5

BABY DADDY DRAMA

CHAPTER 5

KAONE

Today is my day off. I had initially planned to stay indoors and rest but my friend insisted that we go out for lunch. I would have said no if it was someone else but knowing my friend, she'd come drag me out of the house if she has to.

I've been too held up at work to clean so I woke up early today to clean my place and put my laundry in the washing machine. By 10am, I was done so I made a light breakfast before taking a bath. We're going to meet at McDonald's because she's inlove with their burgers.

I get there late because my car was acting up on the way. I spot her at the corner table and join her.

"Please don't kill me," I sit.

"I know I'm the one who invited you here but I'm gonna make you pay the bill. How could you make me wait for 30mins?"

"My car was stuck. I told you it has problems I'm sorry, friend."

"I told you to throw away that thing you call a car. Chomi you can't be worrying over that scrap," she says.

"At least the scrap takes me to work and back. Please don't make me get the bill, my budget is tight this month."

"I was just joking, friend. Order anything you like."

"I have to get Odirile a few things for school and you know I'm a single mother."

"You said you'd tell me about that psycho baby daddy of yours," she laughs.

"This is no laughing matter, Palesa. Pitso is sick and I don't know which lengths he might get to just to spite me."

"Maybe he's trying to make things right. Don't you think it's time Odirile knew his father?"

"Palesa please. If you don't have anything to say then don't say anything at all. You're the one who knows how tough the past few years have been. Where was he when Odirile needed him? He can't expect me to forget about everything that has happened. I still remember what he said to me the day he denied the pregnancy, word for word," I say.

"So what now? Odi is old enough to start asking questions. Are you going to continue lying to him? For how long, chomi?"

"For as long as I'm alive. As far as I'm concerned, Odi is fatherless. Hell will have to freeze over before he can be with my son," I'm getting emotional.

"I'm sorry for bringing this up. I know you've been through so much and I'm being an ass by not supporting you as a friend should. Let's just forget about the baby daddy drama and enjoy our lunch. I has some fresh gossip to dish out," she says.

"That's the friend I know. I was wondering when you're going to come out with the juicy stuff. Give me the scoop."

"You remember Miles, right?"

"Your one week boyfriend?"

"Yeah that one. So here's what happened," she begins.

At least with Palesa I can get my mind off stressful things for a while.

****

PITSO

My uncle has arrived all the way from Free State. What stresses me is the fact that the Malekas don't know that we're on the way. My uncle said it's best that way because they might refuse to receive us. I put on my formal pants, white shirt and a pair of black sneakers. I cannot afford to show up like a man who isn't serious about life, wearing jeans and a T-shirt to such a serious meeting.

"Are you done? Your uncle is getting impatient outside," says Ma.

"Just a minute, mama. I need to look the part," I say.

"Hurry up. We don't want to get there late," she leaves.

I wear my favorite cologne before I walk out of my room. This could be the day where I finally get a chance to be a father or it could be the day I lose him forever.

We get into my car and drive there, it's a 15min drive. I park just outside the yard and we all prepare ourselves before we walk in. I'm nervous, my whole body is reacting strangely.

"Ko-ko," my mother vocally knocks, standing a few inches away from the door. No one appears so she knocks again. This time, a man appears. I can still remember the face, it must be my son's grandpa.

"Dumelang Ga-Maleka," says my uncle.

"Agee! Can I help you?" He asks.

"My name is Paul Seema. This is my sister, Evelyn and my nephew, Pitso. We are here regarding our grandson, Odirile," my uncle says.

"Pitso? Did you say Pitso?" He steps outside, his eyes fixated on me.

"Dumela grootman. My name is Pitso, I'm Odirile's father," I say confidently.

"Oh! Wait here I'll go get the chairs," he says, walking back inside.

I sigh in relief, my hopes High. My uncle smiles a bit as he nods. The sun is scorching so I walk to the shadow under the tree. The next thing I hear my mom screaming. As I turn, Kaone's father is chasing them with a panga. I can't run outside because that's the direction he's chasing them. I run to the back of the house only to find a huge dog that has been sleeping. My movement wakes it and it barks before charging at me.

It grabs me by my pants, it's teeth digging into my flesh. I manage to free myself and climb the wall, throwing myself into the yard next door.