I bury my heavy body on my bed. What a day! I exhale. I am just a mere student, but look at what I have immersed myself in. Baby mama drama!
"Haaaaa!" I scream
I am a little bit in shock, but this was anticipated to happen. The problem with hope sometimes, you let that slight chance of things going your way blind you from preparing for the big probability. I cover my face and scream again.
"Aaaaaaaaaah!"
I remove the pillow from my face and rest my head on it. All the emotions I have been holding back in front of Musa are now overwhelming and compelling me to face them. After he broke the news to me, he seemed relieved. On the other hand, in my mind, I was creating trillion scenarios of how Lala could use this baby to get back to his life and win him back. She was his first love, so who am I? A stranger, probably a rebound.
The thought of that hurts me, I can't bear to lose Musa when I just got him. But I don't want to impede the child, so she or he grows up with both parents. I do not want that child to end up like me, fatherless.
My eyes become teary. The thought of how absent my father was, is paining and causing my heart to feel heavy. I wish he could have made efforts to see me, but...We only met when he was six feet under.
I hear a faded knock on the door. I roll on the bed and head for the door.
I open the door and my eyes were scorched by Lala's physique leaning on the door frame biting into the red apple on her hand. I rub my temple. I know she came here to gloat and tell me how she's going to win Musa back. I wish I could just slam this door on her face. With her mouth full, she tears a huge flat line smile. I just glance at her with an irked face.
"Hey..." Her face is radiating with joy. I can tell she thinks she has Musa on her palm.
"Hi." I greet her curtly
" Don't be rude. I guess you heard the news" She grins.
"What news? Is the president giving a speech?" I try to pull a friendly face. She annoys me.
"Don't play dumb. I guess now, you will give us space to reconcile" her voice was high pitched and boastful.
I burst a chuckle at her amusement.
"So you can cheat again with my brother. I bet you are so relieved that you are not going to be sisters with a girl who is riding the man of your DREAMS" I mock her with a snicker. Her face turns sour, the words caught her off guard. She thought she would come and gloat, and I would not fire back. She was mistaken. I lean in closer to her.
"Lala stop chasing the past okay. It's about time to accept that there's a new girl in the place. The least you could do is think about your baby...." She bluntly cuts into me before I finish saying my piece.
"Exactly, I am doing all this for my baby. Musa Junior. And I don't need you to get in my way or else you will get hurt, severely. I fight for what's mine" Her face was sombre and cold. Her voice was no longer sarcastic but icy. She's ready for war.
"It's so sad that the one you are fighting for is not fighting for you" I step back and slam the door.
My lips contort into a satisfied smirk. I finally slammed the damn door on her cold face. Now let's see who's bitchy. I have been playing nice and understanding towards her, but she always takes that and slam it on my face. I hope the words I said, she thinks on them. I hope that eventually, she discerns the truth.
I head for the plastic bags scattered on the floor. Let me try to unpack and pack them orderly. Today, I think I should cook, enjoy my first allowance through my forged cooking skills. I sigh. Pots are not in my territory of speciality.
My phone chimes. I grab it on the bed.
"Baby, mommy is in town. Let me buy you dinner"
My stomach drops. What is she doing here? I mean...I am excited she's here and Musa has moved out. Phew! I wouldn't wish for my mom to meet him yet, it's not time yet.
The phone rings.
"Ma" I bit my lower lip thoughtfully
"Hello, Baby. I am around town...let me buy you dinner" Her voice is sweet and thoughtful.
My mother is a sweet soul and she has a young blood vibe. She's my mom, but we converse casually. She has raised me without walls that parents usually put which creates a gab, hindering the kids from opening up and having a pure and unbreakable bond.
"Okay. I am lazy to cook anyway. Some takeaway would do me good right now" my heart rises and my anxious thoughts start to disappear.
"Okay. In few minutes, I will be at your gate. You should leave your room now, I don't want to wait for you" Her voice was stern
"Okay. Bye then" I hang up the call. Mom is a punctual person. I have no time to doodle around. I slide my feet on my sandals and leave everything as it is. I lock the door and head to the gate.
I see a deep blue Toyota RAV4 SUV car pull over the pavement in front of the entrance. I lead to the passenger door and open it. I meet her radiating white teeth smile. Her face is adorned with a young and fresh look. Her natural golden brown skin complimented her clear beautiful eyes and her facial features.
"Get in" She gestures with her hand.
My lips stretch to a full smile. I get inside the car and adjust myself as I wear the safety belt.
"Hey baby" She glances at me with joyful eyes and shifts her gaze to the road. The car picks up and we join in the cars on the road.
"What a surprise to see you" I exclaim
"Aww! She's happy to see me" Her eyes flatten and her lips form a warm smile.
"I am...I mean I can't refuse a free dinner from mom" We chuckle
"Of course, you lazy cook"
"I can't deny that I fully admit. Sadly, my laziness is getting the best out of me. I have been eating bread as my breakfast, lunch and dinner" I grunt
"Whose fault is it? I give you money, so it's all on you lazy bum"
She pulls in the car next to the Galitos, by the restaurant parking lot.
"Mom..." I grumble
"Oh no, we are not heading that way. You have a bursary and I give you an allowance. I can't maintain the takeaway lifestyle" Her voice becomes firm but still soft.
"Ma..." I look at her with a pleading glance.
"R3500 is not enough? Plus the R600 food voucher. I am excluding the stationery voucher. Haibo! You already have enough" The engine dies down.
"I am thinking of moving out, just an extra R300/R500 would help" I beg
"We have discussed this. I am not going to discuss it again. I gave you a specific reasonable amount and you decide how you spend it. How you do it, it's all up to you. I am even buying you dinner. Argh!"
Mom is not going to budge even a bit. What can I do to curve her?
"Okay fine. What are you doing here?" My lips tear a full sinister smile.
"I can't with you " She takes her handbag from the back seats and get out of the car. I show myself out of the car. And quickly fall beside her. I am hoping this gets me my way. She hates it when I pry in her business.
"Is it a coincidence that I am here, my father's house is..."
"Deya! Don't dare go there. Leave your father out of this" Her voice is firm and icy.
"Then why are you then?" I look at her suspiciously. She's acting strangely.
"To sort something. I will let you know when the time is right"
" I am old enough plus I am your only child" I follow as she starts taking her steps. I glance at my mom, she seems to have gained a bit. I guess she pulled some weight with me away for few weeks. She has nothing to stress about with me being away.
"Not anymore" Her voice was firm and flat
My heart froze. Did I hear that correctly?
"What do you mean?" My voice cracks. I am not ready and, and, and What the hell!! When did she get a lover?
"I want you to act like a grown-up because you won't be forever young. And..." She gasps for air. "You are going to be a sister. That's why I am here" She stops walking and glance at me with the corner of her eyes to detect some reaction or emotion.
"Oh" I blink so hard trying to push back the disappointment. I pull a faint smile. "That is nice. At least we will have an extra person to give you a headache" I reply with a quavering voice. I am trying to sound enthusiastic and joyful but my eyes form water glasses.
She turns and hugs me.
"It is alright baby. It is a shock. I will give you time to digest this news" Her voice is low soft and smooth. I hear her words echo in my ears, but they are not warming my heart. Today is not my day. This explains the sudden visit, dinner and secrecy. I am burning to ask if she has a lover and when did she get one? The realisation resonant with me and I feel ping on my temple. Am I getting a headache?
She lets me go and glare at me with a soft gaze.
"Deya...I will always love you, this does not change anything" Her gaze was soft and eagerly waiting for my approval.
"Okay" I smile faintly. With time, I will accept this new addition and probably love him or her so much. My lips tear a warm smile and she smiles back at me.
We enter Galitos and as we cross the table by the front door, Our names were hailed.
"Neptune and Deya!" The voice sounds familiar.
We turn and our gaze met Shudu and his mom, who was flashing her white teeth. Why is she smiling? I glance at mom who was trying to clear her throat. Her body looks tense.
"Agnes" She eventually utters something.
"Aren't we running into each other a lot today? Please join our table. I have been meaning to talk to you, Neptune. Maybe our children can get to know each other" Her smile was still on display.
My mom gawks at her.
"We have a table already" She answers in a low tone. I glanced at her surprisingly. This woman can't cease to surprise me today. I let out a small frown.
"If not for my Edward's sake, then for old friendship's sake"
My jaw drop. Shudu released a gasping sound. I guess he's surprised as I am.
She released a sigh " We are not friends Agnes. I would love to chat with you, but as I said we have a table waiting for us already"
"Oh...I guess you want to celebrate your victory. Don't blow up the money, it's a once-off not a lifetime supply of money" She sips the juice on her glass with her eyes fixated on my mom's gaze. Their gaze has moved from pretentious to full-on icy gaze.
"Aren't you funny? Who decided that?" She chuckled and Shudu's mom's face becomes sour.
"I have and I will make sure of it" Her words were firm and intimidating.
"Mom the manager is here" Shudu tries to break the ice.
"Agie, it's not up to you. You may fight it, but you won't win. The least you could do is respect his wishes" Mom grabs my hand and drag me with her.
I am still stunned by what just took place. A lot of secrets were slightly spilt and the conversation was intriguing. It felt like I was in a movie where besties betrayed each other because of a man and they were having a reunion three years later when the man has passed away. This water runs deeper than what I see on the surface. I click my tongue against my teeth and let out a quiet sigh. I have to dig deeper and discover the complete truth.
"What money were you talking about?" I glare at her with inquisitiveness.
"Isn't it obvious, your inheritance? I will tell you all about it later" She tries to discourage me from asking more questions.
"Why not now?" I ask eagerly
"Because I am tired, I just want to eat dinner...and introduce to someone. Act nice" She gives me a warning look. Her lips form into a warm smile as we approach the table, the one she has been talking about. So...This dinner was never about me. I frown and glance at the far corner of the restaurant to avoid putting my emotions at the display.
As we approach the table, A tall, slim, elegant handsome man rose to his feet to acknowledge us with a simple smile. His eyes were dark and flickered with passion as he places his gaze on my mother. He shifts his gaze and gives me a warm gaze and I tried to return it with a smile.
Where did she find this man, who is good looking and in his middle ages judging by two or three lines of eye wrinkles? Wait...What race is he? He looks like a coloured person but of which races? He looks black, but his skin is more golden looking, smooth and he has smooth dark hair. Is he black or the typical coloured person that we are familiar with?
"Deya!" She calls on me softly. Awww! She's trying to impress this guy, who's responsible for her pregnancy.
"Ma" I reply on disturbed
"Meet uhm...Kim" She introduces him modestly. I glance at them sitting side by side. It makes me want to gag.
"Hi, Deya. It is nice to finally meet you. I heard a lot about you from your mom" He fixates his gaze on me as he takes initiative to greet me first.
"Hi..." I greet hesitantly.
"Honey...Have you ordered yet" She gazes at him with a passionate gape. My jaw dropped in amazement. I need to find a way to get out of here, I don't want to witness them all loved up in front of me.
"Yes, love. I hope Deya loves what you love" He smiles at me.
"Yep, I am my mother's daughter" I pull a nervous smile and both smile at me. A wave of rush touches my skin. Wait...A scent caresses my nostrils. I gently shut my eyes in prayer.
"Are you alright Deya?" I immediately look up and meet a concerned look from my mom.
I hear a distant voice then chuckles. Oh shit! It's him. Thohoyandou is small. My heartbeat start to race and warmth flush my cheeks. I let out a quiet sigh. The food arrives at our table.
I feast on my food immediately to camouflage my uncomfortableness which is caused by the sudden introduction to mother's lover and Musa who's seating behind. He's torturing me. Argh!
" Deya! Have you made friends yet? " She asks while drinking her juice.
"Uh..yes. Lucy and Shirley"
"New lover?" She takes a peek at me.
I guess she knows about Cavin, even though I didn't tell her, I bet he did.
"Uh..." All of a sudden the voices behind me are low. I need to be cautious with my answer. "Mom...I will tell you when I am ready" I shrug off the topic with a smile.
"Okay. I have a friend suggestion, the guy behind seems quite fit as a rebound" she speaks nonchalantly.
My jaw drops and Kim chokes from his drink.
"You are suggesting friendship with the Mala kid?" He asks in a stunned manner.
"Oh, I guess you can forget about him. Try someone else" She takes a spoon of her fried chicken rice with disappointment. "So this complex belongs to them too huh? " Her face still disappointed.
"Yes. Does it matter? You have to get used to it sooner because we are going to see them often" He takes a bite of his chicken thigh.
"I know" She pouts.
"Is there bad blood between us and the Mala?" I asked out inquisitiveness. I need to know if I will end up giving up Musa or not.
"No...they...I mean there's none. They have a good reputation and are protective of their family members " She clears her throat. "So Kim stays around here, in uhm...where is it again? Block G, the new part of it" She stammers. She seems uncomfortable.
"The suburb area of Block G?" I asks giving a concerned look.
"Yes...there" He agrees with me and soothes my mom who seems to be gasping for air as she tries to compose herself. I sense something fishy but I will let it go for now and be a good child in front of Mr Kim.
"Yeah so...I will be heading there tonight. I can't drive now, it's late for me" she explains. "Do you want to see your new home to be? We are still furnishing it" She smiles.
My what? I got a new home. Soon they will be getting married. I froze.
"Okay," I answered simultaneously. I continue eating my food.
How long have they been with each other? The way these events are unfolding seems well planned. I think Mr Kim is going to be my stepdad. I don't mind, as long as my mother is happy. I just hope they don't make me stay there while I study in Univen, that would not favour me at all. I would not do sleepovers with Musa. The thought of it makes me cringe. Lala would try everything in her power to take him.
A hear the sound of something hits the ground near us.
"I am sorry" The waiter picks up things quickly. I glance at the table, there are water spills.
"It's okay" Mom and Kim talk in agreeance.
"Oh no, there's water on your table and what is that? Is that a spit of glass on your food?"
I look at everyone's food and I see nothing. I look up and I meet his face, Musa. My lips fall into a smile, but I compose myself quickly into a sombre face.
"Your food" I look at my food and I see small glasses. I release a sigh. I was going to eat r that when I eat my rice.
"Let me get you another plate if you are still eating your food?" He glances at mom and Kim.
"No, we were about to call for the bill" Kim answers in a firm tone.
I was still eating.
"I guess I will make a takeaway for the lady whose dish got ruined while she was eating" I am trying so hard not to smile while he is showing off his modesty.
"Oh that won't be necessary" Mother interrupts. Her face is sour. I shrink my body. She's not happy.
"I insist, actually we will settle the bill. To make up for the bad service" Thami eyes Kim and they nod as a way to greet each other.
"If you insist, I will let you. We were in a rush anyway" He explains as they get on their feet and I quickly follow pursuit.
"Uh...the takeaway for the lady" Musa's voice echoes behind his brother. His brother smiles.
"She can always come any day and order a meal of her choice. I will discuss it with the manager" His posture is upright and confident.
"It was nice seeing you Mr Mala" His face forms a flat line smile.
"As always Mr Smith" He grins.
He takes his queue and we follow his lead. I turn my head and my eyes are locked with Musa's gaze.
He mouths "Call me"
I shake my head and raise my thumbs up to him and his face beams.
I turn to face my direction. Fortunately, I was able to hold the door that was almost closing in on me. I hold the door and pull it open.
Love or is it attraction? Whatever it is, I love this feeling. Wait...is this how my mom feels about Kim? I sigh as I slide to the backseat of the car. The car picks up and joins in other cars on the road and we head to Block G.
It is going to be a long night ahead of me.