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19
19THE MAGAGULA HOUSEHOLD
Getting through dinner without any demeaning comments disguised as curiosity and form of making chat had proved to be a challenge. Parents always have a way of embarrassing their children, one way or the other not all parent-friend encounters are ever comfortable. As hard and uncomfortable as it was, Thando had to keep a smile and work on his expressions every now and then because he did not want to seem rude. The man of this house was throwing jabs and made it very clear that he did not fully welcome him into his house. The wife too was not that comfortable, but at least she did not say anything demeaning or try to make him feel uncomfortable. The only reason he was still here was out of respect and courtesy for Sandile, otherwise, he’d be long gone.
Finally, when the excruciating dinner ended, the people of the house descended to their nests. Thando and Sandile finally got time to talk freely without having their body language examined by a hawk. Sibu was still with them in the kitchen, but she reported leaving and delegated the task to the youngsters. She also had reached her limit for the night, that dinner was a mess, and their father had brought his dragon personality to the table.
Sibu: you guys handle this; I’m going to bed.
Thando: we go it.
Sandile: you rest, I’m sure tomorrow’s dinner is going to be worse than today’s. I can’t wait to get out of here.
Sibu: your guest should be feeling that way not you. Thando, I’m really sorry that you had to see the very unflattering side of my father. I hope it gets better tomorrow.
Sandile: I apologize too. I’m really sorry I just sat there and did not defend you.
Thando: every family has their bad side, but it is okay. I did not think of your parents as unflattering nor were their acts. They did like any concerned parents would act when their child brings a stranger into their home.
Sibu: you’re too nice. I’m leaving, Sandile will show you to your resting quarters later.
Sandile: resting quarters? like a guest bedroom.
Sibu: yeah, what did you think? You guys! Don’t!! I beg of you… we’re in our parents’ house. Don’t do that!!
Sandile: I thought I’d be given the liberty to take care of my own guest.
Sibu: that’s if you want Father to bust you. Sandile. Don’t!! Thando don’t let him, please! No sneaky-sneaky.
Thando: I won’t. Have a great night,
Sibu: you too, I’m gone.
Sandile: I hate you.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
Thando woke up cuddled and snuggled in Sandile’s arms. After that long drive here and staying through a strenuous dinner, he needed that. But how did Sandile end up in his bed that early in the morning? – he wondered. As much as the warmth and love poured into the cuddle was too comfortable and snuggly to get out of, he had to and wanted to. He stressed about what would happen if they were caught. He slowly unraveled himself from Sandile’s grip and violently shook him to wake up. Sleepyhead Sandile woke up confused.
Sandile: what was that for?
Thando: I should be asking you that. What are you doing here? What if someone---
The sleepy man had no intention of fighting in the morning instead he pulled Thando to his face and kissed him dearly and passionately. He came here at dawn and found Thando sleeping so peacefully and beautifully that he could not return to his bed. Therefore, he decided to crash in, after all, he needed the serotonin boost after last night.
Thando: whoa, whoa--- what is up with you?
Sandile: am I sinning to have missed you? I came here because I missed you.
Thando: yes it is sinning, we are in your parent’s house.
Sandile: I don’t care!
Thando: well, I do… please don’t do this. We have to be careful here. I don’t want your parents to feel disrespected, plus we’re not even official or known to them. I don’t want to do anything that will make you look bad or be looked down on. Sitting through last night’s dinner was hard enough.
Sandile: so, it did bother you, the comments my father made.
Thando: this is not about that… let’s just be careful. Please…
Sandile: okay, I’ll leave.
Thando: please… now.
Sandile: a kiss?
Thando: no!
Sandile: please?!
Thando: bye Sandile.
Upon leaving the room Sandile came across his mother. Hoping not to be read of any malicious activities. He greeted her first.
Sandile: Ma, good morning.
Sazi: what is wrong with you?
Sandile: nothing, just greeting my lovely mother.
Sazi: you’re overdoing it a little bit, what did you do? what do you want?
Sandile: nothing, seriously. See… this is why I’m never nice.
Sazi: you say that like it’s a good thing to say, especially to your parent.
Sandile: I don’t want to be angry or fight with you. It’s early in the morning and today’s supposed to be a big and great day… so—bye.
Just a few steps away from his mother.
Sazi: I don’t want to fight with you too. I hope we never fight but will never not happen with us. Our dynamic is just---ours. By the way, why are you coming out of that room? Did you sleep there?
Sandile: no, I just went to check up on him.
Sazi: hmm.
Sandile: really?
Sazi: I did not say anything… just generous of you.
Departing further and further away from his mother Sandile felt a little guilty and resonated with his mother’s words about how they always fight. He did not have an explanation as to what causes their fights or what exactly makes him angry at times when he doesn’t even want to be linked to his parents. It was something he could not explain, something he inherited long ago, it was like a personality trait he had that only his parents would bring out of him.
THA LATE AFTERNOON
The yard was busy and buzzing with people moving up and down preparing for the foreshadowing evening. Guests were pouring in one by one, the more the people came, the more Sandile realized that this was not just any party. His parents had gone all out and it was kind of touching and embarrassing at the same time.
Sitting on the patio with his mother, he raised some issues with her.
Sandile: why was I not let know that this party was going to be such a rave? When you said dinner, I thought only of family. Why are there so many people here?
Sazi: that is only family. Your father has a lot of relatives than me.
Sandile: what do you mean? I don’t recognize half of the faces in that room.
Sazi: I also don’t know, but things are like that. Don’t sweat it.
Sandile: wow, this is just insane… but thank you for doing this for me.
Sazi: anything for you. This is us showing that we recognize and appreciate your work. We are really proud of you son.
Sandile: not so sure if your husband thinks the same.
Sazi: he does… he does.
Sandile: I have to go back inside and check on Thando and also start preparing. It looks like it is going to be a long night.
THE OFFICIAL DINNER PARTY
After a couple of drinks and everyone was in their zone. The night unfolded better than expected and was on their best behavior showing union and that everyone had the same goal for the night. After all the formalities were done, the dinner turned into an actual party with those who are heads of households leaving and their youngsters partying.
Thando sat lonely as the man of the moment ushered his guests to their cars, received congratulations, and explained himself to the guests. Sandile approached him after a whole lot of working and trying to please everybody.
Sandile: I am tired!
Thando: I am sorry… but you did great out there. I am so proud of you.
Sandile: I have you to thank.
Thando: I had no contribution to anything you’ve achieved. How am I the one to thank?
Sandile: because you loved me.
Thando: that I cannot deny, but seriously, congratulations.
Sandile: thank you, and my gift?
Thando: what gift?
Sandile: what do you mean what gift, I just graduated… shouldn’t I receive something? a kiss maybe?
Thando: how can you say that in public?
Sandile: let’s go somewhere more private then.
Hand in hand they left the crowd and disappeared into one of the rooms in the house. Unable to keep their hands off each other’s bodies the moment they closed the doors. As guilty as Thando felt about being intimate his body reacted differently. Sandile had a way of making him melt into a million starts with the slightest touch.
Thando: we shouldn’t be doing this.
Sandile: I know, but I want to do it.
Thando: I know, but what if someone walks in
Sandile: don’t worry, everybody is outside. There’s no one in the house and there won’t be for a while.
A moment Thando had been treading ever since he set foot in this house seemed more and more unavoidable as he lost a piece of his clothing bit by bit. This is not what he had in mind or anything that was in his plans when he agreed to come along with Sandile to his home. They had not even ironed out their issues properly and this was happening already.
Thando: are you sure the door is locked?
Sandile: we’re safe, don’t worry. Relax.
Thando: can I go on top?
Sandile: if that’s what you want…
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