Chapter 12

Zuko's POV

I pushed through the heavy oak doors as I walked in Amanda's club, the evening after the spinning event. Omphile was mad at me, but she mentioned something about Amanda visiting her and I needed to get that addressed. It's Sunday tomorrow and I'd be great for everyone if we're all in good terms. Good understanding.

My eyes moved, I spotted her immediately. Amanda was perched at the bar, her heels clicking against the brass footrail.

I pulled out the stool next to her.

"You look good, Zuko," she murmured, . She let her gaze wander over my leather jacket, a smile playing on her lips. "You look like a bad boy in that jacket, it suits you."

I ignored the bait. I didn't come here for flirting. I reached into my pocket taking the cocaine parcel shifting against my palm. I placed it on the marble counter between us, covering it with my hand.

"Business is done," I said, my voice a low rumble that cut through the music.

"Always so straight to the point " she sighed, signaling the bartender. "Get him a Scotch. The good stuff. He's had a long day."

I turned my head just enough to catch her eye, the coldness in my gaze making her smile falter for the briefest of seconds.

"Now,lets talk about Amanda, what I told you to now do. And you did it anyway. You went and threatened Omphile," I said trying to keep my composure.

Amanda's posture stiffened. She picked up her glass and took a slow sip. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play with me," I whispered. "What did I tell you about messing with her?"

I leaned in closer, " You know what I do to people who double cross me? " I smiled. "I'm sure you don't want to be a statistic."

I said firmly "If you ever—and I mean *ever*—cross paths with her again, if you breathe the same air she breathes or let your name fall from her lips because of something you said... You'll meet your creator. And I promise you, I'll be the one who sends the invitation."

She was shaken. I saw it in the way her hand trembled as she lowered her glass. The neat, composed facade was cracking.

I shifted my weight, leaning back slightly.

"I won't be needing your services anymore." She said boldly not looking at me. "I've got a new supplier for the stuff."

"Does the supplier have a name?" I asked. My blood was starting to simmer.

"Zolani." She said. I felt like I was about to explode. She better be kidding me..

"You didn't choose me," she said, her voice rising with a sudden, bitter edge. "Now I'm getting the rest of my supplies from Zolani."

She smiled at me.

The bartender pushed the Scotch toward me.

I stood up. The movement was so sudden Amanda jumped.

"I'll find another customer," I interrupted, looking at her with a disgust that made her flinch.

She stared at me intensely, her mouth slightly open.

I turned and walked out, the cold night bit at my face. All I could think about was Omphile.

Is this love worth it?

This is something I didn't think I'd ever do. Money was worth everything to me and now, I was making a decision like this. What is happening to me?

OMPHILE

You know what. A trip to my mom's house was literally what I needed right now. Going to church, get filled with the spirit of God and just connect with him because clearly he's the only man that cares for me and will never leave me or ignore me.

I'm so angry, I'm still angry and I hate him so much right now.

I stood in front of the hallway mirror, tugging at my floral dress.

"Omphile! We're going to be late!" my mother called from the kitchen.

I grabbed my Bible, ready to head out. I opened the door and froze.

Zuko's car was parked in front of the gate. What the f… He walked out of the car to the front door wearing black suit, white shirt and a bucket heart. For some reason. Looking clean. His face, clean shaven. Mom came to the door. Wait, how did he know where I live? I've never told him that.

"Oh, we have a visitor, so early…uthen ungabulisi Omphile olibele kukuthi phuhlu amehlo."

"Good morning, Ma," he said, taking his bucket off, slightly bowing- respectfully as he greeted mom. He stepped forward with a grace that felt entirely new. "I am Zuko Msingo. I haven't properly introduced myself. It was a lapse in my character, and I wanted to rectify it. I'm very much captured by your daughter here and we've talked but I also want to build a relationship with my future mother in law." He went for a handshake.

My mother was momentarily speechless. She took his hand.

"I know you were probably heading to service," he continued. "Please, allow me to drive you. It would be an honor to take you both."

"Well," my mother smiled, clearly charmed. "That is very kind of you, Zuko. Omphile didn't tell me about this." She looks at me.

She looks back at him. "I'm her mother. It's not everyday you see a man introducing himself. You're one of a kind marn. Omphile, stop pouting. Let's go."

I wanted to scream. The nerve, the nerve he has to just waltz in here while I'm mad at him.

Zuko held the gate open for my mother, guiding her with a respectful hand, I realized he had completely disarmed my defenses by winning over the one person I couldn't argue with.

He opened the car door for me, his fingers grazing my arm. He looked guilty.

"Omphile I-"

"Save it." I said as I got in the back seat, my mom took the front seat for some reason.

Zuko started the car and drove away, he put on some gospel music, he glanced at the rear view mirror.

"Omphile says she likes gospel, especially during exams." He didn't expose my secret of when I like to listen to gospel.

Mom laughs. "True, I've noticed." They giggled like old friends.

Zuko stared at the rear view mirror once again, our eyes locked. I looked away and folded my arms, focusing on the passing trees.

"So, Zuko," my mother started, her voice filled with a curious warmth. "Tell me about yourself. What do you do for a living?"

His hands were steady on the wheel, the polished cuffs of his suit jacket peeking out. "I'm a manager, Ma. I oversee operations and logistics. It keeps me busy, but it's stable."

"A manager! That's wonderful," she said, nodding approvingly. "And do you stay with your parents?"

"I'm a homeowner."

I bit my tongue so hard. *A manager.*

Technically true, I suppose. When we pulled up to church, the bells were already tolling. Zuko stepped out opening my mother's door first and then mine. As I climbed out, he tried to catch my hand, but I pulled back, smoothing my dress unnecessary so.

"You should leave," I hissed as my mother walked ahead to greet the ushers. "You did your duty. You showed your face. Got your ego boosted. Just go."

"I'm staying," he whispered back, his jaw set.

"And why is that? You've done enough damage." I think back to yesterday but tried to calm myself. "You know…I just want some peace and you won't ruin it for me."

"Will you let me explain w-"

"Mxm" I said as I walked into the church.

Momentarily, he slid into the pew right next to me, his shoulder brushing mine. I tried to scoot away, but the bench was crowded. The service was a choreographed ritual of bells, chanting, and shifting between the Prayer Book and the Hymnal. Zuko looked utterly lost. He stood when everyone sat and fumbled with the the different prayer books we have.

"My sweetie pie," he said, I almost blushed, he's never called me that. I'm angry, I should be angry. "I'm sorry," he breathed, leaning in under the cover of the opening hymn. "About what I did. About everything. I was just trying to—"

"Not here, Zuko," I snapped, keeping my eyes fixed on the altar. "Don't use this place to fix what you broke outside. Just be quiet."

The incense burners swung, sending clouds of white smoke swirling toward the high rafters. Zuko stared at the priest, his brow furrowed in genuine confusion. He looked like a man who had walked into a different dimension. When the congregation began to sing a Xhosa hymn, he stood there awkwardly, his mouth shut.

Reluctantly, I reached over and tapped the correct page in his hymnbook. I leaned in, whispering, "It's this one. Try to keep up."

He took a deep breath and tried to join in. It was... bad. He was off-key, a part of me wanted to smile.

He caught me looking and smiled, his eyes softening as he looked at me.

After the service, I stepped outside. Mom was busy showing him off to her church friends. Acting like we're engaged or something. Now I have to wait for them, just then, I saw Thabo.

"Omphile," he greeted, his face lighting up with a shy, genuine smile. "That was a great service, wasn't it?"

"It was," I said, trying to force a smile.

"Listen," Thabo leaned in slightly.

"There's a youth committee meeting during the week. We're planning the winter drive. Are you coming?"

"No, I…school."

"I understand." He cleared his throat. "I've been meaning to ask you…can I have your number?"

Someone's hand went over my shoulder. By the cologne it's Zuko.

"Baby," he looked at me, his face suddenly soft and cute. "You hungry, baby?" his soft, my heart throbs and my knees go weak. I nodded. He is looking at me like we're alone. He pressed his lips on my cheek.

"We'll get something shortly."

Thabo cleared his throat.

Zuko finally turned his head, looking at Thabo with suddenly cold and almost threatening look.

"My bad," Zuko said, his tone dripping with a fake politeness. "You were saying something to my *girlfriend*. Don't let me interrupt you."

The way he said *girlfriend* sounded like a claim.

Thabo swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole. "I... no. It's nothing. I'll just... see you around, Omphile."

He didn't even wait for a response. He turned and practically bolted toward the street.

___

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