Baby shower: Part 2
Ben and Stacey go to where Jabu is seated with some guests mingling. She doesn’t look too happy to see them as she rolls her eyes. But what can she do? These people are now related to her through the babies, she thinks to herself. She stands up to greet them, “Mr and Mrs Smart” she says as she extends a hand to both of them. They both receive it graciously. “How are you Jabu?” Ben says with a smile. “Can we go inside the house, as this matter is delicate” he says as the three of them leave the tent and go inside the house. They sit down in the lounge.“Can we offer you anything to drink darling?” Ben says. He’s trying by all means to be civil with her but it doesn’t look like Stacey likes that as she gives Ben a look as if she’s irritated. “Oh no, thank you very much, your beautiful tent has provided so much already” Jabu says as she tries to make a joke in order to break the ice, to which Ben gets it as he laughs loud. But Stacey on the other hand is trying her best to show a straight face.
“By the way, I think you really did a great job with this party. Everything looks beautiful” Jabu says with a smile. “Oh thank you, anything for our grand babies” Ben says but the impatient Stacey jumps in to interrupt, “Which brings us to why we called here” she says. “It’s about the children. We just needed to find out if you had managed to speak to your brother about allowing my grandchildren to stay here with their mother and what did he think of that arrangement” she says with a more serious face.
Jabu can’t believe what Stacey has just said. For a moment she becomes speechless as she tries to find words together. She is very protective of her brother and what Julie did to him some months ago still upsets her to this day. “Uhmm, Stacey I thought we spoke about this a few weeks ago that we will let Julie and Mlu decide what’s best for their children, didn’t we? Ben, did you not agree that Mlu and Julie will decide what’s best for their children and that the three of us here will support them? So what’s this now that Stacey is saying?” she says as she looks at Ben, who suddenly seems like he was caught off guard by that as he looks away to avoid eye contact.
He’s rescued by his wife as she jumps in, “Yes I know what we discussed Jabu” Stacey says. “But these are Julie’s children and she lives here in this house. The children deserve to be with their mother, don’t they? I am not saying that Mlu won’t see them, of course he can come here anytime to visit her kids but…”
She doesn’t finish as Jabu cuts in, “These children are also Mlu’s as well” she says. “He has as much right as Julie has with them. Why are you so desperate to control the babies Stacey, huh? What about all the rituals that Mlu has to perform, like introducing his children to ancestors? Are you saying he can’t do that because these babies are just Julie’s? How is that even fair?” her voice is now raised.
This high voltage tension is interrupted by Julie and Mlu who come through the door, “Mom, dad…Jabu, what’s going on in here? We heard you from the door” Julie says curiously but Jabu cuts in, “Well ask your mother Julie” she says. “Ask her why she wants to treat my brother like he has no say in his own children. Why must his kids be raised the Smart's way and not the Dlomo way”
But Stacey cuts jumps in immediately in her own defence, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, Jabu I never said Mlu has no rights over his children, okay?” she says as she raises her voice as well. “I never said that. Of course Mlu has every right to see his kids. But I merely said that the children should stay here with their mother because she lives here in this house” as she looks at her husband who doesn’t seem like he wants to entertain this argument.
“Besides, you two aren’t even in a relationship, let alone married and the children can’t be jumping around from one house to another. That can only confuse my grandchildren and…” but Stacey is cut off by Julie who has had enough, “Mom, Dad, Jabu...what did we agree on?” she says as she and Mlu come to sit down next to each other on the sofa. “What did you three agree on, huh? Did you not agree that Mlu and I will decide what’s best for the babies and what works for us? So what happened to that now, huh? Mon…?” she is now upset. But Jabu jumps in, “So what have you guys decided on? Mlu?” she asks looking at them in the eyes.
These two didn’t expect that question as they both look at each as if they aren’t sure but they are rescued by David who comes through.
“Hey you two” he says. “I’ve been looking for you all over. It is time for your speech, the guests have been waiting...Come, come, come…” David says as he hurries them out if the room, leaving Stacey, Jabu and Ben sitting there, stunned. For Mlu and Julie though, it looks like the timing has never been perfect, the tension was building very fast in there.
***
They get into the front of the tent where people who’ve been waiting begin to cheer for them, much to their pleasant surprise. It is now in the afternoon as the wind changes to being a little chilly outside. Julie is a little overwhelmed by the occasion as she feels the love of everyone who is here in this tent. She looks on the left table and sees her parents and her brother David, she smiles. Then she looks over to the right side and sees Debra, Morgan, Lee-Ann and Derby and how excited they look, she smiles.
She then looks at everyone else who is here and she becomes very emotional as she rubs her huge tummy. Lastly, she looks at Mlu next to her and smiles as she takes him by the hand. “Thank you, very much everyone” she says speaking through the microphone. “I’m really overwhelmed by this occasion here and I know some of you felt that it is probably a little bit over the top” people start to laugh as she says that. “But I felt that this was really important to me and Mlu. We wanted it to be a moment to remember” as he looks to the man next to him. “Firstly I would like to thank mom and dad for making all possible. It looks beautiful in here, so thanks to you two old goats” she laughs as she looks at her parents again who look happy.
“Secondly, I would like to thank my brother David, the uncle” as she looks and nervously smiles at his brother. “You’ve been a pillar of strength throughout this journey. You have held my hand and reassured me in so many years I have no doubt your niece and nephew will be happy to have you as the loving and caring uncle. I’m sure they can’t wait to meet you” she is teary and so is David who is so overwhelmed by the kind words.
“Also, my cousins” as she looks at Lee-Ann and Derby who smile back at her. “You guys, we come a very long way. Thank you for being my family. To be honest, I don’t deserve you guys. Thank you for never giving up on me when I did everything to mess our relationship up” as she wipes a tear. Lee- Ann and Derby too are now teary at those words as they hold each other’s hands.
“Uncle Morgan aunt Debra, I love you guys very much. You will meet your babies soon” as she looks at them with a smile and they smile back at him. “Thanks to all friends and colleagues who are here. Thank you for the gifs you brought for the little ones. You guys, I’m so heart warmed to realize that I mean this much to you” as she looks across the tent to see that everyone looks happy and excited over this. She then turns to the man standing next to her. “Lastly, and certainly not least” she pauses for a second as she looks at Mlu with eyes that, show love, nervousness, fear and joy. Such confusing emotions that come out of that. She is looking for words to say as Mlu looks at her back. She begins to be all teary again as she is trembling as little bit.
“I don’t know where to begin with this. Uhmm…” she trembles as tears roll down her face. “I wouldn’t have imagined me standing like this with on the occasion of this nature. No, not really. I would have thought I’m going crazy. But, here I am, standing next you like this in the occasion of this nature. I am soon to become the mother of your children, it’s crazy right?” she laughs nervously Mlu laughs back at her while looking straight in the eyes.
“I have wronged you in worst ways a person could to another and, not a single day passes without me regretting that. Every single day I pray and wish God could erase that memory from me as it makes me to be ashamed of myself every time I look into your eyes. And I could never ever say sorry enough for what I have done” at this point, tears are just falling down her cheeks and this has made Lee-Ann to start crying as well as Derby holds her hand. Simo suddenly looks sad too but his friends are there next to him. Debra starts to share a tear as well and Stacey is just looking down in shame.
Jabu and Zandile on the other hand, their face shows a different kind of emotion. They both look upset. This part has evoked emotions to everyone who was part of this turn of events Julie is talking about. But she continues, “But here you are today, standing next to me, showing your undivided support. This just goes on to show just how great a person you are. our kindness and beautiful soul has had an effect on me in ways you can never imagine,” now her face brightens as she says. “I’m learning to become a better person, not just for the babies but for myself as well and all that, thanks to the incredible man you are. I could never have asked for a better father to my little ones”
As she says that everyone stands and claps joyously, even a reluctant Stacey and Jabu. At that moment, Mlu just can’t help I but hugs the mother of her children tight. At that, Julie holds on to Mlu a little tighter as tears fall down her face. This time is the tears of joy. After a little while they break the hug and get of the podium and the guests continue to mingle with one another as others leave the event.
***
“Oh hey stranger, you finally made it. I thought you stood me up” Jason comes over to Thandeka who had been sitting with Jabu and Zandile at the table. She is a little excited as she gives Jason a big hug, to which he returns. “Hey back” she says. “No I didn’t stand you up. But I enjoyed watching you from a distance, looking offside here not knowing who to talk to hahaha” she jokes.
They get out of the tent as it is a little noisy, to go and chat outside. It’s getting dark now and many people are beginning to leave. They go and stand by Jason’s car.
“This was some party, wasn’t it?” Jason says as he leans on his car. “Yeah it was hey” Thandeka says as she breathes a sigh. “Emotional at times but yeah it was an occasion but sometimes I can’t handle that part better because I tend to find myself crying and not even knowing why hey, hahaha” she laughs hysterically as she comes closer to Jason. They look at each other with the eyes of passion. Before they both knew what happened, they were kissing.
***
“Hey sweetheart, are you okay?” Simo says to Lee-Ann as they are also standing outside the tent. The lawn is big and surrounds the house here, so people are able to be far apart. So Simo and Lee- Ann are on the other side of the tent where there’s less people.
“Yes sweetheart, I’m okay” Lee-Ann says. “this party surely evoked emotions there and there but yeah I’m okay. And you? I really missed you today” as she holds Simo’s hand. “I’m okay baby. I missed you too” he says as he kisses his lady. “Well I’m happy everything turned out okay and I’m really happy for my friend hey. I think this will definitely change things for them as well. Not just them only but I think it will change all our lives. Because one way or the other, we all seem connected” he says as he pulls Lee-Ann closer. “yeah babe, I think you are right” Lee-Ann says as she also holds on to Simo.
“You know, I have got to be honest, since becoming pregnant, my cousin has become a better person. I have seen a lot of change in her. She has toned down a lot. She speaks less and listens more. And she has really taken a stand against her parents' somewhat controlling tendencies. So yes I suppose you are right now this will be a turning point for all of us” as she thinks for a second.
“Yeah well, now let’s hope our parents on the other hand can learn a thing or two because this wedding preparations has really been exhausting. My aunt and your folks aren’t really seeing eye to eye over this. But I was really hoping things could be sorted now than later” Simo says as he has a worried look on his face. “Yes love, I hope so too” Lee-Ann agrees. “But love, we have to stick to our guns okay? You and I have discussed what we want, right? We can’t keep allowing them to control us on how we want our wedding to be like. So when we go talk to them we must make that clear” as she brushes on her fiancé’s chest. “Mom and dad will have to accept that there will also be African wedding as well” she smiles as she looks at a very pleased Simo.
***
On the other side of the tent, JB and Derby seem to be having their moment as well as they stand under a tree in the dark. There aren’t people around them, they are just enjoying peace and quiet. “So, Mr Dlomo what you have to say for yourself” Derby asks JB as she gets closer and closer to him like a naughty little girl. JB for a second looks like he is feeling the heat but he actually liked it.
“Well Ms Stain” JB says. “I thought this occasion went rather pretty well. I’m happy for my boy, Mlu. I can’t wait to see the little ones. And you soon to be auntie, what did you think?” as he pulls Derby closer to her. She catches a breath as she was caught off guard, but she really doesn’t mind. She looks at him with desiring eyes. “Well yeah I thought it went very well. I’m happy for my cousin. It’s been a few roller coaster months but she seems to have come out of it a better person and that’s good to see. Oh and I’m happy for your friend, Mlu. Plus, I really think it’s a new beginning, not just for Julie and Mlu but for most of us who want to see change in how black and white people treat each other” she says with a smile as she leans forward to imitate a kiss. She’s not talking her eyes of JB and he’s also looking at her as he accepts the invitation. In an instant, their lips are locked on each other. After a little while, they break the kiss to catch a breath. For a moment both of them don’t seem to know what hit them or how to react thereafter.
“JB I love you” Derby breaks the silence as she says that out loud. “Look I know you love me too. You can’t deny it either. Look I know what we agreed on. I know we said we are on dead slow and are being cautious about how we do things. And yes I will still honour that if you so choose but I just wanted you to know that…” but she doesn’t finish as JB pulls her to himself and starts kissing her passionately. She accepts the invitation as tears roll down her cheeks.
***
In the tent, Mlu and Julie are sitting upfront looking and reading names of the gifs. They are so excited by the Love they have received from family and friends. The tent is almost empty now as people either left or are outside, which gives the to be parents time to go through all this. There is such huge pile to go through in here as these gifs came in all types, shape and sizes, from clothing to toys and cheques.
“Well, well, well it looks like there is a lot to go through here, isn’t it?” Mlu says as he reads one of the gif card. “yeah there is hey” Julie says, with rather a low voice, like she’s sad. “Hey what’s wrong?” Mlu asks curiously but Julie wipes a tear, “Oh no I’m okay” she says. “It’s just that, looking at all this, the occasion itself, the number of people from our families and friends I realize that I’m lucky” she gets emotional. “I really didn’t deserve all of this Mlu. I don’t deserve all the love I’m getting from these people. So I guess I’m just a little bit overwhelmed that’s all. To think how things were different not so long ago and today sitting here, soon to be a moment it’s…”
She doesn’t finish the thought as Mlu cuts in quickly, “Hey, hey hey…Shhh…” he says as he wipes her cheeks. “All that is in the past now okay? All these people here really love you. They want what’s best for you and the babies. I want what’s best for you as well. And can I just say that I’m so happy and excited to become a dad” he smiles. “But even more, I’m really excited that the mother of my children is you” when he said that, Julie just lets out tears of joy. But their moment is interrupted by Stacey and Ben who come over to them.
Julie isn’t impressed with that as she rolls her eyes. The last thing she wanted was having the moment ruined by her mother. “you guys left in a hurry earlier, when we were still discussing something really important” Stacey says, “So what did you guys finally decided to do with the issue of where my grand babies will stay?” as she looks at Mlu with a straight face but he is caught off guard as he struggles to put words together. But she is then rescued by an irritated Julie who decides to jump in, “Mom, dad… we have decided that the babies are born we will go to Mahlabathini so that the babies can see their grandma and also be introduced to the ancestors” she says much to Stacey and Ben’s shock as they didn’t see that one coming.
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