.jpeg)
31
31THE LUVELA HOUSEHOLD
Nomhle sat across her mother in the kitchen as they just finished preparing supper. Mini was glued to the TV watching cartoons, her father was still out at work--- this was the perfect time for her and her mother to have a talk. Nervous and not knowing where to start, Gloria, her mother broke the ice.
Gloria: Hlehle mntanam (my child), why are you here? I know you; you barely visit. Your being here screams trouble. What did that boy do again?
Nomhle: where is dad?
Gloria: it’s okay baby, we can talk. Your father will not be here for at least another hour.
Nomhle: mom, I fear I do not want this marriage anymore….
Gloria: what does that mean? A divorce? Oh my God! Hlehle, no mntanam, no. that can never happen. Do you know how much it took for your father to find you a perfect suitor or even make it through this industry. The Magagula’s saved us. Please baby, this this through…
Nomhle: but Ma, Sandile is--- he is no longer… he treats me as if I don’t even exist. He doesn’t show me any respect. He sleeps out and sometimes comes home after dark--- at dawn and---
Gloria: that’s what all men do. And that is what makes them men. I cannot count the many times your father slept out or even showed me some affection even the littlest bit of respect. It is in their characters; it’s built in the to act the way they do. As for him sleeping out--- honey you are heavily pregnant, what do you want him to do? He probably had some steam to blow off too… I cannot stress enough how much---
Nomhle: so, you are telling me that he is the right one and I am in the wrong for acting the way I do. Mom, it’s the 21st century. This is not the 1800s where women had to take all the crap man do and bring to them. I will not let a mere male species make me miserable just because his cations are built in his ‘character’. I will not allow myself to be treated like this when I know I deserve better. I am starting to think coming over here was a bad idea. I am sorry for bothering you with my marriage problems. I must go. Mini!
Gloria: Nomhle! Hlehle! Please my child don’t leave like this. It’s dark and late outside. I cannot let you drive out in this state. You are pregnant for crying out loud!
Nomhle: Mini! Come on baby, let’s drive baby come.
Gloria: Nomhle Gladys Luvela!!!
Nomhle: what Ma?!! Trying to get me to stay? No!! I am leaving. I’d rather sleep out in the streets than stay another moment in this house. It is clear you have made up your mind, support him! I don’t care anymore.
Mini: mommy, you are scaring me! Granny!! You guys stop fighting!
Nomhle: see what you have done!
Mini ran out of sight into a guestroom and hid the closet crying. Nomhle ran out of the house too crying her lungs out. Her heart hurt, it stinged, she could not breathe properly. All of this was none other than Sandile’s fault.
SANDILE’S HOUSE
IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING
Sandile woke up in the middle of his sleep after sensing that Thando left bed. It was cold and dark with only the outside lights providing a glimpse of light in the darkness. He searched the bathroom, but he was not there. We went all around the house only to find him back at the lounge where they had their small romantic dinner. He was sitting in the dark with a rose in his hand. An unfamiliar smell filling the house, Sandile turned on the lights.
There he was smoking.
Sandile: wow, I did not know you smoked.
Thando: there’s a lot you do not know about me.
Sandile: clearly. But why are you here? It’s cold and I missed you. I want to cuddle, let’s go back to bed.
Thando chuckled and put off the cigarette before answering.
Thando: why don’t we do something thrilling? Something I would like to do for a change?
Sandile looked at him confused but could not refuse the idea. The had their fun a few hours ago. Getting a *** offer from Thando never gets old, he ahs always been creative with his words when it came to that. So, the thought this may just be one of those times.
Sandile: I am already intrigued. Okay, so what do we do?
Thando: go get dressed first. Bring me one of your hoodies, make it black.
Sandile: okay… whatever this is, I think I like it.
Thando: (murmuring) at least you must die clothed to lessen the embarrassment.
Sandile: what was that?
Thando: nothing… go, now.
Sandile left on command while Thando lit his leftover cigarette and started smoking again. His mind was made up, he was in no rush. They had all the time in the world, and this was also a chance for Sandile to redeem himself.
It took him less than 2 minutes to go to his room and back. He came back dressed like he was being chased by dogs. He tossed Thando the hoodie and awaited another command looking to eager and ready to play.
Sandile: so, what are we playing?
Thando: a game of truth or truth.
Sandile: you mean truth or dare?
Thando: no, I mean truth or truth. I tweaked it and made it just perfect and to my liking. We’re adults, and I believe dares are just too cowardice for us. So, we will play truth or truth.
Sandile: okay, I love this. What are the rules?
Thando: for punishment, a player must lose a piece of clothing every time it takes him more than 5 seconds to answer a question.
Sandile: and the prize?
Thando: the player who wins decides on what they want to do on their own.
Sandile: so… should I go first or…?
Thando: you go ahead.
Sandile: okay, since I can’t ask truth or truth, I’ll go ahead and ask the question.
Thando: alright.
Sandile: when we met, many weeks ago… how did you feel seeing me after all these years?
Thando: ehh…
Sandile: 5, 4, 3, 2—
Thando: surprised but I was kind of happy.
Sandile: kind of? While I was on cloud nine?! Seems unfair.
Thando: who are you to talk about fair. Anyway, my turn.
Sandile: okay.
They took urns asking each other questions and answering before the 5 second limit. Thando was still in planning, saving the best for last, of course. A little later than 15 minutes into the game, he changed his strategy and started asking some deep questions that he really needed answers to.
Thando: so, the scars on your wrists... what are those about?
Sandile: uhh… yeah, I think we should stop now. I am feeling kind of sleepy.
Thando; want to pass the question?
Sandile: I’m feeling a little uncomfortable taking to you about that.
Thando: uncomfortable, you say? Okay... let’s move onto other questions. What did you do for the last 7 years? Any events you celebrated?
Sandile: Thando, what is this about?
Thando: what do you mean? I thought we’re playing a game here.
Sandile: I feel you’ve gone too personal, and I don’t think I can keep on playing anymore.
Thando: why, the seat too hot for you? You’re afraid I might just uncover your secrets?
Sandile: what secrets?
Thando: boy, please…
Thando started laughing hysterically. He stood up and went to the kitchen to get water to drink.
Sandile: where are you going?
Thando: taking a recess…
Sandile: I thought we resolved our issues. What are you mad about now?
Thando: resolved? We’re a million miles away from that! Now, back to the game.
Sandile: please talk to me, what’s bothering you.
Thando: we’re talking now, aren’t we? The game. That’s how we are talking.
Things were seemingly getting out of control. This was nothing like Sandile had imagined. Thando was in no mood for intimacy, he did not seem to be in his right state of mind even though they did not drink earlier. Something was off with him.
Please log in to submit a comment.