8
TWO QUEENS IN MY CASTLE 8THANDEKA
I can't remember the last time I dresses up for a date. I know Kabelo might not see it that way but to me it feels like a date. My relationship with Dumisani has been cold and it's been a while since we went out to have fun. I've went all out, picked my best weave and put on my favorite perfume. The other day he was all dressed up and smelling nice and I didn't care. He's eyeing me like I committed a sin and I can tell he's burning inside with questions.
"Are you going somewhere?" He stands by the bedroom door with arms folded.
"It's a Saturday I'm feeling the vibes," I'm finishing up in front of the mirror.
"Mmh! Are you coming back?"
"It depends on how lit today will be. Maybe the girls would want to stay up all night plus I'm not working tomorrow," I say.
"That dress is too short for my liking. I fear other men will drool."
"I know I'm attractive but there's no need for you to be insecure. It doesn't look good on you."
"Take care of yourself. There are vultures out there."
"I've dealt with vultures for a long time so don't worry about me," I grab my bag and walk out. As far as I'm concerned, this relationship is in the rocks so it won't hurt to be friends with Kabelo and see where it leads us.
....
....
YOLANDA
For the past few days I've been evaluating my life, my love life to be precise. I thought I was happy, at least happier than most people who are in relationships. I realised the other day that I'm actually not Dumisani's first priority. He never wants to discuss the future with me and he always evades important questions. He has met my sister but not even once has he introduced me to his family member or even his friend. I felt used and less important and I took a decision to put myself first. I didn't want to throw the break up card in his face so I just told myself that I'll distance myself and see what happens.
At first I didn't have a problem with the kind of relationship we had but recently I've gotten tired of it. It's based on money and *** and I'm at a point in my life where I want more. I want a partner who'll be there in a time of need, someone who won't be ashamed of showing me off. Yes I want money but sometimes it's tiring to feel like you're not worthy to be more. Dumisani hasn't made me feel special in that way and 80% of the time we've spent time at night.
While sitting and having food for thought, I unblocked Kabelo and sent him a text. I was hoping he'd respond but he didn't. It has been more than two hours and since I'm home, I decided to drop by at his place. The last time I was here, I never asked about his mother so it'd be lovely to see her after such a long time. It came as a shock to me when I walked into the house and found her on a wheelchair. Why didn't Kabelo tell me about his mother's condition when we spoke the other day?
"Mama?" I sit on the couch opposite her. She's not responding and I'm not sure what she's suffering from.
"It's a pity you found her in this state. I'm sure she would have loved to catch up," Oratilwe sits beside me.
"What happened to Ma? Was it an accident or some sort?"
"Stroke," she deeply sighs.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry to hear this. I would have come sooner if I knew," I say.
"You couldn't have known coz Kabelo couldn't get hold of you. He used to tell me how he has tried so many times to get hold of you but you didn't give him a chance," she says.
"Yeah that's true. There was no way I would have just forgave him after everything that transpired between us," I say.
"So why are you here?" I had almost forgotten that she's nosy but her question is valid.
"Well...I was hoping him and I could iron things out and I also needed to see Ma. I didn't know she's in this state so I was hoping we could catch up."
"So you want to take him back?" She smiles.
"That's not what I said. I don't like how things ended and I don't want to hold grudges anymore. I didn't say anything about taking him back," I'm not sure if I'm lying to myself because at this point I just wish I could erase everything and have my man back before my heart got broken.
"Mmh! I hope you're not lying because it won't help you with anything."
"Where's he anyway?"
"He...he kind of went out on a date," she clears her throat.
"A date? With who?" My heart rips apart on the stitches that I've tried to heal for such a long time. How can he tell me about fixing things when he's still going out on dates with other women?
"Some pretty lady who's a nurse. She's swept off her feet shame," she claps her hands and laughs.
"I see," I'm really disappointed at him.
"Can you please help me with Ma? I need to rush to the shops so if you don't mind please stay with her for a while."
"Sure," I make myself comfortable.
...
...
KABELO
Time flies when you're having fun. We're back from the outing and I really needed the fresh air. She parks outside the gate and switches off the music.
"You can't just pass by. I'm sure my mom would love to see you since she was asleep when we left," I say.
"You're right actually plus I'm not in a rush."
"Let me get the door for you," I jump off the car and jog to the other side to open her door.
"You're such a gentleman," she blushes.
"I know," I hold her bag and we make our way into the house. I push the door open and find Yolanda rubbing my mom's feet. This was unexpected and I'm in between a rock and a hard place. I've recently confessed my love for Yolanda and I was genuine. Now Thandeka and I have had a lovely day and sparks flew. I'm still holding her bag in my hand and now I have to explain myself to both women.
"Hi," I say.
"Hi," she responds while staring at Thandeka.
"Umm...I didn't expect you."
"I'm sorry I came to see Ma and I found her in this condition. You should have told me."
"Yeah I'm sorry," I put the handbag down.
"So aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Thandeka asks.
"Umm...this is Yolanda. Yolanda this is Thandeka," I scratch my head in awkwardness.
"Mmh," Thandeka takes a seat. Yolanda continues to rub my mom's feet and I don't think either of them will leave soon.
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