Wedding preparations
“Welcome to our home Ms Mthethwa” Morgan says to Zandile as she sits down under one of the trees on the lawns of the Stain mission. It is a scorching hot day today and some fresh air will do the old couple some good. Zandile has come to see the Stains over his nephew, Simo.“Thank you Morgan, your home is really big and beautiful” Zandile says as she looks at the house from where she is seated. Morgan smiles in gratitude and says, “Oh thank you very much. It’s a pity that we are old now and it has now become empty and lonely since Lee-Ann isn’t here anymore and probably Derby will leave too at some point, so it will become nothing less than a museum” as he tries to hide his sadness with humour.
This leads to an awkward moment of silence which Debra decides to break, “Oh maybe Lee-Ann and Simo can come stay here after their wedding, how about that?” she says looking at Morgan trying to read his reaction to it and yes he doesn’t look happy that his wife jumped that forward. He is trying to keep things as civil as possible between the two families.
Zandile doesn’t seem to like this either, “Uhmm, I think on that one we should let the kids decide what’s best for them. If they decide to have their own house and start family their own way we should let them be” she says but Debra jumps in immediately, “But Zandile I’m sure we can persuade them otherwise, don’t you think? I mean this is Lee-Ann’s home and the house is big enough for them even when they decide to start their family” she says much to Zandile’s irritation as she also cuts Debra of, “But Debra that’s not how we do things okay” she says as she tries to hide her annoyance. “We respect our traditions. A man can’t just move in to his wife’s home.
But having said that, I will support whatever decision the kids take but I still say it should be their decision and theirs alone. Debra you can’t keep trying controlling Lee-Ann’s choices like this, just as much as I can’t make choices for Simo. They are adults. Let us allow them to make their own choices please” but she is cut off by Debra again who now looks upset.
“Look, I’m not controlling my daughter. I just want what is best for her and…” but Zandile jumps in again, “Best for her? Which is what exactly? That she must stay in her parents' house even when she becomes another man’s wife? How is that really best for your daughter when she can’t even be independent? Or is it because you don’t trust my son to take care of her and now you want to monitor him here in your big fancy house, so that you will make him feel like less of the man? Let me tell you something…”
But at this, Morgan has heard enough. He needs to get hold of this situation before it gets out of hand. So he cuts Zandile off as he motions with his hand, “Whoa, whoa, whoa” with a raised voice he says. “I really think we need to calm down a little bit here. It was a good idea that we sat outside wasn’t it? Otherwise it would be really hot in the house” he says jokingly trying to break the ice but the two ladies aren’t really finding this funny as they look at each other in the eyes without blinking.
“Look, ladies. I think Zandile you are right that we should allow the kids to decide what they want to do with the wedding, right sweetheart?” he says as he looks at his wife who is upset. “So whatever they choose, we all support them 100% right? Look, I don’t want to lose my daughter ever again over the same mistake of interfering in her relationship. And I’m sure you Zandile don’t want to lose Simo as well. So can we try to be civil about all this, I beg” as he looks at both women. This seems to calm both of them a little bit.
“Look, I guess you are right” Zandile says as she sighs. “For the record, I was sceptical about this whole wedding thing and I’ve told Simo about it. I think the timing just isn’t right, or too soon I don’t know. Plus, the whole dynamics around interracial marriage, there is so much to confused by both of them. But Simo is convinced this is what he wants and I will support him” she says looking at Debra who also takes a deep sigh herself as she says “Yes I have my reservation about this wedding myself. I don’t think it’s a good idea but my daughter loves Simo and I don’t want to get in the way of that” she looks back at Zandile.
“Okay then” Morgan says. “Look, in the end what the kids want is all that matters, not what we want. So can we now try to keep that in mind as we make the preparations?” he says with a smile as they go with discussions.
***
“So Ms Khoza you had requested to come over and see us. How can we be of assistance?” Ben asks Jabu as she sits on the sofa with a cup of tea in her hand. She had requested to come and see the Smarts over the issue of pregnancy. They were puzzled about what this was about, even though they knew it was about the baby but they reluctantly agreed to see her.
“Oh, I’m Mrs Ndaba, I am married” Jabu says as she sips on her tea. “And yes thank you for allowing me to come over” as she looks around the walls of the lounge. “I am actually here about Mlu and your daughter who is carrying his children” she says much to the Smarts' surprise. They are puzzled about this but they allow her to continue as they listen attentively.
“It is my understanding that Mlu and Julie aren’t in a relationship, correct? And I think it’s important to work out how best can the custody shall be shared and…” but Jabu doesn’t finish as Stacey jumps in, “Oh I think this was cleared up when Mlu was here last week or so to discuss this very mater and I think there is an understanding that he can come to see the babies any time he wishes to and I don’t think anyone can have a problem with that, isn’t that right darling?” she says as she looks at her husband.
“But whose decision was that, exactly? Because surely it can’t be your decision when the father of the children has every right to have a say in the mater” Jabu says looking at Stacey. “Look, I know my brother may have given you background of his family when he was here and so you do understand he is my responsibility. My mother lives in the farms far from here and she left Mlu and Thokozani into my care as their elder to look after them and I’m just here to make sure my brother is treated fairly when it comes to his kids who are my family too now” she says much to Stacey’s annoyance.
But Ben would really love to avoid altercations over this. They had promised that they’d try to make this work with both families. The last thing he wants is to lose his daughter and his grandchildren over this. “Mrs Ndaba, can we please calm down a bit please” he says politely. “Please let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I would just like to say that, first of all there was no need for you to come over here to speak on his behalf. I understand though that you care for him and want what’s best but I think that we perhaps should call them in as well so that we discuss this together. Because at the end of the day, whether we like it or not we are a family now” Ben says as he picks up his cup to sip and give a minute space to breathe. Jabu and Stacey are still looking at each other, none looking like is ready to back down. But Ben is hoping he has done enough to calm the situation down.
“Look, I hear you Mr Smart” Jabu says as she puts the cup down. “You will forgive me if I sound a little bit spicy but if you allow me to be honest a little bit, after what your daughter did to my brother, almost sending him to jail for a crime he didn’t forgive me if my trust levels are low. So I just want to make sure that Mlu’s kids aren’t taken away from him by the very same woman who wanted to send him to jail on reputation damaging allegations. I hope you understand where I’m coming from with that Ben” she says firmly, standing her ground.
“I think I do understand you Mrs Ndaba and I can’t blame you on that” Ben says as he breathes a sigh. “My daughter regrets what happened between her and Mlu. She has been trying hard to make up for her mistakes, which is why even when we thought otherwise she still wanted and fought for Mlu to be part of the children’s lives and we can’t stop her from that. But like I said, I think it would be best if we also discuss this with them present so that they’ll tell us how they want this whole
issue to be handled” he says looking at his wife who also jumps in, “Jabu, Uhmm, I also have my own reservations about this whole pregnancy situation but like my husband has said, my daughter wants Mlu to be part of the children and we can’t prevent her from her wishes so let’s just try and find an amicable solution to all this, okay?” she says as she sips on her coffee, to which Jabu nods. They then go on and discuss this matter further for a little longer.
***
Over at JB's place, Simo and Mlu have come to hang out with their buddy. They have meat on the braai stand and a cooler box full of beers and ciders. They just want to unwind a little bit after a tough week each man has had at their respective jobs couple that with each man’s personal life.
As they chill and have a great time, Nkanyezi comes over to her father, JB “Daddy where is my Scooby Doo?” asks as she rubs her eyes. It looks like she just woke up from sleep. “Oh sweetheart, Scooby Doo is right there on the sofa next to daddy bag” JB says. “I will bring you food when the meat is ready okay?” he says to the little one as she goes back inside. “What is Scooby Doo now?” Simo asks, confused. “Oh that’s her new puppy I bought her. She’s obsessed over that thing. She cries for the moment she wakes up in the morning” JB says as she drinks his beer. “Are you babysitting? Where is Thandeka today?” Mlu asks as he slips on his beer as well but JB just shrugs his shoulders.
“What’s wrong man? Are you okay?” Simo asks as he takes a sip himself. But JB stands up and goes to the braai stand, “You know what, I don’t care about where that one is or whatever it is she is doing with whoever” as he turns on the meat in the fames, much to his friends' surprise.
“apparently she’s dating your girlfriend’s friend's brother” he says looking at Simo as he comes back to sit down. But this is shocking the guys here. “What?” Simo shouts. “Jason? your sister is dating Jason? How and when did that happen?” as he sips on his beer in amazement. “The other week the dude shows up at my door step, he looked familiar but I wasn’t sure where I knew him from. The next thing Thandeka comes out from her room and says to this guy, are you ready? To say I was shocked is understatement. She says she had met this guy at the park the week before, can you believe that?” JB says as he downs whatever was left in the bottle.
Clearly this topic annoys him. “I tried to warn her about this but no she didn’t listen. So we haven’t been vibing since then. She’s hardly ever here anymore. Even during the week, when she comes back from work, she locks herself up in her room or go out and I can only assume she’d be with this Jason guy” now he looks upset.
“Well this is a shocker bro” Simo says. “Lee-Ann has never said anything about this. But anyways, what can you do bro? If she wants to date this guy, what can you do” as he also finishes what’s lef of his bottle. “Bro, please don’t start with that, okay. Just don’t” a irritable JB says as he goes over to
the braai stand to check on the meat. So Mlu thinks to change the subject before the spoils the mood for everyone, “Oh and I heard that Thuli is back in the country from Amsterdam. Has she come to check on your daughter?” he says as he finishes his beer.
“Dude, you are really not helping with that, man, okay?” JB says he puts the meat in the bowl. But this puzzles Mlu and Simo but he continues, “I couldn’t care less what that selfish woman is doing okay. She can go to hell for all I care. She doesn’t care about her daughter and we certainly don’t need her” he says as he puts another meat in the fames without even looking at his friends.
“Alright, enough about me okay” he says as he comes back to sit down. “What’s going on with you baby daddy? Are you getting used to the idea of fatherhood yet” as he looks at Mlu who doesn’t seem to like this topic.
“Yeah man, my situation is just weird and awkward. A woman who almost destroyed my life is carrying my babies and we are not even in a relationship with, it’s crazy right?” Mlu says as he looks at his friends. Simo and JB look at each other. But he continues, “Today Jabu is meeting with Julie’s parents over the pregnancy issue today and I don’t even want to think about what is happening
there” he looks like he is in deep thoughts over that situation.
“Eish I know all about that brother,” Simo says as he looks down. “Aunt Zandile went over to see Lee-Ann’s today to discuss the wedding preparations with them and I know it is probably tense over there. My aunt has changed tune from how she used to feel about my relationship with Lee-Ann and I know Debra also has a problem with me so it must be all spicy over there hey” as he opens another
beer for himself.
“Okay, gentlemen, it is clear that we just can’t cheer each other up with good stories right now. But luckily we have the meat and beer and that should do” JB says as the three friends lift their bottles to toast. They chill and enjoy the day together.
Lee-Ann has decided to meet Julie for lunch at the mall, just to catch up. They are trying to rebuild their relationship. Even though it’s not easy to go back to where they were, they are still family and they have to give it a go. They are seated in a very nice little coffee shop.
“So how are my nieces or nephews” Lee-Ann says to Julie with a smile. “Were you okay to drive all the here alone? Couldn’t Mlu have dropped you of and picked up later? Or David at least?” she asks with a worried face. “look at that tummy. Those little ones must be playing soccer right in there, hahaha” they
both burst out laughing. But Julie suddenly rubs her tummy, “Well, I don’t know where David is but I just didn’t want to inconvenience Mlu, you know. Pulling him out of his schedule just do that I can go have a coffee with my cousin just doesn’t sound right since we are still trying to work out stuff you know,” she says embarrassed to which Lee-Ann nods.
“Besides her sister may need him later,” she says as she rolls her eyes to which it confuses Lee-Ann who asks, “Why are you saying that?” Julie looks around to see if anyone is listening. “Well Jabu went to see my parents today concerning the babies. So not being in the house right now was perfect timing. They probably have burnt the house down by now” she says, which makes Lee-Ann giggle as she can’t help it. “Oh come on Julie don’t exaggerate it can’t be that bad, can it?” she says.
But Julie’s face changes to be a bit serious. “well I’m serious” she says. “Jabu doesn’t trust me and I really can’t blame her for that you know. So she thinks I will deny her brother access to his kids and I would never do such to someone i…” she stops and drinks her coffee and breaks eye contact with her cousin. “Whoa, so you love him don’t you?” Lee-Ann says wide eyed like a naughty little girl.
“yeah well he is my babies’ daddy and the more they grow inside me the more I develop strong feelings for Mlu. Nothing like the past when we’d hook up and then move on with our lives. But not sure where he stands in all this” Julie says as she shrugs her shoulders and continues “ but what confuses though is that a week or so ago when he came to see my dad, I walked him into his car. He kissed me and it felt good. And I thought there'd be something happening there but I guess it’s too soon is it?” she says with a sad voice.
Lee-Ann gives her a shoulder rub and says “Give it time cuz. I’m sure Mlu loves you. I think he’s just trying to take all the changes in. The circumstances surrounding the pregnancy are complicated and causes one to be self conflicted. But he will come around okay?” as she sips her coffee.
“Well enough about me, what’s your story? How is everything going?” Julie says as she sips her coffee. But Lee-Ann’s face changes to be a little serious for a second. “well Simo’s aunt, Zandile is over at my home today, to discuss the wedding preparations and I don’t want to imagine how things are currently going over there” she says as she looks away. I've moved back on with Simo from the past weekend and my parents wanted me to go back home when I left Melissa’s home but I just
wasn’t ready. But Simo and I were still thinking if I should go back home during these wedding preparations or just stay with him. But now after today I am more than likely going to remain with Simo. The last thing I want is people messing this up for me” she says much to Julie’s embarrassment.
But they go on to enjoy their coffee moment for a little longer, discussing baby names and baby clothes. They haven’t done this in a very long time but Julie doesn’t need her cousin right now for
comfort.
****
But on the other side of the mall Thandeka had come to meet her new friend, Derby. Over the past few weeks they went out a few times plus they keep in touch a lot. They have had lunch and now they are leaving the mall.
“My friend I have really had a great time hey. I know I would have been bored out of my skull at home right now. I really needed this girls outing” Derby says to Thandeka with a smile. “I really had a nice time myself hey, it’s such good therapy. Plus, we did a little shopping it’s nice” Thandeka says as he looks at her shopping bag and Derby looks at hers. They both laugh about it. There’s a moment of silence as Derby thinks for a second, like she’s looking for words to say something.
“So, how is your brother?” she asks embarrassed but Thandeka just smiles at her and says “Oh you mean your boyfriend?” but to that Derby bursts out laughing, “Hahaha, my what? Girl you are dreaming” as she blushes and says, “JB and I are friends okay and nothing more” she looks away. “Keep lying to yourself about that okay” Thandeka says. “And I always tell him the very same thing okay? Even a blind person can see that you two love each other even when you guys aren’t admitting it. But if it makes you feel any better, I’m cool with it my friend and I think you guys are good for each other” she says to a speechless Derby who is now red with blushing over this but she really doesn’t know what to say. But she is saved by them bumping into Julie and Lee-Ann, which becomes a surprise to everyone.
“Oh hey sis” Derby shouts as she goes over to hug her sister Lee-Ann. And then she goes over to Julie and shouts, “Hey cousin” as she hugs her and “hey my little babies in there” as she kisses Julie’s tummy to which Julie bursts out laughing. Then Lee-Ann goes over to Thandeka, “hey how are you? “she says as she hugs her. And then Thandeka and Julie hug as well.
“Derby, I didn’t know you and Thandeka know each other” Lee-Ann says curiously but Derby seeks to dismiss her quickly by saying “Arg, yeah we are friends, long story, and you…how are you, sis?” but Thandeka jumps in, “Oh she’s my brother’s girlfriend that’s how we became friends, hahaha”
she bursts out laughing much to Lee-Ann’s surprise but Derby just wants to dismiss that quickly, “Oh come on my friend” as she looks at Thandeka. “No, JB and I are friends” as she blushes her eyes away but Lee-Ann seems pleased with that.
“Oh I see” she says. “And you Thandeka, so you are dating my friend’s brother Jason, right?” she says to what shocks Thandeka she almost falls to the ground. She was really caught off guard with that. She is wondering where that is coming from.
“What?” Derby says as she laughs. “My friend you never told me you were dating my sister’s friend’s brother, what’s up with that?” she says to an embarrassed Thandeka who looks at everyone not knowing how to respond to that. But everyone just laughs at the look on her face but she wants to quickly dispel the talk, “Oh okay no, look” she says. “No Jason and I are just friends. We are definitely not dating okay. We are just… we are just friends okay? So everyone please cool it with
that okay please?” she says but that just sends out everyone out laughing. She feels defeated. The four ladies go on and walk out of the mall, all making jokes.
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