Ziphozethu

40

I stayed in the house with Ma and the kids that night. Early the next morning Ma left. I made breakfast and that woke the kids. They were excited about the river so I started packing our lunch.

"Good morning!" Veronica shouted cheerfully when she came in. I was glad she was here because I was not in the mood. I dealt with Buhle and the food while she helped the rest of the kids. "You're going in that?" She asked looking at my outfit. I was wearing on of my long skirts and apron ma got me with a scarf tied around me like a sash. I obviously had a head covering because I know how people can get.

"Yes."
"Aren't you going to swim?" I just shook my head and got Buhle's bag packed. We made our way down to the river and everyone greeted us a long the way. It was almost like they were coming out of their houses on purpose. I set up the blanket and picnic while Veronica joined the kids in the water. Much like myself, Buhle was in a terrible mood. She just wanted to be held and didn't want to go anywhere near the water.

The kids had the time of their life and immediately went to sleep when we got home. "So, tell me. What's up?" Veronica asked when I started cleaning up. "What do you mean?" She just rolled her eyes at me. "You're quiet but you're not this quiet and you haven't smiled once today." I just sighed.

"Wow, that bad huh? We're family now. You can talk to me." I started chopping vegetables for dinner. "Okay, you don't need to say anything now. We can talk whenever you're ready."

I didn't realize that Nozipho's party was such a big deal. It was such a big deal that we got to watch the red carpet on Veronica's laptop.

I know I went after Moses for money but along the way I fell in love and seeing him happy on that red carpet with Nozipho was painful. I cried myself to sleep that night. I knew what the situation would be going into a polygamous marriage but it still hurt seeing someone else make my husband happy.

"Makoti. Are you awake?" I got out of my bed quickly. "Yes, I'll be out in a minute." I looked at my phone and realized it was already one in the afternoon. I put cream under my eyes hoping to take the bags away but nothing could save my red puffy eyes.

"Why didn't you wake me. Have the kids eaten? Where's Buhle?" I asked taking random ingredients out of the fridge. "The kids are fed and happy. They're playing outside." Veronica said. "Why didn't you wake me?! I have cleaning to do!" She looked worried. "MaZulu. Calm down. Nobody is here. You can take the day off. Calm down." I pulled my arm away from her. "MaZulu." She tried calming me but I just grabbed the broom and started cleaning.

At the end of the day I was exhausted. I definitely overexerted myself but I felt like I had to otherwise something would go wrong. "MaZulu, Moses says he wants to come back early but he's been pulled into a business emergency. He said to pack and that he'll send a car tomorrow. The car will be here by twelve." I just knew she had something to do with it.

"Okay." Is all I said before I helped everyone pack. The kids were excited to go back home. The ride home felt like it took forever but we finally got there. "Mamakhe, how are you doing?" He kissed my cheek. "I'm fine, Baba."
"Let's get you inside. It looks like rain." He took my hand we went into the house. "Lunch has been prepared. " He led me to the table and it was only me and him. "Where's everyone?" I asked taking a seat.

"The kids ran straight to the movie theatre and Nozipho and my mom have gone Christmas shopping. It's just us." I nodded and took a bite. "Zethu, are you okay?" I nodded and he took my hand. "Don't lie to me. Come on, Baby." I was holding back tears because I felt stupid for feeling the way I did. "Mamakhe, please." I started biting my lip. "I'm just tired." I managed to get out. "Okay, let's go upstairs. We'll just sleep okay. Come on." He helped me out of my chair and we went upstairs.

I laid on his chest and he rubbed my back. My body was shaking because I was working so hard to keep my tears back. I couldn't fight it anymore and I started crying. "There you go. Let it out." He held me tighter as I cried. "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked when my crying died down. "I'm sorry for neglecting you this weekend. I didn't mean to. I know both of us didn't plan it this way but I'll try my best to be the husband you deserve."

We laid there and fell asleep together. "Moses! My boy! Where are you!" Ma's screaming woke me. I let out a sigh of defeat. She stormed into my room. "Moses, wake up. You said you'd join us for breakfast and then take me to the shops."I got off him and turned around because I knew I didn't stand a chance against his mother.

"Ma, you can't just barge in here." What? What did he say? "Yes, I can. This is my son's house." I laid still listening for his response.  "Yes, it's your son's house. My house. And I say you can't just barge into our rooms. You wait for us. Ma can you please go wait downstairs. Please." I was shocked. I didn't think he had it in him. "Moses, what has gotten into you?" She asked with a shaky voice. "Ma, please. Can you give us some space. We'll be down in a bit."

I heard the door close and he pulled me back onto his chest. "Just holding you brings me so much joy." He said holding on tight. "I love you Baba."
"I love you too, Mamakhe."