LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

PROLOGUE

Thoughts of what awaits me today deprived me

of sleep, I lay awake the entire night tossing
and turning because my anxiety wouldn’t let
me rest. Fear ripples through me everytime I
remember what today is, I know I should be
happy and excited but I’m not. I’m so nervous I
can literally hear the sound of my heart
beating, my mother thinks I’m afraid of change
but not being liked is what I fear the most. I
wish I can be like those people who don’t care
if you like them or not but that can never be
me, I care too much about how other people
feel about me that I sometimes do things I am
not comfortable with or don’t want to do just so
I can gain acceptance.

Today is a big day, my first day at work. I’ll be

working as a high school teacher, not just any
high school but one famous for low matric pass
rate, high rate of teenage pregnancy and drug
abuse. I guess now you know where my anxiety
stems from right, question is will I fit in? Will
the learners listen to me and give me the
necessary respect as their teacher seeing that
I’m only a few years older than them? And
most importantly will I be able to perform a
miracle and improve the school’s reputation by
improving pass rate for Life Sciences- one of
the most failed subjects in the school!

All is not gloomy though, I’m happy to have

finally found a job I studied for. I will finally
extend my parent’s house and buy myself a car
now that’s exciting, independence that is.
Having to depend on my boyfriend for every
single thing is not ideal, yeah he doesn’t mind
he loves doing things for me matter of fact but I
need my own money so I can spoil my parents
and show them my gratitude, I owe those two
my life.

****

I changed outfits four times in the last half an

hour and I still cant seem to find one that’s
good enough, first impressions last angithi? I
could wear the black formal pant with a white
crisp shirt but I hate how the trouser hugs my
legs it’s a skinny leg and I’m gifted with thick
legs shem and I hate it when people look at my
legs and say “ yho une zitho" so I don’t like
anything leg-hugging.
“Wear the dress” my mom says walking into
my room

“Ma you know how I feel about dresses"

“I don’t get it, so many people would die to

have your beautiful legs but you keep hiding
them under jeans and long dresses no man
wear the dress and show off what God blessed
you with!” she says handing me the dress

I reluctantly take it and wear it over my head,

my mom says a woman or a girl child needs to
wear a dress over her head as to why that is I
don’t know! I just do what she says without
questions to avoid her long unending lectures,
my mother is a talker once she starts talking
then there’s no stopping her.

“Bheka umuhle njani?” she says as I smooth

my hands over the dress.

It’s a black formal knee length pencil dress,

with a slit at the back I take a look at myself in
the mirror gotta admit though I look good in
this dress

“That’s my girl” she has a proud look on her

face

I smile and step closer to the mirror and

remove the stocking from my head, another
struggle hiding my big forehead! I undo my
pony and run my hands through my hair
thinking of a perfect hairstyle to hide my big
forehead to the world.

“No my girl no hiding your pretty forehead fasa

iphondo nje kuvele wena”

(tie a bun, so all your features come out)

If only my mom knew how disrespectful school

kids are, the last thing I want is to be labelled
‘sphongo' on my first day of school. I was
dubbed with my forehead throughout high
school which is why I got through varsity
wearing weaves and doing those forehead
hiding hairstyles- you know your razor cut,
bonding with a side stitch, French n them and
the comments on girls with foreheads on social
media didn’t do any justice to my confidence
shem.

The school is pretty big, there are a couple of

cars already parked in the yard, learners
walking in and out of the school gate while
others are standing in groups chatting. I
remember I used to be like them, on Mondays
my friends and I would put our bags in class,
stand outside and chat away- kushe umgosi
kuphela!.

The cab is parked outside the school gate, I

thank the driver and step out after doing
breathing exercises. Like my mother suggested
I have my hair tied in a high bun so all the
sphongo is out to play and knowing my
forehead I am sure it’s shining I don’t know
why but it shines nje naturally no ponds or face
powder is good enough shem. I take calculated
steps towards the gate passing a few learners in
the process, I wave to security guard and walk
as good as I can master in this six inch heels
I’m wearing.

I pass two teachers standing next to the their

cars and chant “ Good morning" flashing
nervous smiles all the way till I reach the office,
luckily I already know my way the principal
showed me around when I came to sign the
contract last month so I know my way around
here. I sign the time book and sit awkwardly in
the staff room pressing on my phone. You
know that thing of going through your phone
just so you look busy? That’s exactly what I’m
doing now, there’s nothing interesting in my
phone just messages from friends and my
boyfriend wishing me good luck on my first day
of work.

“ You’re welcome, looking forward to working

with you"

“Thank you"

“ Welcome ntombi, we are pleased to have you

in our team" – another one adds
The principal officially introduced me to
everyone after briefing, most of the teachers
here are more or less in the same age group as
me. A large number of them are female and
that can only mean one thing- izindaba!

“ That will be all from me colleagues, Miss

Khumalo Mr Mathobela will show you around.
Welcome once again, I hope you’ll enjoy
working with us and please don’t hesitate to
ask if you need anything”

“ Thank you” I say and offer him a small smile

He saunters out of the staff room and everyone

follows suit, only me and Mr Mathobela are left
in the room now.
“This is you"

He says handing me a box with textbooks, ATP

and my personal timetable. He’s my HOD, so I
guess it’s his responsibility to show me around
and help me settle in.

“ Thank you so much"

I say and skim my eyes over the timetable

“ Let me show you to your office, I have class

in ten minutes”
He says looking at his wrist watch

The school is built in an upstairs fashion, it has

the ground floor, the first and second floor. I’m
sure I’m going to shed a few kilos going up and
down these stairs daily. I scurry behind him
and follow him all the way to the first floor, he
opens a door revealing a vast room with
various charts on the wall. There’s a cabinet
with a structure of the digestive system, the
heart, the brain and the structure of the human
skeleton, the cabinet next to it is filled with
beakers, test tubes, test tube racks and other
lab equipment so I’m guessing this is the Life
sciences laboratory.
“ This will be your office, please use that
cabinet for your things.”

He says showing me a tiny office in between

the two laboratories

“ Okay thank you"

“ This is your key, we don’t take the keys home

with us. Please hand them to Junior before you
leave after school”

“ Junior?”

“ He’s the caretaker, don’t worry I’ll introduce

you to him but for now I really need to get to
class do you think will you be alright on your
own or you need me to show you to your first
class?”

“ No I will be okay, go to class don’t worry

about me”

He grabs a textbook on top of the desk and

dashes out of the room. I pack my things neatly
in the cabinet, check the ATP and textbook
preparing myself for class. When the clock
strikes 9 AM I say a quick prayer, take my
textbook and head to class.

Finding 12B wasn’t hard I met a learner met on

my way up here and she showed me, I could
hear their noise all the way from the stairs oh
my gosh this is one noisy class I take a deep
breath, push the door open and walk in.
Awkward silence lingers in the room as all eyes
fall on me from the moment I walk in from the
door until I reach the table on the far left corner
of the class room

“ Good morning class, my name is Miss

Khumalo and I’ll be your new Life sciences
teacher.”

No one replies they all stare at me with no

expression on their faces, oh gosh this is going
to be harder than I thought.

“ What is the last chapter you did with your

previous teacher?”
(Silence)

“ Haibo am I talking to myself or what?!”

I say with a firm tone

I expect them to respond but NO these little

devils do the unexpected- they laugh making
me look like a fool! I’m trying so hard not to cry
right now, how am I going to teach these kids?

I’m tempted to walk out of here but what’s

going to happen tomorrow because I still need
to teach this class, running away will not solve
the problem I need to deal with this right here
and now. Maybe I should make an example
with one of them

“ SHUT THE FUCK UP!”

I’m still thinking of a way to send a message to

these kids when a deep voice from the backseat
commands and the class instantly grows quiet.

“ Please carry on ma'am"- He says

My heartbeat accelerates as I stare into the

eyes of my ‘Hero', who the hell is this boy and
why does he have so much authority?

-----
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#1

Given the things I’ve read about the school

from the internet and print media I've always
known working here wasn’t going to be easy I
was mentally prepared for a challenge but I
didn’t imagine it would be something like this, I
didn’t think I’d face so much humiliation on the
very first day of work. What the pupils did to
me killed every bit of confidence I had to stand
in front of the class and teach but the words
‘giving up’ don’t exist in my vocabulary, I
might be sensitive but I’m not one to back
down from a fight I always finish what I start.

After the chatter ceased I took a deep breath,

said a silent prayer and started teaching the
class. It was hard at first because my voice was
quavering, my hands were shaking making it
difficult for me to flip the textbook with ease.
Seeing what was written on the textbook was
even harder because my vision was blurry due
to my tears, tears I fought so hard to hold back.
I wasn’t okay, everyone could see it but I had
no choice but to fake it till I made it.

Standing in front of a crowd is not easy,

whether you’re teaching, delivering a speech or
a sermon doesn’t matter standing in front of a
crowd takes courage and that’s why some
people prefer having family or a friend in the
crowd so they can look to them and draw
strength from them whenever they feel like
giving up. In that emotionally overwhelming
moment in class looking to the boy's direction
gave me the courage I needed to do what I
needed to do.

The rest of my classes weren’t as bad as the

first one, they were good matter of fact the
learners were surprisingly engaging and
participating in the lesson and gave me the
respect I deserved as their teacher.

“ How did it go?”

Mathobela says when I walk into the office

“ Not so bad”

“ Really?”

He asks with a quirked eyebrow

“ Yes, really”

“ You’re lucky, most teachers complain about

Grade 12B learners"

“ Yeah they were bit difficult at first but I was

able to deal with them”
More like the ‘boy' dealt with them

“ Okay, shout if you need help those rascals

can be difficult to deal with"

“ Yeah I will”

****

I’m in my room listening to music while playing

a game on my phone, my lips stretch into a big
smile when I receive a call from my bae. I
pause the song and take his call
“ Lover!”

I say in a jubilant tone

He giggles

“ Sthandwa sam”

“ How are you baby?”

“ I’m okay and you"

“ I’m fine now that you called" I say

“ I love the sound of that, so tell me how was
your first day at work my love?”

“ Overall it wasn’t bad but yo babe Grade 12B

gave me a problem at first”

“ Problem how?”

“ So I walked in and introduced myself but

none of them replied all they did was stare at
me, I tried to exercise my authority by
hardening my voice you know be a bit firm oho
those rascals laughed at me I swear I wanted to
cry shem"
Even thinking about it now gets me emotional,
my heart sinks to the pit of my stomach when I
think about that class shem.

“ Eish I’m sorry my love, you need to be firm

with them chase them out of your class if you
must. Punish one and make an example out of
him, do whatever you need to ensure they
respect you and take you serious and most
importantly don’t forget to pray. Banikezele ku
nkulunkulu ngomkhuleko sthandwa sam”

( Surrender them to God in prayer)

“ this is why I love you, you always know what

to say to make me feel better"
“ You’re my woman, it’s my job to make sure
you’re okay"

“ Ncoah my love, so sweet"

“ I got you, you know that. Babe let me cook,

I’ll call again before I sleep”

“ Ok do what you must my love, I love you”

“ I love you more, sharp sthandwa sam"

Musa is my boyfriend, we have been together

for almost four years now. Growing up I always
knew I would end up with him, we grew up in
the same church and the idea of the both of us
as a couple was instilled in us from a young
age. His mother blatantly told him she would
never accept any other girl who wasn’t me as
her daughter in law, Musa says his mother
loving me didn’t influence his attraction
towards me it just served as a confirmation that
him and I were always meant to be together.

I must admit Musa knows what to say to make

me feel better, I’m blessed to have such a
loving, supportive and considerate partner like
him I count him twice when I count my
blessings.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts

“ Its open"
Melo walks in and drops her weight on my bed

“ Ses'Ndalo how was your first day at work?”

“ Yo awangidelelanga kangaka ama 12B shem"

( 12B disrespected me)

“ Bayenzeni?”

( what did they do)

I narrate everything that happened

“ Yo askies shem”
“ But at least that boy stepped in and stood up
for me"

“ Yeah”

***

“ The small intestine is divided into three parts

namely the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The
duodenum is the first part of the small intestine
which is… “

The sound of the siren cuts me short

“ Iphelile i period yakho ma'am” they chorus

“ Oh niyangicosha ok then ithi ngihambe"

( oh you’re chasing me out, let me go then)

I say with my hand on my chest pretending to

be hurt

They all laugh

“ No ma'am asikucoshi, yi period ye maths and

siyabhala" Kwazi

“ You don’t need to explain it’s ok let me say

this quickly Grade 11J you’re writing a test
next week and the digestive system is in the
test, please go through the notes at home so
that it’ll be easier when I explain tomorrow in
class. We are behind, we really need to wrap
nutrition and get started on cellular
respiration.”

Moeng walks in and stands next to the door

waiting for me to finish to packing my stuff.

“ Goodbye kids, see you tomorrow"

“ Bye ma'am"

The moment I’ve been dreading the entire day

has arrived, is it necessary for me to teach 12B
mara ye? Like yesterday I can hear them
talking all the way from the stairs, I push the
door open and walk in. Talking ceases when
they see me walk in and they stare at me like
they did yesterday. I don’t bother myself with
greeting them I take the duster, wipe the board
and start writing notes on the human
reproduction system. To my surprise they all
take out their notebooks and copy the notes on
the board.

“ I’ll explain the notes tomorrow but I’d advise

you to go through them on your own at home
so that it’ll be easier for you to understand
when I explain in class, I don’t know how your
previous teacher taught you but this is how I do
it. It’s easier to understand something you’ve
done on your own first because that way you
can ask for clarity on things you couldn’t
understand on your own”

“ Your homework will be reproduction in

invertebrates I made you copies of activities
from an old textbook, I need one of you to
come with me when my period ends. Who’s
your class rep?”

“ Thato Mazibuko"- they chorus

I’m only seeing them for the second time this

week, I’m yet to know them by their names.
“ Okay Thato you’ll come with me after class,
please write your homework we will do
corrections in the morning class".

#indistinct chatter#

“ If you have something to say I suggest you

raise your hand, we cant all talk at the same
time so is there anyone who wants to say
something?”

A hand goes up, it’s a girl with a long thin twist

hanging over her shoulders. Are they allowed to
come to school looking like this?

“ Yes"
I say motioning her to speak

“ Ma'am you said we should go over the notes

but manje sewuthi sibhale ama activity”

“ Your point is?”

“ What I’m trying to say that is a bit too much

for a day in one subject, asifundi I life science
kuphela we still have other subjects” she says
and flicks her twist

The class laughs

“ Listen up, I will not tolerate disrespect in my
class. I’m here to teach not to babysit anyone,
honestly whether you write or not I really don’t
care because awenzeli mina you’re doing it for
yourself. Anyone who doesn’t want to obey my
instructions shouldn’t be in my class in the first
place so ntombo you’re welcome to leave"

I wait for her to stand up but she doesn’t

“ The reason why you’re sitting down listening

to me teach is because I know better, I’ll chase
you out of my class the next time you want to
show off"

“ Sorry ma'am" she mutters barely audible

I wouldn’t have heard her if she wasn’t sitting
in the front row.

“ That’s all for today, Thato please come with

me".

It’s been a month since I started working here

and I’m slowly but surely adjusting and
adapting to the new environment, learners in
Grade 12 B are no longer as disrespectful as
they were when I first started teaching them. I
listened to Musa's advice and surrendered them
to God through prayer, I also pray for my other
classes. Nothing is as painful as spending your
time teaching learners only for them to end up
failing, so I always pray before class so God can
help me explain concepts in a way that will
make it easy for my learners to understand.

Its Lunch time Miss Phakathi and I are in my

office having lunch, out of all my female
colleagues she’s the one who was the most
welcoming. I enjoy spending time with her,
she’s talkative and fun to be around.

“So you mean to tell me that you’ve only had

one dick in your life?”

She bellows on top of her voice causing me to

feel a bit embarrassed

“ Shh keep it down hao”

“ Chill dude, it’s just the two of us here"

“ Still, there’s no need for you to scream the

roof down”

She roll her eyes

“ Urg haele lona bazalwane and acting holier

than thou"

“ Whatever” I say

“ So your boyfriend is your first and only?”

“ Yebo"

“ And you’re okay with that?”

“ Yes, Nthabiseng Phakathi"

“ Then you’re definitely a better person than I

am, nna I’d never be happy with not knowing
what the world has In store for me outside of
my relationship”

“ Lucky for you then because you’re not me".

“ Yo..”
The siren goes off cutting her short

“ You were literally saved by the bell, this

conversation is not over my dear”

I laugh

She hurriedly clears the table, takes her lunch

box and walks out of the room.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#2
Now that you’ve ventured a bit into my life
allow me to introduce myself, I am
Buhlebendalo Khumalo 25 years of age the first
daughter of Muziwakhe Khumalo and Lilian
Selepe. I was born and bred at Embalenhle- a
township in the Govan Mbheki municipality in
the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa.
Embalenhle was first established in the 1970s
to be a black-only township, I have two
younger siblings Melokuhle and Anele they are
a year apart from each other unfortunately my
parents were not blessed with any male
children.

Melokuhle followed in my footsteps she’s doing

her second year in Education at the Tshwane
University of Technology, my youngest sister
Anele is unfortunately not academically gifted
like Melo and myself. She’s finally in her grade
11 but that was after she repeated her 10th
grade twice. Although not academically smart,
Anele is very talented she’s been doing art for
as long as I can remember. She is part of a
community project that aims to take children
off the streets by keeping them busy with art,
Anele is a very good singer, dancer and actor.
Showing support and being there for one
another is one of the values we live by in my
family so we always attend her concerts even
though art is not something we are interested
in.
Teaching here isn’t as bad I thought It would
be, like any other job there are some challenges
but it’s nothing I cannot handle. I was raised to
pray my way through everything, it doesn’t
matter what I’m facing I always pray my way
through it and trust God to give me a solution
and show me a way.

“ We should really stop eating fat cakes every

morning yaz sizobhamuka stru nasi"

(We will gain weight)

Nthabi says putting Atchaar and polony in her

fat cake

“ You said the same thing last week"

“ Ay this time I’m serious, we really need to
stop"

“ Ok then, we are eating them for the last time

today tomorrow we are not buying them".

“ Hay' chomi asicale kahle next week"

I laugh

“ I knew you’d say that"

“ Can you blame me though? Ay amnandi

lamagwinya walo mama shem yo ngathi yi
buns awana mafutha ey uyaliyenza igwinya lo
mama ay no ngiyamvuma"

( Her fat cakes are so delicious, they taste like

buns. They don’t have too much oil, I must
admit that woman is good)

“ I agree with you, she’s good"

The siren goes off

“ Don’t tell it’s 8 o’ clock already, yo iskhathi

siyagijima yo"

( time flies)
“ Dude tell me about it, please pass me my
timetable ngibheke kuthi ngicala kuphi manje
eksen"

( so I can see what my first period is)

She wipes her hands with toilet paper and

passes me my timetable, my heart sinks when I
see what my first class is.

“ What, why do you look like that?”

“ I always dread going to this class"

She glances at my timetable

“ 12B, vele those kids are the devil’s minions
no educator likes them"

“ Yeah eish, don’t you have class?”

“ No, I’m free”

“ Ok I’m leaving please lock the door when you

leave"

I say placing the padlock next to her

“ You got it"

I slowly wipe my hands and take my textbook
lord knows how much I dread going to that
class. The learners no longer give me a
problem, there has been a tremendous
improvement in their behavior in the past
couple of weeks. They engage and participate
during lessons and I’m very happy with the
marks they got on their last test, well not all of
them passed though but majority of them did
well. If that isn’t proof of how hard I work then
I don’t know what is.

The reason I dread going to class has a name,

Sabelo Meyiwa. Yes that’s the name of my ‘
hero' I don’t know what’s with me but I’ve
taken a huge liking into the boy, please don’t
look at me like that I know it’s wrong but I
can’t help myself my imagination always runs
wild everytime I look at him. I know he’s only a
kid but dammit he’s so attractive, minus the
uniform there’s nothing about him that screams
’18 and in high school' he looks like a grown
man especially with all that moustache and
facial hair.

The weirdest or is it creepiest part about this

whole thing is that I always imagine him doing
the naughtiest things to me, like him pounding
me hard from the back. I mentally slap myself
for allowing myself to think like that of a kid, a
damn 18 year old gosh what’s wrong with you
Ndalo he’s not only younger than me he’s
younger than my youngest sister!
Honestly I'm worried, seeing that I entertain
such thoughts about someone seven years
younger than me does that make me
paedophile? I remember I once saw a movie of
a maid who used to sleep with her boss's son,
the boy was only 13 and the lady was a grown
woman I was so disgusted by that woman but
am I any different to her? Here I am imagining
a 18 year old boy doing the wildest and dirtiest
things to me.

The first thing I do when I walk into class is to

glance at his chair, I sigh in relief when I see
that he’s not in class. For someone who’s in
matric being absent from school is not ideal
and I know as his teacher I should be worried
concerned even but I’m not, I’m relieved if
anything because his presence in class makes it
very difficult for me to teach.

“ Good morning class"

“ Good morning miss Khumalo"

“ Please take out your textbooks and go to page

170”

While they shuffle through their backpacks for

the textbook, I use the time to reply to a
message from Musa.

*# I wish you a day as beautiful as you are, I

love you baby#* his message reads
*# Thanks my love, I love you so much
more#*

I reply and slip my phone in my pockets

“ Okay kids, I believe everyone is on page 170

right?”

“ Yes ma'am"

Fifteen minutes into the lesson I’m disturbed by

a knock on the door

“ Come in!” Kamva bellows

The door opens and Sabelo walks in
hypnotizing with his handsomeness, is it legal
for one person to look this good? Don’t get me
started on his walk, he knows he’s the shit and
he owns it. There’s nothing more attractive
than a confident person, I said confident not
arrogant! I mentally curse myself when I
remember that he’s nothing but a 18 year old
boy!.

“ Sabelo Meyiwa is this the time to come to my

class? Go back to where you’re coming from!”

“ I’m sorry ma'am but I started at Home Affairs

before coming here, I told my class teacher I
thought she would tell you"
He doesn’t even have an ID yet, haha ya neh

“ Okay, go sit down you’ve disturbed me

enough already”.

“ Thank you ma'am"

Damn that deep voice of his sends signals down

south, how did I suddenly become this person
who gets turned on by the sound of someone’s
voice? Musa has to perform magic tricks and
stunts to get me in the mood yet the sound of
Sabelo's voice has my clit twitching nonstop, ya
bophelo ke fatuku straight.
With great difficulty I continue with the lesson,
I can’t wait for this year to end. Truly speaking,
Sabelo Meyiwa will be the death of me.

**

I’m in my office changing into my kicks after a

very long die of walking in heels

“ So what are your plans for the weekend"

Nthabi

“ You need to stop asking me that, you know

what I’ll say.”

“ Did I have to befriend such a boring friend

though"
She whines

“ Khethile khethile sisi"

We laugh

“ Thatha nayi I fridge yakho iyakhala"

( Take your phone it’s ringing)

Any phone that’s not an iPhone is a fridge to

her, according to her only iPhone is worthy of
being called a phone.

“ Who’s calling?”
I ask and continue tying my shoe laces

“ Mfundisi"

“ Give it here”

“ Baby” I say when I answer the call

“ Sthandwa sam, guess where I am?”

“ Your apartment?”

He knows I’m not good at this guessing games

yet he insists on making me guess every single
time
He chuckles

“ You’re so bad at guessing, I’m outside your

school"

“ Woah what? Don’t joke like that”

I say already heading to the door

“ Come out quickly, I miss you"

He says and drops the call

I run back to my office when I see his car
parked outside the school, take my bag and
carelessly throw everything inside.

“ Wow, umfundisi uyakuhlanyisa shem"

( The pastor drives you crazy)

“ leave my pastor alone"

No, Musa is not a pastor but Nthabi insists on

dubbing him with that name. To her bonke abo
‘ brother’ abo pastor.

My relationship with Musa is perfect, he’s

never given me a reason to complain in the four
years I’ve been with him. That’s why I always
beat myself up for allowing myself to look at
Sabelo like that, Musa doesn’t deserve any of
this. I know people believe that every man
cheats but that’s not true, mine doesn’t. I know
he loves me and I’m certain I’m the only
woman in his life which is why I feel so guilty
for imagining myself with another man well
another boy.

We were friends for a year before agreeing to

take our relationship to the next level, he’s my
first- the plan was to wait for marriage but our
feelings got the better of us we fornicated. Once
we started it was hard for us to stop so we
consoled ourselves with the fact that we would
get married one day so it wasn’t as bad, four
years later Musa is still everything I need and
want in a man, he’s a dedicated man of God, a
good boyfriend, has a well paying job, an
apartment, a car and is very generous- he’s
everything women want in a man and he’s all
mine.

I can’t let lust jeopardize the relationship I built

for years, I need to forget about Sabelo and get
rid of all the unwanted feelings I have for him.
Musa is the one for me, he treats me like a
queen and he’s someone I see myself having a
family with.

He steps out of the car when he sees me

approaching, I half run and throw myself in his
arms. He attempts to pick me up but fails, I’m a
size 34 and he’s a size 30.
“ Damn girl you’re getting heavier, what do you
eat?”

“ Magwinya" I reply

“ I can tell, you’ve gotten fatter please stay

away from fat cakes my love they’re not good
for your health"

“ I will"

“ Hop in, let’s go" he says

He opens his door and gets in, I go around to
my side and get inside the car.

“ I miss you chubby cheeks”

He says pinching my cheeks

“ Baby man, stop doing that. I miss you too"

I say giggling

He brings the engine to life and joins the main

road

“ How was your day at work?” he asks

“ fine and how was yours?”

“ Amazing but I was missing you so much,

you’re spending the weekend with me right?”

“ is that you asking me to?”

“ Yeah"

“ of course I will my love"

Maybe this is exactly what I need, a weekend

with my boyfriend to get over the silly feelings I
have for a damn kid. I have a man who loves
me and treats me like a Queen what more do I
want?

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#3

“ Come back quickly, I don’t want to be stuck

in traffic"

He says and parks outside my house

“ I’ll be back before you know it"

I see the kitchen curtain move as I walk
towards the door. I know my mother was
peeping through the window.

“ Good afternoon mama"

I say when I enter the kitchen

“ Afternoon Buhle, why didn’t Musa come

inside with you?”

Didn’t I say it?

“ We are in a hurry ma, I’m only here to take

my clothes and toiletries”.
“ You’re spending the weekend at his place?”

She’s not happy about this, her facial

expression gives her away.

“ Yes, ma"

I walk out the door and head to my room, I

have an outside room dad built it for me when I
turned 21. He said I needed my privacy, I was
so happy because sharing the bedroom with my
sisters wasn’t ideal especially because Melo is
a slob so we were always at loggerheads.
“ Hai Buhle you want your father to give me a
lecture, you know how he feels about you
spending the night at Musa's place"

She says trudging behind me

My father doesn’t like it when I spend the

weekend at Musa's apartment, he says Musa
should marry me if he wants a wife and that no
daughter of his will play the role of a wife while
she’s nothing but a girlfriend.

“ Mama please cover for me”

“ Hay Buhle mina ngizothi uyephi?”

(Where will I say you are)

“ Ngiye ku Pretty e Goli, please ma"

( You’ll say I went to Pretty in Joburg)

Pretty is my best friend, my parents and hers

were the best of friends well that was until her
father passed away and her mother relocated
back to Gauteng. The distance didn’t affect our
friendship that much, we try to see each other
at least once a month.

“ Ai okay ke, but this is for the last time. I’m

only agreeing to this because I trust that boy I
know he wouldn’t touch you"
My mother thinks I’m still a virgin, Musa and I
sleep in separate bedrooms as far as she
knows. Musa was living in his parent’s house
all along he moved to the Kinross five months
ago, so me spending weekends at his place is
something we started recently.

“ Thank you ma, you’re the best. Please lock

the door for me"

I don’t wait for her response, I peck her cheek

and run out of the room.

***
Today marks the end of the beautiful weekend
I spent with my boyfriend, I get emotional
everytime I have to go back home. I wish I
could spend another night here, that’s how
much I enjoy spending time with my bae

“ Babe hambo geza the water will run cold"

He says nudging me with his elbow

“ Do I really have to go?”

“ I also wish you didn’t have to go but you

can’t sleep here tonight, we both have work
tomorrow you didn’t bring any work clothes so
you’ll have to start at your house before you go
to work and that means you’ll have to be up
early and we both know how much you love
your sleep".

“ Eish you’re right, there’s no use moping let

me get myself cleaned up"

I take my towel, shower cap and head to the

bathroom. I scream when the hot water hits my
back and quickly step out of the shower and
adjust the water temperature. I test the water
with my arm before jumping back to the
shower, twenty minutes later I’m out of the
shower wiping myself with a towel.

“ Let me"
He says taking the tub of oh so heavenly
pomegranate lotion from my hands

“ Oh okay"

He carefully smears and applies the lotion on

every part of my body, starting down from my
legs up to my arms. He throws the tub on top of
the bed when he’s done and spanks my ass.

“ Atchu! That was painful!”

“ I’m sorry babe but my hands couldn’t resist

your firm round ass."
“ Please pass me my underwear and clothes
behind you”

“ Okay lovie"

When I’m done wearing my clothes I pack

everything I own into my bag and spritz
perfume.

“ Haisuka nini madoda, umuhle ntombi yakwa

Khumalo.”

( you’re beautiful)

He says whistling
If I was light skinned I swear my cheeks would
be maroon right now.

“ Umuhle MaKhumalo"

“ Thank you baby"

Seeing that I lied to my father and made him

believe I was in Johannesburg Musa couldn’t
drop me off at my house, he drove me to the
Kinross taxi rank and I took a taxi from there to
my house.

My father and Anele are so engrossed on the

TV screen they don’t even see me walk in,
they’re watching wrestling #eyeroll# Anele is
the son my father never had if you know what I
mean. She’s the one who’s closest to our father,
they do everything a father would do with his
son- they watch sports and wrestling together,
go on fishing trips and talk about cars I
wouldn’t be surprised if Anele turned out to be
lesbian because wawu!

“ Good afternoon family"

They don’t reply more like they don’t hear me

so I stand in front of the screen and obscure
their view

“ Buhle move!” dad commands

“ Hao baba are you not happy to see your first
born after not seeing her for the entire
weekend?”

“ Buhle ngithe suka!”

(I said move)

I know that look, he’s getting impatient so I

move from the TV screen and toddle out of the
room to look for my mother. I find her in her
bedroom reading her bible

“ Ma wami"

“ Hey Buhle, sewubuyile ntombi yami"

(You’re back)
Lol people and asking rhetorical questions

“ Yebo ma sengbuyile, uphi u Melo I didn’t see

her around the house?”

( yes I’m back, where is Melo)

“She went back to Pretoria yesterday, your

father drove her”

“ Ha uziphethe kabi u Melokuhle, she didn’t

think to tell me she was going back to school.
Why didn’t she call?”

“ I don’t know my love, how was your

weekend?”
My lips break into involuntary smile

“ It was amazing ma"

“ Okay my love, there’s food is in the kitchen if

you’re hungry okay?”

“ Thank you ma but I think I’ll head to bed, I’m

tired I need all the energy to deal with those
kids tomorrow"

“ Okay my love, goodnight”

“ Night mommy"
***

“ So tell me everything don’t leave anything

out" – Nthabi

She’s been annoying me since morning

demanding I tell her everything that happened
over the weekend, there’s no getting out of this
one I might as well

“ Okay I’ll tell you, what do you want to

know?”

“ Everything”
“ I’m not a good storyteller but I’ll try, nothing
talk worthy happened on Friday. We went out
on Saturday and then yesterday I came back”

“ Wow, you really suck at explaining. I feel

sorry for your learners, how do you explain
things to them? I want details girls details,
come on I can’t teach you everything”

We laugh

“ Come on give me details, I know you can do

so much better than this"
“ Ai Nthabi nawe uthanda izindaba shem, what
should I say because I told you everything that
happened".

“ So boring, you really need to loosen up my

friend you’re so uptight uziphathisa sa gogo
nyana"

( you act like an old woman)

She says and laughs at me

“ Mxm"

“ Okay, I’m kidding. Since you can’t tell me

about everything else at least tell me about the
sex then, how was it?”
The naughty glee on her face is hard to miss

“ It was good"

“ Excuse me, did you just say good?!” she

exclaims

Nthabi is dramatic shem

“ Yep”

A frown covers her face

“ Just good? What happened to amazing,
where’s the twinkle in your eyes when you talk
about this supposed ‘good sex' of yours with
mfundisi?”

“ Come on Nthabi, I’m not comfortable talking

about my sex life. That’s not me"

She stares at me for a while

“ What?”

“ Pastor isn’t any good is he?”

“ No, he’s amazing. I’m just not like you, I’m

not comfortable talking about my sex life to
anyone either than the person I’m having sex
with"

“ Hmm if you say so but ngisasho pastor

akakwazi ukwenza uyakurobha nje, yo ni
strong Ndalo man four years yonke ubekezelele
umdavazo obhedayo? No ngyakuvuma u
strong"

( pastor doesn’t satisfy you sexually, you’re

strong tolerating bad sex for four years you real
are strong)

Well we didn’t start having sex four years ago,

we only started two years ago but I don’t have
to explain myself to her
“ He’s good I’m telling you"

I don’t know if its Nthabi I’m trying to convince

or myself

“ One day you’ll meet someone who’ll give it to

you so good you won’t have to convince me or
anyone else about how good he is because your
glow will do the talking for you, angeke uthi
ubuya ku bae ubuye umbashe so? Never ngyala
I refuse abantu abaphiwe kamnandi ubabona
ebusweni awubabuzi, wena ubonakala nje
kuthi urojiwe”

“ Clearly you’ve made up your mind, there’s

nothing I’ll say to convince you otherwise”
“ That’s because you know I’m right, uchamile
nje?”

( Did you even cum)

“ Yeah, obvious"

I mutter, lying through my teeth. I’ve never

experienced what cumming feels like. Like
ever, I only read about orgasm from books I’m
yet to experience it myself. That’s if I ever will.

“ Hmm"

It’s the last period before school out, I’m in 12A

doing corrections with the class. Out of all my
classes 12A is the one I enjoy the most, pupils
in this class are so eager to learn, they ask
questions, participate and challenge each other.
I’m always looking forward to teaching them
because with them I know none of the effort I
put into teaching them is in vain, I don’t mean
to have favourites but this class is close to my
heart.

“ Ngena"

(Come in)

I say when a knock on the door disturbs us, the

door opens and Sabelo walks in
Did I tell you about his walk? I don’t know how
to explain it but there’s so much confidence in
each and every step he takes, Kanti usathane
unjani ye? The devil is after my life stru nasi, he
keeps tempting me with this boy I’m sure he
wants me to lose my job. I thought spending
the entire weekend with bae would help me get
rid of these stupid feelings but it seems I was
just fooling myself because here I am drooling
over the damn kid.

Don’t judge me but I quickly glance at his dick

print as he walks towards me and damn the kid
is packed down there, a tap on my shoulder
pulls me out from my day dream. It’s him, he’s
standing next to me looking at me with
confusion mirroring his features. I look at his
hand on my shoulder, he quickly retracts it
from my shoulder when he sees starring at it.

“ How dare you put your hands on me?”

I mutter through gritted teeth

“ I’m sorry ma'am but you looked a bit out of it

for a moment there, I only touched because I
was worried about you.”

This is the effect the kid has on me, I wonder

what the learners in this class think of me after
watching me zone out while starring at a high
scholar like that.
“ What do you want, shouldn’t you be in
class?”

I say in a reprimanding tone trying to conceal

how embarrassed I feel.

“ Miss Moloi sent me to ask for coloured

chalks"

“There they are"

I say showing him a box on top of my table, he

saunters to the table, picks out 3 different
colours and walks out. I only release my
breathe when the door shuts close behind him,
wanna know something weird? I can still feel
his fingers on my shoulder even though he
removed them over 2 or 3 minutes ago.

This is going to be a long year!

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#4

As a teenage girl dating was the last thing on

my mind, while girls my age were being
dribbled by mjolo I was committed to school
and church. Musa and I started dating when I
was 21, he’s my first boyfriend and the only
person I’ve ever been with. In the four years
that we’ve been together I’ve never looked at
any other man I have always been content with
what we share until now. A part of me feels
guilty for feeling what I feel for the scholar, it
feels as though I’m cheating on him.

I don’t know what else to do to get rid of the

feelings I have for Sabelo, the only way I know
to overcome things is through prayer and it has
never failed me up until now. I really need to
talk to someone about this before I drive myself
crazy and who better to talk to than Pretty, my
best friend. My nerves shoot up as I put the
phone against my ear waiting for her to pick up

“ Friend!” she exclaims in jubilation

“ Bestie"

I say trying to match her exhilaration

“ What’s wrong?”

Like always, she sees through me

“ I really need someone to talk to before I drive

myself crazy”

“ I’m here, talk to me my love"

“ Eish. So the thing is…”

This is not something I can casually confess to
someone else , I feel guilty and ashamed of
myself for having these feelings for Sabelo so
it’s a very difficult for me to come out and say
it. Pretty is my best friend and I know she will
never judge me but I can’t summon the courage
to tell her this. I’m honestly ashamed of myself

“ The thing is?”

“ I don’t know how to say this"

“ Is it that bad?”

“ It’s horrible friend"

“ You know I’d never judge you but if you’re
not ready to tell me then don’t”

“ No, I want to tell you.”

“ Okay, whenever you’re ready"

“ I think I have a crush on someone"

She releases shaky breath

“ Yeses! Otlampolaya man, I thought it was

something big I thought you cheated or
something"
(You’ll kill me)

“ Trust me this is as bad as cheating"

“ Come on Ndalo you’re being too hard on

yourself, you’re only human dating Musa
doesn’t mean you wont see other guys. Most
people have a crush, I’m also crushing on that
guy Mic Nash from idols so bad"

She doesn’t get it

“ Okay maybe ‘crush' is not the right word to

describe what I feel for this person, like he’s all
I think about and what I feel for him grows
everyday, being around him gets harder and
harder everyday.”

“ Yoh, that sounds serious who’s this guy?”

Here comes the difficult part but here goes

nothing

“ It’s my student” I whisper

“ What? Please tell me you’re joking?”

“ I wish I was"
“ Ndalo! I don’t care how you do it but you
need to get over whatever you think you feel
for the boy, this could cost you your career!”

“ I know"

Awkward silence befalls us

“ How old is he?”

She says breaking the silence I guess she was

still digesting the news

“ 18”
“ At least he’s not underage, friend forget about
the boy and focus on your relationship. Don’t
let infatuation ruin the your beautiful
relationship with Musa, resist temptation my
friend don’t risk your career, reputation and
relationship over this please”

She beseechs

“ I won’t”

At least I hope I wont

****

“ Yo I’m so tired” Nthabi says

“ Yeah me too, at least it’s Friday” I say

“ Let’s go out tomorrow, we won’t go clubbing

or drinking we can go to the mall or something”

“ Rain check? I already have plans with Musa

this weekend”

She grimaces

“ And then?” I ask

“ Yilokuthi ngiyazi kuthi usayorojwa chommie,
why do you insist on putting yourself through
this?”

“ I don’t know what you’re talking about and

unfortunately I don’t have time to find out
because I’m leaving, see you on Monday bye”

I say already trudging to the door

“ Yeah run, deep down you know I’m right"

I’m on my way to Kinross, Musa's place. He

doesn’t know that I’m coming the plan is to
surprise him, I have the keys to his apartment
but I’ve never used them before and I think
now is the perfect time to do so.

“ Sawubona buti kunjani?”

( Greetings my brother, how are you)

I say greeting the guard at the gate

“ Ngiphilile sisi unjani wena?”

( I’m okay my sister and you)

“ Ngiyaphila nami buti”

( I’m okay as well)

“ Angazi noma kuzoba yinkinga na kodwa
ngize la e second floor yi apartment ye
boyfriend yami, he’s not here but I have my
own keys"

I say dangling the keys in my hand

“ Oh ngiyasho ukuthi ngiyakwazi man, cha sisi

akunankinga as long as nivumelene nomnikazi
mina angina nkinga"

( Now I know where I know you from, it wont

be a problem as long as the owner agreed I
have no objection)

Sigh
“ Thank you buti”

The first thing I do when I open the front door

is to discard the clothes I’m wearing and slip
into one of his shirts and my leggings,
unfortunately my boyfriend’s shirts don’t look
like dresses on me like they do on girls we see
on the movies.

I initially wanted to prepare his favorite meal

but time is not on my side so I settle for
something quick and easy to make- grilled
hake, mashed potatoes and a garden salad.
When the clock strikes 6PM I run to the
bathroom and take a quick shower, apply
lotion, spritz my lady million paco rabanne
perfume and wear my new lingerie haha I’m
trying to spice things up and get out of my
comfort zone who knows maybe just maybe I
will finally get my big O.

When I hear the sound of dangling keys I press

play on my phone and Bruno Mars's Versace on
the floor booms through the speakers, I’m so
nervous I’ve never done anything like this
before I hope Musa will like this. A pucker
forms between his eyebrows when he walks
into the room and finds me dressed in nothing
but lingerie and high heels.

“ Welcome home daddy!”

I say in what was meant to be a seductive tone
but because of my quavering voice I sound like
I’m being strangled.

I don’t know what reaction I expected but it

definitely wasn’t this one, no I’m lying I know
what I expected I expected him to lose his mind
at the sight of me you know look at me like I’m
the most sexiest thing he has ever laid his eyes
on and pounce on me like a wild animal seeing
it’s prey.

I thought he’d rip off my lingerie and have his

way with me right then and there but here he is
looking at me with disapproval mirroring his
features, making me feel dirty like I’ve just
committed the biggest sin.
“ Love what is this?”

“ Don’t you like what you see?”

I ask feeling despondent

“ No I don’t, why are you acting like this what’s

going on this is not you my love come on put
something on"

I honestly don’t understand why he’s acting

like this, he has seen my nakedness a thousand
times already so this can’t be so bad. Feeling
like a wet dog, I shamefully toddle to his room
and wear my robe over the lingerie. I feel so
low and so dirty right now, what was I thinking
anyway? I shouldn’t have allowed Nthabi to put
ideas into my head, our sex life is fine as is!

“ Now this is the Ndalo I know, now come give

me a hug"

He says with his arms stretched wide open, I

throw myself in his arms and sink in his
embrace. I wish I could evaporate and
disappear right this minute, he tightens his
arms around me and plants a peck on my
forehead.

“I think your new friend is not good for you

look it’s not even six months since you met her
and already you behave like a hooker"
Wow! So me trying to look sexy for my
boyfriend is behaving like a hooker? I shove
him off and walk away Musa can be rude when
he wants to!

“ That came out wrong I’m sorry babe but it’s

true love you can’t act like a straatmate you’re
a born again Christian and we don’t act like
unbelievers that’s why the bible says do not be
yoked together with unbelievers”

The same bible says sex before marriage is a

sin but you don’t see him refusing sex talk
about double standards! Musa killed my vibe
and dampened my mood all the energy I had
before he got here is gone all I want to do now
is sleep.

“ At least eat first, we can’t let the food you

prepared go to waste"

He says when he sees me getting under the

covers

“ No, please leave me alone. You’ve said

enough already”

He kicks off his shoes, gets under the covers

and holds me from behind
“ Sthandwa sami ngiyaxolisa please forgive
me, I know you were only trying to spice things
up but I’m happy with how things are between
us. I don’t want you to feel pressured, our sex
life is okay as is and I’m happy with how things
are don’t be swayed by what people say out
there. You have my heart, you don’t need to
dress in skimpy clothes to impress me”

I’m not happy though, I need my orgasm!

“ Please future wife yami"

Now that, that has me blushing.

“ Get up and let’s go eat"

I oblige and get out of bed, we eat while
listening to music. Musa won’t stop moaning
and complimenting my food, yeah the food
tastes good but I think he’s exaggerating.

“ Thanks again for the lovely meal my future

wife"

He says wrapping his arms around my waist

from behind, I’m standing behind the sink
washing dishes.

“ Pleasure”

“ Let me help you with the dishes”

He lets go off my waist, takes another dish
swab and wipes the dishes. I love that he helps
out where he can, he’s very hands on when it
comes to house chores.

“So are your colleagues warming up to you

yet?“

We are in bed now, he’s facing skyward and

I’m sleeping on my side and have my head on
his chest.

“ I guess so but Nthabi and Mathobela are the

only two people I’m close to"
“ I knew they would warm up to you, who
wouldn’t you’re an amazing person”

My colleagues weren’t exactly welcoming at

first, yeah they weren’t acting rude or anything
but they were not welcoming either.

“ I love you"

He says and plants a long peck on my forehead

and tightens his arms around me for a while
then trails his fingers to my ass, I changed into
a night dress before getting to bed he cups my
buttocks and slightly squeezes. He’s definitely
turned on, his harsh breathing gives him away.
He puts his finger under my chin and pulls me
in for a passionate kiss, the kiss is amazing I
can’t help but moan in his mouth. His hands
move from my buttocks to my boobs, he cups
my boob with one hand while kneading the
nipple with another driving me crazy with lust.
He puts his hand inside my underwear and
encircles his finger around my opening, I
involuntarily spread my legs apart giving him
access to my haven. He dips his finger inside
my wet nuna and finger-fucks me for a while
and before I know it both my nightdress and
underwear are being thrown across the room
and he’s getting on top of me.
His shaft feels hard as steel against my
stomach, he’s about to push himself in when I
push him back halting his movements.

“ What is it baby?”

He asks looking at me with red half hooded

eyes

“ I want us to try something"

“ Something, what is that?”

This is going to be hard

“ Uhm …I”

“Come on, baby I’m dying here”

“ You know like when two people are in love

and ..eish”

He sighs heavily, gets off me and plops beside

me unable to hide his irritation

“Look at what you’ve done"

He says showing me his now flaccid dick

“ I’m sorry”
I feed bad

“ Arg never mind tell me what you wanted to

say I’m all ears"

“ I wanted to say we should try oral sex"

I blurt out and hold my breath after uttering the

words from my mouth, you never know with
Musa

“ What!”

“ Yes"
“ No we will not do any of those ungodly
things, you see why I was saying your friend is
not good for you? Since when do you want to
have oral sex, You’ve changed come down let’s
pray"

I have no choice but to climb down the bed and

kneel beside him and hold his hand while he
prays, maybe Musa is right I’ve changed a lot
since I started hanging around Nthabi. I am
lucky to have Musa by my side, because I know
he will never allow me to stray from the path of
righteousness.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#5

I spent the entire weekend listening to Musa go

on and on about how bad my friendship with
Nthabiseng is and to be honest he’s right, all
Nthabi talks about is sex, orgasms and more
sex! I’ve neglected my relationship with God, I
can’t remember the last time I took on a fast,
attended the evening prayer or woke at
midnight to pray. Lately all I do is fantasize
about Sabelo nothing more, hear me well I’m
not saying Nthabi is responsible for any of that
but y’all know ‘ birds of the same feathers flock
together' we spend so much time together it
was either I influence her or she influences me.

“ U snux namhlanje what’s up?”

I’ve been trying to find a good way to break the

news to her, the last thing I want to do is offend
her.

“ I don’t know Nthabi I don’t think our

friendship will work, we are two different
people and maybe we shouldn’t be friends"

“ Wow!”

She exclaims and claps her hands

“ Let me guess Pastor put you up to this?”

“ What? Of course not"

“ Don’t patronize me wena, I know what you

are and aren’t capable of and this? This
definitely has Mfundisi all over it"

“ Nthabi please don’t make this any harder”

“ There’s no getting rid of me, you and I will

keep being friends. For the first time since I
started working here I have someone who I
connect with and actually consider a friend,
there’s no way I’m letting your boyfriend come
between us. I promise I’ll stay out of your
business from now on"

Now I feel bad

“ Aw Nthabi you’re making me feel bad"

“ Don’t feel bad he’s your boyfriend so I get it"

Ishu!

Today Nthabi wanted to have pap and steak for

lunch so we drove to the local chisanyama five
minutes before lunch to buy the takeaways,
when we came back it was 11:45 exactly 15
minutes before lunch ends so we had no choice
but to eat in her car because going all the way
up to my office would waste our time.

“Damn it this boy will have me breaking rules"

She says and takes a huge bite of her steak,

y’all should see how fast we are eating right
now. It’s hilarious

“ Who?”

“ That one"

She points at a guy who has a girl on his lap I

can’t see his face because his head in buried on
her chest, Modimo is this even allowed on the
school premises? When he looks up I see it’s
Sabelo, I feel a sharp pain in my heart at the
sight of him with someone else. Am I jealous?

“ Yabona ngwana ona o hot my friend, I don’t

do kids but I would definitely do him”

She says completely oblivious to the change in

my mood.

“ Don’t tell me you’d be willing to lose your job

because of someone like him, I know he’s cute
and all but definitely not worth you losing your
job"
I wish I could listen to my own advice, I don’t
know how many times I have tried to shove the
feelings I have for the kid down the drain and
instead of going away they grow stronger each
and every day.

“ To be honest I don’t want to date him, ke

ngwana ketla omo etsang? The only thing I
want from him is one round, he looks like he
can give a good fuck!” she says

I have nothing to say so I keep quiet

“Look at those hands damn I can already

imagine them spanking my naughty ass"
I cross my legs when I feel my clit twitch as I
imagine him doing exactly that to me

“ Stop it he is a kid!”

She should really stop before I pool my panties

“ A hot one at that, don’t tell me you don’t find

him attractive"

“ He’s cute but he’s nothing but a kid so no I

don’t find him attractive, I’m not attracted to
kids!” I say

I wish that was true

“You can’t call someone like him a kid Ndalo,
trust me I’ve been around for a while and I
know these things that boy is anything but a
kid. Have you seen his dickprint? He’s bigger
than some of the guys I’ve been with"

I squeeze my legs tighter as I feel my panties

soak, my heart is suddenly beating fast and I’m
sweating damn I need air!

“ What’s going on, why are you fidgeting? ..oh

my goodness you’re even sweating. Are you
okay?”
The siren goes off saving me from Nthabi's
million questions.

“ I’m okay, I just need the bathroom”

I don’t wait for her to reply, I step out of the car

and run towards the bathroom. Thank
goodness there’s no one inside, I unbuckle my
belt and lower my jeans together with my
panties and just like I thought my panties are
soaking wet! I quickly take them off and slip
them in my pockets.

I almost cry when I check my timetable, I have

a double period at 12B I’m going to need
strength to do this. I say a quick prayer before
walking inside, everyone settles down when
they see me walk in except for this one girl I
think her name is Zandile.

“ Am I invisible to you Zandile?”

“ Yo umuntu azokubangela iscefe uzibuyela e

break(ini)” she says

Her classmates gasp and exclaim in shock

while a few are trying so hard not to laugh.

This girl has been giving attitude from day one,

she’s the same girl I asked to leave my class
that day. I don’t know what she has against me
but the way the girl has been giving me attitude
one would swear we are sharing a dick or
something like that.

“ Zandile, take your bag and leave my class!”

She ignores me and presses her phone.

“ Well I won’t teach until Zandile leaves the

class"

I announce to the rest of the class

“ Never we will not suffer because of Zandile

Class, makaphume lo!” kamva says
“ Vele maka phume thina sifuna ukufunda"

( She should leave, we want to learn)

Thato adds

“ Phuma Zandile!”

(Get out)

All the learners chorus

Zandile has no choice but to leave seeing that

some of her classmates are already standing
next to her ready to forcefully throw her out of
the class
“ Oh and one more thing, never set your foot in
my class again. When I walk in, you walk out.
Understood?”

I say before she walks out of the door

“ Listen up class, we are all adults here and

everyone knows what’s right and what’s wrong.
I won’t tolerate being disrespected, if you feel
like I’m wasting your time by standing in front
and teaching you then you are more than
welcome to leave, no one will stop you.”

A hand goes up, it’s Kamva

“ Yes Kamva"
“ Ma'am I know we were disrespectful when
you came to class for the first time but we
have been behaving, we love and respect you
please don’t punish us for Zandile's sins, please
don’t give up on us. Personally my marks for
Life Sciences have improved since you started
teaching us, you’re a great teacher ma'am"

“ It’s true ma'am you’re a good teacher or

nginamanga class?” Linda

“ NO!!!”

Oh my God I’m so emotional right now, I catch

Sabelo looking at me with wide smile on his
face. Sabelo rarely speaks, he only speaks
when spoken to.

****

It’s a Sunday morning and like every Sunday

morning in the khumalo house we are budding
heads running around like headless chickens
preparing ourselves for church, my sisters and I
prepared the salads last night before going to
bed, so today my mother is only cooking rice,
meat and gravy.

“ Ses'Ndalo can I please use your shower Melo

is in the bathroom please” Anele
I’ve done a lot of things in my house since I
started working, I added three rooms to my
parents house- dining room, guest bedroom and
another bedroom for Melo. I also added an
ensuite bathroom in my parents bedroom so
that they don’t share with my sisters and added
a shower to my room, if it was up to me I’d
knock this house to the ground and build my
parents a big house but they refused when I
suggested it they say they would rather I build
myself a house than to spend all my money on
them well it’s not like I earn that much anyway
but I’d do anything for my parents.

“ Angiwuthandi umuzi omkhulu mina” that’s

what my mother said when I pitched the house
idea to them
“ Ok but make it snappy I also want to shower”
I say to Anele

“ Thanks sis"

She runs to her room to fetch the towel and

toiletries and runs outside to my room.

At exactly 10 AM my father drives out his

bakkie from the garage we all know if you’re
not done he’s going to leave you, fortunately
everyone is done so we drive to church
listening to Ntokozo Mbambo, my mother loves
her music.
The service was amazing and powerful like
always, after church my sisters attend youth
meeting while I attend the young adults
meeting.

“ Good afternoon young adults”

Greets Pastor Zabeko, the young adults pastor.

“ Afternoon pastor” we say

“ Today’s meeting will be brief unfortunately I

don’t have good news, during the service I
received a message from brother Sizwe's
mother. It is with a heavy heart and great
sadness that I announce the passing of our
fellow member brother Sizwe Nxumalo"

People gasp in shock, I’m also shocked this guy

was perfectly fine last week what could’ve
happened to him suddenly and claimed his life?

“ Pastor what happened to him?”- Tumiso

“ He had a severe headache yesterday and died

on his way to the hospital”

People mumble amongst themselves, sadness

and shock evident in their faces

“ Let’s keep quiet please“ – Pastor Zabeko

They stop talking and lend him an ear

“ Since he was a member of the young adults,

every member is therefore requested to
contribute at least R50 each.”

“ Oh and another thing, avail yourselves

tomorrow at 5 in the evening for cry cry at his
house"

“kuzwakele mfundisi” - Khetho

(we hear you pastor)

“ Ok ningakhululeka ke”

(meeting adjourned)
We all stand up and go our separate ways

NARRATED

The Khumalo's are sitting in their car waiting

for their daughters so they can all drive home
and have their Sunday meal as a family

“ Sanibonani"

Says a smiling Mrs Sibisi standing on the

passenger side
“ Sawubona ma kunjani?” – Khumalo says

( Greetings, how are you)

“ I’m okay sir can’t complain, can I please steal

your beautiful wife for a minute?” MaSibisi

“ it’s okay, I don’t have a problem"

MaKhumalo steps out of the car and follows

MaSibisi to the tree, they stand under the shade
protecting themselves from the scorching sun.

“ Don’t look so worried it’s nothing bad"

MaSibisi says when she sees how restless the
other woman is

“ What’s going on sisi?”

“ It’s about our kids my friend, my son told me

and his father that he wants to take your
daughter as his wife"

MaKhumalo ululates pacing up and down

drawing the attention of the other church
members who are now starring at them with
curiosity on their faces.

“ I was just as happy when he told us, we are

finally going to be family. I’m so happy"
The two ladies hold each other tight in an
embrace

“ Khumalo will be so happy when I share the

news with him" MaKhumalo says when they
break the hug

“ Sibisi was also thrilled when he heard the

news, we have been waiting for this for years
and I couldn’t be happier now that it’s finally
happening".

MaKhumalo drops to her knees and looks up to

the sky with her hands stretched up to the
heavens
“ God you’re wonderful, first you gave my
daughter a job now this. Oh how can I thank
you for all you’ve done for my daughter, oh
Lord you’re truly amazing my father"

LOVE KNOW NO AGE

#6

“ Oh baba siyabonga konke okwenzileyo

nakonke okunye okuhle okuzayo"
My mother has been singing this song the
entire drive from church

Something is definitely going on between my

parents, I noticed how they keep smiling at
each other every two minutes. We are in the
dining room now setting the table and plating
the food, mom is humming a song with a wild
smile pasted on her face.

“ Mama what’s going on, why are you so

happy?” Anele

“ I’d also like to know mama" Melo adds

“ Patience my girls patience, Nele please tell
your father we are done he can come and join
us".

Anele walks out and returns to the dining room

two minutes later with my father on her tail, we
all settle down and say a prayer before we dig
in. I’m yet to meet a person who cooks as good
as my mother does, the woman can cook!

“ Nkosikazi tell Buhle what MaSibisi told you"

Dad

“ Buhle today after church MaSibisi asked to

have a word with me, you’ll never guess what
she told me my child”
She says unable to conceal her happiness

“ What did she say mama?”

“ She told me Musa wants to get married to

you, isn’t that great news?”

Both my sisters scream in jubilation

They stand up and wrap their arms around me

squeezing the life out of me, everyone is happy
about the news and lord knows I’ve wanted
this since we started dating but I’m not happy
as I thought I would be now that it’s finally
happening.
“ Let go of my child, you’re suffocating her"
my mother says

My sisters laugh and let go of me

“ I can’t believe my sister is getting married"

“ Better believe it Nele, my daughter is getting

married. I had doubts about that boy but he
proved me wrong by doing this, he’s a good
man.”

My father singing Musa's praises? Now that’s a

first
“ I always knew he would do the right thing, he
was raised well"

Musa's biggest supporter this one

“ So sis are you happy?” Melo asks

“ What are you saying, of course she’s happy

isn’t it Buhle?”

“ Of course I’m happy ma"

“ Hmm"

Melo says clearly not satisfied with my answer.

Musa’s proposal becomes the topic throughout
our lunch, wait can I even call whatever this is
a proposal?

“ Wow ses’Ndalo soon you’ll be Mrs Sibisi”

Anele

“I am so happy God is really good" Dad

“ Please excuse me I have scripts to mark”

“ I’m very happy for you my girl, you’ve made

your father and I very proud congratulations
once again”
“ Thank you ma"

The first thing I do when I get to my room is

call Musa, he has some explaining to do.

“Musa Sibisi!!”

“ Love what’s wrong, why are you shouting?”

“ How can you do this?”

“ What did I do?”

“ You told our parents about your intentions to

marry me without talking to me first?”
“Ndalo I’ve made my intentions with you
known from day one and you never objected,
not so long ago you loved the idea of being my
wife now tell me would telling you change
anything?”

“ No but a heads up would’ve been nice”

“ You no longer want to get married to me is

that it?”

“ What? No, of course I want to get married to

you"
“ Then why are you complaining? Do you know
how blessed you are, many girls would kill to
be in your place right now"

“ You’re right, I should be happy and trust me I

am happy but I think it’s a bit too soon”

“ Wow, after four long years together you’re

telling me it’s too soon for marriage?”

Okay that didn’t come out well

“ What I mean is, I just started working and I

still want to help out at home before I get
married"
“ What’s going to stop you from doing that
when we are married? That’s an excuse and
you know it"

Maybe I’m being ungrateful, I mean here’s a

good man asking for my hand in marriage and I
don’t appreciate him. Other people can only
dream of something like this and here I am
rejecting God’s blessings and being ungrateful.

****

“ So he didn’t bother proposing or anything like

that?”

Nthabi asks after I tell her about Musa’s

“proposal”
“ Yeah"

“ Okay!”

“ Khuluma I know you want to say something”

( Talk)

“ No, I promised to stay out of your business"

“ Are you seriously going to make me beg? Just

talk already I know you’re dying to talk"

“ I don’t know friend but pastor sounds a

bit…controlling. Does he normally do this?”
“ Do what?”

“ Tell you what to do and make decisions

without consulting you first?”

“What no never! Musa is not like that, he

didn’t tell me about this because he knew I’d
agree I mean we’ve wanted this for a long time
now"

“ Okay I hear you but I’m not convinced

darling you don’t sound exactly thrilled about
this whole marriage idea, do you even want to
get married to him?”
“ Of cause I do, don’t you?”

“ We are talking about you here but to answer

your question no I don’t want to get married, I
don’t see myself as someone’s wife I value my
independence too much to give it up to a man
all in the name of marriage”

I don’t reply, it’s obvious Nthabi and I are

different and want different things from life
maybe Musa is right. Nthabi isn’t exactly the
type of person I should keep close, maybe it’s
about time I created a distance between us.

I know I said I wasn’t ready to get married yet

but I do have intentions to get married in the
future, Musa is right why delay the inevitable? I
will get married to him anyway so why not do
it now? Why wait for later? I can’t wait to be
Mrs Sibisi I know his family adores me, not
many women can say the same I’m blessed to
be honest. From here things can only get better
and better

SABELO

“ Hey! Bring that back"

I bellow behind her, this girl just snatched my

drawing and ran.
“ Nope I want to see who you’re always
drawing"

“ Sphesihle I’m not playing with you give back

my drawing!”

“ No!”

I catch up to her and snatch the paper from her

hands, the paper gets torn as a result.

“ Geez all that because I tried to look at your

drawing!”
“ I told you I didn’t want to show it to you, did
you have to insist?”

“ When did you start keeping things from me,

you used to share everything with me Sabelo
what changed?”

“ I grew up! you should also try it sometime

and please stop budging into my room like this.
Now get out!”

She blinks repeatedly and saunters to the door,

I know she’s about to cry and I hate it when
she cries. I cant help but run behind her and
wrap my arms around her
“ I’m was a jerk and I’m sorry”

“ What’s happened to us Sabelo?”

She asks when we break the hug

“ What do you mean?”

“ Come on, you know what I mean. You and I

used to be tight, you could talk to me about
anything and everything. I used to be the first
person you showed your drawings to but lately
you’ve been.. I don’t know, distant"
“ I’m sorry you feel that way, it really wasn’t
my intention to make you feel that way. You
know I love you right?”

“ I know”

“ Then stop worrying yourself unnecessarily,

you and I are fine. We will never not be fine,
you’re a part of me and I’m a part of you we are
connected for life. Not even death can separate
us, come on Sphe you know this”

She giggles

Damn that giggle warms my heart

“ Yeah I know"

“ Now stop talking nonsense, you and I are

okay but you need to understand that there are
things I can’t share with you”

“ But why?”

“ Come on Sphe, I’m sure you also don’t tell me

about every little thing that goes on in your life"

“ But I do"

How do I get out of this one?

“ Okay but you need to respect my privacy like
I respect yours, we are no longer kids. You
can’t just budge into my room as you please
and go through my things without my
permission”

“ Okay I get it, I’m sorry"

“ It’s okay, as long as you don’t do it again"

“ I promise I won’t, I love you Sabelo"

“ I love you too, now please leave my room"

“ Geez you can be so rude mawuthandile"

She says and walks out of my bedroom.

Whew that was close, she almost saw my

drawing. She's my sister and I know what she’ll
say when she sees who I’ve been drawing, I’m
not ready to be judged. For now I just want to
enjoy what I feel without anyone else’s
interference, I know I shouldn’t be feeling the
way I do but tell that to my heart!

Sphesihle is my twin and only sibling, my

mother had multiple miscarriages before she
conceived us. Everyone had given up on my
her ever carrying a pregnancy to term and
dad's family was even suggesting he take a
second wife, someone to bare him children
since my mother couldn’t.

Everyone had given up on my mother,

including herself but God being God did the
unthinkable and blessed my parents with not
only one but two healthy babies a son and a
daughter to complete their family. My father
was so happy when the doctor told him that his
wife gave birth to two babies, his response was
“ Sabelwe Isphesihle" and that’s how we
became Sabelo and Sphesihle.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#7

Death is something else, we all know we are

going to die some day yet we can never get
used to the pain of losing a loved one. The pain
cuts deep everytime, I can’t imagine the pain
Sizwe's family is going through right now. As a
parent it can’t be easy to see your child lying in
a coffin, parents shouldn’t bury their kids it’s
not right but what can we say? Life doesn’t
always go the way we want or plan, like Pretty
would say ‘ we plan but God decides’.

Today is Saturday, the day of Sizwe's funeral.

Members of the church and of the young adults
came in numbers to say good bye to one of
their own, the sadness that is reflected in
people’s faces is heart-breaking Sizwe was so
young and had so much to live for. I think
premature death hurts more than any other
death because we cant even console ourselves
by saying ‘he lived’, I mean his life was just
getting started and I’m sure he had many hopes
and dreams for the future, death be not proud.

The worship team is in front singing Sizwe’s

favourite song ‘ in the shadow of your wings’
by Ntokozo Mbambo, almost everyone inside
the church is in tears but his mother’s loud sob
is distinguishable from everyone else’s, it’s
heart wrenching and brings tears to my own
eyes.
“ Brethren please give our lovely worship team
a hand, thank you my kids you may go back to
your seats" Pastor Mahlangu

We clap hands as members of the worship team

walk back to their seats.

“ Hurt and Grief are guaranteed in this world.

When you read John (16:33) Jesus tells us that
we will have trouble but that we can take heart
because he has overcome the world, through
the scripture we can be comforted by knowing
that God is faithful, and is always looking over
us. He truly cares and is our protector and
comforter in times of need. Whatever the
circumstances may be, we can always rely on
the word of God to find a peace that surpasses
all understanding amen bazalwane”

“ Amen!”

“ I would like to dedicate my message to the

young people I know most of you are hurt and
questioning God. Sizwe was still young and had
a lot to live for, but reality is nowadays we are
burying more young people than old yet we still
find people who think they are too young to
walk in the path of righteousness because they
believe they still have time ‘ I still want to
enjoy my youth, I will repent at a later stage'
they say. I feel sorry for those who still believe
they have time, tomorrow is not promised to
anyone, no one knows when the lord will
remember them we are living on borrowed time
so living in sin because you think you still have
time is utter foolishness. Death doesn’t give
notice, it comes when you least expect it so
repent and accept Jesus as your lord and
saviour while you still have time. I know most
if not all of your feel sorry for Sizwe but I’d say
feel sorry for yourselves if you’re still not
saved, Sizwe accepted Jesus as his lord and
saviour and he died while walking on the path
of righteousness- the word of God says blessed
are those who die in the Lord that they may
rest from their labors, for their deeds follow
them! So instead of feeling sorry for Sizwe ask
yourself this question if you were to die today
where would your soul go? If you are unsure of
the answer then I suggest you fix your
relationship with God because death doesn’t
give notice, it comes like a thief in the night.
However death is not an enemy of a believer in
Jesus Christ because through him we don’t die
but receive eternal life. Repent and accept
Jesus as the only lord and saviour of your life
muntu omusha!”

Silence lingers in the room as we all digest the

pastor’s words

“John 16 verse 22 says so with you: Now in

your time of grief, but I will see you again and
you will rejoice, and no one will take away
your joy. To the Dlamini family ngithi dudu
kini, hlalani enkosini nase mandleni ayo
amakhulu. Ngizovala ngo Matthew 11 verse 28
to 29 ‘ come to me, all you who are weary and
burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my
yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find
rest for your souls. With this words I would like
to say to the Dlamini family- don’t move from
your position, this is the time to stay in the
house of the lord, the time to glorify God more
than before, Sizwe fulfilled his purpose sekusele
mina nawe ngabe thina siyofelaphi na?”

The pastor continues to preach until the

mortuary people arrive, he quickly wraps up
the sermon when he sees them and says a
quick prayer. The worship teams sings a hymn
as the men dressed in black and white carry the
coffin to the hearse outside, his mother and the
rest of the Dlamini family leave first then we all
follow behind them. Y’all know when it’s time
to go to the cemetery, everyone looks for that
one person they know has a car so they can be
their transport because let’s face it no one
enjoys taking the bus we all use it as a last
resort but fortunately for me I don’t have to
worry about how I’ll get to the cemetery
because my boyfriend has a car so I’ll ride with
him.

“ The service was very sad and emotional I

swear I almost shed a tear" Tokello

We are not driving to the cemetery alone,

Musa’s friends from church Tokello and Hloni
are riding with us.
“ You and me both man, life is so short who
knew that we were seeing Sizwe for the last
time week before last?” Musa

“ Tell me about it man.” Hloni

His mother cries hysterically when she has to

throw soil to his grave, I look around and see a
couple of girls from church crying as well. I
won’t lie I am also emotional but I didn’t cry I
was not used to Sizwe, I only knew him as a
member of the church nothing more. After the
very heart-breaking send off we all go back to
his house to eat.

“ Musa I’ll go sit with Thuli ne”

I say after getting my plate

“ No you’ll sit with us, if Thuli wants to sit with

you then she has to come here"

“ Aibo Musa let the girl be it, think about it

being surrounded by males must be
uncomfortable for her” Tokelo

“No, she’s very comfortable here right my

love?”

He says and flashes me his beautiful smile and I

can’t help but nod
“ Tell her to come here then" Musa

#* T come join us*#

I send a text to Thuli who replies almost

immediately

#* Nope, I want us to talk freely you know how

your boyfriend is*#

#* I guess we will talk some other time then*#

“ What did she say?”

“ What she wants to talk to me about is private,
so we will talk another time"

“ There are no secrets between us so clearly

she wants to tell you ungodly things that’s why
she wants to target you alone, she knows
you’re weaker”

Wow!

“ Come on man it’s probably girl stuff" Hloni

“ That’s bull! How come I can talk with you

guys in Ndalo’s presence yet Thuli can’t do the
same? It’s obvious that whatever she wants to
talk to her about is not good"
“ You’re being crazy, Ndalo go to your friend
don’t mind him he is being crazy” Tokelo

I offer him a thin smile

“No it’s fine I’ll talk to her some other time".

***

It’s been four months since I started working

here and what I feel for Sabelo can no longer be
called a ‘ crush’, what I feel for him is foreign
it’s something I’ve never felt for anyone before-
well not for Musa. My body is aware of him, I
can always feel his presence before I even see
him it’s like the world stops moving everytime
he walks in the room. I don’t know if he can see
that I’m attracted to him but boy be starring at
me every time I’m in class, he never says
anything but the look in his eyes speaks
volumes.

Remember Zandile the girl I threw out from my

class for giving me attitude? Yes her. I wasn’t
playing when I told her to leave the class
everytime I walk in, she probably thought I was
joking because mogirl came to my class the
following day and I threw her out- this went on
for weeks until she brought her mother to
school. When the principal summoned me to
his office, I expected to find those typical kasi
moms who come to school with the intention to
‘ tell off the teacher' but I walked into a humble
and down to earth mother instead the lady
forced her daughter to apologize to me and
that’s how I allowed Zandile back in my class
and she’s been behaving ever since.

I tried to create a distance between Nthabi and

I but she wouldn’t let me, she kept pushing and
forcing her friendship on me until I had no
choice but to give in to her. I love Nthabi and I
enjoy being friends with her, she’s different
from me and that’s what I love about her the
most so to save our friendship I decided to stop
telling her about my relationship seeing that the
topic was always the source of our
disagreements in the past.
Musa doesn’t like her so when Nthabi and I
fixed our friendship and reconciled I chose not
to tell him about it, those two have never met
but the way they hate each other! It’s a pity
because both of them are important to me and I
wouldn’t want to lose either of them.

On other unrelated news, I feel more and more

emotionally detached from Musa. I don’t know
if the detachment results from the feelings I
have for the scholar but I no longer enjoy his
kisses and my blood runs cold everytime he
tries to caress my body, and sex? Well that’s
pure torture, I make excuses everytime he
initiates it but I don’t know how long he’ll keep
taking my excuses.
You must be wondering about the wedding,
well his parents and mine are so excited about
the wedding and want it to happen as soon as
possible but if I’m being honest I’m not sure
this is what I want. How do I get married to
someone whom I’m emotionally and sexually
detached to? What will our marriage even be
like, will I be one of those women who fake
orgasms in order to pacify their husbands so
that they feel men enough?

I know breaking up with him seems like the

right thing to do at the moment but this is not
just any relationship, families are involved and
emotionally invested in our union so if I were
to break up with him a lot of people would be
affected, my family being one of them so I
cannot afford to be selfish and think only about
myself .

Breaking off the engagement would hurt my

mother not to mention shame her in the
society, we all know the girl always takes the
blame everytime things don’t work in a
relationship. I am willing to put my parent’s
happiness above my own, getting married to
Musa cant be that bad right? I was in love with
this person at some point and I know I can
learn to love him again so yeah I’m going
through with the wedding, my parent’s
happiness matters more than my own.

It’s a few minutes after 2 in the afternoon, if

there are people who know what school out
means in the entire school then it has to be
Grade 8C those kids packed up their bags and
ran out of the classroom as soon as the siren
rang. I’m packing my bag preparing myself to
leave when I feel a presence behind me, I
expect the person to say something but there’s
nothing. I can feel his presence but that would
be plain crazy, why would he sneak up on me?
It has to be Moeng.

“ Moeng"

I say without turning around, lately he has a

tendency of sneaking up on me. few seconds
pass without a reply, but I can feel him walking
closer and closer to me from the back. This is
getting creepy, I quickly swivel around only to
come face to face with Sabelo imagine my
shock!.

“ What are you doing here?”

I ask with my hand on my chest trying to

steady my breathing

“Ndalo I…”

“ Miss Khumalo, it’s Miss Khumalo to you"

I say cutting him short, how the hell does he

know my name?
He clears his throat and takes steps towards me
closing the distance between us.

“Yes miss Khumalo"

His breath is fanning my face and making me

uncomfortable so I step backwards to create a
distance between us but the boy keeps taking
steps forward until I’m backed in a corner. He
towers over me and rests his hands on either
side of my waist

Don’t ask me why I’m letting this happen

“ You’re so beautiful”
He whispers looking at me like I’m the most
precious thing his eyes have ever seen, it’s like
he’s trying to figure out if I’m real or not.

Now that I’m looking at him this close I notice

that his iris is blue instead of the normal black
or brown colour that most black people have
making him look even more handsome.

His hands slowly move from my waist to my

hips and down to my thighs, my heart drums in
my chest and my breathing hitches as my body
trembles under his touch. The weather is a bit
chilly today so I’m wearing a black leather
skirt, knee high maroon boots and a maroon
coat.
“ Wwhhat do you think you’re doing Sabelo?”

I say in what was meant to be a firm tone but

my voice comes off like a whisper making me
sound like those girls who say NO while their
body language says YES

Instead of answering my question he continues

to caress my thighs, the skirt rides up to my
waist leaving all my thick thighs out for Sabelo
to feast his eyes on. I feel heat all over my body
when his hands land on my bare thighs

“ Let go off me Sabelo"

He doesn’t reply but keeps caressing my thighs
and hips instead. An involuntary moan escapes
my lips, damn the things the boy is doing to
me! He bows his head and locks eyes with me, I
don’t know what to make of the look in his
eyes but it looks like he’s seeking my
permission to go further and in that moment
reality kicks in what am I doing? For goodness
sake I can lose my job, reputation, family and
fiancé over this.

I use all my strength to shove him off and give

him a tight slap.

“ If you ever repeat what you did I promise I

will report you!”
He cradles his cheek in his palm

“ You can fight it all you want but you’ll

eventually be mine in the end because we both
know that you belong to me"

He says and walks away

The confidence and certainty in his voice

leaves me bewildered, what does that even
mean?
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#8

I still can’t believe I had my thighs out, panting

and breathing heavily completely under
Sabelo’s spell imagine if someone had walked
in on us? I don’t even want to think about what
will happen to me if anyone finds out what I did
with Sabelo. In my entire 25 years of life no one
has ever made me feel like the boy did, he
looked at me like I’m the most precious thing
he has ever laid his eyes on, for the first time in
my life I didn’t feel insecure or the need to hide
my myself because the look in his eyes told me
I am perfect the way I am and I loved it!.
I have this burning desire to tell someone about
what happened with Sabelo but I don’t think
there’s anyone I can trust with this, I know my
sisters would judge me and possibly tell my
parents if I were to tell them about any of this. I
also can’t tell Nthabi about this, I don’t know
her well enough to trust her with something of
this magnitude what if she’s those type of girls
who air your dirty laundry when you fight or
have a disagreement? I could lose my job over
this so I can’t risk it!.

I hope Sabelo won’t go bragging to his friends,

y’all know teenage boys and their ego’s! they
can do absolutely anything to be known as
panty-droppers and ‘almost shagging’ his
teacher can do wonders for his rep, this could
be part of some stupid bet with his friends for
all we know. Ask me why I let him go that far
with me. What have I done? How do I stand in
front and teach him? Will I be able to
reprimand and rebuke him when he’s wrong or
will he disrespect me because he has seen me
in the most vulnerable position? I don’t know
what’s going to happen from here going
forward but I know one thing for certain- I’ll
never look at him the same way.

“What’s on your mind my friend?”

“ Nothing why?”

“ I don’t know but you don’t look okay"

That’s because I’m not okay

“ You’re seeing things, I’m okay Nthabi"

“ Could’ve fooled me, we both know you’re not

okay but I promised to butt out from your
business and I’ll do just that. I know you no
longer trust me with your private life but for
what is worth, I’ve only ever wanted what is
best for you"

Her words sting because it’s true, she’s been

nothing but a good friend. Yeah she is blunt at
times but I know it comes from a good place.
“ Nope, friend it’s not that. I’m just not ready to
talk about it but I promise I’ll tell you when I’m
ready”

“ You shouldn’t feel forced to tell me anything

my love worry not, when you’re ready just
know I’m here”

“ I know and I appreciate your presence in my

life"

Nthabi has been nothing but a good friend to

me, I know she genuinely cares about me I may
not agree with her approach sometimes but I
know it all comes from a good place.
The siren goes off marking the end of my free
period

“ There goes my free period”

“ Shame, mina ngisese free namanje"

( It’s still a free period for me)

“ Hah Nthabi angeke show me your timetable”

She hands me her timetable, my eyes widen in

shock when I see the number of free periods
she has on her timetable
“ Nthabi angeke nami ngibonise lomuntu
omuhambayo never wena why unama free
angaka"

( Show me the person who gives you muti, why

do you have so many free periods)

We laugh

“ Let me go to class"

“ Sharp"

I’m not looking forward to seeing Sabelo but ke

Ndalo Khumalo is many things but a coward
isn’t one of them, I don’t shy away from
challenges I face them head on. This is another
milestone I have to overcome- facing Sabelo for
the first time after what happened yesterday.

I knock once and push the door open, I’d give

anything for him to be absent today but ke I
know that is nothing but a far-fetched dream
Sabelo is never absent from school. I glance at
his direction expecting to see a arrogant and
boastful smug look on his face, I mean the boy
did get me all hot and bothered surely he must
be proud of himself but I see none of that. He’s
looking at me like yesterday never happened,
he’s looking at me like he always did. He’s the
same old Sabelo Meyiwa.

“ Good afternoon 12B"

“ Good afternoon ma'am" they chorus

“ Okay today we will start a new chapter, the

human endocrine system. I will write notes on
the board to simplify some of the things from
the textbook and explain tomorrow, you all
know what to do right?”

“ We go through them on our own”

“ Good”

There’s shuffling for a while then the room goes

silent as all the learners copy the notes on the
board to their notebooks, when my period ends
I go to the maths office and find Moeng and
Mathobela inside.

“ Don’t tell you guys are also free”

“ Yes we are actually” Moeng

“ Yo, Gwala definitely has a problem nami you

should see how packed my timetable is. I free
ngiyay'qabuka"

( I hardly get a free period)

They laugh
“ Nonsense, I think it’s because you’re teaching
all the grades while I only teach 10 to 12”
Mathobela

“ Wena uyi HOD ngeke sphike nawe" Moeng

( you’re a HOD we won’t compare ourselves to

you)

“ True” I say

“ What’s up? You don’t look okay?” Moeng

asks

Am I really that easy to read?

Moeng had a thing for me and to be honest he’s
the type I’d go for, he’s a committed man of
God, well mannered and very down to earth
but unfortunately I’m already taken so he
settled for friendship. You know men always
say they don’t mind being friends but keep
making advances? Well not Moeng, he has
never tried anything with me since I turned him
down and I respect him for that.

“ Eish, I’ll be fine"

“ What is it, is it the kids or it’s something

private”
“ No it has nothing to do with my private life,
I’m just worried about the upcoming exams I
hope my learners perform well"

“ Don’t worry they will, with a teacher like you

they have no choice but to pass. Relax “
Mathobela

“ Wow, thank you sir it means a lot coming

from you"

We keep the conversation going until two PM-

School out. Attempting to go to my class now
will be taking chances, all the learners are
rushing to be the first one’s out of the gate so
I’d rather wait for a couple of minutes before
heading out. When I get to my class I’m
shocked to find Sabelo inside.

“ What do you want here?”

“ I want you"

“I don’t know what you think this is but I’m not

your friend, I’m your teacher and you’re my
student so please respect me don’t force me to
report you to the principal”

“ You are allowed to do what you think is right

Miss Khumalo just like I’ll do what is right for
me"
He closes the gap between us

“ And this feels right"

He says moving his forefinger between us

“ I don’t have time for this, Sabelo please leave.

Don’t force me to call security”

“ You don’t have to, I’ll leave..for now"

He winks at me and walks out

How an 18 year old possess so much

confidence and authority is a mystery to me,
why is he not intimidated by me? Ngeke Sabelo
is not a boy, he’s a man trapped in a boy’s body
stru nasi!

**

It’s been a few days since I threatened to report

Sabelo to the principal, I wish I can say it
worked but I’d be lying it didn’t the boy keeps
coming to my class everyday. I’m honestly
running out of things to threaten him with, I’ve
never met anyone as daring as he is and it’s
kind of sexy. Hey don’t give me that look.

If it was anyone else I would have long

reported him but I happen to have real feelings
for this person so reporting him is not an
option, they could suspend him and he can’t
afford that not with June exams approaching
and I honestly don’t know how long I’ll be able
to resist him, truth is I’m dying to be with him it
takes me reminding myself what’s at stake to
resist him.

I’m marking the 8C Natural Science’s test

scripts when the door opens, I sigh heavily
when I see him walk in. I honestly don’t have
time for this today

“ What do you want Sabelo, I’m very busy I

don’t have time for your nonsense today"

Of course he doesn’t reply, he walks towards

my desk and takes one script from the table
“ I can help you mark"

“ What do you want from me Sabelo? Whatever

game you’re playing is starting to annoy me!”

I snap

You’d expect him to look scared or something

but not him, he looks completely unaffected by
my outburst.

I jolt up from my seat and attempt to drag him

to the door but it’s a futile exercise, boy doesn’t
shift an inch despite my attempt to push him.
He pulls me to his arms and my lips are
covered in his within a blink of an eye, holy
Mary his lips taste better than I’ve ever
imagined.

I wish I can say I pushed him off or gave him a

tight slap like the last time but I didn’t, I
reciprocated the kiss and clung to him for dear
life instead. I feel my panties soak, damn no
one has ever kissed me like this I never knew a
kiss could be so sexual.

I forget all about Musa, my family and

everything else and enjoy the kiss. Without a
warning he whisks me off my feet like I weigh
nothing, I have no choice but wrap my legs
around his waist and cling to him for dear life
“ Baby just relax okay, I won’t drop you"

Can you blame me though? Musa couldn’t lift

me up after all so I’m not used to this, I always
believed I was too fat to be picked up.

“ Please trust me okay, I would never let you

fall"

He clears the table with one hand throwing my

scripts all over the floor and gently puts me on
top of the table, before I know it my lips are
covered in his while his hands roam all over my
body making me feel all sorts of things I knew I
was capable of feeling. He lifts up my dress,
pushes my underwear to the side and spreads
my legs apart.
That look again, he’s seeking approval and
something tells me he won’t continue until I
give my consent.

“ Please don’t stop" I beseech

My words give him the approval he so

desperately needed, he immediately drops to
his knees and buries his face on my nuna and
swipes his tongue on my wetness. I bite my lip
to muffle the moans that threaten to escape my
lips, so this is the pleasure Musa has been
denying me all this time? That’s plain evil!
The way he licks, bites and sucks on my nuna
has me breathing like a tired dog, I don’t know
what to do with my hands I find myself
tightening my legs around his face and grinding
my nuna on his face. Oh my goodness I’ve
never felt so much pleasure in my life, this feels
so good I’m trying so hard not to burst to tears-
have you ever felt so much joy that you wanted
to cry? That’s exactly how I feel at the moment.

He spreads my buttocks and guides his tongue

to my ass, a loud moan escapes my lips thixo I
couldn’t hold myself this is too good! My toes
curl and a wave of pleasure washes through me
and I cum all over his face, creaming him with
my juices. Damn that felt great, orgasming that
is!
He licks me clean then pecks my nuna, takes
off my panties and pulls down my dress.

“ You were amazing” Sabelo

He’s on his feet wiping his face with a tissue

I honestly don’t know what to say so I smile in

return. He sniffs my panties and put them in his
pockets.

“ Why are you taking my panties?”

Instead of replying he pulls me by my neck and
assaults my mouth with a kiss, I can taste my
salty juices on his tongue and I love the taste
for some awkward kinky reason. He gives me a
bone crushing hug when we break the kiss, his
heart is beating so fast I can literally hear the
gugu sounds. I hold him back and sink in his
arms, I don’t know but being in his arms like
this feels like home, like this is where I belong.

“ Thank you"

He says when we break the hug

“ For?”
“ Never mind"

With that said he plants a peck on my forehead

and walks out.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#9

How I went from the conservative Ndalo to one

who gets muffed on school premises beats me, I
know I’m about to be someone’s wife and I
should feel bad for doing what I did with Sabelo
but I don’t feel even an ounce of guilt. Given a
chance I’d definitely do it again maybe I would
do it at a different place but I don’t want to lie I
don’t regret spreading my legs for the boy it
was so worth it. He managed to do in a day
what Musa couldn’t do for two years, how
someone so young has so much experience
beats me otherwise Sabelo yinja ye game!

If I wasn’t his teacher I would think he’s lying

about his age but I’ve seen his Identity card
Sabelo is definitely eighteen years old, for once
I agree with Nthabi- Sabelo is anything but a
kid, he’s a man and a half! Everything about
him is manly- his touch, his aura, how he
walks, speaks and gazes into my eyes entlek
everything ai that’s a man bantase!
A part of me feels somewhat shitty for cheating
on Musa, I’m bound to feel this way because
I’ve never done anything like this before but I
guess I’ll have to convince him to try oral sex
because after today I don’t see myself being
okay with not being muffed not when I know
how good it is!

“ Come in"

Anele walks in

“ Ses'Ndalo mom says I should call you, dinner

is ready"
One thing about my family, we always have
dinner together.

“ I’m right behind you"

I switch off my TV and walk to the dining

room, everyone is already on the table I’m the
only one who was missing.

“ I’m sorry to keep you waiting"

“ It’s okay mntami sit" my mother says

( My child)
My mouth waters when I see what’s for dinner,
samp and beef stew. My mom is a very good
cook if I can be half as good as she is with them
pots then I’ll be sorted.

My father blesses the food before we all dig in

“ When is the wedding Ndalo?” Dad

You must be wondering about the lobola, well

my parents and Musa's don’t believe in lobola.
I know it’s unusual but it’s true, we don’t do
that this side so we will only have the wedding
celebration.

“I’m not sure baba"

“ What do you mean you’re not sure? Aw ngeke
I must have a word with MaSibisi, I feel like if
we don’t intervene there will be no wedding,
you kids don’t take this as seriously as you
should"

Mom says

“ I spoke to Musa today and he says he’s ready

and can marry our daughter anytime but
apparently Ndalo keeps making excuses
everytime he comes up with a date"

Mara my father is hyper yo, what was the need

to talk to my fiancé behind my back?
“ I’ll plan the wedding myself since ehluleka u
Buhle, we’ve already wasted enough time"

Mom says

Another phaphiyosi! No one planned her

wedding, u girl must rest shem.

“ Dad Mom I know you’re excited about the

wedding and can’t wait to see your eldest
daughter walking down the isle, dad I know
how proud you’d be but I’m not ready to get
married I think we are moving too fast”
I announce and hold my breath, I hope they’ll
see things from my perspective.

“ Did you just say too fast? Too fast, you’ve

been with him for 4 years now what exactly is
fast lapho? Make me understand”

Mom yells

The way she’s so worked up, she even has

veins on her neck.

“ Ma I just started working, there are things I

want to do before getting married and I haven’t
done them yet”
“ What things?”

“ I want to buy myself a car, travel the country

I don’t know but I want to live a little before I
become someone’s wife”

I honestly don’t know what to say

“ Hehehe wathi ‘ live a little' ya neh I wash my

hands off you like pilato"

“ You have changed Buhle, my daughter would

never go against me or question me. This one
sitting here and telling us about living a little is
definitely not my daughter" My father declares
He then jolts up from his seat and storms out of
the room leaving behind a tense mood around
the table

“ Look what you have done? You ruined our

dinner, I hope you’re happy nxn!”

She also stands on her feet

“ Just so you know, you either get married to

Musa or you’re on your own. I won’t let myself
be embarrassed in society because of you, get
married or forget you have a mother!”

My heart breaks into a thousand pieces as I

watch her walk away from me.
I don’t know what outcome I expected but I
didn’t think my parents would be so furious,
out of everyone I thought my mother would
understand. I mean she’s my mother, I thought
mothers always have their children’s best
interest at heart but who was I fooling my
mother would be willing to give up her own
happiness if it meant pleasing other people.

“I’m sorry sis, give them time to digest this I’m

sure they’ll come around”

Melo says trying to reassure me but it’s

fruitless because I know my father, there’s no
way he will accept what I’m saying. He’s so
stubborn, it’s always his way or the highway.
I’ve fallen out of love with Musa but the
thought of losing my family is not a pleasant
one so I guess I have no choice but to get
married.

****

I’m with Nthabi in my office and she’s not her

normal talkative self, she looks so down and
sad. She insists she’s fine when I ask her what’s
wrong but I know that’s bull, she’s not fine
something is definitely up with her.

“ Please tell me what’s wrong, I can’t stand to

see you look this sad it hurts me"

“ it’s my boyfriend, he hurt me Ndalo"

I’m such a bad friend, can you believe I didn’t
know she had a boyfriend till now? I feel so bad
right now.

“ I’m so sorry babe, what did he do?”

“ I’ve been such a fool Ndalo, I mean I’ve been

with this guy for two years now but I’ve never
been on his status or his profile picture, you
know how girls normally leave some of their
clothes or toiletries at their boyfriend’s place?”

“ Yeah"
“ Well not me, guy doesn’t want any of my stuff
to be left behind. I remember he once snuck me
out of his room this other day when his mother
arrived unexpectedly, who does that? He’s a
grown man for Pete’s sake, the red flags were
always there but I chose to overlook them"

Yoh I don’t know what to say

“ He’s getting married Ndalo, I had to find out

on Facebook. He didn’t even have the decency
to tell me about it"

She says and burst to tears

I pull her to my bust and wrap my arms around
her

“ I’m so sorry my friend, I know it hurts now

but one day you’ll forget a person like him
exists. He doesn’t deserve you, you were too
good for him anyway I doubt anyone else
would’ve tolerated his nonsense for so long. No
girl wants to feel like she’s a hidden secret, he’s
such a jerk"

I suck at comforting people, I never know what

to say.

“ You’re right, he doesn’t deserve me. To think

I was there when he wasn’t working and girls
didn’t want him, I was there I loved him and
gave him my all but what did he do? He threw
all that back in my face”

She says in between sobs

“ I’m sorry babe"

“ The signs were always there I foolishly chose

to ignore them, I mean his actions always
spoke for him. He never enjoyed having me
around, I only visited him on weekends but I
remember this other time during school
holidays I spent three days at his place do you
want to know what he said when I was
leaving?”
“ What did he say?”

“ This time uhlalile yo"

What? That guy is a total douchebag

“ I’m sorry you were going through all of that

and I didn’t even notice, I know it hurts
because you love him but babe you’re so much
better without him"

Men are trash ele kannete shem, what that

stupid guy did to my friend is pure wickedness.

.
.

SABELO

From a young age I’ve always looked older

than my actual age, my naturally buff and tall
physique didn’t help my case. It got worse
when I reached puberty and had hair growing
in my chest, legs and face just to name a few.
My voice also changed, it used to sound
squeaky at first but became deeper overtime.
However those were not the only changes in
my body, my penis also grew larger and wider
attracting older women as a result. Believe it or
not I’ve never been interested in anyone older
than me before, well that was until I met
Buhlebendalo Khumalo.
The woman stole my heart from the moment
she walked through the door, something about
her always leaves me breathless and I felt a
painful pang in my heart when my fellow
classmates disrespected and laughed at her.
For some reason the pain that was reflected in
her eyes brought an indescribable pain to my
heart so I had to step in and chastise my
classmates.

At first I couldn’t figure out why I cared so

much about her I mean she was nothing but a
stranger, I convinced myself that the reason
why it bothered me so much to see her in pain
was because I felt sorry for her and was only
sympathizing with her like I would’ve done for
anyone in her place but I could no longer use
the ‘sympathy’ excuse when she became the
only person I thought and dreamt about.

Thoughts of her would deprive me of sleep as I

imagined myself with her, not in a sexual way
but I just yearned to be next to her and I’d
wonder how it would feel to spend time with
her and listen to her angelic voice all day long.
Before I knew it I had more than 20 drawings of
her in my room that’s when it dawned on me,
what I feel for her couldn’t possibly be
sympathy.

My feelings for her grew with time, I thought I

would wait until the year ends before making a
move on her but I couldn’t hold myself any
longer I had to do something before my feelings
consumed me. I’m sure you’re wondering if I
was scared or not, the answer is yes I was so
scared to approach her because I mean I’m just
an 18 year old kid and she’s this exceptionally
beautiful teacher who probably has a long list
of guys waiting to date her but I was raised to
go after what I want so I had to shoot my shot
and hope it works out.

Being close to her for the very first time I knew

my feelings were reciprocated, she wanted me
as much as I wanted her but I know she
wouldn’t have acted on her feelings so to save
her career I mean its understandable but I
couldn’t help myself I had to taste those thick
pouty lips of hers and I want more now that I
have. That Wednesday afternoon is all I think
about, I still can’t believe I kissed and did all
that to her it feels like a far-fetched dream. If I
didn’t have her panties with me I’d think I was
hallucinating and it didn’t happen, but seeing
them gives me all the proof I need.

I know she has a boyfriend, I made it my duty

to find out everything about her when I realised
what I feel for her. Her boyfriend won’t stop me
from going after what’s mine, Ndalo is mine,
only mine and I’m prepared to do anything for
what’s mine.

NDALO
My feelings for Sabelo multiplied after what
happened between us the other day, at first I
thought what I feel for him was love but now
I’m certain I love that boy. I love him so much
like I’ve never loved anyone before, knowing
that him and I will never be together hurts me
so much.

I wish I was bold enough to choose love over

everything and anyone else but unfortunately
I’m not that brave and besides I don’t even
know what Sabelo feels for me, he’s still young
he’s yet to go to varsity and meet beautiful girls
his age and fall in love so choosing him over
my family and Musa would be both stupid and
crazy because him and I would never work.
He’s young, handsome and every girl wants a
piece of him. I’m probably just an experiment
to him, a bet and who knows what else? But I
know he doesn’t love me, I’d be crazy to think
he does there’s no way a young handsome boy
like him would fall for someone like me. I’m not
even that good looking, handsome guys like
him go for drop dead gorgeous girls.

Musa sent me a text inviting me to his house

for lunch, apparently his mom is the one who
invited me. I was not given a chance to refuse
the invite so he’s on his way to fetch me, my
mother is excited you’d swear she’s the one
who was invited. My parents and I made up,
well that only happened after I agreed to go
ahead with the wedding.

I just got out of the shower, I’m draped in a

towel looking through my wardrobe for
something to wear. I pick out two dresses and
lay them on my bed, I’m really not sure if I
should wear the burgundy or the blue one- the
burgundy one is a chiffon dress and I think it
looks too formal while the blue summer dress
looks too casual for my liking, I know I sound
confused but I want something in between not
too formal or too casual.

“Wear the blue one, this is a laid back lunch

nothing formal"
She says walking into my room

“ Ok ma"

“Why do you think they invited you for lunch?

Do you think he wants to propose officially?”

She says with a big smile on her face

Didn’t she just say the lunch was laid back?

Anyway what she means by him proposing
officially she refers to the romantic proposals
we see on TV and read about in books,
unfortunately it appears things don’t work like
that in Musa's world I don’t even have an
engagement ring on my finger ya neh to go is to
see shem!

“I don’t know ma"

If it was up to me I wouldn’t go, I’m not looking

forward to this lunch shem

“ Ok dress up you don’t want to keep your

future in laws waiting"

I slip into the blue dress and tie my braids into

a high bun revealing all my sphongo, I’ve
grown to love my forehead by the way I no
longer feel the need to hide it and it’s funny
how no one has dubbed me with it like I
thought they would especially the kids but
nothing so far it’s like people don’t even notice
it.

Anele runs into my room breathing heavily

“ U bhuti Musa sekafikile”

( Brother Musa has arrived)

“Ok I’m coming"

I grab my black sling bag, toss my phone and

lipstick inside before walking to the car with
my mother trudging behind me. When we get to
his car mom greets him and goes back to the
house, he then starts the ignition and joins the
main road.

“You look beautiful”

“Thanks"

I feel so uncomfortable, this is the first time

Musa and I meet after I did what I did with
Sabelo. It’s only now that I feel guilty, I don’t
know but it’s like he'll just look at me once and
see everything I did with the kid. I have my
hands in my lap, holding my bag tightly trying
to hide my trembling hands from Musa.
“Don’t be so nervous my family already knows
and loves you baby"

I flash a nervous smile and look to the front,

when we get to his place his mother calls me to
the kitchen the moment she hears my voice. I
leave Musa and his father in the lounge and
join his mother in the kitchen

“Afternoon ma"

“ Oh hello my love”

She says pulling me into her embrace

“Please help me with setting the table, the food
is ready"

“ No problem ma"

She shows me where to find the plates and the

cutlery, I set the table and go back to the
kitchen when I’m done.

“ Take this and put it on the table"

She hands me a big bowl of rice, I take the bowl

to the dining room table and go back to the
kitchen to fetch the salads. I keep doing the up
and down till all the bowls of food are on the
table, we all sit and wait for Mrs Sibisi to join
us.

“ Thank you mkami the food smells delicious I

can’t wait to dig in, let’s say grace"

We all hold hands as Musa prays and blesses

the food, Mr Sibisi wasn’t joking when he said
he couldn’t wait to dig in he immediately starts
eating after Musa says amen causing us to
laugh.

“ So Ndalo my wife and I called you here

because there hasn’t been any progress with
regards to your wedding, mind telling me what
the hold up is and don’t be afraid to be honest
with me” Mr Sibisi
I wish it were that easy to be honest, how do I
look at him in the eye and tell him I’ve fallen
out of love with his son? That he doesn’t satisfy
my needs in bed so marrying him would be
subjecting myself to a life full of unhappiness?

“ I haven’t had time to think about the wedding

Baba, I’m still new at work so I’ve had to work
extra hard to prove myself and ensure my
learners pass. They are writing their June
examinations soon so we have extra classes for
revisions and preparations, I hardly have time
to myself”

“ It sounds hectic, please allow me and your

mother to plan the wedding for you"
Mrs Sibisi interjects

Why do these people want this wedding so

bad?

“ I can even hire a wedding planner who’ll plan

the entire thing, you don’t even have to lift a
finger” Musa adds

“ I love that idea, so how does December

sound?” His father suggests

It’s clear the wedding would mean a lot to a lot

of people, I don’t have the heart to disappoint
all these people.
“ Yes sir December sounds perfect”

I mutter trying so hard to sound excited

Musa grabs my hands under the table and gives

it a gentle squeeze, I’ve never seen him look so
happy. I really hope I’m not making a mistake.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#10
I’m driving the love of my life back to her
house, today is the happiest day of my life I’ve
been looking forward to this day from when we
started dating. Truth is I love Ndalo, she is a
self respecting woman who’s God fearing and
humble. Any man would be lucky to have
someone like her in his life, and I thank the lord
daily that I am that man.

“ You don’t know how happy I am that soon

you’ll be called Mrs Sibisi”

Her lips break into a beautiful smile, my

woman is gorgeous bafethu.

“ So tell me what did Thuli want to talk to you

about on Saturday, the day of Sizwe’s funeral?”
“Oh that we never really got to speak”

I sigh in relief

Wu that was close, Thuli should stay the hell

away from my woman. Ndalo listens to
everything I say, maybe if I plant ideas in her
head she’ll stop talking to her.

“ I don’t think she’s a good friend for you"

“ Why? Unlike Nthabi she is from church and

you know she’s a good girl, vuma nje ukuthi
you don’t want me to have friends you have a
problem with everyone I befriend!”
“ That’s not true, I like Pretty"

“ That’s because she’s your biggest fan"

True

“ Please consider my advice, you know what

they say about bad company right?”

“ Thuli is not bad company"

“ You see that’s why I always tell you that

you’re weak the devil always attacks from your
side, her being a churchgoer doesn’t make her a
good person many people go to church but live
in sin"

“ Do you know anything about her?”

She asks with a quirked brow

“ That doesn’t matter just break whatever

friendship you have with her, I don’t know why
you don’t befriend my sister she is a good
person"

She chuckles

“ No offence baby but your sister is not my

type"
“ What do you mean?”

“ We just don’t click, she’s too..how do I put it?

She’s too pompous"

Her remark about my sister annoys me so I opt

to keep quiet until I park outside her house

“ Wont you come inside and greet my father?”

“I wish I could but I’m rushing somewhere

greet mom and dad for me"
She nods and climbs out of the car and waves
me goodbye, I drive off and dial Thuli's
number, my phone is connected to the car's
Bluetooth.

“ Musa"

That’s her response when she takes my call

“ Where are you, I need to see you?”

“ My house"

I end the call and speed to her house

“ How many times did I tell you to stay away
from my future wife?”

I ask the moment she climbs inside the car

She looks at me and chuckles bitterly

“ Future wife? and what does that make me?”

“ You know how our arrangement works so it’s

not my fault you caught feelings”

Thuli and I are fuckbuddies well that’s what we

use to be, it started a year ago. The young
adult’s had an all night prayer, Ndalo couldn’t
attend the prayer I think she was sick or
something so Thuli asked for a lift and I didn’t
have a problem with her request. The prayer
was starting at 8pm and it’s not safe for a
woman to use public transportation at that time
of the night, considering how high the rate of
crime is at Emba.

I was driving to church when out of the blue

Thuli bobbed her head, unzipped my pants and
took my member in her mouth. I froze for
sometime but that didn’t stop her from sucking
and licking my joy stick until it was fully
erected, she gave me the wildest blow job of
my life that I lost control of the car and
swerved from my lane and almost crashed into
a truck but thank God for my fast reflexes I
managed to swerve the car to the right lane on
time.
We started having sexual relations from that
day, she is very good and satisfies my needs in
bed but I don’t love her nor have any feelings
for her to me she’s nothing but a fuck buddy
but Thuli is a typical woman, she caught
feelings and fell in love with me.

She threatens to sing to Ndalo if I don’t break

up with Ndalo and marry her instead, but that
won’t happen. Ndalo is the one my heart beats
for and I won’t allow this promiscuous woman
to jeopardize that, in my defence she came
onto me knowing very well who Ndalo is and
what she means to me.

.
.

NDALO

Nthabi didn’t come to work today so I’m in my

office having lunch on my own when Tsotetsi,
one of the teachers in the school walks inside
without even knocking.

“ Haibo you can’t just waltz in here, at least

knock and be given permission to enter. Simple
mannerisms nxn!”

I’m so annoyed yerr

“ WOW, look who’s talking about mannerisms”

He grins at me

“ What do you want here?”

“ I came to see you”

“ For what? You and I have nothing to talk

about"

“ Oh that’s where you’re mistaken, you and I

have lots to talk about Miss Khumalo"

I don’t like the look on his face, what’s his

story?
“ Just say what you want to say and leave my
office"

I don’t like Tsotetsi, he’s one of those men who

call every girl with ‘baby/love" and all those
other names and he always talks about sex.

He once told me he always imagines me naked

everytime he jerks off, he said it was a joke
when he saw the horrified expression on my
face. That’s when I noticed how he wets his lips
with his tongue everytime we meet in the
corridors during period change, I don’t know
but the man gives me the creeps

“ I prefer to show you instead"

“ Ok go ahead"

I almost fall off my chair when I see multiple

pictures of myself in his gallery, it’s pictures of
me with Sabelo. Pictures of Sabelo buried
between my thick thighs eating me up like I’m
his favourite dessert, it’s pictures from that
fateful Wednesday afternoon.

He laughs when he sees the shock on my face

“ And now Miss Khumalo do I have your

attention?”

“ How…how do you have those?”

“ Those?.. oh you mean the pictures, simple I
took them"

My stomach turns at the thought of him seeing

my nakedness.

“ Yeah I saw you two, the boy was feasting on

your black forest until you came on his face. I
was there I saw it all, I swear I got an erection
just from watching you two. Y’all have amazing
chemistry”

“ What do you want?”

“ You and your toyboy should seriously
consider joining the sex industry, yall would
make loads of cash"

“ Tsotetsi ngithe ufunani?”

( I said what do you want)

“ Huh?”

“ You heard me, why are you here showing me

these instead of being in the principal’s office
reporting me. What do you want, you must
want something from me"

“ Clever girl, you’re right I want something

from you. At first I wanted to sleep with you, I
mean look at you. You are a walking
temptation, I can just imagine how sweet those
pouty lips taste and honestly they would look
good wrapped around my shaft"

I almost vomit at the thought of myself in that

position

“ You’re a full package miss Khumalo, you’re a

beautiful woman I love your skin tone, your
plump behind, your not thick nor slim thighs
and not forgetting your beautiful legs"

“ You still haven’t told me what you want?”

I ask losing my patience

“ I wanted sex before I knew you’re not as
innocent as you look, I mean if you can do that
with the boy on school premises who knows
what else you get up to so no kerata dibunu but
ke tshaba AIDS”

He’s so condescending

“ Ok, there is no need to be impatient I’ll tell

you. I want a blow job, you give me the best
blow of my life, I’ll delete all the pictures from
my phone and forget about what I saw"

“ What?”
“ Don’t worry you don’t have to give me your
answer now, I’ll give you two days to give me
your answer. Two days, nothing more or less"

He looks at his wristwatch

“ And your time starts now, tick tock tick tock"

He laughs and walks out of my office

I retch and vomit on the floor when he walks

out

“ What am I going to do?”

I burst into tears

I’m so done for!!!

SABELO

Ndalo didn’t come to class today and that’s so

unlike her, I have a feeling something is wrong
with her. I waited for 30 minutes in her class
after school, thinking she’ll walk in like she
normally does but she didn’t so I’ll go and look
for her in her office I hope she’s there if not I’ll
have no choice but to go to her house since I
don’t have her numbers.
The school is a bit empty now, I walk through
the flight of stairs and knock on her office, no
one replies but I can hear someone sniffing
inside so I push the door letting myself in. My
heart breaks when I find her bawling her eyes
out on her desk

“ Baby”

She looks up at the sound of my voice, her eyes

are red and swollen it’s obvious she’s been
crying for a while now.

“ What are you doing here?”

“ Why are you crying my love, what’s wrong?”

“ Leave me alone Sabelo, this is all your fault!”

She bellows

“ Me? What did I do? Please talk to me"

“ Leave Sabelo, I never want to see you again.

You have succeeded in destroying my life,
congratulations”

That could only mean one thing

“ Does anyone know?”

“ What the hell did you expect, of course
someone knows….he saw us"

“ Who?”

“ He has pictures you know, hard evidence

against me".

“ Who has pictures baby?”

“ Stop calling me baby, just stop! Why do you

want to know? It’s not like there’s anything you
can do. You are nothing but a boy, a kid your
arrogance won’t solve this so leave!”
“ Do whatever you want, swear, yell, slap me if
it makes you feel better but I’m going nowhere
until you tell me who has the pictures"

“ Gosh you’re so stubborn"

She chuckles

I crouch next to her and take her hands into

mine, I expect her to claim her hands back but
she doesn’t. I guess she has finally accepted
that there’s no getting rid of me.

“ Talk to me sthandwa sami who has the

pictures”
“ It’s Tsotetsi”

“ Okay, did he show you? What I mean is how

do you know it’s him who has them"

“ Yes, he showed them to me"

“ What is he threatening you with?”

“ How do you know he’s threatening me?”

“ It’s obvious, so what does he want?”

“ A blow job”
“ Uyanya!”

I wipe her tears with my palms and plant a

peck on her forehead

“ Don’t cry anymore, I’ll fix this. You’re not

giving that old geezer a blow job okay?”

“ Okay"

“ Now where’s that beautiful smile"

She giggles

“ Uyathanda ukuzenza mdala"

( you love acting old)

She says laughing

“ I’m not acting like it, I am old. I’m an old soul

sthandwa sam”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#11

I told Ndalo to stop worrying and promised to

fix this yet I don’t know where I’ll start, seeing
her in tears broke my heart so I had to say
anything to put her at ease. I managed to calm
her down and accompanied her to the rank, I
only went back to school when the cab she was
in drove off. Now I’m in my room going out of
my mind trying to find ways to get rid of the
evidence Tsotetsi has against Ndalo, I love
that woman and I wouldn’t want her to lose her
job because of me.

“ Sabelo I..”

She stops talking when she sees the tears in my

eyes, she rushes to the bed and sits next to me

“ What? Sabelo are you crying, what’s wrong

talk to me"
“ Nothing"

“ No, it can’t be nothing if you’re crying. You

never cry, what’s wrong?”

“ I messed up Sphe, like always I fucked up!”

“ What did you do, I’m sure it can’t be that

bad”

She’s looking at me with eyes glistening with

tears, oh my poor twin.

“ Believe me it is bad"
“ Please tell me, maybe I can help"

“ You can’t Sphe, please give me some time

alone”

“ No, I’m going nowhere”

I know she means it, let’s just say being

stubborn runs in the Meyiwa family

“ So, will you talk?”

“ I did something that may put someone I love

at risk"
“ Woah, stop right there! Did you just say
someone you love?”

“ Yeah"

“ OMG what? You and love same sentence

ndiyaxaluyiva ke leyo"

“ Come on Sphe this is not the time”

“ Okay but I’m shocked, it’s the first time I hear

you talk about love. You know yourself, you’re
the trash women refer to when they say ‘men
are trash' “
“ Whatever”

“ You know it’s true, so who’s the lucky lady?”

“ I can’t say, I’d be risking her career”

“ Woah did you just say career? Does that

mean she’s older than you"

“ How old?”

She asks when I don’t reply

“ She’s 25”
“ What? What the actual fuck Sabelo?”

“ This is why I didn’t want to tell you, I knew

you’d judge me. I love her and I don’t care
what you or anyone else thinks about my
feelings for her"

“ Wow, you have it bad don’t you"

“ You have no idea”

“ Wow, you really love her don’t you?”

“ So much, Ngimthanda ngenhliziyo yami

yonke"
(I love her with all my heart)

“ What about her, does she love you too?”

“ Honestly I don’t know but I think she

does"

“ I hope you won’t get yourself heartbroken, I

mean you’ve broken so many people’s heart I
hope this woman won’t be your karma"

I hope not

“ So what did you do?”

Telling her what I did would be risking her
finding out Ndalo’s identity, she’s smart this
one. She’ll know it’s her should I disclose what
I did.

“ Let’s just say someone has compromising

pictures of her and is using them to threaten
her into giving him a blow job"

“ Yuck, that’s sick. Where does he have the

pictures?”

“ On his phone, well that’s what I think I’m not

too sure"
“ Okay, that’s easy we can hack into his phone
using Hoverwatch, mSpy or Flexispy. All you
need to do is to download the app into your
phone, create an account and password then
log into the software and then make a call on
your phone to the target cellphone. When you
make the call, a record will be generated and
this will lead to the linking of your phone and
the target phone you’re going to hack. If you
don’t want to call you can enter a few details of
the target phone and send a text to the target
phone, then viola your phones will be linked
then you’ll access all his calls, messages and
multimedia then you can delete pictures he’s
blackmailing your lady with”

Wow
“ You’re such a genius”

“ I know"

She says wiping imaginary dust from her

shoulders

“ But I’ll kill you if you hack into my phone"

She laughs

“ I won’t relax, your sugarmama is safe"

I cringe at the word

“ Nah, she’s no sugarmama she’s a very young,
beautiful and sexy lady you’ll say I told you so
when you see her one day.”

“ Wow, how’s she like vele?”

“ She’s dark, not too dark she’s just the right

amount of dark. She’s not thick nor slim,
ukahle nje. She’s got the most beautiful legs
I’ve seen, my dick twitches everytime I see her
wearing a skirt or a dress yo une sitho esihle
usisi hay' lemicondo yakho"

We laugh
“ Oh wow, I think I know someone like that..
wait let me rephrase I don’t think, I am sure it’s
the same person.”

Me and my big mouth! I got carried away and

described her

“ I doubt you do"

“ I do, ok let me describe the one I know. She

has doe eyes, pouty lips and a well defined
nose ngathi sanodoli nyana nje usis wakhona
muhle nje uyindoni yamanzi. She has a big
forehead but it suits her and extra teeth making
her look super cute when she smiles or laughs"
Damn it, it’s her

“ I’m right ain’t I?”

“ No, you’re far from the truth"

I say with a serious look on my face, she

studies my face for a while before she speaks.

“ Hmm, ngiyoze ngimthole ok'salayo"

Whew at least she took my word for it.

.
NDALO

Sabelo promised to fix this, I don’t know what

he’s going to do but something tells me I can
trust him. I made up an excuse when my family
asked me why I came back home late and why
my eyes look so swollen, I’m not a good liar I’m
still surprised that they actually bought it. I’m
in my bed now talking to my friend on the
phone when I hear a knock on my window

“ Hold on, I think someone is knocking on my

window"

“ What? At this time. Don’t open, drop the call

and send your father a message ai nawe uhlala
kude nendlu man"
Says Pretty

“ It’s probably nothing, let me sleep its late"

“ Ngo 9 ku late? Come on"

My eyes hurt, I cried a lot I really need to shut

them and sleep

“ Please friend, I promise I’ll call again

tomorrow “

“ Okay then, goodnight I love you"

“ Night, love you too"

I drop the call and switch off the lights

That knock on the window, oh my goodness I

should have listened to Pretty. What do I do?

“ Baby, please open up it’s me”

No it can’t be, what’s he doing here at this time

of the night?

Ask me why I’m opening the door for him

“ Sabelo are you crazy, it’s late and you know
it’s not safe to roam in the streets at nights do
you want to die boy?”

“ I love it when you fuss over me but relax love,

I’m okay”

He goes straight to my bed when he walks

inside my room, when did he take off his
shoes?

“ Haibo, sorry buti wenzani?”

(Excuse me what do you think you’re doing)

“ Sleeping, won’t you join me?”

“ Sabelo, this is my home. My parent’s house
we can’t do this here, please leave"

“ Hah baby at this time, you want me to die?”

Nawu umhlolo wami

“ Wena bewuyaphi?”

( Where were you going)

“ Bengiza ku muntu wami"

( I was coming to my woman)

I won’t lie that line has me blushing

“ Come to bed baby"

Sabelo Meyiwa ne? I have no words shem

I have no choice but join him in bed, he spoons

me from behind and wraps his arms around my
waist

“ I’ve always dreamt of this you know"

He says after a long moment of silence

“ Really?”
“ Yeah, having you in my arms like this feels
like the best thing in the world"

My heart is doing a vosho, I can’t believe my

ears

“ Why?”

“ Why what?”

“ Why does it feel like the best thing in the

world?”

I really need to know

“ Because you are my world so everything is
right when I have you in my arms, please don’t
marry him Ndalo. I know I’m only a kid with
nothing to offer you at the moment, he has
everything you need but please don’t. I promise
I’ll work hard and give you everything you
need, it may not be today or tomorrow but I
promise you’ll get everything you want. I just
need a bit of patience, please don’t marry him"

So he knows about Musa and the wedding? But

how?

“ Sabelo..”

“ Please Ndalo don’t break my heart, I love

you. I love you so much, please don’t do it"
Lord knows I’ve been dying to hear those
words from him but unfortunately I cant give
him what he wants, I can’t choose him over my
family.

“ Sabelo I’m sorry but I can’t, I have no choice

but to go ahead with the wedding. I’m sorry"

He doesn’t reply

“ Sabelo?”

I turn my head to look at him and I find him in

tears, I feel a sharp pain in my heart when I see
him look so broken.
“ Sabelo, please don’t cry you’re breaking my
heart"

“ Is it because I’m younger than you?”

“ What? NO"

“ You know what never mind, go ahead and get

married it’s okay"

“ Please don’t make me feel bad"

“ Do you know Tsotetsi’s number?”

“ What?”

“ Do you have the old geezer's number or not?”

“ I do why?”

We have a WhatsApp group chat for the staff, I

can get his number from there.

“ Please give the number to me"

He gets off the bed and puts on his shoes

“ Sabelo, what are you doing you can’t go out

at this hour”
“ Give me the number Miss Khumalo"

“ Sabelo please"

I try to touch his hand but he yanks it off

“ I guess you’ll give it to me tomorrow, bye

ma'am"

He says and walks out the door, he doesn’t

leave alone he takes my heart with him. I cry
myself to sleep, now I know what they mean
when they say love hurts!
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#12

I don’t know what Sabelo did but the pictures

Tsotetsi had on his phone disappeared, he was
here yesterday accusing me of witchcraft
apparently I performed some black magic and
made the pictures disappear y’all should have
seen him he was really spooked out. Sabelo
may have helped me with the problem but he
wants nothing to do with me since that night, I
miss the attention he used to give and how he’d
call me ‘baby or sthandwa sam' damn it my
heart would twerk and do backflips just at him
saying those simple words to me, I don’t know
but there’s just something about the way he
says them that makes my heart dance.

I love Sabelo Meyiwa and I miss him a lot, he

probably thinks I’m with Musa for the money
but that’s not true I’m doing this for my parents
they want this wedding so bad.

“ Good morning class"

“ Good morning ma'am"

“ Where is Sabelo Meyiwa?”

“ He left the class when the English period
ended" Kamva

He’s been doing this since that night, he never

attends my period and exams are starting in a
week so he can’t afford to slack now.

“ Okay, let’s continue. Where were we?”

“ We were revising meiosis and mitosis" Thato

“ Ok let’s carry on"

After class I ask Thato to send Sabelo to my
office the moment he comes back to class.
Nthabi is fine now, she’s back to her bubbly self
I don’t know if she’s really okay or she’s
putting up a front to conceal how she really
feels, I tried reaching out but she blew me off. I
honestly don’t have time to beg someone to
open up, I have a lot on my plate so angina
skhathi nje.

“ Come in"

Sabelo walks in

“ Miss Khumalo”
“ Yebo Sabelo Kunjani?”

( How are you)

“ I’m okay miss Khumalo"

Why does it hurt so much when he addresses

me as miss Khumalo? I wish he’d call me baby
or sthandwa sam like he used to

“ I called you here because I’m worried about

you, you’re missing my classes and exams are
approaching well more like they are already
here. I want you to do well, I know you can do
well please put whatever happened between us
aside and focus on what’s important which is
your education”
“ I don’t need to attend your class to pass,
there’s youTube, google and those programs on
the Television to help me. We both know I
don’t need to be in class to do well"

It’s true Sabelo is the brightest student in my

class, he doesn’t answer or participate in class
but come test boy will leave you wowed. His
competition is Sphesihle from 12A, that girl is
number 1 in the entire school.

“ Wow, I tried and failed. Ok Sabelo you can

leave that’s all I had to say to you today"

“ Ok bye ma'am"
He walks out

SABELO

I love Ndalo and I was prepared to fight for her

and our relationship but it seems we are not
flowing in the same wavelength, it’s clear she
doesn’t love me like I do her because I know
she would also fight for our love if she truly
loved me.

“ Hau, sekuphelile fast so?”

( it’s over so soon)

I love my sister but she’s annoying sometimes
yo

“ What did I say about budging into my room

Sphe? Please leave"

“ Yo I’m sorry”

“ I don’t need your apologies I said leave"

“ I’m not the one who broke your heart so

please don’t take out your frustrations on me"

“ Yewena ngamehlo aluhlaza ngithe phuma la"

( Hey you blue eyed person, I said get out)

She laughs

“ Ay baku hurt(ile) mntasekhaya shem"

I give her a look trying to scare her, the idiot

cracks up even more I end up joining her.

“ Ukwenzeni u mistress Khumalo?”

( What did miss Khumalo do to you)

“ What are you talking about?”

I ask feigning ignorance

“ I’m not a fool, out of everyone I expected you
to know that. I know she’s the one you’re in
love with, so spill what did she do"

“ Nothing, I’m not discussing my private life

with you"

“ So you agree it’s her you’re in love with?”

“ Yeah Sphe, are you happy now?”

“ Yes, she’s beautiful.”

“ Phuma ke"

( Get out)
“ Not before you tell me what she did to you"

“ Sphe don’t you have a boyfriend or friends to

annoy?”

“ You’re my twin dude, there’s no getting rid of

me"

“ Uthanda izindaba shem, get a boyfriend to

keep you busy because you’re really annoying"

“ So?”
I give up shem, if the word nosy had a face it’d
be my sister’s face.

“ She didn’t do anything, she is getting married

to her boyfriend of four years. He has a car, an
apartment and a well paying job I was crazy to
think I could compete with that. Women go
where there’s money not love, I don’t blame
her though ‘love doesn’t pay the bills’ angithi
nisho njalo"

( isn’t that what you say)

“ I’m sorry hey, I think you should fight for her

because it looks like you really love her"
“ Yeah I do but I cant fight for someone who
isn’t willing to do the same, I’ll be wasting my
precious time”

“ Fight for her Troy, fight with all you’ve got so

you don’t have regrets in future. If she gets
married even after that, you’ll know you did
your best"

“ You think so?”

“ I know so, Sabelo Troy Meyiwa is not a

coward. Go get your lady, sex her back to her
senses if you must. You know her better than
me, you know what to do to get your way with
her"
I didn’t expect my sister to support me but I’m
glad she’s on my side and not judging me like I
expected her to. I guess it’s time to stop feeling
sorry for myself and fight for my love.

NDALO

I don’t know how far the mothers are with the

wedding preparations and to be frank I don’t
care, my heart is broken I hate the distance
between Sabelo and I. I thought I would get
over him but living without hearing his deep
voice, without looking into those blue eyes and
without his caresses and sweet kisses is
absolute torture.

“ Mama I’d like to have a word with you

please"

She’s watching House of Zwide with Anele, dad

just came back from work he’s in the bathroom
taking a bath and Melo went back to school.

“ Can’t it wait at least until the story ends?”

“No, it can’t”

If I wait any longer I’ll lose the courage I’ve

summoned to tell her what I feel
“ Eish uyahlupha Ndalo man"

She stands up from the couch and follows me

to the kitchen

“ So I’m here now, talk?”

“ How did you end up marrying dad?”

She frowns

“ What are you asking me Buhlebendalo

Khumalo?”
“ How did you end up getting married to my
dad, like was it your choice or he was chosen
for you?”

“ Where are you going with this?”

“ Ma, I don’t want to marry Musa and you

know that. Why are you forcing him on me?”

I feel a burning sensation on my cheek and that

“ twiiii" sound in my ear then it clicks, I’ve
been slapped!

“ Watch your mouth!”

Anele runs to the kitchen, I guess she heard the
loud echo from the slap I received.

“ First of all I didn’t force you to date Musa,

you chose him and introduced him to us. So
what do you mean I’m forcing him down your
throat?”

“ So since I introduced him to you it means I

should get married to him by force?”

She throws a jab on my mouth causing me to

bite my tongue

“ Close that big mouth of yours”

“ But ma, you’re not fair”

“ Oh you’re a woman ne that’s why you

backchat when I chastise you. Nele bring me
my tight ngifuna mina nalo mfazi we
sphongokazi sibambane namhlanje, si trapane
goet skhiphane inkani"

( I want me and this woman with a big forehead

to fight it out like women)

“ Mama No!”

Anele exclaims

“ Are you bringing what I asked for or should I

do it myself?”
Anele gives me an apologetic look before
walking away

I didn’t see this coming and I honestly don’t

know what I’ll do but I know I won’t fight my
mother.

“ Nayi ma"

( Mom here)

Mom takes the tight from Anele, wears it and

takes off her dress. She’s left in her bra and the
tight, so she’s really doing this?

“ Nele vala lo mnyango uphume"

( close the door and get out)

Anele does as mom says

Mom shifts the table from the centre and

pushes it next to the kitchen unit along with
it’s chairs

“ Woza ke"

( Come)

“ No, I won’t fight you mom. I’m sorry"

“ Only now you realise I’m your mother after

disrespecting me so much?”
“ I’m sorry ma"

She slaps me countless number of times and

pulls me down my braids and knees my face.
All I do is cry and try to escape from her
clutches but she’s got a tight grip on my hair.
When she’s satisfied, she lets go of me and
walks out of the kitchen and leaves me
bleeding on the floor.

I don’t have to look at my face in the mirror to

know that it’s swollen. I hate my mother, who
does this to their own child?
I’m trying to pick myself up from the floor but I
keep falling back on my butt causing myself
more pain, Anele walks into the kitchen and
tears flood her eyes when she sees my
condition. She places my arm over her shoulder
and helps me stand and slowly walks me to my
room.

“ Anele!”

My mother bellows from outside the door

“ Ma"

“ Ungangidini wena phuma lapho"

( Don’t annoy me get out from there)

Anele is stubborn so she doesn’t pay my
mother any attention, she continues helping
me.

“ Please go I'll be fine, I don’t want you to find

yourself in my position”

“ No, I’m not like you mina. I won’t let those

two walk all over me like a doormat"

“ No Nele, don’t do this. Go back inside I’ll be

fine"

“ Sure?”

“ 100%”
“ Okay then"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#13

My sister is right I have to fight for Ndalo with

everything I’ve got at least that way should it
not work out I’ll know I did my part and fought
for love. The plan was to talk to her during
lunch or wait for after school to talk to her but I
haven’t seen her in school today, she didn’t
come to class as well so I’m now standing at
the door of her office summoning the courage
to knock and ask sir Mathobela about her
whereabouts, she’s my teacher so me asking
about her won’t look suspicious right?

“ Meyiwa"

“ Kunjani sir"

( How are you)

“ I’m okay boy, how can I help you?”

“ I’m looking for Miss Khumalo, she didn’t

come to class today and there’s something I
wanted to ask her about the scope she gave us"
“ Eish mfana I am sorry but miss Khumalo is
not in today, she is sick so her doctor gave her
a few days off. I know how much you love your
school work, you can ask me anything I will
gladly assist"

My heart just sank, so Ndalo is sick? How, she

was okay yesterday

“ Ok sir, I wanted to ask about human

endocrine system some of the things in the
chapter are a bit confusing for me"

I lie through my teeth

“ Okay come tomorrow I have a free period
before lunch I’ll explain everything to you"

“ Thank you sir"

I don’t know how I got through the rest of the

day because my heart and mind were no longer
in school they were with Ndalo, I wonder
what’s wrong with her I hope it’s not serious
but it must be if she was given days off from
work. What could be wrong with her? I hope
it’s nothing chronic

“ Uhlikaphi mfana?”

( Where do you get off)

The cab driver asks, damn I’ve zoned out

“ e khoneni"

“ Okay”

He stops the car at the corner and waits for me

to get off before driving off

Now I have to knock on her door and ask her

parents about her, hopefully they’ll let me in
when they see my uniform.

“ Who is it?”
Shouts someone from inside

“ Yimi"

( it’s me)

I never know what to say when I’m being asked

“ wubani" it tends to be a bit awkward for me.

“ Ok yimi stand there until you remember your

name"

Ngaze ngavelelwa!

“ It’s Sabelo"
I always feel strange after shouting my name
behind a closed door, I don’t know but kuba
ngathi azithi mzala la kimi.

“ What was so hard about that?”

Says a young girl when she opens the door for

me

“ Hello"

“ Hi, what can I do for you?”

“ I’m one of miss khumalo's learners from 12B

and I have to give her my assignment”
“ Miss Khumalo is sick, didn’t they tell you at
school?”

“ They did but I really need to submit to her"

“ Ungumhlobo bani?”

( What race are you)

“ What?”

“ No, I’m confused. Are you black or colored?”

I don’t see how my race comes into the

conversation but I choose to answer anyway
“ I’m black why?”

“ The colour of your eyes, your skin tone and

hair…you look coloured”

I get that a lot

“ So will you take me to her?”

“ Maybe I will, only because you’re handsome"

Haibo, what’s going on here

“ Follow me"
She says and sways her ass, haha girls ne.

“ Ses'Ndalo"

“ N..nele"

Ndalo says then grunts in pain inside her room.

“ Some hot boy is here to see you, he says he’s

your student"

She says this looking at me, no let me

rephrase..she is drooling at me.
“ Let …leet him in"

“ Ngena ke charmer boy”

This girl is forward shem, girls like her annoy

me to the core. I’m only tolerating her because
I have no choice, otherwise ngabe kudala
ngimkhiphe skhwameni sami.

She walks away when I walk in, thank the lord.

I thought she would stick around

A sharp pain shoots straight to my heart when I

see Ndalo's face, she’s covered in bruises barely
recognizable. I rush to her bed and sit next to
her
“ What happened to you baby, who did this?”

She doesn’t reply she only cries

“ Please don’t cry, you’re grating my heart to

pieces"

She wraps her arms around my waist and lays

her head on my chest and bawls her eyes out,
I’m trying so hard not to cry. This right here
breaks my heart. She calms down a couple of
minutes later and tries to break free from my
embrace.
“ Please let me hold you for a few more
minutes"

“ Okay"

“ So tell me my love, who did this?”

“ It was my mother”

“ What, why?”

“ Because I told her I don’t want to marry

Musa"

What kind of mother does that?

“ I don’t get it"

She tells me the entire story and I’m not sure

what exactly but something is off about this
entire story, why do her parents insist on her
marrying this guy what will they get out of this
marriage?

“ I don’t know baby but I smell a rat, something

is off about this whole thing"

“ I didn’t make much of it before, but my

mother beating me up because I refuse to get
married has raised quite a few suspicions”
“ So what are you going to do?”

“ I’m not getting married to Musa, not now not

ever. I’m tired of living for other people, I’m
going to put my happiness first from now on,
what my mother did opened my eyes"

“ I’m sorry she did that to you my love, I’ll

come sleep here tonight. Don’t lock your door "

“ You don’t have to"

“ I know but I want to, you are hurt and you

need someone to take care of you"

“ What about school?”

“ What time does your father wake up in the
morning?”

“ 5 AM”

“ I’ll leave at 4:30 then"

“ But Sab..”

“ Shhh, allow me to take care of you"

NDALO
I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that
my mother did this to me, if I didn’t know
better I’d say she wanted to damage my face.
My face was her target during the beat down
and I look so messed up right now, I don’t think
I’ll look myself in the mirror for a very long
time because what I saw starring back at me
when I looked in the mirror wasn’t the Ndalo I
know. I look so buttered up and bruised that I
can barely recognize myself, I’m surprised
Sabelo didn’t freak out when he saw my face.

Anele didn’t go to school today because she

wouldn’t let me go to the doctor by myself, I’m
grateful for my sister’s support but I don’t want
her fighting with my parents because of me.
The first thing I’ll do when I recover is to look
for another place to stay, I can’t continue living
here after what my mother did it’s clear my
safety is compromised here.

“ Ses'Ndalo"

Anele’s voice wakes me up from my sleep

“ Where is Sabelo?”

“ He left when you fell asleep"

I don’t even know when I dozed off

After telling Sabelo the truth, he silently held
me in his arms and massaged my scalp with his
fingers. The feel of his fingers on my scalp was
soothing and relaxing I guess I must’ve doze off
then.

“ Please sit up, I brought you food"

She puts the tray on the bedside table and helps

me sit up.

“ So that guy"

“ What guy Anele"

“ Sabelo, he’s freaking hot yo"

She fans herself and I cant help but feel jealous

“ He’s younger than you Nele forget it"

Look who’s talking

“ How old is he?”

“ 18”

“ Ah kanti, I’m only a year older than him mos

Ses'Ndalo it’s not that bad plus he doesn’t look
his age. He looks older than me so will you
hook me up with him?”
“ Haibo Anele"

“ Please, I’m begging you. Just get me his

number, I’ll handle the rest"

“ You can’t be serious”

“ I am”

“ What if he’s dating, he doesn’t look single"

“ I don’t care, stena ke bozza his girlfriend

better prepare herself because I’m coming in
with my guns blazing”
This conversation is very uncomfortable for me

“ So will you help or should I find another

way?”

“ Find another way darling, I’m his teacher not

his friend I can’t hook him up with my sister it’s
not proffesional ngingabe ngizidelelisa
ngengane"

There’s no way I’m handing her my man on a

silver platter.

When I’m done eating I tell Anele to go back to

the house, mom doesn’t want here her even her
bringing me food is because of her
stubbornness and insistence if not I’m sure I
wouldn’t eat. A knock on the door disturbs me
from my game, I know it’s Sabelo because
Anele doesn’t knock and my parents have no
business coming to my room since my mother
beat me up. It’s obvious dad will take her side,
he didn’t even come to see how I’m doing mxm
to think there was a time I regarded those two
as the best parents!

“ Enter"

He walks in and locks the door

“ Baby, I’m back”

“ I see"

He takes off all his clothes including his

underwear and I can’t help but stare at his
manhood. He’s big, really big!

“ Sabelo why are you taking off your clothes, I

hope you don’t think I’ll have sex with you"

“ What do you take me for mara baby? Why

would I even think of sex in your condition?”

“ Then why are you undressing"

“ Because I’m coming to bed and I sleep naked,
I can’t sleep with clothes on"

Iyoh

“ So am I allowed to get under the covers or

should I sleep on the floor?”

“ No, it’s fine you can get in bed”

He gets behind me and pulls me to his chest, I

can feel his shaft on my back. Will I be able to
sleep mara?

“ So have you broken up with Musa yet?”

“ No, not yet"

“ What are you waiting for?”

“ I want to do it face to face so I need to heal

first then I’ll talk to him”

“ Ndalo I know you’ve been with him for years

and everything but I’m not going to share you
with another man, you are mine and only mine
so please fix this"

Did I tell you Sabelo is a man? Well I repeat,

Sabelo yindoda bafethu. He gives instructions
akabuzi.
“ Okay baby"

“ Please repeat what you said"

I giggle

“ No"

“ You just called me baby for the first time,

does that mean you’re mine now?”

“ Didn’t you just say I was yours?”

“ Yeah, you’ve been mine but I need to know if
you’re giving us a shot or not?”

“ Yeah, I’m giving us a shot. I love you Sabelo

please don’t hurt me"

“ Please say that again?”

“ What?”

“ That you love me, wait look at me when you

say it"

I look into his blue eyes and get lost in them,

my heart threatens to fall off my chest when he
gazes into my eyes.
“ Tell me, tell me you love me"

He whispers

“ I love you Sabelo"

“ I love you too Ndoni yamanzi”

He leans in for a kiss and I wince in pain when

he sucks on my swollen lip

“ Sorry baby, it completely slipped my mind"

“ It’s okay, so do you have any girlfriend?”

I need to know I cant just assume

“ Yes"

My heart right now, I drop my eyes to his chest

but he places a finger under my chin forcing me
to meet his gaze.

“ Why don’t you ask me who my girlfriend is?”

“ Who is she?”

“ Buhlebendalo Khumalo, indoni yamanzi

yami"
Sabelo is really an old soul, the way he melts
my heart everytime he speaks!

He laughs

“ Next time ask don’t assume, assumption is

the mother of all fuck ups. I’d rather you ask
me, I promise I will never lie to you".

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#14
There’s just something about sleeping on top of
your man's chest that makes you sleep
peacefully nje, I can’t pinpoint it what it is yet
but kona there’s a difference between sleeping
on a pillow and on top of your lover’s chest.
Unfortunately Sabelo had to leave at 4 in the
morning before my dad woke up, we initially
agreed on 4:30 but to be on the safe side he left
at 4 am. I feel so giddy, like a teenager who just
had her first kiss yeah that’s how Sabelo makes
me feel.

I can’t wait for him to be done with school so

we can date freely, keeping our relationship a
secret will be hard because even now kuthi
mangiposte umuntu wami yo guys kumnandi
emjolweni shem. The way I’m so happy I even
forgot that I still have to dump Musa but here
he is making his presence in my life known by
calling me

“ Good morning"

“ My love how are you?”

“ I’m okay Musa”

“ Musa? What’s going on?”

“ What do you mean?”

“ You never refer to me as Musa..yini were you
speaking to that friend of yours?”

“ What are you talking about?”

“ Never mind, so uthi kwenzakalani"

( What’s going on)

“ With what?”

I can’t wait for this call to be over honestly

“ You sound off"

“ that’s because I am, mom beat me black and
blue so my face is injured and my body is in
pain"

“ What? What did you do for her to hit you?”

“ I told her I didn’t want to marry you

anymore"

There’s silence for a while, I didn’t mean to

blurt it out like this but I took the opportunity
when it presented itself. I know myself, telling
him was going to be hard for me so this way is
best.

“ Oh?”
Oh??

“ Is that all you’re going to say?”

“ Funa ngithini sfebe?”

( What do you want me to say bitch)

This is the first time I hear Musa speaking

profanities( using vulgar language)

“ Why are you swearing at me?”

“ Am I lying? Are you not a bitch?”

“ Ngiyisfebe mangiyenzeni Musa?”

( What did I do that makes me a bitch)

He laughs sarcastically

“ No, please humor me"

“ Okay, I’ll tell you why I’m saying you’re a

bitch. You got a Kimberly hole bengiminza
lapho kuwe your pussy doesn’t have grabbers
it’s too loose nje I was doing you a favour by
sleeping with you…to think you wanted me to
lick your tin fish smelling pussy”

He laughs
“ Such a joke, that’s why I refused there’s no
way I’d go down on you shem. You’re so cold
in bed, uvele uphenduke inkukhu nje
awunyakazi awuthini nje.”

I don’t know why I’m still listening to him

“ I know you’re crying now, that’s how weak

you are. No backbone whatsoever, you are
such a feeble woman who can’t stand up for
herself. You always put other people first and
that has been your biggest down fall, I only
wanted to marry you so I could make you my
slave, and oh I cheated on you with your
friends Pretty and Thuli”
“ You’re such a liar, Pretty would never do that
to me unamanga"

Thuli and I are not close friends but Pretty? My

best friend no that can’t be true

“ You’re so naïve, of course she would and she

did. Wena your problem you think everyone
who laughs in your face loves you, you’re so
gullible shem”

“ Okay, thank you for telling me bye"

“ Bye Sphongo"
Saying I’m heartbroken would be an
understatement, I don’t know how to describe
the pain I feel in my heart right now. Am I
cursed or what? Why does everyone in my life
turn out to be a backstabber?

“ Best friend!”

“ is it true?”

“ What are you talking about?”

“ Did you sleep with Musa?”

“ Look friend, I can ex.”

I drop the call and release a loud sob. What
have I done to deserve so much pain and
anguish?

Pretty tries to call me back but I reject her call

and block her number, who needs enemies
when you have friends like Pretty? I don’t know
what to do with myself I’m so tempted to slice
my wrist and end it all, I don’t want to live like
this, no one truly loves me not even my own
parents. My happiness is always short lived I
guess I’m not destined for happiness.

I jolt up from my bed and shuffle through my

drawer looking for something sharp to slice my
wrist with but it’s difficult to find anything with
tears blinding my vision. My chest feels so
tight, it’s like there’s something sitting on it
making it difficult for me to breathe, I want to
scream but even my voice is failing me. Failing
to find anything sharp enough to cut myself
with I throw myself on top of the bed.

My alarm beeps reminding me to drink my

pills, why didn’t I think about this before? What
would happen if I took all the pills at once?

MUSA
I cant believe Ndalo is willing to throw four
years down the drain for a high school kid, yes
I know about her silly little crush on some high
school kid she made the mistake of telling
Pretty about it thinking her secret would be
safe with her, little did she know there’s
nothing Pretty doesn’t tell me about. Ndalo is
an ass-kisser, I know she would do anything to
please her parents so I know that high school
kid is her motivation for ending our
relationship.

I didn’t mean any of the things I said to her, I

just wanted to plant self doubt and insecurities
I know her like the back of my hand, if she
thinks she has a big hole and that her pussy
smells she will never open her legs for that kid.
In the meantime I will put pressure on her
parents to force her to marry me that way I
know she will come back to me untouched. I
wont allow a kid touch what’s mine, Ndalo is
and will always be mine some young boy wont
change that.

When she finally comes back to me I’ll drill into

her head that no man can truly love her, that
way I know she will never even dream of being
with another man who’s not me.

SABELO
I just came from school and I find my mother
baking in the kitchen

“ Mommy!”

I say and peck her cheek

“ Sabelo sami"

Only my mother calls me that and it always

leave me smiling like a fool.

“ Tell me where were you coming from in the

morning?”
“ Ma?”

“ Ntlwa! This is my house, I know everything

that goes on in this house so tell me where did
you sleep last night?”

“ Eish ma, I slept at Xolane's house. He was

home alone and asked me to sleep with him"

“ You’re lying, I don’t know if you think I was

born yesterday. I hope you’re not involved in
anything illegal Sabelo. You have no reason to,
your father and I do everything in our power to
give you and your sister everything you want.
You have no excuse to lead a life of crime"
“ Haibo ma, sikhona isgebengu esihle nje
ngami?”

( is there a criminal who looks as handsome as

I am)

“ I don’t know Sabelo, what do you expect me

to think when you leave the house at night and
come back in the wee hours of the morning or
yini ungene ku sanatism?”

My mother and her wild imagination though,

why would she even think that.

“ I’m not involved in anything shady ma, I

promise you"
“ Where were you then?”

“ I can’t tell you but trust me it’s not illegal nor

satanic”

“ Sabelo I’m begging you my child please stop

roaming the streets at night, you know it’s not
safe out here. I couldn’t sleep until I heard you
walk in around 4 in the morning, the thought of
something happening to you deprived me of
sleep"

My poor mother

“ I’m sorry ma"

“ It’s okay, just don’t do it again. Where’s your
sister?”

“ I don’t know ma, she’s probably studying

back at school"

“ Ok go and change your uniform, I’ll make you

something to eat so long"

“ Thank you ma"

I head to my room and change into sweats and

a long sleeved vest, it’s June so it’s a bit cold. I
should take Ndalo's number today, I want to
call and find out how she’s doing today but I
can’t because I don’t have her numbers I guess
I have no choice but to wait until tonight to find
out.

I will have to sneak out of the house so my

mother won’t lie awake thinking of my
whereabouts, I don’t like it when my Queen
worries she has sugar diabetes and stressing
causes her blood sugar levels to rise which can
pose a serious threat to her health so I need to
avoid causing her stress by all means.

It’s 9pm when I leave my house and Uber to

Ndalo’s house, as usual I jump over the wall
fence and sneak to her room. The lights are off
and the door is locked, this is strange I think
she didn’t hear me when I told her I’m coming
back tonight. I wouldn’t be surprised if that
were the case, she was so sleepy when I left
this morning.

I’ve been knocking but there’s no response, I

can’t even shout her for fear of her parents or
sister hearing me. I knock and knock until I
decide the best thing for me to do is to go back
home less I want to spend the night outside in
the cold, I think the medicine knocked her out
that’s why she can’t hear me she did complain
about it yesterday saying it makes her drowsy.

***

It’s been a week now and I still haven’t seen

Ndalo and I’m going crazy with worry, I went
back to her house for three consecutive nights
and I always found her room dim and the door
locked. When I went back the last time
somehow I knew something must be wrong ,
something definitely happened to Ndalo I can’t
say what but something definitely happened to
her.

I’m on my way to her house to find out what

happened to her, I’m hoping to find her
talkative sister at least she knows me and I
would like to believe she’d be willing to
disclose what happened to my girlfriend.

Unfortunately for me she’s not the one who

opens the door, another girl who looks exactly
like Ndalo opens the door. Damn she’s her
replica the only difference between them is
complexion this one is light skinned.
“ Hello, I’m Sabelo one of Miss Khumalo's
students”

“ Hello, I’m Melo. Her little sister”

“ Who’s that?” Says someone behind Melo

“ Hello, who are you?”

A Woman who I’m guessing is their mother

asks

“ He said his name is Sabelo, he’s one of

Ses'Ndalo’s students”
“ Okay, so what do you want here boy?”

She asks sizing me up

“ Ma'am hasn’t been at school for two weeks

now so I’m really worried about her I thought I
should come and see her"

“ What business do you have with my

daughter?”

“ Mama!”
Melo says seemingly embarrassed by her
mother’s behavior

“ Like I said ma, she’s my teacher"

“ Out of all her students you’re the only one

who is worried about her why?”

“ I..uhm"

“ You what? Do you go to all your teacher’s

houses to check up on them when they don’t
come to school?”

“ Mama please" Melo

“ Shut your big mouth wena”

Melo immediately keeps quiet

“ Wena hamba la angifuni kuphinde ngibone le

minconjwana yakho la kwami ngike ngiphinde
ngikubone la kwami uzongazi kahle"

( You leave my house and never set your foot in

my house, If I ever see you here again you’ll
know me)

I have no choice but to leave with my tail

between my legs, I wonder where Ndalo is.
Sthandwa sami ukuphi?
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#15

I’ve been going out of my mind trying to think

of a way to get the answers I seek about Ndalo
from her sisters, I don’t know maybe I should
camp outside her house and wait for her
parents to leave before going in.

“ What’s on your mind?”

“ I haven’t seen Ndalo in a week Sphe and I’m
getting worried"

“ I don’t mean to sound otherwise but we are in

the middle of exams Sabelo, the only thing you
should be stressing about is your books not a
grown woman who clearly doesn’t care about
you"

I shoot her a look

“ Yeah, I know I encouraged you to fight for her

and all but seeing how you’ve been stressing
ever since she came into your life made me
reconsider. Maybe you should let her be, you’ll
find someone else to love”
Wow

“ Do you even know what love is Sphe? You

don’t switch your feelings on and off as you
please!”

“ Oh and you do? Come on Sabelo, you’re only

18 you can’t seriously tell me you’re in love.
She's beautiful and older than you, being with
her must be exciting and makes you feel like
some sort of a man and maybe that’s why you
mistake what you feel for her for love"
“ You were on my side Sphe, rooting for me
and encouraging me to go for her what changed
suddenly?”

“ I see how you're always worried about her,

you take risks for her and I can’t help but
wonder is it worth it? Does she love you as
much as you do? Come on Sabelo wake up and
smell the coffee, she’s 25 and has a job if she
loved you like you claim she does she would’ve
moved out from her parent's house by now"

“ It’s not that simple, there are so many things

to consider"

“ keep lying to yourself”

“ She loves me, I know it. I think something
happened to her, I mean she wouldn’t just
disappear like that.”

“ Whatever makes you sleep better at night,

you’re my brother and I won’t stand by and
watch someone make a fool out of you. If you
keep going out at night to see her, you’ll leave
me with no other choice but to tell the rents.
Akuna buti wami ozodlalwa ngikhona!”

She storms out of the room after her

declaration.
I know how it looks like but I know Ndalo loves
me and wouldn’t just disappear on me like that,
something must’ve happened to her. And I
need to find out what that is before I drive
myself crazy with assumptions.

NDALO

It’s been five days since I woke up in a hospital

bed but the pain in my heart is still as raw as it
was when I learnt that the people who I
considered my friends are sleeping with my
boyfriend well ex. He could’ve cheated on me
with anyone but it had to be Pretty and Thuli,
who are both my friends and the people I grew
up with. If that isn’t evil then I don’t know what
is, both were there from the beginning they
watched me fall for Musa and would listen to
me go on and on about our relationship
knowing very well that they spread their legs
for him behind my back.

I can’t help but ask myself, did they plan this or

they did it individually? I don’t know how to
deal with the pain I feel in my heart, I know I’m
not innocent I mean I cheated on Musa with
Sabelo and even started a relationship with him
before ending things with Musa but I would
have never slept with his friends or anyone
close to him.
I don’t know what I did to deserve so much
pain, I don’t know why everyone around me
keeps betraying me who’s next will it be my
sisters or Nthabi? Can I even trust anyone?
Apparently Anele was the one who found me in
my room lying unconscious and called the
ambulance, the doctor managed to drain the
pills out of my system and I’m okay well
physically that is. The only reason why I’m still
in hospital is because I attempted suicide and
the doctor won’t discharge me until the
psychologist gives the go ahead, the
psychologist is an Indian lady with a petite
frame and a welcoming smile but I don’t see
how talking will get rid of the immense pain I
feel in my heart so she talks to herself during
our sessions.
It’s visiting hours and people are walking up
and down the hospital corridors coming to visit
their loved one’s while I pray that those
pretentious people I call my parents don’t visit
me today but like always God doesn’t hear my
prayers because here they come and guess who
they came with today? Yeah, you guessed it.

“ My child how are you feeling today”

Lilian asks caressing my cheek with her thumb,

yeah its Lilian she doesn’t deserve to be called
my mother after what she did to me especially
because I did nothing to her to deserve that
brutal beating. It’s been over a week since the
incident but my face is still bruised, the
swelling has gone down but I still don’t look
like myself.

I turn my face the other way avoiding her

touch, what was once a soothing mother’s
touch now serves as a painful reminder.

“ Come on Ndalo you cant stay angry at your

mother forever”

Her husband defends her

I don’t reply, I owe these people nothing

“ Musa was so worried and wanted to come see
you when he found out you were in hospital, at
least talk to him since you won’t talk to me"

Some things will never change, she still puts

Musa’s feelings above me?

“ We will give you two space"

My father announces before they walk out of

the ward

“ I’m so sorry MaKhumalo, I know its my fault

you’re lying here. I never meant any of the
things that I said, I just wanted to hurt you as
much as I was hurt when I found out about
your crush on the scholar. I’m sorry Sthandwa
sam, I love you so much and I would never lay
with your friends"

This one must think I’m a fool, now it makes

sense why he always got uncomfortable
everytime he saw me and Thuli talking. That’s
because he was scared she would reveal his
secrets, everything makes sense now.

“ Please forgive me and let’s fix things please”

“ Who told you about my crush on the

scholar?”

I know the answer but I need confirmation

“ It doesn’t matter"

“ It was Pretty wasn’t it?”

I have turned my face to his direction so I’m

looking at his face when I ask this, the look on
his face confirms what I already knew.

“ So how was it?”

“ What?”

“ Being with my friends behind my back?

Knowing that I didn’t suspect anything, I am
sure you’d laugh at my naivety after making
love ne?”

“ What? I told you I only said those things

because I wanted to hurt you, I’ve never been
with your friends babe I swear"

“ Don’t call me babe, you and I are over and

quit pretending Pretty already confessed”

His eyes bulge out in shock

“ she did what? She’s lying baby, she’s always

been envious of our relationship. She wants me
for herself that’s why she’s doing this, don’t let
her win baby"
I release a sarcastic laugh

“ She can have you because I sure as hell don’t

want you anymore, I’ve got to give it to you
though hay unesibindi shem whoring with your
whack bedroom skills"

Something snaps in him and he kicks the foot

of the hospital bed so hard the bed moves, I
won’t lie I’m scared.

“ Shut your mouth! You’re a chicken in bed and

completely clueless that’s why I couldn’t
perform”
I laugh at him

“ Yeah right, blame your incompetence on me"

“ Pretty and Thuli never complain, you’re the

one with a problem"

The truth always comes out!

“ Really? I guess it’s because they’ve never

been with a real man before”

“ What’s that supposed to mean?”

He’s breathing fire and screaming on top of his
voice

I laugh at him in response

“ TELL ME, FUCKEN TELL ME DAMMIT”

“ I’m sorry sir I’m going to have to ask you to

leave"

The nurse says running into the ward

“ I’ll leave”

He gives me a murderous look

“ And wena sphongo this is far from over,
uzonya!”

“ I’ll have you know that you’re making threats

to my patient sir, if anything happens to her I’ll
know who to lead the police to"

He clicks his tongue and walks out

I burst into tears once he’s out of sight

“ I’m sorry"
Says the nurse holding me in her embrace and
brushing my back.

SABELO

I was writing Physics today and the paper

wasn’t bad, most of the things that came out
are things we went through in class with Mrs
Mbhele during our exam preparation and
revision. Well they’re not exactly the same but
you get what I mean.

“ Let’s go grab a few drinks " Xolane

“ Nah, I’ll pass"

“ What’s up with you these days boy, you never

want to spend time with us” Khutso

“ I have a lot going on"

“ Like what?” khutso

A missing girlfriend for example

“ I can’t say"

“ Hmm, let’s go Khutso I really need a beer”

“ Okay, sure man"

They throw their question papers in the dustbin

and walk away.

“ Where are you Ndalo, I miss you so much”

I quickly wipe my tears with my thumb before

they roll down my cheeks, I don’t know where
to look or who to ask if only I had her number
or she had mine then this whole thing would’ve
been easier.

“ Hey Sabelo, what are you still doing here?”

Asks miss Phakathi when she finds me sitting
on the stoep an hour after the exam ended.

“ Nothing, I just wanted to be alone"

She picks up a paper on the floor and lays it on

the stoep before lowering herself next to me

“ You can talk to me boy, I can tell you’re going

through something"

“ I’m fine ma'am"

“ Nonsense, I can tell you’re not okay"

She places her manicured hand on my lap
making me shift uncomfortably

“ Oh, I’m sorry"

She looks down, looking rather embarrassed

I stand up and dust my trouser

“ I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable”

Of course you did

“ No, I have to leave. Bye"

I walk away

I’m on my way home, minding my own

business when someone calls out my name.

“ Sabelo! Sabelo”

I stop on my tracks and look behind me and

guess who is running towards me? Ndalo’s
talkative younger sister

“ Hey, I knew it was you.”

She says when she gets to me

“ Hey, uhm?”

“ Anele"

“ Yeah, Anele"

She’s wearing Thomas Nhlabathi high school's

uniform, oh so she attends school there, nice!

“ How are you? "

“ I’m okay, I’m actually ecstatic now that I see

you”

She smiles widely at my confession

“ Really?”

“ Yeah, where’s your sister?”

Her smiles instantly becomes a frown

“ She’s in hospital”

“ What, what happened to her?”

“ She tried to commit suicide last week, I still

can’t get the picture of her looking lifeless on
her bed out of my head. I thought she was
dead"
Gone is the happiness that was displayed on
her face a minute ago, only sadness rests on
her face now.

Ndalo did what??

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#16

I knew something happened to Ndalo but I

never imagined it could be this, why would she
want to take her own life? I thought she was
happy at least that’s what it looked like the last
time we were together, I mean we had just
made our relationship official and spent the
entire night in each other’s arms planning our
future together. What could’ve gone wrong all
of the sudden that she saw death as the only
way out? Did she even think about me when
she made a decision to take her own life? I feel
hurt and betrayed.

Feeling my presence in the room, she looks up

from her phone and our eyes lock. We hold
contact for a few of minutes before she averts
her eyes and cracks her knuckles. I didn’t
waste time after Anele told me, I took the first
taxi to the hospital I didn’t even go home to
change my school uniform first. The urge to see
her was too strong, nothing mattered I needed
to see her.

“ How could you even think of doing this?”

I say breaking the silence, instead of replying

tears shamelessly fall down her face

“ Did you even think about how much pain I

would be in if I lost you?”

“ I’m sorry"
“ I’m in the middle of exams Ndalo, did you
think about how your death would affect me,
my education or you simply didn’t care!”

“ I’m sorrry okay..I’m sorry, my intention was

never to hurt you I promise"

“ But you did Ndalo!”

“ I’m sorry I wasn’t thinking straight, I allowed

pain to consume me and death seemed like the
only option”

“ Taking your own life is never an option that’s

cowardice! What happened to the Ndalo who
stood tall in front of 12B and taught them even
after they laughed in her face and made a
mockery of her?”

“ I’m sorry"

“ Don’t apologize, tell me why you did it?”

“ The pain was too much for me to bear"

“ What pain?”

(Silence)

“ What pain Ndalo?”

She opens her mouth but nothing comes out

“ Please talk to me, I’m begging you Sthandwa

sam”

“ Musa called on Thursday so I seized the

opportunity to tell him I wasn’t going ahead
with the wedding, at first he just said ‘Oh' then
he started cursing calling me a bitch, said I was
cold in bed and told me my cookie smells of tin
fish that’s why he never went down on me he
said a lot of things that shattered my
confidence as a woman. After that he confessed
to cheating on me with my friends, one of them
happens to be someone I considered my best
friend. Our parents were friends so we grew up
together, she was practically my sister I never
imagined that she would do something like this
to me”.

What kind of grown man talks like that? He’s

so petty and childish!

The pain she feels in her heart is mirrored on

her face, yes I’m angry at her but I can’t stand
to see her in so much pain. I’ve been fighting
the urge to pull her to my arms and hold her
tight from the moment I walked in, I give in to
my feelings and hold her tight. She cries her
heart out in my arms clinging to me for dear
life.

“ I’m sorry my love, this is what he wanted.

Don’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you
broken and miserable, he said all those things
out of spite. Imagine how he must’ve felt when
you told him you no longer want to get
married, he was probably hurt and betrayed so
he wanted to make you feel the same pain he
felt that’s why he said all of those things. I
know you were hurt but think about it, is taking
your life over someone like him worth it?”

“ No"

“ You were willing to break the hearts of people

who truly love you for a jerk like him? You
were willing to die and leave me Ndalo, do you
even know how much I love you?”
Tears mock me and flow down my cheeks, I
can’t fathom the thought of her dying on me. It
petrifies me, I don’t want to know how my life
would be like without her in it.

“I’m sorry"

“ I think you have low self esteem baby, that’s

why every little thing people say about you gets
to you. You care too much about other people’s
opinions of you because you don’t know who
you are, it’s important to know who you are
because people will come to your life and want
to define you but when you know who you are
you will not be swayed by people’s opinions of
you. How can you possibly love other people
when you don’t love yourself first? I think you
need to talk to someone and get to the root of
your esteem issues."

“ Oh you’re wise way beyond your years, you

are right I’ll talk to the psychologist, thank you
baby”

“ Pleasure my love, I will be with you every

step of the way. Never think of doing what you
did ever again, I would die if I lost you"

“ I’m sorry for being selfish and only thinking

about myself”

“ It’s okay, never ever give anyone so much

power over you. People always have something
to say unfortunately you can’t control what
they say but don’t allow any of the things they
say about you change how you see yourself"

NDALO

I still can’t get over how wise and mature

Sabelo is for his age, what he said helped me a
lot. I listened to his advice and opened up to
the psychologist during our sessions, opening
up has helped me a great deal. I discovered a
lot of things about myself and got to the root of
my insecurities, I’m slowly learning to love and
accept myself.

During one of our sessions I discovered the

reason why I put other people’s feelings above
my own is actually not because I’m nice or due
to my kindness it’s actually my desperate need
to be accepted and loved. It’s amazing what
self love can do for a person, a person who
loves themselves would never subject
themselves to any form of unhealthy
relationship. Their peace and emotional
wellbeing means so much to them that they
would be willing to cut off anything or anyone
that tempers or disturbs their peace.
On that note, I moved out from home because
it’s clear my parents will never accept that the
relationship between me and Musa is over so
moving out was the best option. I’m renting a
flat in town, I must admit living alone with no
one to tell me what to do or how to do it feels
great plus Sabelo can come and go as he
pleases. I miss my sisters though I hope my
parents will allow them to visit me, but
knowing the kind of people they are I wont
hold my breath.

My face is slowly going back to normal, I

bought skincare products to speed up the
process- removing the marks and scars I
received from my mother’s assault. School is
closed for June holidays but not for the matric
learners who are still going to school to attend
SSIP, fortunately for me I don’t teach SSIP
classes yet so I’m home getting all the rest I
need to prepare myself for the next term.

It’s a few minutes after four in the afternoon

and I’ve been on couch all day binge watching
movies and series on Netflix. I get up from the
couch when I hear a knock on the door, it’s
Sabelo he has a duffel bag hanging over his
shoulder shame my poor boyfriend looks so
exhausted.

“ Good afternoon baby"

“Afternoon, let me take that you look tired"

I take the bag from him and go put in my
bedroom, I find him on the couch when I get
back to the lounge.

“ How was your day?”

“ It was okay my love yours?”

“ It was fine, should I make you something to

eat?”

“ No, I know you’re still watching but can we

please go to bed. I just want hold you in my
arms, I miss you"
Sabelo is so clingy y’all but I’m not
complaining, I actually enjoy the attention he
gives me. We spend so much time together, and
no we haven’t had sex yet.

“ Ok go ahead I’m coming, I want to switch off

the heater and the TV first”

“ Ok, don’t take too long"

I switch off the heater and the TV and join him

in the bedroom. I find him stripping his clothes
off, I always have a hard time sleeping next to
him because I crave him so bad but akazingeni
he says I should focus on my therapy for now
sex will come later. “ We have all the time in
the world to make love baby" that’s what he
says.

I change into my pajamas, join him in bed and

rest my head on his chest. It doesn’t take long
before I hear him snoring shem he must be
tired.

***

I’ve been sitting in front of the mirror for the

last thirty minutes trying to put make up on,
y’all should see my eyebrows they look like
door handles kanti how do other get girls do
this? I bought those eyebrow shaper things at
clicks and watched numerous eyebrow tutorials
on YouTube but still ishiya lithi andizi. I wipe
my face for umpteenth time in the last half and
an hour and accept defeat clearly drawing is
not one of my strengths.

I settle for my normal routine- mascara,

eyeliner, face powder and of course lipstick. I
look beautiful but nothing different from how I
always look, I wanted to look hot like a heater
and turn heads the moment I walk inside the
church. I wanted Musa and that backstabber
Thuli to see that their betrayal didn’t break me
but I guess simple will have to do for today. I’m
dressed in a white suit, it’s a long sleeved
blazer, crisp shirt and a button skirt. The skirt
is two centimeters above the knee and it does
wonders for my plump behind, I’m wearing
stockings underneath just so I don’t draw too
much attention to myself and I paired the suit
with 6 inch black stilettos.

By the time I walk inside the church the service

has long started and heads turn as I walk from
the door to my seat, I greet the people sitting
next to me and fix my attention to Ma'am
Simeno who’s standing in front. From the
corner of my eye I can see Musa gawking at me
and I couldn’t be more pleased with myself.

“ Sister Ndalo the pastor would like to have a

word with you"

I’m already at the door when Khetho says this

“ Now?”

“ Yeah, that’s what he said"

“ Okay thanks"

I get an idea of what the pastor wants to talk to

me about when I see my parents, Musa's
parents and Musa sitting with the pastor. My
respect for the pastor is the only reason why I
didn’t go back the moment I figured what this
whole meeting might be about.

“ Sanibonani"

I respectfully greet
“ Good afternoon sister Ndalo, I’m glad to see
you in church today"

“ Thank you Pastor”

“ Please take a seat"

He says showing me a seat next to Musa, ya

neh!

“ I think you know why we called you here"

“ No, I have no idea Mfundisi"

I feign ignorance

“ Okay, MaKhumalo would you like to tell her

why she’s here?”

“ Ndalo you’re here because your father and I

feel like you’ve changed since you started
working, you no longer listen to us. You
backchat when we chastise you and you even
called off your wedding to Musa, your father
and I think you’re possessed by a demon that’s
the only logical explanation as to why you’d
change overnight and become this person you
are now. Can you believe she tried to take her
own life and moved out from home pastor?
Please help our child pastor, deliver her from
this demon that’s tormenting her”
Wawu!

“ Sister Ndalo what do you have to say about

everything your mother has said against you"

“ Pastor my job didn’t change me, I fell out of

love with Musa and I was honest with my
parents and told them I didn’t want to get
married to him but they forced me and
threatened to disown me if I didn’t marry
him…”

“ Wu amanga Buhle! You see pastor, the demon

has turned her into a liar as well"
Lilian says cutting me off

“ Please give her a chance to speak

MaKhumalo, we are trying to resolve an issue
here. Please carry on my child”

“ My family means so much to me so I chose to

obey my parents and go ahead with the
wedding but I wasn’t happy Mfundisi, Musa is
very controlling and would even go as far as
telling me who I could and couldn’t befriend..”

“ That’s because the people she befriends are

not good for her, I was only doi.." Musa

Pastor raises a hand

“ Please give her a chance to speak you’ll get
your turn to speak, carry on my child"

I love pastor shem, he knows how to put people

in their place.

“ There’s so many things I was unhappy about

with regards to my relationship with him but I’ll
not mention them out of respect for my elders,
I went back to my mother to try and make her
understand why I didn’t want to get married to
Musa but my mother didn’t listen she beat me
up instead"
You should see the shame in my mother’s face,
she probably wants the ground to open up and
swallow her. Haha serves her right.

“ She beat you up?”

He asks looking at my mother, who is looking

everywhere except the pastor’s direction

“ Yes, she wore her tight and beat me up with

fists. She didn’t let go of me until I was
bleeding, I could barely recognize myself when
I looked in the mirror after the incident".

“ Eh eh all that only because you told her you

didn’t want to get married to Musa?”
“ Yes, Pastor"

“ MaKhumalo mind telling me why you beat up

the child?”

“ She was very rude and disrespectful pastor, I

didn’t beat her up because she didn’t want to
get married anymore it was her choice of words
I despised"

Habeh!

“ But still there are other ways to discipline a

child, violence isn’t a solution. They say you
tried to take your own life why did you do that
Ndalo?”

“ Musa called me and said so many despicable

things to me and also confessed to cheating on
me with Pretty and Sister Thuli"

“ Eh eh, there’s clearly a lot of things I wasn’t

told about"

Halala, liyabachitha icala. Abasashalazeli,

that’ll teach them not to mess with me. Gone is
the Ndalo they used to play with!
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#17

NARRATED

“ But still there are other ways to discipline a

child, violence isn’t a solution. They say you
tried to take your own life why did you do that
Ndalo?”

“ Musa called me and said so many despicable

things to me and also confessed to cheating on
me with Pretty and Sister Thuli"
“ Eh eh, there’s clearly many things I wasn’t
told about” Pastor

Saying Musa is mortified would be putting it

lightly, he immediately casts his eyes to the
ground and fix his gaze there.

“ He did what!?”

Khumalo asks already charging towards Musa

riled by the boy’s disparagement, how dare he
drive his daughter to suicide and still want to
marry her? The boy clearly has no regard for
him as Ndalo’s father.
“ Mr Khumalo please calm down and let’s
resolve this matter without violence”

The pastor beseeches shielding the frightened

young man from the indignant father.

Khumalo is seeing red no amount of talking will

be able to calm him down, he’s baying for
blood this boy disrespected him and no one
gets away with disrespecting him. Christianity
aside, he needs to teach the boy a lesson and
maybe after that he might consider ‘talking’ like
the pastor suggests.

“ Khumalo please"
His wife pleads stroking his arm, it seems to
work because his rapid breathing and meteoric
heart rate slow down.

“ I’m sorry pastor but there’s nothing I’ll say to

this boy. I always knew he was not good
enough for my daughter but I gave him the
benefit of doubt when he asked for her hand in
marriage but clearly my intuition was always
right about him".

“ Khumalo let’s talk about this please, I agree

my son made a huge mistake but he regrets it.
Let’s please sit down and resolve this"

Mr Sibisi pleads his son’s case

“ I’m getting out of here, Lilian are you coming
with me?”

He says completely disregarding Mr Sibisi’s

request. He might have asked a question but
Lilian knows her husband well enough to know
it’s not a question but a command so she takes
her bag and darts behind her husband.

The Khumalo’s departure leave behind a

sombre mood, Ndalo is the first one up she her
grabs her handbag and struts to the door
elegantly swaying her hips side to side.

.
.

NDALO

What an unexpected turn of events, I don’t

know what the quintet had in mind when they
reported me to the pastor but I’m sure they
didn’t expect the meeting to end the way it did.
I’m glad my father stood up for me, his reaction
when I revealed what Musa did moved
something inside of me it reminded me how it
used to feel like to have a father who loved and
protected me, a hero who was willing to fight of
all the monsters and keep me safe.

I hope my parents will finally get the idea of

marrying me to Musa out of their minds
especially my mother, the way she was so
desperate for this marriage to happen I was
starting to suspect that maybe she has
something to gain out of it but let’s hope she’ll
finally get the hint and stop playing cupid in my
life. I’m allowed to choose who I want to spend
the rest of my life with, I’m the one who’ll be
stuck with that person after all. Parents need to
stop choosing partners for their children
because they’re not the one’s who’ll spend the
rest of their lives with the people they choose
for us, imagine getting married to someone
you’re not attracted to-now that’s pure torture!

One thing I love about living in my own place is

that I get to eat whatever I want when I want it,
I’m not forced to eat everything my mother
prepares without question. Today I woke up
craving Mogodu and since it’s a my house my
rules situation Mogodu is what I’ll have for
dinner, the pot is already on the stove cooking
and I can’t wait to indulge ave kumnandi
ukuhlala kwakho!

Some dishes don’t want you put too many

ingredients and Mogodu is that dish for me,
spices and all the other extra ingredients take
away the delicious taste for me.

“ Almost there"

I close the lid and reduce the heat.

 Oh, her eyes, her eyes

Make the stars look like they’re not shinin'

Her hair, her hair

Falls perfectly without her trying

She’s so beautiful

And I tell her everyday

Sabelo is the one who sent me this song and I

loved the message in the song, it instantly
became one of my favourite songs and my
ringtone. I sprint to the lounge at the sound of
my ringtone, it’s a call from an unsaved
number but I pick up anyway.

“ Hello”
“ How could you Ndalo?”

It’s Thuli, I would recognize her voice

anywhere

“ How could I what?”

“ Ruin my reputation like that. I know you love

Musa, you’re hurt and you tried to commit
suicide when he broke up with you but did you
have to run to tell the pastor? You know he’ll
tell pastor Zabeko and you know how he is,
he’ll direct all his sermons at me"
Pastor Zabeko is the youth pastor, he’s the
leader of the young adults and he’s those
judgemental pastors. He once preached about
cohabitation the whole month because he
found out one of the ladies in the church is
living with her boyfriend, let’s just say you
become the subject of his sermons if he
happens to know something about you.

“ Nawu umhlolo wami uthi kwenzakalani

wena?”

“ You heard me the first time, I thought you’d

take the break up like a lady but no you had to
be bitter and petty sies have some self respect
Musa doesn’t love you anymore"
I can’t help but laugh

“ Instigating your father against him was not

enough, you had to run and tell the pastor
about us. Ruining my reputation won’t make
him take you back, do yourself a favour and
accept that it’s over.”

I break into a belly laugh unable to hold myself,

haibo amanga ka Musa!

“ What’s so funny wena sphongo?”

Her retort propels me to laugh even harder

“ Ukhohlakele yezwa!”
( You’re so evil)

“ Ngifuze wena ne ndoda yakho engakwazi

ukwenza!”

( Like you and your man who doesn’t know

how to satisfy a woman in bed)

“ I can’t believe I once felt guilty for chowing

your man behind your back, what a waste of
guilt. You deserved it all!”

“ If only you knew how much you have helped

me, I’m not ungrateful so let me thank you.
Thank you so much Thuli for freeing me from
oppression, thank you so much friend
unkulunkulu akwenze kahle"
( God bless you)

“ What? You’ve definitely gone nuts but I

completely understand it can’t be easy to lose a
man you’ve been with for four years to your
friend but it’s life what can we say?”

If only she knew what she’s getting herself into

then she wouldn’t be so proud, I’d warn her but
its her turn bantase let her feel it!

“ I understand, we can’t go against destiny.

You and Musa were meant to be together"
“ Exactly, I’m so glad you get it but I don’t
understand why you had to run and tell the
pastor”

“ Tell your boyfriend to tell you the truth

uphume kimi"

( and leave me alone)

I end the call and immediately block her

numbers, yo ngaze ngavelelwa bo!

MUSA
I still cant believe Ndalo did that, stand up for
herself that is. Damn she looked so sexy and
confident, she’s always been a beautiful woman
with an equally beautiful body but she was
always insecure and self conscious so that kind
of dimmed her light. What I saw today was a
completely different person, she looked so
confident and sure of herself from the way she
walked and carried herself I couldn’t keep my
eyes of her damn I love the new Ndalo.

Well that’s what I thought until she aired my

dirty laundry, I’ve never been so ashamed in
my life. I felt like I’ve just been stripped naked
on the streets and everyone could see my
nakedness, it felt like people were pointing
fingers at me and mocking me.
She knows how much my reputation means to
me, I have a very good reputation at church.
I’m that brother who carries the pastor’s bible
to the pulpit every Sunday before he starts his
sermon. The brother who’s trusted with church
keys, the one who always lends a helping hand
and loved by all, the one who is wanted by all
the ladies in church entlek I’m that brother all
the mother’s wish they had for a son in law.

What Ndalo told the pastor definitely knocked

my reputation to it’s knees, I don’t know how
I’ll go back to church again after this? Just a
few more years then I would’ve been ordained
as a pastor but now that will never happen all
thanks to Ndalo and her wet mouth but I won’t
take this lying down I’m going to fight back
with everything I’ve got. I’m going to start with
that job she loves so much, she wasn’t this bold
before she started working. Having a few
thousands in her bank account has made her
think she can take me on so I will start there, I
will ruin her reputation and make sure she
never works as a teacher in this country again.

She will pay for messing with me, she was

exposed to my love all this time but now she’ll
feel my hate! I hate the bitch and I will make
her pay for ruining my reputation. Since Ndalo
broke up with me I decided to make things
official with Thuli, I don’t love her or anything
but she loves me so I thought why not give it a
try.
“ Musa tell me the truth what really
happened?”

She just got off the phone with Ndalo

“ What are you talking about?”

“ U Sphongo said I should ask you to tell me

the truth, she didn’t even sound hurt she gave
us her blessings matter of fact so tell me what
really happened?”

“ I told you what happened, what do you want

me to say?”
“ I don’t know but there’s something about the
way Ndalo laughed at me when I told her to
move on that doesn’t sit well with me"

“ Ai I don’t know what you want me to say, I

told you the truth its your choice who you
believe me your boyfriend or Ndalo my bitter
ex"

“ But Musa you know how Ndalo is, she

wouldn’t run to the pastor …”

“ Ever heard of the phrase ‘ hell hath no fury

like a woman scorned'?”

“ Yeah"
“ A hurt woman is capable of anything, Ndalo is
hurt that I left her for a better person so she’ll
do anything”

“ No, something doesn’t make sense here.

You’d go on and on about how much you love
Ndalo, how you’ll marry her and all boom
suddenly you broke up with her? Ai it doesn’t
make sense"

“ It does, don’t think too much about it. I fell

out of love, it happens people fall out of love all
the time”

“ I hope you’re not lying to me"

“ Of course I’m not, why would I lie to you?”

“ Who knows, people don’t need a reason to

lie"

“ I’m not people, I’m Musa Sibisi your future

husband”

Her lips stretch into the biggest smile I’ve ever

seen, the way woman love the idea of getting
married though

“ Are you serious?”

“ Of course"

“ Wow! What about your parents, your mother

loves Ndalo?"

“ That was before she showed us her true

colours, don’t worry about my mother. You and
I are getting married whether she approves or
not"

“ Ncoah, thank you baby"

She throws herself in my arms

There’s no way I’m getting married to Thuli,

she’s not a wife material but I had to say
something so she would stop questioning me
about Ndalo.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#18

Things between Ndalo and I have been

incredibly amazing, who knew being in love
with someone who loves you just as much feels
this amazing. Sphe once said something that
had me questioning my feelings for Ndalo, she
said I’ve never been in love with anyone before
so why was I so sure that what I feel for Ndalo
is indeed love? At the age of 18 most teens are
still finding their way through this life thing,
trying to understand their emotions but here I
am claiming to be in love. Feelings and
emotions can be complex and difficult to
understand, there’s a thin line between love,
lust and infatuation.

Since I didn’t know how else to verify if what I

feel for her was indeed love and I couldn’t
really ask anyone else without risking her
career I had no choice but to go to the internet
haha I’m sure it sounds crazy but what choice
did I have? Most of us are quick to say we are
in love yet we can’t even define what love is,
what is love vele?
According to the internet love is viewed as
varying levels of passion, intimacy and
commitment. There are eight questions from
the sternberg model that one needs to ask
themselves to attest to the truth of their love,
the questions are merely samples to spark
thought, they are not a validated measure of
love.

1. How often do you think about this person?

2. Do you miss him/her when you’re not near

him/her?

3. Is it exciting, thrilling, or otherwise

psychologically stimulating to see this person?

4. How connected do you feel to this person?

5. To what extent does this person know your

emotions and feelings
6. Do you have a strong level of mutual
understanding?

7. Do you feel personally responsible for this

person?

8. Are you “all in" when it comes to being with

this person?

The first three questions target the idea of

passion, which is tied to sexual attraction.
Mutual sexual desire might promote romantic
love, but sexual interest can be found in other
relationships (example of this would be one
night stands, no strings relationships and
friends with benefits) in which someone can be
sexually attracted to someone they’re not in
love with. Therefore sexual attraction is
necessary but not sufficient for defining
romantic love.

The next three focus on intimacy. Intimacy is

tied to liking. Liking is part of romantic love but
like passion it can be a component of other
relationships like friendships, it is therefore not
exclusive to love. The final three target
commitment, which according to sternberg is a
decision, in other words we choose to commit
ourselves to the people that we love. If passion
is hot, and intimacy is warm then commitment
is the cold component of love, because it is a
choice. Consummate love also known as
complete love reflects all three aspects of the
love triangle
On that note, I can say with absolute certainty
that I am in love with Ndalo.

Sphe walks in and finds me on my phone

texting with Ndalo, damn she’s so naughty I
don’t know how long I can hold myself for.

“ So you and your sugar mommy patched

things up?”

She has her nose wrinkled as she asks me this, I

don’t know why she suddenly has a problem
with Ndalo and quite frankly I don’t care.

“ What do you want Sphe?”

“ I’m only asking “

“ Why should I tell you huh? You never have

anything good to say about our relationship”

“ That’s because I’m trying to protect you, this

whole thing is just so wrong. She’s using you to
get over her ex”

“ Uyaphapha that’s your problem, who asked

for your protection? you need to butt out of my
business and find a boyfriend or some hobby
because clearly you’re bored”

“ Not everyone wants to be in a relationship,

some of us just want to be rich and successful”
“ Good for you but please stay out of my
business ke”

“ Yo ai shem ngiyamuvuma u ma'am Khumalo

shem, she has you going crazy over her. She
must be good in bed ne?”

“ Sphesihle kuya la uzongidina khona, ngizosho

futhi phuma ezindabeni zami"

( I’m slowly losing patience with you, I’ll say it

again stay out of my business)

“ Okay”

“ Thanks"
.

SPHESIHLE

At first she was in support of this relationship

because she saw how in love her brother was
with their life sciences teacher but no man
whichever way you look at it this relationship
isn’t right. Why would a 25 year old woman fall
in love with a 18 year old student? Yes her
brother is definitely in love with her, she knows
how much he has changed since he met her.
Before her, Sabelo was what people call a
fuckboy he never tied himself down to one
person. He had so many girlfriends, some were
even more beautiful that Miss Khumalo but he
never wanted any serious relationship with any
of them he only wanted sex. He good looks
helped his case, girls bay for his attention so he
never struggled to get what he wanted but all
that changed when he met her.

He has changed, he’s always fussing over her,

leaving the house in the middle of the night just
so he can see her hell he even cries for her! It’s
clear he’s in love with her, and she is sure he
would do anything for her and somehow that
stings because once upon a time she used to be
the center of his attention but he forget all
about her the moment she came to the picture.
She can’t remember the last time she spent
quality time with her brother, she has tried
several times to trick him into a movie date
night but he ends up talking about her the
entire time.

She doesn’t hate her or anything but she wants

her brother back, is that too much to ask?
Would it be wrong for her to report them to the
principal? She did her research and she knows
it’s a crime for a teacher to date a pupil,
consensual or not it’s illegal for a teacher to
date a student!

If found guilty Miss Khumalo could lose her job

and be stripped off her right to teach in this
country, is she willing to watch another person
lose her career over her jealousy?

“ Damn it!”
“ And then wena what’s eating you?”

Keletso, her friends asks.

“ I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place"

“ Tell me about it, who knows maybe I can

help"

“ Okay, so I know of a teacher who’s dating a

student. I don’t know if I should report them or
not “

“ So, how old are they?”

“ There’s a 7 year age difference between them
“

“ Not bad, so why do you want to report

them?”

“ Come on, I can’t believe you just asked me

that. It’s wrong for a teacher to date a learner"

“ What I’m trying to understand is if they’re in

love or not?”

Why doesn’t Keletso see things from her

perspective?
“ Well?”

“ They are, at least that’s what they say"

“ Then don’t report them, what if the girl is the

teacher’s true love? Don’t ruin things for them,
I know of teachers who got married to people
who were once their students. Stay out of their
business please friend"

Of course the friend thinks the teacher is a

male, but it’s understandable its not everyday
you find a female teacher dating a student.

“ What if the teacher is taking advantage of the

learner’s naivety?”
“ Then it’s her lesson to learn, don’t meddle in
their business please. They know what they’re
doing”

“ But it’s illegal"

“ Why do you care? Do you want the teacher

for yourself?”

“ What? Of course not! You know I don’t have

time for relationships”

“ Then stay out of their business”

.

NDALO

I’ve always wanted to be with someone who’d

be so afraid to lose me, someone who would
understand how rare I am. How down for them
I am, someone who isn’t willing to allow one
‘moment of weakness’ to jeopardize our
relationship. Someone who appreciates and
adores me, well that used to be nothing but a
dream until I met Sabelo.

With him I don’t want to fall in love, I fell for

Musa and I ended up with bruises. Falling
always ends up hurting, so I want to walk into
love and watch it blossom and grow. I want to
ease into it and take my time, I don’t want to
make any more mistakes, I don’t want anymore
disappointments. I’m happy, genuinely happy
and enjoying being in a relationship with
Sabelo.

He’s mature but I’m always reminded of the

fact that he’s younger than me everytime we
talk about our future, we both want different
things out of life- he’s at that age in life where
he wants to study and make something out of
himself while I’m at the age where I want to
settle down, get married and have kids.
As much as I love him and he loves me too I’m
not certain about the future of our relationship,
I don’t want to be negative and think negatively
but reality is our age gap is always going to be a
stumbling block in our relationship. Our future
together is not certain, so I’m going into this
with no expectations I’m just going to go with
the flow and enjoy our relationship who knows
how long it will last? As much as we would
want for it to last forever chances of that
happening are slim, so it’s best to live in the
now and have lots of sex while at it!

He’s sleeping skyward on the bed and like

always I have my head on his abs. His fingers
are on hair massaging my scalp while his left
arm is locked around my waist, I always look
forward to being in his arms like this it always
makes me feel serene.

“ Babe I think I’m ready to take things to the

next level"

Who knew good old conservative Ndalo would

initiate sex one day? But I can’t wait any more.

“ We spoke about this Ndalo, focus on your

mental health for now we..”

“ We have all the time in the world to make

love"

I finish off his sentence

“ Okay, I can see this is not just about sex.
Talk"

“ That’s the thing Sabelo, we don’t know how

much time we have”

“ Where is this coming from?”

“ Let’s be honest with ourselves Sabelo, you’re

going to varsity next year and I’ll be here. What
if our relationship doesn’t survive the
distance?”

“ Don’t be negative”
“ It’s called being realistic”

“ I don’t know what you want me to say “

“ Don’t say anything, make love to me”

“ Or you don’t want to?”

I say when he doesn’t reply

“ Don’t do that, you know I want you more

than anything”

“ Then make love to me"

“ The thing is I wanted our first time to be
special you know”

“ We love each other and we connect, what can

be more special than that?”

“ You really want this don’t you?”

“ I do, don’t you"

“ I do but..”

I cut him off with a kiss, he replies with the

same intensity and passion. I can never get
used to how soft his lips are, his kisses are slow
and sensual there’s just something about the
way he kisses me that makes me need him like
I need oxygen. My hands go below his waist
fishing for his member, a loud groan escapes
his mouth when I grab his hard shaft.

His member keeps growing in my hand and

becomes hard as steel, he buries his face on the
crook of my neck and sucks on my long neck.
An involuntary moan escapes my lips as I
throw my head backwards giving him access to
my neck, he hurriedly takes off my pj top and
buries his face on my boobs I get hot flashes all
over my body when he twirls his tongue around
my nipple and latches on it like a toddler.
Once he’s done giving attention to my boobs he
trails his kisses down to my belly button and
sucks on it driving me insane with lust and then
plants wet kisses all over my stomach.

“ Babe, you’re tickling me"

I say in between giggles

He takes off my PJ short along with my wet

thong and flips me over so that I lie on my
stomach and immediately buries his face on
my buttocks, he sucks and slightly bites on
them.

“ Baaabbe"

I breathlessly moan
I almost pee on his face when he blows hot air
on my ass damn it I’ve never felt anything like
this. He has me in a chest down, ass up
position and my nuna is wide and ready to eat.
I’m drenched I can literally feel my juices
leaking from my nuna, he spreads my buttocks
and trails his tongue from my crack down to
my wet nuna. He licks and sucks on my
twitching clit and labial lips and laps on my
juices like a dog slurping water. My heart
threatens to jump out my chest from sheer
pleasure, I'm a moaning mess and I don’t know
what to do with myself so I end up pushing my
ass all over his face so his tongue can delve
deeper into my greedy nuna.
My toes curl as an intense wave of pleasure
ripples through my body from the strands of my
hair to the soles of my feet, my body spasms
and I cum all over his face creaming his face
with my juices.

He cleans me up with his tongue swiping it on

my wetness and drinks my juices like a hot
beverage, when he’s done cleaning me up he
crawls to my side and guides his hard rod into
my mouth. I don’t ask questions, I immediately
wrap my hands around his shaft and suck on
his member like my life depends on it. I don’t
even know what I’m doing but from his loud
groans I know I must be doing something right,
I suck my cheeks in and massage his balls out
of the blue he grabs my hair and pushes all of
himself in my mouth making me gag.

It doesn’t take long before his body goes rigid

and he empties all his sperm bank in my
mouth, I swallow trying my outmost best not to
vomit yerr how do you guys do it? Swallowing
that is, yazi sizofa sibancane stru nasi!

“ You okay?” he asks

“ Yes"

Within a blink of an eye my lips are covered in

his, his tongue is delving into my mouth
chasing mine and they dance in unison sending
signals down south causing a puddle between
my legs. I lie on my back and pull him on top of
me I need him inside already I’ve waited long
enough, its like he read my mind because he
spreads my legs wide open and slides his tip up
and down my wet folds and clit.

“ Stop teasing, put it in already"

Our eyes lock as he guides his hard rod inside

of me, pushing all his length inside of me
burying himself to the hilt causing me to yelp in
pain

“ I’m sorry”
He stops moving

“ Please, don’t stop”

“ You sure?”

“ Yes"

He buries his face on the crook on my neck and

thrusts in and out of my wetness, my loud
moans fill the entire bedroom I never knew I
was a screamer until now boy be doing me so
good and I have no choice but to moan out
loud. His strokes are slow at first then deep and
fast driving me insane with pleasure. I lose my
senses when he circles his finger around the
wrinkles on my asshole, I swear he wants to kill
me with pleasure damn it he’s doing me so
good.

He looks at me with red half hooded eyes

reflecting nothing but lust.

“ I love you Ndoni yamanzi yami"

“ I love you more"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#19

I think I need to see Sabelo’s parents because

there’s no way he can be 18, the department of
Home Affairs must have made a mistake I
mean it wouldn’t be the first time something
like that happens. It’s 12 midday yet I’m still in
bed, unable to do anything because my body
feels numb Sabelo thoroughly dealt with me
shem. How can someone so young know so
much about sex? Ngeke there must be a
mistake, Sabelo cannot be 18.

“ Babe wake up, your food is getting cold"

He’s been trying to get me out of bed for a

while now
“ Give me five minutes”

“ That’s what you said an hour ago”

“ I’m tired Sabelo, please let me be"

“ I wont eat without you, please come"

“ Sabelo I’m tired”

“ Please"

He makes a puppy face, he knows I can’t refuse

him when he looks at me like this. I get off the
bed in my nakedness and skim my eyes around
the bedroom for something to wear

“ You don’t play fair"

He hands me my gown and sleepers, I get

dressed and go to the bathroom to freshen up
before following him to the lounge. Guess what
I was dragged out of bed for? Fat cakes!

“ What’s wrong?”

He asks when he sees the expression on my

face.
“ You woke me up for amagwinya Sabelo, like
really?”

I say unable to conceal my disappointment

“ What’s wrong with amagwinya sthandwa

sam?”

He’s confused, so he really doesn’t see

anything wrong with this?

“ I was expecting toast, eggs, bacon etc not

amagwinya"

“ You watch too much TV sthandwa sami,

please sit down and eat”
Don’t get me wrong I love fat cakes but I
thought he’d be romantic and prepare
something mushy especially after last night but
he’s still 18 after all, he’ll learn.

“ Please"

Let me not be ungrateful, at least he tried. It’s

the thought that counts right?

“ Tea or Coffee?”

“ Coffee"

“ Coming right up"

He’s really trying his best shem, he’s never
done anything like this before. I’m the one who
always prepares our food, well that’s if I can
call buying fat cakes and making a cup of
coffee “ preparing food".

“ Thanks love"

He winks and saunters to the kitchen to make

my coffee.

Surprisingly I enjoy my food, the fat cakes were

so delicious I ended up taking two from his
plate and like the perfect gentleman he is he
didn’t have a problem with that. When we are
done eating he helped me with the dishes
which weren’t many by the way then we took
an innocent shower together, of course he
wanted some but my nuna is still sore from last
night so I refused.

“ Do you have to leave?”

“ Babe, we spoke about this"

“ Stay one more day please”

It’s 5 in the evening and he has to leave but my

heart is not ready to let him go even after
spending the entire day with him.
“ You know I would if I could but I can’t love,
my parents would flip.”

“ Ok, I understand”

He cups my face in his palms

“ I also don’t want to leave my love but you

know I have to”

He always tells his parents he is going to visit

his friends everytime he spends the night with
me, I don’t want to think about what will
happen when they realise he’s been lying to
them all this time.
“ You don’t have to explain, I completely
understand but my heart still breaks everytime
you leave”

“ I know, I also hate leaving you but I have no

choice"

“ It’s okay, I love you Sabelo"

“ I love you so much more, thank you for last

night"

I smash my lips into his, the kiss is slow and

sensual I can’t help but moan in his mouth I
don’t know if I’ll ever get used to being kissed
like this.
His phone rings disturbing us

“ It’s the Uber driver sthandwa sam, he’s

outside”

Why do I feel like crying?

“ Come on, don’t do that. We just spoke about

this"

“ Yeah, I know but it still doesn’t hurt less"

“ I’m sorry, one day I won’t have to leave"

He pulls me to his arms and gives me a bone
crushing hug

“ I love you so much"

“ I love you more"

He breaks the hug, plants a peck on my

forehead then takes his duffel bag and walks
out the door. I release a loud sob once he’s out
of sight, why does seeing him leave hurt so
much?

“ Stop being a cry-baby Ndalo” I chastise

myself.

.
.

SABELO

Don’t let them fool you sex is not the same, it’s
completely different with someone you love. Its
much more than just physical pleasure, it’s
spiritual and sacred you can literally feel your
souls connecting amazing stuff I tell you. I
didn’t delay sex with Ndalo because I didn’t
want her, it’s true I wanted her to be
completely fine mentally and psychologically
before we engaged in sex but another reason
why I was delaying it is because I was scared I
wouldn’t be able to satisfy her. Ndalo is
different from all the girls I’ve been with in the
past, unlike them she’s not a girl but a woman.
It was perfect, better than what I imagined. I
love her so much and I hope distance wont
come between us next year, I know she’s
scared and I am also scared to be honest. What
if she meets someone better than me-A guy in
her age group who has a stable career and
income? I know she doesn’t mind the fact that
I’m unable to provide for her at the moment but
how long until her friends tell her about
everything their man do for them and she feels
left out? I don’t know much about woman but I
know they love being pampered and how will I
do that if I do without an income, unlike my
exes she wont be just satisfied with being taken
to movies or a simple ice cream date.
I would go all day long if I were to talk about
my fears when it comes to our relationship but
I don’t want to dwell on the negatives and
deprive myself of a chance to enjoy what I
have, she’s mine now so I intend to enjoy every
moment with her and love her like I’ve never
loved before. The last thing I want is regrets, so
I’m going to give this relationship my all and
hope it works out.

“ Good evening family"

“ Good evening"

They all reply except Sphe, they are in the

lounge watching idols well my dad is reading a
newspaper. I know he’d rather be in his room
than here but I know my mom can be
persuasive sometimes

“ Sisi didn’t you hear your brother greeting?”

Mom asks her

“ Oh, sorry bro. I was engrossed on Berry’s

performance, girl is good"

“ Okay, I’ll be in my room"

“ Won’t you eat?”

“ No, Thanks ma but I’m fine “

“ What did you eat?”

What did I eat vele? I last ate those fat cakes

during the day but I don’t have appetite I just
want to get in bed and reminisce about last
night.

“ I ate..uhm I ..”

“ I won’t listen to you, sisi go dish up for your

brother"

My parents hardly call us by our names it’s

always Sisi and Buti but mom sometimes calls
me Sabelosami I don’t know kusuke
kwenzakalani when she calls me that.

Sphe gets up from the couch and the irritation

on her face cant be missed, I wonder what’s up
with her

“ Ushwabanisele bani ubuso wena?” Mom

( Who are you making that face for)

I guess I’m not the only one who saw that

“ It’s fine ma, I’ll dish up for myself. You can sit
down Sphe"
I say saving Sphe, I know once my mom starts
talking she doesn’t stop shem.

“ No, you will do no such thing. Sphe will dish

up for you"

“ Ma please”

“ Sisi what’s your problem with your brother?

You’ve never had a problem with dishing up for
him before, what has changed?”

My father asks with a soft voice

My father is not a man of many words and I’m
yet to hear him shout, he’s soft spoken and
very humble.

“ I have no problem babami"

She says yet her eyes are glistening with tears

“ Manje ukhalelani?”

( Why are you crying)

My mother interjects

“ Ma it’s fine, I’ll talk to her. Mntasekhaya can

we talk in my room?”
She nods

I take her hand and lead the way

“ Talk to me Sphe, what’s going on?”

I say when we get to my room

“ You no longer love me Sabelo, Miss Khumalo

is all you care about. You’re always so rude to
me and telling me to keep my nose out of your
business”
“ How can I stop loving you Sphesihle? I would
never stop, even if I wanted to. No one can take
your place, you’re not only my sister but you’re
a part of me. Yes things have changed between
but that's because we are no longer kids Sphe,
we’ve grown up and I have a girlfriend now
who needs my time and attention but that
doesn’t mean I love you any less now”

“ I understand, I guess I wasn’t ready for this"

“ It’s okay I understand, come here"

I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight,

lord knows how much I love this soul. I hate it
when we fight but one needs to practice tough
love on her sometimes otherwise she takes
advantage.

NDALO

Holidays are over, school is reopening on

Monday and I’m honestly not looking forward
to it. Will I be able to behave professional
around Sabelo, I’m so used to addressing him
as baby I hope I don’t slip up in class and call
him “baby" in front of the other learners.

I’m on WhatsApp chatting to Nthabi when I get

a call from Melo
“ Melokuhle"

“ Ses'Ndalo"

Gosh, I miss my sisters

“ I miss you"

I confess

“ Well it’s your lucky day then because I’m

outside your door"

“ What?”
“ Yes"

Then she giggles

“ You better not be playing with me"

“ I’m not"

I run to the door to open and guess what? she’s

really here, I throw myself in her arms causing
the both of us to fall to the floor.

We help each other up while laughing

“ Ah mara Ses'Ndalo ungathi ungaka
uzozilahlela phezu kwami”

( How can you throw yourself on top of me

when you’re this size)

“ What size am I ?”

“ Usdudla hau!”

( You’re fat)

I chuckle

“ Uyathanda ukuzenza islender ngami shem,

mina nawe siyalingana"
( you like acting like you’re thin, you and I are
the same size)

“ Never, angikho ngaka mina uzibonile iybunu

kuthi zingakanani?”

( I’m not this big, did you see how big your ass
is)

“ Keep lying to yourself”

“ I’m not lying to myself, you’re bigger than

me"

“ What size is that jean you’re wearing?”

We are now in the guestroom

“ 32”

“ Hah Melo unamanga"

( you’re lying)

I say while laughing

Melo is in denial she doesn’t want to accept her

actual size

“ Ok take it off let me wear it, so that you’ll see

that you and I are the same size"
“ Uthatha ma chance, ngeke ungene la"

( you’re taking chances, it won’t fit)

She says already taking it off, I cant believe I’m

actually going ahead with this but I need to
shut this girl up so I slip out of my jogger pants
and take the jean from her. I wear it and guess
what? It fits like a glove

“ So you’re telling me I’m this big?”

Her eyes are widened in shock

“ Yebo sisi, you and I same WhatsApp group.

Stop forcing things, accept that you’re a size 34
now"
“ Never, I’ll exercise”

I laugh at her

Melo and I look the same and have the same

body shape and size the only difference is that
she’s light skinned, most people actually think
we are twins.

“ We are not fat, you’re exaggerating”

“ I’m five years younger than you Ses'Ndalo I

cant be the same size as you are, no I refuse”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#20

Melo is still at my place she’s doing her

practicals and will be staying in my house until
she’s done. Our parents don’t know that she’s
in town, she came straight to my place from
Pretoria she says if she went home first mom
wouldn’t have allowed her to visit me so that’s
why she came without telling them.
I’m happy to have my sister around even
though we fight sometimes because of her
laziness, yo u Melo is a slob I feel sorry for the
man who’ll marry her shem u girl is lazy and
very unapologetic about it. Mogirl is very
comfortable with her laziness and isn’t willing
to change imagine a whole ntombazana
yomzulu! Honestly speaking I can’t wait for her
to leave, I love my sister and I love having her
around but with her around Sabelo and I don’t
see each other like we used to and I miss my
man.

“ Is there something you want to tell me?”

Nthabi asks and looks at me expectantly

“ No, why?”

“ This glow, you’ve been glowing since schools

re-opened, your skin is popping nje umuhle
uyakhazimula. You don’t look like someone
who just lost a fiancé and tried to commit
suicide”

“ So you want me to look like my problems?”

“ No, of course not. You know what I mean"

“ I don’t actually”

“ Ok, I’ll spell it out for you then. Bitch who

you f*cking with?”
I laugh, Nthabi is crazy shem.

“ Me? I’m not f*cking anyone, I just got out of a

4 year relationship for Pete’s sake why would I
jump into another relationship?”

“ Nice speech, but I know sex glow when I see

one and wena bakupha kamnandi that’s why
you’re glowing”

How I wish that were true shem

Sabelo and I hardly see each other much less

spend time together, he’s busy with school
work and he cant even come to the house since
Melo is around. I miss him so much and I can’t
wait for Melo to leave hey don’t look at me like
that.

“ So tell me who is it? Is it someone I know?”

“It’s nothing like that Nthabi, I’m single and not

f*cking anyone"

“ OMG! Don’t tell me it’s a no strings, I didn’t

think you had it in you!”

I give up

“ Nthabi I told you I’m not sleeping with

anyone, why don’t you believe me?”
“ Because your glow says it all"

“ Ai angsazi, can’t a girl just glow because she’s

finally independent and learnt how to love
herself and put herself first?”

“ I don’t believe you, but it’s okay I’ll drop it"

“ Thank you! How are you doing? You know

since you broke up with your boyfriend”

She sighs
“ I’m okay, I still love him but I’m learning to
live without him"

“ That’s good, I’m proud of you"

“ Thanks, I’m proud of you too. You finally

learnt how to stand up for yourself and broke
up with that controlling boyfriend of yours"

“ I still can’t believe I did that, it wasn’t easy"

“ I’m glad you did it, so you will not fix things
with your parents?”
“ I will, they are what they are but they are still
my parents. I will fix things with them but not
now, I need time"

“ I completely understand”

“ Thanks”

Fortunately since school re-opened I haven’t

made a mistake and addressed Sabelo by ‘
baby’ like I was scared I would, in class he acts
like he’s always did before we started dating
nothing has changed I guess that’s what makes
it easier for me to behave in a professional
manner around him, teaching him isn’t as bad
as I thought it would be.
“ Ok class that’s it for today, Sabelo please
collect the study guides and bring them to my
office"

The number of study guides the school has is

less than the number of the grade 12 life
science learners, so students are only allowed
to use them in class. I always take them back
after my class and I normally ask Thato to
collect them for me but I’m desperate here I
really miss my boyfriend.

It’s my free period and there’s no one in the

office that’s why I asked him to come, I just
want him to hold me in his arms for a few
minutes and maybe even steal a kiss oh how I
miss those lips of his.

“ Ngena!”

( Come in)

He makes his way inside with the textbooks in

his hands

“ So where do I put them?”

“ Here"

I show him a cupboard next to my desk.

“ Done"

He says and pops his knuckles

“ I miss you”

I throw myself in his arms and wrap my arms

around his waist, he holds me back.

“ I know sthandwa sami, I miss you too. It’s

hard for me to concentrate in class because all I
think about is having you in my arms, uhamba
nini u Melo?”

( When will Melo leave)

I laugh

“ She’s still going to be around for a while,

maybe I should book us into a hotel or lodge
angeke phela ngizofa yinkumbulo"

( I miss you)

“ No, I’ll book us into one"

He instantly breaks the hug

Did I ever mention how proud he is? He doesn’t

let me do anything for him, I think he’s being
too hard on himself he’s still in school so I
don’t expect him to spoil me but does he listen
to me? NO!
“ Ok love, please kiss me"

I digress, I didn’t bring him here to argue with

him.

“ You know what happened the last time we

acted recklessly"

“ Admit that you don’t want me anymore, that

you got what you wanted and now you no
longer have any use for me"

“ What? That’s crazy, I’m only looking out for

you here. You know I want you, I want you so
bad and if I’m not giving in to my feelings right
this moment is because I love and care about
you I don’t want to risk anyone seeing us. I still
remember how stressed you were when
Tsotetsi was blackmailing you, I don’t want to
put you through that again"

“ You’re right I’m sorry, I don’t know what’s

going on with me nowadays”

I wipe my tears with my thumbs, I’m such a cry

baby these days.

“ It’s okay my love”

He opens the door and looks outside

“ The coast is clear, I think we can steal a kiss"

You should the smile on my face right now, I

think I'm obsessed with his kisses.

SABELO

School has been hectic since the third term

started, every teacher is rushing to finish the
syllabus before trial exams so there’s just so
much work to do. I hardly see my melanin
Queen as a result and it doesn’t help that she’s
very emotional lately, she literally cries over
everything and accuses me of all sorts of
things. For the sake of peace I always apologize
but yo I’m getting tired of her behavior if it
wasn’t for the love I feel for her I would have
long broken up with her but I love her and have
no choice but to tolerate her mood swings.

I can’t wait for her sister to leave maybe it’s

salt that’s making her behave this way who
knows. I’m going through the internet looking
for an affordable lodge around Mpumalanga
when Sphe snatches my phone from my hands.

“ Why are you looking for a lodge?”

“ When will you learn what the word ‘privacy'

means and start respecting mine?”
“ You were so engrossed on your phone so I
wanted to see what had your attention, sorry"

I can’t keep up with the females in my life

shem, one is too noisy and the other one is
moody and needy!

“ Will I ever get a break mara?”

“ I’m sorry"

“ Stop apologizing, I’m getting tired of your

apologies because you always end up doing the
same thing you apologized for”

“ So..”
“ Don’t even say it!”

“ Ok, why are you looking for a lodge?”

“ Do I need to explain myself to you Sphe?”

“ No, I hope you’re not cheating on your

girlfriend”

“ Oh, now you care about her? Please"

“ I know I was against your relationship but I

know how much you love her and I know she
makes you happy so I have come to accept her"
I’m so happy to hear her say this

“ Thanks mntasekhaya, don’t worry I’m not

cheating on her. I’d never do that, I love her
way too much to hurt her like that"

“ Then why are you looking for a lodge, I

thought she has her own place now"

“ She does but her sister is visiting her now so I

can’t go to her place for the time being, a lodge
will do for now"

“ So she’s hiding you?”

“ No, of course not"

“ Of course she is, why else is she keeping your

relationship a secret from her siblings? I know
about her so why cant she tell her sister about
you?”

“ You know our relationship is complicated,

she could lose her job if this came to light"

“ Her sister wouldn’t tell anyone”

“ Ndalo thinks she would tell her parents and

we cant trust her mother, what if she tells her
ex and he takes this to the principal? That guy
is way too petty”
“ I understand, I thought she’s ashamed of you
or something"

“ It’s nothing like that sis wami"

“ So what’s your budget, I can help you look?”

“ Really?”

Truth is I’m clueless I don’t even know where

to start, I’ve never done anything like this
before.

“ Yes"
“ Wow, thanks sis"

MUSA

It’s been over a month since Ndalo tainted my

reputation at church and I still haven’t found a
way to make her pay, I don’t even know where
she lives yet. I put on a remorseful act and
asked her mother to give me her address so I
can go and apologize to her but the woman
refused apparently her husband forbade her
from talking to me. I don’t know what I’ll do
now, she was my only option she’s the only one
who genuinely liked me in that house.

“ Welcome home daddy!”

That’s what Thuli says the moment I walk

through the door, she’s wearing lingerie and
heels damn she looks so sexy

“ Thank you, my love"

She’s been in my house for the past week now.

“ Do you want to start with main course or

dessert?”
She asks seductively

“ I’d advice you to eat first, you’ll need the

energy for everything I have in store for you”

I wonder

“ Okay"

She takes my laptop bag and jacket to the

bedroom and comes back to the kitchen to
plate for us

“ Did you wash your hands?”

“ Yeah"

“ Okay, please bless the food baba"

I almost laugh when she addresses me as ‘baba'

hay Thuli is too desperate if you ask me

“ Father God we thank you for the food we are

about to eat, bless it and the hands of the one
who prepared it. In Jesus name we pray,
Amen"

“ Amen"
“ Please enjoy my love"

“ Thanks"

Her cooking is not bad but not great either, I

miss Ndalo’s cooking to be honest that woman
can cook shem.

“ And how is it?”

“ Amazing”

“ Really?”

“ No, it’s okay"

The smile on her face disappears

“ What?”

“ You asked, I’m a man of God I don’t lie"

“ I’ve lost my appetite”

She says pushing away her plate

“ I’m sorry love, the food is delicious I was just

pulling your leg"

“ Don’t play like that"

I help her with the dishes after eating then we
head to bed

“ Yaz’ I haven’t found anything on Ndalo"

“ Really? Are we going to talk about her even in

our bedroom. You spoke about her throughout
dinner, can’t you forget about her for a
minute?”

“ I’m sorry but I can’t, I won’t rest until I make

her pay for ruining my reputation like that"

“ To be honest with you I don’t understand

why you’re angry"
“ What?”

“ Serious, if she was the one who cheated on

you wouldn’t you also report her to the
pastor?”

“ But..”

“ No buts, you wronged her first and you have

no reason to be angry at her. Let her be"

There’s no way I’m letting her get away with

this. I’ll hire a PI to help me look for her and all
her dirty secrets.

-------
So bathong there’s someone who transferred
money into my account last week Saturday(4
Sep), I’ve been waiting for the person to come
forward so we can discuss the details of her
sponsorship but there’s been nothing for over a
week.

When you want to sponsor an insert get in

touch with me don’t get my details madala
side(from other people) and then keep quiet, I’ll
assume you’re blessing me mina
but I’m not a dishonest person
hence I’m posting this. You know yourself next
time please communicate or ngizozidlela imali
mina ngizthulele.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#21

“ Good morning sister”

I greet in jubilation when I walk into the

kitchen

“ Someone is in a good mood today"

I am actually, Sabelo and I are spending the

night at Bushwise Safari Lodge. It’s a Lodge
located in a nature reserve on the southern
boarder of the Kruger national park called
Marloth Park, it’s situated next to the banks of
the crocodile river and has an incredible view
of the Kruger national park. Apparently the
animals wander freely around the lodge- which
is both exciting and scary at the same time. I
checked it out online and I’ve got to say I’m
impressed the place looks amazing, I can’t wait
to create great memories with my boyfriend I
hope this trip will be the first of many trips we
will take together.

“ Yeah, it’s a beautiful day. There’s every

reason to be happy"
“ Wow, there’s nothing beautiful about today
it’s chilly outside. I’m so happy it’s month end"

“ You’ll wish it was winter when August starts

with its boring weather, gosh I hate that month"

She laughs

“ I’m glad to see you happy, yo phela ama

moods wakho!”

“ What? Mina moody? Please don’t play with

me"
“ Yes, you've gotten quite moody lately I was
also surprised because I’ve never known you to
be a moody person.”

“ I don’t know what’s going on with me to be

honest with you”

“ I wonder what’s wrong shem, anyway will

you tell me why you’re so happy?”

“ Unfortunately nope, I’d have to kill you first"

“ I wonder”

“ Keep wondering mntase”

I take a tub of yogurt from the fridge and head
back to my bedroom to look for something to
wear, I want to surprise Sabelo today I want to
wear lingerie and blow his socks off. I’m so
ready for tonight, I shaved my nuna and I’ve
been watching p*rn all week hoping to learn
new tricks.

“ I can help you pick out something to wear"

She’s walking inside my bedroom with a bowl

of cereal in her hands

“ Udlela ekamereni, must be nice"

( You’re eating inside the bedroom)

She laughs

“ Come on, let me be. I would’ve gone home if I

wanted to deal with mom"

“ I’m just saying"

“ Don’t just say, you’re also eating yogurt mos"

“ Yes, it’s my house”

“ Yo, ngaze ngasha!”

We laugh
“ I think you should wear your leather pants,
knee high boots, black turtle neck and your
maroon knitted jersey"

“ You think so?”

“ Yeah, you’ll look good. If only you would tell

me where you’re going then I would be able to
assist better since I’d have all the details"

Melo is sly shem

“ I’m not saying anything forget it"

“ Ai okay then, what time are you leaving?”

“ Around 3/4, and please don’t wait up. I’m not

coming back"

“ Hehehe ay asazi"

“ And please don’t say a word to your mother

about any of this"

“ I won’t”

“ You’d better”

****
The drive from Embalenhle to Marloth Park is
one hour twenty nine minutes it can be more
than that depending on traffic, I wanted us to
use Uber but Sabelo refused and said it will be
too expensive but I honestly wouldn’t mind. He
said he’ll borrow his father’s car, I don’t know
what lie he told his father for him to agree to
give him the car and yeah he has a license he
took it immediately after he got his ID.

He cant fetch me from my place for obvious

reasons so we will meet at the filling station
next to N12, the way I’m so excited to see him
one would swear I didn’t see him yesterday at
school. After checking if I have everything for
the umpteenth time I take my duffel bag and
handbag and walk out of my bedroom.

“ You look so beautiful sis"

“ Thank you, please don’t destroy anything

while I’m away”

“ You’re only going for a day sisi, rest tu!”

We laugh

“ I’ve always wanted to say that”

“ You’re crazy, you look beautiful. Enjoy your
day or should I say your night?”

She says and winks

“ Hey! I’m still older than you"

“ I’m just happy to see you so happy, whoever

he is I like him already because he makes you
happy"

“ Ncoah, thank you so much. It means a lot to

me"

“ I hope I’ll meet him soon"

“ Now you’re pushing it"

“ You can’t blame me, I’ve never seen you so

happy. I’m curious to see the person behind
your happiness”

My phone rings disturbing us, it’s the Uber

driver he’s here. He’ll drop me off at the garage

“ I better get going before the driver leaves me"

“ Bye sis"
I peck her lips and make my way to the gate
but someone violently grabs my hand before I
even get to the gate.

“ What do you want?”

I say when I turn around and see who it is

“ Long time no see Ndalo, I swear your beauty

grows everyday. You look better than the last
time we met.”

“ What do you want from me?”

“ Patience"
“ Well I don’t have time, I’m on my way as you
can see. Bye"

I turn and attempt to walk towards the Uber

but he grabs my arm once again.

“ Take your hand off me!”

“ Tell the driver to leave, I’ll take you"

“ Why would I want to do that?”

“ Because I know where you’re going and trust
me you want to go with me, that’s if you don’t
want me to kill your ben 10”

What?.

“ Shocked how I know about your secret right?

Well let’s say I hired someone, a PI to give me
all the information about your comings and
goings. Imagine my shock when I found out
you are sleeping with your student”

How did he find out?

“ Impressive right, he’s that good my love. So

are you coming with me or should I order a hit
on your ben 10? I have eyes on him, I know
he’s waiting for you on his father’s car at Engen
garage bloody cheese boy"

My heart momentarily stops beating at the

thought of Sabelo dying, I would die if I lost
him.

“ Please don’t do anything to him, this is

between me and you"

“ I agree, that’s why I suggest that you tell the

driver to go"

“ Okay, I’ll do it"

I pay the driver and apologize for wasting his
time

“ Get in"

“ Where are you taking me?”

“ I said, GET IN!”

His tone sends shivers down my spine, I scurry

to the passenger side and get inside the car. He
starts the ignition and drives off the moment I
close the door

“ Where are you taking me?”

“ Don’t worry, you’ll find out soon"

After driving for 15 minutes the car stops

moving, we are parked outside a hotel. Why did
he bring me here, what’s he playing at?

“ Get out'

“ Why did you bring me here?”

“ I said get out, I hate repeating myself"

I step out the car and follow him to the
reception. He checks in, takes the access card
from the receptionist and walks to the elevator.

“ Where are you taking me?”

“ I want to fuck you”

What?

“ What? No, didn’t you say I reek of tin fish

why would you want that?”

“ I only said that because I wanted to get back

at you”
“ Please don’t do this Musa"

I drop to my knees with my hands clasped

together like I’m praying and plead with him.

“ Get up!”

He says through gritted teeth, people are

looking at us. I know he hates being in the
spotlight so I’ll use this to my advantage.

“ Please, I’m begging you"

“ Get up or I’ll order a hit on your toy boy"

He wouldn’t do that or would he?

It’s like he read my mind because he dials a

number and puts the phone on loudspeaker

“ Boss, I have eyes on the target. Should I take

him out?” a voice behind the speaker says

“ What will it be Ndalo?”

He asks with an evil smile on his face, I don’t

know the devil but I swear he looks like him
right now.
“ Boss?”

The man again

I immediately get up from the floor when he

looks at me

“ Stay in position, I’ll let you know what to do.

Don’t let him out of your sight"

“ Roger that”

The man says and ends the call.

" Is there a problem here?"

A man who is dressed in formal asks looking at
me, I think he's one of the hotel staff

" No, there's no problem"

"Are you sure ma'am?"

" Yes, I'm sure"

" Okay"

He looks at Musa for a while and walks away

“ Undress"
That’s the first thing he says when we get
inside the hotel room.

“ Please don’t do this, I’m begging you. I can do

anything"

“ Anything you say?”

“ Yes, I can do anything”

“ Lick my toes"

“ Okay"
He takes off his shoes and brings his right leg
forward.

Licking his toes is better than sleeping with him

so I drop to my knees and take his feet in my
hands and guide it to my mouth, Lord his toes
look so ugly but I’d take this any day over
sleeping with him.

“ I’m kidding"

He says when I attempt to put his big toe in my

mouth

“ Nah, that’s too easy for you"

Tears shamelessly flood my face, what did I do
to deserve this?

“ Undress, I want to fuck you and send your

toy boy a video"

“ No, please don’t that"

That will kill Sabelo

“ You’re wasting my time, start undressing or

should I help you?”

I need a miracle
“ No one is coming to save you, make it quick”

I recite a prayer in my heart as I take off my

clothes

“ Wow, your boobs look bigger. Yini did you

gain weight?”

He asks with a look of disgust on his face

“ Never mind, I only want to fuck you. How

your body looks is no longer my concern, you
better wipe those tears from your face and
pretend for the camera otherwise I’m going to
kill your ben 10 got it?”
He says switching the camera on and placing it
on top of the chest of drawer, facing the
direction of the bed.

“ Come”

I wipe my tears with my palms and join him in

bed, he doesn’t even kiss me or try to get me on
the right mood. He wears a condom and
penetrates me, I’m as dry as mam’G’s scones
down there so it’s super painful but I have no
choice but to moan and pretend like I’m
enjoying it even though it hurts as fuck. I’d
rather go through this pain than watch Sabelo
die because of me, he tears my soul to shreds
with each and every one of his thrusts.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#22

I’ve been waiting for iNdoni yami for a while

now I don’t know what’s delaying her, she
doesn’t pick my calls when I call and I’m so
tempted to drive to her place to look for her.
She sent a text twenty five minutes ago telling
me she’s leaving the house, the drive from her
place to the garage is five minutes she was
supposed to be here by now so I wonder what’s
taking her so long. I get off the car and walk to
the garage to buy something to drink so I can
pass time while waiting for my woman.

Things are expensive as f*ck here but it makes

sense because it’s a convenient store, I grab
125g packet of Simba snacks and a 2L bottle of
coke and head to the counter to pay

“ Hey, can you please also add a packet of

Orbits"

“ No problem”

After paying I take my things and walk back to

the car. I open the packet of snacks and nibble
on them while waiting for Ndalo, I’m not a
patient person so the wait is unbearable.

There’s a red car with tinted windows parked

on the other side of the road now that I think
about it the same car has been tailing me since
I left home, what should I do? Think fast Sabelo
I can’t tell my dad he will blow things out of
proportion let me call my uncle he’ll know
what to do

“ Meyiwa"

“ Sawubona babomncane kunjani?”

( Greetings uncle how are you)

“ I’m okay and you"

“ I’m good, babomncane there’s a car that’s

been on my tail since I left home"

“ What? Where are you?”

“ I’m at Engen garage next to N12”

“ You’re driving your dad’s car?”

“ Yebo babomncane”

“ Ok can you see the car's registration number”

“ No, it doesn’t have a license plate”

I reply looking at the car

“ Ok, the model of the car?”

“ It’s a red BMW 325is”

“ Don’t panic ok son, I’m not far from you I’m

coming just stay where you are. That fucker
will know me”

“ Please don’t tell my dad"

“ What do you mean I shouldn’t tell him?”

“ Please..I’m begging you"

“ Okay, stay on the line my boy I’m coming.”

It doesn’t take long before I see my uncle’s

Toyota Hilux 3.OD-4D double cab speeding
towards the garage leaving behind a trail of
smoke

“ Uphi lomasaka?”

(Where’s the fool)

That’s the first thing he says when he steps out

of the car, I show him where the car is parked
and scurry behind him as he brisk walks to the
car

“ Open this bloody window before I break it

down with my fist"

He bellows standing next to the driver’s

window.

The window rolls down revealing two people

inside, the man's aura gives out gangster vibes
and the lady looks like a prostitute of note.
From the skimpy clothes she’s wearing, the
excessive make up on her face and how she’s
chewing on the gum there’s no question about
it- this one is definitely a hooker! Their high
pitched breaths and the girl’s messed up hair
give us an idea of what they’ve been up to.

“ Zikhiphani madala”

( What’s going on)

He says with a deadpan tone, the ferocious

look on his face sends cold chills down my
spine

“ Voetsek wena mhlathi wenja! Ubheka bani

kanjalo?”

My uncle retorts
“ What do you want, can’t you see we are in
the middle of something?”

“ Middle of something yok'nuka! Why were you

following my boy, what do you want from
him?”

He sizes me up with a frown on his face

“ What could I possibly want from this small

boy, I have nothing to do with cheese boys.
Yazini mabhebheza as'vaye la before
kuchitheka igazi"

He says already starting the car’s ignition

“ Usabisa bani wena your msothovithi!”

( Who are you threatening)

He drives off but not before my uncle lands a

hard punch on his jaw, I expect him to stop the
car and fight back but he speeds off instead

“ I can’t believe you made me drive all the way

for nonsense”

“ I’m sorry but I swear that car has been on my

tail since I left home”

“ It’s probably a coincidence, you watch too

much TV. Go back home son”
I hear what my uncle is saying but I don’t think
it’s a coincidence, that guy was definitely
tailing me why else would he park in the middle
of nowhere? I drive back to Ndalo’s place
constantly checking the rearview mirror for any
sign of that car but I don’t see it, I’m left with
no choice but to knock and ask Melo about her
sister I’ll beg her not to reveal anything to their
mother if I have to but I can't stand not
knowing what’s going on with Ndalo.

“ Hey”

Melo says when she opens the door for me

“ Hello, is your sister in?”

“ No, she’s not. She left about an hour ago”

What

“ Did she say where she’s going?”

She quirks her eyebrows in suspicion

“ Why would I tell you?”

“ Trust me I’m not a threat, just tell me where

she said she’s going to!”

I unintentionally raise my voice

“ What’s your story, how come you always
show up looking for her?”

“ She’s my teacher I told you the last time “

“ You expect me to believe that? Yeah right"

“ Just tell me what I’m asking”

“ Answer my question first"

Girls are the same, they’re all nosey as f*ck

“ Let’s get inside then"

I follow her to the lounge and take a seat on the
one seater couch, she seats on the two seater
and looks at me with curiosity mirroring her
features

“ I need you to promise me that you’ll not

breath a word about what I’m going to tell you
to your mother or anyone else"

“ I promise"

She replies quickly

How quick she replies tells me she’s only

promising me because she’s dying to hear the
news, which means she may or may not keep
her promise.

“ Ndalo and I are in a relationship, she’s my

girlfriend and we love each other. We should be
on our way to Merloth park now but she didn’t
arrive at the place we were supposed to meet,
my calls are no longer going through I have a
feeling something bad happened to her where
did she say she was going when she left?”

Her eyes are as wide as saucers, clearly

shocked by my confession

“ Wow, so you’re dating Ses'Ndalo?”

“ Is that the only thing you heard, please
answer what I’m asking I just told you I think
something might’ve happened to your sister
and the only thing you heard is that I’m dating
her"

“ I’m sorry I’m just shocked, she didn’t tell me

where she’s going to. She only told me not to
wait up, she was excited and happy about her
trip though"

“ What time did she leave here?”

“ Around 3:45 I’m not too sure"

“ I have a feeling something bad happened to
your sister, please call her from your phone and
let’s see if she’ll pick up your call"

She dials Ndalo’s number with trembling hands,

I think it just dawned on her that her sister
might be in danger.

“ Voicemail"

“ Ok thanks, I need to leave"

I say already dashing to the door

“ Please find my sister"

She bellows behind me, the desperation in her
voice cant be missed. Where’s Ndalo? I hope
that Musa didn’t kidnap her or so help me God.

NDALO

“ Damn, were you always this tight and warm?

I swear I can’t get enough of you”

He’s on top of me doing his thing while I’m

immobile like a corpse, this is the third round I
thought he’ll regain his senses and realize how
inhumane what he’s doing is but I thought
wrong! When did Musa become so cruel, has he
no conscience. How can he do this to someone
he claims to have loved? His groans fill the
room as fills the condom with his cum and gets
off me, thank God.

I cried until there was no more tears left to cry,

Musa has succeeded in breaking me to pieces
and stripping me off my dignity.

“ You got what you wanted tell your man to

stop following Sabelo around”

He chuckles
“You really love the boy ne? I mean he’s the
first thing you think about after our mind
blowing sex"

“ Musa call him and tell him to stay away from

Sabelo, you got what you wanted!.”

“ Okay, okay no need to get worked up. Your

toy boy will live as long as he stays far away
from you and I’ll make sure of that by sending
him our video"

He’s going to be so hurt, I wish there was

something I could do to spare him the pain he’ll
feel when he sees me with Musa.
“ He loves you shem u boy, he used his savings
to book you into a lodge and even borrowed his
father’s car so he could drive you there ncoah
such a gentleman"

So Musa had to wait until today to strike? The

day I was supposed to spend quality time with
Sabelo, just how cruel is he?

“ Why?”

“ Why what?”

“ Why are you doing all of this?”

“ Because I hate you Ndalo, you ruined my
reputation at church. The pastor no longer
trusts me because of you so I had to make you
pay, at first I wanted to report you so you could
lose your job but I changed my mind when I
realized that you and your boy actually love
each other. You would’ve kept your
relationship going even after you lost your job
so I had to go back to the drawing board and
that’s when I came up with this brilliant plan"

“ You’re so evil"

“ Not more than you, you called off the

wedding after I spent so much money paying
the wedding planner! I had to make you pay
and what better way to do that than separating
you from the one you love? He’ll never look at
you the same way after I send him the video of
us having sex, he’ll hate you and that’ll kill you
and that’s exactly what I want- to kill you
emotionally, I want to see you suffer!”

His words are laced with venom, he means

each and every word that came out of his
mouth he really does hate me.

“ How can you blame me when you’re the one

who dragged me to the pastor in the first place?
You cheated on me with my friends, including
my childhood best friend Musa wasn’t that
enough?”
“ No, it’ll never be enough until I see you all
alone with no one by your side. Don’t even
think about reporting me to the police or going
back to your toy boy, if you do I will leak our
video on the internet and get you fired from
your job. A lonely miserable life awaits you,
you messed with the wrong person bitch. You
should thank me at least I was kind enough to
let you keep your job"

Musa can’t be normal, he’s definitely crazy

angeke.

.
SABELO

“ And then what are you doing here?”

Mom asks when I walk through the front door

“ Xolane had an emergency so we had to

cancel the trip”

“ Thanks dad"

I say giving him his car keys

“ No problem, Meyiwa"
I head to my room and I can feel Sphe's
footsteps on my tail

“ What do you want Sphe?”

“ What happened, ain’t you supposed to be

with iNdoni yakho now making love next to
wild animals or something?”

She jokes

“ She didn’t come”

“ What?”
“ I think something happened to her, I went
back to her place to look for her and her sister
told me she left around the time she sent me a
text telling me that she was on her way"

“ Woah, do you think she was kidnapped?”

“ Yeah and something tells me it was that ex of

hers, I need to do something Sphe"

“ Report her missing to the police, that’s what

you must do"

“ You know police take too long, can’t we hack

his phone like we did with Tsotetsi and find out
where he’s keeping her?”
“ That could work but ..”

My phone beeps with a message cutting her

short

“ Is it her?”

“ No, it’s a WhatsApp message from an

unsaved number “

“ Open it, it could be her contacting you from

someone else’s phone”
I open the chat, it’s a video and a message “
Thank you for taking care of my woman but
I’m back now boy, f*ck off"

I download the video and press play, I

immediately regret it when I see Ndalo having
sex with her ex boyfriend or should I call him
her boyfriend?

“ What is it, let me see"

“ No, Sphesihle!”

“ Please”
She tries to forcefully grab the phone from my
hands but I haul it against the wall, it breaks to
pieces and falls to the floor.

“ Why did you do that?”

She asks looking me with a horrified expression

on her face.

“ Imali yendoda yami le?”

( Is that my husband’s money)

Mom asks standing at the door looking at the

broken pieces of what used to be my phone on
the floor, she must’ve heard the noise.
“ Khulumani who broke the phone?”

“ It was Sabelo mom"

“ Buti yi R15 000 yendoda yami le oyisakaze

ebondeni kanje? I told your father not to buy
you le iPhone yakhona bheka manje"

( Is it my husband’s money that you threw

against the wall like this)

“ I’m sorry”

“ Sorry? Is that all you’re going to say?”

“ I’m sorry ma but can I please be alone?”

“ You think you’re some spoil brat ne? Can you
please be alone in whose house?”

I love my mother but she’s annoying the f*ck

out of me right now, to avoid saying things I
will end up regretting I decide to leave the
house.

“ You’re walking out on me while I’m talking?

Yey wena Sabelo buya la!”

She bellows behind me

I keep walking until I’m at the park

Sphesihle was right all along Ndalo never loved
me, she was only using me. I gotta give it to her
though she’s good she should really consider
acting, she managed to fool me I thought she
really loved me. How she looked at me, how
responsive she was to my touch, how she
kissed me, how she made love to me, how she
touched me and how she called out my name
with so much love I was convinced that she’s in
love with me as much as I’m in love with her.

Hurt doesn’t begin to describe what I feel

inside, I have no words to explain the great
pain I’m in. Is this my karma for all those girls I
hurt in the past? If so it’s indeed a bitch like
people say!
Women always say men are dogs but I think
women are worse, dogs are at least loyal to
their owners. Women are nothing but snakes,
did she have to watch me go through all the
trouble of planning the trip, borrowing my
father’s car only for her to make me wait for
her at garage like a fool? She’s evil I give her
that, I never saw this coming and I wouldn’t
have believed it if I didn’t see the video with
my own eyes. Tell me why I’m still in love such
a woman?

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#23
To say I’m shocked would be putting it lightly,
so Ses’Ndalo is dating that fine looking guy?
Wow I never saw it coming but now that he
confessed it to me it actually makes sense hey,
I remember how worried he was that day he
came looking for her in my house then my
mother threw him out. He really loves my
sister, I mean to go as far as coming to my
house to look for her says a lot and judging
from how happy she’s been since I came here
its quite obvious she’s also in love with him, oh
my goodness those two are just so cute man.

I’ve never liked Musa for my sister, he’s always

portrayed himself as this humble, loving and
caring man of God but somehow my spirit
didn’t agree with him shem ever heard
someone say ‘igazi lami nelakhe alihambelani'?
Well that’s exactly how I feel about Musa, I
didn’t even know anything bad about him but I
didn’t like him. However I had no choice but to
accept him because my sister loved him. I
wouldn’t be surprised if he has anything to do
with my sister’s disappearance, after
everything we found out about him over the
past few months I believe he’s capable of
anything.

The front door opens and my sister toddles

inside, the condition she’s in breaks my heart
to shreds she looks so broken and powerless.
Her face is stained with her tears and snorts,
while her eyes look swollen and red it’s clear
she’s been crying for a while now. I run to her
side and pull her in my arms she doesn’t fight
it, she holds onto me and breaks into a gut
wrenching sob.

“ I’m sorry sis"

I’m battling my own tears, I don’t know why

she’s crying but my heart can’t take seeing her
in so much pain liyaphukela.

“ I curse the day I allowed Musa into my life"

So I was right, he did something to my sister.

“ What did he do?”

“ He raped me Melo!”

She says and starts crying all over again. That

bastard did what? We can’t let him get away
with this he needs to pay!

“ He’s an animal Melo, a disgusting animal!”

“ You can’t let him get away with what he did

to you Ses'Ndalo, you need to file a case
against him”.

“ He recorded a video Melo, if I file a case

against him I have a lot to lose. He’ll leak the
video and ruin my reputation and I’ll also lose
my job, you know how corrupt the justice
system in our country is. How many of the
women who are raped and killed by men
everyday get the justice they deserve? How
many perpetrators do you know that get
arrested only for them to be released a few
months later now tell me how will getting him
arrested help me? Musa deserves so much
more than just going to jail, death will also be
too easy for him I want him to suffer I want
maggots to eat his flesh while he’s still alive. I
want him to wish death upon himself but not
die, I want him to live a long life filled with pain
and suffering”

“ You’re scaring me"

“ Don’t worry, Musa will gets what’s coming to
him each dog has it’s day.”

“ Come, let’s get you to bed"

“ I don’t want to go to bed, I want to take a

shower and wash away Musa’s disgusting scent
off my body"

Oh my poor sister, she doesn’t deserve any of

this.

“ Ok let’s go”
“ Do you know what that bastard did? He sent
the video to my boyfriend, I’m sure he thinks I
cheated on him. He probably hates me now".

“ He would never hate you sis"

“ You don’t know that"

“ I know it, he came here looking for you. I

know what I saw in his eyes, that guy really
loves you sis"

“ What do you mean he came here?”

“ I mean exactly that, I know who your

boyfriend is sis and I won’t judge you. I
understand why you would keep this from
everyone but from me ses'Ndalo? I would never
judge you much less tell mom about it"

“ I’m sorry but this could put my career at risk

so I had to be careful. Sabelo was here?”

“ Yes, he was very worried about you. He’s the

one who told me that the two of you are in love
with each other but it was only because I left
him with no other choice”

“ How was he?”

“ He was very worried about you, I think it was

before Musa sent him the video because he
didn’t know where you were but he had
suspicions that something might have
happened to you”

“ He must be so hurt, he probably thinks I went

back to Musa"

She swipes her hand on her face wiping her

tears but it’s a futile exercise because tears
keep falling from her eyes.

“ But I don’t regret it Melo, I’d do it all over

again if it means saving his life. Musa is so
heartless if he can do what he did to me,
someone he once claimed to be in love with
then he would’ve surely killed Sabelo”
Musa is a bastard

“ I’m sorry sis but I believe that if you guys are

meant to be together then you’ll find your way
back to each other."

“ Honestly I don’t think it’ll happen, even if we

get back together things will never be the same.
He’ll never look at me the same way”

She takes her toiletries and her towel and heads

to the bathroom. I hate Musa and I’m going to
make him pay for this, I have no idea how I’ll
do it but mark my words Musa will pay for
everything he put my sister through!
.

SABELO

I didn’t sleep a wink last night because every

time I closed my eyes the video of Ndalo with
Musa would play in my mind like a broken
record, I’ve been cracking my brain trying to
understand how things went from Ndalo and I
going on a trip to her sleeping with Musa I just
don’t get it! How can she go back to the same
man who humiliated her and called her names,
the same person who caused a rift between her
and her parents it doesn’t make sense to me.
Was it all in my head? All the beautiful
moments we shared together, was it pretence
or did I imagine the whole thing? I’m not sure
what’s real and what’s not I’m a ball of
confusion, for a moment there I thought she
was kidnapped and taken against her will but
after seeing the video I’m not really sure what
to believe and the only person who’ll take me
out of my misery is her, I need to look her in
the eye and ask her why she would do this to
me.

A knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts

“ Come in"
My mother walks in

“ Good morning buti"

She lowers herself on the foot of the bed, I sit

up and lean against the headboard.

“ Good morning ma"

“ What’s happened yesterday?”

“ Nothing ma, I’m sorry for walking out on you

and breaking the phone."
“ Did you forget that you are my son and I
know you, I can tell you’re not okay.”

“ I’ll be fine mama"

“ You know you can talk to me about anything

right?”

“ I know mama"

“ Okay, I know maybe you might not be

comfortable talking with me about some of the
things but please consider talking to your
father"

“ I will ma"
“ Okay, I love you my son"

“ I love you mom”

She stands up and plants a peck on my

forehead and walks out.

****

“ Hi Sabelo"

“ Where’s your sister?”

“ I’m fine and you Sabelo"

“ I don’t have time for your greetings Melo, I
asked you a question. Where is Ndalo?”

“ Why should I tell you?”

“ You chose the wrong day to work on my

nerves girl"

“ What’s that supposed to mean?”

“ Angazi nami, Google it"

“ Yo uyadelela wena shem… she’s in her
bedroom and you better not think about being
rude to my sister”

( You’re disrespectful)

I shove her from the door and make my way to

Ndalo’s bedroom. She looks up when I walk
through the door and our eyes lock, her eyes
are so swollen I can barely see her sclera but I
can see the pain they hold in them.

She clears her throat and leans her back

against the headboard

“ Hey"
“ What happened yesterday, I waited and
waited but you didn’t show up"

“ I’m sorry"

“ Don’t apologize, just make me understand

how you ended up with Musa while I was
waiting for you like a fool at the garage”

Instead of replying she cries

“ Don’t I at least deserve an explanation?”

“ You do"
“ Then explain”

(Silence)

“ Did he find out about us and blackmail you to

sleep with him like Tsotetsi did?”

“ No”

“ Okay, tell me what happened then"

“ I’m sorry Sabelo"

“ Stop apologizing, I want to understand I’m
confused make me understand. Was it all in my
head our entire relationship that is"

“ I’m sorry"

“ I don’t want your sorries, make me

understand I don’t understand anything I mean
we were happy and in love what happened
suddenly”

“ I realized that I’m still in love Musa”

A sharp pain shoots straight to my heart, it

feels like someone is repeatedly twisting a knife
on my heart.
“ That’s a lie and you know it, yini are your
parents forcing you?”

“ No, no one is forcing me"

I swallow the lump on my throat trying so hard

not to cry in front of her

“ Then what about me? Did you ever love me?”

“ I don’t know"

What?
“ What about everything we’ve shared was it a
lie?”

“ I’m sorry Sabelo, it was fun while it lasted but

now it’s over I need you to respect that"

“ No, you don’t mean that. I can see it in your

eyes, you love me"

“ You just see what you want to see, please

leave”

“ What?”

“ I said leave"
She slides back into the covers and pulls them
above her head.

“ WOW!”

“ I’m sorry, but you need to leave" Melo

What’s she doing here? All these girls are just

too nosey and I’m afraid I’ll lose my temper
with one of them one of these days.

“ Don’t worry, I’ll leave. I wish you and Musa a

happy and healthy relationship Ndalo,
congratulations on breaking my heart. For what
is worth, bengikuthandile Ndoni yamanzi
bengikuthande ngenhliziyo yami yonke but
love cant be forced. I can’t force you to love me
back, as hard as it will be I’ll respect your
choice and keep my distance. "

( I really loved you black beauty, I loved you

with all of my heart)

NDALO

A loud sob breaks out of my mouth once Sabelo

is out of sight and Melo holds me in her arms

“ I’m so sorry sis”

“ I think you’re making a mistake, you should
have told him the truth instead of lying to him
and breaking his heart”

“ Musa wont let us be together Melo, he will

report me if Sabelo and get back together”

“ You give Musa way too much power"

“ You’re allowed to say whatever you want

Melo, call me weak and every other word you
want I don’t care it wouldn’t be the first time
someone did. I think I should just resign and
relocate to another province"
“ So you’re just going to give up on the love of
your life just like that?”

“ We will never know peace as long as Sabelo is

still a learner Melo, we will always be under
attack and threatened”

“ But what if you lose him forever?”

“ Then it means he wasn’t mine to begin with,

what is meant to be will be Melo. I’m tired of
living like this".

“ Wow, so uzophisana ngendoda yakho just

like that?”

( You’re just going to give up your man)

“ I’m doing this for him, he’s in matric what he
needs now is to focus on his studies without
constantly looking over his shoulder. Musa is
hell bent on making my life miserable, as long
Sabelo is in my life then he’ll never know
peace”

“ Stop saying that”

“ What?”

“ That you’re doing this for him, stop saying

that because you’re making me angry”

“ Don’t forget who you’re talking to Melo"

“ I know you’re older than me but I need to tell
you mawubheda, so you’re willing to give up on
true love? Do you know how lucky you are to
find someone who loves you like Sabelo does?”

“ Phuma!”

( get out)

“ You were lucky enough to find someone who

genuinely loves you and you’re willingly letting
him go, fight for your man. Fuck Musa and his
threats, fight for your man"

“ Ngizokusakaza nge nkuzi ye mpama uma

ungathuli Melokuhle”
( I’ll slap you if you keep talking)

“ Ngishaye mangabe ufuna ukungshayela

iciniso kodwa ngeke ngithule!”

( Slap me if you want but you know I’m telling

you the truth)

“ Do you want to go to your parents house

Melo, you no longer enjoy staying me with me
is that it?”

“ You can even throw me out it’s fine kodwa

iciniso lona ngizabe ngikutshelile, mlwele
Ses’Ndalo don’t just give up on him”

( But I’m telling you the truth, fight for him)

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#24

I don’t know what was in the video Sabelo

received that day but whatever it was must to
be something big because in all my 18 years of
life I’ve never seen Sabelo so vulnerable and
broken like he is now, he’s a shell of himself-
he’s not living he’s merely existing. He is
always cooped up in his room listening to
depressing music, it hurts seeing my brother so
miserable I wish he would open up and share
his pain with me. If I didn’t see miss Khumalo
at school I’d think she is kidnapped like we
thought and that’s why my brother is acting the
way he is or maybe they broke up?

I mean It’s the only logical explanation but I

don’t know why they would fight so hard to be
together only for them to break up, I have
nothing against miss Khumalo but she’s not
someone I’d prefer my brother to date and yes
it’s because of the age gap between them. A
relationship like theirs isn’t something we see
everyday it always feels like one of them is not
genuinely in love with the other but I have seen
how much they love each other and I’ve learnt
to accept their relationship even though it was
not easy at first but who am I to stand against
two people who truly love each other?
A cloud of smoke greets me when I open the
door to his bedroom

“ What the…”

I don’t get to finish my sentence because I start

coughing violently, I dash to the window and
stick my face out for fresh air

“ You wouldn’t be choking if you stayed in your

own room"

“ Sabelo since when do you smoke? Weed

nogal?”

“ Sphesihle please leave me alone”

He throws the blunt out of the window

“ What has happened to you, you’ve changed!”

“ I told you to leave me alone"

“ Do you even study Sabelo, we are writing trial

exams soon"

(Silence)

“ Wow, so you’re going to smoke your life

away? Well if you’re acting like this because of
whatever happened between you and miss
Khumalo then remember that the she already
has a degree and she shows up at school every
single day to do her job"

“ Sphe I don’t need a lecture aseblief"

“ Sabelo I don’t know what happened between

the two of you but you shouldn’t let whatever it
is break you, don’t give her the satisfaction of
seeing you suffer. Study, pass with good grades
and make something out of yourself and that’ll
be your revenge against her"

( Silence)
“ Mntasekhaya please talk to me, I’m begging
you”

“ What for? So you can tell me you told me so"

“ I would never rejoice in your suffering, you’re

my blood your pain is mine"

“ You were right Sphe, you were always right

about her. She doesn’t love me, she only used
me as a rebound and went back to her
boyfriend.”

A gut wrenching sob breaks out of his mouth

afterwards, Sabelo doesn’t cry easily so seeing
him break down like this breaks my heart. I
immediately wrap my arms around him and let
him rest his head on my bosom

“ Why do women do that huh? Go back to the

same people who hurt and mistreat them. I love
her Sphesihle and I would have done anything
to make her happy but she chose to go back to
the same guy who humiliates and insults her,
that guy doesn’t love her Sphe.”

“ I’m so sorry"

“ Do you think they’re forcing her to be with

him?”

“ Who?”
“ Her family maybe?”

“ I don’t know, what really happened Sabelo?”

“ You remember the day we were supposed to

spend the night together at the lodge?”

“ Yes"

“ I got a video from her boyfriend …”

He explains everything that happened

“ I think he’s blackmailing her Sabelo, I don’t
know but it doesn’t make sense for her to just
change overnight. You say she told you she was
coming right?”

“ Maybe I would agree with you if I didn’t see

the video for myself, you should’ve seen them
Sphe …”

It seems the memory of them together breaks

him but who wouldn’t be shattered after seeing
the woman they love under someone else?

“ Did you ever feel like she is pretending when

you guys were together?”
“ No, everything always felt so real. I was
convinced that she loved me as much as I loved
her”

“ Maybe she does, you can’t fake being in love"

“ Well she doesn’t, she looked at me in the eye

and told me that she is in love with Musa".

“ But what if she’s being blackmailed or

threatened? I mean all of this doesn’t make any
sense to me honestly”

“ That’s what I also thought but she told me no

one is forcing her, can you believe she even
threw me out?”
“ She’s not my favorite but I know she loves
you, I don’t think she would go back to Musa
after everything he did to her. All of this doesn’t
make any sense, we should try… “

“ No we won’t do anything Sphe, Ndalo knows

I love her and I would do anything to protect
her. I asked her if she was being forced and she
said no, if she wanted my help she would speak
up so I’m not going to force my love on her, yes
it hurts now but I’ll get over her eventually”

NTHABI
I don’t know what happened to Ndalo but I
know it’s something huge, if I didn’t know
better I'd think someone in her family or really
close to her passed on. I tried my best to get
her to talk to me but all she does is cry and not
reply, if she was still dating Musa I would think
it’s him but they broke up and she moved out
from home and got her own place so it can’t be
her parents or him. I’ve decided to be there for
her without asking questions, she probably
doesn’t trust anyone after how the people she
thought were her friends betrayed her which is
understandable but she needs to talk to
someone about what she’s going through it
doesn’t have to be me but she needs to talk to
someone before she falls into depression well
that’s if she’s not depressed already.
The siren goes off indicating the end of my
Geography period

“ Ok class that brings us to the end of today’s

lesson, Sihle please collect the maps and take
them to Mrs Mbonani"

Exams are only a few days away so I’m busy

with map work revision

“ Okay ma'am"

“ Let me walk you out ma'am"

Nandipha says already taking the box of chalks
and the duster in my hands and leads the way,
she always does this. Accompanying me to the
next class that is, she’s one of those sweet girls
that you cant help but fall in love with.

“ Good morning miss Khumalo"

Nandipha greets Ndalo when we meet her in

the corridor on our way to my next class.

“ Good morning miss Dlomo"

Ndalo replies causing Nandipha to smile

sweetly, oh I just love Nandi shem she’s just so
nunus
“ Hey friend, how are you?”

“ I’m o..”

She puts her hand on her head and drops to the

ground before she can complete her sentence, I
crouch next to her and check her pulse. It’s
faint but at least it’s there

“ Call Sir Mathobela"

I say to the frightened Nandipha next to me

“ Okay ma'am”
She runs around like a headless chicken not
knowing where to go

“ Look for him in the Life sciences laboratory

Nandipha!”

“ Okay"

Mathobela and I are in the waiting room

waiting for the doctor to give us an update on
Ndalo’s condition, he drove us to the hospital
when Ndalo fainted and the nurses immediately
attended to us when we walked into casualty
with a unconscious Ndalo in Mathobela’s arms.
“ You need to tell her family"

She’s not on speaking terms with her parents so

I’m not sure what I should do, I went through
Ndalo’s phone and used Melo's contact details
as her next of kin on her admission form. We
had no choice but to call and tell her, she
wanted to come but Mathobela managed to
convince her not to come but that was after he
promised to keep updating her.

“ I don’t have their numbers”

“ Call Gwala and ask him to give them to you,

they must be on her employment contract”
“ Let’s rather wait for the doctor before telling
them, we wouldn’t want to worry them
unnecessarily”

“ Unnecessarily you say? Khumalo fainted and

you call that unnecessary!?”

The way he’s so overprotective when it comes

to Ndalo one would swear he’s her big brother

“ Stop shouting at me, I’m not your child!”

I shout back

“ This is not the time or place for your tantrums

Phakade!”
“ Oh look who’s talking!”

Mathobela and I are always at loggerheads, I

don’t know why but I just can’t stand him.
There’s just something about him that irks the
sh*t out of me and it seems the feeling is
mutual because he also can’t stand me.

“ I’m not going to do this with you here"

“ Good"

“ Buhlebendalo Khumalo”
Mathobela and I trudge towards the doctor

“ I’m sorry but who are you?”

“ I'm her friend and he’s her boyfriend”

Mathobela frowns at my declaration but

quickly catches on when I give him a look

“ Yes..she’s my girlfriend and I’m her

boyfriend"

If it was any other day I’d be laughing my lungs

out right now, the way he said it lacked
conviction I wouldn’t be surprised if the doctor
doesn’t believe him.
“ I’m sorry but I can’t disclose any information
about her condition to anyone who’s not her
family or relative”

“ It’s okay we understand doctor, has she

regained consciousness can we at least see
her?” Mathobela

“ Yes she’s conscious, you can go ahead and

see her"

“ Thank you so much doctor"

I run to her bed and engulf her in a hug the

moment we walk inside her ward
“ Nthabi! I can’t breathe"

I immediately release her from my embrace

“ I’m sorry, you scared me. I thought I lost you,

never scare me like that again"

“ No one chooses to faint dumbo"

Mathobela interjects

“ Please don’t start with me wena nobubi”

“ I’d rather be ugly than be dumb like you"

Ndalo laughs

“ When will you guys date vele?”

“ What!” we both say at the same time

“ You must be out of your mind Ndalo, I’d

never date him"

“ More like I’d never date you"

“ You guys need to f*ck already, I’m tired of

your stupid fights”
“ I’m glad to see you’re well Khumalo,
unfortunately I have to leave I can’t stand to be
in her presence any minute longer"

“ It’s okay, the nurse told me you were the one

who brought me here thank you Thobzini"

“ Don’t mention it beautiful, bye"

“ Bye"

“ Yeah, hamba vele nobubi"

Ndalo cracks up infuriating me

“ Uhlekani?”

( What are you laughing at)

“ Your tantrums, you act so childish around

him It’s so cute”

“ Mxm, why did you faint what did the doctor

say?”

Her right hand protectively goes to her stomach

“ I haven’t been eating well and my blood

pressure is too high because of stress and all
the crying I’ve been doing, he told me I’m five
weeks pregnant can you believe it?”
The happiness on her face is so contagious I
cant help but smile back

“ Congratulations my friend”

“ After everything I’ve been through the past

few days it’s a miracle this baby survived, I’m
going to be a mother Nthabi”

For the first time in almost two weeks she is

smiling genuinely

“Who’s the father?”

I can’t help but ask

“ I don’t know”

What?

“ What do you mean you don’t know?”

“ I mean exactly that, I don’t know who he is.

You were right Nthabi …about the glow, I had
sex with a stranger"

“ Why would you sleep with someone you

don’t know?”

“ I was drunk when it happened"

“ Yeah right, did you forget that you don’t
drink?”

“ Yeah, it was once"

“ You’re lying Ndalo, you don’t drink and you’d

never sleep with a stranger much less
unprotected. It’s fine, you don’t have to tell me
who the father is congratulations once again”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#25

I’ve had my hands on my tummy incalculable

times in the last hour, I'm so happy that I’m
going to be someone’s mother even though I
still don’t understand how it happened I mean
I've been on contraceptives for over a year now
and the injection was working just fine until
now. Musa and I weren’t using protection and I
never got pregnant so I didn’t think I’d be
pregnant, even when my moods started acting
up pregnancy was the last thing on my mind
because I thought I had it covered. I love kids
and to know that one is growing inside of me
brings an indescribable joy to my heart, my
anguish is miniature compared to how elated I
feel everytime I think about my baby. I’m going
to be a mother, I’m going to mother Sabelo’s
baby.

My high blood pressure dropped after being

treated and I was discharged, the doctor gave
me pills, a diet plan and a long lecture about
how fatal stress could be for the baby. I’ve been
miserable since Musa had his way with me, I
couldn’t eat nor sleep I don’t know what I
would have done if Melo wasn’t by my side but
the news of my pregnancy has given me the
will to live. I fell in love with my baby the
moment the doctor told me about my
pregnancy, I need to take care of myself so that
I don’t end up losing this baby.
When I got discharged Nthabi went back to
school while I took an Uber back to my place.
It's almost midday when the Uber drops me
outside my place and to my surprise Melo is in
the kitchen making food, isn’t she supposed to
be at school?

“ What are you doing here?”

That’s when she sees me, she drops the food in

her hands to the floor and runs to me and
engulfs me in a bone crushing hug

“ That’s enough now you’re hurting me"

I expect her to let go of me but she doesn’t

“ Melo”

She sniffs and that's when I realise she’s crying

“ Shhh it’s okay don’t cry, I’m okay”

“ I was so scared when I heard you were in

hospital, I thought you tried to take your life
again"

I break the hug and cradle her tear stained face

in my palms
“ I’d never do that again, I’m sorry I scared you
okay"

“ What did the doctor say, why did you faint?”

“ Can we at least sit down first, I still feel a bit

woozy”

She carries my handbag and holds my hand as

we walk to the lounge, I don’t know what I
would have done if it wasn’t for her continuous
support I’m blessed to have a sister like her.

“ I’m okay Melo, stop fussing I’m not dying I

only fainted please”
I say when she tries to help me sit

“ Why did you faint?”

“ I haven’t been eating well and my blood

pressure was way too high you know how
much I’ve been stressing lately but I’m fine
now"

“ I’m so going to force feed you shem, I cant

lose a sister because of your stubbornness.”

“ Don’t worry, you won’t have to force me to

eat. I’ll eat on my own, I can’t put my baby at
risk again"
“ What baby?”

“ I’m pregnant silly"

“ Woah what? Congratulations sis"

She engulfs me in a hug

“ I’m going to spoil you rotten little one"

Her hands are on my stomach

“ Oh sis, we are having a baby. I can’t wait to

be a mother".
“ An aunt you mean?”

“ No, a mother. Yours and Nele's kids are my

kids as well"

“ Ncoah how sweet Melo"

“ So who’s the father? Don’t tell me its Musa"

“ Yo I would have had an abortion immediately

after receiving the news, angeke ngathwalela
leso skhohlakali umntwana mina"

( I will never bare that evil man’s kids)

“ So it’s Sabelo’s? Have you told him yet"

“ No, and I’m not going to tell him"

“ What? Why"

“ Come on Melo, Sabelo is 18 what will he do

with a baby and besides he needs to focus on
his exams I don’t want him worrying about me
when he’s supposed to be studying”

“ Well you’re unfair, you didn’t get yourself

pregnant you made this baby with the same 18
year old kid and you need to tell him about HIS
baby”

She says putting emphasis on “his"

“ I’ll tell him, just not now”

“ When?”

“ I don’t know Melo, let me enjoy the news of

my pregnancy without causing me stress
aseblief"

“ I told you to tell him about what Musa did but

you refused and I let you be, now you want to
keep this from him as well? I’m giving you until
December to tell him otherwise I’m going to tell
him myself"
I rue the day I started discussing my private life
with Melo because she has forgotten her place,
I’m sure she thinks we are friends or something
now.

“ Yewena Melokuhle I’m not your friend, stay

out of my business"

“ Ngeke ngikhone ses'Ndalo, you have up until

December to come clean to Sabelo”

She says and storms out of the room

Wow! How can someone call you sis but still

disrespect you? I’m the only child who’s
obedient kwa Khumalo, Melo and Anele are
stubborn like my father shem.

SABELO

I’m in my room trying my utmost best to study

but I’m failing dismally the pain in my heart
wont let me be, it’s been almost two weeks
since I saw the video but it feels like yesterday
every time I close my eyes. I can vividly see
Musa pumping in and out of my Ndalo. It hurts
so freaking bad to watch someone you love
allow herself to be used by someone else, I
don’t know why girls put themselves through
so much humiliation. Sphe seems to think she
was blackmailed or threatened but no matter
how much I try to believe that my mind refuses
to accept it, I don’t know but I believe Ndalo
knows I’d go to any lengths to protect her so
why wouldn’t she tell me? This whole thing is
just so confusing!

“ Come in"

Sphe walks in and I instantly clap hands for her

“ What?”

She asks in confusion

“ You finally learned how to knock,
congratulations you passed the first stage of
mannerisms. You’re through to the next round"

“ Hahaha! Not funny"

“ How can I help you?”

“ I’m glad to see you on your study table with

books in front of you instead of smoking weed"

“ Well I’m trying to study but angikhoni maybe

weed could help me"
“ You’re already addicted?”

“ No, I only smoke when I feel like I can’t take

it anymore"

“ Why weed? Cant you gym or do something

except smoking weed?”

“ What’s wrong with smoking?”

“ Are you really asking me that?”

I chuckle
“ I’m kidding, it’s not easy but I’ll try jogging
when the pain in my heart and the myriad
thoughts in my head threaten to drive me
crazy"

“ Thanks, please throw away the weed"

“ I can’t throw away my money, at least let me

finish it first”

“ No Sabelo, I wont watch you turn yourself

into an addict"

“ I can handle myself, I’m not addicted I told

you"
“ That’s the same mentality addicts had when
they started”.

“ Okay, I’ll do it. I hate it when you speak so

much sense"

“ Give it to me, I’ll throw it for you"

“ Sphe come on, you don’t trust me?”

“ I do, give me the pack"

I stand up from my chair and walk to the closet

to take the weed where I hid it and give it to
Sphe
“ Thank you, I love you Mntasekhaya”

“ I love you more sisi wami"

“ I forgot to tell you, miss Khumalo fainted

today at school and had to be rushed to
hospital”

“ What? What’s wrong with her?”

“ I don’t know bro"

I immediately jolt up from my chair, kick off

my slippers and wear my sneakers and hoody
“ Where are you going?”

Sphe’s question snaps me back to my senses,

where am I going vele? She’s no longer my
problem, why should I worry about what
happens to her. Let Musa worry about her, he’s
the one she chose!

NDALO

It’s been a couple of weeks since I fainted,

Melo went back to Pretoria and I miss her so
much the house feels so lonely without her
even though we were fighting half the time.
Sabelo has changed a lot, he no longer comes
to my class and his marks have drastically
dropped not just on Life sciences but on other
subjects as well. I’m afraid he’ll fail his matric if
he keeps this up so I took it upon myself to talk
to him seeing that I’m the cause of his
behavior.

I asked Thato to tell him to come to my office

whenever he comes back from wherever he
goes to everytime it’s my period.

“ What is it?”
This is what he says when he walks into my
office without knocking, did I mention his
attitude?

“ Please take a sit"

“ No, I’ll stand"

“ Okay then, I'm concerned about your

academic performance Sabelo. You’re dropping
the ball and I am afraid you’ll fail if you keep
this up"

“ Why do you care anyway? Its my future

ungenaphi wena? Uhlanganaphi?”
“ Wow!”

“ Is there anything else"

“ You know what Sabelo, there’s nothing else.

Umdala une pasi uzabona wenza njani, I can’t
be worrying about my baby ngiphinde ngizo
stresswa yindoda endala ene ntshebe nama
shishi!”

I snap

“ Wait, did you just say your baby?”

“ What? No, I said my body. I’ve gained weight

and it’s stressing me, I don’t like being fat"
“ Don’t make me stupid I know what I heard,
so you’re pregnant?”

His hand catches me off guard and inspects my

belly before I can stop him, I’m not showing yet
but my stomach is a bit hard.

“ Explains the moods, the weight and

complexion gain"

“ Sabelo please remove your hand from my

stomach”

My body is still very aware of his touch, I’m

afraid I might pounce on him right this minute
if he doesn’t remove his hand especially
because of how horny I’ve been lately.

“ Who’s the father?”

“ You know it’s risky to have this conversation

here”

“ Just answer me dammit!”

He bellows

Will he believe me if I told him the truth?

“ I asked you a question Buhlebendalo
unganginyanyisi!”

He’s standing way too close, I can literally feel

his breath fanning my face. I’ve never seen him
look so vexed before.

“ It’s you Sabelo, you’re the father of my baby"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#26
Being a father at the age of 18 was never part of
the plan, I wanted to study and be financially
stable first so my children wouldn’t lack
anything and the last thing I wanted was to be
one of those boys whose kids are raised by
their parents. Being a father now isn’t ideal but
I’d be lying if I said I’m not happy that the baby
is mine because I’m ecstatic, my heart wouldn’t
have survived it if the baby was Musa's. As
unready and petrified as I am to be a father I’m
so happy the baby Ndoni is carrying belongs to
me but wait what if she’s lying? I can’t just take
her word for it.

“ How do I know you’re not lying to me?”

“ Why would I lie? What could I possibly gain
from lying to you?”

“ I don’t know you tell me”

“ I’m not going to force you to believe me or

accept my child Sabelo, I’m telling you that
you’re the father of my baby it’s up to you to
believe me or not"

“ You can’t expect me to take your word for it

Ndalo, not after you slept with Musa how do
you expect me to trust you"

“ I’m telling you that the baby is yours Sabelo, I

know it’s yours"
“ I won’t believe you until we take a DNA test"

“ I won’t put my baby at risk to pacify you

mina, if you can’t take my word then it’s okay
fuck off I won’t force you to be a father. I know
so many kids who were raised by single parents
and turned out fine, my baby wont be the first
nor the last”

Her words cut deep

No matter the circumstances I would never let

my child grow up without me.

“ You can’t blame me for being sus..”

“ Save your speech, get out of my office"

“ What? No. I’m going nowhere until I get to

the bottom of this whole thing"

“ You will leave”

I stare at her as he flips the papers and books

on top of her desk searching for something, I’ve
never seen her so riled up she’s even sweating

“ What the fuck!”

I exclaim when she throws a duster to my face
thank the lord for my fast reflexes because I
duck in time and the duster hits the wall behind
me.

“ Ngithe hamba la!”

( I said leave)

“ Okay, I’m leaving"

I couldn’t concentrate in any of the classes I

attended after Ndalo broke the news of her
pregnancy to me, Ndalo and I never used
protection so chances of the baby being mine
are very high. I don’t know what to think but
why would she lie about the pregnancy, she
loves Musa and he’s the one with the money
while I’m nothing but a kid who depends on his
parents she has nothing to gain by pinning the
pregnancy on me. I’m broke and she doesn’t
love me so why would she pin the pregnancy
on me? But still I can’t just trust her not after
she betrayed me gosh I don’t know what to
believe.

NDALO
As much as I would’ve loved to keep the news
of my pregnancy from Sabelo I hate Musa too
much to say he’s the father of my baby, if
anyone finds out about the baby being Sabelo’s
I might as well kiss my career goodbye and
that’s why I didn’t want to tell him but fate had
other plans. I completely understand why he
would think that the baby is not his especially
after I told him I’m in love with Musa but I
don’t know what happened I just lost it when
he accused me of pinning the pregnancy on
him.

I’m so happy that it’s Friday at least tomorrow

I’ll sleep in, I’ve always loved sleeping but I
have gotten worse since I fell pregnant ai
ngiyazi lalela shem angidlali njalo.
“ Yo I’m tired shem, let’s go to a spar tomorrow
and get a hot stone massage” Nthabi

“ I love the idea, what time?”

“ We can meet around 11”

I’d love to go for the massage my body could

use one I have been through a lot in the past
two months, getting a massage before final
examinations start isn’t such a bad idea can
this year end already, its been a stressful one
for me shem! Where was I? Oh the massage I’d
love to go but I sleep in on Saturdays I only
wake up after 10
“ So early why not me around three in the
afternoon?”

“ Late so? I doubt the spar will still be open by

the time we get there"

“ Yo ai okay"

“ Is there something you want to do in the

morning?”

“ Yes, I’ll be sleeping"

“ Are you for real?”

“ Yes, I’m for real. I wont sacrifice my sleep for
anything, I wake up early six days a week I
need Saturday to rest"

“ Yo ai khona your pregnancy is making you

lazy"

“ Mina lazy never, I just love sleeping cha"

Bruno Mars’s just the way you are plays

disturbing us, I should change my ringtone this
one reminds me of Sabelo.

“ Won’t you answer?”

“ I don’t answer calls from unsaved numbers”

“ Why?”

“ Pretty has been calling me lately, I don’t

know how many numbers I blocked already"

“ What? What does she want?”

“ To apologize”

“ Yo she’s crazy, what she did is unforgivable

you can’t do something like that and expect
sorry to fix everything. Answer babe, it doesn’t
look like the person will stop calling"
“ Okay…hey"

“ Ndalo"

It’s Sabelo

Why is he calling me from a different number? I

never blocked his number if I remember
correctly.

“ Uhm…hi"
The way Nthabi is looking at me though I even
reduced the volume of the speaker, I can’t risk
her hearing this conversation.

“ Can you talk?”

“ No"

“ Are you with someone is that why you’re

giving me one word answers”

“ Yeah"

“ Okay it’s fine then I’ll end the call but I really
need to talk to you Ndalo, has Melo left yet?”
Melo left shortly after I found out about my
pregnancy, she was in my house for the 6
weeks duration of her practicals.

“ Yes, she left"

“ Okay, I’ll come to your place tonight"

“ Why are you calling me from this number?”

I cant help but ask

“ My phone broke so I currently don’t have a

phone, I’m calling you from my sister’s phone”.
“ Okay bye"

“ You’re no longer angry?”

He asks supressing a chuckle, I can’t help but

laugh. I seriously don’t know what got into me

“ No, I’m okay now"

“ That boy better not to turn you into a crazy

woman, tell him I’ll whoop his ass"

My heart you guys! Does this mean, he accepts

the baby?
“ You hear me?"

“ Yeah”

“ Okay, sharp see you later then"

“ Who was that?”

Nthabi asks the moment I remove the phone

from my ear

“ Hah Nthabi uthanda izindaba yo"

“ The way you were blushing!”

“ Goodbye Nthabi see you on Monday"

She laughs

“ What about tomorrow, si on or?”

“ Told you I’m sleeping in, bye girl "

“ Bye, vila!”

***

I’m watching House of Zwide when I hear a

knock on the door, my heartbeat accelerates
because I know who it is and I’m so not ready
for the conversation we are about to have

“ Please come in"

I open the door wider for him to enter

“ Thanks”

“ Let’s go to the lounge"

“ Okay”
I lead the way to the lounge and take a seat, he
sits on the couch across mine and looks at me
expectantly.

“ I’m sorry for how I behaved earlier on, I don’t

know what got into me but it’s no excuse for
my behavior”

“ It’s okay, I understand. So tell me why are

you so sure I’m the father of your baby?”

I guess we are going to get straight into it no

small talk

“ Because the dates correspond, you’re the

father there’s no doubt about that".
“ Okay”

“ We can have DNA tests if you think I’m lying

to you but you’ll have to wait until the baby is
born"

“ No, there’s no need for that I believe you"

“ Really?”

“ Yes, why would you lie about the baby being

mine? It’s not like you love me and I’m broke
so it wouldn’t make any sense”
Yoh! If he said that to hurt then he has
succeeded

“ About that, I love you Sabelo like I’ve never

loved anyone before and I’m sorry I lied to you
and broke your heart but I only did it to protect
you"

“ Stop it okay! You don’t love me, you wouldn’t

do what you did if you loved me like you say.”

I can tell he’s trying so hard not to cry, his eyes

are glistening with tears and his voice is
quavering.

“ I’m sorry"
“ I still don’t understand why you waited until
the day we were meant to spend the night
together to do what you did, you could’ve told
me you didn’t want me anymore before that
but no you had to keep me waiting at the
garage like a fool knowing very well you
wouldn’t come and give your boyfriend my
number so he could send me a video of you
having sex with him, how could you be so cruel
Ndalo?”

He loses the battle against his tears, they’re

rolling down his cheeks like a water on a
waterfall now.
“ I would never do that to you Sabelo, you
know how excited I was about our trip. You I
know I wanted to pay for the lodge but you
wouldn’t let me, do you think I’d want to use
my money if I knew the trip wouldn’t happen?”

“ Then explain to me, how did you end up

moaning under Musa while I was waiting for
you to come to me?”

“ Musa hired a PI to look into my life and give

him every single detail about my life, that’s
how he found out about our relationship but he
waited until that day to strike, he grabbed me
before I could make it to the Uber and told me
to go with him or he’ll kill you. I didn’t know if
he was bluffing or serious but l left with him
because I couldn’t risk with your life, I’d die if I
lost you"

“ What? I remember a red BMW 325is tailing

my dad’s car that day"

“ Yes, that’s how he knew where you were he

hired a hitman to tail you. He took me to a
hotel and told me he wants to sleep with me, I
tried creating a scene but he called someone
the hitman that’s when I realized he wasn’t
bluffing so I had no choice but to do what he
wanted in order to save your life"

“ What did he want?”

“ He wanted me to sleep with him not only that
he wanted the whole thing on tape so he can
send it to you, he told me to moan and pretend
like I’m enjoying or he’d tell the man to kill
you"

“ You should’ve let me die Ndalo, I’d rather be

dead than to see someone else huffing and
sweating on top of you. That’s worse than
death, it’s been over a month since the incident
but I still can’t get rid of the image of the two of
you together why did you have to sacrifice
yourself for me Ndalo?”

He’s on his feet pacing up and down in anger,

he has veins all over his forehead he looks
ready to kill.
“ I’m sorry Sabelo but I couldn’t let him kill
you"

He stops pacing and looks at me and before I

know it, I’m swaddled in his arms. The hug is
too tight I can barely breath but I’d take this
suffocating hug over the emptiness I have been
feeling in my heart since our break up.

“ I’m sorry Sthandwa sami, please forgive me. I

should have known you’d never do something
like that to me"
He’s crying as he says this which propels my
own tears to roll down my cheeks, hurting him
was never my intention.

“ You couldn’t have known Sabelo, don’t blame

yourself”

“ I’m sorry, I’m so sorry for what he did to you

I promise that bastard is going to pay for what
he did to you!"

He breaks the hug and cups my face in his

hands

“ Why did you lie to me that day I came here

looking for answers?”
“ He told me he will leak the video and report
our relationship to the principal if I ever got
back together with you, he said he wants me to
live a long and lonely life”

“ Uyanya! He can’t dictate your life, how long

are you going to keep letting him get away with
things? Mara nawe Ndalo you should’ve told
me, I would’ve found a way to deal with Musa”

“ I’m sorry I just didn’t want you to stress

about Musa, you had trial exams coming and
all"
“ So you thought making me believe you don’t
love me and that you cheated on me would
help? Well it didn’t I flunked my exams. I’d
prefer to stress about how to deal with Musa
than to think that the woman I love with my all
heart and soul doesn’t love me back and that
everything we shared was a lie"

“ I’m sorry Sabelo, I thought I was doing the

right thing"

“ The right thing by stressing yourself while

you’re pregnant? You could’ve lost our baby
Ndalo, you should’ve just told me and let me
handle it. The only person who benefitted from
the decision you made is Musa while the both
of us suffered, the fact that he slept with you
while you were pregnant with my child
infuriates me Ndalo did you already know you
were pregnant when you gave into his threats?”

“ No, I didn’t know I found out a week before

trial exams started"

“ Were you ever going to tell me?”

“ Yes”

“ When?”

“ December, after your final exams”

“ I know I’m younger than you but you
seriously need to stop treating me like a kid,
I’m your man and I need you to treat me as
such and stop trying to protect me. Yes I agree
I’m still young and having a baby is the last
thing I want right now but I would never shy
away from my responsibilities, I knew the
consequences of having unprotected sex when
I made love to you unprotected”

“ I’m sorry I just didn’t want you to be

distracted”

“ And you thought making me believe you

cheated on me would help?”

“ I’m sorry”
“ It’s okay stop crying now, you’ll upset our
baby"

His hands are on my belly gently brushing it.

I’ve been dreaming about this day since the day

I found out I was pregnant but I never thought
it would actually come true. He goes down on
his knees, push my top up revealing my not so
there belly and plants kisses all over my
stomach.

“ Hello baby, it’s your daddy"

I’m so emotional right now, my baby won’t
grow up without a father. I hope this isn’t a
dream.

“ Stop crying my love, everything is going to be

okay. I don’t know how we are going to do it
but I promise we will get through this together,
I will be here every step of the way I won’t
leave you alone. We will face all the challenges
coming our way together but you need to
promise me something?”

“ What?”

“ This sort of thing will never happen again”

“ I promise"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#27

I pull him to his feet and smash my lips into his,

we kiss each other pouring our emotions into
the kiss and tasting each other’s tears

“ I’m sorry for the attitude I’ve been giving you

lately"
He says when we break the kiss

“ It’s okay my love, I understand”

“ I love you both, you and our little miracle"

" We love you too, wait do you smoke now?”

“ Not anymore but it wasn’t an everyday thing I

only smoked when the pain got too much for
me to bare"

“ I’m sorry that I put you through all of that".

“ It’s okay don’t worry I’m not addicted and I
wont be smoking again. My priority is passing
my matric so that I can be the father and
boyfriend both you and the baby deserve. I
can’t wait to be done with school so we can
love each other openly, I’m tired of loving you
in private I want everyone in my life to know
about you"

I don’t think I’m ready for that, for everyone in

his life to know about me that is.

“ I want that too but I know many people will

be against our relationship”

“ I honestly don’t care what people will say, I

love you and that’s all that matters”
“ I love you too"

“ I’ve missed you so much"

He smashes his lips on mine, I don’t know

when or how but I find myself lying skyward on
the carpet completely naked with Sabelo’s head
buried between my thighs. He bites on my
inner thighs before burying his face on my wet
nuna

“ I miss you so much sthandwa sam”

I’m so wet and my clit won’t stop twitching,

anticipation is killing me. I’m dying to feel his
tongue on wetness, he spreads my folds with
his fingers and stares at my drenched nuna.

“ You’re so sexy my love, I love your cookie. I

love it’s sweet smell and how it tastes on my
tongue”

His confession has my core pulsating in need

“ Please baby, I’m dying here"

He doesn’t need to be told twice, he starts

swiping his tongue on my nuna and eats me up
like his favourite meal. He puts his hands under
my buttocks and holds my ass in the air, his
tongue delves into my asshole and tongue fucks
me oh my goodness it feels so good I have no
choice but moan out loud.

It doesn’t take long before my toes curl and a

wave of pleasure washes over me and I cum
undone with my thighs vibrating violently. He
doesn’t wait for me to recover from my mind
blowing orgasm he immediately strips off his
clothes and slips his hard shaft inside my
wetness and fucks me senselessly until I feel
my orgasm coming but he does the unexpected,
he slips out his rod before I reach my
destination.

“ Why did you do that?”

I’m close to tears, why would he deny me my
orgasm

He doesn’t answer but shuts me up by putting

his hard rod in my mouth, I can taste the
mixture of his and my juices as I suck on his
member. It doesn’t take much effort for him to
reach his climax and shoot up his junk in my
throat, I swallow and orgasm just from seeing
him cum I’m not a selfish partner I love
pleasuring him as much as he loves pleasuring
me.

We go on and on until I feel my nuna burning

from being ravished but I’m not complaining I
wouldn’t have it any other way I missed him so
much.
“ Let’s get you fed sthandwa sami"

“ I’ll eat but for now I just want you to hold me

in your arms. I missed you so much"

“ You have no idea how much I missed you ,

come here"

I throw myself in his arms and sink in his

embrace taking in his musky scent, he holds me
back locking his legs around me. We are both
sweaty and sticky but being in his arms like this
is still my favourite thing in the entire world.

.
.

SABELO

After weeks of not kissing, holding and being

with my woman I had to spend the night last
night making up for all the time we spent apart.
We couldn’t get enough of each other, we only
slept in the wee hours of the morning which is
why Ndalo is still sleeping and I can’t bring
myself to wake her up she needs the rest.

I’ve been up for a while now watching her sleep

and damn she looks so beautiful and peaceful
in her sleep. I’ve been fighting the urge to suck
those pouty lips of hers. It’s mid October and
it’s way too hot to sleep with blankets, we slept
with the duvet cover but Ndalo has her leg on
top of the covers revealing her nakedness.
Damn I love this woman.

To be honest I’m not ready to be a father, the

thought of being one petrifies me. The thought
of being responsible for a whole human being is
scary but there’s nothing I can do at this stage
because it’s already done I’m going to be
someone’s father whether I like it or not, and
I’ll need to step up and be responsible for my
baby. I don’t want to be a deadbeat father, I
want to be there for my child and provide for
his needs I don’t know what I’ll do but I need to
find a way to make money.

I wanted to wait for Ndalo to wake up before I

leave but it doesn’t look like she’ll wake up
anytime soon so I write her a letter and leave it
on top of my pillow before going to the
bathroom to take a shower, I hope to find her
awake after my shower but no such luck
because I find her still deep in sleep. So I have
no choice but to leave without telling her

“ Good afternoon bazali bami"

I greet when I find them sitting under the

veranda outside

Mom is drinking soft drink and my dad is

sipping on his beer. I admire the love my
parents have for each other, they never get
enough of one another. For as long as I
remember these two are always together, the
only time they are apart is when my father is at
work other than that khohlwa bangu Ndondo
no Nono baya match(a).

“ Ulelephi wena, sewuvela ngabo good

afternoon!”

(Where did you sleep)

Did my dad have to choose such a loud wife

though? Look now I’m paying the price for his
inability to choose well hey that’s a joke, I love
my mom.

“ Sewuyabhema Sabelo!”

( You smoke now)

“ No, mom I don’t smoke"

“ Don’t lie to me wena, Sisi told me that she

found you smoking weed in your room"

Sphe and her big mouth!

“ It was a once off thing ma I promise”

My dad is not saying anything but the look on

his face tells me he’s disappointed in me

“ Once off thing kabani? Kukwami la Sabelo

ungadideki ngoba naku une room"
( In whose house? It’s my house Sabelo don’t
let the fact that you have a room confuse you)

If I got a dollar everytime my mother reminds

me that this is her house I’d be a millionaire by
now.

“ I’m sorry mom it wont happen again"

I apologize for the sake of peace

“ It better not”

“ You’re getting out of control Sabelo, you

come and go as you please. Where did you
spend the night, how do you think your mother
and I slept last night without knowing where
you were?”

His tone is soft but firm

“ I’m sorry it’ll not happen again"

“ I don’t want your apologies Buti I want

changed behavior, this is not how we raised
you. We raised a responsible young man not
this person who acts without thinking”

I feel terrible, the last thing I want is to

disappoint my parents.
“ I’m sorry babami, I promise to be the son
mom and you raised"

Sphe and I used to fight as kids on whose father

our father is, we’d both say “ wu babami” and
that’s how we ended up calling him that. We
got used to it that calling him ‘baba’ like other
people call their fathers sounds weird and
foreign.

“ It’s okay son"

“ Uhm there’s something I’d like to tell you”

“ Go ahead son"
“ Before I start I’d like to say, it was never my
intention to disappoint you two"

“ Kaze sewenzeni mtwana ka Brandon

Meyiwa"

( I wonder what you did now)

“ Oh when he messes up wu mtwanami

ngedwa?”

“ Ya ewakho wedwa, angina mtwana ose nje

ngalo mina"

( Yes he’s only yours, I don’t have an unruly

child like this one)

There’s no easy way to say this

“ I got someone pregnant…I’m going to be a
father”

My mother chuckles and its not a pleasant one.

“ Father? You’re still a baby yourself what do

you know about being a father?”

She says

“ Who is the girl?” Dad

“ Uhm she’s not a girl babami..she’s a woman,

she’s 25”
“ Haibo are you hearing yourself wena
mtwanandini!”

Mom exclaims with her hands on top of her

head

“ Sabelo bese kuphele o ntanga mase ulala ne

ntanga yami khona ulala ulalisani umncane
kanje?”

( Were your age mates finished, is that why you

resorted to sleeping with someone my age,
Why are you even having sex at your age)

My mother is dramatic shem sekana 25 manje

yena?
“ Cha ma kodwa ngithanda yena"

( No ma but I love her)

“My liefde are you listening to your son?”

( My love)

“ I am listening my skat"

“ I warned you about giving him too much

freedom”

She stands up, takes her glass and walks away

leaving me with my father
“ Sit down Troy and tell me everything from
the beginning don’t leave anything out"

I tell him everything he listens attentively until

I’m done.

“ I’m very disappointed in you son I wont lie,

having a baby is not easy as it looks. You know
I can raise my grandchild but you’ll never be a
man if I do that, I’ll help you where I can but
you need to step up and be a father look for a
part time job or sell something I don’t know
what you’ll do but you need to make money
and support your child”

“ I will"
“ Good, I know the mother is working and
would be able to provide for the baby without
your assistance but don’t be that father my son,
you knew you were not working when you
ejaculated inside of her and now it’s time to
face the consequences of your actions. A father
is a provider- it’s your responsibility to ensure
that your children’s need are fulfilled, you instil
discipline, you nurture your children and you
love and protect them siyezwana Meyiwa?”

I’m what I am today because of my father’s

teachings, I have so much respect for this man.

“ Yes, I understand babami"

“ It’s time to grow up and be a man now, you
have someone to think about now you’re no
longer just living for yourself every decision
you make will affect your child one way or
another. If you decide to smoke and fail your
matric, it’s your child who’ll suffer the
consequences stop being weak and be a man.
Pass your matric and go to varsity so you can
provide for your offspring, the time to think like
a boy and want expensive phones is over the
needs of your child come before your own now.
It’s my grandchild then you"

Yo looks like I have a difficult journey ahead of

me
“ For now focus on your exams my boy and
leave that Musa guy to me, he won’t leak the
video and he won’t threaten maKhumalo or
touch her again I promise you"

My father always fulfils his promises

“ Thank you dad"

“ I know you think you love her now but you’re

still way too young to be so sure what you feel
for her is really love, maybe you truly love her
maybe you don’t only time will tell. I need to
meet the woman who’s been making you
misbehave, you should bring her for lunch
sometime"
I’m sure I love her but I guess I understand
where my father is coming from

“ No, she’s not the one making me misbehave

I’m responsible for my…”

His laughter halts my ramble

“ I was just pulling your leg, rest ‘father to be’

rest”

He laughs
Haibo who’s teaching my father these things?
Yo ngaze ngasha!

“ Kodwa Sabelo niyasigugisa shem, cabanga

mina ngi fresh kanje sengiwu mkhulu"

( You’re making me old, imagine young as I am

I’m already a grandfather)

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#28
To say I’m happy would be an understatement,
I’m over the moon it feels like I’m walking on
clouds I cant believe I’ve been putting myself
through so much over nothing I should’ve
listened to Melo and told Sabelo the truth then
all of the stress I subjected myself to could’ve
been avoided. I’m just grateful that my baby
survived I don’t know what I would’ve done if I
lost him, yeah I’m hoping for a son but I’ll still
be happy even if it’s a girl.

Sabelo was nowhere to be found when I woke

up but at least he left a letter telling me he had
to rush back home since he spent the night here
without informing his parents about it, Sabelo
ravished my nuna yesterday shem it was as if
he’s making up for all the time we spent apart. I
woke up craving Morvite, I don’t even like that
thing but what can I say Sabelo’s baby wants it
so I’m on my way to the shop to buy it when I
receive a call from Nele

“ Hello putsununu"

“ I’m angry at you"

“ Ha what did I do?”

“ Melo told me she was at your place for six

weeks but you never ask me to visit you, why
ubandlulula Ses'Ndalo?”

( don’t you treat us the same)

“ What? You know I love you both equally”

“ That’s not true, you’ve always loved Melo

more than me I always had to fight for your
attention”

“ Anele I’m sorry you feel like that but that’s

not true, you’re both my sisters and I love you
both equally”

“ Then why haven’t you invited me to your

place yet? You don’t even call me Ses'Ndalo it’s
like you forgot about me the moment you
moved out from home"
“ I’m sorry mntasekhaya but it’s nothing like
that I’ve just been through a lot in the past few
months but that’s no excuse, I have never
invited you to my place because I thought mom
wouldn’t let you visit”

“ I spoke to mom and she doesn’t have

problem, should I ask dad to bring me today?”

“ I have no problem as long as mom agrees,

you can come little sister"

“ Yeees thank you Sis wami omuhle kunabo

bonke osisi emhlabeni let me go pack"

I can’t help but giggle

***

I knew I missed Anele but I didn’t know how

much I did until she walked through the door, I
literally ran to her and engulfed her in a bone
crushing hug. I almost did the same with my
dad but I stopped myself when I remembered
everything him and my mother put me through.
Anele is in the guest bedroom, my dad and I are
in the lounge sitting in uncomfortable silence
it’s been five minutes since he asked Anele to
excuse us but he still hasn’t said a word to me.
There’s just awkward tension lingering in the
room, it doesn’t feel like I’m with my dad it’s
like I’m sitting next to a complete stranger
“ Ubaba angakujabulela ukudla?”

( Can I make you something to eat)

I say breaking the awkward silence

“ Yebo Ntombi yami ubaba angaku jabulela

kakhulu okuya ngase thunjwini"

( Yes my daughter, I would really appreciate

something to eat)

When Nele told me she is coming to my place I

had no choice but to whip something for
dinner, I cooked spaghetti, meatballs and a
garden salad. I quickly dish up for my dad and
serve him with a glass of Coke and change the
TV channel to wrestling so he can watch while
he has his food I know how much he loves
wrestling.

“ Thank you mtanami, the food was very

delicious”

He says when he’s done eating

“ Thank you dad"

“ Buhle mtanami I want to ask for your

forgiveness for what your mother and I did, as
your father it was my duty to protect you but I
failed and allowed that boy to disrespect you
and l am sorry for that. You don’t know how
ashamed I was at church when you told us
about what Musa did"

I know it took a lot for him to apologize and

humble himself before me and I’m so glad he
did but I cant help but burst into tears when I
think about how much I suffered because of his
and my mother’s fear of “abantu bazothini"

“ I’m sorry Buhle don’t cry my child"

He’s now awkwardly standing next to me

watching me bawl my eyes out, I can tell he’s
not sure what to do. He wants to embrace me
but he’s not sure if I’ll allow him to.
“ It’s fine baba, you can hug me”

He immediately engulfs me in a hug and I sink

in his embrace, oh how I miss being in my
father’s protective arms. I can’t believe my own
father had to get my permission to hug me this
just goes to show how distant we’ve grown
from each other.

NARRATED

The two brothers are watching a game of

football in the lounge while Mathapelo and
Sphesihle are busy preparing lunch in the
kitchen and Sabelo is in his bedroom doing God
knows what.

“ Zalo you haven’t told me why you summoned

me here"

Ntsika says looking at his elder brother

“ There’s someone I need to teach a lesson and

I need your help finding them"

Ntsika looks at him with a frown pasted on his

face
“ What's going on, you’re a calm and peaceful
person you don’t teach people lessons that’s
something I would do not you”

“ Ntsika I didn’t call you here to give me a

lecture, will you help me locate this person or
should I ask for help from someone else? I can
simply ask Sabelo for his address but I don’t
want my son getting involved in this"

“ Of course I will help, so who’s this person?”

“ Musawenkosi Sibisi”

“ Never heard of that name before, what did he

do?”
“ He messed with my son that’s what he did,
can you believe that asswipe had a hitman tail
my son while he raped his girlfriend who is
pregnant with my grandchild”

Just thinking about it riles him up, he’s itching

to put his hands on that boy.

“ Uthi wenzeni?!”

( He did what)

“ Keep your voice down, I don’t want my wife

and daughter to hear us”
“ I hope it’s not the same guy who followed him
to the garage the other day, I warned that
fucker to stay away from Sabelo"

“ What did you just say?”

“ Eish, what I mean is that bastard deserves to

die”

Ntsika says avoiding his brother’s piercing stare

“ Ungangiphenduli islima wena, you just said

someone was tailing my son and you knew
about it but never told me about it"

( Don’t make me a fool)

“ Buti begged me not to tell you"

“ And you listened to him? Who’s older

between the two of you Ntsika, what if that
bastard went ahead and killed my son then
what huh?”

“ I’m sorry Zalo but I went there myself and

dealt with the situation”

“ Dealt with it how because that fucker still

raped Sabelo’s pregnant girlfriend and
blackmailed her to break them up, so don’t
come here and tell me you dealt with the
situation”
“ I’m sorry zalo, So uthi uSabelo umithisile?”

( So Sabelo got someone pregnant)

“ Don’t even go there, lomtwana umithise

umuntu omdala nakuye omshiya nga 7 years
yonke"

( He impregnated someone who’s 7 years older

than him)

The younger man erupts into a belly laugh

“ Uthi wenzeni? That’s my boy izinja madoda

suka emabhozeni"
“ Ntsika come on stop laughing this is not
funny, I was so shocked isbindi sika Sabelo
zalo!”

“ Yindoda leya zalo, so wasimithisa isgogwana

sakhe”

( He’s a man, so he got his old lady pregnant)

Ntsika asks finding the whole thing hysterical

“ Sabelo should not hear you say that, akafuni

lutho ngaye”

( He’s overprotective of her)

Ntsika laughs even harder than he did before

“ Hay' zalo ngiyafisa ukumbona u sisi yazi, I'm
so curious to see the girl shem kaze unjani”

( I wish to meet her) ( I wonder how she’s like)

“ Nami ngiyafisa ukumbona u ‘woman' phela u

Sabelo usho njalo mangibuza ukuthi who’s the
girl he impregnated, he told me she’s a woman
not a girl."

Brandon says causing Ntsika to start laughing

all over again

“ Hayi ukuhamba ukubona shem, Sabelo is still

way too young to be a father does he even
know the price of milk and Pampers?
“ He'll know very soon, I told him he needs to
support his child"

“ You have more than enough money to

support the child, you are being too hard on
him it’s his first child I would understand if it
was his second child”

“ This will teach him responsibility and that

every action has consequences, If I don’t do
this he’ll continue messing up because his
knows his father will come to the rescue. Its
expensive to raise a child so I’ll obviously help
him with some of the things but not everything”
“ Well I didn’t look at it like that, you’re truly a
wise man congratulations grandfather to be,
mele sihlangane nabakibo ‘woman’ sikhiphe
inhlawulo umtwana azobiza isibongo sethu
makazalwa”

(We should meet with her family and pay for

damages so the baby can use our surname
when it’s born)

“ Yes you’re right that’s why I told Sabelo to

bring her for lunch because I want to talk to her
about that, she’ll help us get in touch with her
family".

“ Brandon Meyiwa you did what?”

Mathapelo asks walking into the lounge with a
tray of food in her hands

“ My skaat please"

( my love)

“ No, I wont allow that girl inside my house. I

can’t believe you’re even considering this, that
girl should be reported she broke the law and
slept with her student. Sabelo is 18, she should
have known better than to open her thighs for
an 18 year old boy sies ngiya ku Gwala Monday
I’m going to report her ngeke I took my child to
school to learn not to be sexually abused by a
grown woman yeses”
After Sabelo’s big reveal Mathapelo backed her
daughter into a corner and asked all about her
son’s relationship with the 25 year old woman
he impregnated

“ Sisi I understand why you’re angry but your

son loves her so if you report her you might
lose him".

“ Of course you’ll say that because it’s not your

son who was sexually violated by an older
woman"

“ My skaat you can’t talk to my brother like

that, you know he loves Sabelo like his own”
“ That girl is not welcome in my house Meyiwa,
I don’t want to see her or that child she’s
carrying in my house".

“ That’s our grandchild you’re talking about"

“ How sure are you that the child is really

Sabelo’s? If she could easily spread her legs for
a boy she was meant to teach who knows who
else she sleeps with. Sabelo is still a boy I
understand why he’d believe that the child is
his but I didn’t expect you to be so gullible, I
don’t want that girl or her bastard child in my
house finish and klaar!”
“ Then you leave me with no choice but to
move out, I wont stay in a house where the
mother of my child is not welcome mother"

Sabelo says and storms out of the house

“ You will lose your son if you keep up with this

tyrant behavior of yours, don’t say I didn’t
warn you"

Ntsika says and follows his nephew

“ I’m so disappointed in you Mathapelo, you of

all people know how it’s like to be called names
by your in laws"
“ You’re right, my in laws! That girl is nothing
to me and she’ll never be my son’s wife. I will
never let my one and only son even think of
getting married to that paedophile, it’ll happen
over my dead body.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#29

I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for my

parents to accept the relationship between
Ndalo and I but what I didn’t expect was for my
mother to call Ndalo names and make
accusations of the baby not being mine, I won’t
tolerate anyone who speaks ill about Ndalo in
my presence she’s already been through a lot
she doesn’t need anymore stress.

“ Sabelo wait!”

My uncle calls out behind me but I don’t stop I

keep walking

“ Ngikukhabe mina ke, I’m not your age mate

don’t you dare disrespect me"

( I’ll beat you up)

I know he means it so I stop on my tracks and

wait for him to catch up with me.
“ Why are you acting like a spoilt brat Sabelo?
Since when do you walk out while your parents
are talking, don’t let the fact that you got
someone pregnant fool you in this house you’ll
always be a boy and you’ll show your parents
respect are we clear?”

How can he defend my mother after what she

said?

“ I won’t ask you again Buti”

“ Yes, we are clear"

“ Clear bani slima?”

“ Yes, we are clear uncle"

“ Catch"

He throws me the keys to his bakkie

“ Let’s go for a drive, you’re the one driving”

We drive around the hood until we end up at

Embalenhle mall

“ Let’s go in, I’m hungry I left your father’s

house without eating because of your tantrum”
I didn’t ask him to come after me

“ So where should we eat?”

We are walking inside the mall now heading to

the food court, I don’t have appetite but I know
my uncle wont let me be

“ Mugg and Bean"

“ Mugg and Bean it is then"

A waiter attends to us the moment we walk

through the door and leads us to a corner table
next to the window, he then takes our drink
orders and excuse us.
“ So why didn’t you tell me the entire story that
day maybe I would have been able to help and
your girlfriend wouldn’t have been raped"

I guess my father told him everything

“ I don’t know, I just didn’t think Musa would

do something like this. Ndalo has already been
through a lot babomncane, dealing with mom's
drama is the last thing she needs right now"

“ I understand but look at it from her

perspective son, to her you’re her son who’s 18
and Ndalo is this grown woman who took
advantage of you.”
“ I get that but does she have to call her
names? Her relationship with her parents got
ruined when she broke up with Musa, then the
same bastard raped her and drove us apart I
can only imagine how she must have felt.
Raped, threatened and alone”.

“ I understand son, I think she needs to see a

professional she can’t just sweep everything
that happened to her under the rug and pretend
it never happened she needs to deal with it so
that she can be in a good emotional space to
love and raise the baby"

“ Yes, you’re right"

“ You’re so mature and considerate, now I see
why Ndalo fell for you. You’re a good man son
and I’m proud of you"

“ Thank you so much babomncane, your words

mean a lot to me".

“ Don’t let this situation get to you, focus on

your final exams your father and I will deal
with Musa"

“ What about mom?”

“ She loves you, I know she’ll come around

give her some time this can’t be easy for her”
“ Okay”

“ You can come stay with me until the dust

settles”

“ Thank you so much babomncane, you’re the

best father anyone could ever ask for”

“ Thank you son, kanti kuphi lokudla"

( where’s the food)

He’s looking around the restaurant for the

waiter.
When we leave the restaurant my uncle says
we should go to Woolworths, I thought he
wanted to buy something only to find out he
brought me here to buy something for Ndalo

“ She’s your woman you know what her

cravings are"

“ We just got back together uncle I don’t know

what her cravings are”

“ Thatha konke ke kodwa angeke ufike lapha

ulengise izandla”

( Take everything then but you can’t show up

empty handed)
“ Why not?”

“ Usabuza? Eh bazokulahla wena awazi kuthi

umuntu wesmame uyam’ spoiler akusi wuwe
obewu tshela mina ukuthi she’s been through a
lot?”

( You’re still asking, you’ll get dumped don’t

you know that a woman needs to be spoiled.
You were telling me she’s been through a lot
just now)

“ Ndalo doesn’t mind, she knows I’m not

working"
“ She didn’t mind before but now she will, she’s
pregnant and pregnant women have cravings
she will constantly want to eat something nice”

I know nothing about pregnant woman but he

does so I guess I should take his advice, I take a
shopping trolley and start filling it with goodies,
from snacks to ice cream to chocolates I buy
her everything I know she likes.

NDALO

“ Ses' Ndalo why sewumhlophe? Don’t tell

you’re one of those self conscious women who
bleach their skin because they are under the
impression that you have to be light skinned to
be beautiful, umuhle kabi nobumnyama bakho
sis wami"

( Why do you look lighter) ( you’re so beautiful

in your dark skin tone)

Anele might not be book smart but she’s

definitely mature and wise

“ No, it’s nothing like that. I’m pregnant so

weight and complexion gain are some of the
things that came with my pregnancy”

“ You’re pregnant? For who, Bhuti Musa?”

“ No, for my boyfriend”

“ Ha Ses'Ndalo you already have another

boyfriend so soon"

She’s definitely judging me even though she

tries to conceal it but her facial expression says
it all.

I might as well tell her because she’s here now

and Sabelo will come here and they’ll obviously
see each other, this time I won’t play hide and
seek like I did when Melo was visiting

“ Yes Anele I have a boyfriend”

“ Yo, who’s he?”

“ You remember that guy who came to the

house to see me when mom beat me up?”

“ Yes, the super hot one who looks like a

coloured….wait, why are you asking me about
him?”

“ It’s him, he’s my boyfriend”

“ What?”

“ Yes"
I’m tired of living my life trying to please other
people and thinking about what they’ll say or
think, I love Sabelo to hell with what anyone
else says!

“ Wow, now it makes sense why he came to the

house to see you and I remember how worried
he was when he asked me where you were that
time you were in hospital. How could you
watch me crush on your man, knowing very
well I’ll never get him. Ah mara nawe
Ses'Ndalo"

Wow, that wasn’t the reaction I expected

“ So you won’t judge me for dating someone

who’s younger than me?”
“ No, he doesn’t even look young plus he’s tall
and muscular thixo!”

“ Hey watch it, that’s my man!”

“ I’m happy for you sis but I still think it’s too
soon for you to already be pregnant for him”

True

“ Yes but what can I do? We plan but God

decides. Everything happens for a reason, I’ve
been having unprotected sex for two years with
Musa but nothing happened yet once is all it
took for Sabelo to get me pregnant. It’s not a
mistake, God gave me this baby for a reason"

“ I’m so happy for you, you look so content and

happy"

“ I don’t just look it, I am happy"

“ I’m so happy for you"

“ Thanks mntasekhaya"

I guess I was wrong for thinking my sisters will

judge me, if only I knew they wouldn’t then I
would’ve told them sooner.
“ Please bring me yogurt from the fridge"

“ Okay"

I pay attention to the movie playing on TV

when she walks out of the room, the movie has
been playing for 33 minutes but I won’t even
tell you what it’s about because Anele and I
were talking the entire time.

“ Sthandwa sami"

( My love)

When did he get here?

“ Baby?”

He’s standing at the door and Anele is behind

him smiling none stop

“ Your sister is the one who let me in"

I look at Anele and she’s still smiling like a fool

whilst looking at my man like he’s some snack.

“ Anele where’s the yogurt I asked for?”

“ Oh that, sorry sis I’ll bring it just now"

She scurries to the kitchen

“ I think your sister likes me"

He says and lowers himself next to me and

leans in for a kiss

“ Not here Sabelo, what if Nele sees us?”

“ Then what? Akabazi yini abantu

abacabuzanayo?”

( She’s never seen people kiss)

“ Come on, you know what I mean.”

“ No, I don’t”

“ You do, where are you coming from?”

“ From the mall, I bought you some sweet

delicacies”

My mouth instantly waters when I think about

what those delicacies might be.

“ Really?”

“ Yeah, they’re in the kitchen. My uncle was

right after all"
“ About?”

“ He’s the one who said I should buy snacks for

you, apparently pregnant women are always
nibbling on something”

What

“ Your uncle knows about me?”

“ Yeah, my parents too"

“ And?”

“ And what?”
“ How did they take the news or they don’t
know that I’m older than you?”

“ They do, they know everything even about

the pregnancy”

When he told me he wanted everyone in his life

to know about me I didn’t think he meant now,
I thought he’ll wait until he’s done with school
before telling his family.

“ Don’t look so worried babe, they took it

better than we thought except for my mom"

Anele walks in disturbing us

She gives me the tub of yogurt and a spoon

“ And then?”

I ask when she stands rooted on her spot

looking at Sabelo with a big smile on her face

“ So Sis won’t you officially introduce us?”

“ Anele musa ukuphapha tu, angiyena untanga"

( Stop being forward, I’m not your age mate)

“ I’m sorry, I’ll be in my room"

“ Sthandwa sami you didn’t have to be so
rude, you can’t blame her you were exactly like
that when you saw me for the first time"

Amanga!

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#30
I’m in my room packing my clothes inside my
duffel bag while Sphe is sitting on my bed
watching me pack

“ So you’re going to be a father huh?”

“ Yeah”

“ And how do you feel about that?”

“ To be quite honest I’m scared and

overwhelmed but a big part of me is happy
excited even, I’m going to have a baby with the
woman I love"

“ Ncoah you really love her ne?”

“ I do Sphe, I love her so much. I love my baby
too I know I haven’t met him yet but I already
love him so much."

“ I know initially I was against your

relationship but you guys are just so cute, the
way you love each other it’s beautiful to
witness”

“ Thank you"

“ Don’t worry mom loves you and she’ll come

around, give her time this can’t be easy on her"
“ Yeah I love her too that’s why I need to move
out for some time, I don’t want to end up
hating my mother Sphe because it’ll get there if
I keep hearing the things she says about my
girlfriend and my unborn baby"

The things my mother says about Ndalo and

the baby are heart breaking shem

“ Eish, I hope you guys resolve this soon. Home

wont be the same without you"

“ Don’t worry I’ll be back before you know it"

“ Study for your exams and pass, you have a

baby on the way do this for him/her"
“ Don’t worry I’ll do my best"

At this day and age living without a phone is

hard if not impossible so my uncle got me a
phone, it’s a Redmi 9A I know right from
iPhone to Redmi how the mighty have fallen!
But what can I say I’m the one who hauled my
phone against the wall at least I can WhatsApp
and call my girlfriend anytime I want now and
that’s all I’m grateful for.

My uncle is here to fetch me, I’m going to stay

with him for a couple of days until the dust
settles. My mother didn’t say anything or ask
where I’m going when she saw me with the
bags that hurt I don’t want to lie, I love my
mother and I hate how things are between us
currently I really hope she comes around soon.

“ If it was up to me you wouldn’t leave but I

understand where you’re coming from, study
and ace your exams I will talk to your mother
she’ll come around"

“ Thanks babami"

“ Don’t worry zalo I’ll take good care of your

son and make sure he studies"
“ Ngiyabonga mtaka baba”

( Thank you brother)

“ Bye, better half" Sphe

Her eyes are shimmering with tears you’d

swear I’m leaving the country with the way
she’s acting.

“ Come here muhle wasekhaya"

( My beautiful sibling)

She throws herself in my arms and I hold her

tightly, only God knows how much I love her.
.

NDALO

Sabelo told me his parents want to get in touch

with mine so they can pay for damages so that
the baby takes his surname when it’s born, I’m
not ready to tell my parents about the
pregnancy because I know how much they’ll
judge me for getting pregnant before marriage
but I have no choice but to do it.

Anele is going back home today and since I’m

accompanying her I’ll use the opportunity to
tell my parents about my pregnancy and the
damages, I hope for once my parents will put
me first and do what’s best for me as their
daughter without worrying about what other
people will say

“ I can’t believe it’s already been a week, I

enjoyed my stay here can I come visit again
when school closes for December holidays?”

I love having Anele around but I hate how she

looks at Sabelo everytime he’s around, she
always undresses him with her eyes I don’t
want to end up fighting with my sister because
of a man so maybe it’s best she doesn’t visit.

“ I don’t know about that Anele, I don’t like

how you look at my boyfriend everytime he’s
here. It’s like you’re undressing him with your
eyes and the comments you make about him
are inappropriate, I used to think you’re joking
but I’m not so sure anymore”

“ I’m sorry I didn’t even realise I was making

you feel like that, honestly I’m over the silly
crush I had on your boyfriend. It’s not like he’d
look at me twice anyway, that guy only has
eyes for you”

“ I’m not the only one who feels like that, he

also picked it up and he doesn’t like it. If he
hasn’t said anything yet it’s because he
respects you as my sister”
“ I’m sorry for making the both of you
uncomfortable, I promise I’ll change”.

“Okay let’s go, you packed everything right?”

“ Yes"

I don’t know if it’s my imagination but I feel

like my stomach grows bigger the more people
I tell about my pregnancy, that’s why I’ve
resorted to wearing summer dresses nowadays
at least the batiste fabric doesn’t hug my belly
like most of my clothes do.

The uber just dropped us at the gate, it feels

like years since I’ve been here even though not
much has changed. MaMphuthi, our neighbour
stops sweeping her yard, drops her broom to
the ground and walks towards the fence when
she sees me walk through the gate.

“ Ndalo is that you my child?”

How I wish I can ignore her rhetorical question

right now but I can’t because I wasn’t raised
like that so I put on the biggest fake smile I can
master and approach the fence to greet her.

“ Yebo ma, it’s me"

“ You look so beautiful, where do you stay now

I haven’t seen you in ages?”
“ In town ma"

“ Wow, that’s good I’m happy for you my child

if only Nonka was like you and went to school
instead of making endless fatherless children.”

“ Uhm..”

How does one respond to this mara?

“ Can you believe she’s pregnant with her third

child? Ai mina angisazi shem”

( I don’t know anymore)

Nonka is my age, we grew up together and used
to play together as kids but I wouldn’t say we
were friends or anything like that.

“ Ses' Ndalo dad is calling you inside"

Nele says rescuing me from the rather

uncomfortable conversation

“ Go on my child, it was nice seeing you again

Ndalo. Your parents are so blessed to have a
daughter like you, you’re a good role model to
your sisters"

“ Thank you ma"

I say and scurry to the house, yerr that was
uncomfortable. I wonder what she’ll say when
she finds out that I’m not as perfect as she
thinks I am

“ Thank you”

“ No problem, Mangobhozi that one I know

her".

We laugh

The moment I’ve been dreading for the entire

day is finally here, I’m so scared I can literally
hear my heart beating I am so not ready to do
this but I have no choice I must do it sooner or
later so might as well do it now and get it over
and done with.

“ Sanibonani ekhaya"

( Greetings)

“ Sawubona Buhle mtwanami"

( Greetings my child)

Dad says with a big smile on his face

“ Yebo kunjani Buhle" Mom

( How are you)

“ I’m good ma"

Anele greets my parents and excuses herself, to
give us privacy I assume since she knows what
I want to tell my parents.

“ I cooked sunday koos should I plate for you?”

“ Yes, please ma".

I’m not really hungry but I miss my mother’s

cooking, ngiyapheka nami kodwa angifiki ku
Lilian shem ( I can cook but I don’t match up to
my mother)

“ Okay my child”
She stands up and walks to the kitchen.

Fortunately pregnancy isn’t showing me

flames, I still eat everything I used to eat before
I fell pregnant it only tampered with my moods,
weight and complexion.

“ How was Anele, I hope she didn’t give you a

hard time”

Anele is dad’s favourite I know this past week

without her must’ve been really tough on him

“ No, I can handle her"

“ Ok my child, ngiyabona ukusebenza
kuyakuthanda bheka umuhle kanjani ugcwele
uze umhlophe"

( I see having a job agrees with you, look how

beautiful you are. You even gained weight and
complexion)

My mother walks in with my plate before I can

reply, my stomach instantly grumbles at the
sight of the food I cannot wait to indulge yo.

“ Thank you ma"

I dig in after blessing the food

“ Buhle my child I’m sorry for everything I did
to you, for beating you up and forcing you to
get married to Musa I’m really sorry my child
please forgive me"

“ It’s okay ma I forgive you"

“ Why didn’t you tell me Musa was doing all of

that to you?”

Like she would’ve listened to me if did

“ I wanted to ma but you were not willing to

hear me out”
“ I’m sorry once again, we used to be so close I
would like us to work on our relationship I hate
this distance between us"

I hate it too

“ I want that two ma but there’s something I

need to tell you and dad first”

“ Sounds serious”

“ It is ma"

“ Go ahead my child, we are listening” Dad

“ I’m pregnant”

I say and fix my gaze on my plate, I cannot

bring myself to look at their faces because I
know I won’t like what I see on them

“ Who is the father, is it Musa?”

I can tell he’s trying so hard not to raise his

voice

“ No dad, it’s Sabelo Meyiwa"

“ Who’s that?”
Mom says in a high pitched tone unable to
conceal her disappointment or is it anger?

“ My boyfriend”

“ Boyfriend? You already have another

boyfriend so soon after you broke up with
Musa? Where’s your self respect Buhle?”

“ I’m sorry ma"

“ Nyorry! it’s not even six months since you

broke up with your long time boyfriend but
you’re already pregnant for someone else. Is he
the reason why you didn’t want to get married
to Musa anymore?”
So I guess we’re just going to forget everything
Musa did including cheating on me with my
friends

“ No, I broke up with him because I fell out of

love”

“ Wow, uhlushwa yilokufuna ukuthanda indoda

your job as a woman is to respect leave the
love duty to the man"

( your problem is that you want to love a man)

“ I was never going to be happy with Musa ma,

he was controlling, manipulative and a
cheater!”
“ Show me a man who doesn’t cheat?”

Does this mean my dad also cheats?

“ Mama why did you apologize?”

“ Huh?”

I can see my question caught her off guard, she

wasn’t expecting it.

“ Why did you apologize because you don’t see

anything wrong with what you did. Clearly you
still blame me for how things turned out with
Musa"

“ No, it’s not that I just think you should have

given Musa a chance"

Wow!

“ Why?”

“ Because at least he loved and respected you

unlike your boyfriend who couldn’t wait to bed
you and impregnate you, is he even born again.
Does his family know the lord, the last thing
you want to do is to have a baby with someone
who is from a family that worships ancestors!”
“ Wow, I can’t believe you right now. Why do
you love Musa so much ma? Musa is the
biggest asshole I’ve ever met, did you know
that your precious Musa held me against my
will and raped me! Not only that the bastard
recorded the entire thing and sent it to my
boyfriend!!”

For the first time in my life I’m shouting at my

mother

“ He did what?”

My father asks with anger written all over his

face
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#31

“ Khuluma Ndalo uthi lo satan wenzeni!”

( Talk, you say that devil did what?)

“ He raped me baba"

I say and burst into tears

Within a blink of an eye I’m swaddled in my
mother’s embrace wetting her top with my
tears

“ I won’t let him get away with this, he got

away with a lot in the past but not this time
around"

He says pacing the lounge in anger

“ I’m sorry my love please forgive me"

My mother says rubbing my back soothingly

“ We must get him arrested" Dad

My father’s statement has me raising my head
from my mother’s bosom

“ No baba, you can’t get him arrested"

Both him and my mother look at me in

confusion

“ Why not?”

They say at the same time

“ He has something on me, if I report him I’ll

lose my job “
“ What does he have against you?” Mom

“ Stop twiddling your thumbs and tell us what

that bastard knows!”

My father bellows in anger, I swear I can see

smoke come out from his ears yeah that’s how
angry he is.

“ He know..”

I tell them the entire story, I have my head

down the entire time I only raise my head up
when I’m done narrating the entire story and
the look on both their faces has me feeling like
the worst sinner on earth.

“ Angazi ngithini mina Ndalo”

( I don’t know what to say)

My father says sounding defeated

“ I never meant for it to happen I swear it just

happened”

“ Yilo mbovana weza la azokufuna that time

you were in hospital?”

( Is it that light skinned guy who came looking

for you here)
“ Yebo ma"

( Yes)

She claps her hands and folds her arms to her

chest looking speechless

“ Pray his family doesn’t get you arrested

because I know if it was my son I would get
you arrested, yimbi lento oyenzile Ndalo sies
uvulela ingane encane amathanga”

( What you did is wrong opening your thighs for

a small boy)

Dad says clearly disgusted by the mere thought

of me with someone younger than me
“ They know and they want to pay damages for
my baby”

“ Waze wasifaka ehlazweni Buhlebendalo

awungtshele ngiyobabhekelwa ubani abantu,
kona ngizohamba kanjani emgwagcweni emva
kwalento oyenzile?”

( You have shamed our family, how will I look

at people after what you’ve done. How will I
even walk in the streets without feeling
ashamed after what you did)

Mom adds
It’s been an hour since I came back from my
parent’s house and I’ve been crying ever since,
the things they said to me broke my heart to
shreds it shouldn’t hurt because I know how
they are but I guess I expected them to put me
first for once. I don’t even want to think about
what other people will say when they find out
about this if my own parents are the one’s who
are judging me and calling me names.

I have an incoming call it’s Sabelo so I quickly

wipe my tears and clear my throat before I take
his call

“ Love”

“ What’s wrong?”
“ Nothing why?”

“ Don’t lie to me Ndalo I can hear you’ve been

crying, who made you cry?”

“ It’s nothing I swear just my hormones baby,

your baby is making me emotional”

I say trying to pull off a cheerful tone

“ Let’s video call then"

“ Why?”
“ I want to see your face"

He ends the call before I even reply

“ Why are you crying and don’t even think of

lying to me"

He says the moment I answer his video call

“ It’s nothing hectic, it’s silly”

“ Tell me about it then"

“ I told my parents about us and they didn’t
take it well, they said some really hurtful things
to me"

“ I’m sorry my love, give them time they’ll see

that you and I love each other then they will
have no choice but to accept our relationship”

I doubt it

“ I hope so"

“ Stop crying, you’ll upset our little miracle”

I can’t help but smile, I still cant believe how

fast he accepted this pregnancy.
“ Okay I’ll stop"

“ I love you sthandwa sam, it won’t be easy a

lot of people are going to be against us but I
will never let you go no matter what.”

“ Thanks my love I guess I needed to hear that"

“ Ngiyakuthanda Buhlebendalo Khumalo,

you’re my chosen one inhliziyo yami eyakho
sthandwa sam no one and nothing will ever
change that. I know you and everyone thinks
that I’m still young to be sure of my love for
you, you think I’ll meet someone better and
forget about you but that will never happen
because only I know how much I love you and
I don’t think I’ll ever stop".

I’m in tears

“ Love knows no age, no colour or bank

balance. When you truly love someone none of
that matters, I don’t see an older woman when
I look at you I see the woman my heart beats
for. The mother of my unborn child, my
happiness, my smile keeper and someone I
want to grow old with.”

“ Sabelo please stop”

Tears won’t stop rolling down my cheeks gosh
I’m such a cry baby

“ No, I want you to understand how much I

love you Ndalo maybe then you’ll stop letting
other people’s opinions get to you.”

“ I love you too baby"

“Stop worrying about what everyone else says

or thinks about our relationship, the only thing
that should matter to you is the love we feel for
each other"

.
.

NARRATED

Arccoding to google VW is the first on the list of

the ten most hijacked cars in South Africa so
anyone who owns a VW is at a higher risk of
being hijacked than the people who don’t but
Musa didn’t allow all of that to stop him from
buying his favorite car-a VW polo tsi, he loves
the car and has been driving it for two years
now sometimes it’s late at night like today
since he got held up at work and nothing has
happened to him well up until now. A Toyota
double cab bakkie just parked in front of his car
blocking his way and two tall men step out of
the bakkie, they have guns pointed at him as
they approach his car.
“ Move to the passenger seat"

Ntsika commands

Terrified and scared for his life Musa doesn’t

ask questions he does as they ask with his
hands raised in the air as a sign of his
compliance.

“ You can take the car but please don’t hurt

me"

He beseechs with glassy eyes when Ntsika gets

inside the car, the brothers look at each other
and laugh at his expense.
“ I didn’t expect so much wimpiness from a
man who rapes and threatens helpless women
zalo" Ntsika

Rape? They must be mistaking him for

someone else, he’s never raped anyone in his
life!

“ I'm not surprised I knew he was weak, only a

weak man can force himself on a woman"
Brandon

“ No, no! You definitely have the wrong guy bo

baba I’m a Christian I would nev..”
A blow on his jaw cuts him short

“ Shut the fuck up! Zalo get in the car”

Brandon takes the sjambok from the bakkie

and locks it before getting inside the tsi.

They’ve been on the road for a while now,

Ntsika is the one driving while Brandon has a
gun pointed at him. He realized that this is not
a hijacking like he initially thought it’s personal
these men want to settle a score with him- they
believe he raped someone. He’s been praying
since the car started moving, asking God to
spare his life he can’t be punished for
something he didn’t do.
“ Phuma!”

( Get out)

It’s only now that he realizes that the car has

stopped moving.

“ I’m sorry, please forgive me for whatever you

think I did"

He’s pleading with his hands clasped together

and trembling in fear.

“ Yewena ngithe phuma la, angina skhathi

phuma"
( I said get out, you’re wasting my time get out)

After that jaw numbing blow Ntsika gave him

he has no choice but to step out of the car, he
notices that they’re parked in a middle of
bushes and weeds he doesn’t know where they
are and it doesn’t help that he can’t see
anything from here it’s dark making the car's
headlights and the big Olight marauder torch
Ntsika has in his hands their only source of
light.

“ Khumula!”

( Undress)

“ What? No please!”
He’s on his knees begging but his pleas fall on
deaf ears because he gets a kick on the butt
instead of sympathy he was hoping for

“ Didn’t you hear what he said? Take your

clothes off" Brandon

The man's voice is low but it somehow sends

shivers down Musa’s spine, unlike Ntsika this
one doesn’t talk much he’s a man of action the
kick Musa got on his butt proves it so Musa
stands on his feet and starts peeling off his
clothes while bawling his eyes out like a little
b*tch
“ Lose the boxer as well"

“ No, please don’t do this to me"

He’s back to begging again

“ When will you realize that you’ve got no

choice but to do as we say? To be quite honest
I’m disappointed for someone who rapes and
threatens helpless women I thought you’d have
more guts and be more daring you know"

Ntsika says, he’s getting annoyed. It’s sickening

to watch a man beg so much, isn’t this the
same man who forced himself on a pregnant
woman? Let him own up!
They expected a challenge, him to fight back
and make this more interesting by being a
worthy opponent but not Musa all he does is
weep and plead for his life its disappointing
really!

“ That’s the thing you have the wrong guy, I

would never rape or threaten anyone I was
born and raised in church I’m not the guy you
think I am. Please let me go this is nothing but
a misunderstanding”

“ So you’re not Musawenkosi Sibisi? The same

one who took Buhlebendalo Khumalo against
her will then you raped her, filmed the whole
thing and threatened to report her if she ever
reports you or goes back to her boyfriend?”

Ntsika asks

His eyes are wide open in shock, he was sure

these people have the wrong guy but now it’s
clear that it’s him they want! How will he get
himself out of this one? Damn you Ndalo

“ Cat got your tongue?”

“ I don’t know what Ndalo told you but she

lied, I never raped her. She slept with me
willingly, she came onto me matter of fact.
Don’t be fooled by her innocent looks that girl
is a pathological liar, why do you think her
parents turned their backs on her? That girl is
nothing but trouble, I don’t know how you
know her but I promise she’s not who you think
she is!”

He’s grasping at straws here it’s clear these

men won’t believe him but it wouldn’t hurt to
try right

“ Zalo why are you even talking to this fool?

Get the sjambok from the car wena take off
your boxers akusheshwe!”

( Hurry)
The brothers laugh until they have tears rolling
down their cheeks at the sight of his manhood.

“ Yini yona le?”

( What’s this)

Ntsika says flashing the torch on Musa’s

manhood.

When the laughter ceases the two take turns

whipping Musa’s manhood with a sjambok, it
looks red and swollen now. His face has dried
up tears now, he cried and begged them to stop
but they didn’t. His hands are equally swollen,
they got whipped everytime he tried to cover
his shaft with them.
How can these people do something so
inhumane?

His eyes pop out from their sockets when

Ntsika walks towards him carrying an axe in
his hands, after the painful ‘dick whipping’ he
thought they were done but clearly he thought
wrong.

“ Put your hands on the ground”

“ What are you going to do?”

“ I’m going to chop them off because clearly

you cant keep them to yourself, you’re a man
of God then I’m sure you know Matthew 5
verse 30 but I will gladly recite it to you ‘ if
your right hand causes you to stumble cut it off
and throw it away, it is better to lose one part
of your body than for all of it to go to hell'.
Take this as a favour.. we are helping you here,
you’re a good person but your hands have
made you sin so I’m cutting them off to stop
you from committing more sins"

“ No, please. Don’t this I’m begging you!”

“ This has dragged on way too long, give me

the axe and hold him down Ntsika"

Ntsika does as instructed

For a minute there Musa thought they were
joking and they wouldn’t actually cut off his
hands and only said they would to scare him
but they weren’t joking, he’s bleeding profusely
after both his hands were cut off from his arms.
He’s never felt so much pain in his life, he
thought he knew what cruel was until he met
these men- they have completely redefined the
word!.

He’s never wished for death like he’s doing

now, he would give anything to be dead now
and not feel this unbearable pain and
mortification but that’s nothing but a far
fetched dream because those evil men had the
audacity to admit him at the hospital after their
brutal assault and claimed to have found him
on the side of the road looking like that, you
must be wondering why he hasn’t said anything
yet well he can’t because his hands were not
the only body part that was cut off, His tongue
also fell victim to Ntsika and Brandon's wrath!.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#32

“ Wow!”
That’s all I can say after seeing the Oscar
award winning performance my uncle and
father put on national Television, apparently
they are the good Samaritans who ‘found a
bleeding Musa next to the road and rushed him
to the hospital’ but I know that’s bullshit, I
don’t know how I feel about this whole thing I
hate Musa and I wanted him to be punished for
what he did but this…this is something else.

I don’t know how the media found out about

Musa but what happened to him is all over the
news.
“ My big brother and I will cooperate and help
the police to find the person who is behind this
monstrous act"

Can you believe my uncle? Do I even know

these people.

I switch off the TV screen I can’t take anymore

of their pretense.

“ Hey, I was watching that"

Khethelo whines

Khethelo is my uncle’s daughter, she’s two

years older than Sphe and I.
“ That’s boring let’s watch something else"

“ Boring? There’s nothing boring there, baba

and babomkhulu are practically heroes”

Yes, that’s what everyone on social media is

calling them. Heroes!

“ Ok I’ll be in my room then"

“ Urg so moody, you’d swear you’re the one

pregnant not your girlfriend”

“ Whatever!”
I say and head to ‘my room’ my phone rings
when I walk through the door, It’s Ndalo.

“ Sthandwa sam”

“ Was it you?”

“ Was it me who did what?”

“ The one who cut off Musa’s hands and

tongue”

“ What? I’d never do something like that"

“ Yeah right I believe you”

The sarcasm in her voice is hard to miss

“ It wasn’t me I swear”

“ You’re lying Sabelo, when you told me Musa

would pay I never imagined it was something
like this. You’re so evil Sabelo”

She sounds disgusted by me

“ No, no believe me Ndoni yami it wasn’t me"

I say desperate for her to believe me

I check my phone when she doesn’t reply and
that’s when I realize that she dropped the call
on me.

What have my fathers done!

****

“ I’m sorry son but he was never going to let

you guys be, he had to be stopped”

My father nonchalantly says

“ Couldn’t you find another way to do it ?”

“ Like how?”

My uncle asks and they both gaze at me

expectedly

“ I don’t know but there must be another way"

“ Unfortunately there’s none and it’s done”

Uncle

They came back a few minutes ago and I

confronted them the moment they walked
through the door.
“ Don’t tell Ndalo about this, she’ll think we are
bad people” Uncle

But aren’t they bad?

“ We don’t care what she thinks of us but it

wont be good for you if she learns what lengths
your family is willing to go to protect their
own"

My father adds

“ It’s already too late, she’s angry at me

because she thinks I’m the one who did this"
“ You didn’t do it and she’ll realize you’re
telling the truth well that’s if she knows you
well enough to know when you’re telling the
truth” Uncle

I hope so because I’ve never lied to her in the

past

“ I’ll do that but I still think you guys went a bit

too far”

“ Who is guys to you mawune ncondo?”

My uncle barks

“ I’m sorry”
“ I’m leaving, I’ll see you zalo.”

My father says and stands on his feet

“ Come back home after your exams, your

mother is finally open to the idea of meeting
Ndalo"

I don’t know if there’s still a Ndalo to meet

“ Thanks dad but I don’t think she’ll want to

come, she sounded very angry on the phone
earlier"
“ Nonsense, what happened to Musa must’ve
shocked her. I’m sure she’ll come around soon"

I hope my uncle is right.

NDALO

After the rape I wanted Musa to pay, I

would’ve paid millions to see him helpless but
what happened to him is cruel as evil as he is
he doesn’t deserve this. I cant begin to imagine
how he must feel without hands or a tongue, so
basically he can’t speak nor write then how will
he communicate with other people? Yo shem
whoever did this to him is cruel and something
tells me Sabelo had something to do with this.

I’m on video call with Melo, she called me the

moment she saw the news.

“ So you think it’s him?”.

“ Who else can do something like this?”

“ I don’t think it was him, didn’t you say you

told baba too it could be him"
No, my father would never do something so
inhumane. The worst he would’ve done would
be to beat him into a pulp that’s all

“ No, dad wouldn’t do something like this"

“ And Sabelo would? Come on Ndalo Sabelo is

only 18, you’re giving him too much credit"

“ You think so?”

“ I know so, at least that bastard will never

mess with you again"

“ But I cant help but feel sorry for him, how will
he live without hands and his tongue?”
“ He’ll get those artificial one’s impilo iqhubeke
as for tongue I guess he’ll have to forget about
ever talking again, and it’s not like he spoke
sense anyway!”

( life will go on)

I cant believe how lightly she’s taking this

“ I feel so sorry for him shem, I wonder how his

family must be feeling"

“ Bazaba strong angisho they failed to

reprimand their son when he did wrong.”

“ Yo"
“ Enough about handless Musa how’s my
nephew doing?”

“ Good just craving braaid chicken feet and

gizzards"

She laughs

“ Yo you’re in trouble shem"

“ I know eish, I finally told your parents about

the pregnancy”

“ And how did they take it?”

“ You should’ve heard the things they said to
me Melo they were so hardcore and brutal"

“ I’m sorry love but at least they know now"

“ Yeah"

“ What’s the next step?”

“ Damages”

“ Good luck you’ll need it"

“ Thanks ubuya nini?”

( When are you coming back)

“ Soon"

“ Ok love good luck on your exams”

“ Thanks, talk to Sabelo stop acting crazy he

didn’t do this to Musa and even if he did it was
all for you"

“ But it’s too extreme, if he’s capable of doing

this what will he do to me should I make him
angry in the future?”
“ Stop overthinking, it wasn’t him but whoever
it was did an excellent job Musa was a
nuisance”

“ Wow, it’s your lack of compassion for me!”

“ Not all of us are forgiving like you Ses’Ndalo,

I feel nothing for Musa nothing at all".

MUSA

I heard the doctor tell my parents it was only

by the grace of God that I survived considering
how much blood I’ve lost, my mother has been
praying thanking God for sparing my life and I
couldn’t be more annoyed after everything that
happened to me she still believes there’s God?
Where was he when those men brutally
assaulted and stripped me off my pride and
dignity? Want to know what’s worse- it’s
having to watch them receive all the praise for
‘saving me’, they are made to look like heroes
when in fact they’re the perpetrators who did
this to me.

I have no choice but to watch because there’s

nothing I can do about it and that’s exactly
what they wanted “ Death will be too easy for
you, you deserve to live a long miserable life
for what you did to Ndalo" that’s what they
said when they drove me to the hospital, I don’t
want to live anymore but those bastards made
sure I can’t take my life even if I wanted to how
can I do that without hands? I can’t even tell
someone else to help me do it because I will
never be able to talk again. I regret the day my
path crossed with Ndalo’s, I should’ve stayed
away look at what loving her led me to.

What kind of life am I going to live if I can’t

communicate? I might as well forget about my
job, Thuli and about ever being a pastor there’s
no way I’m keeping my job or my girlfriend
after this- how will I do that without hands and
a tongue, it wouldn’t make sense honestly! I
have no choice but to pray for my death to
come sooner rather than later while everyone
lives their lives to the fullest, I have a lonely
and miserable journey ahead of me all because
of Ndalo I curse the day our paths crossed.

“ He’s awake babakhe"

Mom says to my dad and rushes to my bedside.

“ Let me go look for the doctor, he said he was

stable maybe he’ll discharge him."

My father says and walks out

“ Oh my poor son"

Her eyes well up with tears when our eyes lock

“ I’m sorry you had to go through all of this,
God will surely punish whoever did this to you”

I can’t help but bawl my eyes when I think

about how much my life has changed in a blink
of an eye, I wish for all of this to be nothing but
a terrible nightmare this can’t be my life how
do I go on like this?

“ Please don’t cry my son, it’s going to be okay"

She’s wiping my tears with her soft thumbs but

my tears are relentless they keep falling
causing my mom breaks into tears, she lays
her head on my chest and cries her heart out.
She wipes both our tears when we both calm
down, pulls a chair and lowers herself next to
me.

“ Look who I ran into when on my way to look

for the doctor"

My father says walking inside my ward, a

frown instantly covers his face he sees my
mother’s face

“ What’s wrong my love?”

He brisk walks to her side and pulls her to his

broad arms
“ Maybe I should come back another time"

That voice!

I face his direction to confirm what I already

know, I honestly cant believe the nerve of this
guy!

“ No Mr Meyiwa you don’t have to leave, thank

you once again for what you and your brother
did. You saved our son's life"

My father says

The respect in his voice when he talks to the

man you’d swear he’s deputy Jesus.
He’s dressed in black pants, a white crisp shirt
and black loafers I can tell he’s well off from
the watch and clothes he’s wearing. Not to
mention his expensive cologne that filled the
entire ward the moment he walked inside. He
looks nothing like the heartless bastard he is,
he looks like a humble and respectable man, no
one would suspect him of doing anything like
this. I guess that’s why it was easy for
everyone to believe that him and his brother
are the ones who ‘saved me’.

“ No need to thank me ma, I did what anyone

would’ve done in my place. I thought I should
come check on him and see how he’s doing"
I can’t believe this, has he no conscience?

“ No need to explain Mr Meyiwa”

Mom says and turns to me

“ Son, this is Mr Meyiwa one of the men who

saved your life. Come closer sir”

The bastard walks towards my bed smiling like

Cheshire cat

“ Hey son, how are you doing I brought you

fruits"
He says showing me a basket of fruits in his
hands

If this isn’t torture then I don’t know what is!

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#33

“ That was kind of you thank you so much Mr

Meyiwa but unfortunately Musa can’t eat
through his mouth, a large part of his tongue
was cut off and he had surgery so he only eats
through a gastrostomy feeding tube"

My mother says accepting the basket from

Meyiwa's hands.

“ Oh I’m sorry I guess you and your husband

will help yourselves then"

“ Thank you”

“ I'm sorry once again ma'am I didn’t mean to

be insensitive, I honestly had no idea"

The man says and smirks at me when my

parents are not looking.
“ You don’t have to be sorry sir, you’re a good
man may the lord bless you abundantly”

“ Thank you so much ma'am, now that I’ve

seen you son I think I should take my leave
now. It’s a pity you can’t eat the fruits I brought
you"

Then he winks at me

Talk about kicking a dog when it’s down!

“ Thanks for coming Ndoda yamadoda I’ll

escort you to your car"
My father says

“ I’d appreciate that, goodbye Mrs Sibisi"

“ Goodbye sir”

Mom stares with a smile on her face as the man

and my father walk out of the ward

“ He’s a good man”

If only you knew mother!

I wonder how Ndalo got herself mixed up with

these people, does she know how heartless
they are? Today it might be me but I know
tomorrow it’ll definitely be her people like them
can’t be trusted and I can’t wait for the day
they’ll turn on her.

NDALO

A persistent knock on the door pulls me from

my sleep, I wonder who’s knocking at my door
at this hour. I hate being woken up from my
sleep, I’m so annoyed right now the person
better have a good reason for waking me up
from my sleep or else.
“ I’m coming!”

I yell when the knocking persists

“ What are you doing here?”

That’s the first thing I say when I see who’s

behind the door.

“ To see my girlfriend”

“ Did you have to come at this hour of the night

Sabelo?”
“ If you answered my calls then the wouldn’t be
a need for me to come at this time"

“ Get in"

I say and blow out a heavy sigh

He gets in, locks the door and follows me to my

bedroom

“ So tell me what’s your problem, why are you

ignoring my calls?”

“ Are you seriously asking me that after what

you did to Musa?”
“ I don’t know what’s worse between the fact
that you are accusing me of such a despicable
thing or that you’re angry at me because of
your fucken ex!”

“ Don’t talk to me like that!”

“ How do you expect me to talk to you then

huh? I came here with the intention to
apologize but why do I need to apologize, I did
nothing wrong.”

“ You don’t see anything wrong with cutting of

someone’s hands and tongue wow!”
“ I don’t know how many times I should tell
you this, it wasn’t me I didn’t cut off your
precious ex's hands but whoever it was did me
a huge favour at least now I know what you
think of me”

“ What is that supposed to mean Sabelo?”

“ Nothing, I’m sorry I woke you up from your

sleep. Goodnight"

He says then head towards the door, oh my

goodness what have I done! I can’t let him
leave like this so I trudge behind him and grab
his hand
“ I'm sorry please don’t leave”

I say pleadingly

“ Tell me why I shouldn’t leave when the

person who supposed to be my girlfriend thinks
the worst of me”

His words are laced with pain

“ I’m sorry but I don’t know what to think, you

promised to make Musa pay and then this
happens to him..I’m sorry but I didn’t know
what to believe”
“ But I told you it wasn’t me, isn’t my word
good enough?”

“ It is”

“ No It’s not, if it was then you would have

believed me when I told you it wasn’t me like I
believed you when you told me the baby was
mine, I had every reason to think otherwise but
I chose to believe you because I trust you and I
know you’d never lie to me”

If he’s saying all of this to make me feel bad

then he has definitely succeeded, I feel like sh*t

“ I’m sorry”
“ It’s okay, get back to bed I’ll lock up”

“ Babe I’m sorry please don’t leave, spend the

night with me. Please muntuwami"

( My person)

He doesn’t reply so I stand in front of him and

look into his eyes, my heart breaks when I see
the pain his eyes hold.

“ I’m so sorry please forgive me babe"

I’m on standing on my tip toes cradling his face

in my palms and planting wet kisses all over his
face.
“ It’s okay, I’ll spend the night"

I know it’s not okay, I can see it on his face.

“ Come let’s get you to bed”

He whisks me off my feet and carries me to bed

and tucks me in

“ I’m really sorry sthandwa sam”

I’m sleeping on my side watching him undress

and I can’t help but apologize again, I feel
terrible.
“ I said it’s fine my love stop apologizing it’s
okay"

He gets in bed and pulls me to his chest and

plants kisses on the top of my head. I wrap my
arms and legs around him and sink in his arms,
his arms always feel like home.

“ Do you still love Musa?”

He says out of the blue

“ What?”
“ Do you feel something for him?, I’m asking
because of the way you were so angry at me
when you thought I had something to do with
what happened to him”

“ No I feel nothing for Musa, you’re the only

one I love but thinking you were capable of
doing that somehow scared me”

“ You sure it’s only that?”

Good job Ndalo now he doubts your feelings for

him
“ Yes, I’m sure. I feel nothing for Musa. I love
you with all of my heart Sabelo, you need to
believe that"

“ I do, come on let’s sleep it’s late”

NARRATED

Mathapelo is sitting in front of the mirror

applying her ponds age miracle night cream on
her face when her husband walks in from the
bedroom with a towel around his waist, he’s so
sexy for a man in his late forties if it was any
other day she would be drooling over his
chiselled abs but not tonight when she has so
much on her mind.

“ Ok what’s wrong my wife would be begging

me to fuck her by now"

Brandon says when he doesn’t get the reaction

he wanted after prancing half naked in front of
his wife

“ It’s hard for me to accept that my son is in

love with someone who’s 7 years older than
him Brandon, was it me didn’t I give him
enough motherly love that he went to seek it in
the arms of a woman older than him?”
A sharp pain shoots in Brandon’s heart, he
kneels before her and takes her hands into his.
He can’t stand the sadness in her eyes

“ You’re a perfect mother, our twins are lucky

to have a mother like you and they know it"

She may be strict at times but she’s a good

mother to both her children that’s not
questionable

“ Then why did my son fall for someone older

than him, isn’t it most young girls who date
elder men usually do it because they never
knew a father’s love?”
“ Mama wabantwana bami our son knows that
you love him and he loves you so much more, I
know it’s not ideal but he truly loves Ndalo and
his attraction towards her is not motherly he
loves her just like any men loves a woman"

( Mother of my kids)

“ But why her, she’s so much older than her

why not someone his age?”

“ I don’t have the answers but love is love it

doesn’t know age, nor race or bank balance his
heart chose her and hers did the same with
him"
“ You think she loves him too?”

“ Yes she does, why else would she put her job
at risk for someone she doesn’t feel strongly
about?”

“ Eish”

“ I know this is hard on you but please give her

a chance, our son loves her and he’s a wise
young man there must be something special
about her for him to love her that much"

“ I will try"
“ That’s all I ask, who knows maybe you’ll see
what he sees in her but honestly she sounds
like a good person.”

“ Wu awusamkhulumeli!”

( The way you’re speaking for her)

They both laugh

“ Have you met her yet?”

She asks when the laughter ceases

“ No, not yet. But from what he told me about

her she sounds like a nice person"
“ What did he tell you about her?”

He looks at her with a quirked eyebrow

“ What? She’s the mother of my grand child I

have every right to want to know about her”

“ Did you just say your grandchild? Does that

mean you believe the baby is Sabelo’s?”

“ I didn’t say that"

“ Hmm, so what do you want to know?”

“ Everything”

“ First let’s get in bed then I’ll tell you while

eating you up"

Mathapelo’s cheeks turn crimson, trust her

husband to say that

“ And she’s still shy after all these years, aw

tshitshi lami madoda"

( My virgin)

Yes, she was a virgin when they started dating.

Brandon is the first and only man she’s ever
been with.
“ Baby man, stop it"

“ What?”

He lifts her up bridal style and gently lays her

on top of the bed before taking off her night
dress and settling between her legs

“ So mama wezingane zami uthi ufuna

ukwazini ngo Ndalo"

( Mother of my children what do you want to

know about Ndalo)

He says and puts her nipple in his mouth

causing her body to tremble
“ Ye?”

He asks and dips his finger inside her wetness

causing a moan to break out of her lips

“ Aaaaah"

She cries out in pleasure

“ Huh? Angizwa my liefde”

( I didn’t hear you my love)

He’s doing her so good that she doesn’t know

what to do with herself, it’s been over 35 years
with this man and she’d still choose him over
and over again.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#34

When I open my eyes I find Sabelo starring at

me

“ Hey”
“ Good morning sthandwa sam”

He holds the back of my neck and sucks on my

lips, I can’t help but moan in his mouth damn it
the kid can kiss!

“ What’s wrong?” I ask

I don’t like the way he’s been gazing at me

since the moment I woke up

“ Nothing, I’m just wondering if you know how

much I love you”

“ I know, I love you too"

“ Hmm"

He’s acting strange, I wonder.

“ My parents want you to come over for lunch"

My heart rate instantly increases at the thought

of meeting his parents

“ What?”

“ Yes, don’t worry you still have time. I’m only

going back home after my exams"
Speaking of that, I never asked him why he
moved out.

“ Why did you move out in the first place?”

“ It’s nothing you should worry your pretty self

about, you’ll come right?”

Do I have a choice?

“ Yes, I’ll come”

“ Thanks my love”

He plants a peck on my forehead

“ Don’t worry no one will say anything to you,
at least not in my presence I won’t let anyone
disrespect you sthandwa sam"

At least that’s comforting but I wouldn’t want

him to disrespect his parents because of me

“ No, you don’t have to defend me. I’m a big

girl I can handle the heat"

He laughs

What?
“ Did I say anything funny?”

“ No, don’t mind me sthandwa sam.”

He gets off bed and wears his boxer shorts, yes

he still sleeps naked.

“ Where are you going?”

“ To make you breakfast, I need to go back to

my uncle’s to study I’m writing tomorrow”

“ I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have asked you to

spend the night”
I would never forgive myself if he ends up not
doing well in his exam because of me

“ Don’t apologize my love, I’ll be okay I have

been working hard and studying for this exam
don’t worry I’ll definitely ace it"

I don’t trust him, he could be saying this to

make me feel better.

“ Go home and study, I’ll make breakfast for

myself don’t worry"

“ No, allow me to do this for my baby. It’s not

for you ke sisi it’s for my son, wena noma
ungalamba angina ndaba"
( I won’t care even if you starve)

“ Hah!”

He breaks into an enormous belly laugh

“ I’m just pulling your leg sthandwa sam, relax

in bed I’ll bring your breakfast”

“ I hope you are not referring to amagwinya

and tea"

He laughs throwing his head back

“ Of course not, just wait and see wena.”

Sokhe sibone!

( we shall see)

Like he promised breakfast wasn’t fat cakes, I

don’t know if I should call whatever Sabelo
served me English breakfast because it doesn’t
deserve to be called that! The eggs were burnt,
the sausages were undercooked nje everything
was a mess he tried shem but it’s clear cooking
is not for him. He ended up cooking me oats at
least it he got it right, he left after washing the
dishes and cleaning the kitchen or better yet
tried to clean shem my baby is really trying and
I know one day he’ll get it right I appreciate his
efforts.
I should be at work but I was feeling lazy and
ended up sleeping half the day, I will get a sick
note to give to Gwala tomorrow when I get to
work. At least I finished with the syllabus and
revision, there’s not much to do at work now
well with my matric classes that is I still have
to finish up the syllabus with the other grades.

SABELO

“ Good morning"

I greet Khethelo when I pass her in the lounge

on my way to the bedroom
“ Where did you sleep last night?”

She likes acting like my mom, maybe it’s

because she’s been playing a role of a mother
to her siblings ever since her mother passed.
It’s been 5 years but my uncle hasn’t moved
on, sure there are women he entertains from
time to time but none of them are serious
enough for him to bring home and meet his
children.

“ My girlfriend’s place”

“ Ncoah young love, you really love her ne?”

“ I do sisi wami, I really love her”

“ I wish you all the best mntasekhaya"

“ Thank you, it means a lot coming from you. I

thought you’d judge me for loving someone
older than me”

“ Age is just a number, I only want you to be

happy. Who you date is none of my business,
whether she’s blind or missing an eye angingeni
lapho mina"

( it’s not my problem)

How I wish my mother felt the same way

“ I wish mom saw it like that too"

“ Give mamkhulu some time I know she’ll

come around.”

( Aunt)

“ Dad said she’s finally open to the idea of

meeting Ndalo"

It bothers me that I haven’t spoken to my

mother since I left home, we’ve never gone
without speaking for so long.

Her lips break into a wide smile

“ You see? She’ll definitely warm up to her as
time goes"

“ I hope so, I love my mom and it would make

me so happy if she were to get along with my
woman"

“ Wu safa wu woman!”

We laugh

“ You sound just like your dad right now"

“ Yini did you recently discover the word na"

I cackle, trust Khethelo to say that

“ Naze nahleka kamnandi nami ngicela

ukuhleka”

( Please share the joke I also want to laugh)

My uncle says when he walks into the lounge

“ Wasiza wafika baba yo besengifile wu

woman”

( Thank goodness you came dad, I was getting

tired of the word ‘woman')

My uncle laughs
“ Ah kanti, I know him too well ngo woman
mtanami"

They both laugh at my expense

“ Ulele malundi?"

( You slept out)

My uncle asks

“ Ulele ka woman baba"

( He slept at his woman’s place)

Khethelo interjects
“ I hope you’ve been studying Sabelo, I
promised your dad I’d make sure you study and
pass your exams.”

“ I have been studying babomncane, I’m going

to pass don’t worry"

( Uncle)

“ You better, I don’t want your father on my

case"

NOKUTHULA

What happened to Musa is all over the news

and everyone at church and at work is speaking
about what happened to him, it’s been over a
week since it happened but I still haven’t found
the strength or is it the courage to visit him. I
don’t know but I’m not ready to see him like
that, how are we even going to date if he can’t
speak or write? I love Musa but I honestly don’t
see how this is going to work out shem.

“ Thuli you need to go check up on him, you’re

his girlfriend it won’t look good if you don’t go"

My friend and colleague Nwabisa says

“ I want to but what do I say when I get there

because he can’t respond?”
“ Haibo Thuli!”

“ What?”

“ Do you even love the guy? If you loved him

like you claim to then you wouldn’t need a
reason to visit him, he’s at his lowest he needs
you by his side"

“ He can’t talk nor write Nwabisa!”

“ So?”

“ I can’t believe you’re asking me that, how is it

going to work between us?”
“ I don’t know but the least you can do is visit
him in hospital”

“ I will just not now"

“ You never loved him right?”

“ Wow!”

She says when I don’t respond

“ How could you allow him to break up with his

long-term girlfriend if you didn’t love him? Now
that’s plain evil”
“ I thought I was in love with him okay!”

She scoffs

“ When did you realize that you don’t?”

“ After he broke up with Ndalo, I realized that

maybe I only wanted him because he was hers"

“ What are you saying?”

“ At church they like to make Ndalo seem like

this perfect person and it annoys the shit out of
me, she was always in the program and given
leadership roles I remember while we were still
part of the youth she was voted treasurer.
Ndalo was seen as perfect in the eyes of
everyone- the pastor and the elders at church,
they always raved about how well mannered
she is talking about how she’s never went
clubbing or tasted alcohol in her life and they
always praised her for being a “virgin” at 25
lapho ngazi kahle kuthi she’s sleeping with
Musa. Musa’s mom also adored her and was
proud that she was going to be her daughter in
law”

( I knew very well that)

“ You sound jealous of Ndalo kanti weren’t the

two of you friends?”
“ No I’m not jealous of her, I’m more beautiful
than she is why would I be jealous of her? I just
hate how we were made to look like we’re not
good enough because we drank alcohol and
went to grooves while she was made out to be a
saint when she’s not”

“ So is that why you dated Musa?”

“ Yeah”

“ Wow! I’m shook"

“ I’m not proud of what I did, with that being

said I don’t think I can continue being in a
relationship with him I just feel bad that he
dumped her for me"

“ No you don’t, you only feel bad because he

has lost his hands and his tongue otherwise
you’d still be ‘in love with him' sies Thuli!”

“ I only told you this because you’re my friend I

didn’t expect you to judge me"

How dare she

“ Everyone who doesn’t want to hear the truth

claims they’re being judged when you tell them
the truth, I’m not judging you I’m only being
honest with you. You are a jealous and envious
person, you seduced Musa because you were
jealous of Ndalo, if you can do that to someone
whom you call a ‘friend’ then I don’t think I
want to keep being friends with you who knows
what you’ll do to me ‘friend’!”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#35

I’ve changed my outfit and hairstyle more

times I can count in the last hour trying to look
perfect for the lunch I have with Sabelo’s
parents this afternoon, scared doesn’t begin to
describe how I feel I’m so nervous I’m even
trembling. Nothing I wear seems good enough,
I’m so tempted to bail out on them but I can’t
because this is important to Sabelo it’s all he’s
been talking about all week.

I plop to the bed and video call Melo and

anxiously wait for her to answer

“ Ses'Ndalo"

“ Thank goodness you picked up your phone

Melo, I desperately need your help
mntasekhaya”
“ Okay shoot"

“ Today is the day of the lunch with Sabelo’s

parents and uncle"

“ Okay, what do you need from me?”

“ I don’t know what to wear, what does one

wear to lunch with the parents of her boyfriend.
A boyfriend who happens to be 7 years younger
than her?”

“ No don’t do that to yourself”

“ What? It’s the truth mos.”

“ Yeah but Sabelo’s parents have probably
accepted your age and that’s why they invited
you to lunch”

“ Maybe, so what do I wear?”

“ Wear anything you’re comfortable in"

“ You’re not helping"

“ I am, go there and be yourself sis wami”

“ Okay, thanks. I need to hang up now Sabelo
will be here to pick me up any minute now I
need to get ready"

“ Okay sis, all the best and please don’t allow

anyone to make you feel otherwise yeah?”

“ Yeah"

“ Okay bye"

She says and hangs up the call

Simple is always the way to go so I settle for a

blue summer dress and sandals and tie my
braids in a high bun. My phone reverberates on
the dressing table and I half run to pick it up

“ Babe"

“ Sthandwa sam I’m outside"

His statement has my heart beating rapidly and

perspiration running down my spine, this is it-
its finally happening, I’m meeting his parents.

“ Okay, give me two minutes”

I say trying so hard to hide how nervous I feel

“ There’s no need to be scared, I’ll be right by
your side okay?”

“ Okay"

“ Bye for now"

He says and cuts the call

After a 360 degree twirl in front of the mirror I

spritz perfume, take my handbag and make my
way outside.

Can you believe Sabelo lied to me and said he’s

here when he’s not? Yes, I’m standing outside
my gate looking to all directions hoping to see
him but he’s nowhere in sight. A white
Mercedes-Benz GLA appears from the corner
and stops next to me, the window rolls down
revealing Sabelo inside, haibo!

“ Come on get inside, my mom hates waiting"

He says and opens the passenger door.

He smooches my lips the moment I’m inside

the car and starts the ignition afterwards

“ Whose car is this?”

I can’t help but ask

“ It’s my dad’s car sthandwa sam"

“ Hmm”

My hand is locked in his left hand the entire

drive to his house

“ We are here"

He says after parking outside a beautiful single

storey house, with my hand clasped in his we
walk towards his parents. They’re sitting under
the veranda next to the pool, judging by the
dishes and bowls on the table I assume this is
where we will have our lunch. My knees shake
when I meet their piercing stares- the look on
his mother’s face has me untangling my
shaking hand from his, let’s just say if looks
could kill I’d be dead.

“ Bazali, babomncane this is Buhlebendalo

Khumalo the woman I’m in love with”

( Parents, Uncle)

His dad and uncle look at each other and laugh,

okay!

“ Ndalo, this are my parents and uncle"

“ Aw’ Indoni yamanzi madoda, umhle ntokazi"

( Black beauty, you’re beautiful young lady)

His uncle says already on his feet with his hand
stretched out for a handshake

“ Ngiyajabula ukukwazi muntomuhle"

( Pleased to meet you beautiful)

He says when I shake his hand

“ Pleased to meet you too sir"

“ Sir? Come on that’s too formal, call me

babomncane”
“ Stop it Ntsika can’t you see you’re making the
lady uncomfortable”

Sabelo’s father says

“ I’m Brandon, his father and this is Mathapelo

my wife and Buti's mother, welcome to our
home my child you can take a seat"

“ Thank you"

Sabelo leads me to my seat and settles next to

me.

“ Tell us about yourself muntomuhle”

The uncle says, I’ve only been here for a few
minutes but I already know I’m going to like
him. He seems cool and fun to around.

I never know what to say when I’m asked this

question shem, I clear my throat and look at
them as I prepare myself to speak but
immediately regret it when I meet his mother’s
cold stare. The woman hasn’t said one word
since I walked inside her yard but I know she
doesn’t like me, how she’s looking at me says it
all.

“ I’m Buhlebendalo Khumalo 25 years of age,

first of three children to my parents Muziwakhe
and Lilian Khumalo. I'm a Life sciences and
Natural Sciences teacher at Sabelo’s school”.

“ Does the principal know you’re sleeping with

the same students you are meant to teach?”

Her question has me bowing my head in shame

“ No"

I reply

“ Sies! You should be ashamed of yourself

sleeping with an 18 year old boy, we send our
kids to school to learn not to be molested by
horny teachers”
“ Ma!”

“ My liefde!”

Sabelo and his father exclaim at the same time

“ What? I’m not about to sit here and play

happy families with this despicable girl! She is
nothing but a pervert”

“ Sisi please calm down"

“ Don’t tell me to calm down Ntsika, if it was
Khethelo who was impregnated by her teacher
would you still be this calm?”

“ Let’s go Ndalo"

Sabelo says clearly annoyed

“ Sit down Sabelo, you’re going nowhere.

Mama wengane zami please pull yourself
together, I didn’t invite Ndalo here to be
insulted”

The authority in his voice! He doesn’t need to

raise his voice to get the message across,
there’s just something about him that demands
respect.

Sabelo lowers himself back on his seat

“ I'm sorry for my wife’s behavior Ndalo, all

this is new to her please give her some time to
get used to it. Will you do that for me?”

He’s back to the soft and calm man who

welcomed me to his home a few minutes ago.

I nod my head in agreement it’s not like I have

any other choice, I understand where she’s
coming from it can’t be easy to accept that your
eighteen year old son is in a relationship with
an elderly woman not just any woman but one
who happens to be his teacher!

SABELO

I didn’t expect my mother to treat Ndalo the

way she did, my father assured me she was fine
with this before I moved back home. She’s been
the loving mother I’ve always known her to be
since I moved back home so I thought she was
finally okay with my relationship but it’s
obvious I thought wrong, she’s not okay and I
don’t think she will be okay with it anytime
soon. Yes she didn’t say anything
condescending or spiteful to Ndalo after my
father called her to order but the look on her
face everytime she looked at my girlfriend
spoke volumes.

That’s why I dragged Ndalo out of there the

moment we finished eating, I don’t know how
she managed to eat with my mother was
throwing daggers at her the entire time. Thank
God my uncle and father were at least nice to
her and seemed to genuinely like her, I’m
driving her back to her place now and she’s
been quiet since we left my house.

“ I’m sorry about what my mother said"

I say breaking the silence

“ It’s not your fault you don’t have to
apologize, your mother behaved the way any
mother would in her position”

She’s sensitive, I know what my mother said

got to her.

“ No, she had no right to talk to you like that"

“ It’s fine love, I expected something like this

so don’t worry I’m cool”

“ Sure?”
“ Yeah, your dad and uncle were nice to me. I
think I am going to like your uncle, he’s funny”

She digresses

“ He is, he’s the best uncle ever"

“ I’m sure you’re always laughing when he’s

around"

“ Wait until you meet Khethelo his daughter,

she’s just as crazy"

“ I can’t wait, you have a beautiful family. Now

I know why you look so handsome, your
parents and uncle are good looking yoh!”
“ Thanks"

***

I dropped Ndalo off and drove back home, she

wanted me to stay for a while but I couldn’t I
had to call out my mother on her behavior
toward Ndalo today I didn’t like it one bit.

“ Can we talk?”

I say when I find her in the lounge watching

TV, I don’t know where my father is he
probably left with my uncle.
“ Yingoba ungaboni ukuthi I’m watching or
yenziwa yindelelo?”

( Can’t you not see that I’m watching or you’re

just being plain disrespectful)

“ I’m sorry ma but I really need to talk to you”

“ Talk”

I lower myself next to her on the couch

“ I really didn’t like how you treated Ndalo, I

know how it looks but she’s really not a bad
person mamami. I’m the one who pursued her,
she tried to fight what she feels for me but I
wouldn’t let her so if you want someone to
blame, blame me your son not her"

“ You’re young, she should’ve known better"

“ I love her mom, can you not try to accept her

for my sake?”

“ What do you know about love Sabelo, you’re

still young”

“ That’s the thing ma, love is love there’s no

labels when it comes to love. There’s no age,
no race, no bank account or nationality it’s just
two people who love each other and want to
spend the rest of their lives loving each other”
“ Wow, you really love her ne uze ukhale pho!”

( You’re even crying)

I didn’t realize I’m in tears until she mentioned

it.

We laugh

“ Yes ma, I love her"

“ Okay then, I’ll give her a chance”

“ Thank you so much ma"

I say and plant kisses on her face causing her to
giggle

“ Stop it, I don’t promise to like her but I’ll try

to be civil towards her from now on”

“ That’s all I ask, I know you’ll eventually love

her too when you see the kind of person she is”

“ Don’t hold your breath"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#36

It’s been a week since schools closed and each

day that passes reminds of how little the time
Sabelo and I have left together is, initially I
didn’t want to have any expectations when it
comes to our relationship to avoid getting
heartbroken should things go different from
how we have planned but all of that changed
when I fell pregnant- I desperately want Sabelo
and I to work now, my child deserves to have
both parents in his/her life. I know we can still
co-parent if things don’t work out between us
but that’s not the kind of life I want for my
child.
The main reason his parents invited me for
lunch was to talk about the damages and find a
way on how to go about it, apparently my
family has to take me to the Meyiwa’s to report
my pregnancy then after Sabelo accepts the
pregnancy the damages will be paid afterwards.
I don’t know if my parents will be willing to
honor the tradition, like I’ve said before my
parents don’t follow traditions or any cultural
practices but I hope they will be willing to
compromise on this for the sake of my child
and I.

I’m on my way to my parent’s house, I haven’t

been home since I broke the news of my
pregnancy and my relationship with Sabelo I
don’t want see them and I wouldn’t go home if
I had a choice but this is not something I can
discuss over the phone- it needs to be done
face to face and the Meyiwa’s want to pay
damages before Sabelo goes to varsity that’s
why I need to do this now, I don’t have much
time.

Anele runs to me and engulfs me in a tight

squeeze the moment I walk through the front
door

“ I missed you"

She says after breaking the hug and taking the

handbag from my hands.
“ I missed you too little sister”

“ You look so beautiful”

“ Thank you"

“ Stop it"

I say when she pinches my cheeks

“ I can’t help myself, uyisbutubutu kamnandi

umuhle unonile uyangiqhaza nje ngathi
ngingadlala ngey'hlathi zakho"

( You’re chubby and beautiful, your chubby

cheeks scream ‘play with me')
“ That’s enough! Move, move Nele I also want
to hug her"

Mom says pushing Anele from me

“ How are ntombazana ka mama"

( Mommy’s daughter)

She asks with her hands on my shoulders

looking into my eyes with a smile on her face

Okay what’s going on? What happened to my

mother. She hasn’t been this warm and loving
since I broke up with Musa.
“ I’m okay ma, umama yena unjani?”

( How are you mom)

“ I’m okay my child, how’s my grandchild

treating you? I hope she’s not giving you a hard
time"

Her hands are now on my belly lovingly

caressing it, someone please tell me I’m not
dreaming!

“ No mom he/she is not giving me a hard time,

my pregnancy is quite smooth I just sleep a lot
that’s all"
“ Oh that’s good, and stop saying he/she you’re
carrying a girl. Sit down and relax I’ll whip up
something for you quickly”

She drags me to the couch and disappears to

the kitchen

“ What’s going on?”

I whisper looking at Anele once mom is out of

sight

“ I think she finally realized how unfairly she’s

been treating you but you know how she is, she
won’t apologize she’ll just act like nothing
happened”
“ Wow! Where’s dad?”

“ At work"

Oh konje it’s during the week, I sometimes

forget that not everyone goes on holiday on
December like me.

“ Ses'Ndalo remember you promised to buy me

a phone if I pass?”

“ Yes, I remember”

“ So?”
“ Bring your report card Anele I want to see it
and decide which phone to get you depending
on your results"

She scurries out of the room to fetch her report

card I presume

I’m channel hopping looking for something

entertaining to watch when Anele shoves her
report card on my face obscuring my view, I
grab it and look through it.

“ And?”

She questions after a few minutes of silence

“ Good work I’m impressed, if you keep this up
next year you’ll pass your matric well and get
university admission”

“ Thank you”

“ I’ll buy you a Huawei P40 you deserve it"

She passed really well, only maths is level 4 she

got 5’s and 6’s for all the other subjects. She
must’ve worked really hard to get these marks,
I’m really proud of her and I’ll get her the
phone to motivate her to work even harder
next year.
She screams my ear off and suffocates me in a
hug chanting endless “Thank you's" and
showering my face with kisses

“ Enough let her go so she can eat" Mom

Anele breaks the hug and runs outside the

house, I know she’s going to tell Lindi, her
friend about this.

“ What did you say to her that got her so

excited?”

Mom asks and hands me my food, a steaming

plate of chicken Alfredo.
“ Thank you mom, this looks delicious”

I say already shoving a spoonful inside my

mouth

“ Careful you’ll burn yourself”

Her cooking is the only thing I miss about

staying at home, uyapheka lo mfazi shem!

“ Tell me phela, what did you tell Nele that got

her so excited?”

“ I told her I will buy her a phone for passing

her grade11"
“ Oh wow, ngiyambongela ses'wakhe"

“ Don’t mention it”

“ You’re a kind and generous person my child,

and that’s how you’ve always been.
Unfortunately not everyone is like you, people
take advantage of people like you"

I don’t know where this is going but okay

“ Are you sure this boy really loves you?”

I know she’s referring to Sabelo

“ Yes, I’m sure he loves me"

“ Don’t get me wrong my child but you need to

be careful nowadays young boys date women
older than them for money, I don’t want
anyone to take advantage of you"

“ I understand but Sabelo is not in this for the

money, it’s not like I have much anyway you
know how little teachers earn. He’s from a
financially stable family and he never accepts
money from me or allow me to do things for
him"

“ Okay, that’s better then"

She blows out a sigh looking relieved

“ I actually came here to talk about the

damages, his parents invited me for lunch a
week ago and apparently you as the Khumalo's
were supposed to take me to their house to
report the pregnancy”

“ I don’t know much about those things but I

think your aunts are the one’s who are
supposed to take you there and not me, I’ll talk
to them and get back to you"

Wow, I didn’t expect her to agree so easily

“ Thank you mom"

“ Don’t mention it, it’s my duty as your mother

to support and stand by you please forgive me
for how harshly I’ve been treating you since the
whole Musa saga. I’m sorry I failed to recognize
your pain and only cared about people’s
perceptions of me, I’m sorry my child".

SABELO

Schools are closed for December holidays I

have so much time on my hands, time I spend
with my lady. The plan was to get a holiday job
at a shop or restaurant and save the money I’ll
make so that I can help out once the baby is
born, I sent out CV's to a number of places after
my last exam I hope to get something soon I
was thinking of selling something in the
meantime I just don’t know what at the
moment I have quite a few ideas in mind but
I’m still deciding which one out of all would be
the most profitable.

“ I can’t remember the last time you and I

spent time together"

Sphe says walking into my bedroom

“ I know right but I’m trying to spend as much
time as I can with Ndalo before I move to
Gauteng next year"

“ Do you think your relationship will survive

the distance?”

“ I don’t know but I hope so, I want it to

because I honestly don’t see myself loving
anyone else who’s not her”

“ I also hope it works out, please don’t get

tempted when you get to Joburg and meet
beautiful girls your age"
“ I think it’s a good thing that I started with the
play boy phase before I met Ndalo, I don’t
think I will jeopardize what we have over
meaningless fucks"

“ Wow you sound so sure of what you want,

you’re so mature”

“ I have no choice but to be, I’m going to be a

father soon I can’t afford to reason like a boy.
Too much is at stake here, I can’t afford to lose
Ndalo and my baby because of meaningless
things"

“ Mabizwa sabele"
Khutso says as him and Xolane walk inside my
bedroom

“ Waz' mina, who let you in?”

( That’s me)

“ Maouledy wakho, Sphesihle mntwana"

Xolane

“ Hey guys, bye guys"

She says and walks out of the room

Xolane sits on a chair next to my study desk
and fiddles with my computer while Khutso
throws himself on my bed.

“ Asisa kwazi mjita" Khutso

( We no longer see you)

“ Ngikhona majita"

( I've been here)

“ Ay u scarce, yini sewuya hlomba?”

( You’re scarce, are you in a relationship)

“ Mina nok'hlomba? Y’all know that’s not my

style"
( Me and dating)

I can’t tell them about my relationship with

Ndalo, too much is at stake. I don’t know if I
can trust them to keep it a secret

“ So what’s been keeping you busy?”

“ School, I didn’t do well on my preliminary

exams so I had to work extra hard for my final
exams”

“ Excuse leyo, we are done with exams now but

you’re still unavailable” Xolane
“ I promise to make time for you guys from
now henceforth"

“ I know you’re hiding something from us,

since when do we keep secrets from each other
or yini we no longer your friends usitshele
phela mjita sazi" Khutso

( Tell us so that we know where we stand with

you)

“ Stop being dramatic of course you’re still my

friends but there are things I can’t tell you
about and this happens to be one of them”

“ Why not?” Xolane

“ A lot is at stake"

They look at each other and have a silent

conversation with their eyes before looking
back at me

“ What’s up?”

“ Na nex, let’s go e chillax. We’ll buy and braai

meat, drink beer and play pool like the good
old days"

“ Ok asivayeni"

( Let’s go)
My friends and I spent all afternoon at Chillax
drinking, playing pool and catching up it’s 7:45
in the evening now and I’m exhausted plus the
place is getting packed I don’t like crowded
spaces.

“ Majita asivayeni"

( Gents let’s go)

Xolane digs his hands inside his pockets and

glances at the screen

“ Let’s chill kancane sizovaya ngo 8”

( Let’s chill a bit we will leave at 8)

He says and Khutso agrees with him

“ Relax ntwana what’s the rush?” Khutso slurs

Out of the three of us, he’s the most wasted

one.

“ Do you mind if we join y’all?”

We look up to find four girls dressed in skimpy

outfits, have the longest nails and lashes I’ve
ever seen and make up on their faces, I don’t
know if the alcohol in my system has anything
to do with this but the make up looks horrible
yoh- I hate the hideous thick black eyebrows
they drew on themselves ngathi
amashishiboya, why do girls draw eyebrows
again?

“ Of course you’re more than welcome to join

us"

Xolane says already making space for the girls

to sit, they scatter and plant themselves in
between us.

“ Hey handsome what’s your name?”

The one sitting on my right hand side says

looking at me with a huge smile on her face.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#37

“ Majita mina ngiyavaya"

(Gents I’m leaving)

I say blatantly ignoring the girl's question

“ Ah yini manje Sabza? Ungabi yilezo"

( What’s wrong, don’t be like that)

Xolane says unable to conceal his irritation

“ No I’m leaving"

I attempt to stand up but fall back on my chair,

my knees are weak I’ve had too much to drink

“ Asiringe"

( Let’s talk)

Xolane says already on his feet

I stand up slowly, take my phone and follow

him outside. Walking is a mission my legs feel
heavy and I feel a bit woozy I haven’t drank
alcohol in a long while.
“ Yini manje why are you acting up?”

That’s what he says the moment I catch up to

him

“ What do you mean?”

“ You causing a nuisance wanting to leave

early, what’s that about? uyambona umntwana
uzishayile nge stayela sakho but wena
uyatanasa ufuna ukuvaya"

( You see the girl likes you but you act pricey
and want to leave)
“ So manje wena udinwa yini lapho? Angimfuni
lomtwana mina mos"

( So what annoys you there? I don’t want the

girl)

“ Since when? Sonke siyazi kuthi wena uyazi

thandela umdavazo so what changed?”

( We all know that you love sex)

“ Sithini istory sakho ndoda? Why do you want

me to sleep with that girl so bad?”

( What’s your story)

“ Ah nex, I am just concerned because you’re

my friend and I’ve never known you to reject a
free pussy so I thought I should ask"
“ Well things have changed, I’m no longer that
guy"

“ Okay let’s go back and drink two beers then

we’ll leave after that"

“ I’m not going back inside, I told you I’m

leaving so bye please extend my apologies to
Khutso for leaving without bidding him
farewell”

“ Wow!”

I ignore him and press on my phone going to

the Uber app and order a ride to my girlfriend’s
place, the driver closest to my ___location is 30
minutes away. It’s a bit chilly outside plus I’m
only wearing a thin short sleeved t shirt so I
can’t wait that long and I can’t go back inside
either I know Xolane will try to shove that girl
down my throat again so I decide to walk.

Walking is a mission I’m staggering but I’m

determined to walk to my girlfriend’s place I
don’t know if it’s the alcohol but I suddenly
miss her, a lot. I’d give anything to have her in
my arms damn it I love her

“ Ya wena masaka!”

( Hey you fool)

Says one of the two guys blocking my way,
they look young around the same age group as
me. They’re probably a few years older than
me.

“ We can do this the easy way or the hard way,

you give us what we want and we leave or you
resist and suffer the consequences”

The short one lifts up his shirt and reveals a

huge knife tugged in his pants

“ So what’s it going to be pretty boy? Will it be

the easy way or the hard way?”
The other one asks licking his okapi in a
threatening way

I won’t lie I’m shaking in my pants right now I

don’t even feel tipsy anymore, I can’t help but
regret going out with Xolane and Khutso I
should’ve stayed at home.

“ Take this and leave me alone"

I say waving my phone in the air

“ Ey wena san' ukhuluma nobani kanjalo why

ngathi uyaqina so?”

( Hey you boy who are you talking to in that

manner, why does it seem like you’re resisting)
The short says stepping closer to me closing
the distance between us

“ Ai small yeka lentwana"

( Small leave the boy)

“ No man ujwayelana kabi lo cheese boy"

( He’s disrespectful)

“ Myeke uyasinika I phone mos"

( Leave him, he’s willing to give us the phone)

“ Nope, uyadelela lo, he needs to be taught a

lesson"
( He’s disrespectful)

He says and smacks me across my face, he

slapped me so hard that I lose my vision for a
few seconds.

There’s nothing as embarrassing as being

slapped, I think it would have been better if he
punched me I don’t know but being slapped by
your peer makes one feel a great deal of
humiliation.

“ Usese nomlomo cheeseboy?”

( Do you still have something to say)

He says poking my forehead with his forefinger,
another mortifying act.

It sends me over the edge I lose my shit and

punch him on his face, he wasn’t expecting it
so he reels backwards. I keep the punches
coming, he tries to fight back but he doesn’t
stand a chance not when I’m this angry. I feel a
sharp pain on my back and look back, his
friend just stabbed me at the back.

I stagger and hold my back the short one pulls

the knife from his pants and stabs me on my
stomach repeatedly, I drop to my knees holding
my stomach feeling myself get weaker and
weaker by the second. I’m bleeding profusely
my shirt is soaked in my blood some of it is
dripping to my pants and the ground.

“ Fuck! He’s dying"

That’s the last thing I hear before I drift into

darkness.

NDALO

I spent the afternoon with my mom and Anele

and only left around 7 in the evening when my
father came back from work, Sabelo and I have
been seeing each other everyday since school
closed but we couldn’t see each other today for
obvious reasons so the plan was to spend the
night together since we couldn’t spend the day
together. I don’t know but I think I’m addicted,
I can’t get enough of him and by the look of it
neither can he.

“ Are you expecting a call?” Anele

I had to take her with me when I left my

parent’s house so tomorrow we can go together
to Embalenhle mall to buy her phone.

“ Yes, why?”
“ You’ve been starring at your phone for a
while now"

“ Yes I am, please call my phone"

She looks confused but does as I ask

nonetheless

“ I wanted to check if it was working, I thought

maybe it’s network that’s why Sabelo hasn’t
said anything"

“ Oh you’re waiting for his call?”

“ Yeah he should be here by now, he said he

was on his way here ngabo 8”
“ He'll come don’t worry he probably got held
up somewhere”

“ I don’t know I have a bad feeling about this,

let me call him"

I dial his number and wait anxiously as it rings

“ is it voice-mail?

“ No, he didn’t pick up"

“ Eish he’s probably on his way relax, he’ll

come"
I want to relax but I can’t, I have a bad feeling
about this.

“ Borrow me your phone let me call him maybe

he’ll pick up"

He did say he’s at Chillax with his friends who

knows maybe he’s ignoring me.

I dial his number using Anele's phone and get

the same results.

****
Last night I stayed up the whole night waiting
for Sabelo but he didn’t come, I don’t know
how many times I called him. He ended up
switching off his phone. My heart is heavy, I
honestly don’t understand why Sabelo would
do something like this to me I thought we were
happy what could have gone wrong suddenly?
He’s never done anything like this before, what
if something happened to him on his way here?
I refuse to believe that he would intentionally
break his promise. He's not one to lie or make
false promises he always fulfills his promises.

“ I’m not hungry”

I say to Anele when she hands me a bowl of

oats
“ Come on sis you need to eat, do it for the
baby you’re carrying if not for yourself”

She has a point

“ Thanks, do you mind if we go tomorrow to

the mall?”

“ I don’t mind"

Thank God she agreed to postpone our trip to

the mall to tomorrow, I don’t have the energy
to leave my house I hardly slept so I feel like
shit. I need to take a long shower and try to get
some sleep.
“ Can I watch Blood and water?”

“ Yeah, I’m not watching”

“ Okay thanks"

After eating I wash my bowl and go to my

bedroom and take my phone from the charger
hoping to find a missed call from my boyfriend
but no such luck, there’s absolutely nothing
from him not even a message. This is unlike
Sabelo, now more than ever I believe
something happened to him. He probably lost
his phone at Chillax or something, it wouldn’t
be the first time someone loses a phone at a
groove. I take a long shower and get in bed and
try to get some sleep.

“ What?”

It feels like two minutes ago when I fell asleep

and this girl is here shaking me

“ Anele didn’t I tell you I didn’t sleep last night?

Why are you waking me up?!”

I bellow trying so hard to fight the strong urge

to strangle her.

“ I know, I’m sorry but there’s a man in the

lounge looking for you"
“ Didn’t you tell him I’m sleeping?”

“ I did but he says what he wants to talk to you

about is important”

“ Who is he?”

“ He didn’t tell me his name, he only said he is

Sabelo’s uncle"

I immediately jump to the floor and run to the

lounge at the mention of Sabelo’s uncle.

“ Sawubona babomncane”
( Greetings uncle)

“ Muntomuhle I’m sorry for waking you up but

I desperately need your help?”

“ Ubabomncane ngingamsiza kanjani?”

( How can I help)

“ Sabelo didn’t go back home last night, he’s

not taking our calls which is unlike him. I came
here because I thought he’s here but your sister
already told me you were waiting for him last
night but he didn’t pitch"

“ Yebo babomncane he also doesn’t take my

calls, I don’t know how many times I called
him last night he ended up switching off his
phone"

“ That sounds nothing like Sabelo, he’s a

responsible young man he would never
disappear without telling anyone his
whereabouts”

“ He was with his friends at Chillax yesterday

maybe he slept over at their house last night"

I can’t afford to think negatively, stress is not

good for the baby or me.

“ Friends? I only know two of his friends,

Khutso and Xolane. Sphe knows where they
live, she’ll take me there you can go back to
sleep I will keep you posted “

“ No, I’m coming with.”

“ You don’t have to, you look drained get some

rest please muntomuhle”

“ No I’m coming with, please wait for me to

change into something decent"

I don’t wait for him to reply I scurry to my

bedroom, take off my pajamas and wear a jean,
an oversized tee and my slides. My braids are
untied, my looks are the last thing on my mind
right now I really don’t give a damn about how
I look right now.

“ Let’s go"

I say already heading to the door

I hear him chuckle and then says

“ Damn you’re so stubborn"

We first drive to Sabelo’s house and pick up

Sphe so she can show us to Xolane and
Khutso's houses.
“ Stay in the car muntomuhle, remember you’re
the boys’ teacher so them seeing you here will
raise suspicions”

He says when we park outside Xolane’s house,

he’s our first stop.

“ Okay I understand”

Him and Sphe step out of the car and walk

towards the gate, I watch them until they are
allowed inside the house. Not knowing what’s
going on inside the house is killing me.

“ What did he say?”

I ask the moment they get inside the car, they
didn’t take long inside.

“ He says he left Chillax around 8 last night

apparently that’s the last time he saw him"

He says and buries his face on the steering

wheel

Oh goodness I hope nothing bad happened to

Sabelo.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#38

I don’t know what to think I was so sure we

would find Sabelo with one of his friends or
that his friends would know about his
whereabouts, it feels like we’ve hit a dead end
and I have a bad feeling about this. Something
happened to my boyfriend, I don’t know what
but something definitely happened to him at
this moment I can only pray he’s still alive
wherever he is. After leaving Xolane’s house
babomncane drove me back to my place, I tried
to put up a fight but he wouldn’t hear it so I had
no choice but to wait on him for updates- him
and Sabelo’s father are looking for Sabelo
everywhere including in hospitals, morgues and
even prisons in and around Embalenhle.

“ Calm down sis they’ll find him”

“ I have a bad feeling about this Nele, what if

he’s lying dead in ditch somewhere?”

Tears are flowing down my face like water on a

waterfall

“ Be positive"

“ I’m being realistic, oh God please don’t let

him die. What will I tell my child, how will I
survive without him?”
“ Don’t do this to yourself please"

“ I can’t lose him Anele, I can’t”

I say and release a gut wrenching sob, Anele

pulls me into her embrace and brushes my back
soothingly.

“ You won’t lose him, calm down please

remember stress is not good for the baby"

She’s right but how do I remain calm when I

don’t know where the love of my life is?
“ Please bring my phone I need to call his
uncle"

We exchanged numbers when he dropped me

off

“ Why?”

What does she mean why

“ I want to ask him if they haven’t found

anything yet”

“ If he had something to tell I’m sure he

would’ve called you”
“ I can’t stand the suspense I shouldn’t have
allowed him to convince me to stay behind"

“ He did it for you and the baby, you hardly

slept last night you need to rest”

“ I won’t be able to sleep knowing Sabelo might

be in danger Anele so I won’t even try"

NARRATED
Brandon thought Sabelo slept over at his
girlfriend’s place that’s why he didn’t worry
when he didn’t come back home last night but
he didn’t expect him not to pitch in the
morning knowing very well that they had to
drive to Kinross together for Sabelo's 9AM
appointment with one of his friends, Mr Sebata-
a friend who is willing to mentor Sabelo and
give him business advice and tips since the boy
is looking into starting a small business.

Embarrassed doesn’t begin to describe how he

felt when Sebata called and asked him where
Sabelo is, this is a busy business man who took
time from his busy schedule and agreed to meet
with his son because they were friends but his
ungrateful son didn’t honour their appointment.
He was so angry when he called wanting to
give him an earful but couldn’t because the
phone was on voice-mail, that’s when he sent
his brother to fetch him from Ndalo’s house
what he didn’t expect was to hear that his son
is missing.

He’s been driving around like a mad man

looking for his son and showing his picture to
everyone he meets and asking if they have seen
him but no one knows anything, his phone
rings on the passenger seat he parks his car
next to the road and takes the call.

“ Tell me you found my son Brandon"

He sighs and rubs his head

“ I’m sorry my liefde but I haven’t found
anything yet”

“ What about Ntsika?”

“ He hasn’t contacted me, it means he also

hasn’t found anything”

“ Find my son Brandon, you’re not allowed to

come back in this house without my son. Bring
my son back home Meyiwa"

His wife says and drops the call

He blows out a sigh and mops his face with his
hands, what could’ve happened to his son?
He’s a strong man who can face anything and
everything thrown at him but there’s one thing
he’ll never survive- his son dying on him.

He clasps his hands together, shuts his eyes

with his face raised to the heavens and begins
to pray.

“ Baba I know I'm a sinner who doesn’t have a

right to ask for anything from you but please
spare my son's life protect him wherever he is, I
would never survive losing my son Amen"

He’s not a person who prays hell he doesn’t

even know how to pray but someone once told
him God hears and answers honest, earnest
and sincere prayers and he prayed sincerely
God will surely answer his prayer.

SPHESIHLE

A myriad of thoughts are running through my

mind everytime I think about what could’ve
happened to my brother, Sabelo is more than
just a brother to me- he’s a part of me and I
don’t think I’d survive living without him, I
won’t and I don’t want to live without him.
How would life even be like without my loving
brother? No I can’t lose him.
My mother has been cooped up in her room
since we realized that Sabelo could be in
danger and that he’s not with miss Khumalo
like we initially thought, it’s been more than
three hours since my father and uncle went
looking for him and they still haven’t found
anything about him or what could’ve happened
to him. Each second that passes without
knowing anything about my brother, my other
half is torturous. A knock on the door pulls me
from my thoughts, I jolt up from the couch and
run to the door to open.

“ Mtasekhaya"
Khethelo says and engulfs me in a hug, I burst
into a loud sob and weep in her arms.

“ Shhh, don’t cry baba and babumkhulu will

find him and bring him home"

“ We don’t know that Khethelo”

“ You need to remain positive my love"

She wipes my tears with her palms when we

break the hug and pecks my lips

“ Don’t cry nana wami ne?”

I nod vigorously

Khethelo is only two years older than me but

she always behaves like she’s my mother,
there’s just this motherly warmth about her. I
guess it’s because she’s been playing the
motherly role to her siblings ever since her
mom passed.

“ Sisi Sphesihle”

Nomcebo says launching herself in my arms

“ Hello nunu”
I kiss her forehead and whisk Junior off his feet
taking him into my arms.

“ Hello boy"

“ Hello Sisi Sphesihle”

My uncle’s children feel like my siblings, my

dad and uncle Ntsika are close so we were
raised as siblings not cousins.

“ Did aunt cook or should I?”

That’s Khethelo for you

“ Mom hasn’t left her bedroom since dad and
uncle went looking for Sabelo so I guess you
can cook”

“ Okay"

She says and disappears to the kitchen while I

join Nomcebo who’s already made herself
comfortable on the couch with the remote in
her hands watching cartoons, I guess I will
watch my soapie on catch up then.

“ How are you doing boy boy"

I say pinching Junior’s chubby cheeks, he’s so

adorable you guys. He’s 5 years old, his mom
passed away a few months after he was born.
He’s my uncle’s only son I guess that’s why he
named him after himself- he is Ntsika Junior.

“ I’m okay sisi Sphesihle”

“ Okay cutie pie”

I say and kiss his tiny lips. I’m so glad they are
here with me, their presence is just what I
needed in this difficult time since my mother
chose to lock herself in her room and go
through her emotions alone.

***
It’s a few minutes after 5PM when my father
and uncle walk through the door looking
defeated, judging from their facial expressions
it’s obvious they don’t have any news about
Sabelo. Junior runs to his father when he sees
him, my uncle picks him up and throws him in
the air a couple of times causing him to giggle
gloriously

“ My boy"

Dad says taking him from my uncle

“ Any news on Sabelo?” Khethelo asks

“ Unfortunately nothing my child, we won’t
give up though your uncle hired a PI to help us
look for him. We will find him don’t worry”

He lifts Nomcebo from the couch and lowers

himself next to me putting her on his lap.

“ Where’s your mother?”

Dad asks looking at me

“ In your bedroom, she hasn’t left the bedroom

since you left.”

“ What?”
“ Yes, Khethelo cooked and took her food to
her room but she wouldn’t open the door"

He puts Junior down and walks away without

saying anything

“ I’m so hungry ngicela ungiphakele

mafungwashe ka baba"

( Please dish up for me)

He says looking at Khethelo who immediately

stands up and heads to the kitchen

“ Do you think he’s dead babomncane?”

“ What? Of course not. He’s alive I know he is"

I don’t know who he’s trying to convince, me

or himself.

“ Then why can’t you find him? People die all

the time, let’s not pretend like we don’t know
how dangerous Emba is especially at night"

“ Stop talking nonsense, your brother is okay

and we will find him"

He’s upset so I let him be, my uncle has a quick

hand I might just earn a slap from him if I don’t
control my tongue.
“ Ngiyabonga sthandwa sam"

( Thank you)

He says when Khethelo hands him a dish with

water to wash his hands. Who Khethelo, wife
material that one!

“ Wow must be nice you’re eating while my son

is missing”

My mother says when she walks into the

lounge with my dad behind her, her face looks
red and swollen it’s clear she’s been crying.

“ My liefde …”
“ Don’t you dare talk to me, I told you not to
come back here without my son. Take your
brother and leave my house”

“ Mama wengane zami please don’t do this..”

“ Ungangihlanyisi Brandon ngithe phuma!”

( Don’t make me angry Brandon, I said leave)

She bellows like a mad woman

I’ve never seen my mother act like this, yes

she’s loud but I’ve never heard shouting at my
father much less in front of us.
“ It’s fine, we will leave asambe zalo" uncle

( Let’s go brother)

“ I’ll bring our son home I promise"

Dad says before following his brother to the

door, Junior attempts to follow them but my
mother grabs his hand halting him from his step
and the boy starts crying.

“ Don’t cry mfana ka mamkhulu”

Mom picks him up and walks away with him in

her arms
“ Yoh!”

Khethelo exclaims once my mother is out of

sight

“ I’ve never seen aunt act like that”

“ Me too"

“ I understand she’s worried about her son but

did she have to throw them out?”

“ Yeah, mom is dramatic shem"

I hope the PI they hired finds Sabelo alive
because I don’t see my mother surviving if
anything happens to my brother.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#39

“Please don’t tell me you cried yourself to sleep

again last night"

“ I can’t help it Melo, I feel empty without

Sabelo"
Melo arrived two days ago and I’m really
grateful for her presence here

“ You can’t keep doing to yourself Ses'Ndalo

yini do you want to lose the baby?”

“ Of course not”

“ But you’ll lose it if you keep behaving this

way”

“ I’m trying not to stress but its not easy okay,

it’s been days Melo and there’s still no news
even after a PI was hired"
“ I understand but think about your child,
Sabelo will want to come back to his child not
to news of you having a miscarriage”

“ Do you think he’s still alive?”

“ Yes I do, don’t you?”

“ To be honest with you, I lose hope of finding

him alive with each day that passes. What if he
was robbed, killed and his body was thrown in
a forest or the river?”

“ No no don’t think like that, your boyfriend

will be found and he’ll found alive”
I wish I was as optimistic as Melo is about this
but hopes of finding him alive diminish with
each passing day and it kills me inside.

“ I made you breakfast”

Anele walks into my bedroom with a tray of

food.

“ Thank you sis"

My sister’s have been so supportive during this

tough time I don’t know what I would’ve done
if they were not here with me.

“ Please eat and finish everything on the plate ”

It’s a fruit salad and a tall glass of mango juice,
I really cannot stomach anything heavy and
I’m glad Anele understands that.

“ What are you doing?”

I ask Melo who’s going through my closet

taking out different outfits

“ Picking out an outfit for you"

“ What for?”
“ Come on sis it’s your antenatal check up, I
can’t believe you forgot about it"

“ It completely slipped my mind, how did you

know?”

“ A magician never reveals her tricks"

I know she went through my things I don’t

know if I should chastise her for going through
my things or thank her for reminding me of my
appointment.

Two hours later Melo and I are waiting for an

Uber to take us to the doctor, mogirl insisted on
coming with me since Sabelo isn’t here to go
with me. I’m blessed to have a sister like her

“ Its ringing"

She says handing me my phone

“ Sawubona babomncane”

( Greetings uncle)

“ Yebo Kunjani Muntomuhle?”

( How are you)

“ I’m trying despite the circumstances”

He’s been checking up on me daily since Sabelo
went missing

“ That’s good, the last thing I want is for you to

stress and end up losing my grandchild.”

The Uber arrives, Melo opens the door and

waits for me to climb in before getting inside.

“ Are you on your way somewhere?”

He probably heard the doors opening and

shutting

“ Yes, I’m going to the doctor for my antenatal

check up"
“ Why didn’t you tell me I would’ve asked
Khethelo to take you there, you don’t have to
go through your pregnancy alone we may not
be Sabelo but we are all here for you”

“ Thank you babomncane but I’m not alone my

sister is coming with me"

“ Okay let me not keep you then"

“ Okay babomncane"

.
.

NARRATED

“ What’s on your mind?”

Brandon says disturbing Ntsika’s trail of

thought

“ Nothing why?

Things have been difficult between Brandon

and his wife following Sabelo’s disappearance,
she’s miserable and pushes him away so he’s
been living with his younger brother for the
past week.
“ Because you’ve been starring at that phone
since I walked in. I heard you talking on the
phone who was it?”

“ It was Ndalo, she’s going for her prenatal

check up"

“ Should I be worried zalo?”

He asks with a quirked eyebrow

“ Worried about what?”

“ About you having feelings for my son’s

girlfriend”
“ What?”

“ Cut the bullshit, I know you Ntsika!”

It’s no use lying to him, his brother knows him

like the back of his hand

“ I didn’t mean for it to happen, I don’t even

know how it happened I swear I didn’t mean
for any of this to happen”

“ Wow I can’t believe this, and here I thought I

was seeing things! I kept telling myself my
brother would never do that"
“ I know and I’m sorry, you know I love Sabelo
and I would never do anything to hurt him
zalo"

“ Falling for his girlfriend qualifies as hurting

him”

“ I didn’t plan to okay, it just happened”

“ Ndalo is a child, not only that she’s your

nephew’s girlfriend and she’s carrying my
grandchild Ntsika how do you have feelings for
her?”

“ I don’t know"
He says brushing his head in frustration

The lord is his witness he never meant for any

of this to happen. He just wanted to be there
and support her during this difficult time, it’s
what Sabelo would’ve wanted what he didn’t
anticipate is falling for her- in the few days that
he’s known her he already picked up that she’s
humble, soft spoken, respectful and kind
qualities he always yearned for in a woman.
But she only sees him as an uncle nothing
more, that girl loves his nephew immensely and
that’s why he tried so hard not to see her as
anything but his nephew’s girlfriend. Lord
knows he tried and failed dismally because
even after trying so hard all he sees when he
looks at her is a beautiful woman.
“ I don’t want you anywhere her, I’ll
communicate with her from now on. I
entrusted you with this because I thought you
loved Sabelo like your son but it’s clear I was
wrong”

“ That’s not fair, you know I love Sabelo"

“ Delete her numbers from your phone, I’ll

communicate with her from now henceforth”

He instructs with a deadpan tone, Ntsika knows

not to bullshit him so he presses on his phone
for a while.
“ Done"

He says showing his brother his screen

Brandon is about to reply when his phone rings

disturbing him

“ Tell me you have something for me"

It’s the PI

“ That’s why I’m calling, I found something"

“ Talk man"
Ntsika nudges him and tells him to put the call
on speaker when he looks at him, Brandon
gives him the evil eye before doing what he
asked.

“ I found Sabelo"

“ What!”

The two brother’s exclaim at the same time

“ Yes he’s at Evander hospital, apparently

someone found him lying on the street bleeding
with stab wounds on his stomach and his back
and rushed him to the hospital”
“ What?” Brandon asks

“ We are coming there right now"

****

“ He lost a lot of blood- almost one third of his

blood. You should thank God or whoever you
pray to that your son survived, he would’ve
died if the woman who found him wasn’t a
nurse. She applied pressure to the wound and
kept his legs elevated above the level of the
heart to reduce the rate at which he lost blood.”

Sabelo’s doctor explains

“ How’s my son doing doctor and where’s the
woman who saved his life I need to thank her?”
Brandon

“ Unfortunately your son hasn’t regained

consciousness but he’s stable, the woman who
brought him here left when he was admitted.”

“ Strange” Ntsika

“ It’s been days doctor why hasn’t he woken

up? Should we be worried?”

Sabelo has been unconscious since he was

admitted that’s why it took the PI this long to
find him, no one knew who he was at the
hospital because he had no identification on
him. The boys who stabbed him took his phone
and wallet, so there’s no way anyone could’ve
known who he was.

“ There’s no medical explanation as to why he

hasn’t woken up, all his tests came back clear
he should have regained consciousness by
now”

“ I want to move him to a private hospital close

to home can I do that?”

“ Yes, you can sir I’ll prepare the paperwork"

“ Okay thanks doctor, will he ever wake up?”

“ Yes, he will.”

The doctor says and leaves the ward

“ He doesn’t know what he’s doing, I don’t

trust him.”

Brandon tells his brother once the doctor is out

of sight

“ Me too, how can he tell us he doesn’t know

why Sabelo hasn’t woken up. Didn’t he go to
school for this, he’s supposed to know"
“ I’m just grateful to have found my son alive,
God answered my prayer I wouldn’t have
survived it if I lost him"

“ Me too”

SPHESIHLE

“ Come on let’s go to Evander hospital, your

brother has been found"

My mother says barging into my room

“ What?”

I’m already on my feet changing my sleepwear

“ Yes, hurry up. Your father said we should call

that girl and notify her, what’s her name
again?”

“ Ndalo"

“ Yeah, do you mind calling her?”

“ I don’t mind mom, I’ll call her"

My mother really doesn’t fancy Ndalo but she’s
trying her best to be civil towards her.

“ Ok be ready to leave in 10 minutes, I can’t

wait to see my son"

“ Okay ma"

I dial Ndalo as soon as mom walks out and put

the call on speaker so I can talk to her while
preparing myself.

“ Hey"

“ Miss Khumalo"
It feels weird to call her by name

“ Oh Sphe hi"

She sounds shocked to hear from me but I cant

say I blame her, this is the first time I’m calling
her

“ My brother has been found, he’s at Evander

hospital”

I expect her to say something but she doesn’t

respond so I don’t know if she heard me
“ Ma'am did you hear what I said?”

“ Yes, I heard you"

She says and sniffs, OMG she’s crying.

“ I'm sorry but I had lost all hope of finding him

alive so I’m happy"

“ No it’s okay, you don’t have to explain"

“ Thank you for telling me I’ll uber to the

hospital”

“ Don’t mention it, bye"

“ Bye"

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#40

Tears are shamelessly pouring down my face,

my heart is filled with so much joy. The love of
my life has been found, he’s alive I don’t have
to raise this baby alone.

“ Your father has come back to us my angel"

I say with both my hands on my belly

The possibility of my child not knowing her

father tore me apart, I was raised by both
parents and I want that for my child too- for
her to know a mother and father’s love, yes you
got that right. It’s a girl, mom was right after all
I’m carrying a girl, a little princess. I can’t wait
for her to grow up so we can wear matching
outfits you know serving mother and daughter
goals, damn I can’t wait for my baby girl.

I head to the bathroom to wash my face, all the

tears and snorts ruined my make up. After
wiping it with a bath towel I only apply ponds
and wear earrings and leave my braids untied, I
need to take them off soon they’re getting old.

“ Where are you going?”

“ Melo I don’t report to you"

“ I’m just concerned”

“ I’m going to Evander hospital, Sabelo has

been found”

Relief floods both my sister’s faces, they may

have acted strong but I know they were scared
on my behalf. They know how much Sabelo
means to me, losing him would’ve left me in
tatters.

“ Praise the lord, you almost died" Anele

“ Yo wena she even developed eye bags from

crying herself to sleep"

Melo adds

“ One day you’ll fall in love with someone and

he’ll be the center of your life then you’ll
understand how I felt"

“ Ncoah”
They both say

“ Love is beautiful” Melo

“ Mxm let me get going the Uber is two minutes

away"

“ You should consider buying yourself a car,

you’re spending a lot of money on Uber" Melo

“ I will, especially now that I’ll have a baby. I

will need a car to take her to doctor
appointments and check ups"
The idea of using an Uber with a new-born
unsettles me, babies are super sensitive.

“ Yes, let me love and leave you girls"

“ Bye sis”

****

The Uber just dropped me off at the hospital,

Sphe didn’t tell me which ward Sabelo is in so I
had to send her a text when I got to the
reception so she can come and get me.

“ Miss Khumalo!”
She calls out, I look up from my phone and see
her approaching me

“ You should stop calling me that"

I say when she finally gets to me

“ Calling you any other way sounds awkward”

“ It’s okay I understand”

“ Please follow me"

She says and leads the way to Sabelo’s ward

“ Sanibonani"

( Greetings)

It’s a full house, there’s Sabelo’s parents, his

uncle, a girl and two kids I’ve never met before.
Is this even allowed?

They all return my greetings then Sphe

introduces me to the three people I’ve never
met

“ Family this is Buhlebendalo Khumalo,

Sabelo’s woman"
She says then they all laugh well except for you
know who, I wonder why they always laugh
everytime the word ‘woman’ is mentioned I
should ask Sabelo about it when he finally
decides to wake up.

“ Skoni sami, the beautiful lady over there is

Ntombizokhethelo my sister, the cute girl is my
little sister Nomcebo and this handsome young
man is my brother Junior”

(Sister in law)

It seems everyone in this family is light

skinned, I’m yet to meet a dark skinned person
from this family.
“ Nice to meet you all"

“ Pleased to meet you too Ndalo, you’re

beautiful” Khethelo

Look at the kettle call the pot black, this lady is

gorgeous!

“ Alright family let’s leave and give Ndalo time

alone with Sabelo".

Mr Meyiwa says

They all head to the door, only Mrs Meyiwa

remains behind. To say I’m feeling
uncomfortable would be an understatement I
don’t know what to do or where to look so I
have my eyes fixed on the floor, my hands are
on my braids pulling them.

“ What’s your story?”

She says after a long moment of silence,

awkward silence I must say.

“ Ma?”

“ Ntlwa! You heard me, I asked what your story

is"

“ I have no story"
She looks at me intently

Now I see where the twins got their blue eyes

from, she’s such a beautiful woman if only she
wasn’t such a sferb.

“ You see him? That’s my one and only son if

you dare hurt him you’ll have me to deal with,
he loves you and you better not be taking him
for a ride"

“ I love him too ma and I would never hurt him,

intentionally that is"
“ You better not, or else you’ll have me to deal
with and I promise you don’t want to get on my
bad side"

So there’s another bad side? I thought this was

her bad side mos

“ I won’t hurt him ma, I promise”

“ I’ll be watching you"

She looks at me from head to toe and strolls to

the door, I sigh in relief when the door shuts
close. Yerr that was H for hectic!
Tears burn my eyes when I see how pale
Sabelo looks, he looks nothing like himself he
looks so frail and weak. His lips look dry and
purple, he looks bad but he’s still the most
handsome man I know. Seeing him like this
tears my heart to shreds. I pull a chair and sit
next to him taking his hand into mine

“ Sthandwa sam I almost died when I thought I

lost you, I always knew I loved you but this
past week made me realise just how much. I
love you Sabelo, with everything in me and I
don’t see myself loving anyone like I love you.
You complete me, you’re everything I want and
need in a man. You’re my safe haven, my
happiness and my soul mate life is not worth
living without you in it. Please wake up, I need
you, your family needs you, your daughter
needs you.”

I bring his hand to my lips and kiss his knuckles

“ I went to the doctor today and guess what we

are having a girl, our own little precious. I
would’ve given anything to have you by my
side when the doctor broke the news, I know
you would’ve been so happy vuka Meyiwa I
can’t take this any longer. How am I supposed
to live without hearing your deep husky voice,
you know I’m always horny nowadays so who
do you think satisfies my ever needy nuna? You
know how addicted I am to you, oh gosh I miss
you Sabelo”
I say and wipe my tears

“ Please open those blue eyes of yours and look

at me like only you can, I miss you handsome”

“ Ungabe usakhala Ndoni yami yamanzi ivukile

indoda yakho”

( Don’t cry anymore, your man is awake)

I can’t help but scream in excitement and

throw myself in his arms planting kisses all
over his face

“ Ouch!”
He yelps in pain

“ I’m sorry, sorry”

I say pulling away from his arms

“ Sthandwa…sam..can I..wattter"

“ Oh water, water you want water?"

He nods

I run around the ward like a headless chicken

looking around for water
He shows me where the water is with his
forefinger, I pour the water in a glass and help
him drink.

“ Thank you"

He says after drinking

“ Come join me"

“ Sabelo we won’t fit in that bed, I’m fat

remember”

I’ve gained a lot of weight since I fell pregnant

“ Come, you’ll sleep on top of me if you must. I
need to hold you in my arms"

Sabelo wami mara!

NTSIKA

I’m standing outside Sabelo’s ward looking

through the glass on the door as the two love
birds profess their undying love for each other,
I didn’t leave when I saw Mathapelo stay
behind while everyone else was leaving. I
thought she was going to insult Ndalo so I
stayed behind in case I needed to defend her
from my sister in law. I know I should’ve left
when Mathapelo left but I didn’t, I only moved
away from the door so she wouldn’t see me and
returned when she disappeared down the
corridor.

“ She loves him, you need to forget about her"

I turn around and come face to face with a

woman I’ve never seen before. Trust me I’ve
met many woman in my life but I’ve never met
anyone as beautiful as her.

“ And then wena?”

I ask with a frown on my face

“ Ubiza bani ngo wena, wena?”

She says glaring at me

Yo ayideleli nayi intombazana

“ Oh no, you didn’t!”

“ Uzama ukusabisa bani? Lo buso nyana bakho

abung'thusi, wubani ongathuswa yindoda
empofu awuthi uyadlala bhuti"
( Who are you trying to scare, I’m not scared of
your face, who gets frightened by light skinned
man tell me you’re joking)

I can’t believe a woman just spoke to me in this

manner.

“ Uthini?”

( What did you just way)

I'm looking at her with a disquieting look on my

face, one that gets big men trembling but guess
what? This beautiful stranger looks indifferent
and unaffected
“ Ungizwile akuna moya, hlukana nengane
khehla.”

( You heard me there’s no air, leave the child

alone old man)

Ay shem kuyeyisa loku!

If she keeps this up then I won’t be held

responsible for what I do next

“ Phuma kimi sisi wabantu ngiyakukhuza”

( Leave me alone, I’m warning you)

“ Aisuka pervert busy lusting over a young girl,

you’re so shameless that girl is young enough
to be your daughter. Its man like you who give
other men a bad name"

She says and shakes her non-existent ass

walking away from me, yes non-existent
because there’s nothing there. Unesishwapha
usisi esho ngokuma kabi ngathi yinja iwomelele
i dustbin sies.

How can someone so beautiful have a body

that looks like that? I guess it’s true what they
say- one can’t have it all.

It wasn’t her place but she’s right I need to stop

this nonsense, Ndalo loves Sabelo she would
never look at me twice. Maybe seeing them
together is what I needed to get over her, those
two love each other. I need to get rid of
whatever I think I feel for Ndalo, my nephew
doesn’t deserve this. I’m so ashamed of myself.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#41

To say I’m happy would be putting it lightly,

I’m grateful to be given another chance at life
but I’m most grateful for the daughter God has
entrusted me with. I’m a firm believer in the
notion that everything happens for a reason,
my daughter might have been unplanned but
she’s anything but a mistake- she’s a blessing
and I can’t thank God enough for her. I was
hoping for a son but a princess will do just fine.

After bonding and reconnecting with my

woman, she called Sphe and told her I am
awake it didn’t take five minutes before my
family walked into my ward and I received hug
after hug and I’ll admit it felt good to receive so
much love from my family. The doctor also
came and examined me, he said everything
looks good but he’ll keep me in the hospital for
two more days and monitor my progress to be
certain but for now there’s nothing to worry
about I should recover without any problems.
It’s been over two hours since my family and
Ndalo left I'm tired of sleeping so I’m sitting on
my butt with my back against the headboard
starring at the white walls, it would be better if
I had a phone I’d be keeping myself busy with
it right now but I don’t because those bastards
took it. I’m in a public hospital and there’s no
TV here so you can imagine how bored I am.

A fair skinned lady walks inside the ward and

looks around as though searching for
something or rather someone, her lips stretch
into a big smile when our eyes lock. I’m still
confused trying to figure out why she’s smiling
at me like we’re the best of friends when I see
her approaching my bed.
“ Hey"

She greets still wearing the same big smile on

her face

“ Hi, who are you?”

I’m so confused right now

“ Damn where are my manners, It’s Xoliswa"

Okay!

“ Okay Xoliswa what can I do for you?”

“ Nothing, I just thought I should come and see
how you’re doing. I’m glad you survived, you
were barely breathing the day I found you lying
on the street"

Oh so this is my saviour?

“ You’re the one who found me?”

“ Yes”

I lost hope of ever meeting the nurse who saved

my life when I learned that she left immediately
after I was admitted and refused to give anyone
her name.
“ Wow, I thought I’d never see the face of my
saviour. I was told that you left after I was
admitted and refused to give anyone your
name"

“ That was the plan, when I left I didn’t think

I’d come back”

“ Well I’m glad you did so I can thank you for

saving my life, tell me what can I do to repay
you for saving my life?”

“ You don’t have to do anything, I’m a nurse

and saving lives is my job you don’t have to
thank me”
“ I know but I still want to thank you please
allow me to show you how grateful I am"

“ If you really want to thank me then you can

do so by being my friend”

“ Huh?”

She chuckles

“ I know it’s weird but I could really use a

friend, I’m from Gauteng I transferred to
Mpumalanga a month ago so you can imagine
how lonely it feels. I’m in a different province
far from all my family and friends, I could
really use a friend well that’s if you don’t mind
being my friend"

“ I don’t, but I think my girlfriend would make

a better friend than me"

“ I need friends but I’m not desperate, if you

don’t want to be my friend it’s okay but don’t
push me to your girlfriend”

“ I’m sorry if you feel that way but that’s

not..arg you know what it’s okay I’ll be your
friend”

“ Really?”
“ Yes"

That’s the least I can do for the person who

saved my life right?

NDALO

The word happiness doesn’t begin to describe

how I feel, my boyfriend is awake it’s only a
matter of time before the doctor discharges
him. His dad wanted to transfer him to a
private hospital but he’s awake now and getting
discharged in two days so moving him to a
different hospital will be a waste of time, I
wanted to use an Uber to come back home but
Mr Meyiwa wouldn’t have it he offered me a lift
and guess who sat in the back seat with me?
Yes you guessed it, the one and only Mrs
Meyiwa while Sphe occupied the passenger
seat.

To say the drive was awkward would be an

understatement, why was she sitting at the
back anyway? She didn’t say anything to me
but I could feel her piercing stare the entire
drive but I didn’t dare look at her I pressed my
phone the entire time, I’ve never been so happy
to be home like I was when the car stopped at
my gate- I could finally breath again!
I’m with my sisters in the lounge telling them
all about Sabelo’s recovery and the awkward
trip back home with his parents.

“ So let me get this straight, he was

unconscious all this time but he woke up when
he heard your voice?” Melo

“ Yeah, that’s basically what happened"

“ If that’s not love then I don’t know what

is..you two are just so nunus man” Anele

“ I know right, they are proof that true love still

exists.” Melo
“ Come on, it’s not that deep" I say

“ I’m glad he’s finally awake, that means you

will finally get me that phone"

That’s her way of reminding me about the

phone

“ Yes, I’ll buy your phone Anele"

“ I’m jealous, why is she getting a phone while I

get nothing?. I also passed mos"

“ Come on Melo you can’t compare yourself to

me, you have allowance from Funza Lushaka
plus the one dad gives you I’m sure you can
afford to buy your own phone"

“ Dad also gives you money doesn’t he? Plus

you make money from the shows you and your
group always host"

“ Be considerate Melo, Ses'Ndalo has a baby on

the way she can’t buy both of us phones"

“ In that case you shouldn’t get a phone as

well"

“ Aibo..”

“ That’s enough both of you!”

“ But it’s true Ses'Ndalo Anele and I are both
your sisters you should treat us equally”

“ I honestly don’t know what to do, if it’s not

Nele accusing me of loving you more than I do
her then it’s you doing the same thing. Kanti
mele ngenze njani kuthi nibone kuthi I love you
both equally?”

( What should I do so you can see that)

“ Treat us the same”

“ But I do njena"

Or don’t I?
“ No you don’t treat us the same, you talk to
Melo about everything I’m always the last one
to find out about things. Im sure if I wasn’t here
when Sabelo went missing you wouldn’t have
told me about it"

I’m about to reply when a phone rings

disturbing our conversation, it’s Melo's phone.
Her cheeks turn crimson when she glances at
the screen and see who’s calling her

“ Sunshine"
She says when taking the call and then walks
out of the room, leaving Anele and I in
awkward silence.

“ I’m hungry ses'Ndalo, should I dish up for

us?”

I’m equally hungry but we should wait for

Melo, the last thing I want is to be accused of
favouritism again. I honestly don’t know what I
should do for my sisters to see that I love them
equally, they each play a different role in my
life so obviously the relationship I have with
Anele is going to be different from the one I
have with Melo.
“ Let’s wait for Melo to wrap up her phone call
so we can eat together"

“ Okay”

“ Ses’Ndalo mina ngyaphaka angeke sizofa

yindlala simele umuntu ojolayo"

( I’m dishing up we will die from hunger waiting

on someone who’s talking with her boyfriend)

Anele complains, rightfully so

It’s been an hour since Melo took the call, she’s

in the bedroom but we can hear her giggles and
laughter from the lounge. It’s clear that
whoever she’s busy with on the phone is her
boyfriend

“ Let’s give her five more minutes”

“ What if she takes another hour?”

“ Then we’ll eat without her, if she’s not done

in five minutes we are eating with or without
her"

“ Hmm"

It must be two minutes later when Melo walks

into lounge, Anele doesn’t waste time she
immediately jolts up from her seat and trudges
to the kitchen yeah she loves food that one.

“ Sunshine huh?”

I say beaming at her

“ My lips are sealed"

“ Come on Melo, spill! Who’s he?”

I’m normally not a nosey person but this I’ve

got to hear

“ Promise not to judge?”

“ I’m pregnant for an 18 year old boy trust me
I’m the last person who should judge anyone"

“ Okay, Sunshine is my boyfriend. He’s 11

years older than me"

“ That’s his name, Sunshine?”

She laughs throwing her head back

“ Of course not silly, that’s his pet name"

“ Hmm"
“ 11 years isn’t that bad, so tell me everything
where did y’all meet. How long have you guys
been together, everything nje”

“ Our relationship is still new, I don’t want to

say much for now I want to give it two or three
months then I promise I’ll tell you all about it. I
promise"

“ Okay I understand, you look happy and that’s

all I want. You’ll tell me everything when
you’re ready"

Just then Anele walks in with our food and

serves me first then Melo
“ Thank you little sister"

“ Thank you skeem" Melo

What I love about the relationship I have with

my siblings is that we fight but never hold
grudges against each other.

“ Pleasure, can we bless the food already I’m

really hungry"

Melo and I laugh

It’s really nice to have my sister’s around it

would be nice to permanently live with them
again but we can’t, my parents wouldn’t allow
it my dad is already complaining about both of
them being here so they have to go back home
tomorrow.

NARRATED

“ Baba”

Khethelo calls out but her father doesn’t reply,

he didn’t hear her. His body might be here but
his mind is far away.

“ Baba!”
She says a bit loud this time and it works

“ What’s going on? You haven’t been yourself

since we left the hospital, is there something
wrong?”

Of course she noticed, if she’s not mothering

her siblings then she’s acting like his wife.
Ntsika has no problem with her cooking,
cleaning, washing and ironing his laundry but
he hates it when she expects him to talk to her
about his personal life.

“ I’m okay"
“ No, you’re not okay. Please talk to me daddy"

“ Khethelo I said there’s nothing to talk about

now get out of my sight!”

“ But dad..”

“ Ngithe out!”

( I said)

Khethelo looks at him with tears shimmering in

her eyes before running out of the room.

Hurting his daughter is the last thing he wants

but he knows her, she wasn’t going to stop
prying until he told her what she wanted to
hear. Now tell me how can a father tell his
daughter that he’s in love with a girl who’s 20
years younger than him? Not only that but one
who happens to be his nephew’s baby mama?
This is fucked up, he knows it’s not right and
could potentially ruin the relationship he has
with his nephew but tell that to his heart!

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#42
I’m conflicted I honestly don’t know what to
do, I promised Anele the phone and I feel the
need to buy it for her I mean she kept her end
of her bargain and passed well so it would be
wrong of me not to keep my promise. But
there’s also Melo who insists I should also buy
her a phone if I buy it for Anele, I think Melo is
being unfair and dramatic.

I’m on my way to Evander hospital to visit

Sabelo, I left an hour before visiting time so I
can make a quick stop at the mall and buy him
goodies and something to eat at Spur I’ve been
in hospital before and I know how horrible
hospital food is. There’s a host of people
waiting outside the hospital gate, like myself
they are here to visit their loved ones the time
is 15:55 visiting hours starts at 16:00 to 18:00
so there’s five minutes left before the gates can
be opened and the security allows us to walk
inside the hospital premises. I keep myself busy
on the phone until the gate opens.

“ Sthandwa sam"

That’s the first thing he says when I walk

through the door

“ My love"

“ Come here"
He has his arms stretched wide open, I sink in
his embrace resting my head on his abs taking
in his scent.

“ How’s my daughter doing?”

He asks with his hand on my small bun

caressing it

“ She’s fine daddy"

I pull a chair and sit on his bedside when we

break the hug

“ I brought you these"

I say showing him the plastic with his goodies

“ Thanks my love put them in the drawer, I

can’t wait to indulge”

I see snacks, a bottle of tropica, a basket of

fruits and a take away bag from ocean basket
when I open his bedside drawer

“ Who brought you these?”

“ Xoliswa”

“ Who’s that?”
“ A friend”

I’ve never heard of a Xoliswa who’s a friend of

his before but okay

“ Okay”

“ You look stressed what’s up?”

“ I’m okay there’s nothing wrong"

“ Don’t lie, I know there’s something bothering

you"
Sometimes I forget how well he knows me

“ It’s my sisters they are stressing me out

shem”

“ What’s happening?”

“I promised to buy Anele a phone if she passes

her grade11 well and she did and now that I
want to buy her the phone Melo also wants
one.”

“ Melo is being unfair”

“ Exactly what I thought, now I’m being
accused of favoritism I honestly don’t know
what to do"

“ Buy Anele the phone, you promised her and

it’s only fair for you to keep your promise. If
you can afford to you can also buy one for
Melo but if you can’t then you shouldn’t”

“ I wish it were that easy"

“ It is, you shouldn’t allow your sisters to

manipulate you Melo is being unfair”

“ Yeah, you’re right. This is why I love you so

much, you’re so wise"
He grabs my hand and plant his soft lips on my
palm

“ You’re amazing don’t forget that"

He says looking into my eyes

Someone clears their throat behind me, I shift

uncomfortably and try to retract my hand from
his grasp but Sabelo doesn’t let me.

“ Xoliswa"
He says looking at this person standing behind
me, I haven’t seen her face but from the whiff
of her perfume I already know she’s a
sophisticated lady.

“ Sabelo"

“ Please come closer"

She shuffles towards the bed and stands next to

me and that’s when I get a chance to look at
her face. Damn she’s so beautiful if he didn’t
refer to her as ‘Xoliswa’ I would think that she’s
Amanda du Pont, she looks so much like her.
“ Sthandwa sam this is Xoliswa the nurse who
saved my life, Xoliswa this is Indoni yami
yamanzi the woman who has my heart
Buhlebendalo is her name but you can call her
Ndalo"

I jolt up from my sit and stretch my hand out to

her with a big smile on my face

“ Nice to meet you sisi and thank you for

saving his life, you have no idea what you did
for us. I’m very grateful”

“ Nice to meet you too what’s your name

again? Oh Ndalo”
She says and turns her head to look at Sabelo
completely ignoring the hand I stretched out to
her, I shamefully retract my hand and slowly
sink back to my seat.

“ How are you feeling today handsome?”

Sabelo looks at me and then her

“ I don’t appreciate you treating my woman

like that, if you want our friendship to work
then you’ll need to treat my woman with the
respect she deserves. I won’t tolerate anyone
who treats her badly”
“ What did I do? I’m sorry if there’s anything I
did to offend you Ndalo"

Such a pretender!

“ It’s okay" I say

“ No it’s not okay. Xoliswa do you mind coming

back some other time? As you can see now is
not a good time I’m with my lady and we need
to bond”

The way I’m so ashamed right now, Sabelo is

rude yoh!

“ Ok no problem it was nice to meet you Ndalo"

“ Nice to meet you too Xoliswa”

“ Oh and next time don’t show up

unannounced”

Mara Sabelo! It’s not like she can call him or

did he forget that he doesn’t have a phone?

“ Oh okay"

She says with a low voice and half runs to the

door
“ Sabelo you were so mean to the poor girl, the
same one who saved your life"

“ Serves her right for thinking she can treat you

like that, saving my life doesn’t make her the
boss of me”

“ But she apologized mos”

“ Angihlangani mina, I miss you so much my

love I can’t wait to leave this God forsaken
place and be with you behind closed doors”

( I don’t care)

.
.

NARRATED

“ Good evening family"

Junior runs to his father, Ntsika bends to catch

him and throws him in the air a couple of time
causing the boy giggle's to fill the entire lounge

“ Princess"

He says ruffling Nomcebo's big puffy afro

The girl flashes a smile acknowledging her

father before her focus goes back to the screen,
he settles next to Khethelo placing Junior on
his lap and looks at his daughter.

“ Mafungwashe didn’t you hear me greeting

you?”

“ I heard you baba"

“ So why didn’t you respond?”

“ I did baba maybe you didn’t hear me"

She’s lying and he knows it

“ Are you angry at your old man?”

“ No baba I’m not"

She says yet her eyes are glistening with tears

“ I’m sorry for how I spoke to you yesterday,

please forgive me my love”

“ I forgive you"

“ Thank you, I’m going to my room to take a

quick shower please tell me when your uncle
gets here we are going to the hospital to visit
your brother"
“ Okay, I’ll send Cebo to call you when he gets
here"

“ Thanks sthandwa sika baba"

He says pinching her cheeks

“ Baba stop it"

She says giggling

“ That’s the beautiful smile I wanted to see”

****
Brandon left his car at his brother’s house then
the two brothers drove to the hospital in his
bakkie with Ntsika behind the wheel, there’s no
way Brandon would drive when his younger is
there in this family it doesn’t matter how old
you think you are but elders are always shown
respect. Ntsika might be rude and cheeky but
he has never back chatted or raised his voice to
his older brother.

“ I saw you yesterday”

Brandon says suddenly

Ntsika’s heart jumps to his throat, his hands

shake and sweat runs down his down his spine
when he thinks about Brandon seeing him
peeking at his nephew and Ndalo. Did he see
him?

“ What did you see zalo?”

He asks trying to hide the fear in his voice

“ I saw you looking at Sabelo and Ndalo”

He swallows nothingness and fixes his gaze on

the road

“ You’re my little brother, my only sibling and

the only surviving direct relative I have except
for my wife and kids"
Brandon says in soft yet cold voice.

Ntsika doesn’t respond he just keeps

swallowing nothingness

“ If you keep doing what you’re doing, I’ll be

forced to forget all about the love I have for you
and snap your neck. Don’t tempt me
Ntsikayomzi, don’t!”

And he knows not to mess with Brandon, like

they always say beware of the quiet ones!

.
SABELO

It’s seven in the evening we just had our

supper, I’m sleeping on my back starring at
ceiling counting to 100 trying to get myself to
fall asleep I was told counting down helps one
to fall asleep.

“ Meyiwa”

My father calls out just when I feel myself

drifting off to sleep visiting hours are over how
is he here?, I open my eyes and find him and
my uncle standing next to my bed.

“ Sanibona"
I fix the pillows and sit up with my back against
the pillows

“ How are you doing my son?”

“ I'm okay dad feeling better than I did

yesterday”

“ That’s good, you’ll be getting out of here

soon"

My uncle says
I don’t know but he doesn’t look like himself,
he looks uneasy nje and I sense some tension
between him and my dad, if I didn’t know
better I’d say they’re fighting but that’s not
even a possibility these two love each other
and I’ve never seen them fight since I was born.

“ The nurse who saved my life came to check

up on me yesterday”

“ Wow, who is she?” Dad

“ She said her name is Xoliswa"

“ You should take her number the next time she
visits, I’d like to properly thank her for saving
your life"

“ I tried but she says she was only doing her

job, she only wants me to be her friend in
return"

My father looks at my uncle and they

simultaneously shake their heads in
disapproval

“ That’s not normal, why would she want to be

your friend? I don’t trust her"

Uncle says and my dad echoes his sentiments

“ Yeah why would she want to be your friend,
out of everyone why choose you?”

“ She says she just moved to Mpumalanga from

Gauteng a month ago so she doesn’t have any
friends”

“ But still why you? I hope you refused to be

friends with her" Uncle

“ Of course he did, he’s not stupid he obviously

wouldn’t agree to befriend that girl right son?”

My father asks looking at me but I cast my eyes

down
“ Don’t tell me you stupidly agreed to being
friends with her, I thought you were smarter
than this. I don’t trust this girl too many
unusual things about her, first she brought you
here and refused to give anyone her name then
she suddenly reappears after you woke up
wanting to be friends with you"

“ I agree with you Zalo something doesn’t add

up here, what if she’s working with the people
who stabbed you" Uncle

“ No, I don’t think so. I was stabbed by two

novice criminals- they’re new to this, they
didn’t know what they were doing. It was
probably their first time doing this”
“ Yet they still stabbed you and left you for
dead, what exactly happened Meyiwa?" Dad

I narrate everything that happened that fateful

night not leaving out a single detail

“ We need to talk to your friends something

doesn’t add up here” Dad

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#43
“ Time for your medicines big boy"

A nurse says pushing a trolley towards us, I

turn around and guess what? It’s that
disrespectful assless lady from the other day oh
so she’s a nurse.

“ Gentleman I’m sorry but my patient needs to

take his pills and rest so I’m going to ask you
two to leave"

Damn she’s so beautiful, I have never seen an

angel in my life but I promise she looks like
one.
“ No problem sisi we will leave, goodnight son
I’ll pass by here tomorrow after work to pick
you up alright?”

“ Alright dad"

My brother fist bumps his son and walks out of

the ward

“ And then wena usakhamiseleni la?

Angishongo kuthi nihambe?”

( Why are you still here didn’t I say you should

leave)

She says in a low voice I don’t think Sabelo

heard her
Ay cha kuyadelela loku shem, funny how she
was speaking respectfully when my brother
was here. So it’s me she’s not scared of?

“ Ukhuluma nobani kanjalo wena?”

( Who are you talking to like that)

“ Do you see anyone else here?”

She says and bumps me on purpose

I watch as she sways her non-existent behind

underneath that navy skirt, she’s so confident
and so sure of herself it’s evident in the way
she walks.
“ Bye son I’ll see you soon"

“ Bye uncle"

“ Bye nurse…”

I squint my eyes and read the name on her

name tag

“ Nurse Ziphozenkosi"

“ Bye jerk"
She says with a smile that she quickly tries to
hide when I look at her, damn there’s just
something about her.

NDALO

I’m with my sisters at the mall doing grocery

shopping, I took Sabelo’s advice and bought
Anele the phone- Melo has more than enough
money to buy herself a new phone if she wants
I made a promise to Anele not to her for
obvious reasons. She mopped around for
sometime after I bought Anele the phone and
got over it when neither of us entertained her
tantrum eh ngingatshobela amabele abo
Melokuhle yo asoze!

Anele is the one pushing the trolley, y’all know

Melo is lazy mos so she is just toiling behind us
with her phone in hand taking selfies on snap
chat. I reach for the only all gold tomato sauce
left on the shelf but someone beats me to it and
grabs it before I can.

“ You snooze you lose”

I lose my balance, trip and almost fall when I

see who the voice belongs to.

“ It’s you!”
“ Are you okay Ses'Ndalo?”

Says Melo standing next to me

“ I’m fine Melo"

“ No you’re not, you almost fell"

Melo and being dramatic same WhatsApp

group

“ I’m okay, trust me"

Xoliswa clears her throat to gain back our
attention

“ I’m sorry I took it first but the early bird

always catches the fattest worm"

She says then laughs

“ Ok who are you and what do you want with

my sister?” Melo

“ Aw easy tiger, I’m a friend tell her Ndoni

yakhe yamanzi"

Aibo what’s this girl playing at?

“ Ok bitch who are you and what do you
want?”

Anele asks sizing her up

My sisters are always ready to fight shem

“ Anele leave her alone, she’s not worth it let’s

continue with our shopping"

“ That’s not a very nice thing to say to

someone who saved your man’s life, thanks to
me your child will get to meet his father"
She says looking at my stomach

“ You’re getting on my last nerve wena,

Ses’Ndalo why are you letting her speak to you
like this?”

Says a fuming Melo next to me

“ Push that trolley Anele and let’s go" I say

“ What!”

My sisters exclaim at the same time

“ Listen to your sister girls, she knows best. Bye
preggy”

This girl is definitely up to something shem, I

have a bad feeling about her.

SABELO

“ Time for breakfast big boy”

Nurse Ziphozenkosi says and hands me a bowl

of porridge
I like this woman, she’s been taking good care
of me since I regained consciousness. She’s so
kind and ever sweet, nursing is definitely her
calling- she’s passionate about her job. She
feels like a mother away from home, I’m not
the only one who likes her though everyone in
the ward sings her praises.

“ Umdoko ma ouledy?”

( It’s porridge)

“ Hey wipe that look off your face, porridge is

good for you big boy dlana ke mfanami uzoba
strong ndzee"

( Eat so you will be strong)

You’d swear she’s talking to a toddler shem

“ Okay ngizodla ma ouledy"

( I’ll eat)

“ That’s my boy"

She pulls my chin and moves to serve the next

patient

I love porridge but I can’t stomach the one they

cook here iyo I don’t know how they cook it
but it tastes horrible plus you can’t even taste
the sugar, well that’s if they add sugar ngeke
uthembe e South Africa who knows maybe the
hospital’s director chowed the money to buy
sugar haha I’m kidding.

I force myself to eat the horrible porridge

because I know Nurse Z won’t play with me
when she gets here and finds the bowl still full.
The doctor normally does his rounds around 11
in the morning, so I know it’s 11 when he walks
inside the ward and approaches my bed with
nurse Ziphozenkosi next to him. He’s carrying
what I presume is my file

“ Good morning…Sabelo Meyiwa"

He says reading my name from the file

“ Good morning doctor"

“ How are you feeling this morning?”

“ I’m feeling much better than I did yesterday”

“ That’s good, untie the bandage I want to see

how his wounds look today"

He instructs Nurse Z who does as told

“ Looks good, how’s the pain? Rate it on a scale

of 1 to 10 with 10 being the extreme"

The doctor says

“ It’s not too bad so I’d say 4”

“ Good good, I don’t see why I should keep you

here any longer I’m discharging you. Zenkosi
please wash and dress his wounds, bye boy I
never want to see you in hospital again stay
away from trouble"

“ Thank you doctor will definitely do that"

“ Bye"

He walks away leaving me with the nurse

She keeps the wrapper of the gauze sterile
while wetting the new wound dressing with a
saline wound wash, then she carefully cleans
my wounds with saline spray and gently wraps
a fresh bandage around my wounds.

“ I’m going to miss you when you leave”

“ I’ll definitely miss you too ma ouledy”

“ As much as I’ll miss you Sabelo I never want

to see you here again, stay out of trouble my
son. You’re still young and you have a your
whole life ahead of you, study and make
something out of yourself so your child can be
proud to call you her dad"
Yes she knows about the baby, I told her about
it.

“ Thank you ma”

“ Pleasure my son, I’ll have to love and leave

you now. Bye”

“ Bye"

I know it’s 4 in the afternoon when Ndalo

walks in with a plastic from woolies in her
hands
“ Sthandwa sam"

“ Baby"

“ Come give me a kiss"

“ Ha Sabelo what will people say"

I laugh, I knew she would refuse

“ Come on baby just a peck ke, I miss those

juicy lips”

“ Sabelo"
“ Please mamas"

She laughs

“ Ew don’t call me that, I hate that name"

“ Aw ngizathini kunini ngincenga, woza phela

hawu"

( What can I say, I’ve been begging. Please

come)

She checks the coast before leaning in for a

kiss, I wrap my arm around her waist and suck
on her lips.
“ Sa..hmmm…ba..hmmm"

She eventually stops fighting it and we kiss

until we hear people cheering and whistling
pulling us back from the world where only the
two of us exist.

“ Mara Sabelo!"

She says hiding her face in the crook of my

neck feeling shy

“ There’s no need to feel shy babe, you only

kissed your man there is absolutely nothing
wrong in doing that"
I shift and make space for her to sit on the bed

“ But this is a hospital not our bedroom”

“ It’s all your fault baby why did your lips have
to be so damn appetizing”

“ Stop it"

“ Yini is your clit twitching?”

“ Come on baby stop talking dirty"

“ You want me too, I can see it in your eyes"

“ Mxm u dom yaz', kanti ain’t you discharged
why are you still here?”

“ Yet you’re here, ufunani nawe la if I’m

discharged?”

She laughs

“ I was taking chances"

“ I am discharged but I’m waiting for my dad to

pick me up"

“ Does it have to be him?”

“ Yini do you want me to go with you back to
your place and do naughty things to you?”

“ Sabelo stop it"

“ Okay I’ll stop, how’s my daughter doing

today?”

I ask with my hand under her top brushing her

baby bun

“ She’s good, she’s a sweet girl who never

troubles her mommy"

“ That’s good I can’t wait to go with you on

your next doctor’s appointment with you"
“ Me too"

“ What’s in that plastic?”

“ I was doing grocery shopping and saw this

beautiful t shirt for you at woolies, I swear it
will suit you so I bought it for you"

“ You know how I feel about you buying things

for me"

“ Come on Sabelo stop being a spoilsport I saw

a t shirt and loved it for you is it so wrong for
me to buy something for my boyfriend?”
She bellows drawing the attention of the other
patients in the ward

“ No, please don’t get upset"

“ Tell me you’ll accept my gift then”

“ Okay I will, pass me the plastic let me see"

She hands me the plastic, I open it and find two

t shirts and a pair of jeans from Markham. I
look at her and she looks at me with puppy
eyes

“ No Sthandwa sam this is too much"

“ Please accept it , I swear this is the last time I
buy you clothes"

She’s such a liar, I know this is not the last

time. Am I blessed or am I blessed?

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#44

“ Bitch where are you?”

“ I’m coming"

“ That’s what you’ve been saying for the past

15 minutes”

I giggle

“ I’m for real this time give me two minutes

then I’ll be there”

“ Okay"

She hangs up
I’m meeting with Nthabi for lunch and I’m
running late, I woke up in time what delayed
me was not finding anything to wear. All of the
clothes I normally wear when I’m going out
don’t fit. I literally cried for a good five minutes
before slipping into a maxi dress, I didn’t want
to look average I wanted to look great but I
guess I have no choice but to accept I’ve gained
weight and start buying new clothes.

“ Hey”

“ I’m so angry at you right now, do you know

how long I’ve been waiting?”

“ I’m sorry friend, come on give me a hug"

She rolls her eyes and presses her phone

“ Come, you know you want to"

“ Only because you look so cute”

I pull her into an embrace and hold on to her

tight the moment she stands on her feet, I’ve
missed this crazy girl.

“ Awusemuhle nje, entlek u yellow yeva"

( You look beautiful, you’ve gained

complexion)
“ Come on"

“ No I’m serious umuhle my chomi, hey little

one”

She says with her hands on my baby bun

“ She says hello aunt Nthabi"

“ I can’t wait to meet you"

“ That makes the two of us friend, have you

ordered?”

We break off the hug and settle down

“ No, I was waiting for you I didn’t want to
order incase there’s something you don’t eat"

“ I eat everything my love, this pregnancy is a

breeze"

“ Lucky fish, so you still don’t want to tell me

who the father is?”

“ I’ll tell you in due time"

“ Hmm”
She snaps her fingers and a waiter comes
running to our table, he takes our orders and
excuses us.

“ So what’s been happening in your life?

Anything interesting to tell me about?”

“ Of course there is”

“ Spill the tea girl"

“ Says someone who’s hiding things from me"

“ Come on Nthabi"
“ Okay I’ll tell you ngoba vele iyangishisa yoh
kunini ngifuna ukuk'tshela, angina sfuba mina I
can never be you"

( I can’t keep it in any longer, I’ve been

meaning to tell you. I’m not secretive)

We laugh

“ Ngikwazi kahle shem"

( I know you too well)

“ So masivala ngihambe no Madontsela,

Mathobela, Tsotetsi no Mnguni saya ka
Tsotetsi”
( When we closed at work I left with
Madontsela, Mathobela, Tsotetsi and Mnguni
and went to Tsotetsi's house)

I hate Tsotetsi, he’s such a pervert

“ So you were the only female?”

“ Yeah, you know how the girls at work are

mos so nje angibakhoni ngingagcina ngiba
shayile mina shem you’re the only girl I chill
with at work"

( I can’t stand them I’d most probably end up

beating them)

“ Okay khuluma phela what happened next?”

( Talk)

“ Hao safika sawosa inyama sathenga utshwala

sabudedela goet, angazi kwenzakaleni but
ngivuke ngincunu and guess who was next to
me?”

( When we got there we braaid meat and

bought alcohol and drank ourselves crazy, I
don’t know what happened but I woke up
naked)

“ Tsotetsi”

“ Hai sies wena! It was Mathobela"

An involuntary scream escapes my lips causing
all the patrons inside the restaurant to look at
me

“ I’m sorry”

They look at me and go back to their food

Nthabi breaks into a fit of laughter

“ Unamanga wena"

( You’re lying)

“ Stru, I am telling you"

“ I told you that you guys want each other
ayikho le yenu"

“ Ya"

“ So how was it?”

“ Wait mzala don’t rush, so we woke up and

looked at each other hao jiki jiki umuntu starts
kissing me and I kissed him back yuuuu that
kiss was magical wena it had giant butterflies
fluttering inside my tummy yey icabuzana leya
ndoda embi ungayi nyatsi"

( That ugly man can kiss don’t underestimate

him)
I squeal like a kid seeing candy

“ When we broke the kiss bengimanzi nte

ngimfuna la, yo ngamtshela mina ngathi
angizwise plus vele angikhumbuli nex yey
wakhipha ukhono umuntu wangphendu
phendula angazi ngiqhame kay'ngakhi"

( I was wet, I told him I wanted the D plus I

couldn’t remember what happened the
previous night. He showed off all his skills and
flipped me around doing positions I’m not
familiar with, I don’t know how many times I
reached my climax)

“ Wow"
“ And we’ve been shagging ever since but I
want us to be official now how do I tell him?”

SABELO

It’s been a week since I was discharged from

the hospital, my mother cleans and dresses my
wounds with antiseptic everyday so I'm healing
just fine. There’s only a week left before we
welcome the new year, hopefully the new year
will be good to me. A lot of things happened in
the present year but falling in love with Ndalo
has to be the highlight.
My dad went to Xolane and Khutso's homes to
question them regarding the day I was stabbed
and left for dead on the street but he didn’t find
them apparently both of them are out of the
province visiting their families in the rural areas
for December holidays.

Mom still doesn’t like Ndalo but she has finally

realised how much I love her and that there’s
nothing she can do about it so she has no
choice but to tolerate and be nice to her
everytime she comes to visit me, yes Ndalo has
been visiting me every single day without fail
since I got discharged from the hospital. It feels
nice to love her openly I no longer have to hide
her like she’s some dirty secret, everyone who
matters to me knows about Ndalo and they all
accepted her well except for my mother.

I’m in bedroom with Junior playing video

games when a knock on the door disturbs us

“ Ngena!” Junior

I can’t help but laugh, the little man has grown.

In walks my mother with Xoliswa behind her

What the fuck is she doing her, how the hell did
she know where I live?

“ Sabelo this girl here says she is looking for

you"
“ Okay thank you ma"

I expect my mother to walk out but she doesn’t,

she stands next to the door giving me a look I
can’t decipher.

“ Ma, is there anything else?”

“ No, nothing come boy"

Junior runs to the door and leaves with my

mother

“ What are you doing here?”

“ Ain’t we friends? I came to visit you"

She throws her handbag on my bed and looks

around my room with her hands tucked in her
back pockets

“ Visit me? How did you know where I stay?”

“ I asked around"

My father was right, this girl is definitely up to

something
“ Look thank you for saving my life I really
appreciate what you did but I don’t think it’s a
good idea for us to be friends”

“ Wow, let me guess sphongo is the one who

put you up to this?”

No, she didn’t!

“ Excuse me who?”

“ U spho..”

I throw a back clap before she can complete the

sentence. She cradles her cheek in her palm
and looks at me like she doesn’t believe I just
slapped her.

“ Tell me you didn’t just slap me!”

“ Yes I did, and I’ll do it again if you ever think

of disrespecting Ndalo in my presence ever
again”

“ You’ll regret this I swear, you better watch

your back”

“ Voetsek!”

She grabs her bag on my bed and storms out of

the room. Damn the nerve of that girl to call my
girlfriend names in front of me, I’m not one to
put my hands on a woman but I’d be lying if I
said I regret smacking her because I don’t the
bitch deserved it.

My mother walks in a few minutes after

Xoliswa stormed out

“ Sabelo who taught you to put your hands on a

woman?”

She’s fuming, I’ve never seen her look so angry

“ She deserved it"

She grabs everything she finds next to her and
throws it my way, I duck and dive until there’s
nothing else she can throw at me.

“ I will not have a son who beats up woman

you hear me? I don’t care what she did but you
had no right to put your hands on her I didn’t
raise you like that!”

“ I’m sorry ma"

I apologize for the sake of peace but I still don’t

regret smacking that girl, angifuni kabi
ukujwayelwa kabi mina!

“ Who’s that girl anyway?”

“ She’s the nurse who saved my life”

“ The one who didn’t want to tell anyone her

name?”

“ Yes, she came to see me at the hospital a

week ago I thought dad told you"

“ No, he didn’t tell me anything"

“ Okay, she’s the one who saved my life"

“ So why did you slap her, what is she even

doing here?”
“ She’s my friend"

I lie, telling her the truth would definitely cause

her to worry. There’s a reason dad didn’t tell
her about this

“ Friend? Then why did you slap her?”

“ I..I..”

How do I get myself out of this one?

“ You you what? She’s not your friend right?”

“ Ma please what’s with the 21 questions”

My statement infuriates her, she starts yelling

at me.

“ This is my house and I’ve got every right to

question you, look Sabelo you came here no
gogo wakho telling me you’re in love with her.
U gogo wabantu is even pregnant for you, I told
you are still young and know nothing about
love but you assured me you loved her hell you
even cried begging me to accept her. I don’t
like her but I tried to accept her because I love
you”

Where is she going with this?

“ This is my house if you want to learn to be a
player go do your nonsense somewhere else
not in my house, you introduced us to your old
girlfriend and that’s the only person who’ll be
allowed inside this house. Yes I don’t like her
but I won’t stand by and watch you play with
that poor girl while she’s pregnant with your
child, the poor child has been coming here all
week to check up on you and you go and do
this to her? I don’t know ubufundephi ubufebe
kodwa ngeke ubenze la kwami. Kukwami la
akusise tavern la kungena isdudla namhlanje
islender ksasa, omhlophe omnyama no green
ngazi ugogo mina and wuye kuphela uzongena
la"
( where you learnt whoring but you’ll not do it
in my house. This is my house not a tavern
where you’ll bring a fat girl today and a slender
one tomorrow, a light skinned one, a dark one
and a green one. I know ‘gogo' and she’s the
only one who’ll be allowed inside this house)

Damn does this mean mom finally accepts

Ndalo? Wow I never saw it coming. Who
would’ve thought that one day she’d be so
angry even sweating while defending Ndalo
against me, the same Ndalo she hated? Mehlolo
can happen!

“ Usinekani wena?”

( Why are you grinning)

“ You like her ne?”

“ Who?”

“ Ndalo"

“ Mxm uyabheda kanti, I’m serious Sabelo I

don’t ever want to see that girl in my house
again. Today better be the first and last time
she came here”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#45

There’s no way you can be with Nthabi and not

have a good time, yesterday was fun I was
laughing non-stop from all Nthabi’s crazy talk I
always suspected that there was something
between her and Mathobela but thought maybe
I’m seeing things when both of them kept
denying it. I hope Mathobela is on the same
page as Nthabi because my friend honestly
deserves to be happy, she’s been through a lot
she needs a break. All her past relationships
have left her broken, she deserves to
experience the wonderful feeling of being in
love with someone who loves you just as much
as you love them. Amazing I tell you.
I just got out from the shower I’m applying my
pomegranate body lotion and reaching to my
feet is proving impossible with each passing
day, my phone reverberates on bed, it’s Sabelo.
His father bought him a new phone, losing his
Redmi was a blessing in disguise because his
dad bought him another iPhone. Talk about
being privileged!

“ Baby”

“ Sthandwa sam, please tell me you’re on your

way here"
“ Lutho I’m still struggling to apply lotion on
my feet, awazi ngijuluka kanjani before I can
do it"

(How I sweat)

“ Askies, wait for me I’ll come pick you up"

“ Okay"

“ Yes don’t strain yourself I’ll come help you

out"

“ Thank you baby"

“ See you soon"

I just lay on the bed in my nakedness until I
hear Sabelo’s knock on the door, I wear a gown
and head to the front door to open for him.

“ Sthandwa sam"

He pulls me into his arms and plants a kiss on

my forehead

“ I miss you"

We didn’t see each other yesterday because I

went out for lunch with Nthabi and came back
home late.
“ I miss you too"

I lead the way to my bedroom, remove my

gown and throw myself on the bed after giving
Sabelo my body lotion. He holds my feet and
laughs out loud instead of applying the lotion

“ Yini?”

(What’s wrong)

“ Le nyawo aligezwanga angeke! Ulibonile li

mpunga kanjani ay ngyala"

( You didn’t wash this foot I refuse! Did you see

how ashy it is)

He says in between laughter

“ Are you trying to say I don’t know how to
wash myself properly?”

“ No my love, don’t feel bed you can’t reach

your feet so it’s understandable if you can’t
wash them properly”

“ Wow"

“ There’s absolutely nothing to be embarrassed

about my love, you’re pregnant you shouldn’t
be living on your own you need someone to
help you out”

That’s true
“ Let’s go take a shower I’ll join you"

He takes off his clothes and the sight of his

member has me squeezing my legs together, it’s
been a while since him and I got intimate. We
couldn’t exactly have sex in his parent’s house
especially since I go there during the day

After adjusting the temperature of the water we

step into the shower and he lathers my body
with shower gel and delicately washes my body
with a bath towel

“ Ahhhh"
I cant help but moan, his hands feel so damn
good on my body.

“ Babe you better stop moaning otherwise I’ll

have you right here and now"

How can I stop when his touch sends waves of

pleasure all over my body?

“ What if I want you to have me?”

I say stroking his big meat with my hand

He smashes his lips into mine and kisses the

living daylights out of me, my hands roam all
over his body not knowing where to touch….#
removed

After our steamy session in the shower we take

another shower, an innocent one this time then
he helps me lotion and to put on my clothes
and shoes.

“ Do we have to go to your house? I mean

you’re already here cant we spend time
together away from everyone?”

“ I’d love that but we have to go to my house,

the thing is Khethelo woke up early and
prepared some amazing dishes for you since
she knew you were coming. She’ll be so
disappointed if you don’t come"
“ Okay, let’s go but tomorrow you’re coming
here right?”

“ Definitely”

“ In that case let’s go mister"

He holds my hand and leads the way to the his

mother’s car, a red BMWX5. We sing along to
the songs playing on the radio until we drive
into his yard

“ Ndalo!”
Junior says when we walk through the door, he
runs to me and hugs my knees, I wish I could
pick him up but he’s too heavy so I just brush
his head and pinch with his chubby cheeks.

“ Sanibonani"

They all return my greetings

“ Where is mom?”

Sabelo asks looking at his sisters but they both

blatantly ignore him looking everywhere but his
direction

Okay what’s going on?

“ Where’s mom Cebo?”

“ I don’t know buti Sabelo"

She replies quickly before her focus goes back

to her cartoons, this girl loves TV shem. She
hardly ever speaks.

“ You’ll find me in the bedroom sthandwa sam”

“ Okay love"

He pecks my forehead and walks away

“ Hao girls why are you giving my man the
silent treatment?”

Like no man I’m hurt on his behalf

“ Ask him” Khethelo

“ And he better tell you the truth” Sphe

I wonder

“ Anyway I hope you’re hungry because I

prepared something delicious for you, I hope
you eat oxtail and dumplings”
“ I do"

“ Thank God, let me dish up for you"

She says already making her way to the

kitchen, mabathi umuntu unempatho basuka
bekhuluma ngo Khethelo ai shem the girl will
feed you and make you feel comfortable.

“ Results are coming out in less than two weeks

are you not scared?”

“ I’m terrified but I know I passed I only hope I

got at least four distinctions”
“ Stop doubting yourself I wouldn’t be shocked
if you happen to get all 7”

“ You think so?”

“ Yes"

Sphe is so intelligent shem, she’s one of those

learners who will have you think twice before
you think of going to class unprepared.

The delicious smell of Khethelo’s food hits my

nostrils before Khethelo emerges from the door
with a tray in her hands.

“ I hope you’ll enjoy it"

“ Trust me I will"

Like they say we eat with our eyes before we

eat with our mouths and this food before for my
eyes looks delicious.

SABELO

It’s been over an hour since I left Ndalo with

my sisters in the lounge, knowing Khethelo
she’s probably feeding her everything we have
in the house and Ndalo is just too nice she’ll
probably eat everything not wanting to
disappoint her so I wear my shoes and head to
the lounge to rescue my woman . I find her
sitting on the couch while Khethelo is sitting
cross legged on the carpet with Ndalo’s foot on
her lap applying nail polish on her toenails,
how sweet is Khethelo kodwa?

“ Sthandwa sam I’ve been waiting for you"

“ Sorry love, wait for me Khethelo is almost

done.”

“ No come let’s go I’ll pick up where she left

off"

“ Thank you so much Khethelo”

Ndalo says standing up

“ My pleasure Ndoniyamanzi”

“ What’s going on between you and your

sisters?”

That’s the first thing she asks when get to my

bedroom

“ First sit on the bed and put your leg on my

lap”
Funny enough she doesn’t protest, she does as
I ask and I apply the nail polish on her toenails

“ So what happened?”

“ Xoliswa was here yesterday, I don’t know

where she got my address from but she rocked
up here asking for me. Now my mom and both
my sisters believe I’m cheating on you with her,
I tried to explain myself but they won’t hear it.
They think I’m cheating on you that’s why
they’re not talking to me.”

“ Shem my poor baby being punished for

something you didn’t do, wow didn’t think your
sisters loved me to that extent"
“ Well they do"

“ I’m blessed”

“ Yes you are, I think Xoliswa is up to

something”

“I thought the same thing when I bumped into

her at the mall the other day and she said some
things to me trying to get me riled up but I
didn’t entertain her I just ignored her, not every
situation deserves a reaction"

“ What things?”
“ She said a lot but I remember her saying I
should thank her for saving your life because
thanks to her our baby will meet his father, abo
you snooze you lose it’s a lot I think she also
said something about the early bird catching
the fattest worm"

“ When was this?”

“ The day you were discharged from the

hospital”

“ Why didn’t you tell me Ndalo? Didn’t you

promise me that there would be no more
secrets between us what happened to that
huh?”
“ I thought I could handle it on my own Sabelo,
I can’t be running to you with every little thing"

“ Little huh? That girl rocked up in my house

without being given an address and she
happened to be at the mall at the same time as
you that’s anything but little Ndalo. What if she
knows where you live? You live alone for
goodness sake, she told me to watch my back
what if she comes after you and hurts the baby
who knows what she’s capable of"

I am terrified I can handle anything that comes

my way but I can’t bare the thought of anything
happening to the baby or Ndalo
“ Oh my goodness you think she’d go as far as
harming me?”

“ Yes, we don’t know who she is or what she

wants from me so we can’t afford to
underestimate her, think about it Sthandwa
sam this girl showed up on the same day I
woke up from the coma wanting to be friends
with me. She happened to be in the same store
as you and now she’s showing up here, what
are the odds? That girl is definitely up to
something".

****

I drove Ndalo to her place and helped her pack

her clothes into a travelling bag before I drove
her to her parent’s house, she can’t stay alone
it’s not safe because we don’t know what
Xoliswa is capable of and she’s pregnant she
shouldn’t live alone- she was meant to move
back home on her 7th month but she had to do
it sooner for obvious reasons.

“ Dad I need to talk to you it’s urgent"

“ Okay let’s go to my office"

I lead the way to his office and pace up and

down while waiting for him, he walks in two
minutes later with a glass of amber liquid in his
hand.

“ I’m here Meyiwa talk to me"

“ Ndalo says she bumped into Xoliswa at the
mall on the day I was discharged and Xoliswa
said some mean things to her, yesterday
Xoliswa showed up here looking for me and
told me she asked around when I asked her
how she found out where I lived. She called
Ndalo ‘sphongo' when I told her our friendship
wouldn’t work, I lost it and gave her a tight
back slap she was so angry and told me to
watch my back and something tells me that she
wasn’t joking she meant it"

“ What? This is getting out of hand there’s more

to this than what meets the eye and I can bet
on my life that girl is not working alone,
someone is helping her and it’s not just anyone
but it’s someone who knows you and knows
you well but who can it be?”

“ I’d say it’s Musa but he’s mute and can’t write
so it can’t be him, I can’t think of anyone else
except for him.”

“ Fear not, I’ll deal with this. For now tell me

everything about this girl"

“ I don’t know much I only know her name and

that she’s nurse who transferred from Gauteng
to Mpumalanga a month ago"

“ Where does she work, we can start there”

“ I don’t know babami, she never told me and I
never bothered to ask”

“ What’s her surname?”

“ I don’t know"

“ Where in Gauteng is she from?”

“ I don’t know”

I feel so useless right now because I know

nothing about this girl, nothing except for what
she told me.
“ Wow, so we are fighting against a ghost. At
this point we aren’t’ even sure that Xoliswa is
indeed her name. I’ll get my PI to look into this
don’t worry I’ll get to the bottom of this, for
now you and Ndalo need to be protected”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#46

I’m woken up from slumber by my ringing

phone, I quickly swipe my hand on my face and
rub my eyes to clear my blurry vision. I have a
terrible headache, I slept late last night talking
to my dad about the Xoliswa situation and now
whoever is calling is waking me up from my
sleep. I sigh in relief when the phone stops
ringing but my joy is short lived because it
starts ringing again

“ Hello”

“ Hey Sabelo…this is Melokuhle, Ndalo's sister”

My heartbeat accelerates and my breathing

hitches, why is Melo calling me?

“ Hey Melo why are you calling me?”

I ask sitting up with my back against the
headboard

“ Something happened to my sister, you need

to come to my parent’s house it’s urgent”

She says in a breaking voice, barely audible.

“ What happened to Ndalo? Is the baby okay?”

“ I can’t tell you over the phone …you need to

come, bye"

She says and drops the call.

I jump down the bed and go up and down the
room looking for something to wear, a pair of
jeans and a black t shirt Ndalo recently bought
for me are the first things I land my eyes on. I
quickly slip into them and wear my Adidas
slides bolting out of my room.

“ Where are you rushing to?”

Mom says when I pass the lounge running

“ Something happened to Ndalo, her sister just

called I need to go there now"

She lets the broom in her hands fall to the floor

and take big strides towards me
“ Calm down and tell me what happened”

“ I don’t know for sure but something

happened to Ndalo ma"

Tears are shamelessly rolling down my cheeks

when I say this

“ Don’t cry my son, let me get your father to

drive you there. You can’t go alone okay?”

“ Okay"

“ Wait here I’ll go get your father"

Myriad thoughts are running through my mind
threatening to drive me crazy, I hope nothing
happened to her or I swear I won’t survive it.

“Let’s go"

My dad says taking big strides to the front

door, I scurry behind him following him to his
car. We are parked a few houses away from
Ndalo’s house within 15 minutes of leaving the
house, we couldn’t park outside her gate
because there’s an Ambulance, a police van
and a host of people blocking the gate.
My head is buzzing and my chest is on fire I
don’t know what to think

“ Be strong son"

Dad says with a gentle squeeze on my shoulder

“ Let’s go in there and find out what’s going on"

He climbs out of the car and I follow suit, we

approach the gate and force our way through
the crowd blocking the gate.

“ Where are you going? This is a crime scene”

The chubby policeman standing at the gate
declares when we attempt to walk inside.

“ We are family"

My father replies

“ Family? Do you want to know what the funny

thing is?”

“ What?”

“ I know the Khumalo's and I know you’re not

family”
“ Wow so you know all their relatives?”

“ Awungeni baba, move!”

( You’re not getting in)

“ I’m not going to ask you twice, let us in!”

Dad says through gritted teeth clearly running

out of patience

“ You are not getting in"

“ It’s okay officer you can let them in, they are
family"
Melo says approaching the gate, she looks like
a mess. Her eyes are puffy and swollen it’s
clear she’s been crying for a long time.

There is a staring contest between my father

and the police man before he permits us to
walk inside the yard.

“ Melo this is my father, dad is Melokuhle

Ndalo’s sister"

“ Nice to meet you Melokuhle, what’s going on

what happened to Ndalo?”

Dad asks, I can’t bring myself to speak.

“ Please follow me inside my father will
explain”

She leads the way to the lounge where her

parents and sister are, Anele is bawling her
eyes out in her father’s arms while her mother
is speaking to who I assume is a detective.

“ Sanibonani ekhaya"

Dad greets

“ Yebo”

Ndalo’s father replies with a frown on his face

“ Family this is Mr Meyiwa Sabelo’s father and
Sabelo, Ses'Ndalo's boyfriend”

“ Detective can we continue later?”

Mrs Khumalo says wiping a wayward tear with

the sleeve of her jersey

“ No problem”

The detective nods and walks away giving us

privacy

“ Please take a seat Meyiwa"

Mr Khumalo says

My father and I settle down on a two seater

couch across Mr Khumalo.

“ I’m sorry to come to your house like this I

mean no disrespect, I know we still owe you
damages for the baby please forgive me"

“ No it’s okay sir we understand”

Mrs Khumalo says with a breaking voice

“ What happened, why are the police here?”

“ Someone broke into my daughter’s room at
dawn… and stabbed her to death"

No, my ears must be deceiving me, Ndalo can’t

be dead. I refuse to believe that.

“ No, that’s not true”

“ I’m sorry son but it’s true, my daughter is no

more someone mercilessly killed her and
snatched her from us"

A gut wrenching sob breaks from Mrs

Khumalo's mouth, her painful cry prompts her
daughters to cry.
No this can’t be happening, I must be
dreaming. Ndalo can’t be dead.

“ Where is she can I see her?”

Maybe then I’ll believe but for now I can’t

believe that my Ndalo is no more

“ Yes, the photographer is still busy taking

pictures of the scene but I’ll talk to the
detective and ask him to let you see her"

I nod and swallow the painful lump on my

throat
The detective agrees to let me see her and tells
the photographer and his team to step out of
the room and give me privacy, my dad
wouldn’t let me come inside on my own and I
don’t have the energy to fight him so I let him
be.

I release a loud scream when I see her lying on

the bed in the pool of her own blood with a
butcher knife lodged on her stomach, it’s true
she’s gone. She’s dead, they killed her not just
her but my daughter too. I’m in pain, in
disbelief it’s like I’ve lost touch with reality I
don’t know what’s real and what’s not. This
must be a dream it can’t be true, my Ndalo
can’t be dead.
“ I’m sorry son"

He pulls me into his arms and I weep like a

baby soaking his shirt with my tears

“ I’m so sorry, I’m sorry I failed to protect

Ndalo and my grand daughter”

“ Please tell me this is nothing but a dream,

please dad tell me it’s not true”

I pull away from his arms

“ Please tell me this is a dream"

I plead desperately while looking into his eyes

“ I’m so..”

“ I don’t want to hear your apologies, you

always fix everything please fix this dad. Make
her live again"

He looks at me with commiseration on his face

“ Please dad, you know people I’m sure you

must know someone who can bring her back to
life”

He looks at me like I just told him pigs can fly

“ What are you still waiting for babami, take
out your phone and call your friends I can’t
lose her"

“ Sabelo she’s gone there’s nothing anyone can

do to bring her back to life son, I’m sorry"

“ No, she’s not dead. She’s alive, she'll wake up

when I ask her to you’ll see"

I approach the bed and take her hand into

mine.

“ Sthandwa sam"
Dad gives me a pitiful look

“ She’ll wake up you’ll see, Sthandwa sam

wake up and prove to everyone you’re not
dead"

“ Sabelo stop doing this to yourself please my

son, let her go you’re tempering with police
evidence"

“ No, she’s not evidence she’s my woman. The

mother of my unborn child"

“ Oh my son"
He pulls me into his arms, I resist at first but he
doesn’t let go of me. I weep and sink to the
floor in my father’s arms.

***

It’s been an hour since dad and I came back

from Ndalo’s house, we left after the morgue
van came to collect Ndalo’s body. I still can’t
believe she’s gone just like that, I keep closing
my eyes hoping this will be nothing but a
horrible nightmare when I open them again.
I’m in my bedroom going through our
WhatsApp conversations and playing her voice
notes over and over again, I can’t believe I will
never see or hear her voice ever again.
Someone snatched the love of my life from me
in the most brutal way and I won’t rest until I
make them pay with their life

It feels like someone is twisting a knife in my

heart everytime I think about my unborn child,
my angel who was robbed a chance at life. She
was unplanned and I’d be lying if I said I was
ready for her because I wasn’t but I fell in love
with her from the moment I knew about her
and losing her before I even met her hurts like
hell. I was looking forward to being her father, I
was ready to do anything for her and I know I
would’ve done my best to be a good father to
her.

I wonder who she would’ve looked like, me or

her mother? I would’ve wanted her to take her
mother’s beauty and her beautiful body, how
do I move on from this? How do I live without
air- Ndalo was that to me, she was the oxygen I
need to breathe. A knock on the door disturbs
me from my thoughts

The person knocks again when I don’t reply

Sphe walks inside the room without being given

permission to enter

“ I’m sorry"

She says sitting next to me on the bed

“ I need to be alone Sphe please leave me
alone"

“ I want to be here for you Troy, you’re not the

only one who’s hurt. We are all hurting, miss
Khumalo was a good person"

“ Exactly, miss Khumalo was only a good

person to you but she was more than that to
me. She was the love of my life, my first love
and the mother of my baby so don’t come here
and tell me you’re hurt. You know nothing
about losing someone you love with every fibre
of your being, I had nothing to offer her Sphe
but she still loved me and respected me. Not
once did she make me feel like I’m not good
enough for her because I couldn’t afford to do
things for her, she would try and do things for
me instead now tell me how do I come to terms
with her death? How dammit?”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#47

I wake up drenched in sweat panting heavily

damn it the dream felt so real, my face is wet
with tears- I must’ve cried in my sleep. There’s
a sharp pain in my heart the pain is too strong
almost tangible, the dream felt so real I’m so
glad it was only that-just a dream I would
literally die if anything of that sort really
happened. I’ve just been so paranoid since I
realised how dangerous Xoliswa might be, I
guess that’s why I ended up having this
nightmare because of this fear I have of
Xoliswa doing something to Ndalo and the
baby.

I wipe my tears with my palms and grab my

phone under the pillow and call Ndalo, I know
it was just a dream but I need to hear her voice
to be sure. She picks up on the fourth ring

“ Daddy”

Call me weak I don’t care but I break down at

the sound of her voice.
“ Sabelo are you crying? What’s wrong baby"

Her words are laced with worry

“ I’m okay Sthandwa sam…don’t mind me I’m

fine just glad to hear your voice"

“ Tell me the truth Sabelo, what’s going on?”

“ Like I said Sthandwa sam there’s nothing

wrong everything is perfect I’m just glad to
hear your voice"

“ Uze ukhale pho?”

I chuckle, she wouldn’t understand.

“ Tears of joy baby”

“ You sure?”

“ 100% Certain, how’s my daughter treating

you?”

“ She’s okay my love, you know she’s a good

girl”
“ Ngiyakuthanda MaKhumalo ngenhliziyo yami
yonke, you and our baby mean the world to
me"

( I love you MaKhumalo with all of my heart)

“ Ncoah, we love you too daddy"

“ Where did you sleep last night?”

“ In my old room why?”

“ Alone?”

“ Was I supposed to sleep with anyone else?”

“ I think you should sleep in the main house
with one of your siblings”

“ No, Sabelo I need my space and privacy”

“ I know but I’m asking you Sthandwa sam

please consider it, you can be in backroom
during the day but sleep in the main house so
you can be close to someone in case something
happens in the middle of the night"

“ I think you’re exaggerating, I still have four

months to go before I give birth so I don’t think
anything will happen to me”

“ Please do this for me"

“ Okay fine, I’ll sleep with Anele happy now?”

“ Ecstatic”

“ We will talk later there’s someone at the door

bye"

“ Ngiyakuthanda Ndalo”

( I love you)

“ Uthandwa ndim'"

( I love you)
I’m not willing to take chances with Ndalo’s life
dad must do something hire a bodyguard for
her or something, I can’t live like this I cannot
live in fear. I pick up the clothes I was wearing
last night from the floor, slip into them and
make my way to the lounge.

“ Good morning family"

“ Morning"

They all respond including Khethelo and Sphe,

we are okay now but it took Ndalo explaining
to them for them to trust me.

“ Have you been crying?” Mom

“ Yes, I had a terrible nightmare ma I woke up
in tears”

My statement grabs everyone’s attention, now

all eyes are on me.

I sit on the couch and put the cushion on my

lap.

“ Tell us Sabelo what did you dream about?”

“ Ndalo was brutally murdered and her

stomach stabbed with a butcher knife”
“ God forbid! It’ll never happen, maybe this is a
sign. You should pray for Ndalo my son, her life
might be in danger” Mom

I don’t pray, I wouldn’t know where to start but

I’m willing to try if it means saving Ndalo’s life.

“ I’m sorry brother” Khethelo

“ it’s okay sis wami it was just a dream even

though it felt so real, my heart is still broken I
thought hearing her voice will help but it didn’t.
Nhliziyo yami isese buhlungu maybe if I see her
I’ll feel better and believe that it was nothing
but just a dream”

( My heart is still sore)

“ Oh my son, you really love this girl ne?”

“ I do"

“ I’m sorry I was too blind to see that all along,

I realize how wrong I’ve been now, your
happiness means the world to me my child and
if Ndalo is your happiness then I have no
choice but to accept her as your choice. She’s
not that bad, she’s actually a nice girl very
down to earth and humble. Uzilungele
umtwana bantu I’ve been so mean to her but
she’s never talked back to me or gave me any
bad looks”

( She’s a good person)

“ We’ve been telling you aunt but you refused
to listen" Khethelo

“ Aisuka wena it was not easy for me to accept

this, but I realize now that I’ve been unfair on
the poor girl"

“ I’ve been yearning to hear you say these

words for a long time ma, thank you so much" I
say

“ Ok'salayo usese wu gogo loko akujiki”

( She’s still ‘gogo' that hasn’t changed)

We laugh
My mother though

NTSIKA

For some obscure reason I find myself parked

outside Evander hospital, don’t ask me what
I’m doing here because I also don’t know I just
found myself here and now that I’m here I
realize how stupid it was of me to come here, I
should be at my brother’s house checking on
my kids not here.
A knock on my window pulls me from my
thoughts, it’s Nurse Ziphozenkosi and she looks
furious.

I roll down the window and look at her

“ What are you doing here?”

“ Excuse me?”

“ You heard me, what are you doing outside my

workplace?”

“ Ngazongi sanganela wena, can’t I come to the

hospital because you work here?”
“ We both know you came here because of me"

I laugh, like really laugh throwing my head

back

“ Haibo! Waze wazithanda bo. You think too

much of yourself”

“ Stop following me around, next time I won’t

be so kind”

She’s pointing a forefinger at me as she says

this
Tell me why I find her disrespect attractive?

“ Wake up because you’re clearly dreaming, I’d

never follow you around. Get over yourself,
you’re not my type I prefer my woman with
ass”

There’s a twinge of pain I see in her eyes as

she mumbles the words ‘Oh, my bad. I’m sorry
for accusing you falsely' and walks away from
my window.

Something shifts inside of me after seeing the

sad look on her face I climb out of the car and
go after her, she increases her pace when she
feels my footsteps I run and catch up with her. I
wrap my arms around her from the back
holding her close to my body, her small body
feels so delicate in my big arms. She smells so
good

“ I’m sorry"

I whisper in her ear

“ Let go of me!”

“ No, I won’t until you tell me that you accept

my apology”

“ I accept your apology now let me go"

“ No, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to offend
you"

“ Let me go, people are watching"

“ I don’t care about people, please forgive me

Zenkosi I didn’t mean to offend you I’m sorry"

“ Okay let me go”

“ I’ll only let you go if you promise to allow me

to make up for this"

“ How?”
“ Let me take you out for lunch"

“ No"

“ Please Zenkosi”

“ Okay, only on one condition”

“ Name it”

“ We go to a place of my choice”

“ Done"

“ Then I’ll go out with you for lunch”

I release her from my arms and step in front of
her, her eyes are glistening with tears. I must’ve
really hurt her

“ I’m sorry"

“ I said it’s okay"

“ No it’s not because you’re crying"

I wipe her tears with my thumbs

I’ve never felt so horrible n my life like I do
now, I didn’t mean to hurt her I swear. I hold
her soft hand and take her phone

“ What are you doing on my phone?”

“ Dialling my number"

She doesn’t have a password so I punch my

numbers and call my number, I cut the call on
the first ring.

“ Please save my number, I’ll call you

tomorrow. I’m sorry once again"
I give her back her phone and walk back to my
car

“ Hey you didn’t give me your name!”

She bellows behind me

“ It’s Jerk or Pervert whichever one you prefer"

A beautiful smile graces her face

“ You’re such a Jerk!” she says

I laugh and get inside the car

.
.

NDALO

It’s so good to be home and have mom fussing

over me, it feels good to be nurtured and feel
loved by my mother after everything that
happened between us I had no hopes in us ever
being close again but I’m glad I was wrong
because this honestly feels so good. I don’t
know where Melo is she’s been gone since the
morning but I think she’s with her boyfriend,
Anele is also not here she went to her
rehearsals her group is invited to perform on
some show in Gauteng on Saturday, I don’t
know where my father is I’m with my mother in
the lounge watching Mehek- an Indian series.
My phone rings on top of the coffee table, mom
grabs it and gives it to me. You should see the
smile on my face when I see who’s calling

“ Sabelo"

I say trying to get up from the couch and it

proves to a problem, one would swear I’m nine
months pregnant the way my stomach is so big.

“ Sthandwa sam I’m outside"

“ Okay"
“What’s happening why are you breathing
heavily, is the baby okay?”

The fear in his voice cant be missed

“Calm down babe I’m okay, mom was helping

me get up from the couch”

I’m walking out of the lounge now

“ Okay, I came with my mom’s car"

“ Okay"
I cut the call and walk to the gate, his mom’s
car is parked four houses away from my house.
He climbs out of the car when he sees me

“ Sthandwa sam”

He says when he meets me half-way and

immediately squeezes me in his arms before I
can respond.

“ I can’t breathe Sabelo”

“ I’m sorry"

He says loosening his arms around me but not

breaking the hug
“ Baby what’s wrong you’re behaving strange"

“ Nothing I just missed you, come let’s go to

the car. Should I carry you?”

“ Yes baby"

The way I love being carried okare ke ngwana

shem, there’s nothing like being in your man’s
arms ninani! Musa always made me feel like I
was fat because he couldn’t pick me up and
now that I know I’m ‘gugeble' angizibambezeli
shem. I never miss any opportunity to be
‘guged'
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#48

“ So what do you think?”

Melo says holding a beautiful red dress

“ When are you going to wear it?”

I ask and shove a spoonful of ice cream in my

mouth, I’m so addicted to ice cream these days
especially tin roof from woolies .
“ Tomorrow, Sunshine asked me to go with him
to a family lunch at his sister’s place"

Tomorrow is the 25th of December, Christmas

day.

“ You think the rents will allow you spend to

Christmas away from home? Dream on girl"

“ I won’t ask, I’ll shoot straight to Boksburg

after church”

There’s a Christmas service at church

tomorrow morning and of course everyone in
the Khumalo house is attending
“ His sister lives in Boksburg?”

“ No, she lives in Pretoria- Newstead residential

estate. He’s the one who lives in Boksburg, Fish
eagle estate. I’ll go to his house then we’ll drive
to Pretoria together"

“ Okay so you want to know if this dress is

appropriate to wear to the lunch at his sister’s
place?"

“ Yeah, he plans to introduce me to his two

sisters, the sister’s husband and his son"

“ He has a son?”
“ Yeah, he’s 6 years old and the cutest boy
ever. He looks like his father but he’s cuter,
apparently he took his mother’s doe eyes and
dimples"

“ Where’s the mother?”

“ She passed away immediately giving birth to

their son"

“ That’s so sad, so he raised the boy all alone?”

“ Yeah with his family’s help of course, it’s sad

hey I feel for him. I’ve never met his son
though, I’ve only seen him in pictures his dad
always posts pictures of him on WhatsApp. He
loves his son and that’s why I want his son to
like me”

She sounds desperate for the boy's approval

shem

“ Relax, I know he’ll like you I mean what’s not

to like about Melokuhle Khumalo”

I say in a chirpy tone trying to cheer her up but

it doesn’t work

“ You don’t get it sis Sunshine loves his son so

much and I don’t see him settling down with
someone his son doesn’t fancy"
“ I think you’re getting yourself worried over
nothing, the boy is only six I’m sure he’ll like
you and if he doesn’t then I know you’ll find a
way to win him over. You’re good with kids,
relax the lunch will go well and the boy will
accept you okay?”

“ Okay”

Melo is in foundation phase unlike me, she love

kids and knows how to handle them. I love kids
too but I don’t think I can handle primary
school kids iyo imagine dealing with things like
‘ma'am uBanele ukakile’ thixo ngathi
ngiyabona! It can never be me shem.
“ So do you think the dress is fine?”

“ Yes I think you’ll look beautiful, I’m so happy

for you little sis I hope this guy treats you like
the queen you are"

“ He does yoh, he’s so handsome, financially

stable so you’d expect someone like him to be a
player or a jerk you know how stinking the
attitude of these extremely handsome guys
normally is but not him sis he’s the sweetest”

“ Ncoah I wish you nothing but the best hey”

“ Thank you, so you’re spending Christmas

here?”
“ Yeah, where else would I go?”

“ Ext 26, Sabelo’s house”

“ Yo and subject myself to his mother’s bone

chilling stares nge Christmas? Wu ngeke shem
I’d rather be here and enjoy mom's cooking"

“ Plus uyapheka u girl"

( She can cook)

“ Yeah"
“ Kaze ukubangisani u girl njengoba uzilungele
kanje"

( I wonder what she has against you because

you’re a good person)

“ Ai nami angmazi shem but Sabelo says she’s

cool with me and actually defended me from
him the other day because she thought he was
dating Xoliswa but that’s not what I see when I
look at her yoh, uvele angibheke kabi umama
ngivele ngibe uncomfortable”

( I also don’t know) ( She gives me ugly stares)

“ Mele uke umbuze kuthi yini inkinga yakhe"

( You should ask her what her problem is)

“ Yo ngizizondise ngaye worse"

( You want her to hate me more than she

already does)

“ Athi dankie uthole wena mina

bengizomkhombisa shem”

( She should be grateful it’s you and not me

because I was going to show her flames)

“ Aibo I’m not doing that mina”

NTSIKA
I’m so nervous for my lunch date with Zenkosi
I haven’t wooed a woman in a long time, well
five years to be specific. Since the death of my
wife this is the first time I’m going on a date
with someone, yes I’ve had woman here and
there but it was nothing serious it’d be a
situation of two adults helping one another- I
gave them money in exchange for sex. Yeah I
bought it, I preferred it that way because I
wasn’t emotionally ready for a relationship and
Ndalo is the first woman after 5 years to make
me think long term, I still have feelings for her
but I’m hoping to get over her in time.

I don’t know what I feel for Zenkosi, it’s not a

secret that I find her extremely beautiful and
intriguing but I wouldn’t say I’m in love with
her at least not yet. For now the only person
who rules my heart is Buhlebendalo Khumalo
but I know she can never be mine so forgetting
about her is for the best, I thought not seeing
her will accelerate the process but it seems I
was wrong because it happens at a rather slow
and daunting pace getting over her that is.

I just got a text from Zenkosi asking me to pick

her up outside the hospital, she refused to give
me her address which I don’t mind it’s not safe
out here women are being killed everyday so
she’s well within her rights to protect herself
from me. I’m still a stranger after all. I kill the
engine and fish for my phone in my pockets to
call her, it only rings once before she picks up
“ Hey Jerk"

“ Hi Sdeleli, I’m here"

“ I can see your car"

“ Where are you?”

I ask looking to all directions and spot her

strutting towards the car with the phone
against her ear, damn she’s so beautiful I love
how she walks there’s conviction in every step
she takes and I love how her hair bounces
elegantly as she sways her hips side to side
damn!
“ Close your mouth”

Her voice booms against my ear frightening me,

I’ve been so engrossed in her glorious sight that
I even forget that I’m on call with her.

“ Hey"

She says when she stops next to my window,

her intoxicating scent is all I can smell. I can’t
get used to how good she smells

“ Hey, get in so we can get going"

“ Tell me you’re not serious”

I’m lost

“ What’s wrong now?”

“ I’m waiting for you to get my door"

Oh lord! Chivalry has never been my thing, I’m

a Zulu man but I’m still skating on thin ice with
this one so I have no choice but climb out of
the car and pivot to her side and get the door
for her

“ Thank you”
I wait for her to settle in before closing the door
and rounding to the driver’s seat

“ Where are we going?”

“ Secunda, Lake Muzi”

“ Are you talking about Muzi lodge?”

“ Yes”

Surprisingly we manage to hold a conversation

the entire drive to Secunda, getting to know
each other better without fighting like cat and
dog knowing how fervid we both are I didn’t
expect it.

“ So where do you want to eat?”

I’m holding her handbag like the perfect

gentleman that I am while she leads the way
swaying her hips

“ I love sea food so Ocean Basket it is”

I didn’t expect her to choose such a simple

restaurant, I thought she would demand I take
her to a five star restaurant but she surprised
me. I didn’t expect this
“ Are you sure that’s where you want to eat?”

“ Yes, I’m certain come on let’s go"

Life is something else hey, who would’ve

thought that I would find myself in a restaurant
looking into the eyes of the most disrespectful
woman I’ve ever met dying to know her better?

“ What?”

She asks feeling shy, I can’t say I blame her I

have been starring.

“ You’re beautiful”
Her lips breaks into a beautiful smile which
shes tries to hide it but fails dismally. I don’t
know a lot of things but I know one thing,
Zenkosi likes me!

“ Thank you"

“ So while we wait for our food mind telling me

about yourself?”

I ask relaxing my back on the chair and giving

her all my attention
“ I’m Ziphozenkosi Gwebu, a 39 year old nurse
I stay in Embalenhle ext 12 …I think that’s all
there’s really nothing much to tell"

“ Okay, any husband or boyfriend?”

I know she’s not married because she’s not

wearing any ring but one can never be too sure

“ I wouldn’t be here if I was with anyone”

“ Okay, any kids?”

Pain flashes in her eyes before she looks up

preventing the tears in her eyes from rolling
down her cheeks
Why do I always say the wrong things? I put
my hand on top of hers on the table caressing it
softly

“ I’m sorry”

“ Excuse me"

The waitress says

She claims back her hand and grabs her

handbag on the chair next to her and looks for
something inside, I can’t say anything not while
this girl here
“ Please enjoy your food and please don’t
hesitate to call me should you need anything
else"

The waitress says and walks away, phew at

long last!

“ I’m sorry for ruining our lunch with my big

mouth I ..”

“ I can’t have kids”

She blurts out cutting me short

“ What?”
“ Yes, I can’t conceive"

The look of pain on her face can’t be ignored

“ Why?”

The words roll from my tongue before I can

stop them

“ I’d rather not talk about it if you don’t mind"

“ I’m sorry"

What else can I say?

“ Don’t apologize it’s not your fault, I love kids
and would’ve loved to have my own but
unfortunately God didn’t see it that way and
it’s okay"

Not it’s not okay because it’s clear she’s hurting

“ And you how many kids do you have?”

“ Three"

I love my kids, they’re my pride and joy and I’d

normally say more when I’m asked about them
but how do I do that with Zenkosi without
hurting her and reminding her of what she can’t
have?

“ Tell me about them"

“ Zenkosi please"

“ Don’t feel sorry for me I’m a big girl so tell me

about your kids, I’m sure they’re the cutest"

“ Wait, are you trying to say I’m good looking?”

“ Wu shem get over yourself!”

She says laughing, at least I managed to make
her laugh

“ Let’s me eat while you tell me all about your

beautiful children”

“ Okay my first born is 20 this year, her name is

Ntombizokhethelo but we call her Khethelo
…..”

I go on and on telling her all about my kids

****

We are strolling around the lodge holding

hands when we end up in the pool area, it’s
brimming with kids they are swimming while
their parents watch over them.

“ Let’s go back" I say

“ No, let’s stand here and watch them swim.

Kids are beautiful I don’t know why God chose
not to give me my own but that doesn’t stop me
from appreciating and loving them"

She’s not just saying it she genuinely loves

kids, it’s written all over her face. How I wish I
had the power to fix this, I’d definitely fix this
for her. She’s a beautiful woman who deserves
to be a mother.
“ What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“ Nothing, why?”

“ Join me and my family for lunch please"

“ What?”

“ I know it’s too soon but I enjoyed your

company and I’d appreciate an opportunity to
get to know you better, you’ll come as a friend
but please say yes"

“ I don’t know"
“ Please"

She looks at me thoughtfully, I hope she says

yes.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#49

NARRATED

The two sisters have been up since the wee

hours of the morning making preparations for
the Christmas lunch, they went all out and
prepared a feast. Today is a very important day
to them, for the first time in years their brother
is bringing someone to their gathering. So
everything needs to be no less than perfect.
Nthati went as far as asking him what his
girlfriend is allergic to and what beverage she
prefers.

Happiness doesn’t begin to describe how they

feel now that he’s finally moving on, it’s been 6
years since the mother of his son passed. It
took him years to come to terms with her
death, those two loved each other immensely
so her death almost destroyed him. He changed
and became someone they didn’t recognize, he
turned into a sensitive, defensive and
aggressive person who fought with everyone
over the smallest of things but thank God he
found help and now he’s back to the brother
they know and adore.

“ What time did he say they’ll get here?” Nthati

“ 1PM ”

Dineo replies and takes a big sip of her

champagne

“ Okay let me go get the boys ready, please

watch over the oven please”

She beseechs causing Dineo to laugh

“ Relax sis, I won’t let the cake burn. Today is
just as important to me as it is to you”

“ Thanks”

She says and walks up the stairs to the main

bedroom where she finds her husband laying
skyward on bed with their daughter in his arms

“ Is she sleeping?”

She says whispering

“ No, she’s wide awake. You know how she
enjoys being in daddy’s arms”

That’s true, Reitumetse is a daddy’s girl she

loves being in her father’s arms.

“ Well I’m afraid I’ll have to disturb your

bonding session, Themba will be here in an
hour I need to get the kids ready”

“ No you don’t, you need to relax you’ve been

on your feet since 4AM. I’ll get the kids ready,
you need to rest.”

“ Thanks my love, she must be hungry let me

feed her then”
She says lowering herself on the bed taking
their 7 month old daughter into her arms, her
husband leers at them with a smile on his face
while Reitu kicks her leg in the air latching on
Nthati’s breast.

“ She loves her food”

“ And I enjoy breastfeeding her but yo

wang’kukuna ngwanao Kagiso bona ke masapo
jwang”

He laughs
“ Come on babe you’ve never been thick,
you’ve always been a slender”

“ But this is too much now”

“ If you say so, I’ll get the boys ready while

Reitu has her breakfast I’ll give her bath when
I’m done with them.”

“ Okay love don’t forget to tell your daughter to

bath”

“ Okay Bokamoso baka”

Nthati’s cheeks redden.

The name still gets her heart swelling with joy
even after seven years of being together.

Kagiso doesn’t find the boys in Omphile’s

bedroom so he goes around the house looking
for them until he finds them in the backyard
playing soccer.

“ Boys!”

He calls out and the boys stop chasing the ball

giving him attention

“ It’s time to bath now, come on let’s go”

“ Please give us five more minutes dad”

Omphile negotiates

“ I wasn’t asking you Omphile, get yourselves

inside the house now”

“ But dad..”

“ No buts we don’t have time, your uncle is on

his way”

Bophelo takes the ball and follows his cousin to

the house sulking.

.
.

MELOKUHLE

I shouldn’t have gone to church, going there

was a waste of time because I didn’t hear a
word the pastor said because all I had in my
mind was the lunch with Themba’s sisters. He
tried to reassure me saying his sisters are nice
people and that they were looking forward to
meeting me but I still feel nervous about the
lunch, this is the first time I’ll be introduced to
a boyfriend’s family so I feel uneasy about the
whole thing. I left church immediately when the
service ended and took an Uber to Boksburg, of
course I didn’t pay for it bae did.
We must’ve been on the road for approximately
39 minutes when he drives into Newstead
residential estate, he’s on the visitor list so we
are allowed inside the estate without signing in.
The ambience that surrounds this place
screams serene, chic, upmarket and smart ya
ne some people are living large

With my arm tugged in his we walk towards the

beautiful double storey house with a beautiful
lawn and garden, even the grass looks different
from the one back in my house I don’t know
maybe I’m seeing things. He rings the bell and
the door opens revealing a light skinned lady
dressed in a yellow silk crisscross back high
split dress with lace heeled mule heels, her lips
break into a warm smile when our eyes lock.
“ Hey, you must be Melokuhle.”

“ Yes, I’m Melo and you are?”

“ Nice to meet you Melo, I’m Dineo”

“ Nice to meet you too Dineo”

She pulls me in for a hug, well that’s if I can call

it that. You know that two seconds hug we give
to the opposite gender in church? Yes that’s the
hug she gave me

“ Mina awungboni vele” Themba

( You don’t see me)

We laugh

“ Askies buti wami, how are you?”

“ I have this beautiful lady next to me so I’m

definitely doing great, where are the others?”

“ They are still getting ready, please follow me”

Themba holds my hand and leads the way to

the elegantly decorated dining room, the walls
are panted in white. The Raph Lauren Mayfair
rectangular dining table is on the center of the
room making it the first thing I land my eyes
on, the table is set with Ella teilvergoldet
cutlery set and Maxwell Williams dinner set
ngisasho namanje some people are living large.

“ Please have a seat I’ll go get my sister and

brother in law”

Dineo says excusing herself

Themba pulls a chair for me and settles next to

me intertwining my trembling hand with his

“ Babe there’s no need to feel nervous, my

sister and brother in law are good people you’ll
see”
Just then a handsome God of man walks into
the room carrying a cute chubby baby girl in his
arms, his aura demands respect and attention
there’s just something about him that makes
the room feel smaller.

“ Sware”

( Brother in law)

He says fist bumping with Themba

“ Bro”

“ Hello beautiful niece”

Themba takes the baby from him

“ Beautiful lady you must be Melokuhle”

He has a kind smile on his face, damn he is so

handsome.

“ Yes, I am and you must be Kagiso the brother

in law”

“ I am, nice to meet you. Welcome to our

humble abode, my wife should be down soon”

“ Nice to meet you too and thank you for

welcoming me into your home”
“ It’s a pleasure”

“ Malume!”

“ Sunshine!”

Two boys exclaim at the same time when they

walk into the room and see Themba, they
immediately drop the toy cars in their hands
and run to him.

Themba wraps his left arm around them pulling

them to his embrace but it seems like the
princess doesn’t like sharing so she starts
crying.
“ Reitu is so jealous!”

Says the boy who looks exactly like Kagiso, he

must be his son.

“ She is, she doesn’t want us near uncle or

sunshine”

Says Themba’s son, he looks much cuter in

person.

“ Leave her, she’s the princess of the house”

Says Themba showering the little girl with
kisses causing her to giggle and show off her
toothless smile, damn she’s so adorable.

“ Hey, you must be Melokuhle. I’m Nthati it’s

an absolute pleasure to finally meet you”

I’ve been so focused on Themba watching him

play with the little one that I didn’t see the
sisters walking in. Damn Nthati is beautiful

“ Nice to meet you too”

I say stretching my hand for a handshake but

she pulls me in for a hug, and just like her
husband she smells good I should ask her what
perfume she uses.

“ I’m so happy to finally meet the lady who

stole my brother’s heart, pictures don’t do you
justice you’re even more beautiful in person”

She says when we break off the hug

“ Thanks, you’re equally beautiful”

“ I'm not sure if you’ve been introduced to the

kids so I’ll do the honors this is my daughter
Warona, my son Omphile and the chubby
princess is my last born Reitumetse”
Her kids are so adorable

“ You have such beautiful kids”

“ Thank you, and this here is my lovely nephew

Bophelo. Kids this is aunt Melokuhle”

“ Nice to meet you aunt Melokuhle”

Nthati’s kids say while Bophelo remains mum, I

crouch to his level and greet him with a smile
on my face

“ Hey Bophelo”
The boy just gawks at me with a blank look on
his face.

My biggest fear is manifesting, the boy doesn’t

like me!

SABELO

Mom woke up early and cooked up a storm,

there’s all sorts of food on the table starting
from turkey, roasted lamb, barbecue, trifle kere
bona the dining room looks like a mini buffet.
Big bowls of various foods and desserts are
lined on the table and everyone is serving
themselves it’s a feast.

You’d expect Junior and Nomcebo to be the

only one’s who are wearing new clothes today
but that’s not the case in this house, mom,
Khethelo and Sphe are all wearing new outfits
dresses to be specific and they look absolutely
stunning with all their hair and make up done.
My mother hardly puts on extensions or wears
any make up so she looks extra beautiful today,
I don’t know how many times I’ve caught my
dad drooling over her. My mom is a such a
beauty shem.

“ I can’t believe you all started eating without

my brother”
Says my father while stuffing his face with food

“ Look who’s talking”

Mom says and we all laugh

“ I’m getting worried, this is unlike him. Please

try him on his phone Mafungwashe wakhe”

“ There’s no need for that, sengikhona!”

( I’m here now)

Uncle says making his way in with nurse

Ziphozenkosi in his arm, when and how did
this happen? We all stop eating and stare at
them

“ Good afternoon family, this is Ziphozenkosi

my friend. Zenkosi this is my brother, his
beautiful wife Mathapelo, you already know his
son Sabelo that’s his twin sister Sphesihle. That
one over there is my beautiful daughter
Ntombizokhethelo, my other daughter
Nomcebo and my son Ntsikayomzi Junior”

I don’t remember the last time I saw him look

so happy

“ Aw Ntombenhle we meet again, welcome to

our home”
My father is already on his feet giving kissing
her hand like the perfect gentleman he is much
to my mother’s disapproval

“ Thank you so much for the warm welcome

Meyiwa”

I also rise to my feet and give her a hug

“ Welcome to our home maOulady I never

thought I’d see you again so soon”

“ Thank you my boy”

She’s such a warm and lovely person.

“ I’m sorry who are you? It seems you’re well

acquainted with the males in my family”

My mother questions sizing her up with a

scrunched nose

“ Mathapelo there’s absolutely no need for you

to be rude to our guest, Ziphozenkosi is a nurse
at Evander hospital that’s where she met us”

My father says unable to conceal his

disappointment
“ Oh I’m so sorry forgive me, I thought…I don’t
even know what I thought but please forgive
me. Please take a seat, it was kind of you to
join us”

“ Thank you”

My uncle pulls a chair for Nurse Z and settles

next to her, there’s definitely something going
on between this two I don’t buy this whole
friendship story. I hope they date, Nurse Z is
the right person for my uncle she would make a
good mother to my cousins.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#50

“ Somebody better tell me where Melo is!”

Mom bellows

Just like I thought my parents don’t appreciate

Melo being absent from the ‘very important’
family Christmas lunch.
“ Ask Ses'Ndalo they never tell me anything, if
anyone would know where Melo is then it has
to be ses'Ndalo”

Anele says putting me on the spot, now the

rents are looking at me expectantly. I shove a
spoonful of food inside my mouth and chew
slowly

“ Hey unganginyanyisi wena Ndalo, tell us

where your sister is!”

( Don’t annoy me)

“ I don’t know dad I last saw her at church like

the rest of you”
“ Unamanga man, you know where she is. It’s
written all over your face, you’ve never been a
good liar” Mom

(You’re lying)

She’s right I’m not a good liar but I stick to my

story

“ I’m not lying ma, I really don’t know where

she is”

“ Okay call her and put the phone on speaker”

Dad suggests and mom agrees with him

“ I don’t have airtime”

Stupid excuse but I didn’t know what else to

say

My mother puts her hand inside her bra and the

hand comes back with squashed R100 notes,
she separates them and gives Nele one R100
note

“ Go buy your sister airtime”

Anele doesn’t waste time, she jolts to her feet

and leaves the room in a flash.
“ Melo will know me today, how can she
disappear today of all days? She knows how
important it is for us to spend Christmas
together as a family”

I grab my phone and go to WhatsApp

attempting to send Melo a warning but mom
snatches the phone from my hand before I can
send the message

“ What the hell are you hiding Ndalo?”

She says after reading the message I was about

to send to Melo, mom can shout as much as
she likes but I’m not saying anything I won’t
betray my sister.
“ At long last”

Mom says when Anele emerges from the door

holding the airtime voucher in her hand

“ Recharge your phone and call her”

She gives me back my phone and I have no

choice but to do as she says

“ Yo Ses’Ndalo I’m so glad you called, the

meeting went better than expected..”
I fake a cough halting her from revealing more
than she already has

“ Ses’Ndalo are you okay?”

She asks, the worry in her voice is almost

palpable

“ Yewena Melokuhle ukuphi? Why are you not

picking up our calls, come back here right this
minute!”

( Where are you)

My mother interjects
“ Uhm Ma I’m in Pretoria I can’t come back
now”

“ Wenzani lapho?”

( What are you doing there)

“ I had a meeting with the bursary people”

“ On Christmas day? Ungangenzi ugogo wakho

mina get on a taxi to Embalenhle right this
moment”

( Don’t make me your fool)

“ Did you hear me?”

She asks when Melo doesn’t reply

“ Kwenzakalani why angasaphenduli Anele?”

( What’s going on why is not responding)

“ She dropped the call ma”

“ She did what? Call her again!”

Anele calls but the phone rings unanswered

“ Where is your sister Buhle?”

My father asks giving me a stern look

“ She’s in Pretoria meeting with the bursary
people”

I’d rather die than sell my sister out!

SABELO

You know how usually the woman is the one

who plates for the man and serves him his
food? Well it’s the total opposite with my Uncle
and Nurse Z, he’s been serving her and asking
her if she’s okay every 2 minutes. All of us are
surprised because my uncle is as lazy as they
come, he never does anything for himself not
even dishing up but here he is going out of his
way playing the perfect host to Nurse Z yet he
claims they’re only friends? Yeah right,
something is definitely going on between the
two of them.

Seeing them and my parents together made me

wish Ndalo was here with us but she refused
when I invited her to come have lunch with us
which is why I’m on my way to see her. Nurse
Z and Khethelo are in the kitchen washing
dishes well Sphe is the one who was supposed
to help Khethelo with the dishes but when
Nurse Z offered to help lazy Sphe used that as
an excuse not to help out.
“ Khethelo will wash aunt Zenkosi will rinse
and wipe them what will I do, I’ll just cause
unnecessary traffic in the kitchen”

That was her excuse as if my mother’s kitchen

is not big enough to fit all three of them

Mom was ready to chew and spit her out but

Nurse Z told her it was fine Sphe didn’t have to
help, she and Khethelo would be okay without
her.

“ Dad please borrow me your car keys?”

He’s with my uncle outside sitting under the

veranda drinking whiskey
“ Where are you going?”

“ Ndalo’s house”

“ Okay”

He digs his hand in his back pocket and it

comes back with the car keys

“ Why didn’t you invite her to have lunch with

us?”
Uncle asks and my father gives him a look
which has him looking uncomfortable, okay
what’s going on?

“ She always spends Christmas with her family,

it’s their family tradition”

“ Understandable”

“ I’ll be on my way then”

“ Okay”

It takes longer to get to Ndalo’s street than it

normally would because of traffic, it’s definitely
Christmas today the streets are brimming with
people who are going up and down the streets
with bottles and cans of different alcohol
beverages. Even young kids who I’m sure are
still in primary school are holding bottles of
alcohol but who am I to judge, I’m the same 18
year old boy who’s about to be a father in a few
months time after all.

“ Baby”

Ndalo says when she picks up her phone

“ Sthandwa sam I’m outside”

“ I’m coming give me two minutes”

“ Okay”

She says and cuts the call.

I connect my phone to the car’s Bluetooth and

play Teeks- first time while waiting for Indoni
yam. It doesn’t take long before I see her
approaching the car, she looks so gorgeous in a
Ditsy floral print knot dress and white sandals.
The dress has a side slit revealing her dreamy
chocolate thighs and beautiful legs I love her
thick legs unyathela ngabantwana umuntu
wami bafethu, her baby bump is so big one
would swear she’s ready to pop kanti kuphi la
we still have a long way to go.
When she finally gets to the car I jump out from
my seat and round to the passenger seat and
get the door for her but not before giving her a
tight squeeze

“ You look beautiful Sthandwa sam”

“ Come on ngiyi gwinya kanje”

( I look like a fatcake)

She has gained some weight but it’s nothing to

write home about, I think the weight gain suits
her matter of fact.

“ Uyigwinya lami angisho”

( You’re my fatcake)
“ Sabelo! That’s not sexy”

“ Askies ke muntu wami”

( I’m sorry my person)

“ You just said I’m fat so I’m not letting you off
the hook so easily”

She folds her arms and fixes her gaze on the

people walking up and down the street
pretending to be angry at me, I’m tempted to
play with her chubby cheeks she looks so cute
when sulking.
I reach my hand in the backseat and grab the
gift bag and place it on top of her lap.

“ What’s this?”

“ Your Christmas present”

“ You got me a gift? I’m sorry I didn’t get you

anything.”

She says feeling bad

“ It’s okay there’s no need to feel bad, open it”

She opens the gift bag and unwraps the box,
the corners of her lips curl into a smile when
she sees what’s inside the box

“ Babe you didn’t”

“ Oh yes, I did”

I’m glad she’s likes her gift, I didn’t know what

to get her with my miniature budget. I ended up
buying her Drip sneakers and I’m so happy she
likes them

“ Thank you”
She says with a smile that reaches her eyes.
She really likes them, she’s not pretending to
just to make me feel better.

“ Only a pleasure I’m glad you like them”

“ Like? I love them, thank you so much baby. I

feel bad for not getting you anything”

“ Don’t worry, it’s okay”

“ I can’t wait to rock my new sneakers”

She says hugging my waist resting her head on

my stomach.
.

MELOKUHLE

I didn’t expect to receive such a warm welcome

from everyone, I didn’t anticipate things going
the way they did but I’m glad Themba’s sisters
are nice people I was more anxious about
meeting them than I was about Bophelo but it
seems I was worried for nothing. They’re good
people just like Themba said, Nthati advised
me to give Bophelo some time to get used to
me the boy is not used to sharing his father's
attention with anyone so he probably sees me
as a threat someone who’s going to take his
sunshine away from him.
Nthati is such a good cook the food was
delicious I enjoyed every single dish she
prepared and even went for seconds hey don’t
look at me like that, ngiyazidlela mina angidlali
nje kanjalo. My parents have been blowing my
phone with calls and I’ve been ignoring them
because I know they’ll force me to come back
home, when I got a call from my sister’s
number I didn’t think it could be them so I
started blabbing telling her all about my trip
fortunately she stopped me before I revealed
more than I should then mom started yelling at
me demanding to know where I was. I didn’t
know what else to say so I said I’m meeting
with my bursary sponsors but my mother is no
fool she didn’t fall for it she knew right away
that I was lying so I had no choice but to cut
the call, I know I’m in deep shit but for now I’ll
push all of that to the back of my mind and
enjoy this wonderful afternoon with my
boyfriend’s family.

The kids are outside playing, I’m with the

sisters in the lounge Nthati is breastfeeding her
daughter who’s slowly dozing off to sleep.
Dineo is drinking Champagne, I don’t
remember seeing her eat she’s been drinking
like a fish since I got here yet she’s still sober.
She’s probably used to drinking like this, I
mean that’s the only logical explanation as to
why she’d drink alcohol like she’s drinking
water and not get drunk.
“ Let me go put this one to sleep I’ll be back”
Nthati

She stands up and walks away with her

daughter in her arms, she makes motherhood
look so easy.

“ So Melo what do you do?” Dineo

She asks after a few minutes of silence

“ I’m a second year education student at TUT”

“ Hmm, how old are you?”

“ 20”

“ Okay, so do you think you’re ready to be in a

relationship with someone who’s not only 11
years older than you but has a 6 year old son
too?”

“ What are you trying to say Dineo?”

I don’t like her tone

“ Nothing, I’m just asking”

“ Asking what? Ask clearly so I can reply, don’t

beat about the bush if you want to come for me
you better come straight”
“ Oh wow, ain’t we hot tempered?”

“ Bitch do you have a problem with me?”

“ Wow, you’re ratchet! I wonder where Themba

picked you up from”

Picked up? Wow If I haven’t slapped this girl

it’s because her sister is such a nice person and
I don’t want to disrespect her by starting fights
in her house and I also don’t want to embarrass
my boyfriend.

So I choose to stand up and leave the room,

trust me it’s the best thing to do right now. I
give myself a tour around the house and admire
the beautiful interior decoration and exotic
furniture, whoever designed this house did an
impeccable job. I bump into Nthati on my way
up the stairs

“ Where’s Dineo I hope she didn’t leave you

alone?”

“ No, I got bored sitting there so I decided to

give myself a tour of your beautiful house I
hope you don’t mind”

I can’t tell her about her sister’s attitude, she

might like me but Dineo is her sister at the end
of the day.
“ No, I don’t mind. But I think you should’ve
asked her to give you a tour, this house can get
confusing”

If only she knew what a bitch her sister was to

me a few minutes ago.

“ Did you see the pool?”

“ No”

“ Come with me I swear you’re going to love it”

She doesn’t wait for me reply she immediately
holds my hand and drags me outside the house.

“ Wow, it’s beautiful”

“ I know right, wait until you get inside”

“ What? I didn’t bring a swimsuit”

“ Come on don’t be a party popper, I’ll borrow

you something to change into”

“ No offense but your clothes won’t fit me have

you seen my ass girl”
We laugh

“ Come on stop bragging girl I have mine

alright”

True she has ass but it matches her petite body,

there’s no way her clothes will fit me.

“ How do you do it?”

I ask

“ Do what?”
“ Look so good even after giving birth to three
kids”

“ Nothing yaz I took after my paternal aunt”

“ Wow you’re blessed hey”

“ Not really, I’d give anything to gain some

weight at least be a size 36 or 34 ke but it
doesn’t want to happen regardless of how
much I eat. I want to try herbal life after getting
Reitu off the boob”

I think Nthati and I will get along, I find it so

easy to talk to her like the conversations flow
we don’t have to force it.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#51

“ Can I come in?”

He looks up from his computer and nods his

head giving me permission to enter

I walk in and close the door behind me

“ So what? Are you just going to stand there
and stare at me?”

“ Uhm I wanted to ask if there’s been any

update from the PI, it’s been over a week dad”

“ I know, I’ll call him and find out if he has

anything but I told you that it wouldn’t be easy
because we know nothing about the girl so this
is like looking for a needle in a haystack”

“ I understand but I can’t live like this babami, I

don’t sleep well at night because I always
dream of her doing something to Ndalo and my
baby”
He stands up from his seat and rounds the oak
desk to stand next to me

“ I’m sorry you’re going through all of this,

you’re only 18 you should be enjoying your
teenage years and having fun not worrying
about someone harming your girlfriend and
baby.”

“ It’s okay dad”

“ No it’s not okay, I’ll talk to Greg and find out

how far he is with his investigation. We need to
put this Xoliswa issue to rest before you start
varsity”
“ Thanks dad”

“ Don’t mention it, you’re my son and I’d do

anything for you.”

“ Thank you”

I leave his office and head to Sphe’s bedroom, I

need to check up on her. She’s been cooped up
in her room since morning, something must be
wrong this is totally unlike her.

“ Come in”

She yells from inside, I push the door and let

myself in.
“ Hey”

“ Hi”

“ What’s wrong?”

“ Nothing why?”

“ You can’t lie to me Sphe I know you, tell me

what’s bothering you?”

She blows out a sigh and lies on her back

pillowing her arms. I take that as an invitation
to join her, so I kick off my slides and lay next
to her.

“ Talk to me what’s up?”

“ I want to study medicine”

“ Okay, that’s good but it doesn’t explain why

you look troubled”

Can’t say I’m surprised Sphe has always

wanted to be a doctor

“ I want to study it in Cuba”

“ What? Why Cuba, there’s Medicine in Wits,
UFS, UCT, UP, UKZN, Walter Sisulu University,
Stellenbosch, UL and Sefako Makgatho health
sciences University with so many options in
South Africa why Cuba?”

I know all these universities offer medicine

because she applied to all of them

“ Cuba invests a lot of money in health care

which means it offers a very high standard of
medical education”

“ We have many doctors who studied medicine

in our country and they’re all doing just fine”
“ I don’t dispute that but I don’t want to study
medicine in South Africa I want to study in
Cuban universities because they are globally
known to be highly competitive in the medical
field, Cuba is well known for cutting edge
advancement in medical research and
healthcare. I need this please don’t make me
feel bad for wanting this”

“ But Cuba Sphe, that’s in the Caribbean North

America what about us- your family?”

“ Come on Sabelo don’t make me feel bad for

wanting this, can’t you support me in this?”

She’s right I need to support and respect her

choice but the thought of her being so far away
from home unsettles me, we’ve never been
provinces apart since we were born now I’m
expected to be okay with her being in another
continent with no one to protect and look out
for her?

“ Please Sabelo I need your support in this”

“ Okay tell me more”

“ So every year the South African government

offers a scholarship to top students around the
country to study Medicine in Cuba, If I’m
selected I’ll have to go through a bunch of
entrance/interview tests, a full medical test
before a final selection is made on who gets to
go Cuba”
“ Okay so do you randomly get selected or you
have to apply?”

“ I have to apply, the application forms are

found at the nearest Provincial hospital or
district department of health and applications
normally close around March or April the
closing dates vary between provinces so I need
to apply by end February to be on the safe
side”

She did her research and knows all there is to

know about this, this goes to show how
important this is to her
“ Okay tell me more”

“ To qualify I obviously need to pass my matric

well, with a minimum average of 70%”

“ That’s nothing you’ll definitely qualify, so

how long will it take for you to finally be doctor
Meyiwa”

“ it’ll be one year of learning Spanish and

foundation courses then five years of Medical
studies in Cuba then I’ll complete the last 2
years of my medical degree back in a South
African university since I’ll be serving here”

“ Okay how often will you come back home?”

“ Eish”

“ Don’t say eish, tell me”

“ I won’t come back home for the first year and

will only be allowed to come back once a year
starting from the second year”

“ What?”

“ Wait, I can come home often if I can afford to

pay for the plane tickets myself”
“ Yoh, I don’t see the rents agreeing to this
especially mom. You know how possessive. she
is, she’ll feel like she’s losing you if you’re so
far away”

“ She’ll have a grand daughter who’ll take all

her attention, she won’t even know I’m not
here”

“ Asaz’”

( We don’t know that)

“ Come on give me some hope, I really need

this”
“ Talk to dad first I’m sure he’ll find a way to
get through to her”

“ You’re right I will do that”

“ So what happens if you fall pregnant during

the course of your studies?”

“ It’s either I abort my child or I’ll be forced to

come back home”

“ Really?”

“ Yes, nakhona there’s a number of abortions

one can have before they’re disqualified from
the program. They’re looking for students who
are eager to study and abstain from sex for the
duration of their studies or at least practice safe
sex”

“ Yo so are you like going to learn everything in

Spanish or whatever language they speak in
Cuba?”

She laughs

“ No silly most of medical courses are offered

in English”

“ What accompanying documents do you

need?”
“ Why do you ask, do you want to apply?”

“ No never, I have a baby on the way leaving

South Africa is not an option for me and
besides I don’t want to be a doctor”

“ Okay, I need to submit a CV, a copy of my ID,

mom and dad’s ID copies, passport and my
matric certificate, mom and dad’s proof of
income and proof of residence..oh I think I’ll
need a visa as well”

“ Wow, I can see how much you want this I

hope the rents will allow you to apply and go
for what you want so I can brag to everyone
about my sister whose a doctor”
We laugh

I really don’t know how I’m going to cope with

her continents away from me but I can see how
much she wants this and I’m more than ready
to support her, I guess this is part of growing
up. We need to separate and find our way
through this life thing individually and not as
twins like how we’ve done everything in life
well except sex.

NDALO
Melo didn’t only miss the Christmas lunch and
cut the call while my mother was still talking,
she switched her phone off and came back
home the next day. Mom was so livid she
wanted to beat her up but dad stopped her and
reminded her of what happened the last she
beat me up, I was bruised for days that woman
is brutal she doesn’t know how to discipline a
child she’ll beat you like she’s fighting you.

“ You still owe me details” I say

We haven’t had chance to speak about the

lunch she had with Themba’s sisters since she
came back, I’ve been going to Sabelo’s house
and only coming back home when it’s late at
night much to my parents disapproval but
they’re still tip-toing around me trying to make
up for their mistakes so I’m taking advantage of
knowing they’ll not say anything

“ Yo Ses’Ndalo her house is beautiful chic and

everything classy, her husband Kagiso is a
walking temptation yangizwa he’s sex on legs
muhle nangu muntu”

“ Haibo Melo, you can’t talk about someone

else’s husband like that”

“ I don’t want him hao I’m just complimenting

God’s divine creation”
“ I can’t with you”

“ Nthati, the wife is also beautiful and they

have three adorable kids. Warona I think she’s
10 then Omphile is the same age as Themba’s
son then their last one is 7 months old,
Reitumetse she’s so adorable”

“ They sound like a lovely family what about

the other sister, doesn’t she have a boyfriend or
kids?”

“ Leso shlama leso, I don’t know she didn’t say

much about herself all she did was question me
and drink alcohol like a fish”
“ Yini was she mean?”

“ Not really but her questions were

condescending and undermining”

“ I hope you didn’t fight with her phela wena”

“ I almost slapped her trust me but I chose to

be the bigger person and excuse myself”

“ Good, imagine fighting your boyfriend’s

sister”

“ Ay kunani? Muntu makangiphaphela

ngiyambhibiza mina kuthi wu sis ka Themba
kuza ngamva loko”
( What’s wrong with that? I beat up anyone
who disrespects me, I don’t care if she’s
Themba’s sister or not)

“ Ay Melo”

“ I won’t let anyone disrespect me shem askies

yo ngeke kunganyiwa!”

My phone rings saving me from the rather

uncomfortable conversation with my sister

“ Baby”

“ Sthandwa sam do you have any plans for

tonight?”
“ No, I don’t why?”

“ Because I’d love to spend the night with you

and welcome the new year with you in my
arms”

Oh konje it’s the 31st of December today, the

last day of the year.

“ I'd love nothing more but where?”

“ Your apartment or better yet let’s book into a

hotel”
“ Only if you’ll let me pay”

“ No, I’ll pay”

“ With what money?”

“ I have savings”

“ We will go to the hotel only if you’ll let me

pay”

“ Okay, you win. You’ll pay then”

“ Yaay!”
“ Is that a yes?”

“ Of course it’s a yes my love, I can’t wait. Let

me make the bookings right away”

“ Okay I’ll borrow my dad’s car, what time

should I pick you up?”

“ 7 should be fine”

“ Alright see you at 7 then”

“ Bye”

“ Bye”
“ At least one of us has plans for tonight”

Melo says when I end the call

“ Don’t you have plans with ‘Sunshine’?”

“ No, he’s going back to his sister’s house and

obvious that stuck up bitch Dineo will be there
and I’m so not in the mood to see her face”

“ Melo don’t call her names, she’s still your

boyfriend’s sister and he won’t appreciate you
calling her names”
“ But she’s a bitch mos”

“ I give up”

I open my pc and make a booking at Oleratong

guest house, I know Sabelo wanted a hotel but
this is the only thing I can find at the last
minute. I can’t wait to welcome the new year in
my man’s arms but the new year brings about a
reality I’m not sure I’m ready to face, a reality
in which my boyfriend and I will live provinces
apart. Will our relationship survive the
distance, will he be faithful to me and not
cheat, will he keep all the promises he made to
me? I don’t have the answers nor does he, the
answer lies on time, only time will tell.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#52

“ Damn I look good!”

I exclaim looking at my reflection in the mirror.

I’m wearing solid ripped skinny Jeans, a plain

white t-shirt, a white bomber jacket and white
Jordan courtside sneakers. I love the colour
white and I think it looks good on me, I’m not
trying to blow my own horn but I look great
especially with my new haircut.
After putting on my cologne I grab my phone
and wallet and make my way to the lounge.

“ Wow you look good I wonder uyaphi mase

uzimanzise kanje!” Sphe

( when you look this good)

She’s wrapped in fleece blanket on top of the

couch eating jumping jacks straight from the
packet.

“ I’m going out with my girlfriend”

“ You look good”

“ Thanks, have you seen dad?”

“ He’s outside with uncle Ntsika and their

friends, what do you want from him?”

“ Haibo! Why are you questioning me?”

“ I’m just asking”

“ I want to borrow his car”

“ Hmm”
“ Let me get going, I don’t want to drive at
night it’s festive season the roads are busy and
people are driving under the influence the last
thing I want to get caught up in a car accident”

“ Yes, it’s not safe so you better get going”

“ See you tomorrow, happy new year in

advance”

“ Happy new year mntasekhaya”

“ Come on give me a hug”

She picks herself up from the couch and
snuggles in my embrace holding on to me for
dear life

“ I love you Sabelo”

“ I love you too sis wami”

I find Dad, uncle and three of their friends in

the backyard. Dad has a bottle of beer on his
left hand while he flips the meat on the braai
stand using his right hand, he gives the fork to
my uncle when he sees me approaching and
takes big strides towards me meeting me half
way.
“ What’s up son?”

“ Please borrow me your car”

“ At this time Sabelo, on a busy day like today?

Where are you even going, don’t tell me you’re
going to turn up. Don’t tell me you forgot what
happened the last time you went out partying”

“ I’m going to a guest house in Evander with

Ndalo”

“ You know the risk Sabelo I can’t let you go,

what if something happens to you out there?”

“ Dad please”
“ No Sabelo, I can’t take that risk with your
life”

“ But Ndalo already made payments and it’s

non-refundable”

He looks at me for a while seemingly deep in

thought

“ Dad please”

“ Okay, I’ll drive you there myself”

Talk about cramping my style

“ It’s either that or you’re not going anywhere”

Not what I wanted to hear but it’s better than

cancelling right?

“ Okay”

NDALO

Today is one of the days where I hate being

pregnant, I’m spending the night with my
boyfriend so I wanted to look sexy but I can’t
because of this big belly now most of my
clothes and the sexy lingerie’s I bought are too
small and this outing wasn’t planned it’s a spur
of the moment thing it happened spontaneously
so I didn’t have enough time to go shopping for
a sexy little number to blow Sabelo’s brains out
and have him lusting over me.

“ Yoh what the hell happened here!”

Melo exclaims when she walks into my room

and sees the mess I made while looking
through my clothes for something to wear.

I huff and lower myself on the vanity chair, it’s

a bit uncomfortable for me but it’s the only
thing I could find in this room that didn’t have
a heap of clothing on top.

“ I can’t find anything to wear Melo and Sabelo

will be here any minute now”

I feel so overwhelmed and frustrated I’m so

tempted to cancel this whole thing.

“ Shh don’t cry sis, I’ll help you find something

to wear there must be something”

Just then I get an incoming call, it’s Sabelo. I

wipe my tears and clear my throat before
taking the call
“ Baby”

“ Sthandwa sam are you okay?”

“ Yes, I’m okay”

“ You sound like you were crying”

“ No, it’s nothing. It’s my sinuses”

“ You have sinuses since when?”

“ Stop with the 21 questions Sabelo, I’m sure

you didn’t call to interrogate me”
“ Woah, calm down baby there’s no need to get
yourself worked up. I’m outside”

“ What?”

“ Yes”

“ I can’t find anything to wear Sabelo, let’s

cancel”

“ What? No, we are not cancelling anything.

I’m giving you five minutes to get your pretty
self here or I’ll come and get you myself”

He says and cuts the call

“ Look at what I found” Melo

How I wish I had her enthusiasm right now

She’s holding a button front belted tie dye

dress.

“ You’re a lifesaver”

“ I know right, now stop crying and put this on.

Your bae is already here and I’m sure you don’t
want to keep him waiting for long”
Like a bat out of hell I quickly slip into the
dress and tie my hair in a high bun. Melo helps
me apply make-up, she keeps it natural nothing
too fancy or too colorful. I say my goodbyes to
my parents in the lounge and walk out of the
house with Melo, she walks me to the car
carrying my small luggage bag.

The way Melo babies me, she insists on getting

the door for me. She opens the door and starts
talking without looking up.

“ Yaz’ Sab..”

She stops mid-sentence when she raises her

head and sees Mr Meyiwa inside the car.
“ I'm sorry sir I thought it was Sabelo”

“ It’s okay ntombi, MaKhumalo please get in

the car we don’t want to be stuck in traffic”

Don’t tell me he’s coming with us

“ You can relax, I’m not tagging along. I’m only

driving you to the guest house”

The horrified expression on my face must’ve

given me away, without wasting more time I
hug Melo goodbye and hop in the backseat.
****

Sabelo’s father drove back to Embalenhle after

seeing the room and making sure it was safe.
Since Xoliswa threatened Sabelo, him and his
father are strict when it comes to our safety
and security that’s why the old man took it
upon himself to put on hold the plans he had
with his friends and drive us here.

The room I booked has a deluxe double bed

with a shower, the hospitality we received was
excellent we were warmly welcomed by the
lodge personnel and the room looks even better
than what was shown in the advertisement.

“ I’m hungry”
That’s the first thing I say after settling in

“ Okay love, sit down and make yourself

comfortable. I’ll go get our food”

“ Okay”

I undress all my clothes only leaving my

panties on, wearing a bra is so uncomfortable
lately because my boobs have grown fuller and
sensitive. I wear a gown and browse through
Netflix on my PC looking for a nice movie to
watch.

“ Babe unfortunately you can’t eat in here we

have to go to dining hall to eat”
Sabelo says when he walks back into the room

Kill me now!

“ I’m so not in the mood for clothes”

“ Please love, you need to eat”

“ Okay ke”

SABELO
The plan was to spend the night together and
welcome the new year in each other’s arms, it’s
only ten pm but Ndalo is already snoring softly
in my arms she slept in the middle of the movie
leaving me to finish the movie alone. This is
not what I had in mind when I proposed this
outing but this is better than nothing at least we
are together and that’s all that matters.

My phone rings snapping me out of my reverie,

I immediately pick it up before it wakes Ndalo.

“ Sabelo hello”
The caller says nothing but I can hear him
breathing.

I slowly move Ndalo from my chest gently lay

her on the bed and carefully get out of bed
careful not to wake her.

“ Hello!”

I say once I’m in the bathroom

“ Sabelo”

I release a dry chuckle when I realize who it is

“ What do you want?”

“ Sabelo please, don’t drop the call hear me

out”

“ I have nothing to say to you Xolane, neither

you or Khutso”

“ I deserve that but please hear me out”

“ Why? Why should I listen to you?”

“ Because I want to tell you the truth”

Now that grabs my attention, I lower myself on
top of the toilet seat.

“ Talk”

“ Firstly I’d like to apologize for my

involvement in all of this but I swear I didn’t
know that you would end up getting hurt much
less be stabbed”

“ So you were involved in my attack, wow I

can’t believe this!”

“ No listen man…a man came to us and gave

us instructions regarding you and..”
“ Wait, what do you mean a man approached
and gave you instructions regarding me? What
does he look like, how old does he look?”

I have no idea who that could be, I don’t

anyone who’d want to hurt me except for Musa
but he can’t speak nor write so I really have no
idea who this ‘man’ could be

“ He’s old more or less your father’s age. He is

dark skinned with a beard, he looks like a
typical man from the village”

I don’t know anyone matching that description

“ I don’t know anyone like that, what did he
want to know about me?”

“ Khutso and I were on our way from the

soccer field when a van came out of nowhere
and parked in front of us blocking our way,
then three man dressed in Brentwood and
those Zulu ingwe vest stepped out of the car.
They told us they knew who we were and
where we lived and that they wouldn’t hesitate
to kill us if we didn’t do what they asked”

“ Okay, what did they want?”

“ They told us to come get you from your house

and take you to Chillax, I’m sorry but we had
no choice but to do it”
“ Stop apologizing and talk, I don’t have time
for your apologies the time for that is over”

“ Remember those girls who came to Chillax

that night? They were sent by them, your drink
was spiked that’s why you got wasted quickly”

Wow, just wow!

“ I swear I don’t know what their plan was but

you pissed them off when you left and didn’t
want to entertain the girls that’s why they sent
those two guys to attack you and leave you like
that so Xoliswa can come and save you”
“ What the fuck! You know who Xoliswa is?”

“ Xolane!”

He doesn’t reply but I hear shuffling and heavy

groans before the line goes dead. I jolt up from
the toilet seat and call his number but it sends
me straight to voicemail, what the fuck is going
on? A cold chill runs down my spine when I
remember that I left Ndalo in the bedroom
alone, I sprint to the bedroom and sigh in relief
when I find her on the bed snoring.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#53

This is way bigger than I imagined, why would

anyone go through so much trouble just to hurt
me? I honestly have no idea who could be
behind this whole thing I don’t know anyone
matching the description Xolane gave me, as
much as I wanted to spend some time alone
with my woman to bond and have mind
blowing sex you know count down into the new
year with my dick buried balls deep inside her
warm nuna but spending the night here is no
longer an option we need to leave.
I mop my face with my hands and blow out a
sigh, this is fucked up and more serious than I
thought. I glance at Ndalo on the bed, she’s still
sleeping soundly totally unaware of what’s
happening. She looks so beautiful in her sleep
it’s such a shame I’ll have to wake her up, but
first I need to call my dad and tell him.

“ Meyiwa”

There’s jazz music playing in the background,

I’m interrupting his plans yet again but this
can’t wait it’s urgent my life is at stake.

“ Babami something happened”

“ What?.. Hold on let me find a quiet spot”

There’s shuffling for about a minute or so

“ Talk to me, what happened is MaKhumalo

okay?”

He is freaking out, his voice gives him away.

“ Ndalo is fine dad, Xolane called a while ago”

“ What did he want, is he back from the

village?”
“ I don’t know, he called to tell me the truth
about what happened that fateful night and
even confessed to knowing Xoliswa but there
was shuffling and heavy groans before he could
tell me more then the call got disconnected. I
think whoever is behind this whole thing
probably attacked him as a way to prevent him
from telling me the truth”.

“ Shit! This is bigger than I thought, you need

to come back home Sabelo I can’t have you far
from me amidst all of this. It’s obvious whoever
is behind this is dangerous and I wouldn’t be
surprised if Xolane winds up dead, pack up
your things I’m coming to pick you up. Lock
the door and don’t let anyone in until I get
there okay”
“ Yes dad”

I say and cut the call

“ Sthandwa sam”

“ Hmm”

She says and pulls the covers to her face

“ Sthandwa sam you need you wake up”

I say gently stroking her arm

“ Sabelo what’s wrong why won’t you let me
sleep?”

Her eyes are still shut but the annoyance

masking her features can’t be missed

“ I’m sorry for waking you from your sleep but

we need to leave, it’s not safe for us to be here”

Her eyes snap open and the fear they hold rips
my heart to shreds

“ Why, did something happen?”

“ Yes but I don’t want you to worry about it, all
I need you to do right now is to get dressed my
father is on his way to fetch us”

“ Okay”

NDALO

I'm starting to believe the universe is against

my relationship with Sabelo, something always
goes wrong everytime we try to spend quality
time away from everyone. Last time when we
booked into a lodge Musa kidnapped me and
raped and now it’s this what’s going to happen
next time? I don’t know but what if this is a
sign that Sabelo and I will never be happy
together?

We’ve been on the road for a while now I’m at

the backseat with Sabelo, his father is the one
driving and he’s been asking Sabelo questions
about Xolane’s call since we left the guest
house

“ So he told you three men dressed in

Brentwood and Ingwe vest approached him
and Khutso and told them to take you to
Chillax?”

“ Yes”
“ I just don’t get it, what were they hoping to
achieve by doing that?”

“ I don’t know but I remember they didn’t want

us to leave Xolane kept insisting on us staying
longer then these four girls came out of
nowhere and came to our table asking to join
us, apparently they were sent by those same
men”

“ You never mentioned any girls joining you” I

say

“ Because I left when one of them started

flirting with me, apparently the attack and
Xoliswa saving me was all part of their master
plan”

“ I seriously don’t know anyone matching the

description Xolane gave you but I’ll talk to Greg
maybe this information will help make his work
a whole lot easier but we can’t only rely on him
we need to get hold of Khutso ASAP. He'll give
us all the answers we need, try calling him
now” Mr Meyiwa

When Sabelo bought a new phone he had a sim

swap done and retained his old number, all his
contacts were saved on his Gmail account not
on the phone that’s why he still has Khutso’s
numbers.
“ It rang once and sent me straight to
voicemail, I think he blocked my number”

Sabelo says looking defeated

“ We will find him don’t worry, I’ll ask Ntsika

to track his ___location using his phone number
when we get home. We’ll find him one way or
another, he’s not getting away with this he
needs to account”.

“ What about Xolane? He put his life in danger

trying to warn me, he could be dead for telling
me the truth we need to find him”
“ Don’t beat yourself up about it, you’re not
responsible for anything that happened to him.
He chose his fate when he chose to sell you out
to those men instead of telling you the truth, I
know he’s your friend but you’re not
responsible for anything that might have
happened to him.”

Mr Meyiwa says trying to reassure him

“ Can’t we track his ___location as well? I just

need to know if he’s okay”

Mr Meyiwa sighs looking at his son in the rear

view mirror
“ Okay we will, he might have betrayed you
and led you to the lion’s den but he’s also a
victim in all of this”

“ Thank you”

The rest of the drive to the Meyiwa residence is

filled with silence. Each one of us battling with
their own thoughts, it’s the last day of the year
we are supposed to be having fun enjoying
ourselves not stressing about an enemy we
don’t know.

“ Take maKhumalo inside and wait for me in

my office I’ll go get your uncle” Mr Meyiwa
He climbs out of the car and races to the
veranda where a group of his friends and uncle
Ntsika are gathered twittering drinking their
beverages, one is on his feet dancing to the
Hugh Masekela song booming on the Bose
surround speakers a few feet away from them.

Sabelo takes both my hands in his and looks

into my eyes

“ I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for our night to end

this way”

“ Don’t apologize baby it’s not your fault”

“ I know but ..”

I shut him up with a kiss

“ Stop apologizing for things you’re not

responsible for, go to your father’s office and
get to the bottom of this whole thing. You’ll
find me waiting for you in your room when
you’re done, I don’t promise to be awake
though”

We laugh

“ You’re amazing you know that, thank you for

loving me Ndoniyamanzi”

.
.

SABELO

“ Sabelo cant have an enemy who’s your age it

doesn’t make any sense, this are your enemies
and they are probably using Sabelo to get to
you” Uncle

I’m with my dad and uncle in my father’s

office, their friends left I don’t know what
excuse my dad gave them but they were not at
all pleased when they left here.

“ I thought about that but I don’t know anyone

who wears a Brentwood zalo”
“ Ya kodwa izitha zakho lezi, they can’t be
Sabelo’s enemies”

( They are your enemies)

“ I wonder who those bastards are, Sabelo give

Ntsika Khutso’s number so we can track his
___location”

“ Okay”

My uncle has an app on his phone called

Verified lookups it gives you the name, address
and ___location of the person using only their
cellphone number.
“ Guess what, Khutso is not in the village he’s
here in his house”

Uncle says after fiddling with his phone for a

few minutes

Why would his mother lie and say he’s at the

village when he’s right here?

“ Let’s go there bafo, let’s not waste anymore

time we need to get to the bottom of this”
Uncle

“ I agree with you Zalo, we need to find the

bastard who’s behind this we have tolerated his
nonsense for way too long”
“ Please check Xolane’s ___location”

I ask looking at my uncle

“ Okay give me his number”

“ He’s in Evander… Oleratong guest house”

“ What!”

My father and I exclaim at the same time

looking at each other, that’s the name of the
guest house Ndalo and I were booked into.
“ What?”

My uncle asks looking confused

“ That’s the name of the guest house Ndalo and

Sabelo were in”

“ Fuck! This is deeper than we thought, so what

now?”

“ Let’s get Khutso first we will deal with Xolane

later”

My father suggests
“ Yeah, I agree let’s go” Uncle

The three of us race out of the house, my dad

and I are the first one’s out of the yard and my
uncle drives behind us with his bakkie.
Khutso’s house is not far from my house so
within five minutes of leaving the house we are
parked outside his gate

“ Let’s go inside”

My father says and leads the way to the front

door.

“ I don’t think there’s anyone home”

My uncle says sussing out the dim house

“ Yeah it looks like it but I still think we should

knock” Dad

He hits his knuckles on the wooden door and

takes a few steps backwards

“ I’m coming!”

A voice yells from inside, a voice I know all too

well. It’s Khutso’s mother, she sounds irritated
but I don’t blame her my father’s knock was
hard he knocked exactly like how the police
knock when they come into one’s home.
“ Hao Mr Meyiwa wa kokota habohloko so?”

( Why are you knocking so hard)

That’s what she says when she opens the door

and comes face to face with my father standing
on her door step

“ Ngiyaxolisa maMasipa kodwa kuyaphuthuma

ngingam’thola uKhutso?”

( I’m sorry maMasipa but it’s urgent, can I find

Khutso)

“ Hobaneng?”

( Why)
She questions with her arms folded to her chest
and wearing a suspicious look on her face.

“ We just need to ask him a few questions ma

that’s all”

I say stepping forward standing next to my dad

“ Oh Sabelo I didn’t see you, how are you?”

“ I’m good ma, how are you?”

“ I’m good. Mr Meyiwa I’m sorry for being

rude it’s just that strange men have been
showing up on my doorstep lately looking for
my son so I got a little defensive when you said
you’re looking for him”.

“ What strange men?”

My uncle asks behind me

“ Haibo, what’s going on here? The whole

Meyiwa clan in my house at this time of the
night looking for my son?”

She asks when she sees my uncle

“ Mama we are sorry for showing up here at

this time of the night I promise we didn’t mean
to disrespect you or your home but we really
need to talk to your son about something
important” Dad

“ What’s that?”

“ Sabelo was stabbed and left for dead a few

weeks ago and we believe Khutso knows who
did it”

“ Aowa why would my son know anything

about it? He’s Sabelo’s friend”

She says defensively

“ Mama your son’s life could be in danger,

those strange men you were talking about just
now will end up killing him if you don’t allow
us to talk to him now. If we talk to him now we
can protect him” Uncle Ntsika

“ What?”

“ He’s telling you the truth maMasipa those

men are dangerous and your son’s life is in
danger, allow us to talk to him please” Dad

“ Okay, I will take you to his room”

She says after a few minutes of contemplation

We get in and follow her to Khutso’s bedroom

“ Khutso!”

“ I think he’s sleeping”

She says when he doesn’t answer

“ Keep knocking”

Uncle Ntsika says

She sighs and goes back to the task at hand

“ Khutso! Khutso!”
“ I’m coming in my son”

She twists the knob and the door opens, the

lights are off so the room is dark. She presses
the switch next to the door, the room comes
alight revealing a lifeless Khutso hanging from
the ceiling.

“ Khutso!”

A gut wrenching sob breaks out from her

mouth, she runs inside the room and grabs her
son’s legs trying to pull him down from the
ceiling.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#54

After finding Khutso’s lifeless body hanging

from the ceiling we called the police, MaMasipa
couldn’t stop wailing but I don't blame her if I
feel so shattered about Khutso’s death she must
feel worse. Khutso was her son, her one and
only child I can’t begin to imagine how she
must feel. I’ve never met my daughter but I
know losing her would kill me so imagine how
the poor woman must feel after seeing her son’s
lifeless body hanging from the ceiling, a son she
raised and lived with for the past 18 years.
MaMasipa asked the police to perform an
autopsy saying she knows her son would never
cause her so much pain by taking his own life,
everything points to this being a suicide we
even found a suicide note in his room but we all
know that’s nothing but a lie, they killed him-
whoever those Brentwood wearing men are
they are the one’s who are responsible for this.
They got rid of him before I could get to him
which makes me wonder if Xolane is still alive
but by the looks of things the chances of that
happening are very slim but I’m hoping for the
best, I’ll remain hopeful until we find out what
really happened to him.
We told the police all our suspicions but
knowing them I won’t hold my breath, this
people hardly solve any cases I still don’t know
why they are getting paid because instead of
protecting civilians from criminals they help
the same criminals get away with killing and
hurting other people because of greed.

“ We are deeply sorry for your loss MaMasipa

please don’t hesitate to tell us should you need
any assistance with the funeral preparations”

Dad says

Khutso’s mother nods with tears rolling down

her face pooling under her chin.
“ Thank you so much Mr Meyiwa”

Her neighbour says

The neighbour came as soon as she heard

MaMasipa’s piercing cries and has been
comforting her ever since.

“ It’s a pleasure ma we will take our leave”

“ Goodbye ma, I’ll come check up on you

tomorrow”

I say giving her a hug

“ Okay my boy”

I walk to the car feeling low, Khutso betrayed

me but he was my friend and his death hurts.
He was still way too young to die, he didn’t
deserve to die like this he had his whole life
ahead of him.

“ I’ll drive you home and go with your uncle to

Evander”

My dad says when we get inside the car.

“ No, I want to come with”

“ Sabelo please”

“ No, I want to go with you”

“ Sabelo stop being stubborn, you just lost your

friend. I’m taking you home”

“ To do what?”

“ To be with your pregnant girlfriend, cry your

eyes out because you lost a friend and it hurts.
I don’t know but let me and your uncle handle
this”

“ But Xolane is also my friend and he risked his

life for me so this is the least I could do”
He pulls my face and links our forehead
cupping my cheeks in his palms

“ Hey look at me, this is not your fault. You did

nothing wrong, if there’s anyone at fault then
it’s those men and not you. I don’t want you
feeling guilty or blaming yourself, you are a
victim in all of this you’re not responsible for
anyone’s death okay?”

“ Sabelo?”

I nod my head and tears spill from my eyes like

water on a waterfall
“ It’s okay to cry my son, it doesn’t make you
weak it only makes you human”

He pulls me into his arms and I cry releasing all

the pain trapped inside my chest

“ It’s okay”

He says squeezing me in his arms

“ Zalo!”

My uncle bellows hitting his knuckles on my

dad’s window
I release myself from my father’s arms and
wipe my tears with my white t-shirt, my father
rolls down the window to speak to my uncle

“ What’s going on, what are we still waiting

for?”

My uncle asks with his eyes darting between

me and my father but I look away avoiding eye
contact with him

“ Nothing zalo, let’s go home to drop off Sabelo

then we will drive to Evander with your car”

“ I can drive myself home, go with uncle to

Evander”
I suggest

“ Nope never, I’m not letting you drive alone.

Not after what happened to Khutso, Zalo drive
out we will follow you”

“ Okay zalo”

My uncle walks back to his bakkie, he parked

behind us so we need to wait for him to drive
out before driving out. We drive to my house
following him behind my dad steps out of the
Mercedes-Benz and rounds the car to go join
my uncle in his Bakkie, my uncle hoots once
and drives off.
“ Where’s Ndalo?”

I ask Sphe when I find her in the lounge

She looks into my eyes and immediately jolts to

her feet and paces towards me with a worried
look on her face

“ Were you crying? What’s going on, why are

you here? Why didn’t you and miss Khumalo
spend the night at the guest house?”

“ Sphe please tu”

I say blowing her off

“ Please Sabelo tell me what’s going on?”

“ I asked you where Ndalo is or yini you don’t

want to tell me?”

“ She’s in your bedroom, I think she’s sleeping.

She said she was tired”

“ Where’s mom?”

“ She didn’t come back from aunt’s house”

“ Okay good night”

“ Come on Sabelo don’t leave me hanging tell
me what’s going on?”

“ Not now Sphe”

I say and walk to my room

Sphe is too inquisitive and doesn’t let go until

you tell her what she wants to know but I know
she won’t follow me to my room while Ndalo is
here. She is nosy but she has so much respect
for my girlfriend.

Like Sphe said Ndalo is under the blankets

sleeping, I take off all my clothes including my
underwear and join her under the covers
pulling her warm body to mine. She’s sleeping
naked, that’s how she sleeps since she fell
pregnant apparently her pyjamas are too hot
and make her uncomfortable during the night
so prefers being naked.

“ You’re back. What time is it?”

She says under her breath pushing her butt to

my groin area

“ Sleep baby”

I say trying to swallow the painful lump on my

throat
“ What’s wrong Sabelo?”

She turns around to face me

“ Khutso passed on and I’m afraid Xolane could

be dead too”

“ Oh my goodness Sabelo, what happened to

him?”

“ It looks like he committed suicide but I think

he was murdered”

“ Oh I’m so sorry babe”

She wraps her arms around me and lays my
head on her bosom

“ I’m sorry baby, I’m so sorry”

We hold each other silently until we hear

firecrackers and people screaming in jubilation
outside wishing each other a “ Happy new
year”

“ Happy New year Sthandwa sam” I say

“ Happy New year baby”

I smash my lips into hers smooching the living
daylights out of her soft lips, she replies to the
kiss with the same passion and intensity.

“ I love you”

I murmur in between her sultry kisses

“ I love you more”

My hands are all over her body caressing her

soft smooth skin, I’m rock hard it’s been ages
since we had sex I want her and she wants me
too judging by how wet she is.

“ Fuck me baby”
She says barely audible panting heavily, high
in the throes of passion.

“ You want to me fuck you huh?”

“ Yes please”

“ I’ll fuck you then”

I’m top of her in an instant my hard dick

knocking on her wet hot entrance

“ Stop teasing baby, put it in!”

“ Patience Sthandwa sam”

I hold my hard shaft and slowly guide it inside

her warm nuna, she spreads her legs giving me
access to her haven. I thrust all the way to the
hilt and feel warm sensations all over my body
as her warm nuna stretches and swallows my
cock

“ Damn you’re so tight”

I say with my eyes shut savouring the moment.

“ Aaah harder please”

She pleads with a low voice driving me insane
with lust

“ Are you sure?”

“ Yes”

I rotate my waist and pump in and out of her

hard, my strokes are fast and impactful. A loud
scream of pleasure breaks out of her mouth

“ Babe! Don’t forget that Sphe is in the house”

I croak trying so hard to swallow the groans

that threaten to escape from my lips.
“ Sorry but I can’t help it, you’re doing it so
good”

“ Try to keep it down”

“ Okay”

I thrust into her, she moans scratching my

back. I smash my lips into hers to swallow her
beautiful moans of pleasure, this is why we
needed time away from everyone so my lady
could scream and moan in peace!

.
.

BRANDON

When we get to Oleratong guest house we find

police cars parked on the driveway, Ntsika
parks his bakkie a few feet away from them and
kills the engine.

“ Shit! The police are here, this can only mean

one thing!”

Ntsika says

“ I wonder who these people are, they are a

bunch of cowards killing innocent little boys!”
I’m so disgusted right now

“ Let’s get inside” Ntsika

We climb out of the car and follow each other

to the entrance.

“ I’m sorry but you can’t come in there’s an on

going investigation taking place inside”

Says a female police officer standing at the

door

“ Please let us in, we really need to get inside”

Ntsika
“ I can’t sir please don’t make my job difficult”

The female officer replies unable to mask how

irritated she is with Ntsika

“ Ntsika stop forcing the lady already told that

we can’t go in, respect her and allow her do her
job” I say

The officer smiles while Ntsika looks at me

with disbelief on his face

“ I know we can’t go in but can you at least tell

us what’s going on inside?”
“ I can’t do that”

“ Please tu, I was planning to bring my wife

here so I need to know if this guest house is not
safe don’t you think?”

She looks at me with indecision dancing in her

eyes. I glance at the name written on her
uniform.

“ Please MaRadebe”

I purr looking into her eyes

“ Okay, I’ll tell you only because you’re nice
unlike your arrogant brother over here who
thinks he can get away with anything”

Ntsika and I might not look exactly alike but

we have similar features, anyone can tell that
we are brothers.

“ Haibo! We sisi shono kahle mawufuna ubafo

ungasebenzisi igama lami”

( Tell my brother if you want him and stop

using me as an excuse)

“ Ntsika! Respect the lady, that’s not how we

talk to women” I chastise
You should see the smile on the lady’s face, her
cheeks must be painful from all the blushing
she’s been doing.

“ Ngiyabonga buti”

( Thank you)

She says with a low voice sweeping the floor

with her long lashes sending Ntsika into a fit of
laughter.

“ Never mind my brother he’s not normal, he

didn’t take his medication that’s why he’s
behaving like this.”

“ Oh that’s why enje!”

If looks could kill I’d be six feet under, the look
Ntsika is giving me! What can I do, a man’s got
do what a man’s got to do!

“ Tell me Ntokazi what happened?”

“ What happened here is really sad, a teenage

boy was found dead in one of the deluxe
bedrooms”

“ Eish how unfortunate, was he sick or

something?”

“ No he was strangled to death”

“ Did you manage to catch the murderer?”

“ That’s the strange thing none of the staff

members or guests remember seeing the boy
check in, no one saw anything but there’s a
dead body. We don’t know if he died here or he
was already dead when he got here”

“ Yoh that’s hectic what about the CCTV

footage, didn’t it pick up anything?”

“ The footage has been wiped off”

This is getting deeper at each turn, I wonder

who is behind this and what do they want from
me? I just hope my son won’t be blamed for
this, he’s afterall the last person to speak
Xolane before he met his untimely death plus
the bastards brought his dead body to the same
guest house my son was checked in- he could
easily be the prime suspect in the murder
investigation.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#55

“ Happy new year my love”

“ Happy new year my sunshine”

“ So am I seeing you today?”

“ I don’t know”

“ Come on, I need to see you I miss my

woman”

“ Okay but only if you’re picking me up”

“ Done, what else?”

“ I want to spend time with you, just you not

your sisters and your brother in law”
“ Did my sisters say or do anything to offend
you perhaps?”

“ No, but I want to spend time with you away

from other people”

I’m not the girl who runs to her boyfriend with

every little problem, I take care of things.
Themba doesn’t need to know about his sister’s
bitchy behavior, I’ll handle her.

“ Is that your way of saying you miss Lehoko?”

“ Babe! Come on, it’s not even that I just miss

being with you. Okay I miss him too but I miss
spending time with you more”
“ I miss you too babe, pack an overnight bag
because there’s no way I’m letting you out of
my sight after not seeing for so many days plus
you know I’m addicted to my vanilla cake”

By ‘so many days’ he means the 5 days

between the 26th of December and today.

“ Babe man stop it, you’re making me horny”

“ Really? Let’s video call then I want to see

your clit twitching and swelling”

My heart swells threatening to jump out of my

chest, my body temperature sky rockets I won’t
mention the pool forming between my legs.
That’s the effect Themba has on me, he doesn’t
need to do much to get me all hot and bothered

“ No, Themba we can’t “

“ Says who?”

“ What if someone walks in?”

“ Lock the door then, I want to see my vanilla

cake”

Yo, I can literally feel the juices oozing from my

cookie.
“ Okay baby”

He immediately cuts the call without so much

as giving a warning. I walk to the door and lock
it before undressing and climbing on top of the
bed naked, I’ll probably laugh at myself when I
think about this later-the things we do for love
kodwa.

It doesn’t take long before my phone chimes

next to me, it’s Themba’s video call. I accept
the call and put the phone between my parted
legs
“ Damn! How I miss sucking and eating you up
baby”

“ Baby please”

“ Look at how wet you are, I wish I was next

you so I could drink all those delicious juices. I
love how you taste on my tongue”

“ Baby stop it”

“ Flick your engorged clit”

I move my hands to my cookie and play with

myself
“ Finger fuck yourself and imagine it was me”

I balance my phone with a pillow and lay on

my back working my fingers inside my pussy

“ Increase your pace, go deeper and faster!”

With my eyes closed I do as he says and the

pleasure I feel is out of this world

“ That’s it, push your finger to the roof of your

vanilla cake and rub on your g-spot”

“ That’s it..now cum for daddy”

His words send me over the edge and my body
convulses as I reach my high and cum undone.
I never knew I could reach my climax so easily
until I met Themba, like I said he doesn’t need
to do much to get me there yeah that’s the
effect he has on me.

BRANDON

If it was any other day I’d be in my house

enjoying the comfort of my king sized bed
while buried deep inside my wife’s warmth but
I can’t do that not when there are people after
my son’s life, it’s the first of January people are
sleeping tired from pulling an all nighter while
others are awake drinking themselves crazy
and some are nursing a hangover but I’m here
in the middle of nowhere waiting for Greg
because some cowardice people from the
bundus thought it better to mess with my son.

His car pulls up from the corner and parks next

to my car, he climbs out of the car and wears
shades to hide his bloodshot eyes before
walking towards me.

“ Meyiwa this better be good”

“ Good morning Greg”

“ Fuck your good morning I should be in my
house, it’s a holiday for goodness sake”

“ Stop whining I’m paying you, I gave you one

simple task. To get me information on Xoliswa
but there’s still no progress so stop complaining
and listen to me”

“ I tried my best man, there’s only so much I

can do with only a name”

“ Stop with your excuses, your job is to give me

solutions not to complain. I have another task
for you”
“ What?”

“ There are people after me and my son..”

I tell him all about the Brentwood wearing trio

and what they’ve been up to

“ Damn this is deeper than I thought”

“ That’s why you need to stop complaining and

start working, find out who these people are
Greg. I’m giving you 48 hours”

“ Come on Meyiwa that’s a tight deadline”

“ I don’t care, you’ve had enough time to find
these people but you didn’t. I’ve done your half
your job for you now the least you can do is
find out who they are”

“ I’ll try my best”

“ I don’t want you trying anything Greg, I want

you to find them”

It’s time I deal with those rural cowards who

use and kill innocent kids to fight their battles

“ You have 48 hours Greg, I promise you don’t

want to get on my bad side. Find those people
and bring them to me, 48 hours Greg only 48
hours nothing more nothing less”

I say and walk to my car, start the ignition and

drive off leaving behind a trail of dust.

NDALO

Last night or should I say this morning was

absolutely amazing I enjoyed every single
moment of the fucking and love making
sessions I had with my bae, what a way to start
the new year. Is this is what they refer to when
they say ‘songena nge vosho’ ai ngoba nami
ngingene nge vosho enyakeni omusha. I’ve
been awake for a while now starring at this
beautiful blue eyed man next to me. I still can’t
believe he’s in love with me, he’s so handsome
he could have any girl he wants but he chose
me. Me, simple Ndalo with a big forehead ya
neh who could’ve thought that one day I’d be in
love with someone who’s not Musa and be
pregnant for them.

My phone rings disturbing me from my

pleasant thoughts, I pick up on the second ring
and climb out of bed so as not to wake Sabelo.
He needs to rest.

“ Mama”
“ Ndalo ukuphi?”

She asks in a hushed tone, why is she

whispering?

“ I’m with Sabelo”

I don’t understand why she’s asking me

because she knows I left with Sabelo.

“ You need to come home, the police are here

looking for you. What did you do?”

What?
“ I didn’t do anything ma”

“ Then why are the police looking for you?”

“ Angazi mama”

( I don’t know mom)

“ Let me talk to her”

An unfamiliar voice says in the background

then I hear shuffling before a male voice speaks
into the receiver
“ Good morning Ndalo you’re speaking to
detective Ngcobo, what time do you think you
can get here?”

“ 15 ..15 minutes”

“ Okay we will wait for you then”

He says and cuts the call.

Why would the police be looking for me? In all

my 25 years of life I’ve never done anything
that will put me on the other side of the law
except for dating my learner. Could my
relationship with Sabelo be the reason for the
unwelcome visit from the police? Oh my
goodness I don’t know what to think!

I rush to the bathroom to freshen up. When I’m

done I wear my summer dress and sandals, I
don’t know if I should wake Sabelo up and tell
him I’m leaving or I should just leave and send
him a text when I get home.

A knock on the door interrupts my

contemplation

“ Come in”

The door opens then Sphe walks in

“ Good morning miss Khumalo please forgive
me for interrupting you but the police are here
looking for Sabelo”

“ What?”

“ Yes, apparently it has to do with Xolane’s

murder”

“ Xolane was murdered?”

She nods and looks up to prevent the tears in

her eyes from rolling down her cheeks

“ Please tell me my brother didn’t do it”

She pleads and breaks into loud sob causing
Sabelo to wake up

“ What’s going on, why are you crying Sphe?”

“ Please tell me you didn’t do it Sabelo?”

“ What are you talking about?”

“ Sthandwa sam what’s going on?”

I can hear him but I can’t bring myself to speak,

it’s like I’m stuck in a trance everything is
happened all at the same time. One minute
myself and Sabelo are going out for a night then
the next minute Xolane is dead and we are
caught up in a middle of it all, I don’t know
what’s real and what’s not. I don’t know if I’m
hallucinating or if this is really happening. This
is all too much for me to bare

SABELO

“ Sthandwa sam”

I say shaking Ndalo

“ Sabelo we are going to jail for a murder we
didn’t commit”

She says crying

“ Stop crying my love, we won’t go to jail we

didn’t do anything wrong okay please stop
crying”

I had to ask Sphe to leave my room so I could

get out of bed, get dressed and tend to Ndalo.
She really freaked me out, how she just froze
and looked at me blankly completely
unresponsive scared me.

“ Okay my love”
She nods her head vigorously and uses her
palms to wipe her tears.

“ Let’s go”

We walk to the lounge hand in hand

“ You finally decided to grace us with your

presence Sabelo and who’s the beautiful lady?”

One of the two men we found waiting in the

lounge says
“ She is Ndalo my girlfriend, I’m sorry for
taking long how can I help you?”

I’m shit scared right now but I need to be

strong for both Ndalo and I.

“ I’m detective Masondo and this is my

colleague Sergent Sereme, it’s a good thing
you’re also here miss both of you need to come
with us to the station for questioning regarding
Xolane’s murder”

“ They are going nowhere!”

I’ve never been so happy to see my father like I

am right now, he came just in time. We all
watch as my father confidently strides inside
the lounge.

“ What brings you to my house gentlemen”

He asks towering over them, my father is really

tall. I take after him.

“ We are investigating Xolane’s murder and

your son is the last person to speak to him
before he died” Sereme

“ So?”

“ We are only doing our job sir your son was

the last person who spoke to Xolane on the
phone literally two minutes before he died, the
same Xolane who was found dead in your son’s
room after him and his girlfriend checked out in
the middle of the night. I’m sorry sir but
everything points to them being the one’s
responsible for the murder of Xolane Nkosi”

“ That’s bullshit and you know it, my son didn’t

run away he checked out and the staff at the
guest house came to check the room when he
checked out. I was there and there was no dead
body, even a fool can tell that someone is
trying to frame my son for a murder he didn’t
commit”

“ You’ll explain that to the judge because I

don’t care, all I know is that Sabelo and his
girlfriend need to come with us down to the
station for questioning” Masondo

“ Go I’ll follow you with my car, they are not

criminals and I’m not going to allow you to
treat them like one”

The detective looks at my father with a smug

look on his face

“ How arrogant, Sereme let’s get out of here.

You and your girlfriend won’t get away with
this”
He says with his eyes darting between Ndalo
and me and then he follows Sereme out of the
house

“ Please don’t panic nothing is going to happen

to you, I won’t allow you to go to jail for
something you didn’t do. You trust me right?”

I nod

“ MaKhumalo I know this is stressful and

you’re scared but try not to stress yourself, I
don’t want anything happening to my
grandchild I’ll fix this I promise. No one is
going to jail”
I don’t doubt my dad but it doesn’t look good
for us, those men planned this to the last detail
I’m starting to suspect that maybe even
Xolane’s call was part of their grand plan to
frame me for his murder. Is it a coincidence
that they got to him just when he was about to
tell me about Xoliswa? I fell right into their trap
when I left the guest house now it looks like I
killed Xolane and ran away, making Ndalo my
accomplice.

I can take anything but Ndalo is too fragile for

jail she won’t survive it, oh please God in all
this please don’t let anything happen to my
child.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#56

“ You need to do everything in your power to

get these charges off their backs Clifford, I trust
you.”

“ There’s nothing to worry about here Sabelo

and Ndalo can’t be arrested for this, there was
no cadaver when they checked out and the
guest house staff is their alibi. Why would
Sabelo kill Xolane and leave him in the same
room Ndalo paid for? It doesn’t make sense.
The police should be investigating how the
cadaver made it into that room not trying to pin
murder charges on a teenage boy. It’s clear
they were paid to do this, whoever these men
are they have the police on their payroll but
unfortunately for them I wont let them win”

He says confidently

“ You really think so?”

“ I’m sure of it Meyiwa, I mean if I was the

police I’d look into the guest house staff- one of
them is working with whoever killed Xolane.
How did the cadaver make it passed the
reception and end up in the room without
anyone seeing anything, how did the CCTV
footage get wiped? Someone from the guest
house staff is working with the criminals who
did this”

“ You’re absolutely right, why didn’t I think of

this before?”

“ Don’t be too hard on yourself man, all this

can’t be easy on you so you are allowed to miss
a few things”

“ Eish I haven’t slept in two days”

“ I’m sorry but I’ll help you get to the bottom of

this. Greg must find a way to recover the CCTV
footage from that night, I’m sure we will find
something we can use to prove Sabelo’s
innocence and that’s why they wiped it off. By
so doing you’ll kill two birds with one stone-
finding the men behind all of this as well as
getting proof that Sabelo didn’t do it”

“ Thanks man, you just removed a huge burden

off my shoulders. I can see the light at the end
of the tunnel, Sabelo is starting varsity in a few
weeks he doesn’t deserve all of this nor does
pregnant Ndalo”

“ That’s what I’m here for”

“ I owe you one”

Clifford is not just a lawyer but he’s also a very
good friend of mine

“ So you seem fond of this Ndalo girl”

“ I am, she’s a good girl plus she loves my son

and makes him happy”

“ So you don’t have a problem with him being

with someone older than him?”

“ Honestly when he told me about it I thought

his feelings weren’t real, that whatever Sabelo
feels for her would fade with time but now I
know that I was fooling myself because what
he feels for her is real.”
“ So you’ve accepted them?”

“I wont lie and say I accepted their relationship

from the get go because I didn’t but I couldn’t
show Sabelo that or tell him to dump her like
his mother did because I know how it feels like
to be in love with someone who your family
doesn’t approve of. I’ve been there myself with
Mathapelo and I wouldn’t want to put my son
through that so I supported him even though I
didn’t agree with his choice”

“ I understand hey”
“ Yes, Sabelo loves her and he is happy with
her and that’s all that matters.”

“ These kids grow up so fast hey imagine at 18

Sabelo is already expecting his first child”

“ I know right but it’s done there’s nothing

anyone can do to change it, I already love my
grandchild and I can’t wait for her to be born”

“ I know how much you love kids, I have no

doubt that she’ll be the most spoilt little girl in
the world. How did Mathapelo take the whole
thing?”
“ She hated Ndalo at first called her all sorts of
names and accused her of pinning the
pregnancy on Sabelo but she is gradually
starting to accept that our son loves her and
there’s nothing anyone can do to change that”

“ I can imagine, I don’t know what I’d do if I

was in your place man. I’m sure I would’ve
gotten the girl arrested or something”

“ I know hey but it’s not as bad as you think,

she’s a bit older than my son but their
relationship is normal just like any other
relationship out there”
“ It’s not everyday this sort of thing happens
it’s usually the man who is older not the
woman”

“ Yeah but young as he is Sabelo is the man in

that relationship, he’s dominant and takes
charge and for some weird reason Ndalo
doesn’t disrespect or try to control him because
she’s older. They respect each other and treat
each other well”

“ You’re sound so fond of this Ndalo girl”

“ Once I got to know her I realised that she’s a

nice girl, soft spoken, down to earth and very
humble.”
“ Yeah she does sound like a good person”

“ I hope Sabelo won’t cheat on her when he

gets to varsity and sees beautiful girls his age, I
would never choose who he should be with but
I like Ndalo for him. She is the right woman for
him”

“ I trust Sabelo he has a good head on his

shoulders plus he has the best example, his
father. You my friend are the most loyal man
I’ve ever met”

I’m a man I get tempted to cheat sometimes

but I love my wife and thinking about the
possibility of her finding out about my betrayal
and leaving me is enough to snap me back to
my senses everytime I attempt to cheat. She is
loud, rude and a bit dramatic sometimes but I
love her and I’d choose her in all the lifetimes I
find her in. I love her aw itshitshi lam’ madoda!

SABELO

I haven’t seen Ndalo since the day the police

showed up in my house, the last time I saw her
was when my father and I dropped her off at
her house- the police didn’t have enough
evidence against us to charge us with Xolane’s
murder so they had to release us but we are
still the prime suspects in his murder. She
doesn’t answer my calls nor reply to any of my
messages, it’s been two days now and I’m
starting to get worried about her. I hope she’s
not thinking of breaking up with me because I
don’t think I’ll survive it, I’m stressed about my
matric results coming out in a few days and the
unknown men who are trying so hard to make
my life a living hell getting dumped is the last
thing I need.

“ Catch!”

Sphe says throwing an ice pop to my direction,

I catch it and thank her.

“ What’s wrong?”
She says sitting next to me on the couch

“ Nothing”

“ Is it the results coming out? Don’t worry I’m

sure you passed, you worked very hard for your
final exams”

“ I know, I’m not worried”

“ What is it then, is it the case?”

“ No, they have nothing to against me all the
evidence they have against me is
circumstantial”

“ Then what, is it miss Khumalo?”

“ Yes”

“ What happened this time?”

“ She’s been ignoring me Sphe, I think she

blames me for everything that happened.”

“ No, I don’t think so. She would never blame

you for something you’re not responsible for”
“ Then why is she ignoring my calls and
messages?”

“ I think she’s still shocked and dealing with

everything that happened the past few days”

“ That’s the thing Sphe, why is she shutting me

out. Why can’t we deal with it together?”

“ I know people who prefer dealing with things

alone and maybe miss Khumalo is one of them”

“ One doesn’t have that option in a

relationship, we are meant to be together
through the bad and the good times. She can’t
push me away everytime she’s going through
something denying me the right to be there for
her, she did the same thing when Musa raped
her- she pushed me away and lied, ended up
hurting me and herself in the process”

“ I don’t know what to say maybe you should

go see her”

“ Her mother is rude and doesn’t really like me

so I doubt think she’d let me in”

“ Stop making excuses and go see your

babymama, I remember how miserable you
were the last time you guys broke up. I don’t
want you to go back to that state, fix things
with your woman”
“ Don’t worry I will never allow myself to go
back there again, I have a child to think about
now.”

“ That’s the spirit, do you think the rents will

allow me to go study medicine in Cuba after
everything that’s happened?”

“ I doubt it, maybe if dad finds the men

responsible for everything that’s been
happening to us but if not then I seriously
doubt it”

“ I hope they find them soon then because I

really need this”
“ I’ll miss you so much but I’m happy and
proud of you mntasekhaya”

“ Thank you buti wami but let’s not count our

chickens before they hatch let’s wait for me to
apply and get accepted first before we start
celebrating”

“ I have no doubt you’ll get accepted”

NDALO
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think nor
imagine myself in an interrogation room as a
suspect to a murder. I still can’t wrap my head
around the whole thing, I get shivers down my
spine everytime I think about it that experience
it was nothing short of terrifying and
traumatizing and I never want to find myself in
that position ever again. I love Sabelo, I love
him a lot but I love my daughter more and I
don’t want to lose her and that’s what will
happen if I keep hanging around Sabelo. It’s
clear that whoever is out to get him and his
father will do anything to see them suffer, after
Khutso and Xolane were murdered like their
lives didn’t matter I can’t help but wonder if
I’m not next.
I know staying away from Sabelo doesn’t
guarantee my safety but being with him is more
risky at this point. The sun is scorching hot
outside like they normally say ‘likhipha
umkhovu etsheni’ so I’m in my room naked
with the 1,8L container of ice cream on my lap
munching away with Anele, Melo is in
Boksburg visiting her boyfriend but she
promised to come back tomorrow.

“ Yo ai it’s too hot shem”

“ Ya it is hot yo, I’m even thinking of laying a

fleece blanket on the floor and sleeping on top
of it maybe the cold tiles will cool me down.”
“ I’m sure the heat is not that bad now that
you’ve taken off your clothes”

“ It’s bad”

She laughs

“ I never want to be pregnant if this is how you

people suffer”

“ You don’t want to be pregnant trust me, it’s..”

My phone rings disturbing me, Anele climbs off

the bed and leaves the room giving me privacy
after I show her who the caller is.
“ Hello”

“ Sthandwa sam”

“ Ngenzeni MaKhumalo ngitshele ngixolise”

( What did I do tell so I can apologize)

The raw pain I hear in his voice cuts my heart

into a gazillion pieces

“ You didn’t do anything Sabelo”

“ Then why are you ignoring my calls and

messages”
“ I needed time to deal with everything that
happened”

“ So are you going to shut me out everytime

you’re going through something?”

“ Stop it don’t make me feel bad, this is not a

movie it’s my life and I will end up dead if I
keep hanging around you!”

“ Wow!”

“ I’m sorry I didn’t mean it like that but being

around you is risky right now”
“ So I was right, you blame me for everything
that happened the past few days?”

“ No, I don’t”

“ You do, that’s why you chose to distance

yourself from me. I don’t know how you love
but I know I would never walk out of your life
when you need me the most but I guess we
different as people and I expected a lot from
you and now I’m being hurt by my own
expectations”

“ Sabelo please don’t talk like that, I’m sorry I

didn’t mean to say that I lov..”
He cuts me off

“ You don’t have to apologize for doing what

you feel is right for you, bye Ndalo”

He says and cuts the call

What does he mean ‘Bye’? Does it mean he’s

breaking up with me, what have you done
Ndalo I shouldn’t have said that to him.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#57

“ Where’s this guy we’ve been waiting for him

for over five minutes now”

Ntsika croaks tapping his boot impatiently on

the floor

“ He’s coming be patient”

“ Aisuka he’s been dragging his feet”

“ Here he comes”
I say showing him Greg at the entrance of the
restaurant

“ About damn time!”

I snap my fingers in the air so Greg can see us,

it works because he sees us and walks to our
table carrying a brown envelope under his arm.

“ Gentlemen”

“ Gentlemen yamasimba we’ve been waiting

for you.”

Ntsika hates waiting

“ I’m sorry I got held up in traffic but I have all
the information you need”

I sigh in relief, it’s time I put this matter to rest

“ Who are these men?”

“ Why don’t you open the envelope and find

out”

He says pushing the thick envelope towards

me.

“ Vula bafo sibone”

( Open let’s see)

Ntsika impatiently says

I blow out heavy breath and tear the envelope

open and take out the contents

“ What!”

Ntsika and I exclaim at the same time when we

see who the people in the pictures are, we don’t
know who the other two are but we know one
of them. We know him really well I must say.

“ But why would he do this to you, I don’t get

it?”
“ Beats me”

I wouldn’t have guessed it was him who was

responsible for all of this, not even in my
wildest dreams. I don’t know how I feel but I
think hurt is the dominant emotion.

“ I paid the security guard who works at guest

house and he gave me the CCTV footage from
that night, it shows everything these men
carrying Xolane’s dead body into the building,
passing through reception and getting into the
room while the receptionist kept watch” Greg

“ Thank you man”

“ My pleasure man, I have another
appointment with a client I need to get going”

“ Bye man, thanks for everything”

He stands up, gives me a pat on my shoulder

and walks away.

“ So what are you going to do zalo?”

Ntsika questions looking as defeated as I feel

“ I don’t know, I didn’t expect it to be someone
so close to me. I honestly don’t know what I
should do”

“ I say you deal with him like you would have

dealt with any enemy”

“ But he’s my br..”

“ Don’t even call him that, brothers don’t do

that to each other. Bongane is not our brother,
he proved it when he had your son stabbed,
killed two innocent boys and framed your son
for it. I say we kill him”
He’s fuming now gone is the defeated looking
Ntsika from a minute ago

The person responsible for all this is none other

that Bongane, my brother! His father and mine
were brothers and in Zulu, your paternal uncles
are the same as your father making their
children your siblings and not cousins. Bongane
is my brother and I’ve always seen him as such,
how he could do this to me is a mystery

“ Who are the other two idiots helping him?”

I ask browsing the pictures

“ I don’t know, maybe they are his friends or
his skivvies. I don’t care to know who they
are!” Ntsika

I’ve never seen him look so pissed, I feel sorry

for Bongane I don’t want to see what Ntsika
will do to him when he finally lays his hands on
him. Me on the hand I feel numb, hurt and
maybe a bit in denial I wasn’t ready for this,
nothing could’ve prepared me for this.

NDALO

“ Sanibonani!”
Says Melo walking inside the house wearing a
big smile on her face

“ Ai wena aw’kahle umsindo!”

( You’re making noise)

My mom chastises her but Melo won’t allow

anything to bring her jovial mood down so she
laughs at my mother’s rebuke.

“ Sis let’s go talk in my bedroom uyambona

mos u Lilian u grumpy”

( You see that)

My mother throws a remote to her direction but
Melo ducks and the remote falls to the floor

“ Uyadelela wena!”

( You’re disrespectful)

“ I’m sorry di mamzo hao ungakwati ntombi ka

baba”

( I’m sorry mom don’t be angry)

Anele and I laugh

“ Phuma tu Melokuhle, bekumnandi ungekho”

( Get out, it was fun when you weren’t here)

“ Ungkwatele? Ungakwati naSlembe”

( Are you angry with me, don’t be angry)

She says with humour in her voice, if I didn’t

know better I’d say she is determined to push
my mother’s buttons.

My mother’s maiden surname is Selepe so my

paternal family calls her naSlembe

“ Yo Melokuhle unesdina shem”

( You’re annoying)

“ Ngiyadlala mama I missed you”

( I’m playing with you mom)

She throws herself to mom’s arms and squeezes
her into a hug, mom protests at first but
eventually gives in and hugs her back.

“ I love you mama”

“ I love you too kodwa suduka ngifuna

ukubona ukuthi u Shaurya uzomthola na u
Mehek”

( But shift I want to see if Shaurya will find

Mehek)

Mom loves her Indians telenovelas shem

“ Let’s go talk in my room sis”

“ Nami ngize?” Anele

( Should I come with)

“ Don’t answer it’s fine”

She says when Melo doesn’t reply

“ Come with Anele I’m sure Melo won’t mind,

right Melo?” I say

“ No, it’s okay Ses’Ndalo I’ve accepted that I’m

not part of you. You always exclude me in your
conversations it’s fine”
She wipes a wayward tear and fixes her gaze on
the screen, I give Melo a look.

“ I’m sorry Nele you come with us, I have no

problem” Melo

“ No it’s fine, I don’t want to know your news

anyway”

Ah She’ll join us when she’s done sulking.

“ So spill”

I say when Melo and I walk into her bedroom

“ I had an amazing time with Sunshine yo , I
enjoy single moment I spend with him. The
sex, the kisses, the cuddles but waking up in his
arms takes the cake yey kumnandi emjiolweni”

( it’s nice to be in love)

The way she beams everytime she talks about

her boyfriend is priceless, she’s really happy
with him and I’m happy for her.

“ That’s good hey I’m happy for you”

“ He bought me a beautiful watch, wait let me

show you”
She looks through her bags and comes back
with a black accessory box and gives it to me, I
open it and my mouth hangs open when I see
that it’s a Rolex pearl master 34 Goldust Dream
roman diamonds watch. Wow!

“ OMG it looks so beautiful”

“ I know right, I went crazy when I saw it. I

couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the price”

“ I’m happy for you mntasekhaya”

“ Thanks, and you where’s your handsome

boyfriend?”
“ Eish, I think I may have ruined things with
him”

“ What did you do?”

“ You remember the police saga right?”

“ Yeah”

“ I ignored him after that because I felt like

being around him could cost me my life, I was
scared and not thinking straight and I..”

I tell her all everything

“ I’m disappointed in you Ses’Ndalo you keep
repeating the same mistakes, you keep hurting
him by doing the same things. Do you love
him?”

“ Of course I do why would you even ask that?”

“ Yet it’s so easy for you to push him away

everytime you face troubles, this is when you
should be together be each other’s strength and
help each other through this difficult phase in
your relationship not breaking up”

“ I know, I just got scared when I ended up in

the interrogation room and I didn’t think
straight.”
“ You need to stop acting impulsively and
dumping him at every sign of trouble, you’re
older than me I don’t need to teach you about
relationships but I think growing up at church
not exposed to things may have slowed down
your growth in other ways. Relationships are
not for the faint hearted, you cant break up
with him everytime something happens he
loves you but you might end up losing him”

“ I know and I think I lost him. I’ve been calling

him and sending him messages apologizing to
him but he doesn’t return nor pick up my calls”

“ Give him time, I’m sure he’ll come around he

loves you but you also need to stop taking
advantage of his love for you. He’s handsome
and every girl’s dream and I’m sure there’s
someone out there who’s more than ready to
take your place in his life”

SABELO

Matric results are coming out tomorrow and

I’m starting to feel anxious, I know I passed but
I don’t know if the hard work I put in for the
final exam was enough to compensate for the
bad marks I got for my trial exams. Sphe is
equally nervous and she’s been snacking the
entire day, now she’s eating a slice of chocolate
cake and washing it down with a tall glass of
mango juice.

“ Uzonona wena”

( You’ll get fat)

Mom says looking at her coming back from the

kitchen with another slice

“ She’s stressed about tomorrow” I say

“ There’s nothing to worry about my baby I’m

sure you passed”

“ I hope I got at least 4 distinctions” Sphe

She says slumping next to me

“ I know you got more than that, you’ve got

this you need to stop doubting yourself. Have
you decided which university you’ll go to?”

“ Let’s wait for the results first ma and then I

will make a decision”

This was her chance to tell mom about Cuba

but I guess she’s not ready

“ Wena Sabelo?”
“ I’m going to Wits, I can’t be too far from my
baby”

“ Shem poor gogo will be left alone here when

you go to varsity, please don’t cheat on her I
was serious I wont allow you to bring different
girls in my house. If she wasn’t pregnant I
wouldn’t have allowed you to bring her here
but she is and you said you love her so she’s
the only person I expect to see here, if you
break up with her I’ll only allow the girl you’ll
marry into my house. This is a respectable
home not a tavern you cant bring different girls
here”
“ I don’t think we have anything to worry about
ma, he loves her and I know he’ll be faithful to
her” Sphe

I wish I was confident about my relationship

with Ndalo like Sphe is, it’s no secret that I love
Ndalo with everything in me but I don’t think
she and I will work out especially since she has
this tendency of pushing me away everytime
she’s going through something. What’s going to
happen when we are in different provinces,
miles away from each other? I love her but
sometimes love is not enough.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#58

I thought I understood the depth of the phrase

‘you don’t know what you have until it’s gone’
until everything I shared with Sabelo became
nothing but a distant memory. Not long ago he
was mine, all mine but I failed to appreciate
him so I ended up losing him. It’s been over a
week since he ended the conversation with the
word “bye” leaving me confused unable to
understand what his bye meant was it bye for
now or bye for good? It’s been a week of
nothing but complete silence from him and I’m
starting to think that his bye might have meant
the latter.
He passed his matric very well and scored 3
distinctions (Mathematics, Life sciences and
Physical sciences) but his sister topped the
entire school. She bagged all 7 distinctions
making it to the front page cover of the local
Newspaper and did an interview with the local
radio station yeah you got that right Sphe is a
genius but I can’t say I’m surprised I knew she
was capable, Sabelo too if only he didn’t fail his
third term I have no doubt he would’ve gotten
more distinctions than the three he got but
even after all that he still managed to pass very
well and I’m proud of him.

I bought him a present but I don’t know how

I’ll give it to him since he’s ignoring me, I went
to the Meyiwa house wanting to talk to him but
he refused to see me so I guess I should just
wait for him to calm down first I wronged him
and I have no choice but to wait until he’s
ready to hear me out and hopefully accept my
apology.

I didn’t know what to buy Sphe so I gave her a

gift voucher from Woolworth, she was so happy
and wouldn’t stop thanking me. At least the
distance between Sabelo and I didn’t cause a
strain on the relationship I have built with his
family, Sphe and Khethelo still call and talk to
me like they used to before I had a fallout with
their brother.
Dad is at work and mom went to church,
there’s a conference next week so she and the
other ladies from church went to clean the
church in preparation for it. Anele went to her
friends, Melo is in Boksburg visiting her
boyfriend and I’m home alone bored out of my
mind. I don’t know how many times I have
slept and woke up but it's still mid-day time is
moving at a rather slow pace.

I decide to take a walk and stretch my legs

apparently being active during pregnancy
comes handy during labour. After freshening up
I slip into a shirt dress and wear leggings
underneath and pair my outfit with sandals, the
sun is too hot outside so I take an umbrella and
make my way out of the house wearing
headsets listening to music.

After walking for five minutes or so Adele’s

easy on me pauses before Bruno Mars’s just the
way you are booms on my ears indicating an
incoming call, I stop on my tracks and bring the
screen to my eyes to check the caller ID, it’s
Khethelo.

“ Hey”

“ Hi, how are you?”

“ I’m good and yourself”

“ I’m good, are you coming to the braai today?”

“ Braai?”

“ Please tell me you’ll come”

I have no idea what braai she’s talking about.

“ What braai Khethelo?”

“ You don’t know? I’m sorry I thought Sabelo

would invite you”

“ He didn’t”
“ Well I’m inviting you, there’s a braai at my
uncle’s house to celebrate Sabelo and Sphe’s
matric results you should come it will be fun”

There’s a huge lump on my throat, I’m hurt that

Sabelo didn’t see the need to invite me.

“ You’ll come right?”

I clear my throat

“ No, I can’t come I’m sorry I have other plans”

I say trying so hard not to cry

Sabelo didn’t invite me to the braai it’s obvious
my presence isn’t needed

“ What plans?”

“ Plans with my family”

“ Be ready at 7 I’ll come pick you up and please

bring your pyjamas, you’re sleeping over”

“ Khethelo I..”

“ I’m not taking no for an answer, I’ll be there

at 7”
She says and drops the call not giving me a
chance to protest.

SABELO

I passed my matric really well and I got

accepted to study actuarial science at Wits,
checking for my exam number on the
newspaper under Sizwakele secondary school
was a bitter sweet moment for me because
Khutso’s exam number was on top of mine and
seeing that he passed with admission to
bachelor’s degree but he isn’t here to celebrate
his victory hurt. I cant believe I lost both of my
friends on the same day, I still don’t understand
why would uncle Bongane kill two innocent
boys because of whatever grudge he harbours
against my father.

I couldn’t believe it when my father told me

that he is the one responsible for everything
that happened to me, I wouldn’t have believed
it if my father didn’t show me the footage of
him carrying Xolane’s dead body inside the
room we booked into on that fateful night. My
father’s associates are holding uncle Bongane
and his friends hostage until my father decides
what to do to him much to uncle Ntsika’s
disapproval, according to him Bongane should
be dead and for the first time I agree with him-
Bongane needs to do die for everything he put
me through and for robbing two innocent boys
a chance at life.

My father is yet to confront him and find out

why he did what he did, I wonder what his
excuse is for doing something so malicious and
evil.

My family and I attended both Xolane and

Khutso’s funerals, and it was so sad to see their
families broken knowing that their lives were
cut short by someone I’m related to. I felt guilty
and blamed myself, because they wouldn’t
have died if they didn’t know me- they were
casualties in a war between my father and his
brother.
I haven’t spoken to Ndalo in over a week and I
miss her so much but I can’t give in too easily
otherwise she’ll never learn, she’ll keep on
doing this. Push me away when she’s going
through something and want me back when the
dust settles, I can’t be in a relationship like that
and I won’t be.

“ Why didn’t you invite your baby mama to the

braai? Do you know how hurt she was when
she heard about it from me”

Khethelo says letting herself inside my room

without knocking

“ We are not talking at the moment so I

couldn’t exactly invite her”
“ Why, what’s going on?”

“ I’d rather not talk about it”

“ Come on, tell me who knows maybe I could

help”

“ No, I know you’ll take her side either way”

Sphe likes Ndalo but Khethelo adores her, in

her eyes Ndalo is an angel who can do no
wrong.
“ Sabelo I hope you’re not acting up because
you’re going to varsity in a few weeks and
trying to find an excuse to break up with her”

“ Wow!”

“ Don’t say wow, I know you Sabelo. You love

girls”

“ Then maybe you don’t know me like you

think you do, I agree I have a past of messing
around with girls but I love Ndalo and I would
never intentionally hurt her”

“ Then what did she do that was so big it made

you stop talking to her?”
She’s not going to let this go so I might as well
tell her

“ Everytime we go through a rough patch in our

relationship Ndalo pushes me away, about 5
months ago she and I booked a lodge planning
to spend the night together but her ex found out
about our plans and took her when she was on
her way to meet with me. He raped her and
forced her to moan and pretend she’s enjoying
and sent me the video of the whole thing, I was
hurt because I thought she cheated on me but
even so I went to her apartment the next
morning and asked her if she was forced but
you know what she did?”
“ What?”

“ She lied to me and told me that she’s in love

with Musa, sure Musa was blackmailing and
threatening her but she chose to hurt me with
lies instead of telling me the truth. We could
have found a way to deal with the problem
together”

“ Maybe she was scared her ex would hurt

you”

See what I mean? Ndalo can never be wrong in

her eyes.
“ That’s the thing Khethelo I don’t need Ndalo
to protect me, I know she loves me I have no
doubts about that but she doesn’t consider me
as a man in her life she sees a boy that’s why
she doesn’t trust that I’ll protect her with
everything I’ve got.”

“ Oh mntasekhaya I’m sorry, maybe you guys

should talk. You need to tell her how you feel,
maybe she doesn’t see it that way”

“ She does, if she considered me as her man

she would never doubt my ability to protect
her”

“ I can’t speak for her but communication is

important for the success of any relationship, if
you still want this relationship to work talk to
your baby mama and tell her how you feel or
you no longer want a relationship with her?”

“ Of course I do, ngiyamthanda u Ndalo

Khethelo and I won’t give up on her because of
something that can be fixed but she needs to
learn a lesson”

( I love Ndalo)

“ I’m sure she has learned her lesson Meyiwa

hah iviki lonke ungakhulumi nomunye
umntwana”

( you’ve been ignoring her for an entire wee

“ And I miss her so much”

“ Ncoah, I’m sure she misses you too. Call her
I’m sure she’s dying to hear from you.”

NDALO

“ So his sister is the one who invited you to the

braai and not him?”

I’m talking to Melo on the phone, I just told her

about the braai and about Khethelo being the
one who invited me.
“ Yeah”

“ So will you go?”

“ Khethelo has been very nice to me since I met

her, I will only go because I don’t want to
disappoint her”

“ Okay”

“ I wish you were here then I’d take you with

me”

“ Take Anele mos”

“ Yeah you right, I’ll ask her to come with me
when she comes back from her friend’s house”

“ Okay, let me freshen up Themba is taking

Konke and I to gold reef city”

Konke is Bophelo’s second name, it’s actually

Snakhokonke.

“ How is he though, is he finally warming up to

you?”

“ Yeah he is, he’s a cool boy very sweet. He’s

just not used to sharing his dad’s attention
that’s why he acted the way he did when we
met for the first time.”
“ At least, I’m happy for you. I know how much
him accepting you means to you”

“ Yeah, I’m meeting Themba’s mother next

month”

“ Isn’t his mother late?”

“ She is but he considers Nthati and Dineo’s

mother like his own”

“ Okay, things are moving fast in that

relationship hey”
“ When you both love each other and see a
future together then there’s no need to wait”

“ That’s true hey, let me get ready we will talk

soon”

“ Bye, please fix things with your baby daddy”

“ I will”

****

As promised Khethelo came to fetch me at 7 in

the evening and didn’t have a problem when I
told her Anele is coming with, the two of them
actually clicked and by the time we drove into
the Meyiwa residence they were talking like old
friends. The backyard is brimming with
teenagers, Sphe’s classmates and friends from
school are also here my heart almost stopped
beating when I saw them. I shouldn’t have
come, how will I explain my being here? That’s
why I’ve been cooped up in the house while
everyone else is outside dancing to the loud
music, at least they don’t come inside the
house.

I don’t know where Mr and Mrs Meyiwa are

but they left after eating and Sphe says they
won’t be coming back tonight.

Anele is a people’s person so she gelled with

everyone and I can see she’s having a good
time. She is trying to hide it from me but I
know she’s been drinking alcohol, but I know
Khethelo won’t allow anything to happen to her
and that’s why I didn’t say anything when I
caught a whiff of alcohol in her breath.

“ My father said we should finish everything by

midnight but everyone still wants to go on, we
are in no mood to sleep so we are taking this to
Koko lounge can Anele please come with us?”
Sphe

“ I have no problem as long as she promises to

take care of herself, I don’t want you waking up
next to some strange boy Anele”

“ I promise I won’t Ses'Ndalo”

“ And I’ll make sure of that” Khethelo

“ Okay, it’s fine she can go”

“ Thank you”

The three of them scurry out of the house

leaving me alone in this big ass house. Their
voices go lower and lower until I can’t hear
them anymore, I’m not sure if Sabelo left with
them because I last saw him when I arrived
here. He was outside and didn’t even bother to
look at my direction, not even after Sphe
nudged him with an elbow and told him I had
arrived.
I feel so low and out of place I shouldn’t have
allowed Khethelo to convince me to come. Now
I’m left alone in this house feeling sleepy but
not sure if I should go sleep in Sabelo’s room
since we are not on speaking terms, what was I
even thinking coming to a braai full of
teenagers? Oh I know I thought Sabelo and I
would talk and fix things but I thought wrong, I
should’ve stayed at home!

The front door opens and my nerves shoot to

the roof, my heart thuds hard against my rib
cage and I clutch my hand to my chest trying
not to breath heavily.

“ I’m sorry for scaring you, it’s me” Sabelo

He walks towards the couch I’m sitting on with
a bottle of Heineken in his hand and lowers
himself next to me, the strong smell of beer fills
my nostrils the moment he opens his mouth.

“ Look at me”

I swivel around to face him resting my back on

the couch’s armrest. He puts the beer bottle on
the floor, inches towards me and takes my
hands into his while looking into my eyes.

“ I’m sorry for ignoring you but you hurt me

when you distanced yourself from me, two
friends of mine were murdered and I was
stressed about an unknown enemy I needed
you by my side Ndalo but you decided it was
best to leave me”

I really hurt him, the pain I see in his eyes says

it all.

“ I’m sorry..”

“ Shh..let me speak”

He says pressing his forefinger on my lips.

The feel of his finger on my lips awakes my

carnal desires and I find myself tempted to part
my lips and suck his finger but I don’t, this isn’t
the time.

“ I love you Ndalo, I love you a lot but I won’t

allow you to play yo-yo with my feelings. You
can’t walk in and out of my life as you please, if
you want us to work then you need to learn to
communicate with me and stop making
decisions that affect the both us on impulse.
You need to stop treating me like a boy, yes I’m
18 but I’m a man the same man who fucked
you pregnant. Stop treating me like a kid
because I’m not, I’m your man and you need to
start seeing and treating me as such.”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#59

UNEDITED

“ What am I?”

“ You’re a man”

“ Whose man?”

“ Mine”
“ That's right, I’m your man and I expect you to
treat me as such. I missed you”

“ I missed you too baby”

He puts his hand on the back of my neck and

smashes his lips into mine. I wrap my arms
around his neck and kiss him back, the kiss
feels nothing like what I’m used to how he
brutally sucks on my lips, the taste of beer in
his tongue and how he pinches my nipples is
different from what I’ve grown accustomed to
but good nonetheless.

He takes my right hand and guides it between

his legs making me touch his erection.
“ This is how much I missed you”

I unbuckle his belt, take out his hard member

from his pants and wrap my hand around it
giving him a hand job.

“ Fuck!”

He groans in my ear making me work my hand

faster on his hard shaft. He starts sucking my
earlobe and shoving his tongue inside my
auditory canal yerr who knew the ear was
connected to the sex organ? I swear I’ve never
been so wet in my life.
“ Lie on your back baby”

He helps me out of my dress and moves my

drenched panties to the side and buries his face
on my wet sex eating me up like I’m his
favourite dessert. He drinks my juices like a
dog slurping water and shoves his tongue deep
inside my sex touching my sweet spot, my
thighs vibrate as a huge wave of pleasure
washes over me.

The pleasure I feel is so immense I don’t know

what to do with myself I end up bucking up my
hips and grinding my pussy on his face. He
spreads my folds and moves his tongue down
to my crack. My heart almost stops beating
when his tongue circles the wrinkles around my
ass, my body convulses and I orgasm coating
his face with my juices.

“ Will you treat me like a man now?”

“ Y..yes”

I mutter trying to catch my breath

Without warning he shoves his hard dick inside

of my mouth and I suck on it like my life
depends on it.

“ Now tell me, would a boy do this to you?”

He asks and pushes all of his dick inside my
mouth causing me to gag

“ I asked a question Ndalo”

How do I reply when his dick is filling my

mouth almost touching my epiglottis? He pulls
himself out of my mouth when he sees tears
rolling down my face.

“ I’m sorry love”

“ It’s okay”

“ No it’s not, come here”.

He pulls me to his arms and gives me a hug or
what was meant to be one, I mean we can’t
have a proper hug with this big belly between
us.

“ How’s my baby?”

The baby kicks the minute Sabelo puts his

hands on my belly. He beams looking at me
with indescribable joy on his face.

“ Tell me you felt that too?”

“ I did, I felt it ”
I say with tears rolling down my cheeks, oh my
goodness I can’t find the right words to
describe the joy I feel in my heart right now. I
swear there’s just something magical about
feeling your baby kick from inside your belly.

“ Oh my baby do it again my angel kick for

daddy”

His face falls when his angel doesn’t kick again

“ Is it normal to love someone you’ve never

met so much?”
“ Yes, it’s completely normal baby. I know
exactly how you feel, I feel it too. I love her so
much”

“ I love you Ndoniyamanzi, thank you so much

for our angel. I was not ready or even thinking
of being a father when she came into our lives
but now I can’t imagine my life without her in
it”.

SABELO

The girls came back from Koko lounge in the

wee hours of the morning and I had to wake up
and open the door for them, it was 4AM then
and I haven’t been able to fall asleep since. I’ve
been starring at my beautiful woman and
kissing her forehead repeatedly Lord knows
how much I’ve missed this beautiful soul. We
had a lengthy conversation before we fell
asleep and she promised to do better and I trust
her, she looked sincere when she apologized
and promised never to repeat her mistakes
again.

I’ve never been one to cuddle after sex, I used

to hate cuddling matter of fact but with Ndalo
everything is different I just want to hold her in
my arms the entire night but she only allows
me to hold her for some time and then starts
complaining “ your legs are too heavy” “ it’s
too hot I’m sweating” then I let go of her but
only for some time before I wrap myself around
her again I just can’t help myself. It happens
involuntarily and I believe that’s what happens
when you truly love someone, you just can’t
get enough of them. You could spend the entire
day with them and still feel like you didn’t
spend enough time, that’s the amazing power
of love.

“ Good morning sleepy head”

“ Good morning baby”

I lean for a kiss but she moves her head back

“ And then?”

“ I haven’t brushed my teeth Sabelo, morning

breath”

“ Urg kanti, I don’t care about all that. I love

you come here”

“ No”

She protests with her hands covering her mouth

“ Let me tell you something baby ne there are

people I’d never go down on noma bathi she
just got out of the shower but I’d never put my
mouth there ngeke kodwa wena Sthandwa sam
I’d go down on you at any time without
thinking twice”

“ Yo mara Sabelo”

“ I’m telling you, when you truly love someone

there’s nothing too hard for you to do for them.
In this case to them, so come let me suck those
lips”

“ What to you want to eat for breakfast?”

I say when we break the kiss

“ I feel like muesli and yogurt”

“ Eish I don’t think we have muesli hey”

“ Then go buy it babakhe your daughter wants

muesli”

She says and pouts her lips

Ya ne, ngaze ngaba wu baba ngimncane!

NARRATED
Mathapelo and her husband spent the night at
the hotel making sweet love and professing
their undying love for each other, it’s been a
stressful couple of days for Brandon. He’s been
trying to find the enemy after his son’s life, the
same enemy who turned out to be his brother.

Since he now knows who the enemy is he

decided to spend the night in a hotel with his
wife away from the kids and make up for
neglecting her physical and emotional needs for
the past few days.

Right now they are driving back home, holding

hands with him stealing kisses every now and
then like a young couple in love. It’s been years
of marriage but the love between them makes
those who don’t know them think that they got
married recently.

“ Thank you for a beautiful night baba wengane

zami”

( Father of my kids)

Brandon doesn’t reply he brings her hand to his

lips and plants a peck on her knuckles

“ I hope I won’t regret allowing those kids to

host a braai in my house”

Mathapelo says
“ Don’t worry my love, I’m sure everything is
the way we left it. I trust Khethelo plus Ndalo
was there so I’m sure there’s nothing to worry
about” .

“ You trust Ndalo ne?”

“ Are you trying to pick a fight after the

wonderful night we just had?”

“ No, I’m not. I just don’t understand why you

like her so much”

“ I like her because our son loves her and

because she’s a good self respecting young
lady”
“ Hmmm but I still wish Sabelo went for
someone his age”

“ Do you realise you’re doing to Ndalo exactly

what my parents did to you?”

“ You’re not being fair Brandon, I wasn’t 7

years older than you like Ndalo. Your parents
had no right to treat me the way they did.”

“ So Ndalo being 7 years older than our son

gives you the right to treat her the way you’ve
been treating her”

Mathapelo scoffs
“ What did I do to her? I no longer insult or say
anything to her mos”

They are now parked outside their house

“ But you still haven’t accepted her as the

woman in our son’s life”

“ Haibo! Angsazi ufunani kimi!”

( I don’t know what you want from me)

She says and angrily climbs off the car pacing

to the house in anger. She finds Ndalo cooking
her food in her kitchen using her pots and the
sight of her in shorts infuriates her even more.
“ What are you doing in my kitchen?”

She spits her words laced with venom

“ I’m sorry ma, I was hungry and I thought I

could whip up something to hold my hunger
until Sabelo comes back from the mall with my
muesli”

Mathapelo chuckles, not a pleasant one but one

that leaves Ndalo feeling uncomfortable.

“ Not only are you prancing in my kitchen in

shorts showing off your huge ass but you’re
sending my son on errands like he’s your
skivvy”

Ndalo is taken aback by her statement, she

doesn’t understand what she wrong she did.

“ What? Are you just going to stand there and

keep pretending that you’re humble and..”

“ THAT’S ENOUGH!”

Brandon’s voice reverberates inside the kitchen

startling both women, the man never raises his
voice so he must be pissed for him to shout.
“ MaKhumalo I’m sorry for your mother’s
behavior please excuse us my child”

Ndalo nods and bolts out of the kitchen trying

so hard not to burst into tears.

“ What’s your problem with Ndalo Mathapelo?

I’ve been tolerating your nonsense for way too
long but I’m starting to get annoyed with you”

“ You see this? How you’re defending her right

now is my problem!”

“ What?” He asks

Surely he didn’t hear his wife well

“ You heard me Meyiwa, I hate how you
always defend her and make me look like the
bad guy. You didn’t sleep for days running
around like a headless chicken because she was
a suspect in a murder case”

“ What? Uyahlanya wena, have you forgotten

your son was also a suspect in the very same
case?”

( You’re crazy)

“ Mxm we both know you didn’t want your

precious Ndalo ending up in prison”
“ Damn right I didn’t want her to end up in
prison for something she didn’t do especially in
her condition”

“ Mxm! She’s not the first person to fall

pregnant wayenza ngathi I pregnancy siyicala
ngaye”

“ Ungenwe yini we mfazi ndini”

( What has gotten into you)

He asks feeling defeated

“ I don’t want Ndalo in my house Meyiwa I’ve

tried to pretend but I can’t pretend anymore, I
don’t want her in my house”
“ But why?”

Mathapelo opens her mouth to speak but the

words don’t come out. She then looks at her
husband and blow out shaky breath

“ I don’t want that girl in my house Meyiwa”

She says and storms out of the kitchen leaving

her husband confused.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#60

NARATTED

“You were right” Those are the first words out

of Mathapelo’s mouth when Lettia opens the
door for her.

Mathapelo and Lettia met during a parents

meetings at Sabelo’s school, they spoke briefly
before the meeting and exchanged contacts and
that’s how their friendship started.

“I’m right about a lot of things, you need to be

more specific” Says Lettia following a
frustrated Mathapelo into the lounge.
“Please don’t say you told me so”

“Okay, shoot.”

“You were right about Ndalo wanting Meyiwa”

“I knew it! What did she do to prove me right?”

“I found her making food in my kitchen

wearing a short, you should’ve seen her. The
short was tight showing off her huge ass.”

“What? How do you dress like that when your

‘father-in-law’ is around? She obviously wanted
to tempt him, but it serves you right Mathapelo
I long told you to report this girl to the
principal. I told you she’s after your husband,
but you thought I was crazy and making things
up. Look at what she did after you gave her a
chance and welcomed her in your home”

“Lord knows I tried; I was willing to accept her

for my son’s sake. I was starting to warm up to
her yaz, starting to accept her but what she did
today threw me off”

“I told you to report her to the principal for

having a relationship with a learner, report her
and let her lose her job.”
“My son loves her Lettia, he’ll never forgive me
if I do that.”

“ Aisuka, Uyamzala uSabelo ngeke akukwatele

unomphela. I know one day he’ll thank you for
rescuing him from that woman”

(You are his mom; he won’t stay angry at you

forever)

“She’s pregnant with my grandchild, if I do this

my grandchild is the one who’ll suffer the
most”

“Your grandchild you say? Stop being a fool my

friend why would a 25-year-old qualified
teacher get pregnant by a boy who doesn’t
have a penny to his name? that child is not
Sabelo’s I can bet my life on it!”

“What you saw today was only a preview of

what will happen when that girl finally takes
over your home, keep playing the good girl and
you’ll live to regret it” Says Lettia seeing the
hesitation and reluctance in Mathapelo’s eyes.

“So, are you finally going to take my advice

and report her?”

“I don’t know Lettia, I don’t know if I want to

be responsible for ruining someone's career.”
“That will teach her to stop lusting on young
boys”

“But what if we are wrong about her and she

really loves my son?”

“There we go again, Mathapelo you’re kind and

naïve and that will be your biggest downfall.
Let’s be realistic here why would someone so
beautiful, a qualified teacher fall for a boy who
can’t take care of her? Women love to be
pampered and spoiled especially the educated
one’s, have you ever seen an educated woman
dating an unemployed man?”

“ Lettia..”
“Would you be with Meyiwa if he didn’t take
care of you and the kids?”

“It depends, if he’s striving to change our

situation then yes but if he is comfortable and
not doing anything to improve our situation
then no”

“Unfortunately, this generation doesn’t believe

in building a man, abo bob the builder baphela
ngey’nkathi zethu. These young girls want a
finished product, they want to live a
comfortable life. They want a man who has
everything, and they don’t care who they use or
hurt in the process as long as they get what
they want.”
Ndalo doesn’t look like someone who is
capable of doing that or is she?

“ Wake up that girl wants your husband she’s

only using your son to get to him, keep playing
the good girl uzakhala esika Nandi
ngiyakutshela”.

“Meyiwa loves me, he would never cheat on

me much less with our son’s girlfriend.” Says
Mathapelo causing Lettia to break into a fit of
laughter

“Kuyasho ukuthi you didn’t date much during

your youth, you dated one man and ended up
marrying him. Men cheat, there’s no such a
thing as a man who doesn’t cheat. I hate to
break this to you but look into the mirror,
you’re no longer the beauty queen you used to
be, and your body has changed. Ndalo is young
with a beautiful firm body, I’m sure she doesn’t
have stretch marks and cellulites and has
energy to keep up with your husband’s high
libido, she is probably flexible too and would be
willing to bend to any position Meyiwa wants
without complaining about muscle pain like
you do. Are you sure you want to wait until
that happens before you get rid of this girl? Can
you compete with that? Take your phone and
call Gwala.” Mathapelo looks at Lettia not sure
if she should do what she says
“Think about it, ever since that girl came into
your lives nothing has been going right in your
family. You fought with your son, he even
moved out which is something that has never
happened before that girl came along. You and
Meyiwa are constantly bickering because of
that girl, what must happen for you to realize
that this girl came to disturb the peace in your
home and to destroy your marriage? Today you
found her in your kitchen but next time you’ll
find her in your bedroom on top of your
husband.”

NDALO
I don’t know what I did to Mrs. Meyiwa for her
to despise me so much, the things she said to
me were completely uncalled for. Maybe I
shouldn’t have entered her kitchen without her
permission, some people are possessive when it
comes to their kitchens my mother is one of
them so maybe I shouldn’t have entered her
kitchen without being given permission. The
first thing I did when I came back from the
kitchen was to take a shower, all I’m waiting
for now is for Sabelo to come back from the
mall so Anele and I can go back home we’ve
clearly overstayed our welcome here.

“Good morning miss Khumalo” says Sphe

standing at the door. The door is wide open so
she didn’t knock.
“Hey Sphe, where’s Anele?”

“She’s making food in the kitchen with

Khethelo” I hope Mrs. Meyiwa wont flip when
she finds my sister in her kitchen.

“Okay, when you go back tell her to prepare

herself. We are leaving as soon as your brother
comes back from the mall”

“Okay will do, my father sent me to call you”

My heart just leaped to my throat, what does
Mr. Meyiwa want from me?

“Did he tell you what he wants?” Sphe chuckles

“Relax, don’t look so scared my dad is
harmless I promise. He’s the sweeter and
kinder parent between the two” I know but I’m
still scared of him.

“ Is he with your mother?” I don’t have the

energy to deal with Mrs. Meyiwa

“No, mom isn’t home.”

“Okay, I’m coming” When she walks out I take

a deep breath and calm myself down before
heading to the lounge.
“You asked to see me baba” I say walking into
the lounge

“Yes, please take a seat.” I sit on the couch

across him and wait for him to speak.

“I’ll start by apologizing for your mother’s

behavior my child, what she did was
completely uncalled for, and you didn’t deserve
it”

Phew! I thought he was going to chastise me for

walking around the house in shorts, in my
defense I didn’t expect them to be back so
soon.
“It’s okay baba there’s no need to apologize I
shouldn’t have entered the kitchen without
asking for her permission, my mom is also
possessive of her kitchen, so I understand
where she’s coming from.”

His lips curve into a smile, which makes me

feel uncomfortable because I’m not sure how to
react.

“You’re kindhearted, now I see why my son

loves you so much. Please don’t tell Sabelo
about what happened here today, he won’t see
it the way you do. He will be angry, rightfully
so but I’m asking you not to tell him. I promise
it’ll never happen again; I’ll talk to your
mother”
I don’t like hiding things from Sabelo, but I
understand where Mr. Meyiwa is coming from,
Sabelo tends to overreact at times, and I
wouldn’t want to be the reason he fights with
his mom.

“I won’t tell him baba”

“Thank you, my child. I don’t know if Sabelo

told you about the damages”

“ He did baba”

“ Did you talk to your parents?”

“Yes, I did. My parents are not traditional, but
they have no problems with Sabelo paying
damages”

“Okay that’s good, I’ll make sure to meet and

have a conversation with your father soon”

“Okay baba”

“No problem my child, we are done. you can go

back to what you were doing.”

NARRATED
Its not a secret that Brandon has taken a life
before, more than once even but having to kill
his own brother isn’t an easy thing to do that’s
why Bongane is still alive but the sooner he
takes care of this the quicker it’ll be for him to
get over it. Him and Ntsika are on the way to a
warehouse located in the outskirts of
Mpumalanga where Bongane and his friends
are kept hostage by his friend Zweli.

“Zalo, I know you feel bad maybe even guilty

about what we are about to do but there’s
absolutely no reason why you should feel bad
about this, Bongane is a bastard, and he needs
to pay for what he did.”
“I don’t understand why he’d do this to me”

“You don’t need to crack your brain trying to

think of reasons why, he’ll tell you why and I’ll
make sure of it.”

Twenty minutes later the two brothers finally

reach their destination and one of Zweli’s men
opens the gate for them.

“Ta” Ntsika says to the man who just opened

the gate for them.

“Bo Meyiwa” says Zweli approaching them,

the three men exchange pleasantries and have
a brief chat before walking inside the
warehouse.

“Where are his friends, did he say anything?”

Asks Ntsika looking at Bongane who has his

hands and feet tied.

“Lutho, I tried every trick in the book, but the

bastard still wouldn’t speak. I killed his friends
trying to get him to talk but the bastard didn’t
flinch.”

“That explains the bruises” Brandon says

looking at Bongane’s battered body and face.
“He’ll talk, I’ll make sure of it. Ya wena
mhlath’wakho” Ntsika

He removes the gag from Bongane’s mouth

“Khuluma why did you kill those innocent

boys?”

(Talk)

“Shut up wena, this has nothing to do with you.

Musa nje ukuphapha, this is between your big
brother and I” Bongane says grinning at
Brandon
Ntsika throws a hard punch on his stomach
that immediately has him coughing violently
and gasping for air.

“My brother and I are one, you should know

that by now.”

“Trust me, I know that very well. You’ve been

fighting each other’s battles since childhood;
I’m surprised you don’t share women judging
by how clingy you are on each other!”

He spews when he finally recovers from

Ntsika’s punch. Ntsika attempts to punch him
again, but Brandon holds his hand mid-air
“Zalo let me punch this idiot”

“I’m not a coward I don’t fight against people

who can’t defend themselves, untie him”
Brandon orders Zweli’s men. One of them runs
to untie Bongane.

“Between the two of us one is going to die

today, you and I are going to fight it out like
men. If you get an opportunity to kill me,
please use it because if you don’t, I will
definitely kill you.”

“Bring it on.” Says Bongane with a smug look

on his face.
“Gentlemen please excuse us” Brandon

“No bafo, you don’t have to do this.” Ntsika

He is scared for his brother’s life. Bongane is a

well known stick fighter in Mahlabathini, he
trusts his brother’s fighting skills but Bongane
has never lost a fight.

“ Zalo please leave” Brandon

He says folding the sleeves of his shirt

“ Asambe Ndoda” Zweli

( Let’s go man)
Although Ntsika doesn’t want to, he has no
choice but to leave.

“ I’ve been waiting for this day for years now”

Bongane

“ Dala zibatlana zi kopene” Brandon replies

“ Allow me to tell you why I hate you before I

kill you, you deserve to know why you’re
dying”

“ Talk”
“ You’re a selfish person who thinks good
things are only good for you, what did you do
when I told you about the crush I had on
Mathapelo? You went ahead and made her
yours to prove that you’re better than me!”

“ You know it didn’t happen like that”

“ Of course it did then when she failed to give

you kids your parents arranged for you to take
Thandazo as your second wife, you should’ve
refused because you knew you weren’t going to
go through with it but you didn’t. You agreed
only for you to flee on the day of your
traditional wedding humiliating the poor girl
making her the laughing stock in front of the
entire village. I had to step in and marry her in
order to protect the family name and her
dignity. You crushed her self esteem, she’d cry
for days on end but I helped her pick up the
pieces and made her feel worthy again but even
that was not enough to win her heart and love.
I’m always compared to you and made to feel
bad because I couldn’t afford to give her the
life you gave to Mathapelo, I tried my best but
I’ll never be good enough for her. Want to
know why?”

“ Why?”

Asks Brandon in a pained voice, he had no idea

his brother was suffering this much because of
a mistake he made years ago.
“ Because I’m not you. Thandazo loves you,
she’d rather be married to you than to me.
Even after you humiliated her in front of the
entire community, she would rather be with
you than with me.”

“ I’m sorry Meyiwa I never meant to be the

reason for your unhappiness, you know I’ve
always loved you like a brother. But you
should’ve punished me not my son”

“ That would be too easy for you, I wanted you

to suffer like I did for all of those years being
married to a woman who didn’t love me nor
appreciate my efforts. I wanted you to feel like
how I feel everytime she compares me to you,
like I feel everytime she looks at you with love
in her eyes when she thinks no one is
watching.”

“ I’m sorry”

“ I wanted Sabelo to sleep with those girls from

Chillax and I was going to send pictures of him
having sex with them to Ndalo, she doesn’t
look like the type who forgives cheating so she
would definitely dump Sabelo and then I’d find
away to feed her abortion pills. But your
precious son ruined my plans so I had to
improvise and bring Xoliswa as plan B, Xoliswa
the beautiful nurse who saved his life. Sabelo
was supposed to fall for her and cheat on Ndalo
with her but that also didn’t go according to
plan so I had to think out of the box and
unfortunately two boys had to die so I could
frame Sabelo.”

“ Bongane you’ve gone insane”

“ No, I’m perfectly normal brother. Want to

know what I was going to do to Sphe? I was
going to have her gang raped and trafficked to
Russia, I wanted to crush her little soul.”

“ You’re a sick bastard why would you want to

hurt innocent kids like that?”

“ That’s simple, I hate their father. The children

will pay for the sins of their father’s I don’t
know if I’m saying it correctly but I’ve heard of
something like that”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#61

NARRATED

It’s been over an hour since Mathapelo came

back from Lettia's place and her eyes have
been fixed on her screen gawking at Gwala's
phone number not sure if she should call him
and report Ndalo. She needs to think about this
carefully, because once she makes the call then
there’s no going back.

“ Ma are you okay?”

Asks Sabelo dumping his body next to his

mother on the couch.

“ Sabelo man! You scared me”

Startled, she quickly presses the power button

dimming her screen.

“ What’s wrong ma? You look troubled”

Mathapelo sighs heavily and looks at her son

“ Nothing is wrong my son, it’s nothing you

should worry yourself about.”

She says forcing a smile but her son sees

through her pretence.

“ I can see that something is bothering you, but

since you don’t want to tell me about it I’ll
advise you to pray about it like you always tell
me to everytime I find myself trapped in a
difficult situation.”
Prayer ne, why didn’t she think of it? God must
be speaking to her through her son.

“ Thank you my son, I’ll definitely do so.”

“ I love you mom”

He plants a kiss on her forehead before

standing up and dashing out of the room,
leaving Mathapelo to her thoughts. Two
minutes later she picks herself up from the
couch heading to her bedroom where she goes
down on both knees next to her bed, shuts her
eyes, clasps her hands together and begins to
pray.
“ Modimo ntate modimo amatla ohle ketla ho
wena tsatsing lakajeno ke qakehile aketsebe ke
etseng, nthuse ntate ompontshe tsela. Please
show me a sign my lord, show me what I need
to do from here. What step do I take from here?
I’m afraid of making a mistake and ruining
someone else’s career over suspicions that can
turn out to be lies, please show me the way my
lord. Amen”

( Lord my father, lord almighty. I come to you

today confused not knowing what to do, help
me my father and show me the way)

This might not be a well constructed prayer but

it was a sincere one, one that comes from the
depth of her heart and expresses exactly what’s
in her heart and mind. She then stands on her
feet and picks up the Bible on top of the
bedside table, it’s been a while since she read
the Bible and today feels like a perfect day to
go back to the word of God- the best way to
defend oneself against Satan’s many distasteful
tricks and attacks is through the word, the
word of God is the best weapon one can use in
the warfare against the devil.

“ F*ck this sh*t! I’m going in”

Ntsika says already approaching the door but

Zweli grabs his hand, halting his steps.
“ Please let your brother do this alone, he needs
this.”

“ No, Zweli we don’t know what’s happening

inside. Bongane has been fighting all his life
what if he kills my brother huh?”

“ Ntsika you need to trust your brother, I know

he’ll come out of this battle as a victor.”

For sometime now Ntsika, Zweli and his men

have been listening to heavy groans and grunts
coming from inside the warehouse but before
then it sounded like the brothers were having a
conversation accompanied by apologies from
Brandon.

“ No, I can’t stand out here and watch my

brother possibly get killed I'm going inside.”

He says when another groan reverberates from

inside.

“ Ntsika please”

“ It’s easy for you to say this, he’s just a friend

to you but to me he’s a brother- the only sibling
I have. The only person who I know will always
have my back, I can’t stand by and watch that
bastard kill him. Never! It’ll happen over my
dead body!”

If it was under different circumstances Zweli

would laugh in his face. Who knew that the
mighty Ntsika is scared of something? The
possibility of losing his brother petrifies him.

“ Have faith in your brother…”

“ Shut up! I don’t want to hear it I’m going in”

He paces to the door but Zweli’s men stand at

the door blocking him from walking inside.
“ Zweli aw’tshele labantu bakho basuke
endleleni yam’ ngingaka casuki!”

( Tell your men to move out of my way before I

get angry)

“ Hlehlani madoda” Zweli

They shift from the door making way for Ntsika

to pass but the door creaks open before Ntsika
can touch it. Everyone sighs in relief when
Brandon walks out but their excitement is short
lived because he soon sinks to the floor, his
shirt soaked in blood. Ntsika holds him before
he can hit the ground.
“ Sh*t! He has a stab wound on his back.”
Zweli

“ That bastard cheated, I wonder what he

stabbed him with.” London, one of Zweli’s men
mutters under his breath.

“ Call an Ambulance!”

Bellows Ntsika with tears swimming in his

eyes. He shouldn’t have listened to his brother,
he knew leaving him alone with Bongane was a
big mistake. Yes, Brandon killed Bongane but
what good is that if he can also lose his life?

.
.

NDALO

“ What are we going to cook for dinner today?”

Mom

“ I don’t know ma”

“ I feel like eating something different I don’t

know maybe a kota or something”

Anele and I laugh

“ My father will never have Kota for dinner

mama” I say
Angalwa kabi uMntungwa

“ Eish naye u babakho uyahlupha ngalokuba

yixaba, akakhathali yipapa?”

(Your father though, doesn’t he get tired of

eating pap everyday)

We laugh

“ Asizingeni thina mama wumuntu wakho

uz’khethele” Anele

( We are not getting involved ma, he’s your

man. You chose him)
“ Ai kona ngiyak’thanda ukupheka kodwa hah
njalo yimi ne bhodo”

( I love cooking but I get tired of cooking

everyday)

“ I can cook today”

I offer

“ No, you’re pregnant my child and shouldn’t

overwork yourself. I’ll cook.”

“ Yes I’m pregnant, not disabled ma. I’m the

one cooking today and I’m not taking no for an
answer.”
“ Okay, plus I missed your cooking phela you
know kuyambulwa kuyembeswa kubo dade”
Mom

“ Hah mama, are you trying to say we can’t

cook?” Anele

“ I never said that”

“ But you implied it.”

She says pouting

“ Askies ke, magcina ka mama”

“ It’s okay ma but ung’hurtile shem ngathi
ngizimisela kangaka kanti angiyenzi zona”

We laugh

“ So ngiphekeni ma?” I ask

( What should I cook)

“ Angazi yazi mtanami you can cook anything

but not pap I’m tired of eating pap”

( I don’t know my child)

“ I will make spaghetti then.”

Anele laughs
“ I foresee dad complaining about not being
full, I suggest you cook pap for him in a
separate pot.”

Anele adds her two cents

“ No, your father will eat spaghetti, he can’t eat

pap everyday it’s not good for his health.” Mom

“ Let me get started then”

I'm moving around the kitchen taking out

ingredients preparing myself to cook when
Anele bolts inside the kitchen with my phone in
her hand, it’s ringing.
“ Thank you”

I murmur the words before accepting the call

from Gwala, the principal.

“ Good evening miss Khumalo”

“ Evening Mr Gwala”

Schools only reopen in two weeks time so why

is he calling me?

“ Miss Khumalo unfortunately I don’t have

good news for you, I need you to come to
school tomorrow. One of the parents from last
year’s matric class has filed a complaint against
you.”

“ What?”

“ Yes and I’m afraid the allegations against you

are serious.”

Thixo! What could this be about?

“ Okay sir.”

“ Please meet me tomorrow morning, let’s say

9ish is that fine with you?”
“ Yes, I’ll be there at 9 sir.”

“ Thank you, enjoy the rest of your evening.

Bye”

“ Bye”

I’m shaking, my hands are trembling I won’t

mention my heartbeat. It’s so loud it feels like
it’s beating in my ears, I’m suddenly sweaty
feeling extremely hot in this cool weather. Oh
my goodness who could’ve complained about
me and what did they say?

.
.

SABELO

I’m on the floor doing push ups when my phone

rings disturbing me. I get up from the floor and
answer the call.

“ Sthandwa sam”

“ Sabelo my life is over!”

Croaks Ndalo in a quavering voice

“ Woah calm down and tell me what

happened”
“ I just got off the phone with Gwala, he wants
to see me tomorrow apparently one of the
parents from last year’s matric class filed a
complaint against me. He says the allegations
are serious, oh my goodness Sabelo do you
think your mother is the one who complained
about me?”

“ What? Please calm down and try not to

overthink and stress yourself. It’s probably not
what you think, my mother would never report
you. I know my mother, if she wanted to report
you, then she would’ve done it a long time
ago.”
“ If it’s not her then who Sabelo? Your mother
is the only parent I know who has a problem
with me.”

“ Okay, there’s no need to get worked up. I’ll

ask her if she’s the one who complained about
you, will that make you feel better?”

“ Nothing will make me feel better at this point,

I hope it’s not her because if she’s the one then
I might as well kiss my career goodbye.”

“ Let’s not jump to conclusions my love, wait

for tomorrow and hear what Gwala has to say
then we will take it from there okay?”
“ Okay.”

“ Ngiyakuthanda Ndalo, whatever happens

tomorrow just know I'll be with you every step
of the way. You and I will face everything
together.”

( I love you)

“ Okay, I have to go. Bye”

“ Bye”

I will never forgive my mother if she’s the one

behind this like Ndalo thinks, but a part of me
believes that my mother would report Ndalo
because she knows how much it would hurt
me. I know my mother would never
intentionally hurt me.

I’m on my way to her bedroom when I meet

her outside my door, it looks like she was about
to knock when I opened the door.

“ Thank goodness I found you, hyoohmlsg

fbonvf”

That’s what the rest of her sentence sounds

like, she rushed through her words and
swallowed her syllables .

“ Ma please calm down and repeat what you

just said”
I say with my hands on either side of her
shoulders, her body is trembling.

“ You’re shaking ma, what’s going on?”

She looks up and swallows nothingness before

tears escape from the corner of her eyes.

“ Talk to me mama, what’s going on?”

“ Your uncle just called, your father has been

admitted at Evander hospital.”

“ What happened to my father?”

What could’ve happened to my father, he was
in good health the last time I saw him.

“ I don’t know, your uncle didn’t say. Bring the

car around we need to leave, your father needs
us.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#62
To say I’m scared would be an understatement,
I feel like all the words in the dictionary will not
be enough to describe how terrified I am. The
cab just dropped me outside the school gate,
it’s 5 minutes to 9 I should be making my way
inside the school but here I am stuck on the
same spot scared to walk in. Sabelo thinks I
may have been summoned to the meeting for a
different reason and not because of my
relationship with him, but there’s that nagging
feeling in my stomach that tells me it’s
definitely about him. I mean I can’t think of any
other reason why Gwala would summon me
here.

A few cars are parked inside the school yard

and I spot Gwala's Polo VW 1.6 amongst them,
I should walk in they’re probably waiting for
me inside. The distance from the gate to the
office is long and being pregnant doesn’t help
the situation, when I finally reach the office I
make my way to the staff room. All eyes fall on
me as I walk through the door and I can’t help
but notice how everyone is looking at me with
a wrinkled nose like I stink, now I have no
doubts they definitely know about Sabelo and
me.

“ Goo..good morning, apologies for being late.”

Only Gwala returns my greetings while

everyone else gawks at me like I'm the worst
sinner on earth. There’s one lady looking at me
like she’s ready to spit on my face, the look of
disgust she wears on her face when her eyes
settle on my baby bump makes me wish for this
whole thing to be nothing but a nightmare. I’ve
never felt so small in my life- it feels like I’ve
been stripped naked and everyone can see my
nakedness.

“ Please take a seat miss Khumalo so we can

start”

Gwala says gesturing towards a chair in the

center of the room while everyone else is sitting
on the other side of the room facing me, I feel
like a criminal facing the Jury.
“ As you can see miss Khumalo we have
members of the SMT and Mrs Makgatho who is
representing the SGB”

He says after I settle down. Guess who is in the

meeting as part of the SMT?( is an acronym for
school management team. Which comprises of
the principal, his deputy and the HOD’s for
each subject) it’s the one and only Tsotetsi, and
he’s looking at me with a smug look on his face.

“ I’ll get right into it, miss Khumalo what does

your contract say about relationships between
educators and the learners from this school?”

“ It says they are unethical and unlawful.”

I say in low tone full of shame.

“ Right, miss Khumalo it was brought to my

attention that you are in a relationship with
Sabelo Meyiwa, who was a learner in this
school last year. It is said that you’re pregnant
with his child, do you know anything about
this?”

So I was right, Mrs Meyiwa is the one who

reported me. That was low, even for her.

“ Miss Khumalo, do I need to repeat the

question for you?”
He says when I don’t reply

“ We are doing you a favour here, the least you

can do is reply when you’re being asked a
question. This meeting shouldn’t even be
happening, Gwala should’ve taken the matter
straight to the department of education and let
them handle it and we all know what’s going to
happen when that happens right?.”

Tsotetsi says enjoying every second of this

“ I still say we should report her to the

department.”

Says Mrs Makgatho, the SGB member.

If they report me to the department of
education, the department will call me for a
hearing and my certificate will be revoked once
I’m found guilty. Which means I will no longer
be allowed to practice as a teacher in South
Africa.

“ I like you and I think you’re a lovely young

lady with a bright future ahead of you, I love
the work you’ve done with last year’s matric
class. Our life sciences results improved a great
deal, I want to find a way to deal with this
calmly. A way that doesn’t result in you losing
your SACE certificate, you’re a great asset to
the education department and it would be such
a shame to lose someone with your expertise
and talent. But I need you to work with me to
ensure that it does not happen.” Gwala

He’s the only one here who isn’t speaking to

me harshly or looking at me with judgmental
eyes.

“ So?” he asks

I honestly don’t know what to say, whether I

agree or deny the allegations against me I’m
screwed either way. There’s nothing Gwala can
do to protect me unless he doesn’t report me
which I don’t see happening because the SGB
and SMT will not allow it.
“ Stop begging her to talk Gwala, just report
this paedophile to the department of Education,
she’s clearly not willing to cooperate.” Tsotetsi

“ I’m sorry Ndalo there’s nothing I can do if you

don’t talk to me. Meeting adjourned”

NARRATED

While cleaning and stitching the wound doctors

found rust pieces of steel on Meyiwa’s back,
meaning that Bongane stabbed him using one
of the equipment or objects inside the
warehouse. He lost a lot of blood on his way to
the hospital because of the severity of his
injury, the doctors had to perform a blood
transfusion in order to save him and
fortunately Ntsika was a match.

He’s still unconscious but stable, the twins and

their mother broke down when they saw him
lying in a hospital bed. Meyiwa is not a sickly
man so seeing him in such a vulnerable
position was hard on all of them especially
Sphe who wouldn’t stop crying.

Only Sabelo and Sphe went back home when

visiting hours were over. Mathapelo slept on
the chair by her husband’s bedside, it was not
comfortable but it’s better that sleeping in their
king sized bed alone while her husband is
fighting for his life in hospital. She had to beg
and plead with the doctor for him to allow her
to spend the night, Zenkosi brought her a mink
blanket to see her through the cold night.

Her phone chimes in her pocket waking her up

from sleep, she dips her hand inside her pocket
to retrieve it. A frown forms on her face when
she sees the caller ID, why is Gwala calling her?
But she picks up the call anyway

“ Hello.”

“ Good morning Mrs Meyiwa, how are you

doing today?”
“ I’m good and you sir?”

“ I’m okay thanks for asking, I’m calling to give

you an update on the complaint you filed
against miss Khumalo.”

“ Excuse me, what?”

“ The complaint about her dating and being

impregnated by her student, Sabelo your son.”

“ I’m sorry but I don’t know what you’re

talking about sir.”

“ I don’t understand, you called me yesterday

and filed a complaint against her.”
“ What? I never called you sir, someone
must’ve called you from my phone because I’m
certain I never called you.”

“ You didn’t call from your phone, the call was

made from a private number but you explained
the reason for using a private number.”

“ Which was?”.

“ You said your phone was off so you borrowed

a friend’s phone.”

After praying and asking God to show me the

way I made a decision not to report Ndalo, if
there’s anyone who called Gwala and reported
Ndalo pretending to me then that person is
Lettia. There’s no one else but why lie and
pretend to be me?

“ I’m sorry but it wasn’t me, I have no idea

what you’re talking about. Someone must’ve
called you pretending to be me”

“ Okay ma’am I hear you but I’m afraid the

allegations against miss Khumalo might be true,
one of my educators says he once saw them
having oral sex in one of the classrooms after
school.”

What? How could they be so careless to have

sex inside the school premises!
“ What?”

“ Yes ma’am, so I have no choice but to report

the case to the department of Education so that
miss Khumalo can be punished accordingly if
she’s indeed guilty of what she’s being accused
of”

Sabelo will never forgive me for this

“ But Sabelo is not a minor, he’s 18 and

considered an adult capable of making his own
decisions according to South African law.”
“ I know Mrs Meyiwa but unfortunately the
SMT and SGB want me to report her to the
department, my hands are tied there’s nothing I
can do.”

Damn you Lettia!

“ Okay, I understand sir.”

I regret telling Lettia about this, I’m screwed!

“ I will keep you posted, bye”

“ Bye”

.
.

SABELO

I couldn’t sleep last night after seeing the state

my father was in, aside from the stab wound on
his back he has bruises all over his body and
my uncle refuses to tell us what happened to
him. In all my 18 years of life I’ve never seen
my father sick not even from flue or fever, for
some reason I’ve always seen him as this
strong person who can never get sick so seeing
him looking so beat up was difficult for me. It
tore my heart apart, my father is my hero and I
don’t know if I can survive it if anything
happens to him.
Sphe slept in my bed last night, the way she
was crying I didn’t think she would fall asleep
but here she is sleeping in my arms. I’m glad
that at least one of us managed to get some
sleep, I don’t want to think about how my
mother must be doing. That man is her lifeline,
my father better survive this because I don’t
see my mother surviving his death.

My mother made arrangements for my father to

be moved to Med clinic in Trichardt later
today, Sphe and I will drive to see him during
visiting hours. I carefully move Sphe’s head
from my shoulder blade to the pillow and get
out of bed to make a call.

“ Hello”
“ Hi, who’s this?”

“ It’s Anele, Ses’Ndalo is not feeling well.”

“ What’s wrong is it the baby?”

“ No the baby is fine but she’s been crying ever

since she came back from the meeting she had
at school with principal Gwala.”

“ Did she say anything?”

“ No, she refuses to talk. The only thing she

said was that her life was over”
That can only mean one thing

“ Okay, thanks Anele. I’m on my way.”

I drop the call and scurry to my closet looking

for something to wear

“ What’s happening, did something happen to

dad?”

Ask sphe in a sobbing voice behind me. My

shuffling must’ve woken her up.

“ No, dad is fine.”

I say turning around.

Her eyes are so swollen making it obvious that

she cried herself to sleep.

“ Then what’s wrong because I can see that

there’s something wrong with you?”

“ Something happened to Ndalo, I need to go

and see her”

“ What’s wrong is it the baby?”

She asks in a panicky voice

“ No, I’ll tell you when I come back.”

I say slipping into sweatpants, a plain white tee

and Adidas slides.

“ Bye, I’ll see you when I come back.”

***

I sped to Ndalo’s house and arrived within ten

minutes of leaving my house, her mother
doesn’t like me. She loved Musa and wanted
her daughter to get married to him, to her I’m
the one who stopped her dreams from
materializing. She gave me a mean look before
allowing me to go to Ndalo’s bedroom but I
really couldn’t care less my woman needs me,
her hate for me is the least of my concerns right
now.

I find Ndalo curled In foetal position on top of

the bed bawling her eyes out, seeing her in this
state breaks my heart into a gazillion pieces.

“ Sthandwa sam.”

I climb on top of the bed and wrap my arm

around her waist

“ I was right Sabelo, your mom is the one who

reported me.”
She says in a breaking voice

“ I’m sorry my love.”

I know ‘sorry’ is not enough but I have no

words. I'm feeling a lot of things right now and
disappointment is one of them. I didn’t expect
this from my mother, the last thing I wanted
was to be the reason she loses her job. How can
my mother do this? I thought she was finally
warming up to Ndalo.

“ My career is over, just like that. After all the

years of studying and dedication, couldn’t she
think about our child before doing this? How
will I support this baby if I’m unemployed,
what am I going to do Sabelo..teaching is all I
know, I’ve never imagined myself doing
anything else other than teaching.”

I will never forgive my mother for putting

Ndalo through this pain, she doesn’t deserve
this. I don’t know what to say because I’m
partly responsible for what’s happening to her,
I should’ve waited until I matriculated before
pursuing a relationship with her. I shouldn’t
have allowed my feelings for her get the better
of me, I feel terrible that our relationship has
led to this painful outcome. I hope she will not
resent me for this.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#63

“ I know nothing I say right now will make you

feel better but whatever you do please don’t
break up with me, I know I’m being selfish right
now but I swear I won’t survive losing you
Ndalo.”

She doesn’t reply she just keeps on crying. I

tighten my hold around her and kiss the back of
her head.
“ I’m sorry that my mother is the reason why
you’re going through all of this, I’m sorry that
you’re about to lose your career because of
loving me but please don’t leave me Ndalo….I
swear my heart won’t take it.”

I say fighting back my tears

“ Sthandwa sam please say something, are you

going to leave me?”

“ Sabelo please”

“ Please don’t break up with me Ndalo I’m

begging you, I know my love doesn’t mean
much because I can’t afford to take care of you
but I swear I love you so much.”

I put my hand on her baby bump and my

daughter kicks. Something moves inside of me
everytime I feel her kicking, her kicks always
lighten up my day no matter how gloomy it
may be but today feeling her kick fills me with
immense sadness. I’m not working and Ndalo
might lose her job, what will become of my
daughter? Will she come into this world only to
suffer, now more than ever I’m motivated to
make money I don’t want my angel to suffer or
lack anything especially the essentials.

“ I’m going to resign.”

“ What?”

“ You heard me, I’ll resign and use whatever

money I’ll get to start a business so I can
support my baby.”

“ Are you sure?”

“ Yes, I’m sure. That way I can leave with my

dignity intact.”

“ Okay, I’ll support what decision you take.”

“ Thanks”
“ What about me?”

I know now is not the time but I need to know

“ What about you Sabelo?”

Ouch!

“ Will you dump me?”

“ No, then losing my job would be in vain. I

love you and I’m not breaking up with you for
something you didn’t do but I will never forgive
your mother for doing this to me.”
Neither will I

“ I understand, thank you for not breaking up

with me.”

“ Breaking up you with you wouldn’t have

solved anything Sabelo and besides I have
learned from my mistakes.”

“ You have made me the happiest man alive, I

know I’ve told you so many times before but I
love you Ndalo and I’ll be with you every step
of the way holding your hand through it all.”

“ I know and I’m grateful to have you in my

life.”
“ I’m the one who should be grateful that a
beautiful woman like yourself looked at me
twice, I’m one lucky bastard!”

She giggles

At least I’ve managed to make her laugh

“ Come on, I’m not that beautiful.”

“ That’s because you don’t see yourself the way

I see you, you are perfect. You’re every man’s
dream, beautiful, humble and kind hearted.”
“ Stop it, you’re making me blush.”

“ Blush away my love, you deserve it.”

“ It’s not going to be easy you know that right?”

She says suddenly sounding serious again

“ I know, and I’m willing to go through it all as

long as I have you by my side.” I say

We fall into comfortable silence in each other’s

arms until my phone rings disturbing us, I
retrieve it from my pocket and answer
“ Sabelo where are you? We need to go to the
hospital.”

“ I’m not coming”

“ What? Are you crazy, dad is in the hospital

fighting for his life and you’re telling me you’re
not going to visit him?”

The thought of seeing my mother angers me, I

don’t know what I will say when I see her so I’d
rather not visit my dad today.

“ I didn’t stutter “
“ Wow, so how am I supposed to get there
since you took mom’s car and uncle hasn’t
brought back dad’s car?”

“ I don’t know, take a taxi or call an Uber I

don’t know umdala Sphe you’ll find a way.”

Ndalo turns around and grabs the phone from

my hand and put it’s on speaker.

“ Hello Sphe, I’m sorry about Sabelo’s attitude.

Wait for him, he’ll come to pick you up just
now.”

“ What are you doing?”

I murmur but she ignores me

“ Thanks miss Khumalo, Sabelo said you’re not

okay what’s wrong?”

“ I’ll be fine Sphe, prepare yourself Sabelo will

pick you up shortly.”

She says and cuts the call

“ What was that? I'm not ready to see that

woman.”

“ That woman happens to be your mother, why

didn’t you tell me your father is in hospital.
What happened to him?”
“ I’m sorry it slipped my mind, he was
stabbed.”

Her eyes pop out from their sockets

“ Are those men behind it?”

“ No, relax. Those men will never bother us

ever again ”

“ Wait for me to change, I’m coming with you

to the hospital.”
Now it’s my turn to be shocked, she’s coming
with me?

“ What?”

She asks when she sees my expression

“ You want to come with, after everything that

happened?”

“ Your mother is the one who reported me not

your father, Meyiwa has been good to me since
you introduced us so yes I’m going to the
hospital to see him.”
Her kindness always leaves me in awe, she’s
definitely a gem.

NDALO

My heart is broken, I am so sad that everything

I’ve worked so hard for will go up in flames just
like that because of a woman who couldn’t
accept that I’m in love with her son because of
our age difference. I’ve always respected Mrs
Meyiwa and not once did I ever talk back
whenever she said something bad or negative
to me, in a way I understood where she came
from that’s why I tried not to take anything she
says to heart but what she did was the final
straw. She broke me and destroyed everything I
worked for years to achieve. I will never forgive
her for doing this to me, never!

We just parked outside Med clinic, Sabelo is at

the reception desk asking the receptionist for
his father’s ward number while Sphe and I wait
for him on the chairs.

“ Come on let’s go.”

He says giving me his hand. I hold his hand

because I know he won’t let me refuse, he’s
been holding my hand ever since we found out
that someone posted my picture on social
media and called me a paedophile and all sorts
of names you can think of. On our way here we
stopped at Embalenhle mall to buy some
goodies for Mr Meyiwa and that’s when people
started pointing fingers at me and calling
names, I won’t lie it hurt to receive that kind of
treatment from strangers and I badly wanted to
bawl my eyes out and cry but having Sabelo by
my side holding my hand and reassuring me of
his love for me gave me all the strength I
needed to tackle that experience head on and
not crumble and cry in front of people.

I don’t know how this made it to social media

so soon, it’s barely been 24 hours since the
meeting but I’m already trending and being
called names. I may have not cried in front of
everyone inside the store but I cried my eyes
out when we finally got inside the car. I don’t
know what will happen when my family sees
this, I hope people wont crucify them for being
related to me. I’m most worried about Anele,
high school kids can be mean and they can
bully her for being my sister. My mother will
probably resent me for this, she cares so much
about what people think of her.

I’m tempted to pounce on Mrs Meyiwa the

moment we walk through the door and I see
her face but I breath in and out to calm myself
down, she’s responsible for all of this. I hope
she’s happy now that my name is being
dragged through the mud on social media.

“ Ndalo I..”
“ Don’t even say her name mother!”

Sabelo cuts her sentence short, he’s fuming. I

swear I can see the fire in his eyes

“ I swear I didn’t do it, please believe me.”

She says desperate for us to believe her

“ Mama how can you do something like this to

Ndalo? You’re a mother too, how would feel if
someone else did the same thing to me?”

Asks Sphe with tears rolling down her cheeks

prompting my tears to cascade down my face,
maybe I shouldn’t have come. Seeing her face
is torturous for me.

“ Are you happy now that people are calling

her names on social media, are you happy
Mathapelo?”

Bellows Sphe in anger

“ I swear I didn’t do it, Sabelo my son please

look into my eyes. I promise it wasn’t me.”

The way she’s crying I almost believe her, ai

shem the woman can act.
“ You’re dead to me mother, from today
consider yourself dead to me.”

“ Sabelo, please no don’t say that. Ndalo please

believe me my child I didn’t do it, it wasn’t
me.”

I’m suddenly ‘her child’ now

She tries holding my hand but I shift my hand

and look away.

“ Please trust me, it wasn’t me.”

She says and cries into her hands. It’s difficult

for me to see someone her age crying and
pleading so I dash to the door and leave the
ward.

****

A knock on the passenger window snaps me

out of my reverie, it’s Sabelo and Sphe. When I
ran out of the ward Sabelo followed me. He
wanted us to leave but I refused and convinced
him to give me the car keys and promised to
wait in the car, and that’s where I’ve been
waiting for them while they were inside talking
to their mom.

I roll down the window and give him the car

keys, he takes them and rounds the car coming
to the driver seat while Sphe gets in the
backseat. I’m not sure what happened inside
but they look like they were crying, Mrs
Meyiwa is a great actress I wouldn’t be
surprised if the twins believe that she’s not the
one who reported me. I mean I almost fell for
her stellar acting skills, that’s why I had to get
out of there before I fell for her lies.

“ I’m sorry Ndalo, I know sorry is not enough

but I’m sorry for everything my mother put you
through.” Sabelo

“ Stop apologizing, you’re not responsible for

her actions.”

“ How’s your father doing?”

I can’t believe I came here to see Mr Meyiwa
but ended up leaving without seeing him
because Mrs Meyiwa made the whole thing
about her. How selfish!

“ Nothing has changed, he’s still the same.”

“ He’ll pull through, he’s a strong man.”

“ I hope so.”

“ Have some faith and please pray for him.”

“ I will.”
“ Miss Khumalo I know this is not the time but
what if my mother is telling the truth, what if
she’s not the one who reported you?” Sphe

“ Shut up Sphe if you have nothing to say”

Sabelo

“ It’s just that she looked so sincere *sigh* I

don’t know but I don’t think she’s lying”

Didn’t I say it? That woman’s acting is very

good, it’s only a matter of time before Sabelo
believes her too.
“ No offense Sphe but I don’t care about your
mother’s sincerity, she’s the only one who
hates me and no one knew about my
relationship with Sabelo except close family.”

“ I understand.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#64
The receptionist just paged me apparently
there’s someone looking for me downstairs, I
hope it’s not Ntsika phela that one can show up
unexpected but I’m not complaining. It’s been
years since I felt so wanted and desired by a
man so I’m enjoying every single moment of
the time I spend with him.

“ Who wants to see me?”

I ask the receptionist and she points behind me,

I turn and come face to face with the last
person I expected to see. Mathapelo!

She sees me and approaches me, she looks like

a hot mess. There are dark circles under her
eyes and she has lost a lot of weight, her
husband’s sickness must be taking a huge toll
on her.

“ Thaps”

I say giving her a hug, we are not friends or

anything but I’m dating her brother in law so I
need to be civil with her because one way or
another I’ll be forced to be in the same room
with her. More especially because the brothers
are close.

“ Zenkosi, you must be shocked to see me”.

I am but I don’t tell her that

“ Not at all, come let’s go outside and talk in
my car. We’ll have better privacy there.”

I say when I see the receptionist leering at us.

ukuthanda izindaba comes with being a
receptionist or it’s a requirement to get the job?
Because wawu receptionist are nosy as f*ck!

“ Okay, no problem.”

I lead the way to my car and get in the

backseat, Mathapelo follows suit. A moment of
awkward silence befalls us, she looks like she
wants to say something but she’s not sure how
to say it.
“ How’s Brandon doing?”

I say to break the ice, I know how Brandon is

doing. Ntsika keeps me in the loop, he hasn’t
regained consciousness yet everything checks
out from a medical standpoint.

“ I don’t know what to do anymore Zen, the

doctors say he’s okay but he still hasn’t woken
up. It’s been over a week now”

She says then breaks down

I immediately regret asking her, now I have to

comfort her. I don’t even know what to say.
I pull her to my embrace and brush her back
soothingly

“ It’s going to be okay sis”

“ Everything is such a mess Zen, my kids are

not talking to me and my husband is stuck in
hospital. It’s all too much for me to handle.”

“ Why are the kids not talking to you?”

She immediately moves from my embrace and

wipes her tears with a tissue.

“ It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it” I

say when I see her face changing
“ No, I want to talk about it. That’s actually the
reason why I’m here.”

“ Okay, I’m listening.”

I say leaning my back on the seat giving her all

my attention.

“ I’m not sure if you have seen on social media

how people are thrashing Ndalo for dating
Sabelo?”

“ Oh yes, I saw. Poor girl doesn’t deserve any

of this, she’s such a lovely girl I spoke to her
once when she came to visit Sabelo while he
was still admitted here. Those two love each
other I wish people could release themselves
from the opinions they exercise over people’s
lives, so what if she’s older than him? Love
knows no age.”

She swallows hard and looks down after my

little speech

“ I’m sorry I got carried away, I just hate

people with backwards thinking.”

“ No, you don’t have to apologize. I wish I met

you sooner then maybe I wouldn’t have
committed the mistake I made.”
“ I’m not sure I follow”

“ The twins are not speaking to me because

they think I’m the one who reported Ndalo.”

Hectic!

“ Why would they think that?”

“ I haven’t exactly been welcoming towards

Ndalo and I’ve always expressed my dislike
towards her, it was just hard for me to accept
her as my son’s girlfriend. To me Sabelo is still
a little boy so I saw Ndalo as this grown woman
who’s taking advantage of my son.”
I understand where she’s coming from in a
way, maybe it was easy for me to accept the
idea of them being lovers because I’m not
Sabelo’s mother.

“ I understand but why would they think you're

the one who reported her? I mean I don’t think
you’d do something like that especially
knowing it could ruin her career.”

“ Well..”

She tells me about her friend Lettia and how

she’s been poisoning her mind filling it with
absolute nonsense
“ Can I be honest with you?”

“ By all means?”

“ Lettie wouldn’t have succeeded in

manipulating if you weren’t insecure, why are
you so insecure. You’re a beautiful woman, you
live in a beautiful big house, you have two
beautiful kids and a husband who loves and
takes care of you.”

“ Before we got married Meyiwa always told

me about his dream to have 4 or more kids,
Ntsika is his only sibling so he wanted to have
more kids to grow his surname but I failed to
carry my pregnancies to term and miscarried
numerous times before having the twins. We
tried having more kids after the twins turned
two but nothing, I know how much he wants
kids and I’m afraid one day he’ll leave me for
someone who will give him the kids he
desires.”

I’m in tears, this woman has been through a lot.

“ I am so sorry to hear that Mathapelo, be

grateful that God blessed you with not one but
two kids. I would give anything to have my
own little human even if it’s just one but
unfortunately I can’t have kids. Meyiwa would
have left you long ago if he wanted to, the man
loves you and chose you amongst many other
women. Enjoy your man and stop being
insecure.”
“ I’m sorry sis, miracles happen. Keep praying
and trust God, like isiah 60:22 says ‘when the
time is right I, the lord will make it happen.’
Who knows maybe you’re already pregnant
with a little Meyiwa.”

She says and I laugh through my tears

“ Use your own advice Thaps, don’t lose faith

and keep trying and one day you’ll give
Meyiwa more children.”

She chuckles
“ I’m getting old, I’m turning 46 soon. Maybe
it’s time to give up.”

“ You’re never too old for God, don’t lose

faith.”

“ Thank you so much. I needed this.” She says

“ It’s a pleasure. I know it wasn’t you who

reported her but you indirectly contributed to
the situation, you owe Ndalo an apology. Give
yourself time to know her, you might find that
she’s the best person you have ever met. And
also forget about her wanting Meyiwa, that girl
only has eyes for Sabelo. Even if Meyiwa
wanted her, she wouldn’t even see it because
she’s so in love with your son that he’s literally
the only man she sees.”

NDALO

I’ve deleted all my social media accounts

except for WhatsApp because of all the garbage
people say about me, people can be so mean
out here. I’m shocked as to how people can be
so cruel to someone they don’t even know. I’m
with Nthabi in my room she came to check up
on me and at least she’s not judging me.
“ How’s he between the sheets?”

Trust Nthabi to ask this

“ Come on Nthabiseng, my life is falling apart

and all you care about is his sex game?”

“ I’m sorry but I’ve always been curious that

kid is packed!”

“ Stop calling him a kid, he’s anything but a

kid”

“ Okay, that statement says a lot. Are you

happy with him though?”
“ Yes, I am. He makes me happy, I’ve never
been loved like how he loves me.”

“ Ncoah how sweet. Do you have pictures of

the two of you together ?”

“ Yes”

“ Please show them to me”

I scroll my phone and go to our folder before

giving her the phone.
“ OMG You guys look so cute together, he
doesn’t look younger than you. No one would
know you’re 7 years older”

True, Sabelo does look a lot older than his age.

“ He matured fast, even his body, the beard and

his deep voice he’s a man!”

“ Geez stop it Nthabi!”

I kind of hate it when she talks about Sabelo

like that because in the past she once
mentioned wanting to sleep with him, after
what Pretty and Thuli did I don’t trust friends,
even family when it comes to my man.
“ I’m sorry, I was only complementing him, you
know I’m in love with Mathobela.”

They’ve been official since the new year

started.

“ Yeah but I don’t like it when you talk like that

about Sabelo in front of me, he’s my boyfriend
you need to respect that.”

“ Okay, I’m sorry but he’s hot and so freaking

sexy”

“ NTHABI”
She laughs

“ I’m playing hao but muhle shem”

I give up!

“ I’m sure your daughter will look beautiful

with a father like him, so is he coloured?”

“ No, he’s black.”

“ Why does he have blue eyes and hair like

that?”

“ I don’t know but he takes after his mother”

“ Speak of the devil, he’s calling.” She says

“ Give me my phone then”

She doesn’t, she answers the call and put the

call on speaker instead. Can Nthabi leave
already!

“ Sthandwa sam” he says

Nthabi screams and fans herself

“ Ndalo, what’s wrong why are you

screaming?”
“ I just saw a cockroach baby”

I say trying so hard not to laugh. Nthabi gives

me my phone and stands up to go laugh in a
corner, she’s so stupid.

“ Oh okay, I miss you.”

“ I miss you too baby”

“ So can I come pick you up?”

“ Yes”
“ Okay my love, I’ll be there in 15 minutes. I
love you mamakhe.”

Wu alingbhori le gama nkos’yam!

“ I love too daddy”

“ So you’re going to your boyfriend?” Nthabi

“ Yebo yes”

“ Hmm, okay mamakhe. I guess that’s my cue,

I’ll visit again soon, work won’t be the same
without you.”
***

Sabelo and I are taking a walk around the park

while having ice cream, he doesn’t come with a
car anymore he takes a cab. He believes that
the more people get used to seeing us together
the quicker they’ll get used to the idea of us
together, I wanted to hide from the world but
Sabelo wouldn’t let me he’s forcing me to face
everything head on. Some people no longer
look at us or say anything bad when they see us
together but others still throw derogatory
remarks when they see us but I’m growing a
thick skin with each passing day.

“ Sabelo let go of my hand, how am I supposed

to eat my ice cream with one hand?”
“ Use your mouth”

“ Haibo, Sabelo”

The way Sabelo likes touching me especially

when we passing or walking near a group of
girls, I don’t know if he’s being his normal
clingy self or he’s trying to prove a point but ay
shem uyenza kakhulu u brothers shem.

I finally get my hand back when he receives a

call.

“ Sphe”
“ Sabelo you need to come to the hospital, dad
woke up.”

His phone is loud so I can hear everything

“ I’m on my way”

He says and hangs up

“ Will you come with me to the hospital?”

The smile on my face right now, Mr Meyiwa is

finally awake. I feel like doing a vosho right
now.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#65

NARRATED

“ I should be unconscious more often if I’m

going to wake up to so much love”

Brandon teases and everyone laughs

“ Don’t you dare Meyiwa!” Says Mathapelo

“ Ngivumelana no sesi Zalo, I don’t think
anyone of us would like to see you like that
ever again. You’re the pillar of this family, you
hold everyone of us together. It’s only been a
week but everything almost fell apart in your
absence.” Ntsika

( I agree with sis)

“ What do you mean? What happened while I

was unconscious.?”

“ Ndalo lost her job because mom reported her”

Sabelo blurts out putting his mom on the spot.

“ She did what? Mathapelo is this true?”

“ No it’s not true Meyiwa, I can explain.”

“ Vele you have a lot of explaining to do

Mathapelo.”

Meyiwa is fuming but he has so much respect

for his wife, he would never rebuke her in the
presence of other people much less in front of
their kids.

“MaKhumalo angazi ngithini ntombi yami

ngoba ngiswabile, I will do everything in my
power to fix this okay?”
( I don’t know what to say because I’m
ashamed)

He says looking at Ndalo

“ Yebo baba.”

“ What’s going on, why do I sense tension

between the two of you?”

He asks darting his eyes between Sabelo and

his wife.

“ Sabelo no longer speaks to mom since she

reported miss Khumalo to principal Gwala.”
Sphe
“ I thought I would wait till I was discharged to
solve this but it seems things have really gone
out of hand, we are fixing this now.”

He says sitting up leaning his back against the

wall

“ Mathapelo I’ll start with you, why did you

report Ndalo to Gwala. What compelled you to
do that? Didn’t you stop to think about how
your pettiness would ruin her career?“

“ Meyiwa it wasn’t me, I didn’t report Ndalo to

Gwala. I swear on everything I hold dear it
wasn’t me.”
She says with tears swimming in her eyes
desperate for her husband to believe her, he
must believe her. When everyone else doesn’t
believe her, when everyone else thinks she’s
lying she expects her husband to know that
she’s telling the truth. They’ve been married for
years and surely Meyiwa knows when she’s
telling the truth.

“ I believe you. Sabelo your mom didn’t report

Ndalo, I know her. She didn’t do it.”

Mathapelo sighs in relief

“ But if it’s not her who did it then who? No one
knew about my relationship with Ndalo, only
close family. Mom is the only person who has a
problem with Ndalo, so if it’s not her then
who?”

“ Mathapelo care to explain?” Brandon

“ It was Lettia, she’s the one who called Gwala

and reported Ndalo pretending to be me.”

“ How did loyo Lettia wakho find out about

Ndalo’s relationship with Sabelo because we all
agreed that this should be kept within the
family?”
“ I’m sorry Meyiwa, I just needed someone to
talk to.”

Tears are rolling down her cheeks as she says

this

“ Mathapelo you knew what was at stake, I’ve

always given you an ear whenever you wanted
to talk. If you couldn’t talk to me then you
should have done gone down on your knees
and spoke to God, we’ve been through so much
in our marriage and prayer has always been
your refuge what changed this time? Or you
didn’t care if Ndalo lost her job that’s why you
found it so easy to discuss her with your so
called friend?”
He hisses in anger

“ Zalo calm down, you just woke up. You need

to take it easy.”

“ I’m disappointed in you Mathapelo, this is not

who I got married to.”

He says ignoring Ntsika

“ I’m sorry Meyiwa.”

“ Well you’re apologizing to the wrong person,

I’m not the one who lost a job because you
failed to keep our private family matters
private.”
“ Ndalo I’m sorry please forgive me, I know my
apology will not give you back what you’ve lost
or take back all the mean things people said
about on you on social media or alleviate the
pain you feel everytime people give you a mean
look or throw derogatory remarks in public but
I’m truly sorry my child. I never meant to hurt
you I swear.”

“ Ndalo you’ve heard your mother, what do

you have to say?”

“ I understand that she’s not the one who

reported me but she indirectly contributed to
the situation. I had to delete my social media
accounts because of the hurtful things people
are saying about me, I can’t walk to the shop
without people pointing fingers at me and
saying bad things about me. Even if you
manage to fix this baba and get me my job
back, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to teach
again. My credibility will always be in question,
people will always think negatively and assume
the worst everytime they see me with a male
learner, parents will never trust me with their
kids and I don’t think the learners will give me
the respect they used to give me before they
found out about this. My reputation is ruined, I
am sorry but I don’t think I will ever forgive her
for what she did at least not now. Maybe in the
future but definitely not now.”

“ I understand my child. I think Mathapelo will

have to earn your forgiveness, I can’t force you
to forgive her especially after everything you’ve
gone through because of her mistake”

“ And I’m willing to do anything for your

forgiveness Ndalo.” Mathapelo

“ Sabelo, I understand you’re angry and

disappointed by what your mother did but that
doesn’t give you the right to disrespect her.
She’s still your mother and you’ll respect her no
matter what. You will reply when your mother
talks to you, I won’t allow you to disrespect my
wife not while I’m still alive ngeke nje. You’ll
respect her, siyezwana?”

( Understood)
“ Yes, dad.”

“ Mkami the next time you take our family

matters to outsiders will be the end of us, I will
not be married to a girl trapped inside the body
of a grown woman. You’re a married woman,
act like it and stop acting like a naïve teenager.
Lo Lettia wakho uzow’khomba umuzi
onotshwala ung’jwayela kabi shem, who does
she think she is airing my family’s business!”

(My wife) ( that Lettia of yours will know me

well)

NDALO
Schools have reopened and it feels weird to be
at home while everyone else is at work or at
school, Melo is still around but it’s only a
matter of time before she goes back to Pretoria
to start her third year. I don’t know how Mr
Meyiwa intends to do it but he’s confident he
can get me my job back, I’ve thought about it
long and hard and I don’t think I want to go
back to being an employee. The fact that it’s
possible for me to lose my job within a blink of
an eye made me view the concept of being an
‘employee’ with a different mind-set, I don’t
want to be an employee I want to be my own
boss, be the employer and not the employed.
I know it’s difficult to start from scratch and I’ll
probably go for months before I start making
profit but once everything starts working out
I’ll be making more money than what I would
make as an employee. I’m still not sure what
business I’m going to venture into at the
moment, I still want to do my research and see
which one between the three business ideas I
have in mind will be most profitable.

Mr Meyiwa is friends with entrepreneurs and

big company owners, he promised to get me
acquainted with them so I can get sound
business advice from them and possible
coaching, there’s a statement I read from one of
my contact’s WhatsApp status that says ‘when
you focus on problems, you will have more
problems but when you focus on possibilities,
you will have more opportunities.’ So I stopped
seeing the loss of my job as a problem and
started seeing it as an opportunity for me to
start my own business.

Now I understand what they mean when they

say that everything happens for a reason, If I
didn’t lose my job I would have never had the
courage to start my own thing. I would’ve been
comfortable with receiving a salary when I
could be making a profit, yes I could afford to
live and pay for my day to day expenses from
my salary but what’s going to happen in the
next 15 to 20 years when I have more
responsibilities? Will my salary still be enough
to pay for my children’s university education
and afford me a comfortable lifestyle at the
same time?

“ What documents do I need to register my

business”

Says Melo reading what I typed on my browser

“ You know it’s rude to peek on people’s

computers”

I say closing my laptop

“ You’re serious about starting a business ne”

“ Yeah I am, I want to break the circle of
poverty. I want to be monied, I’m tired of
settling for an average life”

“ Thatha sisi wami, ai no ngiyakuzwa and I’m

very proud of you.”

“ Thanks, I want to enrol at Unisa for business

management do you think late applications are
still open?”

“ I don’t know but you can google mos”

“ Yeah I’ll do so, if I’m going to start a business

then I’ll need to know the fundamentals.”
“ Chesa mogirl!”

“ Yeah, I’m not opening a spaza shop here I

want the real thing so mele ngiyenze izinto
kahle.”

( I need to do things the right way)

“ What?”

I ask because she’s leering at me with a stupid

smile on her face.

“ Uyangichaza, I was afraid you’d fall apart

after everything you’ve gone through over the
past few weeks. I mean you lost your job, got
dragged on social media and bashed by society
for dating someone 7 years younger than you
but it seems like what you went through
strengthened you instead. I love seeing you like
this.”

“ Thanks, it’s all God mntasekhaya. I’ve always

drawn strength from the word of God so when
my world fell apart and turned upside down, I
went back to God and sought refuge in his
word. That’s where I received the strength to
face everything with grace and bravery. Sabelo
has also been my source of strength, urging me
to face everything with my head held high. He’s
been amazing, he has so much wisdom for
someone his age.”
“ I’m just glad you’re okay and didn’t attempt
to kill yourself or break up with Sabelo phela
wena!”

We laugh

“ Khululeka mntasekhaya sengayeka

ukuhlanya. I believe that everything that I went
through has made me stronger, I have grown so
much in a matter of weeks than I have in
years.”

( Relax sis, I’ve stopped being crazy)

“ I guess not every hardship we face is meant

to break us.”
“ Yes, it all depends on how you perceive the
situation. All I know is that there’s definitely a
lesson from every difficulty we face, it’s your
choice to learn or mope around and feel sorry
for yourself. Everything has a positive side it all
depends on how you look at it.”

“ Hai I need to thank Mrs Meyiwa for running

her mouth yabo? Thanks to her my sister has
turned into a motivational speaker/
entrepreneur”

We laugh

“ Yaphapha wena!”

( You’re forward)
.

SABELO

Another week has gone by and my father is

back home recovering. Things between my
mother and I are not good but not bad either,
it’ll take some time for our relationship to go
back to what it used to be. She betrayed my
trust, yes it wasn’t her who reported Ndalo but
she’s to blame for telling her friends about our
affairs. I’m more disappointed than angry, I
never thought my mother would do something
like that.
Sphe finally told the parents about her wish to
pursue a career in Medicine by studying in one
of the Cuban universities, surprisingly my
parents were understanding and supportive of
her decision. She has sent out her application
now we are crossing fingers hoping for the best
outcome, I know she’ll definitely be awarded
the scholarship. Her matric results are
impressive.

We are so very proud of her, dad plans to buy

the both of cars before we start our varsity
journey-he did the same thing when Khethelo
passed her matric, I wasting expecting him to
still buy me a car because he’s the one who will
pay for most of my daughter’s expenses once
she’s born.
I’ll get a part-time job when I get to Joburg so I
can also help out with some of the expenses,
I’m the father after all and I don’t want to be
those boys who are comfortable with their
parents raising their kids for them.

“ Can I come in?”

My mom says standing outside my door

“ Yes, you can.”

She walks in and sits on my bed

“ Please come sit here”

She says patting a space next to her. I stand up

from my chair and sit next to her.

“ I don’t like how things have changed between

us and I know I’m to blame for the gap between
us, you’re moving to Gauteng in a few weeks
and I will go for months without seeing you. It
would really break my heart if you were to
move to another province without mending our
relationship, I love you so much my son and it
hurts me to see how much we’ve grown apart
because of my mistakes.”

“ I love you too ma and I hate it when we fight

but I honestly didn’t like what you did, you hurt
me- when Ndalo told me it was you who
reported her, I didn’t believe her because it was
hard for me to believe that my mother would
do something like that to me.”

“ I’m sorry my son, I never meant to hurt you

or Ndalo. My first mistake was telling our
family issues to an outside entity, I have learnt
from my mistakes and I will never ever repeat
them please forgive me.”

I hate to see my mother begging. To be honest

it was very difficult for me to keep this up
because I love my mother a lot, she’s my queen
but I had to put my foot down so that she
would learn and never think of repeating her
mistake.
“ I forgive you mawami”

( Mom)

I say embracing her, she snuggles in my arms

and cries in my chest.

“ I’m sorry mom, I’m sorry for the harsh

treatment I’ve been giving you lately.”

“ It’s okay, I understand. You had to support

your woman.”

I’m glad she understands. If there’s one thing

I’ve learnt from my dad, is to always put my
woman first and do whatever it takes to protect
her even if it means protecting her against my
family or myself.

“ I wanted ask Ndalo out on a spa date but I’m

afraid she will not agree.”

She says sheepishly

My heart right now, I hate seeing my mother in

this state. I hope Ndalo will agree to go to the
spa date with her not that I’d blame her should
she decline but I hope she does. My mother is
really trying.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#66

With my breath held and my heart jack

hammering inside my chest I meander to the
living room where the noise came from, my
fingers are tightly wrapped around the baseball
bat ready to attack whoever thought it best to
come inside my house without being invited. It
must’ve been fifteen minutes after I got into
bed when I heard a loud bang coming from the
living room, feeling frightened and perturbed
the first thing I did was to try to call the police
but my phone suddenly didn’t have network so
the call didn’t go through leaving me with no
other option but to go out there and confront
whoever entered my house without my
permission.

I couldn’t come out here without anything to

defend myself with, after rummaging my room
for almost two minutes looking for a weapon to
use for protection, the baseball bat was the
only useful thing I found. I’m scared out of my
mind right now but I'm ready to fight for my
life, I won’t go down without a fight.

Attempting to fight off the intruder in a pitch-

black house would be suicide so I’ve been
switching on the lights in every room I pass.
Light illuminates the dark room when I press
the switch in the living room. Freaked out by
the sight of two men before me, the bat slips
out of my hands and falls to the floor.

I don’t know whether to be relieved that the

men who are in my house turned out not to be
thieves but people I know or to be worried that
they’re in my house at this hour of the night-
could it be that they found out about what I
did? These two men are people I know all two
well and I happen to have strong feelings for
one of them but the expressions on their faces
tells me that they’re not pleased with me, f*ck
that foolish Mathapelo probably ran her mouth
and snitched on me.

Brandon is sitting on the couch with his left

foot on top of his right knee while Ntsika is
standing a few feet away from him holding a
packet of chips chewing with an open mouth
making an annoying loud chewing noise.

“ Sit down.”

Commands Brandon in a low voice but the

acuteness of his tone has me immediately
dumping my body on the couch, having lost all
the determination I had to fight back.

“ Zihloniphe uzixoxe nje ngomuntu wes’mame”

Brandon

( Respect yourself and sit like a lady)

I cross my legs in shame.

“ Awusho Lettia uPhaphiswa yini ngampela?
What forced you to report Ndalo to Gwala?”

( Why are you forward)

“ I didn’t report Ndalo, Mathapelo is the one

who did even after I advised her not to.”

The brothers look at each other and laugh

“ Wena umtheth’wakho ucabanga ukuthi thina

sineskhathi sok’dlala ne” Ntsika

( You think we have time to play)

“ I know you believe I’m the one who reported
Ndalo because your wife told you so, I don’t
blame you she’s your wife after all it’s normal
for you to believe her over me but I’m telling
the truth. I’m not the one who reported Ndalo,
she did.”

I say looking at Brandon dead in the eye. Lying

with a straight face happens to be one of my
many talents.

“ Why would Mathapelo do that?”

“ Because she thinks Ndalo wants to take you

away from her, she feels threatened by the girl
and has somehow managed to convince herself
that she wants you. She’s been complaining
about her ever since Sabelo introduced her, she
loathes that girl but was trying her best to
accept her for your sake but seeing her dressed
in a short inside her kitchen was the final
straw. She lost it and decided to finally report
her, Mathapelo has been threatening to report
her but I always managed to convince her
otherwise but that day I failed to convince her
I’m sorry Meyiwa.”

He looks at me with a clenched jaw clearly

angry, does this mean he believes me and is
angry at his wife? Halala, that’ll teach
Mathapelo not to mess with me.

“ Zalo she’s sicker than I initially thought”

Says Ntsika looking at his brother, the “her”
he’s referring to must be Mathapelo.

“ I've never laid my hands on a woman before

but this one is literally begging me to do it.”
Brandon replies

Halala, bayom’shaya u Mathapelo.

“ I know you’ll probably beat yourself up for

doing it afterwards so rather let me handle it for
you. Unlike you I don’t waste my guilty
conscience on garbage, I’ll beat her up and
sleep peacefully afterwards.”
Ntsika says nonchalantly not feeling even a bit
of shame for wanting to beat up a woman, sies
that’s why I fell for Brandon instead him when
Mathapelo played cupid and tried to set me up
with her brother in law.

“ Go ahead, I won’t stop you.”

What does he mean go ahea..a hard slap

across my face pulls me from my confusion. So
I’m the ‘her’ they’ve been referring to? So I'm
garbage, hai uyeyisa uNtsika shem.

I can’t feel my face for a few seconds after the

slap, is his hand made of steel or something?
“ You bastard, how dare you lay your hands on
a woman.”

I manage to eke out, ignoring the pain I feel on

my face.

“ I’m going to set you straight tonight, I’m

going to help you learn how to keep that mouth
of yours shut and to take your nose out of other
people’s business.”

He says folding the sleeves of his shirt while

Brandon relaxes his back on the couch. Am I
crazy to still love him even after he practically
gave his brother permission to beat me up?
“ Undress”

“ What?”

“ You heard me, I said undress.”

I want to put up a fight but the look on his face

tells me I won’t like what he will do to me
should I refuse. So I slowly slip out of my
sleeping dress.

“ Take off the underwear as well”

“ What?”
“ Yay! I don’t have time to play, I said take off
your underwear.”

Are they planning to rape me? Not that I’d

mind Brandon’s dick inside of me, it would be a
dream come true actually. It’s Ntsika I don’t
want near me.

“ Get over yourself, we won’t sleep with you.”

Brandon says shattering my confidence.

Ntsika breaks into a belly laugh

“ You thought we would sleep with you,
Aw’kahle wena what do you take us for?”
Ntsika

“ Then why am I naked?”

“ Because I want you to know how it feels like

to be mocked and called names by people who
don’t know you, I want you to feel what Ndalo
felt.”

And that’s when I notice the camera in his

hands, the bastard has been recording me!
“ Don’t worry you’ll be a celebrity when you
wake up tomorrow morning, you’ll be trending
all over social media.”

Ntsika says with a smug look on his face when

I try to cover my nakedness.

What?

“ No please don’t do it, please.”

I’m on my knees beseeching with tears falling

down my cheeks like a water on a waterfall

“ Please forgive me, I am so sorry for what I

did. I was only jealous of Mathapelo’s life and
wanted it for myself but now I have realized my
mistakes and I’m prepared to atone for my sins.
I’ll do anything you ask but please don’t post
the video, I’ll go to Gwala and withdraw the
complaint please just don’t do this.”

I croak in a breaking voice

“ Unfortunately I’m not Jesus I don’t believe in

forgiveness, I believe in settling the score
bathini zalo konje an..”

( what do they say)

“ An eye for an eye” Ntsika says finishing off

his sentence
“ Please don’t do this, how will I look at my son
after this…please don’t do this.”

I grovel at Brandon’s feet

“ You should’ve thought of that before you

ruined Ndalo's reputation and aired her
business on social media. Zalo come on let's
go.”

MATHAPELO
I open my eyes when I feel eyes digging holes
into my skin, I force my heavy eyelids open
and come face to face with my husband.

“ Good, you’re finally awake.”

He says with deadpan tone that instantly has

my insides turning.

“ What’s going on Meyiwa, why ain’t you in

bed?”

I say and look at the clock on the wall

“ It’s 2AM Meyiwa why are you still dressed

like that?”
He’s wearing a black pant, with a golf shirt and
a black hunter boot.

He doesn’t reply he keeps gawking me with a

nipping expression on his face instead. I sit up
with my back against the headboard and pull
the covers to my bosom and rub my eyes to
ward off the drowsiness I feel.

“ How long have you known me?”

That’s random but I answer anyway

“ More than 26 years now.”

“ Do you have any idea how much I love you?”

Ok, what’s going on?

“ I do”

“ Yet you believe that I’d cheat on you with

Ndalo, uNdalo Mathapelo ingane yay’zolo?”

I drop my head in shame avoiding eye contact

with him.

“ I’m so disappointed in you Mathapelo, I feel

like I don’t even know who you are anymore.”
He says, his words laced with disappointment
or is it disgust?

“ I’m sorry I don’t know what got into me

Meyiwa, I’m so sorry please forgive me.”

“ Don’t ask for forgiveness, tell me why you’d

think that of me?”

“ I’m sorry I allowed Lettia to fill my head with

nonsense.”

“ Don’t put the blame on Lettia, you’re a grown

woman- why would you allow an outsider to
tell you things about me your husband? ”
“ I’m sorry Meyiwa, my insecurities got the
better of me.”

“ What insecurities? What are you insecure

about?”

“ I have an incompetent womb Meyiwa, I’m

unable to bear you more children.”

He picks himself up from the chair and comes

to the bed

“ What are you talking about Mathapelo, we

have two beautiful children together what
nonsense are you spewing?”
“ We tried to have other kids after the twins
were born, you might have not said it out loud
but I know how much you want to have more
kids. I saw the pained look in your eyes
everytime the pregnancy test came back
negative, I can’t give you anymore kids
Meyiwa. I have failed to fulfil my duty as your
wife.”

He looks up with his hands covering his eyes

“ I know you want more kids and I’m scared

that one day you’ll leave me for someone else
who can give you the kids you want.”

“ Wow!”
He says in a pained voice

“ You keep disappointing me, is that how little

you think of me? That I would leave you after
you gave me two beautiful children while I
stayed when we struggled to conceive for
years? Mathapelo I don’t know what you want
from me, I don’t know how to love you in a
way that will be satisfactory to you because
clearly nothing I do will ever be good enough to
show you how much I love you. Unfortunately I
gave you my all and if my all was not enough
for you to realize the depth of my love for you
then I have nothing left to give.”

“ What are you saying?”

“ I’ll go sleep in the guest room.”

He says taking his pillow.

I climb off the bed and trudge behind him

“ Meyiwa don’t do that, we’ve never slept

separately and we won’t start now.”

“ What good is it to sleep next to a woman who

doesn’t trust me, a woman who believes I’d get
into a relationship with someone young enough
to be my daughter. A girl who’s pregnant with
my grandchild!” he hisses
“ I’m sorry Meyiwa please forgive me.”

“ Let go of my hand Mathapelo.”

“ I’m begging you baba wengane zami, I’ll do

anything to earn your forgiveness just don’t
leave our bedroom I’m begging you.”

“ Mathapelo I’m going to count to 3..”

“ What will the kids say when they see us wake

up from different bedrooms?”

I say cutting him off

“ Ngithe ngyeke Mathapelo!”

( I said leave me)

I let go off his hand and watch him walk out of

our marital bedroom. I throw myself on the bed
and cry into the pillow, what have you done
Mathapelo? Befriending Lettia was a curse

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#67
Sleep evaded me, I couldn’t fall asleep
regardless of how much I tried because my
heart is heavy. I feel a huge void in my heart,
there’s hollowness that I can’t explain in words.
I know Brandon is sleeping in one of the rooms
in the house but to me it feels like I have
already lost my husband, the love of my love
and I know I won’t survive it if it happens. How
do I even I start living life without him?
someone I’ve slept next to for more than two
decades? The possibility of our marriage
coming to an end because of my insecurities
eats away at me and denies me peace of mind.

I don’t know how many times I had to stop

myself throughout the night from following him
to the guest bedroom, the only reason I didn’t
is because I know he needs space. I cast my
eyes on the clock on the wall and see that it is
seven in the morning- I haven’t slept a wink,
I’ve been awake since Brandon woke me up
when he wanted us to talk.

I wonder if he managed to fall asleep without

me in his arms, oh I’d give anything to have
him wrap his arms around me and hold me
tight like he always does every single night. I
can’t believe I failed to realise how much my
husband loves me, I allowed the devil to
whisper into my ear and drive me crazy with
insecurities.

I swipe my hands on my face to wipe the tears

cascading down my face and climb out of bed
putting on my silk gown and slip my feet inside
my morning sleepers. After washing my face
and mouth, I stare at my reflection on the
mirror- I look like a mess but I surely look a lot
better than what I feel inside.

“ Good morning”

I say making my way into the lounge

“ Good morning ma…were you crying? Your

eyes are red and swollen?”.

Asks Sphe, her voice laced with worry.

“ I’m okay my child, don’t worry about me.
Where’s everyone?”

She looks at me like she doesn’t believe me but

opts not to say anything further, which I’m
grateful for. How do I begin to explain my
stupidity and naivety to my child?

“ I haven’t seen dad or Sabelo”

“ Okay, I’ll prepare breakfast for us.”

“ I’ll help you.”

Now that’s a first, Sphe is lazy. She never helps

with anything unless I force her.
Cooking has always been therapeutic for me,
everytime I feel low or sad cooking always
managed to lift my spirit and lighten up my
mood but today it didn’t, I still feel horrible
even after cooking. With a tray of breakfast and
a steaming cup of hot coffee I make my way to
the guest bedroom and knock on the door.

“ Come in.”

He says from inside

I push the door open and let myself inside, my

heart breaks at the sight of him. He looks like a
mess, it’s clear he didn’t sleep and knowing I’m
responsible for his condition makes me feel
worse than I already feel.

“ Good morning Meyiwa, I made you

breakfast.”

“ Good morning.”

He sits up leaning his back against the

headboard. I place the tray on the bedside
drawer and sit next to him on the bed.

“ Sthandwa sam I would like to apologize for

what happened and everything I said, I’m sorry
the last thing I wanted was to hurt you. I know
you love me and I’ve never doubted that not
even for a second, you’ve been the best
husband to me ever since we got married and
I’m sorry if I made you feel like I don’t
appreciate nor see your love because I do. Your
love is enough for me and it has always been, I
love you so much Meyiwa and I hate myself for
hurting you please forgive me baba wengane
zami bambo lwami ngixolele Gasa.”

( Father of my children, my soul mate. Please

forgive me Gasa.)

He looks at me and blows out a heavy breath

“ You hurt me Mathapelo, a lot. I never

expected you of all people to think like that
about me, have I ever given you a reason to
believe that I was unhappy or not satisfied with
the number of children you’ve given me?”

“ No, but I know you’ve always wanted a big

family “

“ True, but I’ve never pressured you to give me

more kids or did I?”

“ No, you never did.”

“ So how did you make the conclusion that I’d

leave you and go have kids with someone else?
I’m almost 50 for God’s sake, having a new-
born is the last thing I want especially if it’s
with anyone who’s not you. Can’t you see that
you’re the only one I want and love? Sure I'd
love to have more children but I don’t want
them if it’s not with you, you’re the only
woman I want to have kids with.”

He says with tears in his eyes. This is the first

time I see Meyiwa cry and it's wounding to
know that I’m the cause of his pain

“ Ngiyaxolisa Meyiwa, please forgive me Myeni

wami.”

( I’m sorry) ( My husband)

“ I’ve given you my all but even that didn’t

satisfy you, you hurt me Mathapelo and it’ll
take time before I can forgive you.”
“ I’m really sorry Msomi, I don’t know what got
into me. It doesn’t matter how long it takes for
you to forgive me, I will keep apologizing until
you accept my apology”

SABELO

Mam’Lettia is trending on every social Media

network, someone leaked a video of her naked.
I couldn’t bring myself to watch the video until
the end, I found it very disturbing. People are
saying all sorts of hurtful and mean things
about her, its only been hours since the video
was posted but people have already made
memes of her. I know I shouldn’t be feeling
sorry for her especially after everything she did
but I can’t help myself, she’s an elderly lady.
She doesn’t deserve to have her nakedness
exposed to everyone, I can’t believe there are
people who find her nakedness funny. The
things people are saying about her are heart-
breaking I feel sorry for her son. I know I’d be
crushed if something like that happened to my
mother

My dad left before I woke up and mom is

locked in her bedroom, Sphe says mom woke
up with swollen eyes while dad woke up in the
guest bedroom I don’t know what but
something is definitely going on between them.
They’ve never slept separately and dad always
spends weekends at home with my mom, he
never leaves the house unless he’s compelled
to.

“ Do you think they’ll get a divorce?”

Sphe says breaking the silence

“ No, of course not. Why would you even think

like that?”

“ I don’t know Sabelo but this has never

happened before. I don’t want them to
separate, I don’t want to have step parents I
want my parents together loving each other like
they’ve always done.”

She says in a breaking voice

I pull her to my embrace and hold her tight

“ That will never happen, don’t even think like

that.”

I don’t know if it’s Sphe or myself that I’m

trying to convince.

“ Do you think I’m the reason they fought?”

“ What? That’s crazy.”

“ Mom didn’t want me to go to Cuba but dad

forced her to accept my decision, they probably
fought because of that. It’s the only logical
explanation…”

“ That’s not true my baby, your mother and I

are happy for you. We are extremely proud of
you and we would never stand in your way or
stop you from following your dreams, your
mother only had reservations about you going
to Cuba because she’s worried that you’ll be
continents away from home with no one to
look out for you.”

He says making his way inside the lounge

“ Then why are you two fighting babami?”

“ Princess I don’t want you to worry yourself

about adult matters, you’re a child enjoy being
a child and stop burdening yourself with things
that don’t concern you.”

“ But it concerns us dad, are you and mom

getting a divorce?” Sphe

“ Like I said, stop worrying yourself about

things that dont concern you. Your mother and
I are not getting a divorce, we are just going
through something at the moment but I
promise we’ll be fine.”
“ Come here.”

He says with arms stretched wide open. Sphe

jolts up from the couch and throws herself into
his arms.

“ Your mother and I are so proud of you my

child. Don’t spend your last days at home
stressing yourself over silly things when you
should be enjoying us because you’ll surely
miss us when you’re all alone in that foreign
country.”

He says trying to lighten up the mood but it

doesn’t work because Sphe starts crying ave
etetema uma ebona ubaba shem. ( she’s a cry
baby when she sees dad)

“ Phephisa phela nana, ungakhali nkosazana ka

baba uyaz’ angthandi maw’khala”

( Don’t cry my princess, you know I hate it

when you cry.)

He says picking her up, imagine ugogo ongaka!

I love the relationship my father has with Sphe
though, that’s exactly the type of relationship I
want to have with my daughter. I want to be
her first love just like dad is to Sphe.

.
NDALO

I’m at the salon waiting for my turn in the

queue while chatting with my boyfriend on
WhatsApp, he’s leaving in a few days so we see
each other everyday trying to cover up for the
weeks we will spend without seeing each other
but I know it still won’t be enough. My heart
sinks everytime I think about him living so far
from me, it’ll be difficult to go from seeing each
other everyday to seeing each other every once
in a while but I hope our relationship will
survive the distance, it has to because I don’t
see myself loving anyone who’s not him.

“ Ndalo!”
One of the hairdressers calls out my name

“ Yes”

“ I don’t mean to offend you but can I please

ask you something?”

Everyone’s eyes fall on me after her question

“ Okay, go ahead.”

“ Is it true that you’re in a relationship with one

of your learners and that he’s the one who got
you pregnant?”
It’s the liver for me!

“ Yes, why?”

“ No, nothing. It’s not something we come

across everyday, a woman dating a younger
man that is.”

“ A boy you mean” her colleague says causing

everyone inside the salon to laugh

“ Hmm” I say

“ They say he’s 18 so I’m curious, were you the

one who asked him out or he’s the one who
came after you?”
Asks one of the customers

“ I don’t have to answer that, my relationship is

not anyone’s business.”

“ Well you made it our business when you

dated your pupil and went as far as getting
pregnant for him!”

Another lady sitting next to me says and

everyone in the salon echoes her sentiments. I
won’t stand for this so I pick myself up from
the plastic chair and walk out from the salon
but I can’t walk as fast as I’d like to because of
my pregnancy.
“ She’s so shameless, imagine getting
undressed for and sleeping with an 18 year old
boy!”

“ She even got herself pregnant!”

I attempt to run but trip on a stone and fall fell

on the ground landing on my stomach.

“ Serves her right!”

Tears blind my vision as I cry my eyes out, how

do I forgive Mrs Meyiwa if I’m constantly
reminded of what she did everytime I step out
of the house? She asked out for a spa date and I
refused.

A lady selling chicken feet across the road runs

to my aid and helps me up

“ I’m sorry, didn’t you hurt the baby?”

“ No, I’m okay. Thank you.”

At least that’s what I hope

“ Let me call someone to come and pick you

up, you shouldn’t be alone in your condition.”
She says when I try to walk away. I made a
promise to myself to be strong and never cry in
public regardless of what anyone says but
today I couldn’t hold myself. Here I am
breaking down in the middle of the street.

“ Come with me.”

I follow the lady to her stall where she braais

and sells chicken feet, heads and gizzards. She
gives me a bucket use as a chair

“ Who do you want me to call?”

“ My sister, Melo.”
I hand her my phone after unlocking it using
my fingerprint.

“ She’s not picking up.” She says after a while

“ Call Sabelo.”

She calls and they talk for a few minutes

before she ends the call.

“ He said he’ll be here in 15 minutes.”

She says giving me back my phone

“ Thank you.”
“ Don’t mention it, I’m sorry for whatever
you’re going through. You look like a nice lady,
you don’t deserve to suffer.”

“ You don’t know?”

“ What?”

“ About me dating my learner and getting

pregnant by him”

That would explain why she’s helping me

instead of crucifying me like how everyone else
has been doing since they found out about me
dating Sabelo.
“ I know, I read about it on Facebook.”

“ Then why are you being nice to me?

Shouldn’t you be mean and calling me names?”

“ No, I have no right to do that. Who you fall in

love with is none of my business.”

“ Wow!”

***

Sabelo wanted to beat up those ladies from the

salon when he picked me up but I was able to
convince him that they are not worth it, he
insisted on taking me to the doctor even after
telling him I am fine. The doctor confirmed it
I’m fine there’s nothing wrong with the baby
fortunately my fall didn’t affect her. We used
the opportunity to get an ultrasound scan,
Sabelo was so emotional when we listened to
our daughter’s heartbeat from the monitor.

We ended up going shopping for a few cute

baby outfits, hearing my baby’s heartbeat and
buying all of these cute little clothes for her
made me forget about my bitter experience at
the salon earlier today.

We went straight to the park when we came

back from town, we are sitting on a wooden
bench watching kids play while having ice
cream.

“ Baby”

“ Hmm”

“ Can I please have your ice cream?”

He looks at me wide eyed, seemingly shocked

by the fact that I’ve already finished my large
cup.

“ Please”
“Mi ithathe Ndalo ngizathini?”

( Take it Ndalo, what can I say?)

If he thinks I’ll feel guilty and not take it then

he has another thing coming. I immediately
snatch the cup from his hands and start
munching.

“ Awuhali nje!”

He says and we both laugh

“ I’m going to miss you so much Sthandwa

sam, if I could I’d stay and not go to varsity this
year but I can’t. The sooner I finish with my
degree the sooner I’ll start providing for you
and our baby, I can’t wait to spoil you and take
you on trips. Send you money to spoil yourself
and buy you a proper gifts on Christmas and on
your birthday.”

“ Those things don’t matter to me, just keep on

loving me loving you’ve been doing all along”

Of course I’m lying, money is important in a

relationship and it would be nice to be spoiled
by my man but he’s still studying at the
moment I can’t expect him to bless me
financially- at least he tries to do things for me,
they might be little but they mean they world to
me because I know he’s trying his best.
“ I will. I won’t lie, I’m scared that I’ll lose you
to someone better than me. I’ve always been
afraid but now I’m terrified because I will be
away from you.”

“ I’m also terrified of losing you to some

beautiful girl in Joburg.”

“ That won’t happen, we need to start praying

for our relationship. Being apart will test the
strength of our love and commitment to one
another and I hope we will survive the test of
time.”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#68

My heart is heavy, I feel very sad almost as sad

as I felt three years ago when I was told that
my paternal grandmother has passed on. I want
to be happy for him, support and encourage
him to enjoy and make the best out of the
wonderful experience that awaits him in Joburg
as a tertiary student, but I can’t do that because
him going to tertiary means us living miles
away from one another. I tried not to think
negatively but I can’t help but feel scared,
honestly speaking how many relationships
survive long distance? I know of people who
broke up with their long-time partners because
they met who they believed to be their
‘soulmates’, their ‘meant to be's’ people who
had them asking themselves ‘where have you
been all my life’ type of questions and
professing statements such as ‘You were made
for me’ when they got to tertiary and I can’t
help but think, what if our relationship will
suffer the same fate?

It's been raining all day so Sabelo and I have

been in bed, under the covers canoodling and
enjoying the warmth of each other’s bodies,
I’ve lost count of the number of rounds we’ve
had since morning. The sex was different from
the many other times we’ve had sex, it was
filled with emotions and every stroke was
meaningful and impactful, each thrust from him
felt like some sort of a message, a message that
can only be understood by two hearts beating
for each other.

Since the men who were posing a threat to our

lives have been dealt with, I didn’t see a reason
to keep living with my parents, so I moved
back to my apartment much to my mother’s
disapproval because according to her a heavily
pregnant woman shouldn’t live by herself. I
know she’s right but I need my own space, I’ll
move back home on the final month of my
pregnancy.

I wanted to use my savings to pay for rent but

my father wouldn’t have it, he insisted on
taking care of the rent and utility bills until I get
back on my feet. Speaking of which, I officially
resigned from Sizwakele Secondary School-
Gwala tried to stop me from doing it and said
there’s a high chance that department will
choose not to re-hire me if I decide to go back
to teaching in the future, but that didn’t change
my decision, I am done with teaching and
there's nothing anyone could have said to
convince me otherwise, my mind was made up.
I don’t know what happened to the case he was
meant to open against me, but I never received
any communication from the department, so I
guess that means he didn’t file the case after
all. I will use the money I’ll get from UIF to
fund my business.
Mr Meyiwa wanted to give me the start up
capital, but I rejected his offer because I need
to do this on my own. I’ll forever be grateful to
him for introducing me to Mr Hatla Natlane, a
qualified quantity surveyor who holds a
Bachelor of science in quantity surveying from
the university of Durban. He has over 30 years’
experience in the property industry and serves
as the executive chairman of Peer property and
partners. He’s also a chairman of Wessel M
Holdings LTD and executive director at
EDCON SA, he’s a multi millionaire but he’s
ever so humble one would never guess the
amount of money he has in his bank account
by just looking at him and judging by how
polite he always is to others.
He likes to impart knowledge and empower
others especially the youth, so he was more
than happy to be my mentor, he advised me
against starting the business in my condition he
reckons that for now my focus should be on my
pregnancy. I won’t be sitting idle though, I will
be getting my business registered and attending
the seminars he often hosts to empower other
SMME owners, I intend to milk this opportunity
for all it’s worth and acquire as much
knowledge as I can from those who have
walked the journey I’m about to embark on.

“What’s on your mind?”

He asks gently stroking my bare arm

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie, I know you.”

I heave a sigh and swivel to face him

“I’m scared Sabelo, what if you get to varsity

and realize that what you feel for me is nothing
but infatuation?”

I say, laying myself bare to him.

“I understand your fear, I’m scared too but we

shouldn’t allow our fears to stop us from
enjoying what we feel for each other. Let’s ride
on this wave of love without holding back, let’s
not deny ourselves the pleasure of enjoying this
beautiful feeling of being in love with one
another because of negativity. I don’t know
what’s going to happen, but I know that if you
and I are meant to be together then nothing will
come between us, not distance or the beautiful
girls I’ll come across nor the handsome guys
you’re yet to meet.”

His wisdom always leaves me in awe

“You’re right, I should stop worrying

unnecessarily.”

“You have nothing to worry about ngoba mina

ngiyakuthanda sphongoria wami”
( I love your big forehead(ed) self)

“Wow!”

He laughs out loud after seeing the expression

on my face.

“What’s wrong sthandwa sam?”

This is the first time Sabelo makes a comment

about my forehead, I was starting to believe he
doesn’t see it.

“You’re dubbing me with my forehead” I say

“No, I’m not. I’m only appreciating my woman.
Your forehead is part of you, it’s one of the
things that make you look so damn pretty,
without it you’d look ugly I’m telling you.”

I’m melting like butter, y’all should see the

smile on my face this instant.

“You’re such a liar!”

“I’m serious; this forehead is the reason I fell

for you.”

Amanga ka Sabelo Guyzini!

“You don’t believe me? It's the first thing I saw
when I met you for the first time, it was out
there shining at me, drawing me in and I
couldn’t resist.”

He explains causing me to crack in laughter

“You’re stupid”

“I’m your stupid ok’salayo.”

He wraps his arms around me and plants a

peck on my forehead.

“Stop stressing yourself over nothing, mina

ngiyakuthanda Ndoni yami”
His tone has my heart racing and butterflies
dancing in my stomach.

MATHAPELO

It took a week of groveling, apologizing,

cooking, and doing all forms of sucking up
including one’s I prefer not mention for Meyiwa
to forgive me. I still can’t believe that he had
me begging for so long, but I guess that’s the
price I had to pay for being naïve and
discussing my family affairs with that snake I
once considered a friend. To think that I
thought she was a good woman and even tried
hooking her up with Ntsika two years ago, but I
am grateful my plan didn’t succeed imagine if it
did and I had to have that snake as part of my
family. Who knows what damage she would’ve
done to this family?

Zen is the perfect woman for Ntsika, she’s kind,

warm, loving, gentle and wise. She’s exactly
what Ntsika and the kids need in their lives
after five years of living without the warmth
that can only be brought by the presence of a
woman in a house. That womanly magic touch
that transforms any house into a home, Ntsika
tried his best to give his children a home full of
love, but there’s that homey warmth that can
never exist in the absence of a woman.
Since the day I rocked up at her place of work
unannounced and confided in her about all my
troubles, she and I have grown close, and I can
even go as far as labelling the relationship we
now share as friendship. When she told me
she’s not working today I seized the
opportunity and asked her to meet me at
Secunda mall, I am shopping for a few things
Sabelo will take with him when he moves
tomorrow.

“Will he need this?”

She asks gesturing towards a stainless steel

Russell hobbs kettle on the shelf
“Yes, take the iron as well”

She takes the kettle and iron from the shelf and
place them inside our trolley

“So how do you feel about him moving to

another province?”

“I’m sad that he’s leaving but I can’t say I

didn’t know it would happen one day, I knew
they will grow up and want to explore and
experience life on their own, far from us. I
always thought I had prepared myself enough
for this day but I’m so sad now that it’s finally
happening.”
“Eish, I can imagine plus Sphe is going all the
way to another continent at least Sabelo will
still be in the country. You can drive to see him
anytime you miss him.”

Sphe’s application was approved. She was

called for an interview and she passed, after
which she had to take several health tests and
was granted the scholarship when all her tests
came back clean. It’s official my little girl is
going to Cuba.

“It's going to be hard I won’t lie but it’s what

she wants and as her mother my duty is to
support her.” I say

“Yeah hey, should I also take this?”

“No, we’ll buy the duvet cover at Sheet Street
or Mr price home at least they have better
quality there. I don’t know how it slipped my
mind, I wanted to buy one at Home choice or
Presles.”

“Okay, has Ndalo come around yet?”

“No. I regret allowing that Lettia woman to fill

my head with garbage because now my
intentions will always be questioned. Ndalo will
never trust me, she’ll always think there’s a
motive behind every thing I do. Lord knows I
genuinely want to get to know her better, she’s
my son’s choice and the mother of my
grandchild after all.”
“Give her time, I’m sure she’ll come around.”

“Yeah, it’s not like I have any other choice, I

want to play an active role in my grandchild’s
life, I want to be her crutch throughout her
pregnancy since Sabelo will be far and won't be
able to do that for her. Pregnancy isn’t easy but
it’s better when you have support”

“She’s a good girl I’m sure she won’t keep the

baby away from you.”

“I honestly hope so, anyway how are the kids

adjusting to you being in their father’s life?”
“Better than I expected, I thought I would
experience a problem with Khethelo because
she’s older and has been filling in her mother’s
shoes for all these years, but she did the
unexpected and accepted me as the woman in
her father’s life. I love that she also respects me
a lot.”

A smile graces my face

“Yeah, that’s Khethelo for you. Very loving and

respectful”

“Junior was also very welcoming, the only

person I’m struggling to connect with is
Nomcebo yoh.”
“What did she do?”

“That child never speaks, she’s always

watching TV. I don’t know if I make her
uncomfortable or what but that child doesn’t
even spare a single glance in my direction, she
makes me feel irrelevant .”

“No, it’s not you Cebo is just like that. Unlike

her siblings she’s an introvert and takes time to
get used to new people. You’re not the only one
she doesn’t give attention to, she does it to all
of us so don’t give yourself sleepless nights
over this.”
“ Yo waze wangisiza wangikhulula, I thought
she's like that with me because she doesn’t like
me.”

( You have relieved me)

“ No, she’s like that. It’s her personality but

she’s a good kid though, you’ll see that once
you get used to her. Sizikhulisa kahle ingane
zethu ka Meyiwa.”

( We raise our children well in the Meyiwa

family)

“ Yeah, that’s true. The kids are well mannered,

I love Sabelo the most. He’s so wise for
someone his age.”
“ True, but if you look at all of them carefully
you’ll see that they’re all like that. Sphe is also
very mature and wise, Khethelo too but I feel
like she’s worse than the twins she’s such a
strong young lady.”

“ That’s true, for someone who’s only turning

21 this year she’s done a great job raising her
siblings and taking care of her father while also
juggling her school work.”

“ Yes, I agree. I hope she’ll finally consider

moving closer to campus now that you’re there.
I hated the idea of her driving to and from
campus, she’d spend hours on the road we tried
convincing her to stay in res but that stubborn
girl refused.”
“ She was traveling to campus, did house
chores and still managed to pass?”

She exclaims in shock

“ Yeah, hence I said she’s strong. She did all of

that without complaining.”

“ Wow, Ntsika raised her well.”

“ Yes, I feel sorry for the man who’ll marry

her.”

“ Why?”
“ The brothers will make him pay a hefty
amount for her, she’s our flower. The first
daughter, she’s her uncle and father’s
treasure.”

” I think she once mentioned that her uncle is

the one who bought her a car when she passed
matric.”

“ Yeah, there’s nothing Meyiwa wouldn’t do for

that girl. UMafungwashe wethu loya.”

( She’s our first born)

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#69

“Max and I are heading to the shops to buy

beers, want to tag along?”

Says Molefi, my roommate sticking his head on

my door.

“No, I have a lot of schoolwork I need to get

done. I’ll sit this one out.”

“Sure.”
Molefi is not a bad roommate but he’s not
someone I’d like to befriend. He's doing his
second year in logistics management at UJ but
the guy hardly ever attends any of his lectures,
he doesn’t miss any opportunity to drink
alcohol and turn up. He changes girls like he
changes his underwear and is forever trying to
hook me up with some girl. According to him
what Ndalo doesn't know won't hurt her.

It’s early April, almost two months since I

moved to Gauteng and started varsity.
Adjusting to the new environment and being
provinces away from my woman was and still
is difficult to get used to. Juggling school and
working part time at Mr. price is not as easy as
I thought it would be, but I have no choice but
to do it, I don’t want to be a useless father. I
don’t want to be a father by name, I want to be
a father who provides for his child. Speaking of
which, Ndalo is due to give birth in two weeks,
and I’m excited I can’t wait to meet my
princess.

My phone rings, disturbing me from my books.

“Miss Cuba.”

Sphe giggles on the other end

“Come on, how long are you going to call me

that?”
“Until you’re called Dr Meyiwa”

Sphe is still in the country, we were all under

the impression that she would start her
academic journey this year but apparently
that’s not how things work. She and five other
selected candidates will leave for Cuba end of
October after being addressed by
Mpumalanga’s MEC of health and social
development Miss Lindiwe Ntshalintshali. They
will be in Cuba for a month for orientation and
then come back to South Africa to spend the
Christmas holidays with their families before
going back again next year February to
officially start with their medical studies.
“Okay future Actuary.”

An actuary is someone who studied Actuarial

sciences. Actuaries are problem solvers and
strategic thinkers, who use their mathematical
skills to help measure the probability and risk
of future events. They use these skills to predict
the financial impact of these events on a
business and their clients. Business and
government increasingly depend on the skills of
actuaries and analysts to help them model and
plan for the future. As the world changes at an
increasingly rapid pace, risk management
expertise can help businesses navigate this
evolving landscape.
Actuaries possess a unique mix of
mathematical, analytical, communication and
management skills. They apply their abilities to
create social impact, inform high-level strategic
decisions and have a significant impact on
legislation, businesses, and peoples' lives.
Actuaries are creative, curious, and adaptable
and it’s this learning mindset that helps them
succeed in the digital age. Actuaries’ unique
combination of technical skills and professional
acumen ensure they will continue to make a
difference, guarding against the impacts of
future uncertainty.

Although actuaries are often associated with

traditional fields such as life, pensions and
insurance, there are an increasing number of
actuaries moving into a hold range of new
areas. Health, banking and finance, technology,
and climate change are just some of the areas
where you can now find actuaries. The rise of
artificial intelligence and data science is
challenging actuaries to think differently and is
creating new opportunities that previously
never existed. Whether you work in in-house
within an organization or in a consultancy firm
supporting different clients, you will enjoy a
financially rewarding career where can grow,
develop, and be challenged.

Employers generally expect entry-level

actuaries to have completed one or two
certification exams by the time they graduate
university. A total of seven examinations is
required for associate-level certification. This
process typically takes between four and seven
years, as each test requires mandatory e-
learning courses, hundreds of hours of study,
and months of preparation.

After becoming an associate, you can complete

three more exams to earn full fellowship status.
Working professionals can generally achieve
this goal in an additional two to three years.
Actuaries participate in continuing education to
maintain their certification status, with
seminars often sponsored by their employers or
the professional societies.

With all of that said, I still have a long way

before I become a qualified actuary, but I can
get a job as risk analyst, investment analyst,
secondary mathematics teacher, business
analyst, actuarial consultant, or an insurance
actuarial analyst after completing my three-
year undergrad degree in actuarial sciences.

“I still have a long way before I get there.” I

reply

“But it’ll be worth it in the end”

True, actuary is among the ten most paying

jobs in the country.

“Yeah, how are the parents doing?”

“Good but home is not the same without you,
mom is also hell bent on fixing her relationship
with Ndalo before the baby is born.”

“Yeah, Ndalo mentioned something like that in

passing. She should give her time; I know she’ll
come around.”

“Guilt is playing with her; I honestly feel sorry

for her.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Anyway, how’s varsity, is it everything you’ve

always imagined it to be?”
“It’s not bad but it’s completely different from
what I’m accustomed to, plus I live off campus,
so I’m exposed to a lot of new things.”

“That’s not a very detailed explanation.”

“I’m sorry but you caught me at a bad time, I

have to study I’m writing a test next week.”

“Okay, talk again soon.”

NDALO
Being close to giving birth is the only reason
why I haven’t packed my bags and got on the
first taxi to Johannesburg to visit my boyfriend
or asked him to fetch me, saying I miss him
would be an understatement. I knew going
from seeing each other every day to living
provinces apart would be hard what I didn’t
expect was for it to be this difficult. Not a day
goes by without missing Sabelo and wishing for
all of this to be nothing but a dream, but sadly
this is my new reality. A reality I have no
choice but to accept. I moved back home a few
days after Sabelo left for Wits but Anele goes
back to the apartment to clean from time to
time, I’m so fat that eating is pretty much the
only thing I can do without assistance. I can’t
wait for this baby to be born so I can start
working out and get back to my banging body.
Mrs. Meyiwa has been trying everything and
anything to get close to me, she even comes
with me to my check ups and is constantly
blowing up my phone asking if I’m okay and
what I am craving for. It was hard to trust her
at first after everything I’ve been through
because of her, but I slowly began to trust her
when I saw how genuine she is. We are not
besties or anything but at least now we can talk
without anyone being insulted or offended by
the other.

I’m in my room with Anele, she just walked in

from school and offered to cut my toenails.
Apparently, they are long and look like those of
a witch, her words not mine.
“ How is the second term treating you so far?”

“ It’s not bad but the teachers are moving too

fast in class and you know I have to go over
something a few times before I can grasp it.”

“ Since you discern what the problem is, how

do you plan to deal with it?”

“ I’ll increase the time I spend on my books and

seek help if I get stuck”

“ Good, I love your spirit.”

“ Yes, I want to pass well and go to varsity. I
can’t be the only one who doesn’t get to
tertiary, I can’t drop the ball. I have to follow in
your footsteps.”

Proud doesn’t begin to describe how I feel right

now, I know how she has to work two times
harder than us in order to get a mere 50% but
I’m glad she’s determined.

“ Super proud of you.”

“ Thanks sis.”
“ Are the pupils from your school still making
snide remarks about my relationship with
Sabelo?”

“ No, not anymore. I think they finally got over

it but the first few weeks after schools re-
opened were hell!”

“ I’m sorry that you had to go through all of

that because of me.”

“ Don’t apologize, it’s not fault plus ke you

know me mos. I won’t allow anyone to bully
me, bengiba phendula strong nje ai
ntozok’dlala.”

( I would clap back)

I laugh

“ I know you all too well.”

Unfortunately Anele isn’t the only one who

experienced negative remarks from people
because of me, mom’s friends from church
distanced themselves from her when the news
of my relationship with Sabelo went viral. I
expected her to be angry and blame me but for
the first time in her life, she didn’t care about
what people said. She put me first and
defended my honor as her child.

“Your mother-in-law is here.”

She says with her gaze fixed on the window
behind me

I roll my eyes causing her to laugh

“Don’t be like that, the poor woman is trying.”

“She’s trying a bit too much if you ask me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with being a

responsible grandmother.”

“Mxm” I say
The Meyiwa’s paid damages a month ago so
the baby will be born a Meyiwa. My father says
the baby belongs to them, I guess that’s why
Mrs. Meyiwa thinks it’s okay for her to show up
unannounced but what can I say when the
owners of the house don’t see anything with it?

“Buhle, uGogo ka Ntombifuthi is here to see

you!”

( Ntombifuthi’s grandmother)

Bellows my mother from the lounge

Mom wants me to name my daughter

Ntombifuthi because she’ll be yet another girl
child in a house full of girls. I agreed because I
didn’t want to offend her but there’s no way
I’m putting that name on her birth certificate,
it’s 2021 for Pete’s sake! Who still names kids
after the situation they are born into?

“Okay, ma I’m coming.”

With Anele’s help I slowly pick myself up from

the bed and amble towards the lounge. I
believe even a tortoise’s pace is faster than
mine, after what feels like forever, I finally
reach the lounge and walk into mom
conversing and laughing with Mrs Meyiwa who
has a tray of biscuits and a cup in front of her,
knowing my mother I wouldn’t be surprised if
she served her tea in this heat.
“Sanibona ma ninjani?”

(Greetings, how are you)

“I’m okay my child, how are you and the bay

doing today?”

She asks with her lips spread into a big smile,

showing off her pearly whites. She’s a beautiful
woman, I never really discerned just how
beautiful she is because she was always
frowning in the past but now that she’s always
smiling, I realize just how extremely beautiful
she actually is.

“We are fine ma thanks for asking.”

I reply and lower myself next to my mother on
the couch

“Anghlelanga, I just came to drop off these.”

(I won’t stay long)

She says giving me a plastic from Woolworths.

I take it and take a quick look inside, my mouth
instantly waters when I see the Caramel Swirl
cake and Tin roof ice cream amongst other
things, she’s really making it hard for me to
stay mad at her shem.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#70

“Want a slice?”

Ndalo says swiveling the camera to reveal the

Woolies caramel swirl cake.

“Uzonona wedwa shem sesi angizingeni mina,

keep stuffing your face with food.”

( You’ll gain weight alone)

“Ngenze njani kodwa ngoba umawakho uhlezi

engthengela amalekese”
( What can I do, it’s your mother who keeps
spoiling me)

“Dlana sesi asina mona shem”

( Eat, I’m not jealous.)

We laugh

“On a serious note I miss you Sabelo ubuya

nina kanti?”

( When are you coming back)

“You have no idea how much I miss you, for

now I’m not sure when I’ll come back. I’ll tell
you when I know for sure”
A frown covers her face

“What do you mean you don’t know when

you’ll come back?”

“Eish Sthandwa sam the workload at school is

too much plus work ngapha I barely have time
to myself.”

“So does this mean you won’t be home for the

birth of your daughter?”

“Eish..”
“Wow! You know what, don’t answer that.”

She says and ends the videocall before I can

reply. I try to call her number again, but she
doesn’t pick up my call. The only option I have
left is to send her a text.

STHANDWA SAM YOU DIIDN’T GIVE ME A

CHANCE TO EXPLAIN, I WANTED TO TELL
YOU THAT I MIGHT COME BACK HOME
DURING RECESS BUT IT WILL ONLY BE FOR
A WEEKEND. I LOVE YOU.

I toss the phone on top of my bed after sending

the text and head to the kitchen to drink water.
The front door opens and in walks Moeketsi,
Max and three girls I’ve never met before.
“Hey roomie!”

Says a jovial Moeketsi in exhilaration when his

eyes land on me.

“Hey”

“Ladies this is my roommate, Sabelo. Roomie,

this is Paulina, Lerato and Dieketseng you
already know Max mos.”

“Nice to meet you handsome.”

Paulina says with her hand stretched out for a
handshake.

“Nice to meet you too, can we talk?”

I ask looking at Moeketsi ignoring Paulina’s

stretched out hand.

“Sure. Ladies, please make yourselves

comfortable, Max you can fetch my pc and the
speakers from my room and get the party
underway while I chat with my roomie.”

He says and follows me to my room

“What’s the meaning of this?”

That’s the first thing out of my mouth the
moment he walks through the door. I’m pacing
up and down trying so hard not to wring his
neck.

“Ukhuluma ngani?”

(What are you talking about)

He asks feigning ignorance

“I’m talking about you bringing girls here and

hosting a party without my consent.”

“I’m still waiting for you to tell me what the

problem is.”
“The problem is that you share this room with
me, and that means you can’t host parties
without telling me.”

“I knew you’d refuse that’s why I didn’t bother

asking, are we done? …I think we are, please
keep the ladies’ company and make sure they
don’t steal anything. You can never trust these
b*tches, Max and I will go buy the beverages.
What should I get you?”

Wow, I can’t believe this guy.

“Never mind, I will buy corona.”

He says and dashes out of the room before I
can get a word in.

I pick up my phone from the bed and check if

Ndalo has replied to my text but there’s
nothing. I don’t know if it’s her hormones or
what but Ndalo snaps a lot lately, she’s very
impatient as well. I’ll give her time to cool off
and try calling her again later, hopefully she’ll
pick up.

Moeketsi is crazy if he thinks I will babysit

those girls for him, they can steal everything he
owns for all I care. I kick off my shoes and
throw my tired body on the bed and pluck my
earphones and plat 2PAC's album. I appreciate
his music
I turn my head to the door when I hear it see it
opening

“And then?”

I ask already on my feet.

One of Moeketsi’s girls just budged into my

room.

“What do you want in my room?”

I ask in a dead pan voice

“I’m sorry for coming in without your
permission but I knocked and you didn’t
answer.”

“ So that gives you the right to invade my

privacy, what if I was naked?.”

“ I’m sorry okay but I need help, I’m

desperate.”

“What do you mean?”

She looks at me like she’s contemplating

whether to tell me or not.
“Lalela, I don’t have all day. Talk or leave my
room.”

( Listen)

“I need to get back to my res before those two

guys come back and demand we sleep with
them.”

“What are you talking about?”

I ask with a quirked eyebrow

“That guy, your roommate he ..him and his

friend bought alcohol for us at the club and
brought us here to so they could have sex with
us.”
“What did you think would happen after they
bought alcohol for you, of course they’ll want
sex from you.”

I don’t agree with what Moeketsi is doing but I

hate girls who go to clubs with the intention of
getting “some guy” to buy them drinks.
Amantobazane ngeke ayiyeke lento yawo
kunini akhuzwa!

“I know I was stupid but please help, I’m

desperate here.”

“And what makes you think I want to help

you?”
“Please tu, you look like a good guy. Please
help me.”

She asks with her hands clasped together like

she’s praying. The desperation reflected on her
eyes weakens my defenses and I find myself
agreeing to help and asking how she wants me
to help.

“I know you have a car, please drive me to my

res. I swear, I will never bother you again after
that.”

“Please.”
She says when she sees the hesitation on my
face. Honestly I’d rather not to get myself
involved in this.

“Can’t you uber?”

“I don’t have money, remember?”

“I’ll pay for it.”

“ It’s almost midnight, I’m scared of using an

Uber alone at this hour of the night. What if I
get raped or killed, please help me, I promise I
won’t bother you again.”
“ How about I pay for the Uber and you go with
your friends”

“ Those two won’t want to leave, they’re not

my friends. I shouldn’t have allowed them to
convince me to go out with them, I barely even
know them. I only know Dk from res.”

****

“That’s my res.”

She says pointing at a tall building in the heart

of Jozi, downtown CBD, Bree Street. One of the
most unsafe streets in Johannesburg.
Yeah you guessed it, she convinced me to drive
my new car to Joburg CBD at this hour of the
night. My dad will kill me if I get hijacked.

“You live here?”

“Yes.”

I don’t mean to be judgmental, but the area

doesn’t look safe. There are nyaope sleeping on
the floor draped in dirty blankets and
cardboard boxes not far from the entrance of
her residence, I won’t mention how dirty the
street is and the horrible stench floating in the
air.
“Why did you choose to live here?”

“My NSFAS got approved late and this is the

only place that was still available, I was
desperate so I took it ”

“ Okay, you should move when you find a

better place.”

“ I will.”

“Hmm. I better get going before someone takes

my car or worse my life”

She laughs
“Yeah, I wouldn’t put it past the criminals in
this place. Thanks once again for helping me
out.”

“My pleasure just don’t land yourself in this

situation again. Next time stay in bed and read
novels when you’re bored, because you wont
always be so lucky.”

“I’ll definitely do that, thanks once again.”

“Sharp.”
She climbs out of the car, shuts the door close
and bends abit so that she's level with the
window.

“My name is Lerato by the way.”

“Okay.”

“You’re Sabelo right?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Okay, bye.”

“Bye.”
.

NDALO

I know Sabelo has his hands full with school

and work, but I wil appreciate it if he came
home for the birth of his daughter, he’s been
going on and on about how excited he is about
the birth of the baby but now that it’s here he
can’t make time.

“I honestly think you’re overreacting didn’t you

say he’ll be here for the weekend?” Anele

“What if I give birth after he leaves?”

“Ai you’re being dramatic Ses’Ndalo cut him
some slack he’s trying his best.”

I can’t believe I’ve turned into this person who

takes relationship advise from Anele, ya neh I
really need to start making friends.

“Ungakhohlwa ukuthi ukukhuluma nobani

wena Anele, ngangiphapheli nje mina angiyena
u ntanga wazini nje futhi wena ngo mjolo?”

( Don’t forget who you’re talking to, I’m not

your friend. What do you even know about
relationships?)

“Yo, askies.”
“Next time stay out of my business.”

She nods her head and leaves my room with

her tail between her legs.

Once she’s out of sight I pick up the phone and

call Sabelo.

“Sthandwa sam”

There’s loud music playing in the background

and girls screaming that “yebo!” girls do when
they hype each other in parties and groves.
“I thought you said you were in your room.”

“I am.”

“Then who are those girls screaming in the

background?”

“I don’t know, they came with my roommate.

Told you how he is.”

“Hmm”

“Why ngathi awukholwa nje”

( Why does it sound like you don’t believe me)

“I do.”

“You need to trust me for this to work.”

“Wow, so you’re putting the blame on me?”

“No, I’m not blaming you. I’m just telling you

that you need to start trusting me like I trust
you.”

I scoff

“Of course you trust me, it’s not like I’d cheat
on you with this big belly anyway.”
“Did you call me to pick up a fight with me?”

“No, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Then talk and stop picking unnecessary fights

with me.”

“You know what yekela Sabelo.”

( Leave it)

“Okay.”

“Bye”

“Bye Ndalo.”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#71

My ringtone wakes me up from sleep. I

instantly get a headache, I don’t know when or
how I fell asleep but if feels like it was two
minutes ago. After Ndalo disconnected the line,
I tossed and turned for almost three hours. I
couldn’t fall asleep because all I had in mind
was the argument I had with Ndalo.
My head pounds from the back when my phone
starts ringing again. I take it from my bedside
drawer and answer the call

“ Ma.”

“ Sabelo the Khumalo’s just called, Ndalo is in

labour”

What?

“ What?”

“ Yes, I just wanted to let you know. Your

father and I are on the way to Evander hospital,
I’ll call you again when I get to the hospital and
give you an update.”

“ Ok.”

“ Bye my boy.”

I look at the time when she hangs up, it’s a few

minutes past 4 in the morning. I immediately
jump out of bed and wear the first thing I land
my eyes on, take my car keys and phone before
bolting out of my room. I need to be there when
my princess finally makes her grand entrance
to the world, hey world I’m about to be a
father!
It’s still early so the roads are empty which
works to my advantage because I make it to
Mpumalanga in half the estimated arrival time,
I call my mother when I join Lausanne road.

“ Sabelo.”

“ I just joined Lausanne road, what’s

happening?”

“ The doctor hasn’t told us anything my son,

we are still waiting.”

“ Okay, I’ll be there..”

I stop talking when I hear someone speaking in
the background

“ Congratulations, she just gave birth to a

bouncing baby girl.”

Screams of jubilation boom through the

speakers of my car as I listen to my family
celebrate and hear numerous “Thank you
lord's”, tears roll down my cheeks before I can
stop them.

“ Did I hear the doctor well ma, am I a father?”

“ Yes, my son. You’re a father.”

The joy in her voice is almost palpable. This
moment feels surreal, I can’t believe I’m
someone’s father.

“ Congratulations son.”

Says my father engulfing me in a hug the

moment I walk through the door of Ndalo’s
ward.

“ Thank you dad.”

“ She's so beautiful.”

Mom says beaming ear to ear

“ I’m so happy Sabelo, my very own
grandchild.”

Mom says with tears swimming in her eyes

“ She’s happy because the baby looks just like

her. You should see her son, she looks exactly
like your mother.”

My father mutters under his breath.

“ Where is she? I want to see her.”

I ask feeling impatient, anticipation is killing
me. I can’t wait to see my child.

“ She’s with the nurses.” Dad

“ Why, is there something wrong with her?”

“ No, my son relax everything is okay. It’s just

routine check up.” Mom

I sigh in relief

“ I think we should give the new parents some

time alone.” Mr. Khumalo
They nod and follow each other out of the
room. Leaving me alone with Ndalo, my poor
baby looks so drained.

“ You came.”

“ Of course I came. How are you feeling?”

“ I feel nothing for now just exhaustion but

mom says the pain will kick in once the
injection starts to wear off.”

“ Thank you for making me a father.”

I say gently caressing her cheek.

Her lips spread into a thin smile

“ You already saw her?”

“ No, but mom says she looks like her.”

“ I didn’t see her properly but my mother said

the same thing.”

“ I can’t believe she’s finally here, ngiyabonga

mama ka Ntombifuthi.”

( Thank you Ntombifuthi’s mom)

“What? There’s no way I’m naming my child
that.”

I said it on purpose, I know how much she

hates the name.

“ Ngiyadlala Sthandwa sam.”

( I’m joking my love)

“ Sambonani bo!”

Says nurse Z walking inside the ward carrying

who I assume is my baby in her arms, she’s
walking too slowly for my liking so I trudge
towards her and meet her halfway.
“ Can I hold her?”

My hands are itching to hold her

“ Of course.” She replies with a big smile on her

face.

She gives my daughter to me and shows me

how to carry her. I instantly fall in love when I
hold her in my arms, uyisbutubutu nje esbovu
aw bafwethu yintle ingane yami.

“ Wozani phela, I also want to hold her.” Ndalo

( Come)
Yo, I thought I knew love what love was until I
met this precious girl in my arms. It’s like I’m
looking at my heart beating, she’s a part of me
and I love her more than anything in this world.

“ Aw bantu, give her to Ndalo Sabelo I want to

show her how to breast feed her.” Nurse Z

I walk as slowly as I can towards Ndalo’s bed

and give her the baby after nurse Z helps her sit
up. I take countless pictures as my daughter
suckles on her mother’s breast, now my family
is complete. I’d die for these two people.

.
SPHE

My niece is the cutest, I can’t get enough of her

cute chubby self. Mrs. Khumalo even joked and
said I should permanently move in since I’m
always there, I’m not the only one who’s
obsessed with her though my mother is the
worst. She’s so in love with that little human, I
think she likes her more because she’s her
photocopy. I look a bit like my mom but my
niece is completely identical to my mother, I’ve
never seen such a cute baby before. Most
newborns I know look scary and weird for the
first few days after they are born but not my
niece, she looks like she’s a month or two old.
Sabelo only stayed for the weekend and had to
go back to Johannesburg for school and work.
There were no complications with Ndalo or the
baby so they were discharged a day after my
niece was born.

“ Uyaphi ses’Sphe?”

( Where are you going)

Asks junior following me everywhere I go.

“ I’m going to Ses’Ndalo’s house to see the

baby.”

“ Oh uyobona umlungu?”

( You’re going to see a white person.)

He says and I crack in laughter

“ Wubani umlungu Junior?”

( Who’s a white person)

“ Umtwana ka Ses’Ndalo, uwu mlungu!”

( Ndalo’s baby, she’s a white person.)

“ Wahleka kamnandi nje yini?”

( What are you laughing at)

Asks Khethelo when she finds me laughing.

“ Ngihlekiswa wu Junior la uthi umtwana ka
miss Khumalo wumlungu.”

( It’s Junior, he says miss Khumalo’s baby is a

white person.)

She also cracks up

“ Ah mara angabuye athini kodwa

umntasekhaya, ubovu u girl umfuze
wangamshiya ndawo u gog’wakhe.”

( Do you blame him though, she’s too light

skinned. She looks exactly like her
grandmother)

“ At least uMa sekano wele.”

( At least my mother has a twin now.)

“ Yeah, As’hambe phela mfazi kunini ujika jika
la ekamereni ungacedi.”

“ Ok, let me put on my perfume then we will

go.”

“ Angithi nami ngi hamba nani?”

( I’m coming with you, right?)

Asks junior giving us puppy eyes.

“ Yes, sihambani sonke.”

( We are going together.)

*****

Khethelo and I literally raced to Ndalo’s

bedroom because we both wanted to pick up
Hlelo first. Yep, that’s her name. They named
her Hlelolwenkosi Thandolwethu Meyiwa,
beautiful names for a beautiful princess.

“ Sam’bonani wena man.” Khethelo

She won the race so she’s the one carrying the

baby while I’m impatiently awaiting my turn.
She’s still young so only close family members
are allowed to see her.

“ How do you feel mara?”

“ Drained, angilali Sphe liyamemeza le
gundwane lakini ebsuku.”

( Drained, I don’t sleep at night. The baby cries

at night.)

“ Askies shem.”

“ But my mother takes care of her during the

day so I can get some sleep, I don’t know what
I’d do if it wasn’t for her.”

“ Uyak’sukela umama angithi wena Thando

wami, wena awukhali you’re the sweetest baby
ever.”
( Your mother is lying, you’re the sweetest baby
you don’t cry.)

Khethelo says looking at my niece with nothing

but love in her eyes

“ Hai mlethe Khethelo kunini umphethe.”

( Give her to me, you’ve been carrying her.)

“ Nizom’jwayeza izandla bo mbekeni phantsi.”

( Put her down, she’ll get used to being carried.)

Mrs Khumalo says walking into the room with

a tray in her hands.
It has three glasses of cranberry juice, a bowl
with biscuits and another bowl with soft
porridge for Ndalo. Ngeke uphume ungadlile
kwa Khumalo, Mrs. Khumalo knows how to
take care of guests plus I enjoy her food, the
woman is good with them pots. Whether it’s
cooking or baking she makes the things that
make the pots to be done shem.

NDALO

I still can’t believe I’m a mother, sometimes I

wake up during the night and just stare at my
beautiful princess. She’s so cute I could literally
eat her up, I feel betrayed though imagine after
carrying her for nine months she came out
looking like her grandmother such betrayal
kodwa bafethu.

She just ate so I have her on my chest trying to

get her to burp so I can put her to sleep. My
phone rings next to me on the pillow startling
my baby and causing her to cry, it’s a video call
from Sabelo.

“ Baby.”

“ Uyiyenzani ingane yami Ndalo?)

( What are you doing to my child)

“ She got startled when my phone rang and
started crying.”

“ Maybe you should put your phone on

silence.”

“ Okay.”

“ Ninjani kodwa bantu bami?”

( How are you guys doing)

“ We are okay and you babakhe?”

“ I’m not okay, my heart is not here it’s there
with you guys. I can’t wait for Friday so I can
come and see my daughter. “

“ Askies baby.”

“ Please turn the camera to her, I want to see

her.”

I lower the camera to her tiny face

“ Oh my goodness, I can’t get over how

beautiful she is. I wish I was there with you
guys.”
Sabelo is so obsessed with the baby, he asks me
to send him pictures of her everyday.

“ Work hard and pass so that you can come

back to us soon.”

“ Eish, ya neh. How are you mara Sthandwa

sam?”

“ I’m okay baby.”

“ Okay, are you healing?”

Hlelo was too big I couldn’t push her out, they

had to cut me for her to come out.
“ Yeah, it’s no longer as painful like it was
before, I can sit up without flinching now.”

“ Okay, that’s good Sthandwa sam. Look I just

wanted to wish you guys a good night, I’m
revising for my test tomorrow.”

“ All the best baby.”

“ Thanks mamakhe, kiss my baby goodnight. I

love you both.”

“ We love you too daddy.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#72

It’s been 6 months since Ndalo gave me the

most precious gift anyone could ever give me,
my baby I’m so obsessed with that beautiful
girl. The more she grows, the more she
resembles my mother.

“ Did you even hear what I said mara Sabelo?”

Kevin

“I’m sorry what?”

Cameron laughs

“ Come on ma'am, where’s your head at?”

“He’s staring at pictures of his daughter, what

else.” Cameron replies.

“You need to focus man, we need to ace this

assignment.”

Kevin is the strict one in the group, he doesn’t

joke around when it comes to his education
and that’s why I befriended him. In a place full
of students who sometimes forget why they’re
here, Kevin is the perfect person to have in
your circle because he’ll always steer you to
the right direction when you forget what you’re
here for.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I’ll concentrate.”

“ Thank you. So Cam, you’ll do questions 3 and

6 while I handle 5 and 4 then Troy will do 1 and
2. Is everyone happy with their parts?”

Kevin is coloured and Cameron is Indian so

they use my English name Troy, instead of
Sabelo.

After delegating, we all agree on the submission

date. Cam and I will submit to Kev, who’ll
proof read and compile the assignment and
then give it to us to proofread before we submit
it to Turn it in for plagiarism.

“ I think we are done now, you can go back to

drooling over your cute baby.” Kevin

We all laugh

I’m about to reply when a pair of soft hands

cover my eyes. I know whoever is covering my
eyes is a girl judging by how soft her hands feel
and scent of the perfume she’s wearing

“ Can you guess who it is?”

I’ve heard her voice before but I can’t
remember from where.

“ I don’t know, you better stop with the games

and tell me who you are.”

She laughs and removes her hands from my

eyes. I turn around and come face to face with
Lerato, the girl who made me drive all the way
to Joburg CBD late at night.

“ Hey.”

She says with a big smile on her face

“ Hi, please take a seat.”

My friends are gawking at me with those
‘judgy’ eyes.

“ Guys meet Lerato, Lerato these are my

friends Kevin and Cameron.”

“ Nice to meet you guys.”

She says smiling at them

“ I need to leave, see you tomorrow man.”

Kevin says already on his feet packing his

books inside his bag
“ Yeah, me too. See you tomorrow man.”
Cameron

“ Okay, see you tomorrow then.”

I fist bump with both of them and watch them

walk out of the library.

“Phew! I thought they’d never leave.”

“ What do you mean?”

I ask giving her a quizzical look. She swivels to

my direction and looks into my eyes
“ I won’t beat about the bush, I like you a lot
and I’ve been beating myself up for months for
not taking your number that day. The only
reason I didn’t rock up on your door step is
because I didn’t want to risk seeing that
roommate of yours.”

I don’t know what to say, I’m all for people

going after what they want but girls like Lerato
turn me off.

“ I hear you. Look Lerato, you look like a nice

girl and some guy out there would be lucky to
have you as his girlfriend but unfortunately I’m
not that guy.”
“ Why not, am I not beautiful enough for you?”

“ You’re gorgeous but my heart already belongs

to someone else.”

“ I know silly! It would be foolish of me to

expect a handsome guy like you to be single, I
don’t mind being the other woman. Like I said,
I like you. I’m not trying to marry you and have
kids with you, I only want us to f*ck.”

She says and laughs like she didn’t just drop a

bomb.
“ Well unfortunately I’m not that guy, I really
love and respect my girl. I’d never do her like
that.”

“ Wow, she’s so lucky to have you.”

“No, I’m the lucky one.”

“Can we at least be friends since we can’t be

lovers?”

“ I don’t think that’s su..”

“ Come on, please I promise I’ll respect your

relationship and won’t try anything.”
“ In that case, it’s fine I guess we can be friends
then.”

“ Okay, you can start by giving me your

number then friend.”

She says giving me her phone.

NDALO

It’s been six months since the heavens smiled

upon me and blessed me with an angel, she’s
growing up so fast at least she no longer cries
at night. I moved back to my apartment when
she turned 5 months, being at home was nice
and I had help but I really missed having my
own space. It took time for me to adjust to my
new routine, juggling between taking care of
Hlelo, house chores and handling the business
all on my own. Back at home my mom handled
the chores, looked after Hlelo during the day
while I napped and did her laundry too.

Initially I wanted to start an online business but

got another idea when the Meyiwa’s wouldn’t
stop complementing my mother’s culinary
skills. I thought why not start a catering
business ? Mom has exceptional talent in the
kitchen, not only that but she loves and enjoys
being in the kitchen- so why not make money
whilst doing what she loves. She liked the idea
when I first presented it to her and couldn’t
wait to start, so I registered the company and
advertised our business on social media. Mr
Hatla was the first client we catered for, and he
referred our company to his acquaintances.

My mother is so good at what she does, so

people fell in love with her work. Her weekends
are always busy, she’s always booked. I’m
talking parties, weddings, baby showers, formal
functions you name it.

I didn’t expect the business to kick off so soon

but I’m glad it did, mom and two of the ladies
we hired to help us are the one’s who cook and
attend the functions that we cater for while my
focus is strictly on the marketing and the
finance aspects of the business. Catering is a
good business, it will always be relevant
because people will always eat food but it
won’t make me a millionaire at least not in the
next ten years.

So I used the money I got from UIF to buy

shares in several companies and one of them
happens to be an online company, it’s still new
so it’ll take a while for me to make money from
my investment but once it starts taking off I
will be rolling in dough. It’ll be more or less like
Take a lot, the only difference is that it’ll focus
on selling to businesses not individuals.
I’m going through my emails to check if Unisa
hasn’t responded to my application. I applied
for a Business management course, I wasn’t
joking when I said I wanted to learn. The
seminars I attend and being affiliated with the
likes of Mr Hatla have taught me a lot about
business but I still have a lot to learn.

Hlelo’s piercing cry has me jolting up from the

couch and bolting to the bedroom.

“ Sambonani Hlelo ka mamakhe. Uvukile yena

wakhala makangaboni umamakhe nze!”

She giggles and shows off her toothless smile

“ Woza la, sdudla sa mama.”

( Come here, mommy’s big girl)

I cradle her in my arms and give her the boob.

She latches on it and holds on for dear life, she
loves her food this one.

“You’re so beautiful my baby.”

It’s been six months but I still can’t believe

she’s mine, hay kabi kodwa muhle umtwanami
bafethu. Mom says she looks like her
grandmother because I hated her during my
pregnancy, well more like she hated me but I
didn’t want to tell my mom about what Mrs
Meyiwa did. I wouldn’t want to ruin the good
relationship they have built over the past few
months because of something that happened in
the past.

“ Good girl.”

I say when she burps.

“ Let’s call daddy.”

Her little eyes wander around the room, she

knows who ‘daddy’ is because he video calls us
every day an hour before Hlelo’s bedtime. She
also knows because Sabelo always calls himself
daddy everytime he talks to her, it’s like he
wants to instil in her that he’s her father. I
wouldn’t be surprised if the first word out of
her mouth is ‘daddy’

“ Sthandwa sam.”

“ Hey love, how are you?”

“ I’m good and how are you guys?”

“ We are fine.”

“ Hey princess it’s daddy.”

If Hlelo could she’d jump up and down

everytime she sees her father. The way she
goes crazy with joy everytime she hears his
voice, always leaves me feeling jealous.

“ Oh maGasa wami omuhle, daddy misses you

so much.”

( My beautiful maGasa)

Gasa is the Meyiwa clan name.

She smiles like she understands what he’s

saying. She always pokes the screen trying to
touch his face everytime we videocall.

“ When are you coming back, your daughter

misses you.”
“ I miss her too but I’m not looking forward to
that painful cry she pulls off everytime she sees
me, it breaks my heart everytime.”

I don’t know what goes on in Hlelo’s mind

when she sees her father, she first pokes his
face with her small fingers as if she’s trying to
confirm that he’s really here and then bawls her
eyes out. She always clings to him when she
finally recovers from whatever is going through
her little mind at that time.

“ I know, me too.”

“ I wish there was a way to stop that.”

“ Yeah, let me hang up. I was going through my
emails when your daughter woke up.”

“ Okay Sthandwa sam, I’ll call again before my

baby goes to bed.”

“ Okay, say bye daddy.”

Sabelo laughs

“ Udlala ngengane yami.”

( You’re playing with my child)

“ No I’m not, I’m teaching her.”

“ Okay bye baby, I love you both”

“We love you too daddy.”

I honestly didn’t see Sabelo and I making it this

far but I’m glad we are still going strong. I
always pray for our relationship every night
before I go to bed, I’ve decided to stop
worrying myself unnecessarily and just let God
handle it. If it’s meant to be then it’ll be

SPHE
The time I’ve been waiting for has finally
arrived, tomorrow I’m leaving for Cuba and I’m
so excited and a bit nervous of course but
excitement is the dominant emotion. I’ve been
waiting for this day for years and I can’t believe
it’s finally happening, I can’t wait shem.

I’m with Khethelo at Embalenhle mall doing

shopping, there was no way I would go to Cuba
with my old clothes. Dad gave me money to
buy new clothes and I asked Khethelo to come
with me and help me choose, I value her
fashion advice mogirl can dress shem. She’s in
the wrong career, she should’ve gone for
fashion design or something related to that.
“ I can’t believe you’ll be on the other side of
the world.”

“ Come on, don’t make that face. You’ll make

me cry and I don’t want to cry, I want to be
happy because I’ve always wanted this and
now it’s finally happening.”

“ You’re right, I should be happy for you not

crying like this.”

She wipes her tears with her thumbs and looks

at me with a big fake smile on her face.

“ I’m not crying, see?”

“ Oh mntasekhaya.”

I pull her to my embrace and we both weep in

each other’s arms. I’m going to miss my sister,
she’s the best big sister anyone could ever ask
for. She’s my best friend and my confidant, I
love her so much.

“ I love you big sis.”

She giggles and breaks the hug wiping her tears

“ You won’t bribe me by calling me big sis.”

She’s always on my case about being older than

me, and once said Sabelo and I should call her
big sis but we obviously refused, today is the
first time I call her big sis.

“ Come on, smile I know you’re happy that I

finally called you big sis.”

I say snaking my arm around her tiny waist

“ Okay fine, I’ll admit. That felt good, say it

again.”

We laugh

“ Ave uthanda ukuba mdala Khethelo.”

( You love acting old)

“Yingoba ngimdala vele.”

( That’s because I am older than you)

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#73

“What?”

I ask Cam who has been giving me a

monstrous look since yesterday.
“I don’t like what you did the other day.” He
says

“What did I do?”

I ask with a quirked eyebrow, confused by his

statement. I don’t remember doing anything
that could’ve upset him.

He scoffs and doesn’t reply.

“Do you know what he’s on about?”

I ask looking at Kev but he shrugs his shoulders
before his focus goes back to the laptop in front
of him.

“Okay guys I’m getting worried now, what’s

going on?”

Cwaka!

“Cam?”

He ignores me

“Kev?”
“You’re a cheat and I told you when we first
linked up that I don’t want to associate myself
with cheats, one rotten apple can spoil the
whole packet.”

Haibo!

“Me, a cheat? Who did I cheat with?”

“That skinny light skinned girl you were with

the other day” Cameron adds

“What? Are you guys talking about Lerato? I

haven’t seen that girl in months.”
I can’t believe they think I’d cheat on my
girlfriend with Lerato of all people!

“How come she’s so comfortable around you?

In my culture no woman is allowed to get that
comfortable around you unless she’s your
wife.” Cameron

“I understand but her covering my eyes means

nothing, things aren’t that strict in my culture
so relax. I’m not cheating on my girlfriend.”

“Deny it all you want but that girl definitely

wants you.” Kevin
My phone chimes in my pocket just when I
open my mouth to reply

“Hold on, I need to take this. It’s my uncle”

They nod.

“Babomncane”

“Sabelo, you need to come back home.”

There’s something different in his tone, I don’t

know if it’s sadness or downheartedness.

“Uncle, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”

“Sabelo angeke ngilibeke nawe ulibeke ngithe
yehla ubuye khaya!”

(I don’t answer to you, I said come back home.)

He bites my head off and drops the call.

“Yoh!”

“What’s wrong?.”

Asks Kevin with worry lines etched on his

forehead.
“That was my uncle, he just summoned me
home. I picked up some sadness in his tone, I
don’t know what could be wrong.”

“Sitting here and thinking about it won’t help,

go home like he says.” Kevin

“But It’s Thursday and I can’t miss tomorrow’s

classes.”

“Just go man, we’ll jot down notes and take

recordings in every lecture.” Cameron

“Thank you, guys. I’m blessed to have you as

my friends”
Kevin laughs

“Stop with the mushy stuff and go home.” He

says

I carelessly throw everything inside my sling

back and run off to the parking lot.

I make a quick stop outside my res and

hurriedly pack a bag of clothes since I’m not
sure how long I’ll be home for and then drive to
Mpumalanga using N17. On my way I try to
call my parents but both their phones don’t go
through, I try Sphe and get directed straight to
her voice mail. That’s when I remember that
she left for Cuba yesterday, it takes 25 hours 25
minutes to travel from Oliver Reginald Tambo
international airport in Johannesburg, South
Africa to Jose Marti international airport in
Havana, Cuba. Her flight took off at 15:00
yesterday, she should be in Cuba by now. She’s
probably still settling in and will call us from
her new number soon.

One hour and twenty minutes later I’m driving

through my parent’s gate, I park my Hyundai
i10 on the driveway behind my uncle’s bakkie. I
see more cars parked in the yard as I walk
towards the door with the duffel hanging over
my shoulder.

More than 20 sets of eyes fall on me when open

the door, okay! what’s going on? Do we have a
function that my parents forgot to tell me
about? I'm asking because the most of our
relatives are in the lounge. Speaking about
relatives, where are my parents?

“You must be looking for your parents, they are

in their bedroom waiting for you.”

Aunt Thandazo, Uncle Bongane’s widow says

when she sees me looking around the room.

“Okay, Ngiyabonga ma. Ngiyaxolisa ukunga

bingeleli. Sanibonani bantu abadala”

( Thank you. I’m sorry for being, greetings my

elders.)

I say with my head bowed respectfully.

“It’s okay my son, go to your parents”

Says uncle Mabutho, uncle Bongane’s eldest

brother.

Something is definitely going on if Uncle

Mabutho is letting me off the hook that easy,
the man doesn’t take kindly to being
disrespected and not greeting your elders is
considered as an act of disrespect in my family.

Still in my confusion, I first stop in bedroom

and leave my bag on top of the bed before
heading to the master bedroom.
“Ngena!”

(Come in)

Shouts my uncle’s voice from inside after I

knocked on the door.

I turn the knob and make my way inside,

emergency bells go off in my head when I walk
into my father sitting on the bed straddling my
weeping mother in his arms. My father’s eyes
also look bloodshot red and he has veins on his
face like he's trying so hard not to break down
and cry.

“What’s going, why is my mother crying?”

I ask looking at my uncle for answers, he’s the
one who summoned me here after all.

“Sit down”

“No, I don’t want to sit. I want to know what’s

going on”

“Sabelo, please listen to your uncle and sit

down my son.”

Croaks my mother in a breaking voice.

I sit down and stare at him expectedly. He

sighs and looks up brushing his bald head with
his hands.
“We received a call from the MEC’s office, the
flight Sphe was on to Cuba didn’t make it to
Jose Marti airport.”

“Okay, where’s Sphe? Why are we not fetching

her?”

I’m already on my feet flipping my pockets in

search of my car keys.

“Sabelo, wait.”

My uncle says when I’m about to turn the knob

on the door. I stop but I don’t turn around to
look at him.
“The flight didn’t make it to Cuba because it
crashed and unfortunately no one survived, I’m
sorry but we lost your twin.”

“What?”

I ask turning around daring him to repeat what

he just said to my face. I must have wax in my
ears, I couldn’t have heard him right. My twin
can’t be dead, I refuse to accept that.

“It’s true, I’m so sorry son.”

My mother says and breaks into a gut-

wrenching sob.
“Tell me it’s not true.”

I ask looking at my father

“I’m sorry but it’s true my son, your sister is

gone.”

“No, I refuse to accept that. I’m her twin, I’d

know when something happens to her right?”

“We are still waiting for forensics to confirm

DNA, but she’s gone my son.” Uncle

“Lies, you’re speaking nothing but lies!”

“SABELO!”

My mother calls out when I bolt out of the

room running, Uncle Mabutho tries to block my
way when I try to go through the living room
door, but I push him off and run off to my car
and immediately start the ignition reversing out
of the yard. I see my father running after the
car when I look in the rearview mirror and step
my foot on the accelerator, speed off and leave
behind a trail of dust.

NDALO
My heart is torn to pieces I don’t think I’ve ever
felt so much pain in my life, not even when I
lost my blood relatives. Hlelo’s grandfather just
called and broke the saddest news to me,
Sphe’s plane crushed, and she’s gone just like
that. I pray that her parents won’t blame
themselves for allowing her to go to Cuba
because no one could have anticipated or
imagined that this would be the result.

Apparently Sabelo drove off after being

informed about his sister’s death, his parents
are worried about him. I’m not only worried
but I’m terrified, what if he gets into an
accident and dies? I know I shouldn’t be
thinking like this, but I can’t help it, God
wouldn’t do something so cruel to the
Meyiwa’s or would he? Hlelo can’t lose her
aunt as well as her father, not my baby. She
doesn’t deserve to grow up without her father.

“Sabelo please call me back when you get this

message, please I’m begging you. Your parents
are worried about you, I’m also worried about
you. Please don’t do anything stupid, at least
think about Hlelo, your daughter. I love you,
bye.”

I say leaving him a voicemail for the umpteenth

time since 6:45 this evening.

“Don’t cry sis, nothing will happen to Hlelo’s

father.”
Says Melo walking with Hlelo in her arms. I
left her sleeping in my mother’s bedroom, I was
here to see my mother to discuss some
business staff when I received the call from Mr.
Meyiwa.

“Oh Hlelo wami, mommy cant take you right

now.”

I say to Hlelo who tried to jump from Melo’s

arms immediately when she saw me.

“Mthathe, akusizi.”

( It’s no use resisting, take her.)

She says when my daughter starts crying.

“Okay, thula ke. Mama uzokuthatha, yo

ang’funi nex nges’dudla sami.”

( Don’t cry. Mom will take you, mommy wants

nothing with her big girl)

She giggles

Oh, how I wish I could swap places with her

and have no clue of what’s going on around
me, I’d only be worried about food and nothing
else.

----

Bathong I woke up feeling under the weather, I

actually forced myself to write this insert. I
might disappear for a few days, it’ll depend on
how long it takes for me to feel better. I hope
it’s just flue and not Covid 19, thanks again for
liking the pic. If you still haven’t liked it please
do so. Thank you

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#74

“I'm coming!”
I say when I hear a loud bang on my door. I
jump out of bed and put on my gown before
heading to the kitchen to get the door.

“ Sabelo!”

The keys in my hands slip and fall to the floor

as I throw myself in his arms and engulf him in
a hug. He smells like a walking brewery but
he’s alive that’s the only thing that matters
right now.

“ Where have you been baby, your family has

been worried sick about you?.”
I'm inspecting his face and body for bruises, a
sigh of relief escapes my lips when I don’t find
any.

“ Come, I’ll whip you something to eat.”

He releases a loud burp when he opens his

mouth, the smell is nauseating. I’ve never seen
Sabelo in this state.

“ I don’t want food, I want my daughter where

is she?”

He slurs

“Princess!”
“ Princess daddy is home.”

He shouts and stumbles to the bedroom

bumping into things.

“ Shhh, you’ll wake her up. You know she gets

cranky when woken up from her sleep.”

He swivels to face me

“ So are you trying to insinuate that I’m a bad

father?”

He asks glaring at me and I gasp in shock

“ No, of course I didn’t mean it like that.”

“ Whatever!”

He toddles inside the bedroom and bangs the

door. I lock the door and follow him to the
bedroom, he’s already under the covers when I
walk in but I know he’s not sleeping. I take off
the gown and join him in bed, snaking my arms
around him and putting my leg in between his.

“ Not today Ndalo.”

He says removing my arms from his defined

and chiseled abs and moves away from me,
creating space between us, my heart shudders
and a lone tear runs down my cheek. I quickly
wipe it off and walk to Hlelo’s cot to check if
she’s still sleeping and I find her sleeping with
her lips pouted, a smile embraces my face as I
stare at my beautiful daughter. I bend down
and give her a peck on her lips and another one
on her forehead before going back to bed.

Sabelo is always preaching about the

importance of dealing with things as a couple
but now that it’s him who’s going through
something the rules have changed and he’s
pushing me away, I won’t lie it hurts but at
least he came to my place. He could’ve gone
anywhere but he’s here with me and that
should count for something right?
I don’t know how I managed to fall asleep but it
seems I did because his ringing phone wakes
me up from my sleep. I expect him to answer
but he ignores it until I decide to wake up and
switch it off because clearly the caller won’t
stop calling, but I answer the call when I see
that it’s his mother calling.

“ Gogo ka Hlelo.”

“ Oh thank God he’s with you my child, I was

worried sick about him.”
“ I’m sorry I forgot to tell you when he arrived
here yesterday, I’m sorry I don’t know how it
slipped my mind.”

“ No, it’s okay my child. How is he?”

What do I say?

“ He’s broken mama.”

I reply looking at him. He’s awake now,

sleeping on his back pillowing his arms and
blankly staring at the ceiling.
“ Oh, my poor son. Please tell him to come
back home, there’s been new developments on
Sphe’s case.”

“ Okay, I’ll tell him mama.”

“ Please come with Hlelo, I know I’m asking for

too much but I think being with my grandchild
will lessen the pain I feel in my heart.”

She says in between sobs

“ No problem, I’ll bring her ma.”

“ Thanks my child.”
“ Pleasure gogo wakhe.”

“ Ndalo?”

“ Ma?”

“ I want you to know that I’m really sorry for

everything I’ve ever done and said to you. I
want you to know that I mean it from the
bottom of my heart, I love you Buhlebendalo
and I’m sorry it took so long for me to see that
you’re the perfect person for my son.”

I never thought I’d hear those words coming

from her so I’m an emotional mess right now,
crying my eyes out. Not because I’m sad but
because I’m happy, extremely happy.

" Ngiyabonga mama, this means a lot coming

from you."

“ I'm sorry it took this long. Bye my child.”

She says and cuts the call.

I wipe my tears with my palms and look at

Sabelo, who’s still in the same position.

“ I guess you heard what your mom said, she’s

asking for you to come home.”
He doesn’t reply so I’m not sure if he heard me
or not.

“ Sabelo, did you hear me?”

I ask putting my hand on his arm

“ I heard you Ndalo.”

He says shrugging my hand from his arm like

I’m dirty or something. That hurt but I won’t
give him the satisfaction of seeing my tears, so
I swallow the painful lump clogging my throat
and get out of bed to prepare for Hlelo’s visit at
the Meyiwa’s.
.

SABELO

I’m on my way home with Ndalo and my

daughter, they're sitting at the backseat and I
keep glancing at them in the rearview mirror
every two minutes. I hate myself for treating
her like I did last night and this morning but I’m
not in the best of moods and I’m afraid I might
just hurt her to the point of no return if I allow
her to get close to me, I feel like a raging lion
ready to devour anything and everything in
front of him. It’s like I have a beast locked
inside me threatening to burst out of my chest,
I’ve never felt like this before and I don’t know
how to handle it or calm my raging emotions.

She steps out of the car the moment I park in

the driveway with our daughter in her arms, I
take Hlelo’s bag and follow her to the house
after locking the car. It’s still a full house and
now that I'm aware of what’s happening, I
notice how everyone is looking at me with pity.
Oh how I hate being pitied!

I greet and walk off before anyone tries to talk

to me and head straight to my room where I
find Ndalo and my baby, Ndalo is sitting on the
bed with Hlelo on her lap. I walk in and head
straight to my duffel bag looking for something
to wear, I really need to change into something
clean. The clothes I’m wearing reek of alcohol.

There’s a faint knock on the door. Ndalo looks

at me and shouts ‘Come in’ when she sees that
I’m all dressed up now. Mom walks in with
bloodshot and swollen eyes and instantly
smiles when her eyes land on Hlelo. Hlelo is
equally happy to see her, she’s bouncing on top
of Ndalo’s lap wanting mom to take her.

“ Sanibonani.”

She says after taking Hlelo from Ndalo and

smothering her chubby cheeks with kisses.
“ Sabelo, we received another call from the
forensics team working on Sphe’s case. None of
the bodies they found match with Sphe’s DNA.”

“ Thank you lord!” Ndalo

“ So I was right, Sphe is alive?”

I ask pinching my ass, desperately waiting for

her to confirm my suspicions.

“ We don’t know that for sure my son, the

records at the OR Tambo international airport
show that Sphe was inside that plane.
Apparently the plane disintegrated into three
major parts before crashing into the ground, the
investigators think that her body might have
flown about 500 or more meters away from
where the other cadavers were found. She’s
probably badly injured or dead where she is.”

Her last statement diminishes all the hopes I

had of her being alive, if she’s still alive then
she must severely injured

“ So what are we going to do?”

“ The investigators have started searching the

area where the crash happened and hopefully
they will find your sister soon. I want my
daughter back home Sabelo, dead or alive.”
A lone tear runs down her cheek as she says
this tearing my heart to pieces.

Hlelo pokes her face with her small fingers

wearing a confused expression on her face,
mom quickly wipes her tears and looks at her
grand daughter with a forced smile.

“ Let me leave you two alone.”

With that said she walks out with Hlelo, leaving

Ndalo and I in awkward silence.

KHETHELO
Tears cascade down my cheeks as I keep re-
playing the videos we took together on
Tuesday, a day before she left for Cuba. The
door opens and Mam’Zen walks in and joins
me under the covers, she doesn’t tell me it’s
going to be okay or that she’s sorry for my loss
or force me to tell her how I feel like everyone
around me has been doing since we found out
about what happened to Sphe. She just pulls
me to her embrace and squeezes me into a tight
hug, I hold her back and cry my eyes out
wetting her blouse with my tears.

She allows me to cry to my heart’s content

while rubbing my back soothingly until I calm
myself down. She then breaks off the hug and
wipes my tears and snorts with her palms and
plants a long peck on my forehead.

“ Ncese sisi yezwa”

( I’m sorry)

She says with a soothing tone, I find myself

nodding vigorously.

“ You need to eat something, I’m sure Sphe

wouldn’t want you to starve yourself. Should I
make you something to eat?”

“ Yes please.”
“ What do you feel like eating?”

“ Noodles please.”

She looks at me ready to protest but I plead

before she can say anything further.

“ Please ma.”

“ Did I hear you right?”

“ Yes, you did. I just called you ma.”

She beams and smothers my face with kisses. I

giggle, I can’t remember the last time I felt like
this, like a child that is. My mother’s death
forced me to grow up and woman up before
time, my dad was a mess after my mother died
so I had to do what needed to be done for my
siblings. I couldn’t stand by and watch them
suffer while I was still alive, I was only 15-
years-old when my mother passed on. I was
still a kid myself who needed to be loved and
protected but Cebo and Junior needed me to be
strong so I had to stop whining and feeling
sorry for myself and be strong for them.

“ Did I do something wrong?”

She asks worry dancing in her eyes. She’s

probably alarmed by the tears she sees
glistening in my eyes.
“ I’m sorry if I over stopped my boundaries, I’m
sorry I didn’t mean to.”

She’s rushing through her words, looking

panicky.

“ Ma, relax please. Take a deep breath.”

Although confused, she does what I ask of her

“ You didn’t do anything wrong, it’s just that

it’s been so long since I felt like a child.”

A lone tear rolls down her cheek

“ Oh my baby, I understand. I’m here now, you
no longer have to carry the burden of running
this house. It's time for you to go out there and
have fun like other kids your age.”

I giggle

I’ve never really pictured myself living like a

young adult, it’s always been books and family
I didn’t have time for anything else.

“ Do you even have a boyfriend?.”

My cheeks turn crimson from feeling

embarrassed.
“ Ma!”

“ What? You’re old enough to get a boyfriend,

so do you?”

I can’t believe she’s asking me this question.

“ I’m waiting.”

Bathong!

“ No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“ Haibo, namanga wena!”

( You lie)

She says dramatically causing me laugh

“ Aw’na boyfriend njani umuhle kanje?”

( How do you not have a boyfriend when you’re

so beautiful)

“ I guess I never had time for all of that.”

“ Well that’s about to change, you need to stop

worrying about your siblings and enjoy your
life like all the young people your age.”

“ I will.”
I don’t even know where to start, I don’t even
have friends. My siblings are the only friends I
have, with Sphe gone I literally have no one to
talk to. It's not like I can talk to Sabelo,
knowing him he’ll start acting like a protective
big brother and forbid me from dating
completely ignoring the fact that I’m 2 years
older than him.

-------

I’m still not A-okay but I’m feeling better,

thanks for your well wishes and prayers.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#75

WRITER'S POV

I'm certain that most of us would expect a

plane crash to result in an explosion, well in
reality it is unlikely for the aircraft to “explode”
in a crash, like we often see in films. To attain
that effect in films, explosive charges are set,
and cans of gasoline are placed among the
charges to create the fireball. Real crashes
usually end with a thud and some flying dirt, as
a result of the impact. If fuel tanks split, fuel
will spill and ignite a few seconds later, but the
flame does not cause the pressure and debris
scatter of a true explosion.

Here’s the thing about plane crashes, they

come in all sorts of flavors.

Firstly- a plane can land with its gear up and

‘belly whop’ and slide down the runway.
Officially, that’s a ‘crash’ but you’ll also call it a
‘gear up landing’. The Survival rates in those
crashes are actually very good.

Second scenario would be a plane lands, and

after landing, the gear collapses and you get a
plane sliding, right-side up, down the runway,
or a part of the plane sliding, while the rest of it
remains upright on the remaining landing gear.
Survival rates in these crashes are also good.

Sometimes the plane slams into something- for

example trees, houses or buildings. This type of
crash is bad and often proves dangerous,
survival rates vary at this point, but ‘doom’ is
not certain in a lot of cases.

Lastly, the plane could lose control and

plummet to the ground like a brick. This type of
crash is extremely bad news, survival rates
aren’t great with this type of crash.

Whether or not there’s a post-crash fire,

depends on a lot of factors most notably, how
much fuel vapor is present, or how much
aerated fuel (fuel droplets sprayed in all
directions) there are and whether an ignition
source hits them to start the fire.

Planes don’t typically ‘blow up’ like a huge fire

cracker. What happens is that the fuel and
vapors spill out in large quantities, and the
fumes find an ignition source (like those hot
engines that were running up until the aircraft
wrecked), and the fuel vapors ignite rapidly,
producing that rather sudden fireball that you
might expect to see, in the case of a high-
impact crash.

High impact crashes are the final two examples

I cited and labelled as ‘bad news’ or ‘extremely
bad news’. Those are ‘high impact’ crashes that
rip wings off and bend the airplane into unusual
shapes and tear it into multiple pieces. High
impact crashes, even without the big fireballs
are often violent enough to kill the pilots and
passengers anyway.

Low impact crashes do not usually result in a

large scale explosion and fireball. Some fuel
may spill out of the wings or other tanks or fuel
lines and catch on fire, and that fire may grow
as the leaks worsen but that’s about it. Any
competent airport fire crew can deal with that
and still get the survivors off the airplane.

Unfortunately for the Meyiwa’s the aircraft that

was meant to fly from South Africa to Cuba lost
control and disintegrated into 3 major sections
at cruising altitude and cruising speed. Bodies
of the victims were accordingly found over a
very wide area as many victims were thrown
out. Most of the bodies were found nearly
totally nude as clothing was blown off because
the flight disintegrated at 500 miles per hour.

As soon as a plane crashed, the whole situation

was investigated by multiple parties, including
the National Transportation Safety Board and
the Federal Aviation Administration.
Investigation is one of the most important
aspects because it helps to determine how the
plane crashed and who could be considered to
be at fault.
If the investigation proves that the crash
happened as a result of negligence, it’s
important to understand a couple of different
factors. It must be shown that the responsible
party had a duty of care to the victim, that duty
of care was breached, the breach resulted in the
accident, and the accident is the direct cause of
the injury. Proving this requires extensive work
and investigation, as well as thorough evidence
from the crash.

An injured victim or a family member of a

victim who lost their lives as a result of
negligence can take legal action, but taking
legal action alone is never advised. Having a
skilled and experienced attorney on your side
helps you with the necessary resources to move
forward in either settlement or trial.

SABELO

One would expect me to be relieved since

there’s a possibility that my sister is still alive
but I’m not, how can I be relieved when I don’t
know the condition we might find her in. My
mistake was staying up all night last night
researching everything about plane crashes and
that ended with me looking at images of
victims who died from a plane crash in America
a few years ago, what I saw birthed this fear
and anxiety I now feel.
Some of the victims were found in pieces, there
was one picture where investigators found an
arm a few feet away from the body, completely
dislocated while another picture showed a body
part (I couldn’t look at it long enough to discern
which part of the body it was) hanging on top
of the tree. I wish I didn’t look at those pictures
because now I keep picturing the state we
might find my twin sister in, will she be the
Sphe we all know and love or will she be
someone different?

When I finally fell asleep after spending hours

gawking at the computer screen researching
my mind decided to play cruel jokes on me, I
had several dreams in which we found Sphe
injured but there’s one that stood out from all
of them- in that dream Sphe was found but the
condition we found her in was heart wrenching,
she was without all her limbs (no arms or legs).
The dream felt so real that I woke up with a
heavy heart, feeling like someone was
constantly twisting and turning a sharp knife in
my heart and tears were rolling down my
cheeks, that’s how real the dream felt and
that’s why I’ve been praying to God asking for
it not to be true.

Sphe doesn’t deserve that. I can’t take seeing

my sister, the only biological sibling I have in
that condition. I would never survive it, it
would kill me more than it would kill her so I
pray it doesn’t materialize, that it remains
nothing but a terrible nightmare. Since there’s a
possibility that Sphe might still be alive, most
relatives had to go back to their homes only
two aunts from my mother’s side of the family
didn’t leave.

Mom wanted Hlelo to spend the night last night

but since Hlelo is still young and can’t exactly
sleepover without her mother because she’s
breastfeeding and cries her eyes out when she
wants her milk. Mom asked Ndalo to sleepover
but my girl came up with all sorts of excuses for
why she couldn’t spend the night in our house,
mom bought it but I know I’m the reason she
refused and I feel really bad for treating her the
way I did.
I’m walking into my bedroom coming from the
bathroom when I hear my phone ringing on top
of my bed, I run to pick it up and
disappointment creeps in like a fog when I see
the caller ID. I thought it was Ndalo

“ Hi.”

“ What’s up? You don’t sound happy to hear

from me.”

“ No, it’s nothing like that. I just thought it was

someone else.”

“ Who?”
“ Kev, come on. I’m sure you didn’t call me to
fish for news.”

“ Yeah, you’re right. I wanted to find out how

you are.”

He knows about the situation with Sphe, I told

him and Cam about it.

“ To be honest with you man, I don’t know. But

It feels like a huge part of me is missing.”

“ Makes sense, she’s a part of you. Don’t lose

faith, they’ll find her alive and kicking.”

“ I hope so, I really hope so.”

“ You’re in my prayers.”

“ Thanks, I really appreciate all your support.”

“ That’s what friends are for, so do you want to

tell me whose call you are impatiently waiting
for?”

“ Ndalo’s.”

“ I don’t get it? Shouldn’t she be there

supporting you and making sure you’re okay?”
“ I fucked up man, I pushed her away when she
tried to be here for me man.”

“ Damn, why would you do that though? I

thought you love this chick?”

“ Don’t call her that, she’s much more than

that. She’s my first love, the mother of my
beautiful daughter and the owner of my heart.”

“ Wow, then why would you treat someone you

claim to love that much like that?”

“ I’m scared I’ll hurt her man, I’m not in the

right frame of mind. I might say or do things
that will hurt her and I can’t have that.”
“ But you’re still hurting her by pushing her
away.”

“ I know and I feel terrible.”

“ Call her and apologize, you need her and I

know she’s dying to be there for you.”

“ Yes, you’re right I’ll do that. Sharp.”

“ Bye man.”

I receive another call immediately after getting

off the phone with Kevin.
“ What?”

“ That’s not how friends take each other’s

calls.”

“What do you want Lerato? I’m not in the

mood, I’m going through enough as it is.”

“ Woah, there’s no need to bite my head off I

only wanted to check up on you.”

“ Well, you can hear that I’m fine so you can

drop the call now.”
“ What’s going on with you, why are you being
such a jerk? This is so unlike you.”

I blow out a sigh

“ I know and I’m sorry, you didn’t deserve that.

I’m just going through a lot right now.”

“ What’s up?”

“ My sister is missing…”

I go on and tell her the entire story

“ Oh my word Sabelo, I’m so sorry.”

“ It’s okay, I’ll be fine.”

“ No you won’t, I’m coming to see you.”

“ what? There’s no need for that”

“ Don’t even think of trying to change my mind,

you’re going through a difficult phase right now
and you need friends by your side.”

“ I have support..”
“ I’m not taking no for an answer, just send me
the directions to your house I’ll find my way
there.”

NDALO

“ Shouldn’t you be at the Meyiwa’s?”

That’s the first thing mom asks when I walk

through the door, I haven’t even taken a seat
but she’s already bombarding me with
questions.
“ She’s not a Meyiwa bride, she’s just Sabelo’s
baby mama and his girl friend so she’s not
forced to be there.” Melo

“ Shut up wena, I’m not talking to you. Buhle, I

know the Meyiwa’s didn’t pay lobola for you
but they are your daughter’s family and they
are going through a difficult situation at the
moment, Sabelo needs you. I might not like
that boy but I know if it was you in his place,
he’d be there for you.”

I never thought I’d see the day where my

mother speaks for Sabelo
“ That’s true but how do I support someone
who doesn’t want my support mama? Sabelo is
pushing me away and shutting me out.”

“ Men are not like women, they don’t like

discussing their feelings. Just be there for him,
even if he doesn’t talk to you it’s fine but be
there for him my child. This is not just anyone,
he’s not just your boyfriend. He’s the father of
your child too.”

“ I was on my way to his house, I just passed

here because I wanted us to talk about those
invoices.”

“ Go be there for your baby daddy, he needs

you. Invoices can wait.”
I know she’s right but I’ve been dreading going
to Sabelo’s house since I woke up, I want to be
there for him and support him through it all but
knowing that he’s going to push me away
makes me dread going there but mom is right.
Sabelo needs me, he might not say it out loud
and pushes me away when I’m next to him but
I know he needs me and I’ll be there for him
every step of the way.

***

The plan was to own a car by the time Hlelo

was born but unfortunately things didn’t go as I
planned so I’m doing what I said I’d never do,
Using an Uber with my baby but in a few
months I’ll be able to buy myself a car. I meet
Sabelo at the gate, he was about to drive out
but he drives back into the yard when he sees
me. He kills the engine and rushes to my side
and takes Hlelo from me and like always she
starts crying, I don’t know why Hlelo does this
everytime she sees him.

“ She breaks my heart everytime she does this,

she makes me feel like I once abandoned her
and now she’s hogging on to me because she’s
scared I’ll leave and never come back again.”

He says trying to calm her down

“ It’s not like that, I just think she loves you too
much that she doesn’t know what to do with
herself everytime she sees you so she ends up
crying.”

Hlelo is calm now, Sabelo managed to calm her

down.

“ I know, I love her too. Maybe she does this

because she doesn’t see me everyday ”

“ It’s possible.”

We find his mother and aunts in the lounge

when we walk in, as usual Mrs. Meyiwa is
happy to see Hlelo. She tries to take her from
Sabelo but Hlelo refuses
“ Konje unjalo wena maw’bona ubabakho,
uzohamba abuyele skolweni ngizok’thola.”

( This is how you behave when your father is

around, he’ll go back to school and I’ll get back
at you for this.)

We all laugh

“ And mama Hlelo bengcela ungam’ncengeli

nami mase ngimqhomela ne.”

( And please don’t plead on her behalf when I

do the same to her.)

“ Khululeka mama angeke.”

( Relax ma, I won’t.)

I say laughing because I know she will not be
able to do what she says.

“ Yekelani u girl azizwise ngo babakhe asese

khona ngoba soon he’ll go back to school.”

( Let the girl enjoy her father while he’s still

around)

Says Aunt Mamy in Hlelo’s defense

“ Batshele mamncane, ifelani ingane yami.”

Sabelo

“Aisuka ngizomthola lo” Mrs. Meyiwa

Hlelo introduced me to a Mrs. Meyiwa I never
thought exists, one who’s happy, charismatic,
playful and full of jokes. Now I understand
what they mean when they say children bring
happiness to a home, Hlelo is proof of that.

Sphe is missing, possibly injured or dead

wherever she is. Mrs. Meyiwa is worried about
her like any mother would be, but it’s like
everything is alright again everytime she sees
her grandchild. That’s why I don’t refuse
whenever she asks me to bring Hlelo because
I’ve seen the amount of peace my little angel
brings her.

I’m in Sabelo’s bedroom with him, Hlelo

eventually agreed to go to her twin( azingenwa
indaba zabo zingahle zisale nawe) so we left
Hlelo in the lounge with her grandmothers.
Sabelo wanted to speak to me in private

“ Please take a seat.”

I seat and he sits next to me taking my hands

into his

“ I’m sorry for pushing you away, I'm just

afraid I’ll end up hurting you…”

His ringtone cuts him short, when he takes the

phone I see that ‘Lerato’ is the one that’s
calling him.
“ Hello.”

“ Hey Sabelo, I just got off the taxi. The driver

dropped me off at the Blue taxi rank, please
come and fetch me.”

The volume of his speaker is loud so I can hear

everything

“ What? Are you crazy, I told you not to come!”

“ And I told you I’m coming because you need

me, so what’s it going to be? Will you come and
fetch me or will you let me wander around in a
place I don’t know and potentially get mugged
or even worse raped?”
Haibo, who’s this Lerato girl and what gives her
the right to talk to my man like that? And what
does she mean Sabelo needs her?

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#76

“I can explain.”

Those are the first words out of my mouth

when Lerato drops the call.
“Go ahead.”

Ndalo replies with her arms folded to her chest,

wearing an unreadable expression on her face.

“Lerato is a friend from varsity.”

“Still doesn’t explain why she’s here or why she

spoke to you in that manner.”

“She said she wanted to come and support me

when I told her about Sphe, you heard it
yourself. I told her not to come, I don’t know
why she still came even after I specifically told
her not to.”
She looks at me at me for a while before
breaking into an inopportune laugh

“What’s going on? Why are you laughing?”

I ask, taken aback by her reaction.

“I’m laughing because you think I’m a fool, I

might be naïve but I’m definitely not stupid. I
heard how that girl spoke to you, she spoke
with so much entitlement. Like she knows that
you’ll do whatever she says regardless of what
you say at the time, that’s why she came even
after you told her not to. Who’s this girl
Sabelo?”
“Babe can I please explain when I come back,
it’s getting late, and you know it’s not safe for a
female to be wandering alone on the streets at
this hour. I promise I will answer all your
questions when I come back.”

She chuckles

“You must think I’m crazy, awuyi lapho”

(You’re not going)

“Ndalo come on, don’t be like that. I know it

was wrong of her to come even after I told her
not to, but she’s here now. I can’t leave her
stranded on the streets, what if something bad
happens to her?.”

“Ngithe awuyi lapho, if you go know that you

and I are done.”

(I said you’re not going.)

What

“Babe, come on that’s not fair.”

“What’s not fair is for you, my boyfriend to run

around like a headless chicken at another girl’s
command, if you walk out that door usale
sew’jola naye loyo Lerato wakho.”
“You’re bluffing.”

“I dare you to try me, ngizame Sabelo ubone if

I’m bluffing or not.”

“Sthandwa sam she doesn’t know anyone here,

it’s almost 8pm.. ..”

“Read my lips, I DON’T CARE. You can go and

play her hero if you want, I Buhlebendalo
Khumalo will not stop you but know that once
you walk out of that door you and I are over.”

With that said, she stands up and walks out of

the room.
The look in her eyes when she told me she’d
break up with me tells me she wasn’t bluffing. I
don’t know what to do, I’ve never been so
confused in my life. I can’t risk my relationship
with Ndalo for Lerato, but at the same time it
would be cruel of me to leave Lerato stranded
at the rank knowing full well that I’m the only
person she knows in Embalenhle. I’m stuck
between a rock and a hard place!

My phone rings while I’m still thinking of a way

to help Lerato without losing my woman, it’s
Lerato.

“Hi”
“Sabelo how far are you, the rank is getting
desolate please hurry up.”

“Sabelo?”

She says when I don’t respond

“Lerato”

“Did you hear what I just said?”

“Yeah.”

“So, where are you. Are you almost here?”

“I’m sorry Lerato but I’m not coming.”

“What? No Sabelo you can’t do that to me, I

came all the way from Joburg to support you.”

“I told you not to come Lerato, it’s not my fault

you chose not to listen.”

“Sabelo please, don’t do this to me. I’m begging

you.”

She beseechs in a crying voice

“I’m sorry but I can’t. Bye.”

I say and drop the call not giving her a chance
to reply, this is probably the hardest choice I’ve
ever had to make in my life.

NDALO

All this time I was under the impression that

Sabelo was pushing me away because he’s
hurting over Sphe’s disappearance and that’s
why I took it silently but it turns out there’s
another girl in the picture. What I will not do is
to allow myself to trust a man blindly like I did
with Musa, been there done that and I got the t-
shirt for it. I’m not putting myself through that
again. I’m so angry I’m even shaking, when I
walked out from Sabelo’s bedroom I came
straight to the kitchen and drank a glass of
water hoping it’ll calm me down, but it didn’t
because I’m still very much upset.

“Yini kwenzenjani mama Hlelo.”

(What’s going on)

Asks aunt Mercy when she finds me pacing up

and down in the kitchen.

“It’s nothing mam’ncane.”

“It can’t be nothing when you look so upset, is

it Sabelo did he do something?”
“No, it’s not him. It’s my sister Melo, she took
my money and used it without my permission.”

I lie, I don’t want to involve his family in our

affairs.

“I know you’re lying but I won’t force you to

talk to me if you don’t want to, but you need to
talk to someone before you end up doing
something you’ll regret.”

“I will. Is Hlelo sleeping, I didn’t see her in the

lounge when I passed the lounge on my way
here.”
Maybe I should be with my daughter, who
knows maybe seeing her beautiful face and
hearing her sweet giggles will calm me down.

“She’s in the master bedroom with her

grandfather.”

“Okay thanks aunt.”

LERATO

“Lady it’s getting late I need to leave, call your

boyfriend again and ask him how far he is.”
Says the queue marshal, I asked him to wait
with me until Sabelo arrives. I had to lie and
tell him I’m waiting for my boyfriend to stop
him from making advances at me.

“Okay, let me call him.”

He nods and shifts to give me privacy. I can tell

that he’s running out of patience but I’m hoping
that he’ll be patient until Sabelo gets here.

“Hi”

“Sabelo how far are you, the rank is getting

desolate please hurry up.”
“Sabelo?”

I say when he doesn’t answer

“Lerato”

“Did you hear what I just said?”

“Yeah.”

“So, where are you. Are you almost here?”

“I’m sorry Lerato but I’m not coming.”

What? He can’t do this to me, I came here to
support him.

“What? No Sabelo you can’t do that to me, I

came all the way from Joburg to support you.”

“I told you not to come Lerato, it’s not my fault

you chose not to listen.”

Ouch!

“Sabelo please, don’t do this to me. I’m begging

you.”

I say pleadingly, at a brink of tears.

“I’m sorry but I can’t. Bye.”

I hear a beep after his statement and I just

knew that the bastard dropped the call on me,
what am I going to do? Where will I go, I can’t
go back to Joburg. The last taxi to Joburg left
about 15 minutes ago and I also can’t afford to
Uber back to Joburg it’ll be too expensive for
me, not that I’d afford it even if it was cheap. I
don’t have any money on me, I used my last
money to come here.

“What did he say?” asks the marshal

impatiently looking at the watch on his wrist.
“He’s not coming, bastard just dumped me and
blocked my number.”

I say and break down afterwards, this whole

thing feels surreal.

He looks at me with eyes full of pity

“I’m sorry he did that to you; I wish there was a

way for me to help but there isn’t. Isn’t there
anyone you can call to come and pick you up?”

I shake my head no

“Eish, I would take you with me to my house,

but my wife might not appreciate that. I’m
sorry but I really need to leave, I have waited
long enough.”

“It’s okay you can leave, I’ll be fine.

He runs off and crosses the road to the other

side, I watch him until his figure disappears
into the darkness. This is it, I’m all alone in a
place I’m visiting for the first time. What was I
thinking, I shouldn’t have come here. I sit down
on the pavement, pull my knees to my chest,
and bury my face between my knees and pray
no harm comes my way. The rank is not
completely empty, there are still few people
walking up and down which is why I wasn’t
alarmed when I felt a heavy presence behind
me, well that was until the man spoke.
“You must be Lerato.” he says in a deep
baritone voice

Fear paralyzes me on the spot, his menacing

aura holding me in tight grip.

“There’s no need to be afraid, I was sent by

Sabelo ”

Relief washes over me ,I knew Sabelo wouldn’t

be so cruel to leave me out in the cold. I knew
he had feelings for me the day he drove me to
my place at night, it's only a matter of time
before he professes his love for me.
I stand up instantly and turn around to face
the man. He’s light skinned and tall, if someone
asked me to guess his age, I’d say he is in early
forties or late thirties. He looks like someone
who frequents the gym judging from how sexy
his body looks. I didn’t know chiskop
(baldhead) could look this good on a man until
I met him. He’s very charming especially with
that trimmed goatee that has a few strands of
grey, I see beauty runs in the Meyiwa family.

“I’m Ntsika, Sabelo’s uncle. Come with me.”

What did I just say? He loves me, why else

would he tell his uncle about me.
He says with that deep voice of his before he
leads the way to a double cab bakkie parked a
few feet away from the rank. I might be
mistaken but he looks annoyed.

“That seat is reserved for my woman, get in the

back.”

He says in a deadpan tone when I attempt to sit

in the passenger seat. I go the backseat with
my face buried to the ground feeling very
embarrassed.

“Umtheth’ wakho ukuphapha yinto zakho ne?”

(Being forward is your thing.”

He’s looking at me in the rear-view mirror
wearing a scowl on his face seemingly irritated
by me.

“I don’t understand.” I say sheepishly

“Why are you here? What did you think would

happen, where did you think you’d sleep? Did
you foolishly think you’d sleep in Sabelo’s
house? Well, you thought wrong Sabelo has a
girlfriend, stop acting so desperate.”

“I know about her, he told me. Him and I are

only friends.”

“Manje mawazi ufunani la?”

(What do you want here since you know)

“I only came to support him during this difficult

time in his life.” I utter with a low voice unable
to meet his intense gaze

“There must be a loose screw in that head of

yours. Stop throwing yourself to a man that
doesn’t want you, it’s repulsing nxn!”

To say I feel ashamed would be an

understatement, I wish I had a magic wand and
wish all of this away.

*****
“Get out!”

That’s when I realize that the car as come to a

halt, I step out of the car with my bag clutched
under my arm and follow Sabelo’s uncle inside
of what looks like a lodge. He talks to the
receptionists for about a minute or so before
she gives him a set of keys.

“These are keys to your room. I only paid for

tonight, I want you in a taxi back to
Johannesburg first thing tomorrow morning
angithi siyezwana?”

(Are we clear)
The acuteness of his tone tells me I will not like
what he will do to me if I don’t do like he says,
so I nod vigorously.

“Good girl.”

SABELO

Ndalo hasn’t come back since she left the

room, but I know she didn’t leave because I
keep hearing Hlelo’s giggles somewhere in the
house. I know she would never leave her
behind, not even if she wanted to. My daughter
is not a fan of tinned milk, she loves her breast
milk so until Hlelo stops breastfeeding the two
of them will remain a package. Ndalo
threatened to dump me if I leave the house, so I
had to call my uncle and beg him to fetch
Lerato from the rank.

My door flies open before an angry looking

uncle Ntsika walks inside.

“What do you see when you look at me?”

He looks like he’s ready to kill me

“I see my uncle.”
I reply, hoping that my response will not
infuriate him further. He has a quick hand, one
wrong move I might earn myself a beat down
from him.

“That’s right, I’m your uncle not your friend.

Ungijwayezwa wubani? I had to leave my
woman and run to take care of the mess you
created!”

“I’m sorry it will not happen again.”

“Damn right it won’t! I thought you were a man

but it’s obvious you’re still nothing but a boy,
where have you seen a man and a woman
being friends? Didn’t the Xoliswa thing teach
you anything, keep befriending these
promiscuous girls you’ll lose uMaka Hlelo I’m
telling you.”

He says and walks to the door but stops on his

tracks as if he remembered something

“ Oh, another thing Ndalo is a very beautiful

woman. She’s kind, humble and very loving.
Just because you’re stupid and you don’t see
her worth don’t think everyone else is as stupid
as you are, keep doing what you’re doing and
watch another man snatch her from right under
your nose and immediately marry her. You
have a gem in your hands but you don’t know
how to treasure and take care of it because
you’re still a foolish stupid boy.”
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#77

“And then wena? You’ve been wearing a

disgruntled look on your face since you had the
“talk” with Sabelo, what did he do?” questions
Mrs. Meyiwa

Despite believing that being with my daughter

would calm me down right now, I chose not to
interrupt the bonding session with her
grandfather and joined the ladies in the lounge
instead.

“I thought the same thing when I found her

pacing in the kitchen, but then she told me
she’s angry because her sister used her money
without asking for permission when I tried to
ask what’s bothering her”

Aunt Mercy remarks, darting her eyes between

her sisters.

“She must think we were born yesterday, Ndalo

bua Sabelo o entseng?”

(Talk, what did Sabelo do)

Asks Aunt Mamy changing from her slouching
posture and sitting upright on the couch.

Now all three women are glaring at me

expectantly, hawing for an explanation and I’m
not sure telling them about this would be the
right thing to do.

“Is he cheating on you, you can tell me my

child.” Mrs Meyiwa

“I’ll tell you what happened.”

Says uncle Ntsika pacing into the lounge

coming from Sabelo’s bedroom
“You know what happened? Ok go ahead.” Mrs
Meyiwa

Everyone’s ears are peeled waiting to hear

what uncle has to say, including mine.

“That stupid boy went and befriended a girl by

the name of Lerato, and this Lerato character
travelled all the way from Joburg to “Support”
him the moment she found out about Sphe.”

“Eng?” Aunt Mercy

(What)

“So ngwanana teng ona nahana hore otlo

robala kae?” Aunt Mamy
(Where did she think she would sleep)

“Exactly what I asked her when I picked her up

from the taxi rank, where did she think she
would sleep? What infuriates me is that I had to
drop my plans with Zenkosi and run around
fixing the mess that boy created,
ngingam’shayanga namhlanje uSabelo ngeke
ngiphinde ungidinile lomfana” says an outraged
uncle Ntsika

(I’ll never beat him up, if I didn’t do it today.

That boy annoyed me.)

Mrs. Meyiwa claps her hand with her mouth

agape seemingly lost for words. So, uncle
Ntsika is the one who went to pick up this
Lerato girl from the rank, wow!
“Don’t tell me you took to that tikiline to your
house!”

Remarks aunt Mamy.

“Of course not, I took her to Muzi lodge.

Honestly speaking I didn’t have any other
choice, taxis heading to Joburg are not
available currently and apparently, this girl
doesn’t have family or friends from around
here”

“Manje wena ungenaphi lapho? Yena

bekayaphi, yo namanje athi dankie athole wena
mina bengeke ngimyise kwalapho kuleyo lodge
bekazabona ulalaphi.” Aunt Mercy

(So, how’s that your problem? Where was she

going, she should thank her ancestors that it’s
you she dealt with because I wasn’t going to
take her to the lodge had it been me. She
would’ve made a plan on where to sleep.)

“I wish she came here, yerr bengizom’shaya

goet ujwayelana kabi akazi ukuthi uSabelo
unomuntu no mtwana?”

(I was going to beat her up, she’s disrespectful.

Doesn’t she know that Sabelo has a girlfriend
and a child?)

Spits Mrs. Meyiwa, finally recovering from her

consternation.
“I was going to help you beat her up, I’m sure
she knew about Ndalo. Basile hampe banana
ba, barata hampe hokena dipakeng tsa batho
ba babedi baratanang!” Aunt Mamy

(These girls are like that, they like getting

between two people who love each other.)

“I agree with Mamy, iyaphapha leya

ntombazane ngabe niyibonile sey’funa ukuhlala
nami ngaphambili”

(That girl is too forward, you should’ve seen

her trying to sit in front with me.)

Uncle says looking appalled causing the three

sisters to break into a fit of laughter.
“Unamanga! Yo ngaze ngafisa ukumbona” Aunt
Mamy

(You’re lying. Now I wish to see her.)

“Ithi dankie ungam’bonanga, iyaphapha

leyangane too much ai into zok’dlana. Sabelo
must play far from her.”

(Be grateful that you didn’t see her, that girl is

too forward.)

“Askies Buhle, usile u Sabelo I’ll tell his father

to talk to him about this.” Mrs Meyiwa

(I’m sorry Buhle)

This is exactly what I didn’t want, his parents
getting involved in our business and
reprimanding him. Sabelo is old enough to
differentiate between what’s wrong and what’s
right there’s no need for anyone to “talk” to
him for him to do what’s right. The reason I fell
in love with him was because he handled
himself like a mature man and not a boy, but
his recent behavior proves otherwise. I didn’t
sign up for this!

SABELO

“Oh, another thing Ndalo is a very beautiful

woman. She’s kind, humble and very loving.
Just because you’re stupid and you don’t see
her worth don’t think everyone is as stupid as
you are, keep doing what you’re doing and
watch another man snatch her from right under
your nose and immediately marry her. You
have a gem in your hands, but you don’t know
how to treasure and take care of it because
you’re still a foolish boy.”

It's been a little over an hour since my uncle

left my room but still, I can’t seem to get what
he said out of my mind, I now realize that it
was wrong for me to befriend Lerato especially
after she confessed to having feelings for me
but am I such a bad boyfriend to Ndalo that my
uncle would feel the need to say those things to
me? I’m not perfect but I think I’ve been a good
boyfriend, who was he referring to when he
said “Not everyone is as stupid as you are, keep
doing what you’re doing and watch another
man snatch her from right under your nose and
immediately marry her” I don’t know but
something about the way he said those words
made me feel like he was speaking about
himself or someone he knew but that can’t be
right. He’s in love with nurse Z and he knows
how much I love Ndalo, he wouldn’t do that to
me, right?

The door opens and Ndalo walks in while I’m

still bundled up in confusion trying to make
sense of what my uncle said.
I look at her face and I see that she’s still upset,
the expression on her face gave her away.

“Ndalo, Sthandwa sam can we please talk.”

She pivots to look at me

“Please.”

I plead

She huffs and dumps her body on the bed, I

guess this means we can talk. I lower myself
next to her and attempt to take her hands into
mine, but she retracts them from my grasp and
folds her arms to her bosom.
“First of all, I want to apologize for upsetting
you it wasn’t my intention…”

“What was your intention huh?”

She interjects not letting me finish what I

wanted to say.

“I know you’re upset, and I understand why

but please let me speak, give me a chance to
explain then you can shout and say whatever
you want afterwards okay?”

She nods her head in agreement

“Like I was saying, it wasn’t my intention to
hurt you, but I admit it was wrong for me to
befriend Lerato especially after she confessed
to having feelings for me. But I made it clear to
her that I’m in love with you and that I’m
committed to you, she then promised to respect
our relationship and not try anything funny,
and I trusted her which was foolish of me and
for that I apologize, it will never happen again.”

“I hear you, but I still don’t understand how

she ended up coming here, did you tell her that
you needed her because that’s what she said
when you two spoke on the phone earlier.”

“To be honest with you, I don’t know why she

thought it would be a good idea for her to come
here but I told her not to come and I never told
her nor imply that I needed her.”

“Hmm, but from what I heard from your

conversation you’re not assertive with her that
why she came even after you told her not to
come. Why is it that, why didn’t you set any
boundaries with her?”

“To be honest, Lerato and I haven’t been

friends for long. We forged our friendship a day
or two before the whole Sphe thing.”

“Really? And she’s already so comfortable with

you?”
She asks looking at me with doubt in her eyes

“I swear that’s the truth, you can go through

my phone if you don’t believe me. You’ll see
that we just started chatting recently on
WhatsApp.”

I say giving her my phone. She looks at it for a

while but doesn’t take it.

“No, I don’t want to be that girl. I won’t play

the insecure girlfriend; this is not an Indian
series. I want to be able to trust your word
without going through your phone for proof.”

“And do you trust what I’m telling you?”

I ask looking into her eyes, desperate for her to
believe me.

“Yes, I trust you, but you really need to stop

befriending girls especially ones who are
attracted to you. I’m sure you wouldn’t like it if
I did the same.”

“You’re right, I’m sorry it’ll never happen

again.”

“It better not.”

“Can I get a kiss now?”

A smile embraces her lips before she looks
down blushing. I lean in for a kiss but a knock
on the door disturbs us just when our lips
nuzzle, talk about bad timing! I huff in
frustration and tell whoever is on the other side
of the door to come in, the door creaks open
before my dad walks in cradling a sleeping
Hlelo in his arms.

“Sorry to disturb but my princess is sleeping.”

He says looking at Hlelo adoringly. My

daughter is very loved shem, she has
grandparents and parents who love her so
much and would do anything to see her happy.
Ndalo is already on her feet, walking up and
down the room preparing the bed for Hlelo. She
only has one crib so sleeps in between us when
they sleepover. Ndalo gently takes her from my
father’s arms when she’s done preparing and
climbs the bed on her knees and gently lays her
on the bed and fixes the covers to cover her, all
this while my father and I are looking at her. I
still can’t believe that this little human is mine

“Let me excuse you two. MaKhumalo, I know

I’ve never told you this before but thank you
for this precious beautiful girl. You have no
idea what she means to my wife and I.”

Ndalo only smiles in response.

“Goodnight kids.”

“Goodnight dad.”

I look at Ndalo and get heart palpations when I

think about what my uncle said, I would die if I
lost her. I’d have to die before I watch her with
another man.

LERATO
I’ve gone through every contact well most
contacts on my phone asking for help and no
one is ready to help, everyone is coming with
one excuse or the other and that left me with
no choice but to contact the only person I’ve
been avoiding to call Sabelo! I didn’t have
airtime; I only have WhatsApp data and I tried
sending him a text on WhatsApp, but it didn’t
go through and that’s when I realized that
bastard didn’t waste time, he blocked my
number. I should’ve known it when I didn’t see
his profile picture and last seen but stupid me
didn’t want to believe that he could do
something like that to me well that was until I
tried to send him a text and only got one tick.
Now I had to borrow R5 airtime just so I can
call him, I’m calling using private number and
pinching my ass hoping and praying that he
doesn’t cut the call the moment he hears my
voice.

“Sabelo’s phone hello.”

Says a feminine voice which I conclude belongs

to his girlfriend.

“Hi, can I please speak to Sabelo.”

“He’s in the bathroom at the moment, you can

leave a message or call again after 30 minutes
or so.”
Judging from how politely she’s talking to me,
she’s a nice person like her boyfriend. Here
goes nothing

“Uhm, it’s fine I’ll talk to you instead.”

“Me? Haibo, we don’t even know each other.”

“I know but please help me out I’m really

desperate. I need your help.”

I ask in the sincerest way I can master

“What?”
She sounds shocked

“Forgive me for being rude, it’s Lerato. I need

money to go back to Joburg, please help me
I’m desperate I don’t know anyone around here
please, please”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#78

“Forgive me for being rude, It’s Lerato. I need

money to go back to Joburg, please help me
I’m desperate I don’t know anyone around here
please, please.”

“Hello?”

She still doesn’t reply so I remove the phone

from my ear and check my screen, guess what?
The b*tch hung up while I was still talking to
her, how rude! What am I going to do now, how
will I go back to Johannesburg? OMG what was
I even thinking coming here without the return
money? My time is up in this Lodge I need to
check out plus Sabelo's yummy uncle
threatened me, so I can’t afford to spend
another night in Mpumalanga I need to go back
to Joburg as in yesterday. I don't want to know
what he'll do to me when he finds me here
I sigh in relief when I see that I still have R2 left
from the airtime I borrowed from Cell C, at
least with that I can call my mother and ask her
for money.

“Lerato ngwanaka.”

(My child.)

That’s what she says when she picks up my

call, inarguably happy to hear from me. The
gladness I pick up from her tone has me feeling
warm and fuzzy inside.

“Ee mme lekae?”

(How are you mom)

“Ke teng ke ka utlwa wena ausi”

(I’m well and you.)

“Lenna ke teng, mme neke hloka thuso yahao.”

(I’m good too. Mom I need your help.)

I mutter under my breath and bite my bottom

lip, awaiting her response.

“Keng? Oso batla tjhelete hape, Lerato keo file

500 beke tse pedi tse fitileng.”

(What? You want money again, Lerato I gave

you 500 two weeks ago)
“Eya mme kea tseba empa ke hloka tjhelete ka
potlako, honale ntho tsa skolo tse ke
tshwanetseng hodi reka.”

(Yes, I know but I need the money urgently.

There are things that I need to buy for school.)

“Wasokodisa Lerato man, obatla bokae?”

(You’re a handful, how much do you want)

“R300”

“Tjhelete ekana hara kgwedi!”

(So much money mid-month!)

She exclaims in shock, yeah R300 is a lot of
money to my mother.

“Mme please, I really need the money. If I don’t

buy what they want I’ll fail the module and it’s
my major, I can’t afford to fail it. I’ll lose my
funding if I fail.”

There’s silence for a while, knowing my mother

she’s still contemplating whether to give me the
money or not.

“Okay, ketla rumela Thabiso Shoprite.”

(I’ll send)

She says after a few seconds of silence

If I’m not jumping up and down screaming my
lungs out now expressing my jubilation it's
because my mom is still on the line.

“Kea leboha mme waka.”

(Thank you mom)

I could kiss her feet right now; how I hate lying

to my mother, but it had to be done there was
no other way.

.
SABELO

It’s been over five days since the plane crashed

but there’s still no news on Sphe, I hope she’s
still alive wherever she is, and I pray that the
investigators find her soon. My father said that
I should go back to school and try to catch up
on all the work I missed, I know he’s right, but I
doubt I’ll be able to concentrate at work and at
school while my sister is still missing possibly
injured or dead wherever she is.

I walk into the bedroom coming from the

bathroom and I find Ndalo sitting cross legged
on the bed with my phone in her hands
gawking at the screen.
“Sthandwa sam, what’s wrong?”

She jerks up with her right hand set on her

chest, conceivably startled by the sound of my
voice.

“Ndalo what’s going on, you don’t look well.”

I ask standing in front of her with my hands on

her shoulders

“Your phone rang while you were in the

bathroom and I answered the call, it was
Lerato.”
“What, that can’t be. I blocked her numbers
yesterday.”

Or maybe she called using a different number?

“Yeah, I know, she called using private. She

asked to speak to you at first but ended up
talking to me when I told her that you’re in the
bathroom, can you believe that girl asked for
money from me?”

What

“What?”
“Yes she did, she said she doesn’t have money
to go back to Joburg. She sounded desperate so
I don’t think she was lying when she said that
kanti Sabelo who exactly did you bring into our
lives? That girl doesn’t sound normal, the
things she does are not normal at all.”

I think so too, there must be a loose screw in

that girl’s head

“Ngiyaxolisa sthandwa sam, I never meant for

any of this to happen.”

(I’m sorry)

“How did you even meet her?”

“She came with Moeketsi, Max and two other
girls to my room then the guys went out to buy
more booze leaving the girls with me, but I
wasn’t with them in kitchen I was in my room.
Lerato came to my room and and asked me to
drive her back to res because apparently Max
and Moeketsi wanted to sleep with her and the
two other girls after buying booze for them in
the club they were in, I wanted to call an Uber
for her, but she refused and claimed that it
wasn’t safe to use Uber at that hour, it was late
almost midnight so I drove her back to her res.”

“Wow, then you wonder why she’s so entitled?

You didn’t set any boundaries from the start,
why would you put your life at risk to help a
girl you’ve just met?”
“I know it looks bad, but I promise I only
wanted to help.”

“But clearly that’s not how she took it.”

“I’m sorry sthandwa sam, I promise I’ll set

things straight when I go back to Joburg.”

“You better, I won’t stand for this.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“Keep bringing these girls into our lives and

you’ll see what I mean.”
“Once again, I’m sorry Ndalo.”

“Hmm, I’m going back to my apartment today

will you drive me there or should I call an
uber?”

Yoh ai no, kubi.

“I will take you there, give me five minutes to

lotion and get dressed.”

“Ok, I’ll get Hlelo ready so long.”

******
I’m approaching the front door, having come
back from driving Ndalo to her apartment. I
hate how awkward things are between us, she’s
acting different since yesterday I tried to talk to
her about it but she said she has forgiven me
with regards to the whole Lerato issue, but I
know she’s lying because things are tense
between us even more so after Lerato’s recent
phone call.

I really need to have a word with Lerato when

I go back to school and set things straight, I
really cannot afford to lose my girlfriend
because of her. I should’ve listened to Cam and
Kev when they warned me about her then none
of this would be happening right now.
“I’ve been waiting for you Meyiwa, come and
join me.” Says my father

He’s sitting under the veranda reading a

newspaper. I walk to the veranda, pull a chair
next to him and take a seat.

“Your mother told me about what happened

yesterday.”

He says folding the newspaper and putting it on

top of the table

“What happened yesterday?”

I have no idea what he’s talking about

“Yes, she told me everything about your female
friend. The one who came all the way from
Joburg to “support” you, what was that all
about Meyiwa. Are you cheating on
maKhumalo?”

His tone is soft but the expression on his face

tells me that he’s disappointed angry even.

“No, I’m not cheating on Ndalo babami. I love

her and I’d never intentionally hurt her, Lerato
is only a friend of mine. Well, that’s what I
thought until the stunt she pulled yesterday.”
“Have you ever heard me saying I have a
female friend?”

“No.”

“I’m not saying people of the opposite gender

can’t be friends, but Sabelo you ought to
remember what happened the last time you
befriended a girl, two boys lost their lives and
you ended up as the primary suspect in
Xolane’s murder. I don’t know if you’re kind or
you’re just plain stupid but I don’t understand
how you reason, how did you end up
befriending that girl anyway?”

“She came to my room with my roommate …”

I narrate everything that happened

“And you still thought it was wise to befriend

her even after she suggested that the two of you
should be fuck buddies?”

“I know it was naïve of me to believe her, but

I’ve learnt from my mistakes now.”

“I’ve been married to your mother for more

than 20 years and I’ve never cheated on her not
even once do you think I never got tempted or
that I didn’t meet attractive women? I was
tempted, numerous times even and I’ve met
many beautiful and interesting women whilst
married to your mother. According to you, how
do you think I managed to remain faithful to
your mother throughout all these years?”

“I think you managed to be faithful to her

because you love her.”

“That’s true but there are so many men out

there who are in love with their wives or
girlfriends, but they still cheat on them, truth is
love alone is not enough. That burning desire,
that passion you feel for the first few days, first
months or the first years after falling in love
with someone eventually fades away and I
believe that’s when true love begins. When you
start getting used to the person, and you start
seeing all the bad things about them, things you
didn’t see when the relationship was still new,
it’s worse when you live with them because
you start seeing all their bad habits and
mannerism so tell me how do you keeping
loving and being faithful even after all of that?”

“I don’t know.”

His lips break into a thin smile

“That’s when commitment, devotion and

loyalty to your partner and your relationship
comes to play. It’s not good enough to just be
in love with someone but you need to be
committed, devoted and loyal to them for your
relationship to survive the test of time. Praying
for your relationship is also of paramount
importantance. ”

“Do you even know how to pray babami?”

I ask, amused. I’ve never thought of my father

as someone who prays.

“Haibo Sabelo ung’thatha kanjani? Your

mother and I pray for our marriage, our
children and all our family members every
night before we sleep. There’s so many things
that happened in our marriage that I know we
would’nt have survived if we weren’t a praying
couple, okay maybe your mother prays more
than I do but I do pray my son.”
Wow

“I hope you’ve heard what I said my son,

relationships aren’t always rosy. You’ll come
across many challenges and difficulties, you’ll
meet many beautiful and amazing women as
you walk this journey called life and some of
them will make an impression and leave a
mark, but if Ndalo is the one you want to spend
the rest of your life with then you’ll remain
loyal, devoted and committed to her.”

“Thank you so much dad, I needed to hear

this.”
“No problem my son, stop befriending women
if you want your relationship with maKhumalo
to survive.”

“I won’t, I have learnt from my mistakes.”

“I hope so.”

“Dad can I ask a question?”

“Okay, ask.”

“There’s something uncle Ntsika said to me

yesterday and it hasn’t left my mind since, the
way he said it made me feel like he was
speaking about himself the more I think about
it. Do you think he has feelings for Ndalo?”

“What did he say?”

“Something about Ndalo being a gem and

someone snatching her from right under my
nose and marrying her immediately if I keep
treating her the way I do.”

“What? That’s absurd, your uncle has a

girlfriend and Ndalo is young enough to be his
daughter. He would never do something like
that, so you need get rid of those thoughts.
There’s nothing like that, I agree that your
uncle loves Ndalo but it’s only as a daughter
and the mother of his grandchild nothing more.
He only said what he said because he was
angry, I would’ve probably said the same thing.
What you did was wrong and very disrespectful
to maKhumalo, we will never stand by and
watch you disrespect her. We are not the type
of parents who watch their children do wrong
and keep quiet, your uncle was speaking as
your parent who loves and wants the best for
you my son nothing more”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#79
The bakkie just drove inside the yard, Ntsika
steps out and rounds the car to open the
passenger door for Zenkosi, with one hand
holding her purse and the other entwined with
hers the two approach the front door talking
under their breaths. Whatever they’re talking
about is surely silly because Zenkosi has been
giggling and her cheeks have turned crimson
from all the blushing she’s been doing. All this
while Brandon, who’s sitting under the veranda
is leering at them reading their body language
and facial expressions. They both look happy
together, for the first time in years his brother is
in love and is genuinely smiling again.

“I’m here zalo.”

Brandon says when the couple walks past him,
completely unaware of his presence. That's
how engrossed they are on each other.

“Oh, we didn’t see you there, good afternoon

buti.”

Greets Zenkosi with a shy smile pasted on her

face.

“Sawubona koti kunjani?”

(Greetings, how are you)

He says returning the smile

“I’m okay thanks and you?”

“I’m okay koti, Mathapelo is in the kitchen with

my sisters in law.”

“Okay, thanks I’ll go inside and join them.”

She says taking her purse from her boyfriend

and attempts to walk towards the house, but
Ntsika grabs her hand, halting her from her step
and snakes his arm around her waist pulling
her towards his body, he then leans in and
starts tenderly sucking on her lips. Zenkosi is a
blushing mess when they break the kiss, she
scurries off to the house feeling shy avoiding
looking at Brandon’s direction. Why did Ntsika
do that, kiss her in front of his big brother that
is. Damn this man is naughty but funny enough
she likes it, she enjoys the spontaneity that
comes with being in a relationship with him. It
makes the relationship more fun and youthful;
she feels like a teenager in love and the feeling
is one she gets the kick out of.

“Zalo”

Says Ntsika pulling a chair and sitting next to

his brother

“What was that for?”

He ekes out cradling his jaw where a hard
punch from his big brother just landed. Instead
of replying Brandon lands another one on his
stomach that leaves him gasping for air with his
head dropped to the floor.

“Ntsika, I had a lengthy conversation with

Sabelo a day before he went back to school,
and he said something that caught my
attention.”

He mutters with his forefinger under Ntsika’s

chin jerking his face up so he can look at him
dead in the eye, the younger man fidgets and
swallows nothingness but doesn’t say anything.

“Is there something you wish to tell me zalo?”

“No, there’s nothing I wish to say.”

He mutters under his breath

“Ntsika you have Zenkosi, a beautiful woman

who loves you and loves your children like her
own. She came into your lives and brought
back happiness that you all lacked for years, so
tell me why do you want to ruin that?”

“I love Zenkosi, she’s a remarkable woman and

I’m lucky to have found someone like her but
for some reason I can’t seem to get over Ndalo
zalo. I swear I don’t want to feel this way but
my heart swells with joy every time I see her.”
He shamefully admits

Brandon sighs heavily, he doesn’t know what

to say. He could’ve sworn Ntsika was over
Ndalo, judging from how happy he looks when
he’s around Zenkosi.

“Zalo you need to get over whatever it is you

feel for Ndalo, she’s my son’s girlfriend and he
loves her. Stop whatever this is before you lose
both Zenkosi and Sabelo because of this, he’s
not foolish whatever you said to him when you
reprimanded him the other day raised a
suspicion. I managed to convince him that it
was innocent, but I know my son, he’ll be
watching your every move from now on so you
better act right I don’t want my son to hate me
when he finds out that I knew and didn’t say
anything about it.”

Ntsika nods his head looking down unable to

hold his brother’s piercing gaze.

“Stop this nonsense Ntsika before I make you

to.”

INSIDE THE HOUSE

“Good afternoon, dumelang ,sanibonani

avuxeni, thobela ai angsazi.”
Zenkosi says when she walks into the kitchen
and starts giving all the ladies kisses on their
cheeks.

“ Someone is in a good mood.”

Mathapelo says, she was the last one to receive

a kiss so Zenkosi and her are standing side by
side.

“ Yeah I’m happy my friend.”

Zenkosi says wearing a wild smile on her face.

“ Nna Zenkosi ake mobatle hampe onkile

Ntiska waka ke mfumbezi waka.” Jokes Mamy
(I don’t like Zenkosi, she took my Ntsika. She’s
my rival.)

She’s standing behind the stove stirring the pot

of stew with a wooden spoon.

They all laugh

“ Ai yeka umkgobolo Mamy ushadile.” Zenkosi

(Stop being greedy Mamy, you’re married.)

“ Okay ngizok’yeka ngoba umphethe kahle,

ngyambona ujabulile.” Mamy

(Okay I’ll let you be because I can see you’re

treating him well, he’s happy)
“ I agree, she makes him happy. Now all he
needs to do is marry you, you can’t keep
playing wife on girlfriend terms ha nyale.”
Mercy

( let him marry you)

“True.”

Mathapelo and Mamy say at the same time,

agreeing with Mercy.

“ Don’t you guys think it’s too soon for

marriage? I mean we haven’t dated each other
for long.” Zenkosi
“ Aibo wena, you’ve been together for almost a
year and you’re practically his wife now so let
him marry you. He can’t keep chowing you ka
skoloto, he must pay lobola and marry you.”
Mamy

(On credit)

“ I agree with Mamy my friend, it’s about time

Ntsika does the right thing. You can’t keep
playing the role of his wife on girlfriend terms,
let him marry you.” Mathapelo

“ But I can’t force him to marry me, I want it to

be something he wants. I don’t want him to
marry me because I told him to, I want him to
do it because he sees me as the woman he
wants to spend the rest of his life with.”
“ Men need a little push sometimes, you are not
getting any younger ntombi. You can’t keep
playing girlfriend, the man better get his
priorities straight and make his intentions
clear.” Mamy

“ She’s telling you the truth my friend, the both

of you are so old to be girlfriend and boyfriend
for this long. Ntsika must marry you, I mean
what’s he waiting for? You’re a gem, he must
put a ring on it already!.” Mathapelo

.
SABELO

It’s been two days since I came back to Joburg

and I haven’t seen Lerato or bump into her on
campus, with Kev and Cam’s help I was able to
catch up on all the work I missed out on. It’s
not easy to concentrate and focus during
lectures but I had to force myself because I
can’t afford to fail, I know how much Sphe
values education she wouldn’t want me to fail
so the best thing I can do is to study hard and
pass so that my sister can be proud of me when
she’s found and brought back home.

I’m with my friends at the student center

having lunch, we still have an hour before our
last lecture for the day starts.
“So, there’s still no news on your sister?”

“No, it’s weird man. I mean all the passengers

who took the flight have been found except for
her.”

“Sorry, just keep on praying for her. I’m

confident they’ll eventually find her.” Kev

“Yeah, me too. You would’ve felt something if

she died, so relax she’s still alive man.” Cam

“Yeah, y’all won’t believe what that Lerato

did.”
I say changing the topic, talking about Sphe
always leave me feeling sad and my spirit low
so I'd rather not.

“What?”

Asks Kevin sitting upright and placing his

elbows on top of the table

“She came to my hometown when I told her

about Sphe’s situation, according to her I
“Needed” her so she came to “Support” me.”

They look at each other and immediately start

laughing
“I warned about you that girl man, she was just
too comfortable around you way too
comfortable for my liking I knew she was
trouble.” Cam

“I want to give her a piece of my mind, I almost

lost my girlfriend because of her.”

“We told you, I hope you have learnt from your

mistakes.” Kev

“I have, trust me on that one.”

I say remembering what my uncle said.

“That’s good then, I would hate to see you lose
your girlfriend because of someone like that
girl. She’s not someone who you can build
something solid with, she’s too forward.”

Cam says with a wrinkled nose, this one detests

forward girls.

NDALO

“So what flavor should mom take?”

I’m looking at Hlelo who’s sitting inside her
pram smiling at me.

“Come on Hlelo, help mommy choose.”

She giggles showing off her toothless smile,

damn my baby be so adorbs

“OMG such a beautiful baby, ku social media

bathi abantwana babi aku step-father(deki) but
for this one I would gladly be the step father”

Says a hoarse voice behind me. I turn around

and my eyes land on a tall, dark man who’s
looking down at me with a big smile on his face
showing off his extra teeth.
“Hi I’m Neo.”

He has his hand out, stretched for a

handshake.

“Hi.”

I say pivoting back to the shelf without shaking

his hand.

“And you are?”

He’s now standing in front of me. He came to

the front when I gave him my back.
“I’m Ndalo, can you please shift I’d like to
continue shopping.”

“Oh sorry, I can push the trolley for you if you

don’t mind.”

“No, I’ll manage thanks.”

“Stop being stubborn, you can’t push the pram

and the trolley at the same time you’re not
superwoman. Allow me to lessen the burden
and help you.”

His hands are already on the trolley. He doesn’t

look like the type who takes no for an answer
so I let him push the trolley, I could use his
help honestly.

“Cute baby by the way.”

“Thanks.”

“So where do you stay?”

“Emba.”

“What, quit joking. I’d know you if you were

from Emba, there’s no way I wouldn’t know a
beautiful lady like yourself.”
“Buti weeh, I’m taken so stop wasting your
time with all these compliments.”

Without a warning he grabs my left hand and

pulls it to his face

“What are you doing?”

“Looking for the wedding band, you said you

were taken so I’m surprised there’s no ring.”

“I might not be married but I’m in a

relationship so still I’m taken.”

I say snatching my hand back. He looks at me

and starts laughing
“in that case you should say you’re seeing
someone, not taken. A person is only taken
when he/she is married, before then you are
still very much available my dear. Tell your
man to get ready because I won’t rest until I
make you mine, I’m coming in guns blazing.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#80
We spent days distressed, feeling miserable and
uncertain of the condition we will find my sister
in, with chances of finding her alive getting
slimmer which each day that passed. It was
hard to get through those days not knowing
where she is, we appeared to be handling her
disappearance well, but deep down we were all
broken I mean how could we be okay when one
of us was missing? My mother lost so much
weight in a matter of days, but thankfully the
Lord saw the sadness we carry in our hearts
and answered our prayers, my twin sister was
found and like I had hoped, she was found
alive.

The investigators suspect that her body was

tossed out of the flight as the plane was
disintegrating into three parts, she was found
injured and unconscious. Her body was
inclining by a tree a couple miles away from
where the plane crashed with the ground, in
Paarl. She was found by a group of men who
were on a hiking trip, they immediately rushed
her to the hospital upon realizing that she was
still alive. Since no one knew who she was, she
received medical treatment as an unknown
patient and the ___location she was found in was
then used as her address.

Since no one came looking for her, the hospital

had to get the department of home affairs
involved in her case. Her fingerprints were
taken to identify her and that’s how we found
her and instantly had her transferred to
Evander hospital. I was so happy when I
received the news from my father, but my
happiness was short-lived, I couldn’t help but
break down and weep like a baby when I saw
her lying in that hospital bed with all those
tubes and machines connected to her. She’s not
missing any of her limbs like I had fretted but
her face is badly wounded we could barely
recognize her when we first saw her, the
bruises covering her body are just the tip of the
iceberg compared to the damage the crash
caused internally. She broke a few bones,
sustained a spinal cord and brain injury. She
hasn’t regained coconsciousness and the
doctors are not sure if she’ll ever wake up and
if she does, they say there are high chances that
she won’t be the same person we all knew and
loved.
I’m in the middle of my final exams and I just
can’t wait to finish and go back home so I can
be able to visit my sister as often as I can, I
don’t know what I would have done if I didn’t
have my friends and girlfriend’s support. Ndalo
has been my crutch throughout this whole
process, praying for and with me and making
sure that I’m okay. If I loved her before then
I’m madly in love with her now, she’s an
amazing woman and I intend to wife her one
day.

“Here comes that forward chick.”

Cam says looking behind me and I turn my

head only to see Lerato approaching our table.
I sigh and stand up from my chair and walk
towards her meeting her halfway.

“Hey Sabelo.”

I grab her forearm and pull her outside to the

lawn

“Geez dude, what was that about?”

She asks when I let go off her, because she’s

light skinned she is left red and bruised where I
held her.
“I don’t appreciate the nonsense you did, what
was that all about? Did you really have to come
to my hometown?”

“I’m sorry I only wanted to support you like a

friend.”

“Uyihlanya yini wena, support me yani,

ngangithe ngidinga I support yakho mina? Buka
la Lerato uke uphinde wenze lento owayenza
uyong’thola kahle.”

(Are you crazy, did I ever ask for your support?

Look here Lerato, if you ever repeat what you
did, you’ll know me well.)

“I’m sorry it’ll never happen again.”

“Damn right it won’t, now delete my number.”

“What? I no longer have your contacts.”

I haven’t heard from her in weeks, but you can

never be too sure with this one.

“I’ll only believe after confirming it myself, give

me your phone.”

“What? NO!”

“Lerato angidlali nawe, letha iphone.”

(I’m not joking with you, give me your phone.)

She gives me her phone and I dial my number
and guess what? This lunatic still has my
number, not only that but she has them saved
as ‘soulmate’

“I’ve always suspected but now I know for

sure, you’re not stable wena angeke!”

She buries her head down in shame. I delete my

number and give her back her phone.

“I hope this is the last time I’m dealing with

you nxn!”

I still can’t believe I befriended this lunatic

.

NDALO

It’s been a difficult couple of weeks, Sphe was

finally found but the condition she’s in is
disheartening. Sabelo has been going through
the most but I’m glad that this time around he
didn’t push me away, he allowed me to be
there for him and be his shoulder to cry on.
Sphe’s situation brought us closer to each
other, we’ve grown closer and are now
connecting in a special and significant way,
there’s just something about praying together
that has made us connect in a much deeper
level, one I’m unable to explain in words.

“Don’t look now, but a snack just walked inside

the restaurant.”

Says Nthabi fanning herself.

She called me this morning and told me to meet

her at Secunda mall with Hlelo, she bought
Hlelo so many cute outfits and now she’s
treating me to some lunch. Now tell me, am I
blessed or am I blessed?
“I thought you’d stop checking out other man
now that you’re in a relationship with
Mathobela.”

I reply, feeding Hlelo yogurt. You should see

how wide her mouth opens every time she sees
the spoon, she’s a foodie this one no wonder
she’s this big.

“Ah mngani ngigeza mehlo phela mathobs

idumbe nawe uyaz’ so allow me to look and
complement handsome man. He’s fine I’m
telling you.”

(I’m just checking him out, you know

Mathobela is ugly)
She says and we both laugh. This girl is crazy

“Mngani ngiryt? I think he’s coming to our

table.”

She says patting her face while looking at her

reflection on her phone.

“Ladies.”

Not him again!

“Do I have to get a restraining order against

you?”
Neo has been a pain in the butt since the day
we met at the grocery store, he’s one of those
persistent dudes who just won’t take no for an
answer and he’s starting to annoy me.

“Okay mngani what’s going on?”

Nthabi asks seemingly confused by my

reaction.

“Please Ndalo, I only ask that you give me a

chance.” He replies

“Chance yani? I told you I’m not interested so

please leave me alone.”
“Ndalo please, I love you and I won’t give up
on you until you’re mine. I’m even willing to
share you with your boyfriend, that’s how
much I want you in my life.”

“Mana buti ungasibangeli iscefe, uyasho ukuthi

akak’funi so manje inkinga yakho yini?” Nthabi

(Wait, don’t annoy us. You heard her; she

doesn’t want you so what is your problem?”

“I know this looks bad sisi, but I really love

your friend, she stole my heart the first day I
laid my eyes on her. Please try and convince
her.”
For the first time Nthabi doesn’t have a
comeback.

“Ndalo ngiyak’cela tu, ngiyakuthanda tu

ngicela ungiphe ithuba mama.”

(Ndalo I’m begging you; I love you please give

me a chance.)

“Mina angik’thandi Neo mele ngisho kanjani,

I’m in love with my partner so please tu.”

(I don’t love you, how many times should I say

it.)

“But what if I’m the one for you, please Ndalo

ungayenzi lento mama. My heart tells me
you’re the one for me, my missing rib please
ngicela ungvumele ngik’thande. I promise I will
love you and treat you like a queen.”

(Please don’t do this.) (Allow me to love you)

“Ncoah!”

Exclaim a few females inside the restaurant and

only then do I notice that we have earned
ourselves spectators, and some people in the
crowd already have their phone’s out recording
a video of us.

“Neo stop this, ungibukanisa nabantu.”

I hiss under my breath

“I don’t care who’s watching, I love you and I
don’t care if the whole world knows that I’m
crazy in love with you.”

I stand up and carelessly throw my things

inside my bag, strap Hlelo inside her stroller
and leave the restaurant with Nthabi behind
me. I can’t believe this Neo guy.

SABELO

I’ve been practicing and solving math problems

for the past three hours, but my mind isn’t
cooperating as much as I’d like it to, it takes
longer for me to solve a problem than it would
on a regular day maybe I need to take a break
and have a cup of coffee who knows maybe the
caffeine will assist. I’m writing mathematics
statics in two days, and I really need to study, I
didn’t qualify with the best mark so I really
need to work hard if I want to pass this exam.

“You’re still alive.”

Remarks Moeketsi when I make my way into

the kitchen.

He just took a beer from the fridge, I’ve never

met anyone who drinks as much as he does. I
was surprised when I saw his marks, I wonder
how he does this and still pass or maybe his
course is just too easy?

“Yeah, I’m alive it’s just that some of us have to

study.”

He chuckles

“You’re too stuck up for a kid your age, you

really need to loosen up.”

I ignore his comment and proceed to my

cupboard and take out a cup and pour a spoon
of coffee inside.

“Did you see this video?”

He puts his phone on top of the kitchen island
before me and I press play, my heart almost
stops when I see that it’s Ndalo, my Ndalo in
what appears to be a restaurant. She’s with
Nthabi and my daughter, there’s a tall dark guy
with them professing his love to her and by the
looks of it the crowd is swooning over them.

“Wtf man!”

Bellows Moeketsi when I almost drop his

phone to the floor due to the sudden quiver on
my hands.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#81

I don’t know what to make of what I just saw,

is what uncle warned me about finally
materializing? Will I lose the love of my life to
that guy? He does look like a stable man who
can afford to do all I wish to do for her one day
when I’m financially stable, for now I can
barely afford to do anything for her with the
peanuts I make from working part time at the
retail store I mean I can’t even afford to pay for
all my daughter’s monthly expenses.

“Are you sure you’re alright man?”

Asks Moeketsi staring at me with worry lines

etched on his forehead.

“I’m good man.”

I say dismissing him

“No, you’re not. You look pale yini do you

know them?”
I put both my hands on the kitchen island and
slowly sink to the cold tiled floor

“Yeah, that’s my girlfriend but I don’t know

who the guy is..”

“Oh, I knew I’ve seen her face from

somewhere! She’s the lady decorating the walls
of your room.”

I printed a couple of Ndalo and Hlelo’s pictures

in A4 size and pasted them on the four walls of
my room. The first question anyone who walks
into my room for the first time asks is ‘who are
they?’. Living provinces apart means I don’t get
to see them as often as I’d like and I miss them
like crazy sometimes, so seeing their beautiful
faces every now and again when I’m in my
room somehow fills the void I feel in my heart
from being away from them.

“Sh*t man! I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

I ask with a creased eyebrow

“Nawe uyaz’bonela man, that man looks well

off you can tell from the clothes and
accessories he’s wearing. He just oozes money,
while you on the other hand are nothing but a
student so it’s obvious who she’ll pick between
the two of you, women always go for the bag
man.”

“Shut up!”

“I’m sorry but it’s the truth, you might be the

better looking one but..”

“If you don’t shut your mouth right now, I

swear I will make you.”

I rise to my feet and stand next to him, my

chest slightly touching his. My breath fans his
face as I glare into his eyes daring him to say
another word.
“Do it, give me a reason to use you as an outlet
for all the rage I feel.” I challenge him with my
knuckles balled into a fist.

He doesn’t respond, he holds my gaze for a few

seconds before retreating backwards creating a
distance between us.

“Good choice.”

“You seriously need to calm down man.”

He says and disappears into his room.

I blow out heavy breath and mop my face with

my trembling hands. Once I’m calm I retrieve
my phone from my pocket and search for the
video online, it’s not difficult to find it because
most people have shared it on their Facebook
timelines. From Ndalo's facial expressions and
body language she looks annoyed by the guy’s
advances and even tells him she’s not
interested and threatens to file a restraining
order against him. My lips curve into a smile
when I hear this, but my smile disappears when
I realize what this means, this means that it
wasn’t the first time this guy approached her,
but Ndalo never told me anything about him,
why is that?

My phone rings snapping me from my

thoughts, it’s her. I accept the call but remain
mute.
“Baby.. are you there?”

“Yes, I’m here Ndalo. What’s up?”

I reply heading back to my room.

“I don’t know if you’ve seen it but there’s a

video circulating online…..and I’m in the
video.”

“Continue.”
I’m in my room now, standing next to the
window looking at the people going up and
down the streets.

“There’s a guy, his name is Neo. He’s been

asking me out for a while now, I told him I
don’t want him but he refuses to take no for an
answer. He showed up today while Nthabi and
I were having lunch and caused a scene, you
know how people are mos. They recorded us
and put the video online.”

“Baby did you hear me?”

“Yeah, I did.”
“Why aren’t you saying anything?”

“What do you want me to say Ndalo?”

“Anything, just don’t keep quiet.”

“Well, I have nothing to say Ndalo, we spoke

about this many times before, but you still keep
things from me. If someone didn’t record you,
were you ever going to tell me about him?”

“Yes.”

“When?”
“When you came back home from school,
babakhe you’ve got your hands full with exams
and Sphe I just didn’t want to add this to your
worries.”

“I appreciate you worrying about me, I know it

comes from a good place but if there’s someone
messing with my woman I want to know. It
doesn’t matter how burdened you think I am,
but this is something I’d want to know about.”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay, you don’t have to apologize. I guess

it’s time this Neo guy and I met.”

.
.

NARRATED

“You’re trending man.”

“I know. That’s exactly what I wanted.”

“What?”

Asks Casper, Neo’s friend wearing a confused

expression on his face.

“I love this girl man, she’s everything I want in

a woman. She’s beautiful, soft spoken and don’t
get me started on her beautiful body. She’s got
the sexiest legs I’ve ever seen, a round firm butt
…. You know what she’s just perfect man. I
want her boyfriend to see the video and go
crazy”

Neo confesses and takes a huge gulp from the

glass of alcohol in his hands.

“Yeah, she’s beautiful I admit but she’s still

someone’s girlfriend.”

Neo chuckles

“Come on, don’t tell me about that kid. He’s

not man enough for her, Ndalo needs a man not
a boy like him. Have you seen him, he’s a
yellow kid with curly hair and blue eyes psssh
he looks like a girl.”

Neo says rolling his eyes sending Casper into a

fit of laughter.

“But she loves her ‘girly looking boy’ man, she

even gave him a baby.”

“That means nothing, I want Ndalo and I won’t

rest until she’s mine.”

“She doesn’t want you; you can’t force her to

love you. I know you love her, but she loves the
boy man, she even resigned from her job as a
teacher just so she could be with him.”

“What, she was a teacher?”

“Yeah, they were trending early this year. I

don’t know how you didn’t know about them
but those two love each other. I don’t see Ndalo
leaving him for you or any other guy for that
matter, she’s crazy about her ben 10 and from
what I’ve heard no boy uyaz’fela ngo sugar
mama wakhe myeke ntwana uzothola omunye
umuntu.”

(He’s crazy about his sugar mama, leave her

you’ll find someone else.)
“That’s the thing. I don’t want anyone else; I
want her.”

“Hay I guess you’ll have to kill the boy then

because I don’t see her leaving him for you, the
girl doesn’t look interested in you kau.”

“You’re so smart, why didn’t I think about this

before!”

“What, what did I do?”

“You’re right, the boy needs to die so I can get

my woman. Ndalo won’t love me as long as
he’s still around.”
“No, no no no no and no! I wasn’t serious man.
You can’t kill the boy, think about it man she’ll
hate you for killing her boy toy.”

Casper says trying to convince him. Neo looks

at him with a devilish grin on his face

“She won’t know that I’m the one who killed

her pathetic boyfriend.”

He declares and grins like a kid seeing candy

“I have just the perfect plan, you’ll love it.”

.
.

NDALO

“This is a sign; fame loves you sis. You should

consider a career in the entertainment
industry.”

I’m on video call with Melo

“Haha very funny Melo.”

“But seriously sis, you’re always trending.”

“Eish tell me about it.”

“What did your man say, has he seen the
video?”

“Yeah, he didn’t say much but I know he’s

upset that I didn’t tell him about this guy
wanting me.”

“Vele why didn’t you?”

“I just thought I had it under control man but

clearly I didn’t. This guy is becoming a pest,
he’s charming and all but I don’t want him I’m
very content with my choice.”
“Guys like him are so annoying, maybe he’s not
used to girls rejecting him because he’s good
looking and looks like he’s well off.”

“Well, my man looks way better than him and I

don’t give a chicken’s ass about the amount of
money he has, I have a man and I’m content
with everything he gives me.”

Which is not much honestly but I know he tries

his best, so I really appreciate everything he
does for me.

“Ncoah Sabelo is so lucky to have you.”

“Yeah, just like I’m blessed to have him.”

“No lies detected, you two are good for each
other. Where’s my niece I miss her cute chubby
self.”

“She’s sleeping, yo akasindi umtwana Sabelo

shem bese kanti ngapha uthanda nezandla.”

(She’s heavy plus she loves being carried.)

She laughs

“Wena umgugelani?”

(Why are you carrying her)

“It’s not me, it’s her father’s family.”

“Shem askies, I guess I’ll call her tomorrow
then.”

“Okay you can call anytime between 9 in the

morning and three in the afternoon, I’ll be at
the hospital at 4.”

“Oh yeah I almost forgot about that, how’s

Sphe doing now?”

“She’s still the same, there’s no change in her

condition”

“I’m sorry hey, the family must be going

through hell.”
“They are hey, especially Hlelo’s grandmother.
She looks so thin now.”

“Aw shem poor woman, I’ll put Sphe in my

prayers.”

“Please do so. Let me hang up now, I’m tired I

need to rest it’s been a long day.”

“Okay, bye sis.”

“Bye Melokuhle.”
I hang up the phone, switch off the TV and the
lights and head to my bedroom but a knock on
the door halts me on my step. Who could be
visiting me at this time?

“Who is it?”

I bellow still rooted on the same spot

“It’s me!”

It’s Neo’s voice. Gosh what does he want now?

“What are you doing here, how did you even

know where I stay? That’s it, I’m calling the
police.”
“No, please don’t. I want to apologize for
everything I did, especially what I did today. I
saw the video, I’m sorry I know you have a
boyfriend and him seeing the video might cause
problems between you two so I’m sorry that
was not my intention. I promise ….can you at
least let me in so I can apologize properly, I
can’t keep yelling behind the door at this hour
it doesn’t look good your neighbors might call
the police on me.”

I hope they do.

“I don’t need your apology, If you don't leave

now I'll call the cops on you.”
I say approaching the front door

“Okay, once again I’m sorry.”

“Just go Neo! The next time you show up here I

promise I’ll call the cops on you; stay away
from me I don’t want you and I’ll never want
you. Get that through your thick skull.”

“Okay, I’m sorry once again.”

He says before I hear his footsteps shuffling

away, thank God.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#82

SPONSORED ANONYMOUSLY

Seeing Ndalo’s video with the so called Neo guy

distracted me and flushed all the enthusiasm I
had to study, but I had to force myself to keep
solving the math problems from previous
question papers regardless of how I feel, it was
either that or risk failing the module so I chose
the former.
I’m still busy practicing when my phone lights
up, I cast my eyes on the screen and see an
incoming call from Ndalo.

“Sthandwa sam.”

“Sabelo.”

She croaks out under her breath, if I didn’t

know better I’d think she doesn’t want
someone hearing her which would be strange
because she lives alone or maybe she doesn’t
want to wake Hlelo from sleep?

“Is Hlelo already sleeping, is that why you’re

whispering?”
I ask even though I know it's way past her
bedtime

“ No, I’m scared baby. Neo just left so I don’t

want him hearing me incase he’s still lurking in
the shadows.”

What?

“What do you mean Neo was there, did you tell

him where you live?”

“Of course not, I can’t believe you asked me

that. I don’t know how he found out where I
live but it’s obvious that this guy is stalking me,
first he showed up at the restaurant I was in
and now he’s here that can’t all be a
coincidence I’m certainly not safe here.”

“Call the police and report him, I’m on my

way.”

I place the call on speaker and run around the

room inattentively throwing my books inside
my bag.

“What? You can’t come here, you’re in the

middle of your final exams.”

“Yes, but I can’t sit here while there’s a psycho

after you.”
“No Sabelo, I won’t let you do this…”

“I’m coming you won’t change my mind, call

the police and file a complaint. I’ll be there in
less than two hours, don’t open the door for
anyone until I get there okay?”

“Okay.”

“Ngyak’thanda mamakhe.”

(I love you)

“I love you more daddy.”

“See you soon.”

I hang up and throw the first thing I find when I

open my closet inside the duffel bag.

NDALO

I called the police like Sabelo suggested and

two officers came and searched around the
area to ensure that Neo wasn’t hiding
somewhere inside the complex like I feared, the
security at the gate was warned not to grant
him access to the complex should he come
back again. The officers advised me to come to
the station tomorrow morning to file a
restraining order against him before they left
and that’s exactly what I’ll do first thing
tomorrow morning. It’s almost midnight,
almost two hours since I last spoke to Sabelo
on the phone. I’m getting worried he said he’ll
be here within two hours, so where is he? let
me call him before I drive myself crazy with
worry.

“Hi you’ve reached Sabelo Meyiwa, please

leave your name and number and I promise to
get back to you as soon I can bye.”

My anxiety just shot through the roof, I

shouldn’t have allowed him to drive so late at
night. What if something happened to him on
his way here? Oh goodness please don’t let
anything happen to him, please.

I see a figure passing next to the window in the

lounge, my heart races and my breathing
hitches when I hear footsteps followed by a
knock on my door .

“Sthandwa sam.”

Reverberates Sabelo’s deep voice on the other

side of the door.

A wave of relief washes over me. I jolt up from

the couch and race to open the door, I throw
myself into his arms clinging to him for dear
life. He wraps his arms around me holding me
back

“You scared me, I thought something happened

to you.”

I say tearing up.

“I’m fine Sthandwa sam.”

This feels good, being in his arms like this

taking in his scent and feeling the warmth of his
arms around me. It’s been a while and I’ve
honestly missed this, being in his arms that is.
“Let’s get inside, it’s quite chilly out here.”

“Of course.”

I break off the hug and pick up his duffel bag

from the door, it fell when he gave me a hug.

“Did you call the police?”

“Yes, they came and searched around the

complex to ensure that he really left. They told
me to come to the station tomorrow to
officially file a restraining order against him.”

“At least, that’s good.”

“Why is your phone off, I tried calling you.”

“ Sorry love, I ran out of battery.”

We’re in bedroom now, I’m watching him get

undressed. Looking at his nude body gets my
clit excited, he looks sexier or it could be
cerebos speaking.

“I was scared thinking something happened to

you. I almost had a heart attack.”

“I'm sorry I scared you sthandwa sam. I’m so

tempted to wake her up I miss her so much”
He says standing next to Hlelo’s cot admiring
her in her sleep.

“No, Sabelo ufuna asikhalele ub’suku bonke

ngeke myeke alale you’ll see her tomorrow.”

(You want her to cry the whole night, leave her)

“Eish you’re right.”

He bends and plants a peck on her forehead

and another one on her lips.

“ I missed you two.”

“We missed you too baby.”

“Come here.”

He has his arms stretched wide open, I don’t

need to be told twice. I throw myself in his
arms and sink in his embrace, we silently hold
each other for a while until I feel his member
poking me.

“You see that I’m not the only one who missed
you.”

He says in a hoarse voice laced with nothing

but lust, my clit instantly twitches and warm
liquid oozes out of my slit like blood from an
open wound.
“Your member is not alone, my nuna is also
excited to see you.”

“Are you for real?”

“I’ll let you confirm that for yourself.”

I say guiding his hand inside my soaked panties

“Sh*t!”

His exclaims when his fingers roam inside my

soaking panties separating my wet folds
“I want to taste you.”

He whispers, speaking with so much

anticipation. There’s a quiver in his tone, he
sounds like an addict desperate for his next fix.

“What’s stopping you then?”

I slip out of my soaked panties and sleep on the

bed with my back and spread my legs wide so
that my nuna is wide open and ready to eat.

“Holy mary!”

He says looking at me lustfully

He drops to his knees and pulls my legs to the
edge of the bed and buries his face between my
legs, my heart almost jumps out of my chest
when I feel his tongue on my wetness. He puts
his hands under my butt and holds me in the air
so that my nuna is level with his face, he flicks
his tongue on my engorged clit and sucks on
my labial lips. I moan out in pleasure when he
dips his finger inside my warm asshole, the
pleasure I feel is out of this world I don’t know
what to do with myself so I push his head
deeper into my nuna.

“Yes baby, eat that pussy. Oh yes, suck it like

that …aahhh…It’s yours baby.”
The words escape my mouth before I can stop
them. He obliges and sucks the living daylights
out of my nuna and a wave of pleasure washes
over me, I explode and cream his face with my
juices while my legs vibrate violently.

“ Damn that was awesome.”

I say trying to catch my breath.

He holds my legs and put them on his

shoulders burying himself inside of me with a
single thrust, I feel slight discomfort in my
neither region as my nuna stretches to
accommodate him fully.
“Oh damn you’re so warm.”

He says thrusting in and out of my cookie while

his lower lip is sucked between his teeth, his
face is wet from the sweat that's carelessly
rolling down his face.

.”Aaah…harder.” I plead

“ Okay Sthandwa sam, I’ll go harder.”

He says and pumps in and out of me rapidly.

“I’m sorry.”
He says after shooting his hot cum deep inside
my womb

“It’s okay.”

“No it’s not okay, I’m sorry I’ll make it up to

you in the next round. I promise”

“Stop apologizing, it’s okay baby I understand.”

His juices trail from my slit down to my ass and

thighs when he pulls his now flaccid dick out, I
can see he feels bad for orgasming before me.

“Babe, there’s no need to feel bad. It’s not like I

didn’t climax.”
I say, trying to reassure him.

“But still…”

“Shhh..stop stressing unnecessarily, we still

have 9 more rounds to go so there’s plenty of
chances for you to redeem yourself.”

He laughs

“9? Somebody has a big appetite.”

He says and pokes the sides of my tummy

“You can’t blame me, I’ve been starving.”

I say giggling and kiss him

NEO

If I haven’t shoved a bullet into that stupid

boy’s head is because Ndalo is here and I don't
want to traumatize her and our little princess, I
can’t believe Ndalo actually called the cops on
me and I’m sure her little toy boy came running
to the rescue when she told him I was here. My
car was parked a few feet away from the
complex when the police van drove in I had no
choice but to flee the scene to save myself from
suspicion, I was outside the complex, hidden
away in the shadows chances of them seeing
me were slim to none but I couldn’t risk it so I
drove back to my place and only came back
this morning.

I managed to sneak inside the complex without

the stupid guard seeing me and went straight to
her apartment, since it’s still very early in the
morning I thought I’d break into her apartment
and watch her sleeping. I’m sure she looks like
an angel when she’s sleeping but all of that
changed when I heard moans and groans the
closer I approached her apartment. I peeked
through the bedroom window, luckily the light
is switched on so I am able to see the stupid
little boy pumping in and out of her.

My blood is boiling as I watch this stupid boy

fuck my woman, what hurts me the most is that
she looks like she’s enjoying every single
second of it. She’s moaning his name out loud,
scratching his back and…oh my goodness she
just squirted, can you believe that little boy just
made her squirt? Now more than ever I’m
convinced this boy needs to die, he can’t keep
chowing my woman like this not under my
watch I refuse.

MELOKUHLE
“ Melo wami.”

“What do you want?”

He smiles innocently

“Hao baby, what makes you think I want

something?”

“That’s because I know you Themba, once you

start calling me like that I know you want
something.”

“I don’t want anything.”

“Hmm.”

I say and fix my gaze back on my phone

“Okay you’re right.. I want something.”

I laugh

“I knew it, okay talk..what do you want?”

“It’s my sister’s graduation party, please be my

plus one to the party. Come with me to
Daveyton.”
By his sister he’s referring to Dineo, she was
doing her honours degree in Mechanical
engineering. She’s a b*tch but at least she’s
book smart, yeah she’s still bitchy towards me
but pretends to be civil with me in front of
other people and me being me I play along so
no one really knows about the beef between us.

“I have exams to study for babe I can’t.”

“ Come on babe, just a couple of hours I

promise we will be back before midnight so you
can study.”

There’s no way I can refuse him when he’s

giving me that look, it’s the look that has me
dropping my panties all the damn yeah he’s
seducing me plus my man be hot ey

“So?” He asks

“Okay, we’ll go.”

“Thank you, thank you.”

He says and adorns my face with wet kisses

“Okay baby stop it.”

“I’ll stop only if you promise to suck my cane.”

“What, angeke!”

(Never)

“Please tu, I promise I won’t ask again for the

next six months.”

“Yeah right!”

“I promise.”

“You know you’re lying.”

“Please baby, look at it. Please help me..”

The head looks like it’s about to pop

“Why can’t we have sex the old traditional
way, why do I have to put my mouth there?”

“No, I want head.”

Thixo! I love Themba but damn I hate it when

he wants a blow, I just don’t like putting the
d*** in my mouth it wasn’t meant for that. I
hate whoever came up with oral sex, mouths
were never meant to suck genitals they were
meant to eat food and talk ai loku okunye
eseniyenzisa kona ai mara yaz’ sizofa thina
yilok’thanda izinto!
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#83

Sabelo and I f*cked and made love throughout

the night and only fell asleep around five in the
morning, we had many rounds following the
one where I didn’t orgasm and boy did he not
redeem himself! Boy made me squirt more than
two times in one night, I missed this and I
enjoyed every single moment of it all. I know I
was against the idea of him coming but I’m glad
he’s here, I missed my man- not just the sex but
everything about him, kissing him, being in his
arms and most importantly how he looks at me
like I’m the most precious thing his eyes have
ever seen. I’m in love with Sabelo Troy
Meyiwa, I love him with everything in me and I
love him more with each day that passes. It’s
been almost two years with this man and still
can’t believe he’s mine and that he loves me so
much.

I thought I knew what being loved felt like until

he came into my life and loved me like I never
thought possible, he didn’t only love me but he
also gave me the most precious thing anyone
has ever given me- our daughter, I love that
little girl with all my heart she’s my life. I was
sleeping when Hlelo woke me up, she was
crying so I quickly took her from her cot and
left the room with her before she woke her
father up with all the noise she was making.

I’m in the lounge now watching TV while she’s

suckling on my breast, kicking her leg in the air
seemingly enjoying herself. I love breastfeeding
her, my obstetrician advised me to stop
breastfeeding and introduce formula when
Hlelo turned 6 months but I didn’t stop because
I enjoy feeding her. There’s something magical
about breastfeeding your baby, there’s some
type of special bonding that goes on there and
I’m not ready to let go of these precious
moments I share with my little human.

“Good morning to my two favourite girls.”

Hlelo hears his voice and her eyes wander
around the room in search of him. They glisten
with tears when she sees him and her lips
quiver before she breaks into a shrill cry.

He rushes to my side and takes her into his

arms

“Thula phela Thando wami.”

(Stop crying)

He says trying to hush her down and eventually

succeeds.

“I wonder when she’ll stop doing this.”

I ask when he settles on the couch across mine,
he’s wearing shorts without an underwear and
from where I’m sitting I can see his shaft and
testicles peeping from inside his shorts and it
gets my clit excited especially when my mind
goes back to this morning's events.

“What time are you going to the police

station?”

“I want to go now but I want us to drop Hlelo

at my mother’s place first because I want you
to come with me.”

“I don’t mind coming with you but I still want

to spend some time and bond with my
daughter, I really missed her. Can't we take her
with us?”

“I know but I don’t think it’s a good idea to

take her with us to the police station.”

“I’ll remain in the car with her when you go

inside the police station, I’m writing my exam
tomorrow so I need to go back to Joburg
tonight. I was hoping to spend the day with my
princess.”

The way Sabelo loves his daughter though, no

scratch that- the way father and daughter love
each other melts my heart into liquid gold even
though sometimes they make me feel like a
third wheel when I’m with them. Kuvele kucace
nje ukuthi angiyena wakwa Meyiwa mina.

“Okay baby, that sounds like a good plan.”

“You’ll drive right?”

“Please baby, you know how Thando is she

wants all my attention to herself it’s not easy to
drive when she’s with us.” He says

It’s true, Hlelo is very territorial when it comes

to her father. She doesn’t want anyone next to
him, not even me.

“Okay fine, I’ll drive.”

“Alright let’s go shower so we can get going
while it’s still early.”

“Let’s have breakfast first.” I say

I’m so tired and I could really use one or two

hours of sleep but I can’t because I need to deal
with this Neo thing once and for all, I hope the
restraining order will keep him away from me.

*****

We just left the police station after I filed a

restraining order against Neo, he should be
served in the next coming days. A restraining
order can be filed against a person to protect
them against family violence, or personal
violence such as harassment, intimidation,
whether once or ongoing. A restraining order
essentially makes contact, communication, or
even being near another person illegal. I hope
now Neo will stay the hell away from me, and
stop trying to force his love down my throat.
He’s a charming guy, I’m sure there are many
girls who would kill to date him. He should try
his luck elsewhere and leave me the hell alone,
I’m very happy in my relationship.

“Let’s go to my parent’s house, I want to greet

them before we go to see Sphe.” Sabelo
It wouldn’t be right for him to go back to
Joburg without seeing his parents, I’m sure
they would be offended if not angry at him.

He’s sitting at the backseat with Hlelo in his

arms, the way she’s silently laying her head on
his chest one would assume she’s sleeping but
she’s wide awake. I guess I’m not the only one
who enjoys being in Sabelo’s arms, because
here is Hlelo laying calm like still waters in her
father’s arms, it must be nice to have a father
hey.

I notice several cars parked inside the yard

when we drive in, uncle Ntsika's bakkie is
amongst the cars parked in the driveway.
“It looks like we came at the right time.”

Sabelo jokes seeing the number of cars in the

yard

“Yes.”

He gets off the car first and walks to the house

carrying Hlelo, I follow behind him after
locking the car. We hear loud voices when we
approach the door, the door is wide open so
aunt Mamy who’s sitting on the couch facing
the door sees us and notifies everyone in the
room of our presence. Everyone’s attention is
on us by the time we walk through the door
“Sanibonani ekhaya kwa Meyiwa.”

(Greetings Meyiwa family)

Sabelo greets in a chirpy tone. They all return

his greeting with a smile on their faces probably
because of his playful salutation.

“Nibuyaphi senibahle kanje?” aunt Mercy

(Where are you coming from looking so

beautiful)

Aunt Mercy is one of those people who always

compliment you, no matter how crusty you
might look she’ll always have something good
to say. She’s just a kind and sweet soul, I
absolutely love her.
“We are from Ndalo’s apartment.” Sabelo

We agreed not to tell the family about the

whole Neo thing, everyone’s having a difficult
time with Sphe in the hospital and not showing
any signs of recovery, the last thing the
Meyiwa’s need is to stress about Neo on top of
everything they’re dealing with.

“Won’t you talk to your grand daughter?” Mr

Meyiwa

The question is directed to Mrs Meyiwa whose

focus has been on Hlelo from the moment we
walked in.
“No, Hlelo is her fake friend she only loves her
when Sabelo is not around.”

Says aunt Mamy causing everyone to laugh

“Hao kanti uqhomela unkosikazi wami

mawubona ubabakho Hlelo, usile kanti unjalo.”

(So you turn on my wife when you see your

father, you’re a bad girl Hlelo.)

Mr Meyiwa says defending his wife

“Ai baba niyam’yeka umtwanami yo angeke.”

Sabelo
“I knew he wouldn’t let it slide, akafuni nex ngo
mtwanakhe uSabelo.” Mr Meyiwa

We laugh

“Ave nifanelane nkosi yami, Sabelo uwakhipha

nini ama lobolo mfana?”

(You look good together, Sabelo when are you

paying dowry)

Asks Aunt Mamy swooning at us. We are

sitting next to her, it was the only available
couch.

“Soon aunt, very soon.”

He replies looking into my eyes. Okay! I don’t
know anything about this, we have never
discussed marriage or lobola.

“Usheshe mfana otherwise bazomthatha

yambona muhle kanjani umaka Hlelo, buka nje
isitho sakhe ai sukanini madoda umona phantsi
yintle intombi yakwa Khumalo.”

(You better hurry otherwise they’ll snatch her

from you, she’s a beautiful woman. Look at her
legs, jealous down she’s beautiful)

Says aunt Mercy causing me to blush, see what

I told y’all about her being generous with
compliments. If I keep listening to her I’ll end
up contesting for miss South Africa, she’s such
a confidence booster this one . Everytime I see
her ungithi fa fa with drops of confidence.

“I told him the same thing the other day.”

Uncle Ntsika adds and Sabelo’s face changes

into a frown

“Sanithola ninonke niphelele yini is there a

function we weren’t told about?”

( You’re all here gathered in one place)

Sabelo says changing the topic

“Eish my son, I was just about to call you.
Sphe’s health is deteriorating, her doctor called
this morning. Sphe slipped into a coma.” Mrs
Meyiwa

Ya neh, when it rains it pours sometimes I

wonder if we’ll ever have peace. It’s always one
thing after the other, we don’t know peace.

MELOKUHLE

I’m dressed in a backless bodycon dress and

I’ve got to say I look good, my ass is sticking
out like a sore thumb in this dress and the
material accentuates my snatched waist in a
sexy elegant way. I’ve been exercising and I’ve
got to say I love the results, body yinto zethu
ka Khumalo kodwa ke a little toning here and
there wouldn’t hurt anyone. I've never been
one to exercise but I had to start when I saw
how sexy my big sister looked that too after
giving birth, I couldn’t allow myself to look
shabby next to her.

I remember how she used to say I should enjoy

it while it lasts everytime I dissed her and
called her fat while she was still pregnant, I
didn’t know what she meant until she started
exercising immediately when her stitches
healed and lost all the baby fat. She looks so
sexy now that I sometimes find it hard to
believe that she looked like a cow a couple of
months ago.

“Ai asambe phela kunini uses’bukweni”

(Let’s go you’ve been staring at yourself in the

mirror.)

Says Themba sticking his head inside the

bedroom.

“Perfection takes time.”

He laughs

“Perfection yani?”
What? No he didn’t just ask me that

“What do you mean, don’t tell me you don’t see

my beautiful make up.”

I rotate to show him face, he skims his eyes on

my face for a few seconds and erupts into a
belly laugh.

“What’s funny?”

I ask looking at my reflection in the mirror

trying to find faults and I don’t find any, I think
I look perfect.
“Don’t tell me you spent all that time in the
mirror just so you could look like a this, ngathi
uyi spoki.”

(You look like a ghost)

What?

He laughs even harder when he sees the horrid

look on my face

“I’m joking love, you look like perfection. Shall

we go now?”

Someone better explain how I’m still in a

relationship with this guy because wow!
***

We just arrived in Daveyton, Dineo’s home

where the graduation party is held and I’ve got
to admit everything looks exquisite from the
décor to the flower arrangement and everything
else nje. I never thought simple black and white
could look so elegant and classy, the
confidence I had when we left Boksburg just
vanished into thin air now I suddenly feel under
dressed when I see everyone else’s outfits. The
party hasn’t started but a few guests have
arrived.

“Come, let’s go greet my mom. I’m sure she’s

inside.”
I’ve met mam’Oratile before and she was
welcoming to me like Nthati and her husband
were but she had reservations like anyone
would when they know about the age gap
between us. She doesn’t think I’ll be able to
love Bophelo like my own and give him the
motherly love he deserves considering that I’m
only 21, which makes me no less than a kid in
her eyes. I hope to make her realize how
mature I actually am as time goes, age doesn’t
always equal to maturity sometimes the
experiences and things we go through in our
tender age force us to grow before our time.

“ Look who decided to show up.”

Says Nthati giving me a hug. She looks
beautiful as always, she’s holding her youngest
hand while Omphile and Warona are behind
him holding each other’s hands.

“Where’s bae?”

I ask when I don’t see Kagiso, it’s just the kids

and her.

“There’s a crisis in one of the offices he owns

so he had to rush there, he’ll come later.”

Themba clears his throat making his presence

known, Nthati and I look at him and laugh. I
honestly forgot about him
“I see you two are get along, babe I’ll leave you
with her then. Dineo sent me a text asking me
to fetch her friend from the rank, apparently
she’s lost.”

“Okay go babe, I’ll be with your sister.”

I reply smiling at Nthati, he plants a peck on

my cheek and walks off.

“Aunt where’s Bophelo?” Omphile

“He’s at his grandparent’s house.”

“ Mama can I go to grandma’s house?”

He asks giving his mom a puppy look

“ Yes mom, can we please go. It’s boring here.”

Warona adds

“Can you please come with me to Soweto,

please please.” Nthati

“You don’t have to beg so much of course I’ll

come with you.”

The party hasn’t started so I don’t see why not.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#84

Most guests have arrived and since Nthati had

to drive the kids to Soweto Diketso,
Mmaletsatsi’s daughter is the one who is
entrusted with the responsibility of receiving
the guests at the door and offering them a drink
or a snack while they wait for the party to
officially start. Dineo is in her bedroom getting
dolled up by the MUA(Make up artist) hired by
her big sister, this is a very proud moment for
her and the rest of the family. No one expected
her to graduate especially after the difficult
year she had but God being God, here she was
getting ready to celebrate her graduation with
close friends and family.

“You seriously need to stop crying, you’re

ruining your make up.”

Remarks the make-up artist getting impatient,

she’s been working on Dineo’s face for over an
hour now because tears keep sprinkling out of
her eyes like rain on a stormy night.

“I’m sorry.”
She meekly replies fanning her face with her
hand and takes a deep breath trying to calm
herself down. Just then her phone vibrates on
her left hand, the corner of her lips curl into a
smile when she glances at the screen.

“Chom’, how’s is it going is he there yet?”

“Yeah, we are at the filling station now. He

went inside the store to buy wine gums for his
girlfriend, apparently she’s addicted to them
psssh.”

Ntsiki says rolling her eyes when she utters the

word “Girlfriend”. Dineo chuckles on the other
end of the line as she picks up the irritation in
her tone.

“Anyway, why didn’t you tell me he’s so hot?

Damn girl he’s hot, pictures don’t do him
justice.”

“What did you expect, I mean look at me and

look at my sister of course my brother would be
hot duh.”

Dineo proudly says

“Ai no muhle plus he’s financially stable

judging by the beast he’s driving.”
“You haven’t seen the least of it, he’s a senior
software developer at Microsoft.”

“What? Shut the front door! He’s loaded mos.”

“Yeah, he is. He just comes from humble

beginnings, so he didn’t allow money to change
him, but he’s loaded. Do what you need to do
to make him fall for you. I can’t stand seeing
that girl with my brother.”

“You never told me why you don’t like her?”

“No reason, I just don’t. Plus she’s 11 years

younger than him, there’s no love there she’s in
it for the money.”
“Yeah, she’s still a kid.”

“Themba deserves someone mature, one whose

settled and has a kid of her own. How can she
possibly love Bophelo when she doesn’t have a
child? You’re the perfect person for my brother,
you have Lindo he has Bophelo and together
you make a perfect family.”

“Yeah, I give his son a mother’s love and he

gives my daughter a father’s love.”

“Exactly, I can’t think of anyone more perfect

for my brother than you. You’re exactly what
he needs.”
“Don't worry about it chomam’, I have this on
lockdown. You know me mos, no man can
resist my charms Themba will be mine.”

“That’s the spirit, sis in law”

Ntsiki giggles already picturing herself as

Themba’s girlfriend, they would make a perfect
couple. They would definitely serve couple
goals, alongside their kids they would be a
perfect family.

“ You got it skoni, I should hang up now. He’s

coming back to the car.”
“Okay, bye b*tch.”

“Bye.”

MELOKUHLE

When we got to the Mofokeng residence I

opted to stay back in the car when Nthati and
her kids went in, this is Koketso’s parents
house, so I didn’t think it’d be a good idea for
me to go in with Nthati especially because I’m
with Themba now.
“Hey, sorry if I took long but my youngest
wanted to leave with me.”

Nthati says when she gets back inside the car

“It’s okay, I had my phone to entertain and

keep me company.”

She smiles kindly at me and starts the car

“So, Melo I don’t think we have given each

other a chance to really get to know each other
better. So how about we do that now, tell me
more about Melo?”
I rejected two of her lunch date invites because
I knew Dineo would be there and I’d rather not
be around Dineo well unless I’m compelled to,
so we didn’t really see each other much after
the first time we got introduced. Which was last
December.

“Uhm.. I honestly don’t know what to say so

how about you ask me questions and I’ll
answer.”

“Okay that works for me, so do you have any

siblings?”

“Yes, two. Buhlebendalo, my big sister and best

friend and Anele the last born but I’m only a
year older than her.”
“So, you’re the middle child?”

“Kahle kahle.”

I say and we laugh

“Have you introduced my brother to your

parents yet?”

“What? Ukhumalo akahlanyi nje ngathi

ngiyabona sengithi “dad meet my boyfriend” yo
that would be literally my last day on earth. My
parents are old school, the only time they
would allow me to introduce my boyfriend to
them is if I’m pregnant or when he’s marrying
me other than that, forget it.”

She titters

“You’re crazy, I like your energy.”

“Well, I like yours too.”

We smile at each other and fall into

comfortable silence

“Haw’ sewucedile ngemibuzo njalo?”

(Are you done with the questions)

I say after a few minutes of utter and complete
silence, I’m a talker I can’t keep my mouth shut
for too long.

“I didn’t want to bombard you with questions

but since you don’t mind, I’ll ask. Please don’t
take this the wrong way ne but are you sure
you’ll be able to love my nephew like your
own? I’m asking because Bophelo lost his
mother when he was born, he has never
experienced a mother’s love is-he’s only ever
known his father’s love and the love he
receives from us and his grandparents. Do you
think you’ll be able to love him as your own
even when you and Themba have your own
kids in the future?”
“I could lie and say yes I will love him like my
own and treat him the same even when I have
my own kids because that’s what you want to
hear but I won’t, I’ll be honest with you. I love
Bophelo, I love him because he’s Themba’s son
but him and I haven’t bonded as a mother and
son yet. The relationship we have is good, but
we don’t have that mother and son bond, but I
hope we’ll get there one day. I love kids and I
would never discriminate between them, so yes
I’ll treat him like I would do my own.”

“Thank you for your honesty.”

“Sure.”

.
.

SABELO

After praying for Sphe’s life with the family,

Ndalo and I went to visit her at the hospital. I
will never get used to seeing her in that
condition, just lying there with all those drips
and machines connected to her and bruises
covering her face. She looks better than she did
when we found her, in terms of the bruises that
is but her health keeps deteriorating which
each passing day and I’m afraid we might lose
her. Dad is looking to find a specialist who can
help Sphe, I hope he finds one before it’s too
late, it'll take a miracle for Sphe to recover
because it honestly doesn’t look good. But, If
there’s anything I’ve learnt since I started
praying and reading the word, it’s that he’s a
God of impossibilities there’s nothing
impossible for him.

When I finally got to my place after spending

more than an hour behind the wheel, I
freshened up and started practicing math
preparing myself for my exam tomorrow. A
hard knock on the front door disturbs me, since
I’m not expecting any visitors I ignore it with
hopes that Moeketsi will tend to it soon, but the
knocking persists until I have no choice but to
get up from my chair and go get the door.

“Hey”

Says a chubby caramel skinned girl.

“Hi”

“I’m sorry for banging on the door but I really

need to see Moeketsi.”

She doesn’t look anything like the type of girls

Moeketsi hangs around, I could be wrong but
she looks reserved, calm and somewhat
innocent. I wonder what she’s doing with
Moeketsi but ke it’s none of my business, I
open the door wider allowing her in and retreat
to my room without saying a word.

“Uhm..”
She says standing on my door

“What?”

“I’m sorry but I didn’t find him in his room.”

“So, what must I do?”

I’m losing my patience; time is not on my side I

need to study and this girl keeps disturbing me.

“I thought you’d tell me where to find him”

“I don’t know where he is, I’m not his keeper.”

I expect her to leave after my harsh response
but she asks more questions instead.

“What are you studying, is it mathematical

statics?”

Now that gets my attention

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“Because I’m in the same class as you.”

“What? You lie!”

I say after taking a good look at her trying to
remember if I’ve seen her face before.

“I’m telling you, you’re always with the tall buff

Indian guy and the cute colored one.”

She definitely knows me

“Why have I never seen you before?”

“I don’t know, I guess I’m invisible.”

“Come on, that’s not true.”

“Yeah right, says someone who didn’t notice
me after being in the same class as me for an
entire year. Yeah right, I believe you.”

“Come on, now you’re making me feel bad.”

“Don’t, anyway it seems like you’re struggling

that’s why you’re being so rude. Mind if I
help?”

“You?”

“Yes, me.”

“No, thanks.”
“Wow, you doubt my capabilities right? Never
judge a book by it’s cover, you’d be surprised.”

“Okay but I’m really okay.”

“You sure?”

I’m not but I don’t need another Lerato in my

life, I just fixed things with my girlfriend.

“Yep.”

“Okay.”
The door opens and I hear Moeketsi's voice,
he’s talking with someone else. I think it’s Max

“He’s here, I’ll leave you to your books then.”

“Yeah.”

“And by the way, the answer to 11.3 is 12 not

10.”

She says looking at my answer sheet

“What?”
“You’re doing it wrong but like you said, you’re
fine so I’ll leave you to it.”

She says with her arms raised as a sign of

surrender and walks off, I check the answers on
the back of my textbook and she’s right the
answer is 12, damn I thought I was doing it
right OMG maybe I shouldn’t have gone to
Emba. The exam will most likely show me
flames tomorrow!

NEO
I waited until it was dark and sneaked inside
the complex, like yesterday the guards didn’t
see me. How could they see me when they’re
busy playing a game of cards and discussing
the beautiful women who live in the complex,
bloody perverts! When I get to Ndalo’s
apartment I notice that all the lights are
switched off, that boy probably tired her that’s
why she retired to bed early tonight. Just
thinking about it has my blood boiling and bile
rising to my stomach leaving a bitter taste in
my mouth, how dare he? He should be playing
with other kids his age not having sex with an
older woman, he should seriously find someone
his age and leave Ndalo to me-she’s too much
of a woman for a boy like him anyway.
Breaking inside her house was easier than I
thought it would be, I amble around the house
with my phone in hand, with the flash light on
careful not to make a noise and wake her. My
member tightens and grows inside my pants
when I find her sleeping in her bedroom, her
back is against the headboard she’s top less
straddling my princess in her arms. She
probably dozed off while breastfeeding her, she
looks so beautiful.

My dick throbs when I look at her swollen

breasts, they look better than I imagined them
she’s just so perfect. She has a duvet cover on
her lower body, my dick grows harder when I
imagine her naked underneath those covers I’m
tempted to pull them and check but I can’t risk
her waking up and seeing me here now that
would definitely make her to hate me. I’m sure
she’ll think I’m crazy or something so I guess
for now my imagination will have to do. I lower
myself on the single couch across her bed,
unbuckle my belt and drop my pants pooling
them on my knees and give myself a hand job
looking at her plump boobs imagining my dick
sandwiched between them now that would be a
pretty sight. I bite my forearm to swallow the
loud groans that threaten to escape my throat
when I reach my climax, fuck I can’t wait for
the day where I’ll bury myself deep inside her
warmth.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#85

After long speeches from Dineo’s family and

friends expressing how proud they were of her
for graduating despite everything she’s been
through it’s finally time for food, what Melo
noted is that everyone who stood in front to
give a speech all mentioned how strong she
was for graduating even after everything she
went through in the past year. Whatever
happened to her sounds big, her eyes shine
with unshed tears everytime someone praises
her strength for soldering on and for the first
time Melo can see the pain hidden underneath
all her bitchy behavior. Could it be that Dineo
is not actually a bad person and is only treating
her like she does because of the pain she’s been
through or rather is still going through- because
it’s evident that she’s still in pain, whatever it is
that happened to her is still hurting her.

Sometimes pain changes people and Dineo

wouldn’t be the first one, maybe she should try
being more kind to her instead of matching her
behavior and being a b*tch. She sinks her teeth
on the chicken, takes a bite and chews with her
eyes shut savouring the delicious taste
tantalizing her taste buds, her phone pings on
top of the table disturbing her intimate moment
with food. She glances at the screen and sees
that it’s a message from Themba, she sucks the
sauce from her fingers and wipes her hand with
a serviette before tapping the screen to open
the message.

I MISS YOU, PLEASE COME HERE OR

SHOULD I COME THERE.

A smile embraces her face after reading the

message and swivels to look at Themba, their
eyes lock and he gives her a puppy look she
sighs finally giving in to his demands and
stands up with her plate in her hands heading
towards his table.

Like any other graduation party Dineo and all

the other graduates have their own separate
table. Themba, Nthati and her husband are
graduates so they are sitting on Dineo’s table
dressed in their graduation gowns, everyone
looks so good seeing them like this gave Melo
the determination to pass and graduate. There
are a few things that can’t be bought and
education is one of them, she can’t wait to
finish school and be a graduate like them.

She can already imagine the pride that will

grace her parents faces, her mother was so
excited and couldn’t wait to tell everyone who
was willing to listen about her graduate
daughter when her sister, Ndalo graduated.
Mam’Oratile looks equally proud of her
daughter, and Melo can’t wait to make her own
mother proud.
At first Themba didn’t want to sit with the
other graduates because he didn’t want Melo to
sit with strangers, he didn’t interrupt her study
plans and bring her so far only for her to feel
neglected and alone but Dineo wouldn’t hear it
she wanted her brother dressed in his regalia
and sitting next to her. Melo assured Themba
that she would be fine on her own and didn’t
need to be babied “it’s not like you’re going far,
we’ll be in the same room so stop being
dramatic” she had said, giving Themba no
choice but to give in to his sister’s demands.

“I missed you.”

Themba says when Melo sits next to him

“I drama yakho buti.”

(You’re dramatic)

She replies with a smile on her face

“I really missed you.”

“I missed you too babe.”

They look at each other and smile as though

they haven’t seen each other for years.

“Uhm I’m sorry Melo but only graduates are

allowed to sit here.”
Dineo says with a big fake smile pasted on her
face, putting on a show for her brother.

“Aw’ kahle Dineo, the formal part of the event

is over let my girlfriend be.”

“I’m sorry, I was just saying.”

“Don’t say anything, rather keep quiet if you

don’t know what to say.”

“Babe, take it easy.” Melo

Knowing that Dineo is going through something

has changed her perspective, she’s hurting and
being scolded is the last thing she needs.
“I’m sorry buti I didn’t mean to offend anyone,
I’m sorry Melo.”

Apologizes Dineo with a low voice

“It’s okay.” Melo says with a sympathetic smile

“So, how old are you?”

Asks Dineo’s friend Ntsiki, the question is

directed at Melo.

“Excuse me?”
“I asked how old you are.” Ntsiki

“21”

“Hmm, This pork is so delicious don’t you want

to taste?” Ntsiki

She says already pushing her fork towards

Themba’s mouth. He pushes her hand off
making it slip from her hands landing on the
other side of the table missing Nthati’s face
only by a few inches. Nthati who’s been so
engrossed on the conversation with her
husband looks up with confusion clouding her
features. Confused as to why food is being
thrown at her
“Don’t you ever do that again, we are not
friends ngicela ungalinge nje ung’jwayele kabi
yeses!”

Themba spits boiling in anger

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean any harm” Ntsiki

“What’s going on?”

Nthati asks, her eyes darting between Themba

and Ntsiki.
“I’m sorry, I just wanted Themba to taste the
pork. I didn’t mean any harm, I’m sorry.”

She stands up and runs out to the door with

tears rolling down her cheeks, Dineo looks at
her brother with disapproval before running
after her friend.

“Let’s go.”

Themba says looking at Melo

“Babe, come on”

“You’ll find me outside”

With that said, he stands up and walks out.
Nthati stands up and follows her brother to try
and find out what happened.

“ Great just great! Themba just gave his sister

more reasons to dislike me.”

Melo mutters under her breath

SABELO
Like I predicted the exam showed me flames
but I’m hopeful that I’ll pass if I don’t then I
hope I got enough to qualify for supplementary
exam, I have to pass I can’t afford to repeat a
module. That would mean adding another year
to my studies and I honestly can’t have that.

“I respect math”

Cam says when he walks out of the

examination room looking flushed or is it
defeated?

“I’m sure you did better than me, I'm hoping for
a 50% at least.”
“You’ll pass man stop stressing. Kev won’t
come out until the invigilator says time up.”

He says looking at the door as students keep

walking out of the exam venue, one after the
other.

“You know him.”

The chubby caramel skinned girl from

yesterday walks out and smiles when her eyes
land on me. I smile back, she then walks
towards Cam and I.

“Hi”
Cam greets back

“Do you believe me now?” she says

“ Yeah, I honestly thought you were lying.”

“Well I wasn’t.”

Cam clears his throat, I look at him and

remember that I haven’t introduced him to this
girl.

“Oh excuse my lack of manners, Cam this is?”

“Katlego.”
“Yes, Katlego. Katlego this is Cam.”

“Nice to meet you.”

He says shaking her hand

“Nice to meet you too, I should get going. It

was nice seeing you again Sabelo.”

“I never told you my name”

“Yeah, I know but your roommate did. Bye

guys.”
“Bye.”

Cam and I say at the same time and watch her

until she disappears into the corner taking the
stairs.

“I hope this isn’t another Lerato.”

He says still looking at the corner where

Katlego disappeared to.

“I’ve learnt from my mistakes man, you can

relax. I’m not befriending that girl.”

“You better not, you don’t want to lose Ndalo.

Trust me, she’ll leave you this time.”
“I know.”

“Katlego looks innocent and harmless but you

know what they say, never judge a book by it’s
cover.”

“I heard you man.”

“Yeah, I just want to drill it into your head. I

don’t want you to lose your baby mama, I
know how much you love her”

“I already told you that I won’t repeat my

mistakes, leave me alone man!”
“I only want the best for you, it all comes from
a good place.”

I walk away when Kevin walks out of the exam

venue

“And then?”

I hear him asking Cam behind me

“He’s angry because I told him the truth.”

“What did he do?”

I hate how these two treat me like I’m some
sort of player who can’t resist any girl that
comes his way, I made mistakes in my
relationship but I’ve never cheated on Ndalo.
These two should just chill and stop trying to
parent me, I left my father in Embalenhle.

NDALO

“I don’t want to come between siblings.”

I’m on videocall with Melo

“But you didn’t do anything wrong Melo, she
did that all on her own. I still don’t understand
what this Dineo girl has against you.”

“I wish I knew, but maybe she’s acting out

because of whatever she’s going through. I
don’t know what happened to her but whatever
it was, it’s a big thing.”

“So, does that mean she should give you

attitude? Everyone is going through something,
imagine if we all treated people badly because
we’re going through something.”

“You’re right but I don’t want to come between

them.”
“I know but she’s the one who started this
whole thing, you didn’t have any problem with
her.”

“Yeah eish, anyway where’s my beautiful

niece?”

“Here she is”

I say rotating the phone to show Hlelo who’s on

the floor crawling

“Mami!”
She startles when she hears Melo’s voice and
looks around the house in search of her.

“I’m here my baby.”

She looks at the screen and smiles when she

sees Melo and pokes my phone trying to touch
her

“I miss you wena”

Hlelo giggles and replies with those baby

sounds

“Ya mama uzomphathela i chocolate yena”

Melo
( Yes, I’ll bring you a chocolate.)

“Yo angeke Melo, iyandenda lengane. So

please, strictly no sweets.”

“Ah mara ses’Ndalo mos uyay’thanda.”

(But she likes it)

“No, Melo. Hlelo isn’t supposed to eat sweets.”

“Eish I’m sorry little one, your mother said no.

What should I buy then?”
“Anything as long as it’s not sweets. On second
thoughts do buy that chocolate, I’ll eat it Hlelo
uzayithola ebeleni.”

( Hlelo will get on my breast)

She laughs

“Awusanga nje!”

(You’re silly)

“Nex, I’m her mother I’ll eat on her behalf.”

“Poor Hlelo.”
“Mtasekhaya something weird happened this
morning yaz.”

“What?”

“Last night before going back to bed I took a

bath and hanged my underwear on the bath
tub, I thought I’d hang it outside this morning
but I didn’t find it this morning when I wanted
to take it outside. I only found my bath towel.”

“What, did you check properly?”

“I did Melo, countless times and my underwear

is still missing. I honestly don’t know what to
think.”
“Yo, do you think someone broke into your
house while you were sleeping?”

“I don’t know what to think, everything was

the way I left it when I went to bed only my
underwear was missing.”

“I don’t know but you shouldn’t take this

lightly, people have done despicable things to
other people using their underwear. Bangaku
loya uSabelo akuzonde”

(They can bewitch you and make Sabelo hate

you.)
Sabelo hating me is the least of my worries,
people can do a lot of things using your
underwear including blocking you from getting
married or having kids and many other scary
things.

“I know that’s why I’m worried, I asked the

security at the gate and they say they didn’t see
anyone coming to my room.”

“What about the CCTV footage?”

“It only covers the entrance.”

“Yo Ses’Ndalo please don’t take this lightly.”

“I won’t but at the same time I don’t know
what to do or where to start, who would take
my underwear and for what?”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#86

“How was your exam?”

My question is accompanied by a yawn

“Yoh, don’t even ask.”

“Was it that bad?”

“It was but I’m hoping for a 50%”

“I know you did better than that, I trust you.”

“Ngiyabonga Sthandwa sam.”

( Thank you my love)

“Uyoze ungigwinye shem ncono ulale

Sthandwa sam plus I need to study.”

(You better sleep before you end up swallowing

me my love)
Sabelo says when I yawn for the fifth time in
the last two minutes, I don’t know what’s
wrong with me today but I feel so sleepy I can
barely keep my eyelids open. Nginesinye
isthongwane esinzima kabi.

“No, there’s something I want to tell you first.”

I want to tell him about my missing panties

“You’ll tell me about it tomorrow, you can

barely keep your eyes open I think it’s best if
we talk about it tomorrow.”

“Okay.”
I say and yawn yet again. He laughs

“Ai shem, I’ve never seen you like this lala

Sthandwa sam we’ll talk tomorrow.
Ngiyak’thanda.”

( Sleep my love) ( I love you)

“Goodnight, I love you more.”

He blows a kiss, I snatch it and lock it on my

heart. He laughs and ends the video call. I
switch off my data and drift to sleep the
moment my head hits the pillow.

.
.

SABELO

Moeketsi and his friend Max keep walking in

and out of the room and speaking on top of
their voices disturbing me from my books, I
can’t have what happened today repeat itself
on my next exam so I have no choice but to
pack my books and take an elevator to the
ground floor. Everyone’s eyes momentarily fall
on me for a few seconds when I walk through
the doors of the study room, I look around the
room and sigh in relief when I spot an empty
seat. I feel eyes digging holes on my back as I
maneuverer my way to the empty seat.
I switch on my PC, pluck earphones on my ears
and listen to music while studying blocking out
everyone in the room. Unlike yesterday, today
my brain is absorbing everything I’m studying
like water to a sponge, I’m lost in the moment
when I feel a tap on my shoulder

“Can you please keep it down, you’re making it

hard for me to study.”

Was I singing out loud?

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.”
Her focus goes back to her books. Someone
giggles next to me and I look up only to come
face to face with Katlego, i can’t believe I
didn’t see her.

“You were in the zone ne, I’m not surprised

that you didn’t see me”

She says still laughing

“Tell me about it.”

“Shhh!”

Says the girl who just warned me about my

noise
“Sorry.”

I mouth to her but she rolls her eyes causing

Katlego and I to laugh

“Can you guys keep it down, we are trying to

study here.”

Shouts a tall guy sitting next to the door. I turn

and fix my gaze on the screen in front of me but
Katlego pokes the side of my tummy with her
finger disturbing me, my mistake is turning my
head and looking at her face because we both
burst out laughing as soon as our eyes meet.
“No, this is not on. You guys should leave, we
are trying to study here.”

The tall guy next to the door says sounding

irritated and everyone inside the room echoes
his sentiments.

“Let’s go.” Katlego

She says still laughing, already on her feet

shoving her books inside her backpack. I stand
up and pack my books and laptop inside my
bag before following her to the door, we
instantly start laughing all over again the
moment the door shuts close. We laugh for a
good 2 minutes before the laughter dies down
“You’re such a bad influence, you got me
kicked out of the study room on my first day.”

I say wiping the tears rolling down my face. I

can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard,
my tummy even hurts from all the laughing I
did.

“I’m sorry but I couldn’t help it, you should’ve

heard yourself singing yo you were totally off
tune.”

“What? you lie. I sing very well.”

“Kuphi ubhimba kangaka”

(You are a bad singer.)

“Mina? Bhimba! You wish, my vocals are on

the same level as John Legend's.”

My statement causes her to laugh hysterically.

“Wow! You just bruised my ego.”

I have my hand on my chest pretending to be

hurt

“Damn, you’re so funny. I can’t remember the

last time I laughed this much, thank you.”
“You’re welcome I guess.”

I answer with a shrug

“So, what’s the plan since your terrible singing

had me chased out from the study room?”

“I don’t know about you but I’m going back to

my room, hopefully Moeketsi will keep it down
so I can study.”

“Knowing him I doubt it, why don’t you come

with me to my room. It’ll be fun, we’ll study
together and avoid making mistakes you know
like getting 10 instead of 12.”
“I don’t think that’s such a good idea.”

“Why not, what are you scared of?”

“Nothing, it’s not appropriate for me to be in

your room.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m someone’s boyfriend, my girl

won’t appreciate it.”

“Wow, sounds to me like mogirl is insecure but

I don’t blame her. You’re quite a catch, I
wouldn’t let you out of my sight if you were
mine.”
“She’s not insecure, there’s no reason for her to
be insecure because I only have eyes for her.”

“In that case, there shouldn’t be a problem if

you to come with me to my room.”

“Nah, I’ll pass. Sharp Katlego.”

I say and call the elevator to the ground floor, it

doesn’t take long before the steel doors open
and I make my way inside

“I hope you're not thinking of following me to

my room.”
I say when she gets inside the elevator with me

“Psssh, get over yourself. I’m going to my

room.”

“Hmm.”

We fall into akward silence until the elevator

stops on the fourth floor

“Happy studying.” Katlego

With that said she steps out of the elevator, I

guess her room is in the fourth floor.
“Thanks, you too.”

I say and press the button to close the elevator

doors.

NEO

Last night when I was here I saw an empty

glass of milk on top of Ndalo’s bedside table,
assuming she’s one of those people who take a
glass of milk before bed I crushed a number of
sleeping tablets and poured them inside a jug of
milk I found inside the fridge. Getting off while
imagining my hard shaft in between her
swollen boobs was amazing and I want to do it
again, but I can’t risk her waking up and
catching me in the act especially with the
restraining order she has against me so I was
left with no choice but to drug her.

I was looking forward to this moment the

whole day and sniffing her panties made my
anticipation soar, all I had in my mind the
whole day was seeing her nakedness and
getting myself off while looking at her beautiful
body.

Just like yesterday, getting inside the complex

was easy and swift. From her faint breathing
and soft snores I know she’s sleeping, and the
empty glass of milk on top of her bedside table
confirms what I already knew- she drank the
drugged milk. I switch on the light to gauge her
reaction and see whether the sleeping pills have
knocked her into a state of total
unconsciousness like I wanted. She’s sleeping
on her side with the covers under her chin, her
mouth slightly open drooling on the pillow- my
heart swells at the beautiful sight before me
and I give in to the sudden urge I have to take
pictures of her. She looks like an angel, so
beautiful and sweet.

Her beautiful melanin skin looks soft like a

baby's bum, damn I’m tempted to sing
Beyoncé’s brown skin girl everytime I see her- I
swear whoever wrote it had her in mind. Those
thick pouty lips are tempting, I wonder how
amazing they would feel wrapped around my
shaft. With lips that look like that I’m sure she
gives the best head. I amble next to the bed and
peel the covers to reveal her body, damn she’s
naked like I thought.

I pick up her hand and watch it drop back to

her chest, good this means she’s totally out and
won’t wake up while I’m busy with her. I
discard all off my clothes and peel the covers to
reveal her entire body, my dick throbs and
releases precum at the sight of her shaved fat
pussy. I carefully push her body so that she’s
lying on the bed skyward so that nothing is
hidden from my greedy eyes.

“You’re so beautiful.”
I say and cup her breast in my hand. Damn,
they feel so full and heavy, it must be Hlelo’s
milk. I have a sudden urge to put her dark
nipples inside my warm mouth and suck on
them and the thought of tasting baby’s milk
intensifies my desire. I get on top of her and
suck on her boobs while grinding on top of her
naked body, damn this feels even better than
what I had in mind.

I suck and swallow the breastmilk, I then move

my kisses down to her stomach and loins. I put
my hands under her butt and put her legs on
my shoulders and dip my head on her fat
pu***, the smell is intoxicating but the taste is
even better I alternate between sucking, biting
and licking on her clit and labial lips.

The baby cries inside her cot startling me just

when I’m about to plunge my dick inside of her,
I jump down and pick Hlelo up trying to hush
her down but she cries even more probably
because of an unfamiliar face. I put her back in
her cot and pick up my clothes and escape
through the window before a neighbour or
security budges in here to see what’s going on.

NARRATED
Hlelo’s piercing cries wake Busi from sleep. She
shakes her boyfriend waking him up from
sleep.

“What?”

The boyfriend asks, eyes heavy with sleep.

“Can you hear that? It sounds like Hlelo is

crying.”

“Yeah, so? Kids cry all the time ”

He says unable to musk his irritation.

“Something is wrong, Ndalo never let’s her
daughter cry this much.”

“Mind your business Busi.”

He says and goes back to sleep giving Busi his

back. Busi sighs and sleeps on her back, maybe
her boyfriend is right she should probably mind
her business.

Five minutes later the baby is still crying, she

kicks off the blankets and wears her robe and
sleepers before heading to the front door. She’s
been occupying the apartment next to Ndalo’s
for months now and she’s never heard the baby
cry so much, something is definitely wrong.
“Ndalo! Ndalo!”

She bellows hitting her knuckles at the door

but there’s no reply yet the lights are switched
on.

“Security!”

One of the guard comes running.

“Something is wrong inside here, please open

the door for me.”
“Ma’am I can’t do that without getting
permission from the owner.”

“Are you crazy? Can’t you hear the child

screaming her little lungs inside? Do you think
her mother would let her cry like this, open up I
think something is wrong with Ndalo.”

“Yes, I agree with her. Open the door,

something is wrong, I’ve been this girl’s
neighbour since she first moved in here and I
know her well enough to know that she would
never let her daughter cry this much unless
something is wrong with her open up.”
Says another one of Ndalo’s neighbours. More
people have woken up and are standing outside
Ndalo’s apartment.

“Open, what if she’s in danger? Do you want to

wait until she dies for you to open the door?”

Spits another tenant

“Okay, I’ll open. Ndlovu, please bring the spare

keys for room 12 on second floor.”

He says speaking into the microphone.

A minute later his colleague runs up the stairs

with the keys dangling in his hands.
“Apartment number 12?” security1.

“Yes.” Security2

“There’s a key inside, the door won’t open.”

Security2

“So? Kick it down, do we have to tell you

everything.”

Says a panicky Busi

“These people are useless.” Remarks someone

from the crowd
“It’s open.” Security2 says after successfully
kicking it down

Busi is the first one inside after the two guards,

Hlelo’s cries lead them to the bedroom but the
guards halt at the door when they see Ndalo’s
nakedness. Busi rushes inside and covers her
with the blankets before anyone else sees her
while another female neighbour gets in and
takes Hlelo from her cot. She instantly stops
crying

“Ndalo! Ndalo!”
Busi screams trying to wake her but nothing
seems to work

“Something is wrong, akekho nje umuntu olala

afe kanje noma sekuthiwani.”

( No one sleeps like this.)

One of the guards says

“Mtheleni ngamanzi.”

( Pour her with water)

Security2 suggests.
Someone from the crowd bolts to the kitchen
and comes back with a bucket of cold water,
the guard takes it and splashes Ndalo with it.

“What’s going on? Where’s my daughter?”

Those are the first words out of her mouth

when she opens her eyes and sees people
surrounding her. She's shivering and drenched

“Do you know what happened?” Security1

“I don’t know anything, please don’t tell me

something happened to my daughter. Where’s
she, where’s my daughter?”
Ndalo asks in a panicky tone, tears already
rolling down her cheeks.

“Relax, nothing happened to your daughter.

That lady has her, she was crying hysterically
so your neighbours got worried and asked us to
open the door.”

“What?”

She asks feeling like the worst mother on earth,

what kind of mother is she to sleep peacefully
while her daughter is crying?

“Please give her to me.”

The lady holding Hlelwenkosi steps forward
and gives her to her mother. Ndalo plants
several kisses on her face, her heart breaks
when she sees the dried up tears on her
daughter’s face- what kind of mother is she?
Sabelo will go crazy if he finds out that his
princess was crying her eyes out while she
slept.

“Did you take anything before bed?” Security2

“Nothing, I only drank a glass of milk.”

“You drank from that glass?”

Busi asks pointing at the glass on her bedside
table

“Yeah.”

“I think we should call the police, I suspect

someone drugged you. We found you lying on
the bed naked.”

More tears pour down Ndalo’s face at the

thought of someone touching her
inappropriately in her sleep, first it was her
underwear now this. She wasn’t sure before but
now she’s sure, someone breaks into her house
in the middle of the night while she’s sleeping.
Who knows what he does to her, no wonder
she felt so sleepy- the milk she drank was
drugged!

Her heart drops at the thought of him touching

her daughter, Hlelo no longer cries at night
what if he was trying to molest her and that’s
why her daughter cried?.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#87

“Please stop crying, your daughter will sense

that you’re not okay.” Busi
She hasn’t left my side.

The police took the glass of milk for testing and

took fingerprints around the house, if the
culprit wasn’t wearing gloves when he broke
into my apartment he’ll be found and brought
to justice, Hlelo and myself went to the hospital
for an examination to be certain that the
intruder didn’t do anything to us and
fortunately he didn’t. He only drugged me but
there's no sign of penetration.

After what happened I no longer feel safe and I

can’t keep staying here so Busi is helping me
pack mine and Hlelo’s clothes into traveling
bags, the other neighbours left when the police
left.

“Why would anyone drug me and break into

my house in the middle of the night, to do
what?”

I still can't wrap my head around what

happened

“Because they are sick that’s why, have you

told your mom to pick you up?”

“No, not yet but I’ll tell her soon.”

“Okay, you should take a bath while I finish up
here.”

I shake my head

“No, I’ll bath at my mother’s house. I cant wait

to get out of here.”

“Understandable.”

“When are you telling your boyfriend?”

“I’ll tell him.”

“When? I think you should tell him.”

“I know, and I’ll tell him…”

“When?”

“Busi if you’re tired of helping me pack you can

go back to your apartment.”

“I’m sorry.”

I sigh

“I’m sorry, I was rude and you don’t deserve

that.”
“No, don’t apologize. I forgot my place,
Masbulele always tells me to mind my business
because this always happens to me everytime I
try to help someone.”

Ouch!

“I’m sorry, you’re right. I’ll call him.”

I pick up my phone and head to the kitchen to

make a call, Hlelo cries crawling behind me. I
pick her up and carry her on the side of my
waist

“Sthandwa sam.”
“Hey, can you talk?”

“Yes, what’s wrong? Have you been crying?”

“I need to talk to you.”

“Sounds serious.”

“It is, two days ago I took a bath before

heading to bath and hanged my damp
underwear and bath towel on the bath tub but
the underwear was missing yesterday morning
when I wanted to hang it outside.”

“What?”
“Yeah, I looked everywhere and I didn’t find it.
I asked the security guards if they saw anything
but they said they didn’t see anything strange
nor see anyone who isn’t living in the complex
inside the yard.”

“Why didn’t you tell me Ndalo?”

“I wanted to but I could barely keep my eyes

open, you even suggested that I sleep.”

“Don’t make an excuse, why didn’t you tell me

as soon as you realized that your underwear is
missing? I’m sure you realized first thing in the
morning”
“Sabelo you were writing your exam yesterday
so I didn’t want to disturb you.”

“You still should’ve told me!”

“Don’t shout at me!”

He sighs

“You’re right, I’m sorry…I’m just scared okay,

there’s not much I can do to protect you from
here. I feel useless.”

“No, you’re not baby. Don’t think like that..”

“Of course I’m useless, I can’t even protect you
because I’m far from you.”

“Baby come on, stop beating yourself up over

something you can’t control. I’m fine, nothing
happened to me.”

If this is how he gets over the missing panties it

means he’ll go crazy when I tell him about
what happened yesterday, I think I shouldn’t
tell him. At least not until he’s done with his
exams

“I think you need to install cameras inside your

apartment, or maybe move to another place.
That complex is not safe, if someone can walk
in and out of your apartment undetected then
your life is in danger. You need to move.”

“You’re right, but for now I’m moving back

home.”

“Do that, it’ll put my heart at ease.”

“I am moving today.”

“Yeah, the sooner the better. I suspect that guy

whose obsessed with you, who is it again? Oh
yeah it was Neo. I think it was him, he’s the
only one I can think of.”
“You’re right, it makes sense. I’ll tell the police
my suspicions.”

“Yes, do that. I only have two exams left, then

I’ll be home with you.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Or maybe you should come down to Joburg,

we’ll go back together after my exams what do
you think?”

“What? That’s crazy.”

“Please love, I’ll talk to my roommate and

bribe the security at the gate. Please say yes”
“Won’t I disturb you?”

“No, you’ll have Hlelo to keep you company

while I study.”

I laugh

“ As if your daughter will let you study, she’ll

be clinging to you for dear life.”

“I’ll study in the study room then please say

yes.”
I can’t imagine myself at my big age being
sneaked inside a student accommodation that
too with my daughter it sounds silly but fun
nonetheless.

“Please mama we ngane yami.”

( Mother of my child)

“Okay.”

“Yeeees, I’ll be there in the afternoon to pick

you up.”

I hope I don’t regret this.

.

KATLEGO

I can’t seem to get Sabelo out of my mind, he’s

so handsome but what attracted me to him was
his personality not his striking good looks. He’s
just so calm and humble, I’ve always seen him
but was always afraid to talk to him because I
thought he was rude but he’s a total opposite.
How we laughed ourselves silly yesterday at
the study room was fun, we connected like
we’ve known each other for years and I can’t
help but wonder how we would be as friends.
I’m pretty sure we would make good friends, I
can’t wait to see him again
“Madam what’s on your mind?”

Says my roommate sitting on my bed

“Nothing, shouldn’t you be studying?”

“I wont let you change the topic, tell me about

the guy you’re day dreaming about?”

“What guy?”

“So it’s a girl, olalala!”

I Laugh
“Lentle!”

“So, tell me. Do I know her?”

“Please leave, I want to study.”

“I’m not going anywhere until you tell me

about that girl.”

“Okay, I’ll tell you.”

Her face instantly lights up, she loves news this

one.
“ It’s not a girl, it’s a guy. I don’t know if you
know him, he’s Moeketsi’s roomie. Sabelo.”

She screams

“OMG! You’re talking about the cute coloured

guy, I also had a crush on him at some point.”

“Lol, why am I not surprised?”

She chuckles

“Well he’s everyone’s crush, he’s so hot and

has a body to die for it’s a pity he’s committed
to his girlfriend.”
My heart sinks, so it’s true? I thought he was
just joking. I’ve never seen him with anyone.

“Have you seen her? Is she beautiful?”

“No, I’ve never seen or met her but Max says

her photos are all over his room. He’s so in love
with her.”

“Wow, he really loves her ne?.”

“From what I heard, yes he does and they have

a daughter together.”
“Yoh that’s deep.”

I say feeling defeated

“Yeah, don’t worry you’ll get over fantasies you

have of the two of you together.”

“What? I don’t have any fantasies, I only like

him as a friend.”

“If you say so, let me go back to my books.”

SABELO
“Can’t believe you really came, you’re crazy
wena yaz”

“About you, yes I am.”

“Okay let’s go drop off some of my luggage at

my mother’s house and leave for Joburg.”

“No problem but you’re driving, I want to bond

with my baby.”

“I knew it.”

I Laugh at her
“You didn’t tell me why your door is broken?”

“I lost my keys so I asked my neighbour to kick

it down.”

“When?”

“This morning”.

“You’re lying Ndalo, what really happened?”

“I swear you can ask him, should I call him for

you.”
“Are you sure you’re not lying to me?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

I lead the way taking my daughter with

****

I live at an off campus residence and the rules

are not as strict as on campus would be, but
even so they only allow visits not sleep overs
but people always bribe the security and sneak
their partners in for the entire weekend. I never
thought I’d be one of those but I really miss my
girl and after what happened yesterday with
her missing panties, I need her next to me. At
least Hlelo no longer cries unnecessarily so I
doubt anyone will know there’s a baby in my
room.

I gave Douglas R200 and just like that Ndalo

was allowed inside the building. We are in my
room now, I just walked back inside the room I
was downstairs picking up our dinner from the
delivery guy.

“This is beautiful.”

She says looking at the pictures on the wall

with a smile on her face.
“Yeah, I wanted to feel you close.”

“You’re so sweet baby but I still think we

should’ve booked into a hotel, I don’t want us
to get caught.”

I laugh

“Relax ma ka Hlelo, no one is getting caught.

No one cares, they don’t check our rooms so
you can relax.”

“You’re silly, we should’ve gone to the hotel.”

“No I didn’t want you spending money
unnecessarily, Christmas is upon us you’ll buy
me Christmas clothes with that money.”

She laughs

“Haibo, njani!”

“Kahle, bathi omdala ku relationship should

buy the younger one Christmas clothes.”

( They say the older one in the)

She laughs

“Forget it, I’m not buying you anything.”

“Ouch, that hurts. Let’s eat before the food gets
cold.”

“Ok let me put her to sleep.”

She puts Hlelo under covers

“Sabelo how are we going to sleep with the

baby ku single bed? Angeke we need to book a
room.”

“I hate to admit but you’re right it won’t work,

that part totally slipped my mind. Hold on let
me talk to my roommate, you can eat so long.”
“Okay.”

A cloud of smoke welcomes me from the door

the moment I open the door to Moeketsi’s
room, he’s lying skyward smoking weed.

“Hey man, I need a favour.”

“Sure, what favour?”

“Can you like borrow me your mattress for

tonight, I’ll put it on the floor so my daughter
can sleep there. The three of us won’t fit on a
single bed.”

“What?”
“Please man, I’ll pay you if I have to. Just for
tonight, tomorrow I’ll take them to a hotel, I
would do it now but its already late and you
know Jozi ain’t safe. I can’t take risks with
their lives.”

“Okay, there’s no need to do beg man. I’ll crash

with one of the girls I bang with, I really don’t
mind. Anything for the little Queen”

“Thanks man.”

“You’ll tell me when you want to sleep.”

“Thanks again man.”

I go back to Ndalo and tell her all about it, she
suggests that we be the one’s who sleep on
Moeketsi’s matrass because who knows what
he’s done with whom on that matrass, Hlelo
will use mine.

A knock on the door disturbs us, it must be

Moeketsi.

“Come in.”

I say and in walks Katlego

“Hi.”
“Hi, what can I do for you?”

I ask wearing a stoic expression on my face, I

really don’t get why she’s here at this time.

“Hi.” Ndalo

“Hi…I’m …uhm..Sabelo I’m sorry, I didn’t

know you had company. I'm struggling with
chapter 7 and I wanted to ask for help.”

She says waving the textbook in her hands

“Well as you can see, I’m with my girl so I

can’t.”
“Come on Sabelo don’t be rude, help the poor
girl if you can. I can wait.” Ndalo

“No, it’s fine I’ll be okay.” Katlego

“No, he’ll help you. Babe, help her I’m sure it

won’t take long.”

She says and gives me a look. I sigh and lead

Katlego to the kitchen.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#88

“Look Katlego I really don’t want to be mean

but I don’t appreciate you coming to my room
especially at this time, you and I are not friends
don’t mistake my kindness for friendship.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cross any

boundaries.”

“Next time you show up to my room at this

hour I won’t be so kind, as a matter of fact I’d
appreciate it if you didn’t show up here at all.”
Yoh, I’ve never been so embarrassed in my
entire existence. Tears are burning my ears
fighting for an escape

“I’m sorry, it’ll never happen again.”

“Yeah, what are you still waiting for? Take your

book and leave.”

I guess I spoke too soon, he’s rude as f***

“You’re right I’ll leave.”

I croak out in a low voice.

I turn on my heels and run to the door with a
tight chest and a heavy heart, I’ve never felt so
embarrassed in my life.

“What’s wrong, why are you crying?”

Lentle asks when she sees my face, she’s in the

kitchen with her friend.

“Nothing, hi.”

“Hi”

Lebo greets back.

“ Lentle please.”

I say when Lentle walks inside my room

“What’s wrong, why are you crying?”

“Nothing, I’m just being a cry baby.”

“No, it can’t be nothing if you’re crying this

much. Talk to me what’s wrong.”

I look up and release a heavy sigh

“It’s Sabelo, he was so rude to me.”

“That jerk, what happened?”

“I went to his room to ask for help from him

and…”

I narrate the entire story to her

“Stupid a**, he’s trying to impress his girlfriend

with you. Report him and pluck out his wings, I
know Ziyanda she’s going to throw out his
girlfriend.”

“No, Lentle it’s late where will she go? Plus she
was kind to me.”
“I don’t care, there are always casualties in
every war. This is the only way you have to get
back at him, it’ll hurt him more than it’ll hurt
her think about it. Don’t you want to hurt him
like he hurt you?”

“No, it’s not that deep. Let it go Lentle, I want

to sleep. Go back to Mbali.”

“Let me know if you change your mind, I’ll

gladly buy you airtime so you can call Ziyanda
“

Ziyanda is the owner of the residence

“I won’t change my mind, please respect my
decision.”

“Okay good girl, people will keep hurting you

because you let them get away with it.”

“Let it go Lentle, rest tu.”

She chortles

“Okay.”

SABELO
I woke up at 5 in the morning and studied until
around 9 when Ndalo and the baby woke up. I
prepared breakfast and we ate together, I’m
with Hlelo in the bedroom while Ndalo is in the
bathroom taking a shower. Her phone rings on
the bed, it’s a call from a landline number. I
pick the call

“Good morning miss Khumalo, this is detective

Zwane. The one in charge of your case, I
prioritized your case like I promised to. I have
the results from the lab, the milk you drank was
laced with triazolam a type of sleeping pill that
stays in the system longer than others which
explains why you couldn’t wake up even when
the baby was crying. We didn’t find anyone’s
fingerprints on the glass except for yours but
I’m confident we will find the culprit using the
prints we found in the apartment. He won’t
escape.”

“Hello? Miss Khumalo are you there?”

I cut the call and toss her phone on the bed.

Hlelo pulls my leg, I look at her and she smiles

at me. I pick her up and head to the bathroom,
to say I’m angry would be putting it lightly.
Like always Ndalo chose to conceal things from
me, she turns off the tap when she hears the
door open
“Am I taking too long?”

She asks sticking her head in between the glass

shower doors.

“Ndalo, why do you insist on lying to me over

and over again?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Drop the act, I know about you being drugged

and my daughter crying her lungs out while you
were out of it.”

“I can explain.”
She steps out of the shower and grabs a towel
and ties it around her body.

“Explain.”

“Can we talk in your room?”

“No, I want to talk here.”

She gasps

“I don’t know what happened but you

remember I was sleepy and drowsy?...I slept
and woke up to..”
She explains her version of events

“Why did you hide it from me? How many

times have we gone through this Ndalo, I’ve
warned you numerous times to stop hiding
things from me and you always promise to do
better only for you to go back and do the same
thing.”

“I was going to tell you after your exams.”

I look at her and shake my head

“You’ll never see me as the man in your life ne?

It doesn’t matter what I do but I’ll forever
remain just a boy in your eyes, you always do
this to me. Every single time and I keep
forgiving and giving you second chances but
you keep ripping out my heart.”

“I’m sorry baby I’ll never do it again.”

“I’m the one who’s sorry that I couldn’t be the

man you need.”

“Please don’t talk like that, I swear I’ll never

repeat my mistake. I promise.”

.
NDALO

I’ve never seen Sabelo look so shattered and

I’m afraid this time I may have gone too far and
reached the limit, I can see it in his eyes he’s
done.

“Sabelo please.”

“Stop crying in front of my daughter, what

impression of me do you want to give her?”

I wipe my tears with my palms

“I’m sorry.”
“Not as sorry as I am, get dressed I'll drive you
back to Embalenhle.”

My heart just dropped to the soles of my feet,

he’s taking me back to Emba? Weren’t we
supposed to go back after his exams?

“Why?”

“What do you mean why? Awuhlali yini

Embalenhle, ubosho phela musuthole enye
indawo.”

( Don’t you live in Embalenhle, tell me if you

have found another place)
“What happened to booking into a hotel and
going back together after your exam?”

“That was the plan before I found out that you

lied to my face and made me a fool, get dressed
I still need to come back and study.”

“Sabelo please.”

“Can we not do this in front of my daughter, I

don’t want her to experience any toxicity my
parents never subjected me to such so I also
won’t expose my daughter to such.”

Iyo!
“Ok.”

“Let me give you space, you’ll tell me when

you’re done.”

With that said he walks out of the room I grab a

pillow on top of the bed and scream my eyes
out, lord knows I never meant to hurt him I was
going to tell him but I didn’t want this affecting
his studies. If I knew I’d lose him then I
wouldn’t have hidden the truth from him.

****

We are driving back to Emba in awkward

silence, Hlelo is sleeping. I haven’t stopped
crying since we left his res and it hurts that he
hasn’t said anything to console me, it’s like he
doesn’t care. He’s looking ahead ignoring my
sniffles, and it hurts like hell.

“Don’t you want to see your parents?”

I say when he takes the road that leads to my

parents place

“I will but after dropping you off at your

house.”

“Okay, I thought we’d go together.”

“You thought wrong.” He says

That is enough to shut me up until he parks
outside the gate and carries the sleeping Hlelo
inside, I follow behind him and meet him at the
door. He’s already on his way out.

“Won’t you stay?”

“So you can lie to me? No. Bye Ndalo.”

He walks past me taking my heart with him. I

swivel and look at him as he walks to the gate,
my chest tightens and tears blind my vision as
a painful lump clogs my throat.

“Sabelo, please don’t go!”

I say and run behind him.

“Please, hear me out.”

“For what? So you can tell me you wanted to

protect me?. I’ve been excusing the sh** that
you do because I thought it was hormones but
you’re no longer pregnant Ndalo, what’s your
excuse now huh?”

“I’m sorry, please forgive me.”

“Why do you like keeping things from me?”

“I was going to tell you, I promise.”

“You’re lying, you always say that but you only

tell me after getting caught. Truth is I’ll never
be man enough in your eyes Ndalo, I will
forever be nothing but a boy you feel the need
to protect. Unfortunately I can’t be with
someone who doesn’t regard me as a man, I
can’t. I love you with all of my heart but it’s
clear I’ll never be man enough for you
regardless of how much I try.”

Tears are rolling down his cheeks as he says

this, breaking my heart into a million pieces.

“Babe please don’t do this, we can talk about

this and fix it.”
He wipes his tears with the hem of his shirt and
opens the driver’s door.

“Please don’t go, at least not like this.”

“Tell my daughter I love her.”

He gets inside the car and drives off leaving

behind a trail of dust. I put my hands on my
face and cry in pain as I watch his car until it
disappears into the corner, I have lost him for
good this time I can feel it in my gut.

.
NEO

“Isn’t that Ndalo’s cheese boy?”

Casper says gesturing towards a white Hyundai

i10 waiting at the robots. I look at him carefully

“I think it’s him”

“And he’s alone in the car.”

I’ll never get another chance like this, I grab my

car keys and trudge to my car

“Neo! Uyaphi manje?”

(Where are you going)

“I’m following him.”

I start the ignition and my engine roars heating

up. I hit the accelerator and speed after him, I
overtake all the cars and drive behind him.
When I’m driving on the lane next to his I roll
down my window

“Cheese boy!” I bellow

He turns to my direction

“Stop the car and let’s have a man to man

conversation.”
“Follow me!” He challenges.

I must admit he’s got balls for a boy his age but
unfortunately for him, today is his last day on
earth. I follow his car to an open field, he’s
already waiting for me when I park my car. I
grab my gun from the glove compartment and
put it on my waist before climbing out of the
car and walking towards him.

“How dare you drug my woman you piece of

sh*t!”

He says throwing a punch on my face.

“Wow, I’m impressed cheese boy!”

“I’ll show you what a cheese boy can do, you’ll

learn to never underestimate people I will teach
you a lesson.”

He throws another punch to my jaw that

instantly has me spitting blood, he’s definitely
stronger than I thought.

“You asked for it cheese boy, I’ll beat your ass

today.”

“Come, I’m ready for you.”

He says with hands balled into fists, I try to
punch him but the boy ducks so I miss. Due to
the force I threw the fist with I stagger and
almost fall to the ground.

He laughs

“You’re so pathetic you don’t even know how

to fight like a man, all you know is to drug
defenseless women and assault them in their
sleep. Ndalo is mine, mine alone. She’ll never
love you, no matter what you do because I rule
her heart like she rules mine.”

“You’re not man enough for her. You are

nothing but a boy.”
“Love knows no age Neo, Ndalo is mine always
has been and always will be. Accept reality and
stop acting like a lunatic busy using distasteful
methods to make her yours. She’ll never be
yours, want to know why? because she’s mine”

His mockery infuriates me, I stand up and

throw a punch on his stomach.

“You punch like a girl”

He laughs and sends a jab under my chin and

grabs my head bringing me down and bashes
me repeatedly with his knee. I wrap my arms
around his legs and try to drop him to the
ground but the boy grabs me and drops me on
the ground like a bag of potatoes instead.

“You’re here busy calling me a cheese boy

when you’re the one who is a cheese boy,
you’re such a disgrace. You can’t fight like a
man.”

He laughs.

His laughter fuels the hate I feel towards him so

I draw my gun and pull the trigger, I may not
be good in fist fighting but I’m an expert when
it comes to shooting. I never miss the target,
the first bullet lands on his stomach while the
last two land on his chest.
A smile embraces my face when he drops to the
floor, blood oozing out of his wounds and from
his mouth.

“Die, so Ndalo and I can be happy with your

daughter.”

I laugh

“He who laughs last laughs the hardest, that’s

what English says.”

I say and head back to my car leaving him on

the ground grunting in pain.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#89

Meyiwa and I have an appointment with a

specialist, Dr Merafe who is said to be one of
the best in the country. From what we’ve
heard, the man is good at what he does and I
guess that’s why his services don’t come cheap.
To pay him, we might have to use all our
savings and even sell Sphe's car yeah that’s
how expensive he is but that’s nothing
compared to our daughter’s life. It’s been
weeks of nothing but anguish, having our
daughter fighting for her life in hospital has
been one of the most difficult times we’ve had
to go through in our marriage. I hope the
specialist and his team can help my daughter.
Im scared but I have faith, not just in science
and medicine but in God too, I’ve been praying
and fasting for my daughter’s health and I’m
confident that she’ll be okay. She must be.

My house doesn’t feel like home without my

kids, it feels empty and cold. It’s even worse
without Mercy and Mamy, at least they kept
me company while they were here and kept me
from thinking too much about Sphe but they
couldn’t stay in my house forever, they had to
go back to their lives at some point.
With Meyiwa back at work I spend my days
praying, crying to God asking him to show my
daughter mercy and spare her life. I don’t have
appetite so I hardly eat. I only eat when
Meyiwa is at home and it's only because he
forces me to. My heart clenches painfully each
time I see my reflection in the mirror, I look
like a shell of who I used to be. I have lost so
much weight and all my plumpness is gone. I
look horrible, nothing like the woman Meyiwa
got married to.

“What’s keeping you?”

That’s what he says when he walks in from the

lounge and finds me still dressed in my
undergarments. I look at the heap of clothing
on top of my bed and a lone tear rolls down my
cheek.

“My dresses don’t fit me Meyiwa.”

He looks at me and sadness embraces his

features

“Mama wengane zami?”

(Mother of my kids)

“Yes?”

I watch as his lips part, I'm waiting for him to

say something but he blows out a heavy sigh
and saunters towards me instead. He whisks
me off the ground without a warning and
carries me to bed.

“We’ll get through this; I don’t know how but I

know we’ll get through it. I trust God and my
ancestors; our baby will recover and be the
doctor she has always wanted to be.”

“I don’t know Meyiwa; a huge part of me is

scared I don’t want to lie. I’ve been praying
tirelessly pleading for her life but there’s still no
change in her condition.”

“No Thapi you cannot afford to lose faith now,

it’s always darker before dawn. Our
breakthrough is near, I can feel it in my bones
so please don’t give up now. We are almost at
the finish line, keep fighting I need you to be
strong one last time. Sphe will be fine, Dr
Merafe is the best in the game. He’ll help our
daughter, Sphe will be fine.”

I don’t know what I’d do without this man and

his support, he’s my strength when I’m weak.
He’s been my crutch throughout this whole
daunting process carrying me through, I’d
probably be six feet under if it wasn’t for him.

He wipes my tears with his palms

“You’re breaking my heart, please stop with the

tears. Sphe will be fine, okay?”
I nod vigorously

“I’ll quickly head to the mall and buy you a few

outfits, what size should I buy?”

“I think 32 or 30 should be fine.”

I can’t believe I went from size 38 to 32 in such

a short period of time.

“Okay.”

He plants a peck on my forehead and moves

me from his lap to the bed.
“I’ll be back soon.”

He says already on his feet. His phone rings in

his hands, he picks up heading to the door

“WHAT?”

That’s what he says before the phone slips from

his hands and falls to the floor cracking the
screen in the process.

“What’s wrong Meyiwa, who was on the

phone?”
I ask standing next to him. I ran to his side the
moment I saw the hurt look on his face

“My liefde talk to me, what’s going on?”

“Put something on, we need to leave.”

His eyes are shining with tears, to say I’m

worried would be an understatement. I’ve
never seen Meyiwa cry in my life, not even
when we thought Sphe was dead.

“Meyiwa, Khuluma nami ngiyacela Msomi.”

(Talk to me I’m begging you)

“Get dressed or I’ll leave without you.”

He says in a stern tone

NDALO

I don’t know what to do with myself to get rid

of the horrible pain I feel, I don’t know what
hurts the most between the throbbing headache
I have and or the pernicious pain in my heart. I
want to cry but the tears won’t come out, I
knew I was in love with Sabelo, but I never
realized just how much until he ended things
with me. The pain is so deep one would swear
that I’ve lost him to death, I wish he would
understand that my decision not to disclose
what happened had nothing to do with his
masculinity, I did it to protect him from
himself. I don’t doubt his ability to protect me
but I know how he is when it comes to me, I
know he’d go to any lengths to protect me even
if it means jeopardizing his education. I didn’t
want him to jeopardize his education and
career because of something that didn’t even
happen so that’s why I wanted to tell him after
his exams. I have lost him and my only mistake
was trying to protect him from himself.

“Buhle you’re starting to worry me now, yini

kwenzenjani?”

(What’s wrong)
“I don’t want to talk about it mom, please
understand.”

“How can I understand when you’re in pain, is

that boy cheating on you?”

I shake my head

“Then what?”

My phone rings just when I open my mouth to

answer

“Baba” It’s Mr. Meyiwa

“Ma ka Hlelo Kunjani?”

(How are you)

I could be wrong, but it sounds like he’s been

crying but it wouldn’t make sense for him to
cry, imagine a whole Brandon Meyiwa in tears!

“Ngiyaphila baba ngingezwa kuwe?”

(I’m okay and how are you)

“Is it Meyiwa?”
My mother asks in a whisper and I nod my
head in agreement before my attention goes
back to Mr. Meyiwa on the line.

“When last did you see Sabelo?”

My heart thuds hard against my chest at his

question, could it be that something bad
happened to him?

“Today, he dropped me off at my house over an

hour ago. Why abuza ubaba?”

“Because something terrible happened to him. I

need you to be strong, do it for Hlelo”
“What happened to him baba?”

I'm at a brink of tears I can’t help but think

about death, I can’t think of anything else that
would make Meyiwa cry except for the death of
his beloved son. And I pray my suspicion is
wrong.

My mother snatches the phone from my hand

when she sees the tears in my eyes

“Meyiwa, it’s Lilian here. Tell me what

happened to Sabelo?”

I can’t hear Mr Meyiwa’s response but

whatever he told her must be serious because
dejection instantly embraces my mother’s
features.

“Ma, what’s going on. What did he say?”

“Buhle change into something not this shorts

and crop top that you’re wearing.”

She orders skimming her eyes up and down my

outfit.

“What’s wrong with my outfit, mama what’s

going on? Is Sabelo in danger?”

“Wear a dress and look presentable we need to

leave.”
She says completely ignoring my questions

“No, I’m not going anywhere until you tell me

what’s going on!”

“Change, I’ll bring the car around so long.”

She says and leaves the room leaving me in a

bundle of confusion. So she’s going to let me
get away with shouting at her? U Lilian
Khumalo wonke is over-looking my disrespect,
something is definitely up.

******
We’ve been driving around in silence, mom
refuses to say anything regardless of how much
I plead with her to tell me what Mr. Meyiwa
told her about Sabelo. I left Hlelo with Anele, I
tried to call Sabelo’s number but it took me
straight to voicemail, Mrs. Meyiwa's too while
Mr. Meyiwa’s phone rang unanswered after his
call. I’m going out of my mind with worry that
I’m even tempted to call Babomncane Ntsika
since I’m struggling to get hold of Sabelo and
his parents on the phone, Khethelo is the only
one who answered my call but it was useless
because like me she doesn’t know anything-
she’s still in Res and in the middle of her final
exams.

“We are here.” Mom

I shift my gaze from my phone and check my
surroundings, and that’s when I realize that we
are in Evander hospital.

“What are we doing here? Is Sabelo injured, did

he get into an accident?”

“Let’s get inside Buhle.”

With that said she climbs out of the car and I

follow behind her to the waiting area like a lost
puppy

“Oh, there they are.”

She says gesturing towards the Meyiwas. My
heart drops when I see the expressions on their
face, it’s clear that they’ve been crying. Mrs.
Meyiwa’s red and swollen eyes are enough
proof

“Ma, please talk to me what’s going on?”

I ask looking at Mrs. Meyiwa

“You didn’t tell her?”

Mr. Meyiwa asks looking at my mother.

“No, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I thought
I’d bring her here so you can break the news to
her.”

“What news, baba what’s going on? Uphi

uSabelo, why won’t anyone tell me anything!”

He looks at me with eyes full of pity

“I’m sorry Ndalo but Sabelo was shot, three

bullets. One on his stomach and two on his
chest, one went through the right ventricle of
his heart….”

“No, no please don’t tell me he’s dead please

don’t tell me Sabelo is dead. Please tell me he
survived, he can’t die, we need him. Hlelo
needs her father.”

I’m trembling uncontrollably, my vision is

blurry because of the tears that keep pouring
out of my eyes like water from a waterfall. No,
it can’t be true, Sabelo can’t be dead.

“He’s alive but his condition is critical, the

doctor said there’s a high chance he won’t
survive the operation. He needs all the prayers
he can get to survive this, please pray for him.
He’s the only child I have left.”

Says Mrs Meyiwa, gloom embracing her

skeletal face. She looks so frail and older than
her real age, I hate seeing her like this.
“What do you mean he’s the only child you
have left?” I ask

“Sphe is gone, my little girl is gone Ndalo

she…shhh…she’s goneeee.”

She says and bites her lower lip to stop herself

from crying out but it proves to be a futile
exercise because she ends up breaking into a
gut-wrenching sob. Her cry is disheartening, it
tears my heart to shreds and prompts a shrill
cry to escape from my lips. I’m in disbelief, no
parent deserves to bury their child.

“Baba is this true?”

I ask looking at Mr. Meyiwa desperate to hear
the opposite, this can’t be true. Sphe cannot be
dead, not when Mr. Meyiwa has found a
specialist who can help her, no it can’t be.

“It’s true my child, she passed on this

afternoon.”

“How baba, it doesn’t make sense..”

I know her health was deteriorating but her

death is still a bitter pill to swallow.

“Nami angazi Ntombi yami maybe she felt it

when her brother got shot..and you know how
twins are, they feel each other’s pain …who
knows what happened maybe her fragile body
couldn’t handle the pain..I don’t know
maKhumalo all I know is that she’s gone, my
one and only daughter is gone and my son
could follow”

He says and wipes the lone tear rolling down

his cheek.

I’m shattered but I know what I feel doesn’t

come close to what the Meyiwas must be
feeling, they just lost their daughter and there
are high chances that they could lose also their
son.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#90

Sphe was in hospital for almost two months,

getting worse with each day that passed but
even with that I can’t say I was prepared for
her death. I was hopeful and thought it would
only be a matter of time before she woke up.
She was always in my prayers, I prayed for her
more than I prayed for myself, and I was
hopeful that she would survive especially when
Mr. Meyiwa found a specialist who could help
her. I’m shattered, broken and in disbelief. This
can’t be true; I must be having a terrible
nightmare. Sphe is still alive and I’m sleeping
and having a horrible dream, what I’ve heard
can’t be real or else my conscience won’t hold
up the guilt weighing heavily on my soul.

I feel responsible for her death, maybe if I told

Sabelo the truth then none of this would’ve
happened. Sabelo wouldn’t be in hospital
fighting for his life because we would still be in
Johannesburg, in a hotel spending quality time
as a family while he studied in preparation for
his last two exams.

I can’t bring myself to hold eye contact with the

Meyiwas because I feel responsible for the pain
they feel. I’m sure Sphe would still be alive if
Sabelo didn’t get shot, it’s my fault Sabelo got
shot. I pray Sabelo survives the operation
because I won’t be able to live with myself if he
dies, how will I look at my daughter in the eye
knowing I’m responsible for her father’s death?
How will I face the Meyiwas knowing that I’m
the cause of their suffering? Sabelo must
survive, for his parents and his daughter’s sake
they all need him alive. The Meyiwas don’t
deserve to bury both their kids at the same
time, no parent deserves to go through so much
pain.

Uncle Ntsika and Aunt Zenkosi emerge from

the corner holding hands, aunt Zenkosi breaks
free from her boyfriend and half runs to Mrs.
Meyiwa’s side and engulfs her in a bone
crushing hug, uncle Ntsika pushes himself to
his brother’s side and gives him a tight hug and
the two brothers sob in each other’s arms. It’s
such a poignant sight to see two proud Zulu
men in tears, they must be really hurt to break
down like this in public and seeing them in this
state amplifies the guilt I feel.

“I’m so sorry my child.”

My mother says wrapping her arms around me

and pulling me to her warm embrace.

“He’ll be fine, he’s a strong young man I know

he’ll make it.”

She mutters in a soft voice while her palm

moves up and down my back caressing me in a
soothing manner, her actions prompt me to cry
my eyes out in her arms releasing all the
agonizing pain I feel inside.

“Askies sisi, he’ll survive he’s strong.” Aunt

Zenkosi

She takes me from my mother’s arms and pulls

me to her own.

“Stop crying and pray for him, he needs you

now more than ever.”

She says when we finally break off the hug. She

then wipes my tears with her palms and plants
a peck on my forehead.
“Thank you, aunt.”

“Don’t mention it, we are family.”

“Love can’t you go and check on my nephew,

my brother says it’s been almost two hours
since Sabelo was taken to the operating room,
and no one has come to give them an update
since.” Uncle Ntsika

Like most nurses who work in a government

hospital aunt Zenkosi works seven days in
seven days off. Today is one of her off days so
she has no knowledge about Sabelo’s condition.
“The duration of an open-heart surgery
depends on the actual procedure that is being
performed. On average, it takes three to four
hours to complete this kind of operation. I
know and understand that the wait is
unbearable, but I think we should allow the
doctors to do their jobs without interrupting
them, the best thing we can do for Sabelo right
now is to pray for him.”

“You’re right.” mom

We hold hands, bow our heads and pray for

Sabelo’s operation to be successful or rather I
listen as everyone else prays for him because I
can’t bring myself to pray, I want to pray but
words fail me. Knowing I can still lose him
regardless of how hard I pray and pour my
heart out denigrates the faith I had in prayer
prior to Sphe’s death.

“Amen!”

We all say as we conclude our prayer session.

We sit in comfortable silence, each one of us
lost in their own thoughts.

“Did you find the bastard that shot him?”

Uncle Ntsika says breaking the silence

“No, we don’t know who shot him. The nurses

told us the person who brought him to the
hospital said he found him alone bleeding and
unconscious lying on the ground next to his
car. The police are still investigating and
hopefully they will find something soon, I can’t
wait to deal with whoever it was thought that it
best to mess with my son.”

The look on his face tells me he’s baying for

blood, he’s always so calm and soft spoken it
was hard to imagine that he could be capable of
murder but looking at the expression on his
face now..he looks capable of more than just
murder.

“Who was it, the one who found Sabelo?”

Ntsika
“I think they said his name is Zweli or
something. Remind me to take his number from
the nurse, I need to thank him for saving my
boy’s life. If he didn’t bring him to the hospital
when he did, we would be preparing for two
funerals instead of one.”

Maybe it’s time I tell the elders about Neo and

everything that has happened in the last couple
of weeks, I could be wrong, but I suspect Neo is
the one who shot Sabelo. I mean it makes
sense especially after the break ins in my
apartment, the missing panties and the drugged
milk incidents I’m beginning to discern that
Neo is much more dangerous than what we
initially gave him credit for.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation but
there’s something I should tell you.”

“It’s okay my child you can tell us, we are

listening.” Ntsika

Everyone’s eyes are on me eager to hear the

news I have for them.

“There’s a guy who was asking me out and

wouldn’t take no for an answer regardless of
how many times I rejected him so one day he
came to the restaurant I was in with Hlelo and
Nthabi and…”
I narrate the whole story to everyone, and they
all listen to me attentively until I’m done.

“Do you realize what your silence has resulted

in? You were almost raped and now Sabelo
could lose his life!”

Shouts uncle Ntsika boiling in anger. I nod and

drop my head unable to bear the look in his
eyes.

“Buhle why didn’t you say anything?” Mom

Unlike uncle Ntsika she doesn’t sound angry

but disappointed.
“The family was already going through a lot
with Sphe’s poor health, we didn’t want to
burden anyone. We thought we could handle it
on our own.”

“By doing what, getting a restraining order?

Yeah right.” Uncle Ntsika

He is irritated and annoyed by me, the look on

his face gives him away. I wouldn’t be
surprised if he also blames me for this like I
blame myself. Sabelo’s parents and aunt
Zenkosi haven’t uttered a single word since I
told everyone the news, I wonder if they also
hate me and blame me like uncle Ntsika does.
“I’m sorry…..I didn’t mean for any of this to
happen.”

I say with tears shamelessly rolling down my

cheeks

“Sabelo could die and all you have to say is

sorry huh!” Uncle Ntsika bellows in anger

“You can’t blame my daughter for this, she

didn’t know that this would happen. She loves
Sabelo with all her heart, he’s the father of her
daughter and we all know she would never
intentionally cause him pain. She could lose the
love of her life and I’m sure she already blames
herself and feels bad for this even though she
couldn’t have known that this would happen,
so she doesn’t deserve this treatment from you
she’s not the one who shot Sabelo. She’s scared
to lose him like you all are and needs your
support. Being blamed by you is the last thing
she needs now” Mom

“No one blames her mamKhumalo, forgive my

brother he’s speaking from a place of hurt and
frustration. You’re right Ndalo couldn’t have
known this would happen, the only person who
should be blamed for this is that so called Neo.
I’m sure he’s the one who shot my son.” Mr.
Meyiwa

“He’s the one who shot him. He better run and

make sure I don’t find him if he knows what’s
good for him because once I’m done with him,
he’ll rue the day he chose to mess with Sabelo.”
uncle Ntsika

“Ma ka Hlelo I know you thought you were

doing what was good for everyone but please
take this as a lesson. This better be the last
time you and that hotheaded boyfriend of yours
hide something of this magnitude from us, I
don’t care how burdened you think we are; but
you should always tell us about things like this
siyezwana Ntombi yami?”

If he makes it, I don’t think I’ll still be his

girlfriend. I don’t think our relationship will
survive this. He’ll probably blame me for Sphe’s
death.. but I agree anyway.
“Yebo baba.”

Phew! It's comforting to know that he doesn’t

hate me.

“I can see that you feel bad and blame yourself

because you think that this is your fault, you
shouldn’t because it’s not your fault, Neo is the
one at fault and your father will make him pay
for everything he has put you and Sabelo
through okay.”

Hearing those words from Mrs. Meyiwa’s

mouth puts my heart at ease, I was sure she
would go back to hating me after what I just
told them.
“Your mother is right my child, there’s no need
to feel bad for anything that happened. Your
only mistake was keeping quiet even when
things spiraled out of control, but I understand
why you did it so there’s no need to feel bad.”
Mr. Meyiwa

“And I’m sure it was Sabelo’s idea not to tell

us, I know my son uthanda kabi ukuzenza
indotyana.” Mrs. Meyiwa

(He likes acting like a man)

Her lips stretch to form a thin smile then curve

upside down as a tear rolls down her face
probably when she recalls that her son is in
hospital and could possibly lose his life.
.

MELOKUHLE

My heart bleeds for my sister and the Meyiwa

family, I can’t begin to imagine what they all
must be going through. Losing a loved one is
never easy especially when their death is
premature, Sphe was still young and had a lot
to live for. On the other hand, Sabelo is in
hospital fighting for his life. I’m not close to
him, but I couldn’t help but break down when
my mom told me about him over the phone, I
know how much my older sister loves him, so I
know she’d die if she lost him. Sabelo needs to
live, for my sister and their daughter. Hlelo
doesn’t deserve to grow up without her father.

“What’s wrong love?” Themba

He asks when I take a sit next to him. I excused

myself from the table and went outside when
my phone rang.

“I’ll tell you about it when we get home.”

I don’t want to spoil everyone’s fun with my

sorrowful news.
“No, I want to know now. I know you were
crying, talk to me love what did your mom
say?” Themba

“We can excuse you if want.”

Nthati says probably seeing the hesitation in

my eyes

“No, please don’t go.” I say holding her hand

on top of the table “Sabelo, my sister’s
boyfriend is in hospital. He was shot three
times and one bullet passed through the right
ventricle of his heart.”

“Oh no!” Nthati

“That’s not even the worst of it, his twin sister
who had been in hospital for weeks prior to
that passed on today when her brother got
shot.”

“Oh my word, that’s so sad. My condolences to

him and his family.” Nthati

“I feel for his parents, I can imagine their pain.”

Themba

“I’m sure they are shattered, they only had two

kids. Him and his twin sister.”
“Yoh this is so sad; they lost their daughter and
could potentially lose their son as well. I know
I’d go crazy if I was in their shoes.” Nthati

“I can only imagine how broken and helpless

they must feel.” Themba

“What did the doctor’s say, will he survive?”

Kagiso

“Mom says chances of him surviving are less

than 1%”

“I’m sorry to hear that but miracles happen all

the time my love, doctors are not God they
don’t know everything. His family should put
him in their prayers, he might recover and
shock everyone it wouldn’t be the first time a
miracle happens.” Themba

“Themba is right, I’m a doctor myself and I’ve

seen people survive the worst-case scenarios.
Don’t be disheartened, I believe Sabelo will
make it.” Kagiso

“Yes, don’t cry. He will make it; we serve a God

of miracles.”

Nthati says brushing my hand with her thumb

“Thank you so much for your words of

encouragement, Sabelo will definitely make it.
He has survived the worst, what’s three
bullets?”

They laugh

“Yes, that’s the spirit. We don’t have the spirit

of fear but power, love and a sound mind.
Second Timothy chapter 1 verse 7” Nthati

One thing I love about this woman is her faith

in God, it’s inspiring to see someone with such
an unshakable faith in God. She says she
wasn’t always like this apparently, she used to
be the black sheep in her family and always got
up to mischief but looking at her now I find that
hard to believe.
“Thank you.” I say

“Themba you should drive her home, I’m sure

her sister needs her.” Kagiso

“That’s a good idea, let’s go my love.” Themba

“Thank you once again and I’m sorry for

ruining our lunch.”

“You don’t need to apologize, go and be there

for your sister she needs you more right now
and don’t you dare think you’ve escaped from
me you still owe me a girls weekend away.”
I laugh

“You’ll get it, December nginawe.”

(I’m with you)

“I’ll hold you to it, bye love”

“Bye.”

Kagiso stands up from his seat and gives me a

hug

“He will make it.”

“Thank you buti.”

“Love, come on let’s go!”

Themba bellows making us laugh. He’s waiting

for me at the door with my purse in his hand.
Nthati squeezes me in a tight hug

“Go before your boyfriend complains, again..

I’ll call you.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#91
“Love I know what you said about giving the
doctor’s time to do their job, but can you please
go to the operating room and try to find out
what’s happening with Sabelo, it’s been over
four hours now.” Ntsika

Balls of sweat are rolling down his face as he

says this. The collar of his shirt is damp with
sweat; sweat that gushes out from the pores of
his skin every time his mind harks back to the
possibility of losing Sabelo to death. He’s more
than just a nephew to him, he’s more like his
own son.
“Okay, I’ll try but I’m not making any
promises. I won’t insist if they don’t want to tell
me anything.” Zenkosi

“That’s fine, we just want to know if he’s still

alive that’s all.” Ntsika

She stands up and walks to the direction of the

operation room leaving everyone in silence,
MaKhumalo had to go back home and relieve
Anele from her babysitter duties. Anele is in the
middle of final matric exams so she needs all
the time she can get to study.

Ndalo asks to be excused and rushes to the

bathroom, her boobs are painful, full and
leaking with breast milk. Hlelo is probably
hungry and crying for her milk where she is, the
last time she suckled on her boob was over five
hours ago. The thought of her daughter hungry
and crying hysterically grates her heart to small
fine pieces, but since she doesn’t want to leave
the hospital without getting an update with
regards to Sabelo’s surgery she opts to dial her
mother’s number and find out how her
daughter is doing.

“Buhle”

That’s what maKhumalo says when she picks

the call on the second ring.

“Ma how is Hlelo doing. Is she crying, she’s

probably hungry? The last time she ate was
before she fell asleep in the car on our way
back from Johannesburg.”

Ndalo says not giving herself a second to

breathe in between her sentences.

“Buhle relax would you, your daughter is fine. I

raised three kids including yourself so trust me
I can handle Hlelo just fine.”

MaKhumalo replies fighting the urge to roll her

eyes. Is it just Buhle or all new mothers are
paranoid?

“I know but I can’t help but worry about her.

We’ve never been apart for so long since she
was born and you know her, she hates
formula.”

“I know that’s why I didn’t give her formula; I

gave her pap and maas.”

“Mom! She shouldn’t be eating pap, she’s

already too big. I feed her mashed potatoes and
pumpkin”

“Aw’kahle Ndalo, I know what I’m doing.

Uzayilambisa wedwa ingane mina ungangifaki
lapho.”

(You’ll starve her on your own don’t involve

me)
Ndalo sighs feeling defeated.

“Hold on, Melo wants to talk to you.”

The older woman says and gives her second

daughter the phone.

“Hey sis.”

“Hey, when did you arrive?”

“A few minutes ago, Themba drove me. He said

I should tell you not to worry, Sabelo will be
fine he’ll put him in his prayers.”
“Thanks, he sounds so sweet I can’t wait to
meet him”

“He is, you’ll meet him soon. How is Sabelo

doing, should I come there?”

“I don’t know we are still waiting for

communication from his doctors and no don’t
come, I’ll see you when I come back home.”

“Okay, he’ll make it. There’s no way he won’t

survive, he has too many people praying for
him.”

“Haw really, like who?”

“Themba’s sister and her husband.”

“Oh, that’s so thoughtful of them. You should

thank them on my behalf, they sound like really
nice people.”

“They are, you’ll meet them one day.”

“I hope so, I have to go. We’ll chat more when I

get home.”

“Bye, I love you.”

“I love you more.”

Ndalo drops the call and buries her face under
the tap splashing water on her face to wash
away the dried-up tears and mucus mixture off
her face. When she’s done, she takes a paper
towel and wipes her face heading back to the
waiting area. She finds the Meyiwas on their
feet when she walks back to the room, Ntsika
and Zenkosi are nowhere in sight.

“MaKhumalo we were waiting for you the

others have left, Sabelo’s operation was
successful. The doctors moved him to the ICU.”

Ndalo’s lips stretch into a big smile, she

excitedly throws herself in Mathapelo’s arms
squeezing her in a hug.
“He’s alive mama, he made it thank God!”

The happiness in her voice is almost palpable,

Mathapelo smiles hugging her back.

“He’s alive my child.”

The two ladies hold each other for a while

before breaking the hug. All this while Meyiwa
is looking at them with a smile on his face,
pleased with what he sees and proud of his wife
for how she handled the news. Like Ndalo, he
also thought Mathapelo would go back to
hating and being mean to her.
“We should go back home; we need to start
making arrangements for Sphe’s funeral and
call the rest of our relatives to notify them
about Sphe’s death.”

I can only imagine how difficult this might be

for both of them.

“I still can’t believe she’s gone; she was such a

young bright girl with her whole life ahead of
her.” Ndalo

“Neither can I my child, I kept expecting her

doctors to waltz through the door and tell us
that they made a mistake-our beautiful Sphe is
still alive.”
Mathapelo says at a brink of tears, Meyiwa
puts his arm around her and pulls her towards
his body. He rubs his palm on her bare arm and
kisses the crown of her head while battling with
his own tears. Regret covers Ndalo like a
blanket, maybe just maybe Sphe would still be
alive if she told Sabelo the truth.

“It’s been a long day; we should go home. I’m

sure my princess wants her milk now.”

Meyiwa says as an attempt to lighten up the

mood.
“Aw’ umkhozi wami bakithi ave
ngimkhumbulile.”

(My friend, I miss her so much.)

“I’ll bring her to your house tomorrow, first

thing in the morning.”

“I’d be so grateful my child, asambeni.”

(Let’s go)

“I’d like to see Sabelo before I leave.”

“I don’t think they’ll allow you to see him, they

refused when we asked to see him earlier.”
Mathapelo
“I’ll take my chances; I’m not going anywhere
without seeing him.”

“Okay, we’ll wait for you then.”

“No, it’s fine baba you don’t have to. I’ll call an
Uber.”

“I wasn’t asking you, I’m not leaving you here

all alone after someone tried to kill Sabelo
..that reminds me, I need to call and hire people
to take turns guarding Sabelo’s door. I can’t
take chances with his life. Neo will probably
want to come back and finish him off when he
learns that his plan to kill him didn’t succeed.”
.

NDALO

After pleading and shedding tears Sabelo’s

doctor finally gave me permission to see him
for five minutes. My knees are knocking
against each other as I approach Sabelo’s
bedside, he looks so weak and helpless with all
those machines and pipes connected to him. I
wipe my tears with my shirt and take his big
hand into mine
“Baby…” I sniff and look up to prevent my
tears from cascading down my cheeks but it
proves futile because they still roll down either
way “I don’t want to cry but seeing you in this
condition breaks my heart….I love you so
much Sabelo and I’m sorry that I made you feel
like you were not man enough for me because
that was never my intention, I didn’t want to
distract you and shift your focus from your
exams. I don’t think you’re a boy, I’ve never
seen you as such…to me you’ve always been a
man and that’s one of the reasons why I fell in
love with you, please fight and come back to
us. Your daughter needs you; your parents
need you and I also need you. Please fight and
come back to us my love.”
I lift his hand to my lips and plant a long peck.

“I love you so much Meyiwa and I can’t lose

you, I’d rather lose you as a boyfriend than lose
you to death. Please fight and come back to us.
Your daughter can’t grow up without you.”

The door creaks open, I turn around and look

behind me. A sigh of relief escapes my lips
when I see that it’s a nurse. My raging thoughts
had me believing it was Neo coming to finish
what he started.

“I’m sorry ma’am but your time is up, my

patient needs to rest after the long surgery he
just had.”
“Okay.”

I bend and plant a peck on his lips. His face

looks pale and lifeless, one would think he’s
been in hospital for weeks, yet it’s only been a
day.

“I love you.”

I say and let go of his hand and walk to the

door.

.
NEO

“Keep checking... there must be something.”

Casper looks up and sighs

“I looked everywhere, there’s nothing.”

“Even on his wall?”

“Yes, Neo even on his wall.”

“What about hers?”

“There’s nothing about Sabelo’s death on her
wall either.”

“I don’t get it, I killed him. Why isn’t there

nothing about his death on social media yet?
Shouldn’t his friends and family be posting him
all over social media expressing their anguish
over his death?”

“Not everyone takes their private life to social

media, other people prefer to keep their lives
and affairs private.”

“Even so, that boy is a 2000 and you know how

these kids are. One of his friends should’ve
posted him by now.”
The more hours pass without hearing about the
news of his death the more my anxiety spikes,
could it be that someone found him and rushed
him to the hospital? But it can’t be I made sure
to aim for his heart, even if he made it to the
hospital before he died there’s no way he’ll
survive I will make certain of that.

“Take this and stop pacing up and down, yerr

you’re making me dizzy.”

Casper says giving me a blunt. I take it and pull

a drag and return it to him after blowing out the
smoke using my nostrils.
“He’s dead stop worrying. Your name is Neo,
and you never miss.” Casper

“You’re right, I’m Neo. The best the ever was,

and I never miss.”

We laugh

“That’s more like it, now stop doubting your

skills and wait for people to spread the news of
his death.”

“Yeah, how long do you think I should wait

after his funeral to make a move on Ndalo?”

He laughs
“You’re such a bastard, you’re already thinking
about making moves on his girlfriend while the
poor boy hasn’t been buried yet.”

“I’ve waited so long to make her mine; I don’t

know think I can wait for more than a month to
make her officially mine.”

“Yo, that’s too soon man. You should give her a

year at least.”

“Udakiwe, I can’t for that long. Someone else

might snatch her from right under my nose.”
I stand up and walk to my bedroom to take her
panties under my pillow and sniff them. Damn
they smell so good; my dick jerks up when I
think up how sweet her p**** tasted on my
tongue the other day.

“What are you doing with panties, are you gay

now?”

He asks with confusion mirroring his features

as I walk back to the longue holding Ndalo’s
panties in my hand.

“No, I love p**** too much to be gay.”

“So, what are you doing with those?”

He gestures at the panties with his eyes

“They are not mine of course; they belong to

Ndalo.”

“What? the F**k man! How did you get her

panties?”

A smile embraces my lips when I think about

all I had to do to get hold of these panties. She’s
definitely worth the risk!

“That’s for me to know and for you to never

ever find out.”
Just then someone bangs on the front door

“I wonder who has the guts to knock like that

on my door.”

“I don’t know.”

He says shrugging his shoulders. I head to the

front door to open, my hands tremble when I
find the police on my doorstep.

“Are you going to let us in?”

“Uhmm…why? Did I do something?”

My voice comes out squeaky and shaky.

“Did we disturb something, who are you with

inside?”

The dark skinned one says poking his head

inside and then looks at the red lace panties in
my hands.

I lick my lips and swallow nothingness trying

so hard to hide how terrified I am.

“Yes, you disturbed a very heated passionate

moment with my girl.”

I say faking a laugh

“Who’s at the door kanti kau?”

Casper bellows from the lounge

The police officers look at each other and have

a silent conversation before the short one turns
around and looks at me with a menacing
expression on his face

“I’m detective Zwane and this is my colleague

constable Jiyose, Neo you’re under arrest for
violating the restraining order Miss Khumalo
has against you and for trespassing, breaking
into miss Khumalo’s apartment and for
drugging her and assaulting her in her sleep.
Jiyose cuff him and read him his rights.”

“Neo Moloko you’re under arrest, you have the

right to remain silent anything you say can and
will be used against you in a court of law. You
have the right to speak to an attorney, and to
have an attorney present during any
questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, the
government will provide you with one.”

Jiyose says cuffing my hands on my back

“I’ll take the underwear, who knows it might be

the one miss Khumalo reported missing.”
Zwane says with a smirk on his face

I’m done for! There’s no getting out of this one

“What’s going on here!”

Casper bellows as the police drag me to the

back of the van

“Call my lawyer!” I shout back before Jiyose

closes the doors of the van.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

# 92

While love leaves a memory no one can steal,

death leaves a heartache that no one can heal.
Whoever said loss gets easier with time was a
liar. It’s been a week, exactly seven days since
Sphesihle met her untimely death and left us
with agonizing pain and deep sadness and the
pain of her loss hasn’t gotten better, instead it
gets worse with each day that passes. I don’t
think I’ll ever get over the pain of losing my
daughter, my princess and the apple of my eye
so abruptly. She was only 19 and had a lot to
live for, she had so many hopes and dreams for
her future and death robbed her of a chance to
fulfill them, I was looking forward to seeing her
grow and mature into a woman.

Death denied me the joys of being a father to a

girl child. I didn’t get to experience my
daughter falling in love for the first time, I’ll
never feel the joy other fathers feel from
walking their daughters down the isle because
fate denied me the opportunity to see my
daughter grow in front of my eyes, now all I’ll
ever do is wonder and imagine because death
came in like a thief in the night and claimed her
life before she could grow up and be her own
woman, before she could blossom into a
beautiful flower that I know she would have
been.
My girl didn’t get to live her life to the fullest,
she didn’t get to be a woman, a wife and a
mother. I know some would say she was in
hospital for a while and in poor health so I
should’ve prepared myself for her death, but
truth is I was hopeful, had faith and was
convinced that my daughter would survive. It
didn’t matter how she’d come out of the
surgery, with quadriparesis (partial paralysis of
all four limbs- hands and legs) and/or with
speech issues and hearing loss like Doctor
Merafe predicted, all I wanted was my daughter
alive. How she was wouldn’t have mattered to
me, I would still love her the same.

I’m starting to believe that I might be cursed,

because why else would all my seeds perish?
First my wife had multiple miscarriages before
she gave birth to our twins and after loving and
raising them for 19 years, we lose them to
death? What is my sin, what kind of man will I
be without an offspring? I’ve worked very hard
over the years accumulating wealth but what
good is that without an heir to inherit it when I
perish?

I pick up the photo frame on top of the vanity

table, it’s a picture of me and Sphe- she’s in my
arms wearing a yellow two piece with white
sandals. She has a big smile on her face
revealing her two missing front teeth. I think
she was 8 years old here, I remember how
much of a daddy’s girl she used to be, always
pestering me to pick her up and put her on my
lap. I thought she would change as she grew
older, but she didn’t, my girl loved it when I
carried her in my arms. Even so, I’m certain
that she couldn’t have loved it more than I did,
because there was nothing I enjoyed more than
pampering her with love and affection, I will
forever cherish the beautiful memories we
shared together, especially the heart to heart
conversations we used to have during our
father and daughter movie dates in the lounge
over a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows.

If there’s anything that I’m grateful for, is that

at least she knew how much I loved her
because I was never shy to show her. I know
wherever she is now, she knows that her father
loved her with all his heart. I’ve lost a huge part
of myself, and I don’t know if I’ll ever be whole
again.

“I knew I would find you here.”

Ntsika says as he walks into Sphe’s bedroom.

His lips curve into a thin smile when his eyes
dart to the photo in my hands

“I remember this day; it was on Christmas. You

wanted to take a picture carrying them both,
but Sphe wouldn’t let you pick up Sabelo”

We laugh going down memory lane

“She pushed him and said “wu babami lo” but
Sabelo didn’t fight her, he just looked at her
and came to me.” Ntsika

“Yeah, she’s always been territorial when it

came to me and Sabelo has always acted older
than his age. Always so understanding and
patient with her”

“True, you remember how much of a bully

Sphe used to be.. she’d leave her dolls and
want to play with Sabelo’s cars.”

“And Sabelo would never fight her, he’d always

give her his toys and start making drawings on
his books.”
“But your bully daughter would still go after
him and snatch his paper and run with it.”

He says and we laugh harking back to those

times. Life used to be so simple then

“I think Hlelo will take after her, that girl is so

territorial over her dad. It’s like she forgets
about everyone when she sees her father. It’s
so sad that she may grow up without him.”

Sabelo has been in ICU since his surgery. There

hasn’t been an improvement in his condition.
“No, don’t think like that. Your son is strong,
he’ll wake up.”

“I won’t hold my breath; I’m starting to think

that maybe I am cursed I mean how else do
you explain everything that has happened?”

“No, don’t say that.”

“You know it’s true Ntsika…how many kids did

I lose before Mathapelo conceived sisi and
buti? And now Sphe is gone, I’m starting to
make peace with the fact that I’m not destined
to be a father.”

“No, don’t speak like that. Sabelo is still alive..”

“Until when? I don’t want to raise my hopes up
only for them to be crushed when he dies, I
don’t want to keep hurting myself by having
high hopes.”

“Zalo no! Sabelo will not die, he’ll live. He has

to, for you, his mom, and for all of us especially
for his daughter.” He says

A lone tear runs down his cheek and pools

under his chin

“He will make it Zalo.”

I don’t know if he’s trying to convince me or
himself.

“I’m scared Ntsika, I am so terrified. I know

everyone expects me to be a man and be strong
for Mathapelo but I can’t do it anymore…I
can’t even pray anymore because I feel like it’s
a waste of time, I prayed tirelessly for Sphe’s
life but God still took her and I’m afraid he’ll
also take my son and leave me without kids to
call my own but at least I have a grandchild ..”

I say and look up to prevent tears from rolling

down my face

“I’m sorry zalo, I know you’re hurt and feel a

terrible aching in your heart. I’ve been there
before and I know how it feels; I lost the love of
my life and mother of my children six years
ago. I cannot promise you that the pain you feel
will lessen with time because sorrow and loss
are constant, but if we were to go all our lives
carrying them the whole time then we wouldn’t
be able to handle it. The sadness would
paralyze us; in the end we have to pack it
somewhere and find somewhere to leave it.”

I sigh and look at him fighting back my tears

“You need to find a way to keep living, please

don’t allow yourself to drown in your sorrows.
Yes, you have lost Sphe, your princess and it
hurts but you need to keep living for the one’s
for are still alive. Mathapelo, your son and your
grandchild need you, Hlelo doesn’t deserve a
depressed grandfather. She doesn’t deserve to
get bits and pieces of you, she deserves all of
you. The loving grandfather I know you can be,
Hlelo won’t replace Sphe but look at the bigger
picture with her you can get the experience
raising a daughter all over again.”

“You’re right but it’s not as easy as you make

it.”

“I know but you can’t keep locking yourself in

Sphe’s bedroom and thinking about what
you’ve lost. It’s been a week already, but you
still haven’t decided when the funeral will be.”
“I know but I thought Sabelo would be awake
by now, how do we bury his twin sister without
him? They are twins and you know what
Sabelo needs to do on the day of the funeral so
that he doesn’t follow his sister.”

“Yeah, I know but you can't keep delaying the

funeral, all these relatives who came here to
support you have lives to get back to.”

For the first time in my life, I don’t know what

to do. I’m stuck!

THEMBA
“How’s Melo? Have you spoken to her today?”

“She’s okay but she says her sister is falling

apart, Sabelo is still in hospital and isn’t
showing any signs of recovery.”

“Eish, that’s hectic but there’s still hope as long

as his soul is still in his body there’s still time
for God to manifest himself and improve his
situation. Kagiso and I will keep praying for
him.”

“Thanks, I’m also praying for him.”

“He’ll be fine, I know it.”

“He should because I miss my girl, but I can’t
be selfish and expect her to come and see me
knowing that her sister needs her more than
ever.”

“I understand, maybe you should attend the

funeral.”

“Hah Nthati, I didn’t even know the girl.”

“Yeah, but you’ll kill two birds with one stone-

see your girl and get a chance to meet her
sisters and who knows you might meet your
mother-in-law.”
We laugh

“You’re crazy, it’ll be a funeral not a party and

I don’t think anyone in Melo’s family would be
interested in meeting me especially her elder
sister.”

“I know but I seriously think you should go to

the funeral then be with your girl for an hour or
two after the funeral. It’ll be better than not
seeing her at all.”

“You might be on to something, but I can’t go

there alone if I do then Melo will feel forced to
entertain and fuss over me and I don’t want
that. I want her to be fully present for her sister
without worrying about me at least until the
funeral”

“So, who did you want to take with you?”

“You.”

“What? hai angeke Themba.”

“Come on, sis.”

“No, ask Dineo to go with you.”

“You know our relationship is a bit shaky after
the stunt she pulled at her graduation so pretty
please.”

“Ai Themba..”

“I’ll pay you.”

She laughs

“Yo ai Themba uyahlupha, it’s okay I’ll come

with you. When is the funeral?”

“I don’t know yet, Melo says the family hasn’t

decided on a date.”
“Ok let me know as soon as you find out”

“Okay.”

NDALO

Detective Zwane called me a week ago and told

me he has taken Neo into custody. Apparently,
when he went to question him at his place he
found with a red lace underwear in his hands-
one matching the description of the one I lost.
And just like I suspected his fingerprints
matched with the one’s found in my apartment,
so there’s no doubt about it he’s the lunatic
who broke into my house in the middle of the
night, stole my panties and laced the milk I
kept in the fridge with sleeping pills. Who
knows what else he did to me while I was
asleep, he’s deranged so I wouldn’t be
surprised if he also assaulted me in my sleep
but since the hospital ascertained that there
was no sign of penetration there’s no way to
prove that he touched me.

It’s been a week since Sabelo’s operation, and

he still hasn’t woken up. His doctor says his
operation was successful and that there’s no
medical explanation for why Sabelo hasn’t
regained consciousness yet. I haven’t been able
to sleep since he was admitted, I don’t think I
will ever forgive myself if Sabelo dies especially
because he was angry at me when we parted
and had even broken up with me.

Everyone keeps saying it wasn’t my fault, but I

know it was, none of this would have
happened if I told Sabelo the truth when he
asked me about the broken door. I feel guilty
everytime I look at my daughter and think
about the possibility of her growing up without
her father.

“She’s crying I think she wants breast milk”

Anele says walking in with a crying Melo in her

arms. I sit up and take her in my arms, her
small hands reach for my breast attempting to
free them from my bra.

“Wu! Mele aliyeke maseka zikhiphela ne bele.”

(She must stopping breastfeeding now that

she’s able to take out the breast from the bra)

“Hai Anele mncane kabi lomtanam’ she’s not

even one yet.”

(My baby is still young)

“Ain’t you afraid that you’ll have saggy boobs?

I hear breastfeeding makes boobs saggy”

“I enjoy breastfeeding and breast milk is good

for babies and I’ve been breastfeeding her since
she was born, I think they would be saggy by
now.”

“Ai shem uyam’tefisa”

(You’re spoiling her)

“Zala Anele sibone ngeke umtefise ewakho na.”

(Give birth and let’s see if you won’t spoil

yours)

“I’m not saying it in a bad way but

uyam’thanda awufuni nex ngaye, you don’t
even trust us to take good care of her.”

(You love her and you’re protective of her)

“It’s not even that, I trust you to take good care
of her …you know what, you’ll be a mother one
day and you’ll understand where I’m coming
from.”

“Hmmm, I heard Melo talking on the phone

earlier. Apparently her boyfriend will come to
Sphe’s funeral…. I can’t wait for the drama to
unfold, I know the rents won’t approve of their
relationship phela that guy is way older than
her.”

“And that would make you happy right?”

“What?”
“Stop pretending, you can’t wait for Themba to
come here because you think mom and dad
won’t approve. You can’t even hide it, tell me
what’s your problem with Melo?”

“I don’t have a problem with her, she’s the one

who has a problem with me.”

“it doesn’t look like that from where I’m

standing, you’re the one who’s always starting
fights and unnecessary quarrels about
favoritism and all that. Fix yourself Anele
before you lose your sister for good.”

“I knew you’d take her side. I know you love

her more than me but you don’t have to be so
obvious about who you love more.”
She says and storms out of my room

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#93

It’s been a difficult week for the Meyiwas

especially for Mathapelo who according to
tradition must sit on the matrass and mourn for
her daughter, the only problem she has with
this tradition is that it prevents her from paying
a visit to her son who is in hospital fighting for
his life and showing no signs of recovery. She
feels terrible, like she’s neglecting her son when
he needs her the most but then again, it’s her
duty as a mother to sit on the matrass and
mourn for her daughter and unfortunately that
means there are some things that she is not
allowed to do during this period and leaving the
house every day to go to the hospital is one of
them. If only she could split herself in half, the
other half would be in hospital sitting on her
son’s bedside and praying for his life. She
would feel better if her husband was at least
visiting their son in hospital, but he doesn’t all
Meyiwa does lately is to lock himself inside
Sphe’s bedroom and cry himself silly.

No one can understand his sorrow better than

she does because she feels the same way but
that doesn’t mean they should wallow in self-
pity and forget about their son, Sphe was not
their only child. Sabelo is also his son, and he
needs Meyiwa’s love and support now more
than ever, but Meyiwa is far gone in his grief to
realize just how unkindly he’s treating his own
son. At least Ntsika and Khethelo go to the
hospital daily without fail. It comforts her to
know that there are people in the family who
still care about her son’s wellbeing apart from
herself, it puts her heart at ease to know that
Ndalo is not carrying the responsibility of
visiting Sabelo on her own. Poor child is
devasted and blames herself for what happened
to Sabelo, Mathapelo tried on numerous
occasions to make her realize that she’s not
responsible for what happened and therefore
should not blame herself for it, but it seems
nothing anyone says is good enough to take
away the guilt she feels. Sabelo needs to wake
up before she loses her husband to depression
and who knows what Ndalo might end up doing
to herself out of guilt?

“Ma, I’m on my way to the hospital.”

Ndalo whispers kneeling next to Mathapelo on

the matrass laid on the tiled floor.

“Ok my child, don’t forget to tell him I love

him.”

Mathapelo replies and wipes the tears that just

escaped from her eyes.
“I’ll do that ma. Are you sure you’ll be fine with
her?”

Ndalo asks looking at Hlelo who has fallen

asleep in Mathapelo’s arms

“Of course, I’ll be fine with her baby you don’t

even have to ask, you know I love taking care
of her.”

“I know ma, but you know how mischievous

Hlelo has gotten lately and the last thing you
need now is to be shouting and reprimanding
her every two minutes.”
A smile embraces Mathapelo’s face

“That’s exactly what I need my child…go on,

you will be late.”

“Ok bye ma.”

Ndalo stands to her feet and saunters out of the

room careful not to step on anyone’s feet.

“I still can’t believe you allowed your son to be

in a relationship with a grown woman!”

One of the aunts sitting next to the door

remarks wearing a scowl on her face.
“Amanyala wodwa!” Another one adds and
spits on the floor

“Don’t reply, that’s exactly what they want.

Your reaction.”

Mamy whispers looking at Mathapelo.

Mathapelo sighs and blows out heavy breath,

Mamy is right she shouldn’t allow these
judgmental people to get her riled up. Sabelo
needs to wake up so they can get the funeral
over and done with, and everyone can go back
to whatever hole they crawled out from. She
appreciates their support during this
emotionally taxing time, but she has had
enough of their snide remarks and stupid
comments about her son’s relationship.

Ndalo is standing outside the gate waiting for

an Uber when Ntsika appears from behind and
stands next to her.

“Going to the hospital?”

He questions and buries his hands inside his

pockets.

“Yebo babomnance.”
Ndalo has been uncomfortable around him
following his outburst at the hospital’s waiting
area a week ago. He sees her discomfort and
feels compelled to apologize.

“I never got to apologize for my behavior the

other day, I’m sorry. It was not your fault, I’m
sorry I said all those things to you.”

“It’s okay babomncane you were right to blame

me because I also blame myself; If I had been
honest with Sabelo from the start then none of
this would have happened.”

Hearing her blame herself like this for

something she had no control over tears his
heart to shreds, now he feels horrible for having
spoken to her in the manner he did on the day
of Sabelo’s operation.

“No, don’t. There’s no need for you to feel bad,

you’re not responsible for what happened Neo
is and it’s not fair for you to carry guilt over
someone else’s actions.”

“I know but it’s hard not feel responsible

because Neo wouldn’t have shot Sabelo if it
wasn’t for me, he probably shot him because he
thought I’ll date him when Sabelo dies.”

“No, it’s not your fault. You cannot be held

responsible for anyone’s actions, especially
those of a grown man. He’ll pay for what he did
to my nephew I swear.”
Ntsika says with a clenched jaw

“He’s already paying. The police found him

with my underwear and apprehended him, he’s
in custody as we speak. Now Sabelo needs to
wake up and tell the police that he shot him
then he’ll have attempted murder added to his
long list of charges.”

He shakes his head in disapproval

“Jail is way too easy for him Makhumalo, my

brother and I will deal with him. But for now,
we are still grieving Sphe, let him enjoy himself
and think he has gotten away with trying to kill
Sabelo. We will retaliate, and I swear it won’t
be a pretty sight.”

The cold look on his face scares Ndalo and

makes her realize that maybe she doesn’t know
the Meyiwas as well as she thought she did.

“I have to go babomncane my Uber is here.”

She says gesturing towards a charcoal Toyota

Corolla Hybrid MPG that just parked next to
them.

“I’ll pick you up from the hospital when visiting

hours are over, there’s no need for you to waste
money on Uber while we have so many cars in
the yard or better yet why not use Sabelo’s
car?”

The Uber driver looks at Ndalo impatiently

“I need to go he’s getting impatient with me,

bye babomncane.”

“Bye.”

Ntsika eyes land on her butt as she paces to the

Uber.

.
NDALO

I received an email from Unisa about two

months ago but because I haven’t checked my
personal emails in a long while I only saw it
yesterday, I’ve been accepted for the Bcom
Business management degree I’m so happy I
can’t wait to tell Sabelo all about it. He might
not be able to reply but his doctor says he can
hear me, so I’ve made it a habit to keep him
updated about any new things in my life every
day when I visit him. Getting reported by Lettia
was a blessing in disguise, it gave me the
courage to do what I never thought I would do
and I’m glad the catering business is growing
and doing well so well that mom bought herself
a car. She wanted me to buy the car first, but it
made more sense for her to be the one who
buys a car before me because she’s the one
who travels every weekend catering to different
events, I can wait a few more months to buy
myself a car.

I greet the nurses I meet on my way to Sabelo’s

ward.

“Ma ka Hlelo.”

Someone calls behind me and I look back, It’s

aunt Zenkosi.

“Hello sweety.”
She gives me a hug when she finally catches up
to me

“Kunjani mamncane?”

(How are you aunt)

I ask when we break off the hug. She smiles

shyly

“You guys should stop calling me that, Ntsika

and I are not married yet.”

“It’s only a matter of time. It’s obvious he’ll

marry you; I mean who wouldn’t?”
Her cheeks turn crimson as she blushes. She’s
crazy about uncle Ntsika even a blind man can
see that, I wonder what uncle Ntsika is still
waiting for. He should hurry up and marry her
before someone else snatches her, she’s such a
wonderful woman and I know no man would
hesitate to wife her.

“You’re so silly ma ka Hlelo yaz, let me not

keep you. You’ll come see me before you go
home ne?”

“I wouldn’t think of leaving without bidding

goodbye to my favourite aunt now would I?”

She laughs and smacks my shoulder playfully.

“Uphapha kabi yaz’ wena.”

Like always Sabelo is lying still on the bed with

machines connected to him. I wonder when
will God hear our prayers and wake him up
because we need him, things are falling apart.
Especially with his parents, Mr. Meyiwa has
changed into someone none of us can recognize
while Mrs. Meyiwa is a walking skeleton
carrying the weight of the world on her
shoulders, it’s too much.

“Baby it’s me again.”

I take his big hand into mine and intertwine our
fingers

“We miss you Sabelo please come back to us,

everything is falling apart without you…please
come back.”

I promised myself that I wouldn’t cry today but

I can’t help it, seeing him in this condition
stings. Tears fall involuntarily from my eyes
when I think about what everyone is going
through, and it takes a while before I can calm
myself down.

“Enough with the tears… I have good news”

My voice comes out hoarse and low

“Unisa accepted me, isn’t that good news

baby?”

I ask looking at his pale face. My heart bleeds

when I see his dry and cracked lips, I look
through my purse for a lip balm and gently
apply it on his lips.

“This is no longer funny Sabelo, you need to

wake up already..your daughter misses you, we
all miss you please my love come back to us..”

I bury my head in my hands and start crying all

over again. I’m reached a state of complete
helplessness, I can’t even pray anymore. It’s
pointless to do so without faith.

I scream and jump to my feet whipping my hair

back and forth in terror when I feel something
moving on top of my head.

“I….would laugh at you if my …throat wasn’t

so dry.”

What?

I look up and guess who is looking right back

me?
“Oh my goodness I can’t believe you’re
awake.”

“Ouch!”

He exclaims and bites his lower lip grunting in

pain.

“I’m sorry.”

I threw myself on top of him the moment I saw

that he’s awake and in doing that I might have
hurt his operation.

“I’m sorry so sorry, hold on I’ll call the doctor

for you”
“No..I’m fine.. give me a glass of water.”

I do as he asks and help him drink the water in

small sips.

“Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

“Kodwa unjani mawunje Ndalo? You look

nothing like the Ndalo I know, kanti how long
was I out for?”

He jokes, humor dancing in his eyes.

“More than a week.”

“What?”

“Yes, I was worried sick about you that’s why I

look so horrible.”

“I’m sorry sthandwa sam but I’m back now.

There’s nothing to worry about, where’s mom
and dad why are they not here with you or they
were here and left?”

Now comes the difficult part, telling him about

Sphe’s death. I don’t even know if it’s my place
to do so.
.

MELOKUHLE

I’m home alone watching TV while chatting

with my boyfriend on the phone, him and his
sister have been so supportive throughout this
whole process. I feel blessed to have people
like them in my corner. The door opens and in
walks Anele with two girls on her tail.

“Sanibonani.”

Her friends greet and sit in the L shaped couch.

“I’ll be back now now give me a moment.”
Anele

“Okay usheshe ke.”

(Hurry)

One of them says

“Am I invisible to you Anele?”

I ask when she attempts to go to the bedroom

without so much as acknowledging my
presence. She doesn’t reply, she keeps walking
like she didn’t hear me. Her friends look at one
another and gasp, I stand up and follow her to
her room. She turns around when I shut the
door.

“Leave my room!”

She says wagging her index finger at me

showing me out.

“Or else what?”

“Melo, I won’t ask you again. I said leave my

room.”

I sigh and sit on the edge of her bed

“Anele what’s wrong, what’s your problem with
me?”

“Get over yourself Melo, I have nothing against

you mina.”

“Okay then why didn’t you greet me just now

when you found me in the lounge?”

“I don’t remember binding myself in a contract

to greet you Melo, I don’t have to greet you I’m
not forced to do so.”

She’s half naked now looking through her

closet for something to wear
“That’s both rude and disrespectful Anele.”

“So, what do you want to do about it?”

She has her hands on her hips looking into my

eyes challenging me, I really don’t want to do
this with her because I swear, I will break her
skinny bones if I put my hands on her.

“You’re not worth it.”

I say and leave the room.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#94

Sabelo’s doctor asked me to excuse them so he

can perform a few examinations to ensure that
everything is well with him, I used this time to
go find aunt Zenkosi and tell her the news.

“I’m happy that he’s awake.. things almost fell

apart”

“Yes, but I’m worried.”

“About?”
She asks arching her eyebrow in confusion

“About how he’ll receive the news of Sphe’s

death, we all know how much he loved her.”

He didn’t only love her but the two of them

were close and she was the only sibling he had.

“Eish that part completely slipped my mind.”

“I don’t even know if it’s my place to tell him

about it.”
“No, don’t tell him. Let his parents be the ones
to tell him.”

“That reminds me, I should call and tell them

he’s awake ma will be so happy. She’s been so
worried about him and the fact that she
couldn’t come and see him made it worse.”

“Eish it couldn’t have been easy for her.”

“Yeah, let me call her.”

“Okay.”

I dial Mrs. Meyiwa’s number and anxiously

wait for her to pick
“Ma ka Hlelo.”

Funny how almost everyone in Meyiwa family

calls me like that now

“Ma, guess what?”

“What?”

The exhilaration in her voice matches up to my

own. I’m sure she has guessed the news I want
to share with her.

“Sabelo is awake.”
“What?”

“Yes ma, he’s awake.”

“Oh thank you lord.”

“Yini?” asks someone in the background

“Sabelo is awake.”

Mrs. Meyiwa replies before screams of

jubilation boom through the speaker as the
relatives celebrate Sabelo’s recovery.
“Thank you, my child. I’ll tell his father.”

From her hoarse voice I know she’s crying but I

don’t stress too much about it because for a
change I know it’s tears of joy.

“Bye ma.”

“I’m sure she’s happy ne?” Zenkosi

“Very happy. I got carried away happy that

he’s awake and completely forgot that Sabelo
dumped me hours before he was shot, now I
don’t know if the breakup still stands.”

She laughs at me
“Why? what did you do to him?”

“I didn’t tell him about Neo drugging my milk

and possibly almost raping me.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Aunt you don’t know Sabelo, he’s hot headed.

I knew he would drop everything and come to
me the moment he found out. Since the rape
thing, it’s like he constantly wants to prove that
he can protect me and most of the times he
does so impulsively without thinking about the
consequences.”
“You should tell him exactly how you feel
maybe he’ll understand, wait what rape thing?”

“Yeah, my ex raped…”

I tell her the entire story.

She’s next to me in an instant squeezing me in

her arms.

“I’m sorry that happened to you, please tell me

you got that bastard arrested?”

Her eyes are glistening with tears as she asks

this
“No, I didn’t but karma dealt with him, he got
hijacked and ended up losing his tongue and
hands. I’m sure you must’ve heard about him,
his story was all over the news and I think he
was admitted here”

“I think I remember him, bloody bastard! To

think I felt sorry for him kanti he’s nothing but
a bloody rapist.”

“I don’t blame you because I also felt sorry for

him when I heard the news, imagine not being
able to communicate with others for the rest of
your life.”
“Maybe he learnt how to write with his feet
kwaz’ bani”

(Who knows)

She laughs

“Aunt no, this isn’t funny.”

“Oh maybe he sticks the pen up his ass and

writes with it, you know I’ve always heard
people say “ubhala kabi ngathi ubufake ipeni
emdidini” and now that I think about it maybe
the first person who said that actually saw him
do it.”
She says and breaks into a belly laugh. I try to
remain serious, but her laugh is so contagious I
find myself laughing my lungs out.

Who knew aunt Zenkosi was so silly?

“Enough with the jokes, did you see a

professional about this?”

She says wiping her tears, yeah she laughed

until tears came out of her eyes.

“No.”

“You need to do it, this isn’t something you can

sweep under the carpet and pretend it didn’t
happen because one day it’ll catch up with you.
I know someone who can help you.”

“But I’m fine aunt.”

“That’s what you think, but you’re not. There’s

no way you can be fine after something like this
happened to you. I kind of understand where
Sabelo’s fixation to protect you comes from, he
probably blames himself for what happened to
you thinking it wouldn’t have happened had he
protected you.”

“He didn’t know, there’s no way he could’ve

protected me.”
“But he still feels responsible for it, probably
thinks if he fetched you from your apartment
instead of waiting for you at the garage then
Musa wouldn’t have raped you.”

I keep quiet and look at her

“Just like you feel responsible for him being

shot even though you’re not responsible for it,
he probably feels the same way. The both of
you need help, you were raped it happened and
you two can’t go on like nothing happened.”

“But we are fine.”

“Oh, really? Is that why you guys broke up?
Stop being stubborn Ndalo and seek help, what
you went through was traumatic not just for
you but for him as well. You two need to get
help before these underlying issues ruin your
relationship for good.”

“I hear you aunt I’ll think about it.”

“Please consider it, Hlelo doesn’t deserve

broken parents. What she deserves are parents
who have healed from past traumas with good
mental health to raise her, do it for her if not for
your relationship with Sabelo.”

.
.

NARRATED

The news of Sabelo’s miraculous recovery have

left Mathapelo elated and in a lighter mood, she
cannot stop thanking God for the mercy and
grace his has shown in her life.

“Please watch over her. I don’t trust them with

her.”

She says to Mamy in hushed tone referring to

Hlelo who is still sleeping

“Don’t worry sis I’ll guard her with my life”

She stands up and fixes the mini blanket on her
shoulders and walks out of the room heading to
Sphe’s bedroom.

She hits her knuckles on the wooden door and

steps back waiting for a response

“Who is it?”

Meyiwa croaks out in a low voice inside the

bedroom

“It’s me Meyiwa, open.”

He doesn’t reply but she hears shuffling and

footsteps before the door opens. She gets a
painful pang in her heart when her eyes meet
with her husband’s eyes, this is not the Meyiwa
she knows. The one she knows is handsome,
confident and bold not this one with sunken
eyes and unkept beard and hair. Has it been
that long since she saw him?

“My liefde.”

The happiness she felt a minute ago has

dissipated into thin air and sadness has taken
over. She has never seen him look this broken,
without thinking twice she wraps her arms
around him and gives him a tight squeeze. He
reluctantly holds her back and the two cry in
each other’s arms tightening their arms around
each other more with each whimper that leaves
their mouth.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you like a husband

should, I’ve been so absorbed in my own loss
and pain that I neglected my duties as both a
husband and a father.”

“It’s okay Meyiwa don’t apologize..”

“No, it’s not okay. I shouldn’t have carried

myself like that, I’m ashamed of myself what
kind of man am I?”

Mortification covers him like a blanket when he

thinks about how he’s been carrying himself for
the past week, what kind of man behaves like
he did? He’s no white man, he’s a Zulu man.

“You’re being too hard on yourself Meyiwa

you’re only human and you are bound to break
at some point, we’ve been through a lot in the
past two years and you’ve been strong through
it all. ‘Taking it like a man’, being there for
everyone and not dealing with your pain and I
guess all that unresolved pain and hurt finally
caught up with you. I’m sorry I couldn’t be
strong for you the one time you needed me to
be your emotional crutch, instead I judged you
and expected you to “be a man” about it I’m
sorry.”
“No, it’s okay my skaat there’s no need to
apologize.”

“No, there’s always a need to apologize

Meyiwa. I was wrong and I’m sorry.”

Meyiwa looks into the eyes of the woman who

owns his heart, he cradles her face in his palms
and plants a peck on her lips.

“It’s okay mama wengane zami. I forgive you.”

(Mother of my kids)

“Thank you. I actually came here to tell you

something.”
“What, tell me?”

Meyiwa says retreating backwards

“Sabelo is awake, our son is awake.”

A ghost smile embraces Meyiwa’s face and he

starts to recite the Meyiwa clan names while
pacing the room in jubilation.

“What are we waiting for, let’s go.”

He says already heading to the door

“Go with Ntsika, I can’t come...”

He’s about to ask her why not when he
remembers that their daughter is no more.
Sadness and gloom rest on his face. How will
he break the news to his son?

MELOKUHLE

I just got off the phone with Ses’Ndalo and I’m

so happy about Sabelo’s recovery, him being
stuck in a COMA without a plausible
explanation was causing my sister so much
distress not to mention Hlelo who was missing
her father and probably wondering why she
didn’t see him anymore. Now the Meyiwas can
decide on the date for Sphe’s funeral, I know
this might sound otherwise but I can’t wait for
the day of Sphe’s funeral so I can see my
boyfriend.

He’s coming with Nthati and Kagiso, I’m

humbled by their support I’ve never seen a
family support a mere girlfriend so much and
I’m so excited because I’ll finally introduce my
sister to the love of my life- I’ve been waiting
for a moment like this and I’m so excited now
that it’s finally happening.
Mom hasn’t come back, she’s at Delmas
catering for a wedding and Dad is at work. It’s
just me and bitchy Anele in the house

“So your sister called to tell you about Ssbelo

but didn’t see the need to call me and do the
same.”

Here we go again, I’m honestly getting tired of

Anele’s behavior. I’m five minutes to slapping
the attitude out of her stru nasi

“You two have always sidelined me in this

sisterhood of yours and made me feel like an
extra, if I didn’t look like dad I’d think I was
adopted.”
She says when I don’t reply

“I don’t know what you want Anele, must we

carry you on our backs to show that we love
you as our sister?”

I snap

“No, that’s not what I want. I want you guys to

talk to me like you talk to each other about
absolutely everything and anything and
actually include me in your relationship and
conversations instead of making me feel like a
third wheel…do you know how much it hurts
when you start reminiscing about things I know
nothing about.”

“I’m sorry if that’s how you feel Anele but it

wasn’t our intention to make you feel that way,
Ses’Ndalo loves you I mean she even bought
you a phone a flippen Huawei p40 for God’s
sake! Not even your parents have bought you a
phone worth that much and you know she
would buy you an iPhone if she could.”

“Exactly, I know Ses’Ndalo loves me don’t get

it twisted. You’re the one who hates me!”

What?
“Where do you get that from?”

“Go on and pretend like you don’t know what

I’m talking about but we both know how you
always exclude me in your things, I’m always
the last one to find out about things. We are
almost the same age Melo why can’t you talk to
me? Ses’Ndalo is 5 years older than you but
you can tell her about your boyfriend and not
me, why is that? Is it because I’m not
academically gifted as you are so you think I’m
stupid and my opinion isn’t worth much? Or is
it because you two look the same and have
those big butts and curves while I’m skinny and
straight or is it the fact that I’m not as pretty as
the both of you are …tell me why am I so hard
to love Melo ..tell me dammit!”
She’s looking at me with so much sadness and
the tears rolling down her face break my heart
to pieces. I didn’t know that this is how she
feels

“I’m sorry Anele I swear it wasn’t intentional.”

She retreats backwards and runs to her room,

she locks the door just when I’m about to turn
the knob

“Anele! Anele! Please open the door so we can

talk about this.”
Tears are burning my eyes fighting for an
escape.

“Go away Melo and stop acting like you care

about me!”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#95

When the doctor told me he wants to perform a

few examinations to ensure that everything
was well with me I didn’t anticipate being
subjected to so many tests. The first thing he
checked was movement and reflexes, response
to painful stimuli, and pupil size. He then
observed breathing patterns to help diagnose
the cause of the coma, checked the skin for
signs of bruises due to trauma. He pressed on
the angle of the jaw or nail bed while watching
for signs of arousal, such as vocal noises, eyes
opening or movement. He also tested reflexive
eye movements and squirted a warm liquid into
my ear canals and observed eye reactions, and
now he’s drawing blood from my arm taking a
sample for blood tests.

“Please tell me this is the last test doctor?” I

ask feeling jaded from all the tests I’ve been
subjected to in the last hour. He looks at me
and chuckles
“Stop complaining, I’m doing this for your
wellbeing. Khoza please take this sample to the
lab.” The nurse takes the sample from him and
leaves the room

“And that Mr. Meyiwa was the last test, for

now.”

“Finally!” We laugh

“For now, everything checks out but I’ll only be

certain after I get your blood test results, I’ll
come to check on you again tomorrow bye.”

“Bye doc.”
He bumps into my father and uncle at the door
on his way out.

“Welcome back to the land of the living ntwana

yami. Talk about a cat with nine lives, ama die
hard ao izinja madoda.” Bellows uncle Ntsika
causing all my co-patients inside the ward to
turn and look at him.

“Babomncane” I reply trying to match his

exhilaration

“Meyiwa.” My father says while ruffling my

hair with his hand.
Worry seeps in like a fog when I take in his
appearance. Something is off with him, from his
unshaved hair and unkept beard to his sunken
eyes. He looks older than he normally does, I
don’t know about many things, but I know my
father is going through a lot.

“Babami are you okay?”

“Yes, yes. I’m okay my son just happy to see

you.”

He says and flashes a big smile, a fake one of

course. My heart sinks to the pit of my
stomach, I’ve never seen my father look this
miserable before. I wonder what could be
wrong with him.
“Babomncane what’s going on?” He also
doesn’t look good, but he looks better than my
father.

“Nothing son. Tell us who shot you, was it

Neo?” I guess Ndalo told them about Neo.

“Yes, it was him.”

“That bastard! I will make him pay for this.”

My dad says and I know he means every word.

“He’s such a coward he couldn’t take me on in

a fist fight, so he resorted to using his gun on
me.”
“Kodwa nawe Sabelo what did you think
fighting that man, you should’ve given him to
us to handle.” Uncle Ntsika

I’m tired of them “handling” things on my

behalf maybe that’s why Ndalo doubts my
abilities because my father and uncle always
save the day!

“So, you won’t tell me what’s wrong?” I change

the topic; I don’t want to talk about that
coward Neo.

“There’s nothing wrong.” I don’t buy that one

bit
“You both know that I’m no longer a kid, right?
I know something is wrong, I can feel it. I’ve
been feeling somehow since I woke up from the
COMA but didn’t make much of it. But seeing
you two now, I know something is
wrong…what is it, please tell me.”

They look at each other and have a

conversation with their eyes. My dad nods his
head as though giving my uncle approval to tell
me whatever it is, my uncle looks at me and
blows out heavy breath.

“There’s no easy way to say this” he sighs and

looks up “Sphesihle is no more, she passed on
the day Neo shot you.”
What? I heard what he said but my mind
refuses to accept it. Sphe can’t be dead, no that
can’t be true.

“I’m sorry but it’s true.”

I look at my dad and the pain I see in his eyes

confirms what I already know. From the
moment I woke up, I felt like a part of me was
missing like I was slumped in deep dejection
but couldn’t understand why. I thought the
pain I felt was from the stitches I got after the
open-heart surgery, but it seems my body and
soul knew about my loss before I did. My heart
pounds violently against my chest, my chest
tightens and breathing becomes a challenge
and it feels like my soul is leaving my body.

“CALL THE DOCTOR!” That’s the last thing I

hear before I slip into darkness.

NARRATED

Meyiwa is pacing up and down the waiting

room desperately begging God to save his son’s
life, his body is trembling violently while tears
burn his eyes fighting for an escape. It’s been
five minutes since Sabelo’s doctor asked him
and Ntsika to wait outside, it all happened too
fast. One-minute Ntsika was telling Sabelo
about Sphe’s death then the next minute Sabelo
is struggling to breath and the machines are
beeping loudly like they do in movies when
someone is dying, he can’t help but blame
himself. They shouldn’t have told him so soon;
he just woke up from a COMA for Pete’s sake
they should’ve waited until he was strong
enough before breaking the news to him.

After what feels like forever the doctor emerges

from the corner, Ntsika jolts up from his seat
and the two of them rush to his direction
meeting him halfway.

“Is he okay doctor?” Meyiwa

“Calm down Mr. Meyiwa, your son is fine. He
had a panic attack but he’s fine now.”

Sighs of relief escape from both brother’s lips

“Can we see him?”

“Yes, you can.”

“Thank you doctor.”

Meyiwa is the first one through the door, he

rushes to his son’s side and engulf him in a hug.
Sabelo clings to his father and cries his eyes
out.
“It’s okay my son.”

The older man says slowly rubbing his son’s

back. Ntsika is standing at a distance watching
the poignant scenery at the brink of tears.

In the parking lot Ndalo and Zenkosi are sitting

the backseat of Zenkosi’s car when Zenkosi’s
phone chimes disturbing their conversation.

“Love.”

“Sthandwa sam.”
Ntsika croaks out in shaky and low voice.

“What’s wrong?” she asks picking up his sad

tone

“We just told him.”

“How did he take it?” Zenkosi asks

“Not well, he even had a panic attack.”

“But he’s okay now, right?”

“Yes, he’s okay. He’s bawling his eyes out in

his father’s arms, it’s so heartbreaking to see
my heart can’t take anymore of this can I come
there?”

“Of course, you can, you don’t even have to

ask. We are in the parking lot.”

“Okay, I’m coming.”

MELOKUHLE

“Good morning sis.”

“Morning Melo.”
Ses’Ndalo says and leans her back against the
headboard. I open the covers and join her on
the bed, Hlelo slept at the Meyiwas last night.
She no longer feeds during the night so it’s now
possible for her to sleepover without her
mother.

“You don’t look too good, what’s up?”

“It’s Anele, she said some things to me

yesterday and I haven’t been able to get them
out of my mind since.”

“What did she say?”

“That you and I treat her like a third wheel. We
always exclude her in everything we do, she
was crying, and you know she rarely cries so I
think this really upsets her. She even brought
up her poor academic performance and body
structure saying maybe we treat her like this
because of how different she is from the both of
us.”

“Yoh, let me call her. This is clearly bigger than

I thought.”

She’s already pressing on her phone calling her

“Ses’Ndalo.” Anele
Her voice sounds groggy, I’m sure she cried
herself to sleep last night.

“Please come to my bedroom.”

“Okay.”

A minute later she’s walking through the door.

Her eyes are puffy and swollen, I feel terrible
seeing her like this especially because I feel
responsible for her pain. She did say I’m the
one she has a problem with after all.

“Please join us, I want us to talk about what

happened yesterday.” Ndalo
“Please little sister.”

I beseech when she stands rooted in her spot

even after being invited to join us. She sighs
and rounds the bed and slides inside the covers
putting Ses’Ndalo in the middle.

“What’s wrong mntasekhaya talk to me.” Ndalo

“I understand that as siblings it’s impossible to

have the same relationship because we are
different from each other and connect in
different ways, I don’t expect the relationship
you share with Melo to be the same as the one
you have with me, but you and Melo make me
feel like a third wheel. When all of us are
together you should at least try to
accommodate me and include me in your
conversations, but you guys go on and on
about things I have no knowledge of and make
me feel like a third wheel. Whenever anyone of
you has a problem, you only ask each other for
advice and never seek my input, I’m always the
last one to find out about things and it hurts
because it means that my opinion doesn’t
matter or maybe because I’m not smart as the
both of you so what I think is insignificant and
doesn’t count. I’ve always asked myself why is
it so hard for you guys to love me like I do you,
what is it about me that is so hard to love?”

That was a loaded statement, and just like

yesterdays she’s in tears after coughing out
what's in her heart.
“I’m sorry you feel that way Anele but that was
not our intention and we never realized that’s
how we made you feel.” Ndalo

“It’s okay, I guess I’ll get used to it.” Anele

“No, that’s not something anyone needs to get

used to. I’m deeply sorry we made you feel
excluded, it was not our intention I promise but
in my head you’re still the Anele who used to
run around the house in her underwear.” Anele
giggles as her cheeks flush in embarrassment.

“Serious in my head you’re still that Anele

who’d go to fishing trips with dad, who enjoys
watching wrestling. You know that Anele who
always talks about cars and football. Me not
confiding in you wasn’t because I don’t value
your input or because I think you’re stupid but
it’s because angikhohlwa umncane and no it
has nothing to do with the fact that you’re still
in high school but for some awkward reason
you didn’t grow up in my eyes. You’re still my
cute baby sister that would play soccer with
boys outside…. to me you’re still wet behind
the ears and know nothing about boys and
relationships.”

“Ah mara Ses’Ndalo.” Anele

“Stru! Ngiyakubona uyakhula but to me you’re

still that little baby I want to protect. I
understand where you’re coming from and I’m
sorry we hurt you, I promise from now I’ll try
to see and treat you like an adult that you are.
You better get ready because starting from
today, your ears will bleed from listening to my
endless problems.”

We all laugh

“I’m ready.”

“I’m sorry ne nana, I love you so much

mntasekhaya and I’m sorry that we have been
hurting you and making you feel excluded.”

“I love you too Ses’Ndalo and I forgive you.”

“Hug?”

“Haibo, now I’m the one who feels excluded!”

I say and they laugh

“Anele I know you think I hate you, but I don’t.

You’re my sister and I love you. The only
reason I never discuss my affairs with you is
because I never thought “mjolo” is something
that would interest you, like Ses’Ndalo said to
me you’re that girl who enjoys soccer and
wrestling more than feminine things. I can’t
remember the last time I saw you with long
hair, you’re always rocking short hair and you
dress like a tomboy I honestly thought you’re a
lesbian so I didn’t think the things I enjoy
talking about would interest you that’s why I
never bothered.”

“Wow” Anele

“Serious”

“But why didn’t you try me and see my

reaction?”

“I don’t know.”

“Why didn’t you ask if I was lesbian or not

then?”
“ I didn’t want to offend you or to make you
think that I’m judging you for your preference.”

My statement sends her into a fit of laughter

“So, you honestly think I’m lesbian?”

“Yes.”

“Wow! I’m not lesbian, I’m very much into men

and I have absolutely no feelings for women. I
just love baggy outfits just like you prefer short
and tight clothing I happen to prefer baggy
clothing; it has nothing to do with my sexual
orientation. I can’t stand sitting for hours at the
salon doing my hair, so I prefer short hair
because it’s easier to maintain, I also don't like
make up that’s why I’m always natural.”

“Now I understand why they say assumption is

the mother of all f*ck ups because wow! and to
think you guys are siblings, yet you don’t know
each other.” Ndalo

“I know right, I just realized that there’s a lot I

don’t know about Anele.” I say

“And that needs to change starting from today.

Anele next time please don’t bottle things up,
communicate-talk to us and tell us when we
mess up or hurt your feelings because keeping
things in will cause you to carry unnecessary
anger and pain thus making you unhappy.”

Anele nods in understanding

“Now that everything has been tackled can we

please hug it out?”

Ndalo says with her arms spread open

“Of course.”

Anele and I say at the same time and sink in

our big sister’s arms and share a group hug for
the first time in years.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#96

How do I begin to live my life without my twin?

Someone who I shared the same womb with
and went through every milestone in life by her
side, from learning how to open my eyes, to
suckling my mother’s breast, learning how to
sit up, to crawl and how to walk- she was there
through it all. Having a twin is like having your
shadow physically with you, to care for you, to
love you unconditionally and always be there
for you. The bond shared by twins is more
sacred than that of mere siblings, you connect
in a much deeper level and feel each other’s
emotions- it’s like you’re the same person in
two bodies so in losing her I’ve lost a huge part
of myself that I’ll never get back, I am
incomplete without her.

The aching pain I feel in my heart is

unbearable, and instead of getting better it gets
worse as the day of her funeral nears. I can’t
believe she’s gone, that I will never see her
beautiful face again. I’m even tempted to take
my own life so that I can be reunited with my
twin because I don’t know if I can do this life
thing without her, but I chastise myself for even
entertaining those thoughts everytime I think
about my little girl my beautiful Hlelolwenkosi.
I don’t want her to grow up without me, for her
to resent me for not choosing to live for her. I
don’t want her to go through life wondering
how her life would’ve turned out if I was still
alive.

I want to be the father my father is to me-

always be there for my daughter protecting,
guiding and loving her unconditionally. Ndalo
is a good mother and I know she’ll raise my
daughter well but each parent has their role in
a child’s life and I won’t deprive my child a
father’s love. For her I’ll endure the agonizing
pain of Sphe’s loss, immense pain that I can’t
escape even in my sleep and hope it gets better
with time, time heals all wounds they say.
My phone chimes snapping me from my
reverie, it’s a group WhatsApp call with Kevin
and Cameron.

“Troy man we just left Johannesburg we’ll be

there in two hours or less.” Kevin

They are coming for my sister’s funeral, it’s

tomorrow morning.

“Yeah we already made a reservation at Muzi

lodge.” Cam

“Thank you so much for your support, it means

a lot to me. After Xolane and Khutso I never
thought I'll make friends with anyone else but
you two have proved to be more than just
friends, you’re more like brothers and I’m
really grateful to have you in my life”

They are the most supportive friends I’ve ever

had, for the first time in my life I feel like I have
brothers who will always be there for me.
People who want the best for me and who don’t
hesitate to correct me when I’m wrong.

“Don’t mention man, we are brothers.” Cam

“Yeah man, we are brothers. Was your

application for special exams granted?” kev

“Yes, I’m writing early January.”

“Alright we’ll help you prepare for it, all of us
will go to second year by fire by force.” Cam

“Amen to that, we’ll call when we get to your

hood bye man.”

“Bye.”

After the call I lie skyward on my bed and get

lost in my thoughts until a knock on the door
disturbs me

“Come in.”
The door opens and Khethelo walks in with a
tray of food and a tall glass of juice in her
hands. Her face is red and swollen, the pain her
eyes hold is heart breaking.

“Mtasekhaya aunt Mamy said to give you this

so you can take your pills.” She croaks out in a
hoarse voice.

“Thanks.”

I take the tray from her hands and place it on

the vanity table and hold her hands.

“I’m sorry, I know how close you and Sphe

were.”
She sniffs and bites her lip looking up and tears
roll down her face shamelessly

“God’s will is painful Sabelo, I still can’t believe

he took her from us just like that.”

I pull her to my arms and hold her tight. She

breaks into a loud sob, her cry is disheartening
and provokes my own tears. We cry in each
other’s arms for a while and let go of each other
after calming ourselves down

“You are not alone, I know I can never replace

Sphe in your life but I’ll always be here for you
everytime you need me.”
“I know mntasekhaya I know.”

We wipe each other’s tears and smile

“Eat up so you can take your pills.”

She has her hands on my shoulders while

looking into my eyes with a thin smile on her
face, I kiss her forehead and pull away from her
arms.

“I will eat, have you seen Ndalo?”

“She’s in the kitchen preparing tea and scones
for the mourners.”

“Ndalo works too hard for my liking, please ask

her to come and see me when you go back.”

“Will do.”

NDALO

As expected Sabelo took Sphe’s death hard at

one point I was scared he’d take his own life,
I’m always worried about him especially since
he likes to lock himself up in his bedroom. I’m
scared of what he might end up doing to
himself inside there when the pain gets too
much for him to bare, I tried being there for
him but he kept pushing me away so for the
sake of peace I’m keeping my distance.

At this point I’m not sure of what we are to

each other because we haven’t spoken about
our relationship but I can guess judging from
how cold he’s been towards me since he learnt
about Sphe's death, at some point I convinced
myself that I would be satisfied with having
him in my life only as a baby daddy rather than
losing him to death but I lied to myself because
the possibility of him going through with the
break up stings. How do I go on without him, I
love him so much and I don’t see myself loving
and giving his place in my heart to someone
else. At the same time I don’t want to be
insensitive and talk about our relationship
when he’s just lost his twin his other half and is
obviously going through a lot, all I know is that
I don’t want to lose him.

I’m in the kitchen making tea for the mourners

when one of the aunts from KwaZulu-Natal
walks in. She takes a glass and heads to the
sink and fills it with water while I pack the cups
in the tray preparing to take them to the lounge
to the three ladies who just walked.

“Where do you think you’re taking that?”

She asks looking at the tray in my hands

“To the lounge, there are three ladies who just
walked in.”

“Put that tray down, I’ll take it myself. You’re

not our daughter in law so stop being forward
and behaving like one, you’re nothing but a
mere baby mama in this house so know your
place and stop being forward. You have no
business being in this kitchen so leave.”

She says showing me to the door. I swallow the

painful lump in my throat and leave the
kitchen. One thing I’ll not do is cry, I’m tired of
crying so I’ll just to be strong since I can’t talk
back because I wasn’t raised like that.
“Ma Ka Hlelo!”

Khethelo calls behind me just when I’m about

to exit the house through the lounge. I turn
around and wait for her to catch up to me

“Where are you going?”

“Outside for fresh air.”

She studies my face for a while and sighs

“Let me guess, one of the aunts said something

to you.”
“Yeah.”

“I don’t understand why you allow them to

speak to you in that way Ndalo, I get that
you’re a sweet and kind person but you can’t
keep letting people get away with treating you
like shit…clap back the next time they say
something to you, it’s not like they are close
relatives anyway.”

“No, it’s fine. That’s not me.”

“Yo mina sometimes you bore me shem, you’re

too good for your own good anyway your
boyfriend is calling you.”
“Told you he broke up with me.”

“Nonsense you two will kiss and make up I

know it, go he’s waiting.”

“Okay.”

I walk to Sabelo’s bedroom and hit my

knuckles on the door.

“Come in.”

I push the door and make my way inside. I look

down when he looks into my eyes.
“You asked to see me.”

I say still standing at the door

“Please come in.”

I walk in and sit next to him on the bed, he puts

his plate on the floor and grabs my hands.

“I’m sorry for the treatment I’ve been giving

you the past few days, you didn’t deserve it I’m
sorry. I just don’t know what to do with myself,
it feels like I’m losing my mind like the
everything is closing in on me…I don’t know
how to handle the pain I feel.”
“It’s okay I understand. I know what Sphe
meant to you so losing her can’t be easy.”

“But you still didn’t deserve the cold treatment

I’ve been giving you, I just needed time alone
to come to terms with her death.”

“I get it.”

“Thank you for understanding , where’s Hlelo?”

“She’s with your mom.”

“Okay, I miss you two. I miss being with you

two. I know what I said before Neo shot me but
I don’t want to break up with you Ndalo, I love
you and I want us to try again.”

“I love you too Sabelo but I think we need to

get professional help. Aunt Zenkosi said
something about the rape incident that made
me realize a lot of things. Following the rape
incident I never received any professional help
we just carried on with our lives like nothing
happened. We don’t even speak about that day
and how it affected both our lives because
believe it or not, it did.”

“I hear you and I’m willing to do anything to

save our relationship, I don’t mind going to
therapy.”
“Thank you. But If we are going to do this I
need you to stop being insecure about your age,
everytime I keep something from you the first
thing that comes to your mind is that I kept it
from you because you’re younger than me. I
don’t care about your age Sabelo I wouldn’t be
with you if I thought you were nothing but a
kid, but being a man doesn’t mean risking your
life by acting impulsively just to prove that
you’re capable of protecting me. Look at how
you provoked Neo and ended up shot just
because you wanted to prove that you’re not a
kid, you could’ve died and left our daughter
without a father because of your desperation to
prove that you’re a man.”

He sighs and looks at me thoughtfully

“All of this could’ve been avoided if only we
told your father and uncle from the beginning,
they would have dealt with Neo before he did
all that he did.”

“I didn’t want to burden them, they were

already dealing with a lot. We had just found
Sphe, she was in hospital and her health was
deteriorating. My parents were already stressed
I didn’t want to add to their worries.”

“That’s an excuse and you know it, you wanted

to handle it yourself to prove to me that you’re
capable of protecting me.”
“Maybe, it’s just that my father and uncle
always save the day everytime we are in
trouble. I wanted to do this without their help.”
He admits

“I understand how you feel but we’ve been

dealing with dangerous and sick people that we
couldn’t handle on our own. Seeking help from
your father doesn’t make you weak or less of a
man it only makes you wise and level headed.
A wise man isn’t afraid to ask for help but a
fool doesn’t ask for help because he thinks
seeking help from others will make him look
like a fool. No man is island Sabelo you can’t
do everything on your own Sabelo, you’ll
always need someone’s help.”
“I hear you sthandwa sam I will work on my
insecurities but please also try to be
transparent with me. I hate it when you hide
things from me, it makes me think you don’t
trust me.”

“I’ll never hide anything from you ever again,

that is my promise.”

“We’ll be fine right babe?”

He asks looking into my eyes

“Yes we will be fine. Detective Zwane called to

tell me Neo is out on bail and awaiting his trial,
I just hope he won’t do anything stupid while
he’s out I swear that guy is deranged.”

“He won’t try anything if he knows what’s good

for him, I still can’t believe he drugged you and
tried to have his way with you.”

“I still can’t believe it either.”

“He’s sick, he can’t be normal.”

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#97

It’s Saturday the day we lay Sphesihle Gabrielle

Meyiwa to her final place of rest, it’s been over
ten days since she passed on but it’s still hard
for me to come terms with her passing. I’d give
anything for this to be nothing but a horrible
nightmare, she can’t be gone just like that. This
cannot be her end; I know people always say
it’s the will of God whenever something of this
sort happens, they even go to say his will
shouldn’t be questioned but maybe it would be
easier not to question his will if we knew the
reasons why some people suffer a bit more than
others in life. I know all about God giving his
toughest battles to his strongest soldiers but
what even qualifies one as a strong soldier? if
being strong means finally falling pregnant after
suffering from multiple miscarriages only to
have your child die on you after you’ve raised
them for 19 years then I don’t want it! I know
of people who suffer until they die and people
who never struggle for anything, unlike the rest
of us they get a job as soon as they graduate
from tertiary and get married to their first love,
have kids and live happily ever after while the
rest of us must struggle and suffer before things
fall into place, what differentiates us from
them?

My spirit is low, and my heart is heavy, I can’t

believe we are burying yet another young
person whose life has been cut shot. Except this
time, it’s not just anyone it’s not a stranger
someone I know nothing about, this time it’s
my boyfriend’s twin sister and someone who I
had grown to love. She was Hlelo’s aunt, a
bright young girl who had so much to live for so
the anguish in my heart is greater that what I
normally feel when a young person dies. My
family and I are on the way to Matshiding
community hall where Sphe’s funeral service
will be held, normally mom plays gospel songs
when we drive in hers or dad’s car but today
the car is teeming with silence and each of us is
lost in their own thoughts.

It's 9:15 when we park outside hall and by the

look of things the service has already started.
There are several cars parked outside the hall
and I spot Nthabi and Gwala’s cars amongst
them. With Hlelo in my arms I climb out of the
car and follow my family to the entrance, the
choir is singing joyous celebration’s ‘Ndenzel’
Uncedo’Hymn 337 when we walk in. Melo is on
her phone sending her boyfriend the ___location
pin so that they don’t struggle finding the hall
since he’s not too familiar with Embalenhle.
The Meyiwa family is sitting on the row parallel
to ours, my heart shudders when I see the
anguish and sorrow mirrored on their faces.

“And now I’ll call Mr. Ntsika Meyiwa to speak

on behalf of the Meyiwa family.” The MC says

The choir sings “Ke nale modisa” as uncle

Ntsika stands up from his seat and makes his
way to the front.
“Greetings my name is Ntsika Meyiwa, Sphe’s
paternal uncle …Her father is my elder brother.
I never thought that one day I will stand here
and talk about Sphe on the day of her funeral, I
thought she’d bury me not the other way
around” he drops the mic from his lips and
looks up as an attempt to stop the tears in his
eyes from rolling down his face “ I still
remember how scared my brother and his wife
were when they found out they were expecting,
scared because they had suffered various
miscarriages prior to that pregnancy.” He
blows out a heavy sigh before continuing with
his story “they thought the same thing would
happen to this pregnancy but by the grace of
God my sister-in-law carried the pregnancy full
time and they were blessed with two babies
while they expected one, I still remember the
excitement in my brother’s voice when he
called me and told me his wife has given birth
to two kids instead of one. He was so elated he
named them Sabelweisphesihle which means
‘we have been given a beautiful gift’ and just
like her name, Sphe was nothing but a beautiful
gift to our family…she was so full of love and
life, so focused and well mannered. She had a
zest for life and had big dreams and aspirations
for her future. She was a go-getter and never
settled for average, she was an angel and that’s
how we will always remember her…zalo,
Sabelo nawe sisi I know you’ve all lost a part of
you that you can never regain by losing her but
those who we love never truly leave us, she’s
an angel now watching over you. Lala ngoxolo
maMsomi.”
Just then a tear rolls down his face and I can’t
help the tears that flow down my face after
hearing the beautiful things uncle Ntsika had to
say about Sphe, she was truly an angel. Death
be not proud.

Aunt Mamy was the one who spoke on behalf

of the Moloi family (Mrs. Meyiwa’s Maiden
surname) and just like uncle Ntsika she only
had good things to say about her niece,
Khethelo was meant to speak as a friend
because they were not only sisters but best
friends too, but she couldn’t utter a single word
because she couldn’t stop crying. Her cry was
gut wrenching and left almost everyone inside
the hall in tears, Gwala was the one who spoke
on behalf of the school.

“Good morning brethren, I stand here today

with a heavy heart. I didn’t know Sphe
personally I just knew her as the number one
top student in my school but judging by what
everyone said about her, she sounds like she
was an amazing girl…. Because of time I will
not be long, let’s quickly go to Isiah 57: 1-2 it
reads.. ‘The righteous man perishes, and no
one lays it to heart; devout men are taken
away, while no one understands. For the
righteous man is taken away from calamity; she
enters into peace; they rest tin their beds who
walk in their uprightness’ to the Meyiwa family
I know your hearts are broken because you
have lost your daughter and Sabelo has lost his
other half, his sister and only sibling but I
would encourage you not to shed tears
anymore crying for Sphe because she has been
freed from all the pain and suffering of this
world, just like the bible says the righteous
shall be taken away from calamity.. she was in
pain, and I believe she is in much better place
now free from all pain and suffering. She has
run her race and fulfilled her purpose, let us not
cry for her anymore but let’s be happy that the
lord has given her rest. The bible says the Lord
heals the brokenhearted and binds up their
wounds, seek his face and he shall heal you
from your heartache and bind up their wounds,
Unkulunkulu useduze nani bantu baka Meyiwa
seek comfort in him and he shall heal your
broken hearts.”
(God is not far from you Meyiwa family)

After Gwala the pastor gives a sermon until the

gentlemen from the funeral parlor arrive and
wait for him at the door. A sign that we have
ran out of time.

“Brethren my time is up, let us please bow our

heads and pray.” Pastor Khuzwayo

We all bow our heads and listen as the pastor

leads us in prayer.

MELOKUHLE
Sphe’s funeral was sad, it was heartbreaking to
see her previous classmates break down and
cry when her casket was lowered to the grave. I
didn’t know her well, but I also found myself
crying, the sight of her parents and brother in
despair and my sister who couldn’t stop wailing
in pain was too much for my heart to take so I
ended up bursting into tears. When we were
still in church ses’Ndalo cried silently and hid
her tears from her daughter, but all that
composure flew out the window when Sabelo
broke down at the cemetery, Hlelo also ended
up crying when she saw her mother cry. Sabelo
didn’t only break into a heart shattering sob
when Sphe was lowered into the grave, he
collapsed and dropped to the ground. But at
least all that happened after he went inside the
grave and laid on top of the reed mat. It’s
tradition for the surviving twin to go inside
their twin’s grave before the one who is late
can enter with a casket; this is done in order to
break the bond the twins share and to prevent
the surviving twin from following their twin to
death.

As promised Themba made it to the funeral

with Nthati and her husband Kagiso, but I
didn’t see them until we came back from the
cemetery, Themba didn’t want me to divide my
attention between him and my sister that’s why
he told me to come to him only when I was
done with everything. It’s almost three in the
afternoon and the number of people walking up
and down the Meyiwa yard has decreased,
many of those who are still left are those who
are related to the family. Most are sitting in
groups drinking alcohol and chatting loudly, I
think it’s safe to say that after tears has started.
I’m chilling with Kagiso, Nthati and Themba
inside the tent having drinks over mild
conversations.

“I’ve never been to such a sad funeral, I found

myself shedding tears even though I didn’t
know Sphe.” Nthati

“Yah, I know I swear I almost shed a tear

especially when Sabelo broke down and fainted
at the cemetery.” Themba
“Don’t remind me I’ve never cried so hard
shem, tears just kept pouring down my face
uncontrollably.” I say

“Eish I can imagine it couldn’t have been easy

for you to see your sister breaking down like
that.” Kagiso

“Yeah, it wasn’t and top it all off Hlelo started

wailing.”

“Eish, where’s your sister vele? I’d like to meet

her and your younger sister.” Themba
“I’ll go find them; I can’t wait for you to meet
them and maybe now you’ll stop feeling like
I’m hiding you.”

He laughs

“I never thought you were hiding me; I

understand that you’re still young and can’t
really introduce me to your family over lunch
or dinner like I introduced to mine.”

“I know sunshine, I’m only pulling your leg. Let

me go look for my sisters, Anele is talkative so
prepare yourself.”

“I’m ready.”
He’s a bit nervous I can tell by how he keeps
popping his knuckles, now I wonder if he’ll
handle meeting my parents. On my way to
house I spot Khethelo in a corner with her
cousins and I change my direction and make
my way to them.

“Hey.”

“Hi”

They all reply and look at me expectantly

“Uhm.. Khethelo did you by any chance see my

sisters?”
“No, did you look for Ndalo in Sabelo’s
bedroom?”

No, and I don’t think it would be appropriate to

do so especially with the house still buzzing
with relatives. I’ve heard it all about how rude
the aunts from KZN are, the last thing I want is
to fall victim to their bitterness because I know
myself I might clap back.

“No, do you mind going to check for me?”

I ask pulling a puppy face. She laughs

“Yini, usabani?”
(What are you afraid of.)

“Hai yoh ufuna abo auntie bakho

bangihlafune.”

(You want your aunts to shout at me)

“Nawe uzabahlafuna haw’…just go inside

Melo, no one will do anything to you. Those
greedy people you’re so afraid of are probably
still busy monitoring the bucket of scones and
watching over the room where alcohol is kept
making sure that no one takes the alcohol, so
you can relax they won’t see you.”

We laugh.This girl is crazy, I give her that.

“Vele ngeke uye?”

(You really won’t go)

“No, Melo I like you nawe uyazi kodwa ngeke

sisi ziyele.”

I would call her, but I left my phone with

Themba and I’m so lazy to go back to the tent
so I summon the courage and make my way
inside the house, pinching my ass that I don’t
bump into one of those rude aunts Ses’Ndalo
told me about. I heave a sigh of relief when I
make it to Sabelo’s door without running into
anyone.
“Come in.” Sabelo’s voice reverberates from
inside.

I push the door and let myself inside. My heart

melts into chocolate gold at the sight before
me, Sabelo is lying skyward on the bed holding
ses’Ndalo with one arm and Hlelo on the other
while their legs are crossed together. They look
so cute together, I even feel bad for disturbing
their moment.

“I’m sorry to disturb your family moment but

Themba would like to officially meet you and
Anele.”

“No, it’s no problem. I also want to meet with

him” she says climbing down the bed and slips
her feet inside her slippers “Baby I’ll be back
ne, I won’t take too long.”

She says looking at her boyfriend

“No, it’s fine. Take all the time you need; I’ll be
fine my daughter will keep me company. Give
me a kiss.”

Ses’Ndalo bends down to meet his mouth and

the two of them smooch right in front of me!
Have you ever seen two people kiss and
instantly miss your partner? Well, that’s me
right now.

“Do I look okay?”

She asks smoothing her hands over her dress
when they finally break the kiss. Yeah, they
took their sweet time kissing I’m sure they even
forgot that they have company. Poor Hlelo!

“Yes, you’re okay. Let’s go.”

“Bye baby.”

She says to Hlelo who doesn’t spare her a

single glance, that’s Hlelo for you no one else
exists to her when Sabelo is around.

“Where’s Anele?”
She asks as we walk out of the house

“I don’t know, please call her.”

She calls and asks Anele to meet us inside the

tent where Themba and his family are waiting
for us.

“Ok guys this is my beautiful sister u

Buhlebendalo Khumalo, but you can call her
Ndalo she’s not only my big sister but she’s my
best friend too. Anele will join us shortly”

“Sanibonani, I am very happy to finally meet

you. I’ve only heard good things about you all
from Melo.”
“Nice to meet you Ndalo, you’re so beautiful.”
Nthati

She’s already on her feet giving my sister a hug

which Ndalo gladly returns.

“Ngiyabonga sisi nawe umuhle”

(Thank you, you’re also beautiful.)

Ndalo replies with so much humility in her

voice. When they say a person is calm, they
refer to my sister, she’s ever so calm and
humble.
“Melo is not good with introductions; she didn’t
tell you who everyone is, so I’ll do the honors
…this is Themba my brother and Kagiso my
husband.”

Nthati says with her one arm around my

sister’s waist. I’m glad they get along but who
wouldn’t get along with Ndalo mara?

“Pleased to meet you sisi I’ve heard many good

things about you.” Themba

Ndalo offers her hand for a handshake, instead

of shaking her hand Themba plants a peck like
a gentleman he is.
“Happy to meet you sisi.” Kagiso

He’s a bit reserved this one, so he doesn’t

shake her hand or hug her like the two siblings
did.

“I’m so happy that you guys have finally met.”

I say

“Me too, Melo is always going on and on about

‘ses’Ndalo’ so I was so looking forward to
meeting the face behind the beautiful things
Melo says about you.”Themba
“I thought I’m the only one who had to endure
her never-ending talks about ‘sunshine’
whenever we are together.” Ndalo

We all laugh

“But I understand why she can’t keep your

name out of her lips, you’re everything she said
you were and more.” Ndalo

“And what would that be?”

Themba curiously asks causing all of us to

laugh.

“My lips are sealed.”

Ndalo says with a finger on her lip.

“Hmmm okay.”

“My condolences to your boyfriend and his

family Ndalo, from what everyone said about
her Sphe was an angel.” Nthati

“Thank you and thank you so much for

coming.”

We keep the conversations going while waiting

for Anele, she better come. The last thing I
want is for her to accuse me of excluding her.
LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#98

Kevin and Cameron didn’t stay long after

Sphe’s funeral because they had to rush back to
Johannesburg, I’m grateful that they came all
the way to support me and glad that I got a
chance to introduce them to Ndalo and Hlelo.
They couldn’t stop raving about how cute Hlelo
is, and as soon as Ndalo excused us they
warned me not to mess up with her because
she’s the perfect woman for me like I’d ever
think of messing things up with my heart. It’s
Thursday today, most relatives have gone back
to their homes and it’s only now that the reality
of Sphe’s death starts sinking in, I don’t know
how many times I went to look for her in
bedroom wanting to talk to her and only to be
viciously snapped back to reality by the empty
room. Suddenly there’s this loneliness that
lingers in the fore walls of our home, it’s
daunting and it feels like walls are laughing at
us mocking our pain, crazy I know but that’s
how I feel. Sitting around the dinner table as a
family is a thing of the past in the Meyiwa
household, we tried it on Sunday but it only
reminded us of how incomplete we are without
her I don’t know maybe it’s too soon but for
now everyone eats in their bedroom, something
that my mother didn’t tolerate in past.
I went to the hospital for a check up yesterday
and the doctor was very happy with my
progress, my stitches are healing nicely, and I’ll
be removing them soon. I’m on my phone
chatting with Ndalo when the door creaks open
and my mother walks in.

“How are you doing Sabelosami, we never

since you were discharged from the hospital”
She lowers herself on my bed and scoots next
to me

“I’m not okay ma but I have no choice but to

soldier on, I have a daughter who needs me.”
“Oh, my son, I know you want to be strong,
and take everything ‘like a man’ but I want you
to cry and go through the pain because if you
don’t it will catch up with you in the future.
You have to face it and deal with it now.”

“I don’t think you understand ma, I am not

bottling up the pain or avoiding dealing with
anything. I cry when I feel like crying and allow
myself to go through the emotions, what I
mean is that I won’t allow the pain I feel to
drag me into a dark hole and prevent me from
going on with my life. Hlelo needs me and I
can’t afford to disappoint my daughter.” A
smile embraces her face.
“You grew up so quickly, I am proud of you my
son and Hlelo is very lucky to have a father like
you. Boys your age normally don’t pay
attention to their kids because they are still
kids themselves but you’re such a good father
to that little girl.”

“That’s because I have the best example, my

father. He’s the best father ever.”

“That’s true, your father is a very good father

my child and I’m glad you look up to him.”

“Yes, ma. While other kids look up to

celebrities I don’t look too far because I look up
to my father, he’s my role model.”
“Meyiwa would be so happy to hear you say
that.”

“Don’t tell him, he’ll grow a big head.” She

laughs

“Awusanga nje! I’m going to tell him what you

said”

(You’re silly)

“Please don’t, you know how he is.”

“Ngizomtshela.”

(I’m going to tell him)

With that said she stands up and rushes out of
the room. I get up and run after her, she looks
back when she feels my footsteps behind her.
She giggles and attempts to run but obviously
I’m faster than her, so I catch up to her in no
time and wrap my arms around her small frame
and start tickling her. She erupts into a belly
laugh asking me to stop

“Hey wena you’ll kill my sister let her go.”

Says aunt Mamy when she finds me tickling my

mother. I let her go and smile as I watch her
wipe away her tears, at least I was able to wipe
away the sorrow that lives rent free on her face
and made her laugh even if it was for a few
minutes. I hate seeing my mother like this, so
thin and scrawny.

NDALO

Melo’s boyfriend and his family were so sweet

and welcoming. Within a few minutes of
meeting them I already felt like I have known
them for years especially Nthati, now I know I
will have nothing to worry about if Melo gets
married into their family, I know there wouldn’t
be anything to worry about. Anele eventually
came and as expected she bombarded Themba
with a lot of questions about his intentions with
Melo and all that jazz brothers say when they
want to scare off our boyfriends, I think now I
understand why Melo was convinced that
Anele is lesbian because wawu!

“Will you go to the Meyiwa’s today?”

“No, being there gives me heart palpations

Melo.”

“What do you mean?” Her eyes are wide as

saucers in shock

“There’s just too much sadness in that house,

they no longer even eat together…a lot of
things have changed, and I find myself wanting
to cry every time I’m there and I can’t keep on
crying, how will Sabelo heal if I keep reminding
him of his sister’s death?”

“Eish sounds hectic, maybe they need to

consider going to therapy as a family.”

“Speaking of therapy Sabelo and I need to see a

therapist. I’m tired of all the fighting and
arguments I just want us to be happy and enjoy
our relationship. Just love each other without
dealing with any problems.”

“If you think it’ll help then go for it sis, I know I

would do anything to save my relationship with
Themba. So do all you need to do for the
survival of your relationship, you two love and
make each other happy it would be a shame if
you had to break up over something that could
easily be fixed.”

“That will never happen Melo, Sabelo is my

lifeline.”

“Ncoah, to be honest with you when your

relationship started, I didn’t think it would last
but I didn’t want to say anything and burst
your bubble.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s not every day we see an older

woman and a younger man who truly love each
other, it’s always the case of the man being
with the woman for money or the woman using
the younger guy for sex. I honestly thought
Sabelo will cheat on you when he got to
varsity, I’m sorry but I didn’t think your love
would stand the test of time.”

Wow!

“I didn’t think we would survive either but look

at how far we have come…and I believe we are
still going far.”

“Yes, you will.”

.
NARRATED

Neo hasn’t left his house ever since he was

granted bail, his lawyer warned him to stay out
of trouble to avoid adding more charges added
to his long list of charges. It still puzzles him
how Sabelo survived those gunshots because
he made sure to aim for his heart, it infuriates
him that he’ll go to jail and leave Ndalo and
Sabelo to carry on with their pathetic love
story..all the risks and sacrifices he made to
win Ndalo were all in vain, he risked his
freedom for nothing it would be better if Sabelo
was dead. It’s a few minutes after 1 in the
morning when his eyelids snap open. He
removes the covers and jumps out of bed as he
hears a noise coming from the kitchen, it
sounds like a thief is breaking into his house.
He immediately takes his gun under his pillow
and swiftly walks to the kitchen careful not to
make a sound. A man dressed in black clothing
and gloves kicks the gun from his hands when
he appears from the corner, it slips from his
hands and falls on the floor. Him and the man
look at the gun on the floor and race to pick it
up, Neo realizes that his luck has run out when
the man beats him to it and picks it up first,
scared for his life his body begins to tremble
and warm pee runs down his legs.

“Sies!”

Ntsika says and spits saliva on the floor whilst

aiming the gun at Neo’s chest. Accepting
defeat, Neo raises both his hands up as a sign of
surrender.

“You can take anything but please don’t kill

me.”

“There’s no escaping your destiny, you are

screwed!” Ntsika says

He gets on his knees and grovels at the Ntsika’s

feet. Ntsika swings his foot forward kicking
Neo’s mouth with his CAT safety boot, Neo
yelps in pain holding his now bleeding mouth.

“Masaka!”
Ntsika exclaims and advances towards him.
Neo retreats backwards with his hands on the
floor like a four-legged animal trying to escape
the angry man, his fear intensifies when he
bumps into something on his back. He looks up
and comes face to face with another man,
Brandon.

“Please… just let me go.” He pleads with tears

in his eyes

Brandon steps on his right hand that is still on

the floor and tramples on top of it causing a
shrill cry to escape from Neo’s lips.
“I didn’t do anything please let me go..” He
croaks out while a mixture of tears and snorts
rolls down his face.

“I hate it when people beg, get up!” Ntsika

commands. Neo gets up ignoring the severe
pain from his right hand as a result of being
trampled on.

“Get undressed.”

“What?” he asks in shock

“Hey, undress wena!” says Brandon behind him

and for some reason Neo knows not to mess
with this one so he slowly takes off his clothes.
“Not bad zalo, he’s better than Musa.” Ntsika

Why are these men talking about his dick, will

they rape him? He has always heard of men
being raped but he never thought he would
someday be counted among victims of rape
much less it happening in his own home, he’d
expect this sort of thing to happen in prison not
here.

“Bend and hold on to the armrest so your

asshole sticks out.”
“Tape his mouth Ntsika he’ll make noise and
wake his neighbours; we don’t want any
trouble.”

His heartbeat accelerates as this ‘Ntsika’

person looks through what looks like a toolbox,
his hands come out with a silver sellotape, the
one they use to gag people in movies. No, he
can’t allow himself to go down without a fight
he needs to fight for his life. He can’t allow
these men to rape him so easily, he needs to
fight. He skims his eyes around the room
looking for something he can use to defend
himself with.

“What are you looking for, you want to defend

yourself is that it?” Questions Brandon
“No…iiiii”

“Calm down, don’t look so scared. I want you

to defend yourself, it would make this even
more interesting and ease up my conscience at
least I won’t feel guilty knowing that you fought
back so let’s go.” He says and balls his fingers
into fists. Ntsika laughs and begins shifting
furniture around creating more space for the
fight.

“No, I don’t want to fight.” Says Neo in a shaky

voice and the two men laugh at his expense
“Come on Neo, you were brave when you
broke into Ndalo’s apartment and drugged her.
You had balls when you shot my son, now
come on where did that courage disappear
to…don’t disappoint me man come on.”
Brandon says coaxing him to fight.

“What? so you’re Sabelo’s father?” Emergency

bells go off in his head when it clicks that these
men are not here to rape him, they are here to
kill him! why didn’t he pick it up when he saw
the resemblance?

“You’re correct but let’s reserve chatting for

later… for now let’s fight it out like men.
Come”
“I’m sorry sir, I didn’t mean to kill Sabelo I only
wanted to scare him off. I was never going to
do anything to Ndalo, I love her and only
wanted her to love me back.” He’s back on his
knees begging again. Ntsika laughs

“He’s a coward like Sabelo said, he’ll waste our

time with all this begging. Let’s get to business
zalo”

Ntsika picks up Neo’s boxers on the floor and

forcefully shove them inside Neo’s mouth and
tapes his mouth with a sellotape.

“Listen Neo this is how we are going to do this.

If you obey our instructions, we won’t have any
reason to kill you but if you think of resisting, I
won’t hesitate to chop your head off you get
it?” Neo nods vigorously with tears in his eyes
“Good boy, now bend and hold on to the
armrest.”

Brandon holds Neo’s hands in place while

Ntsika takes a dry corn cob and shove it inside
Neo’s ass causing him excruciating pain, his
painful cries are blocked by the boxers and
sellotape in his mouth. Making the tears
flowing down his face the only evidence of the
pain he feels from the painful intrusion in his
ass. He fidgets, twisting and turning fighting
with all his might to escape but Brandon holds
him in place until Ntsika is satisfied. When
Brandon releases him, he slumps to the floor
like a bag of potatoes curling himself like a
foetus and weeps in pain and mortification.

“You’ll have all the time to cry later for now

let’s get back to business.”

Brandon says and grabs his hands and ties his

wrists tightly together with a cable ties.

“Don’t try to remove this, you’ll only cause

yourself pain because it’ll dig into your flesh
and slice your wrists.” Brandon

Ntsika takes pliers from the toolbox and

pinches Neo’s balls with them until they are red
and bruised.
“Zalo I say we chop off his manhood.” Ntsika
says with a cold look on his face and Brandon
nods in agreement.

Ntsika picks up a grinder from the toolbox and

plugs it on the wall socket, Neo cries out in
horror when he sees the abrasive grinding disc
rotating. Brandon puts his knee on top of Neo’s
chest holding him in place while Ntsika chops
off his dick and balls with a grinder causing
blood to spring out like water from a tap
staining the walls and the floor.

“You messed with the wrong family my friend.

Don’t cry we are almost done.” Brandon
What’s left now is to cut off his tongue and
hands, they wouldn’t think of leaving any
loopholes behind now, would they?

“I think we should feed him his dick before he

loses his ability to taste, what do you say Neo?”
Brandon suggests

Neo shakes his head vigorously

“Uhhala mahala, we weren’t asking for your

permission. You will eat your dick!” Ntsika

(You’re wasting your energy by refusing)

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#99

“Thank you so much detective Zwane.”

“Bye.” He says.

I cut the call and slowly sink on my bed.

“What?” Melo asks when she sees the defeated

expression on my face
“That was detective Zwane, the one in charge
of the case I have against Neo.”

“What did he say, you look pale?”

“He called to give me an update.”

“The case is going to court first week of Jan,

right?” I sigh and shake my head in disapproval

“Not anymore, apparently Neo fled the country.

He sent a message to his friend from a +265
NSN number two nights ago telling him he’s
fleeing the country because he won’t survive
being imprisoned he says he knows that’s
where he’s headed because the state has an
airtight case against him. His friend is the one
who took the information to the police station,
they verified it and it’s true. They have CCTV
footages showing someone matching his
description crossing the border illegally”

Zwane says his face is not showing clearly on

the footage because he’s wearing a cap to hide
his face from the cameras but the body
matches his so they believe the man in the
footage is him, especially since he used the
Lebombo border post so they assume he used
the Maputo route to go to Malawi.

“Wow, some friend he is! I’m not saying what

Neo did was right, he’s a terrible person and he
deserves to be convicted for his crimes but
what kind of friend is he to report his friend to
the police?” Anele

“A fake one but I’m glad he’s fake because now

Neo won’t get away, what’s going to happen to
the case now?” Melo

“Zwane says the number he sent the message

with is from Malawi, the Malawian police have
been notified and have already started
searching for him.” I say

“At least, I hope they find him soon. He needs

to pay for what he did, he can’t just get away
with everything he did to you and Sabelo and
who knows who else.” Melo
I don’t know how I feel about this whole thing,
I wanted Neo to pay for his sins in prison. I
didn’t want him to escape and roam about like
he didn’t turn our lives upside down. I know he
is said to be in Malawi but what if he comes
back someday when everyone has moved on
and forgotten about the case and does what he
failed to do? I hope he gets caught because I
don’t want to look over my shoulder for the
rest of my life, scared of what he might do
when he decides to come back from hiding.

“Exactly, he needs to pay for what he did.

Sabelo almost died and maybe Sphe would still
be alive if he didn’t shoot Sabelo.” Anele
“True.”

KHETHELO

When I lost Sphe I didn’t only lose a sister, I

lost a friend, someone I could always rely on
and my human diary. I know picking up the
pieces and moving on without her will be
difficult, it already is. I still cry every time I go
through our pictures and videos in my gallery.
Everything I see reminds me of her, and seeing
a person dressed a white coat saddens me
because I know how much she wanted to be a
doctor and I know she would’ve been a great
one. I always listen to her voice notes and call
her number just so I can listen to her voicemail.
I exchanged numbers with my cousins from
KZN after the funeral, and we have been talking
over the phone and on social media trying to
build a close relationship as cousins, but I
know none of them will take Sphe’s place in my
heart. She was very dear to me, and I miss her
every second of the day, how I wish she was
here because I could really use her advice; I’m
facing a predicament and I’m not sure what to
do- do I follow my heart and risk coming
between friends or do I ignore my feelings and
pretend Iike I'm okay with it?

CAN I VIDEOCALL?

A text from Kevin reads

YES, BUT PLEASE CALL IN FIVE MINUTES.

I reply and run to the bathroom to wash my

face then apply ponds and some gloss on my
lips. When I’m done freshening up, I return to
my bedroom and anxiously wait for his call, I’m
nervous we will be video calling for the first
time- we have been speaking over the phone
and texting via WhatsApp ever since we
exchanged numbers on Saturday and please
don’t ask me how we exchanged numbers
because wawu I still can’t believe I gave him
my numbers that easily. He’s the predicament I
was referring to, I don’t know if I should be
talking to him and feeling the way I do for him
because I don’t know if Sabelo will approve.
My phone rings snapping me from my
thoughts, it’s him. I clear my throat and accept
his video call.

“Hey.” My voice comes out thinner and softer

than normal.

“Hey beautiful.”

There’s something about the way the word

‘beautiful’ rolls off his tongue that leaves my
insides melting

“How are you doing?”

“I’m great now that I’m looking at your
beautiful face.”

His voice, how he’s looking at me and how his

lips move when he speaks! Damn this colored
boy be making me feel things I never thought
possible.

“I want to see you again, please allow me to

take you out on a date.”

He says and sucks his lower lip between his

teeth. There’s this whole ‘I’m hot and I know it’
vibe about him, I never thought I would be so
attracted to someone like him, I don’t like abo
‘I’m hot and I know it’ kind of guys.
“Kev stop it, I told you my brother won’t like
this…we shouldn’t even be talking, I shouldn’t
have given you my number.”

“I know what you said but I can’t control how I

feel Kate, I can’t get you out of my mind since
the day of the funeral…you’re all I think
about.”

He prefers using my second name Kate instead

of Khethelo for obvious reasons

“But..”
“Stop with the buts, I know I’m friends with
your cousin and all that jazz about you being
two years older than me, but I can’t get you out
of my mind Kate. I’ve never wanted anyone
like I want you.” Why is my heart suddenly
racing and beating fast?

“I don’t know Kevin; I don’t think I want my

first relationship to be a long-distance
relationship because from what I have seen and
heard long distance relationships never work
one of the two ends up cheating. I also don’t
want to ruin your friendship with my brother.
He cares about you; he even considers you his
brother so I wouldn’t want to come between
the two of you and ruin the beautiful friendship
you guys share.”
“Look Kate I also don’t want to jeopardize my
friendship with Troy, and I know this is
somewhat not ideal and that’s why I tried to
forget about you, but I can’t Kate you’re all I
think about. I wouldn’t pursue a relationship
with you if I didn’t have good intentions with
you, I wouldn’t betray my friend like that. I
know you think my friendship with him will be
ruined when he finds out about us, but your
cousin is a good guy and he’ll give us his
blessings when he sees how serious I am about
you. I swear I don’t want to play games with
you, I know I look like a player and all, but I
promise I’m not ..I want something real with
you…I want to be your man and I want to
make you my woman.”
My heart you guys, this boy is making it so
easy to fall for him.

“That’s the thing Kevin, I don’t know if what I

feel for you is love.”

“I know how I feel about you Kate and I know

that I want something serious with you, I think
I love you and I want to grow in loving you
with each day that passes…give me a chance to
love you, please say yes it’ll give you a chance
to explore your feelings for me.”
I know it’s too soon, but I think love him too
but he doesn’t need to know that at least not
yet.

“I don’t want to hurt you so I’d rather we take

things slow, maybe be friends for a while.”

“That’s also fine by me, we can be friends as

long as you know what my feelings for you
are.”

“Ok no problem.”

“Thanks. So do you want me to tell Troy about

us?”
“Whoa slow down tiger, don’t tell him anything
yet. We will only tell him if we decide to date.”

“No, when we decide to date, and it’s only a

matter of time before that happens.”

He says with a lopsided smile on his face

“You sound so sure.”

“That’s because I won’t rest until you’re mine.”

The way I’m blushing right now

“Look at that smile, you’ll definitely give me
beautiful babies when we are married.”

Jesu wase mazulwini!

“What about the distance, how will we work

around that?”

I digress because my cheeks hurt from all the

blushing I have been doing

“That’s not a problem, we both have cars so we

can make it work. I have a bachelor pad so we
can see each other anytime we want plus you
are in Pretoria most of the time and that’s not
too far from Johannesburg.”
Sounds like he has everything figured out, I
hope Sabelo won’t get angry with me for this
because lord knows I also want to love and feel
loved. I want to give Kevin a chance, who
knows he might be the one. I can already
imagine our cute coloured babies!

SABELO

“Dad please tell me you have nothing to do

with Neo’s disappearance?”

“He disappeared?”
He asks with his eyes wide open faking shock; I
would fall for it if I didn’t know him as well as I
do.

“Dad stop pretending I know you had

something to do with this.”

“I know this sounds like something I would do

but I’m afraid this time you’re wrong I am
innocent. So, this boy disappeared, damn it I
was still thinking of the perfect way to make
him pay for what he did. Wait, how do you
know he disappeared?”
I can’t believe this man. So much acting and
pretense!

“The detective in charge of my case just called

and told me, apparently he fled the country and
went to Malawi.”

Ask me why I’m telling him all of this because

he knows everything and I’m sure he planned
it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Neo winds up
dead.

“Bastard! He better not think of coming back

because I’ll be waiting for him when he does.”

Oh please!
“Anyway, where are you going all dressed up?”

He asks looking at my outfit

“I’m taking Ndalo and my daughter out for

lunch, we’ve been through a lot we need time
out away from everyone and everything.”

“True, go and enjoy yourself with your little

family and tell me if you need money.”

“No, I’m okay but thanks for offering. I’ll be on

my way.”
“Bye son.”

******

Ndalo, Hlelo and I are having lunch at

Cappuccinos at Secunda Mall. Ndalo was
craving their pizza and since her wish is my
command we are having lunch here. Hlelo has
started walking and my girl is so excited about
this milestone and she’s walking all over the
place making me work overtime because I must
get up every five minutes to get her when she
disappears to a corner where we can’t see her
from our table, toddlers are a handful yoh
especially when they start learning how to walk
and start pulling everything they can get their
hands on but I still love being her father. I’m
learning a lot from raising her.

“Your pizza.” The waiter says placing the pizza

on the table

“Would you like a refill on your drinks?” he

asks

“Yes, please. Sthandwa sam wena?” I ask

looking at Ndalo. Instead of replying she puts a
hand on her face blocking her nose and mouth.

“What’s wrong?”
She retches and vomits all over the floor
drawing attention to herself. Alarmed and
worried, I get up and rush to her side

“I’ll bring a bucket and a mop.” The waiter says

before rushing off

“What’s wrong baby, here drink this.”

She takes the glass of water from my hands and

takes a big sip

“I’m okay, don’t worry. It’s the pizza, it has a

certain smell that makes my stomach turn.”
“What, I don’t get it. You like this pizza, it’s
your favourite.”

“I know but I won’t be able to stomach it

today. Can we go somewhere else, I’ll pay?”

“No, it’s fine love you don’t have to. I’ll pay the
bill and we can go anywhere you want okay.”

“I will take Hlelo and wait for you outside, I

really can’t stand the smell of the pizza”

“No problem.”

We went Spur when we left Cappuccinos and

luckily Ndalo didn’t have a problem with their
food, then we spent the rest of the day at Lake
Muzi swimming well that’s if I can call having
your legs inside the pool swimming. Minus
Ndalo vomiting at the restaurant, I had a lovely
day with my little family. When it was time to
go back home neither of us wanted to part
ways so we booked a room at Lake Muzi so we
would spend the night in each other’s arms. I’m
sitting on the couch chatting on my phone,
she’s on the bed putting our daughter to sleep.

“Finally, she’s sleeping.” Ndalo

“Come on, she’s not that bad.”

“She is.”
“You’re exaggerating, come sit here.”

I say pointing at my lap. She obliges and sit on

top of me with her legs on either side of my
waist

“I miss you.”

I say grinding my erection on her mound. She

wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me
in for a kiss, the kiss is sultry and sensual and I
get lost in her juicy lips. I have my hands all
over her body, groping and caressing her
beautiful body when she stands up and takes
off her dress in haste motioning me to do the
same with my clothes. When we’ve discarded
all our clothes, our mouths link again in a
French kiss. The kiss is sloppy and messy, we
are breathing heavily and have our hands all
over each other like dogs on heat.

“Turn around and hold on to the armrest.”

She turns and holds on to the couch armrest.

My dick twitches at the sight of her cookie
glistening with her juices. I spank her causing
her to moan gloriously while her ass jingles, I
slowly move my fingers down until I reach her
warm and moist hole and insert my finger
fingering her.

“Aaaah.”
Her moans drive me crazy I end up on my
knees with my face buried on her wetness
slurping on her juices like a dog, I alternate
between her nuna and her ass and licking her
crack in the process. I know she’s close when
her grip on the couch tightens and her body
trembles. I circle my finger around the wrinkles
on her ass and she comes undone creaming my
face with her salty juices.

“Woah that was amazing.”

I lie on my back on the fluffy carpet that’s laid

on the tiled floor.
“Come on top, I want us to try something.”

“I think I know what that is”

She replies with a naughty smile on her face.

She climbs on top of me, her face facing my

legs putting her cookie on my face. I spread her
butt cheeks and start eating her up, I almost cry
from sheer pleasure when she puts my member
inside her warm mouth and sucks on my
cockhead after spreading it with precum, I
groan with my mouth on her pussy when she
sucks her cheeks in while my member is inside
her mouth the pleasure I feel is out of this
world and ripples through my body like an
electric wave damn I think I will love this
position.

LOVE KNOWS NO AGE

#100

FOURS YEARS LATER

NARRATED

“Oh, my goodness Ses’Ndalo you look

breathtaking WOW!”
Exclaims Melo when she walks into Ndalo’s
room and sees her in a dazzling strapless tulle
ball gown with a ruffled skirt overlay edged
with horsehair. The bodice has a small,
dropped waist and accentuates Ndalo’s figure
and is covered in crystal beading.

“She is beautiful right?” Asks the designer as

she helps Ndalo with the dress.

“She’s more than beautiful, my brother-in-law

will definitely shed a tear or two when he sees
her.”

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears looking at

how beautiful her sister is, Ndalo has always
looked beautiful but today..today she looks
perfect. Lilian walks into the room and smiles
with tears in her eyes as she takes in Ndalo’s
appearance.

“You look beautiful maKhumalo.” She says

softly, her words laced with pride.

“Thank you, ma.” She says and tearfully stares

at her reflection in the mirror, this is it. She’s
getting married to the love of her life.

“Can you please give me a moment alone with

Ndalo.”

Lilian says her eyes darting between the

designer and Melo. The two ladies leave the
room giving the mother and her eldest daughter
privacy. Lilian lowers herself on the edge of the
bed.

“You look so beautiful my baby.” She says and

wipes a wayward tear “Oh my baby I still
remember how I almost ruined our relationship
when I wanted you to marry Musa, I failed to
recognize how unhappy you were with him
because I desperately wanted you to live the
life I had envisioned for you in my head. I
thought Musa was the perfect man for you
because he had me fooled into thinking he was
a good person, so it didn’t make sense to me
how you could choose a high scholar over him.
I thought you were crazy and possessed by the
demon of lust.” Ndalo laughs “I didn’t think it
was love, I despised that light skinned boy so
much and I was so sure that your relationship
with him wouldn’t last but here you are today
getting married to him well you’re already
married to him…. My point is, I have watched
the two of you grow and loving each other
immensely throughout the years and now I
know there’s no one who can love you better
than he does. He loves you my child and I have
no doubt that he’ll make you happy.”

“Thank you, ma.”

“I’ve been married to your father for almost

thirty years now, and I can tell you that
marriage is not easy, you’ll come across many
challenges in your marriage. Marriage is a
sacred union that is blessed and recognized by
God and that is why the devil attacks marriages
so much, my marriage to your father didn’t last
this long because I’m the most beautiful woman
there is, or because I’m the best cook, or
because of the three beautiful children I bore
for him. My marriage lasted because we made
God the center of our marriage …Nowadays
marriages don’t because you young people
don’t pray, you discuss everything with your
friends and fool each other into using muti
thinking it’ll help keep a man. My child never
ever discuss your marital affairs with anyone
not even Melo or me, you grew up in church
Buhle you know the lord so I want you to learn
to kneel down and pray whenever you come
across difficulties or challenges in your home,
in your marriage and with your children always
kneel down and pray. The bible says in Psalms
71v1 ‘those who put their trust in the lord shall
never be put to shame’, put all your trust in
him my child, make him your friend and
confide all your troubles to him. He’s not man
he doesn’t change and will never wake up one
day and turn on you like people do, hear me
well I’m not saying don’t have friends all I’m
saying is that your friends should never know
about your marital affairs. I know how you
youngsters are, you tell your friends everything
including what goes on in the bedroom, I need
you to stop it if you were doing it before
ayenziwa leyonto mtanami.” (You don’t do that
my child.)

“Thank you so much ma.”

The door opens and Melo, Khethelo, Anele,

Nthabi walk in looking beautiful in their long
matching champagne bridesmaids’ dresses with
each holding a bouquet in their hands. Melo’s
dress is slightly different from the rest, unlike
others hers has a slit on the side revealing her
firm yellow and toned thigh.

“Wow!” the girls say in awe when their eyes

land on Ndalo causing her to blush incessantly

“You look beautiful my girls, where’s Hlelo we

need to get going?” Lilian
Just then Hlelo walks in dressed a cute ball
gown that looks identical to her mother’s
wedding gown. A smile embraces Ndalo’s lips
as she looks at her beautiful daughter, the
hairstyle and those beads in her bun make her
look like the princess that she really is. Hlelo
runs to her mother and wraps her arms around
her hips.

“You look so beautiful mommy” for a five-year-

old her English is too good. She speaks it so
eloquently like those model C kids who go to
private schools. Ndalo bends to her daughter’s
level with her lips pursed for a kiss, Hlelo
stands in her tip-toes and pecks her mother’s
lips.

“Thank you, my love. You also look beautiful.”

“It’s time, we need to get going.” Lilian says
giving Ndalo her flower bouquet and covering
her face with a veil. The relatives who are
inside the house ululate, dance and sing
wedding songs as Ndalo and her entourage
make their way outside to the limousine
decorated with balloons while Anele follows
behind holding the dress’s tail.

SABELO

My anxiety shoots up with each second that

passes, I don’t know why I’m so nervous
because this is only a celebration Ndalo and I
are already married and have been married for
almost four years now. We got married shortly
after we found out that we are expecting.
Meyiwa wasn’t pleased when we told him the
news nor was Khumalo but only because we
were having another child out of wedlock, Mr.
Khumalo said having one child with his
daughter out of wedlock was already bad
enough having another one would be pushing it
so I had no choice but to step up and pay
Ndalo’s lobola- with my father’s help of course.

I was still in school then and Ndalo’s business

was still taking off and barely made enough
profit to finance the wedding of our dreams, so
we only signed at the commissioner’s office and
had a small celebration with family and friends
afterwards. After the celebration my father
gifted us with an apartment in Johannesburg-
Auckland park. I moved out of res and moved
in with my woman and our daughter. Juggling
between school, being a full-time father and
husband wasn’t easy, seeing someone
occasionally or spending some weekends
together is different from sharing the same bed
with them every night, when you live with
someone you to get to know their true self, pick
up their bad habits and constantly discover
new things about them.

Eventually the butterflies in your tummy

disappear and you no longer get goosebumps
from just looking into their eyes, all that crazy
love you used to feel for them fades away and I
believe that’s when true love starts. With all of
that said, I have no doubt in my heart and mind
that Ndalo is the one for me, my missing rib
and the one specifically created for me. I’m
completely certain that I want to spend the rest
of my life with her.

Kevin, Cameron, my two cousins, my sons and

I have just climbed out of the car at Didingwe
River lodge where our wedding ceremony and
reception will take place. Ndalo and I couldn’t
think of a more perfect place to say ‘I DO’ than
right next to the river, tranquil mountain views
and under the spectacular sunset. Surrounded
by a beautiful bush veld and a serenade of love
all around.
A smile embraces my lips when I walk inside
the venue and see the beautiful decor, it looks
exactly like how my wife wanted it. I skim my
eyes around the room and look at all the
relatives and friends who came in numbers to
witness us declare our love and commitment to
each other, my parents are sitting next to my
uncle and his wife- aunt Zenkosi. Aunt has their
two year old son on her lap, I smile when I
remember how happy they were when they
found out about aunt zen’s pregnancy.

My groomsmen walk in first and I follow

behind them with my sons on either side of me,
people ululate cheerfully as I make my way to
the front and stand next to the reverend. After
some time, the bridesmaids walk down the
aisle and join the groomsmen in the front row
seats, first time by Teeks booms through the
speakers as Hlelo walks down the aisle
scattering flowers on the red carpet damn my
baby looks so cute. Mr. Khumalo walks in next
with my beautiful wife in his arm. I look at her
walking towards me, her hips swaying side to
side and everyone else disappears. Damn she
looks so beautiful and I can’t help but tear up
finding it hard to believe that she’s really mine,
Khumalo gives me that ‘you better take care of
her’ warning look before turning away going to
his seat.

I look at her with a broad smile and stretch out

my right hand to her, Melo rushes over and
takes Ndalo’s bouquet. Ndalo holds my hand, I
cover her small hand with mine and give it a
gentle squeeze then we both around and face
the reverend.

“Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to

join Sabelo Troy Meyiwa and Buhlebendalo
Khumalo in holy matrimony. I feel honored to
be part of the beautiful couple’s celebration,
love is such a beautiful thing brethren look at
how these two look at one another ey they
remind me of my wife and I when we fell in
love.” He looks up and stares into space
causing everyone to laugh

“I won’t be long I’m sure the couple can’t wait

to leave for their honeymoon, so I won’t waste
their time with a long sermon.” Laughter fills
the venue as people laugh at the pastor’s joke
“First Corinthians 13: 4-8 reads… ‘4 Love is
patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does
not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor
others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices with the
truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.8 Love never
fails. But where there are prophecies, they will
cease; where there are tongues, they will be
stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass
away.’ Buhle and Sabelo these are the qualities
or rather characteristics of love according to
the word of God, when you truly love someone,
your love will come with all of these attributes.
Everything is effortless, no one forces anything
or tries too hard everything just flows when
two people are truly in love with each other.”
I’m standing anxiously waiting for the pastor to
get to the part where Ndalo and I kiss. I can’t
wait to make love to my wife all night and
brand her with my love, I want to tattoo my
love in her soul and engrave it on her brain. I
snap out of my reverie when the pastor calls
out my name, I look at him hoping he’ll repeat
whatever he said. He shakes his head and
chuckles probably seeing my confusion before
repeating his question.

“Do you wish to say your own vows?” I nod my

head in agreement.

I wrote them down but decided not use what I

wrote at the last minute, it’s always better to
speak from the heart.

“Lovely, can we get the rings please.” Kevin

jolts up from his seat and gives the rings to the
pastor. He prays for them before giving them to
us.

“Please face each other” we turn and look at

each other “Ok Sabelo you can say your vows
to your wife.”

“6 years ago, you captured my heart by being

exactly who you are. The sweetest, most
loving, compassionate and sensitive person I
have ever known. You have been my best
friend through the good and the bad, you are
my reason to smile, and you have given me
comfort beyond measure when I go through
difficult times. You believed in my love for you
regardless of the ‘worldly’ standards of what
love should be like and you have taught me
how to love with passion, purity and
unconditional acceptance. I’m not sure if a
lifetime is long enough to return all you have
given me, but I promise to spend the rest of my
days by your side. To laugh and cry with you,
to believe in you and support you. In poverty I
promise to do everything to make our love rich,
and in riches I promises to never allow our love
to go poor. Together we are better than we can
ever hope to be alone, today I give you my
love, my trust and fidelity forever. You will
always be the best part of me mother of my
beautiful kids, with this ring I pledge to you my
love and commitment to you until death do us
apart.” Tears are rolling down her face as I
slide the ring in her finger.

“That was beautiful daddy thank you.” She

mutters in a hushed tone.
“Wow, if this is not love then I don’t know
what is. Buhle sisi, it’s your turn.”

“Now how do I compete with that, that was

beautiful ngiyabonga Meyiwa.” She takes a
deep breath and looks into my eyes “I love you
because I'm at my happiest when I’m with you,
I love that you love your family just as fiercely
as I love mine. Also, I love that your family has
become mine just like mine has become yours.
You are my best friend and I’m so happy we
are on the same team, you are the love of my
life and you make me so happy than I ever
imagined and thought possible, I am proud to
call you my husband and I promise to make
you proud to call me your wife. I vow to listen
and learn from you, and I vow to cry and laugh
with you. I promise to value our differences as
much as I value our similarities, I vow to put all
the effort in strengthening our marriage and
giving you the best version of myself on good
and bad days, rain or shine. You might be
younger than me but you have taught me a lot
including how to love myself and how to
receive love, I will forever love you and I’m so
blessed you’re mine. This ring is the symbol of
my love and commitment to you, I will love
you until death do us apart”

Oh my goodness that was beautiful. I smile

when she slides the ring into my finger, people
are swooning admiring our love. There was a
constant anthem of “ncoah’s” from the guests
when we exchanged vows.

“I’m blown away and lost for words brethren

these two truly love each other and it’s so
beautiful to watch. Let me not say much I
might end up ruining, by the powers vested in
me I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Sabelo
Troy Meyiwa you may kiss your bride.”

I remove the veil from her face and snake my

arms around her waist pulling her body closer
and go in for a kiss. We pour all our emotions
to the kiss, pouring our hearts and souls into it
allowing our mouths to communicate what’s in
our hearts, our tongues fuse in the throes of
passion and we get lost in each other arms.
Guests ululate as we kiss. We kiss until the
pastor tells us to stop.

This is the best day of my life.

.
MATHAPELO

Losing Sphe changed our lives drastically and

left us with a deep wound that we believed
could never be healed, moving on without her
was difficult for all of us especially on her twin
and her father. It took them a lot of time to
adjust to the new reality but I’m glad that my
son didn’t sink into depression, he picked up
the pieces and made his wife and kids his
reason to keep living. Despite the challenges
that came with being a father, a husband and a
student plus working part time Sabelo worked
hard and completed his degree in record time,
he still has a long way to go before he becomes
a qualified actuary but with his undergrad
degree, he got a job as a risk manager at an
insurance company.

I’m proud of everything him and his wife have

achieved over the years, there’s nothing more
inspiring like seeing young lovers grow and
elevate to new heights together. They have
worked hard to create a comfortable life for
their kids, they bought shares in several
companies. Now they want to venture into
business together- buying flats in Johannesburg
and Pretoria, renovating them and getting
them accredited by public universities and
colleges so they can rent them out to students.

After their beautiful wedding, the lovely couple

flew to Mauritius for their honeymoon. Their
wedding was beautiful, their vows took me
back to my wedding day. Those two really love
each other and it’s so beautiful to watch, how
Sabelo looks at Ndalo like his world is in her
eyes is amazing to behold. I won’t lie at one
point I didn’t think their love would survive the
test of time, Sabelo was only 18 when they met
and at that age teens are still discovering
themselves. Being certain of his love for Ndalo
at that age was hard, but he proved everyone
who doubted his love for her wrong. I wish
them a very long and happy married life
together.

It’s almost 9pm, I’m in bed reading my bible

when Meyiwa walks in with the kids on his tail.

“Gogo!” Alwande and Uthando say at the same

time and race to the bed.
Alwande and Uthando are Sabelo and Ndalo’s
3-and-a-half-year-old identical twins. They look
exactly like their father, one would swear
Sabelo was denying them the way they look so
much like him. I lift them up, take off their
sleepers and put them under the covers next to
me. Shortly after Sphe died, God blessed us
with these two wonderful human beings to
soothe our broken hearts and restore the
happiness and joy in our home. Being their
grandmother is a bliss and it gives me so much
joy, they fill the void and emptiness I had
always felt in my heart. It’s true what they say,
grandparents love their grandchildren more
than their kids- it’s safe to say I’d kill for my
grandchildren.

“Khulu ngicela ungene engubeni.”

(Grandpa please get in bed.)

Hlelo says standing impatiently next to the bed.

Meyiwa looks at her and chuckles

“Why?” he asks holding in his laugh

“So I can sleep on top of you hao khulu you

know your princess can’t sleep if she’s not on
top of you.”

She’s such a diva this one, exactly like Sphe

she’s forever abusing my husband demanding
to be carried but I don’t get involved in their
business because Meyiwa loves pampering her
so I turn into the bad guy everytime I get
involved. Meyiwa takes off his sleepers and
slides under the covers. Hlelo follows suit and
sleeps on top him. We always wait for them to
fall asleep and take them to their room.

“Gogo please call mom and dad.” Hlelo

I take my phone and call Sabelo via skype.

“Mom and Dad!” the kids bellow as soon as

they see their parents faces on the screen.

“My babies!” Ndalo says matching their

excitement

“How is Mauritius?” Hlelo

“It’s very good my baby, we just landed. We’ll

take pictures and videos to show you and your
brothers when we come back.” Sabelo

“Mama mina ngifuna wena” Alwande says in a

breaking tone, he’s such a mama's boy this one.

“Oh my baby, mommy will be back soon don’t

cry big boy. When you cry mommy will be sad,
do you want me to be sad?”

“No.” he says shaking his head vigorously and

wiping his tears with his palms.
.

NDALO

I look at the ring on my finger and a smile

covers my face, who knew that Sabelo and I
would end up married? Our love went through
a series of tests and I remember at some point I
wanted to break up with him because the
downs were too much for me to take but I’m
glad Sabelo didn’t let me because here I am
today married to the love of my life.

“Hey, what’s on your mind?” he asks when he

walks out of the bathroom and finds me deep in
thought.
“Nothing, just thinking about how far we’ve
come and everything we’ve been through
together, Musa, Lerato, Neo and all the other
challenges we went through.”

He sits down and takes my hand into his

“I know right but I’m happy we made it, I love

you Mrs. Meyiwa and I’m so lucky you are
mine.”

“I’m the lucky one.”

“No, Sthandwa sam I’m the one who is blessed

to have you. You didn’t only love me but you
gave me three beautiful kids and now you’re
about to give me the fourth one I’m such a
lucky man.”

“What are you talking about?.. I’m not

pregnant.”
“I know, I’m talking about the baby we’ll make
now. Hlelo needs a sister don’t you think?”

“What, you’re crazy I’m not having more kids.”

He gets on top of me and tickles me

“Who are you calling crazy? You better respect

me woman I’m your husband.” Tears flood my
eyes as I giggle uncontrollably

“I’m sorry my husband please stop.”

“Give me a kiss, I’ll stop.”

THE END

--------