Deadly obsession ,Chapter 32
SUKOLUHLEI have to admit, I'm really enjoying the stay at this hotel, I think to myself taking in the beauty of their surroundings. Everything is so perfect here, and the atmosphere is so peaceful. I'm sitting by the pool outside, sipping on my orange juice and enjoying the sunshine. I haven't seen many people around the hotel, but I guess most of them are just staying in their rooms. Some of them go out and come back late at night. Who would have thought that a place like KwaZulu-Natal, in the small town of Mtubatuba, could have ...such a beautiful hotel as Hippo Hollow Country Estate. It's really amazing to be here. As I seat here, i can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder. This hotel is like a hidden gem, tucked away in a small town. I'm soaking up the sun and enjoying the quiet atmosphere.
Zibusiso's father has apologized to both Me and Zibusiso the day before, and we both forgiven him. But I can still tell that Zibusiso still can't fully trust his father. He is still wary of him, and I understand why. Zibusiso's mother, on the other hand, is just happy that the conflict has been resolved. She is looking forward to spending Christmas Eve with her family including me and Zamo , Even Zibusiso's brothers were coming over, and i am excited to meet them again since last time I never got to meet them properly .
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LUBANZI
I've always wanted to visit the Eastern Cape,and now my wish has come true. It's not that I've come here for fun or anything, but to meet Andile's parents. He's been so insistent on introducing me to them, because he's serious about our relationship. I never thought I'd be in such a committed relationship - especially not as a gay person.
I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. I was excited to meet Andile's parents, but also nervous about what they might think of us.
Andile:"We're driving through Grahamstown right now," he says, his voice calm and reassuring. "We'll be at my house in about an hour. Try to relax, you're making yourself nervous."
I nod, but i can't help the knot of anxiety in my stomach. I take out my phone and text my friend Suku, telling her we're close to Andile's house. I knew Suku will know what to say to make me feel better. As i waited for her response, i tried to focus on my breathing, in and out, trying to calm my nerves.
A few ...minutes later, my phone buzze with a text from Suku.
$# ******Hey, I know you're nervous, but try to relax. This is a big step for you and Andile, but it's a good one. Just be yourself, and be honest with them. They'll love you for who you are, I'm sure of it. Take deep breaths and enjoy the ride. You've got this!*****$#
I felt a wave of relief wash over me as I read the text. I take a deep breath, as Suku had advised, and began to feel calmer. I smiled at Andile ,he smiles back.at me.
The car pulled up to a charming house, its size neither large nor small, but just right. Outside, children playing , and they ran to open the gate the car drive in. Andile, parks the car and got out. The children rushes to greet Andile with hugs, then turned to greet me.
He takes my hand and leads me inside the house. He squeezes my hand, a subtle signal to remain calm. As we step inside, a young woman approaches us and throws her arms around Andile, hugging him tightly.
Her:"Bhuti!" the young woman exclaims, hugging Andile tightly. Andile chuckles and gently pulls her away,
Andile: "Okay, that's enough! You're suffocating me!" he says, pinching her cheeks affectionately.
She pouts and looks over at Iphithule,
Her: "I've missed you, Bhuti," she says sweetly pouting her lips,she looks my side she smiles and say "hello"...I returns the greeting,
Me:"Hi!" they say, smiling shyly.
Andile clears his throat,
Andile:"Well, Ncamiso, meet Lubanzi - he's my boyfriend." He takes my hand, squeezing it gently."And, babe, meet Ncamiso - she's my little sister." The young girl giggles as she looks over at me.
Her:"Oh my gosh, here I was thinking you brought me a boyfriend!" she pouts, giggling. Andile laughs, shaking his head."He is cute, Bhuti. It's nice to meet you, brother-in-law." She says, smiling sweetly
Me:"It's nice to meet you, too," i say, my smile growing a bit wider. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and it feels a little more at ease.
Her:"So, how did you two meet?" Ncamiso asks, looking at Andile and Me with curiosity.
Andile turns to me, a glint of mischief in his eyes.
Andile:"Oh, it's a long story," he says, turning back to his sister, "But I'll tell you later."
Her"Aww, you're no fun," Ncamiso says.
We take a seat on the couch, and Andile and his sister stare at each other, while I sit there smiling and shaking my head. A few minutes pass, and a woman who looks to be about the same age as my mother comes out of the hallway. Her face lights up when she sees Andile.
Nokuzola:"My son!" she exclaims, walking over to give Andile a big hug. Andile beams at his mother, clearly happy to see her."Oh, my son, how have you been?" she asks, a smile on her face.
Andile:"I'm doing well, mom," Andile replies, "How about you?"
Nokuzola:"Now that I'm seeing you, I'm happy, my son," she says, hugging Andile once again. "Thank you, God."
Andile"Mom, this is Lubanzi - he's my boyfriend," Andile says, smiling at me and then looking back at his mother. His mother smiles, too, and I start to feel a little more at ease.
Nokuzola:"Where did you find him?" she asks, then gestures for me to come closer. "Come, come!"
I walk over to Andile's mother, and she hugs me. I hug her back, a little surprised by the gesture, but it feels nice. I can see that Andile is happy with how things are going so far.
Nokuzola:"It's so nice to meet you, Lubanzi," Andile's mother says, still smiling warmly at me.
"Welcome to our home."
Me:"Thank you," I reply, feeling a little more relaxed now. I'm starting to feel like I belong here, with Andile and his mother. It's a nice feeling.
Nokuzola:"So, you're going to spend Christmas with us, right?" his mother asks me, and I nod. She smiles, and I feel a little more at ease."I'm so happy you came, my son," she says to Andile, beaming at him.
We all sit down on the couches, and Ncamiso goes to the kitchen, returning with a tray of juice and pancakes. We eat and talk, and Andile tells his mother the story of how we met. We're all laughing and having a good time, but I can't help but feel a little shy.
...
We finish showering and getting dressed, and Andile and I make our way to the dining room, where we take our seats. As we're sitting down, the door opens and I assume it's Andile's father, just back from work.
Phakade:"Hello, my dear," he says to Andile's mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Then he turns to us and says, "Hello"
Me& Andile:"Hello," we both say in unison.
Phakade:"So, Andile," his father says, "when did you arrive?"
Andile "I got here earlier today,"
Phakade:"It's good to see you, my boy," his father says, smiling at him. "Now, tell me, who is this young boy with you?"
Andile looks at me and then back at his father.
Andile:"This is Lubanzi, my boyfriend baba," he says, putting his arm around my shoulder.
Phakade :"Pleased to meet you, Lubanzi," his father says, extending his hand. I shake it and smile.
Ncamiso: "You're a very lucky man, Bhuti."
Andile:"I know," Andile says, grinning.
we start eating, and the kids are also quietly eating, watching cartoons on the TV in the dining room. Ncamiso,Andile and I sit at the table with his parents, and we enjoy a nice dinner. After eating, I help Ncamiso with the dishes, and after the she takes kids to bed, I join Andile in our room.
He smiles when I walk in.
Andile:"Come here," he says, holding his arms out. I walk into his embrace, and he pulls me close.
Me:"Are you happy?" I ask him.
Andile:"Of course I'm happy, babe," he says. "My parents didn't complain or make a scene or judge us when I introduced you as my boyfriend. They were so welcoming and friendly."
I smile, and my heart feels lighter.
Me:"That's great to hear. I was a little nervous, but they were lovely."
Andile:"I know you were nervous, but I'm glad they put you at ease. You fit right in," he says, kissing my forehead.
Me:"Thank you," I say, feeling so grateful to have him by my side.
Andile:"You're welcome, and you know you always have me"
He looks at me, his eyes full of love and warmth. "Come here," he says, taking my hand and leading me to the bed. I sit down next to him, and he wraps his arms around me.
Andile:"I love you so much," he whispers in my ear. "You make me the happiest man alive."
I smile and kiss him softly on the lips.
Me: "I love you too, Andile. Thank you for everything."
He kisses me back, and we sit there, holding each other close, enjoying the moment. The room is silent, except for the sound of our breathing..
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