6

THE BRACELET 6



TUMELO



If I had a choice I wouldn't go into the house after what my mother saw. I know Warona is embarrassed but clearly not as much as I am. The front door is half open so I make my way into the lounge where the voices are coming from. There's this weird old lady seated on the couch opposite the door and as soon as she lays her eyes on me, she gets on her feet to embrace me.



Old lady: Come here my grandson. I missed you so much



Me: I missed you too



I'm just wondering why she favours me so much but at least there's someone in the family who actually cares. She holds my hands and her eyes fall on the bracelet.



Old lady: You have it



Me: Huh?



Old lady: Follow me



We walk outside and I'm guessing she wants to tell me a secret



Old lady: You have the bracelet



Me: You know about it?



Old lady: Yes it was mine



Me: Please make it go away. My spirit possessed your grandchild and I just want all this to end



Old lady: I know but it's not that easy



Me: What do you mean?



Old lady: When your grandfather threw it at the river that day, things were never the same again. I've been sick since then and he passed away. I've been looking for this for years but Tumelo it's too late for me to take it back



Me: Then what am I supposed to do? Switch bodies forever?



Old lady: You don't have to switch bodies anymore



Me: It's not like I choose when to switch



Old lady: I'm here now and I've touched it. You'll never switch again, you'll remain here



Me: Remain in this poor guy's body? Everybody hates him so I can't. I'd rather go back to the previous body than live broke



Old lady: You don't know the power of this bracelet, Tumelo. You can use it to your advantage however you wish but of course there's always a price to pay



Me: To my advantage how?



Old lady: You could use it for your greatest desires at any time



Me: I don't want it



Old lady: My time is up, Tumelo. You'll have to keep it



Me: No



Old lady: Perhaps this is your destiny. You could do wonders with it if you're willing to pay the price



Me: What price?



Old lady: That's not up to you to decide on the price. The bracelet will choose its own price



I try to take it off but it's as if my hands are stiff.



Old lady: You can't take it off, Tumelo. If it's money that you want then it's money that you get. Whatever you need, command it



She returns into the house and I go back to my backroom. Warona is already in bed watching a movie and I'm no longer in the mood for company.



Warona: So?



Me: She just wanted to see me



Warona: Are you okay?



Me: Yeah



Warona: Should we go get some food?



Me: Babe I don't have any cash on me



Warona: Yeah I know that and I never said you're paying



Me: I'm really tired of having you settle my bills all the time



Warona: I want to help because I love you. It's not a big deal



Me: It's wrong. I'm supposed to be taking care of you, not the other way around



Warona: Stop being proud. I have the money to help you out so please let me



Me: I feel like less of a man



Warona: You can never be less of a man in my eyes. In fact you're all the man I need



Me: Everybody says I'm not good enough for you



Warona: Forget about what everybody says. Come let's go get something to eat



Me: Baby



Warona: Yes?



Me: One day I'll be able to take care of you



Warona: I know and I don't doubt that for a minute



She takes out some cash from her bag and walks out first. I follow after a few seconds and we get fish and chips down the road, it's her favorite.



We return home and as soon as I enter, that huge snake is lying unbothered on my bed. I almost panick but I control myself. I know Warona can't see it so at least she won't know. She sits on the bed and it goes in between her legs. I'm just standing there not knowing what to do



Warona: Babe what's wrong?



Me: Are you feeling alright?



Warona: Now that you ask actually I'm feeling kind of dizzy and I have this abdominal pains



Me: Can I get you something?



Warona: I think I'm gonna lie down for a minute



She lies down as I watch it have its way with her. What am I to do in this situation? It's as if like she fainted because she's not moving anymore even though I've called out her name multiple times. A few minutes later it gets off her and slithers off the bed then vanishes. I immediately rush to her aid hoping she's not dead



Me: Baby wake up



She opens her eyes and I don't believe she's still in pain.



Warona: Did I pass out?



Me: You said you're not feeling okay



Warona: I'm just a bit tired that's all



Me: So you're feeling better?



Warona: Yes. Tumelo what did you do to me?



Me: What's that supposed to mean I didn't do anything



Warona: I'm so wet



Me: You were probably having wet dreams



Warona: Wet dreams? I don't remember any wet dreams



Me: I don't know baby I didn't touch you



Warona: I need to pee



She goes outside and the bracelet sparks. There's suddenly odd sounds coming from my wardrobe and when I open, the snake is there lying on top of countess bricks of cash notes. Warona returns and I quickly shut the wardrobe door



Warona: What are you hiding in there?



Me: Nothing



Warona: Let me see



Me: It's nothing



She insists and pushes me out of the way. There's nothing when she opens and now I look like I'm crazy



Warona: I was at the toilet and I'm bleeding a bit. I don't know coz I can't be on my period it's too early



Me: I'm sorry



Warona: I'll be fine. If it persists I'll see a doctor. Come let's eat

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