kethi
s.Il
ove
ZamaNgwenyaandIdon'tunder
standwhysome
day
sIf
ail
tost
andher
.
Bant
u:don'
twor
ry,af
terwecomebackf
rom
Ngonyamayouwil
lbeokay.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iam goingtoloosemymi ndifIdon'tfi

ndmyf ather
,
Iam alr
eadydy i
ngi nside.Beforewecandeal with
somethinganot heronepopsupandl eavesus
scatt
ered,wil
lthingsev ergobackt onormal?Iam
dri
vi
ngt omakhosi '
splace,mymot hersuspectshim
soIam goingtoaskhi mt ogiveusbackmyf atheri
f
hehashi m andi fnothewi l
ldropthebonesandask
theancestorsforanswer s..
.

Ishoul
dhavenev ert
rustedthatPhil
aniguy,hewas
j
usttooperf
ect.Thefirstr
edflagwashi m showing
uptoaskforthejob,butmymom l ikedhim and
whentheguyIhadhi redtovethim gavemet he
i
nformati
onandhewascl ean.Ihadnochoi cebutto
givehim achance, nowIr egretmydeci si
on.Ipark
outsi
dethegat eandcl imboutoft heSUV, makhosi
i
ssi t
ti
ngundert het r
ee,preparinghisr ootsand
herbsformuti.Istandaf ewf eetfrom hi m andhe's
smili
ngatmesweet l
y,Ican'ttell
ifit
'sgenui neora
facadeheisshowi ngj usttofool mei ntobeliev
ing
thathehasnonewsorknowl edgeofmyf ather
's
whereabouts.
..

Makhosi
:mypr
incess.
Hesay
sandInod.
Me:
makhosi
howar
eyou?
Makhosi
:Iam v
erywel
lthanks,
howar
eyou?
Hei
sthesameper
sonheal
way
sis.Not
hingoutof
t
heordi
nar
y.
Me:
Iam f
inet
hanks.
Makhosi
:whatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?i
syourf
atherokay
?
HeasksandIfrown.Looksl
i
kewear
esuspect
ing
t
hewrongperson.
Me: hei
sgonebaba,nosignofhi
m andPhil
ani
.We
don'
tknowwherehemi ghthavet
akenhi
m, my
fat
herisnoti
nthebestshapetomovearound.
Hequi
ckl
yst
andsupl
i
kesomet
hingj
erkedhi
m.
Makhosi:haohao,whatar
ey outel
l
ingme?Wetold
thatboynottoleav
ethepalacewit
htheKi
ngorany
ofhisbel
ongings.
Me:
hel
puspl
ease.
Makhosi:
youdon'thavetoask,
comel
et'
sgo
consul
twitht
heforefat
hers.
HeleadsustothehutandIl
eavemyshoesatthe
doorandgeti
n.Hechantsandever
ythi
ngthenI
blowint
othebagofbonesbefor
ehedropsthem on
themat.
Hei
sshaki
nghi
sheadmaki
ngmeanxi
ous.
Makhosi
:thebonesshowt
hatki
ngBhekumbusoi
s
i
nasafeplace.
Me:
whatpl
ace?
Isnapbuthedoesn'
treactt
oit
.
Makhosi
:theywon'
tshowus.Mypr
incessIam sor
ry.
Me:thi
sissofrust
rat
ing.Dotheseancest
orsr
eall
y
wanttohel
pusoutatal l
?Theyneverknowanythi
ng
orwanttotel
lusthi
ngs.
Makhosi:calm downmydear.Isuggestwegotothe
palace,
may beIwillpi
ckupsomethingfr
om t
her
e
thatwil
lgi
vemeal ead.
Me:
please.
Il
etmyt
ear
sfal
l
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Ihav en'
tbeent othi
sshri
neinawhi lebecause
thingshav ebeengoingalr
ight.Kayiseiswarmi ngup
tomeandBheki i
sav eget
able.Iwasokaywi ththat
becausei tfavour
edmeandmypl anbutnowt hatwe
alldon'tknowwher eheis,i
tbecomesacal lfor
alarm.Iam notsur ewhatwhoev ertookhi misdoing
orwhatheknows.Notknowi ngisdanger ous
becausei tmightcauseproblemst hatyounev er
expect
ed.Norhav
esol
uti
onst
o..
.

Igettotheshri
neafterforeverandi t
'sdaysli
ke
theseIwishIwasinaspi r
itform soIcanjusttr
avel
l
ikeinaspeedoflight.Hei ssingingsomewher ein
theyardbutqui
ckl
yappear sfrom thebackofthehut,
hebowsdownandIj ustpathi sshoulderin
acknowledgement
.Wegosi tonthet reest
umpsi n
theshadeandheisl ookingatmet ofindoutwhat
bri
ngsmeher einsuchacol dmoodandaf teralong
ti
me...

Manzi
:i
thasbeenawhi
l
e.
Hebr
eakst
hesi
l
ence.
Me:
Bheki
hasdi
sappear
ed.
Hef
rowns.
Manzi:hai
bomkhul
uhowwhenhei
sjusta
veget
able?
Me:Idon'
tknowthat'
swhyIam her
e.Ineedt
oknow
whathappenedandever
yonewhomightbeinoni
t.
Henodsv
igor
ousl
y.
Manzi
:l
et'
sgoi
nsi
deandwat
chi
tont
hemi
rr
or.
Igetupandweheadtot
hehut.Iam gl
adtoseet
hat
hehaslett
hesnaker
oam ar
ound.SoonasIam
sett
ledi
tget
sontopofme.
Hepr eparesthemul ti
andspr i
nklesitall
ov erthe
mi r
ror .Myat t
enti
onisont hisbeautif
ulcreature
fl
ickingi t'
stongue,oncehet el
lsmewher e
Bhekumbusoi sIam sendingthesnakehi swayt o
const rictt
heairoutofhisbodysoKay isecanbei n
l
inet obeQueen.Si nceshecan'ttakethet hrone
withoutahusbandIwi l
lapplypressureti
llshesees
mewor thythenboom Ihav emyt hroneback.
Manzi
:mkhul
uIcan'
tseeany
thi
ng.
HesaysandIquickl
ylooki
nthemi
rr
orandi
t'
sonl
y
midstshowi
ng.
Me:
tryagai
n.
Ior
derandhedoesqui
ckl
y.
Manzi
:st
il
lnot
hingbaba.
Hegr
abst
hebonesanddoest
henecessar
y
i
ncant
ati
onsbefor
ethrowingt
hem t
othest
rawmat
.
Hewhist
lesandIj
ustcri
nge.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Manzi:Icanseehim buthi
sancest
orsar
e
sur
roundinghim,heisprot
ect
ed.
Me:
howi
sthatpossi
ble?Webl
i
ndedt
hem.
Manzi
:andbyt
hel
ookoft
hings,
theyar
est
il
lbl
i
nded.
Igaspnotunder
standi
ngwhathei
stel
l
ingme.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER43
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thingsatt hepal acearetense, mymot herisloosing

hermi ndalway sshout i
nganddr i
nkingher selfstupi
d.
Thelast3day shav eseenhersodr unkt hatshef ail
s
towal kbyher self,Dabul
aliteral
lyhast ocarryher
i
ntot hebedr oom.I tisal
lembar rassingandIwi sh
shecoul dstopact ingli
ket hiswholet hi
ngi sonly
aff
ect i
ngher ,Ialsodon'tknowwher emyf atheris
butIam t r
y i
ngt okeepacl earheadandf i
gureout
wherePhi l
ani couldhav etakenhi mto. .
.

Makhosicoul
dn'
ttellusany t
hingnorwasheabl eto
pi
ckupsomet hi
ngher e.Idecidedtogofi
lefora
missi
ngpersonsreportandy ouwouldthi
nkt heywi
ll
j
umpont hecasesincemyf atheri
saprominent
memberofsocietybutnot hi
ng.Thesearethesame
copswhostil
lhav
enothi
ngonmyaunt
'smurder
,
i
ncompetenceist
hei
rmiddl
enamei
fyouaskme...

Ihavebeengoi ngthroughi tandasmuchIam t ryi

ng
tokeepst rongIf oundmy selfbreaki
ngdown,
cravi
ngt obei nBukhosi '
sar ms.Iwant edt
obeinhis
armswhi lehet ell
smet hathel ovesmeand
everythi
ngwi l
lbeokay ,Ineededhi mtopressme
downont hemat r
asswhi lehemakespassi onat
e
l
ov etome.Tr ut hbetoldImi sshim somuchbuta
partofmei sstil
ldeeplyhur tbyhowhehasbeen
tr
eatingme. ..

Dabul
a:pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
Hesay
sent er
ingt
hel
oungeandl
eani
ngont
hewal
l
,
ar
msfolded.
Me:not
hingnew,I
'mj
ustwonder
ingi
fmyf
atheri
s
wel
lwhereheis.
Isayandr
eleaseashar
psi
gh.
Dabul
a:hav
efai
thmypr
incess.
Me:
Iam t
ryi
ngbuti
t'
shar
d.
Dabul
a:y
ouarethestr
ongest,
keephol
dingon.You
canseeyourmom i
sbreaki
ngdown.
Me:
Iwi
shIhadsomeonewhowouldbest
rongf
or
mewhi
l
eIam st
rongf
orever
yoneel
se.
Hecomest ositnextt
omeandenv
elopesmeinhi
s
arms,Ij
ustcr
yandhol dont
ohi
m.Heisgent
ly
rocki
ngmebackandf ort
h.
Dabul
a:Iwi
l
lbet
hatper
sonf
ory
ou.Ipr
omi
se.
Me:
youar
eal
readydoi
ngsomuchf
ormeDabul
a.
Dabul
a:andhav
eyouhear
dmecompl
ain?
HeasksandIsmi
l
est
il
li
nhi
sar
ms.
Me:
noty
et.
Hechor
tl
esandbi
tesmyearmaki
ngmey
elp.
Me:
ouch.
Someoneclear
sthei
rthroatatt
hecorri
dor.We
qui
ckl
yletgoofeachotherandlookatthemai
d
who'
scasti
nghereyesdown.
Me:
doy
ouneedany
thi
ng?
Iaskandonl
ythendoesshel
ookup.
Mai
d:mypr
incess,
someonei
sher
etoseey
ou?
Me:
whoi
sit
?
IaskbecauseIam sonotint
hemoodf orpeopl
e.
ButIdon'
thaveachoice,
asaleaderIhavetoal
ways
beavail
abl
eformypeople.
Mai
d:shei
denti
fi
edher
sel
fasPear
l,y
ourf
ri
end
f
rom t
heci
ty.
Shesay
sandIqui
ckl
ygetup.Myfr
iendi
shere?Why
di
dn'
tshecal
l
?Iwoul
dhaveprepar
edforher
.
Iqui
ckl
yleaveDabul
aandt hemaidintheloungeto
fi
ndmyf r
iend.Shei
sstandingout
sidehercar,busy
onherphone.Somethi
ng'swill
neverchange.
Me:
baby
.
Isayarmsalreadyopen.Thecor
ner
sofherl
ipscur
l
uptoform asmi l
eandshecomesrushi
ngtome.
Weshar eawar m embrace.
Pear
l:Ihav
emi
ssedy
ousomuch.
Me:mi
ssedyout
oobabe.Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
mey
ou
wer
ecoming?
Pear
l:Iwant
edi
ttobeasur
pri
se.
Me:
sur
pri
sedIam.Di
dn'
tyougetl
ost
?
Pearl
:Imanagedtodr i
veintothevi
ll
ageusingmaps
buthadtoaskfordir
ectionstothi
splacecozmy
networkwastekat
eking.
Me:Iam j
usthappyy
ouar
eher
e.Comel
et'
sgo
i
nsi
de.
Itakeherhandandwegeti
nsi
de,
Dabul
aisst
il
li
n
thelounge.
Pear
l:ohhel
lno.Dol
l
ar?
Shesay
slooki
ngatDabul
amanzi
andwebot
hfr
own.
Me:
youknowhi
m?
Pearl
:duh!Ihav
epart
iedwitht
hismanf
ory
ear
sand
datedhi
mf oral
mostay ear
.
Igaspf
orai
randl
ookatDabul
a.
Me:
ohy
ouar
eDol
l
ari
nthest
reet
s.
Dabul
a:Ihonestl
ydon'
tknowwhatyourf
ri
endi
s
tal
ki
ngabout.Iam sur
esheisconf
usi
ngmewith
someoneelse.
Pear
l:honeyplease.YouareDabulamanziDoll
ar
Khumalo.Youbr okemyli
ttl
eheartint
opieces,
l
eavi
ngmef orthatbi
tchYolanda.
Ir
aisemyey
ebr
ow.OhMr
.Ser
iousi
sapl
ayer
.
Dabul
a:Ist
il
lmai
ntai
nthati
t'
snotme.
Pearl
:whyar
eyoupret
endi
ngnott
oknowme?
I
nfactwhatt
hefuckar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
hei
swor
kingwi
thmeonapr
ojectbabe.
Dabul
a:excuseme.
Pear
l:ohf
ir
sty
oudenymeandnowy
ouar
erunni
ng?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Bantuwasrightthi
stri
pislong,
wehav ebeeninthe
carforhour
snow.Iam st ar
ti
ngtothi
nkthatthi
s
nyangaofhisstaysattheendoftheeart
h.Weleft
Ukuthul
awhilei
twasst il
ldarkandnowt hesuni s
out,
scorchi
nghot.Wear edrivi
nginthemi ddl
eof
nowhere,onagravelroadli
steni
ngtomaskandi .I
am sooverthi
smusi cGodknowsbutt hi
sisn'
tmy
carandBantuishelpi
ngmeouther et ohav eme
complai
naboutthemusi c..
.

Iam nervousashel lbecauseIdon' tknowwhatthe

nyangaisgoi ngtotellme.Ij ustwanthimtotel
lme
thatIhavebeenact ingl i
keadouchebagnotoutof
myf reewillbutbecausesomet hingwasdonetome.
Ican'tl
ivewi t
hmy selfifIlearnthatIwasanass
becauset hat'
sjustwhoIam andnotbecauseof
"wti
chcraft"
.Mypr ayerist hatthi
smanhel psmeout
andIcangobackt obei ngthemanZamaNgweny a
deservesalway sandt hatsheaccept smeback..
.

Final
lywedrivei
nt ot
hevil
lage,
it'
sv er
ydif
ferent
from ourown.Thehousesar et
oof arapartandit
's
mor eveget
ati
ont hanhouses.Wepassbywomanat
thecornerl
aughingwithbucketsplaceddown,
gossi pinginthisheatandt hatmemezacr eam on
theirfacesLor d.Ij ustpr
ayt heirhusbandsdon' tsee
them l i
kethat ,
nomandeser vessucht rauma.We
gett oabeaut i
ful homestead, there'sabighousei n
themi ddl
esur roundedbyr ondav els.Thegat eis
openedsoBant ujustdri
vesi n.Webot hclimbout
andt hef i
rstthingmyey esl andoni sthealterbyt he
cornerandi nit
iatesgoingaboutt heirbusinessi nthe
yard.Wewal ktot hemainhouseandout sidesi t
san
elderlyladywhoseemst oknowBant uwel l
,because
theyexchangepl easantr
iesandshet ell
susher
husbandi swai ti
ngf orusint hendomba.Wehead
thereandl eav eourshoesatt hedoorbef or ewal ki
ng
i
n.Mphephoi sbur ni
ngandt hecandl esarel i
t,heis
wor kingwi t
hmut i..
.

Ngony
ama:
final
l
yyouar
ri
ve.
Hesay
sasweset
tl
eont
hest
rawmat
.
Bant
u:t
hokozababa.
Ngony
ama:
Thokozani
,It
rusty
ourt
ri
pwaswel
l
.
Bant
u:i
twasbaba.Buty
ouknowonecannev
erget
usedt
othedi
stance.
Hechuckl
es.
Ngonyama:
you'
vebeenher
eami
l
li
ont
imes,
you
shoul
dbeusedt
oitbynow.
Hej
ustnodsandt
heny
angal
ooksatme.
Ngonyama:sinceIl
earnedt
haty
ouwer
ecomi
ng
yourancest
orshavebeentr
oubl
i
ngme.
Hesay
sandIbi
temyl
owerl
i
p.
Me:
myapol
ogi
es.
Ngony
ama:
it'
snobot
her
.Iam usedt
othi
sany
way
.
Ij
ustnodandhesit
sstr
aightandpl
acesdownt
he
cont
ainerofhi
smuti
.
Ngony
ama:
theNgweny
aancest
orsar
emadaty
ou.
Igaspf
orai
randmyhear
tst
art
sraci
ng.
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeantohur
tZamaNgweny
a.Idon'
t
knowwhatgoti
ntome.
Ngonyama:yourper
sonal
it
ychangeshoul
dhave
beenacauseforpani
c.Youbothweremadefor
eachother
,thesamer easonyouruni
onwassealed
evenbefor
ey oukneweachot heri
sthesamereason
youarebei
ngt hatcol
dtowardsher.
HesaysandIwantt
oaskhowheknowsallt
his
whenhedidn'
tev
enthr
owthebonest
oreadmyl i
fe.
Ngony
ama:
doy
ouknowwhati
sici
thoi
s?
HeasksandInodcozIt
hinkIdo.I
'
vehear
dabouti
t
bef
ore.
Ngonyama:well
t hemaggotsthatcameoutofthe
pri
ncesswaswitchcr
aft
,isi
cit
hotocausear i
ft
betweenyouboth.Tomakey ounotstandbei
ngwith
her.
Icl
osemyey
es.
Me:
whoi
sdoi
ngal
loft
his?
Iaskreal
l
yhurtbecauseIhavenev
erdoneanyt
hing
tooff
endanyone,al
lIeverwant
edtodowaslove
Kayi
seandmakeherhappy .
Ngonyama:Iwasinst
ructedtohelpclearyoureyes
soyoucanreachouttotheprincess,
ev er
ythi
ngelse
wil
lbethebat
tlef
oughtforyout wobyt heancestor
s.
Hesay
sandIsigh.Ineedt
oknowwhowoul
dmess
upt
hebeaut
if
ulthi
ngIhadwit
hKayi
se.
Me:
wil
lshef
orgi
veme?
Hechuckl
es.
Ngonyama: youar
eamanBukhosi ,yourt
onguewill
havetobesweettohelpyouthroughit
.You'
ve
al
readyplaughedthespi
nachfr
om theKing'
sgarden.
Takehertobedandmakel ovetoherunti
lshehears
whateveryouhavetosaytoher
.
Ichuckl
elooki
ngdown.
Me:
Iheary
oubaba,
sowhatnow?
Ngony ama:Iam goingtocleanseyouandt
hat
scit
hot hi
ngwil
lbeoutt hewindow.Youwil
lbat
h
everydaywit
hmut iIwil
lgiv
ey ou.
Me:ifIsl
eepwithZamaNgweny
aagai
nwi
l
lInotf
all
vi
cti
m ofthespell
agai
n.
Ngonyama:i
fsheall
owsyouin,enj
oyyourwomani
n
peacewit
hnoworryofmaggotsorspel
ls.
Inodr
eli
eved.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Hav i
ngthatgirlhereisgoingt ocausemepr oblems,
Iwasal r
eadywi nningKay iseov er .Inevercar ed
aboutwhomyphy sicalvessel sleptwi thcozIdi dn't
thi
nkitwoul dbeoneofKay i
se'sf ri
ends.Shewi ll
holdbacknowi nor dert obel oy al t
othatgi r
l.My
reacti
onmademeseem l i
keapi g,denyingt hegi r
l I
had"slept"wit
handbr okeherhear tforanot her
woman.Idon' tevenknowmyv essel '
swi feorl adi es
hehasbeenwi t
h.Hi spr i
vatel ifedi dn'ti
nt erestme, I
j
ustwant edhisnameandbusi nesscozt hey
benefit
edmypl an.Idi dn'
tt hinkaboutany thingel se
thatmightcomebi temei nt heass. .
.

Ineedt otakecareofthisgirl
andfast.Ican'tbe
deali
ngwi thherandwhatshemi ghtbetell
ing
Kayise.Ont heotherhandthebloodyNgweny a
ancestorsar et
ryi
ngtof i
ghtmebackandIdon' t
understandhowbecauset heyarebli
nd.Mypl an
seemst obegoingdownsout handIhonest lydon't
knowwhatIam goi ngtodot ogeti tbacki nlineand
runningsmoothly.Manzi isworkingonf indingBheki
andsendingoursnaket ofini
shhi m offsoIcan
speedupt heprocessofmaki ngKay iseQueen.Iwi l
l
needt odealwi
tht hisforwardgir
l myv essel slept
with.Annoyi
ngthatIhav et odeal wit
hhi s
shenaniganswhenhi ssoulistr
appedunderwat er
..
.

Istandbymybedr oom windowl ookingoutandIsee

Liyanastaggeri
ngal lover,shelosesherst epand
fal
lsstomachf lat.Ihavebeenpi ckingupaf terher
too,sheisgetti
ngonmyl astnerv enow.Ican'tleav
e
herinthatstatebecausei t'
sobv iousshei sfail
i
ngto
deal wit
hherhusband' sdisappeear anceandshe
decidedtofindsol aceinalcohol.Ican'tstandback
andr i
skhersay ingsomet hingtot hewr ongearsand
j
eopar di
zingthi
swhol ethi
ng.Iqui ckl
yleav emy
room tothegar densoIcanhav eonef i
nal wordwit
h
thi
swomanandgetheri nline.
..
Me:
Liy
ana.
Ir
oar
.Shei
sst
il
lst
ruggl
i
ngt
ost
andup.
Li
yana:
IcanmanageDabul
amanzi
.
Shesl
ursherwor
dsandIchuckl
e.
Me: y
ouareembarr
assi
ngyour
selfwoman.Howdo
youexpectt
hest
afftol
ookatyou?Youarebei
ng
stupi
dri
ghtnow.
Li
yana:
Iam aQueen,
thatwi
l
lnev
erchange.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:adrunkQueen.Li
stenherei
fyoudonotgety
our
shi
ttoget
herIpr
omisetoturnyoui
ntoachi
cken.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Li
yana:
hel
pmet
omyr
oom pl
ease.
Sheaskspol
i
tel
y.
Me:
Iam doi
ngt
hisf
ort
hel
astt
ime.
Ipi
ckherupandwegettoherroom.Ipl
aceher
downonthebedandshepull
smeont opofher
.
Me:
whati
sthi
snow.
Liy
ana:
ithasbeenal
ongti
mesi
ncey
ourbodyf
elt
thewar
mt hofawoman.
Shesay
sandt hi
sor
gant
hathasi
tsownbr
ainer
ect
s
i
mmediatel
y.
Li
yana:
myhusbandhasbeenaveget
abl
eforsome
ti
metoo.Wear
ebothinneed.
Sheisdrunk,Ishoul
dn'tt
akeanyt
hingshei
ssayi
ng
tohead.Igetoffherandlookdownatheront
hat
bed.
Me:youar
edr
unk.Youdon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
e
say
ing.
Shel
aughscar
efr
ee.
Li
yana:IknowIam old, butt
oy ourt
ruesel
fIam an
i
nfant
.Youshoul dn'
tful
lybeli
evethatt
hisi
syour
body,y
oust ol
eitDabulamanz i
.
Herhandsar
epul
l
ingupherdr
essandt
hoset
highs
ar
eexposed.
Me:
justsl
eepi
tof
f.
Sheopensherlegswi
deandIgasp.Imi
ghtbea
spi
ri
tbutIam sti
ll
aman.Amani nabodyt
hati
sst
il
l
f
unct
ioni
ngwel
lenough.
Iquicklygotothedoorandl ockitwhenIwal kback
tothebedshei stakingherclot
hesof f.Iunbuckl
e
thebeltandsteppingoutofmyshoes
simultaneousl
y.Iam goingtodev ourheropening
shewi llwi
shshenev eraskedmeoft his.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Pear
l:i
magi
net
hener
ve.
Shehasbeenr
ant
ingaboutDabul
asi
nce.
Me:
howcomeInev
erknewaboutt
hisone?
Pearl
:bast
ardconvi
ncedmet hatsoonaspeople
knewaboutus,ourdynamicsaregoi
ngtochange
for
everandsoweshoul denj
oyourbubblelonger
.
Kantehewastakingmef orapoesthatwholeti
me.
Iam suppr
essi
ngmyl
aught
er.
Me:
crazy
.
Pear
l:l
etmeshowy
out
hatugl
ybi
tch.
Shet
akesherphonef
rom herbag.
Pear
l:Ineedt
ologi
nonmyghostpr
ofi
l
efi
rst
,bi
tch
bl
ockedme.
Iam dead,
shemusthav
ereal
l
ylov
edhi
m hey
.
Pear
l:OMG!
Shesay
s
Me:
what
?
Shehandsmet hephoneandther
e'sapinnedpost
onherFacebook.Iseeapictur
eofDabula,thegi
rli
s
askingthattheyhel
pherfi
ndherfi
ancewho
disappearedmonthsagoandhasn'tbeenseen
aroundJohannesburginawhil
e.
Me: hai
bothat
'si
mpossi
ble.Dabul
aalwaysgoes
homeoncei nawhil
e.Hesay shetal
kstohi
sfamil
y
overthephoneal
mosteverydaysoIdon'
t
underst
and.
Shel
aughs.
Pearl
:kar
mafri
endkarma.Maybethi
sishiswayof
runni
ngfr
om herandhetol
dhisfami
lynotsaya
wordabouthi
swhereabout
s.Thesamewayshe
tookhi
mfrom meist
hesamewayanot
herwoman
didnowhe'
shidi
ngfr
om her
.
Sheispl
easedwi
ththi
sstoryshej
ustcreat
ed.
Nothi
ngmakesyoucrazyl
ikeahear
tbreak.
Butthest
orydoesn'tmakesense.Ther
e'smor
eto
thi
sandIneedtofindoutwhatitis.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

IthasbeendayssinceBheki cameheret oli

v ewit
h
mewhi l
ewewaitforhimt owakeupandr ecuperat
e.
Not hi
nghaschanged,heisst i
l
lindeepsleepandal l
wecandoi spr
ayandt akecareofhim untilhe
wakesupandf acestheev i
lthatwantstodest r
oy
hiskingdom.Phil
aniandIhav ebeenholdinghands
anddoi ngt
hebestwecant omakehi m comf or
tabl
e,
i
t '
snoteasyforei
therofusbuti t
'st
helord'swork..
.

I
nthedayshehasbeenher
eandmissi
ngfrom t
he
pal
ace,
nonoftheRoyal
famil
ymembershavecome
heresuspect ingmet ohav et
akenhi m andhi dding
himi nmyhouse.Iam j ustgratefulthattheyar e
playi
ngf arfrom myhouseandal l
owi ngusmor e
ti
mef orthismant owakeup, gatherisst r
engtht o
got obat t
le.Makhosi toldmet heysuspect edhim as
thepr i
ncessshowedupathi shousel ooking
distr
aught ,myhear tbrokebecauseIdon' twantt o
hurtKay i
se.Shei sasweetgi r
lwhol ov espeopleand
treat
st hem rightjustli
keherfather.Makhosi hasn't
beencomi ngher ejustincasetheyhav esomeone
foll
owi nghim, weonl ytalkonthephone. ..

Phi
l
ani
:mama!Mama!
Heshoutsfr
om thebedroom andIqui
ckl
yhurr
yto
seewhatisgoingon.Igaspf
orairwhenIfi
ndBheki
awakeandsitt
ingupstrai
ght
.
Me:
ohmyGodBheki
.
Isaywi
tht
ear
swel
l
ingupi
nmyey
es.
Bheki
:Hl
engi
,ngazengal
alamama,
canIpl
ease
havewat
er.
HesaysandIam surpri
sedt
hatheknowshehas
beenoutofi
t.Phi
laniwal
kspassedmetogetwat
er.
Iam st
ucktothi
sfloor
.
Bheki
:don'
tcr
ymaShange,
Iam okaynow.
Me:
doy
ouneedany
thi
ngel
se?
That
'sal
lImanaget
osay
.
Bheki
:Ineedt
ost
ret
chmyl
egs.
Me:
youj
ustwokeuppl
easedon'
tst
rai
nyour
sel
f.
Phi
lanihandsmet hegl
assofwat
erandIfi
nal
lygo
si
tnexttohim andhel
phimtakel
it
tl
esipswit
ha
st
raw.
Bheki:t
hisi
snotquenchi
ngmyt
hir
st.I
t'
sli
keIam
pl
aying.
Me:
justdr
inkBhekumbuso.
Bheki
:howdi
dIgether
e?Wher
eismydaught
erand
mywife?
HeasksandIswal
l
ow.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lmakhosi
tocomeandexpl
ain.
HenodsandIquickl
ygetupandhurr
ytofindmy
phonesoIcancancall
bothmypastorandmakhosi
asinst
ruct
edwhenBhekiwakesup.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER44
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Icouldn'tbeli
ev ewhatIsawi nt
hemi rr
or ,theparson
thatwasst aringbackatmewassomeoneIcoul dn't
recognize.IfIdidn'tf
eelmysoul deepinsi demeI
wouldbear guingthatIam tr
appedi nthewr ong
body.Iam sot hinasafishbone,myey esar etoo
bigformyf aceandt hedarkpatchesar oundt hem
makesmel ookl i
keIwaspunched.Don' tgetme
start
edonmyachi ngbody ,
Iwoul dhavebel i
evediti
f
Iwast oldthatIwashi tbyabusandi tranal lover
me.Asmuchasi t'
saskingmetor el
axIj ustcan'tl
ay
downonemor esecond..
.

Hlengiwepouredmewat erbecauseIwantedt
o
fr
eshenup, i
t'
sastruggl
ebecausemymuscl esare
sti
ff.Idon'
tevenknowhowl ongIhavebeenoutofit
.
Iam t aki
ngmyt i
mewashi ngeveryinchofmybody ,
asIt hinkaboutthaty oungmancl eaningmeup
whenIwasoutofi tmakesmewantt ocr awli
ntoa
whol eandj usthidemyshame.Inev erwant edt
obe
thatmani nmyl i
fe,havingtodependonsomeone
l
iket hatisnotsomet hingIwantbutt histimeIdidn'
t
hav eachoi ce.Iwil
ljusthavetoswal l
owmy
embar r
assmentbuthol dmyheadhi ghandshow
Hlengi weandt hatboyPhi l
aniappreciat
ioncozit'
s
cleartheyhav ebeent heonest aki
ngcar eofme...

Whi chisconfusingbecauseLi yana, mywi feshould

bet heonedoingt his.Howdi dIev engether e?LastI
rememberIwasi ntheancestralroom wi thmakhosi,
mywi f
eanddaught erbef oreIfainted.ThenIfelt
peacemeet ingNgweny at hef
irstthenf r
om there
nothingcomest oheadbutpl easantsl eep.Ifi
nall
y
fi
nishandweart hepi nkgown,Hl engiwesay sIhave
onlybeenwear ingT- shir
tsbecauseIwasal way s
undercov er
s.Idon'tev enhaveanunder wearonand
Icanbety ouknowwhatIhav ebeenwear i
ngsinceI
wasunconsci ous...
Inalloft
hisIj ustmissLi
yanaandmost lymy
daughter,shemustbegoi ngt hroughal otr i
ghtnow.
Wear esocl oseandt hi
siscripplinghert hatIam
sureof.Ijustwantt ogotothepal acesoshecan
seethatIam okaynowandIam backt oher.AllI
canhopef oristhatt
heancest orsar eoverme
gett
ingmar r
iedtoHlengi
we, shei sanamazi ng
womany es,butmywi feisever y
thi ngt
ome. .
.

Iwalkouttot hel
oungeandf indev eryonesi t
ti
ng
aroundtheloungeont hecouches, byev eryoneI
meanHl engiwe,Makhosi,Phil
ani andanot her
womanwhom Idonotr ecognize.Phil
ani quickl
y
standsupsoIcansi tandIslowl ymov ethereand
pathisshoulder,
heexcuseshi msel f
..
.

Me:
sani
bonani
.
Makhosi
:nkosi
yami,
it'
sgoodt
oseey
oubackon
yourowntwofeet
.
Inod.
Me: i
t'
sgoodtobebackt oo.Sowhat'
sbeen
happening?Wherei
smydaught erandhermot
her
?I
thoughtI'
dfi
ndthem her
ewhenIcameout .
Theyal
ll
ookateachot
herawkwar
dlymaki
ngme
fr
own.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
IaskandMakhosi
clear
shist
hroatandsi
tsatt
he
edgeofthesof
aheison.
Makhosi
:nkosiyamit
hisi
sPast
orJal
i
,maShange
goestoherchur
ch.
Inod.
Me:
it'
sni
cet
omeety
oumama.
Past
or:
nicet
omeety
out
oo.
Makhosi:myki
ng,Iam sur
eyouknowwhyt
he
ancest
orsdi
dthistoyou.
Iswal
l
owandsi
deey
eHl
engi
we.
Me:
yesbecauseIr
efusedt
odoast
heysai
d,t
hati
s
mar
ryi
ngHlengi
we.
Shegaspsinshockbutherpast
orl
ooksatherand
shakesherhead.Thatget
shert
oswall
owdownher
words.
Makhosi: y
es,shewastheonlyonewhocouldhel
p
thekingdom becauseshei
sapr ay
erwarr
ior
.Your
ancestorswerebli
ndedbuttheoneshepr
aystowas
sti
ll
abletoseeev ery
thi
ng.
Inod.
Me:Ngweny
athef
ir
stsai
dsomet
hingal
ongt
hose
l
inest
ome.
Iadmi
tandhenods.
Makhosi:Ist
il
ldon'tknowwhati sgoi
ngonmyself
buttheytol
dmet ogety ououtofthepal
aceand
bri
ngy ouherebecausethepalaceisf
ull
ofevi
l.
If
urr
owmybr
ows.
Me:haibo!DoesKay
iseandLi
yanaknowaboutmy
whereabouts?
Iam f
ail
i
ngt
okeepmyshockt
omy
sel
f.
Makhosi
:unf
ort
unat
elynot
,yourf
oref
ather
sdi
dn'
t
wantt
hat.
Me:okaymakhosi
Iam notunder
standi
ng.What
'
s
goi
ngon?
Helooksatt
hepast
orladyandnodsbef
oresi
tt
ing
backcomfor
tabl
yonthesofa.
Past
or:
wellmyki
ng,
Iam apast
orandIhav
ethegi
ft
topr
ophecy
.
Ij
ustnod.
Past
or:doy
ouknowhowRoy
alt
ylandedi
nyour
fami
ly?
Inodr
emember
ingt
hest
oryv
erywel
l
.
Me:y
es,Ngweny
at hef
irstwitht
hehelpofother
Ki
ngsandasamgomamanagedt oover
thr
owanevi
l
ki
ngwhomadelif
ediff
icultf
orhispeopl
e.
Past
or:
doy
ouknowt
hisev
ilKi
ng'
sname?
Me:yesCebekhul
u,Dabul
amanziCebekhul
u.They
hadthegi
ftofheal
ingi
nhisfamil
yandtheyusedi
t
tobett
ert
hemselvesandcausehavocfort
he
community
.
Past
or:monthsagowhocameint
oyourkingdom
bear
ingthenameDabul
aandthi
ngsst
arted
happeni
ng?
SheasksandIgost raighti
ntomyheadtofi
shout
theperson.Af
terami nuteIl
andonDabul
a,theone
helpi
ngmydaught erwiththepr
oject
.
Me:onl
yDabul
amanzi kaKhumalo,hei
swor king
wi
thmydaughterbutbefor
ethenwedidn'tknow
hi
m.Hecomesal lt
hewayf r
om Johannesburg.
Shenods.
Pastor:hisbodyisDabul
amanziKhumal obutthe
spi
ri
tt hattookoveri
sDabulamanziCebekhulu.He
usedt hevesselt
ocarryouthi
splansinthis
ki
ngdom, todest
royever
ythi
ngandclaim backwhat
hethinksbelongstohim.
Igaspf
orai
randl
ookatt
hem oneaf
tert
heot
her
.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand.
Past
or:
yourwifehel
pedbri
ngbackgreatevi
lthat
wasbanishedf
rom t
helandi
ntothewater.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
nost
op,
whati
sthi
s?
Makhosi
:babapl
easecalm downandli
stenplease.I
hav
eneverli
edtoyou.Thi
sisyoulear
ningthetrut
h
soyoucanbeabletosaveyourki
ngdom.
Pastor:yourmot herinlawwasev i
l andshepr acticed
witchcr
af t
,shet ooky ourwifetoashr i
net hat
belongstoManzi ,adescendedofDabul amanzi
himself.Theytiedy ourwi f
e'swombsoshecoul d
haveproblemsconcei ving,oncethatwashappeni ng
theymadeherbel ievethatshecoul dnev ergi
v ey ou
chil
dren.Andt hathery oungersisterNonhl ewi l
lbe
yoursecondwi f
e.Yourel dershadal readygi v
eny ou
twoat imef r
amet ofallpregnantsoshecanbet ake
totheforesttoconf ir
m herQueenshi p,
soi nf ear
shebelievedthem whent heysaidt heycoul dgi ve
herachi l
dbutt herewasacat ch.
Mybreat
hinghasbecomeshall
ow,
Idon'
tl
ikewhere
t
hisi
sgoingatall
.NotLi
yana,
notmysweetLi
yana.
Pastor:wellherfeardroveherint
obeli
ev i
ngthatshe
i
sbar renandt heonl ywaytohaveachildisby
al
lowingev i
ltobl essherwombandgi veherachild,
agir
l chil
dthatwi llbegi
ventothewaterspir
it
Dabulaasawi fe.Sheagreedandthatishow
Cebekhul
ufoundawayt oclaim hi
sthr
one,t
heone
hebeli
evesyourgr
eatancestorstol
efr
om hi
m.
Idon'
tknowwhentear
sfel
lfr
om myey
esbutIcan
feel
them r
oll
i
ngdownmycheeks.
Me:
ka-Nt
ombi
-ismydaugh-
Ican'
tseem t
osayi toutl
oudbecauset
het
hought
ofmybabygirlnotbeingminehur
tstot
hesoul
.
Pastor:nonomyKing.NtombiZamaNgwenyaisy
our
seed,sheisyourbl
ood.Theonlygi
rlev
erbor
nint
o
theNgweny aRoyalf
amily
.
Iremembermygr eatgreatgrandfat
hersay i
ngthis
tome.Il etoutaheav ysighandthebur denthatwas
placedonmyshoul derisremovedinstantl
y.Icoul
d
bel oosi
ngitall
andhear ingthemostshocki ng
thingsbutnotanythingthatclai
mst hatmydaught er
i
snotmi ne,Myhear ti
nhumanf orm.
Me:
thenwhatar
eyousay
ing?
Myv oi
cei
sbreaki
ng,Hlengi
wequi
cklyclaspsmy
handandIhol
dont oherstoof
ordearli
fe.
Past
or:
theyl
i
edt
ohersoshecoul
dagr
eet
oty
ing
herunbor
nbabyt
othem.
Me:soshehasknownaboutev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
'sbeen
happeni
ng?
Past
or:
all
ofi
t.
Shel
ooksatHl
engi
weandswal
l
ows.
Pastor
:shescari
fi
edZonke,t
hey ounggir
lthat
di
sappearedandalsohersi
sterNonhl
ewaski l
ledby
Dabulabecauseshewantedtocomet el
lyouthe
tr
uth.
Hlengir
eleasesthemostpainful
pier
cingcr
ythat
shootsstrai
ghtformyhear
t.Ital
lmakessensenow,
ohitdoesandi thur
ts.
Me:
pleaset
ell
mey
ouar
ely
ing?
Iaskasshemov
est
oHl
engi
wet
ocomf
orther
.
Pastor:whent
heLor dshowedmeever
ythi
ngI
thoughtthi
swasat asktoohar
dformebecauseI
couldn'
tunder
standhowsomeonecoulddothis.
Tosaymyhear tisshatt
eredwoul
dbean
underst
atement .Heari
ngthatt
heloveofmyli
f eis
satan'
sreincar
natebreaksmysoul anddef
ini
tely
makesmef eelstupidbecauseshehasbeen
pr
etendingtonotknowat hingwhenshei stheone
whobr oughtallt
hesecalami t
iesi
nourliv
es.I
wouldn'thavemar r
iedanywoman, Iwouldhav e
st
uckbyherunt i
lGodgav eusourchil
d.IfIhadtoI
wouldhav elef
tthet hr
onebecauseIlovedherthat
much.
Makhosi
:It
hinkwehav
ehear
denoughf
ort
heday
.
Iburymyheadi nmyhandsandj ustsob.Ij
ustneed
tolookLiyanai
ntheeyesandaskherhowshecoul d
dot hi
stome, t
omypeopl e,t
oourfamilyandmost
i
mpor tant
lytoourmarr
iage.Idon'
tthi
nkIhavefel
t
somuchpai ni
nmylif
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iopenmyey esandmyheadi spoundi ng,Ishould

stopdri
nkingsomuchbecauseIj ustnumbwhat ever
i
tisforafewhour sandaft
erIfeelli
keshit.Ithas
j
ustbeendi f
fi
cultonme,deal
i
ngwi t
hev ery
thingall
atoncejustbecometoomuch.Idi dn'
tthinkitwould
besochaotic,i
twasjustsupposedt
obecl
eanand
smooth.Nokill
ingsnobetr
ayal.Imi
ssmyl
i
fe,al
if
e
thatdi
dn'
trequi
r emysoulsomuch..
.

Ineedagl assofwi neandsomegr easyfoodt oget

ri
doft hishangov ersoIcanst artmyday .Dabul a
threatenedt oturnmei nt
oachi ckenifIdon' tgetmy
shittoget her,ifIdidn'tknowhowheoper atesI
woul dhav ethoughthewasj okingbutIknowbet t
er.
Iwasdr unkbuthi st hreatmademyheadal ittl
el i
ght
.
Imov emyey estot hepedest altofindmyphonebut
ratherIseemyunder wear,Ineversleepwi thoutmy
pantiesonwhenmyhusbandi snother e.Suddenl yI
feelal it
tlediscomf or tinbetweenmyl egs.Ij ump
outofbedcompl etelynakedandont heot hersi deof
thebedi sDabul amanzi ,heslowlyopenshi sey es.
Ohnonono!Li y
anawhatdi dy oudo. .
.

Me:
pleaset
ell
mewedi
dn'
t.
Iaskt
ear
sal
readygl
owi
ngi
nmyey
es.
Dabul
a:t
hatwoul
dbel
yi
ngLi
yana.
Me:
howcoul
dyouhav
edonethatt
ome?Iam
mar
ri
edandy
ouaremarr
iedt
omydaught
er.
Dabul
a:youoff
eredyourselfonasil
verpl
att
er
Li
yana,Iam aman.Icouldn'thol
dmydesir
e.
Me:
Iwasdr
unk,
yout
ookadv
ant
age.
Dabul
a:Itoldy
out hatbuttheal
coholyoudr
ank
wentstr
aightt
oy ourbean.YouwantedmeandI
gaveyouwhaty ouwanted.
Me:
youar
ely
ing!
Iscr
eam athi
m.
Dabul
a:Idon'
thaveti
meforthi
s.Youar
ealoose
womanwhodi dn'
tcaret
hatshewasmarri
ed,so
don'
tcomeheretoplayvi
cti
m.
Hespewsthatvenom andIf
indmysel
fnearthebed
andsl
appi
nghisfacesohard,myhandhurt
sal i
tt
le.
Me:
wat
chy
ourmout
h.
Isayrageconsumingme.Hechuckl
esget
ti
ngof
f
thebedandcomi ngst
rai
ghtf
orme.Heissomad
ri
ghtnow,Iam shaki
ng.
Dabula:i
fyouevertrythatnonsensewithmeagainI
wil
lcutyouint
opi eces.Iam notthatweakl
i
ng
Bhekumbuso,Iwillsnapy ourneckli
keatwigi
fyou
di
srespectmelikethisagain.
Me:t
hisbet
terbeoursecr
ett
othegr
ave,
arewe
cl
ear
?
Dabula:
whichmanint
heirr
ightsenseswoul
dwant
theworl
dknowinghel
aidwithfi
l
thdressedi
nroy
alt
y
l
ikeyoursel
f.
Igaspandhemov esawayt ogetdressed.Ihave
neverbeeninsult
edlikethi
s,myhusbandhasnev er
saidsuchvil
ewor dstome.Il etmytear
sf al
l,
asI
si
nkdownt othefl
oor .HewalksoutandIcrylouder,
howdi dIgethere?Ifeelsodirt
y.Af
terevery
thing
I'
vedonetomyhusbandIgi v
emybodyt oanot her.
Dabulamanziforthatmat t
er.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Wegotbackhomel
atel
astni
ght
,Ngony
amawor
ked
onmef orhoursandwhenwewer edonehetoldhis
wif
etoprepareusaf east.Mamawasal readyasleep
whenIarri
vedhome, Ididn'
ttel
lherwhereIwas
goi
ngbecauseIneededt oknowwhatwaswr ong
wit
hmef ir
st.Iam pl
anningonsi t
ti
ngherdownt his
morni
ngandt ell
i
ngherev eryt
hingNgonyamasai dto
me.Iwanttobeopenwi thmymot herandaskhert o
hel
pmewi thZamaNgweny a..
.

Iam donebat hinganddoi ngevery

thi
ngIwas
i
nstructedt odoi nordertogetridofthefogwhoev er
hadpl acedinmyey estoseemywomani nawayI
shouldn't.WhenIwal koutofmyr oom Ifi
ndmama
i
nt helounge, sheiswat ching152,Ir
ollmyey es.I
reall
yshoul dbuyanot herTVf ormyroom because
mamai sgi vi
ngmeahar dt imeshari
ngthisone.I
settl
eont hesinglecouchandsi ghdeeply
...

Me:
Ithi
nky
ouwat
chedt
hisdur
ingt
heweek.
Mama: Idi
dbutInev
ergott
hechancet
oseehowi
t
ended.
Shesay
sandIj
ustchor
tl
e.
Me:
ohokay
.
Mama:
wher
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
oyest
erday
?
Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:pl
easemut
etheTV,
Ihav
esomet
hingIneedt
o
t
ell
you.
Shedoesn'
twast
eti
menoraskami
l
li
onquest
ions.
Mama:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me: wel
lyester
dayBant
utookmetoi
nyanga,
Ihav
e
beenacti
ngwei r
dtowar
dsZamaNgwenyaandI
neededtofindout-
Shei
nter
ject
squi
ckl
y
Mama: IknewBant uwasthekindoff r
iendyouneed
i
ny ourl
if
e.Hedi dgoodbecausey ourbehav
ior
towardsthatgi
rlwashear
tbreaking,youknowthe
pri
ncesslovesyouBukhosi.
Me:wel
lmama,Ihopeshest
il
ldoesbecausemy
ey
esarenowopen.
Mama:
whatdi
dtheny
angat
ell
you?
Iexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngNgony
amat
oldme.
Mama: peopl
ear
eev i
lBukhosi
,It
oldyouthatnot
everyonewill
behappywithyourr
elat
ionshi
pbutyou
thoughtIwasoldschool.
Il
ookdowni
nshame.
Me:
Iam sor
rymama.
Mama:Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sedi
fMenzi
ist
heone
doi
ngt
his.
Me:It
houghtaboutt
hat
,butIwast
oldnott
owor
ry
any
more.
Mama: nextti
merememberthatwhatanadul
tsees
si
tt
ingdown, achi
ldwi
l
lneverseeeveni
ftheycl
imb
onthetall
esttr
ee
Me: Iwi
l
lremembert
hatnextt
ime,
rightnowIneed
yourhel
p.
Shef
rowns
Mama:
what
?
Me:Ineedtoseeher,pl
easecal
lhert
ocomeher
e,
don'
ttel
lherIaskedy
out o.
Mama:
whydon'
tyouj
ustgot
othepal
ace.
Me:Ineedtotal
ktoheri
napl
aceIcansubdueher
,
whereIwil
lbeablet
omakeherl
i
stentome.
Shel
etsoutasi
gh.
Mama:
I'
ll
cal
lher
,justdon'
thur
theragai
nBukhosi
.
Me:thankyousomuchst handwasami
.Iam
br
ingi
ngy ourdaught
eri
nlawbackhome.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Myhear tisbroken,Iam inshambl es.Thi

nkingof
howev i
ltheQueenismakesmeupset ,nowI
understandwhyshewast hatcoldtowardsmeand
notshowi ngmeanycompassi on.Herguil
twas
knockingatherconsci ence.Ij
ustneedt oknowwhy
shewoul dsacrif
icemyZonket oherev i
ldeit
y,f
or
whatr easonandpur posewasshegoodenoughf or
that?Idon'tt
hinkIhav eeverhatedsomeoneas
muchasIhat ethatLiyanawoman, i
fIwast obe
givenachancet omur deraper sonandgoscot tfr
ee
Iwouldn'
tev
enthi
nktwice.Shetookawaymypr
ide
andjoyandforar
easonIdon'tknow.
..

Ican'tseem t ostopcr y
ing,i
thurt
st omysoul.The
kindofpai nthattakesandt akesfrom youunt
il you
willbel eftwithnothingatallbutangerandhatred.I
wishdeat huponmy selfbecauseIcan'tbar
efeel i
ng
l
iket hisany more,it'
salltoomuchf ormet ocarry.I
l
ivedwi thmydaught er'
smur der
erandshehat edme
forit,howcr uelcouldshehav ebeen?Mybedr oom
dooropensandf ewsecondsIf eel
ssomeonet ake
mei ntot heirarms.It'sBhekumbuso. .
.

Bheki:
Iam sosorr
yHlengi
we,Iwi
shIcoul
dgiv
ey ou
backyourbabygi
rlandknowi
ngthat
'si
mpossi
ble
hurt
s,Iam sosor
rymaShange.
Itur
ntofacehi
m andholdontohi
mf ordearl
i
feand
j
ustweepinhischest.Hewi
ncesasIholdonti
ght
er
buthedoesn'
tcomplain.
Bheki
:not
hingIdoorsaywill
bringherback,
butI
promi
seyouLiyanawi
llnotgetawaywiththi
s.
Me: i
thur
tssomuch,shewasmylastchi
l
d.Mypr i
de,
shewasgoingtohaveabeaut
if
ull
i
feandt heyt
ook
thatawayfr
om her
,awayf
rom me.
Bheki:
Idon'
tevenwantt
osayIunderst
andy our
pai
nbecauseIhaven'
tl
ostachi
l
dbutIhav eanidea
becausemyli
fewouldal
sobeshatt
eredifIwereto
l
ooseNt ombi
kayi
se.
Me:
whyi
syourwi
fet
hisev
il
?
Myv
oicei
sbr
eaki
ng.
Bheki:IneverthoughtI'
dbet oldt
hatIhavebeen
sl
eepingwi thasnakef orover20year
s.Iam br
oken
Hlengiwe,Liyanawasev ery
thingtome.Iwouldhav
e
l
etev ery
thi
nggoj ustforher.
Me:shedoesn'
tdeser
veyou,
shedoesn'
tdeser
ve
any
oneforthatmatt
er.
Hedropsayearthatl
andsonmyf or
ehead.This
womanhasbr okenalotofpeopleandIcan'
thelp
butwonderi
fsheisabletosleepsoundatnight
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU
AftermyencounterwithLiyanathismorni
ngIhada
painful
headacheanditcoul donlybeManzi,
hewas
try
ingtoalertmethatweneededt otal
kbutI
couldn'
tall
owhimt obei nmyheadbecauset hati
s
toodangerousforthi
sv essel.SoIdeci
dedtogoto
theshrinetofi
ndoutwhati sgoingon,hopef
ull
yhe
foundwher eBhekumbusoi sandwear egoodto
stri
kehim dead.
..

Ifi
nall
yarri
veatt heshr
ineandit'
slikesomeonedied,
Manzi i
ssit
tinginthemiddleoftheshrinewit
hthe
l
itt
lecreat
ureswesendoutt odosomewor kdone.
Oncetheyfeel mypresencetheystandupandbow
tome, hei
sl ooki
ngatmewi t
hdeadey esandIcan't
helpbutworry..
.

Me:
what
'st
hemat
ter
?
Heshakeshi
shead.
Manzi
:youmessedupev
ery
thi
ngMkhul
u.
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Manzi
:youlaidwi
ththeQueenandtai
nted
ev
eryt
hing.Thepoweryoupossessi
snowher
s.
Igaspf
orai
r.
Me:
nono,
thatcan'
tbet
rue.
Manzi
:wehav
enot
hingnow,
not
hingatal
l
.
Me:
thei
ssomet
hingwecando,
Iam sur
eofi
t.
Heshakeshi
sheadandIcar
rymyhandsonmy
head.
Me:
wher
etof
rom her
e?
Manzi
:Idon'
tknowMkhul
u,wewi
l
lhav
etot
ake
ev
eryt
hingasi
tcomes.
Icl
osemyey
esi
ndef
eat
.Itcan'
tendt
hiswayi
tjust
can'
t.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER45
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Itall
feelssurr
eal,Iwisht hepastorl adyand
Makhosi cancomebackandt ellust hatitwasall
j
ustonebi gprank.Myhear tisheav yIdon'twantto
beli
evethatmywi feisthemonst ert heysaysheis,
butthenagaint hesepastf ewmont hsIsawchanges
i
nhert hatcorroboratetheirstory.Thewayshewas
coldandi r
ri
tat
edwi t
hHl engiwe,whyshedi dn'
twant
Bukhosi t
obewi t
hZamaNgweny aev enthoughshe
knowst hatheisagoodboy .It'
snoteasyaccept i
ng
thatmywi feofmor et hantwent yy ear sismy
biggestenemy ,Ij
ustwantt olookatheri ntheeyes
andaskherwhyshewoul dbet r
ayourf amil
y,t
he
kingdom li
kethisbutmosti mpor tant l
ywhyshe
woulddot histous...
Inev ergaveheranyr easontobeliev ethatmyl ove
forherwascondi t
ional
,shedidn'
tt rustinmyl ove
andt hathurts.Sheshouldhavetol dmewhatt he
nyangahermot hertookhertosaid, may bewecoul d
hav ewentt oMakhosi andhewoul dhav eseent hat
theywer ejustplayi
ngherandr eversedwhat ever
theydi dtoti
eupherwomb.Il ovedLi y
anawi thevery
fi
berofmybei ngbutshedi dn'
t,i
t'
sobv iouscozi t
waseasyf orhertosellmeoutandmyf amilys
thronel i
kethat.
..

Iam st i
lli
nthissamebedwi thHlengiwe,shecr i
ed
until
shef ellasleep.Herpi ercingcryandt hosesobs
shatteredmyhear t,Ij
ustwi shIcoul ddosomet hi
ng
tomakeherpai ngoaway .Iwast herewhenshe
wentt hrought hemostandwhenshewast ryi
ngto
mov epasti twel earnthatLi yanaisthereasonher
daught eri
snomor e.Idon'tknowhowdeepherpai n
i
scut ti
ngbutasapar entIcanonl yimaginehow
deadshemustf eel i
nside.Shewi gglesoutofmy
hold..
.
Hl
engi
we:
tel
lmei
twasal
lj
ustadr
eam pl
ease.
Herv
oicei
sst
il
lshaki
ng.
Me:
maShange,
Iam sosor
ry.
Hl
engi
we:sheisamotherher
sel
f,howdoesshedo
t
hist
oanotherwoman'
schil
d?
IwishIhadanswer
ssoshecanbeabl
etof
ind
heali
ng.
Me:Idon'tknowhert
obeevi
l.Iam havi
ngahar
d
ti
mewr appingmyheadar
oundeverythi
ngy
our
past
ortoldus.
Hlengi
we: i
twaseasierdeali
ngwi t
hitwhenI
thoughtherdeat
hwasn' tpainf
ulbutshewasa
sacri
fi
cetoanev i
ldeit
y,thatki
ll
smeBheki.
Me:
Liy
anawi
l
lnotgetawaywi
tht
his.
Hl
engi
we:shei
syourwi
feBheki
,knowi
ngtheki
ndof
manyouarei
twon'
tbeeasyf
oryoutodoherbad.
Me: she'
smyenemyHl engi.Shedestr
oyedmy
Kingdom, shedest
roy
edusandhowmanymor e
people?TheloveIhadf orherwentstr
aightoutt
he
windowt heminuteIl
ear nedthatshei
snotwhoI
thoughtshewas.Bel
i
evemewhenIsayIwi
l
lmake
herpay.
Hl
engi
we:
youdon'
thav
etopr
omi
semeany
thi
ng.
Iki
sst
hecr
ownofherhead.
Me: ify
ouknowme, y
ouwi l
lknowhowmuchIl ov
e
mydaught eri
fnotforyouthenIwilldoitf
orKayi
se.
Liyanawascomf or
tablegi
vingmychi l
dtoevi
land
forthatshewil
lknowmewel l
.Soonasmakhosi t
ell
s
met ogohome, Iam deali
ngwithitall
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

YesterdayIjustcouldn'
tgobackt ot hepal ace
withouttryi
ngtogetbackwhati smi ne.Onemi st
ake,
j
ustonecostmeev erythi
ngt hatmakesme
Dabulamanzi thegreat,Ilostmyi dent i
tyforthe
pleasurebetweenherl egs.Ishoul dn'thavelet
tempt at
iongetthebet t
erofme, withoutmypowerI
willnotbeabletorulet heKingdom t hewayIwi shed
andmygr andsoncannotmani pulatef atebecause
hi
sgiftcamef
rom me.Il
ostev
ery
thi
ngandsodi
d
he.
..

West ayedupl at
eifnott hewhol enight,
tryingto
comeupwi thway storever sethewhol ething.My
power sareinthewr onghandsandi fIdon'tget
them backsoont henev erythingisgoingt ocome
crumblingdown.Fort hef i
rstt i
mei nmyl i
feIam
scared,shakingi
nmyboot s.IfIcouldIwoul d
commandt hegroundt oopenupandswal lowme
whole,onlypukemeoutwhenal l t
hisissolvedandI
havebackwhatbel ongstome. ..

Manzi
:mkhul
u.
Hesay
sfrom behi
ndme.Iam si
tt
ingi
ntheshade
t
ryi
ngtocal
m down.
Me:
tel
lmey
ouf
oundsomet
hing.
Isayandhel
etsoutanexasper
atedsi
gh.
Manzi
:Ihavebeencl
osedint
hatndomba,call
ing
uponever
ydarkspi
ri
tIknowtocomehelp,Ihave
mi
xedal
lty
pesofmut
ibutnot
hing.
Me:
thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ngt
ome.
Manzi
:wecanuset
hist
oouradv
ant
age.
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Manzi :shedoesn'
tknowt hatshepossesy our
power s,wehavemanipulatedheraf ewti
mesbef or
e.
Wecandoi tagainandsaywear eequi
ppingher
withsomet hi
ngtohelpherouti nhermarri
agebut
forthattohappenweneedhert odoev er
ythingwe
say.
Ishakemyhead.Thi
sisahor
ri
blei
dea.
Me:no,Liy
anacan'
tevenhav
ethesli
ghtesti
deat hat
shepossessanyki
ndofpowerbecausethatwillbe
ourdoom.Sheisdesper
atet
ohaveherol dl
ifeback
andifshecoul
dgetri
dofusshewouldn'teventhink
twi
ceaboutit.
Manzi:t
henwhatarewegoingt
odomkhulu
becausewehaveabsol
utel
ynoplant
osal
vaget
his
mess.
Me:
thatmeansIwi
l
lhav
etomov
equi
ckl
yinmaki
ng
Kayi
semi
ne.Shesti
l
lbel
ongstomeaft
eral
l
,her
soul
wast
iedtominealongt
imeago.
Manzi
:howar
ewegoi
ngt
ogoaboutt
hat
?
Ist
andup.
Me:
may
bei
t'
sti
met
heyknowwhoIam f
orr
eal
.
Hegaspf
orai
r.
Manzi
:ar
eyousur
e?
Me: Iwantedtogoaboutitther ightway,makeher
fal
linlovethenboom Ichangeonherbutnow
everyt
hinghaschangedandi t
'sbetterIj
ustshow
theRoy alf
amilyt
hedev i
lIam r ealqui
ckand
everyt
hingelsewil
lfol
l
ow.Ij ustwantmyt hr
one,i
f
theygiveittomethenIwi l
lrel
easeKay i
sefr
om my
hold.
Manzi
:wedon'
thaveanypowerov
erherorev
ery
one
el
sefort
hatmat
ter
.
Me:
theydon'
tknowt
hatManzi
.
Hej
ustnods
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

HavingPearlaroundhasbeenr efreshi
ngf orreal
, I
havealotgoingonf ormeandhercr azyj ustmakes
mef or
getalittl
e.Iam st il
lverymuchwor riedabout
myf at
herbutmakhosi cal
ledagai nthi
smor ni
ng,
tel
li
ngmenott owor rybecauset heancest or
sare
sti
l
lshowinghi mt hatmyf at
heri sinsaf etyandsoon
enoughhewi l
l r
eturn.Ihonest lyfeelli
kemakhosi
knowsmor ethanwhathei swi ll
i
ngt oleton, i
fIam
ri
ghtandhedoesknowwher emydadi sIam goi ng
tobemadathi m.Hecan' tbeseei ngmel oosingmy
mindandsay ingnot hing,mypoormot herhas
becomeaf unctional dri
nkersinceBabadi sappeared
soknowingthathei sokayf orsur ewillmakeus
bett
er.
..

OntheotherhandIhav ebeenstal
kingDabul
a's
supposedgi
rlfr
iend,shepost
edthatheismissi
ng
whil
ehealway sclai
mst otal
ktohisfamil
yandgoes
toseethem someweekends.Thatmademecur ious
forr eal.Theissomet hingthatisn'tmakingsenseat
allandIj ustf el
ttheneedt of i
nditout.Isentt hegir
l
ani nboxonherFacebookandIam wai ti
ngf orher
response, Iam li
ter
all
ystarringatmyphoneand
refreshingi teveryminutejusttoseei fshehasn' t
responded.Ineedagl assofwat erwhi l
eIwai tsoI
qui cklydropmyphoneont hebedandhur r
yt othe
kitchent ogetsome.Pear lisinthekitchenbei ng
fri
endl ywi thoneoftheguar ds, t
heyar esharinga
plat eoff oodandIknowshei stryi
ngt ogetthepoor
boyt orelaxsoshecant estdrivehim.Myf riendisa
sexf r
eakandev erymanshedesi resshehas, she
i
sn' tashamedt oexploresexandsaf elyso..
.

Me:
ohy
ouar
eback,
howwasy
ourwal
k?
Iaskopeni
ngt
hef
ri
dget
otakeoutabot
tl
eofwat
er.
Pear
l:y
eshun,thi
shandsomemanher emadesur
eI
wassafe.Ther
iveri
sbeaut
if
ulImustsay.
Inod,sheref
usedmewalkingwi
thherandasked
thatIt
ellMphi
kel
eli
toaccompanyher
.
Me:
indeedi
tis.Wannadosomet
hingl
ateron?
Sherol
lshereyesandIwantt
olaugh.Herplani
sto
taket
hisguysomewheresotheywil
lbeabletoshag.
Pear
l:Iwi
l
lcomefindy
ouwhenI
'
m donewi
thMphi
her
e.Heismytourgui
de.
Me:
okayt
hen,
I'
ll
bei
nmyr
oom.
Iheadoutgivi
ngthem thei
rspaceback.Ijusthope
thi
spoorguyknowst hekinkyshi
tPearli
saboutt o
dotohim.Myphonei sringi
ngIhearitwhenIget
i
ntothehall
waythatleadstomyr oom,Irunquickl
y
andanswerbefor
et hepersonhangsup.
Me:
hel
l
o?
Isayi
naquest
ioni
ngt
onebecauseIdon'
thav
ethe
numbersav
ed.
Mama:
Mypr
incess.
That
'sBukhosi
'
smom.Ihav
en'
tspokennorseenher
i
nsuchal ongt
ime.
Me:
mama,
howar
eyou?
Mama:
Iam notf
inemybaby
,whatabouty
ou?
Ipani
cal
i
ttl
e,hopi
ngt
hatshei
sokay
.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokayma?Youneedany
thi
ng?
Iaskf
ail
i
ngt
otel
lherhowIam doi
ng.
Mama:
cany
oucomet
othehouse?
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:mamathel
astt
imeIwast
her
eBukhosi
wasn'
t
happywi
thme.
Isayt
ear
salreadythr
eat
eningi
nmyeyes.Imi
sshi
m
somuch,ev
ent houghhehashurtmet
hisway
.
Mama:
pleasemydear
.
Sheispl
eadi
ngwithmeandIcan'
tbr
ingmy
sel
fto
sayi
ngno.Shehasbeengoodt
ome.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbet
her
einaf
ewmi
nut
est
hen.
Mama:
thanky
oumydar
li
ng.
Ihangupandsi
ghheav
il
y.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iam l
ooki
ngatmymot
heri
ntensel
y,shebr
ingst
he
phonedownf
rom herearandl
ooksatme.
Me:
whatdi
dshesaymama?
Sheshakesherheadandmyhear tsi
nksi
ntomy
stomach.Iaskedhert ocal
lZamaNgweny aandask
hertocomeher ebecauseIneedt otal
ktoher.To
explai
nev er
ythi
ngNgony amatoldmeandt obegfor
anotherchancebecauseImi sshersomuch.My
hearti
sy ear
ningforher,myhandsaredyi
ngt o
touchherhersoftskinandmyl i
psdesperat
etotell
herhowmuchIl oveher.
Mama:
shewi
l
lbeher
einaf
ewmi
nut
es.
Il
etoutashar
psighandqui
ckl
ygetupt
oki
ssmy
mom onthecheek.
Me:
thanky
ouma,
youar
east
ar.
Mama:
justmaket
hingsr
ightwi
thher
.
Me:
Iam goi
ngt
odomybest
.
Mama:
letmel
eav
ethen.
Shet
akeshersmal
lbagandleavesthehouse,shei
s
gi
vi
ngussomespacesowecanbeabl eto
communi
catefr
eel
ywit
houtneedingtoextend
respecttoherbecauseshei ssomewher eint
he
house.Itidyuponel asttime,thehouseisdif
ferent
nowshe' sgoingtobeshockedwhenshear ri
ves.I
gobr ushmyt eethquicklyandgowai ti
nt hel
ounge.
Iam anxious,myhear tfeelsli
keit
'sabouttojump
outofmychest .I
fKay i
sedoesn'thearmeoutt henI
am fuckedf orr
eal.Aknockbr ingsmebackf rom my
thoughtsandIjerkupf rom thecouchtogoopent he
door...

Shel ooksef f
ort
lessl
ybreathtakingri
ghtnow, Iwant
tojumponherandpr ocl
aim myundy i
ngloveforher
butImanaget oholdmyhor ses.Sheisshockedt o
seeme, I
'
m sur eshewashopi ngthatIam outso
shedoesn' thavetobumpi nt ome.Tear sarewell
ing
upi nherey esbutshetakesadeepbr eathand
clearsherthroat.
..

Kayi
se:
isy
ourmom her
e?Shej
ustcal
l
edaski
ngt
o
seeme.
Ist
epasi
deandshewal
ksi
n.Icl
oset
hedoorand
sheisst
andi
ngawkwar
dlyi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
he
ki
tchen.
Me:
youj
ustmi
ssedher
.
Shef
rowns
Kayi
se:
Ijustspoket
oheraf
ewmi
nut
esago.Wher
e
di
dshego?
Me:
shewentt
otheshops,
sowecanbef
reet
otal
k.
Shescof
fs.
Kayi
se:
Iam her
ebecausey
ouaskedy
ourmom t
o
cal
lme?
Me:Iknewyouwoul
dn'
tpi
ckupmycalls,ormaybeI
wasscaredofhowi
twoul
dhavehur
tifyouignor
ed
me.
Shenarrowshereyesandbit
estheinsi
deofher
mouth.Iam shi
tscared,
herexpr
essioni
sstoi
cnot
gi
vi
ngawayany thi
ng.
Kay
ise:
Idon'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisBukhosi
.
Idr
opt
omykneesi
mmedi
atel
y.
Me:
Icoul
dnev
erl
oveanywomant
hewayIl
ovey
ou.
ZamaNgweny ayouar emyhear tbaby, myr i
bwas
takent ocreat
ey ouandIam sosor rythatIhav e
beent reati
ngy ousobad.Iwasn' tinther i
ghtf r
ame
ofmi nd.Myf ri
endBant ut ookmet oseei nyanga
whot oldmet haty ouhadi sicit
ho,thepur poseofi t
wast omakemef eeldisgust edandannoy edwi t
h
you.Themaggot sf r
om thatdaywast hatthingbaby .
Someonedoesn' twantt oseeust ogetherbutIgot
helpnowandi twillneverhappenagai n,Iwil
l never
bev ulnerabl
espiri
tuall
yliket hat
.Ilovey ousomuch
babypl easeforgiv
eme.
Tear
sarefal
l
ingdownhercheeks,sheisso
emoti
onal
whichmakesmel oseittoo.
Me:Iam r
eal
lysor
ryst
handwasami.Il
oveyou
pl
easegi
vemeonechancet omakethi
sri
ght,
to
l
oveyouthewayyoudeser
ve.
Shei
sn'tsay
ingany
thi
ngt
omer
ightnow,
shei
sjust
st
arr
ingatme.
Me:
ZamaNgweny
ababypl
ease.
Kay
ise:
youexpectmet
obel
i
evet
his?
Me:
Ihav
enev
erl
i
edt
oyoui
nmyl
i
fe.Idi
dn'
ttr
eat
y
oul
iket
hatbecauseIwantedto,
someonewant
ed
t
opl
ayGodinourrel
ati
onship.
Kay
ise:
whocoul
dthatbe?
Sheaskswi
pinghert
ear
swi
tht
hebackofherhand.
Me:Ngonyamadi dn'
tsaysthandwasami
,hej
ust
t
oldmethatt heancest
orsarenowtheonesf
ight
ing
t
hisbat
tl
ef orus.
Shechuckl
es.
Kay
ise:
mxm.
Shesaysandtur
nsfort
hedoor.Ij
ustdi
veandhol
d
herl
egs,shef
all
sandIqui
ckl
yholdherti
ghti
nmy
arms.
Kay
ise:
Bukhosi
leav
eme.
Shescr
eamsfi
ght
ingtogetoutofmyhol
dbutIj
ust
can'
tal
l
owhertowalkawayfr
om meli
kethi
s.
Me:Iam t
elli
ngy outhetr
uthbabyplease.Youcan
evengotoconsul twi
thadif
ferentnyangababyI
sweart
oy ou,thepersonwil
ltel
lyouthesamet hi
ng.
Shei
scr
yingandt
hef
ight
ingi
snotst
oppi
ng.Wear
e
l
i
ter
all
yrol
l
ingont
hisf
loor
.
Kayi
se:youhur
tmesomuchBukhosi
,you
abandonedmewhenIneededy
outhemost.
Sheiski
cki
ngmebutthi
sisthepainIcant
ake.So
l
ongasshelet
southerangerandgiv
esmeanot her
chance.
Me:Iwi l
ll
ivether
estofmyli
femaki ngupforthat
babyplease.Don'
tgi
veuponus, Iknowy oudon't
haveanyr easont
obutpl
easeletourlovebewor t
h
anothershot.
Sheisshaki
ngherheadvi
gorousl
y.Imanaget
oget
ontopofherandthatmakesherwrest
lememore.
Me: NtombiZamaNgweny a!Stopthis,stopf i
ghti
ng
mebaby .Ifuckedupy esbutitwasn' tintenti
onal.I
am sorrymor ethanyouwi l
leverknowbutIam not
giv
ingupony ou.Youaremyhear tandIam sur ey ou
haven'
tseenaper sonl
ivewithouthishear t.Imiss
you,don'tf
ightourlovebabyIam beggi ngy ou.
Isayholdingupmyhandsi ndef
eatandthatseems
tomakeherst opfight
ingme.Wearelooki
ngateach
otheri
nt heeyes,
she'ssear
chi
ngforsomethingand
shewi
l
lfi
ndi
tbecauseIl
oveherwi
thmysoul
.
Sheiswearingadr essandnowhert highsare
exposedandal i
ttl
eofherunderwear ,
asmuchas
wejustfoughtbeingincontactwithherbareski
n
makesmehot .Myer ect
ioni
salreadypokingher
thr
oughthispairofjeansIhaveon.Icaresstheside
ofherthi
ghandshegaspsf orair
.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou,
Imi
ssev
ery
thi
ngabouty
oubaby
.
Hertearsaresti
ll
f al
lingandIhat
emy selfforhurt
ing
hert
hisway .Myhandmov est
oherstomachand
desi
reisrushingthroughoutmyentir
ebodybut
mostlyuMthombeni omcane.Imissthesleekness,
warmthandt heti
ght nessofherpussy.
Me:
Iwantt
omakel
ovet
oyoubaby
.
Myhandsarecar
essi
ngherbodyful
l
yandher
br
eat
hinghasspi
ked,
sheisfl
ushed.
Me:
tel
lmet
ost
opKay
isei
fyoudon'
twantmebaby
.
Shebitesherl
owerli
p,herey
esar
ebeggi
ngf
orme
butIneedhertosayit
.
Me:
baby
,tel
lmet
ost
opandgetof
fyou.
Isaygentl
ymassagi
ngherbr
east,
shecir
clesher
armsaroundmyneckandbri
ngsmyfacetohers.
Kay
ise:Ihat
eyousomuchBukhosi
,Ihat
ehow
muchIloveyou.Ihat
ehowmuchIneedyout
o
makelovetomer i
ghtnow.
Myhear
tisf
il
ledwi
thhope.
Me:
Iknowbaby
,Iam sor
ry.
Kay
ise:
makel
ovet
omeChoco.
Shejustcall
edmewi ththepetnameshegav eme
andIknowIhav eaf i
ghti
ngchance.Shetakesmy
l
ipsintohersandweki ssaggr
essi
vely,
muchasI
l
ovet asti
nghersoftl
ipsIj
ustwanttobebur i
ed
deepi nsi
deheropeni
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Thi
schapt
erwassponsor
edbyTumi
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER46
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Iopenmyey esandshei swr appedaroundmel i

ke
Ivy,
Idon'tremembert helasttimeIsleptwi t
ha
ful
fil
ledheart
.Yesterdaywast oointense, ourmake
upsexwasemot ionall
yreconnecti
ngus.Shecr i
ed
andt ol
dmehowmuchIhur therandIt ookt hat
becauseIwant edust ostartonacleansl ateand
thatcouldonlyhappenifbot hourfeeli
ngswer eout
there.Kayi
sesleptoverbecausewebot hcoul dn't
keepourhandsof feachot her,weneededy esterday
tohappenandI 'mjusthappywear eatabet terplace
now. .
.

Kay
ise:
whatar
eyout
hinki
ngaboutbaby
?
Iwasn'
tawar
eshei
sawake.Iki
ssherf
orehead.
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngabouty
ou,
aboutus.
Kayi
se:
thanky
ouf
orr
eachi
ngout
.Iwasgoi
ngout
ofmymind.
Shesay
sandIsmi
l
e.
Me:
Iam gl
adIt
ri
ckedy
oui
ntocomi
ngher
e.
Kayi
se:y
oudidthatonpurposehuh?Eventhesex
ontheki
tchenf
loor,
youhadt ogi
vememi nd
bl
owingsextomakemel i
stentoyou.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Iwi l
lneverexer cisepowerov eryouandt ake
compl et
echar geofy ouany whereelsebutour
bedroom.Bant uutheumf aziushayiwaembedeni ,I
fI
needy outost opbei ngcr azyandl i
sten,Igi
veyou
thepipe.IfIneedt opuni shy oufordef y
ingmet hen
babyy ouwi l
lspready ourlegsforyourmanandIwi l
l
puni
shy ouaccor dingl ywiththi
s.
Isaytakingherhandsoshecant
ouchmyal
ready
erectpenis.
Kayi
se:Iam notcompl
aini
ng.Il
ovehowconf
ident
youaresexual
lynow.
Me:
Ihav
ebeenpr
act
ici
ng.
Isayandt
hatmakesherj
erkupf
rom mychest
,
giv
ingmeadeat
hstare.
Kayi
se:
whatist
hatsupposedt
omeanBukhosi
mthombeni
?
Hertonelowanddeep.I
sshemad?Shel
ooksso
cut
et hough.
Me:babyno,Ihaven'
tsl
eptwit
hanyot
herwoman
buty
ou,sthandwasamiIpromise.
Shel
etsoutasi
gh.
Kayi
se:
youbet
terkeepi
tthatwayorIpr
omiseIwi
l
l
cuty
ourdi
ckof
fandburnitwithyouwat
chi
ngme.
Idon'
tknowi fsheisjoki
ngorshemeansev er
yword.
ButIdon'twanttofindoutsoIwil
lj
ustkeepmydick
i
nmypant sandonlyleti
toutwhenit'
sdevour
ing
heropening.Sheslowlyr
estsonmychestonce
agai
n,feeli
ngsati
sfiedwit
hhersel
fthatIdi
dn'
tsay
anyt
hingtoherthreat.
Me: Ij
ustwantyoutoknowt hatIam sor
rybaby.I
nevermeanttohurtyou.Idi
dn'tcomeint
oy ourl
if
e
forthebenef
it
s,Ij
ustwantyourheart
ZamaNgweny
aev
ery
thi
ngel
sei
sjustabonus.
Kayi
se:youaremylif
eBukhosiandnowthatweare
okayi
tfeelsli
keaheavyl
oadhasbeenlif
tedoffmy
shoul
ders.Icanf
ocusonwaiti
ngforbabatocome
backtous.

Irememberherpai nful sobsf rom l

astnightwhen
shet oldmeaboutherf ather.IwishIcando
somet hingt otr
ackdownt heKi ngandgiveumunt u
wami herpeaceofmi nd.Theyar esoclosesoI
knowt hathisdisappear anceiskill
i
ngher ,she'
s
tr
y i
ngt okeepcal m butIknowherandshe' sjust
putti
ngaf acadef orev eryoneel sesincesheisthe
Regent ..
.

Me:tr
ustmakhosi
,hewoul
dnev
erdoany
thi
ngt
o
har
my ourdad.
Kayi
se:hecoul
djustt
akemet
oseehi
m andIwi
l
l
nott
ell
anyone.
Me:
whatIl
ear
nedf
rom Ngony
amai
sthatt
hef
ight
fr
om whereveri
satt
ackingyourfamil
yandthi
s
ki
ngdom isnowfoughtbytheancestor
s.Theywil
l
comethroughfort
heirpeopl
e.Beli
eveint
hem baby.
Kay
ise:
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ghtbaby
.Il
ovey
ouso
muchChoco.
Myheartj
ustmel
ts,
thi
sgi
rlwi
l
lbet
hedeat
hofmeI
swear
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.

Herphonechi mesandshef i
ndsitandreads
somethingthatl eavesherchort
li
ng,Igetjeal
ous
i
mmedi ately.Ijusthopeit'
snotanotherdude
makingmi nel aught hi
sway,butIthi
nkI'mjustbei
ng
crazy
.Kay i
sedi dn'thavetheti
met ogiveanother
manherat tent i
onsoi tcoul
dbeany one.
..

Kay
ise:
it'
sPear
l.
Shesaywi pi
ngof ft
hetearsfr
om herlaught
er.She
didsayPearlisherevi
sit
ingl
astnightwhenwe
call
edtotell
herthatKayisewil
lbesleepi
ngov er
,
t
henshet
oldusshei
swi
thMphi
kel
eli
.
Me:
whatdi
dshesay
?
Kayise:shesaysbackr
oom sexonaspongewi
th
rat
sr unni
ngaroundisthebomb.
Ichuckl
easwell.Idon'
tunderst
andherandhaving
sexwithst
rangersbutIwil
lnotjudgeheronebi
t.As
l
ongasshei ssafe.
Me:
that
haMphi
ks.
Kayi
se:heshoul
dhavesuckedi nbedbabecozPear
l
i
sgoingtoholdontohim unt
ilhestar
tscat
chi
ng
feel
i
ngsthenshe'
sgoingtodrophim.
Me:
whyi
sshesoaf
rai
dofcommi
tment
?
Kayise:
she'
sbeenhur
tyouknow.PlusIjustl
ear
ned
thatshehadathi
ngwit
hDabulamanzi.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kaboutt
hatSonofabi
tch.
Shegaspsf
orai
randl
ooksupatme.
Kay
ise:
Choco!Younevert
alkl
ikethi
sbabe.Bythe
wayyouar
egoingtohavetoli
stencozI
'm gi
vi
ng
y
ouhotgossi
pher
e.
Ohboyi t
'sgoi
ngtobeonehellofamorni
ngwithall
thegossi
ping.Onceshest
art
sshedoesn'
tfi
nishbut
Ilov
eherassl i
kethat
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Myappet i
teisbackwi t
habangandt hismor ning
maShangewokeupt ocookmeev eryt
hingIwas
cravingfor.Sourmabel epor r
idge,shemademe
coffeeandIhadi twi t
hpeanutbut t
erandj am
sandwi ch.NowIam wat chinghermakeaheav y
Englishbreakfast,itsmel l
sgr eatalr
eadyandI
cannotwai ttofinishitallandgol iedown.Ist i
llneed
toregainbot hmyst r
engt handwei ght.Butwi t
hhow
Hlengi i
sfeedingmeIknowIwi l
lbebackt omyol d
bodyi nnot i
me...

Hl
engi
we:
whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
SheasksandIf
urr
owmyf
oreheadi
nconf
usi
on.
Me:
tel
lyouwhatmaShange?
Shehav
esasi
ghandl
ooksatme.
Hl
engi
we:
tel
lmethaty
ourancest
orswant
edy
out
o
t
akemeasawif
e?
Icl
osemyey es.Iwashopi ngthatwedon'
tvi
sitt
his
conver
sat
ion,atleastnotunti
lIhavet
heaff
air
sof
myhouseinor der.
Me:maShange, Iam notamanwhobel i
evesin
pol
ygamy .OnceIloveapersonIlov ecompletel
y.I
fI
hadtakenyouwi t
hLiyanastil
linthepict
ureyou
woul
dn'thavebeenhappyt rustme.Ilovedthat
womanandIwoul dn'
thurtherli
kethatandI
woul
dn'thurtyoutoo.
Shei
sfi
ddl
i
ngwi
thherf
inger
s.
Me: maShangeIal sodidn'
ttel
lyoubecausethe
sameni ghtIsl
epthereaty ourhouseandnotmy
pal
aceIf oundpeacewi thyou.Iwasscaredt
hatI
wasallowingmy selft
obecomet hemanIvowed
nevert
obe.
Hl
engi
we:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Sheaskswi
tht
ear
sgl
owi
ngi
nherey
es.
Hlengiwe:itmeanswear ebot
hgoi ngt
hroughso
muchr ightnow.Weneedt ohelpeachotherheal
fr
om thehur tcausedbyLi y
ana.ItmeansIam
askingy outogivemesomet i
met ogetmyhousei n
orderandonceI '
v edonethatwecansitdownand
l
aydownournakedt rut
h.
Sheswal
l
owsandnods.
Aknockcomesthr
oughbeforeshecansayanyt
hing
t
omeandIwi shwhoevercanjustdi
sappear
.
Makhosi
:sani
bonani
ekhay
a.
Hesay
sfr
om t
hedoorandIl
ookback.
Me:
sawubona.
Hlengiwe:youarewel
comebaba.CanImakeyoua
cupoft ea?Iam maki
ngBheki
somethi
ngtoeat,
I'
ll
addy ourplat
e.
Hesmi
l
esatt
hisgener
ouswoman.
Makhosi
:thanky
ouHlengiwe.Af
terourmeal
we
needt
oheadt ot
hepalace.
Reli
effloodsthroughme, Ihavebeenwai t
ingf ormy
ancestorstosayi t
'sokayf ormetoshowf ace.I
wanttoseemydaught ersosheknowst hatIam
awakeanddoi ngfinethendeal wit
hthatwi t
chI
madeaQueenonl yforhert obetr
ayme, myl ov eand
tr
ust.Ican'tbeli
eveshesol dmet othedev il
,she
soldmydaught er
'ssoulandt i
edittoevi
l banished
fr
om ear t
hallthosey earsago..
.

Me:t
hat
'sgoodnews,
Ineedt
odeal
wit
hthi
sonce
andf
oral
l.
Makhosi:l
et'
sdealwi
ththi
sslowl
yandal
l
owt
he
ancest
orstoleadt
hisbatt
le.
Me:defi
nit
elybutpl
easeall
owmet odealwi
ththat
womanonmyown, askmyf or
efather
stograntme
theoppor
tunit
ytomakeherpayf orever
ythi
ngshe
didt
omeandt hi
skingdom.
Makhosi
:l
et'
seatandl
eav
etof
aceev
ili
ntheey
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iam happy ,contentandev er

ythingi nbetween.Iam
j
usthappyt hatmyboy fr
iendandImanagedt ofix
thi
ngs, orratherthathehadt ogi vememi ndblowing
sexformet ocomedownandl istent owhathehad
tosayandheari t.ItmadesenseandIknowhe
wouldn'tli
et omehenceIj ustfor gavemeont he
spot.Someonemi ghtcallmest upi dfornotmaking
him sweatbutwhatgoodwi l
lthatdof orme
becauseImi ssedhi m,Imi ssedhi m mor ethan
anything.Playinghardt ogetwoul donlyhurtme,so
whyt ortur
emy selfwhenIknowIwasgoi ngtogo
backt ohim any way .
..

Heiswat chi
ngmeintensel
yasIdrymyupperbody,
hepouredmewat eri
nabat hi
ngdishsoIcan
fr
eshenupandheadbackhome.AsmuchasI
wantedtostayher
ewi t
hhim andhavemoresexI
knewIhadt ogoandgivemyf r
iendsometi
met oo,
aft
erall
shecameal l
thewayher eformeandended
upfindi
ngasexpartneri
npoorMphikeleli
.Istepi
n
thedishandbenddown, myassi
nhisf ace,he
gaspsforai
randIam pleasedwi
thmy self.
..

Bukhosi:
youcanseducemeal ly
ouwantbutIam
notgi
vingyouany
thing.Mydicki
sgonnafall
off
fr
om allt
hesexwehav ebeenhavingsi
nce
yest
erday.
Il
augh.
Me:
Iam sogreedymypoorvagi
nai
sgoi
ngt
hrough
t
hemostbutsti
llIwantmor
e.
Bukhosi
:addi
ctedhuh?
Ibi
temyl
owerl
i
pandl
ookbackathi
m.
Me:
toomuchmyl
ove.

Heispl easedwithhimsel
fandIam gladthatheis
gai
ningconf i
denceinhisski
ll
sinbedandhet rusts
hi
msel ftoknowt hathecansati
sfyme.Isawhi m
l
astnightwhenhewast urni
ngmei neverydi
recti
on,
Iwaswor r
iedthatsomeonewasschoolinghim but
heshowedmet hatheboughtabookt i
tl
ed"sexf
or
dummies"alsohisfr
iendBant
uhasbeenschooli
ng
hi
m ali
tt
leinthatdepart
mentandofcoursethel
ikes
ofMiaKhali
fashowedhi m at
hingort
wo...

Heishol dingontome, gi
vingmet hi
slast
passionatekissbeforeIleav eandseehi m
tomor r
owaf terhecomesbackf r
om thef arm.He
checkst hecoastandwhenhesay si t
'sclear,
Ihead
outthedoorhopi nghismom doesn' tpopupf r
om
somewher ebecauseitwoul dbesoawkwar djesus.
Therewer etimeslastnightIhadf orgottenthatwe
areinthesamehouseashi smom andIscr eamed
l
oudert hanIhadt o.Ofcour seChocodi dn'
tstopme,
heappr eciat
estheloudmoansandscr eams
becauset heyfuelhim up.Heopenst hedoorf orme
andIhopi nandputt hekeyi ntheignit
ion..
.

Bukhosi
:cal
lmewheny
ougethomel
ove.
Me:
wil
ldobabe.Il
ovey
ou.
Bukhosi
:Il
ovey
out
oosweet
hear
t.
Istarttheengineanddri
veoutofthey ardashe
comest ofi
xthegate,
hehadt obeumakheni khal
ast
nightsot heSUVcangetint hey
ard.Iblowhima
kissanddr i
veawaywi t
hElvisPr
esley'
s-Ican'
thel
p
fall
i
ngi nlove-pl
ayi
nginthecar,
thi
si soneofmy
favori
telovesongsofallti
mesandi tspeakstowhat
IfeelforBukhosi.

Igettot hepalaceandPear li
sst andingatt hegate
withMphi kel
eli,t
heyar esuperl oveydov ey,looksl
i
ke
theyjustarri
vedf r
om Mphi keleli'
shouse.Asmuch
asIrespectmybestf r
iendswi shesIcan' thav e
them doingthisrightattheent ranceofa
respectableplaceli
kemyf ather'spalace.Irollmy
windowdownandt heydetachandl ookatme.

Me:fr
iendcany ounotdothisinf
rontoft
hegat
e.
Theeldersofcounci
lmightseeyouandmakeit
seem l
ikeIcan'
tleadthi
skingdom.
Pear
l:Iam sor
rybabe,
Igotcar
ri
edaway
.
Mphi
kel
eli
:si
ncer
eapol
ogi
esmypr
incess,
Ishoul
d
hav
eknownbet
ter
.
Pearl
:beforey
ouparkcany oudriv
emet ot
heshops?
Idi
dn'ttakemycaryest
erdayjustwant
edtoexpl
ore
thi
splaceonmyf eet
.
Ei
sh,Iwantedt
ocheckonmymom butIcanquickl
y
dri
vether
eandbebacktogivehersomet
imeand
fi
ndouthowsheishol
dingup.
Me:
okayhopi
n.
Pear
l:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Shesay
stohi
m andget
sint
hecar
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Ihavebeent aki
ngcountl
essbathst otryandget
clean,Ican'tbeli
eveIdi
dsomet hingsof i
lt
hy,I
cheatedonmyhusbandwi t
hamant hatismar ri
ed
tomydaught er.Whatki
ndofper sonhav eIbecome?
Whatsel frespecti
ngwomanwhoi saQueenst eps
outofhermar ri
agewhil
eherhusbandi smi ssi
ng?I
am sodi sgustedwithmyselfIwon'tli
e.Ican'
teven
sl
eeponmymat ri
monial
bedasi ti
sareminderof
whatIdidther
ewithDabulamanzi,
Iam j
ustgladI
haven'
tseeneit
herhi
m normydaughtersinceit
happened.
..

Iam int hekitchentomakemy selfsomet hi

ngt oeat,
thisi
st hef i
rstti
meIam i nanyot herroom thatis
notmybedr oom andbat hroom.Iam ashamedso
i
t'sgoingt obedi f
ficul
tformet ofacemydaught er
andDabul aespeciall
yafterheinsult
edme.I fIcould,
Iwouldgetr i
dofDabul amanzi andev er
yone
alongsideev eryt
hingthatisli
nkedt ohim.Ijustwant
myf ami lyback,Iwanttheeasygoi ngbeautifull
if
eI
hadbef or eheshowedupt ocashi n..
.

Ifi
nishcookingmybaconandIdi shitoutandtakea
bottl
eofwat erfr
om thef r
idge.AsI'
m headedback
tomybedr oom theki
t chendooropensandIwantt o
runbutcuriosi
tymakesmel ookback.Myhear t
dropsint
omyst omachasIl aymyey esonmy
husband,helooksli
keashadowofhi soldselfbutI
don'
tcareaboutt hat.All
t hatmatter
sist hatheis
awake.Hlengiwe,makhosi andanotherladyIdonot
knowwal kin.Thesightoft hem makesmei rrit
ated,
I
shoul
dhav eknownt hattheev i
lsangomaknew
wheremyhusbandi s,ofcour sehewoul dshi phim
offt
ot hewomanhi sdamnancest orswanthi mt o
marry.Tear
sar estreamingdownmyf aceasgui l
t
consumesme, heisbackt ofi
ndingmet aintedfrom
commi ti
ngadultery.
..

Me:
Bheki
!
Myv oiceissolow.Iplacet heplat
eandbot tleof
wateront hekit
chenisland.Myhusbandi sl
ooki ng
atmewi thdeadey es,hisexpressi
onscr eams" Ihate
youLiyana".Iam gett
inganxiousrightnow, whyar e
theyalll
ookingatmel ikethedev i
l
?Iswal l
owand
makemywayt omyhusbandandbef oreIcanhol d
ont ohim hepushesmer oughlydownandIf al
lhard
screamingal i
tt
le.
Me:
Bhekumbuso!
Icr
yshockedoutofmymi
nd.Hespi
tsonmeand
t
ear
sfal
lfr
om hi
sey
es.
Bheki
:Ihat
eyouLi
yana.Ihat
eyousomuch.
Igaspf
orai
r.
Me:
whati
swr
ongst
handwasami
.
Hefor
msafi
standbeforeitl
andsonmyf
ace
Hl
engi
wehol
dshim back.
Hl
engi
we:Don'
tMt
imande,thi
sisnott
hepersonyou
ar
e.Don'
tal
l
owhertochangeevenyourchar
act
er.
Bheki
:Ican'
tst
andseei
ngher
.
Hl
engi
we:
Iknow.
Me:
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Myhear tisraci
ng,IhaveanideabutIdon'
twantto
bel
ievethatitwouldhappen.Dabul
ahaspromised
toalwaysprotectme, wher
ecouldhebe?Whydi d
Manzi notseethiscoming?
Bheki:t
hefactthatyouwantt
ocontinuecryi
ng
thosecrocodi
letear
sandpret
endinglikey
ouarenot
awi t
chmakesmehat eyouevenmor e.
Me:
sthandwasami
.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Bheki:
whyLi y
ana?Whywouldyousel
lmyKingdom
outtothedevil
?Whywouldyouti
emydaughter
downt oadeityofamanwhowasbanishedt
ot he
waterbecauseofhisev
ilway
s?
Icl
osemyey es,mybiggestfeari
sfinal
lyhappeni
ng.
Ican'
tsayanythi
ng,t
hehugedr ylumponmyt hr
oat
i
smaki ngi
thardformet odefendmy sel
f.Howdid
heevenknow?Theonl ythi
ngImanaget odois
shakemyhead.
Dabul
a:ohBheki
,youar
ebackf
rom t
hedead?
Hesay
swal
ki
ngi
nwi
thManzi
.
Bheki
:youdev
il
!Iam goi
ngt
odeal
wit
hyou.
Hechuckl
es.
Dabul
a:aweakl
ingl
ikeyou?Dealwitht
hegr
eat
est
spi
ri
tli
kemysel
f?Conti
nuedreaming.
Me:
Dabul
amanzi
shutup.
Dabul
a:It
oldy
oucountl
esst
imest
owat
chy
our
mouthwhenaddr
essi
ngme.
Bheki
:i
fyouthi
nkyouaregoingtotakeovermy
daught
erandmythronethenyoudon'tknowme.
Manzi:yourdaught
er'
ssoulbel
ongstous,wecan
ki
llheri
fwewant ,wecantrapherundert
hewater
butwechoset okeepherandmakeheraQueen.
Bheki
:ov
ermydeadbody .Takey
ourwi
tchher
eand
makeheryourqueennotNtombi
ZamaNgwenya.
Hesayspoi
nti
ngt ome,Ij
ustcr
ylouder
.Ican'
t
bel
i
eveIfi
ndmy selfi
nthi
smess.
Dabul a: t
hingisyoudon' thaveachoi ce.Crownme
Kingandy ourdaughtermyQueen.Thi sthronenever
belongedt otheNgweny a's,i
twasst olenf r
om me.If
youdon' tdothisIswearIwi ll
causehav ocinthi
s
vi
llage.Twoday s, t
hat'
sallyouhav etost epdown
andgi v eyourpreciousdaught erandIt hekingdom.
Don'tt hinkaboutdoi nganythi
ngst upidbecauseI
willknowv eryquick.
Bheki
:doy
ouseet
heki
ndofev
ily
oubr
oughther
e
Li
yana?
Heasksandmyhear
tisachi
ng.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER47
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mydayi sdullnow,Iwishshedidn'
thavetoleave
butthenagainshehasaguestandsheal sohasto
bearoundf orhermom.Meandherhav ef or
ever
togethersothisi
sasmal lpr
icetopay.Pl
us, Iwi
l
l
seeherf orafewhourseverydaydur
ingtheweek
andhav eherallt
omy sel
fonweekendsl i
kewehav e
agreed..
.

Iam ecstati
cnol i
es,l
if
enowi sgoingbackto
exactl
yhowIhadal waysdreamed.Ihavethebest
woman, mymot her
'sheal
thhasimprovedandmy
businesswillst
artbri
ngi
nginseri
ousmoney .I
f
someonehadt oldmeay earagothatIam goingto
dateapr i
ncesswhoi sgoingtobeaQueenandt hat
shewi l
ll
ovemesomuch, Iwoul
dhav elaughedin
theperson'sf
ace.Gi
rl
sli
keZamaNgwenyadon'
tl
ook
atguyslikemebutseewhatlov
edidwi
thus..
.

Iwal kintot
heloungeaf t
erIspendaboutt hir
ty
mi nutesinmyr oom,snif
fingthepil
lowshewas
usingandt hesheetswher eherjui
cespour ed.Iam
obsessedwi thherscentandnowt hatIam graduall
y
get t
ingmygr ooveinthesexdepar t
ment ,
thenext
stepi sformetot al
ktoheraboutpr act
ici
ngor alsex.
Iwantt ogiveherpleasureineverywaypossi bl
e,I
don'twantherl acki
nginany way.
..

Ithi
nkweal l
alreadyknowwhatmymot heris
watching,I'
m notev engoingt ostartany t
hingwith
her.Iam inav erygoodmoodt oev encareabout
whatshei smaki nguswat ch.Isettleonthecouch
andr el
axmyl eftankleonmyr ightknee.Ishould
havepour edmy selfaglassofwat erheybutt hi
s
positi
onissocomf ortabl
e, get
tingupi sn'
tan
option.
..
Mama:
hasshel
eft
?
SheasksandIdon'
tev
enl
ookather
.
Me:
yesabout40mi
nut
esago.
Mama:
andshecoul
dn'
tsaygoodby
e.
Me:
wet
houghty
ouwer
easl
eep.
Mama:
Isee.
Me: thanksagai
nmama,wearegoodnow.Wefi
xed
thi
ngsandwepr omi
sednev
ert
ogot hr
ought
hat
again.
Mama: Iam happytoheart
hatson.YouknowIlov
e
thepr
incessforyou,shemakesyouhappyand
bri
ngsoutthebestversi
onofyoursel
f.
Ismil
e,hear
ingthatmamaappr ovesofmygir
lf
ri
end
andsupport
susal lthewaybr i
ngsmepeace.It
woul
dbedev astati
ngifthetwomosti mpor
tant
womani nmylif
edi dn'
tgetalong.
Me:
that
's100per
centt
rue.
Mama:
sot
ell
me.
Me:
yessi
sPhi
ndi
l
e?
Mama:di
dyoubuyacat
?Itcr
iedal
mostt
heent
ir
e
ni
ght
.
Ichokeonmyownsal iv
a,Iknowwhatshei st
alki
ng
about.Weforgotaf ewti
mest hatshewasi nt
he
houseandKay i
se'smoanswenthi gher,If
eedon
thatr
eacti
onitfuelsmeupt operform atmybestso
Icoul
dn'tgagher.
Me:
eishO'
l
ady
.
Mama:Iam notgoi
ngtogi
veaspeechbaba.I
twas
boundt
ohappenbutcanyout
wopr ot
ectmyears
l
ana?
Me:
I'
m sor
rymama.
Mama: al
soremembert hatsheisapri
ncess,
she
can'
tbepregnantoutofwedlockBukhosi
.
Icl
osemyey esremember i
ngthatwedidn'
tusea
condom,notevenonce.Ont heot
herhandIwasn'
t
pul
li
ngoutforshit
,shetookeachloadofmyseed
deepinsi
deofher.
Me:
Iknowmama.
Ij
ustsayt
omakeherr
elaxbutwoul
ditbesucha
badi
deaf
ort
hel
oveofmyl
i
fet
ocar
ryourbaby
?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
DABULAMANZIKHUMALO/
CEBEKHULU

Ihavethem exactl
ywher eIwantt hem,nonoft hem
couldseeIwasbl uffi
ngort heycoul dhavecall
edme
outoni t
.Theyarest i
l
lstupid,evenwhent here'
sno
darkmagi cmanipulati
ngthem.Iwonderi f
Bhekumbusoi sreall
yadescendantofNgweny at he
fi
rst
.Hei ssoslowandobl i
vioust omanyt hi
ngs,he
shouldbeasshar pashi sforefatherwhomanaged
tooverthr
owmef rom myt hroneandt akeitover.
Butthisonehereisjustaweakl i
ngofsomesor t.
..

Wej ustgotbacktotheshr i
neanddoesn' titfeel
goodt onothidewhoIr eall
yam?Hav i
ngt opr et
end
tobet hi
svesselwasget t
ingt omeandt r
uthbet ol
d,
Iwasst ar
ti
ngt ol
iv
el if
eont he" normal".Atleast
real
i
t yki
ckedinandt hosefoolswi ll
givemeexact l
y
whatIwant .Theymightalltryfightitbut
Bhekumbusowon' t,heloveshi sdaught ersomuch
andIt hr
eatenedt odoawaywi t
hherifhedoesn't
gi
vemebackwhatr i
ght
full
ybel
ongst ome.Heonl y
hasonechi ld,onethatwil
lmakesurehisbloodli
ne
doesn'tdi
esoi twoul
dbemuchbet t
ert ohav eher
al
ive,evenifitmeansalivewit
habadmanl ike
myself-ofcour seIam abadmanint hei
reyes-..
.

Manzi
:ar
eyousur
ethi
sisgoi
ngt
owor
k?
Me:
didt
heyseem l
i
ket
heyknowIam power
less?
Iaskannoy
ed.
Manzi
:nomkhul
u.
Ist
andupandst andr
ighti
nfr
ontofhi
m wi
thmy
j
awsclenchedandeyesnarr
owed.
Me:
yini
ngat
hiungabazaamandl
aam?
Manzi:Iwoul
dnevermkhul
u,Ir
especty
oukakhulu
butr
ememberr i
ghtnowyoudonothavethosesai
d
powers,t
heyarewil
lawoman.
Her
emi
ndsmey
etagai
n.
Me:
Iknowt
hatManz
i,Iknow.Youdon'
tneedt
o
r
emi
ndmeal
lthedamnt
ime.
Manzi:sayint
wodaysNgweny agivesusthethrone
back,t
henwhat?Howwi l
lwerulewithoutseei
ng
whatishappeni
ngaroundusorwithinus?Likeitor
notri
ghtnowthebothofusaretoothlessdogs.Siy
a
khonkhothanj
easi
namazinyo.
Me:Ihav
ealwaysbeent
hegreat
est,don'
tdoubtme
now.Weneedanyangatoworkwit
husi nbri
nging
backmypower.
Manzi
:Iheary
oumkhul
u.
Me:good,
nowrightnowj ustbeexcitedt
hatyouwi
l
l
becomeacrownedprinceofthisgreatvi
l
lage.
Hesmil
esandnodsbutIcanst
il
lseesome
r
eser
vat
ionsi
nhiseyes.
Me:inthemeanti
megoandcont
inuet
heblood
sacr
if
icesf
orourgods,
may
betheywil
lfi
nal
lygi
vei
n.
Hebowst
omeandheadsbackt
othendomba.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

HaoweMa, Pearlisaspeci alcaseguy s.Ihav ebeen

withmyboy fri
endf orawhi lenowbutwhatsheand
Mphi kel
elididinoneni ghtshockedme.It hi
nkt hi
s
oneshoul dreal l
yattendSexAddi ctsAnony mous
becausewow, Iam notjudgingherandInev erhave
butI'
v ealway swonder edifitdoesf il
lupt hev oid
shef eel
s.Runni ngawayf rom lov ewon' tgetr i
dof
theloneli
nessandpai nshehasev erfelt
, usingman
thewayt heyhav eusedheri nthepastwon' thealher.
Ihavet r
iedcount lesstimest al
kingt oherabouti t
,
andr emindinghert hateachguyshesl eepswi t
h
exchangessoul swi t
hherbutPear lj
ustl aughedand
call
edmeDr .Phil
...

IguessIshouldjustbethereforherandhopet hat
shealwaysengagesi nsafesexuntil
sheisready
enoughtodeal wit
hherdemonsheadon.Li kei tor
notPearl
sissuesdi dn'
tstar
twit
hmanwhol i
edt o
heraboutl
ookingf orlov
ewhent heyonlywantedto
sleepwithherandpass.If
eeli
t'
stoodeepandI
can'tputafi
ngertoi
tbecauseshehardlyev
erwant
s
totalkaboutherf
amilyandrel
ati
ves.
..

Wegethomef rom theshopandt here'

sacarIdo
notrecogni
zei nt
hedr iv eway ,hopefullyit'
snotone
oftheKings'f
rom theRoy al council,
thoseol dman
j
ustannoymef orreal.Thei rpatri
archal waysrubs
meof fthewrongway ,he'spr obablyher etocheckif
theFEMALEREGENThasn' tbur neddownt hev i
l
lage
totheground.Ift
heyst oppedf orami nuteandgav e
meachancet hei
rv i
l
lageswoul dcomecl osetothis
onebecauseIam t hebr ai
nsbehi ndei ghty
percent
ageofev er
ypr ojectthathappenedi nthi
s
vil
l
age..
.

Webot hcl
imboutoft hecarandheadt othehouse,
soonasIstepfootinsideitfeel
scoldanddead.This
pl
aceneedsapi ckmeup, thedarkcloudhangingon
ourheadsisj
usttookmucht odealwit
h.Iwalkfi
rst
i
ntheloungeandmyey eslandonhim, hedoesn'
t
l
ooklikehimsel fbutIsti
llseemyher oand
ever
ythingagi r
l seeswhent heylookatthei
rdad.My
hear
tjusthaspeacenow, Idon'tevenwanttoknow
i
fIam dr eamingornot .Heget supandopenshi s
armsf orme, withtear
sstreami ngdownmyf aceI
sl
owlywal ktowar dsmyf atherandplacemyheadon
hi
schest ,ci
rcli
ngmyar msar oundhimtight
ly.
..

Me:
baba.
I
tcomesouti
nawhi
sper
.
Baba:
Ntombi
kay
ise,
it'
smemybaby
.Iam back.
Il
etoutapi
erci
ngcr
yandher
ubsmyback.
Me:Don'
teverscar
emel iket
hispl
ease.Iwas
r
unningoutofmymi nd.
Baba:
Iam v
erysor
ryst
handwasami
.
Il
etgoofhi
m andcar
esshi
sface.
Me:
it'
sreal
l
yyour
ight
?Andy
ouar
efi
ne?
Henodswi
thasmi
l
e.
Baba:
it'
smemybabyj
ustmysl
enderv
ersi
on.
Ibur
stoutl
aughi
ngandhewi
pesmyt
ear
s.
Me:
Ilov
eyousomuchBheki
.
Baba:
myhear
tinhumanf
orm.
Hesay
sandIki
sshi
scheek.
Me:di
dMamaseey
ou?Shehasbeengoi
ngoutof
hermi
nd.
Hi
sfacef
all
sandIseepai
nfl
ashacr
osshi
sey
es.
Me:
baba?I
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Heshakeshi
sheadandt
uckst
hest
randofhai
r
behi
ndmyear.
Baba:
wher
edoIev
enbegi
ntohur
tyou.
Myhear
tst
art
spoundi
ngagai
nstmychest
.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngon?I
suMaokay
?
Hehelpsmesi tdownandkneelsinf
rontofme.Iam
abouttoshi
tmypant satt
hismoment .Ever
yonein
theroom i
slooki
ngatmepi t
if
ull
y.
Baba:ev
eryt
hingIam goi
ngtosaytoyouri
ghtnow
i
sallonyourmom, i
thasabsol
utel
ynothi
ngtodo
wit
hme,youorany
onef ort
hatmat
ter
.Shei
sthe
onewhodidal
loft
his.
Hesay
sandIam al
readycr
yingRi
verJor
dan.
Myfathert
ell
smet hemostshockingt hi
ngsandmy
hear
tisinshambles,hei
staki
ngbreaksi nbetween
toal
lowmegr aspeverypi
eceofinformationbut
onceheisdonetalki
ngIam st
il
lhav i
ngahar dti
me
makingsenseofital
l.
Me:
tel
lmet
hisi
sal
i
ebaba.
Baba:Iwi
shsomeonecoul
dtel
lmethesamet
hing
toobabybuti
t'
str
ue,
shedidal
lofi
t.
Me:
wher
eisshe?
Hecl
oseshi
sey
es.
Baba:t
hemat t
erisspir
it
ualbaby,
wecantakeherto
thepol
icebutt
heywi l
lbeforcedt
orel
easehercoz
ofthel
ackofevidence.
Me: Don'
ttel
lmey ouall
owedhert ol
eave,
sheneeds
toexplai
ntoeachandev eryoneofuswhyshedi
dit
baba.Shehast opayfortheevil
shehasbeenupto
forall
theseyears.
Baba:noIdi
dn'tal
l
owherl eave.Shei
st i
edupi nthe
backofthehouseunti
ltheroom shewillbekeptin
i
sready.Weneedt owaitontheancestorstotell
us
whatweshoulddo.
Ijustgetupfrom t
hecouchandheadt othebackof
thehouse.Heronel egi
stiedtoat r
ee,aguar dis
standingbythecornerwatchi
ngherev er
ymov e.She
i
ssobbi ngpainf
ull
yandasmuchasshebet rayedus
Ifeelherpai
n.Sheissti
llmymot herandIam
j
ust i
fi
edtofeelt
hisway.Isitdownnexttoherand
shelooksupatmebutqui ckl
ylooksaway .
Me:
whymamawhy
?
Myv
oicei
sshaki
ng.
Liy
ana:Iam sosor
ryKay
ise,
Ijustwant
edt
ohav
ea
famil
y.
Me: andyouthoughtthiswasthewayt ogoonabout
i
t?Gi vi
ngmeof ftomar r
yanevil
spir
itevenbefor
eI
wasbor nnorconceived?Di
dyout hi
nkthings
thr
oughory oujustwantedtobeaQueenand
nothingel
semat ter
ed.
Li
yana:
ever
ythi
ngIev
erdi
dhasagoodr
eason.
Me:reason?Whatwasy
ourr
easonf
orsacr
if
ici
ng
i
nnocentgir
ls?
Shegaspsandshakesherhead.
Li
yana:
Iwi
l
lnott
ell
yout
hatKay
ise.
Me:youhavehurtusma,youdestroy
edusandI
don'
tthi
nkIwil
leverf
orgi
venorlookaty
outhe
sameway .
Ist
andup.
Li
yana:
Iwantt
omaket
hingsr
ightNt
ombi
kay
ise.
Me:
youonl
yfeel
thi
swaybecausey
ouar
ecaught
.
Wit
hthatsai
dIl
eaveherther
ewithmypoorhear
t
t
aki
ngstrai
n.Whodoesthist
otheirownf
amil
y?The
f
rui
tofyourwomb?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Kayi
seisshaken,
shecoul
dn'
tbel
i
ev ethather
mothercoul
dbethatev
il
.Thi
spersonishermother
,
thesameoneshewasexpecti
ngshiel
df r
om al
lbad
thi
ngs,prot
ectorfrom evil
peoplebutlearningsheis
exactl
ywhatshewassupposedt obeshiel dedfrom
i
swhathur tsher.Liyanawasgoi ngt
owat chand
all
owmydaught ergetmar r
iedtoanev i
lspi r
itt
hat
wasbanishedf orhisevil
way s.Whatmadeher
beli
evethatmyKay i
sewoul dbesafewithhi m?

Hlengi
wemanagedt ogi
vehersugarwaterand
somepi ll
stoknockheroutforaf ewhoursbecause
shewashy st
eri
cal.Weneededt osedat
ehersoshe
cancalm down, mydaughter'
ssanitymeans
everyt
hingtomeandIwi l
lprotecti
tal
ways.Wejust
hadacupoft eaandnowwear eheadedtothe
ancestralr
oom hereatthepalace.Makhosiwenti
n
ther
ef i
rsttopuri
fythespaceandsummont he
ancestors.
..

Weleaveourshoesattheentr
anceandgeti nside,
Hl
engiweandherpastorarewithme.Iappreciate
t
hattheyar
eseeingthi
sthrougheventhought heir
r
eli
gionmakesthem nottobel
ievei
nthedead.But
theyhaveseenhowt het
oomi x,
theancestor
sare
vessel
sthatconnectustoGod.Weallsett
ledown
onthestrawmat ,
impephoisburni
ng,t
hecandles
areon,di
ffer
entcolor
edcandl
es..
.

Makhosi
:Cebekhul
ugav
eus2day
s.
That
'st
hef
ir
stt
hinghesay
saswear
ecomf
ort
abl
y
set
tl
ed.
Me:
whatdowedo?
Makhosi
:Iseesomanyt hi
ngs,t
heydonotmake
senseasyethenceIam pl
anni
ngonstay
ingi
nthi
s
ndombauntilIdo.
Me:
whatar
esomeoft
het
hingsy
ousee?
Makhosi
:twoopt
ionsy
ouhav
etochoosef
rom.
Me:
andt
heyar
e?
Makhosi
:gi
vethem t
het
hronewi
thyourdaught
er
andst
andbytowatchhi
m doashepleases.
Me:t
hatisnotev
enanopti
on.Iwouldr
atherdi
e
t
hanall
owmychi l
dtobewit
hthatdevi
l
.
Makhosi:t
heny ouwi l
lhavetostepdownfrom t
he
thr
oneandgivei tt
ot henextfamil
yinli
ne,whi
chis
MenziShezi'
sfamily.WiththatDabul
awon'thave
anyreasontowantt obewi thNtombiZamaNgwenya
becauseshewillnowbeacommoner .
Igaspf
orair
,giveupmyforef
ather
sthrone?Menzi
i
snotanidealpersont
oobutheisthebetterdev
il
.
Hlengiwe:sor
ryforspeakingoutoft
erm butBheki
theKingdom needsyou,isn'
tther
eanyotherway?
Thepeopl ewi
llnottr
ustanyonewhoi snotyouor
doesn'tcomefrom you.
Makhosi:
IwishthewasmaShangebutt
hei
sn'
t.I
t'
s
oneofthetwo.
Me: t
hei sn'tadebatethen.Iwi l
lstepdownandgi ve
thethronet oMenzi.Thet hr
onei sj ustabench
coveredinv elv
et,i
tmeansnot hingt omecompar ed
tomydaught er'
shappiness,sani t
yandf reedom.I
wouldr atherbeacommoneri nal andIoncel edasa
King,thant osi
tbackandwat chmyhear tinhuman
form mar ryaspir
itj
ustbecauseIwantt oholdonto
powerandf ame.
Makhosi
:I'
vehear
dyounkosi
yami
.
Me:weshouldjustpr
ayt
hatMenzidoesn'
tuset
his
posi
ti
ontobett
erhimsel
fandf
orgetaboutt
he
peopl
e.
Hl
engi
we:Bhekumbusoyouareagreatmanandan
amazi
ngf
ather.Godbl
essyourhear
t.
Shecl
aspsmyhandandIsmi
l
eather
.
Makhosi:i
ndeedheis.Remembernkosi
yami,
ever
ythi
ngishappeningasi
tshoul
d.Theancest
ors
j
ustrequest
edmet opassonthismessagetoyou.
Me:
thokoza.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Remembert hatTheHousewi feissti

ll
avail
ablefor
purchase.ItcostsR100andoncey ousendmet he
proofofpay mentIwill
forwardthecopytoy ou
i
mmedi atel
ysoy oucanindul
geint herol
l
ercoaster
ofemot ions.Refert
othepinnedpostont opfor
mor einformati
on
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER48
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Iser i
ouslycoul dn'
tbel i
ev emymom woul ddot hi
s,
howdi dsheev ensleepatni ghtknowi ngt hatshe
kil
ledi nnocentgi r
lsfort heevilsheisapar tof?She
criedhy steri
callywhenauntNonhl ediedknowi ng
verywel l
thatshewasr esponsibleforit.Idon'teven
wantt ot ouchont hefactt hatshegav emeawayt o
anev i
ldeitylongbef oreIwasbor n.Myownmot her
wat chedmeandmyf atheraswel last hewhol e
communi t
yr unaroundl ikeheadlesschi ckenswi th
thef earoft heunknown, whil
eshewast hegreen
snakei nthegreengr ass.Mamahur tmesobad, she
brokemyhear tandnowIdon' tfeelbadaboutbei ng
closert omydadt hanher .Iguesst heuni ver
sewas
protect i
ngmef rom thehur tIwoul dhav ef el
tifIwas
attachedt ohert hanbaba. .
.
Yester dayafterIwokeupmyf athertoldmet hat
Pearl hadleftt ogiveusspace, Icall
edherl at
eron
andshehadar ri
vedsaf el
yinJohannesbur g.Ifeel
badt hathermi nivacationendedabr uptl
y,butit
woul dn'thavebeent hesamecozt henewest
i
nf or
mat i
onj ustshookev eryoneofus.Babahasn' t
beenhi mself,hehasbeencl osedupi nhisstudy
sincey esterdayev ening,Itr
iedt al
kingtohi m about
i
tbuthej usthel dmel i
kealitt
lebabyandgav eme
foreheadki ssesassur i
ngmet hatwewi l
lbeokay .
..

Iknowwewi llgetthroughi tal

l,
sol ongasIhav emy
boy fri
endandmyf atherbymysi de, LordknowsIam
gratefulthatBukhosi andIareinabet terpl acenow.
Iwoul dhav ediedami l
li
ondeathsgoi ngt hr oughthe
painofnotbei ngwi t
hhi m andmymot her'sbet r
ayal.
Oneoft hemai dscamet oinf
orm met hatt heelders
requestmypr esence.If ini
shdressingup
appr opri
atelyandmov etothethroner oom t omeet
witht hem, myf atherissitt
ingonhischai r
, makhosi
alongwi thmam' Hlengiweandt hepast orladyar e
sitt
ingont hesi nglecouches.Itakeaseatnextt o
myf at
herandhet
akesmyhandandki
ssesmy
knuckl
es.
..

Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Baba:
wearegoi
ngt
obeokayst
handwasami
,I
promi
sey
ou.
Me:
Iknowbaba.Asl
ongasIhav
eyou.
Baba:
Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou,
it'
sshocki
ngbut
i
t'
stheonl
ywaytosaveyouf
rom t
hatevi
ldei
ty.
Hesay
sandthesadnessl
acedi
nhi
svoi
cehaunt
s
meimmedi
atel
y.
Me:whatisi
tbaba?t
ell
mesowedeal
wit
hit
t
ogether
.
Makhosi
:bef
orewepr
oceed,l
etmef
reey
ouf
rom
ev
eryhol
dofDabul
amanzi.
Hecomestomeandremovesther
ingmymother
hadgiv
enmecl
aimi
ngitbel
ongedt
oherown
mother.
Makhosi
:wi
tht
hisr
ing,
yourmar
ri
aget
othatdev
il
wassealedandr
ecogni
zedbyt
heki
ngdom of
dar
kness.
Idropmyt ear
s, al
lbecauseofmymot her.Nowall
thedreamsIal way shadmakesense, nowI
understandwhymyexboy fr
ienddumpedmeby
clai
mingt hataspi r
itwastor
ment i
nghim andt
ell
ing
himtost ayawayf rom it
'swi
fe.Ihavealwaysf
elt
andknewt hetruthbutitwashardformet o
understanditall.
Makhosi
:Iwi
l
lgetr
idofi
t.
Me:
Iwi
l
lnotbemar
ri
edt
ohi
m atal
l
?
Makhosi
:wor
rynotchi
l
d.
Inodandlookatmyfat
herwhol
ookspai
nedand
goingt
hroughthemost
.
Baba:
Iam steppingdownf
rom t
hist
hrone
Ntombikayi
se,Iam gi
vi
ngt
hethr
onetoMenzi
Shezi
andhi
sf amil
y.
Iam l
ooki
ngathi
m shocked.
Me:
what
!Why
?
Baba:
Dabul
agav
emet
woday
stogi
vehi
mthe
Kingdom andy ou,Iwill
notabl
etodothat
.Theonl
y
wayt obreakwhat everbondhehaswit
hyouist
obe
acommoner .WithoutanyRoyalwomantomarr
yhe
can'thav
eaccesst othethr
one.
Me:nodaddy,
thisthr
onemeansalottoy ou.Pl
us,
Dabul
amightsti
l
l t
akethi
sthr
onebyforce.
Baba:
y esi
tisi
mpor t
anttomebaby,
justnotas
i
mportantasyou.Youaremyli
fe,
andIwouldgivei
t
al
lupforyourhappi
ness.
Iclosemyey
esandsqueezehi
shand.Iknewmy
fat
herlov
esmebuttogiveupt
hisKi
ngdom?That's
all
heknows,hi
sancest
orswor
kedhardfort
his.
Makhosi
:hecan'
ttakei
tbyforce.Wehaveto
cor
onatehi
mlegall
yandplacethest
affofaut
hor
it
y
i
nhishandsoitdoesn'
tbur
nhim.
Me:
butmyf
atherandt
hist
hronear
ethesamet
hing.
Baba:Iam y
ourfatherbef
oreanythi
ng
ZamaNgweny a,
Iwi l
ll
eaveital
ltoseey ousaf
e,
heal
thyandhappy.Yesmypeopl eneedmebutt he
bl
oodofmybl oodneedsmemor erightnow.
Me:Iam sobl
essedt
ocall
youmyf
ather
BhekumbusoNgwenya.
Baba:Iam t
heonewhoi sblessedt
haty
ouchose
met ofat
heryoubaby
.Tomor rowDabul
awi
llcome
andfindt
heshockofhisli
fe.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ijustgotof facallwit
hmygi rl
fri
end,andi naddit
ion
tot hemostshocki ngthingsshet ol
dmey est
erday
abouthermot herandDabul ashe' saddedsome
mor ej
ustnow.I t
'spainf
ul t
hatt heyhavet ogo
throught hi
sbutwhati simpor tantisbreakingher
connect i
ont othatsonofabi t
ch.Iknewsomet hi
ng
waswr ongwi t
hhim andIwi shIcouldbet heonet o
stranglehimt odeath,it
'sclearnowt hathewas
responsibleforiscit
hot hatcausedpr oblems
betweenKay i
seandI .
..

If
indmamacooki
ngi
ntheki
tchen,
itsmel
l
sgr
eat
butmyappet i
teisdown.Kay i
seisnotokaysot hat
alonemakesev ery
thi
ngofmi negosout h.Wear e
oneper sonandi twasimpossibletonotf eelt
his
way .Ipromi sedtocomet omor r
owmor ningcozI
feelli
ket odaysheandherf at
herneedeachot her
mor e.Iwi l
lcommuni cat
ewi thmyguy satt hefarm
toholdt hef ortf
ormewhi leIavail
my selfforKayise
duringthistryingti
me...

Mama:
pennyf
ory
ourt
hought
s?
Isnapoutofi
t.
Me:
ohIwasj
ustont
hephonewi
thZamaNgweny
a.
Mama:youarenormall
yal
lsmi
l
esaf
tert
alki
ngt
o
her
,di
dyoutwofight
?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
no,
notatal
l
.Butshei
snotokay
.
Mama:Ial
sowoul
dn'
tbe.Lear
ningt
haty
ourmot
her
i
sevi
lwoul
dmakeanyonenumb.
Yes,
Itoldmymom whatmygir
ltol
dmebecauseI
wasloosingmymi
ndaft
ershetol
dme.Mamai snot
aloudmouth,what
everIshar
ewi
thherwi
l
lst
ay
betweenus.
Me:Iguesssobutl
ear
ningthatyouwi
l
lnotbe
r
oyalt
yanymoremakesitworse.
ShefrownsandIsi
ghheav
il
ybef
oreexpl
aini
ng
ever
ythi
ng.
Mama:
Menzi
?Asi
nMenzi
Shezi
yourdonor
?
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
ow,
sohei
smydonorhuh.
Me:
yesmama,
hewi
l
lbet
henewKi
ngofUkut
hul
a.
Shepl
acesherhandsont
opofherhead.
Mama:ahhhweMa!Menzi
isev
ilBukhosi
,hewi
l
lnot
beagoodKing.
Me:Iknowbuti
t'
sbet
terhi
mthananev
ilspi
ri
tli
ke
Dabul
a.
Mama:
that
'str
uebuti
t'
sbadnewsfory
ouandI.He
wi
ll
gooutofhi
swaytomakeourli
vesali
vi
nghel
l.
Me:thesamehellwil
lroll
overbef
oreIl
etthat
happen.Hebet
ternottrymebecauseIwil
lmessup
hi
slif
etoo.
Mama:weshouldjustav
oidthem,orbet
terl
eav
e
t
hiski
ngdom bef
oreheiscrowned.
Me:Iam notl
eavi
ngmyhomef orhim.Iam gr
owing
mybusinessher
esoIwill
stayunt
ilIf
eelIwantt
o
upgr
adenotbecauseofhi
m.
Mama:wonder
sshal
lnev
erend.Di
ditr
eal
l
yhav
eto
beMenzi
?
Me:heshoul
djustbeki
ngandst
ayt
hehel
laway
f
rom us.
Mama:
tel
lmydaught
eri
nlawngi
thencese.
Inodandt
akermyphonet
otexther
.

*Il
oveyoubabe,andev er
ythi
ngisgoingt
oworkout
fort
hebest.Igotyourbackalways.Mamasends
herl
ovetoo*
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Idon'
tknowwhati
sgoi
ngt
ohappent
ome,
nonof
them havebeenbackher etocheckuponmeandI
wishtheywoul dsoIcansi ncerel
yapologiseforall
thepainIam causi ngandIhavecausedbef or
e.One
chance,that'
sallIhavebeenpr ayi
ngfortomake
thi
ngsalrightwit
hmyf amil
yandgetridofDabul a.
Heusedme, thi
swasnev eraboutmeandhel ping
meout .Iwasameanst oanendandnowt hatit'
s
overforme, hi
spr omisesareoutthewi ndowt oo..
.

Iam hur t
ing,Iam goi ngcrazybutev enwhenIt r
yto
pitymy selfIcan'tbecausei t
'sallonme, my
husbandanddaught erhatemeandIhav enooneto
blamebutmy self.Al
lIcanwi shforisthatwit
htime
theylearnt oforgivemesowecanmov eonfrom
thishorri
ficpartofourl i
ves.Makhosi makeshis
wayt omeandIl ookdowni nshame, hesettl
es
downonhi sstr
awmatandhav esaheav ysi
gh.I
don'tneedhi m comi ngtor ubitinmyf ace.
..

Makhosi
:thef
actthaty
ousleptwi
tht
hatspi
ri
ton
yourmat
ri
monialbedmakesmewanttoagreewi
th
Bheki
ont
hepuni
shmentt
hatsui
tsy
ou.
Myheartl
it
eral
l
ystopsbeat
ing.Howdi
dheknow?
DidDabul
amanzicometobragsomemoreandbeat
Bhekumbusodown.
Me:
how,
uhm howdoy
ouknow?
Makhosi:Iam theey eoftheGodsLiyana.
Someti
meswhenIdon' tsaythi
ngsit
'snotbecauseI
don'
tknow, it
'sbecauseIcan'tbespeakingforthe
sakeofit
.Ihav etoputt hepuzzl
etogetherand
makesenseofev erymov eImake.Ihaveahar dtask
prot
ect
ingt hi
sthroneandki ngdom.Youandt hat
devi
lmighthav ebli
ndedusf orsomet y
pebutwe
cannowsee.
Iswal
l
ow.
Me:
doesmyhusbandknow?
Iaskwi
thashaki
ngv
oice.
Makhosi
:Iwouldn'
thur
thi
m mor
ethany
oual
ready
hav
e.Hecan'tholdont
omorehat
e.
Idr
opat
ear,hehat
esme?Lor
dithur
tst
omysoul.
Thi
smanlov
edmesomuchbutnowhel oat
hesme.
Me:
IswearIam sor
ry.Iwantt
omaket
hingsr
ight
.
Makhosi
:ar
eyousur
e?
Inodv
igor
ousl
y
Makhosi:wel
lDabul
a'
spower
sar
enowi
nyour
possessi
on.
HesaysandIlookatt
hepalm ofmyhandslikeIwi
l
l
l
it
eral
l
yseethem, hel
aughsandcont
inues.
Makhosi
:youar
ethemostpower
ful
evi
lent
it
yI
knowri
ghtnow.
Het
ell
sandIam shocked.
Me:aren'
tyouscaredthatImi
ghtuset
his
i
nfor
mat i
onagainstyou?
Makhosi:It
houghtabouti tbutt
henagainIam
l
eaningonthefactt hatyouhaveseenthatgood
alwaysover
comesev il
.Youdidall
thiswhenthe
pri
ncesswasn'tevenconcei v
edbutmor ethan
twentyyear
slaterthetruthi
soutintheopen.
Iswal
l
owbecausehej
ustsai
dthet
rut
h.
Me:
whatcanIdowi
tht
hesepower
stohel
pmy
f
ami
l
y?
Makhosi:
not
hingmuchLi
yananotunlessyout
ake
yourti
metolear
nhowtousethem.ButIknowone
t
hingyoucandowitht
hem t
orightsomeofyour
wrongs
Me:whatisit
?Iwil
ldoi
tIpr
omi
se.Imadet
hismess
soIwi
llf
ixital
l.
Makhosi
:wel
ll
et'
sgett
otheancest
ral
room.
Istandupandwaitf
ortheguardtocomef r
eemy
l
eg.Iam goi
ngtodoany t
hingtohel
pmyf amil
yout
,
evenift
heydon'
tfor
giv
emei mmediat
ely
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ididn'
tsleepawi nklastnight,I
'm gr
atefult
hat
Hlengiwehasbeenher ewi t
hme.West ayedup
mostoft henightandj ustspokeaboutev eryt
hing
thatwecoul dthi
nkabout .Todayisthedayand
everyoneishereinther oom, byeveryoneImean
my self
,mydaught er
, Hlengi
we, makhosi,t
hepastor
andmycounci
lofel
der
sincl
udi
ngMenzi
.

Ihav eal
readyexplai
nedev er
y t
hingt othem, f
rom
Liyanamakingapactwi t
hthedev i
ltohim gi vi
ngme
twoday stomakeadeci si
on.Theyar eallshockedt o
sayt hel
eastbutitiswhatitis.Theyar edi scussi
ng
i
tamongstt hemselvesandIam j ustlett
ingt hem be,
i
t'sshockingnewsaf teral
l.

Menzi
:sowhathavey oudecidedon?Ar
eyougoi
ng
t
ogivethatev
ilspi
ri
tthethr
one?
Me:
ofcour
senotShezi
.
Menzi:
soy ouar
egoingtoall
owhim ki
lly
ouronly
daught
er?Likey
ousaidhethreat
enedherli
fei
fyou
don'
tcrownhim.
Sbane:Myfat
herdi
dtel
lmeofCebekhulu,
thesame
wayhisfat
herdi
dwithhi
m.Wecan'tal
lowsucha
manbeourKing.
Anot
herel
dersay
s.
Makhosi
:andt
heKi
ngwi
l
lnogi
vehi
mthet
hrone,
j
ustcal
m down.
Me:
youwi
l
lal
lknowofmydeci
sionshor
tl
y.
Theygobackt omaki nginaudibleconver
sations
amongstt hemsel v
es.Iam ner vousIwon'teventry
tohideitbutthisistheonlyway .IlookatHlengiwe
whogi vesmear eassuri
ngsmi le.Thethr
oner oom
dooropens, Dabulamanzi walksinwi t
hhisgreat
greatgrandsonf ol
lowingbehindhi m.Heissohi gh
andmi ghtybuttodaywebot hdon'tgetwhatwe
want.
Dabul
a:haoBheki
youcal
l
edameet
ingf
orme?
Hesay
schor
tl
ing.
Me:theyaretheelder
sCebekhul
u,t
heyshoul
dknow
ofev
er ydeci
sionImake.
Henods.
Makhosi
:showsomer
espectandsi
tdown.
HecommandsDabul
awhoj
ustshakeshi
shead.
Dabul
a:t
heonl
ychai
rIam si
tt
ingoni
sthatone.
Hesay
spoi
nti
ngt
omychai
r.
Me:
it'
sokaymakhosi
,al
l
owhi
m be.
Dabul
a:sowhatdi
dyoudeci
deon?
Isi
ghdeepl
y.
Me:
Iwi
l
lnotgi
vey
oumyt
hroneormydaught
er.
Dabul
a:i
sthi
ssomeki
ndofj
oke?Iwi
l
lki
l
lherI
pr
omiseyou.
Me:
ify
ouwer
est
il
lti
edt
ohery
es.
Dabul
a:Manzi
!
Heshout
sandtheski
nnymancomesf
rom behi
nd
hi
m andbows.
Manzi:t
hesepeoplehavedar
edme,wewillshow
them t
hatIam powerf
ulandIwi
l
ldest
roythem al
l.
Thisi
smyt hr
oneandnoNgweny awil
lsi
toni t
.
Me: yes,Iwi
ll
notsitonit
,norwillmydaughter.Iam
steppingdownasking.Mycr ownandr oyal
tywillbe
passedont othenextfamil
yinli
ne,WichisMenz i
Shezi'
s.Mydaughterhasnobusi nesswithr
oyaltyso
youcan'tbewithhertobeking,Shewillbea
commonerr eall
ysoon.
Shockisonever
yone'
sface,
exceptf
oral
lthosewho
al
readyknew.
Dabul
aisnowpaci
ngupanddown,
fumi
ngwi
th
anger
.
Dabula:youcan'
tdothat,
hecan'tr
ightManzi
?He
asksfranti
c.PoorManzij
ustst
andst her
esay
ing
nothi
ngwi t
hhiseyescastdown.
Manzi
:unf
ort
unat
elyhecanMkhul
u.
Hescreamsandt r
iestocharget omebutmakhosi
i
supi nasecondandbl owingwhitepowderi nhis
faceandhejustfallsdownunconsci ous.Manzitri
es
torunbutt
heguar dsatt hedoorqui ckl
ystophim
andMakhosi doest hesamet ohim.Hei nstr
uctsthe
guardstot
aket hem toancestralroom outsi
de.I
sighandbr
ushmyf or
eheadwi thmyt humb.
Menzi
:myKi
ngdi
dyousayt
hatt
ofool
him or
?
HeasksandIcl
osemyey
es.
Me:noit
'st
heonl
ywayt
osav
emydaught
erf
rom
hi
sclaws.
Menzi
:soIwi
l
lbeKi
ng?
Youcan'
tmi
sstheexci
tementandshockinhisvoi
ce.
MakesmewonderifImadetheri
ghtdeci
sion.
Sbane:comedownMenzi ,
theKingisgoingthr
ough
somuchr ightnow.What'
simportantr
ightnowisto
makesur etheyareokaybefor
eyouwantt ojumpon
thethr
one.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Menzi:Idi
dn'
tmeant
obei
nsensi
ti
ve,
Iam j
ust
shockedthat
'sal
l
.
Me:
it'
sfi
neShezi
wecandi
scussi
tonceandf
oral
l
.
Menzi
:whenwi
l
lIbecr
owned?
Ohwow,
he'
sal
readypowerhungr
y.
Me:
inamont
hst
imemay
be,
Ineedt
ogetmyaf
fai
rs
i
norder
.
Menzi
:andt
hepl
ant
ati
on?TheRoy
alaccount
?
Il
ookathi
m andnar
rowmyey
es.
Sbane:yohMenzi
!Youar
eal
readyaski
ngf
ormoney
.
Kantiunj
ani
lomuntu.
Hesay
scl
appi
ngonce.
Me: it
'sokay.Thepl antat
ionismine,i
tdoesn'
t
belongt otheRoy alestat
e.Istart
edi
twithmyown
money .Howev ertheRoyalaccountwil
lbehanded
overtoy ou,you'l
lneedf i
ndgoodbusinessventur
es
forincomest reamsy ouwi l
lfol
lowtomakel i
fe
easierforthepeopl e.
Menzi
:goodenough.
Isi
tdownt oanswermor equest i
onshemi ghthave.
Notonceinmyl if
edi dIevert hi
nkthet hroneofmy
for
efather
swillbehandedov ertoanotherf amil
y
whil
eIam aliv
eandhav eapr incesstoascendwhen
Iam gone.Myhear ti
sbr oken, t
hisisallIknow.I
wasbor ni
nRoy al
tyandmyl iferevolv
edar ounditto
thi
sv er
yday,butKayiseisev eryt
hingtome.Iwant
tocryandletmypai noutbutnotasy et.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts

Thi
schapt
erwassponsor
edbyGr
ace
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER49
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
MAKHOSI

Iplacethelidwitht heburningimphephodownand
si
tback, adeepsi ghf ol
l
owsandIhearZanemv ul
a
cl
earhert hroat
.Wear ebothsof rustr
atedandtir
ed.
Ithoughtthiswoul dwor ksoBhekumbusodoesn' t
havetost epdownandgi v
et hethronetoaself
centeredbastardlikeMenzi ..
.

Zanemv
ula:
theyar
eref
usi
ng.
Inod.Wewer etryi
ngtoawakenDabul a'
spowersin
Liy
anasoshecant apintothem andbanishthespi
ri
t
andpower softhi
sev i
lman, deepinthewater
for
everbutwebot hcannotseem t odoit.
Zanemv ul
aisagreatny angawhoal sohas
knowledgeindarkenti
tiesandt hei
rpowers,sheal
so
hasknowledgeinhowt ofi
ghtthroughthem and
nowthatshei
sfai
l
ingIdon'
tknowwhatwear
e
goi
ngtodo.
Zanemv
ula:
wehav
ebeenati
tforal
most2day
s
now.

Twoday sofbei nginawor l

dofspi ritsandst i
ll
nothingisshowi ngforit.Witht hesepower sstil
l
existi
ngi nsomeoneDabul aandManzi caneasily
fi
ndasangomawhowi l
l hel
pt hem t ransferehi
s
spiri
tintoLiyanaanduseherasav essel j
usttouse
hispower s,afterall
hei st heonewhoknowsexact l
y
howt ouset hem.Wi ththepossi bil
i
t yofhim getti
ng
backhi sdarkpower swecan' triskallowingBheki to
si
tont hethronebecauseDabul amanzi willhavea
wayi ntothet hrone,thatisclaimi ngKay iseashi s
wifeandcausi nghav ocwhenhecan' tgethisway .
ThisKi ngdom doesn' tdeser v
esuchaman, heis
brutalandev il
.
Zanemvula:weshouldj
usttr
usttheancestor
sto
savetheKingdom f
rom Menzicozthat
'syourot
her
worry
.
Me: IwasjusthopingthatIcandothisforBheki
,he
i
sagr eatKing.Heput stheneedsofthepeople
beforehisown.Hei sn'
tself
ishandhedeservesto
sitonthatthroneandleadthiski
ngdom unti
lhis
foref
athersrememberhi m.
Zanemvul
a:Iunder
standbutsomet
imeswecan'
t
havewhatwewant.
Me:Ij
usthat
efeel
ingusel
ess,
sincethi
swhol
ethi
ng
st
art
edIhavedonenothi
ngtohelp.
Zanemv ul
a:it
'snat
ural
tof
eelt
hatwaybutyoucan'
t
changefate.You'
vedoney
ourbestconsi
der
ingt
he
si
tuati
on.
Inod.
Me:Iguesswecanalljusthopeforthebest.Bekhi
wil
lst
epdownandDabul awi l
lnothaveawayt o
ent
erthepal
aceandclaimt hethr
onebecausehi s
evi
lwayshavebeenexposed.Menzi hastwoboy s
onl
ysoitwil
lbehardforDabulatomani pul
atehis
wayinagai
nusingagirlchi
ldinthatfamil
y.
Zanemv ul
a:wejusthavet
oworkonfreei
ngthe
vessel
andallowinghimtoli
vehi
sli
fewit
houtbei
ng
att
achedtoaspi
rit
.Wewi
ll
consul
ttheancest
orson
whattodowithManzi
andtheKi
ngwill
justgi
vea
ver
dictonhi
swife.
Me:andDabul
awi l
lroam ar
oundtheear
thj
ustl
ike
mil
li
onsofspi
ri
ts.Withther
iskofi
nvadi
ngLi
yanato
gethi
spowersofcourse.
Zanemvul
a:Iguessthatwil
lbeherpuni
shment,to
betor
mentedbyaspi r
itshebr
oughtbacktoli
fe.So
l
ongasKayiseisnotasuccessorDabul
awill
not
haveawayintoRoyalt
y.
Me:Iguessthat'
shalfavi
ctor
y .Iam j
ustgladIdi
dn'
t
t
ell
Bhekumbusoaboutourat tempttogetr idoft
his
man,thatwouldhavegiv
enhim hope,falsehope.
Isayl
ooki
ngatthethr
eeunconsci
ousbodi
es,
Liy
ana
witht
heevi
lDabul
aandManz i
.
Zanemvul
a:Iam sor
ry.I
twi
l
lwor
kouti
ntheend.
Hlal
aedl
ozini
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Icouldn'
tbr i
ngmy selfi
ntol eavingBhekumbusoand
Kay i
seal
l aloneafterev
er y
t hingt hathashappened,I
alsocouldn'tstomachleavingandgoi ngtobeall
aloneatmyhouseandcr yingov erZonke.Ifeell
ike
theyaretheonl ytwopeopl ewhounder st
andwhatI
am goingt hroughbecauset heyar ealsothevict
ims
ofthesamepeopl eandt heirev i
l ways..
.

It
'sali
tt
lehardIwon' tli
e,Idon'
tknowwhatt osayt o
makethem feelbetter.Theli
fetheyhavealway s
knownisgoingtobet akenawayf r
om them andas
muchaswear ehappyt hatthedemonDabul awi l
l
nothaveanyholdov erKay i
senorthisthr
one,itsti
l
l
hurt
stoseet hem hav i
ngtogiveitall
up..
.

Ijustfi
nishedprepari
nglunchandIaskedt hemaids
totaketwopl atestotheancestralr
oom where
Makhosi andanothersangomaar eworki
ng.They
hav en'
treall
yexplai
nedany t
hingbutIknowbetter
thantoasktoomanyquest i
onsnow,
whatwear
e
deali
ngwithisbeyondmostofusandal
lwecan
real
lydoishopeforthebest
..
.

Iam si
tti
ngaroundthetabl
ewi t
hbothfatherand
daught
erandi fi
twereuptothem Isweart hey
wouldskipall
themeals.Buttheyneedtokeept hei
r
str
engt
hupi nordertofi
gureoutthei
rnextmov e,my
mindhasbeenl i
ngeri
ngonat houghtandIknowi t'
s
adowngr adetowhattheyknowbutitwil
l beone
l
essthingtoworryabout.
..

Me:
uhm-
uhm
Iclearmyt
hroatandt
heybot
hlookupf
rom t
hei
r
platest
ome.
Me:Iam sor
ryi
fthi
sist
oosoonbutwher
etof
rom
her
e?
Theylookateachotherandt
henbacktome.I t
'sl
ike
theyareconfusedbymyquesti
onorthisist
hefir
st
ti
met heyareheari
ngaquest
iontheybothhavebeen
t
ryi
ngt
oav
oid.
Kayi
se:wellmama,Ithi
nkIwi
llwor
katthe
pl
antat
ionful
l t
imenow.Pl
us,
thefact
orypr
ojectwi
l
l
bethebestdistr
act
ion.
Ij
ustnodandlookatherfat
her
,whoshr
ugshi
s
shoul
derandsighsdeepl
y.
Bheki
:inal
lhonest
ymaShangeIdon'
tknow.Idon'
t
evenhavethewil
lpowerasi
tis.
Icanfeelt
hesadnessinhi
svoiceanditleav
esmy
heartbr
eaki
ng.Howdogoodpeopl eli
keBhekiand
hisdaught
erfacesuchapai
nfulsi
tuat
ion.
Me: Iwi
shther
ewassomethi
ngwecoul
ddotosav
e
yourthr
oneandkeepi
ntheNgweny
afamil
y.
Bheki
:Iwi
shforthesamethingbutkeIcan'
tri
skmy
daught
er'
sfr
eedom andhappiness.
Kay
ise:
Iam sor
rybaba.
Shesayswi
thashakingvoi
ceandtearsalr
eady
well
i
ngupinhereyes.Herfat
hercl
aspsherhand
andbri
ngst
hem uptohisfacetokissherknuckl
es.
Bheki
:youar
emyl
i
feNt
ombi
kay
isesonev
er
apol
ogi
zef
ort
his.I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
tmybaby
.
Shenodsandheuseshi
sfr
eehandt
owi
pehert
ear
s.
Me:Iknowy ouaregoingtohav
etomov
eoutsoon,I
washopingthatyoubothcanmovei
nwithmewhil
e
yougetyourthi
ngstogether
.
Bheki
:Hl
engi
..
.Iam
Hei
shesi
tat
ing.
Me:Iknowit'
snotmuchbutatleastyouwil
lhave
onelessthi
ngtoworr
yabout
.Itwillgi
veyouample
ti
met odealwi
tht
hiswhol
esit
uat i
onandonceyou
arealmostt
heret
henyoucanlookintomov i
ngout.
Kay
ise:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
deababa.
Hesay snothi
ngforaminut
ebutlooksatmedeepi n
theeyesli
keheissear
chingformysoul.Icastmy
eyesdownf ai
li
ngtomatchhisst
are.
Bheki
:ar
eyousur
emaShange?
Inodv
igor
ousl
y.
Me:
100per
cent
.
Kay
ise:
Iwi
l
lst
artpacki
ngwhati
smi
net
hen.Thank
y
ousomuchmam'
Hlengi
we.
Me:
it'
sapl
easur
ebaby
.
Ist
ealal
ookatBhekumbusoandhei
sst
ari
ngatme
soIqui
ckl
ylookaway.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Me:yesmylov
e.Bantuj
ustdr
oppedmeof
fatt
he
cor
ner,I
'
m wal
kinghomenow.
Kay
ise:
wil
lyoubecomi
ngt
hroughl
ateron?
Me:Ican'
twai
t,i
thasbeenami
nut
esi
nceIl
aidmy
ey
esony oubaby.
Kay
ise:
Imi
ssy
out
oost
handwasami
.
Me:
howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Shel
etsoutadeepsi
gh
Kayise:I
'
mt ry
ingbaby
,Iguesswewi
l
lgetov
eri
t
eventual
ly.
Me:
Ipr
omi
seev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Iam her
efory
oual
way
sZamaNgweny
a.
Kay
ise:
Ibel
i
evet
hati
nmysoul
.Il
ovey
ouChoco.
Wi
l
lIev
ert
ir
eofhear
ingmygi
rl
fr
iendt
ell
met
his?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oobabe.
Wehangupaf t
erpr omisi
ngt hatIwillgetther
einan
hour .Igetinthey ardti
redashel l
,i
twast helongest
dayt oday.Af ewofmypot enti
alcl
ientscame
throught ocheckmypl aceandseei fmypr oduce
willcomeoutaspr omised.Ihonest l
ythoughtthey
woul dwai tformet ohar v
estaf ewsot heyseefor
themsel vesbutf orreasonsknownt othem they
camet oday.

Ihearshoutingf r
om insi
det hehouseandIqui ckl
y
rushtoseewhati shappening.Mymot herhardly
everhasvisitorsandtohearshout ingisalarming
strai
ghtup.Ipusht hedooropenandmymot heris
backedupi nt hecornerwhil
epoi nti
ngtot hedoor,
Menzi i
sstandi ngtal
loverherli
kehei sintimidati
ng
herorsomet hing.Howdar ehe, Ichargetowar ds
him andwhenhet urnsapunchl andsonhi sface.
..
Me:
howdar
eyoucomeher
etoscar
emymot
her
.
Iaskangr
yashel
l
.
Menzi
:youhi
tme?
Hesay
ssoot
hinghi
sjawwi
thhi
sri
ghthand.
Me:andIwi l
ldoitagai
n.Ihavetakenyourbull
shi
t
f
orfartoolongnowandi tstopsnow.Youcan'tbul
ly
mymot herandI,wehav edonenothi
ngtoy ouand
wehavenev erevenaskedanythi
ngofyou.Whydo
youkeeponbot her
ingus?
Menzi:t
othinkIcameherebeggingawhil
eago
hopingyoucouldbeasonandgi vey
ourbrot
her
sa
chanceatthefarm makesmesick.
Me:Idon'
tcar
ewhaty
out hi
nkofmeorhowyouf eel
aboutme.Youar
enot
hingtomeanditwon'
tchange
anyt
imesoon.
Menzi
:Ihav
eal
wayshadmydoubt
s,buty
our
r
eacti
onnowpr
ovest
hatyouar
enotfr
om myl
oins.
Mama:
enough!
Shescr
eamsandwest
opandl
ookatherst
il
latt
he
cor
ner.
Mama: youhavetakenfrom meMenzi,
isn'
ti
t
enough?Whatel sedoy ouwanthuh?whateveriti
s
don'twasteyourti
mebecauseIhav eabsol
utely
nothingelsetogiv
ebesidesmysonandweal lknow
youhat ehim soj
ustgiv
eup.
Shesay
swi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdownherf
ace.
Me:
justl
eav
eusbe!
Ourpleasarefall
i
ngondeafear sbecausehei sn't
mov edbythepaininmymot her'
sv oi
cenort hetears
str
eami ngdownherface.Thi
smani sthedev i
land
whateverreasonheisthi
swayhast obebig,
becausenohumanbei ngcanbegui l
tyofhurti
ng
anotherthewayhedidmymot herandstil
lfeelthe
needtot or
menthereverychanceheget s.
Menzi:Iam sur
eKay
isehast
oldy
out
hatIam t
he
nextki
ng.
Ij
ustgiv
ehim astoi
cexpressi
onbutdeepinsideI
am scar
ed,wonderi
ngwhathehasplannedforus
nowthathehastheult
imatepoweri
nthisvil
lage.
Manzi
:youbot
hwi
l
lwi
sht
haty
out
reat
edmebet
ter
.
Hesay sandIjustchucklenotbeli
evi
ngmyear s.Is
heli
steni
ngtohi mself
?Doesi tal
lmakesenset o
hi
mr i
ghtnow?Hashest oppedtothi
nkaboutallhe
di
dtomymot herandI ?
Ij
ustdon'thav
eananswerfort
his,soIopenthe
doortoshowhimthati
t'
sti
mef orhimtoleav
eusin
peace.
Menzi
:i
t'
sgoodthatyoufi
nditf
unny,
butr
emember
hewholaughsl
astl
aughsthebest
.
Me:
Iam sur
e.Leav
enow.
Henodsandsl
owl
yapproachesthedoor.Hestops
andl
ooksatmefr
om headtotoe.Di
sgustevi
dent
onhi
sface.
Menzi:Iam goi
ngtocrippl
eyouboy.Ifyouvalue
yourl
ifeandtheli
tt
ledi
gnityyoumighthave,I
suggestyougiv
ethatfarm ov
ertomeandmysons
becauseaft
erIam crownedIam goingtotakeitby
for
ce.
Theknot
sinmyst
omacht
ight
enatt
hisst
atement
.
Mama:
thedayGoddeci
dest
odeal
wit
hyouIswear
youwi
ll
thinkyouarebewi
tched.Donotcr
yamnesi
a
whenal
lthathappens.
Menzi
:fr
om whereIam st
andi
ngIam ver
yblessed.
ThesameGody ouaret
alki
ngaboutj
ustappr
oved
myti
ckettobei
ngKing.
HewalksoutandIclosethedoorf
eeli
ngdef eated,
I
workedver
yhardtogetthisf
armrunningjustto
watchMenzit
akeover.Ij
ustdropatearandsi nk
downtothefl
oorbecausemykneesar etooweakt o
car
ryme.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Ihavebeensi t
ti
ngi nthisancestr
alroom with
makhosi andZanemv ula,
theysaidt
heymanagedt o
freethev esselfr
om t hespir
itofDabulamanzi
Cebekhul u.Iam justgladthatthepoorboywi l
lhave
hisli
febackandmov ehomet ohisfamily
.Theyare
l
ai dhim downi nthechamber sNonhlemysi st
erin
l
awusedt ooccupy ,hewillr
emaininthereuntil
he
regainshisstrength,theysaidtheri
tualsareti
ri
ng
andtakesevery
thinginaperson.Iwi
l
ltal
ktoKayise
tor
eachoutt ohisfamil
yonceagainsotheycan
comet akehi
m...

Manziontheotherhandi sti
edupandhi sfat
ewi l
l
beknownoncet heyhav econsult
edwi ththe
ancest
ors.Ij
usthopet heyagreetoussqueezi ngl
ife
outofhim sl
owly,t
hat '
showhedeser vestodie.He
hel
pedhisgrandfathercommitatrocit
iesthatcost
memyt hrone,t
het hroneofmyf oref
athers.
..

Zanemvul
a:Li
yana'
spuni
shmenti
sal
lupt
oyoumy
King.
Me:
Ilov
edt
hiswomansomuch.
Isayl
ookingathersl
eepi
ngonthestr
awmat .
Makhosisai
dtheyneededhert
obreakthelasts
bondsthatt
iedDabul
atomydaughterthr
oughher.
Zanemv
ula:
shewasaf
ool
i
shwomannott
oseet
hat
.
Makhosi
:Iam sor
ryf
orf
ail
i
ngy
ounkosi
yami
.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:youmi ghtbetheeyesandearsoftheGodsbut
whattheychoosenottoshowy ouisnotsomet
hingI
canblamey oufor
.Ibel
ieveever
ythi
ngwill
workout
fort
hebest.
Makhosi
:ifIcould,
Iwoul
dseriousl
yst
opworki
ng
whenyourreigncomestoanend.ButMenzi
might
br
inganev i
lnyangatot
hiski
ngdom.
Me:Idon'
twantyoutostop.Thepeopl
eneedy
ou
makhosi
,youarehonestandtrust
wort
hy.
Heswal
l
owsandl
ooksdown.
Me:
Iwant
edt
oasksomet
hingi
mpor
tant
.
Theybot
hlookatme.
Zanemv
ula:
okay
?
Herquest
ioni
ngt
onehasmechuckl
i
ng.
Me: myfat
heroncetol
dmeaboutapieceofl
and
thati
sfoundfur
theri
nther
iver
.Iti
ssai
dtobedar
k
andscary.
Theyl
ookateachot
heri
nshockandbackatme.
Makhosi
:whatabouti
t?
Me:
doesi
texi
storwasmyf
atherj
ustpl
ayi
ngme?
Zanemv ul
a:welli
t'
ssti
l
l t
herebuti
t'salandfull
of
evi
lthatwasbanishedtherefr
om thevil
lages
i
ncludingUkuthul
a.Whent heworl
devolvedkings
st
oppedbani shi
ngpeoplether
etobei solat
edand
l
aterdieawayf r
om ot
hers.
Me:
howdowegett
her
e?
Makhosi:wellfi
rst
lywewi l
lhavetoprepar
eforthe
j
ourneythere,prot
ectoursel
vesfrom t
hespiri
ts.
Thenwet ravelbyfoott
ot heri
verandtakea
manmadeboatt othepieceoflandandleavethe
off
enderthere.
Me:Isee,
sothatiswhatwi
ll
happentoLi
yana.She
wi
ll
bebanishedther
eandlef
ttodie.
Theygaspf
orai
randl
ookatmewi
thshock.
Makhosi
:myking,
herspir
itwil
lber
est
less,
shewi
l
l
notf
indpeacei
ntheaft
erlif
e.
Me:
good.
Ist
andup.
Makhosi
:shei
sti
l
lKay
ise'
smot
her
,thi
swi
l
lhur
t
y
ourdaught
er.
Me: no!Nt ombiZamaNgwenyai
smydaught er
,the
daught ershegav et
oanevi
ldei
tyjustsoshecan
remainaQueen.Shehast osufferforal
lsheputus
thr
ough, Idon'tfeel
any
thi
ngforLiyanabuthate.
Nothingany onecansayordowillmakemechange
mymi nd.
Makhosi
:makhosi
.
Me:Iwil
lbeonetotel
lthi
stomydaught erand
Li
yanawhenshewakesup.Unt i
lthen,l
etthi
sremai
n
bet
weenthethr
eeofus.Pleasegettoconsulti
ng
wit
htheManzii
ssue,Idon'
twantev i
ll
urki
nginmy
pal
ace.
Zanemv ula:wear eoni t
,don'
twor ryDabula'sspi
rit
wil
lnotlingeraroundher eorar oundy ouandy our
famil
y.Wewi l
ltakeittot hedarkdensef orestand
l
etitroam there.Soonaswehav eanswerst oManzi
wewi l
lcar r
youtthei nstruct
ionsandcl eanseallof
youwhower ev i
cti
msoft heirplot.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Isayandwal
koutoft
her
oom,
myhear
tpoundi
ng
againstmychest .Thedecisi
onImadewit
hregar
ds
toLiyanawasn' taneasyonebutwhatshedidis
unforgett
able.IjusthopeNt ombi
ZamaNgwenya
understandswhyi tshoul
dhappenthi
sway.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts.

TheHousewi
febook1isst
il
lav
ail
abl
e.Oncey ou
makeapaymentyougett
hepdfimmediat
elysentt
o
you.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER50
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Myboy fri
endhasbeenwi thmef oralmosttwohour s,
Icouldtellsomet hingwaswei ghingdownonhi m
theentir
etime.Theki sseswentaspassi onateas
theyalwaysar e,thelovemaki nglackedeveryt
hing
healway sbringst othebedroom.Iknewf r
om there
thathewasst ressedov ersomethingbecauseearli
er
whenwespokeov erthephonehewasi nhighspir
its,
excit
edaboutt hecustomer sthatcameal lt
heway
from Durbant oseehi sfarm..
.

Wear ei
nmybedcompl etelynaked,mylegisover
hi
sandourfinger
sintert
wi nedwhilemyheadi s
gentl
ypl
acedonhischest .Thesoundofhi sheart
beati
snormall
ysoothingbutt odayIcantell
thathe
i
snotmyChocoent ir
ely.Ikisshistor
soandsi tup
str
aighttofindhimfrowning,myboyf
ri
endhates
nothi
ngmor ethanmebr eaki
ngoursnuggl
es,
his
l
ovel anguageisphysicalt
ouchaft
eral
lsoI
understandfull
y..
.

Hetriestobr ingmebacki ntorestingi nhiswar m

armsbutbei ngmeIj ustcan'tignor ethef actthathe
i
snotdoi ngokay .Bukhosi isnotahar dbookt oread
especiall
ynott ome, Iknowhi ml iket hebackofmy
hand.Her el
easesanexasper atedsi ghthatget sme
rol
li
ngmyey esbutashar plookf rom t hi
sdar k
ski
nnedmanget smet obehav e.Hef i
ndst hewhol e
eyerolli
ngt hingdisrespectfulandt hel astthingI
wantisf orhimt of eellessofamanordi srespected
i
nany way .
..

Bukhosi
:babywhat
'swr
ongnow?
Me:
Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hat
.
Hesi
tsupst
raightt
ryi
ngt
omakei
tseem l
i
keIam
i
magi
ningt
hings.
Bukhosi
:Iam l
ost
.
Me: comeon, youdi
dn'tcareifIwassat
isfi
edinbed
today,eventhoughyouknewIneededar el
easeyou
j
usthumpedi nandoutofmeandwheny ou
ejacul
ateditwasgameov er
.
Hebr
ushedhi
sfor
ehead.
Bukhosi
:Iam sor
ryst
handwasami
.
Me:
don'
tbe,
justt
ell
mewhati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou.
Helooksatmei
ntheey
esl
i
kehei
ssear
chi
ngf
or
somethi
ng.
Bukhosi
:i
t'
sMenzi
.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
ows.
Me:
whatabouthi
m.
Me: hecametomyhouseear
li
eron,
heis
threat
eni
ngtotaket
hel
andfr
om ussoonashei
s
King.
Ichuckl
e,whatt
hehell?Imeanthi
smani snoteven
Kingyetandhei
salreadypompus.Bukhosii
s
l
ookingatmeallser
ioushedoesn'
tfi
ndthisfunny
butnei
therdoI,ImeanIam j
ustshockedt
hathei
s
al
readyplanni
ngonbeingr
esidentevi
l.
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeantolaughbabe.Iam j
ustwonder
ing
whyhethi
nkshehasanyri
ghtstothatfar
m.
Bukhosi
:becausehei
sgoi
ngt
obeKi
ng
ZamaNgweny a.
Deepsi
gh!
Me:l
ove,t
hatl
andbel ongstomyf ather
,bab'
Menzi
hasnori
ghtoverthatfar
m.Hewi llbeKingyesbut
wearest
il
lobeyingtheconsti
tut
ionofthecountr
y.
Hi
sey
essof
ten.
Bukhosi
:ar
ey ousur
e?CozbabyIam worki
nghar
d
j
usttohavethatmanst
ri
pmeof fev
eryt
hing.
Ishakemyheadandcar
esshi
scheek.
Me:youhaveabsol utel
ynothingtoworrybecause.
Youcancont i
nuewi thyourfarm wi
thoutfearoft
hat
mantakingitfrom you.Thelanddoesn'tbelongt
o
Royal
ty,
itbelongstomyf at
herBhekumbuso
Ngwenya.
Bukhosi
:thanky
ou,
Ineededt
oheart
his.
Inodsl
owl
y.
Me:whatdoesMenz ihaveagai
nstyouthough?I
fhe
i
sn'
ttr
yingtopainty
oul i
kethedev
il
,heis
t
hreat
eningtotakeyourfar
m.What'shi
sdeal?
Helooksdownquickl
y,hi
sreacti
ontellsmethathe
knowstheanswertomyquestion.Ikeepmygaz e
onhim andhei
ssouncomf ort
ablerightnow.
Me:
baby
?
Myt
onequest
ioni
ng.
Bukhosi
:IwishIknewMaNgweny
a,hi
shat
etowar
ds
mehur t
s.MakesmewonderwhatIev
erdi
dto
off
endthisman.
Myhear
tyouguy
s.
Il
aunchi
ntohi
sar
msandsqueezehi
mti
ght
Me: y
oudon'tneedhim baby,
hisapproval,
support
oranythi
ngforthatmatter
.Heisprobablyjeal
ous
thatyouarewaybettert
hanhisson's.
Heki
ssesmyshoul
der
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Themai dwaski ndenought obri

ngmewi r
eless
speaker sintoBhekumbuso' smat ri
moni albedroom,
l
isteningt ogospel musicwast heonlythingt hat
woul ddest r
uctmef rom feel
ingli
keani ntruder.I
meant hi
si sthebedroom heshar edwi t
hLi yanaf or
yearsonendandt ojustenterfeelsuncomf ortable
butIhadt ohelpBheki packhisclothes.Thisman
hasal otoft hingstohisnameandi fwedon' tst art
packingt hem r i
ghtawaywewi l
lbeleftwi t
hal otor
wor konourhandsandMenzi isinahur rytobe
crownedKi ngandmov eintothepalace...

Iam notasot howomanbutIknowasongt hat

speakstomysoul r
egar
dlessoftheli
ngousedand
ri
ghtnowLeboSekgobel aisspeakingtome.Ihave
beenrepeating-dumelangkey atsamaya-t
earsare
j
uststreamingdownmyf aceandf orsomereasonI
feell
i
keIam deal ingwit
ht hedeathofmydaughter,
notentir
elybutIam accept i
ngherpassi
ngand
bel
ievi
ngshei si
nheavenresti
ngonther
ighthand
ofourfather
.Witheachpassi
ngdayIwil
lcomet o
ter
mswi thGod'swil
lbutZonke'
smemorywilll
i
ve
for
everinmyhear t
..
.

Istopfoldi
ngt heshirtandtakemyphonet ogo
throughherpictures,nowIam gl adshef orcedmeto
buyaphonewi thacamer abecauseIgett oseeher
faceevenwhenshei snomor e.Iguesst echnol
ogy
i
snotasbadasIt hought,forIgettolistentomusic
throughitandseeherbeaut i
fulf
acewhenIneedt o.
Thebedr oom dooropensandBheki walksinbut
stopsinhistracksasheseest earsrolli
ngdown.He
takeshislowerl i
pinbetweenhi steethandwor ry
takesoverhisf aci
alexpressi
on...

Bheki
:ohHl
engi
we.
Hesay
scomi
ngf
orwar
dandset
tl
ingnextt
ome.
Me:
Iam deal
i
ngwi
thi
t.
Bheki
:al
l
owmet
obet
her
efory
ou,
li
key
ouar
eher
e
f
ormemaShange.
Me:
youneedmemor
e.
Heenv
elopeshi
sar
m ar
oundme.
Bheki
:Iam nott
heonewhol
osthi
schi
l
dHl
engi
.
Ishakemyhead.
Me: IknowMtimandebutyoulostyourmar
ri
age,
yourwife,
yourki
ngdom andtheli
feyouhaveal
ways
known.
Hecl
oseshi
sey
esi
npai
n.
Bheki
:wehav
ebot
hlost
.
Iquicklyclaspshi shandandhel ooksatmewi th
eyest hattel
lmesomet hi
ngt hatscar esme, even
beforeIcant alkmy selfoutoft hought sthatare
runningawaywi thme, hislipstakemi neandIswear
Ifeelfir
eal l
ov ermybody .Idon'tr emembert helast
ti
meIwast hiscl oset oaman, aftermyhusbandI
didn'
thav eani nt erestinanyot herman.Butwi th
Bhekumbusoev erythingtur nedoni t
sknees,even
thoughIt ri
edf ightingmyf eeli
ngsandconv i
ncing
my selfthatit
'sal lwr ong,thef eelingsneverwent
away.Iqui
ckl
ypulloutofthekissIdi
dn'
tret
urn,
out
ofshocknotbecauseIdidn'
tl
ikeit
.
Bheki
:pl
easedon'
t.
Hesay
swi
tht
ear
sgl
owi
ngi
nhi
sey
es.
Me:notl
iket
his,
youarestil
lmarr
ied.If
eel
likea
hy
pocri
teasiti
s,hav
ingfeel
ingsf
oramar r
iedman.
Hesl
owlynodsandst
andsup.Handsbur
ieddeepi
n
hi
spocket
s,hest
opsbythedoorandl
ooksbackat
me.
Bheki:
justsoyouknow,Ididn'
tstar
tfeel
ingt
hisway
becauseLiyanahur
tme.Ijusttr
iedfi
ghti
ngthem
becauseIdidn'
tbel
iev
eitwaspossible.
Hewal
ksoutandIbur
ymyheadi
nmyhands.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Idon'tthi
nkIhaveeverbeent
histhir
styi
nmyent i
re
l
ife,eversi
nceIwokeupIhaven'thadameal nora
glassofwater.If
eel
soweakandIhav ebeen
beggingforaplateoffoodbutIam justignored,I
knowt hi
sisallonmebutwhyar et heybeingso
cruel
?Bhekihasnev erbeensovindicti
veandas
muchasI 'dl
iketobeli
eveother
wi se,i
t'
shisor der
s
thatt
heseguar dsandmai dsar
ef oll
owing..
.

Thel astpersonIspoket owasMakhosi ,hewas

mer elyexplai
ningthatt
her it
ualhadf ai
l
edandwe
couldn'tgetri
dofDabul amanzi orhisevilspir
it
sfor
good.Thepower sarestil
ldeepi nsi
deofmebutI
don'thav eacluehowt omaket hem worki nour
favor,whoknowst hatmay beifImanagedt ohelp
them wi t
hthisthenIwoul dhav efoundfav orand
forgivenessfrom mymyhusbandanddaught er.
..

FootstepsapproachbutIdon'
tevenbot herlooki
ng
backbecauseIam j ustsoweaktoev enblink,so
turni
ngisjustanextremesportf
ornow.Thr ee
fi
guresstopinfrontofmeandbyt hei
rfeetIcant el
l
i
t'sBhekumbusowi t
hourdaught
erandmakhosi .I
quickl
ylookupasmyhear ti
sbeatingsof astinmy
chest.Mypoorbabygi r
l,t
helookonherf acehaunts
meandIcan' thel
pbutal l
owtearstofallfr
om my
l
ifel
esseyes.Bhekiontheotherhandr esembles
hatemorethanpain,thi
smanusedt owor shi
pthe
groundIwalkedonandt ohav ehi
ml ookatmet his
wayispainfult
omysoul ..
.

Me:
Iam sosor
ryt
othebot
hofy
ou.
Bheki
:youar
eev
ilLi
yana.
Ishakemyheadwhi
l
etheset
ear
sar
ebl
i
ndi
ngme.
Me:
Idi
dthi
sforourmar
ri
ageBheki
please.
Hechor
tl
esbutIknowi
t'
snotf
rom amusement
.
Bheki
:ar
eyoul
i
steni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
Me:
Iknowi
t'
shar
dtobel
i
evebutIswear
.
Hetakesouthi
shandsf
rom t
hepocket
sandpoi
nts
atmeinanger.
Bheki
:youbr
oughtbackevi
lthatwasbani
shed
Li
yana,howi
sthatdoi
ngitf
orourfamil
y?Our
marri
age?
Me:i
fIdi
dn'
tgiv
eyouachi
l
dtheywoul
dhav
easked
youf
orasecondwi
fe.
Bheki:t
ellmethi
s,whenyouwer ebusydoingthi
s
wast heeverati
mey ouf
eltbadandwant edtocome
cleanaboutever
ythi
ngoryoujustwantedtoseeit
throughtotheend?
Iswal
lowhardandt heknoti
nmyst
omachgot
ti
ght
er.Ican'
tl
ie,
Ijustcan'
tany
mor
e.
Me:
Iwant
edt
oseei
tthr
ough.
Kay
ise:
mamay
ougav
emysoul
tot
hedev
il
.
Thepai
ninherv
oicet
orment
sme.
Me:
Iam sosor
rybabyIr
eal
l
yam.
Bheki
:youar
eonlysor
ryyougotcaughtLi
yana.You
ki
ll
edtokeepthi
ssecr
et,
soyouarenotsorry.
Me:
IswearIam.
Bheki
: mydaught erandIdeserv
et omov epastthis.I
havelostmyt hronebecauseofthis,becauseofy ou.
Youdon' tdeserveeit
herofus,
sinceIam st i
l
l Ki
ngI
am banishingyoutot hepi
eceoflanddownt heri
v er
,
whereall evi
lpeopleli
keyouusedt obethrownt o
di
eal
oneandmi
ser
abl
e.
Hesay
sandthecol
dhat
einhi
svoi
cesendsshi
ver
s
downmyspi
ne.
Me:Bhekumbusopl easeno,
please.IknowIhur
t
youbot
hbutpl ease.Ratheryoukil
lmenowt han
sendmet her
epl ease.
Iam rubbi
ngmyhandst
oget
hert
oemphasi
zemy
plea.
Kay
ise:
baba?
I
tcomesoutasawhisper.
Iam cr
ossi
ngmyf
inger
s
t
hatshepl
eadswi
thhim onmybehalf.
Bheki
:sthandwasami,
Ijustcan'
tpl
ease.Sheneeds
topayforallt
hepai
nshecausedus.
Kayise:IknowandIwantt hesamethingbutwewi l
l
bepar tl
yresponsibl
eforherdeat
h.Wecan'tcar
ry
thatonourshoul der
splease.Doanyt
hingj
ustnot
thi
spl ease.
Sheiscry
ingandIknowf orasfactt
hathemight
hatemebuthewillnevernotgr
antKayisewhatshe
asksofhim.Fort
hefir
sttimeIam notjeal
ousof
t
hisbutr
eli
evedbecausei
tmi
ghtsav
eme.
Bheki
:Nt
ombi
ZamaNgweny
apl
ease.
Shegoesonherknees.
Kayi
se:t
hisisnotyou,don'tal
l
owhertochangethe
goodheart
edmany ouare.Don'tal
l
owhertotur
n
youi
ntotheevilper
sonshei s.
Heisshaki
nghi sheadwit
htearsst
reamingdown
hi
sface.TothinkIam t
hereasonmyhusbandand
daught
erareinshamblesmakesmebl eed,Iam
sorr
yandIwishIcouldproveit
.
Hehel psKayiseupandenvelopesheri
nhisarms.
Theyhav etheirmomentandIam watchi
ngwi t
ha
brokenheart.Makhosii
sstandingasi
dewithhi
s
mout hcoveredbyhishand.
Bheki
:Isti
ll
wantnothingtodowi t
hyouLi
yana.
Leaveusbe,theywil
lunti
ey ouandyouwi
lll
eav
e
thi
spalaceatonce.Don'
tlookback.
Hi
svoi
cei
slowbuthi
stonesendsacl
earmessage.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI
Mama:
sohewi
l
lnotcl
aimy
ourf
arm?
Inod
Me:yesmama, ZamaNgweny amadeitcleart
hatthe
l
andbelongst
oherfatherandnoteventheywill
take
i
tfr
om mebecausethecont r
actbi
ndsthem.
Mama:
that
'sgoodbaba.
Me:
it'
sar
eli
ef.

Shesay sstandingupt odishupf orme, Ionl

ygotmy
appetitebackl astnightwhenIcamebackhome
from seeingmygi rl
.Herassur i
ngmet hatmyf armis
safemademef eell
ighter
,IbelieveherandIknow
foraf actthatev enifthi
ngsgosout hbet weenus
shewi llnotturnonme, Godf orbi
dthatweev enpart
way s.Iam justmaki ngapoi nt.Shefailedturni
ngon
meaf ewweeksagowhenIhur therthemostdur ing
thetimesheneededmet hemost .
..

Shepl
acest
hepl
atei
nfr
ontofmeandIst
andupt
o
gowashmyhandsout side,t
heni ghtisverycalm,
theskyisclearandstarsshinningsobeaut i
ful
ly
.
Remi ndsmeofal l
thet i
mesweusedt ol
ayont he
strawmatandwat cht hebeautyoft hesky.Iwil
l
hav etopr
oposeadat eundert hest arswit
hMi ss
Ngweny asoon,may beIwi l
ltal
kt oherabouti t
tonightwhenIcallt
osaygoodni ght...

Igetbacki nsidet hehouseandshehasmov edto

thesof a, wit
hagl assofcol dspr i
teinf rontofher ,
yeschannel 152, t
hewomani nblackcl othingis
roll
ingdownont hegr oundcr yinghy stericall
y.I
wonderi ftheyr eallycrythiswayori t '
sj ustaneffect
tobr ingsomedr amat ot hemov i
es.Tr ut hbet ol
d
I'
vel earnttost omachwat chingt hem cozweeat ,
sleepandbr eat hNol ly
woodi nt hishouse.Thi s
spinachgoeswel lwithroastedchi ckenGod, mama
willforeverbeagr eatcook. .
.

Mama:
didy
out
ell
her
?
Iswal
l
owandl
ookather
.
Me:
tol
dherwhat
?
Mama:
thatMenzi
isy
ourf
ather
?
Ist
opeat
ingandpl
acet
hepl
atedown.
Me:
whathappenedt
ohi
m bei
ngadonor
?
Mama:thesci
enceofi
tmakeshi
my ourf
ather
r
egar
dless,
asmuchasIhatei
tbabyit
'st
hetrut
h.
Me:noIdi
dn'
ttel
lher
,Iam notpl
anni
ngont
ell
i
ng
any
one.
Mama: Iunderst
andbutKayi
sei
snotjustany
one
Bukhosi
, sheist
hewomany ouwantt
ospendt he
restofyourli
fewit
hbaba.
Inod.
Me:
Iknow,
Ijustdon'
twanthert
opi
tyme.
Mama:
hassheev
er?
Ishakemyheadsl
i
ght
ly.
Me:
nev
er,
shenev
erhas.
Mama:t
hentrustt
hatshewi
lll
ear
nthetr
uthandsti
l
l
seey
outhesame.Menziist
herapi
sther
e,youdon'
t
hav
etof
eel
badatal
l
.
Me:
wit
hti
me,
Iwi
l
lcomecl
eant
oher
.
Mama:
makei
tsoonBukhosi
.
Inodandtakemyplatef
rom thetable.Nomore
secr
etsbetweenussoIam defi
nitel
ygoingt
olether
knowwhymenzi hat
esmesomuch.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER51
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
QUEENLI
YANA

Iam cryi
nghy steri
call
y,Ican'tbeli
ev ethi
sdayhas
come.Thedaywher eIloseev er
y t
hingIholddeart o
me,howdi dIev engett othispoint?Howdi dIal
low
myselftobemani pul
atedlikethis?Ishouldhav eran
toBhekumbusowhenbab' Mambat oldmeIcouldn't
havechil
drenal lt
hosey earsagowhenmamat ook
met ohisshri
ne, Ishouldhav ebelievedthatBheki
wil
llovemer egardless.Ishouldn'thav eal
lowed
myselftorunt hi
sev i
lracewi thDabul amanzinow
l
ookatwher et hathaslandedme. ..

Makhosi
,BhekumbusoandKay isearewithmehere
i
ntheRoyalfor
est
,theyareheretodenouncemeas
Queenandstri
pmeof fanyt
hingthatli
nksmet ot
he
NgwenyaandRoyalblessi
ngsandpr ot
ecti
on.Iam
kneel
ingdowninfrontofthebigancestr
altree,
whi l
e
Makhosiischant
ingandspl ashingmutiwaterall
overme.Icannotstoptheset earsf
rom f
all
ing,Idi
d
thi
stomy sel
fsoIshouldstopt hispi
typart
ybuti t
hurt
ssobad...

Makhosi
:youmayst
andup.
Isl
owl
ygetbackonmyf
eetandIam soaked.
Makhosi
:youhavenot
hingli
nki
ngyoutothe
Ngwenyafami
ly,
royal
tyandthegoodl
uckitbr
ings.
Inodsl
owl
yasIl
etev
erywor
dsi
nki
n.
Bheki:Il
ovedyouwit
hallmyheartLiy
ana,Ilai
d
downmywor l
datyourf
eetandgav eyoueverythi
ng
youcouldonlydr
eam of
f.YouweremyQueen, the
envyofallwomanbutyou..
.y
oubrokeme, Iam a
brokenmanbecauseofyou.Idon'
tev erwanttosee
you.
Me:Iknowyouwi
llnotbeli
eveawordthatcomes
f
rom mymouthbutIloveyouandourdaughterso
much.All
Idi
dIdi
df orourfami
ly
.Itwasallwrong
y
esbuti
tcamef
rom agoodpl
ace.Icanonl
yhope
y
oufor
giv
emesomeday .
Bheki
:l
eav
eLi
yanaandnev
ershowy
ourf
acet
ous.
Il
ookatmydaught erandasmuchasshewas
cl
osertoherf
atherthanmesheisst
il
lpained.Ican
seei
tinhereyes,i
t'
seati
ngthr
oughherandmy
hear
tisver
ysorry.
It
urnt
owalkawayandahandr
estsonmyshoul
der
,
It
urnt
ofi
ndmydaughteri
nmyface.
Kayise:IwishIcoul dhatey ouwithev eryt
hinginme
buty ouarest i
l
l mymot her,Il
ovey ouf orsome
reason.Takecar eofy ourself
.Ij
ustpr aythaty ou
don'tcomebackt ocauseusanypr oblems, IhopeI
willnotregretaskingmyf athernott ogoaheadwi t
h
banishingyoui ntotheforesttodie.
Shesaysandapar tofmegr atef
ult
oknowthatshe
l
ov esme,becauseofthi
sIwi l
ltr
ytotur
nmylif
e
aroundandleadabetterone.
Me:Ilov
ey ousomuchbabyandIam sor ryfrom t
he
bott
om ofmyheart.Behappyandl i
veyourbestl
if
e.
Takecareofyourf
atherandrestassur
edthatIwill
nev
erdoany
thi
ngt
obr
ingy
ouanyhar
m ev
eragai
n.
Shenodssl
owly,
Itrytohugherbutshest
epsback
andi
tsti
ngsbutIunderst
andwhy.
Iwalkaway,
myf i
rstst
opismymot her'
sgrave,
I
knowithasnoanswersbutIhopemecr yi
ngwill
awakenherspi
ri
tsoshecanseehowsher ui
nedmy
l
ifebyal
lowi
ngmet ostepfooti
nthatshri
ne.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
MENZISHEZI

Inaf ewweekst imeallthosewhol ookeddownon

mewi llregretev erdoingi t.Iam becomi ngt hemost
i
mpor tantper soni nthisvillageandmywor dwi l
lbe
l
aw, Iwi l
lfr
ust r
at eallofthem unt i
ltheybowdown
andki ssmyf eet.EspeciallyPhindil
eandherson, no
womanhasev ermademef eelthewayPhi ndidi
d
whenwewer ey oung.Igotwi t
hmywi fejusttoget
closert oherbutshesawmeasnot hingbutabi g
brother .Itr
iedbyal lmeanst oshowherhowmuch
shemeanst omebutsheal way sr
ejectedme,
rejectedmyl ov e.Amanl ikemehasal waysgot t
en
exact lywhathewant edandf orhert ojustr ejectme
l
iket hatbr uisedmyegot oapoi ntofnor eturn.Igot
mar riedandst uckwi t hawomanIdi dn'
tl ove, Ionly
toleratemywi f
ebecauseshei sagoodwomanwho
under st andssubmi ssionv erywel l.Ifonl yPhi ndile
didn'tr ejectmeshewoul dhav ebeenmysecond
wifebutshehadt or ef usemeandt hatmademe
l
oat hehersomuch.Idi dn'tunder st andwhyshe
didn'tunder standt heneedIhadf orher ,shedi dn'
t
careaboutt hel oveIf elt.Sheal way saccept edmy
protect ionandhel pbutnotmyl ove.Icoul dn'tjust
all
owhert omov eonwi thherl i
feandt oanot her
mansoIhadt ohav eaf eel ofher , soIt ookwhatI
want edbyf orceandt hat '
swhenBukhosi was
conci ev ed.Ipani ckedwhent hemedi cinewoman
askedmeaboutherandhi ntedonwhatshewant ed
todo, shehadt oter mi natet hatpr egnancybecause
i
twoul dhav eexposedme.I ft hecommuni tyknewof
thatat rocityt heywoul dhav ebani shedmeorwor se
stonedmet odeat hsoshehadt odi ewi t
ht hat
bastar dbef oretheybot hr ui
nedmyl i
fe,al if
ewhi ch
hadonl yst arted.It riedbur ningt heRondav el she
slepti nbutshesur v i
v ed, howIst il
l don'tknow
my self
.Myl ov
ef orPhi
ndil
eMthombeni tur
nedinto
hatesoqui ck,
butshewi l
ll
ayawakeeachni ghtand
regretherdecisi
onsbecauseshemissingoutona
chancet obecomet heQueenofUkuthula..
.

Nobunt
u:haobaba,
wher
eisy
ourhead?
Mywi
fesay
sdr
aggi
ngmef
rom myt
hought
s.
Me:
Iam sor
rymkami
.
Nobunt
u:whatar
eyout
hinki
ngaboutsodeepl
y?
Iof
ferherasmi
l
e.
Me:
justhowgr
eatl
i
fei
saboutt
otur
nforourf
ami
l
y.
Nobunt
u:Ist
il
lcan'
tbel
i
eveIam goi
ngt
obeQueen.
Me:whati
sthefi
rstt
hingy
ouar
egoi
ngt
odoaf
ter
youar
ecrowned?
Nobunt
u:wel
lIt
hinkIam goingt
ousemynewly
f
oundpowertof
or cePhi
ndil
etobemyfr
iendagai
n.
Shesay
swi
thahugegr
in.It
enseup.
Me:
leav
ethatwomanal
oneBunt
u,shei
sn'
tagr
eat
f
ri
end.I
fsheeverwast
henshewoul
dhav
etol
dyou
whatwasgoi
ngonnotcloseof
f.
Nobuntu:
baba,
Ishoul
dhav
efor
cedmywayi
nunt
il
sheopenedup.
Ibangont
het
abl
e.
Me: justl
eaveheralonedamnit
!Wearesoongoi ng
tothepalace,weshouldbeprepar
ingforthatnot
planningtorunaft
erawomanwhoi sclear
lyjeal
ous
ofy ou.
Nobunt
u:whatcoul
dshepossi
blybej
eal
ousof
?
Ir
eleaseanexasper
atedsi
gh.
Me:youaremarr
iedwi
thy
ourchi
l
drenandsheisnot
anddoesnotev
enknowwhothefat
herofhersoni
s.
Sheshakesherhead.
Nobunt
u:y
oudon'tknowPhi
ndi
l
eli
keIdosol
et'
s
dr
opthi
ssubj
ectplease.
Me:
wit
hpl
easur
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KINGBHEKUMBUSO

Thishast obeoneoft hehar destday sIeverhadto

dealwith.Notonl ydidIl ooseawi f
eandmar ri
age,I
l
ostev erythingandIhav etomour nit.Ihaveto
mour n26bi r
t hdays,anniversari
esandeachand
everyspeci al occasi
onweshar edt ogetherandwit
h
ourdaught er .Thisisnotgoi ngt obeeasybutIneed
tobest rongf orKayise,shehast oseemeasher
herososhecanbeabl etof i
ghtandgetoutoft he
painthisphasei nourl if
ehasbr oughtus. .
.

Ont heot herhandIam j ustgl adt hatIhaveHl engi

we
i
nmycor nerthroughall ofthis.Shei sagr eat
womanandt hepr ayerwar ri
ori nhermakesal lof
thi
sbear ablethroughpr ay er
.Iwi llforev
erblessthe
dayshewal kedi nt
omyl if
e,ev ent houghitwas
underpai nfulcir
cumst ances.Shehasbeenmaki ng
allofthiseasierbecauseIdr awsomeofmy
str
engt hfrom her ,
shei sresil
ientandst i
ll
looksat
thebeaut ywhi chli
festil
l bri
ngs. .
.
NowIunder standwhymyancest orssawherwor t
hy
tobemyQueen, Iwi shIhadl i
stenedtothem and
may besomeoft hispai nwouldhav ebeenav oided
butwhati sdoneisdone.Wecanonl ylookforward
towhatl ifecanbring.Wedon' thav eRoyalt
yandt he
throneany mor ebutl i
feissti
llabeauti
fulgi
ftandwe
shall j
ourneyonandmakeeachandev erymoment
beaut i
fulandwor t
hi t.Wegett othepalaceand
Kay i
seget supf r
om myl ap,Iwipehertearsast he
drivercli
mbsoutt hecart oopenherdoor .Webot h
stepoutasoneoft hemai dsrushestous. .
.

Me:
haoi
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Shei
str
yingt
ocat
chherbr
eat
h.
Kayi
se:i
severyt
hingokay
?Shoul
dIaskt
hem t
o
bri
ngyouaglassofwater?
Mai
d:nonomypr
incess,
Iam f
ine.
Kayi
se:okay
,takeadeepbr
eat
handt
ell
uswhati
s
wrong.
Shet
akesami
nut
e.
Maid:
wel
lMrDabul
aisawakeandhei
snotdoi
ng
good.
MydaughterandIexchangeal ookandt
henrunto
hischamber
s.Whenwewal kintheguar
dshave
rest
rai
nedhim andheistr
yingsohardtofr
ee
himself
.
Me:whoti
edhi
m upl
i
keamadman?Comeonf
ree
hi
m now!
Iscr
eam andtheyquickl
yfreehim.Hetr
iest
orun
butIhol
dhim back,
hei ssodisori
ent
edandscar
ed.
Dabul
a:j
ustl
eav
emeal
onepl
ease.
Me:cal
m downKhumalo,wewi
l
lnothur
tyoupl
ease.
Si
tsowecantal
kproperl
y.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Dabul
a:Iwantt
ogohome,
Iwantmyf
ami
l
y.
Hecr
iesandInod.
Me:mydaught
erhascommunicat
edwi
tht
hem but
t
heyar
eyettorespondt
ous.
Dabul
a:whati
sthi
spl
ace?Whyam Iher
e?Wher
eis
thescar
ylooki
ngcr
eat
uresIhav
ebeent
rappedwi
th
underwater
?
Kayi
se:i
fyousi
tandcal
m down,
Ipr
omi
set
oexpl
ain
ever
ythi
ng.
Heslowl
ynodsandgoest
oset
tl
edownont
heedge
oft
hebed.
Dabul
a:so?
Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:
wel
lKhumal
o-
Mydaught
eri
nter
ject
s.
Kayi
se:babacanIbetheonet
oexpl
aint
ohim?I
meanIam thereasonhi
sbodywast
akenandsoul
tr
apped.
Inodandstepbacktogi
veherroom t
oful
l
ytel
lthi
s
poorboywhatreal
l
yhappened.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI
AnxietydiarrheaisrealandIhav ebeenav i
cti
m ofit
almostt hewhol eday ,
eacht imeIt hi
nkabouttell
ing
Kayisethet r
ut haboutme, myst omachrumblesand
Ihav etogoeasemy self
.Ijusthopeoncesheknows
thatIam apr oductofrapeshewon' tl
ookatme
diff
erently
.It'
shar denoughl i
v i
ngwi t
hthefactthat
Manzi viol
atedmymot herandpr oducedmeso
havingtheonl ywomanIl ovelookatmel ikea
mistakewi ll
ki l
lme..
.

Ifinisht akingmybat handset tleinshortsandav est

,
Igodi scardthewat erout sideandr i
nsethebathing
dish.Mymot herlef tfort heshops, Ihatethatshe
nowf eelscomf ortablewal kingalonet hi
sl at
e,yesit
mi ghtst il
lbebr i
ghtout sidebutwhenshewal ks
backi twillbedar k.Shedoesn' ttrustKayiseandIt o
keepi tdownsosheexcusesher selfwhenIsaymy
girl
friendi scomi ngt hr ough.Butsheshoul dn'
t
becausewear elear ningt okeepi tdownsowedon' t
ki
ll herear s..
.
Asof tknockcomest hrought heki tchendoorasI
takeoutabot tl
eofsof tdrinkf r
om t hefridge.Ipl
ace
i
tdownont hetabl eandqui cklygot oopen, i
t'
s
ZamaNgweny a.Shel aunchesher selfinmyar ms
andIhol dhert i
ght ,yesterdaywasv er
yhar donher.
Hermot herfi
nallygotst r
ippedof ft heQueenshi p
andhadt oleavet of i
ndher selfanewl ife,eit
herin
thisvi
llageorout .Ther ealDabul amanzi Khumalo
alsoleftthismor ningaf terhef inall
ywokeupand
theyexpl ai
nedev er yt
hingt ohim.Hi sf ami lycame
l
astni ghttogethi m butbecausei t
'sal ongj our
ney
Kay i
sesai dherfat herinsistedt hatt heysl eepover,
accordingt ohert hisDabul amanzi isnotanass
hole..
.

Kay
ise:
myhome.
Shesni
ff
smyshoul
derandIt
ight
enmyhol
dar
ound
herwai
st.
Me:
for
everbaby
.
Kay
ise:
hav
ingy
oumakesev
ery
thi
ngbear
abl
e.
Me:
Iam gl
ady
ouf
eel
thi
swaymyl
ove.
Shelet
sgoandIst epasidesoshecangeti n.Ipour
ussomet hi
ngtodri
nkandwhenIwal ki
nt helounge
sheissettl
i
ngcomf or
tabl
y,herlegsonthecouch
andtheTVi sonTLC.90dayf iancei
splaying,thi
sis
oneprogrammeweenj oywat chingt
ogether.Ihand
heraglassandsitdownnextt oher,
helpi
ngherr est
herl
egsonmyl ap.
Me:
Ceaserj
ustdoesn'
tl
ear
n.
Shechuckl
es.
Kay
ise:
lov
eisbl
i
ndbaby
.
Me:buti
tshoul
dn'
tbest
upid.Theredf
lagsar
eal
l
ov
er,heischoosi
ngt
oignorethem.
Kay
ise:
Iguessy
ouar
eri
ght
.
Wecont i
nuewat
chi
ngbutmyheadi snolongerin
thi
s,Iwantt
ocomecleantohersoIknownothingis
pul
li
ngthebothusback.
Me:
Iknowwhyhehat
esme.
Isayandshef
rowns
Kayi
se:
who?Michael
?NahAngel
aisnoty
ourt
ype
soheshoul
dchi
llout
.
Shej
okesandIchor
tl
e.
Me:
funnybutIam t
alki
ngaboutMenzi
.
Shear
chesherey
ebr
ow.
Kayi
se:t
ell
mecozonlythenwi
ll
Iunder
standwhy
hekeepstr
yingt
opul
lyoudown.
Me:don'
tl
ookatmedi
ff
erent
lybaby
,Iam st
il
lyour
man.
Hersmi
l
eiswar m andassur
ingev
enbef
oreshe
say
sanyt
hing.
Kayi
se:
not
hinginthi
sworl
dwi
llmakemel
ookat
youi
nadif
ferentl
i
ghtbel
i
eveme.
Me:
Hei
smyf
atherbaby
.
Thewor
dst
akeev
ery
thi
ngi
nmet
osayt
hem out
l
oud.
Shegaspsf
orai
r!
Me: her
apedmymom baby ,
shehasbeenl
iv
ingwit
h
thi
smywhol el
if
e.Ionl
ygottoknowafewmonths
ago.Hehatesmebecauseheknowswhathedidt
o
mymom.
Sheswal
l
owsandt
ear
sar
eal
readywel
l
ingupi
nher
eyes.
Kayi
se:heisasi
ckbast
ard.Hewalksaroundhi
gh
andmightywhenhei
snothingbutarapi
st.He
shoul
dbeashamed.
Me: hel
iv
esinhi
sownheadbaby .Shamedoesn'
t
exi
stinhisv
ocabul
arybecausehekeepscomi
ngto
thr
eatenme.
Shesmi
l
essweet
lyatmeandIwi
pehert
ear
s.
Kayise:
youandmamaar esost r
ong,youaregoi
ng
thr
ought hi
sbutyousti
llseetheworldinagoodli
ght.
Neverfeelbadfort
his,
thisworldisbl
essedtohave
younomat terhowyouwer ebroughti
ntoit
.Il
ove
yousomuchbab' Mthombeni.
Rel
i
ef!Rel
i
ef!Rel
i
ef!
Iki
ssherknuckl
es.
Me:Iam gl
adIt
oldy
out
hisandl
eti
tst
aybet
ween
uspl
ease.
Kayi
se:It
houghtyou'
daskt hatwemakehi m pay
butunt
ilt
henbabyIwil
lrespectyoudeci
sion.
Me:
Iappr
eci
atet
his,
andonemor
ethi
ng.
Sheswal
l
owsandbi
tesherl
owerl
i
p.
Kay
ise:
okay
.
Me:
heandy
ourl
ateauntwer
ehav
inganaf
fai
r.
Kay
ise:whathasthi
smannotdone?Andt
othi
nkhe
i
sgoingtobekingsickensme.
Me:
youandIbot
hbaby
.
Sheopensherar
ms
Kay
ise:
comeher
e.
Igladl
ydoandlaymyheadonherbreasts.I
tsur
e
feelsgoodt
ell
i
ngyourpar
tnerev
ery
thingther
eisto
know.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Yei
i
ini
naTheHousewi
fe
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER52
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

[
3weeksl
ater
]

Iam standi ngi nthemi ddleoft heThr oner oom, my

tearsarejustst r
eamingdownmyf ace
uncontrollably.Ihaveknownt hisl
ifeandl i
v edinthi
s
palaceev ersinceIwasbor n,Ihav enomemor ythat
doesn'tincludemebei ngaKi ngorRoy alt
yf orthat
mat t
er.NowIam j ustanot herpersoni nthev il
lage,
I
am aboutt obowdownt othel i
kesofMenzi ,one
personwhodoesn' tdeser vetoev enst andi nf
rontof
peopletosayhewi l
lbet heirl
eader .Heissel f
servi
ngandar r ogant,Iwoul dn'tbesurprisedifhe
ranthisv i
llaget othegr ound...

Wemov
edoutt
woday
sagobutIj
usthadt
ocome
andseei fIdidn'tforgetanythi
ngt hatmi ghthold
senti
ment alvaluet ome.Wedi dn'tt aket hefur
nit
ure
j
ustthingsHl engiwedi dn'
thav eatherhouseandwe
usedailyandofcour semycar s.Lastni ghtIdidn't
sleepawi nk,Ikeptt ossi
ngandt urninghopi ngthat
someonewi llcomef rom thedar kandt ellmethat
thisi
salladr eam.Il ookatthest af fofaut hori
tyand
myhear tsinks, howdi dweev engett ot hispoi
nt?IfI
everthoughtIf eltpaininmyl i
fet henIwasnot
awareoft hisphasei nmyl if
e...

Itakeami nutet ogathermyf eeli

ngsbeforeleavi
ng,
thelastthingIwanti st hepeopletoseeme
vulnerableandweak.Theyst i
lll
ookupt omeandI
willputonabr avefacet ogivethem hope,because
i
fIst artpanickingtheywi l
ltoo.Iwil
ldealwithmy
paininpr i
vateandwi thmyf amilybecausethoseare
thepeopl ewhounder standthedept hofthi
spain
andl oss..
.

Tomor
rowt
heyar
est
art
ingwi
tht
her
it
ual
sthatneed
tohappenbefor eMenzi i
scrownedathiscoronat
ion
ceremony.Themai dsandguardsarealr
eady
prepari
ngforitall
,ifi
twasupt omeIwoul dn'
tshow
facebutthat
'snotwi sesoIwillj
ustputasmileon
myf aceandcongr atul
atehi
m whiledeepinmyheart
Ihopeforthebest .Igeti
nthecaranddriveofft
o
MaShange'shome, ahomesheopenedf orbothme
andmydaught er.
..

Iwaspl anningongoi nghomebutIf i

ndmy sel
f
outsi
deMakhosi '
shouse, Ijustwantt ofindoutifthe
ancestor shaven'
trevealedany t
hingel set hatwould
makemest ayont hethroneasKi ng.Iknowi t
'sbya
l
ongshor tbutIcanonl yhopeandpr aythat
somet hingcomesupt hatwi l
lprev entShezi tositas
King.Iclimboutt hecarandmakemywayi nsidethe
yard,li
keal waysheissi t
ti
ngont hest r
awmatunder
thetree...

Makhosi
:ahhhnkosi
yami
Hesay
sandIsi
gh.
Me:
it'
sjustBheki
now.
Heshakeshi
sheadno.
Makhosi:tomeandot her
syouwill
alway sbeaKi ng,
thebestthatthisnati
onhashad.Youmadet his
vil
l
agewhati tis,youhel
pedi
t'
schil
dr endevelopand
haveopportuniti
estobett
ert
heirl
ives.Noonewoul d
evenfi
lli
ny ourshoes.
Me:
thanky
ousomuchi
tmeansal
ot.
Makhosi
:wecanonl
yhopeMenzi
doesn'
trui
nal
l
t
hatyouhav
eworkedfor
.
HesaysandInodset
tl
ingdownont
hewooden
bench.
Me:
that
'smypr
ayer
.
Makhosi
:sowhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?
HeasksandIj
ustdon'twantt
oaskany
more,it
's
cl
eart
hathewi
llbecrownedandmyeraisdone.
Me:
Ijustcamet
oseey
ou.
Makhosi
:Iappr
eci
atei
t.Sohowi
sitwi
thMaShange?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
justst
opt
ryi
ngt
opl
aycupi
d.
Makhosi:ohbutI
'm not
.Stoplyi
ngtoyoursel
fBheki
,
sheisanamazingwomanceaset hedayandmake
heryourQueen,y
oumi ghtnothaveathrone
anymorebutsheisnotlooki
ngforthat
.
Ii
nhalesharpl
ybecausethesepastfewweekshav e
mademef al
lforhersomuch,we'v
est opped
our
selvesalotoftimesfr
om lay
ingtogetherandI
wil
ltel
lyouthi
s,iti
sbecomingreal
lyhard.
Me:
weshal
lsee.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MENZISHEZI

Idon'tthi
nkIhaveeverbeensomad, somadIwant
tofindBhekumbusoandt el
lhimtoreturneveryt
hing
thatbelongst
ot hepalace.Canyoubelievethathe
tookthebigplasmaTVt hatwasinthelounge,he
alsotookthealcoholcoll
ecti
onthatwasi nthebar
area,Ihaveal
way shadmyey esonthatandnowhe
tookthem.Hei ssopet t
ythathetookev en
appli
anceshecoul daff
or dtobuy.Whatgotme
mor emadisthef actt
hathedi dn'tevenleaveme
onecar ,
howdoesheexpectmet ogoar ound?Iam
akingandIneedacar ,hisexcuseisthatthosecars
belongtohim becauseheusedhi sownmoneyt o
buythem andmai ntai
nt hem andnott hemoneyt hat
belongstoroyal
ty.Heismaki ngthistransit
ionvery
hard,onceIam crownedIwi l
laddhisnamet ot
he
l
istofthoseIhavet ofr
ust r
ate,whatnonsense..
.

Igettothehouseandf i
ndmywi fepacki ngour
thi
ngs,wear eexpect edtomov eintot hepal ace
aft
erallrit
ualsar eperf
ormedandt heyhav ecr owned
meandt hat'
sst art
ingtomor r
owbutt hecer emony
wil
lhappeni n3day s.Iam soexci tedIwon' tli
e,all
of
thi
swasnot hingbutaf arfetcheddr eam, yesmy
famil
ywasnexti nl
inebutBheki hasadaught erwho
wasgoi ngtobeQueenandst ar
therownf ami l
ytoo
andthent heirli
neagewoul dr ul
efor ever
.Asi tisnow
Iwantt ofi
ndLi yanaandt hankherf orbeingt he
wit
cht hatshei sbecausei fshedidn' twewoul dn'
t
behere...
Me:
hai
bot
aket
hoseout
.
Isayt
omywi
fe.
Nobunt
u:hai
boMenzi
,thesear
emypot
s.
Me: Iknowmyl ov
ebutt heyhav
epot
satthepal
ace.
Leaveev er
ything,
justpackafewofy
ourclot
hesand
thi
ngswehol ddeartoourheart
s.
Nobuntu:t
hesepot
scookt
hebestsof
tpor
ri
dgeand
cabbage.
Ir
oll
myey
es.
Me: wewon'tbeeati
nganyofthosethingsnow
Buntu,wewill
star
teati
ngli
keRoyalty
.Themai ds
wil
lprepar
eourmealsandwewi llbeservedatthe
di
ningtabl
e.
That
'smakeshersmi
l
e.
Nobunt
u:f
inal
l
y,someonewi
l
lal
sot
akecar
eofme.
Inodandwehearcommot ioni
nthebedroom my
son'
sshare.Wehurryt
oseewhatishappeni
ngbut
wefindt
hem argui
ngoversomethi
ng.
Nobunt
u:hai
bohai
boumsi
ndo!
Shesaysandt
heyst
opy
ell
i
ngandl
ookatbot
hthei
r
mom andI.
Me:
andt
hen?
Sbonel
o:Iwastel
li
ngt
hisf
ool
her
ethatIwi
l
lbet
he
Kingaf
teryoudi
e.
Me:ohy
ouarebothal
readypl
anni
ngmyf
uner
al
ev
enbefor
eIam madeKing?
Theseki
ds!
Mfundo:nobaba,wej
ustwant
edt
oknowwhowi
l
l
beyoursuccessor
.
Me:youshoul
dbedraf
ti
ngbusinessplansthatwill
makemoneyandmakey oubiggert
hanBukhosi but
her
ey ouar
eargui
ngaboutt
akingovermythrone.
Iwalkoutannoy edwiththesefool
s.At25and23
thei
reyesarestill
notont hepri
ze,t
heirmate
Bukhosihasaf arm andhasbeentot heci
tyalone
whil
ewest i
llbuyt hem under
wear.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

It
'sgonnat akemeawhi l
etogetusedt omany
thi
ngs, thebat hi
ngdishbei ngt hebi ggest.NowI
won' tcomebackhomet osoakmy selfint hetuband
j
ustr elaxwi t
hagl assofdr ywhi te.Don' tgetme
wrongIam t hankfulforeverythingmam' Hlengiwei
s
doingf orusbecausei fshedidn'tof ferwewoul dbe
stressingov erfi
ndingasui tableplacet ol ive.I
t'
snot
every t
hingwear eusedt obutit'scomf ortableand
homel y...

Iwokeupal it
tl
elateandIwasashamedf orreal,I
meant hi
sisnotthepalace,Idon'thaveadesi gnated
maidwhowi llt
akecareofmyev eryneed.Ihav eto
stepuptoosoIcanhel pherwi t
ht hechoresar ound
thehouse.Sheisnottoooldbutshei sn'
ty oung
eit
hersoalit
tlehel
pwoul dn'
thurt.Idon'
twantt o
seem l
ikewear eabusi
ngherki dness.
..

Ont
heot
herhandIhav
ebeenbeat
ingmy
sel
fup
withwhatBukhosi t
oldmeaboutMenzi beinghis
fatherandwhathedi dt ohi
smom.Ihav ebeen
fi
ghtingmy selff
orweeksnowt onotment i
onthisto
myf atherormakhosi ,Iam surethatt
heywoul dn'
t
crowncr ownar apist
,adul t
ererandaliar.Hisli
stof
offencesislongandt hatissomet hi
ngt heyshould
takeser i
ousl
y.Ineedsomeonet oadvisemeon
whatt odobecauseIwantt osavethekingdom and
givemyboy f
ri
endandhi smot herj
usti
ce, hehast o
payf orwhathedi dtot hem bothnotrewar dedwith
royalty
..
.

Mamai swatchingonegospel wi t
hacupoft eain
herhandandit'
s100degr eecelsi
usout si
de.Iwil
l
neverunder
standt hi
scomboofher sbutheyi t
makeshermam' Lungi
le.Iset
tleont hesingl
ecouch
andshesmi l
essweet l
yatmeandr educesthe
vol
ume. .
.

Mama:
doy
ouneedmet
omakey
ousomet
hingt
o
eat
?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:nothanky
oumama, Iwi
l
lheadt
otheki
tchen
mysel
fwhenI'
m hungr
y.
Mama:
it'
sokayt
hen.Howar
eyouset
tl
ingi
n?
Me:al
lgoodma.Wit
hnooffensei
twil
ltakemea
whi
l
etogr owi
ntoev
ery
thi
ngasexpected.
-
hereandnowIf
eell
i
keIcanlaydownmyshi
tto
t
hiswomanandnotf
eel
judged.
Me:
canIt
alkt
oyouaboutsomet
hing?
Mama:
alway
s
Me,:well
myboy fr
iendaskedmet okeepsomet hi
ng
bet
weenusbutIf indithardtocozIbeli
eveitwi
ll
sav
et heKingdom andaffordhi
mj ust
iceandpeace
ofmind.
Sheplacesthecuponthecoff
eetabl
eandsits
proper
lyli
kesheisaboutt
olaysomelessonsonme.
Mama: hetol
dy ouwhatevernewsinconfi
dence
babydon'
tbet heonewhot el
lstheworl
dhis
busi
ness,oncehefindsoutthatyouwentbackon
yourwordwheny oupromisednottohewillnott
rust
youagain.Idon'tknowhowy ouyoungonesdo
thesedaysbutbackt hentrustwasev erythi
ngi
n
rel
ati
onships.Yesy ouhav egoodi nt
ent i
onsonwhy
youwantt otel
l butit
'snoty ourpl
acet o,i
fyouwant
thi
srelati
onshiptowor ktheny ouwillhavetobehis
safeplace.
Shesay
sint
hesi
mpl
estwaybutIhearherdeep.
Me:
Iheary
ouma.
Mama:rat
hercommunicatewit
hhim aboutt
his
mat
terandlaydownwhatcouldhappenift
hetrut
h
i
sknown.May behewi
l
l haveachangeofheart
.
Wi
sewoman.Iam gl
adIspoket
oheraboutt
his.
Me:
Iwi
l
ldef
ini
tel
ydoj
ustt
hat
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
LIYANAMDLULI

Li
fehasbeensohar d,Dabul
aistormenti
ngmeday
andni
ght,hi
sspiri
twantstotakeov ermybodyand
mindbutIam notall
owingitatal
l.Hehaspromised
meeveryt
hingunderthesunbutoncebi t
tentwi
ce
shy,heneverhelpedmebutr atherheusedmet o
carr
youthisplansandnowIam t heonepay i
ngfori
t
all
.Iam al
laloneandIcanbar elyfeed.Af
teri
tal
l
happenedintheRoy alforestIwentbackhome, the
housewhereIgr ewup.I twasinabadshapeandI
regr
ettedwhyIdi dn'
tfi
xi twhenIhadt hechanceto.
..

Livingi
nUkut hulabecomehar df orme, t
hev il
lagers
hatedmeandi twasj ustamat terofti
mebef ore
theycamet ot hehouset oburnmeal i
ve.Iam t he
sameper sont hatcausedal ltheproblemsi nt he
vil
lageandwor setheonl yki
ngt heylovedhadt o
stepdownsot heywer eoutformybl ood.The
hawker sev enr efusedselli
ngt omewhi chmeant
thatIwoul dst arvetodeat hcoznoonewant edt obe
associatedwi thme. .
.

Ihadtof l
eetomymot her'
svil
lage,whereshewas
bornbeforeshemov edtoUkuthulatobewi t
hmy
father
.Ihadmanagedt oli
etot hefamil
ymembers
thatIfoundther
e,Icl
aimedthatBhekithrewmeout
ofthepalacebecauseofanotherwoman.Butone
daymycousi nwhowor kswit
hsomeonef r
om
Ukuthul
aatt henei
ghbori
ngtownspokeaboutme
andshetoldherthetrut
handev ersi
ncet
hingshave
beendif
ferent.
..

Theythrewmeoutoft hemai nhouseandIam l i

ving
i
nt hemudhutout side, IcanonlythankGodt hat
theystil
lgivemeameal twi
ceadaybuti tdoesn' t
comef orf r
ee.Ihav eturnedt otheirhousegi r
l,Ido
allt
hechor esaroundt hehouseexceptf orcooki ng
becauset heydon'ttrustmemay bet heythinkIwi ll
poisonthem butt hetimeofmyev ilnesshascome
topass.Iam donewi thdar knessandev ery t
hingit's
associatedwith,Ijustwantachancet ost artafresh
andmakesomet hingwor t
hwhi l
ewi t
hmyl if
eso
whenImakear eappear ancet omydaught ershecan
seethatIam ser i
ousaboutev er
ything..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
MAKHOSI

Wehadj ustcl
eansedMenzi i
nt heancestralroom at
thepal ace,wehadappeasedt heNgweny a
ancest orsearlyinthedayandaskedt hem tomake
room f ortheShezi forefather
st otakeoverand
protectt hei
rown.Buti nthesamel i
ghtweasked
thattheydon' tforsaket hi
sv i
l
lageandi t'
speopl e
andt heyshoul dassi sttheShezi'sinprot
ectingour
peoplebecauset heyar ethef i
rsttoknowand
under standRoy alt
yaf tert
heev ilDabulawas
banished. .
.

Myhear tisnothappyt hatIam doingthiswhenI

knowBheki doesn'
tdeservethisbutiti
sal l
happeningl ikeitshoul
dandImustaccepti t
.The
ancestorsknowbestandhopef ull
ywewi l
lnotcome
toregretev ercrowningMenzi asourKi ng.Iburpand
theancest orsgivemeamessaget hatleaveme
shockedt hatIhav eabr ai
nfreeze,Ican'tbel
iev
e
thi
s..
.
Menzi
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokaymakhosi
?
HeasksandIsnapoutofitandlookatt
heelder
s
andthenatBhekumbuso.Hefur
rowshisfor
eheadi
n
aquestioni
ngmannerandIl
ookdownatMenzi who
i
sshirt
less.
Me:wellt
heancest
orsaskedmet
ost
opt
hisand
cont
inuewit
hitt
omorrow.
Hefr
ownsandt
her
eisi
naudi
blechat
terbet
weent
he
el
der
s.
Menzi
:whyi
sthat
?Don'
ttheywantmet
obeKi
ng?
Isi
gh
Me:Iam j
ustfoll
owinginst
ruct
ions.Tomor
rowat
dawncomewi thyourfi
rstsonhereandwewill
all
cont
inuewit
hther i
tual
s.
Hebl
i
nksacoupl
eoft
imes.
Menzi
:Idon'
tunder
standmakhosi
.
Me:youdon'
thav
eto.Justbr
ingy
ourfir
stsonat
dawntomorr
owandweshal l
cont
inue.
Bheki
:whati
shappeni
ngmakhosi
?
HeasksmeandIshr
ugmyshoul
der
s.
Me:theyar
enotsayi
nganythi
ngasyetj
ustt
hathe
comeswithhi
sson.Thisi
stheShezi
eramaybethey
wanttodothi
ngsdi
ffer
ent
ly.
Menzi
:yesmyf
ami
l
yhasbeenknownt
ost
andout
.
Ij
ustnod.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
Noedi
ts
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER53
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MENZISHEZI

Iwasr eal
lyhopingt hatwewer egoingt ogettoday's
ri
tual
soutoft hewayandweal mostdi dunt i
lmy
ancestorsstoppedev erythi
ngandaskedt hatIbri
ng
myf i
rstson.Iwashopi ngthiswasn'tgoingto
happenespeci al
lyafterthoseimbecileswer e
argui
ngaboutwhowi llbemysuccessor .Thiswhole
thi
ngisgoi ngtocausef r
ict
ionbetweenmyson' sbut
Iam goingt ohav etositMfundodownandexpl ai
n
thatonlythefir
stsonget st
obeKi ngaf t
erIdieand
hopefull
yhewi llunderstandandletthistransi
ti
ongo
onsmoot h...

Igethomeandf i
ndBuntuinthekit
chen,t
hankGod
sheisdi
shingup,Iam f
amished.Ihavebeenatt
he
pal
acesincemorningandIcouldn'
tevendri
nka
glassofwater.Ipeckherl i
psandset t
ledownonthe
chairi
nourkit
chen, t
hesear et
helastdaysofusin
thisti
nyhousesoonenoughwewi l
lbeli
vi
ngour
bestli
feasaRoy alfami l
y.Sheplacestheplat
e
i
nf r
ontofmeandasmal ldishwithwatersoIcan
washmyhands.Idev ourthepl
ateandev enli
ckmy
fi
ngers,t
hat'
showgr eatofacookNobunt umywife
i
s...

Nobunt
u:y
ouwer
ehungr
ymos.
Shesaysst
andi
ngupandt
aki
ngt
hepl
atet
ogo
washit
.
Me:
youhav
enoi
dea.
Nobunt
u:woul
dyoul
i
keseconds?
Ichuckl
e
Me:
may
bel
ateronmydar
li
ng.Wher
ear
eyoursons'
?
Nobunt
u:i
nthebedr
oom ar
gui
ngov
ersomet
hing
el
se.
Il
etoutaheav
ysi
gh.
Me:
pleasecal
lthem i
nher
e,wehav
esomet
hing
i
mport
anttodi
scuss.
Shenar
rowshereyesbutdoesn'
taskanyquesti
ons.
Shedi
sappear
stocall
herson'sandIgul
pt hewater
i
nmyglass.Theyal
lwalkinandsett
leonthechai
rs.
Sbonel
o:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokaybaba?
HeasksandIl
ookathi
syoungerbr
other
.
Me:
Iwanttot
alkt
oyout
woaboutsomet
hingr
eal
l
y
i
mport
ant
.
TheynodandIl
eani
nandpl
acemyel
bowsont
he
tabl
e.
Me:wel
lwearealmostRoy
altynow,Iwil
lbeKing
andobvi
ousl
ythatwi
ll
makey oupri
nces'butt
here
canonl
ybeonecrownedpri
nce.
Iexpl
ain.
Sbonel
o:y
ousee?It
oldy
ou.
Hesayst
ohisbrot
herandbef
oreMf
undocan
r
espondIbangt
hetabl
e.
Me:
stopi
tyout
wo.Al
l
owmet
ofi
nishwi
l
lyou!
Sbonel
o:I
'
m sor
rybaba.
Me: well
accordi
ngt
otradi
ti
ononlythef
ir
stborncan
becomeasuccessorbutthesecondchi
l
dwillhave
responsi
bil
i
tiest
oo.
Mfundo:inot
herwordsSbowi l
lbeKing?Butbaba
weallknowIam thesmartest
,whatkindofKi
ngwill
hebe?Thistr
adit
ionisnotmakinganysense.
Sbonelo:wat
chy
ourmout
hri
ghtnow,
Iwi
l
lbea
greatki
ng.
Theystartbi
cker
ingandi
fitwer
eupt
omeI
'
dski
n
them al
iv
e.
Nobuntu:wil
lyoujuststop!Stop!Mfundothisi
snot
ourdecisi
onit
'str
aditi
ont hathasbeeninplacefor
year
sev enbefor
ey ouwer ebornorIforthatmatter
.
Wewi l
lallr
eapthebenef i
tsofRoyalty
.Don'tal
low
your
selftofi
ghtoverthis.
Me: t
hanky ouBuntu.Nowtomor r
owIam t aki
ng
Sbonelot ot
hepalacebecausetheancestorshave
call
edf orhi
m.Ibeliev
eit
'stoal
sooffi
ciat
ehi m as
thecrownpr i
nce.Buttohavepeaceandpr oveto
everyoneinthi
sv i
l
lageandthecounci
lthatwear ea
uni
tedfamil
y,wewil
lal
lbegoingandMfundoyou
wil
lbehaveandbehappyfory
ourbrot
heruyangi
zwa?
Isayi
nalowv
oicebutmyt
onesendsacl
ear
message.
Mf
undo:
yebobaba.
Me:
good,
wel
eav
etomor
rowatdawnber
eady
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

mam' Hlengiweisthebestt eacher ,sheshowedme

howt ocleanusu( tri
pe)andcooki t
,it
'sthehardest
j
oby esbutoncey oueati ty
ouf orgetast hefl
avor
fi
llsyourt astebuds.Theonl yt hingIhateabouti ti
s
thef l
ies,Idon'tthi
nkIhav eev erseensomanyf l
ies
i
noner oom.Theywer ebuzzingev ery
wher eand
truthbet oldIwasannoy edashel lbecausethose
aren'tmyf avor
it
et hi
ngsi nthewor l
d..
.

AsmuchasIlovelear
ningnewt hi
ngsandcooki
ng
thi
ngsIt
houghtwerethehardestIneedIt
ogoback
towor k.Dabulamanzi wastheoner unningt he
proj
ectandnowt hathei sgonenoonei sov er
seeing
thi
ngs.Ihav etogetthepr oj
ectbackont rackand
fi
ndanot herconsult
antbecauseIdon' tthinkDabul a
Khumal owi l
lwantany thi
ngtodowi ththisv i
ll
age
andIknowf orafactthatIwi l
lal
way sthinkhei s
Dabulamanzi thespir
it.Ibel
ieveiti
sbet t
erwej ust
cutti
esandIf i
ndanot herpersontopartnerwi t
hso
thefactorycanstartrunningbeforetheendoft he
fi
rstquarterofthenexty ear
...

Theki tchendooropensandIknowi tcanonl ybemy

fat
hercozmamai swithmeinher ewat chinga
mov ie.Heappear safteraminuteandhel ookstir
ed
ashel l,andhi sti
redisnotphysi
cal butemot ional
.
Hei sst il
lhavingahar dti
mewi t
hcomi ngt oterms
witht hef actthatwelostevery
thing.Heset t
leson
thesingl ecoucht hathassomehowbecomehi s
favoriteint helounge.
..

Baba:
sani
bonani
endl
i
ni.
Ma:
Bheki
.
Shesay
sinal
owv
oicewi
thherey
escastdown.
Me:
heydaddy
.
Baba:haoMaShangeitsmel
l
sni
cei
ntheki
tchen
whatdidyoupr
epare.
Ma:actual
l
yit
'sal
lKay
ise,
Ijustsuper
visedher
.She
pr
eparedUsu.
Myf
athergaspsf
orai
randl
ooksmyway
.
Baba:
ist
hatt
rueNt
ombi
kay
ise?
Heaskswi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:
yesbaba,
your
str
ulycooked.
Baba:wel
linthatcasecanIhav
eapl
atebecauseI
am sohungry
.
Inodandheadtothekit
chen.Idi
shoutf
orthethr
ee
ofusandpourjui
ceingl
asses.Iser
veever
yone.We
eatint
otal
sil
enceandIam proudofmysel
fthi
s
tast
esamazingLord.
Baba:
thi
sisgr
eatbaby
.Thanky
ou.
Mamastandsuptotakethei
rpl
atest
otheki
tchen
seei
ngt
hatIam st
il
leat
ing.
Ma:
soBheki
howdi
dital
lgot
oday
?
Sheasksr
e-ent
eri
ngt heroom andsi
tt
ingont
he
samecouch.Myfatherrel
easesasharpsi
gh.
Baba:
well
theancest
orsst
oppedev
ery
thi
ngwhen
wewereal
mostdone.
Me:
haowhy
?
Heshr
ugshi
sshoul
der
Baba:Idon'
tknowthef
ullstor
ybutappar
ent
lyt
hey
wanthimtobringhi
sfi
rstsontomorr
ow.
Ichokeonmyf
oodandcoughuncont
rol
l
abl
y.
Ma:
arey
ouokaysi
si?
Inodt
aki
ngasi
pofmyj
uice.
Baba:
soev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lcont
inuet
omor
row.
Ma:
wewi
l
lpr
ayt
hathedoesn'
ttur
nont
hisv
il
lage.
Theissueoft
hefir
stsoni
srubbi
ngmeof fthe
wrongway.Bukhosii
sgoi
ngtofr
eakshouldMenzi
showupathisdoorst
ep,
Ineedt
owar
nhi
mto
prepar
efori
tal
l.
Me: canIbeexcusedf
oraf
ewhour
s?Iwantt
ogo
checkonBukhosi.
Baba:
justdon'
tst
ayoutt
ool
ateKay
ise.
Inodvi
gorousl
yalr
eadyget
ti
ngofft
hecouch.Ican'
t
evenf
ini
shthisgr
eatpl
ateoff
ood.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mymom andIar egetti

ngmor escared,Menzi
startedwiththerit
ualstoprepar
ehimf orthethrone.
Oncehei sKi ngmyl i
feandmymot her'
sisgoingto
changef orthewor st
,heisgoingtofrustr
ateusso
bad.Thef i
rstthingIknowhewi llt
rytoruinformei s
thef ar
m becausehewant stoseemepoorwi thno
directi
onforrestofmyl i
fe.Eventhoughhei sthe
onewhowr ongedusandhur tmymot herhest i
ll
feelstheneedt otormentus,pureevili
fyouaskme. ..
Iam inmybedr oom, Ij
usttookabat h.Day satthe
far
m ar eget
t i
ngmor ehect i
candIcomebackhome
dogt i
redeachday ,sot i
redthatIcan' tevengot o
seeZamaNgweny a.Iam justgrateful t
hatmy
gir
lf
riendunderstandsandappr eciatesthev i
deo
call
seachni ghtbeforewegot osl eep.Ifitwas
anothergir
lshewoul dprobablybet hinkingthatIam
cheatingorloosinginter
est..
.

Mybedr oom dooropensasIam put t

ingonmy
boxers,it
'sKay
ise.Whatalovelysur
prise.Ismil
e
andopenmyar ms,shedoesn'tsayany t
hingbut
comesst rai
ghttome.West ayinthi
swar m embrace
forwhatseemsl i
kef or
everandifi
twer euptome
I'
dnev erwantthi
smomentt oend.Ikissher
foreheadandwel etgo..
.

Kay
ise:
heyl
ove.
Me:y
oulooksobeaut
if
ulr
ightnow.Youar
egl
owi
ng
ev
engai
ningi
ntheri
ghtar
eas.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
Ishoul
dst
artwor
kingoutt
hen.
Me: ohpl
easedon'tmyl
ove.Youar
epacki
ngup
exactl
ywhereIl
ikebaby
.
Kay
ise:
ofcour
sey
ou'
dsayt
hatBukho.
Me:
Iam si
mpl
ysay
ingt
het
rut
h.
Sher
oll
sherey
es
Kayi
se:
li
stenbabe,
appar
ent
lyt
her
it
ual
swer
e
st
oppedtoday
.
If
urr
owmyey
ebr
owsi
nconf
usi
on.
Me:
whatr
it
ual
s?
Kayise:
Menzis'
,myfat
hersay
stheancest
orsasked
thathebri
ngshisf
ir
stson.
Me:
ohokay
.
Isayandt
hatseem t
oannoyher
.
Kay
ise:
ohcomeonbaby
,youdoknowwhatt
hat
meansri
ght
?
Me:
nopenotr
eal
l
y.
Shel
etsoutanexasper
atedsi
gh.
Kay i
se:
Chocoy ouarehisf
ir
stsonbabeobviously
theancestor
sknowwhathedi dtoyourmother.
Theyknowabouty ou,hewil
lhavenochoi
cebutt o
comeher eandaskthatyoucomewi t
hthem tothe
palacetomorr
owatdawn.
Ichuckl
eandshef
rowns.
Me: i
ntheperfectworl
dyesbutthisi
sMenzi weare
tal
kingabouthere,hewoul
dratherdi
ethanletthe
worldknowwhathedi dtomymot her.Hewill
never
acknowledgemeashi sson.Heisgoingtot
ake
Sbonelonotmel ovepl
usIwasbor noutofwedlock.
Sheshakesherhead.
Kayise:
Iwi
shyoucoul
dseet
hiswhol
esi
tuat
ion
thr
oughmyeyes.
Me:i
fyoudon'
tbeli
evemestaytheni
ghtandy
ou'
l
l
seet
hathewil
lnotshowuphere.
Kayi
se:Iwoul
dbutbabai
sexpect
ingmeathomei
n
afew.
Me:wel
linthatcaseweshoul
dfocusonusandnot
Menzi
s'busi
ness.I'
vemi
ssedyoubaby.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

Ijustcan'
tl i
etomy selfanymore.Il
ivei
nt hesame
houseast hi
swomanandshei samazingi nev ery
aspectoft hewor d.Herpur eheartshowswi theach
passingdaymaki ngi thardformenott ofalldeeper
i
nl ovewithher .Iknowshehasherr eservationsbut
i
t'sti
mewet akealeapoff ai
thandloveeachot her
fearl
essly.Wedeser vetheloveandhappi nesswe
wouldbr i
ngt oeachot herespeci
all
yafterallthe
painfult
hingswehav ebeent hr
oughthisy ear..
.

Icli
mbof fmybedandmakei tagain,Kayi
sewillbe
theoneusingitnow, mypl aceisnexttoMaShange
andIam claimingitnowandf or
ever.Iheadoutthe
doorwithmyhear tbeatingagainstmychest,Iam
nervousthatshewillr
ejectmebutIneedt oatleast
try
.Igetinsi
deandshei st aki
ngof fhergown,she
putsitbackonassheseesi t'
sme. ..
Me:
MaShange.
Hl
engi
we:
Mti
mandei
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sfarf
rom okay
.
Pani
cfl
ashesi
nherey
es.
Hl
engi
we:
what
'swr
ong?
Me:Iam t
ir
edofpushi
ngmyf eel
i
ngstotheback
whenIknowthati
tisy
outhatIwantandIknowyou
wantmetoo.
Herey
esshut
.
Me: wedeservetobehappy,
all
owust
obehappy
together
.Ideser
veagoodwomanHlengi
weandthat
goodwomanf ormeisyou.
Isaymaki
ngmywayt
oher
.
Me:
lookatme.
Isaycuppi
ngherchi
nandsheopensherey
es.
Hl
engi
we:
Bhekumbuso.
Hersof
tvoi
cesay
s.
Ipushthegownof fhershoul
dersandwhenIcome
i
ntocontactwit
hherskinIfeelfi
rerushi
ngt
hrough
mybody .Shei
spant i
ngatmyt ouchandIknowfora
factt
hatsheisfeel
ingthesamewayasIdor i
ght
now.
Me:
tel
lmet
ost
opMaShange.
Iki
ssherl
i
psandamoanescapeshermout
h.
Me:ify oudon'tt
ell
metost
op,Iam goi
ngtolayyou
downont hi
sbedandhaveyou.Ify
ouall
owmet o
havey outhenMaShangeIwouldhavecl
aimedyou
asmi neforever.
Hl
engi
we:
Idon'
twantt
ost
opy
ouMt
imande.
Shesay sandmyheartj
ustr
ejoices.Ismashmy
trembl
ingli
psontohersandtheystartmovi
ng
toget
herslowl
y.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MAKHOSI

Iar
riv
eandever
yoneisal
readyatthepal
ace,
Bhekumbusoi
sther
ewiththeotherel
der
softhe
Royal council,
Menzi isstandi
ngbyt heotherside
withhisf amily.Isignalthem t
owal kintothe
ancest r
al r
oom andonebyonei ntheygo, Ifoll
owi n
l
astlyandshutt hedoor .Theyallsettl
eont hestraw
mat sandIgot ot heal t
erandli
ghtthecandl esand
i
mpepho.Isi tandf aceSheziwhoseemst obeso
happyt hatwewi llbepickingupwher ewel eftoffon
hisjourneyt obecomi ngKingbutli
ttl
edoeshe
know...

Menzi
:ar
en'
twest
art
ing?
Heasksi
mpat
ient
.
Me:
wear
emi
ssi
ngoneper
son.
Theyal
lfr
ownandl
ookateachot
hercount
ing
heads.
Menzi
:Idon'
tthi
nkso.
Bheki
:heisri
ghtmakhosi
,weareal
lhereev
enext
ra
ashebroughthi
swifeandtheot
herson.
Ishakemyhead,
theydon'
tknowwhatIknow.
Me:
Itol
dyout
obr
ingy
ourf
ir
stsonShezi
,unt
ilhe
ar
ri
vest
heancest
orswi
l
lnotper
mitmet
ocont
inue
wi
thany
thi
ng.
Menzi
:hai
bomakhosi
,her
eisSbonel
omyf
ir
stson.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
webot
hknowt
hatt
hisboyi
snoty
ourf
ir
st.
Every
onegaspsforai
r.Shockmaki
ngr
ounds
becauseofwhatIj
ustsaid.
Nobuntu:Iam sor
ryt
ospeakoutoftur
nmakhosi
butIhaveneverhadanyot
herchi
ldexceptt
hese
two.
Me:
Iknowsi
si,
theboyi
snotf
rom y
ourwomb.
Nobunt
u:what
?Whatdoy
oumean?
Il
ookatMenzi
whoi
sshaki
ngandsqui
rmi
ng.
Me: y
ouwil
lexpl
aint
histoyourwi
fei
nthepr
ivacyof
yourownhomebutrightnowIhav
eanimport
ant
messagefr
om theancestor
s.
Menzi
:makhosi
pleasel
et'
stal
kinpr
ivat
e.
Me:y
ouhavedonealotinthedarknowit'
sall
comi
ngout
.TheSheziancestor
s,yourf
orefat
her
s
sayIshoul
dtel
ly out
hattheywanttoseet
heirown
backhomeandi fyoudon'tdoi
tin3dayst
heywi l
l
stri
keyouandnotwithdeathbutwit
hsomething
thatwi
llmakeyouwishyouwer edead.
Hegaspsf
orai
r,br
ushi
nghi
sbal
dhead.
Sbonel
o:babawhat
'
shappeni
ng?
Hi
ssupposedf
ir
stsonasks.
Menzi
:shutup,
justshutup.
Hesnapsatt
hepoorboy
.
Me:
youcanal
ll
eav
e.
Theelder
sstar
tcomplai
ning,
theyar
eannoyedcoz
theyhadtowakeupearl
yinthemorni
ngfornot
hing.
Me:Menzi
bringt
hatboysohecangetwhati
s
r
ight
ful
l
yhisorel
secalami
tywi
llf
all
onyouand
t
hoseyouhol
ddear.
Nobunt
u:ohMenzi
wenzeni
?
Shecr
iesandIshakemyheadf
eeli
ngbadforher,
shei
sagoodwomanwhodoesn' tdeser
vet
his.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER54
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MENZISHEZI

Iam pract i
cal
lyrunni ngtomyhousewi thmyf amily
fol
lowingmebehi nd, Ireall
ydon'tknowhowIam
goingtogetmy sel foutoft hi
sone.Thesedamn
ancestorsjusthadt ocrownmeandl eav egossi psto
theside,nowt heywantmet oturnmyl if
eupsi de
down.Oncemywi felearnsofwhatIdi dIswearal l
helli
sgoi ngtobr eakl oose, y
esshei ssweetand
calm butshowmeawomanwhowoul dn'tfreakout
whenshel ear
nst hatherhusbandi mpr egnated
another,andthatot herinthiscasewasherbest
fri
end.Bunt uwon' tjusthatemef orhavingaki dwi th
Phindil
eshei sgoi ngt ohatemef orhowt hechild
cameaboutandasar esultofithavi
ngherbest
fri
endpul lawayfr om her .
..
Myhear thasi spoundingagai nstmychest ,
notonce
hav eIf oundmy selfcaughtbet weenar ockanda
hardpl ace.Thecommuni t
ywon' tacceptmeast heir
Kingnowbutwor senonoft hesonsIhadoutofmy
mar riagewi llberecognizedt osucceedmeaf termy
forefat hersrememberme.Igett ot hehouseand
unlockt hedoor ,Buntuandt heboy sarenotbehi nd
me, itwi llgi
vemeachancet ocooksomet hingt o
tel
l herbecauseIam notgoi ngt oletmywi f
eknow
any thingaboutt hiswhol ething.Iam notwill
ingt o
l
oosemywi fe,myf amilyandr oyaltyoverl
owl iv
es
l
ikeBukhosi andhi smot her.
..

Thedoorbur stsopenandNobunt uwal ksinlooking

readyt omur derme, neverhaveIseenmywi felook
atmet hisway .Iam t r
yingtokeepast raightface
butIam j ustpani cki
ngandi t'
sshowi ngonmyf ace,
I
am hopi ngthatt heboy swillwalkinandsav eme
from thewr athIam aboutt oreceiv
ef r
om t heir
mot her.Butwhoam Iki ddi
ngt heyaregoingt ogive
megr ievetoo, everyonewant sanswer sIam notso
thri
ll
edt ogive...
Nobunt
u:don'
tev
enexpectmet
oaskMenzi
.
Me:st
handwasamitheyar
ejustt
ryi
ngt
omakei
t
har
dforustober
oyalt
y.
Shechor
tl
esbutnotamused.
Nobunt
u:doy
out
hinkIam st
upi
d?
Ishakemyhead.
Me:
nev
er,
I'
venev
erhadsucht
hought
s.
Nobunt
u:i
fyouhaveevenoneounceofr
espectf
or
methenMenziyouwil
ltel
lthet
rut
handnot
hingbut
t
hetrut
h.
It
akemyt
rembl
i
ngl
owerl
i
pbet
weenmyt
eet
h.
Me:
Bunt
udon'
tl
ist
ent
othem.
Shenodsandwal ksoutofourbedr oom.Itakea
deepbreathtryi
ngt of igur
eoutwhatst oryIam
goingtosellt
oherorev enbett
erhowIam goi ngt
o
escapehavingtot ell
t hetrut
handst i
ll
av oi
dthe
wrathofmyancest ors.Iam pacingupanddown
andnothingiscomi ngt omeandanymi nutenowI
am goingtohav etohavet ofaceher ,sheisnot
goi
ngt oletthisgo.Shewal ksinwithabucketof
water,cookingoilandasjambok, Istepbackand
sheplacest hebucketdownandcl oseourdoor
l
ockingit.Iam scaredri
ghtnowwonder i
ngwhatshe
i
sgoi ngtodot ome.
Me:
Bunt
uwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
tht
hatt
hing.
Nobuntu:
itwoul
dreal
l
yhel
pyout
otel
lmet
het
rut
h
r
ightnowMenzi.
Sheisascoolasacucumberbutt
hat
'sscar
y
becausewhat
eversheisgoi
ngtodot
omeIwon'
t
seeitcomi
ngatall
.
Nobuntu:
Menz iy
ouar
etest
ingt
hepati
enceofa
sai
ntri
ghtnow.AndIwi
ll
notbehel
dresponsi
blef
or
whatIam aboutt
odo.
Me:
Iam beggi
ngy
oupl
ease.
Shenodsandopenst hebottleofcookingoi
l,
pours
i
tont hefl
oorbutcarefulenoughnott opouri
twhere
sheisstandi
ng.Iam stil
ltr
yingtofigur
eoutwhat
sheisgoingtodo,thesjamboki sobv i
ousbutthi
s
notsomuch.Bef or
eIcanev enwrapmyhead
aroundev er
ythingIam scr eamingbecauset his
waterisburningmyski n,itfeelslikeIam peeli
ng.I
makeawr ongmov eandt rytorunbutt heoi
lmakes
surethatit'
sast r
uggle.Iam downandeacht imeI
tr
yt ostandIfindmy selfont heflooragain.I
t'
s
sl
ipperyandnotdoi ngmeanyj ustice.Shest
arts
hit
tingmehar dwi t
ht hesjambokandIam
screamingatt hetopofmyl ungs, myownwi feis
doingthistome.
Me:
Bunt
upl
easeIam beggi
ngy
oupl
ease.
Nobunt
u:whoisthatchi
l
dMakhosi
spokeof?Who
i
sheMenzi?Iwil
lnotbeafr
aidt
omurdery
ouri
ght
now.
Forthefi
rstti
metodayIcanhearr
ageinhervoi
ce.
Shehasn'tst
oppedhit
ti
ngmeandi t
'spai
nful
noway
toescapeital
l.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltel
lyouj
ustst
oppl
ease.
Nobunt
u:khul
umadammi
t.
Shei
snott
aki
ngmywor
dfori
t.
Me:
it'
sBukhosi
Bunt
u,hei
sthesonMakhosi
was
tal
kingabout .Iam sosorr
ysthandwasami buti
t'
s
allPhindil
e,sheseducedme.Shepl annedi
tall
,she
wasj ealousofusandshet emptedmesomucht hat
Ifell
forit.I
twasonl yonceIswear,whenIref
used
toleavey ouforhershegotmadt hat'
swhyshe
stoppedbei ngyourfri
end.
It
ell
herhal
fthet
rut
handt
hatget
shert
ost
op
Hi
tt
ingme.
Nobunt
u:whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Thepai
nlacedi
nherv
oicehur
tsmet
omysoul
.
Me:
Iam v
erysor
ryBunt
u.Il
ovey
ouv
erymuch.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Bukhosijustdoesn'tbeli
evethathisfat
her'
s
ancestor
sar elookingforhim andthatt
heywanthim
home.Hei sconv i
ncedMenzi wil
ltr
ytomanipul
ate
them andthatmademel aughbecauseIhavebeena
pri
ncessbef or
eandIknowwhatt heundergr
ound
gangiscapableof .Whent hey'
vesettheirmi
ndson
somet hi
ngtheyaregoi ngt oseeitthrough,i
ttook
meami nutetoreali
zet hattheymightbequi etf
or
somet imebutthatdoesn' tmeant heyar enotaware
ofwhati shappening.Thatmanr apedmy
boyfri
end'smom y earsandy ear
sagobutonl ynow
aretheylooki
ngt ovindicatebothmot herandson.I
won'tforcehimtobel i
ev ethatitwil
lallworkoutfor
thebestbutIwillnotletgoofhope. ..

Igothomel astni ghtt of i

ndt hebedr oom door
l
ocked, thebedr oom Ihappent oshar ewith
mam' Hlengi we.Idi dn'twantt ocausedr amacozI
hadjustbeendi ckeddownpr ettygood, al
l Iwanted
todowasj ustsl eepi tof f.Isl
epti nmyf ather's
bedroom becauseIknewwhati tallmeant, Ihave
seenhowt heybot hbehav eandl ookateachot her
.
It
'sobvioust heyar ei nl oveandasmuchmuchasI
washopi ngt hatmypar entsfixthingsIaccept ed
thatthi
si snott heper fectwor ldandwhatmymom
didisunf orgiv
abl e.Ilov eLi y
anasomuch, shei smy
mom butwhatshedi dbr okeourf amilyandt ook
awayev er y
thingmyf atherknewf r
om hisbi rt
h..
.
Ihav ebeensi tt
ingontheedgeoft hi
sbedwonder ing
howIam goi ngt of
acemyf atherandmama.Iam
traumatizedshame, thesexual noi
sest hatcame
from thebedr oom l
astnightni ghtandear lythi
s
mor ningbeforemyf atherleftf ort
hepal ace.Who
knewgr ownupshadat hingf ormor ni
nggl orytoo,
BhekumbusoNgweny aisdat ingmam' Hlengiweand
they'
v edonet henastyalr
eady .Wondersshal lnever
end!

Iam f ami shedsoIdeci det ogomakemy self

breakf astbecauseIam notgoi ngt odieofhunger
becauseIam embar r
assed.ImeanIam nott heone
whowashav i
ngsexandf i
l
li
ngt hiswhol ehousewi th
noisesbecauseI 'm getti
ngall t
hepl easure.Theyar e
theoneswhohav etosi tmedownandexpl ai
nt hat
theyar edat i
ng.Thehousei squi ett
hankGodf orit
,I
won' thav etobeawkwar datleastnoty et.Iam
butteringt hebreadast heki t
chendooropens, baba
walksi nandIkeepmyey esonwhatIam doi ng.Not
aboutt oseehim wi t
ht heglowr ightnow. ..
Baba:
youwon'
tbel
i
evewhathappened.
Hesay
sandIwannascr
eam IBELI
EVE.
Me:
whatbaba?
Hepul
l
soutt
hechai
randset
tl
esdown.
Baba:
Menzi
hasason.
Iment
all
yrol
lmyey
es.
Me:
ohhehast
woact
ual
l
y.
Isaysar
cast
ical
l
yandhel
aughs.
Baba:don'
tbesmart
.WhatImeantwashehasa
fi
rstson,
whoisn'
thi
swif
e's.Theancest
orswantt
he
boytocome.
Ibli
nklookingathi
m andwi
shi
ngIcoul
djustt
ell
him
thatIal
readyknow.
Me:
youdon'
tsay
.
Iactshocked.
Baba:wear ewaiti
ngforhimtobri
ngtheboysowe
canconti
nuewi ththeri
tual
s.Ij
ustwantt
obedone
wit
hev er
ythingRoyal.
Hesay sandIfeelsobad.Hei
stry
ingtobur
ythat
partofhi
sl i
feandhavi
ngtogobackfr
equent
lywi
ll
notall
owt hatt
ohappen.
Me:
Iam sor
ry.
Hegi
vesmeasi
desmi
l
e.
Baba:
Iam sur
eyouhav
equest
ionsbaby
.
Hesay
sandIknowexact
lywhathei
sref
err
ingt
o.
Me: Iconnect
edthedots.Butdi
dyoureal
lyhaveto
mov eintheroom whenIwasout.Thatwasreal
ly
sneaky.
Hechuckl
es.
Baba:Iam sorr
yNtombi kayi
se.IloveHlengiweand
wearetogethernow.Shei sagr eatwoman, Ididn'
t
thi
nkIwouldbewi t
hanywomanwhowasnoty our
motherbutli
fehappendandIf indmy selfhere.I
hopeyouwi l
lgi
veusy ourblessings.
Me: y
ouhaveallmyblessi
ngs.Iwantyout
obe
happyandifmam'Hlengi
weisthatper
sonfory
ou
thenIam r
ooti
ngforyouguys.
Baba:
thanksf
orbei
ngsuchagr
eatdaught
erKay
ise.
Il
ovey
ou.
Igor
oundt
het
abl
eandhughi
mfr
om behi
nd.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDaddy
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
NOBUNTUSHEZI

Icouldn'tbeli
evemyear s, Ist
il
lcan'twr apmyhead
arounditall.HefatheredBukhosi andhemanaged
tokeephi m asecretforal lt
hesey ears,howdidhe
l
ivewi t
hhi mselfknowingt hattheybot hsuff
ered
whenhecoul dhav eassistedthem.ImeanMenz i
hasalway shadsomecol dnesstowar dsthatgood
boywhi chmakesmewonderi fheev enknowst hat
heishisf ather
..
.

Il
eftmyhousehour sagot oclearmyhead,Ihave
beensitt
ingbytheri
veraddingsomewat ertoitwi
th
al
lthetearsIam cr
ying.Iam heartbr
okentosaythe
l
east,knowingt
hatmyhusbandoncest eppedoutof
ourmar r
iagewi
thmybestf riendhurt
smesomuch.
Butthestoryhetoldmedoesn' tsi twellwi
thme, I
meanIhav eknownPhi ndi
lef ory earsandyearsshe
wasl i
keasistertomeandIdon' trememberev en
foroncefeeli
nglikesheisenv yi
ngmeorsomet hi
ng
l
ikethat.WhichiswhyIam f i
ndi ngithardtobeli
eve.
Menzi i
smyhusbandandIdon' twantt obeli
evehe
wouldalsoli
eaboutt hiseither,theonlywayt ohave
peaceisifItal
ktoPhi ndil
e,shewi ll
tel
lmet he
trut
h..
.

Istandupf rom thebi gr ockandheadt oherhouse,

thesuni snowhot .Iam scar edt olearnt het r
uth,but
Ireall
yneedt oheart hest or yf rom her.Onl yshecan
giveittomest raight.Ij usthopeBukhosi i
snot
aroundt hehouse, theconv ersat i
onthatIam goi ng
tohav ewithhismot heri sgoi ngt ogeti ntense,soI
willnotbetheonet ot ellhimt henewsofmy
husbandbei nghisf at herifPhi ndil
ehasn' ttoldhim
yet.They ar
discl eanasal way s,Iknockont hedoor
andasecondl atershei st heonet oopen.Shel ooks
better,
muchbet terthanshewasmont hsago.We
arejuststari
ngateachot herast earsbot hbl i
ndour
ey
es,sheissurel
yshockedt
oseemeatherdoor
st
epaftersuchalongti
me..
.

Me:
sisi
I
tcomesoutasawhi
sper
.
Phi
ndi
l
e:Bunt
u.
Shebl
i
nksandhert
ear
sfal
l
.
Me:
isi
ttr
ue?
Iasknotsur
eifIwantt
oheart
het
rut
hbecausei
t
wil
lbreakmefurt
her
.
Shecl
osesherey
es,
dri
nki
ngi
nmyquest
ion.
Phi
ndi
l
e:whatdi
dhet
ell
you?
Shehasconnect
edt
hedot
s.
Me:wecan'
tbet
alki
ngabouti
ther
el,
canIcomei
n
pl
ease?
Shestepstot
hesi
deandIsi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.Thehouse
i
snicernow.
Me:
hesay
sBukhosi
ishi
ssonandhecameabout
becausey
ouseducedhi
m.
Isaylooki
ngatherst
rai
ghti
ntheey
es.Shei
s
shocked
Phindil
e:BuntuIwouldneverdot hat.Heisyour
husband, Iwouldn'
tgoaft
erhim oranymar r
iedman
forthatmat t
er.HeisBukhosi
'
sfat herbutitdidn'
t
happent hewayy outhi
nk.
Shesay
swithashaki
ngv
oiceandIcanseet
hepai
n
i
nhereyes.
Me: t
henhowdi di
thappen?Ineedt oknowbecause
Iam comi ngupwi
thdif
ferentscenar
iosi
nmyhead
si
si.Pleasetel
lmeIam beggingyou.
Shesett
lesont
hecouchandcri
es,i
t'
slikeIj
ust
openedacanofwormsandbroughtbackall
the
pai
nthatwasburi
eddeep.
Me: pl
easetel
lmePhi
ndi
l
e.Ineedtoknowthetrut
h
soIcanmakeadecisi
onbefor
eevery
thinggoes
thr
oughplease.
Ibegherandshel
ooksupatme.
Phi
ndi
l
e:heheuhm.
..
Bunt
uIdi
dn'
tdowhathesay
s,I
don' tknowwhyhei slyi
ngbecauset hetruthalway s
comesout .Hei sthedevil
,Menzi rapedmeBunt u,he
forcef ul
lytookawaymypr i
deandBukhosi was
conv inced.Whenhel earnedIwaspr egnanthet ried
kill
ingmebyset ti
ngmyhutonf irebutall hi
s
attempt sf ail
ed.Whenmysongr ewuphet r
ied
ev erythi
ngt oruinhim sti
ll
.Ineverwant edany thing
from t hatmanal l
Iwantedwasf orhimt ost ayaway
buthi slife'
smi ssioni
st otormentus, li
eagai nstus
andIam t i
rednow.
Ihavemyhandsonmymout h,howcouldmy
husbanddothat
?HeknewPhindil
ewaslikeasi
ster
tome, wewereherf
ami
lyandsheonlyhadus.
Phindil
e:Ipushedyouawaybecausehowcoul dI
havefacedy ou?Facedhim?Icarri
edtheshameand
painwithmeal one,butIhadBukhosiandhi
s
presenceinmyl i
femademef eelal
it
tlebet
ter
.
Me:
doesheknow?Bukhosi
Imean?
Shenods
Phi
ndi
l
e:thati
sthetrut
hBunt
u,Idi
dn'
tal
terany
thi
ng
oromi
tsomeparts.Heknowswhathedi
dt ome
andhi
spuni
shmenti
scomi
ng.
Me:Ibel
i
eveyousi
si.Ibel
i
evey
oubecauseofwhat
heusedtodotome.
Shef
urr
owsherey
ebr
ows.
Phi
ndi
l
e:whatdoy
oumean?
Me:I'
m sayingIknowthekindofmonsterhei
s,just
cozhehasn'tbeenoneinthelongestt
imedoesn't
meanhei sn't
.
ShenodsandIsi
tdownnextt
oher
.If
indherhand
andshequi
ckl
yclaspsmi
ne.
Me:
canIj
ustst
ayher
eforaf
ewhour
stot
hink.
Phi
ndi
l
e:y
oucansi
si
.
Me:
Iam sor
ryy
ouhadt
ogot
hrought
his.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
MAKHOSI

Menziisagr
eensnakeint
hegrass,
hewi l
ltr
yto
manipul
atet
hesi
tuati
onandobvi
ouslyhewil
lnot
succeed.Heneedst obet heonet oint roducehi mto
theancestors,andoncehedoeshecangoj umpofa
cli
ffbecausehewi l
l notsmel lthet hroneasKi ng,he
willj
ustbethemanwhov i
olatedawomanand
producedteKing, thesonhehat esandwant st o
keepawayf rom thewor l
dwi l
lbet heonet orul
et hi
s
Kingdom.Thatboyi sgoi ngt obeagr eatleaderwi t
h
aqueenl i
keKay isebyhi ssi det heywi lltake
Ukuthulatogreaterhei ghts.Theonl yt hingwehav e
todealwithisconv incinghimt oaccepthi scal l
ing,a
call
inghewasdest inedf orbefor ehewasev enbor n.
ThisisajobIwi l
l askedBhekumbusot odo,hei sa
noblemanandhehasal way shadasof tspotf or
him.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mygirl
fri
enddecidedtopickmeupf r
om wor ktoday,
thewayworkishecticwedon'thav
eenought i
meas
acoupleandthesemoment sareappreci
ated.She
drov
eust othenearestt
ownandwehadameal at
thei
rr est
aurant
.Iam dogt ir
edasshepullsup
outsidemyhouse, i
t'
sdarkalreadyandI
'm sur
e
mamai swonderingwher eIam butthi
stakeaway
willmaket hi
ngsrightagain.
..

ZamaNgweny aisgoi
ngt ostayjustforaf ew
mi nutesthenshewi l
lbeheadinghomeaf terwards.
Wewal kinsidethehouseandi t
squi et,theTVi snot
playing,weheadt otheloungeandIam shockedt o
seemymot herandmam' Nobunt uint hesamer oom
andsocl ose.Mymot herhadendedt heirf
riendship
becauseofwhatt hatpigdidtoher..
.

Kay
ise:
sani
bona.
Shegr
eetsandboththeseladi
esrespond.Themood
i
nthehouseissad,Iwonderwhatisgoingonher
e.
Kay
ise:
babeIt
hinkIshoul
djustheadout
.
Me:
okayl
etmewal
kyouout
.
Kay
ise:
noChocoi
t'
sokay
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcal
ll
ater
.Il
ovey
ou.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyout
oobabe.
Shewal
ksoutaft
erbiddi
ngthem f
arewel
landI
set
tl
eonthesi
nglecouch.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Mama:
sheknowsBukhosi
.
Il
etoutadeepsi
gh.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:Iam v
erysor
ryBukhosi
.
Shesay
swi
l
ltear
swel
l
ingupi
nherey
es.
Me:It
'sokaymama,
Iam j
ustshockedt
haty
ou
bel
i
eveus.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:Iknowt
hekindofper
sonyourmom
i
sandi
t'
ssadthatwel
ostt
imebecauseofMenzi
.
Thesadnessi
nhervoicebreaksmyhear
t,shei
sa
greatwomananddoesn'tdeser
vet
hatpi
g.
Me:
Ibel
i
evey
oul
adi
eswi
l
lwor
kitout
.
Theybothnodandt hekitchendooropens,di
d
ZamaNgweny aforgetsomet hi
ngmaybe.Inwalks
thedev
ilandIquicklygetup.
Me:whogaveyoutheper
missi
ont
ocomei
nher
e?
Whatdoyouwant?
Ir
oarandhehol
dshi
shandsout
.
Menzi
:Iam nother
etof
ight
,Icomei
npeace.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:youhavenoshameMenzi
,af
terl
yi
ng
t
omeabouthowithappened?
Ifur
rowmyforeheadandlookatmymom whol
ooks
l
ikeshei
sreadytokil
lthi
sman.
Menzi
:Buntuwewi l
ltal
kaboutt
hiswhenweget
homeplease.Ri
ghtnowIam heretot
alkt
omyson.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
youl
efty
ourson'
sbackathomesi
r.
Hekneel
sinf
rontofme.
Menzi
:Bukhosi
,myancestor
swanty
ouhome.They
wantwanttoacknowl
edgeyou.
Me:
tel
lthem I
'
m noti
nter
est
ed.
Menzi
:sonpl
ease.
Me:
stopcal
l
ingmet
hat
.
Menzi:butyouareandit'
sti
metocomehome
pl
ease.Iam sorryf
orwhatIdidIpr
omi seyouIam.
Theygav emet wodaystobri
ngyoualongwith
befor
et heycancont
inuewit
hmyr i
tual
st obecome
King.
Il
aughshaki
ngmyhead.
Me:ohy ouarej
ustheretomakemeameanst oan
end.Youarenotsorr
y,youj
ustwanttobeki
ng.Iam
sorr
yIwon'tbeabletohel
pyououtther
e.
Mama:
gett
hehel
loutofmyhouseMenzi
!
Shescr
eamsathi
m.
Menzi
:Iam sor
ryf
orwhatIdi
dtoy
ou,
Iam sor
ry
Phi
ndi
le.
Mama:leaveMenzil
eave.MysonandIdon'
tneed
you,
conti
nuemistr
eati
nguswedon'tneedy
our
apol
ogy.
Mam' Nobunt
u:leavethem al
oneMenzi
,youhav
e
causedthem pain.I
tisenoughnow.
Menzi
:butBunt
uyouhear
dmakhosi
.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:j
ustl
eav
e.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER55
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MENZISHEZI

Ileavewi t
hmyt aili
nbet weenmyl egs,Iam
panickingandev er
ythingthatInev erthoughtIwi l
l
hav eandalmosthadi snowdr i
fti
ngf arfrom me.I
needBukhosi tobecr owned, Ineedt hatboyandhi s
mot herandIhateitall.Thewor l
dknowst hetruth
nowt hatshouldbej usti
ceenoughf orthebot hof
them, Ispokethetruthsoletthem meetmehal fway
byal l
owingmet obeaKi ngandIpr omiset ogive
them al i
tt
lesomethinginreturnfort hefav orthey
woul dhavedonef orme.Bukhosi cannotbemy
successorbecausehewasbor noutofwedl ockso
hewi llj
ustbeasonwhohasnocl aim overmy
throne..
.

NowIhav
eanot
herbat
tl
etof
ightonmyhands,
my
wifeseemst ohavetakenthei
rsi
de.Iam sur ethey
havepoisonedherenoughagainstme.I t'
sgoi ngto
takehell
andhighwat erst
ogethert oforgivemebut
soonasIam cr owned,Iwi
llusethepowerIhav e
overhertomakehercomehomeandshunPhi ndi
le
andhersonf or
ever.Wewillbeli
vingourdr eam wi t
h
ourchil
drensoshewi ll
havenobusi nesswi ththose
thatwil
lgooutoftheirwaytodestroythatf orus..
.

I'
m slowlymaki ngmywayt omyhouseandi t
sdar k
outside,mybodyi sachi
ngpr oofofwhatmywi f
edi d
tomewi ththatsjambok.ItstingsbutIhav etokeep
mycomposur ebecauseIdon' tneedpeopl easking
mewhathappened, asamanwher ewil
l Ievenst ar
t
explaini
ng?Amanasst rongasmef orthatmat ter,
soIwi ll
justtakeitli
keabi gboyandconv ince
my selft
hatIdeser vedeverylashshestrikedme
with.NowIf ullyunderst
andwhent heysay" hell
heth
nof uryl
ikeawomanscor ned"..
.

Igeti
ntot
hey
ardandf
indmyson'
ssi
tt
ingout
side,
Mf undoisbusydi ggingt hesoil wit
hakni fe,t
helook
onhi sfacescr eamsmur der.Ijusthopet heydon't
repeatwhatt heirmot herdid,thatisfighti
ngmecoz
i
ft heytryIpromi seIwi llshowt hem whoMenzi is.
YesIneededt oexpl aintomywi fetheirmotherand
nott hem,theyshoul dj ustexcuset hemsel vesfr
om
mymar ri
agef orpeacesake. ..

Sbonel
o:wher
eisourmot
her
?
Heasksstandi
ngup,
shoul
dersbroadandvoi
ce
deep.Hel
ooksli
keheisr
eadyforwarwit
hme.
Me:
shewi
l
lbehomesoon.
Sbonel
o:t
hat
'snotwhatIaskedy
oubaba!
Her
aiseshi
svoi
ceatmeandIgaspf
orai
r.
Mf
undo:
andt
heysai
dyou'
dbet
hehei
r.
Hesay
schuckl
i
ng.Hi
sbr
othert
urnst
ofacehi
m.
Sbonel
o:whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Mfundo:thef
irstt
hingyouaskfori
syourmom?Ma
i
sfine!Youshouldbeaskingt
hismanwhatmakhosi
wastal
ki
ngabout.It
'scl
eart
her
e'sanothersonout
ther
esohehastoexplai
ntousexactl
ywhatt he
sangomawastal
kingabout.
Iswal
lowcozmyson' stonel
acksr
especti
never
y
waypossi
ble.Idon'
tevenknowhowtorepr
imand
him.
Sbonelo:Idon'tcareaboutastrangerIhavenever
seenbef or
ebutIcar eaboutmymom, theonethat
broughtusi ntothi
sworld.Iam maturedenought o
haveunder stoodexactl
ywhatmakhosi meantsoI
am askingaboutmymot herbecauset hismustbe
ki
lli
ngher .
HesaysandMf
undobli
nksacoupl
eoft
imeswi
th
nosol
i
dcomebackforhi
sbrot
her.
Me:Idon'
twantyouboy
stof i
ghtpl
ease,
Iwi
l
lfi
xit
al
lIpromi
seIwil
lmakeitr
ight.
Sbonel
o:justbr
ingmymot herbackhomebaba,
I
don'
tcareaboutever
ythi
ngelse.
Hesaysandwalksbacki
nthehouse.Inev
er
t
houghtI'
dseeSbosomad, mysonnormallyact
s
l
ikeafoolsot
hisi
sshocki
ng,hi
sreacti
onisscar
ing
me.ButIneedtogiv
eBuntut
hisni
ghttothi
nkthi
ngs
t
hrough,
Ijusthat
ethepl
acewheresheisdoi
ngthi
s.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

It'
sthener veforme, thenerveofhowt hatpieceof
shitthoughthewoul djustshowupher eandkneel
beforeme, expect i
ngmet oforgivehim andhand
himt hethroneonasi lv
erplatt
er .Hedoesn'tdeser v
e
thisKingdom, hewi l
lusehi spoweri nthewr ongway .
Tooppr essot herwomanandj ustmakel i
feal i
vi
ng
hellforothers.Iwil
lnotf or
giveMenzi notforallthe
teainChina, becauseofhi m mymot herisscardf or
l
ife.Becauseofhi mlif
ewashar df ort
hebot hofus,
hewentoutofhi swayt omaket hi
ngsgosout hf or
mewhenhei st heonewhodi dwr ong..
.

Ij
ustfinishedtakingmybat h,Ineededt ocalm down
becauseIwasl i
teral
lyshakingwithanger.Lord
knowsi ttookevery t
hinginmenott opunchhi mt o
death,Iwantedt ophy si
call
yhurthim because
emot i
onallynot hingIwoul dsaywoul dev enmov e
hisst onecol dhear t.Si
nceIcoul dn'tevenbr i
ng
my sel ft
odoi ngi tIwi llj
ustbet hereasonwhyhe
nev ergetst hatt hrone, hedidsayt heygav ehimt wo
day st obri
nghi sf irstson.Hewi l
lonlyremember
howcl osehegott obeKi ngbecauset heact ual
thronehewi llnev ersi t
.Theancest orswilljusthave
toret urnthet hronet oKingBhekumbusoorf ind
anot hernobel mant oleadt hi
sbeaut if
ulKingdom. .
.

Iwalkbacktot heloungeandf indmymot herand

Mam' Nobuntueat i
ngsupper,theybot hlookingat
theTVbutIcant ell
theTViswat chingt hem.Iam
j
ustgladthatthiswomanbel i
ev edmymot her,i
fonl
y
womanst oodupf oreachothert hiswayi nst eadof
feel
ingtheneedt opr ot
ectt
heper petrator.Ijust
sett
leonthesingl ecouchandcr ossmyl egs, my
mom t ur
nstolookatmeandsheof fersmeaf ai
nt
smile.
..

Mama:
arey
ouokay
?
Isi
ghheav
il
yandnod.
Me:
I'
ll
beokay
.
Mam'Nobunt
u:don'
tal
l
owhi
mtol
eav
eyoui
nthi
s
f
oulmoodBukho.
Me:i
sheal
way
sabust
ardori
t'
sonl
ytomymom
andI
?
Mam'Nobuntu:
anarci
ssistdoesn'
tneedaspeci
fi
c
setofpeopl
etobeanarcissi
stbaby.I
t'
sal
ways
beenhim.
Shesay
sandy
oucanseepai
ninherey
es.
Me:
hedoesn'
tdeser
vey
ouma.
Mam'Nobunt
u:Iknowbaby
,butt
hehear
twi
l
lal
way
s
hav
eit'
sway.
Shel
etshert
ear
sfal
l
.Mymot
hercl
aspsherhand.
Mam'Nobuntu:
Iam j
ustsosadthatIdi
dn'tconnect
t
hedotsearl
ier
.Phi
ndil
esuddenl
ycutti
ngmeof f
wi
thoutanexpl
anat
ionandMenzipushingformet o
l
eti
tgo.
Mama:
don'
tdot
hist
oyour
sel
fBunt
u.Thi
sisal
lon
Menzi
.
Mam' Nobunt
u:Ij
ustcan'
thel
pbutbel
i
eveIshoul
d
hav
econnect edi
tearl
ier
.Maybey
ouandBukhosi
wouldn'
thavehaditbad.
Phi
ndil
e:ever
ythi
nghappensforareason,
muchas
whathedidtomewaspai nf
ulitl
eftmewitht
he
mostpreci
ousgiftev
er.
Mam'Nobuntu:hei
sapr eci
ousgiftal
ri
ght
.Youar
e
bl
essedPhindi
l
ewi t
hasel f
lesssonli
kehi
m.Can'
t
bel
iev
ehehast hebloodofthatmaninhim.
Me:Mam'
Nobunt
uIam sor
rybutIcan'
tkeept
his
f
rom y
ouanyl
onger
.
Shenarr
owsherey es.Shedeservest
oknowthe
tr
uthanddecidewherehermar r
iagest
andsknowi
ng
ever
ythi
ngtheis.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutson?
Iswal
l
ow.
Me: whenIwasstil
lworkingatthepalaceIsaw
thi
ngs,thi
ngsIconvi
ncedmy selfweren'
tmy
busi
nessbutnowIj ustcan'
tkeepittomy sel
f.You
needt
oknowt
het
rut
h.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:Iam l
i
steni
ng.
Sheissocalm butIcant
ell
herhear
tisbeat
ing
agai
nstherchest.
Me:y
ourhusbandandNonhl
e,t
heQueenssi
sterhad
anaf
fai
r.
Shechuckl
es.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:If
igur
ed.
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Phi
ndi
l
e:kanj
ani
?
Mam' Nobunt u:wel lwheny ourhusbandspends
mostni ghtsoutandgi vesyouexcusesaboutgoi ng
totheneighbor ingv il
lage,forsomebusi ness
prospectshehasnev erment i
onedbef oreorwhi ch
havenev ery i
eldpr ogressy oust artt
owor ry.I
foll
owedhi m onceandt her oadledt otheriver
wher emyhusband' smi st
resswai ted.Iwasshocked
andhur ttofindt hatit'sNonhl e,
Ishouldhav eleft
himt henbutIquest ionedmy selfsomuchIst ar
ted
blamingmy sel
ff orit.IfIl
ookedcl oset oNonhl e
thenhewoul dn'
thav eevenlookedatherbutIwas
alwaysinadoek, l
ongdr essesandfacealways
coveredinmemeza.Sohowcoul dhenotlookata
beautif
ulwomanl ikethat?Itr
iedcl
eaningupbutit
neverstoppedratherIwouldfindanotherf
aultt
ofix
withmy sel
ftomakehi ml ookatmeagai n.
Shesayswit
htearsst
reami
ngdownherf
aceandI
feel
badforbri
ngi
ngthi
sup.
Phi
ndi
l
e:Iam sor
ry.
Me:withwhathedidtoyouPhi
ndiIwi
l
lneverl
ookat
hi
mt hesameway .Ij
ustneedt
ogetmykidsand
l
eavethatmanbutwheredoIgo?
Phi
ndi
le:wedon'
thav
eenoughroom butyoucan
hi
deyourheadher
eunti
lyouf
igur
ethingsout
.
Shesmi
l
esatmymot
her
.
Mam'Nobunt
u:t
hanky ousisi
.Bukhosi
t hankyouf
or
t
ell
i
ngmeev enthoughIalr
eadyknewt hankyouson.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MAKHOSI
Iam wokenupbyaknockonmydoor ,
whocoul dit
beatthishour .Myancestorsdon'tevenwakemeup
l
ikethi
s.Ireachf ormyphonet ocheckthetimeand
i
t's4am,Iov ersl
eptyesbutwhoev eritisonmy
doorst
ephadnor i
ghttobangonmydoorl ikethi
sis
ataver
n.Islowl ygetoffmybedandmakemyway
toopenup.I t'
sMenzi Sheziandhel ooksbesides
himsel
f,Istareathimf orami nut
eandhel ooks
downembar rassed.
..

Me:
Iam comi
ng.

Isaycl osingt hedoori nhisface, hisproblem i sone

thatispr essing,thisv i
ll
agedependsonhi m doi ng
ther i
ghtt hi
ng.Heneedst ointr
oduceBukhosi tothe
ancestor sandbyt hel ookofthingshewentt ot al
k
totheboyandhepr obablyshuthi m down
i
mmedi at el
y.Hei sjust i
fi
edtowantnot hingt odo
withMenzi butr i
ghtnowt hepeopl eofUkut hula
needhi mt oascendt hethroneandoncehe' sKi nghe
willdoashepl easeswi thMenzi .Banishhi m, send
hi
mtothesecl
udedplacet
odi
ewhat
everhewant
s
hewi
l
lbeabletodoit
...

Iqui ckl
ypourwat erintheplasti
cbasinandf reshen
up, asmuchast hisisanemer gencyIneedt obe
freshbecausei twillbetheonlychanceIget .My
day sgethecti
cwi thmycl i
entsandt hisdil
emmawe
aredeal i
ngwith.OnceIam done, Iputonmygear
andheadoutt ohearwhathehast osay.Hei s
sitti
ngont hebenchbal ancinghisbackwi t
ht hewall
oft hehut,heisst ari
ngatspaceandbyt helookof
thingsIwasr i
ght ,Bukhosishowedhi mflames. .
.

Iplacemyst r
awmatdownnextt ohim,thesunis
noty etcomi
ngoutt hehorizonsoit'
sstil
lali
ttl
edar
k
outside.Hepull
shimselftogetherandbalanceshi
s
armsonhi sknees,heletsoutadeepsi ghandI
readymy sel
ftoplaydumb. ..

Me:
howcanIhel
pyou?
Menzi
:Iam sor
ryf
orshowi
ngupsoear
ly.
Me:
it'
sokaysowhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Menzi
:uhm Iwentt
omyf
ir
stson.
Me:
that
'sgood.Br
inghi
mtomor
rowatdawn.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Menzi
:hewant
snot
hingt
odowi
thmemakhosi
.
Me:
why
?Whathappened?
Menzi
:ther
e'sal
otofhi
stor
yandbadbl
oodbet
ween
me,hi
m andhismother
.
Heexpl
ainsl
i
ght
lyandIchuckl
e.
Me:
youar
egoi
ngt
ohav
etoel
abor
ate.
Menzi:well
makhosihismotherhappenedtobemy
wif
e'sf
riendandami st
akehappenedbetweenthe
bot
hofusandshecl aimsItookadvantageofher
.
Ourencounterr
esul
tedintheboy.
Hetel
lsthetrut
hwillapinchofali
e,ali
ethat'
s
meanttocleanhim offwhathedidexact
lybutl
itt
le
doesheknowt hatnoonecanf oolt
heancestorsfor
l
ong.Iwil
llethi
m playthi
scard.
Me:
who'
sthi
sboy
?
Menzi:
wel
li
t'
sBukhosi
,theonet
hatwor
kedatt
he
pal
ace.
Woul
dyoul
ookatt
hat
,het
oldt
het
rut
h.
Me:
Isee,wel
lMenz
i,y
ouwil
lneedtoconv
incehi
m
t
odothi
s.Timei
snotonoursi
de.
Menzi
:buthow?
Ishr
ugmyshoul
der
s.
Me:fi
gureitout.Beg,
cry,
diewhatevert
hatwi
l
l
makehim agreetocomet othepal
aceandbe
i
ntr
oducedt otheancest
ors.
HelooksatmeshockedbutImeani
t,hebet
terdo
whateveri
ttakes.
Menzi
:I'
l
lseewhatIcando.
Me:
gowel
lthen.
Henodsandgetsupleaving.Iknowexactl
ywhot o
bri
ngtothemix,hewi
llknowhowt oconv i
nce
Bukhosii
ntocomingt
hroughandacceptingthe
Shezinameandtheancestorssohecanbeki ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Idrov eouti nt hemor ni ngtogobuysomel axati

ve
cozi ny ongohasbeenshowi ngmef lames.I
seriousl yneedt oser v icecozwowI '
mt iredof
tastingmet alinmymout h,Idon' twantt otalkabout
thesal i
vajesusI '
mt i
r edofspi ttingoutal l
thedamn
ti
me.Igethomeandmyf ather'
scari snoti nthe
yard, Imi ssedbr eakfastonpur posecozIdi dn'
t
knowhowt of acet hem especi all
yaftertheygotiton
l
astni ght.Iam happyt heyar et oget
herandt hat
theirsexual chemi stryi stherebutcant hey
remembert heyl i
vewi thme?I t'
sawkwar df ormeto
facet hem af terhear ingt hem moanandgr oanfor
thesecondt imei nar ow...

Iwal
kinthehouseandmamai si
ntheki
tchen
washi
ngthedishes,
Iswall
owandwi sht
hegr ound
coul
dopenupandswal l
owmewhol e.Shesmi l
esat
meandIgreetwhichshepoli
tel
yanswersto.She
l
ooksshyt ooandIguessshef iguredwhyIhav e
beenact i
ngt hisway,Imeantheyar etraumatizi
nga
chil
d.ItoldBukhoabouti tandhel aughedsay i
nghi
s
mom oncecompl ai
nedaboutust oowhenI '
m
sleepingoversoIguessI '
m havingat asteofmy
ownmedi cine.Butt
henagaintheset woar eoldand
theirsexshoul dbesil
entandbor i
nghao. .
.

Myni ppleshav i
ngbeeni t
chingmef ordaysnow,
theyareer ectandsensiti
veandIsweari rubon
them halfoft heday,putt
ingonabr aiseven
annoy i
ngf ormebecausei t
'ssouncomfortable.Ir
ub
j
ustoneasImi xmyl axat
ivewithwarm wat er
.
mam' Hlengiwei sl
ookingatmel ikeI'
m mad, her
ey esmov etomybr eastwher eI'
mr ubbi
ng
vigorouslytry
ingtotakecar eoftheit
ch.
..

Mama:
ever
ythi
ngokaybaby
?
Sheasksr
eal
l
yconcer
ned.
Me:
yesI
'
m good.
Mama:
yourbr
east
s?
Il
ookatthem l
i
keI
'
m notunder
standi
ngher
quest
ion.
Mama:
youar
escr
atchi
ng.
Me:
Ithi
nkI
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
emyper
iodssoon.
Mama:
ohokay
.
Shedoesn'
tseem t
obel
i
eveme.
Me:Ij
ustwannadr
inkt
hisandser
vicemysy
stem,
hav
en'
tdoneiti
nalongwhil
e.
Mama:
okay
,youdot
hat
.
Igulpdownthecont
enti
nt hecupandi
t'
sbi
tt
er.I
holdintheur
geofvomit
ing.
Mama:
Kay
isecanwehav
eawor
d?
SheasksasIam aboutt
ost
epoutoft
heki
tchen.
Me:
okayma.
Ipul
loutachai
randsi
tdown,shedoest
hesame
andstar
tsf
ondli
ngwit
hherfi
ngers.
Mama:
youf
athert
oldmet
hathet
oldy
ouaboutour
r
elat
ionshi
p.
Me:
yeshedi
dma.
Mama: Iam sorr
ywedi dn'taskf oryourpermissi
on
fi
rstespeci
all
yseeingthaty ourparentsonly
separatedawhil
eago.It ri
edf ight
ingmyf eel
ings
unti
litwashard.Ihatethatthingsareawkwar d
betweenus,Ihopewedon' tloseourbond.
Ismi
l
e.
Me: al
l Iwanttoseeismyf at
herhappybecause
that
'sal l
hewant sformetoo.Hesuppor tsme
alwaysandIam happyhei swit
hyou, l
ikeIsaidto
himy out wohavemysuppor tandblessings.Youare
agreatwomanandIbel iev
ebot hy
ourf eeli
ngsdidn'
t
star
tnowi thasbeengrowingfr
om whenLi yanawas
sti
llaround.
Shenods.
Mama: t
hanky
ouKayise,Il
oveBhekumbusoandI
wi
ll
treathi
mri
ghtal
way s.Ipr
omiseyou.
Me:tr
ustmemama, Ibel
i
eveyou.CanIjustsayone
t
hingandIdon'
tmeantosounddisr
espectf
ul.
Mama:
okay
?
Shei
sunsur
eofher
sel
f.
Me:huhuhm souhm yourbedr
oom i
sli
kenextdoor
t
omi neandthewall
sarenotsothi
ckpl
easewhen
youuhm canyoukeepitdown?
Shei
slooki
ngdownembar
rassedforami
nut
eunt
il
aner
vouschuckl
ecomesf
rom her
.
Mama:ohmyGodIam soembar rassedri
ghtnow
Kay
iseI
'm sov
erysor
rybaby
.I'
l
ltalktoyourfat
her
.
Il
etoutasi
ghofr
eli
ef.
Mama:
Ifi
gur
ethi
siswhyy
ouhav
ebeenawkwar
d?
Inodandmyphoner
ings,
sav
ingmef
rom t
his
conver
sat
ion.
Me:
mamaIneedt
otaket
his,
it'
sBukhosi
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
LIYANAMDLULI

Thi
ngsar
eget
ti
nghar
derf
ormebyt
heday
,myown
familyhassubjectedmet oslaveryandIjustcan' t
takeitanymore.Ihav en'
thadanyf oodforawhi le
nowandDabul amanzi ontheotherhandhas
unleashedgreattormentonme.Hehascompl etely
takenov ermyhead, hewantsmet oall
owhi mi nso
hecangobackt oUkut hul
aandpl otrevengeagai nst
myhusbandandourdaught erf
orget ti
ngr i
dofhi m
andf r
eeingthevessel hehadchosen.Ihonest l
y
don'tknowhowhei sabletobei nmyheadwhenI
haveallhispowers,power swhi
chpr ovet hathewi l
l
neverletmebef orasl ongasIhav ethem. .
.

Imanagedt owal kt othedar kforestfrom my

mer t
enal homest ead,it'
sfarandIhadnoener gyin
me.I nfactIhavenot hinginme, nowi l
ltogoonand
nohopeatal l
.All Iam carry
ingi spain,regr
et,thi
s
ropeandabucket .Yes,thi
si scowar diceofmet odo
butIhav enot hi
ngt oli
v efor.Isoldmydaught erand
myhusband' sroyaltytoanev i
ldeity
.Ican'tl
ivewith
my selfanymor eandt hisistheonl ywayoutofmy
miser y,t
hewor ldwoul dbeabet terplacewithoutme
andnoonewi ll
mi ssmesogoodr i
ddance...
Ifastent her opeont hest r
ongbr anchoft het ree
andandputt heot herendar oundmyneck.Myshi r
t
i
sdr enchedi nsweat ,notbecausei t
'shotorbecause
Iam doi nghar dl abornoi t'
sbecauseIam scar ed
outofmymi nd.YesIhav emadet hisdecisionbut
deathi sanot herunknown.Isendashor tprayerand
all
owmy selftor emembert hegoodmemor iesI
sharedwi t
hmyhusbandandourdaught erandj ust
l
ikethatmyhear ti
sal ri
ght.Immedi atelywhenIf el
t
Dabul atryi
ngt ocr eepi nmyheadIqui cklykickthe
bucketandt her opet ightensaroundmynextmaki ng
i
thar df ormet obr eath,Itr
yt olooseni tandi t
'snot
becauseIdon' twantt odiebutbecausenat ure
propelsaf ightorf lightoption.Outofnowher eIhave
messedmy sel fandsl owlyf eel
i
ngl i
feleav i
ngmy
body...
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
NOEDI
TS.
TheHousewif
eissti
ll
av ai
l
abl
e,pl
easecheckt
he
pi
nnedpostatthet
opf ormor
einfor
mati
on.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER56
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

Iwokeupt omakhosi '

stextmessageaski ngmet o
makemywayt ohishouseasqui cklyasIcould.
SoonasIf inishedwithbreakfastandMaShangeI
quickl
ycamet ohishouset ofindoutwhati s
happening,Iknewi twasur gentbecausehehar dly
everincl
udesmei nthingsthatdon'tneedmy
att
ention.Ihav ebeenwai t
ingoutsi
def orcl
oset oan
hournow, hei sbusyinthendobawi thacli
ent.Iam
anxiousnowt oknowwhati shappeningandifI
couldIwoul djustburstinthehutandt el
lhiscli
ent
tocomebackl ateron..
.

Aft
erwhatseemsli
keforev
erthedoorf i
nal
lyopens
andtheper
sonwalksoutwitht
hewi destsmil
e,I
guessmakhosij
usthel
pedhim sol
vehisproblems.
Hegr eetsmeandIr espondtoitbeforeheheadst o
thegate,Istanduphopingtheonet hatcal
ledme
herewi l
lwalkoutbutanotherminutepasses.For
someonewhocal l
edSOShei staki
nghissweett i
me
andIcoul dbeathomespendi ngsomet imewi t
h
Hlengiwe..
.

Iam paci ngupanddownwhenashar ppainhit

smy
chest,i
t'ssoser verthatIscream andslowlysink
down.Idon' trememberev erfeel
ingany t
hingso
painfulGod, Ifeelsomeoneputt heirhandsonmy
shoulderandIopenmyey estofi
ndmakhosi l
ooking
atmeconcer ned.Hedoesn'tsayany thi
ngbutallows
meami nut e,onceitsubsideshehel psmeuponmy
feet.Myr ighthandi spl
acedexact l
ywher ethepain
stri
kedme. .
.

Makhosi
:whathappened?
Iexhal
e
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
ashar
ppai
njusthi
tmer
ighther
e.
Ipoi
ntt
omychestandhenar
rowshi
sey
es.
Makhosi: t
hatmeanssomet hi
ngBhekibutIwould
seeifanythingwasgoingon.Iwil
lconsul
twithy
our
ancestorsandletyouknowifther
e'sanyt
hing
happening.
Me:
thanky
ou.Sowhati
stheemer
gency
?
Makhosi
:comel
et'
sgoi
n.
Heleadsmet othehouseandnottheancest
ral
room soIknowit'
snotgoi
ngtobesomet hi
ng
shockingordemandi
ngtheimpossibl
e.
Webot
hsettl
edownandIl
ookathi
m hopi
ngt
hathe
wi
l
lspi
l
litoutal
ready
.
Makhosi
:well
Ineedy
ourhel
pwi
thsomet
hing
Bhekumbuso.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
myhel
p?
Makhosi
:wellMenz
i'
sfir
stsonwil
lnotaccepthi
m
andhonest
lyweneedthatboyt
oascendt hethr
one.
If
urr
owmyf
orehead.
Me:howcoul
dIpossi
blybeanyhel
pont
hismat
ter
Makhosi
?
Makhosi
:wellBheki,
theboyl ooksupt oyouandy ou
al
sohaveasof tspotforhim.Hewi l
ll
istentoreason
i
fyouaretheoneput t
ingitonthetable.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:youarenotmaki
nganysensebaba,
whoar
ewe
t
alki
ngabouther
e?
Makhosi
:Bukhosi
.
Ir
aiseaney
ebr
owshockedashel
l
.
Me:
Bukhosi
Bukhosi
?Asi
nKay
ise'
sBukhosi
?
Henodsv
igor
ousl
y
Makhosi
:yes,
hei
sMenzi
'
sfi
rstson.TheKi
ng.
TosayIam shockedwill
beanunder
statement.I
meanhowisheev enhisson,
MenzihatesBukhosi
andhasnev
erev entr
iedtohi
dei
t.
Me:
how?Idon'
tunder
stand?
Makhosi:wel
lMenz
ifor
cedhimsel
fontheboy
s
motherandnowheistr
yingt
odownplayit
.
Wonder
sshal
lnev
erend!
Me:
yousaywhat
?
Makhosi:
wellt
heSheziancest
orswantt
hatboyto
car
rythei
rsur
name,toacknowledget
hem sohecan
beKing.
Me:butMenzi
isal
i
veandBukhowasbor
noutof
wedl
ock.
Makhosi :Menzi willnotev ensmel lthatt hrone,heis
vi
leandhi sownancest orswantnot hingt odowi th
him.YesBukhosi wasbor noutofwedl ockbutt hey
wanthim andt heyhav ei nstr
uctedthatIcl eansehi m
andprepar ehimf ort het hronebecauset hatpositi
on
wasmadef orhim.Hewasbor nfort his.Him and
yourdaught erwer edi st anttobet ogether ,t
he
ancestorsknewwhaty ourwi f
ewoul ddoandt hey
knewy ouwi llhavetol etgooft hethroneandt o
prot
ectt heinterestoft hepeopl etheygav ey oua
daughterwhowi llst
ill beQueenbecauseofher
goodhear tandpl ansshehasf orthepeopl eof
Ukuthula.
Hesay
sandInodsl
owl
y.
Me:soIhavetoconvincehi
mtoacceptt
hename
andtaket
hethrone?
Makhosi
:pl
easeBheki
,thepeopl
eneedhi
m.
Ir
eleaseashar
psi
gh.
Me:
Iwi
l
lgoseehi
mthen.
Heholdsouthi
shandandweshake.Indeedt
he
ancest
orsworkinmysteri
ousway
s,Ican'
twr
apmy
headaroundt
hiswholethi
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
NOBUNTUSHEZI

Theisnogoi ngbackf rom thi

sone, there'
snohope
formymar r
iage.Itwouldbeev ilofmet ostaywith
suchamanaf t
erIknowexact lywhathedi dtomy
bestfri
end.Yes, Iusedtotaket hesamet hingfr
om
him whenhegothomedr unkoutofhi smi ndbutI
didn'
twantt obelievethatahusbandcanr apehis
ownwi fe.Iacceptedtheabusebecausehewasmy
husband, hepaidlobolaforhim andtheelderswho
mar r
iedmeof fdi dsayIbelongedt ohim.ButIknow
bett
ernowIknowthathev i
olat
edmethesameway
ashedidPhindi
l
e,Ij
ustchosetostaywi
thitand
accepti
tal
lcozIdi
dn'twantafail
edmar
riage.
..

Wher ewoul dIhavegonet oifIl

eftMenzi?Ihave
nothing,absolutelynothing.Hei sthereasonweate,
hadcl othesandaf f
ordedev eryt
hingwedi dinour
l
ife.That '
sthehar destforawomanwhowant sto
l
eav ewi thnothingtohername, alsothesincer
e
apologiest hatcameaf terev er
yincidentmademe
hopet hatonedayhewi l
l meani tandstopdoingall
thesepai nfulthi
ngst ome.Ij ustpraythathepays
forallhisev i
ldoings..
.

Phindi
l
e:ar
eyousur
eyoudon'
twantmet
ogowi
th
you?
Sheaskswal
ki
ngi
nthebedr
oom.It
urnandsmi
l
eat
her
.
Me:
Iam sur
esi
si,
Ineedt
ofacet
hisonmyown.
Phi
ndi
l
e:don'
tal
l
owhi
mtot
urny
ouBunt
u.
Ishakemyhead.
Me:never
!Iam j
ustgoi
ngt
opackmyt
hingsand
headbackher
e.
Phi
ndi
l
e:okayt
hen.
Me:thankyousomuchforwhatyoudidf
orme
yest
erdayandal
soal
lowi
ngmet ostaywi
thyouher
e
unti
lIhaveapl
an.
Phi
ndi
l
e:i
t'
sokay
,hambaubuy
e.

Iturnonmyst reetandmakemywayt ot hehouse

thatlooksgoodont heout si
debuthabour salotof
secretsandpai n, painsIwentt hr
oughbecauseofa
mant hatwassupposedt oprotectandl oveme.I
stepinsidet hehouseandi tsdeadqui et,Igetinthe
l
oungeandbot hmysonsar einthere.Theybot h
seem l osti
nt heirt houghts,Iguesstheyhav ea
mi l
li
onquest i
onsandIam l ef
ttoanswert hem coz
Menzi wil
lnev er.Thatt i
mehei stheonewhocaused
thiswhol ething, Iclearmyt hroatandt heybothturn
tolookatme.Myel desti
st hefir
stonhi sf eet
comi ngt ome. ..
Sbonel
o:ohmama,
arey
ouar
eokay
?
Ismi
l
e,hehasal
way
sbeent
hesweet
est
.
Me:
Iam okaybaba,
Ijustneededsomet
imet
othi
nk.
Sbonel
o:Iam j
ustgl
adt
haty
ouar
eokayandsaf
e.
Mf
undo:
Ijustwantt
oknowwhati
sgoi
ngon.
Isi
ghandl
ookathi
m st
il
lont
hechai
r.
Me:well
Ibeliev
eyouarebot
hadultsandcanputt
he
dot
stogetherastowhatMakhosi
meant.
Mf
undo:
yeswear
ebuti
sitt
rueornot
?
Me:
yesMf
undoy
ourf
atherhasanot
herson.
Mf
undo:
sot
hismeansSbowon'
tbeaKi
ng?
Heasksandhi
sbr
otherl
aughs.
Sbonel
o:r
eal
l
y?I
sthatal
lyoucar
eabout
?
Mf
undo:
whowoul
dn'
t?
Sbonelo:Idon't
!Ijustwantt
ofindouthowour
motherisdealingwi t
hthi
s,whereitl
eav
esour
famil
y.Icouldn'tcarel
essaboutthedamnthr
one.
Mf
undo:
thi
siswhyIt
oldbabat
haty
ouar
enott
he
r
ightper
sont
obeKing.Youdon'
thav
easpi
neSbo,
y
ouwor r
yaboutmi
northi
ngs.
Iam shocked,howcouldMf undotalkli
kethi
s.
Royal
tythatisnotevenyetguaranteedisalr
eady
dri
vi
nghimi nsane.
Me:
Iam okaySbo,
Iaccept
edt
haty
ourf
atheri
sa
r
api
st.
Theybot
hgaspsf
orai
r.
Sbonel
o:whatdi
dyousaymama?
Theydeser
vetoknowandIam notgoi
ngt
opr
otect
Menzi'
simage.
Me:yourfatherr
apedmybestf r
iendandf oryear
s
hehatedthem li
keheisnottheonet hatv
iolat
ed
Phi
ndil
e.Bukhosiisyourel
derbrother.
Mf
undo:
Idon'
tbel
i
evey
ou.
Myhear tshatter
s,butI'
veseenhim gr
owupt otake
aft
erhisfather.I
thurtsbuttheycoul
dn'tal
lescape
theevi
lgene, BukhosiandSboneloobviousl
y
escapeditandmyl astbabytooki
tall
.
Sbonel
o:Iwi
l
lbeatt
hedi
srespectoutofy
ou.
Hewar
nsandIpl
acemyhandonhi
schest
.
Me:it
'sokaySbo,
Ijustcametopackwhatismine,I
wil
lbestayi
ngwit
hPhi ndi
l
eandBukhosi
.Ifyoul
ike
youcancomewi t
hme.
Sbonel
o:Iam def
ini
tel
ycomi
ngwi
thy
oumama.
Il
ookatMf
undoaf
tercl
aspi
nghi
sbr
other
shand.
Mfundo:countmeout
,Iam nott
urningmybackon
Royal
ty.YoucangosoIwi
llbemyf ather
'shei
r.
Hesay
scar
efr
eeandIl
etmyt
ear
sfal
l
.
Me:
poweri
snotev
ery
thi
ngson.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Mf undo: t
omei tismama, Iwantt
oliv
eeasy .We
deserv etoandjustcozyouchoosetowalkaway
from ititdoesn'
tmeanIshould.TakeSboandIwill
tellmyf athert
hatyoulef
twhenheget sback.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MENZISHEZI

Ihatet hatIhav et ogroveltothisboybutwhat

choicedoIhav e?wi t
houthim mychancesofbei ng
Kingar ev eryslim.Ishouldhav ealr
eadybeen
crownedandl i
v i
nghappi l
yinmypal ace.Ineedtodo
everythingpossi bletogetthatboyt oforgi
vemeand
agreet ogoi ngt othepalacet omor rowatdawn.Iwi ll
promi sehi m heav enonear t
h, evenifitmeans
sell
inghi mt hedr eam ofbecomi ngheirapparentto
thethr one.Ishoul dbebeggi ngmywi fetocome
backhomebuther eIam atthisf ar
mt otalktothis
l
owl i
fe..
.

Ther earefewguy sonsi ghtwor ki

ngandt rut
hbe
toldthislooksgood,hispr oduceisgreenand
growi ng.Iwil
lbemakinggoodmoneyf rom t
his
place, si
nceBhekisaidthepl antati
onisnotRoy alt
yit
meansIhav etofi
ndmyownbusi nessandIdon' t
hav etolookanyfurther.Iam t aki
ngthisfarm soon
asI '
m crownedwhet herhel ikesitornot,askingI
am enti
tl
edtoev er
ythingi
nthi
sland.Iaskoneoft
he
boyswher eBukhosiisandhepoint
shimt othe
off
iceattheback..
.

Ifi
ndhi m speaki
ngont hephonesi t
ti
ngont hedesk
facingt hewindow, hehashisbackt omeandIl ean
bythedoorl i
steni
ngt ohi
m speakofmeet ingsand
money .Hef i
nall
yfeelsmypr esenceinther oom and
quicklyt ur
nsbackandIj ustsoftenmyexpr essi
on,
hef rownsandwr apsuphi scall
.Iam doingmybest
tolookl ikeadesper at
esincerel
ysorryfather..
.

Bukhosi
:ohcomeonman.
Hesoundsdef
eat
ed.
Me:Iknowy ouwantnothingtodowithmebut
Bukhosipl
ease.Iam sor
ryfrom t
hebott
om ofmy
heart
,Iwil
ldoanythi
ngtoprovethist
oyou.
Bukhosi:y
oucanl
eav
emeal
one,
Iwoul
dreal
l
y
appreci
ateit
.
Me:
bef
oret
heancest
orst
oldmet
obr
ingy
ou,
I
wouldn'
thavebotheredcomingt odoall
ofthi
s.
That'
sbecauseIwasashamedofwhatIhaddone
butnowthatthetruthisfi
nal
lyoutIwanttohavea
chancetobey ourfat
herandliv
et her
estofmylif
e
tr
yingtoshowy outhatIam sorr
y.
Isaywi
tht
ear
sbl
i
ndi
ngme.Hechuckl
es.
Bukhosi:
oht
hatwasgood,
Grammynomi
nat
ion
worthy
.
Hesayswi
thasmil
eandIwantt
oscr
eam.Whatwi
l
l
i
ttakef
ort
hisboyt
ohearmeout.
Me:
thi
sisnotanact
,Isweart
oyou.
Bukhosi
:youhavetwosonsMenzi,appeasey
our
ancest
orsandtel
lthem Iwantnot
hingt
odowi t
h
youorthei
rname.
Me:
don'
tdot
hist
omepl
ease.Don'
ttal
kli
ket
his.
Bukhosi:MenziIam busy
,Ihav
eabusinesst
orun.
Discussi
ngthiswit
hy oui
staki
ngti
meawayfrom
met obeabletodoso.Justgoplease.
Me:justdot
hist
hingf
ormesonplease,
thengetto
knowmeandi fy
ousti
llf
eel
li
key
oudon' twantt
hisI
pr
omi
set
oaccepti
tandl
eav
eyoube.
Bukhosi:Iam nothel
pingyouascendt
hatt
hroneso
for
getitandgof i
ndanotherway.

Hecomest owar dsmeandpushesmeoutt heof fi

ce
andclosest hedoorbef or ehewalksaway .Iam
defeated,
Idon' tknowwhatmor etodot ogett his
boytobelieveme.Ican' tbespendingmyt i
me
begginghim cozIdon' thav eit
.Hej ustneedst ofall
i
nl i
neanddoasIam aski ngandaf t
erthathecan
fuckoffandIwon' tgiv
eadamn.Theonl ywayt oget
thi
sboyt oagr eetoev erythi
ngisjusttousebl ack
magiconhi m.Ineedt of i
ndany angat oputaspel l
onhim sohecanagr eet oever
ythingthatcomesout
ofmymout h..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MAKHOSI

Ihopet
hatBhekimanagest
ogetthroughtoBukhosi
,
wearerunni
ngoutofti
me.Theancestor
sgaveusa
weektogetev ery
thi
ngi norderandIsaidt wodays
toMenzijustsohecoul dcomecl eanaboutwhathe
didtoPhindi
le.Toalsospeedupt heprocessof
tr
yingtogetBukhosi t
ocomet othepalaceand
accepthi
splaceandhi sfat
her'snameev enthough
heisacompl etebastardhi
sancest or
sar en'
t.
..

Iquickl
yremembert hatIhavetoconsultwiththe
ancestorswithwhathappenedtoBhekumbuso
earl
ieron.Sharppainsonthecheatoftentimes
meant ragedyanditshoul
dn'tbetakenli
ghtly,
it
meanssomet hi
ngisgoingtohappenori thas
al
readyhappened.Imov etomyndombaand
prepareeveryt
hing.
..

Icall
uponmyancest orsandt heNgwenyaancestors
beforeIdropthebonesont hestr
awmat .WhatI
readnextshocksme, yesshewasev i
lbutshedidn'
t
deservetodiesuchapai nf
ulandshamefuldeath.
Shemusthav ebeengoi ngthr
oughsomucht o
beli
evesuici
dewast heonlywayout.OhLiyana,how
doIeventel
lthi
st oBhekumbusoandKay ise.They
aret
ryi
ngtogett hei
rli
vesbackinorderandher
deat
hwill
defini
telyhi
tthem har
d..
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Aftertheshitt
ydayIhadIj ustneededt oseemyl ady,
ZamaNgweny aistheonlyonewhoknowshowt o
calm medown.Ineedt ohireaf ewguy sforsecuri
ty
tokeeppi ecesofshitli
keMenzi outofmyplace.I
washav i
ngapr ogr
essivedayunt ilheshowedup, I
don'tknowwhi chpartofhisbrainmakeshi m
beli
ev ethatIwil
lhel
phi m beKingl etal
oneforgi
ve
himf orallheputusthrough.It
'sei t
herheisoneof
thoset hathavemassivehopeorhei sjustbei
ng
himselfthinki
ngthatthewor l
dhast odoeveryt
hing
her equestsfr
om it.
..

Igettomam' Hlengi
we'
shouseandthankGodsheis
alr
eadybackf r
om thepl
ant
ati
oncozhercari
sinthe
yard.Iam gl
adshehassomethingt
okeepbusywith
duringt
hedaycozherheadhasbeenal lovert
he
placeeversincetheylostthethr
one.Iknockanda
secondlatershecomest oopenup,ahugesmi l
e
formsonherf aceandsheat t
acksmewi thahug.
Ohsomeonei shappyt oseeme, Iki
sshershoulder
andshegi ggles..
.

Kay
ise:
heyChoco.
Shesay
sandIbl
ush.
Me:
sthandwasami
,howar
eyou?
Kay
ise:
I'
m gr
eatt
hanksbabywena?
Me:I'
m goodnowthatI
'
m seei
ngy
ouandy
ouar
eso
exci
tedtoseeme.
Kay
ise:
feel
sli
keIhav
en'
tseeny
oui
nfor
ever
.
Me:
Ifeel
thesameway
.Come.
Shewalksoutcl
osi
ngthedoorbehi
ndherandwego
si
tonthebenchneart
hecar.
Kay
ise:
howwaswor
k?
Sheasksasweset
tl
edownwi
thourf
inger
slocki
ng.
Isi
gh.
Me:
wasgoi
ngpr
ett
ywel
lunt
ilMenzi
showedup.
Kay
ise:
camet
obegonceagai
n?
Me:Ithi
nki
t'
sgoi
ngt
ogoonawhi
l
enow.Hei
snot
hear
ingmeatal
l.
Kay
ise:
sor
rybaby
.
Me:
let
'snott
alkaboutt
hatman,
howwaswor
k?
Iaskandshei
srubbi
ngherbr
east
svi
gor
ousl
y.
Kay
ise:
justf
inebabe,
thepr
ojecti
spr
ogr
essi
ngwel
l
.
Herfat
her
'scardi
stur
bsus,
hecl
i
mbsoutt
hecar
andcomestowardsus.
Kay
ise:
heydaddy
.
Baba:
Ntombi
kay
ise.
Heretur
nshersmil
e.Thesetwohav
eabeaut
if
ul
f
atherdaught
err
elat
ionshi
p.
Me:
Bab'
Ngweny
a.
Isayst
andi
ngupandhol
dingmyhandout
.
Baba:
Mthombeni
,j
ustt
hemanIwant
edt
osee.
Hesay
sandInar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.
Baba:
ZamaNgweny
apl
easeexcuseusal
i
ttl
e.
Shedoesn'
tsayany
thi
ng,
butst
andsupandgoes
backi
nsidet
hehouse.
Herfatherset
tl
esnex
ttomewher
eshewasand
r
eleasesanervoussi
gh.
Baba:f
irstofallIwantyoutoknowthatIam not
goi
ngtof orceyoutodoany t
hingbutIneedyouto
under
standt hatyouaretheonethi
sKingdom needs.
Hesay
sandIam conf
used.
Me:
canIaskwhatbabai
stal
ki
ngabout
?
Baba:IspoketoMakhosi
andhet
oldmet
hatMenzi
i
sy ourfat
her.
Me:wit
hallduer
espectbaba,
Idon'
twantt
otal
k
aboutt
hatman.
Baba:Iunderst
andsonbutsomet
imesasamany
ou
havetodowhaty oudon'
twantj
ustt
oserv
ea
great
erpurpose.
Me:agreaterpur
posei
saccepti
ngthatmanand
makinghim ki
ngsohercancont
inuetot
orment
peoplel
i
kemeandmymom?
Baba:hisancestorswantyoutoacknowledget
hem
andtaket hei
rsurnamebecausetheywanttomake
youking,notMenzi .I
nhi
sheadhebeliev
esheisthe
nextbutnohei sjustameanstoanendt omakeyou
thenextleader.
Isi
tupstrai
ghtandl
ookatmygi
rl
fr
iend'
sfat
her
dumbfounded.
Baba: yournamesay sitall
,y ouwer echosenev en
beforey ouwer ebor n.Ntombi ZamaNgweny aismy
onlydaught erandt heonl ygi rlwhowasbor nint he
Roy alfamilyoftheNgweny a's.Thatwasonpur pose
sonbecauset heyknewIwoul dhav etost epdown
duet owhatLi yanadi d.TheNgweny a'ssav edt he
kingdom from theev i
lCebekhul u'
sandt henexti n
l
inewer etheShezi'ssot heygav emeadaught erand
gav etheShezi'sanobel sonwhowi llcomet oget her
andl eadthisvil
laget ogr eaterheights.Thi swasan
all
iancebet weent hegr eatancest orsoft het wo
fami l
ies.
Heexpl
ainsandIam t
ryi
ngt
omakesenseofi
tal
l
.
Baba:thi
nkaboutitson.Thisisyourbirt
hri
ghttake
i
tandmakemeandt herestofthev i
ll
agehappyand
rel
axedknowingthatthi
slandi singoodhands.
Oncey ouar
eKi ngyouwillseewhaty oucandot o
punishMenziforal
ltheevilhedid.
Iswall
owandcl osemyey
est
ryi
ngt
odi
gestal
lthat
hasjustbeensaid.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts
AFATHER’
SLOVE
CHAPTER57
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Myf at
heri staki
ngmyt i
menow, Bukhosi cameher e
toseemeandhej ustcapi t
alizedont hat.I fher eal
ly
wantedtomeetwi thhim heshoul dhav edonei ti
n
hisownt imecoznowI ’mloosi ngt i
mewi thmy
ChocoandI ’
vemi ssedhi mter riblyso.Ijustwonder
whatissoi mpor t
antt hatIev enhadt oexcuset hem,
hopefull
yhei snothav i
ngthet alkwithhi m.You
knowaski nghim whenhei sgoi ngt odot her i
ght
thi
ngint ermsofget t
ingmar riedorwhatnot .Idon’t
wantBukhosi f
eelinganysor tofpr essure, that
shouldhappennat urall
ynotbecausehef eel s
obli
gated.Ofcour seIwannabehi swi feandi fit
wereupt omeI ’
dmar ryhim asi ny esterdaybutwe
aregoingt oletl
ov eleadusexact l
ywher ewei tis
supposedt o…
Idecidet omakeussomet hingtoeatasIwai t
nothingheav yjustsandwiches,Iknowhehat es
breadbutI ’m notabouttostartdishingoutf oodI
didn’tcook.Mamai stheonewhost oodupont he
hotst ovetohav emeont hepot splay ingwifetomy
boy f
riend.Thedooropensandmyf atherwalksi n,
he
j
ustnodsandsmi l
esatmebef orehedi sappearsto
fi
ndmam’ Hl
engi we.Iwal
koutwi tht hefoodandasI
gettomyboy fr
iendhelooksbesideshi mself,t
he
goodmoodhewasi nbef
oretalki
ngt omyf atherhas
disappeared.Ifrownashel ooksupt omet ryi
ngt o
offermeaweaksmi l
ebutI’
m nothav ingit…

Bukhosi
:i
sthatf
orme?
Heaskst
ryi
ngt
oli
ght
enupt
heat
mospher
e.
Me:
what
’swr
ongmyl
ove?
HeshakeshisheadandIset tl
ebackont
hebench
witht
heplat
eofbr eadsti
l
l i
nmyhands,I
’
llj
ustf
etch
thedr
inkwhenhe’sdonet el
li
ngmewhatmyf at
her
saidt
omakehi m sogloomy .
Bukhosi
:i
t’
snot
hingZamaNgweny
a,y
ourdadandI
werejusthavingat
alk.Mant
omant
ypeof
conversat
ions.
Isqui
ntmyey
esandhesi
ghsheav
il
y.
Me:don’tt
ell
mehewasaski ngwhenweareget
ti
ng
marr
ied.Iwil
ltal
ktohi
m abouti
tsohest
epsbacka
l
it
tl
e.
Bukhosi:
rel
axbabe,i
t’
snott
hatIswear.Cal
m down
pl
ushedoesn’thavetoaskmethatbecauseIam
goi
ngt omakeanhonestwomanoutofy ou.
Thatl
astpar
tget
smebl
ushi
ng.
Me:
wel
lI’
m gl
adt
oheart
hatbabe.
Bukhosi
:nowcanweeatt
hef
oody
oumade?
Heaskswi
thasmi
l
ethatdoesn’
treachhi
sey
es.
Me:notgonnat
ell
mewhatbabawant
edt
otal
kto
youabout
?
Bukhosi:
nope,fornowi
t’
sbet
weenmeandmy
fut
urefatheri
nlaw.
Irol
lmeeyesandlandhi
mt heplat
easIstandup
agai
ntogogetthedri
nk.Iheargi
gglesf
rom t
he
l
oungeasIgeti nsidet hehouseandIj ustcan’ thelp
butsmi le,Il
ov ehowmyf atherandmam’ Hlengiwe
makeeachot herhappy .Aftertheshi ttythings
they’vebot hbeent hrought heyr eallydeser v ethis
cont entmentandhappi ness.Ij ustgr abt heboxof
cranber ryjuiceandmakemywaybackt oBukhosi
wi t
hagl assi nmyhand.Yeswel i
keshar ingt hings,
weeatanddr inkf rom t hesamet hings, Idon’ tthink
i
t’smaj orsinceweshar ebodi lyf l
uidsandspi ri
ts.I
fi
ndhi m, onceagai nlosti nat rainoft hought sand
trustmeIwannai nterrogat eitoutofhi m butwhat
I’
v elearnedaboutr elationshipsi snott of orcet hings
outofy ourpar tner ,all
owt hem t hechancet ocome
andsayt hei
rpeacewhent heyar eready .Hesnaps
outofi tashef eelsmesi tnextt ohi m.Ij ustgr abt he
tri
angl ecutsandwi chandbi t
e, hedoest hesame
andhel pspourt hej uice.What everi shappeni ngi s
maj orbecausehei sn’tev encompl ai ni
ngaboutme
maki nghi m eatbr ead, whi tefort hatmat ter.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
MENZISHEZI

Ijusthadt ot akemat t
er sinmyownhands, Bukhosi
i
sn’ tgoingtof orgivemewi lli
nglyandgi vememy
thronesoI twast hisormewat chingmydr eam fade
away .AndweknowIam notl etti
ngthisoppor tuni
ty
sli
pt hroughmyf i
ngers, Iwillnotgetanot herchance
l
iket hi
sonewhi chi swhyIneedt histowor kout.I
enqui r
edar oundt hev ill
agewhenIl efttheboy sfarm
andwor dsai dthere’sapower f
ulnyangawho
doesn’tmi ndpl ayingr ealdirt
y ,
that’
sexact lyt
heki nd
ofmanIneedt omakeBukhosi agreetoev erythi
ng
thatcomesoutofmymout h.Oncehej ustgivesme
whatIwantIwi lldiscardhiml i
keoldshoesand
enjoyev erythingbecauseIj ustdeserv eit…

Thejour
neyisfarandIhav ebeenont heroadfor
whatseemslikeforev
er.Icouldn’
triskf
indi
ng
someonewithacart odri
vemeher ebecauseIneed
thi
stobediscreetandknownt oaf ewpeopleonl
y
meandt henyangawhowi llbehelpingmeout.I
fi
nal l
ygett othesai dv i
llageandi t
’sal readyget ti
ng
dar k,Iwi l
ljustseekr efugei nhishomef ort heni ght
becauset hei snowayI ’
m hikingbackt oUkut hula
thisni ght .It’
sunsaf eandIdoubtt her e’st r
anspor t
avai l
abl et ost opf orst r
anger satni ght .The
directionswer ev erypar ticul
arandIf indi tv eryeasy
tonav igat emywayt hr ought othepl ace, it
’st hree
hut sint hey ardpl usav erybighousei nt hemi ddle.
Twooft hehut saref acingawayf rom t hemai n
homeandIf i
ndt hatv eryi nt
eresti
ng.Aman’ sv oi
ce
star t
lesmef r
om behi ndandl i
keIhav eahear tofa
birdIj umpqui cklytur ningbackt oseewhoi tis, I
guesst hisist heper sonIcamef or, hei sdr apedi n
sangomacl othsandy oucanj usttell thatt hisman
hasmoneyandIbel i
ev ewecanal ltell wher eheget s
i
tf rom especi all
yaftert hest ori
esmyv il
lagert old
meabouthi m.Hehasn’ tsaidawor dt omebuthi s
expr essi onandst ar
emakesmef eel
uncomf ortable…

Me:
thokoza
Ibr
eakt
hei
ceandhej
ustnodsandwai
tsf
ormet
o
cont
inue.
Me:
Iam l
ooki
ngf
orNgwemabal
a.
Hi
m:wel
lyouhav
efoundhi
m.
Hesay
sandsi
ghwi
thr
eli
ef.
Me:Ineedyourhel
p,Icomefrom farandi
ttookme
manycarsandwalkstogethere.
Hi
m:Icant
ell
byj
ustl
ooki
ngaty
ou.
Hesayscalm asacucumberbutf
rom hi
svoi
cey
ou
canf
eeltheseri
ousness.
Hi
m:wecangot
hisway
.
Hesay sandIfol l
owhimt othehutwhi chisfacing
themainhouse.Il eavemyshoesatt hedoorand
walkin.Thisi
st hesangomar oom asexpected,
nothi
ngoutoft heor di
nary.Helight
suphi scandles
andimpephowhi l
stchantingtohimself.Iam si
tti
ng
herehopingthatthiswillworkinmyf avorbecauseI
am runningoutoft i
me,IneedBukhosi tojusthand
met hethroneandf ast.
Hi
m:sowhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
HeasksandIwashopi ngheisoneoft
hosethatcan
j
usttel
lwhatbri
ngyout ohi
m bymerel
ybeingi
n
yourpr
esencebutIguesshewantsmet osayi
tout
l
oud.
Me:wellIneedtomakesomeonel
i
stent
o
ev
eryt
hingthatIsay
.
Hi
m:j
ustt
hat
?
Inodandhebi
teshi
slowerl
i
p.
Hi
m:l
etmer
eady
ouf
ir
stbef
oredoi
ngany
thi
ng.
Het akeshi
sbagofbonesandaf terIbl
owi nt
oithe
throwsthem onastrawmat,bones,butt
onsand
dicesamongstotherthi
ngsscat
teracross.Iseehi
m
gaspf orai
randhelooksatmewi thwhatlooksli
ke
fear.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Him:Iwi
llnotbeabl
etohel
pyou,
Iam sorr
yandi
f
youknowwhatisgoodfory
ouIswearyouwoul
d
l
eaveall
ofthis.
If
rownnotunder
standi
ngwhathei
ssay
ing.
Hi
m:l
i
stent
hatboyi
spr
otect
edbyy
ourancest
ors,
whoevert
ri
est
oharm hi
m wi
l
lgett
heshockoft
hei
r
l
iv
es.Abortmi
ssi
on.
Hesay
smor
eli
keawar
ning.
Me:Ican’
tletthi
sgo,
thi
shast
ohappenorI
’
lll
osei
t
al
levenbeforeit
’smi
ne.
Hi
m:i
twasnev
ery
our
sMenzi
.
Hesay
sandIam conf
used.
Me:
youhav
etohel
pmepl
ease.
Heshakeshisheadwhi l
elookingatmelikeI
’m
somesortofamadman.Ican’ tbackdownfrom
thi
s,Ij
ustcan’t
.Thi
sthronehast obeminebyal l
meansandIwon’ tst
opbecausedeadpeopl esayso.
Theyaredeadandhav eabsolutel
ynopowerov er
meormyf at
e.
Hi
m:treadcareful
l
yMenzi
,theywi
l
lret
ali
ateandi
t
won’
tbeprett
y .
Ishakemyhead.
Me:ify
oudon’
thel
pmeoutI
’
llf
indsomeonewho
can.
Hi
m:Iwarnedyou.Nextt
imeyou’
l
lknowwhent
o
st
opfi
ght
ingforwhatwasnev
eryours.
Hesay spi
ckingupt
hebonesandputt
ingthem back
i
nt hebag,i
sheseri
ousr
ightnow?Iam apayi
ng
customer.
Me:justhel
pmepl easeIwi
lldef
ini
tel
yfacet
he
consequencesi
ftheareany
.
Hechucklesandwhenhest opsIj
ustseepitchblack.
Irubmyey esthi
nki
ngt hel
ightswentoffbutsti
ll
nothi
ng.Istar
tpanicki
ngandv i
gorousl
yrubbingmy
eyeshopingli
ghtcomesbackt ome.
Hi
m:Iwar
nedy
ouandy
oui
nsi
stedseenow?
Me:whatar
eyoutalki
ngaboutpl
ease?Ican’
tsee
any
thi
ngabsol
utel
ynothi
ng.
Me: y
out ri
edhar mingtheirbl
oodandt heytr
ied
gi
vingy ouami nutetochangey ourmi ndbuty ou
wereadamant .Thisisthet i
met odeal wit
hthe
consequences, y
ourtransgressi
onsagai nstthatboy
havefinall
ybr
oughty out othispoint
.Payf orevery
evi
ldeedy ouhav eeverdoneagai nstthatboyand
hi
smot her
.
Hesay sandifIwasn’tscar
edofthefactt
hatI’
m not
seeinganyt
hingIwouldlaughatthi
sman.Hei sa
darkmagicny angaandheistry
ingtoacthol
ywith
me.Iam definit
elysur
ethathehasdoneworsein
hisl
ife.
Me:
Ijustwantmysi
ghtbackpl
easehel
pme.If
eel
t
ear
sthreat
enmyeyes.
Him:youmadet hi
sbed,l
iei
nit.Iwil
lkeepy
ouhere
fort
henightbutyouwil
lhavet
ot el
lmeexactl
y
wheretotakeyouint
hemor ni
ngbecauseIam not
abouttol
ivewit
hbadluckinmyhouse.
OhGodwhathav eIunl
eashedonmy self
,Ican’
tgo
bli
nd,Ij
ustcan’
t.Mylif
eisalr
eadyt
urningat360to
facesuchapredicament.
Me:pl
easebegtheancest
orsforme,Ipromi
seIwi
l
l
l
eavehim bepl
easej
ustaskthem t
ogivememy
si
ghtback.
Him:onceofmyini
ti
ateswi
llcomegety ouandtake
youwhereyouwereyouwil
ll
ayy ourheadfort
he
night
.
Hesay
sandIam shockedt
hathei
sn’
tev
engoi
ngt
o
t
ryhelpmeoutoft
hisone.Heneedst
ohel
pmeI
wi
llpayhi
m any
thi
ngandevery
thi
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MAKHOSI

Ihadt ot ell
Bheki andhisdaught erwhathappened
toLi yana, Ijustdon’ thavet hecour aget obetheone
tosett hem backf rom thepr ogresst heyhave
alreadymadeont hisjourneyt oletti
nggoof
ever ythingshehasputt hem t hrough.Iam panicking
andi t’sf unnybecauseI ’vehadt odeal wit
hmor e
dishear teningsi tuati
onst hant hi
s, butwhenit
i
ncl udest wopeopl eyouknowhav et hepurestof
hear tsitmakest hemat terev enwor se.Somet i
mesI
hat emygi ftbecauseseei ngpeopl e’sf ut
ureand
situationst heyf indthemsel vesi nhur t
sy oumore
becauset hebadnewscomewi t
hy ouandbei ngthe
bear erofbadnewsi snotr eallyexciti
ng.Iwokeup
ear l
yandpr ayedaboutt hi
swhol esituati
on,i
twasa
tossingandt urningnightonmysi debecauseI
wasn’ tlooki ngf orwardt odoingt histhing…
Ifinal lygett oHl engiwe’shouseandi t’
sst i
lldar k
out side, Iwant edt ocat chthem bot hf orobv ious
reasons, Idon’ thav et hehear tt
or epeatwhatI ’m
aboutt ot ellt
hem, sodoi ngi toncei sabonusf orme.
Kay isei sbackatwor ksoIhadt ocat cht hem int he
mor ningasIcoul dn’twai tforeveningwhenshe
retur ns.Herbodyi sint hedar kforestlikesomesor t
ofwi ldani mal thathast odecayt ot hesoi lwithouta
properbur i
al.Iam notev ensur eiftheywi l
lwant
any thi ngt odowi thherorgi v
ingherabur ialthatis
respect ful evenaf t
erwhatshedi dtot hem bot h.The
kitchenl ightsar eonwhenIknockont hedooranda
secondl at erBhekumbusoopensupandnat urall
yhe
frownsseei ngmeont heirdoorst epthisear ly
mor ning.Hedoesn’ tsayany thi
ngandl i
kean
i
nt elligentmanIam sur eheknowst hatIbr i
ngnews
thatwi l
lnotber eceivedwel lbywhomev erIbr ing
them t o.Hest epst othesi deallowingmet owal k
i
nsi de…

Me:
I’
m sor
ryf
orshowi
ngupsoear
ly.
Bheki
:i
t’
sokay
,butI
’
mreal
l
ynotecst
ati
ctoseey
ou.
HesaysandIchuckl
e.Hl
engiwewalksinwi
than
i
roni
ngboardandadressoverhershoul
der
.
Hl
engi
we:
ohgoodmor
ningMakhosi
.
Shesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:maShange,
Iapol
ogi
sef
orcomi
ngt
oyourhome
soear
ly.
Hl
engiwe:
it’
sokay,
Iwil
lmakeyout
eai
nasecond.I
j
ustneedtoir
onthi
sforKay
ise.
Ismi leseei
ngt hatshehast akenov erthemot her
roleinherlif
esogr aciousl
y.Atleasttheyhav eboth
replacedwhatwasl ostinboththeirli
ves.maShange
getst ohaveadaught erandKay iseamot her
.It
won’ tbehardforBheki andhisdaught ertodeal wi
th
thenewssol ongast heyhav eHlengiwe.Sheisa
strongwomanwhohasbeent hr
oughsomuchand
i
sst il
l st
andi
ngt al
lli
vingtoseeanot herdayas
happyasshecanbe.
Me:
nopr
obl
em.Thanky
ou.
Bheki
:notthatI’
m nothappytoseeyouherebutI
knowbetterthatt
othinkthi
sisasocial
visi
t.
Me:youar
eright
,Ineedawordwithy
ou.MaShange
cany
oupleasecallt
hepri
ncessi
nhere.
Theyl
ookateachot
herandbackatme.
Hl
engi
we:
okay
.
Bheki
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
justami
nut
e.
IsayandIseepani cflashthroughhi
seyes.Aft
era
fewmi nutesHlengiwecomesbackwi thKayi
sewho
i
si nherrobe,sheiscurioustoknowwhatisso
urgentthatIhadtodisturbherwhil
esheprepares
forthedaybutt hi
scouldn’twait
.
Kay
ise:
mor
ningbaba.
Me:Nt
ombiZamaNgweny
a.Cany
oupl
easet
akeasi
t,
al
lofy
ou.
Isayandt
heydobutHl
engi
west
aysst
andi
ng.
Me:
yout
oomaShange.
Isayandshesettl
esdown, Iwantherpr
esentcozI
feelshewil
lknowhowt ocalmthem downwhen
theylear
nofwhatbroughtmeher e.
Kay
ise:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Sheasksandl i
keherfat
hersheisworri
ed.Iguess
myf aceissel
li
ngmeoutt othem andIdi
dn’twant
thatbutheregoesnot
hing.
Me: yest
erdayIthr
ewmybonesaft
erBheki
had
chestpains.Thati
sasi
gnoftr
agedyandIwasr
ight
tolook.
Isayandt
het
ensi
oni
nther
oom becomest
hicker
.
Bheki
:pl
easesayi
tal
readypl
ease.
Me: Iam r
eal
lysorr
yandIhopey ouhaveenough
str
engthtoseeyout hr
oughthi
s.WellLi
yana
commi t
tedsuici
de.Shehangedhersel
finthedar
k
for
estofhermat er
nalhome.
Hlengi
wegaspsforai
rwhil
eKayisej
ustcl
osesher
eyes.Bheki
keepsast
rai
ghtfaceandstar
esbl
ankl
y
atme.
Me: Iam reall
ysorr
y,Iknowshehur tyoualldeeply
soandl eftyouwit
hscar sthatwil
lneverhealbutI
neededt oletyouknowsoy oucandecidewhet her
togiveherabur i
alorleaveherforvul
turestofeed
onhercaucus.
HlengiweandBhekil
ookatKayi
seandIcan
concludet
hattheyt
hinkt
hedecisi
oni
sonher.
Kay
ise:
uhm Imhhhh.Pl
easeexcuseme.
Shesay
sslowl
yget
ti
ngupf
rom t
hewoodenchai
r
andl
eavi
ngther
oom.
Bheki
:makhosi
arey
ousur
e?100%sur
e?
Me:
Iam sur
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Ican’tstopthi
nkingaboutev eryt
hingmygi r
lfr
iend’s
fathersaidt
ome, hemadeal otofsensebutIdon’ t
knowi fIwantany thi
ngtodowi t
hMenzi orany t
hing
thatli
nksmet ohi m.Butont heot herhandt he
Kingdom needsmeandIt akingont hethronewi l
l
givepeaceofmi ndt omany, Ihaveseenpani c
amongstmypeopl esinceKingBhekumbuso
steppeddownbecauseImy selfwasf earingforthe
futureofthi
svil
lage.Sotolear nthatIam expect ed
tot akeont hehi ghestposi t
iont hereisi nthisv er
y
vil
lagel ef
tmef eelingal lsortsofway s.Ididn’twant
toshar ethiswi thZamaNgweny aasy etbecauseI
neededt othinkaboutwhatI ’
m goi ngt odo, howI
am goi ngt otaket heinf ormat i
ongi v
ent omeand
runwi thit.Iam caughti nbet weenar ockandahar d
place.Foronemymot her ’
sf eeli
ngswi t
hr egardsto
met aki
ngt hesur nameofamanwhov iol
atedher
andt orment edmef orlong, andonanot hersidethe
futureoft hisvil
lageIgr ewupi n,thelegacyKi ng
Bhekumbusobui l
dwi thbl oodsweatandt ears…

Idon’ tthinkIhav eev erbeensoconf l

icted,Iknow
ther ightthingtodobecauseIt houghtabouti tthe
ent i
reni ghtassl eepwasj ustar umourt ome.My
mot her’
sf eeli
ngsmeanagr eatdeal t
omeandi n
thiswor l
dshei st helastpersonIwantt ohur talong
sidemygi rlofcourse.Ibeli
evemydeci si
onwi l
lhave
tor elyonhowmymot herfeel
saboutt hiswhol e
thing, Iam justscaredaboutbr ingingi tupwi thher.I
didn’ tevengot owor kt odaybecauseIwoul dhav e
beenazombi etheent i
redayandt akenoutal l my
frustr
ati
onsoni nnocentpeopl e.Thehousei sal i
tt
le
crowdednow, lastnightwhenIr eturnedfrom
ZamaNgweny aIf oundMam’ Nobunt uherewi thher
eldestsonSbonel o.Idi
dn’taskal otofquest i
onsas
i
twaspr ettycleart hattheywi l
lbel i
v i
ngwi t
hus
whi l
etheyf iguret hi
ngsout .Idon’thav eapr oblem
wi t
hcarryingt her esponsibil
it
yunt ili
twor ksoutfor
them butIal sot houghtaboutf i
ndingoutwher e
Sbonelor eallyst ands,yeshemi ghthav epackedand
foll
owedhi smot herbutthatdoesn’ tmeanIshoul d
trusthim easily.OnceIl earnaboutt hekindof
personhei smay beIwi l
lofferhim wor katt he
farm…

Sbonel
o:Iam goi
ngt
omakesomet
hingt
oeat
,I
hopeyoudon’
tmind.
Hesaysdrawi
ngmeform myt
rai
nofthought
s.My
cupofcof
feei
sevencol
dnowgeez.
Me:
ohnoIdon’
tmi
ndpl
easehel
pyour
sel
f.
Sbonel
o:t
hanky
ouandBukhosi
.
Il
ookupathi
m.
Me:
yes?
Sbonel
o:Iam r
eal
l
ysor
ryf
ori
t.
Ifrownnotunder
standi
ng,
becausenonoft
hisi
shi
s
fault
.
Me:
whatar
eyouapol
ogi
zi
ngf
or?
Hel
etsoutadeepsi
gh.
Sbonelo:f
orever
y t
hing,whatourf atherdidtoyour
mot her
,howhehasal way streatedyou.Iam sorry
thatwearenowi nconveniencingyouandy our
mot her
.Iam j
ustsorryforitallBukhosi.Andthank
yousomuchf orallyouaredoi ngf orus.
Me:i
t’
sokay
,andSbopleaseMenzii
snotmyfather
.
YesIcomef
rom hi
m buthewil
lnev
erbemyfather.
Sbonel
o:It
otal
lyunder
standwhyyouwoul
dfeel
thi
s
wayandIwillr
especti
tandyou.
Laught
ererupt
sf r
om theloungeappr
oachi
ngt he
ki
tchenandbothourmot herswalki
n,t
heyl
ookso
happytoget
her.Iam j
ustgladtoseemymot herthi
s
way.
Mama:
ohheyboy
s.
Mam’
Nobunt
u:haoBukhosi
,youdi
dn’
tgot
owor
k
t
oday
?
Me:
nomaIdi
dn’
thav
eagoodni
ght
.
Mama:
ever
ythi
ngokayson?
Mymot herasksal
readymaki
ngwayt
ome.Iof
fer
heragenuinesmil
e.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sokaymyl
ove.
Ili
ebecauseIdon’
twanttobri
ngupwhatIknowat
thi
sparti
cul
armoment,sheseemstobehavi
nga
goodmor ni
ngformetorui
nitwit
hMenzi’
sname.
Wehearscreamingfr
om out
side,
someoneiscal
li
ng
outforMam’Nobunt
u.Iqui
ckl
ygetupfrom mychai
r
aft
erpushi
ngthecuptothemiddl
eofthetabl
e.
Mam’
Nobunt
u:i
sthatMf
undo?
SheasksasSbonel orushestothedoor.Hi
sbr ot
her
getsi
nt hehouseimmedi at
elyasthedoorswings
opens,heispanti
ng.Seemsl i
keheranhere,his
handsar eonhi
skneeswhi lehetr
iestocatchhis
breat
h.
Mam’
Nobunt
u:whati
sgoi
ng?Whoi
schasi
ngy
ou
son?
Sheasksal
armed.
Sbonel
o:khul
umandoda!
Mf
undo:mamay ouhav
etocomehomeandhel
pme
wi
thbabapl
easehel
pme.
Mam’
Nobunt
u:whati
swr
ongwi
thy
ourFat
her
?
Weal
lwai
timpat
ient
lyt
ohearhi
sanswer
.
Mfundo:
Idon’
tknowyetbuthej
ustgothomewi
th
i
nyangaandhecan’
tsee.
Mama:
whatdoy
oumeanhecan’
tsee?
Iam sur
pri
sedt
hatmymom i
sev
enaski
ng.
Mf
undo:
hei
sbl
i
nd,
hecan’
tsee.Pl
easecome!
Weal
lgaspf
orai
r,t
hisi
sbey
ondshocki
ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
Noedi
ts.

Bet
terl
atet
hannev
er .
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER58
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Myhear tisi nshambl es,ithurtstomysoul .Yesshe

wasanev ilhumanbei ngwhoputpeopl ethrough
hellandbackbutshewasst i
ll
mymot her,and
somewher einsideofmybei ngl ovesti
ll
resided
especiall
yf orher .Knowi ngthatshedeci dedt otake
herlif
ewi thoutev entryi
ngt ofighttobebet ter
l
eav esmeweakbutquest i
oniswoul dIhav e
forgiv
enf orsel l
ingmysoul toanev i
ldeit
y?Ont he
otherhandI '
mt hinkingthatev eryt
hinghappened
exactlyhowi tshoul d,eventhoughi t
'shardtocome
totermswi thitall..
.

Ihavebeencur
ledupinmyr oom cryi
ngmyey esout
,
Icoul
dn'
tdoiti
nfrontofmyfatherand
mam'Hlengi
webecauseIdidn'
twantt oappearasa
trai
tor,cry
ingov erawomanwhomessedupbot h
theirl
ives.Butatt hesamet i
meIcomef rom t
his
womanandi thur t
sthatsheisnomore.Iam j
ust
wonder ingifmyf atherwil
lagreef
orustogivehera
dignif
iedfuneral eventhoughshewasn'
tawomanof
substance...

Thebedr oom dooropensandIknowi t'

smydad, he
gavemeagoodamountoft imet obeal oneand
may beIshouldn'tshuthi
m out .Itwoul dkil
l himifI
kepttomy selfandnotaffordhi mt heoppor t
unit
yt o
comf or
tme.Heget sinbedandt akesmei nt ohi
s
armsandIknowIam saf ealway s, Iwil
lforeverfeel
l
ikethatandlikehislit
tl
egirlforev er.Hekissesmy
for
eheadr epeatedlyashishandr ubsmybacki n
comf or
t.
..

Baba:
it'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Me:
ithur
tssobadbaba,
ithur
ts.
Baba:
asi
tshoul
dmybaby
,shewasy
ourmot
her
.
Hesaysandthatbreaksmefurt
her
.Shewasmy
mom, shehadhermill
ionf
aul
tsandimper
fect
ions
butshesti
l
lbroughtmeint
othi
sworld.
Me:apartofmewi
shesshet
ri
edf
ight
ingt
obea
bet
terper
son.
Her
eleasesasi
gh.
Baba:shewasf i
ght
ingabat
tl
ebi
ggert
hanusbaby.
Onlyshefeltt
hestr
uggl
esandmaybei
twasallt
oo
mucht hatdeat
hseemedli
keanonl
yescape.
Me:butt
otakeherownli
febaba?Di
dsheev
ent
hink
ofmeandhowt hi
swil
lhurtme?
Baba:
Idon'tt
hinkshewasev
ent hi
nki
ngKayi
se,
whenpainhasconsumedapersonitt
akesov
er
complet
ely
.
Me:
whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odo?
Hest
ayssi
l
entf
orawhi
l
e.
Baba:HlengiweandIwantt oleavethedecisi
onto
you,whatevery oudeci
dewewi l
lsupportit
.Butj
ust
knowifyouwantt ogetherbodyandburyherwe
can'
tdoi there.MaShangeisnotcomf or
tablewi
thit
.
Me: i
twouldbesel
fi
shofmet oevenexpecther
funeralt
obedonehereaf
terever
ythi
ngplusyou
banishedher
.
Baba:
whatar
eyousay
ingNt
ombi
ZamaNgweny
a?
HeasksandIknowexact
lywhathei
saski
ngme
andt
ruthbet
oldIdohaveananswert
othat
.
Me:Iwannaburyherproper
lybaba,
notgiv
ehera
bi
gfuner
aljustacoff
inandtea,i
twil
lmakeme
sl
eepbett
eratnight
.
Baba:Iwi
ll
headtot
hevi
ll
agewi
thMakhosi
lat
eron.
Ij
ustneedtof
indamor
tuary
.
Me:thanky
ouforall
owi
ngmet hi
soppor
tuni
ty,
I
knowshedidbadthi
ngstous.
Me: Iwantyoutodealwit
hthisproper
lyand
knowingwheresheisresti
ngwill
maket hatpossi
ble.
Ilov
edherdearlyatsomepointandshegav eme
you,mypr i
deandjoysoIwill
dot hi
ssoy ouareokay.
Iswal
lowandholdonti
ghttomyfat
her
.Thi
sman'
s
l
oveleav
esmef ul
fi
ll
edalways.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Weallhadt ohur r
yt oseewhatMf undowast alki
ng
about
,Iwentt otall
youtofcuriosi
ty.Ineedtosee
hi
m my selfandLor dknowsIam hopi ngthathei s
i
ndeedblindandf inallyt
heancestorsaredeal i
ng
wit
hthatpi eceofshi t
.Theyareal
l r
unningandI '
m
j
usthurryi
ngbehi ndt hem,i
t'
snotanemer gencyf or
meIjustneedt of eedmyegoathi sdoom. .
.

Igeti
nthey ardandther
ear escr
eamscomi ngfr
om
thehouse,it
'sMam'Nobuntuohboyt hi
smustbe
worsethanwhatIhadi magineditt
obe.Ipassby
thebeauti
fulSUVparkedbesidesthetr
ee,whocoul
d
thi
sbe?Ordi dMenzialr
eadygooutt ogethi
mselfa
carevenbeforehewascr owned?Thisguy.
..

Igeti
nsideandmymom i sstandingbyt hedoor
connect
ingthekit
chentotheloungewi t
hherhand
onhermout h.Mam'Nobuntui
scr yi
ngwhi l
eSbonelo
i
sshakinghisheadwithadisgustedlookonhisface.
Imov ei
nsidebecauseIj usthavetoseeexact l
y
whatismakingev eryonel osei
tthi
sway .Menziison
thefl
oorcryi
ng,hei stoplessandhel ooksli
kehe
wasswimmi nginhotoi l
thatcooksfatcakes,he
cookedupt operfecti
onf uckheisdisgusti
ngand
excusetheli
tt
lejoyIf eeli
nmyhear t.
..

Me:
whathappenedt
ohi
m?
Iasklooki
ngatt
hesangomainther
oom,
Iam
assumingheknowssomethi
ng.
Menzi
:Bukhosi
?Soni
sthaty
ou?
Hesay
str
yingt
olocat
emewi
thhi
shands.
Me:
yesi
t'
sme,
whathappenedt
oyou?
Menzi
:pl
easehel
pmepl ease.Al
l
owmyancest or
s
t
owelcomeyouhomeplease.Comet othepal
ace
wi
thmetomorrowIam beggingyoupl
easeson.
HecriesandIam defeated,
heisbli
ndandburned
andheissti
llonl
ythinki
ngaboutthethr
one,
what
thehell
iswrongwiththi
sman.
Sbonel
o:t
het
hronehast
obet
hel
astt
hingony
our
mi
ndbaba!
Hi
ssonshout
sexasper
ated.
Mam'
Nobunt
u:Ij
ustwantt
oknowwhathappenedt
o
hi
m.
Shesayslooki
ngatthesangoma.Heclear
shi
s
thr
oatandwalksneartoMenziwhi
leshaki
nghi
s
head.
Him:I
'mf r
om oneoft heneighboringvill
ages,my
nameisNgwemabal a, t
hismanher ecamet osee
melastnightandaskedt hatIperform darkmagic
ononeofhi ssonssohecandoashepl eases.But
soonasIdr oppedmybonesIr eceiv
edast rong
warni
ngfrom hisancestors,t
heShezi ancestors.
Theyareprotecti
ngyouf r
om allcornersbecause
fr
om bir
thyourlif
ehasbeenpr eci
oust othem.
Hesay
sthel
astpar
tlooki
ngt
omeandIf
rown.
Mama:
hewast
ryi
ngt
obewi
tchmyson?
Mymot
herbeat
smet
oit
.
Sbonel
o:howev
ilar
eyoukodwababa?Whyar
eyou
thi
sway?
Me:
Igi
veupont
hisman.
Him: Igavehi m shel
teraft
erhewentblindri
ght
i
nfrontofmeandt hi
smor ningoneofmyi ni
ti
ates
foundhi m cryi
ng.Hisskinburni
ngwecal li
tthe
ancestralfi
re,theypunishmostwithit
.Hewi ll
li
ve
therestofhi sli
febli
ndandbur ni
ng,may bet
heywi l
l
addmor epunishment s.
Hesay
sandMenzi
cri
eshar
der
.
Menzi
:pl
easehelpmeNgwemabal
apl
ease.Iwi
l
l
l
eaveBukhosi
alone.
Him:It
oldyoutheisnothi
ngIcandofornoranyone
cando.Thi
sisyourpunishmentandy
ouwi l
ll
ive
wit
hitfort
herestofyourli
fe!
Mfundo:
mamapleasey
ouhav
etocomebackand
hel
pmewi t
hbaba.
Hesay sandweal ll
ookatMam' Nobunt
u.Shelooks
conf
lict
edandatt hi
spointIwon'tbl
ameherfor
whateverdeci
sionshemakes.
Mam'Nobuntu:Ican'
tMfundo,
thi
smanhashurtme
agr
eatdeal.Iam donewit
hhim.Lethi
m gowakeup
Nonhlefrom t
hefor
estwherehersi
sterscat
ter
ed
herashes,shewashisl
overaf
teral
l.
Bothherson'sgaspsforai
ratt
herevel
ati
on.Thei
r
motherwalksoutfoll
owedbymineandasIam
aboutt
ost epoutthesangomaspeaks.
Hi
m:canIhav
eawor
dBukhosi
.
Ohheknowsmyname.
Hepoi
ntsmeout
sideandIf
oll
owhi
m.
Me:
whatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Him:youcan'trunawayfr
om yourdest
iny
.Youwere
bornf
orthis.Takehissur
name,all
owhisancest
ors
tobeyoursandbeagr eatKi
ng.
Ir
eleaseashar
psi
gh.
Me:
Ican'
tj
ustf
orgi
vet
hatev
ilman.
Hechuckl
es.
Him:Iknowwhatevili
sbecauseIam i
tbutthe
poweroftheancest
orsprot
ecti
ngyouscaredmeso
much.Theywil
lcausehavocunti
lyoutakewhat
theysavedf
oryou.Andtheywil
lst
artwitht
henew
l
i
fey
oucr
eat
edf
rom y
ourl
oins.
Hesay
sandIf
rown.
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Whatnewl
i
fe?
Him:taket
hatmant
omor
rowandgoacceptwhati
s
your
s.
HewalksbacktothehouseandIam l
eftwi
tha
mil
l
ionquesti
ons.Newli
fe?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

Il
ef tt
hehousewi thmakhosi alit
tl
ewhi l
eago,aft
er
speakingt oHl
engiweaboutwhatKay i
sewanted,
sheallowedmet ogoanddowhatneedst obedone.
Atleastmydaught erdoesn'twantmuchf oraburial
,
Iam sur emostpeoplewon' tat
tenditanyway,
vi
ll
ager swantnothingtodowi t
hwi t
chesandi ft
hey
knewwhyshehadr eturnedtot
hem afteryear
sof
beingQueent heywoul dhavemadeherl if
ealivi
ng
hel
l.IguessIwi l
lfi
ndoutwhatr eall
yhappened
whenIar r
ivet
here.
..
Iam t heonedr i
v i
ngwi thmakhosi inthepassenger
seat, t
hemor tuarypeopl ear efol
lowingmebehi ndin
theirowncar .Theywi l
ltakeLiyana'sbodyand
prepar eitf orabur ialin2day stime.Idon' twantus
todr agt hissi t
uation.Mydaught erhast odeal wit
h
thi
sandst artherheal i
ngpr ocess,yesit'shermot her
butIdon' twantherdwel li
ngont hepai ncausedby
Liyana.Shewassel fishwhenshewasal i
v eandshe
i
snowev eni nherdeat h.Hurti
ngmydaught eronce
again, ifitwasn' tforKay iseIwoul dhav elefther
bodyt or otinthatf orestbecauseIhat ehersomuch
somet hingIcannev ersayi nfr
ontofKay i
set hough..
.

Makhosi
:youl
ookl
osti
nthought
sBhekumbuso.
Hesay
sandIsnapoutofi
t.
Me:Ij
ustwantt
ogett
her
eandgeti
tov
eranddone
wi
th.
Makhosi
:andwewi
l
l,i
twi
l
lsoonbeov
er.
Me:hopef
ull
y,Ihat
ethatshei
sset
ti
ngusbackev
en
whensheisdead.
Makhosi
:atl
easty
ouwi
l
lnev
erhav
etodeal
wit
hher
agai
n.
Me:
oneposi
ti
veIguess.
Makhosi
:howi
sZamaNgweny
adeal
i
ngwi
thal
lof
t
his?
Ir
eleaseasi
gh.
Me:sheistaki
ngthissohard,muchasshehur ther
shewil
lfor
everbehermot her
.Thisi
swhyIam
goi
ngoutofmywayt omaket hi
shappen.Forher
onl
y,Iwoul
dn'tcar
et oi
fshedidn'
twantthi
s.
Makhosi
:youl
ovedheratsomepointBhekumbuso
i
t'
sokaytodothi
sforyour
sel
ftoo.
Me:Ihat
ethatIevenlovedher
.IhaveHlengi
wenow
andl
ifei
sbett
erinfactl
i
feisbeaut
if
ul.
Makhosi
: y
oudohav eagoodwomani nMaShange
buty
ouneedt omournyourexwifesoyoucanful
l
y
gi
veyoursel
ftoyourpar
tner
.Shedeser
vesaman
whoisnothabouri
nganypainoranger
.
Me:
Iheary
ou.
Wef i
nal lygett ot hev il
lageandhehel psmewi ththe
directionsofwher eLiyanat ookherownl i
f e.
Emot ionsar erunni nghi ghandmydaught erhas
calledaboutt hreet imesaski ngi fwehav ef oundher
body .Hopef ul
lyt hef i
rewoodcol lectorsdi dn' tseeit
bef or
eusandbur iedher .Itwoul dbr eakmydaught er
.
Wef i
nal lygett ot hepl aceandIwantt oscr eam, t
his
damnf orestisdar kanddense.Themor t
uar ypeople
arewi thusal readycar ryingabodybagwhi l
st
makhosi hashi st hings, candl es,imphephoanda
twigwi thleavest hatwi ll collectherspi r
itandt akeit
backt ohermot her '
speopl ejustsoshedoesn' t
hauntt hisforest .Makhosi stopsi nhert r
acksand
soonasIam nearhi m Li y ana'sbodycomesi nt
o
view, shei shangi ngf rom t het reeandt hissi ghtof
herwi ll l
eavemeawakef oraf ewday stocome.
ThankGodIdi dn' tcomewi thmydaught ert his
woul dhav edidmor edamage.Makhosi st ar t
swi t
h
hisbusi nessandIam j ustst andingont hissame
spotst arri
ngatt hiswomanIoncel ovedwi t hevery
fi
berofmybei ng.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
PHI
NDI
LEMTHOMBENI

TosayIam shockedwouldbeanunderstat
ement
,
nowitmakessensewhyIwast ol
dtonamehi m
Bukhosi
.Ithasal
waysbeenhisdest
iny
...

Me:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
osayson.
Ifi
nal
lyrespondt
owhatmysonj ustt
oldmewi t
h
regar
dstowhatKayi
se'
sfathersai
dtohim andwhat
thesangomabackatBunt
u'shousesaidtoo.
Bukhosi
:Idon'
tknowwhatt odomama, Idon'
twant
tohurty
oubyt akingt
hesurnameoft hemanwho
vi
olat
edy oui
nt heworstwaypossi
ble.
HesaysandIswall
ow.Idon'
tknowhowt hatpar
t
makesmefeeltoo.Ir
aisedmysonsi
nglehandedly
tohav
ethem r
ockupandwanthi mtotakethei
rlast
name.
Me:
it'
snotsi
tt
ingwel
lwi
thmeei
ther
.
Bukhosi
:tel
lmewhatt
odomama.
HeasksandIsi
ghheav
il
y.
Me:
whati
syourhear
ttel
l
ingy
ou?
Bukhosi
:myheartsaysIshouldtaket hi
sposit
ion
andprot
ectt
heinterestsofthepeople.Togiveboth
youandZamaNgweny athebestl
ifepossibl
e.
Me:
thendot
hat
.
Isay
.
Bukhosi
:Iwil
lhavetocal
lShezi
mama,
Idon'
tknow
howIfeelabouti
t.
Icl
aspshi
shandandbr
ushhi
sknuckl
es.
Me:t
ruthisyouareaSheziandnomat
terhowmuch
wehateit
,itwon'
tchange.
Hecl
oseshi
sey
es.
Bukhosi
:IguessIwi
l
lhav
etot
ell
makhosi
Iwi
l
ldoi
t.
Isl
owl ynodwit
happroval
.YesMenzihur
tmedeepl
y
butIam notaboutt
oletmyangerandhatef
orhi
m
tostandinbet
weentheblessi
ngf
acingmyson.
Me:Iwi
llbewi
thyouever
yst
epoftheway.And
pl
easeaskKay
iseifshei
spr
egnantcozt
hat'
sthe
onlyl
ogi
calexpl
anati
ont
owhatt
hemansai
dabout
thenewli
feyoucreat
ed.
Hebi
teshi
slowerl
i
p.
Bukhosi:
ifshei st
henwear egoingtohavet
or un
wit
hev er
ythingasquickl
yaspossibl
e.Iwouldn'
t
wantherfatherknowingIimpregnat
edhisdaughter
befor
emar ryingher
.
Me:t
hat
'sv
eryt
rue.Iwi
l
lkeept
hisbet
weenusso
l
ong.
Bukhosi
:thanky
oumama.
Hesaysandhisphoner
ingsdi
stur
bingour
conv
ersat
ion.
Bukhosi
:i
t'
sZamaNgweny
aIneedt
opi
cki
t.
Inod
Bukhosi
:sthandwasami ..
.heyheycal
m down
baby.
..
Ican'thearanyt
hingy ouar
esaying.
..
lal
ela
gi
vemeami nut
eI'l
lbethere.
HehangsupandIl
ookathi
m wi
thwor
ry.
Me:
what
'swr
ong?
Bukhosi
:Idon'
tknowma,
shei
scr
yinghy
ster
ical
l
y.I
needtogoseeher.
Hesaysal
readyuponhisfeetandhurr
yingtot
he
gat
e.Ij
usthopeevery
thi
ngisokay.Ist
anduptoo
andheadi
nsidetohel
pBuntuwithsupper.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER’
SLOVE
CHAPTER59
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Thishashadt obeoneoft hehar destt hingsI’

veever
hadt odeal with,Ihav en’
tev enf ull
ywr appedmy
headar oundt hef actthatmymot heri snomor e.I
hav etr
iedr emember i
ngal ltheev ilshehasev er
donet ohur tmeandev eryoneel se,hopi ngthatit
woul dhur tlessbutnot hi
ng.I tstil
lstingsandeach
ti
meIf indmy selfaloneIjustshedat ear ,apartof
mebel iev essomeofmyemot i
onsar ej ust
exagger atedr eallyli
kesomet hingel sei smakingme
superemot ional.Iam j usthappyt ohav ethesupport
system Ihav ecozi tmakesi tal i
ttl
ebear abl
e.My
fatherandboy fr
iendar ether eal MVP' sf orme.Baba
pulledev erythingof fintwoday sandBukhosi held
offthemosti mpor tantceremonyourv il
lage
dependsonj ustt obewi thmeandIt rulyappreciat
e
i
t…
Wej ustcamebackf r
om t hebur i
alsideandl ai
dmy
mot hert oherf i
nalresti
ngpl ace, wehadt odo
ever ythingathermat ernal homebecauseshewas
bani shedi nUkuthula.Ev enifshewasn' tshunIt hink
mostv il
lagerswoul dhav ebeenagai nsti tal
l
becauseoft hedr amashecausedt hatledt othem
l
osi ngaKi ngtheytrustedwi ththeirlives.Iam just
rel
iev edev ery
thingisdoneandherspi ri
tdoesn’t
hav et or oam aroundt hef orestlookingt obesav ed.
Thet urnupwasn’ tmuchandIt hinkit’sbecause
peopl edi dn’
tknowher , i
twasherr elativesthat
occupi edt hehouset hef uneralisatt henmyf ather
andBukhosi .Mam’ Hlengi wedidn’tcomef orobv i
ous
reasonsandIwi ll
notbl ameheratal l.It
’snoble
enought hatsheal l
owedmyf athert ocomewi thout
throwi ngaf i
tcozt hat’
shermannowandev enif
Liyanawast hewi feshewasv i
le..
.

Wearei nthet
entwit
hj uiceandhomebaked
cooki
espreparedasrefreshment,
wedi dn’
t
sl
aughternorcookheavymeal sbecausewewer
en’
t
surei
fpeopleweregoingt oshowupbutmost
i
mpor t
antl
ybecauseIdi dn’twanttomakeaf uss,I
mighthavefel
ttheneedt ogi v
eherapr operburialof
somesortbutIdi dn’
twantt odrageveryoneelsein
i
t.Icoul
dtellf
rom whenwear riv
edheret hather
rel
ati
veswerenoti nt
erestedinanythi
ngt hathadto
dowithherfuneralsothemi nimali
twast hebett
er.
..

Baba:
Ntombi
kay
ise.
Myf
athercal
l
soutnextt
ome.
Me:
yessi
r.
Baba:ev
ery
thingi
sdonenowbaby
,wedon’
thav
ea
reasont
ostayanymor
e.
Hesay
sandIsi
gh.
Me:ar
en’twesupposedt
owai
tfort
het
entpeopl
eto
cometakeit
?
Iaskhopingt
hatwecanstayalit
tl
elonger
.Idon’
t
wanttofeell
i
keIjustdumpedmymot heri
nthe
grav
eandnowI ’
m goingaboutt
oliv
emyl i
fe.
Baba:act
uall
ythet
entbel
ongst
oLi
yana’
scousi
n,i
t
doesn’
thavetogoanywher
e.
IguessIj
usthav
etogetmyassupandl
eav
e.
Baba:don’tl
ooksadbaby
,Yourboy
fri
endher
e
needstogobackhomet opr
epareforhi
scer
emony
tomorrow.Rememberheputi
toffj
usttobeher
e
wit
hy ou.
Hesay
sandInodsl
i
ght
lyandl
ookatmyChoconext
t
ome.
Bukhosi
:it
’sokaysi
r,Iwil
lst
ickar
oundwi
thheri
f
shesti
ll
needsami nute.
Ismil
eathim butIdon’
twanttobet
hereasonwhy
hist
hingsdon’
tgoaccordi
ngly
.Hehasbeenagreat
supportt
omeandnowheneedsmet oshowupf or
him.
Me:
nobabyi
t’
sokay
.

Wesayourgoodby estothosewear eleavi

ngbehind
andtheydon’
tseem tocar e,
Iguessnothavingthe
Royalti
tl
etoournamet ookallthel
ove.Myf at
her
saystheywereal
lgreatpeopleandhappyt osee
them i
nthepast,
Iguesst hat’
sbecausetheyalways
camebear i
nggifts.I
t’
sokayi nfacti
t’
sgr eat
becausewedon’ tneednof akelovearoundher e.I
takethebackseatwi thBukhosiandlayonhi slap,
heisbrushi
ngmyhai rasmyf atherdri
vesusback
home.Ineedt ostartdeal
ingwi t
hallofthissoIcan
gobackt omyl i
fe.Iensuredthatshehasadecent
buri
alamidstallshehasputust hrough.Idon’tneed
toputmyl i
feonhol dwhil
eImour nher…
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MENZISHEZI

Final
lyBukhosihasagr eedt ocomi ngt othepalace
withmet ogetintroducedt otheancest orsasmy
sonandIcoul dn’tbeanyhappi er.Iam inpai nandI
am ti
redoffeeli
ngl i
keIam ont hebr aaistandlike
somechi sanyamabr i
sket.It
’stoomuchandt he
factt
hatIam ev enblindisaddi ngtomyst ress.Iam
dependedonmysonMf undof orev eryt
hing.Bathing,
goingtothetoil
etandev entofeedme.Ihav e
alwaysbeenamanl yman, i
ndependentandst rong
andtober educedt othisweakl i
ngbydeadpeopl eis
reall
yfrust
rat
ing.Ij
usthopeaft
erIgiv
ethem what
theywant ,
whichisBukhosit
heywill
givememy
sightbackandst opbur
ningmyskinsopainf
ull
y.
..

Thingswoul dbesomuchbet terifmywi fewas

aroundbutNobunt ui sunderPhi ndile’sspell
.She
hasmanagedt opoi sonmywi feagai nstme.Ithas
beent woday sandshehasn’ tev enbeenar oundt o
seemenoratl eastaskoursoni fI’m doingokaybut
nothing.Ican’
twaitt obeont hatt hroneandf ixthi
s
messup.Iam notl oosingmymar ri
age, Buntuhas
alway sbeenthewomanwhoknowsmei nandout.
Sheknowsmydeepestsel fthatnowomanwoul d
endur esotohav etostartagainandgi vinganother
theQueenshi pwhenshehasshownt odeser vei
s
notsomet hingIam notcomf or t
abl ewi t
h…

MysentmysonMf undoouttoaskMakhosi when

theceremonywill
happencozallhesaidtomewas
“Bukhosihasdeci
dedtocomewi thyoutothepal
ace
andgettheceremonydone”,
hejustdidn’
ttel
lme
whenandhehasn’ tbeenar oundandf orsomeonei n
myshoest heyar et akingt hei rsweettime.Iam t i
red
ofmysi t
uat i
onandIam r eadyt obeoutofi tand
returntot hest rongmanIhav eal waysbeen.Mf undo
hasbeengonef orf orevernowandIneedt ouset he
toil
etoutsi de, Iwoul dhel pmy selfifIj
usthadt opee
cozI '
djustst epoutbutIneedt ositdownanddo
numbert wo.Ihav ebeenhol dinginitfort
hel ongest
ti
menowandIcan’ tany mor e.Itakethecanehe
foundf ormeandnav igatemywayt hr
ought he
houset omakemywayout side.It’
sar ealstruggle
Lord,Ikeepbumpi ngi ntof urnitureandittakesmea
whi l
etil
lIf eel raysofsunshi neonmyski nandI
knowI ’vemadei tout .Imi ssast epont hehi gh
stoopandf indmywayt othegr ound.Thef all i
s
brutalcozmybur ningski nget sincontactwi ththe
soilandithur tssobadt hatt earsi mmediatelywel l
upi nmyey es.Iscr eam inagonyasIwi shfor
someonet opourcol dwat eronmesoIcancool
down. .
.

Mf
undo:
baba!Baba!
Hescr
eamsr
unni
ngt
owar
dsf
rom t
hegat
eIassume.
Me:
hel
pmesonpl
easehel
pme.
Ibegandhei
snextt
omei
nasecondhel
pingmeup.
Mfundo:whathappened?Whywer
eyouwal
ki
ngby
your
self
.
Heaskswhi
l
ehej
erksmeupgent
leenoughnott
o
hur
tmemore.
Me:Ijustwantedtogotothetoil
et.Youweregone
sol
ongIdi dn’
tthi
nkI’
dkeepitinforlonger
.Andthe
l
astthingIneedistomessmy selfup.
Iam onmyf eett
ryi
ngbyallmeansnottol etmy
tearsfal
l.Idon’
twanttolookmorepatheti
ct o
Mf undothanIam alr
eady.It
’st
oughbeingmer i
ght
nowi t’
shard.Hehelpsmer eachthet
oiletandonce
Iam donewi thmybusinessweheadbacki nsi
de.
Me:
sodi
dyouf
indmakhosi
?
Mfundo:yesbuthewaswi
thacl
i
enthenceIt
ook
f
orevert
ocomebackback.
Me:j
ustt
ell
mey
ouwer
eabl
etomeetupwi
thhi
m
son.
Mf
undo:
yes,
yesIdi
d.
Hesay
sandIam loosi
ngmypat
ience.Doeshewant
metoaskbef
orehetel
lsmewhatthatol
dmansaid?
Me:
and?
Itr
ytokeepmyannoy ancetomyselfbecausethe
l
astthi
ngIneedispissi
nghim of
f.Heismyey es
andwit
houthim Iam j
ustdoomed.
Mfundo:well
babahesaidhewasgoi ngt
ocome
seeyoulat
eron.Theceremonywil
lhappen
tomorr
owatdawn, Iwi
ll
betakingyoutothepal
ace.
Me:
oht
hat
’sgr
eatnews.Thanky
ouson.
Mf
undo:
canIasky
ousomet
hing?
Me:
okay
?
Idon’
tli
kehi
stone.
Mfundo:nowt hatSbonel
odecidedtol
eave,wi
l
lthey
expectBukhositobenextinl
i
neaf t
eryou?
Me:impossibleson,
Bukhosiwasbor noutof
wedlockther
eforehehasnoclaim overmythrone.I
am givi
ngittoyoumyloyalson.Sbonelowil
lregr
et
ev
err
unni
ngaf
terhi
smom l
i
keabr
east
feedi
ngchi
l
d.
Mfundo:It
oldy
ouhewast
ooweakt
obecr
owned
pr
ince.
Me:
andhehaspr
ovedt
hatIswear
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
HLENGI
WESHANGE

Icouldn’tfi
ndi tinmet oj ustat t
endherf uner al,t
rust
meIwant edt osuppor tmypar tnerandhi sdaught er
butitwasj ustt oomuchf orme.Icoul dn’tgot here
andt rustmy selfnottosingpr ai
sesbecauseIam
gladshehasdi ed.Iwon’ tlieandpr etendl i
keher
deathdi dn’
tcomf or
tmecozi tdid.Iknowi t
’snot
verychr i
sti
anofmet or ejoicebutLi y
anat ookmy
daught erawayf r
om, shei sther easonwhymyhear t
willneverful
lybehappybecauseZonkewas
everythingtome.Shehadabeaut i
ful br
ightf utur
e
aheadofherandsher obbedusof fthat…

Theonl
yper
sonIf
eel
fori
nthi
swhol
esi
tuat
ioni
s
Kay i
se, shehasabeaut i
fulheartandseei ngher
hur t
ingi snotokaybecauseshehel pedmet hrough
mydar kesthour .Iam justhappysheunder stood
whyIcoul dn’tgot othefuner alwit
ht hem.Imade
suret ocookt hem comf ortfoodandj ustr emind
them t hatt heyhav emeandIwi ll
doev erythi
ngt o
maket hem happyt oo,nottor epl
aceLi yanabutt o
bringbackhopei nthei
rhear tscozt hat’
swhatt hey
didf orme.Theygav emeasecondchanceatl ove
andf ami l
ybecausei twasonl yj
ustZonkeandI ,my
eldestdaught ersgotmar ri
edandt heyl iveintheir
ownhomeswi t
htheirfamili
es…

Speakingofmychi l
dren, Iwantedtohavea
conversationwi t
hBheki aboutmeet i
ngthem.I t
’s
onl
yf ai
rt hattheymeetbecausehei snotgoi ng
anywhereandhehasst artedtalki
ngmar ri
age.It’
s
onl
yr i
ghtt hattheymeetandgett oknoweachot her
well
.IknowKay i
seandIhav eabeaut if
ul
rel
ati
onshi pwi t
heachot herandIwoul dlikeforthe
samet hingbet weenmyBheki andmychi l
dren.Acar
pul
lsupout si
deandIknowi t’
st hem.Icloset helid
ofthepotofst
ewImade,thedooropensasIwipe
thestov
eandit’
sKay
ise,
herfat
herdoesn’
tfol
l
ow
herinsoIfr
own..

Kay
ise:
heymama.
Me:
heybaby
.Howdi
ditgo?
Iaskasshefr
ownsherf
acel
i
keshei
sdi
sgust
edby
somethi
ng.
Kayi
se:itwentwell
.Notfuneral
ofthecent
urybuti
t
wasdecent,bet
terthanl
eavingherbodyonthe
for
est.
Isi
ghheav
il
y.
Me:
that
’sv
eryt
ruebaby
.Wher
eisy
ourf
ather
?
Shepoi
ntsout
side.
Kayise:ohhewenttoseemakhosiwi
thBukhosi
wit
h
regardstotomor
row’scer
emony.
Me:Isti
ll
can’tbeli
eveMenzi vi
olat
edPhi
ndi
leli
ke
t
hat.Heisadi sgust
ingmant osaythel
east
.Iam
j
ustgladhisancestorsdeci
dedtogivet
hethronet
o
Bukhosi
.
Isayandshenodsbl
ocki
nghernoi
se.
Kay
ise:
Ihopet
hepeopl
eaccepthi
m ast
hei
rleader
.
Me:tr
ustmet heywi
ll
.Ther
e’ssomethi
ngaboutt
hat
boy
.Ijustwannaknowhowi tf
eel
sforyou?
Kayi
se:Iguessit
’sgoi
ngtobeahugechangey ou
know.Iwasusedt obebusyasthel
eaderandnow
mypar t
nerist
heoneont heseat
.Ij
usthopeIwil
lbe
abl
etobeassuppor ti
veashewaswhent herol
es
wererever
sed.
Inodunder st
andingwhatshemeans.Herf acei sso
funnyandi tl
ookslikesheisabouttovomi tallover
thekitchen.Iam rightbecauseevenbeforeIcan
stampmyt houghtssheopenst hedoorrushingout.
Shev omi tsri
ghtout si
dethedoor.Inar
rowmyey es
andr evisitmysuspesions.Shehasbeenr ubbingher
breastsl i
keamadwomanandnowshef indst he
smell ofthefoodIcookedf oulthatshevomi tsandI
cantel l
y oumor esy mptomsofpregnancyt hatIsee
onher .Shewal ksinaf t
ercover
ingthevomi twith
soil
.
Kay
ise:
tot
hinkIser
viced,
Godi
nyongoi
yahl
upha.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
iny
ongoi
nyourwombmybaby
.
Shesqui
ntsherey
esatmeandIsi
ghheav
il
y.
Kay
ise:
ma?
Me:
cany
oupl
easeshowmey
ourbr
east
s?
Shedoesn’
tprotest
sbutremov estheblazerand
thenunbot
tonsherdress,shehasonaquest ioni
ng
l
ookbutshedoesn’taskany t
hing.Soonasmyey es
areonherbarechestIconfi
rmi t
.
Kay
ise:
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:Icanonl
ysaytell
Bukhosi
tobr
inghi
speopl
e
bef
oreBheki
findsout.
Shet
il
tsherheadt
othesi
dewi
thnar
rowedey
es.
Kay
ise:
findoutwhy
?
Me:
youar
ewi
thchi
l
dNt
ombi
kay
ise.
Shegaspsf
orai
r.
Kay
ise:
nowaymama.
Me:doy out
wousepr
otect
ion?Whenl
astdi
dyou
seeyourper
iod?
Iaskandherey
esshuti
mmedi
atel
y.
Kay
ise:
ohmyGodno!
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
BUKHOSIMTHOMBENI

Mama:
arey
ousur
eyoust
il
lwantt
odot
his?
Mymom asksmeaswear esit
ti
ngont hebench
outsi
det heancestralr
oom atthepalace.Itseems
l
ikewear et
hefirstoneshereexceptforMakhosiof
course.Hehasbeencl osi
nghimselfi
nt heroom f
or
almost30mi nutesnow.Iam ner v
ouslylookingat
mymot herwhoiswai ti
ngforananswer .
Me:Iam sur
emama,
Ijustwannaknowi
fyouar
e
st
il
lokaywit
hmedoi
ngthis?
Shesi
ghsdeepl
y.
Mama:i
thur
tsthatt
heyj
ustwanttocl
aimyounow
t
haty
ouaregrownbabaaft
eral
lthehar
dshi
psthey
all
owedustogot
hrough.Butatt
heendoft heday
thi
sisabl
essi
ng,
oneforthepeopleandforyour
sel
f
andKayi
seaswell
.Sowecangoonwi t
hitall
.
Isi
ghtinr
elief.I
fshehadchangedhermi ndIswear
wewereoutofher e.ThelastpersonIwoul
dever
wanttohurtisMama, herfeel
ingsmeaneveryt
hing
tome.Shewast herewhenIhadnooneorany thi
ng
goi
ngonf orme.Ij ustpraytoGodt okeepmyheart
thi
swayandnotmakemechangebecauseoft he
powerIwill
hav e.
Me:
thanky
oumama.
Sheclaspsmyhandandbr ushesmyknuckl es.An
SUVdr i
v esi nandIknowi t’
smygi r
lfr
iendandher
fat
her.Shewant edtobeher etoshowmesuppor t
andItoldhershecoul dsl
eepandmeetaf ter
every
thingasi t’
sallhappeningearlyi
nt hemor ni
ng,
andshei sn’ tamor ni
ngper son.ButIam gl adshei s
showingmet hatshewi l
lbebymysi def orever
thr
ought hisjourneyIam abouttoembar kon.They
cli
mboutandIam al r
eadyonmyf eetappr oaching
her,l
astni ghtont hephoneshecr iedsopai nful
ly
andIknowshei sst i
ll
inheremot i
onswi thher
mother’
spassi
ng.Iwi
shIcantakei
tgoaway
.We
hugforaminut
eormor eandt
henletgo.

Me:
baba.
Ihol
doutmyhandt
oherf
ather
.
Baba:
Bukhosi
.Ar
eyour
eady
?
Me:
ther
e’snot
urni
ngbackbaba.
Baba:youwer
ebornfort
hisdon’
tworry.You’
ve
al
way shadar
egalaur
aaroundyouthatIalwaysf
elt
andnowIunderst
andwhy.Youwil
lmakeagr eat
King.
Me:wi
thanadvi
sorl
ikeyouandaQueenl
i
ke
ZamaNgweny
aitwil
lbehardnott
o.
Hesmi
l
esandIl
ookatKay
isebl
ushi
ng.
Baba:
arey
ouof
fer
ingmeaposi
ti
onson?
Me:
Iam beggi
ngy
out
otakei
t.
Webot
hchuckl
e.
Baba:
wewi
l
ltal
kaf
tert
hecer
emony
.
Inodandweheadt omymom whoi sal r
eadyonher
feetgr eeti
ngKay i
seandBab’ Ngweny a.Jokesar e
exchangedandwear elaughi ngt hatwedon’ tsee
Menzi andMf undount iltheyar enearus.Theygr eet
andwear epolitetowar dst hem ev ent houghMf undo
“myl it
tlebrother”looksl ikehewant st ogeti ntoi t.
Afteraf ewmi nutest hedooropensandsmoke
comesoutf i
rstbef oreMakhosi .Jesuscanhet akeit
easywi t
himphepho.Hewav est hatwecangeti n
andweal lowMenzi togot hr
oughf i
rst.Mf undo
helpshi m outofhi sshoesandwef ollowsui t.
Makhosi dir
ect smet osi tnexttoMenzi andmy
mot hernextt ome, ther estoft hepeopl ejustsiton
theot herstrawmat s.Myhear tisbeat ingagai nstmy
chest ,Iam reallydoingi tandaccept ingt obeKi ng.
Nev erinami l
li
ony ear sdi dIthinkIwi llbeKi ng,y es
whenIst art
eddat i
ngKay i
seIknewIwoul dbeone
bymar ryi
ngaQueennotbecauseIam Roy al
tyand
thet hroneismi ne.Hesmear ssomet hingonour
foreheadswhi lechant i
ngsomet hinginaudi bletous.
Menzi
:i
smywi
feher
e?Bunt
uukhona?
HeasksandIj
ustsi
gh.
Mf
undo:
qha!baba,
mai
snother
e.
Makhosi :
wellMenz iwear eheretoint
roduceyour
fi
rstsontotheancest or
s.Tellthem ever
ythi
ngthat
hashappenedt hatBukhosi i
sher ei
nthewor l
d,t
ell
them hisnameandcur r
entsurnameandwhohi s
mot heri
sandt el
lthem thatyouputhisli
feunder
thei
rprotect
ionforever.
Hesaysanditt
akeshi
m ami
nut
ebef
orehedoesas
Makhosi
says.
Menzi :Iam her etobri
ngfor t
hmysonBukhosi
Mt hombeni .Hehasbeenast rangertoy oubecauseI
tookadv antageofhi smot herPhi ndi
leinthewor st
possibleway .Iam sor
ryforitandIam her et
or i
ght
mywr ongs, Iam heretoshowy ouy ourownbl ood,
yourgr andson.Iam askingt haty ouaccepthim and
seehim asy ourownandpr otecti
onal ways.
Hesay
sandmakhosi
isnoddi
ngt
heent
ir
eti
me.
Makhosi
:doyouacceptt
hatBukhosi
isy
ourf
ir
st
sonandnoncomesbeforehi
m?
Menzi
:yesIdo.
Heaccept
s.
Makhosi:
MaMt hombeniar
eyoual
lowingyourson
totakehi
sfat
her’
ssurnameandberecogni
zedasa
Shezi?
Heasksandmamanodsv i
gorousl
y.Hecal l
supon
t
heancestorsandst ar
tsmixi
ngmut i
.Heaskst hat
westepoutsideandwedoandgot ot heback,
t
here’
sasilverbi
gbasinandabucketofwat er
.He
t
hrowsinthemut iandmixesevery
thingwell.
Makhosi:pleasetakeoffy
ourcl
othes,
weare
cl
eansingy ouoffanybadspi
ri
tsandbadl
uckand
pur
if
yingy ouforthethr
one.
Idon’ taskquestionsIjuststri
poffmycl othesand
stepi ntothebasin.Fuckt hewaterisdamncol d,I
am shi v
eri
ngcozt hemor ningbreezeisdoi ngthe
mostt oo.Heissay ingthi
ngsIam notpay ing
attentiontobecausemyheadi sont hecol dIam
catchi ngdoingthis.Whenhe’ sdonehedr apesmei n
abl anketandt akesmycl othesleadingusbackt o
theancest ralr
oom.Ev ery
onei ssti
l
lsitt
ingwher ewe
l
ef tthem.
Makhosi:ever
ythi
ngisdone, Bukhosiyouarenow
thefi
rstsonofMenz iSheziandyouarenow
welcomedbyhi sancestors,t
heyacknowledgeyou
andtheyareveryhappyt hatyouarehome.
Me:
thanky
oumakhosi
.
Menzi
:nowwhenwi
l
ltheyf
orgi
vemeandgi
veme
backmysi
ght
?
Makhosi
chuckl
es.
Makhosi
:Ididn’
task,
butIassumei
twi
l
lbewhen
t
heyseefit
.
Mf
undo:
buthowwi
l
lhebeKi
ngi
fhecan’
tsee?
Makhosi
:Ki
ng?WhoseKi
ngson?
Mf
undo:
hai
boUkut
hul
aofcour
se.
Makhosi :ohno,yourf at
hercannotbeKing,heis
rot
ten.Ar apist
,abuserandadul t
erer
.Hecannev er
ascendt hatthr
one.Theancest orswantedBukhosi
i
ntroducedandt aket hei
rnamesohecanascend
thethroneasKi ngofUkut hul
a.Itwouldbeuptohim
todecidei fhewelcomeshi minhispalaceorthr
ows
him outtot hewolves.
Menzi
:yousaywhat
?Thatcannotbe!Bukhosi
isan
i
ll
egi
ti
matechil
dhecannott
akemyt hr
onenever!
Makhosi
:goodt
hingi
t’
snoty
ourdeci
siont
omake.
Menzi:nev
er!Isaynever!Thisi
saconspiracy.You
aretr
y i
ngt
ot akewhatismi nebecauseyoudon’t
l
ikeme.Hellwillbendoverbackwardsbeforeyou
takethi
sawayf r
om me.
Makhosi
: Idarey
outogositonthatchai
randhave
t
hem str
ikey oui
mmediat
ely.Yousti
l
lquest
ioni
ng
t
hem?Thei rpowers?
Theybi
ckerbackandf
ort
handIj
ustsi
ghf
eel
i
ng
Kayi
se'
shandonmyshoulder
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
Noedi
ts.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER60
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
MENZISHEZI

Theypl ayedme, t
heyal lplayedme.Fr om the
begi nni
ngtheyallconspi r
edagai nstmet ot akemy
thronebutIwoul dratherdi ethanl etthem dot hi
sto
me.Bukhosi ?Awhol eBukhosi i
sgoi ngtobeaKi ng?
Thisi smythroneandt heyhav enor i
ghttotakei t
from underme.Whoknowst hatt heywer eev en
wor kingwit
hNgwemabal at oblindmesoi twi l
lbe
almosti mpossibl
ef ormet of i
ghtt hem togetwhat
i
smi neback.Unknownt ot hem ist hatmysonwant s
thist hr
onewithallhishear ttooandhehast woey es
thatseev erywell
,Iwi l
lcoachhi m andhewi lldoasI
say .Thefantast
icthreewon' tev enseewhathi t
them whent heyseet hatIam aPhoeni x.
..

Bheki
:j
ustacceptdef
eatMenzi
,ev
eny
ourancest
ors
don'
twanty
ou.
Ohlookwhoistal
ki
ng,t
hesameonethatwasn'
t
pr
otect
edbyhisancest
orsfr
om t
heevi
lhi
swife
br
oughtint
othi
sveryvi
ll
age.
Me:whatar
ey ouevendoingher
eBheki
?Youhav
e
nobusi
nessinthi
spalace.
Hechuckl
es.
Me:
meandy
oubot
hbaf
o.
Hegetssmar twit
hmeandthatputsmeoff
compl
etely.Ij
ustmessupever
ythi
nginf
rontofme
andi
tallscatt
ers.
Makhosi
:Menzi
Iam war
ningy
ou!
Hesay sshout
ingbutIdon'
tcar
e.Iam t
hisway
becauseofthem al
l
,theypr
omisedmet het
hrone
andnowt heyaregi
vingi
ttoBukhosi
.
Me:
youwi
l
lal
lregr
ett
his,
Ipr
omi
sey
out
hatmuch.
Bukhosi
:j
uststopbei
ngsochil
dishJesusChr
ist
.
Mfundotakeyourf
atherhome.
Thi
ssonofabi
tchsay
snextt
omeandIat
temptt
o
hi
thim buthequi
ckl
ybl
ocksmyarm andsqueezes
i
tsopainful
ly,
myskini
sburni
ngi
sthisbast
ardthat
i
nsensi
tive?
Menzi
:youar
ehur
ti
ngmey
ouf
ool
.
Hel
et'
sgo.
Bukhosi
:youshoul
djustsaythanky
oubecauseifI
wasn'ti
nthi
sroom I
'dhaveshownyounomer cy
.
HespewsandIcl
i
ckmyt
ongue.
Me:Sont
akemehome,wewil
lshowt
hist
rai
tor
s
t
hatwearet
her
ealShezi
'
sher
e.

Ifeelhi
m helpi
ngmeupbutt histi
mear oundhei sn'
t
asgentleasalways,Iguesshei salsoangr yatthese
peopleforfool
ingusthisway .Myhear tisthr
obbi ng
hardagainstmysensitivechest,
ifIhadmysi ghtI
wouldn'
thav ef
oughtt hosegoodf ornothingsonsof
bit
chesintosubmission.Iwouldhav ereducedt hem
tonothi
ngandmaket hem kissmydamnf eet.We
fi
nall
ygethome, Iknowt hi
sbecauseIhearMf undo
openingthegateandmygat eisknownf orav er
y
di
sti
nctsounditmakes.Onceweareinthehousehe
hel
psmeset t
leonthecouch,Iam f
eel
ingaheavy
gazeonmeandIknowhewant sanswersaswell
..
.

Me:
don'
twor
ry,
Iwi
l
lthi
nkofsomet
hing.
Mf
undo:
yousai
dBukhosi
isi
l
legi
ti
mat
e.
Idon'
tappr
eci
atehi
stone.
Me:
Iknowandt
hat
'st
het
rut
h.
Mf
undo:
thenwhathappenedatt
hepal
ace?
Me: can'tyousee?Thi
sisaconspiracy
.Theydon'
t
wantt ohav emeasKing.Iam bl
indbecauseof
them, Bukhosiiswi
thBheki
'sdaughter
.Withhi
m as
Kingitguar ant
eeshi
sdaughtert
heQueenship.
Hechuckl
es.
Mfundo:whatar
ewegoingt
odo?Iwantt
hatt
hrone
baba.Youpromi
sedi
ttome!
Heshout
sandsomet
hingpopsupi
nmyhead.
Me:
youar eallmyson's,
ift
heothert
woarenotin
t
hepict
ureitautomat
ical
lygi
vesyouthet
hrone.
Mf
undo:
bespeci
fi
cbaba.
Me:
wehav
etor
emov
ethem f
rom t
hef
aceofear
th.
Hegaspsf
orai
r.
Mfundo:y
ouwouldki
llyourownchil
dren?YesI
wannabecrownedpr
incebutneverwouldIwant
t
hem dead.
Hesay
sandIsi
gh.
Me:
itwasj
ustasuggest
ion.
IsayandIhearhi
m st
orm outoft
her
oom.
Me: Mfundo!Mfundo!Comebackwear
ejust
exchangingi
deas.
Isaybutnot
hing.Heonl
ycomesbackaf
terawhi
l
e
andhestopsbehindme.
Mfundo:Iam donewi t
hyou,it
'sobvi
oust
her
e'sno
t
hroneheresot her
e'snoreasonformetost
ay.
Hesaysandmyhear
tdropsint
omyst
omach.
Wit
houtmysonIam done.
Me:Mfundono,pl
easedon'
ttur
nyourbackonme
l
ikey
ourmotherandSbonel
o.Iwil
lgi
veyouthe
t
hronej
ustdon'
tdot
hist
ome.
Hedoesn'tr
espondandIjusthearthedoorcl
ose
anditshut
smyhear ti
ntheprocess.Idr
opatearas
Ireal
i
zewhatmyr eali
tyi
sabouttobe.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KAYI
SENGWENYA

Afteradr amat i
cmor ni ngIwentbackhomewi thmy
fathertosl eepof fmyaccesssl eepcozIhadt ocut
mybeaut ysleepof ft ogosuppor tmyman.Myman
whoi sonhi swayt obei ngKi ng.Ifitwereupt omeI
woul dhav ewentbackt ohishousewi t
hhim buthe
nowshar eshisr oom wi thhishal fbrotherSbonel o.I
didn'twantt oshowupandki ckt hepoorguyout .We
promi sedt hathewi l
lcomear oundi ntheafternoon
andhei sdueanymi nut enow.Iam f r
eshandf ed
j
ustshor tofcour age, Ineedt ot ell
him what
mam' Hlengiwesai dt omeaboutbei ngpregnantand
totellyout hetruthIcoul dn'tsleeplastnight.Idon't
knowhowhei sgoi ngt ot aket henews, Imeany es
we'vespokeaboutmar ri
ageandki dsbuti twas
neverinourplansforthenow.Iwant edt
ot akethe
plant
ationandmycar eerhigherandhealsowant ed
togrowhi sfar
m andt ur
nitintosomethi
ngbi gand
nowhehast heresponsi
bil
itytoleadavi
ll
agesoa
kidri
ghtnow, ar
ewer eady?...

Aknockcomest hroughtomydoorasI 'm dr

essing
andIhav etoaskwhoi tis.It
'smam' Hlengiwe.Ifeel
shyallofasuddencozIam onl yi
nmyunder wear,
knowingt hatsheknowst hatIam pregnantandshe
canseet hechangesinmybody .Irememberv ery
wellt
hatshewant edZonket osaveher sel
ffor
marri
ageandt obepregnantinherhousemakesme
feel
embar r
assed.
..

Mama:
heybaby
.
Me:
ma?
Mama:
hav
eyouspokent
ohi
m?
Me:hewillbecomi
ngt
hroughi
naf
ewandI
'
llt
ell
hi
mt hen.
Mama: pl
easedomybaby .Sothebot
hofy
oucan
st
arthavi
ngimpor
tantconver
sati
ons.
Me:
Ial
sowantt
oapol
ogi
se.
Shenar
rowsherey
es.
Mama:
whatf
orbaby
?
Isi
ghandset
tl
enex
ttoheront
hebed.
Me: Zonkeoncement i
onedt haty
ouwoul dhaveher
headont hepl
att
ershoul dshegivehersel
ftoany
manbef oremarr
iage.Andf ormet obepregnanti
n
yourhomemakesmef eelsobad.
Shecl
aspsmyhand.
Mama:Kayisebabydon'tworryaboutthat
,Bukhosi
i
sagoodmanandhewi l
lmakeanhonestwoman
outofy
ouandal sotakeresponsi
bil
it
yforthebaby.
Don'
tworr
yy our
selfokay?
Isi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Me:
thanky
ouma.
Baba:
Ntombi
kay
ise!
Myf
athershout
sfr
om somewher
eint
hehouse.I
standupquicklyandthrowt hedressov ermyhead.I
headoutandhej ustpointsoutside,Iguessmy
boyfri
endishere.Heisinshor t
sandat i
ghtblackt
-
shir
t,Lordhi
sbodyi sstil
lbangingandhedoesn' t
spendt oomucht i
mei nthegy ml i
kehedi dwhenhe
wasst i
llatt
hepalace.Heof fer
smeabeaut if
ul
smileandIjustmeltintohisarms.

Bukhosi
:hel
l
oagai
nbaby
.
Iki
sshi
sneck.
Me:
heyl
ove.
Wel etgoandgositi
nthecar ,
Ineedsomemusic
forwhentheawkwardsilencecomesthr
oughaf
ter
helearnsaboutt
hepregnancy.
Me:
readyt
obeKi
ng?
Hel
etsoutasi
gh.
Bukhosi
:honest
lybaby
,I'
m scar
ed.Whati
fIf
ail
?
Whatift
hepeopledon'
tli
keme?
Iqui
ckl
ytakehi
shand.
Me: babyyouaregoingtobet hebestaf
termy
fat
herandt hepeopl
ewi l
lentr
ustthei
rli
vesint
oyour
hands.Youneedt obeli
eveiny our
sel
fandthe
supportsy
st em y
ouhave.
Henodsandki
ssesmyhand.
Bukhosi
:Il
ovey
ouZamaNgweny
a.
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
eChoco.
Myhear
tst
art
stobeatwi
thf
ear
.
Bukhosi
:ar
eyouokaybaby
?
HeasksandIswal
l
ow.
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.
Bukhosi:Iknowyourmom' sdeathdi
danumberon
you,butIpromisetoal
way sbewithyouunt
ilyou
comet otermswithever
ythingandaccepti
t.
..
Iqui
ckl
yint
erj
ect
.
Me:
Bukhosi
Iam pr
egnant
.
Iblurti
toutandheislooki
ngatmewi t
hastoic
expressi
on.Ican'
treadanythi
ngonhi
sface,
his
reacti
oncouldgobot hways.Hei
ssil
entf
orwhat
seemsl i
kefor
ev ermakingmemor eanxious,canhe
pleasesaysomet hingri
ghtnowbefor
eIshitmy
pants.Thecornersofhisli
pscur
lupandhi severso
beauti
fulsmil
efor msleavi
ngmesighinginreli
ef.
Bukhosi
:wel
lIwassuspect i
ngaft
erNgwemabala
spokeofanewl i
febutyoucall
edcry
ingabouty
our
mothersoIpusheditt
ot hebackofmyhead.
Me:
so?Ar
eyoumad,
disappoi
nted?
Hechuckl
es.
Bukhosi:whywoul dIbebaby ?Thisisablessing.
Havingchil
drenwi thyouwasadr eam andnowt hat
i
t'
shappeningIf eelsoblessedandhi ghl
yf av
ored.
Thebabycoul dn'
thav ecomeatabet t
erti
me, heor
shewillj
ustputast amponourr eignbaby .Newly
crownedandwai tingonanhei rt
ot hethr
oneal r
eady.
NowIf eell
ikethisKingshi
pthingwassupposedt o
be.
Hesay
sandIam cr
ying.
Me:
Ithoughty
ou'
dbesomad.
Heshakeshi
shead.
Bukhosi
:nobabyIam happy
.Thanky
ousomuch
ZamaNgwenya,youmademeamanamongstman.
Hebr
ingshi
sfacecl
oserandweki
sspassi
onat
ely
.
Me:
canwegobuyapr
egnancyt
estj
ustt
oconf
ir
m?
Bukhosi
:okaybutIam sur
ethatmybabyi
sgr
owi
ng
i
nhere.Icanfeel
iti
nmybones.
Heplaceshi
shandonmyst
omach.Oht
hatwent
wel
lJesus.
Bukhosi:
IguessIshouldsendmypeopl
etomeet
yourpeople.Ar
eyoureadytobemywifeKay
ise?
Ibl
ush
Me:
babyIwantnot
hingmor
e.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
PHI
NDI
LEMTHOMBENI

Thesit
uati
onistri
ckynow,Bunt
u'syoungestson
j
ustshowedupher ecryi
ngari
ver.Heclai
mst hathe
j
ustl
efthi
sf at
herbecausehewantstokil
lBukhosi
andSbonelosothathecanbetheonlyShezilef
tto
takeov erthethrone.Idon'tknowbutIjustdon't
believehim onebit,earli
eronhewasonhi sf at
her'
s
side,eagertosuppor thimt hr
ougheveryt
hing.Who
knowst hi
sisjustapl ottogetcl
osertoussohecan
carryoutexact l
ywhathecl ai
msMenzi sai
d?Idon't
trustthi
sboynotonebi t
,heispowerhungryanda
greensnakei nthegr eengrass..
.

Ihadt ocallBukhosi homeandher ushedherewit

h
Kayise,Ididn'
tmindhav i
nghersi
tinwithus
becausesoonshewi llbemydaughterinl
awand
Queenoft hisKingdom.Ouraf fai
rsareherbusi
ness
becauset heywillaf
fectherwhetherwel i
kei
tornot.
Wear eallintheloungel ooki
ngatthecryi
ngMfundo,
Ican'thelpmyhear t.Thisboyisj
ustplayi
ngusto
gainentryintoourhome. .
.

Sbonel
o:youarej
usther
ebecauseyoul
ear
nedt
hat
yourf
atherwi
ll
notsmellt
hatt
hrone.
Iagr
ee.
Mf
undo:
Isweari
t'
snotbecauseoft
hat
.
Bukhosi
:i
tlooksli
kei
tthough.Yougowher
ethe
thr
oneisguarant
eed.
Mysonsay
sandIwantt
oshoutAmen!
Sbonel
o:wel
lBukhosi
letmeask.
Bukhosi
:sur
e?
Sbonelo:
wearehalfbrot
hers,
andmybr ot
herher
e
j
ustwantsthet
hrone.Willy
oubegivi
ngust i
tl
es?
All
owingustol
iv
ewi thyouatthepal
ace?
Iqui
ckl
ylookatmysonwant
ingt
ohearhi
sanswer
.
Bukhosi:wellIdon'
tknow.LastweekIwasj usta
commonerandt odayIam Kingwait
ingforhis
coronat
ionint woweeks.Theancestor
splacedme
her
eandIguessIshoul daskthem t
hequest i
ons
youjustbroughttoli
ght.
Spokenl
i
keatrueKi
ng,
Iam pr
oud.Ij
usthopet
hey
al
lowustogi
veBunt
usomethi
ng.
Mf
undo:
andwhati
ftheydon'
t?
Hequi
ckl
ychi
ps
Bukhosi
:thenIwi
l
lnotdef
ythem butIwi
l
lhel
pyou
outwi
thj
obssoy
oucanbui
l
dyourownl
i
ves.
Nobuntu:andwedon'texpectanythingBukho,don'
t
feelobl
i
gatedto.Ij
ustwanttobecl osewi t
hmy
sist
erandmakeupf orthelostyearsstolenbymy
evil
husband.Wheny oumov etothepalacewewi ll
j
ustmov ebacktomyhouse, I'
ll
takecar eofhim
unti
lhedies.
Me:neverBunt
u,y
ouandt
hechi
l
drenwi
l
lnotgo
backtohim.
Nobuntu:wehavenowher etogosisi.Iam notgoing
tothepal
acewithyou,it
'syourstoenjoywhetherthe
ancest
orsagreeornot.Evil
exist
sandi tmighttempt
mychildr
entogoagainstBukhosi f
ort het
hroneso
toavoi
dthisweshouldn'tbeinthesamespace.
Me:
Bunt
upl
ease.
Kay
ise:Iam sor
ryt
ospeakoutoftur
nbutwhati
f
Mam'Nobuntuandherchi
l
drenstayher
ecozi
twil
l
bevacant?
Ismi
l
esweet
lyatmysoont
obedaught
er.
Me:
Bunt
u?
Isayhopingt
hatshet
akesi
t,Idon'
twanthergoi
ng
backtothatman.
Shet
akesmyhand.
Nobunt
u:i
fyouagr
eet
heny
es.
Me:
wel
li
nthatcase,
it'
sal
lyour
s.
Shesmi
l
esanddr
opsat
ear
.
Sbonel
o:thankyousomuchmama.Nowt hatyou
hear
dMf undo,wearenotgoi
ngt
othepal
ace,sti
l
l
wanttostayherewi
thus?
Heasksandal loureyesmov etothepersoni
n
quest
ion,Mfundo, whoseey
esar ecastdown.He
nodsandlit
tl
erelieffi
ll
sme.IjusthopeI'
m wrong
abouthim.
Bukhosi:well
Sbonelo,
Iam goingtobebusywit
h
theaffair
softhevi
ll
age,Idon'
tknowifyouwoul
dbe
i
nterestedinmeteachi
ngy ouevery
thi
ngaboutt
he
far
m soy oucanrunin?
Heoffer
sandthatmakesmehappy.Sbonel
oist
he
br
otherItr
ust
,hehashi
smother
'sheart
.
Hest
andsupandhol
dsouthi
shandt
oBukhosi
,
whoal
sost
andsupandt
heyshake.
Sbonel
o:Iam v
erymuchi
nter
est
ed.Ngi
yabonga
bhut
i.
Hesay
sandy
oucan'
tmi
sst
hej
oyandsi
ncer
it
yin
hi
svoi
ce.
Mf
undo:
Ijusthav
eonequest
ion.
Nobunt
u:y
ini
manj
e?
Hi
smot
herasksannoy
ed.
Mf
undo:
whatwi
l
lhappent
obaba?
Heasksl
ooki
ngatBukhosi
.
Bukhosi
:theancest
orswi
l
lseewhatt
odowi
thhi
m.
Nobunt
u:Iagr
ee!Fr
om nowony ourf
ather
'sname
mustnotbementi
onedint
hishouse,ar
ewecl ear
?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

[
1WEEKLATER]
TheShezi delegatesjustl eftHlengiwe' shouse, we
wer enegot i
atingKay ise'slobola.Ev erythingwasj ust
rushedandev enthoughIt ri
edaski ngt hatwedot his
afterthecor onationtheygav emet wor easonswhy
theyneededi ttobedonet oday.1.Becauset he
Shezi elderswer eonlyav ai
labl
et hisweekendand2.
Becausehewant sKay i
set obehi swi f ewhenhesi ts
downont hethrone.It ookt hem anddi dt hi
sf ormy
daught er'
shappi nessbutIknowt here'sanot her
reasonf orthisrushr ush.Tomor rowt heywannado
allthenecessar yt r
aditionst owelcomehert ot hei
r
fami l
y..
.

Iam justhappyt hatsheiswi t

hBukhosi andthey
endedupmar ryi
ng, Il
ikethi
sboyandIknowt hathe
will
treatmyl i
ttl
egi r
lwithrespect
,protectandlove
heralway s.WhenIst eppeddownasKi ngIwas
brokent oknowt hatmychi ldwil
lnotbeQueenbut
everythi
ngi sworkingoutexactlyhowitshould.She
will
reignasQueenandgi vebir
thtoroyalchil
dren
forherhusbandandmybl oodwi l
lst
ill
beapar tof
thesov erei
gn..
.
Thebedr oom dooropensandHl engi
wewal ksin,I
camei nher et
ochangei nt
osomet hi
ngmor ecasual
asev eryonehaslef
t.Weat eanddrankbeforethey
l
eftbecauseIdi dn'
twantthem thi
nki
ngtheirin-
law
i
sast i
ngyman.MaShangel ooksawkwardforsome
reason,Ifrownandbuttonthepairofj
eansIhav e
on..
.

Me:
sthandwasami
,ar
eyouokay
?
Shel
ooksatmewi
thbedr
oom ey
es.
Me:don'
tlookatmeli
ket
hat
,uv
usa
uNgwenyaNgwenya.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Hl
engi
we:
Bheki
stoppl
ayi
ng.
Me:
what
'sgoi
ngont
hen?
Sheswal
l
ows
Hlengi
we: uhm Kay
isewant
stot
alkt
oyouabout
something.
Inar
rowmyey
es.
Me:
somet
hingl
i
ke?
Hl
engi
we:
comei
ntot
hel
ounge.
Shesay
salreadyoutthedoor.Thatwasweird.I
fol
l
owheroutafteraminuteandf i
ndthem onthe
samecouchwhisperi
ng.
Me:
okayher
eIam.
IannounceasIsett
leonthecouch.Mydaught
er
l
ooksnervous,
thisi
sdefi
nitel
ynotgoodnews.
Kayi
seisalwayssoconfi
dent.
Hlengi
we:justdon'tl
oseyourmi
nd,beopenmi
nded
andremembert hatkidsoft
odaydothi
ngs
backwardsmyl ove.
Petnames?Iam goi
ngt
oexpl
ode.
Me:
Ntombi
kay
isekhul
uma.
Kayi
se:
Ididn'tmeantobaba,
itwasamistakeand
hehasrect
if
ieditsopl
easeunder
standpl
ease.
Me:
speak.
Shebl
i
nksr
api
dly
.
Kay
ise:
Baba,
youar
egoi
ngt
obeagr
andf
ather
.
Shewhisper
sjustnotl
owenought
hatIdon'
thear
.I
si
tontheedgeofthecouch.
Me:
huh?
Kay
ise:
Ifoundoutt
hatIam pr
egnant
.
Ichuckl
e.Nowitmakessense.Thi
siswhyt
hey
rushedt
helobol
a.
Me:andy oudeci
dedtohi
dei
tunt
ilweweredone
wi
thlobolasoIdon'
tchar
get
hem moref
or
di
srespecti
ngme?
Kay
ise:
Iam sor
rybaba.
Me:
MaShange,
howl
onghav
eyouknownaboutt
his?
Hlengi
we:
Iam t
heonewhomadeherawar
eday
s
ago.
Ij
ustchuckl
e,Iam shocked.Myl
it
tl
egi
rlhasbeen
havi
ngsex,Bukhosihasbeenpoki
ngmydaughter
wit
hhistoothpi
ck.
Istandupandl
eav
etheroom wi
thbot
hoft
hem
askingmetocomebacktot
alk.
AFATHER'
SLOVE
CHAPTER61
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
MAKHOSI

Theancest or
sgav emeaj obIneedt ogetov erand
donewi thbeforeZamaNgweny aisacceptedatt he
Shezi hometomor row.Apparentl
ytheyst r
uckMenzi
withmadnessbecauseev enwhent heymadehi m
bli
ndandpr ovedt hei
rpowerstohi m, hesti
l
lf el
tli
ke
hecoul dcauseproblemsforBukhosi .Theytol dme
todiscardhim howIseef i
tandbecauseoft hatI
hadt oconsultmyf el
lownyangassot heycanhel p
meoutwi t
hthisissue..
.

Myt r
ustedfri
endandcol l
eagueZanemv ul
asaidshe
wil
lcomet oseemesoshecant el
lmewhatshe
thi
nksweshoul ddowi thhim.Honest l
yIwantedto
thr
owhi mt othesecludedplaceintheforestwher
e
all
thosewhocommi t
tedevili
nthepastwer esend
tosufferandl
at erdi
e.ButIdon'tthi
nkdeathiswhat
hedeser v
es,i
t'stooeasyforamanl i
keMenzi..
.
Iam j
usthappyt hattheShezi ancestorsdidn'
tleave
thi
stasktoKingBukhosi tofigureoutbecauset hat
boyhasagr eatheart,hewoul dhav el i
ngeredtot he
opti
onoff or
givi
nghim andt hatwoul dhav ebeenhis
doom becauseal eopar dneverchangesi t'
sspot s.
Hewi l
lgetwhathedeser ves,somet hingthatwill
tor
menthisspiri
tf or
ev erandev er..
.

Zanemv
ula:
thokozamkhul
u.
Shesay
sdrawingmebackfr
om myt hought
s.Il
ook
upandseeherwit
hthr
eeofheri
nit
iates.
Me:
Thokozakhehl
a.Howwasy
ourj
our
ney
?
Zanemvula:ver
ywel
l
,Ij
usthopewedi
dn'
ttr
avel
her
e
fornot
hing.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
absolutelynot
,Ijustwannaheary
ouri
deaand
wewil
ltakeitfr
om there.
Shenods.
Zanemv
ula:
shal
lwe?
Istandupfr
om mystr
awmatundert
het
reeandwe
headtothendomba.
Me:
sowhati
sthepl
an?
Zanemvula:
wel
lMenzi
isanev
ilmanf
rom whaty
ou
havetol
dme.
Inodv
igor
ousl
y
Zanemv ul
a:andthear
eev il
peopleinthevil
l
ageI
comef rom.Iwanthi
m, Iwanthisspir
it
.Iwil
luse
him asashiel
d,hewil
lbemysol dieri
nbattl
e.Iwi
ll
feedhim andcuthi
m openwi t
hmut isohebecomes
strongandhelpmegetr i
dofevill
ikehimsel
f.
Me:
azombi
e?
Shenods.
Zanemv
ula:
butonet
hatwi
l
ldogood.
Me:
Iwanthi
mtosuf
ferZanemv
ulanotl
i
vegood.
Zanemvul
a:hemi
ghtbedoi
nggoodwit
hmebutt
he
evi
lhewil
lseewi
l
ltor
menthi
mforev
er.
Shesay
sandIsmi
l
e.
Me:
let
'sgof
indhi
mthen.
Zanemvul
a:okay
,Ibr
oughtavanwit
hmeandmy
i
nit
iat
estomakethecapt
ureeasy
.
Me:okaythen,
mypeopl espott
edhimroami ngt
he
st
reet
s,hecan'
tgov er
yfarcozheissti
llbli
nd.
Peopl
ehatehim andnonwillof
ferhi
m help.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
BHEKUMBUSONGWENYA

Iam stillangr yandal ittl

edi sappoi nt
edy etont he
otherhandhappyt hatIam goi ngt obeagr andfather
,
andt hatthei rreignwillbeseal edwi t
hanhei r.They
willnotgot hr oughwhatLi yanaandIdi dandr i
sk
havingmyonl ydaughterfeel theneedt ogodownt o
blackmagi cj usttohav eachi ld.Roy alt
yisnotal l
glamor ousbutIknowt heyhav eancestralprotect
ion
andt heybot har epeople'sfav orit
es,theyaret he
perfectchoi ce.Iam gl adt hatIl ovedmydaught er
enought owal kawaywhenIdi dbecausenowIget
toseeherbeQueenandhav eherf amil
ywhi l
eIam
stil
lali
ve...
Wear eatt hepalaceandwai t
ingfort hem tocome
backf rom t hefor
est .Makhosi t
ookt hem t othe
sacredf orestbecauseshei soffi
ciall
yaShezi br
ide
andt heQueenoft hisKingdom.Shewast akent her
e
becauseshei spregnantandherposi ti
onasQueen
i
sv alidatedbecauseoft hechildshecar ries.When
Bukhosi sitsonhi sThr onenextweekendmy
daught erwi ll
besi t
tingnexttohim wi thhercr own
tooandst affofaut hori
tyasthewi fetot hemost
power fulmani nUkut hul
a.Iam justhappyt hat
Bukhosi chosemet obehi sadvisor.
..

Hlengi
we:I
fyoudon'
tsnapoutoft
hismoodIwi
l
l
sendyouhometogoandsleep.
Shesayswithaglassofj
uicei
nherhand.Ichuckl
e
andpattheemptyspacenextt
ome.
Me:
Ijustcan'
tbel
i
evet
hisdayhasf
inal
l
ycame.
Hlengi
we:
well
bel
iev
eitmyl ov
e.Bukhosii
safi
ne
youngmanandhewil
ltakecar
eofKay i
seandt
he
baby.
Me:Ist
ill
can'
tbel
iev
emybabygi
rli
shav
ingsex,
bef
oretheygotmarr
iedev
en.
Shel
aughs
Hl
engiwe:l
ookwho'stalki
ng.Areyounottheone
whoisalwaysontopofmeev er
yotherni
ght?And
doyouseear i
ngonthisfi
nger?
SheasksandIswal
l
ow.
Me:
haomama.
Hl
engi
we:
atl
eastBukhosi
mar
ri
edy
ourbabygi
rl
.
Me: y
ouknowIam goi
ngtomar r
yyouMaShange
andIwil
lgi
vethemostbeaut
if
ulli
fey
ouhaveever
dreamedof.
Shesmi
l
es.
Hlengi
we:Iknowsthandwasami .Ij
ustwanty outo
behappy,wedon'twantKayi
set ofeelbad.Thi si
s
herbigday,
sheisnotgoinghomewi t
husaf terthi
s,
thi
sisherhomeshei stheQueennowandnext
weekendit
'sbei
ngstampedatt hecoronation.
Me:Il
oveyousomuchMaShange.Thankyouso
muchforr
emindi
ngmeofhowbeautif
uliti
stol
ove.
Youmakei
tsoeasybecausey
ouprayformeand
wit
hmeandyoutreatmeli
keaKi
ng.Therestofmy
l
if
ewil
lbet
hebestIswear.
Hlengiwe:uthandway i
minaMtimande,kakhulufuthi
.
Thanky ouforbeingthemany ouare,y
oumakei tso
easyformet osubmittoyouandthankyouf or
wantingtomakemet hehappiestwomanonear th
mor ethanyoual r
eadyare.
Ipl
acemyhandonhercheekandki
ssher
,shepul
l
s
outaf
terasecond.
Hl
engi
we:
hai
baba,
peopl
ear
ewat
chi
ng.
Shegiggl
esl
i
keaschool
gir
landdoesn'
tshel
ook
beaut
iful
?
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
•
KINGBUKHOSISHEZI

Alotcanchangei
nashor tspaceoftime,ithasn'
t
evenbeenayearsi
nceitallhappenedtofrustr
ate
meandmakemel osehope.ButIknewi tchanged
fort
hebett
erwhenIsetmyey esonthisbeautif
ul
pri
ncesswhof ellheadov erheel
si nlov
ewi thmet he
fi
rstdayIhelpedheroutofhershoes.Nowshei s
mywi feandi scar ryi
ngt hemosti mportantpersonin
bothourl i
ves,thepr oductofourl oveand
commi tmentt oeachot her.Mylif
ef eel
slikeiti
snot
mine,it
'sgoingt ot akemeawhi letil
lIful
lywrapmy
headar oundbei ngKi ngoft hi
sgreatKingdom.
Yester
dayIwasj ustacommonerl ooki
ngt obetter
hi
msel fandt odayIam amar ri
edmanwi t
hat i
tl
e..
.

Wear eonourwaybackf rom thefor est

,makhosi
wasgoi ngt ointr
oduceKay i
seandt hepregnancyto
them sot heycanof f
iciateherasQueen.Iam j ust
gladshei sandwi l
lbesi tti
ngnextt omewi t
ht heli
fe
growinginsi deofherasIam cr owned.Ourj ourney
wasi ndeedpl annedbef oreeit
herofuswasbor n,
thischil
ddi dn'tj
usthappen, ourchildwasconcei ved
tomaket hi sRoy alpatheasy .Kay i
sewon' tstr
ess
aboutnotgi v i
ngmeanhei rorcr ybecauseIam
forcedtot akeanot herwi fetodot hatonherbehal f.
Butifitcamet othatIwoul dhav eletital
lgoformy
wifejustthewayherf atherdid,becausewebot h
l
ovehermor
ethanany
thi
ngi
nthi
swor
ld.
..

Thecarcomest oahaltandIlookatmywi fenextto

me.Ibringherhandt omyl i
psandkissheknuckles.
Shelookssobeaut i
fulri
ghtnow,li
keaRoy albr
ide
sheis,mybride.MydooropensandIl etgoofher
handandcl i
mbout ,Iqui
cklygotohersideandopen
herdoor.Sheoffer
edmeagenui nesmil
eandcl imbs
outwithherhandinmi ne..
.

Me:
MaNgweny
a,ar
eyouokay
?
Kay
ise:
Iam mor
ethanokaybaby
.Iam y
ourwi
fe.
Myhear
tisal
ri
ght
.
Me:
Ilov
eyousomuch.
Kay
ise:
andIl
ovey
out
oomyChoco.
Me:l
etmegof
eedy
ou,
wehav
ebeenatt
hef
orest
f
orhour
s.
Kay
ise:
please,
ourbabyi
sfami
shed.
Me:
int
hatcasel
etusnotwast
eanymor
eti
me.
Wewal khandi nhandt othehouseandi tschaoti
cin
theyard,peopleareev erywher
epr epari
ngthefeast
fort
hecel ebrat
ionlateronaswewel come
ZamaNgweny aintotheShezi home, herhusband'
s
home.Wegeti ntotheki t
chenandsheset t
lesonthe
barstoolandIt r
ytof i
ndsomet hingtomakehert hat
won'ttaketime.
Kayi
se:babysomethi
ngli
ghtyezwa,Iwantt
oleave
enoughspacefort
hefoodtheyarecooki
ngoutsi
de.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:
okayst
handwasami
.
Idecideasandwi chwil
lbeli
ght.Mymot herwalksin
whil
eIbut tert
hebread,shelooksamazinginher
Zuluatti
re.SheisatherhappiestIswear
.Shekisses
Kayiseont hecheek.
Mama:
Kot
iwami
.
Kay
ise:
Mama.
Mywi
fesay
sbl
ushi
ng.
Mama:
arey
ouandmygr
andbabyokay
?
Kay
ise:
wear
efi
nemama,
Bukhosi
ist
aki
nggood
car
eofus.
Mama: Iam happyt
oheart
hatmydear
.Iwil
lam
busyoutsi
demakingsur
eever
ythi
ngi
sgoinggr
eat
.
Wenodandsheexits.ZamaNgweny aandIwi llbe
l
ivi
ngwithmymother.Ioff
eredthatherfat
herand
mam'Hlengi
wecomest aywithusbutmyf atherin-
l
awsaidhewantstogivehissoont obewifea
beaut
if
ulhometoo.Speaki
ngofwhi ch,Hewal ksin
wit
hMakhosi.
Makhosi
:ahht
hankGodIf
oundy
out
oget
her
,Ineed
t
otell
yousomethi
ng.
Me:
Ihopeev
ery
thi
ngi
sokay
.
Iaskl
ooki
ngathi
m.
Makhosi
:yesmyKing,
butyouandtheQueencannot
engagei
nacti
vi
ti
esinthebedr
oom unt
ilcor
onat
ion.
Hesay
sandmydi
cki
sdi
sappoi
nted.
Bab'
Ngweny
a:oht
hankGod.
Il
ookdownembar
rassed.
Kay
ise:
ohbaba.
Bab'Ngweny
a:noZamaNgweny aalr
eadyBukhosi
defl
oweredyoubefor
emarr
iage.Iwil
ll
eti
tgo
becausehedidr
ightbyme.
Kay
ise:cal
m downMt
imandei
t'
sact
ual
l
ytheot
her
wayround.
Shebl
urt
soutandIchokeonmyownsal
i
va.
Bab'
Ngweny
a:y
ousaywhat
?
Theshocki
nhi
svoi
ce.
Makhosi
:that
'smycuet
oleav
e.
Hequi
cklyexi
tsandIam l
ooki
ngatmywi
fewho
l
ooksl
ikeshecoulddi
sappear
.
Kayi
se:
nothingbaba,
youknowmypregnancybrai
n,
Ij
ustbl
urtoutthi
ngst
hatdon'
tmeananyt
hing.
Shet
ri
estosalv
agethesit
uati
onbutherf
atherhas
madesenseofwhatshesaid.
Bab'
Ngweny
a:sonforgi
veme.Iwi
ll
bri
ngbacka
per
cent
ageofyourl
obola.Nt
ombi
kayi
sewi
llki
l
lme.
Kay
ise:
Ilov
eyouBheki
.
Isuppr
essmyl
aught
erbecausemyf
atheri
nlawi
s
hor
ri
fi
ed.
Bab'
Ngweny
a:Iwi
l
lbl
amei
tont
heci
ty.
Hesayswal
ki
ngout
.Il
ookatmywi
feandwebot
h
chuckl
e.
Me:
kodwababy
.
Kay
ise:
I'
m sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tknowIwoul
dthi
nkoutl
oud.
Me:wel
lyourf
atherwasdyi
ngknowi
ngthatwedid
t
hedeedandnowy outol
dhimyoudi
ditfi
rstand
t
aughtme.
Shebi
tesherl
owerl
i
p.
Kay
ise:
eish,
Shescr
atchesherf
orehead.
Me:
don'
twor
ryl
ove,
hewi
l
lgetov
eri
tli
keIdi
d.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__
•
QUEENKAYI
SESHEZI

[
3day
slat
er]
Nappi nghasbecomemyf av or
itethingi nt hewor ld,
oncemybabyandIhav easnackwef eeltheneedt o
goni ghtni ghtforawhi l
e.Myhusbandsay sIam
goingt obewor seoncemybel lyshowsbutmy
mot heri nlawi sonmysi deont his.Wedeci dedt hat
wewi l
l got othegy necologi sti
nt heci tyaf terhis
coronat ion,Iwannawor konmybi r
thpl an
i
mmedi atelyandchooset hebesthospi tal thatwi ll
carterf ormyneedsandt hatofmybaby .Ineedt o
runi tpastChocosot hathewor ksar oundt he
schedul e,whenI '
m 8mont hswear emov ingt ot he
citysowear eclosert othehospi t
al andaf t erthat
wewi l
l comebackher esot hebabyi stakent othe
forest .Ihav espokent omyf at
heraboutt he
traditional sideofthingsandheassur edmet hati t'
s
okayt ogi vebi r
thsomewher ebutt hebabymustbe
i
nt roduced3day safterbi r
th.Sleepf inall
yconsumes
meaf termyt houghts...

Li
yana:
Kay
ise!Kay
ise!
Hervoi
cesaysfr
om adi
stanceandIl
ookback,she
i
sfastappr
oachi
ngme.Whatisthi
splace?I
t'
sjust
wat
erandsandandt
heat
mospher
eisj
ustsocal
m.
Me:
mama?
Tearsareal
readybl
indi
ngme.Shel
ooksmuch
bett
erthanshedidwhenIvi
ewedheri
nthatcof
fi
n.
Li
yana:
it'
smemyQueen.
Shesayskneel
ingi
nfr
ontofmebutIcan'
thav
emy
motherdothi
s.
Me:
nopl
easest
andup.
Sheshakesherheadandki
ssesmyf
eet
.
Liy
ana:Ihavet
oshowr
espectt
othegr
eat
estQueen
towalkinUkut
hul
a.
Il
eav
eherbe.
Me:
howar
eyou?Whysui
cide?
Il
etmyt
ear
sfal
l
.
Liyana:
Iam sorr
yforbeingsel
fi
sh.Iam sor
ryfrom
thebottom ofmyheart
.Iam atpeacenow,all
thankstoyou.
Me:
Iam gl
ady
ouar
e.
Li
yana:itwasal
ltoomuchforme.Icouldn'
tl
ivewi
th
myselfaft
erwhatIdi
dtoyouandyourfather
.
Me:youcoul
dhavef
oughtt
obeabet
terper
sonand
camebacktous.
Li
yana:it
'swaydeepert hanwhaty outhink.My
deathensur edthatanev i
lspiri
tdiesforeverandI
am gladItookmyl i
fe.Iam justsorrybecausemy
acti
onshur tyou.KodwaIbr oughtbackt heevil
DabulaandIhadt ogetr i
dofhi m.
Shesay
sandIpl
acemyhandonhercheek.
Me:
okay
.
Li
yana:t
akecareofyour
sel
fmyl ov
e.Yourli
fewi
llbe
beaut
if
ulandZamaSheziwi
llbr
inglot
sofjoytoy
ou
andyourhusband.
Shesay
sandki
ssesmyst
omach.
Me:ZamaShezi
?Whatdoy
oumean?Am Ihav
inga
gi
rl
?
Liyana:y
ouar
ecarr
yinganotherfor
ce,aforcel
ike
youhermother
.Youareblessed.Thekingdom i
s
blessed.
Shedi
sappear
s
Me:
mama!Mamapl
easecomebackpl
ease.
Iscr
eam.
Bukhosi
:babypl
easewakeuppl
ease.
Heisshakingmegentl
yandIj
oltawake.Ihol
dont
o
hi
mf ordearli
fewhi
l
epanti
ng.
Bukhosi
:shhhhi
twasj
ustadr
eam baby
.It
'sokay
.
Isobi
nhisar
msandheisrubbi
ngmybacki
nci
rcl
es
andconst
ant
lyki
ssi
ngmyshoul
der
.
Me:
Itwasmymot
her
.
Isayget
ti
ngoutofhi
sembr
ace.
Bukhosi
:wasi
tapl
easantdr
eam?
Me:yes,
shesaysshei
satpeaceandt
hespi
ri
tof
Dabul
awill
nevercomeback.
It
ell
him andheki
ssesme.
Bukhosi
:that
'sgr
eatnews.
It
akehi
shandandpl
acei
tonmybel
l
y.
Me:
Ithi
nkZamaShezi
ist
hegr
eat
estnewsshet
old
mei
nmydr
eam.
Tear
swel
lupi
nhi
sey
es.
Bukhosi
:wear
ehav
ingagi
rl
?
Thesmi
l
eonhi
sfacei
spr
icel
ess,
Ijustnod.
Bukhosi
:ohbaby
.Thi
sisamazi
ng.
Me:
Iknowr
ight
?
Iwi
pehi
stear
s.
Bukhosi
:whatwil
lIdot
oshowy
ouhowmuchIl
ove
andappreci
atey
ou?
Me:
justcont
inuebei
ngmyChoco.
Bukhosi
:Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
for
everandadaybabakagi
rl
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
THEEND.