Revelations

DUTY AND DESIRE.
STORY BY BELLA ROYALTY.
P2/12.

[DR. APHIWE BHENGU]
I couldn't help but laugh a little at this chimpanzee in front of me, I would have expected this from a girl, but a guy? Is he jealous or something?

Me: Yini Sihle uyangihalela or something? That could be the only explanation because if you were a girl I would have assumed you're jealous, but you're not a girl, so uyangfuna? Do you feel like you're the one I should have bent for instead?

He looked at me stunned, what did he expect? That I'd run away crying? Anganya!

Me: Cat got your tongue manje? Ungangijwayeli ke kabi, I worked hard to get where I am, because what do you mean I bent for the president in order to get this degree? Was he my lecturer or something? Like I don't get it Sihle, all the man did was have his company pay for my tuition back in China, he didn't use your tax money if ukhalela lokho even if he had done that, it would have been for a great course and I would have been expected to pay it back, so what's your issue?

He didn't respond and I clicked my tongue.
Me: I wonder what vibe did I give you that made you think that you can insult me and I would just take it effortlessly with a smile on my face, did you honestly think you'd hurt me by saying that? Uyangijwayela yazi wena busobenkawu nx.

I walked away from him and went to tell my family that I was leaving, I wanted to go and see Amahle before my date with Nkosinathi later today, my entourage and I left for the mall first, I got my godson a few things before they drove me to Amahle's house.

Amahle(excitedly): Miss New York is in the building y'all!
Me(laughs): Ave uphapha!

We shared a hug and she let me inside the house.
Me: Where's my baby?
Amahle: And here I was thinking you missed me.
Me: Who are you? I don't know you.

We laughed as I went to Luyanda's nursery and he was in his cot, looking all sorts of cute.
Me(swooning): Awwn Amahle he's so cute!! Come here baby!

I took him in my arms and kissed his chubby cheeks and he gave me a little smile.
Me(surprised): Did you just give Aunty Phiwe a side smile you little charmer? You're going to break people's hearts aren't you? Mmh?

I kissed him all over his face.
Me: Now I can turn my attention to the mommy, hey mama?
Amahle(laughs): Mxm!
Me: You've been replaced.
Amahle: I cannot wait till you're replaced as well.

I laughed as we sat down, I still had Luyanda in my arms.
Me: You'll always be my number one girl sthandwa sami, why kumele sihlukaniswe umuntu that we've both just met?

She laughed.
Amahle(smiles): Weirdo! What can I get you?
Me: Wine!
Amahle: You don't drink Aphiwe.
Me: I feel like I need a glass, I have a date.
Amahle: Oh lala! Really?
Me: Yes and I'm nervous! It'll be our first official date, I don't know what to expect or how I'm expected to behave around him.
Amahle: Girl, he's your man.
Me: That I haven't been with in 10 years, and before that we weren't in that kind of relationship, our relationship back then was based on sex.

She nodded while making me tea.
Amahle: I get what you're saying, he's giving 'Grootman' vibes now.
Me: Exactly! I'm assuming the adult conversations are expected now.
Amahle: Marriage?
Me: And uhm… kids.
Amahle: Phew! Damn, there's that konje.

Me: Yeah, I haven't even told my family yet and I know he wants children, he told me that he'd be going in for a vasectomy reversal procedure which means he wants to be a father and I'm just scared Amahle, how do I tell him that he's waited 10 years for us to be together yet I can't make him a father?

Amahle: I mean it's not like you can't completely give him a child, there's surrogacy Aphiwe.

I exhaled.
Me: I know it's just that… there's something magical about carrying your own child for your husband. I wanted that as well, but I can't do it. For the past 10 years it didn't bother me because I was busy building my career and Idris and I weren't ready to discuss that so now it's like…

Amahle: You think he will reject you?
Me: I don't know.
Amahle: Come on Aphiwe, he's not that shallow, he will understand.
Me: I hope he does, I really hope he does.

She gave me a tight hug.
Amahle: You don't have to tell him so soon, you're basically on the first talking stages, you're not expected to overshare.

I giggled.
Me: First date kind of vibes.
Amahle(smiles): Exactly.
Me: I don't even know what I will wear Amahle.
Amahle: I bet you have about 50 dresses in mind already.
Me(laughs): You know me too well.

I showed her some pictures and she helped me choose a dress, I stayed over a little while and then later on went home to prepare for my date.

_____
Nolwazi: Oh lala okay First Lady? I see you!
Me(smiles): Not too much?
Nolwazi: Honey, it's perfect! You look amazing!
Me: Thank you.

I grabbed my purse and phone and walked out.
Dad(smiles): Ntombazane kaBaba, waze wamuhle.
Me: Ngiyabonga baba.
Dad: Remember, no kids before marriage.
Andile(laughs): Hawu baba uyaphi lapho manje? It's just dinner.
Dad: With that dress?
Me: Haibo what's wrong with my dress baba?
Mom(laughs): Ubaba wakho uzazi yena.
Me(laughs): Eeuw mom! I did not need to hear that! And besides, Nkosinathi is a gentleman!
Andile: He better be, just because he's the president that won't stop me from cracking his knees.

We laughed as Leo knocked on the door.
Me: Well family I will see you later.
Andile: 10pm.
Me: I'm 28 you know?
Dad: 10pm Aphiwe.
Me: Okay dad, bye family.

Leo held my hand and we walked towards the limo.
Me(smiles): Fancy.
Leo: He's going all out, between you and I, the man is nervous, he hasn't been on a date in years.
Me(laughs): Makes the two of us,the nervous part.

I got inside and sat down and he closed the door, he went to get on his side and we drove off, I distracted myself with my phone, only to find out that I was trending, the post was started by none other than Sphesihle Nxumalo, apparently being with the president has gotten over my head already and I'm breaking rules by treating my own niece, management is not saying anything because of who I'm dating, and get this, I'm also rude, I insulted him earlier today, people were coming to my defense though saying that they don't believe I'm rude and they understand why I might be part of the team that's treating Londeka, I'm coming in with knowledge from China and New York.

It was a whole mess, people turning against Sihle saying for a man he sounds jealous and bitter, he probably wanted me and was shattered to hear that I was already taken by a man he couldn't even compete with.

I called Sfiso,Sihle must not even try me, unginikwa ubani vele?
Sfiso: First Lady.
Me(laughs): Not yet, unjani?
Sfiso: I'm good although I was disappointed that I couldn't see you earlier.
Me: Oh yeah I had a date to prepare for I'm sorry.
Sfiso: It's no problem, did you need anything?
Me: You haven't been on social media haven't you?
Sfiso: It's date night with the family tonight so no social media.
Me: Oh, well let me not disturb you, call me in the morning.
Sfiso: I can—
Me: No, Sfiso, It's not that urgent I swear, enjoy the rest of your night.
Sfiso: Yes ma'am.

I dropped the call and we finally arrived at the Unity House. This house still amazes me, like they specifically built it for Nathi. I don't recall any of the previous presidents living in such a house, apparently it's the safest house in the country much like the white house in the U.S.

Leo led me inside, the route we took was rather quiet, we finally made it in the top wing, the president's floor and private apartment, basically where the first family lives.

My heart skipped a beat as soon as Nathi appeared, gosh this man, he is definitely aging like fine wine.
Nathi: Nkosazane.
Me(smiles): Hey.
Nathi: These are for you my beautiful Pearl.

I took the bouquet and smelled the lovely lillies, my favorite of course.
Me: Thank you, they are lovely.
Nathi: It's a pleasure baby, this way, you look lovely by the way.
Me(smiles): Thank you Manzini, you're not bad yourself.
Nathi: Hawu yazi I feel under dressed.
Me: No, you look good, I like this side of you, without the suits, you seem less serious.

We laughed as we reached the patio with the most beautiful view of the city. It was even set up so beautifully, with an entire orchestra playing live near the pool.

Me(emotional): Oh my God Nathi, this is so beautiful, you did this all for me?
Nathi: Baby you seem surprised? Of course I did, I know I'm a bit of a fossil but before I became a president I was a charmer that knew how to impress women.

I laughed.
Nathi: And you wouldn't believe me if I told you that I prepared this food on my own, My private chef was not impressed at all, he even insisted on helping me, I never knew being the president meant not doing anything on your own, I swear if these people could, they would hold uZungu while I peed.

Oh my word! I was in stitches!
Me(laughs): Nathi!
Nathi(Smirks): Ng'serious yazi baby, that's why kumele uzohlala nami, these people sometimes look at me like I'm some piece of meat.
Me(smiles): Honestly I don't blame them, I was thinking to myself earlier that you are aging like fine wine.
Nathi(smile): I am?
Me: Otherwise I wouldn't be here, ngizolenzani ikhehla?

He laughed.
Nathi: Who knows maybe the geyser is no longer working, don't be fooled by the exterior.
Me(stunned): I swear you had something to drink before I came here, angeke!
Nathi(laughs): Well to be honest sthandwa sami, I was kind of nervous, this is our first date.
Me(smiles): If it'll make you feel better, I was also nervous as well, our relationship was mainly about sex so this is new for us.
Nathi: Do you miss what we had?
Me(giggles): Why do I feel like that's a trap? Thank you.

I said to the waitress that had just served us.
Nathi: I'm asking because you still have the same effect on me and since you've been back you've been giving me weird vibes so I was just trying to respect you and not make it seem like ucansi Is the only thing I want from you.

He's a great cook, oh my word!
Me: This is really good Manzini, please promise to cook for me every once in a while.
Nathi(smiles): I'd be happy too.

Me: And to answer your question, you still have the same effect on me as well, when you said everytime I heard your voice or saw your face my pvssy would react you weren't kidding, I remember when we broke up, it was so hard for me to watch even the news because I knew you'd appear, I blocked anything related to politics just so I wouldn't see your face or hear your voice.

He looked at me.
Nathi: I'm sorry about that baby, it wasn't easy for me as well, I stalked you everyday till the year ended, it broke my heart seeing you heartbroken and unhappy all the time, there were times I wanted to reach out but I knew that had to be done the public is more acceptive of our relationship now, back then they wouldn't have been.

Me: Yeah I know, I mean there are some that keep bringing up the age gap thing even now, some think I wouldn't have been a doctor if I hadn't slept with you.
Nathi: Where did I hear that konje? Ay man Bonnie said there was a doctor who said that on X I think.

I exhaled.
Me: Yeah, he's an intern, Sihle, that guy hates me for some reason, I thought I had put him in place but clearly not, Sfiso will deal with him for me don't worry.
Nathi: How can I not worry Aphiwe?
Me: Manzini please, it's not that big of a deal I swear.
Nathi: I'm still going to speak to Leo, just to be sure.

I nodded.
Me: Anyway, I spoke to my family and they've given us their blessings, provided that one of these days you come and have dinner with us, dad would love to meet you as the man I'm dating and not the president, only if you're not busy though.

Nathi: I'll make the time sthandwa sami, you come first to me.
Me(laughs): Don't let your people hear you say that, they'll send hitmen to come and take care of me.

We laughed.
Nathi: Angeke balunge sthandwa sami.
Me(laughs): We can't be certain, every government always has a mole.
Nathi: Yeah that's true.
Me: But it seems like you run a well oiled machine here, you've hardly been accused of anything by the public.
Nathi: Ukuzama nje sthandwa sami.

Me: You were born for this Nathi, this is your calling, God himself anointed you for this leadership role, running a country that has people that have been played for way too long and aren't too trusting can't be easy, they question every little thing you do for them because they don't know whether it's real or not.

He looked at me.
Me: If I had my way, I'd create a drug that would keep you from aging so that you'd never not be president, you're an amazing president.
Nathi(smiles): I don't even know what to say Aphiwe, wow I..

He looked down, I meant every word.
Nathi: That means a lot sthandwa sami, I mean I hear this a lot but it hits different when I hear it from someone whose opinion I value so highly, thank you.
Me: And I mean every word Manzini.
Nathi: Unfortunately this is my last term.

That means he has two years left, each term is 4 years and he's already served two years of his third term.

Me: That is close.
Nathi: I will be 45 by then and then I will retire from politics, I'll focus on my businesses and our family, making sure I'm a present dad and husband.
Me: So even if I asked you to campaign for an additional 4 years angeke uvume?

He laughed.
Me: Nathi, people still need you.
Nathi: I've always been against president's who are 45+ years old, ministers as well.

Me: I know that but 45 is not even close to general retirement, it's 65 right? 60 for women? You can retire in politics when you're 50, that's not old.
Nathi: I don't know baby.
Me: Hhay I'm still going to try and convince you.

We laughed.

______
Dinner with Nathi was absolutely amazing, I don't even know why I was nervous, Nathi and I just clicked. Despite our age gap and the fact that we haven't been together in years, that doesn't change our chemistry at all.

However I was about to break his heart now, we were seated on the couch in the patio under the moon, watching the stars in each other's arms, it was so comfortable and cozy. He was having his whiskey while I had tea, since I don't drink.

Me: Nkosinathi.
Nathi: Babe?
Me: There's something I need to tell you.
Nathi: Of course, what's wrong?
Me: So uhm… I know that you love kids and it's your wish to have one of your own one day, it's my wish as well, and we will have them just…

I took a deep breath and he held my hand.
Me: I won't be the one carrying them.
Nathi: I don't understand.

Me: I was 23 years old when it all began, I started experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, intense cramps and bloating, I was then diagnosed with multiple large uterine fibroids, one of which was pressing into my uterine cavity, so my gynecologist recommended myomectomy which is the fibroid removal procedure to preserve my fertility, instead of a hysterectomy which is the procedure of removing the uterus entirely.

I took another breath.
Nathi: Was the procedure successful?
Me: Uhm… the fibroids were deeply embedded in the uterine wall, so the surgery was complicated.

I broke down.
Me: During the procedure, there was excessive bleeding, forcing the surgeon to make deeper incisions in my uterus and after the surgery, my healing was slower than expected, and I developed an infection in the uterus.

I wiped my tears.
Me: Uhm the infection and repeated cleaning of the uterus caused scar tissue which we call adhesions to form inside my womb, so I was diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome, which means scar tissue builds up inside the uterus, making implantation impossible or leading to repeated miscarriages.

Nathi(curses): Fuck!
Me: Asherman's Syndrome makes the uterine lining too thin or blocked for an embryo to implant, so my ovaries still function normally and I can produce eggs and possibly have a biological child via surrogacy, but I cannot carry a pregnancy without a high risk of miscarriage or stillbirth…in a nutshell.

I looked at him, waiting for a response with my trembling hands.

[MELUSI SHOZI, CHIEF OF STAFF]
I knocked at the door and he opened, he looked a little surprised to see me.

Sihle(stuttering): H-Hello…
Me: Sphesihle Nxumalo? Dr. Sphesihle Nxumalo?
Sihle(stuttering):Y-Yes? Who are you?

I wore my gloves and got inside the apartment, while looking around.
Me: Who I am is not of importance, it's the 'why' you should be concerned about.
Sihle: W-why are you here?

Me: I'm here to fix your mouth, you've been running it a lot the past couple of hours and you didn't stop there, your chubby fingers have been typing a lot of shit about Dr. Aphiwe Bhengu who happens to be with the president which makes her as much of my responsibility as the president, you hurt her, I come for you, you insult her or disrespect her, I come for you, so which needs fixing first? Your mouth or fingers?

Sihle: I'm calling the police
Me: Please do, tell them to hurry with an ambulance as well.

I placed my toolbox on top of the table and opened it. I took out a pair of pliers.
Me: Bring those chubby fingers of yours and let me give you a Russian Manicure.
Sihle(crying): Please….I will take the post down!I will apologise to her, please don't hurt me!!
Me: It's too late!