Deadly obsession ,Chapter 3
SUKOLUHLE
It had been two weeks since Zibusiso and I had moved from Midrand to Cape Town. Zibusiso had been working in Midrand, but he was originally from Cape Town. His family, however, lived in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite this, he had taken me and Zamo with him to Cape Town. I was glad that I had been able to enroll in a new school without any issues, as it was still March and the school year hadn't started yet. I was grateful to Zibusiso for making the process so easy.
Should I say I'm doing okay? I'm not sure. I'm glad to be away from Midrand, since it reminded me of my suffering. I spent most of my time in my room after school, doing my homework, studying, and taking care of my basic needs. We have a housekeeper named Mam Hilda, She is old enough to be my mother. Zibusiso had suggested that Zamo, will start school the following year. Mam Hilda is also taking care of Zamo when I'm at school and Zibusiso is at work,Mam Hildah is a very good housekeeper.
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I was sitting by the pool, lost in my own thoughts. I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Mam Hilda sitting next to me.
Mam hilda:"Whatever it is that's troubling you, dear, you need to let it out," she said, handing me a glass of juice.
Me:"Thank you," I said, placing the glass next to me.
Mam hilda:"Don't let it eat you up inside," Mam Hilda continued. I looked at her, then back at the pool. Suddenly, I felt tears stinging my eyes, but I held them back. I didn't want to cry in front of her, but I couldn't keep my feelings bottled up inside any longer. I turned to her, my eyes welling up with tears.
Me:"I can't," I whispered, shaking my head. "I've learned to keep everything to myself, and I think it's best that way."
Mam Hilda sighed.
Mam hilda:"I understand that, dear. Maybe in the past you didn't have anyone to talk to, but now you have me and Zibusiso."
Me:"I know," I said, feeling frustrated. "But it's not that easy to just open up and talk about my feelings. I've never done that before."
Man hilda:"It's not easy," Mam Hilda agreed. "But it's important to try.""It might even help you feel better," she continued, "to get those feelings out in the open. Sometimes, just talking about them can make them feel less overwhelming."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself.
Me: "I know you're right," I said, "but I don't know where to even start."
Mam hilda:"Maybe you could start by telling me what happened," she suggested. "I don't need to know all the details, just the basics. If it's too hard to talk about, we can stop anytime."
I thought for a moment, I took a deep breath and began to tell her the basics of what had happened. I told her about how my father and my mother used to fight, and how my mother had told us that she would come back for us, but she never did. I told her how my father had forced me to do all the housework, and how he had abused me. I kept my story as short as possible, not wanting to relive the details.
When I finished, I felt drained, like I had just run a marathon. Mam Hilda looked at me, her eyes filled with concern.
Mam hilda:"I'm so sorry you went through all that, dear," she said, her voice full of compassion. "It must have been so hard for you, and I admire your strength for making it through such a difficult situation. It takes a lot of courage to open up like that."
I managed a weak smile, feeling slightly relieved though I haven't told her other things.
Me:"Thanks," I said. "I know it's not easy for you to hear all that, but I feel a little better"
Mam hilda:"I'm glad you feel that way," she said, giving me a reassuring smile
She wrapped her arms around me, and I returned the hug. I couldn't hold back my tears any longer, and they started to fall down my cheeks. I buried my face in her shoulder, feeling safe and comforted by her presence.
We sat like that for a while, until my tears finally subsided. I pulled away from her, wiping my eyes with my sleeve. I felt exhausted, but also strangely at peace.
Me:"Thank you," I said again, meeting her gaze. "I really appreciate you listening."
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ZIBUSISO
There's nothing quite like spending time with friends, especially when everyone has a little bit of cash to burn. Today, we were all lounging around in the park, sipping beer and chatting about this and that. We hadn't been to a club in a while, so we were thinking about hitting one up later on. It was nice to just hang out and enjoy the day, without a care in the world.
But then, my phone rang,I smiled as I answered the video call from Zamo. She was always so eager to chat, and I loved seeing her cute face on the screen.
Zamo:"Uncle!" she said, grinning from ear to ear. "I miss you!"
Me:"I miss you too, Zamo," I said, trying to match her enthusiasm. "Where are you?"
Zamo:"I'm at home," she said, turning the camera around to show me her living room.
"What about you?"
Me:"I'm at the park with my friends,"
Zamo:"Why didn't you take me with you to the park Uncle"she says pouting her small lips
Me:"hey,I'm sorry," I said, trying to sound sincere. "I had no idea you wanted to come with me to the park. I should have asked. I promise I'll include you next time, okay?"
She looked at me skeptically, but then nodded.
Zamo:"Okay, I believe you. But I'm still mad!" She crossed her arms and stuck out her bottom lip in a pout.
Me:"I understand," I said. "But I hope we can still have a fun day, even if you're mad."
She thought about it for a moment, and then a mischievous grin spread across her face.
Zamo:"Okay," she said. "We can have a fun day, but you have to do one thing first."
Me:"What's that?" I asked, a little nervous about what she might ask of me.
Zamo:"You have to let me put makeup on you," she said, her grin widening. "And then we'll take a picture of you and post it on your social media!"
I was stunned for a moment, not sure what to say.
Me: "Uh, are you sure?" I asked. "Makeup and social media seem like a big ask for just one day of fun."
Zamo:"But I promise it'll be really funny!" she said, bouncing up and down in excitement. "Pleeeeease?"
I knew I couldn't say no to that pleading face. I sighed and said,
Me: "Alright, fine. You can put makeup on me and take a picture. But I get to approve the picture before it's posted!"
She clapped her hands and squealed with delight. "Deal!" she said,
Me:"Okay, have you eaten?" I asked, trying to be a good host.
Zamo:"Yes, and I'm eating again right now!" she said, holding up a bowl of noodles. A noodle dangled from her mouth as she grinned at me. I couldn't help but chuckle.
Me:"You're quite the noodle connoisseur," I said.
"Did you make those noodles yourself?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
Zamo:"Yup! Mam Hildah taught me how to cook them. They're really easy!"
I was impressed.
Me:"Wow, you're quite the little chef!" I said.
She smiles ,
Me:"I will see you just now okay?"I say she nods
Zamo:"Okay don't forget to bring ice cream please "she says I chuckle this one and ice creams
Me:"Okay I will bring you one "I promise her and she hangs up the video call.Mongezi & Andile burst in laughter
Andile:"So you are going to allow her put make up on that face?" I nod smiling they laugh I laugh too imagining it.This kid is making me agree to everything she says.
Me:"She's just a kid guys and want to play come on"I say
Mongezi:"You're a softie,we dondon't know you like this" shaking his head.
Andile:"That little girl has you wrapped around her finger."
Me:"I know, I know," I said, laughing. "But it's hard to say no to her. She's so cute and innocent."
Andile"Yeah, until she gets what she wants, and then she's a little devil," "Just you wait and see."
Me:"I'll keep that in mind," I said, not really taking him seriously. After all, how bad could a five-year-old really be?
Andile:"You'll see," a knowing look on his face. "Just make sure you lock your bedroom door at night. You never know what she might do if she gets bored."
I laughed.
Me: "Okay, I get it. You're trying to freak me out. But I'm not that gullible."
Mongezi:"We'll see," winking at me. "Just be careful."
I rolled my eyes.
Me:"You guys are the worst."
Andile :"We're just looking out for you," Andile said, grinning. "It's what friends are for, right?"
I had to admit,I rolled my eyes and they both burst out laughing. We continued chilling for a while longer, and then we decided to head our separate ways to get ready for the club later. I drove to the mall to get Zamo's ice cream and some other things, and then I drove back to the house.
As I pulled up to the house, I saw Zamo and Sukoluhle playing in the front yard. They were laughing and running around, having the time of their lives. I couldn't help but smile.
It was the first time I'd seen Sukoluhle and Zamo playing so joyfully together ever since I knew them. Usually, Suku would be in her room studying and whatever, so it was a refreshing change to see her running around and laughing with her little sister. I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and gratitude as I watched them. I was especially struck by the way Suku's face lit up when she smiled. It was such a beautiful, radiant smile.
Zamo:"Uncle, you're back!" Zamo said, running to me with open arms. I scooped her up and spun her around, making her giggle.
Me: "I told you I'd be home soon," I said, putting her down.
Zamo:"Did you bring my ice cream?" she asked, eyes sparkling with excitement. I nodded and turned to Sukoluhle, who was now standing alone, watching us.
Me:"Hey, Suku," I said, trying to be friendly. She nodded and said hello, but didn't offer any more than that she head to the house,i sigh.I turned back to Zamo, who was still staring at me expectantly."I have your ice cream," I said, holding up the bag. Zamo squealed with delight and took the bag from me.
Zamo :"Let's go eat it in the kitchen," Zamo said, pulling me by the hand. I let her lead me into the house we head to the kitchen, where we sat down at the table. Zamo unwrapped her ice cream bar and took a big bite, making a mess of her face in the process. I laughed and handed her a napkin.
Zamo:"Thanks, Uncle," she said, wiping her face and hands. "You're the best."
I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease. Even though Suku was still being a bit standoffish, Zamo's enthusiasm was infectious. It was impossible not to feel her joy.
When we were finished eating, Zamo got up and wiped her mouth.
Zamo:"Come on, Uncle, let's go play in my room," she said, grabbing my hand and tugging me along. I followed her into her bedroom, where she had a little table set up with crayons and coloring books.
"You promised to let me color you," she said, looking at me expectantly. I nodded, feeling a bit nervous,I thought she forgot jesus. She sat me down at the table and handed me a crayon. "Close your eyes," she said. I did as she instructed, and I felt her start to color on my face. I tried not to flinch as the crayon tickled my skin. After a few minutes, she told me I could open my eyes. I looked in the mirror and saw that my face was covered in colorful drawings. Zamo was beaming with pride.
Me:"How do I look?" I asked, not sure if I should laugh or be horrified. Zamo clapped her hands and said,
Zamo: "You look amazing!" I had to admit, the result was pretty funny....
"Do I have to keep it like this?" I asked. Zamo shook her head and said,
Zamo: "Nope , I'll wash it off for you." But first she take a picture of my face afterShe led me to the bathroom and got a washcloth, wetting it with warm water. Gently, she wiped the crayon off my face, and soon it was back to normal.
Zamo:"There, you're all clean again," she said. I smiled at her and thanked her for the fun time.
"We should do this again sometime," she said, giving me a hug. I smiled and agreed. Even though my face was a mess, it had been fun spending time with this little champ.....
to be continued …
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