MaDlamini

Chapter 14

Sani

Its Christmas!!!!!

**** Early in the morning I woke up and felt like gospel songs. I listened to Spirit of praise and started cleaning. When I  was done I took a break then Ntokozo Mbambo's in the shadow of your wings played. I sang along

♡♡♡♡I know a place, i can always run to
In times of distress, confusion and fear
And when my enemies surround me
Father I know I am safe
Cause you keep me and hide me in the shadow of your wings
In the shadow of your wings
I know I am safe
In the shadow of your wings
I find relief
You will hold me and you'll guide me
In your righteousness
I find rest, peace of mind
In the shadow of your wings.... ♡♡♡♡

**** the song suddenly stopped. I looked behind me and saw aunt Siliva watching me with tears in her eyes and her hands on her sides crayying 2 plastic bags in each hand containing groceries. I looked at her too****

Me: why did you switch it off

Siliva: it was making noise

Me: ohh sorry. Why are you crying?

Siliva: take these to the kitchen

**** I took all the plastic bags from her and placed them on the counter in the kitchen. I placed every iten where it belonged. I went back to the living where aunt Silvia was seated playing Neyi Zimu's song 'ke mang'. She was playing it at a very low volume. I couldn't even hear it when I was in the kitchen. ****

Me: mhani (aunt/ mom)

Siliva: sit down

**** I did as I was told to.***

Siliva: do you know where you get your voice from

**** I frowned.****

Siliva: I mean your singing talent

Me: ohhh. No my mom I guess

Siliva: no. Your dad. He was a good singer

Me: how do you know that

Silvia: he sang for you when you were born. I heard his voice

**** she immediately covered her mouth with her hands when she realised what she had said. She told me my father didn't even know my mom was pregnant. Where does all of this come from now****

Me: mhani

Silvia: eish. I'm sorry baby

Me: who is my father

Silvia: your father is American baby.

Me: where is he?

Silvia: in America

Me: but you told me that he never knew mom was pregnant

Silvia: he did. And he left after you were born

Me: why

**** tears escaped my eyes. I cried for a little then wiped my tears. I stood up and went to go sit outside. After a while Nkateko, her mom and her mom's  boyfriend entered the yard. I exchanged greetings with them. Aunt Sharon and her boyfriend sat under the biggest tree in the yard. Nkateko and I went to the kitchen to prepare food.****

Nkateko: are you okay

Me: yeah

Nkateko: did Silvia buy food

Me: yah

Nkateko: hmmm

**** I started with the chicken and she started with peeling and chopping. I boiled the chicken then vegies and potatoes too. Halway our cooking Nkateko washed her hands and left.****