As soon as Simangaliso was discharged from hospital, Antony decided that the boy
should come and stay with him so that they can get to know each other better and
so that he could take care of him, since I was still going to work and Simangaliso
would have absolutely no one to remain with during the course of the day.
Simangaliso's stay in Antony's house meant that I had to temporarily move in with
Antony and that was a crazy thought that I barely entertained but I had been
manipulated to put it into action.'
Antony like all scheming and cunning animals with tails between their legs, dangling
in the front instead of at the back, decided to manipulate Simangaliso's mentality.
Regarding that my son had been recently injured and was now recovering from a bad
injury, I couldn't be harsh or strict. For a moment, I allowed my emotions to override
my logic. A once off thing that Simangaliso should not expect to see anymore.
I then decide to set ground rules of my own, more like conditions. I was to have my
own and be accorded a study room or else, I would be moving back to my house and
that would mean that my son moves with me. The only problem about everything
was the fact that we had not told Simangaliso about Antony being his father.
Days went by and each day, I would drive to work very early and come back a little
later than normal as I have a lot of work to do in the office, regarding that during
Simangaliso's hospitalisation, I was slackening in my work. The pressure was
steadily mounting as the university is about to close. My office was forever packed
with students. My mails were bursting with student
"Red, I came to your house yesterday and you were nowhere to be found." Vimbai
says as she sits opposite me in my office.
"I am temporarily staying somewhere else for the time being." I say as I pick up a
muffin from the breakfast package that she and Chiedza brought.
"Are you staying somewhere or with someone? And if it is someone, is it who I think
it is?" Chiedza questions, in the process opening her eyes wider I emphasis.
"Okay, okay fine! I am staying with someone and that someone is no Takawira, its
Simangaliso's father." I say to them.
"So the man decide to pitch up, after eight good years of disappearance from the face
of earth. Wow! But lucky you, he has the guts to comeback and pick up the pieces
of his life. His son included." Chiedza says.
Well, everyone is still holding on to the story that Simangaliso's father is an
irresponsible man who uses women much to his sexual advantage and disposes them
as he is afraid of commitment and responsibility…of course, this reason was
fabricated to protect my irresponsibility- we all work to cover our side of the mistake,
even though it tarnishes the image of other people.
"He was around all along but then we had certain problems that acted as barriers
between the two of us." I respond.
"Was he a married man?" Vimbai asks.
"Who tricked a young woman looking for a freedom train to take her to the Promised
Land, yes." I respond.
"Judging from the way you speak so highly of him, he must be someone almost
edible. I know your choice of men." Chiedza squeals excitedly.
"Well, for his age he still sure is in perfect condition." I say.
"So, how is the little man taking his recovery?" Vimbai questions, motherly concern
creeping up her face.
"He is taking it step by step but he is greatly bored by spending time in the company
of adults, who speak more sense than his brain can manufacture or understand.
Don't you think it would be a good idea, if the boys paid him a visit?" I say.
"Let's hope his wounds are not traumatising. My last born son is a bit of a cissy when
it comes to wounds. He is freaked out by whatever thing that has blood on it. The
last time, he almost fainted in shock when his brother was nose bleeding. He kind of
thought his brother was dying right in front of him from excess bleeding" Vimbai
says.
'No. Simangaliso's wounds have closed up. His stitches have been removed but his
flesh has not fully healed and his complexion makes the wounds a bit traumatising,
so we keep him bandaged for most of the time." I say to Vimbai.
"Red, you should give us your address, so that we can pay our sweet boy a visit. We
haven't seen him ever since he was discharged." Chiedza sulks.
"Okay, okay! Why don't the two of you come to the place today after work." I say to
them.
"That's a good idea. It would also give us a chance to help you choose a dress for
today's fashion exhibition." Vimbai says, causing me to open my mouth, ready to
object.
"Don't you even think about it! We are taking you by force. I mean, with all this
drama happening in your life, you deserve one night of fun to take your head off
things." Chiedza says.
"But unfortunately, you will not be allowed to drink because of your condition. So a
percentage of that fun has been reduced." Vimbai reasons.
"Don't worry, we have your back. We will have you in stitches at all coasts. I bet you
haven't been restricted from laughing." Chiedza says, causing me to smile like an
idiot as I recall just what these two women are capable of doing…. We round up our
tea break and we disperse, each to their corner. I have three lectures back to back
and after that, I have another four lectures after lunch. Today my schedule is very
tight. Whoever created this new timetable for me, was most probably sick in the brain
and mad in the stomach!
I get home at around five in the evening, kick off my shoes and head to the living
room, where instruments are being played. Judging from the noise, I hear the
instruments are a piano and saxophone.
When I get to the living room, I find Simangaliso sitting by the piano and Antony
sitting on a stool, near Simangaliso. The two of them playing a popular song. The
way their instruments blend together to mother a beautiful instrumental. You'd
swear that the two have been practicing together for a certain period of time, yet in
actual essence, today is the first time for Simangaliso to leave his bedroom since
getting discharged from the hospital.
I stand at the living room's entrance, carrying my bags, looking at the two. Father
and son, who have just been joined together, in a rather weird cross of events. What
gets my heart racing is the fact that I would have to tell Simangaliso about Antony.
It's not an easy step but it's one that's supposed to be taken, one way or the other.
Being me is so…
"And she is home! How was your day at work today?" Clarke questions.
"My day at work was busy like always but it's nothing that I can't handle. About me
being home, I won't be here for long, I have a fashion exhibition or show, whatever.
It starts at six thirty and ends at around nine." I say to him as I get nearer to the two
gentlemen.
"Don't you think you are taking too much time on your feet? It leaves absolutely no
time for rest and its bad for you, especially at this trimester." Antony reasons.
"I can handle myself. I am a grown woman and I know when to stop." I say to him
and then I turn my attention to Simangaliso. We talk a little and I head straight to
my bedroom upstairs, where I change into a more domestic dress and I get to the
kitchen to have something to eat. As I am still eating, Antony comes to join me in the
kitchen.
"We are having a family dinner this weekend and it's been decided that my house is
the venue. I was thinking of introducing Simangaliso to the family" Antony says.
"and this means that I would have to fast track the process of telling Simangaliso
about who you are?" I ask, more like say it.
"Yes and I would also love it if you attended. I would like to introduce both of you."
Antony says.
"Well unfortunately, I won't be attending. My schedule is a bit too busy this
weekend." I respond.
"Maria, you are the mother of my son. It would be absurd for you to be absent for
you to be absent during the dinner!" Antony protests.
"The only person related to you in this equation is Simangaliso, not me. Truth be
told, currently I am just a privileged baby mama who is despised by her son's father's
family." I respond.
"Maria please! Let's do this for our son. He needs us both, especially when he takes
the step of being introduced to the other half of his family members." Antony says.
"Well unfortunately, for me, common sense overrules emotion. I know for sure that
your family members don't like me, so I will stay clean out of their way. Least I get
high blood pressure and have severe complications with this baby." I say as I put my
plate in the sink and I push past Antony, headed to my bedroom but I don't get there
as my attention is suddenly directed to the knocking on the door. I open the door
only to be met by Chiedza and Vimbai.
"You two are the worst time-keepers ever!" I say to them as I let them in.
"Sorry, we got delayed at Vimbai's house. She had to sort out something before she
left" she says.
"Ahh, the house looks amazing. Classy and all. So where is the big man and our little
monkey?" Vimbai questions, her eyes still scanning the house, taking in every detail.
"Right this way." I gesture them to follow me and we get to the living room, where
Antony and Simangaliso are. Antony is now packing his saxophone away.
"Simangaliso, there are people who are here to see you." I say as I enter the living
room, causing Simangaliso to stiffly turn his body towards my direction and his face
immediately lights up as he sees Vimbai and Chiedza. He runs to Vimbai first. Vimbai
squats, so that she could be Simangaliso's height and they engage in a sweet
conversation between the two of them. After that, Simangaliso goes to Chiedza and
they do their funny greetings and after that they engage in conversation.
"Oh yeah, Antony these are my friends, Vimbai and Chiedza. Ladies, this is Mr
Clarke." I say as I introduce the two parties to each other.
"Nice to meet you ladies." Antony says.
"Nice to meet you too sir." Vimbai and Chiedza both say in unison. If you didn't know,
you would think that these two are friends but no, they just think alike.
"Well, the pleasure is absolutely mine. Look ladies, I would have loved to stay with
you but I have somewhere I have to go. Have a lovely night and keep her safe.
Currently she is fragile, please handle with care." He says, causing the girls to giggle
girlishly.
"I have to go too. Bye auntie Chiedza and auntie Vimbai" Simangaliso says as he
follows Antony.
"Ladies, right this way. Let's get dressed. The sooner the better." I say as I gesture
them upstairs and then into my room. I leave the two ladies changing as I get into
the ensuite bathroom and have myself a bath. After bathing, I then join the other
ladies in the bedroom to change.
"You didn't tell us that Mr anonymous is white and sexy as hell!" Chiedza says.
"Yeah he is. But what I find unnecessary is the detail. His complexion means
absolutely nothing to me. After all, he is but a mere man who thinks using his penis."
I respond.
"So is this co-habitating thing permanent? When are the two of you getting married?"
Vimbai questions as she helps me to dress.
"It's only temporary. Antony just offered to house Simangaliso and get to know him
better. After the school holiday, I am taking Simangaliso back to my house." I say.
"Don't tell me you are kicking yet another opportunity of marriage in the balls! Worse
off with a sexy baby daddy who seems committed to be with you!" Chiedza says.
"I wish things were that easy but his family members, are on one team molded from
the ashes of hell! I would never know peace ever in that marriage. So we have planned
to keep it low. We are even sleeping in different rooms." I say
"You're such a shitty woman! Don't let this freedom train go. There won't be another
after this. So make your choice now and set your priorities straight. Forget about his
family members who spit sulfur. Just focus on securing the man and then, the rest
will fall in place." Vimbai says.
"I wish it was that easy. But it just isn't" I say in absolute defeat.
"Look, sweetie, you are a strong woman. A warrior in mind, heart and soul! You are
a fighter. One of the strongest women I have in my life and I know that if you put
your mind into something, you get it. Now after accomplishing so much assert. It's
time to get some love. Get yourself a good dick not a dildo but a real one. It's what
you need right now." Chiedza says.
"Chiedza, life with a husband is more than a stiff penis and erotic sex life. It's about
being with someone who will make you happy-quality companionship. Someone you
can trust with your very life but with Antony, I think I have that. He once failed to
defend me from his family members" I say as the memory of that eventful day kicks
in.
"I get your point but then, you are his other half, his stronger side. You complete
him. Red, very few white men settle for a black woman. Count your blessings."
Vimbai says.
"And one way or the other, the two of you still have one common ground, which is
the child that you share. Put the boy's needs as priority." Chiedza says.
"Let's not dampen my mood with all the lectures, I will give it thought. Right now,
let's get ready for the event ahead" I say. We prepare for the event, all of the ladies
are dressed in stunning dresses. Due to my big bulge, I decide to put on something
baggy but very comfortable. I settle for a real dress with long sleeves and a wide
umbrella bottom. I put the hair pins on my hair, pinning every strand of hair onto
my skull, except for two strands that boarder my face. I then put on a pair of red flat
shoes and we are ready to go.
We get to the event, only to find the place already half full. Classic slow music is
being sung by the music students. Vimbai gets us seats at the second row, near the
modelling ramp. Chiedza brings the refreshments and snacks that we had bought
along the way to the place.
When the event starts, the queen diva walks up onto the stage and the lights in the
room go off, the only light left is the one that focuses solely on her. A slow
instrumental song is played and Yvonne Chokufa, the Professor for Textiles enters
the stage, dressed to kill in a golden dress, almost nude color. The dress has one
hell of an opening that exposes her perfect, model-like structure. On her head is large
mass of thick black and brown curls and she has nude lip-gloss, her eye lashes are
thick, most probably fake. Her face is finely powdered. Everything about her is
amazing-breath-taking. If I could say, especially when she smiles revealing a
beautiful rim of white teeth and her dimpled cheeks. Full of life.
This woman makes me jealous every time I see her. She is my competitor in
everything, except for the hips and thighs. In that region, I take the cup without
much competition from any of the female lecturers. This is why I loathed the fashion
exhibition. I hate seeing Yvonne's face, hearing her sweet meso-soprano voice
speaking, I hate watching her smile. It all drives me crazy!!! Worse off, especially after
knowing that this is the woman spreading the fake news about me having
relationships with the University's male lecturers and other male students. After
noticing that I was not like that, they all spread rumors of me being lesbian. This
rumor made me shelve my love for trousers
Anyway, I am pretty sure today she is more than happy to note that I am out of the
picture due to my pregnancy. For a good five minutes, I listen to her annoyingly
beautiful as she spits word after word about fashion this, fashion that! This makes
me think that Yvonne is nothing but a pompous nut head who is obsessed about
fashion but has done little about it, except opening boutique shops that sell other
people's fashion brands. To a greater extent, I am far much better than she will ever
be! I mean, I as an Economics professor have been working as a consultant to major
companies in the city, thanks to the success of the Kaamba holdings project.
After what seemed like forever, Yvonne left the stage and the event got on its two feet.
First were the female models, dressed to kill in funny but beautiful dresses and after
that came the boys. As the boys were entering the stage, I sent a message to Arnold,
after it hit me that I had not informed them about the incident that happened to
Simangaliso.
"Here comes Yvonne's fuck boy. These two have been screwing ever since the boy set
his feet in the University." Chiedza whispers to my ear. I raise my eyes to look at the
boy and there standing on the ramp, advertising the clothing he was wearing and
constantly poising is Cameroon Evans! He looks stunning, breath taking, beautiful.
My heart races in my chest as I set my eyes on him. Thank God for the dimmed
lights.
"He looks good enough to eat. No wonder Yvonne couldn't resist him. Worse off, the
boy checks all the boxes." Vimbai says.
"But he could even have looked better with a darker complexion" Chiedza says.
"But the boy is a catch I tell you. If I was his age, I would have approached him. No
wonder Yvonne secured him for herself. Now he eats from his palm. If she says 'jump',
he asks 'how high.' Vimbai adds and the two ladies giggle girlishly, suppressing their
laughter, so as not to catch people's attention.
"Ladies, excuse, I need to go to the bathroom. My bladder is acting up" I say to them
as I stand up.
"hurry up and come back otherwise you will miss out on these hunks.' Chiedza says.
This one and naughtiness are forever meant for each other… I stand up from my seat
and instead of going to the bathroom, I hurry to the changing rooms where the
models are. I scan the room with eager eyes and finally I spot what I am look for. I
quickly make my way to the individual, whisk them from the people until we are
standing outside the dressing rooms.
"I don't have much to say but please stay the fuck away from Cameroon Evans! You
can have every man in this university but not him. Continue this relationship and
you will be jobless sometime soon" I say, my voice dripping with malice.
"So you think you are Cameroon's type with that disfigured body and ugly face?"
Yvonne shoots back, her attitude showing and ready to claw at my eyes. She should
thank her stars that I pregnant! I sure would have given her a piece of the cake. I
would have ruffled her a bit for her to remember me.
"Don't include me in your shady business. I don't suck men's dicks like you.
Especially boys' dicks. I have dignity, principle and morale that govern my life. And
besides, Cameroon is actually my biological son, so play carefully. I get to my limits
just so ass to protect my interests. Have yourself a good night but stay away from
Cameroon. I am not asking you to do so but I am telling you to do so." I say and after
that, I turn on my heels and I walk away, back to the ladies…..
"Guys, I am not feeling that well, can you guys drive me back home?" I say to them.
"Is everything okay? Should we take you guy to the hospital?" Vimbai asks in alarm.
"No, not at all. I will be fine. I need to rest." I say to them.
"Okay, come on lets go. We really want to stay till the end, but your safety comes
first. Let's go." Chiedza says.